Passenger conveyor and its control device

Abstract

To obtain a passenger conveyor and its control device capable of improving transport capacity.SOLUTION: A mode switching unit 13 switches the operation mode in a motor control unit 11 based on the determination result by a load determining unit 12. The mode switching unit 13 determines whether or not a user is at a first end S1 based on the signal from a first sensor 4. The mode switching unit 13 determines whether or not a user is at a second end S2 based on the signal from a second sensor 5. The mode switching unit 13 suspends switching the operation mode when the load of a motor 2 is less than a load setpoint and when a user is present at at least one of the first end S1 and the second end S2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a passenger conveyor and a control device thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] In a conventional passenger conveyor, when the load on the drive device is less than a threshold and no passengers planning to board or disembark are detected, the movement speed of the multiple steps is switched from the normal running speed to a first running speed that is faster than the normal running speed. Also, when passengers planning to board or disembark are detected, the movement speed of the multiple steps is set to the normal running speed regardless of the load on the drive device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-222497 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional passenger conveyor described above, when a passenger planning to board or disembark is detected while the conveyor is operating at the first traveling speed, the moving speed of the steps is returned to the normal traveling speed, which reduces the effect of improving transport capacity by operating at the first traveling speed.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a passenger conveyor and a control device thereof that can improve transportation capacity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The passenger conveyor control device according to the present disclosure comprises a motor control unit that controls a motor that moves the steps in multiple operating modes, including a normal operating mode in which the steps are moved at a normal speed and a high-speed operating mode in which the steps are moved at a speed faster than the normal speed; a load determination unit that determines whether the load on the motor is equal to or greater than a load setting value; and a mode switching unit that switches the operating mode based on the determination result by the load determination unit. When the upstream end of a passenger transport route using the steps in the direction of movement of the steps is defined as a first end, the downstream end of the passenger transport route using the steps in the direction of movement of the steps is defined as a second end, and the portion between the first end and the second end is defined as an intermediate portion, the mode switching unit determines whether a user is present at at least one of the first end and the second end based on a signal from a first sensor that detects a user at the first end and a signal from a second sensor that detects a user at the second end. When the load on the motor is less than the load setting value and a user is present at at least one of the first end and the second end, the mode switching unit suspends switching of the operating mode between the normal operating mode and the high-speed operating mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the passenger conveyor and the control device thereof of the present disclosure, transportation capacity can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an escalator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a table showing a list of conditions for determining whether or not the operation mode is switched by the mode switching unit of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a mode switching operation by the mode switching unit of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 2 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of a processing circuit that realizes each function of the control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6]4 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of a processing circuit that realizes each function of the control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an escalator according to embodiment 1. In Fig. 1, the escalator has a plurality of steps 1, a motor 2, a control device 3, a first sensor 4, a second sensor 5, and an entrance sensor 6.

[0010] The steps 1 are connected to each other in an endless manner. The steps 1 carry and transport passengers (not shown). In FIG. 1, passengers are transported from lower floors to upper floors. That is, the operating direction of the escalator in FIG. 1 is upward.

[0011] The motor 2 moves the steps 1. The control device 3 controls the motor 2 via an inverter (not shown).

[0012] Here, the travel path of the multiple steps 1 includes an outward section, a return section, a lower floor inverting section, and an upper floor inverting section. Of these, the outward section includes a lower floor horizontal section A, a lower curved section B, a middle inclined section C, an upper curved section D, and an upper floor horizontal section E.

[0013] The lower floor horizontal section A is the section where each step 1 moves horizontally on the lower floor. The upper floor horizontal section E is the section where each step 1 moves horizontally on the upper floor. The middle inclined section C is the section that is inclined at a certain angle to the horizontal plane. The lower curved section B is the section between the lower floor horizontal section A and the middle inclined section C. The upper curved section D is the section between the upper floor horizontal section E and the middle inclined section C.

[0014] The movement route of the plurality of steps 1 also includes a transport route for the user using the plurality of steps 1. The transport route is a section of the outbound route where the plurality of steps 1 are exposed to the outside.

[0015] The upstream end of the conveying path in the direction of movement of the steps 1 is referred to as the first end S1. The downstream end of the conveying path in the direction of movement of the steps 1 is referred to as the second end S2. The portion of the conveying path between the first end S1 and the second end S2 is referred to as the middle section. The middle section is the same section as the middle inclined section C.

[0016] The first end S1 is a section including the lower curved portion B and a portion of the lower floor horizontal portion A adjacent to the lower curved portion B. The second end S2 is a section including the upper curved portion D and a portion of the upper floor horizontal portion E adjacent to the upper curved portion D.

[0017] The first sensor 4 is provided on the lower curved portion B. The first sensor 4 detects a user at the first end S1, that is, a user who has moved onto the steps 1.

[0018] The second sensor 5 is provided at the upper curved portion D. The second sensor 5 detects a user at the second end S2, i.e., a user who is about to step down from the step 1. The first sensor 4 and the second sensor 5 are each a transmission type sensor.

[0019] The entrance sensor 6 detects a user at an entrance S3 to the steps 1, that is, a user who is about to move onto the steps 1.

[0020] The signal from the first sensor 4, the signal from the second sensor 5, and the signal from the entrance sensor 6 are sent to the control device 3.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the control device 3 of Fig. 1. The control device 3 has a motor control unit 11, a load determination unit 12, and a mode switching unit 13 as functional blocks.

[0022] The motor control unit 11 controls the motor 2 in a plurality of operation modes, which include a normal operation mode, a high-speed operation mode, and an energy-saving mode.

[0023] The normal operation mode is an operation mode in which the steps 1 are moved at a normal speed. The normal speed is the rated speed. The high-speed operation mode is an operation mode in which the steps 1 are moved at a speed faster than the normal speed.

[0024] The energy saving mode is an operation mode in which the steps 1 are moved at a speed slower than the normal speed. Note that the energy saving mode may also be an operation mode in which the movement of the steps 1 is stopped.

[0025] The load determination unit 12 detects the load of the motor 2 based on the value of the current supplied to the motor 2. A load setting value is set in the load determination unit 12. The load setting value is a load value that serves as a reference for switching from the normal operation mode to the high-speed operation mode.

[0026] The load determining unit 12 determines whether the detected load of the motor 2 is equal to or greater than a load setting value. The result of the determination by the load determining unit 12 is sent to the mode switching unit 13.

[0027] The method for detecting the load by the load determining unit 12 is not particularly limited. The load determining unit 12 may also estimate the load on the motor 2. For example, the load determining unit 12 may estimate the load on the motor 2 based on the number of users on the multiple steps 1.

[0028] The mode switching unit 13 switches the operation mode in the motor control unit 11 based on the load of the motor 2. Specifically, the mode switching unit 13 switches the operation mode in the motor control unit 11 based on the determination result by the load determination unit 12.

[0029] Furthermore, the mode switching unit 13 determines whether or not a user is present at the first end S1 based on a signal from the first sensor 4. Furthermore, the mode switching unit 13 determines whether or not a user is present at the second end S2 based on a signal from the second sensor 5. Furthermore, the mode switching unit 13 determines whether or not a user is present at the entrance S3 based on a signal from the entrance sensor 6.

[0030] The mode switching unit 13 has a timer 14. An energy saving set time is set in the mode switching unit 13. The energy saving set time is a reference time for switching the operation mode to the energy saving mode. When the time during which no user is continuously detected by the entrance sensor 6 reaches the energy saving set time, the mode switching unit 13 switches the operation mode in the motor control unit 11 to the energy saving mode.

[0031] In addition, the mode switching unit 13 suspends switching of the operating mode between the normal operating mode and the high-speed operating mode when the load on the motor 2 is less than the load setting value and a user is present at at least one of the first end S1 and the second end S2.

[0032] In addition, the mode switching unit 13 also suspends switching of the operation mode between the normal operation mode and the high-speed operation mode when the load on the motor 2 is less than the load setting value and a user is present at the entrance S3.

[0033] In addition, when the load on the motor 2 is equal to or greater than the load setting value, the mode switching unit 13 allows switching from the high-speed operation mode to the normal operation mode even if a user is present at at least one of the first end S1 and the second end S2.

[0034] A set disembarking time is set in the mode switching unit 13. The set disembarking time is the time required for the user detected by the second sensor 5 to move to the exit.

[0035] When the mode switching unit 13 suspends switching of the driving mode due to the presence of a user at the second end S2, the mode switching unit 13 suspends switching of the driving mode from the time the user is detected by the second sensor 5 until the set disembarkation time has elapsed.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a table showing a list of conditions for determining whether or not the operation mode is switched by the mode switching unit 13 of FIG.

[0037] In FIG. 3, "light" indicates that the load on motor 2 is less than the load setting value. "heavy" indicates that the load on motor 2 is equal to or greater than the load setting value. "-" indicates that either detection or non-detection is acceptable. "◯" indicates that the operation mode can be switched immediately. "X" indicates that the operation mode cannot be switched, i.e., the operation mode switch is postponed.

[0038] Under condition 1, the energy saving mode is selected, so switching to the normal operation mode is possible.

[0039] In condition 2, the load on the motor 2 is less than the load setting value, and no passenger is detected by the entrance sensor 6, the first sensor 4, or the second sensor 5. Therefore, it is possible to switch from the normal operation mode to the high-speed operation mode. Also, if the time during which no passenger is continuously detected by the entrance sensor 6 reaches the energy saving setting time, it is also possible to switch to the energy saving mode.

[0040] In conditions 3 to 5, the load on the motor 2 is less than the load setting value, but a user is detected by at least one of the entrance sensor 6, the first sensor 4, and the second sensor 5. Therefore, switching from the normal operation mode to the high-speed operation mode is not possible. Also, when the high-speed operation mode is selected, switching of the operation mode is not possible. In other words, switching of the operation mode is put on hold and the current operation mode is maintained until a user is no longer detected by any of the entrance sensor 6, the first sensor 4, and the second sensor 5.

[0041] In condition 6, the load on motor 2 is equal to or greater than the load setting, and normal operation mode is selected. Therefore, switching to high-speed operation mode is not possible, regardless of whether a user is detected or not.

[0042] In condition 7, high-speed operation mode is selected, but the load on Motor 2 is greater than the load setting, which may be placing an excessive strain on the equipment. For this reason, in order to protect the equipment, it is possible to switch to normal operation mode regardless of whether a user is detected.

[0043] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the mode switching operation by the mode switching unit 13 of Fig. 2. The mode switching unit 13 periodically executes the mode switching operation shown in Fig. 4.

[0044] When the mode switching operation is started, the mode switching unit 13 determines in step S101 whether or not a user is present at the entrance S3. If no user is present at the entrance S3, the mode switching unit 13 checks in step S102 whether or not the operation mode is the energy saving mode. If the operation mode is the energy saving mode, the mode switching unit 13 ends the processing for that round.

[0045] If the operation mode is not the energy saving mode, in step S103, the mode switching unit 13 determines whether the time during which no user is detected by the entrance sensor 6 has reached the energy saving set time. If the time during which no user is detected by the entrance sensor 6 has not reached the energy saving set time, the mode switching unit 13 ends the processing for that round.

[0046] If the time during which no user has been detected by the entrance sensor 6 reaches the energy saving set time, the mode switching unit 13 switches the operation mode to the energy saving mode in step S104, and ends the processing for that round.

[0047] When the escalator is started, the normal operation mode is selected as the operation mode. Therefore, if the time during which no passengers are detected by the entrance sensor 6 after the escalator is started reaches the energy saving set time, the operation mode will be switched to the energy saving mode.

[0048] In step S101, if a user is present at entrance S3, the mode switching unit 13 checks whether the operation mode is the energy saving mode in step S105. If the operation mode is the energy saving mode, the mode switching unit 13 switches the operation mode to the normal operation mode in step S106, and ends the processing for that round.

[0049] If the operation mode is not the energy saving mode, in step S107, the mode switching unit 13 determines whether to switch the operation mode based on the current operation mode and the load on the motor 2. If the operation mode is not to be switched, the mode switching unit 13 ends the processing for that round.

[0050] When switching the driving mode, the mode switching unit 13 determines whether switching is possible in step S108. At this time, the mode switching unit 13 determines whether switching is possible based on the load on the motor 2, the presence or absence of a user at the entrance S3, the presence or absence of a user at the first end S1, the presence or absence of a user at the second end S2, and the current driving mode.

[0051] If the driving mode cannot be switched, the mode switching unit 13 puts the driving mode switching on hold and ends the processing for that round. If the driving mode can be switched, the mode switching unit 13 switches the driving mode in step S109 and ends the processing for that round.

[0052] In this way, the mode switching unit 13 suspends switching of the operating mode between the normal operating mode and the high-speed operating mode when the load on the motor 2 is less than the load setting value and a user is present at at least one of the first end S1 and the second end S2.

[0053] Therefore, when the operation mode is the high-speed operation mode, the high-speed operation mode is maintained even if there is a user at at least one of the first end S1 and the second end S2, thereby improving the transportation capacity.

[0054] In addition, changes in the moving speed of the multiple steps 1 are suppressed immediately after the user steps on the steps 1 and immediately before the user steps off the steps 1, thereby stabilizing the user's getting on and off the steps 1.

[0055] Furthermore, when the load on the motor 2 is less than the load setting, the operation mode is switched to the high-speed operation mode, thereby improving the transport capacity without increasing the capacity of the motor 2 and the power equipment. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the volume required to install the motor 2 and the power equipment, making it easier to install the escalator in an existing building.

[0056] Furthermore, the mode switching unit 13 also suspends switching of the operation mode when the load on the motor 2 is less than the load setting value and a user is present at the entrance S3. This prevents the movement speed of the steps 1 from changing immediately before the user steps on the steps 1, allowing the user to move smoothly onto the steps 1.

[0057] Furthermore, when the load on the motor 2 is equal to or greater than the load setting, the mode switching unit 13 allows switching from the high-speed operation mode to the normal operation mode even if a user is present at at least one of the first end S1 and the second end S2. This prevents the device from becoming overloaded, and can prevent device failure due to, for example, heat generation from components.

[0058] Furthermore, when the mode switching unit 13 suspends switching of the driving mode due to the presence of a user at the second end S2, the mode switching unit 13 suspends switching of the driving mode until the set disembarking time has elapsed after the user is detected by the second sensor 5. This more reliably prevents the movement speed of the multiple steps 1 from changing immediately before the user dismounts from the steps 1, allowing the user to move smoothly from the steps 1 to the exit.

[0059] Furthermore, when the time during which no user is detected by the entrance sensor 6 reaches the energy saving set time, the mode switching unit 13 switches the operation mode to the energy saving mode, thereby making it possible to reduce power consumption.

[0060] The escalator may also run downward.

[0061] The passenger conveyor may also be a moving walkway.

[0062] Each function of the control device 3 of the first embodiment is realized by a processing circuit. Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of a processing circuit that realizes each function of the control device 3 of the first embodiment. The processing circuit 100 of the first example is dedicated hardware.

[0063] The processing circuit 100 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Each function of the control device 3 may be realized by a separate processing circuit 100, or all functions may be realized by the processing circuit 100.

[0064] 6 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of a processing circuit that realizes each function of the control device 3 according to the embodiment 1. The processing circuit 200 of the second example includes a processor 201 and a memory 202.

[0065] In the processing circuit 200, each function of the control device 3 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 202. The processor 201 realizes each function by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 202.

[0066] It can also be said that the programs stored in memory 202 cause the computer to execute the procedures or methods of the above-mentioned sections. Here, memory 202 refers to non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). Magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidisks, DVDs, and the like also fall under memory 202.

[0067] It should be noted that some of the functions of the above-described units may be realized by dedicated hardware, and other parts may be realized by software or firmware.

[0068] In this way, the processing circuit can realize the functions of each of the above-mentioned units by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1 Step, 2 Motor, 3 Control device, 4 First sensor, 5 Second sensor, 6 Entrance sensor, 11 Motor control unit, 12 Load determination unit, 13 Mode switching unit.

Claims

1. a motor control unit that controls a motor that moves the plurality of steps in a plurality of operation modes, including a normal operation mode in which the plurality of steps are moved at a normal speed and a high-speed operation mode in which the plurality of steps are moved at a speed faster than the normal speed; a load determination unit that determines whether the load of the motor is equal to or greater than a load setting value; and a mode switching unit that switches the operation mode based on a determination result by the load determining unit; Equipped with When the upstream end of the plurality of steps in the moving direction of the user transport route is defined as a first end, the downstream end of the plurality of steps in the moving direction is defined as a second end, and the portion between the first end and the second end is defined as an intermediate portion, the mode switching unit determines whether a user is present at at least one of the first end and the second end based on a signal from a first sensor that detects a user present at the first end and a signal from a second sensor that detects a user present at the second end; the mode switching unit suspends switching of the operation mode between the normal operation mode and the high-speed operation mode when the load of the motor is less than the load setting value and a user is present at at least one of the first end and the second end, the mode switching unit determines whether a user is present at the entrance based on a signal from an entrance sensor that detects a user present at the entrance to the plurality of steps; The mode switching unit is a passenger conveyor control device that suspends switching of the operation mode between the normal operation mode and the high-speed operation mode even when the load on the motor is less than the load setting value and a user is present at the boarding entrance.

2. 2. The passenger conveyor control device according to claim 1, wherein the mode switching unit allows switching from the high-speed operation mode to the normal operation mode when the load on the motor is equal to or greater than the load setting value, even if a user is present at at least one of the first end and the second end.

3. a set disembarking time, which is a time required for the user detected by the second sensor to move to an exit, is set in the mode switching unit; 3. The passenger conveyor control device according to claim 1, wherein the mode switching unit suspends the switching of the operation mode due to the presence of a user at the second end, and suspends the switching of the operation mode from the time the user is detected by the second sensor until the set disembarkation time has elapsed.

4. Multiple steps, a motor for moving the steps; a first sensor for detecting a user at a first end of a user transport route using the plurality of steps, the first end being an upstream end in the moving direction of the plurality of steps, the second end being a downstream end in the moving direction of the plurality of steps, and a middle portion being a portion between the first end and the second end; a second sensor for detecting a user at the second end; and control device Equipped with The control device a motor control unit that controls the motor in a plurality of operation modes including a normal operation mode in which the plurality of steps are moved at a normal speed and a high-speed operation mode in which the plurality of steps are moved at a speed faster than the normal speed; a load determination unit that determines whether the load of the motor is equal to or greater than a load setting value; and a mode switching unit that switches the operation mode based on a determination result by the load determining unit; It has the mode switching unit determines whether a user is present at at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion based on a signal from the first sensor and a signal from the second sensor; The mode switching unit suspends switching of the operation mode between the normal operation mode and the high-speed operation mode when the load on the motor is less than the load setting value and a user is present at at least one of the first end and the second end.

5. a landing sensor for detecting a user at a landing to the plurality of steps; Furthermore, The mode switching unit determines whether a user is present at the entrance based on a signal from the entrance sensor, 5. The passenger conveyor according to claim 4, wherein the mode switching unit suspends switching of the operation mode between the normal operation mode and the high-speed operation mode even when the load on the motor is less than the load setting value and a passenger is present at the entrance.

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