Man conveyor

Abstract

To provide a man conveyor that can reduce the power consumption of the motor during no-load operation. [Solution] In a man-conveyor, the processing unit, when it determines that there is a person present, supplies a first power, which is a first frequency and a first voltage, from the power converter to the motor. On the other hand, when it determines that there is no person present, it supplies a second power, which is a second frequency and a second voltage, from the power converter to the motor. The second frequency is lower than the first frequency, the ratio of the second voltage to the second frequency is lower than the ratio of the first voltage to the first frequency, the power consumption of the motor when operating under no load with the second power is lower than the power consumption of the motor when operating under no load with the comparison power, the frequency of the comparison power is the same as the second frequency, and the ratio of the voltage of the comparison power to the frequency of the comparison power is the same as the ratio of the first voltage to the first frequency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a man conveyor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a man conveyor includes a running step, a person detection unit that detects a person, and a processing unit that controls the running speed of the step (for example, Patent Document 1). The processing unit determines the presence or absence of a person based on the detection by the person detection unit. Then, when the processing unit determines that there is a person, the running speed of the step is set to the first speed, while when it determines that there is no person, the running speed of the step is set to a second speed slower than the first speed.

[0003] By the way, when the processing unit determines that there is no person, since there is no person on the step, the man conveyor performs an unloaded operation in which the step runs in a state where there is no person on the step. And there is a desire to reduce the power consumption of the motor during the unloaded operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the problem is to provide a man conveyor capable of reducing the power consumption of the motor during unloaded operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A motor, A step that runs by driving the motor, A person detection unit that detects a person, A power conversion device that supplies the converted power to the motor, The system comprises a processing unit for controlling the power conversion device, The processing unit determines whether or not there is a person based on the detection by the person detection unit. The processing unit, when it determines that there is a person present, supplies first power, which is at a first frequency and a first voltage, from the power converter to the motor, while when it determines that there is no person present, it supplies second power, which is at a second frequency and a second voltage, from the power converter to the motor. The second frequency is smaller than the first frequency. The ratio of the second voltage to the second frequency is smaller than the ratio of the first voltage to the first frequency. The power consumption of the motor when operating under no load at the second power is smaller than the power consumption of the motor when operating under no load at the comparison power. The frequency of the comparative power is the same as the second frequency, and the ratio of the voltage of the comparative power to the frequency is the same as the ratio of the first voltage to the first frequency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a man conveyor according to one embodiment [Figure 2] Control block diagram of a man conveyor according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3] Diagram showing the relationship between the frequency and voltage of the output power of the power converter according to the same embodiment. [Figure 4] Relationship diagram between frequency and voltage of output power of a power converter according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] Furthermore, a diagram illustrating the relationship between the frequency and voltage of the output power of a power converter according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] In each drawing, the dimensions of components may be enlarged or reduced from their actual dimensions for the sake of clarity, and the dimensional ratios between drawings may not be consistent. Furthermore, in each drawing, some components may be omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0009] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "1st," "2nd," etc., are used to describe various components, but these terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from others, and the components are not particularly limited by these terms. Furthermore, the number of components including ordinal numbers is not particularly limited; for example, there may be only one. Also, the ordinal numbers used in the following specification and drawings may differ from the ordinal numbers described in the claims.

[0010] The following description will explain one embodiment of the man conveyor with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Note that the following embodiment is provided as an example to aid in understanding the configuration of the man conveyor and is not intended to limit the configuration of the man conveyor.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the man conveyor 1 may include, for example, a structure 2 installed on the building frame, a transport section 3 for transporting people (passengers), a pair of railing sections 4 (only one is shown in Figure 1) arranged to sandwich the transport section 3 in a first direction D1, a drive section 5 for driving the transport section 3 and the railing sections 4, and a processing section 6 for controlling the entire device.

[0012] In each figure, the first direction D1 is the first transverse direction (also called the "width direction") D1, which is parallel to the horizontal direction; the second direction D2 is the second transverse direction (also called the "front-back direction") D2, which is parallel to the horizontal direction and perpendicular to the first transverse direction D1; and the third direction D3 is the vertical direction D3, which is perpendicular to both the first transverse direction D1 and the second transverse direction D2.

[0013] The man conveyor 1 according to this embodiment is an escalator with a stepped tread surface for transporting people, but it is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the man conveyor 1 may be a moving walkway (a moving path) with a flat tread surface for transporting people.

[0014] The conveying unit 3 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, an endless annular running part 3a that rotates and runs by being driven by a driving unit 5, and a plurality of steps 3b that are connected to the running part 3a and run together with the running part 3a to have a tread surface on which people ride. Although not particularly limited, the running part 3a may be, for example, a roller chain.

[0015] Also, for example, a pair of running parts 3a may be provided apart in the first lateral direction D1, and the plurality of steps 3b may be arranged between the pair of running parts 3a, 3a. And the steps 3b may be rotatably connected to the respective running parts 3a about the first lateral direction D1 as an axis.

[0016] The driving unit 5 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a rotating part 5a around which the first end of the running part 3a in the second lateral direction D2 is wound and rotates about the first lateral direction D1, a supporting part 5b that supports the second end of the running part 3a in the second lateral direction D2, and a motor 5c that rotates the rotating part 5a. Thereby, the steps 3b run by the driving of the motor 5c.

[0017] Although not particularly limited, the rotating part 5a may be, for example, a sprocket. Also, although not particularly limited, the supporting part 5b may be, for example, a guiding material that guides the running part 3a to reverse, or may be, for example, a rotating material (for example, a sprocket) around which the running part 3a is wound and rotates about the first lateral direction D1. Thereby, the steps 3b are reversed by the rotating part 5a and also reversed by the supporting part 5b.

[0018] The railing unit 4 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, an endless annular handrail belt 4a that rotates and travels, a railing main body 4b that supports the handrail belt 4a, and a cover portion 4c that covers the lower portion of the railing main body 4b. For example, the handrail belt 4a may travel by being driven by the drive unit 5, and the travel of the handrail belt 4a may be synchronized with the travel in step 3b.

[0019] The structure 2 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, machine rooms 2a arranged at respective ends in the second lateral direction D2. The man conveyor 1 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a floor plate 7 attached to the structure 2 so as to cover the machine room 2a from above. Thereby, the floor plate 7 constitutes boarding and alighting portions 1a arranged at respective ends in the second lateral direction D2 of the conveying unit 3 for boarding and alighting from the conveying unit 3.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the man conveyor 1 may include, for example, an input unit 8 into which various information is input and an output unit 9 that outputs various information. The man conveyor 1 also includes a human detection unit 10 that detects a person and a power conversion device 11 that supplies the converted power to the motor 5c.

[0021] The input unit 8 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a switch (push button switch, key select switch, etc.), a touch panel, or the like. And the input unit 8 may receive, for example, operation mode information (manual operation selection, automatic operation selection), operation instruction information (operation start instruction, operation stop instruction), step travel direction information (upper side conveyance selection, lower side conveyance selection), etc.

[0022] The output unit 9 is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, a display unit that displays information, a sound emitting unit that emits information as sound, a signal output unit that outputs a signal to the outside (for example, a central monitoring panel, etc.), and the like. The display unit is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, an electric bulletin board, an indicator lamp, or the like, and the sound emitting unit is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a buzzer, a speaker, or the like.

[0023] The person detection unit 10 may, for example, detect a person present in the boarding / alighting area 1a, or, for example, detect a person standing on step 3b. The person detection unit 10 is not particularly limited and may, for example, be a photoelectric sensor, for example, a camera that takes images from above or the side, for example, a load cell that detects the weight of a person from below, or for example, a device (for example, a power converter 11) that detects the load (e.g., torque value, current value) of motor 5c.

[0024] The power converter 11 may be, for example, an inverter device, or for example, a converter device. The power converter 11 changes the travel speed of step 3b by changing the frequency of the power supplied to the motor 5c (output power) for driving step 3b.

[0025] The processing unit 6 may, for example, include an acquisition unit 6a that acquires information (data) from each unit 8, 10, a storage unit 6b that stores the information, an arithmetic unit 6c that performs calculations on the information, and a control unit 6d that controls each unit 9, 11 (5c), as in this embodiment. The processing unit 6 may also be a computer equipped with, for example, a processor such as a CPU and an MPU (e.g., arithmetic unit 6c, control unit 6d), and memory such as ROM and RAM (e.g., acquisition unit 6a, storage unit 6b).

[0026] As a result, the processor executes the program stored in memory, and the software and hardware work together to realize each part 6a to 6d of the processing unit 6. The processing unit 6 may be composed of, for example, software circuits, or for example, hardware circuits, or for example, a combination of software circuits and hardware circuits.

[0027] Furthermore, the processing unit 6 may consist of, for example, a single device, or it may consist of, for example, multiple devices that can communicate with each other. Specifically, each part 6a to 6d of the processing unit 6 may be provided in, for example, a single device, or it may be distributed and provided in, for example, multiple devices that can communicate with each other.

[0028] By the way, for example, if instruction information for automatic driving selection is input to the input unit 8, the processing unit 6 may perform speed control to control the travel speed in step 3b. Here, we will explain speed control. Note that the following control method is provided as an example to help understand the control method of the man conveyor 1, etc., and is not limited to the control method of the man conveyor 1.

[0029] First, the processing unit 6 determines whether or not there is a person based on the detection by the person detection unit 10. Although not particularly limited, for example, if the person detection unit 10 detects a person, the processing unit 6 determines that there is a person (someone is riding), and then, for example, if a set time (for example, the time it takes for step 3b to travel half a lap + 30 to 60 seconds) has elapsed since the person detection unit 10 last detected a person, the processing unit 6 determines that there is no person (no one is riding).

[0030] Then, as shown in Figure 3, when the processing unit 6 determines that there is a person present, it supplies the first power P1, which is the first frequency F1, from the power converter 11 to the motor 5c. As a result, the travel speed in step 3b becomes the first speed, and the man conveyor 1 enters the first speed state.

[0031] On the other hand, when the processing unit 6 determines that there is no person present, it supplies a second power P2, which is the second frequency F2, from the power converter 11 to the motor 5c. As a result, the travel speed in step 3b becomes the second speed, and the man conveyor 1 enters the second speed state. The second frequency F2 is greater than 0 Hz and less than the first frequency F1. As a result, the second speed is slower than the first speed.

[0032] Furthermore, since the power consumption of motor 5c under the second power supply P2 is less than the power consumption of motor 5c under the first power supply P1, it is possible to suppress power waste by motor 5c when the processing unit 6 determines that there is no one present. Also, since step 3b is traveling at the second speed when the processing unit 6 determines that there is no one present, it is possible to recognize, for example, the direction of travel of step 3b.

[0033] While not particularly limited, for example, as in this embodiment, the first frequency F1 may be 50 Hz and the first speed may be 30 m / min. Also, while not particularly limited, for example, as in this embodiment, the second frequency F2 may be 16.7 Hz and the second speed may be 10 m / min.

[0034] Here, in the man conveyor 1 according to this embodiment, the relationship between the frequency and voltage of the power supplied from the power converter 11 to the motor 5c (output power of the power converter 11) will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Variables, frequency and voltage, are shown with lowercase letters (f, v), respectively, while constants, frequency and power, are shown with uppercase letters (F1, F2, ..., V1, V2, ...).

[0035] First, when the power supplied from the power converter 11 to the motor 5c (hereinafter also referred to as "output power of the power converter 11") is a first power P1 with a first frequency F1, the voltage is a first voltage V1. On the other hand, when the output power of the power converter 11 is a second power P2 with a second frequency F2, the voltage is a second voltage V2.

[0036] Incidentally, in typical inverter devices, V / F control is implemented, where frequency and voltage are proportional, and the ratio of voltage to frequency remains constant at all frequencies. This allows, for example, the rotational speed of motor 5c to be changed by changing the frequency, even when the same load is present on motor 5c.

[0037] In contrast, in the man conveyor 1 according to this embodiment, when the output power of the power converter 11 is the first power P1, the step 3b is operated with a person standing on it (loaded operation), whereas when the output power of the power converter 11 is the second power P2, the step 3b is operated without a person standing on it (unloaded operation).

[0038] As a result, when the output power of the power converter 11 is the first power P1 (loaded operation), the load consists of the transport unit 3 and the person standing on step 3b, whereas when the output power of the power converter 11 is the second power P2 (unloaded operation), the load consists only of the transport unit 3. Therefore, the load when the output power of the power converter 11 is the second power P2 is smaller than the load when the output power of the power converter 11 is the first power P1.

[0039] Therefore, the ratio of the second voltage V2 to the second frequency F2 (V2 / F2) is made smaller than the ratio of the first voltage V1 to the first frequency F1 (V1 / F1). Although not particularly limited, for example, in this embodiment, the first frequency F1 is 50 Hz, the first voltage V1 is 200 V, and the ratio of voltage V1 to frequency F1 in the first power P1 is 4.0 (V / Hz). In contrast, the second frequency F2 is 16.7 Hz, the second voltage V2 is 48 V, and the ratio of voltage V2 to frequency F2 in the second power P2 is 2.88 (V / Hz).

[0040] Here, we compare the second power P2 with the comparison power P2c. The frequency F2 of the comparison power P2c is the same as the second frequency F2, and the ratio of the voltage V2c of the comparison power P2c (hereinafter referred to as the "comparison voltage") to the frequency F2 of the comparison power P2c (V2c / F2) is the same as the ratio of the first voltage V1 to the first frequency F1 (V1 / F1).

[0041] While not particularly limited, in this embodiment, for example, the comparative voltage V2c is 67V, and the ratio of voltage V2c to frequency F2 in the comparative power P2c is 4.0 (V / Hz). In Figure 3 (and similarly in Figures 4 and 5), the dashed line indicates that the ratio of voltage v to frequency f is constant at all frequencies, equal to the ratio of the first voltage V1 to the first frequency F1. The comparative power P2c is the power where the relationship between frequency f and voltage v shown by the dashed line is such that frequency f is the second frequency F2.

[0042] Furthermore, in the motor 5c according to this embodiment, the power consumption of the motor 5c when operating under no load with the second power P2 is smaller than the power consumption of the motor 5c when operating under no load with the comparative power P2c. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the motor 5c during no-load operation. Therefore, it is possible to suppress power waste by the motor 5c in the second speed state of the man conveyor 1.

[0043] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, for example, the frequency f of the output power of the power converter 11 and the voltage v satisfy the following equations 1 and 2 in the range of a fourth frequency F4 (0≦f≦F4) where the frequency f is zero (0Hz) and is smaller than the second frequency F2. v = A3 × f + B3 …(Equation 1) B3≧0…(Formula 2) Here, A3 and B3 are constants.

[0044] While not particularly limited, for example, in this embodiment, the fourth frequency F4 of the fourth power P4 is 15.0 Hz, and the voltage (fourth voltage) V4 of the fourth power P4 is 60 V. The constant A3 in equation 1 is 4.0 (V / Hz), and the constant B3 in equations 1 and 2 is 0 (V).

[0045] Also, for example, in the same way as in this embodiment, in the range where the frequency f is from the fourth frequency F4 to the second frequency F2 (F4 ≤ f ≤ F2), the frequency f and the voltage v of the output power of the power conversion device 11 may satisfy the following equations (3) and (4). v = A4 × f + B4 … (Equation 3) A4 < A3 … (Equation 4) Here, A4 and B4 are constants.

[0046] Although not particularly limited, for example, in this embodiment, the constant A4 in the above Equation (3) and Equation (4) is -7.2 (V / Hz), and the constant B4 in the above Equation (3) is 168 (V). Note that the constant B4 is derived based on the following Equation (3a) which is the equation of the fourth power P4 in the above Equation (3) and the following Equation (3b) which is the equation of the second power P2 in the above Equation (3). V4 = A4 × F4 + B4 … (Equation 3a) V2 = A4 × F2 + B4 … (Equation 3b) Specifically, based on the above Equation (3a) and Equation (3b), the following Equation (5) is derived. B4 = (F2 × V4 - F4 × V2) / (F2 - F4) … (Equation 5)

[0047] Also, for example, in the same way as in this embodiment, the following Equation (6) may be satisfied. F2 - F4 < F4 … (Equation 6) Although not particularly limited, for example, in this embodiment, the range ΔF1 (= F4) that satisfies the above Equation (1) is 15 Hz, while the range ΔF2 (= F2 - F4) that satisfies the above Equation (3) is 1.7 Hz.

[0048] Also, in the range where the frequency f is from the second frequency F2 to the third frequency F3 which is greater than the second frequency F2 and less than the first frequency F1 (F2 ≤ f ≤ F3), the frequency f and the voltage v of the output power of the power conversion device 11 satisfy the following Equation (7). v = A1 × f + B1 … (Equation 7) Here, A1 and B1 are constants.

[0049] Further, for example, the following formula 8 may be satisfied as in the present embodiment. A3 > A1 … (Formula 8)

[0050] Although not particularly limited, for example, in the present embodiment, the third frequency F3 of the third power P3 is 17.5 Hz, and the voltage (third voltage) V3 of the third power P3 is 70 V. And the constant A1 in the above formula 7 and the above formula 8 is 26.4 (V / Hz), and the constant B1 in the above formula 7 is -392 (V).

[0051] The constant B1 is derived based on the following formula 7a which is the formula of the second power P2 in the above formula 7 and the following formula 7b which is the formula of the third power P3 in the above formula 7. V2 = A1×F2 + B1 … (Formula 7a) V3 = A1×F3 + B1 … (Formula 7b) Specifically, based on the above formula 7a and the above formula 7b, the following formula 9 is derived. B1 = (F3×V2 - F2×V3) / (F3 - F2) … (Formula 9)

[0052] Also, in the range where the frequency f is from the third frequency F3 to the first frequency F1 (F3 ≤ f ≤ F1), the frequency f and the voltage v of the output power of the power conversion device 11 satisfy the following formula 10 and formula 11. v = A2×f + B2 … (Formula 10) A2 < A1 … (Formula 11) Here, A2 and B2 are constants.

[0053] Thereby, the ratio A1 of the increase in the voltage v with respect to the increase in the frequency f in the range where the frequency f is from the second frequency F2 to the third frequency F3 (F2 ≤ f ≤ F3) is larger than the ratio A2 of the increase in the voltage v with respect to the increase in the frequency f in the range where the frequency f is from the third frequency F3 to the first frequency F1 (F3 ≤ f ≤ F1). Therefore, when the determination in the processing unit 6 changes from unmanned to manned and the frequency f changes from the second frequency F2 to the first frequency F1, the ratio of the voltage v to the frequency f can be quickly restored.

[0054] As a result, for example, even if a person gets on step 3b before the frequency f reaches the first frequency F1, since the ratio of the voltage v to the frequency f is large, sufficient torque can be generated by the motor 5c. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the traveling speed of step 3b due to a person getting on step 3b before the frequency f reaches the first frequency F1.

[0055] Also, for example, since the ratio of the voltage v to the frequency f can be increased quickly, sufficient torque can be generated by the motor 5c. Thereby, for example, since the traveling speed of step 3b can be surely accelerated, the traveling speed of step 3b can be quickly changed from the second speed to the first speed.

[0056] Note that, for example, the following formula 12 may be satisfied as in the present embodiment. A2 > A4 …(Formula 12) Also, for example, the following formula 13 may be satisfied as in the present embodiment. A2 = A3 …(Formula 13)

[0057] Although not particularly limited, for example, in the present embodiment, the constant A2 in the above formula 10 and the above formula 11 is 4.0 (V / Hz), and the constant B2 in the above formula 10 is 0 (V). The constant B2 is derived based on the following formula 10a which is the formula of the third power P3 in the above formula 10 and the following formula 10b which is the formula of the first power P1 in the above formula 10. V3 = A2 × F3 + B2 …(Formula 10a) V1 = A2 × F1 + B2 …(Formula 10b) Specifically, based on the above formula 10a and the above formula 10b, the following formula 14 is derived. B2 = (F1 × V3 - F3 × V1) / (F1 - F3) …(Formula 14)

[0058] Also, the following formula 15 is satisfied. F3 - F2 < F1 - F3 …(Formula 15)

[0059] As a result, when the determination in the processing unit 6 changes from unmanned to manned, and the frequency f changes from the second frequency F2 to the first frequency F1, the ratio of voltage v to frequency f can be returned to normal more quickly. Although not particularly limited, for example, in this embodiment, the range ΔF4 (=F1-F3) that satisfies the above equation 10 is 32.5 Hz, while the range ΔF3 (=F3-F2) that satisfies the above equation 7 is 0.8 Hz.

[0060] [1] Based on the above, the man conveyor 1 is as in this embodiment. Motor 5c and, Step 3b moves by the drive of the motor 5c, A person detection unit 10 that detects people, A power conversion device 11 supplies the converted power to the motor 5c, The system comprises a processing unit 6 that controls the power converter 11, The processing unit 6 determines the presence or absence of a person based on the detection by the person detection unit 10. When the processing unit 6 determines that there is a person present, it supplies a first power P1, which is a first frequency F1 and a first voltage V1, from the power converter 11 to the motor 5c, while when it determines that there is no person present, it supplies a second power P2, which is a second frequency F2 and a second voltage V2, from the power converter 11 to the motor 5c. The second frequency F2 is smaller than the first frequency F1. The ratio of the second voltage V2 to the second frequency F2 is smaller than the ratio of the first voltage V1 to the first frequency F1. The power consumption of the motor 5c when operating under no load at the second power P2 is smaller than the power consumption of the motor 5c when operating under no load at the comparison power P2c. The frequency F2 of the comparative power P2c is the same as the second frequency F2, and the ratio of the voltage V2c of the comparative power P2c to the frequency F2 is the same as the ratio of the first voltage V1 to the first frequency F1. This configuration is preferable.

[0061] According to such a configuration, since the frequencies F2 of the second power P2 and the comparison power P2c are the same, the running speeds in step 3b are the same. On the other hand, the power consumption of the motor 5c when operating at no load with the second power P2 is smaller than the power consumption of the motor 5c when operating at no load with the comparison power P2c. Thereby, the power consumption of the motor 5c during no-load operation can be reduced.

[0062] [2] Also, in the man conveyor 1 of the above [1], as in the present embodiment, the frequency f and the voltage v of the power supplied from the power conversion device to the motor satisfy the following formula A (in this embodiment, formula 7) when the frequency f is in the range from the second frequency F2 to the third frequency F3 (F2 ≤ f ≤ F3) with A1 and B1 being constants, v = A1 × f + B1 …(Formula A) the frequency f and the voltage v satisfy the following formulas B and C (in this embodiment, formulas 10 and 11) when the frequency f is in the range from the third frequency F3 to the first frequency F1 (F3 ≤ f ≤ F1) with A2 and B2 being constants, such a configuration is preferable. v = A2 × f + B2 …(Formula B) A2 < A1 …(Formula C)

[0063] According to such a configuration, the ratio A1 of the increase in the voltage v to the increase in the frequency f in the range where the frequency f is from the second frequency F2 to the third frequency F3 (F2 ≤ f ≤ F3) is larger than the ratio A2 of the increase in the voltage v to the increase in the frequency f in the range where the frequency f is from the third frequency F3 to the first frequency F1 (F3 ≤ f ≤ F1). Thereby, when the determination in the processing unit 6 changes from unmanned to manned and the frequency f changes from the second frequency F2 to the first frequency F1, the ratio of the voltage v to the frequency f can be quickly restored.

[0064] [3] Also, the man conveyor 1 of the above [2] is, as in the present embodiment, A configuration that satisfies the following formula D (in this embodiment, formula 15): is preferable. F3 - F2 < F1 - F3 … (Formula D)

[0065] According to such a configuration, when the determination in the processing unit 6 changes from unmanned to manned and the frequency f changes from the second frequency F2 to the first frequency F1, the ratio of the voltage v to the frequency f can be returned even faster.

[0066] Note that the man conveyor 1 is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, nor is it limited to the above-described effects. Also, the man conveyor 1 can of course be variously modified within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, it is of course possible to arbitrarily select one or more of the configurations and methods according to the following various modification examples and adopt them in the configurations and methods according to the above-described embodiment.

[0067] (A) In the man conveyor 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the ratio A1 of the increase in the voltage v to the increase in the frequency f in the range where the frequency f is from the second frequency F2 to the third frequency F3 (F2 ≤ f ≤ F3) is larger than the ratio A2 of the increase in the voltage v to the increase in the frequency f in the range where the frequency f is from the third frequency F3 to the first frequency F1 (F3 ≤ f ≤ F1). However, the man conveyor 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0068] (A-1) For example, a configuration may be such that the ratio A1 of the increase in the voltage v to the increase in the frequency f in the range where the frequency f is from the second frequency F2 to the third frequency F3 (F2 ≤ f ≤ F3) is smaller than the ratio A2 of the increase in the voltage v to the increase in the frequency f in the range where the frequency f is from the third frequency F3 to the first frequency F1 (F3 ≤ f ≤ F1).

[0069] (A-2) Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4, for example, the ratio A1 of the increase in voltage v with respect to the increase in frequency f in the range from the second frequency F2 to the third frequency F3 (F2≦f≦F3) may be the same as the ratio A2 of the increase in voltage v with respect to the increase in frequency f in the range from the third frequency F3 to the first frequency F1 (F3≦f≦F1).

[0070] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, for example, the configuration may be such that, in the range of frequency f from the second frequency F2 to the first frequency F1, the frequency f and voltage v of the output power of the power converter 11 satisfy the following equation 16. v=A5×f+B5…(Formula 16)

[0071] While not particularly limited, in Figure 4, the second frequency F2 of the second power P2 is 16.7 Hz, the second voltage V2 of the second power P2 is 48 V, the first frequency F1 of the first power P1 is 50 Hz, and the first voltage V1 of the first power P1 is 200 V. The constant A5 in equation 16 is 4.56 (V / Hz), and the constant B5 in equation 16 is -28 (V). The comparative voltage V2c of the comparative power P2c is 67 V.

[0072] (B) Furthermore, in the man conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the ratio A4 of the increase in voltage v with respect to the increase in frequency f in the range of frequency f from the fourth frequency F4 to the second frequency F2 (F4≦f≦F2) is smaller than the ratio A3 of the increase in voltage v with respect to the increase in frequency f in the range of frequency f from zero to the fourth frequency F4 (0≦f≦F4). However, the man conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0073] (B-1) For example, the configuration may be such that the ratio A4 of the increase in voltage v with respect to the increase in frequency f in the range from the fourth frequency F4 to the second frequency F2 (F4≦f≦F2) is greater than the ratio A3 of the increase in voltage v with respect to the increase in frequency f in the range from zero to the fourth frequency F4 (0≦f≦F4).

[0074] (B-2) Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4, the ratio A4 of the increase in voltage v with respect to the increase in frequency f in the range from the fourth frequency F4 to the second frequency F2 (F4≦f≦F2) may be the same as the ratio A3 of the increase in voltage v with respect to the increase in frequency f in the range from zero to the fourth frequency F4 (0≦f≦F4).

[0075] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, for example, the configuration may be such that, in the range of frequency f from zero to a second frequency F2, the frequency f and voltage v of the output power of the power converter 11 satisfy the following equations 17 and 18. v=A6×f+B6…(Formula 17) B6≧0 …(Formula 18) Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, for example, the following equation 19 may also be satisfied. A5>A6…(Formula 19)

[0076] While not particularly limited, in Figure 4, the second frequency F2 of the second power P2 is 16.7 Hz, and the second voltage V2 of the second power P2 is 48 V. The constant A6 in equation 17 is 2.88 (V / Hz), and the constant B6 in equations 17 and 18 is 0 (V). The comparative voltage V2c of the comparative power P2c is 67 V.

[0077] (C) Furthermore, in the man conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the range ΔF3 (=F3-F2) from the second frequency F2 to the third frequency F3 is smaller than the range ΔF4 (=F1-F3) from the third frequency F3 to the first frequency F1. However, the man conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0078] For example, the range ΔF3 (=F3-F2) from the second frequency F2 to the third frequency F3 may be larger than the range ΔF4 (=F1-F3) from the third frequency F3 to the first frequency F1. Alternatively, the range ΔF3 (=F3-F2) from the second frequency F2 to the third frequency F3 may be the same as the range ΔF4 (=F1-F3) from the third frequency F3 to the first frequency F1.

[0079] (D) In ​​addition, in the man conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the ratio A4 of the increase in voltage v with respect to the increase in frequency f in the range of frequency f from the fourth frequency F4 to the second frequency F2 (F4≦f≦F2) is less than 0 (V / Hz). However, the man conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the man conveyor 1 may be configured such that the ratio A4 of the increase in voltage v with respect to the increase in frequency f in the range of frequency f from the fourth frequency F4 to the second frequency F2 (F4≦f≦F2) is 0 (V / Hz) or more.

[0080] (E) In addition, in the man conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, the voltage is 0V when the frequency is 0Hz. That is, the constant B3 in the above equation 1 (v = A3 × f + B3) is 0 (V). However, the man conveyor 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, when the frequency f is low during the operation of the motor 5c, the effect of voltage drop becomes large, so as shown in Figure 5, the voltage may be greater than 0V when the frequency is 0Hz.

[0081] While not particularly limited, in Figure 5, when the frequency is 0 Hz, the voltage is 10 V, the fourth frequency F4 of the fourth power P4 is 15.0 Hz, and the fourth voltage V4 of the fourth power P4 is 60 V. The constant A3 in Equation 1 is 2.53 (V / Hz), and the constant B3 in Equations 1 and 2 is 10 (V). The comparative voltage V2c of the comparative power P2c is 67 V.

[0082] In Figure 5, the ratio A3 of the increase in voltage v with respect to frequency f in the range of frequency f from zero to the fourth frequency F4 is smaller than the ratio A2 of the increase in voltage v with respect to frequency f in the range of frequency f from the third frequency F3 to the first frequency F1. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and for example, when the frequency is 0 Hz, the voltage is greater than 0 V, and the ratio A3 of the increase in voltage v with respect to frequency f in the range of frequency f from zero to the fourth frequency F4 is the same as the ratio A2 of the increase in voltage v with respect to frequency f in the range of frequency f from the third frequency F3 to the first frequency F1.

[0083] (F) For example, the execution order of operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the systems, methods, programs, and apparatus shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings can be implemented in any order, as long as the output of the previous process is not used in the subsequent process. For example, even if "first," "next," etc. are used for convenience in the explanation, it does not mean that the processes must be executed in that order. [Examples]

[0084] To specifically illustrate the configuration and effects of the man conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment, an example of the man conveyor 1 will be described. The example is the man conveyor 1 according to the above embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, and its specifications are as follows.

[0085] <Man Conveyor 1> Manufacturer: Fujitec Co., Ltd. • Model: Slim Fit S100 • Width of step 3b (dimension in the first horizontal direction D1): 1,000 mm • Gradient (angle of incline on which step 3b travels): 30° • Floor height (difference in height between the upper entrance / exit area 1a and the lower entrance / exit area 1a): 7m • Direction of travel in step 3b: Upward

[0086] <Motor 5c> • Manufacturer: Toshiba Industrial Equipment Systems Corporation Model: IKKH3-FBKA21E ·Rated capacity: 7.5KW

[0087] <Power converter 11> Manufacturer: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. ·Format: FRN11E2S-2J Output: 11KW

[0088] <Speed ​​control> ·1st speed: 30m / min • First frequency: 50Hz • First voltage: 50V ·Second speed: 10m / min • Second frequency: 16.7Hz • Second voltage: 48V

[0089] <Evaluation Method> The man conveyor 1 was operated without load while the second power P2 and comparison power P2c, both at the second frequency 2F, were supplied from the power converter 11 to the motor 5c so that the travel speed in step 3b was the second speed. After confirming that the travel speed in step 3b was the second speed, the power consumption of the motor 5c was measured. The power consumption of the motor 5c was the power consumption displayed on the power converter 11.

[0090] <Evaluation Results> When comparative power P2c (frequency 16.7Hz, voltage 67V) was supplied from the power converter 11 to motor 5c, the power consumption of motor 5c was 540W. In contrast, when second power P2 (frequency 16.7Hz, voltage 48V) was supplied from the power converter 11 to motor 5c, the power consumption of motor 5c was 300W. In this way, the power consumption of motor 5c during no-load operation can be reduced.

[0091] In general, if the load on motor 5c is the same and the frequency of the power supplied from power converter 11 to motor 5c is the same, then reducing the voltage will increase the current. However, as in the above embodiment, by employing a motor 5c with specific characteristics (or a combination of motor 5c and second frequency F2 (second speed)), the power consumption of motor 5c when operating under no load with second power P2 will be smaller than the power consumption of motor 5c when operating under no load with comparison power P2c.

[0092] Such a phenomenon is presumed to be a result of the power factor increasing, for example, by lowering the voltage. For example, if motor 5c is an induction motor, it is presumed to be a result of the power factor increasing due to the excitation current (current flowing through the stator windings) decreasing when the voltage is lowered. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1...Man conveyor, 1a...Boarding / alighting section, 2...Structure, 2a...Machine room, 3...Conveying section, 3a...Traveling section, 3b...Step, 4...Balustrade section, 4a...Handrail belt, 4b...Balustrade body section, 4c...Cover section, 5...Drive section, 5a...Rotating section, 5b...Support section, 5c...Motor, 6...Processing section, 6a...Acquisition section, 6b...Storage section, 6c...Calculation section, 6d...Control section, 7...Floor plate, 8...Input section, 9...Output section, 10...Person detection section, 11...Power converter, D1...First lateral direction, D2...Second lateral direction, D3...Up and down direction

Claims

1. A motor and, A step that moves by the drive of the aforementioned motor, A person detection unit that detects people, A power conversion device that supplies the converted power to the motor, The system comprises a processing unit for controlling the power conversion device, The processing unit determines whether or not there is a person based on the detection by the person detection unit. The processing unit, when it determines that there is a person present, supplies a first power, which is at a first frequency and a first voltage, from the power converter to the motor, while when it determines that there is no person present, it supplies a second power, which is at a second frequency and a second voltage, from the power converter to the motor. The second frequency is smaller than the first frequency. The ratio of the second voltage to the second frequency is smaller than the ratio of the first voltage to the first frequency. The power consumption of the motor when operating under no load at the second power is smaller than the power consumption of the motor when operating under no load at the comparison power. A man-conveyor in which the frequency of the comparative power is the same as the second frequency, and the ratio of the voltage of the comparative power to the frequency is the same as the ratio of the first voltage to the first frequency, The frequency f and voltage v of the power supplied from the power converter to the motor satisfy the following equation A, where A1 and B1 are constants, when the frequency f is in the range from the second frequency F2 to the third frequency F3 (F2 ≤ f ≤ F3): v=A1×f+B1...(Formula A) The frequency f and the voltage v are such that, when the frequency f is in the range from the third frequency F3 to the first frequency F1 (F3 ≤ f ≤ F1) and A2 and B2 are constants, the following equations B and C are satisfied for the man conveyor. v=A2×f+B2...(Formula B) A2<A1...(Formula C)

2. A man conveyor according to claim 1, satisfying the following formula D. F3-F2<F1-F3...(Formula D)

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