JP2008074527A - Passenger conveyor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a passenger conveyor which can be safely started without requiring a check by a person. <P>SOLUTION: The passenger conveyor has a storage part 6b storing an operational status of the passenger conveyor when the passenger conveyor is changed to a stop state. A control means 6 determines whether or not it is possible to start the passenger conveyor based on the operational status just before the stop of the passenger conveyor stored in the storage part 6b, and current statuses of passenger conveyor acquired from a safety means 5 and passenger detection means 11, 12. The control means 6 starts the passenger conveyor, when determining that there is no abnormality and there is no person or object on at least footsteps 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a passenger conveyor, and more particularly to a passenger conveyor that starts autonomously by self-diagnosis.

  In general, when starting operation from a stopped state of the passenger conveyor, the operator performs a start process by manual switch operation after visual confirmation. In addition, the passenger conveyor for remote control is equipped with a monitoring camera and sensor, so that safety is confirmed by visual inspection through the monitor, and people and foreign objects on the boarding and exiting parts and steps are detected to confirm safety. In addition, the passenger conveyor is activated (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

In addition, a method is known in which the passenger conveyor itself diagnoses the presence or absence of a person on the step by means of passenger detection means and activates the passenger conveyor without requiring visual inspection by an operator (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
Japanese Patent No. 3396392 (paragraphs 013 to 015, FIG. 2) JP 2002-68656 A (paragraphs 014 to 016, FIG. 1) JP 2004-345808 A (paragraphs 013 to 015, FIG. 2)

  However, in the above-described conventional apparatus, the passenger conveyor is basically activated on the premise that the operator visually confirms the safety including the remote operation. In addition, the passenger conveyor that can be activated without visual inspection is also assumed to start operation after the passenger conveyor has stopped normally, and about the activation after the safety means that detects the abnormality of the passenger conveyor is activated Not considered. This is because if a safety measure is activated and an emergency stop occurs, there is a possibility of passenger accidents such as a passenger falling or injury, equipment failure, or damage. This is because the restart operation is performed after investigating the cause of the above. However, for example, safety means provided to prevent pulling between movable parts such as steps and handrails and non-movable parts operate with high sensitivity. Often things are not actually drawn. Even in such a case, it is necessary to confirm safety by personnel in the past, so it is necessary to stop the passenger conveyor for a relatively long time from emergency stop to restart, a factor that hinders human traffic lines There was a problem of becoming.

  The present invention has been made from the above-described prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a passenger conveyor that can be started safely without requiring confirmation by personnel.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an invention according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a drive unit comprising a motor and a speed reducer, an endlessly connected step driven by the drive unit, and a cover having an annular continuous handrail. A drive unit; rotation detection means for detecting rotation of the motor or the speed reducer; safety means for detecting an abnormality of a passenger conveyor and outputting an abnormality signal; and passenger detection means for detecting a person or an object on the step A passenger conveyor including at least a power converter that converts AC power into variable voltage variable frequency power, and a control unit that controls the drive unit and the power converter. In addition, a storage unit is provided for storing the operation state of the passenger conveyor, and the control means is configured to store the operation state of the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit and the safety. It is characterized by determining whether the start based on the current state of the passenger conveyor obtained from the stage and the occupant detection means.

  The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention configured as described above stores the operation state of the passenger conveyor in the storage unit when the passenger conveyor shifts to operation stop. Thereafter, the control means determines whether or not the vehicle can be started based on the operation state immediately before the stop of the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit and the current state of the passenger conveyor obtained from the safety means and the passenger detection means, and there is no abnormality. The passenger conveyor is activated at least when it is determined that there is no person or object on the step. Thereby, a passenger conveyor can be started safely, without the confirmation by a staff member.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 2 of the present invention, in response to the output of the abnormal signal, the storage unit stores an operation state of the passenger conveyor when the passenger conveyor shifts to an emergency stop, and the control means includes: The operation state of the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit is compared with the current detection state of the safety means to determine whether or not the abnormality is a transient abnormality, and is determined to be a transient abnormality. And the passenger conveyor is restarted when the passenger detection means is in a non-detection state.

  In the invention according to claim 2 configured as described above, when the safety means detects an abnormality and outputs an abnormality signal, the storage unit stores the operation state of the passenger conveyor when the passenger conveyor shifts to an emergency stop. To do. At this time, the passenger conveyor temporarily stops in response to the abnormality signal. Thereafter, the control means compares the operation state immediately before stopping the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit with the current detection state of the safety means to determine whether the abnormality is a transient abnormality. At this time, if it is determined that there is a transient abnormality, the control means further determines whether or not the passenger detection means is in a non-detection state, and activates the passenger conveyor if it is determined that there is no person or object on the step. Thereby, when a passenger conveyor carries out an emergency stop by transient abnormality, a passenger conveyor can be started safely, without requiring confirmation by personnel.

  The invention according to claim 3 of the present invention further includes a remote operation command receiving unit that receives a remote start command, and the control means is a passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit in response to the start command. And determining whether or not the vehicle can be started based on the current state of the passenger conveyor obtained from the safety means and the passenger detection means.

  In the invention according to claim 3 of the present invention configured as described above, when the remote start command is received, the control means, the operation state immediately before the stop of the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit, the safety means and the passenger detection The activation of the passenger conveyor is determined based on the current state of the passenger conveyor obtained from the means, and the passenger conveyor is activated when it is determined that there is no abnormality and at least there is no person or object on the step. Thereby, in the passenger conveyor having a remote control function, the passenger conveyor can be activated safely without requiring confirmation by personnel.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 4 of the present invention includes a schedule storage unit for storing operation plan information including the start time, stop time, and operation speed of the passenger conveyor, and a calendar function unit for grasping the date and time. When the time indicated by the calendar function unit coincides with the start time of the schedule storage unit, the control unit includes the operation state of the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit, and the safety unit and the passenger detection unit. It is characterized by determining whether activation is possible based on the current state of the passenger conveyor obtained.

  In the invention according to claim 4 of the present invention configured as described above, when the time indicated by the calendar function unit coincides with the start time of the schedule storage unit, the control means operates immediately before stopping the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit. Judgment is made on the basis of the current state of the passenger conveyor obtained from the state and the safety means and the passenger detection means, and when there is no abnormality and at least it is determined that there is no person or object on the step, the passenger conveyor is to start. Thereby, in a passenger conveyor having a schedule operation function, the passenger conveyor can be activated safely without requiring confirmation by personnel.

  In the invention according to claim 5 of the present invention, when the control means activates the passenger conveyor, based on the operation state of the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit, the operation direction when the vehicle moves to the stop state It is characterized in that a certain amount of operation is performed in the reverse direction to determine the presence or absence of abnormality, and then a certain amount of operation is performed in the same direction as the operation direction when shifting to the stop state to determine the presence or absence of abnormality.

  In the invention according to claim 5 of the present invention configured as described above, when the passenger conveyor is activated, the control unit firstly switches the stop state based on the operation state of the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit. A certain amount of driving is performed in the opposite direction to the driving direction to determine whether there is an abnormality. If it is determined that there is no abnormality, the control means then operates for a certain amount in the same direction as the operation direction when shifting to the stop state, and determines whether there is an abnormality. If it is determined that there is no abnormality, the control means activates the passenger conveyor and resumes normal operation. Thus, by diagnosing that there is no running abnormality when starting the passenger conveyor, the passenger conveyor can be started safely without requiring confirmation by personnel.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 6 of the present invention comprises torque measuring means for measuring a torque required when the drive unit drives the driven part, and the control means activates a passenger conveyor. Based on the operation state of the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit, the vehicle is operated by a certain amount in the direction opposite to the operation direction when shifting to the stopped state, and the torque required for driving the driven unit is measured by the torque measuring means. Then, the presence or absence of foreign matter is determined, and then a certain amount of operation is performed in the same direction as the operation direction when shifting to the stop state, and the torque required for driving the driven part is measured by the torque measuring means. It is characterized by determining the presence or absence.

  In the invention according to claim 5 of the present invention configured as described above, when the passenger conveyor is provided with torque measuring means and the passenger conveyor is activated, the control means first operates the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit. Based on the state, a certain amount of operation is performed in the direction opposite to the operation direction when the state is shifted to the stop state, and the torque required for driving the driven part is measured by the torque measuring means to determine the presence or absence of foreign matter. If it is determined that there is no abnormality, the control means then operates a fixed amount in the same direction as the operation direction when the stop state is entered, measures the torque required for driving the driven part by the torque measuring means, Judgment is made. If it is determined that there is no abnormality, the control means activates the passenger conveyor and resumes normal operation. Thus, when starting the passenger conveyor, it is possible to start the passenger conveyor safely without requiring confirmation by personnel by self-diagnosing whether there is a foreign object between the movable part and the non-movable part. Can do.

  According to the present invention, when starting the passenger conveyor, it is not necessary to confirm by personnel, so that the labor can be reduced. In particular, when a passenger conveyor is stopped due to a transient abnormality, it can be restarted without requiring confirmation by personnel, and the time from emergency stop to restart can be shortened to improve serviceability. it can. Moreover, since the presence or absence of abnormality is determined when the passenger conveyor is activated, it is possible to efficiently operate the passenger conveyor after ensuring safety.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a passenger conveyor according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a passenger conveyor according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a main configuration diagram showing the configuration of the control means and its periphery in FIG. 1, and FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a process sequence.

  The passenger conveyor of the first embodiment is, for example, an escalator, and as shown in FIG. 1, a step 1 connected and rotated endlessly, and an endless handrail 2 rotated in synchronization with the step 1. A skirt guard 3 and a balustrade 4 standing upright at both ends of the step 1, a control means 6 for controlling the escalator, a power converter 7 for converting AC power into variable voltage and variable frequency power, a motor and a speed reducer. , A drive unit 8 for generating power for rotating the step 1 and the handrail 2, a sensor 10 for detecting a person or an object in the vicinity of the escalator getting on and off, a monitoring camera 11 having a view range on the step 1, and a passenger conveyor A display 14 for visually guiding the user, a skirt guard switch 15 for detecting that a foreign object is caught between the skirt guard 3 and the step 1, and a foreign object at the entrance of the handrail 2 pull And a inlet switch 16 for detecting that Mareta.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control means 6 includes a safety detector 5 having a skirt guard switch 15 and an inlet switch 16, a power converter 7, and a speed detector for monitoring the rotational speed of the drive unit 8. 9. An image analysis unit 12 that inputs an image of the monitoring camera 11 and performs an analysis process to detect a person or an object on the step 1, a broadcast unit 13 that provides voice guidance to a passenger conveyor user, a display 14, and A notifying means 17 for notifying the outside such as a maintenance company or an administrator room is connected, a control unit 6a for performing arithmetic processing, a storage unit 6b for storing escalator operation control processing information in time series, and control And a timer 6c for measuring various timings.

  The step 1 and the handrail 2 described above are driven parts, the speed detector 9 is a rotation detecting means for detecting the rotation of the motor or the speed reducer, and the monitoring camera 11 and the image analyzing unit 12 are persons or objects on the step 1. Passenger detection means for detecting each of them is configured.

  In the escalator configured as described above, the skirt guard switch 15 is operated when the passenger kicks the skirt guard 3 and gives an impact, or the luggage is accidentally hit against the entrance of the handrail 2 during traveling. The switch 16 may operate, and the escalator stops emergency each time. However, these factors that cause the safety means 5 to operate are transient, the switch automatically returns to normal, and the operating factors are removed, so that people and objects are on and around the escalator step 1. If not, it is possible to safely perform the startup process and return to the original operating state.

  Hereinafter, the processing procedure of the restart process when the escalator of the first embodiment is stopped will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  When the escalator is in an emergency stop due to the operation of the safety device 5 during normal operation, the control unit 6a that controls the operation of the escalator is the operation state of the escalator when the escalator shifts to the emergency stop, that is, the operation direction, speed, operation method, and The emergency stop factor is stored in the storage unit 6b (step S1). The emergency stop escalator informs the passenger and the surrounding people of the emergency stop by the broadcasting means 13, and prompts the passenger to leave the escalator and stay away (step S2). At the same time as the process of step S2, the display unit 14 displays that the escalator cannot be used (step S3), and informs that the escalator cannot be used auditorily and visually.

  Next, the control unit 6a determines whether or not the escalator can be restarted by self-diagnosis. That is, the operation state immediately before the stop of the escalator stored in the storage unit 6b is compared with the current detection state of the safety means 5 to determine whether the abnormality is a transient abnormality (step S4). At this time, if it is determined that the abnormality is not a transient abnormality and cannot be restarted, the control unit 6a detects an abnormality to the outside such as an escalator maintenance company or a manager room set in advance through the reporting means 17. The occurrence is reported (step S41). On the other hand, if the control unit 6a determines in step S4 that the abnormality is a transient abnormality and can be restarted, the control unit 6a waits for a sufficient period of time for the passenger on board just before stopping to leave the escalator (step S5). After that, the sensor 10, the monitoring camera 11, and the image analysis means 12 determine whether there is a person or a foreign object on the step 1 and around the escalator (step S6). Here, when a person or a foreign object is detected on the step 1 and around the escalator, the broadcasting means 13 prompts the passenger to leave the escalator and stay away from the escalator (step S61). Perform the process. If a person or a foreign object is still detected on the step 1 or around the escalator, it is determined that there is a possibility that there is a foreign object that cannot be removed or that the passenger cannot move due to a fall or the like, and the reporting means 17 The occurrence of abnormality is reported to the outside through (step S41).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that no person or foreign object has been detected in the surroundings and there is no problem with the starting process, a test run for restarting is broadcast to the surroundings (step S7). Simultaneously with step S7, the fact that a test run for restart is performed is output to the display 14 (step S8). Next, the control unit 6a refers to the operation state immediately before the emergency stop stored in the storage unit 6b, and outputs a command to the power converter 7 to operate in the direction opposite to the operation direction at this time (step S9). . Hereinafter, the operation in the opposite direction is referred to as a reverse direction test operation. This is because the step 1 and the handrail 2 move from the detection of the abnormality by the safety means 5 to the complete stop of the escalator. This is an operation performed to confirm the removal of the cause of the abnormality detection by returning the step 1 and the handrail 2 to the end. Moreover, at the time of reverse direction test operation, the control part 6a gives the command which makes the frequency which the power converter 7 outputs smaller than the time of normal operation, and moves the step 1 and the handrail 2 at low speed. This is to prevent a situation in which the equipment of the escalator is damaged by the trial operation when there is a foreign object that cannot be found by the monitoring camera 11 or the sensor 10. During the reverse direction test operation, the control unit 6a checks the running state by the safety means 5 or the like to determine whether there is an abnormality (step S10), and stops the passenger conveyor if an abnormality is detected. Then, the reverse operation is stopped (procedure S101), and the occurrence of abnormality is reported to the outside via the reporting means 17 (procedure S102). On the other hand, if no abnormality is detected in step S10, the reverse trial operation is continued, and the control panel 6a counts the time for the step 1 to move a predetermined distance from the start of the reverse trial operation by the timer 6c (procedure S11). Once counted, the escalator is temporarily stopped (step S12).

  After this, the escalator that has stopped after completing the reverse direction trial operation broadcasts to the surroundings that the trial operation for the restart is continued by the broadcasting means 13 (step S13), and the control unit 6a is stored in the storage unit 6b. With reference to the operation state immediately before the stop, a command is output to the power converter 7 so as to operate in the same direction as the immediately preceding operation direction (hereinafter referred to as a forward test operation). During the forward trial operation, the control unit 6a gives a command to make the frequency output from the power converter 7 smaller than that during normal operation, and moves the step 1 and the handrail 2 at a low speed. At this time, similarly to the normal operation, the controller 6a checks the running state by the safety means 5 and determines whether there is an abnormality (step S15). Here, when an abnormality is detected, the escalator is stopped, the forward operation is stopped (step S151), and the occurrence of the abnormality is notified to the outside via the notification means 17 (step S152). On the other hand, if no abnormality is detected in step S15, the forward trial run is continued, and the control panel 6a counts the time required for the step 1 to move a predetermined distance from the start of the forward trial run (step S16). During this time, when no abnormality is recognized in the traveling and a certain time is counted, the control unit 6a gradually accelerates the step 1 and the handrail 2, and the driving speed immediately before the emergency stop stored in the storage unit 6b, that is, the steady speed (Procedure S17). At this time, as in the case of normal operation, the controller 6a checks the running state by the safety means 5 and determines whether there is an abnormality (step S18). Here, when an abnormality is detected, the control panel 6a makes an emergency stop of the escalator (procedure S181), and reports the occurrence of the abnormality to the outside via the notification means 17 (procedure S182). On the other hand, if no abnormality is detected in step S18, the control panel 6a counts, for example, the time required for one step of the step 1 after starting operation at a steady speed in the forward direction by the timer 6c (step S19). During this time, when no abnormality is recognized in the traveling and a certain time is counted, the control unit 6a outputs a command to broadcast to the broadcasting means 13 that the escalator is available (step S20), and at the same time the display unit 14 displays the display during steady operation (procedure S21), informs the surroundings that the escalator can be used, and completes the return processing to normal operation (procedure S22).

  According to the first embodiment, when an escalator stops due to a transient abnormality, it can be restarted without requiring confirmation by personnel, and the time from the emergency stop to restart can be shortened. Can be improved. In addition, since the presence or absence of an abnormality is determined when starting the escalator, it is possible to operate the escalator efficiently while ensuring safety.

  In the first embodiment, the monitoring camera 11 and the image analysis unit 12 are used as means for detecting a person or an object on the escalator step 1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like. May be used. Further, the surveillance camera 11 and the image analysis unit 12 may be wide-angle so that not only people and objects on the step 1 but also people and objects in the vicinity of the getting on and off the escalator can be detected.

  FIG. 4 is a main part configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of a passenger conveyor according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for starting the passenger conveyor. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the thing equivalent to what was mentioned above.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the passenger conveyor of the second embodiment, that is, the escalator, includes a remote command receiving unit 6 e that receives a startup command from a remote location, and an operation including the startup time, stop time, and operating speed of the passenger conveyor. A schedule storage unit 6f for storing the plan information, a calendar function unit 6g for grasping the date and time, and a torque measuring means for measuring a torque required when the driving unit drives the driven unit, for example, a current / voltage monitoring unit 6d It has.

  Hereinafter, the processing procedure of the restart process when the escalator according to the second embodiment is brought to an emergency stop will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Since the processing up to step S8 in FIG. 3 described above is the same, the description thereof is omitted.

  When the control unit 6a determines that the abnormality is a transient abnormality and the activation process is possible, the control unit 6a refers to the operation state immediately before the emergency stop stored in the storage unit 6b, and what is the operation direction at this time? A command is output to the power converter 7 to operate in the opposite direction (procedure S9a). During the reverse direction test run, the control unit 6a checks the running state by the safety means 5 to determine whether there is an abnormality (step S10a), and stops the passenger conveyor if an abnormality is detected, as in normal times. Then, the reverse operation is stopped (procedure S101a), and the occurrence of abnormality is reported to the outside via the reporting means 17 (procedure S102a). On the other hand, if no abnormality is detected in step S10a, the reverse direction trial operation is continued. During this time, the current / voltage monitoring unit 6d calculates the traveling load by converting the motor torque, and sets the traveling load to a predetermined numerical value. It is determined whether or not there is a possibility that a foreign object is sandwiched between the movable part and the non-movable part (step S10B). Here, when an abnormality is detected, the passenger conveyor is stopped, the reverse operation is stopped (step S101a), and the occurrence of the abnormality is notified to the outside via the notification means 17 (step S102a). On the other hand, if no abnormality is detected in steps S10a and S10B, the reverse trial operation is continued, and the control panel 6a counts the time for the step 1 to move a predetermined distance from the start of the reverse trial operation by the timer 6c (procedure S11a). When the predetermined time is counted, the escalator is temporarily stopped (step S12a).

  After that, the escalator stopped after the reverse direction trial run broadcasts to the surroundings that the trial run for the restart is continued by the broadcasting means 13 (step S13a), and the control unit 6a is stored in the storage unit 6b. With reference to the operation state immediately before the stop, a command is output to the power converter 7 so as to operate in the same direction as the immediately preceding operation direction. During the forward trial operation, the control unit 6a gives a command to make the frequency output from the power converter 7 smaller than that during normal operation, and moves the step 1 and the handrail 2 at a low speed. At this time, similarly to the normal operation, the controller 6a checks the running state by the safety means 5 and determines whether there is an abnormality (step S15a). Here, when an abnormality is detected, the escalator is stopped to stop the forward operation (procedure S151a), and the occurrence of the abnormality is reported to the outside via the reporting means 17 (procedure S152a). On the other hand, when no abnormality is detected in step S15a, the forward test operation is continued. During this time, the current / voltage monitoring unit 6d calculates the running load by converting the motor torque and determines whether there is any abnormality (procedure) S15B). Here, when an abnormality is detected, the escalator is stopped to stop the forward operation (procedure S151a), and the occurrence of the abnormality is reported to the outside via the reporting means 17 (procedure S152a). On the other hand, when no abnormality is detected in step S15a and step S15B, the forward test run is continued, and the control panel 6a counts the time required for the step 1 to move a predetermined distance from the start of the forward test run by the timer 6c (step S16a). During this time, when no abnormality is recognized in the traveling and a certain time is counted, the control unit 6a gradually accelerates the step 1 and the handrail 2, and the driving speed immediately before the emergency stop stored in the storage unit 6b, that is, the steady speed (Procedure S17a).

  At this time, as in the case of normal operation, the controller 6a checks the running state by the safety means 5 and determines whether there is an abnormality (step S18a). Here, when an abnormality is detected, the control panel 6a stops the escalator in an emergency (procedure S181a), and reports the occurrence of the abnormality to the outside via the reporting means 17 (procedure S182a). On the other hand, if no abnormality is detected in step S18a, the trial operation at the steady speed is continued. During this time, the current / voltage monitoring unit 6d calculates the running load by converting the motor torque to determine whether there is any abnormality ( Procedure S18B). Here, when an abnormality is detected, the control panel 6a stops the escalator in an emergency (procedure S181a), and reports the occurrence of the abnormality to the outside via the reporting means 17 (procedure S182a). On the other hand, if no abnormality is detected in steps S18a and S18B, the control panel 6a counts, for example, the time required for one step of the step 1 after starting operation at a steady speed in the forward direction by the timer 6c (step S19a). During this time, when no abnormality is recognized in the traveling and a certain time is counted, the control unit 6a outputs a command to broadcast to the broadcasting means 13 that the escalator is available (step S20a), and at the same time the display unit 14 displays a display during steady operation (procedure S21a), informs the surroundings that the escalator can be used, and completes the return processing to normal operation (procedure S22a).

  In the escalator of the second embodiment configured as described above, when the remote command receiving unit 6e receives a remote start command, the control unit 6a immediately before stopping the escalator stored in the storage unit 6b. Based on the driving state and the current state of the escalator obtained from the safety means 5, sensor 10, monitoring camera 11, and image analysis means 12, it is determined whether or not the escalator can be activated, and there is no abnormality and there are people on the step 1 and around the escalator. The passenger conveyor is activated when it is determined that there is no object. Further, when the time indicated by the calendar function unit 6g coincides with the start time of the schedule storage unit 6f, the control unit 6a stores the operating state immediately before the escalator stop stored in the storage unit 6b, and the safety means 5, the sensor 10, and the monitoring camera 11 Based on the current state of the escalator obtained from the image analysis means 12, it is determined whether or not the escalator can be activated, and the passenger conveyor is activated when it is determined that there is no abnormality and that there is no person or object on the step 1 and around the escalator. .

  According to the second embodiment, the escalator can be started safely without requiring confirmation by personnel during normal times and during an emergency stop due to a transient abnormality. Safety can be further improved by performing self-diagnosis as to whether or not foreign matter is caught between the movable part.

It is a schematic structure figure showing a 1st embodiment of a passenger conveyor concerning the present invention. It is a principal part block diagram which shows the structure of the control means of FIG. 1, and its periphery. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of starting of a passenger conveyor. It is a principal part block diagram which shows 2nd Embodiment of the passenger conveyor which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of starting of a passenger conveyor.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Step 2 Handrail 3 Skirt guard 4 Parapet 5 Safety means 6 Control means 6a Control part 6b Storage part 6c Timer 6d Current / voltage monitoring part 6e Remote command receiving part 6f Schedule storage part 6g Calendar function part 7 Power converter 8 Drive part 9 Speed detector 10 Sensor 11 Monitoring camera 12 Image analysis unit 13 Broadcasting means 14 Display 15 Skirt guard switch 16 Inlet switch 17 Notification means

Claims (6)

A drive unit comprising a motor and a speed reducer; a driven unit having an endlessly connected step and an annular handrail driven by the drive unit; and a rotation detection means for detecting the rotation of the motor or the speed reducer A safety means for detecting an abnormality in the passenger conveyor and outputting an abnormality signal; a passenger detection means for detecting a person or an object on the step; a power converter for converting AC power into variable voltage variable frequency power; In a passenger conveyor comprising at least control means for controlling the drive unit and the power converter,
When the passenger conveyor shifts to operation stop, a storage unit for storing the operation state of the passenger conveyor is provided, and the control unit is configured to store the operation state of the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit, and the safety unit and the passenger. A passenger conveyor characterized by determining whether or not activation is possible based on a current state of the passenger conveyor obtained from the detection means.   In response to the output of the abnormality signal, the storage unit stores an operation state of the passenger conveyor when the passenger conveyor shifts to an emergency stop, and the control unit is configured to store the operation state of the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit. The current detection state of the safety means is compared to determine whether the abnormality is a transient abnormality, and is determined to be a transient abnormality, and the passenger detection means is in a non-detection state 2. The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the passenger conveyor is sometimes restarted.   A remote operation command receiving unit for receiving a startup command from a remote location, wherein the control unit is configured to control an operation state of a passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit, the safety unit, and the passenger detection unit according to the startup command; The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, wherein activation is determined based on a current state of the passenger conveyor obtained from the above.   A schedule storage unit that stores operation plan information including a start time, a stop time, and an operation speed of a passenger conveyor, and a calendar function unit that grasps the date and time, and the control unit has a time indicated by the calendar function unit. When it coincides with the activation time of the schedule storage unit, it is determined whether activation is possible based on the operation state of the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit and the current state of the passenger conveyor obtained from the safety means and the passenger detection means The passenger conveyor according to claim 1, wherein:   When starting the passenger conveyor, the control means determines whether or not there is an abnormality by operating a certain amount in the direction opposite to the operation direction when shifting to the stop state based on the operation state of the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit. Then, the passenger conveyor according to claim 1, wherein a certain amount of driving is performed in the same direction as the driving direction when shifting to the stop state to determine whether there is an abnormality.   The driving unit includes a torque measuring unit that measures a torque required when driving the driven unit, and the control unit sets an operation state of the passenger conveyor stored in the storage unit when the passenger conveyor is activated. Based on a certain amount of driving in the direction opposite to the direction of operation when the vehicle enters the stop state, and the torque measuring means measures the torque required to drive the driven part to determine the presence or absence of foreign matter, and then stops. 2. A predetermined amount of driving is performed in the same direction as the driving direction at the time of shifting to, and the presence or absence of foreign matter is determined by measuring the torque required for driving the driven part by the torque measuring means. Passenger conveyor.

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