JP2023082423A - passenger conveyor - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a passenger conveyor capable of determining abnormality of a passenger sensor which is provided in an entrance to detect the boarding of a passenger.SOLUTION: A control device 50 of an escalator 10 sets a first non-detection count to zero when an entrance side sensor 56 detects a passenger for each section having a length of a unit time T0. When any passenger is not detected by the entrance side sensor 56 and a passenger is detected by an exit side sensor 58, the first non-detection count is added with 1. When the added first non-detection count becomes a first set value or more in four successive sections, it is determined that the entrance side sensor 56 is failed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to passenger conveyors.

Conventionally, a passenger proximity sensor and a passenger boarding sensor are provided at the entrance/exit in order to detect when a passenger gets on the passenger conveyor when automatically driving an escalator or moving walkway. The passenger approach sensor detects a passenger approaching the boarding board, and the passenger boarding sensor is provided above the comb at the tip of the boarding board and detects a passenger getting on the steps from the boarding board.

Then, when a state in which only the passenger boarding sensor operates and the passenger proximity sensor does not operate occurs repeatedly, it can be determined that the passenger proximity sensor is out of order.

JP 2006-151560 A Japanese Patent No. 5310071

As described above, it is possible to determine whether or not the passenger proximity sensor is out of order in relation to the operation of the passenger boarding sensor, but there is the problem that the failure of the passenger boarding sensor cannot be determined. The reason for this is that even if the passenger proximity sensor detects the approach of a passenger, the passenger does not necessarily board the vehicle, and there are times when the passenger simply passes through the vicinity of the passenger. because it doesn't work either.

Therefore, in view of the above problems, the embodiments of the present invention provide a passenger conveyor that is provided at the entrance of the passenger conveyor and that can determine failure of a passenger sensor (passenger boarding sensor) that detects boarding of passengers. and

An embodiment of the present invention comprises steps that move from an entrance side to an exit side, an entrance side sensor that is provided on the entrance side and detects passengers getting on the steps, and is provided on the exit side, and a controller for detecting the passenger who has gotten off the footsteps. detects the passenger, the first non-detection count is set to 0, and when the entrance-side sensor does not detect the passenger and the exit-side sensor detects the passenger, the 1 is added to the first non-detection count, and when the added first non-detection count becomes equal to or greater than a first set value within the plurality of continuous sections, it is determined that the entrance-side sensor is out of order. A passenger conveyor characterized by:

1 is an explanatory diagram of an escalator showing an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a partially cutaway plan view of an escalator. 1 is a block diagram of an escalator; FIG. 4 is a flow chart for performing failure determination of an entrance side sensor and an exit side sensor; It is a time chart when the entrance side sensor and the exit side sensor are normal. It is a time chart when the entrance side sensor is out of order. It is a time chart when the exit side sensor is out of order. It is a time chart when the exit side sensor is mischievous. 9 is a time chart of Modification 1; 9 is a time chart of modification 2;

A passenger conveyor according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, an escalator 10 is used as a passenger conveyor, and will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. FIG.

(1) Escalator 10
The overall structure of the escalator 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the escalator 10 viewed from the left side. However, in order to make the internal structure of the escalator 10 easier to understand, the illustration of members on one side (left side) of the escalator 10 is omitted. When describing the front-rear direction of the escalator 10, it is assumed that the lower floor is viewed from the upper floor, the upper floor is the rear side, and the lower floor is the front side.

A truss 12, which is the framework of the escalator 10, straddles the upper and lower floors of the building 1 and is supported in the longitudinal direction using support angles 2 and 3.

A driving device 18 for running a step 30 and a pair of left and right step sprockets 24 , 24 are provided inside the machine room 14 on the upper floor side at the upper end of the truss 12 . The driving device 18 includes a motor 20, a speed reducer 21, a drive small sprocket 19 attached to the output shaft of the speed reducer 21, and a disk-type device that stops the rotation of the motor 20 and holds the stopped state. and an electromagnetic brake 23 . A large drive sprocket 17 is coaxially attached to a pair of left and right step sprockets 24 , 24 , and an endless drive chain 22 is stretched between the large drive sprocket 17 and the small drive sprocket 19 . A control device 50 for controlling the motor 20, the electromagnetic brake 23, and the like is provided inside the machine room 14 on the upper floor side.

A pair of left and right driven sprockets 26 , 26 are provided inside the machine room 16 on the lower floor side at the lower end of the truss 12 . A pair of left and right endless step chain 28, 28 is bridged between a pair of left and right step sprockets 24, 24 on the upper floor side and a pair of left and right driven sprockets 26, 26 on the lower floor side. A pair of left and right first wheels 301 , 301 of a plurality of steps 30 are connected at regular intervals between the pair of left and right step chains 28 , 28 . When the motor 20 rotates, the first wheel 301 of the step 30 runs on a guide rail (not shown) dedicated to the first wheel fixed to the truss 12 , and the second wheel 302 of the step 30 moves to the second wheel fixed to the truss 12 . It runs on a guide rail 25 dedicated to two wheels.

A pair of left and right handrails 36 , 36 are erected on both left and right sides of the upper portion of the truss 12 . A handrail rail 39 is provided above the balustrade 36 , and an endless handrail belt 38 moves along the handrail rail 39 .

An upper floor side front skirt guard 40 is provided at the front lower part of the upper floor side of the pair of left and right handrails 36, and a lower floor side front skirt guard 42 is provided at the front lower part of the lower floor side. Inlet portions 46 and 48, which are entrances and exits of the handrail belt 38, protrude from the front skirt guards 40 and 42, respectively. Skirt guards (inner decks) 44 are provided below the side surfaces of the pair of left and right balustrades 36, respectively, and the step 30 runs between the pair of left and right skirt guards 44, 44. - 特許庁

The handrail belt 38 moves synchronously with the step 30 by rotating a belt sprocket (not shown) together with the step sprocket 24 .

An upper floor board 32 is horizontally provided on the ceiling surface of the machine room 14, which is an entrance between the pair of left and right skirt guards 44, 44 on the upper floor. A lower floor board 34 is horizontally provided on the ceiling surface of the machine room 16, which is an entrance between the pair of left and right skirt guards 44, 44 on the lower floor. A comb tooth-shaped comb 60 is provided at the tip of the boarding plate 32 on the upper floor side, and the step 30 enters or is pulled out of the comb 60.例文帳に追加A comb-like comb 62 is also provided at the tip of the boarding plate 34 on the lower floor side.

(2) Entrance side sensor 56 and exit side sensor 58
In the escalator 10 as described above, the skirt guards 44 on both left and right sides of the comb 60 on the upper floor are provided with passenger sensors 56 made of photoelectric sensors. The passenger sensor 56 is composed of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. As indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 2, light rays such as infrared rays are emitted from the light emitting element and received by the light receiving element. When a passenger passes between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, the light-receiving element cannot receive the light, so that the passage of the passenger can be detected. The passenger sensor 56 emits a light beam from the light emitting element and is turned on when the light receiving element receives the light beam, and is turned off when a passenger passes by because the light receiving element cannot receive the light beam.

The skirt guards 44 on both left and right sides of the comb 62 on the lower floor are also provided with passenger sensors 58 each composed of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element.

In the following description, since the steps 30 of the escalator 10 are operated downward, the upper floor side is the entrance and the lower floor side is the exit. Therefore, the passenger sensor 56 on the upper floor is called the "entrance side sensor 56", and the passenger sensor 58 on the lower floor is called the "exit side sensor 58".

It should be noted that the entrance-side sensor 56 detects that the passenger has passed when the passenger steps over the comb 60 from the boarding/alighting plate 32 and gets on the steps 30 . Further, the exit door sensor 58 detects that a passenger has passed when stepping over the comb 62 on the lower floor from the step 30 and getting off onto the boarding board 34 .

(3) Electrical Configuration of Escalator 10 The electrical configuration of the escalator 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

The escalator 10 has a drive circuit 52 that inverter-controls a motor 20 for moving the steps 30 at a predetermined speed (for example, the rated speed V). An electromagnetic brake 23 for stopping the rotation of the motor 20 is also connected to the drive circuit 52 .

A control device 50 that controls the escalator 10 is connected to a drive circuit 52, an entrance side sensor 56, an exit side sensor 58, and a communication section 54 for communicating with an external maintenance center. .

(4) Method for Determining Failure of Entrance Side Sensor 56 and Exit Side Sensor 58 Next, the method for determining failure of entrance side sensor 56 and exit side sensor 58 will be described with reference to the time charts of FIGS. 5 to 10. explain. The control device 50 has a function as a control unit for determining failure of the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 . First, the rules for determining whether the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 are out of order by the control device 50 will be described.

As rule 1, the control device 50 detects whether or not the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 are operated every unit time T0. Note that the time divided by the unit time T0 is called a "section", and each time the unit time T0 elapses, the sections are called section 1, section 2, and so on.

As rule 2, the controller 50 determines that the entrance-side sensor 56 does not detect a passenger when the entrance-side sensor 56 detects a passenger and the exit-side sensor 58 also detects a passenger within the unit time T0. A non-detection count (hereinafter referred to as "first non-detection count") that means that the passenger was not detected is set to 0, and a non-detection count (hereinafter referred to as "first 2 non-detection count”) is also set to 0.

As a rule 3, the control device 50 detects the passenger only by the exit side sensor 58 and the entrance side sensor 56 does not detect a passenger within the unit time T0. 1 is added to the 1 non-detection count, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 is set to 0.

As rule 4, the control device 50 detects a passenger within the unit time T0, and the entrance-side sensor 56 detects a passenger and the exit-side sensor 58 does not detect a passenger. The 1 non-detection count is set to 0, and 1 is added to the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 .

Note that both the first non-detection count of the entrance-side sensor 56 and the second non-detection count of the exit-side sensor 58 are 0 in the initial state. If neither side sensor 58 detects a passenger, neither count is added.

As rule 5, when the first non-detection count of the entrance-side sensor 56 reaches or exceeds a first set value S1 (for example, 3) in a plurality of preset continuous sections, It is determined that the entrance side sensor 56 is out of order. Then, the failure of the entrance-side sensor 56 is registered in the memory in the control device 50 , and the external maintenance center is notified of the failure via the communication unit 54 .

As rule 6, when the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 reaches or exceeds a second set value S2 (for example, 3) in a plurality of preset continuous sections, It is determined that the exit side sensor 58 is out of order. Then, it registers that the exit side sensor 58 is out of order in the memory in the control device 50 , and notifies the outside maintenance center of the failure via the communication unit 54 .

As rule 7, the shortest time for the control device 50 to perform the above failure determination, that is, the above-described "preset plural continuous sections" is the unit time T0 and the first set value S1 or the product of the unit time T0 and the second set value S2. For example, when the first set value S1=the second set value S2=3, the shortest time for the control device 50 to determine failure is 3T0, that is, the total time of three consecutive intervals. In an environment with many passengers, by reducing the unit time T0, the first set value S1, and the second set value S2, the time until an abnormality is detected can be shortened. However, even in this case, the shortest time for determining the failure is the time required for the step 30 to reach the lower floor from the upper floor when the control device 50 causes the step 30 to travel at the rated speed V. need to be longer. In the following description, the unit time T0 is a slightly longer time (for example, 1 minutes) are added. Moreover, as the time for determining the failure, it is determined when four consecutive intervals have passed.

(4-1) When Entrance Side Sensor 56 and Exit Side Sensor 58 Are Normal Refer to the time chart of FIG. 5 for a judgment method when both entrance side sensor 56 and exit side sensor 58 are normal. explain.

First, in Section 1, there is no passenger boarding, and the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 do not detect any passengers, so they are in the ON state. As a result, the first non-detection count is 0 and the second non-detection count is also 0.

Next, in section 2, when passenger A and passenger B board in succession, the entrance-side sensor 56 detects each of these passengers, and each time the ON state changes to the OFF state. On the other hand, the exit side sensor 58 also changes from the ON state to the OFF state in order to detect passenger A getting off. Thus, both the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 have detected a passenger, so the first non-detection count remains 0 and the second non-detection count remains 0.

Next, in section 3, since no passenger has boarded, the entrance-side sensor 56 remains in the ON state without detecting a passenger. On the other hand, the exit side sensor 58 detects that the passenger B who got on in the section 2 gets off, and changes from the ON state to the OFF state. In this way, since the entrance sensor 56 did not detect a passenger and the exit sensor 58 detected passenger B, 1 is added to the first non-detection count of the entrance sensor 56, and the exit sensor The second non-detection count of 58 remains zero.

Next, in the section 4, when the passenger C gets on, the entrance side sensor 56 detects it and changes from the ON state to the OFF state. On the other hand, since the passenger C has come down from the lower floor, the exit side sensor 58 detects it and changes from the ON state to the OFF state. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 is reset from 1 to 0, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 remains zero.

As described above, the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 each detect a passenger in the four consecutive sections 1 to 4, the first non-detection count is 0, and the exit side sensor 58 is 0. Therefore, the control device 50 can determine that both the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 are normal.

(4-2) When Entrance Side Sensor 56 Fails Next, a determination method when the entrance side sensor 56 fails and the exit side sensor 58 is normal will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. .

First, in section 1, passenger A gets on board, but the gate-side sensor 56 does not detect passenger A, so the ON state is maintained. On the other hand, the exit side sensor 58 detects that the passenger A is getting off, and changes from the ON state to the OFF state. As a result, the first non-detection count 0 of the entrance side sensor 56 is incremented by one, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 remains zero.

Next, in the section 2, the passenger B enters, but the entrance side sensor 56 does not detect the passenger B, so the ON state is maintained. On the other hand, the exit side sensor 58 detects that the passenger B is getting off, and changes from the ON state to the OFF state. As a result, 1 is added to the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 and set to 2. The second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 remains zero.

Next, in the section 3, even if the passenger C boarded just before the end of the section 3, the entrance side sensor 56 does not detect the passenger C, so the ON state is maintained. On the other hand, since passenger C gets on just before the end of section 3 and does not reach the lower floor within section 3, the exit side sensor 58 cannot detect this passenger C and is maintained in the ON state. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 remains 2, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 remains 0.

Next, in Section 4, since no passengers board the train, the entrance-side sensor 56 is maintained in the ON state. On the other hand, the exit side sensor 58 changes from the ON state to the OFF state because the passenger C who boarded in section 3 has gotten off. As a result, 1 is added to the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 and set to 3. The second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 remains zero.

As described above, in the four consecutive sections 1 to 4, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 is 3, which is greater than or equal to the first set value S1. It determines that the sensor 56 is out of order, registers that the entrance side sensor 56 is out of order in the memory in the control device 50, and notifies the external maintenance center of the fact through the communication unit 54. .

(4-3) When the exit side sensor 58 is out of order Next, with reference to the time chart of FIG. 7, the determination method when the entrance side sensor 56 is normal and the exit side sensor 58 is out of order. explain.

First, in section 1, when passenger A gets on board, the entrance-side sensor 56 detects it and changes from the ON state to the OFF state. On the other hand, since the exit side sensor 58 does not detect the passenger A, the ON state is maintained. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 remains 0, and the second non-detection count 0 of the exit side sensor 58 is incremented by one.

Next, in the section 2, when the passenger B gets on, the entrance side sensor 56 detects it, and the ON state is changed to the OFF state. On the other hand, since the exit side sensor 58 does not detect the passenger B, the ON state is maintained. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 remains at 0, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 is further incremented by one to become two.

Next, in the section 3, when the passenger C gets in just before the end of the section 3, the entrance-side sensor 56 detects it and changes from the ON state to the OFF state. On the other hand, since the exit side sensor 58 does not detect the passenger C, the ON state is maintained. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 remains 0, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 is further incremented by 1 and set to 3.

Next, in Section 4, since no passengers board the vehicle, the entrance-side sensor 56 does not detect any passengers and is maintained in the ON state. On the other hand, the exit side sensor 58 does not detect even if the passenger C who boarded in the section 3 gets off, and the ON state is maintained. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 remains 0, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 remains 3.

As described above, in the four consecutive sections 1 to 4, the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 is 3, which is greater than or equal to the second set value S2. Determining that the sensor 58 is out of order, registering that the exit side sensor 58 is out of order in the memory in the control device 50, and notifying the external maintenance center of this fact via the communication unit 54 do.

(4-4) When the exit side sensor 58 is mischievous Next, referring to the time chart of FIG. to explain.

First, in the section 1, since no passenger has boarded, the entrance-side sensor 56 is in the ON state. On the other hand, the sensor 58 on the exit side is turned off by mischief even though the passenger does not get off. As a result, the first non-detection count 0 of the entrance side sensor 56 is incremented by 1, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 remains zero.

Next, in Section 2, the entrance side sensor 56 does not detect a passenger and is kept ON. On the other hand, the exit side sensor 58 is turned off from the ON state by a mischief, even though the passenger does not get off. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 is further incremented by one to become two. The second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 remains zero.

Next, in Section 3, no passengers board the vehicle, so the entrance-side sensor 56 remains ON. On the other hand, since the exit side sensor 58 does not detect any passengers, the ON state is maintained. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 remains 2, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 remains 0.

Next, in the section 4, the passenger A gets on, the boarding side sensor 56 detects it, and the state changes from the ON state to the OFF state. On the other hand, the exit side sensor 58 also detects that the passenger A has gotten off, and changes from the ON state to the OFF state. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 is reset to zero, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 remains zero.

As described above, even if the light beam of the exit side sensor 58 is cut off by mischief in the four consecutive sections 1 to 4, the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 are controlled to operate normally. Device 50 can determine.

In this explanation, the case where the exit side sensor 58 is mischievous has been explained, but the case where the entrance side sensor 56 is mischievous can also be determined in the same way.

(5) Failure Judgment Flow Next, the flow of the judgment method for the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S1, the control device 50 starts counting the unit time T0 of one section. Then, the process proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, if the entrance side sensor 56 operates (changes from ON state to OFF state), the process proceeds to step S3 (in the case of y), and if not, the process proceeds to step S4 (in the case of n).

In step S3, since the entrance-side sensor 56 has been activated, the controller 50 turns the normal flag of the entrance-side sensor 56 from OFF to ON. Then, the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, if the exit side sensor 58 is operating (changes from ON state to OFF state), proceed to step S5 (in the case of y), otherwise proceed to step S6 (in the case of n).

In step S5, since the exit side sensor 58 has been activated, the control device 50 turns the normal flag of the exit side sensor 58 from OFF to ON. Then, the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, if the unit time T0 has not expired, the process returns to step S2 (in the case of n), and if the time has expired, the process advances to step S7 (in the case of y), assuming that one section has ended.

In step S7, if the normal flag of the entrance side sensor 56 is ON, the process proceeds to step S10 (in the case of y), and if the normal flag is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step S8 (in the case of n).

In step S8, if the normal flag of the exit side sensor 58 is ON, the process proceeds to step S17 (in the case of y), and if the normal flag is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step S9 (in the case of n).

In step S9, the control device 50 determines that no passenger has boarded the vehicle because both the normal flags of the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 are in the OFF state, and returns to step S1.

In step S10, since the normal flag of the entrance side sensor 56 is ON, the first non-detection count is reset to zero. Then, the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, if the normal flag of the exit side sensor 58 is ON, the process proceeds to step S12 (in the case of y), and if the normal flag is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step S13 (in the case of n).

In step S12, since the normal flag of the exit side sensor 58 is ON, the second non-detection count is reset to zero. After resetting, the normal flags of the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 are turned off. Then, the process returns to step S1 to start measuring the unit time T0 of the next section. The flow from steps S1 to S12 is the flow when both the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 described in item (4-1) are normal.

In step S13, although the normal flag of the entrance side sensor 56 is ON, the normal flag of the exit side sensor 58 is OFF, so the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 is 1. to add. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, if the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 is equal to or greater than the second set value S2, the process proceeds to step S15 (in the case of y), and if less than the second set value S2, the process proceeds to step S16 (n in the case of).

In step S15, since the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 is equal to or greater than the second set value S2, the control device 50 determines that the exit side sensor 58 is out of order, and stores that fact in the memory. Register and notify the maintenance center via the communication unit 54 . Then, the process proceeds to step S16. The flow from steps S1 to S15 is the flow when the entrance side sensor 56 described in item (4-3) is normal and the exit side sensor 58 is out of order.

In step S16, the normal flag of the entrance side sensor 56 is turned off. Then, after the process ends, the process returns to step S1 to start measuring the unit time T0 of the next section.

In step S17, the normal flag of the entrance side sensor 56 is OFF and the normal flag of the exit side sensor 58 is ON, so the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 is reset to zero. Then, the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, although the normal flag of the exit side sensor 58 is in the ON state, the normal flag of the entrance side sensor 56 is in the OFF state. to add. Then, the process proceeds to step S19.

In step S19, if the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 is equal to or greater than the first set value S1, the process proceeds to step S20 (in the case of y), and if less than the first set value S1, the process proceeds to step S21 (n in the case of).

In step S20, since the first non-detection count of the entrance-side sensor 56 is greater than or equal to the first set value S1, the control device 50 determines that the entrance-side sensor 56 is out of order, and registers that fact in the memory. and notifies the external maintenance center via the communication unit 54. Then, the process proceeds to step S21. The flow from steps S1 to S20 is the flow when the entrance side sensor 56 described in item (4-2) fails and the exit side sensor 58 is normal.

In step S21, the normal flag of the exit side sensor 58 is turned off. Then, the process ends and the process returns to step S1 to start measuring the unit time T0 of the next section.

(6) Effect According to the present embodiment, if the first non-detection count of the entrance-side sensor 56 becomes equal to or greater than the first set value S1 in the four consecutive sections 1 to 4, the entrance-side sensor 56 will fail. If the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 is greater than or equal to the second set value S2, it can be determined that the exit side sensor 58 is out of order. In particular, since the operation of the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 is detected for each of a plurality of continuous sections, it is possible to accurately determine the failure.

In addition, it is not the number of times or time that the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 detect a passenger, but one passenger sensor detects a passenger and the other passenger sensor detects a passenger once within the unit time T0. Since the failure is judged as failure, even if one passenger sensor operates multiple times within a short period of time due to mischief or the like, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection as a failure.

Further, it is possible to determine whether the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 have failed during normal operation, instead of stopping the movement of the steps 30 of the escalator 10 to determine the failure.

Also, if there are the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58, each failure can be found.

Change example

Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

(1) Modification 1
Modification 1 will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. In Modification 1, in addition to the functions described in the above embodiment, the control device 50 detects a passenger for the continuous time during which the entrance-side sensor 56 is OFF, that is, the entrance-side sensor 56 detects a passenger within the unit time T0. and the continuous time during which the exit side sensor 58 is in the OFF state, that is, the continuous time during which the exit side sensor 58 detects passengers are measured for each section. Then, the control device 50 causes the passenger sensor to emit light when the continuous time of the OFF state of the entrance side sensor 56 or the exit side sensor 58 becomes longer than a preset maximum continuous time (for example, unit time T0). It is determined that the element or the lens of the light-receiving element is dirty and abnormal.

As a specific example of Modification 1, a case where the lens of the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element of the exit side sensor 58 becomes dirty and is always in the OFF state will be described. The fact that the exit side sensor 58 is always in the OFF state means that the passenger is always being detected.

First, in section 1, the entrance-side sensor 56 remains in the ON state without detecting a passenger. On the other hand, when the lens of the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element of the exit side sensor 58 becomes dirty on the way, the exit side sensor 58 changes from the ON state to the OFF state. As a result, the first non-detection count 0 of the entrance side sensor 56 is incremented by one, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 remains zero.

Next, in the section 2, the passenger A gets on, the entrance side sensor 56 detects it, and the state changes from the ON state to the OFF state. On the other hand, the exit side sensor 58 is always in the OFF state regardless of whether the passenger A passes because the lens is dirty. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 is reset from 1 to 0. Since the exit side sensor 58 is always in the OFF state in this section 2, the continuous time of the OFF state becomes longer than the maximum continuous time, and the control device 50 determines that the exit side sensor 58 is abnormal.

Also, even if the exit side sensor 58 is normal and the lens of the light emitting element or the light receiving element of the entrance side sensor 56 is dirty, the control device 50 can determine that there is an abnormality in the same manner as described above.

As described above, in Modification 1, when the entrance side sensor 56 or the exit side sensor 58 continues to be in the OFF state due to dirt or the like, the control device 50 can determine that this is abnormal.

(2) Modification 2
Next, Modification 2 will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG.

In Modified Example 2, in addition to the functions described in the above embodiment, the control device 50 determines the total number of times the entrance-side sensor 56 has changed from the ON state to the OFF state within the unit time T0, that is, the entrance-side sensor 56 counts the total number of times the sensor detects a passenger and the total number of times the exit side sensor 58 switches from the ON state to the OFF state, that is, the total number of times the exit side sensor 58 detects a passenger for each section.

In addition, when the difference between the total number of counts of the entrance-side sensor 56 and the total number of times of the exit-side sensor 58 becomes greater than a preset maximum difference (for example, five times), the control device 50 causes the entrance-side sensor 56 to Alternatively, one of the exit side sensors 58 is determined to be abnormal due to contact failure or the like, and 1 is added to the abnormality count.

Further, the control device 50 determines that the entrance side sensor 56 or the exit side sensor 58 is abnormal when the abnormality count reaches or exceeds the maximum abnormality count (eg, 3 times). Since the control device 50 determines an abnormality from the difference in the total number of times, it cannot determine which of the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 is abnormal, and both passenger sensors are abnormal. I judge.

As a specific example of Modification 2, a case where the exit side sensor 58 repeats the ON state and the OFF state due to poor contact will be described. In other words, this is the case where the exit side sensor 58 erroneously detects a large number of passengers.

First, in Section 1, the entrance side sensor 56 is in the ON state because no passengers have boarded. On the other hand, with respect to the exit side sensor 58, when a contact failure occurs in section 1, the exit side sensor 58 repeats the ON state and the OFF state, and seems to detect a large number of passengers. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor is incremented by one from 0, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 remains zero.

Next, in the section 2, when the passenger A gets on, the entrance side sensor 56 is turned off from the ON state. On the other hand, the contact failure of the exit side sensor 58 continues, so that it repeats the ON state and the OFF state as if detecting a large number of passengers, including when passenger A got off. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 is reset from 1 to 0, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 remains zero. Then, the control device 50 adds 1 to the abnormality count because the difference between the total number of times the passenger is detected by the entrance side sensor 56 and the total number of times the passenger is detected by the exit side sensor 58 is greater than or equal to the maximum difference.

Next, in the section 3, when the passenger B gets on, the entrance-side sensor 56 detects it and changes from the ON state to the OFF state. On the other hand, since the sensor 58 on the exit side has poor contact, it repeats the ON state and the OFF state so as to detect a large number of passengers including the time when the passenger B is detected. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 remains zero, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 also remains zero. Then, the control device 50 adds 1 to the abnormality count because the difference between the total number of times the passenger is detected by the entrance side sensor 56 and the total number of times the passenger is detected by the exit side sensor 58 is greater than or equal to the maximum difference. set to 2.

Next, in section 4, when no passenger gets on, the entrance-side sensor 56 remains ON. On the other hand, the exit side sensor 58 is in contact failure, so it is repeatedly in the ON state and the OFF state. As a result, the first non-detection count of the entrance side sensor 56 is incremented by one, and the second non-detection count of the exit side sensor 58 remains zero. Then, the control device 50 adds 1 to the abnormality count because the difference between the total number of times the passenger is detected by the entrance side sensor 56 and the total number of times the passenger is detected by the exit side sensor 58 is greater than or equal to the maximum difference. set to 3.

Regardless of the number of the first non-detection count and the number of the second non-detection count, the control device 50 detects that either the entrance side sensor 56 or the exit side sensor 58 is Register it as abnormal and notify the maintenance center to that effect.

As described above, in Modified Example 2, when the entrance side sensor 56 or the exit side sensor 58 repeats the ON state and the OFF state due to poor contact or the like, the control device 50 can determine that it is abnormal.

(3) Others In the above embodiment, the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 provided above the comb 60 on the upper floor and the comb 62 on the lower floor have been described. The front skirt guards 40 and 42 on the lower floors may be provided with passenger proximity sensors for detecting the approach of a passenger toward the boarding plate 32 and the boarding plate 34 .

In the above-described embodiment, the entrance side sensor 56 and the exit side sensor 58 are described as independent light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements. It may be a reflective photoelectric sensor integrated with a light-receiving element that returns.

Also, in the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the escalator 10, but instead of this, it may be applied to a moving walkway.

While one embodiment of the invention has been described above, this embodiment is provided by way of example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Escalator, 20... Motor, 30... Step, 32... Boarding board, 34... Boarding board, 50... Control device, 56... Entrance side sensor, 58. ... Exit side sensor, 60 ... comb, 62 ... comb

An embodiment of the present invention comprises steps that move from an entrance side to an exit side, an entrance side sensor that is provided on the entrance side and detects passengers getting on the steps, and is provided on the exit side, an exit side sensor that detects the passenger who has gotten off the step; and a control section, wherein the control section controls the entrance side sensor and the exit for each section having a preset unit time. detecting whether or not the side sensor is operated, and if the entrance side sensor detects the passenger within the one section, setting a first non-detection count to 0; When the entrance side sensor does not detect the passenger and the exit side sensor detects the passenger, 1 is added to the first non-detection count, and the number of preset first set values is added. A passenger conveyor characterized by determining that the entrance-side sensor is out of order when the added first non-detection count is greater than or equal to the first set value in a plurality of continuous sections. is.

Claims (6)

A step that moves from the entrance side to the exit side,
an entrance-side sensor that is provided on the entrance side and detects a passenger getting on the steps;
an exit side sensor that is provided on the exit side and detects the passenger who has gotten off the step;
a control unit;
has
The control unit
A first non-detection count is set to 0 when the entrance-side sensor detects the passenger for each section having a preset unit time length, and the entrance-side sensor detects the passenger as described above. When the passenger is not detected and the exit side sensor detects the passenger, adding 1 to the first non-detection count,
Determining that the entrance-side sensor is out of order when the added first non-detection count is greater than or equal to a first set value within the plurality of consecutive sections;
A passenger conveyor characterized by: The control unit
For each section, when the exit side sensor detects the passenger, a second non-detection count is set to 0, and the entrance side sensor detects the passenger and the exit side sensor detects the passenger. incrementing the second non-detection count by one if the sensor does not detect the passenger;
Determining that the exit side sensor is out of order when the added second non-detection count is greater than or equal to a second set value in a plurality of consecutive sections;
Passenger conveyor according to claim 1. The control unit
In one of the sections, when the continuous time during which the passenger is detected by the entrance-side sensor or the exit-side sensor is equal to or longer than the maximum continuous time, the entrance-side sensor or the exit-side sensor detects the passenger. judged to be abnormal,
Passenger conveyor according to claim 1. The control unit
Abnormal counting is performed when a difference between the total number of times the passenger is detected by the entrance side sensor and the total number of times the passenger is detected by the exit side sensor is equal to or greater than a maximum difference in one of the sections. Add 1,
Determining that the entrance-side sensor or the exit-side sensor is abnormal when the abnormality count is equal to or greater than the maximum abnormality count;
Passenger conveyor according to claim 1. The entrance-side sensor and the exit-side sensor are photoelectric sensors,
Passenger conveyor according to claim 1. The entrance side sensor is provided on skirt guards on both left and right sides of combs provided at the tip of the boarding plate on the entrance side,
The exit door sensor is provided on skirt guards on both left and right sides of a comb provided at the tip of the board on the exit door side,
Passenger conveyor according to claim 5.

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