Sliding door device and sensor unit

Abstract

A sliding door device (1) has a sliding door panel (30), a drive mechanism (50) that slides the sliding door panel in a door width direction, a receiving portion (35) that is connected to a control portion (55) that controls the drive mechanism, a detecting portion (16) that detects a detection object at a door handle position of the sliding door panel, and a transmitting portion (19) that wirelessly transmits a detection signal of the detecting portion to the receiving portion. The detecting portion has a first sensor (17) and a second sensor (18) that has a narrower detection range than the first sensor, outputs the detection signal, and operates when the first sensor detects the detection object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a sliding door device having a sliding door panel and a sensor unit installed on the sliding door panel. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, sliding door devices constituting so-called automatic doors were known, which included a drive mechanism that allowed the sliding door panel to slide in the door width direction. Such automatic doors were equipped with various sensors for non-contact detection of objects such as human bodies, thereby controlling the drive mechanism.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic door opening and closing device with a distance sensor installed directly above the door leaf body, the detection range of which is near the handle.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-186465 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in the automatic door opening and closing device described in Patent Document 1, the distance sensor is mounted directly above the door panel. Therefore, for example, when applicable to door panels with different heights, it may be necessary to assemble distance sensors with different detection ranges to suppress false detections.

[0009] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a sliding door device and sensor unit that can suppress false detections and enable the generalization (common use) of components.

[0010] Methods used to solve problems

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the sliding door device according to the first technical solution of this disclosure is characterized by comprising: a sliding door panel; a drive mechanism for sliding the sliding door panel in the door width direction; a receiving unit connected to a control unit that controls the drive mechanism; a detection unit disposed at the door handle position of the sliding door panel for detecting a detection object; and a transmitting unit for wirelessly transmitting the detection signal of the detection unit to the receiving unit. The detection unit includes a first sensor and a second sensor, the detection range of the second sensor being narrower than that of the first sensor, and the second sensor outputting the detection signal. The second sensor operates in a detection state where the first sensor detects a detection object.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the sensor unit of the first technical solution of this disclosure is installed at the door handle position of the sliding door panel of a sliding door device. The sliding door device includes: the sliding door panel; a drive mechanism for sliding the sliding door panel in the door width direction; and a receiving unit connected to a control unit that controls the drive mechanism. The sensor unit is characterized by including: a detection unit for detecting a target object; and a transmitting unit for wirelessly transmitting the detection signal from the detection unit to the receiving unit. The detection unit includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The detection range of the second sensor is narrower than that of the first sensor, and the second sensor outputs the detection signal. The second sensor operates when the first sensor detects a target object. Alternatively, a battery housing can be provided in the sensor unit to house a replaceable battery that powers both the detection unit and the transmitting unit. Alternatively, a handle portion can be provided in the sensor unit to serve as the door handle of the sliding door panel.

[0013] The second technical solution of this disclosure can also replace the above purpose, with the purpose of providing a sliding door device that, while setting the detection part for detecting the object to be detected at the door handle position, can increase the effective opening width and reduce the gap between the device and the wall along which the sliding door panel is located in the fully open position. In this case, the sliding door device of the second technical solution of this disclosure can be used as an alternative to the above-described means, characterized by comprising: a sliding door panel; a drive mechanism for sliding the sliding door panel in the door width direction; a receiving unit connected to a control unit that controls the drive mechanism; a first-side detection unit and a second-side detection unit for detecting the object on the first and second sides of the sliding door panel in the door thickness direction, respectively; and a transmitting unit for wirelessly transmitting the detection signals of the first-side detection unit and the second-side detection unit to the receiving unit. The first-side detection unit and the transmitting unit are disposed in a first sensor housing, which is disposed on the first side of the sliding door panel at the door handle position in a manner that protrudes in the door thickness direction. The second-side detection unit is disposed in a second sensor housing, which is disposed on the second side of the sliding door panel at the door handle position in a manner that the surface of the second sensor housing is substantially the same plane as the second surface. In this case, the first sensor housing and the second sensor housing may be separate components, allowing them to be installed on either side of the sliding door panel in the door thickness direction. Alternatively, in any of the above cases, a handle protrusion may be formed on the first surface of the first sensor housing in the door thickness direction; and a handle recess with an opening on the second sensor housing surface may be provided.

[0014] The third technical solution of this disclosure can also replace the above-mentioned objective, aiming to provide a sliding door device that can improve maintainability and achieve component standardization (common use). In this case, the sliding door device of the third technical solution of this disclosure is characterized by comprising: a sliding door panel; a drive mechanism for sliding the sliding door panel in the door width direction; a receiving unit connected to a control unit that controls the drive mechanism; and a sensor unit, which is provided with: a detection unit for detecting a detection object; a transmitting unit for wirelessly transmitting the detection signal of the detection unit to the receiving unit; and a battery housing unit for removably housing a battery that serves as the power source for the detection unit and the transmitting unit, wherein the sensor unit is provided on a door handle at the door head side end of the sliding door panel, which can be easily installed and removed from the sliding door panel.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] The sliding door device and sensor unit of the first technical solution of this disclosure, by having the structure described above, can suppress false detections and achieve component standardization (common use). Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 (a) and (b) are schematic partial cross-sectional perspective views illustrating an example of a sliding door device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 (a) and (b) are partial cross-sectional schematic cross-sectional views of the sliding door device with a portion omitted; (c) is a partial cross-sectional schematic side view schematically showing an example of a sliding door panel of the sliding door device; and (d) is a schematic bottom view schematically showing an example of a receiving part (receiving unit) of the sliding door device.

[0019] Figure 3 (a) to (f) schematically illustrate an example of a sensor unit provided by the sliding door device. (a) is a front view, (b) is a rear view, (c) is a left side view, (d) is a right side view, (e) is a plan view, and (f) is a bottom view.

[0020] Figure 4 (a) is a partial cross-sectional schematic perspective view of the sliding door panel, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional schematic exploded perspective view of the sliding door panel.

[0021] Figure 5 (a) is a partial cross-sectional schematic perspective view of the sliding door panel, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional schematic exploded perspective view of the sliding door panel.

[0022] Figure 6(a) and (b) are partial sectional views of the sliding door assembly with a portion omitted.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a simplified exploded perspective view of the sliding door assembly with a portion omitted.

[0024] Figure 8 (a) to (c) are partial sectional views of the sliding door assembly with a portion omitted.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic block diagram of the sliding door device.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of the basic actions performed in the sliding door device.

[0027] Figure 11 (a) and (b) are schematic flowcharts illustrating an example of the basic actions performed in the sliding door device.

[0028] Figure 12 (a) to (c) schematically illustrate an example of a sliding door device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. (a) and (b) are partial cross-sectional schematic perspective views schematically illustrating an example of a sliding door panel provided by the sliding door device. (c) is a partial cross-sectional schematic longitudinal view of the sliding door panel.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating an example of a sensor unit provided with the sliding door device.

[0030] Figure 14 Figures (a) to (f) schematically illustrate an example of the sensor unit. (a) is a front view, (b) is a rear view, (c) is a left side view, (d) is a right side view, (e) is a plan view, and (f) is a bottom view.

[0031] Figure 15 (a) and (b) are schematic partial cross-sectional perspective views illustrating an example of a sliding door device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 16 (a) and (b) are partial cross-sectional schematic front views of the sliding door assembly with a portion omitted.

[0033] Figure 17 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of an example of a sliding door panel of the sliding door device, and (b) is a partially exploded cross-sectional perspective view of the sliding door panel. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] In some of the figures, some of the detailed reference numerals assigned to other figures have been omitted.

[0036] In the following embodiments, based on an example of a sliding door device of each embodiment that has been constructed and equipped with a sensor unit of each embodiment, directions such as the up and down directions will be explained.

[0037] Figures 1 to 11 This diagram schematically illustrates an example of a sliding door device equipped with a sensor unit according to the first embodiment, and an example of a basic operation performed in the sliding door device.

[0038] like Figure 8 As shown in (a) to (c), the sliding door device 1 of this embodiment includes: a sliding door panel 30; and a drive mechanism 50 for sliding the sliding door panel 30 in the door width direction. With this structure, driving the drive mechanism 50 allows the sliding door panel 30 to move in the opening and closing (opening and locking) direction. That is, the sliding door panel 30 can function as an automatic door.

[0039] The sliding door device 1 can be installed in various locations, including ordinary residential buildings such as detached houses or apartment buildings, public facilities such as hotels, medical facilities, and welfare facilities, commercial facilities such as offices, and various shops. In this embodiment, as... Figure 1 (a), (b) and Figure 2 As shown in (a) and (b), an example of constructing a single sliding door panel 30 in a single-leaf sliding configuration is illustrated. The illustration shows the configuration of the sleeve wall 4 along which the sliding door panel 30 is positioned in the open (fully open) position. That is, it illustrates an example of constructing the sliding door panel 30 with the sleeve wall retracted. Hereinafter, the side opposite to the side with the sleeve wall 4 in the door thickness direction will be described as the indoor side, and the side with the sleeve wall 4 on the other side in the door thickness direction will be described as the outdoor side; however, the opposite configuration is also possible.

[0040] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the sliding door device 1 includes an upper track 40 that guides the upper end of the sliding door panel 30 in the door width direction. This upper track 40 and the drive mechanism 50 can be used to form a door opening / closing device 2 for opening and closing the sliding door panel 30. The upper track 40 is fixed to an upper frame 5, which serves as the fixing object. The sliding door device 1 may also include a door frame that includes the upper frame 5.

[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in (a) and (b), a door frame is installed at an opening in the wall 3 of a building. The door frame includes: an upper frame 5 (upper track 40) that divides the upper side of the entrance 9, which is opened and closed via the sliding door panel 30; a front side longitudinal frame 6, disposed on the front side of the sliding door panel 30; a rear side longitudinal frame 7, disposed on the rear side of the sliding door panel 30; and a middle mullion 8. The middle mullion 8 is arranged along the end of the entrance 9 side of the sleeve wall 4, dividing the entrance 9 on both sides in the width direction of the opening width, together with the front side longitudinal frame 6. The upper frame 5 is not limited to the structure shown in the illustration, where it is installed along the lower end of the cantilever wall; it can also be attached to or embedded in the ceiling. The lower side of the entrance 9 can also be divided by the floor or a suitable lower frame.

[0042] The upper frame 5 is elongated in the width direction of the door. The length of the upper frame 5 is approximately twice the width of the sliding door panel 30. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the upper frame 5 is provided with a receiving groove 5b that receives the upper part of the fixing part 47 provided on the upper track 40 (described later). The upper frame 5 can be fixed to a suitable upper frame base such as a lintel by means of fasteners such as threaded parts or nails.

[0043] The front side longitudinal frame 6, the rear side longitudinal frame 7, and the central mullion 8 are elongated strips in the vertical direction (up and down). The length of these front side longitudinal frames 6, rear side longitudinal frames 7, and central mullion 8 is approximately the same as the height of the sliding door panel 30 plus the vertical dimensions of the upper track 40 (including the drive mechanism 50) and the upper frame 5. Alternatively, the front side longitudinal frames 6 and rear side longitudinal frames 7 can be fixed to a suitable longitudinal frame base such as a post by fasteners. Alternatively, these front side longitudinal frames 6 and rear side longitudinal frames 7 and the upper frame 5 can be assembled into a three-sided frame shape and fixed to the longitudinal frame base and the upper frame base. The illustration shows an example where the upper ends of these front side longitudinal frames 6 and rear side longitudinal frames 7 are abutted (bearing) against the long side faces of the upper frame 5, and these front side longitudinal frames 6 and rear side longitudinal frames 7 and the upper frame 5 are assembled into a longitudinally extending frame shape.

[0044] Furthermore, in the illustration, door embedding grooves are provided on the mutually facing depth surfaces of these door front side longitudinal frames 6 and door rear side longitudinal frames 7 to receive the ends (door front side ends and door rear side ends) of the sliding door panel 30 in the door width direction.

[0045] The mullion 8 can also have its upper end fixed to the upper frame 5 and its lower end fixed to the floor. In the illustration, a gap-covering member made of mohair or the like is provided at the end of the mullion 8 on the side of the sliding door panel 30, which is in frictional contact with the surface (second surface) 32 of the sliding door panel 30 in the thickness direction. As a door frame, it is not limited to the structure described above; in addition, it can be made into various other structures depending on the storage form of the sliding door panel 30.

[0046] The sliding door panel 30 is made into a roughly rectangular flat plate that is elongated in one direction (vertical direction). The height (length) dimension of the sliding door panel 30 can be any dimension corresponding to the opening height of the entrance 9 that is opened and closed by the sliding door panel 30, or it can be a standard door height dimension, for example, about 1800mm to 2100mm. The sliding door panel 30 can also be configured as a high door with a door height dimension approximately the same as the ceiling height, for example, about 2300mm to 3000mm. The door thickness dimension of the sliding door panel 30 can also be about 20mm to 40mm. The door width dimension of the sliding door panel 30 can also be, for example, about 500mm to 1800mm. When installed indoors, the sliding door panel 30 can also be a relatively lightweight panel such as a so-called glossy panel, which is a structure in which a surface element is glued to a panel core consisting of a frame-shaped core made of a material commonly used for indoor sliding doors, such as wood or metal. The sliding door panel 30 is not limited to such a glossy panel; it can be made into an appropriate structure depending on the installation location, etc.

[0047] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, guide members 43, 43, which are slidably suspended and held by the upper rail 40, are connected to the upper ends of both sides of the sliding door panel 30 in the door width direction. That is, in this embodiment, the sliding door device 1 is configured to be a type of structure that is suspended above the sliding door panel 30 for opening and closing. Mounting portions for mounting the guide members 43, 43 are provided at the upper ends of both sides of the sliding door panel 30 in the door width direction. As mounting portions of the sliding door panel 30, they can be configured as recessed cup-shaped portions with openings on the upper ends of both sides of the sliding door panel 30 in the door width direction, facing outward and upward in the door width direction, for the mounting portions to be inserted.

[0048] The guided components 43, 43 include rotating bodies 44, 44, which are inserted into guide grooves 41 provided in the upper rail 40 and travel on the guide plate portion of the upper rail 40. The illustration shows an example where rotating bodies 44, which rotate about axes along the door thickness direction, are respectively provided on both sides of the guide body of the guided component 43 in the door thickness direction. These rotating bodies 44, 44 on both sides of the door thickness direction can also be provided at multiple locations spaced apart in the door width direction of the guide body of the guided component 43.

[0049] A drive mechanism 50 is connected to one of the guided members 43, 43 on one side (e.g., the door head side) in the door width direction. That is, the guided member 43 on that side can be slid in the door width direction by the drive mechanism 50, and the guided member 43 on the other side, which is not connected to the drive mechanism 50, can be said to slide passively in the door width direction.

[0050] The guided components 43 are not limited to the structure described above, and can be made into a suitable structure corresponding to the upper track 40. A guide groove or the like can also be provided at the lower end of the sliding door panel 30 for inserting the lower end guide component such as the guide pin provided on the floor side.

[0051] The upper track 40 is elongated in the width direction of the sliding door panel 30, and its length is approximately twice the width of the door panel 30. The drive mechanism 50 may be fixed to the first half of the upper track 40 along its long side (the long side direction of the track, which is the door head side in the illustration). The length of the upper track 40 can also be set to be less than twice the door width. The length of the upper track 40 can be appropriately determined by corresponding to the overlap dimension between the rear end of the sliding door panel 30 in the locked position and the central mullion 8 (sleeve 4), and the remaining dimension of the fully opened sliding door panel 30. Figure 2 (b) shows an example where the sliding door panel 30 does not have a remaining opening when fully open. That is, the sliding door panel 30 is a structure in which the end face of the door head and the side (depth face) of the middle stile 8 (sleeve wall 4) facing the entrance 9 are approximately the same plane when fully open.

[0052] A guide groove 41, which receives the guide body of the guided component 43, is provided on the upper rail 40 with a downward opening. The guide groove 41 extends across the entire length of the upper rail 40. The guide body of the guided component 43 is inserted into the guide groove 41 for guidance. The upper rail 40 includes: a bottom plate-like portion that defines the bottom of the guide groove 41; side plate-like portions that define both sides of the guide groove 41 in the groove width direction; and guide plates that extend from the lower ends of these side plate-like portions in a mutually facing direction. The upper rail 40 has two protruding portions 42, 42 that protrude upward from both sides of the groove width direction (door thickness direction) edge on the upper surface side of the bottom plate-like portion.

[0053] At the leading end of the guide plate portion on both sides, protruding strips extending upwards are provided to span the entire length of the track 40. Annular grooves provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the rotating bodies 44, 44 of the guided member 43 engage with these protruding strips of the guide plate portion, and the rotating bodies 44, 44 travel along these protruding strips of the guide plate portion.

[0054] The upper track 40 is not limited to a structure having a guide plate portion for the travel of each rotating body 44, 44 that is spaced apart on both sides in the door thickness direction. The upper track 40 may, for example, be a structure having a guide plate portion that holds the rotating body 44, which is only provided on one side of the guided member 43 in the door thickness direction, in a snap-fit ​​manner, or it may be made into various other structures.

[0055] The upper track 40 is provided with a fixing part 47 for fixing the upper track 40 relative to the upper frame 5. The fixing part 47 is provided such that it protrudes upward from the bottom plate-like part of the upper track 40. In the illustration, a plurality of fixing parts 47 are provided at intervals along the long side of the upper track 40. These plurality of fixing parts 47 are provided in the empty space of the component where the drive mechanism 50 is not provided, and the drive mechanism 50 is provided on the upper track 40. These fixing parts 47 may also be fixed relative to the upper frame 5 by fasteners such as threaded members as described later, but they may also be made into a structure in which they are held or temporarily held in a hook-and-loop fastener provided on the upper frame 5.

[0056] The drive mechanism 50 is fixed to the upper track 40. With such a structure, the upper track 40 can be fixed relative to a fixed object such as the upper frame 5 of the door frame on which the sliding door panel 30 is installed, while the drive mechanism 50 and the upper track 40 are integrated.

[0057] like Figures 6-8 As shown, the drive mechanism 50 includes driven rotating wheels 53, 53 disposed at positions spaced apart in the door width direction. The drive mechanism 50 includes a rope-like transmission body 52 wound around each of the driven rotating wheels 53, 53 and connected to the guided member 43; and a drive unit 51 that transmits drive to the rope-like transmission body 52. ​​With this structure, when the drive unit 51 is driven, the guided member 43 connected to the rope-like transmission body 52 moves in the door width direction, enabling the sliding door panel 30 to move in the opening and closing direction.

[0058] The drive unit 51 is positioned between the driven rotating wheels 53, 53 on both sides. This drive unit 51 is located above the upper track 40. The drive unit 51 can be a motor that rotates the drive rotating wheel wound around the rope-like transmission body 52. ​​With this structure, compared to a structure where the drive rotating wheel and drive unit 51 are located on one end in the door width direction, a more compact size along the door width direction can be achieved. Furthermore, compared to a structure where the drive rotating wheel and drive unit 51 are located on one side of the upper track 40 in the door thickness direction, a more compact size along the door thickness direction can be achieved. Through these advantages, a door frame of the same size as those installed in typical sliding door devices in residential buildings can be installed. Moreover, it can be installed on existing door frames, making it suitable not only for new construction but also for renovations or modifications. Therefore, the sliding door device 1 can be applied to the interiors of existing residential buildings such as detached houses and group houses, public facilities such as hotels, medical facilities, and welfare facilities, commercial facilities such as offices, and various shops. In addition, since the drive mechanism 50 of the sliding door device 1 is compact, it can enable the sliding door panel 30 to function as an automatic door, and even when installed as an interior sliding door, it can reduce the visual incongruity (noise), making it suitable for interior use.

[0059] The driving rotating wheel and the driven rotating wheels 53, 53 on both sides can also be pulleys with annular grooves on their outer peripheral surfaces for engaging with the rope-like transmission body 52 of the rope-like component. These driving rotating wheels, the driven rotating wheels 53, 53 on both sides, and the drive unit 51 can also be fixed relative to the upper track 40 by appropriate fixing members. The motor constituting the drive unit 51 can also be a servo motor or the like, capable of rotating in both directions and having its speed controlled.

[0060] As a rope-like transmission body 52, the connecting portion of the guided component 43 can be fixed to a portion that is formed into a loop, or the two ends in the long side direction can be connected to the two sides in the width direction of the connecting portion to form a generally loop-like shape. The rope-like transmission body 52 can be any structure that is difficult to stretch, such as metal wire, twisted rope made by twisting suitable fibers, or cord made by combining fibers.

[0061] The driving rotating wheel and the driven rotating wheels 53, 53 on both sides of the drive mechanism 50 are not limited to pulleys, but can also be gears (sprockets), etc. The rope-like transmission element 52 is also not limited to a structure that matches these driving rotating wheels and the driven rotating wheels 53, 53 on both sides to form a rope-like component; it can also be a belt, ball chain, chain, etc. In the above example, an example is shown where a driving rotating wheel and a drive unit 51 are provided between the driven rotating wheels 53, 53 on both sides, but this configuration is not limited. One of the driven rotating wheels 53, 53 on both sides can also be used as the driving rotating wheel that winds the rope-like transmission element 52, and the other as the driven rotating wheel. In this case, a structure can be made in which a suitable drive unit 51 is provided on the driving rotating wheel to enable rotational transmission. The drive mechanism 50 is not limited to a structure that has a rope-like transmission element 52 that is displaced by such a driving rotating wheel. For example, the drive mechanism 50 can be made into various other structures, such as a connecting part that is displaced in the door width direction by a screw rotated by the drive unit 51 and connected to the guided member 43.

[0062] like Figure 9 As shown, the sliding door device 1 includes a drive-side control unit 55, which serves as a control unit for controlling the drive mechanism 50. The drive-side control unit 55 will be described in detail later, and it selectively executes a first mode and a second mode.

[0063] The drive-side control unit 55 is connected to the drive unit 51 via appropriate signal lines, etc., and controls the rotation of the motor constituting the drive unit 51. The drive-side control unit 55 controls the drive unit 51 to rotate forward or backward, moving the sliding door panel 30 to either the fully open or locked position. The drive-side control unit 55 can be a microcomputer (MCU) including a control circuit such as a CPU and various memories (storage units) such as ROM and RAM that store programs including examples of basic operations described later. Figure 7 As shown, the drive-side control unit 55 is disposed in the control block 54, which is mounted on the upper track 40 on the side of the drive unit 51 in the door width direction. The control block 54 includes a power supply unit that supplies drive power to the drive unit 51. In the illustration, the control block 54 is a roughly rectangular prism-shaped strip in the door width direction.

[0064] like Figure 9As shown, the sliding door device 1 includes a position detection unit 56 for detecting the position of the sliding door panel 30. This position detection unit 56 can be configured to detect at least the locked and fully open positions of the sliding door panel 30, and can also be configured to detect the absolute position of the sliding door panel 30. For example, the position detection unit 56 can have a detection rotating wheel that rotates a variable resistor by rotating a rope-like drive body 52. ​​With such a configuration, the absolute position of the sliding door panel 30 can be detected by the resistance value (voltage) of the variable resistor. This position detection unit 56 is connected to the drive-side control unit 55 via a signal line or the like. Based on the position information and movement direction (locked side or open side) information of the sliding door panel 30 obtained from the position detection unit 56, the drive unit 51 is controlled, and the sliding door panel 30 is moved in the opening and closing direction. For example, the position detection unit 56 can be provided on the upper track 40 between one of the driven rotating wheels 53 and the control block 54 (see reference). Figure 16 ).

[0065] The sliding door device 1 includes a receiving unit 35 connected to a drive-side control unit 55, and detection units 16 and 26, which constitute an operating unit for receiving operations to slide the sliding door panel 30 and for detecting objects. The sliding door device 1 includes a transmitting unit 19 that wirelessly transmits the detection signals (operation signals) from the detection units 16 and 26 to the receiving unit 35. With this structure, the detection signals from the detection units 16 and 26 can be wirelessly transmitted to the receiving unit 35 connected to the drive-side control unit 55, eliminating the need for wiring connecting the detection units 16 and 26 to the drive mechanism 50. When a detection object, such as a hand, approaches the detection units 16 and 26, which constitute the operating unit, the drive mechanism 50 is controlled, allowing the sliding door panel 30 to move in the opening and closing direction. That is, the sliding door panel 30 can be moved in the opening and closing direction non-contactly without operating open / close buttons, improving convenience and hygiene. The transmitting unit 19 is located on one side in the door thickness direction. An example of the specific structure of the detection units 16 and 26 and the sending unit 19 will be described later.

[0066] The receiving unit 35 is connected to the drive-side control unit 55 via signal lines or the like. This receiving unit 35 is housed in the receiving unit 34 mounted on the upper rail 40. With this structure, compared to, for example, a structure where the receiving unit 34 is placed at a suitable location on the wall 3, wiring to connect various devices such as the drive-side control unit 55 and the power supply unit, which are mounted on the upper rail 40, to the receiving unit 34 can be easily performed. Figure 6As shown in (a) and (b), a holding part 45 is provided on either side of the upper track 40 in the door thickness direction. This holding part 45 can selectively install and hold the receiving unit 34, which constitutes the receiving part. With such a structure, the sending part 19, which will be described later, can be provided on either side in the door thickness direction. That is, the receiving unit 34 can be installed on the side of the upper track 40 where the sending part 19 is provided in the door thickness direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare an upper track 40 with the receiving unit 34 on one side in the door thickness direction and an upper track 40 with the receiving unit 34 on the other side in the door thickness direction as different components according to the installation location. Instead, the upper track 40 and the receiving unit 34 can be made into universal (common) components.

[0067] One of the receiving unit 34 and the holding part 45 is provided with a locking recess 46 that receives the locking protrusion 38 provided on the other. With this structure, the receiving unit 34 can be mounted relative to the holding part 45 by inserting the locking protrusion 38 into the locking recess 46 of one party. Therefore, compared to structures that require, for example, threaded connections to mount the receiving unit 34 relative to the holding part 45, assemblability is improved.

[0068] The locking protrusion 38 and the locking recess 46 are configured to lock into each other to suppress downward and horizontal movement of the receiving unit 34 mounted relative to the holding part 45 from the top. With this structure, the receiving unit 34 can be easily mounted by locking it relative to the holding part 45 of the upper rail 40 from the top. Furthermore, since the receiving unit 34 is suppressed from moving downward and horizontally relative to the holding part 45 by locking the locking protrusion 38 in the locking recess 46, the upper rail 40 can be fixed to the upper frame 5, which is the object to be fixed, while the receiving unit 34 is mounted.

[0069] A locking protrusion 38 is provided on the receiving unit 34, and a locking recess 46 is provided on both sides of the retaining part 45 in the thickness direction. For example, if the structure is made such that the locking protrusion 38 is provided on both sides of the retaining part 45 in the thickness direction, the locking protrusion 38 may become an obstacle on the side where the receiving unit 34 is not installed, but there is no such concern with the above structure.

[0070] like Figure 8As shown in (c), the receiving unit 34 is mounted on the holding part 45, and with the upper rail 40 fixed to the upper frame 5 (which serves as the fixing object), the upper surface 34a of the receiving unit 34 abuts against or nearly faces the lower surface 5a of the upper frame 5. With this structure, as long as the receiving unit 34 is mounted on the holding part 45 by engaging the mutual locking protrusions 38 and locking recesses 46 as described above, and the upper rail 40 is fixed to the upper frame 5, the upper surface 34a of the receiving unit 34 abuts against or nearly faces the lower surface 5a of the upper frame 5. Thus, by engaging the lower surface 5a of the upper frame 5 and the mutual locking of the locking recesses 46 and locking protrusions 38, movement of the receiving unit 34 is suppressed, and undesirable detachment of the receiving unit 34 can be prevented. When the upper surface 34a of the receiving unit 34 is close to the lower surface 5a of the upper frame 5, the size between the lower surface 5a and the upper surface 34a is set to an appropriate size so that the locking recess 46 and the locking protrusion 38 will not be released.

[0071] Specifically, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a retaining part 45 is provided at one end of the upper track 40 along its long side. This retaining part 45 protrudes upwards from the bottom plate-like portion of the upper track 40. The retaining part 45 can be integrally provided with the upper track 40, or it can be separately provided and fixed relative to the upper track 40 by suitable fasteners or the like. In the illustration, the retaining part 45 is made into a generally cuboid shape and is fixed to the upper track 40 by being inserted between the protrusions 42, 42 on both sides of the upper track 40. The retaining part 45 is provided at one end of the upper track 40 along its long side, with its side surface along the long side being approximately the same plane as the end face of the upper track 40 along its long side. The dimensions of the retaining part 45 along the vertical direction can also be set appropriately so that it does not interfere with the upper frame 5 when the upper track 40 is fixed to the upper frame 5. In the illustration, the vertical dimension of the retaining part 45 is set to be smaller than the vertical dimension of the fixing part 47 whose upper end is received in the receiving groove 5b of the upper frame 5.

[0072] The retaining portion 45 is provided with a first locking recess 46A on one side in the door thickness direction and a second locking recess 46B on the other side in the door thickness direction as a locking recess 46. That is, the retaining portion 45 is provided with a first locking recess 46A that locks the locking protrusion 38 when the receiving unit 34 is installed on its door thickness direction side, and a second locking recess 46B that locks the locking protrusion 38 when the receiving unit 34 is installed on its door thickness direction side.

[0073] These first locking recesses 46A and second locking recesses 46B are configured to be positioned symmetrically when viewed in the track width direction (door thickness direction). In this embodiment, multiple (two in the example) first locking recesses 46A and second locking recesses 46B are provided at intervals along the long side of the track on both sides of the retaining portion 45 in the door thickness direction. Since these first locking recesses 46A and second locking recesses 46B have the same structure, one of them will be used as an example for the following description as locking recess 46.

[0074] The locking recess 46 is provided on the outer side of the retaining portion 45 in the door thickness direction, opening upwards and outwards in the door thickness direction. The locking recess 46 extends in the vertical direction. On both sides of the opening edge in the width direction (long side direction of the track) of the locking recess 46 in the door thickness direction, anti-loosening wall portions, which are the large-diameter anti-loosening portions of the locking protrusion 38 described later, are formed to reduce the opening width. The dimensions of the locking recess 46 in the vertical direction, the depth dimension in the door thickness direction, and the width dimension between the anti-loosening wall portions on both sides are set to appropriate dimensions to allow for the reception of the locking protrusion 38 and to suppress the downward and horizontal movement of the received locking protrusion 38 relative to the retaining portion 45.

[0075] The receiving unit 34 is mounted relative to the retaining part 45 along one side of the upper track 40 in the door thickness direction and the other side in the door thickness direction. The receiving unit 34 is generally cuboid in shape. In the illustration, the receiving unit 34 is mounted on the retaining part 45 such that one side of the receiving unit 34 in the long side direction of the track is substantially the same plane as the end face of the upper track 40 in the long side direction, and its lower surface is substantially the same plane as the lower surface of the upper track 40. On the upper track 40 side of the receiving unit 34, a locking protrusion 38 is provided in a manner that protrudes along the door thickness direction. In this embodiment, in the receiving unit 34, a plurality of locking protrusions 38, 38 are provided at intervals in the long side direction of the track, and the plurality of locking protrusions 38, 38 respectively engage with locking recesses 46, 46 provided at multiple locations in the long side direction of the track. These locking protrusions 38, 38 are configured to be located at the center of the receiving unit 34 along the long side of the track and at one end along the long side of the track, where the size of the receiving unit 34 is larger than that of the holding portion 45. At the protruding front end of these locking protrusions 38, 38, a large-diameter portion larger than the base end portion is provided.

[0076] In the illustration, these locking protrusions 38, 38 are made into male threaded parts that engage with the female threaded parts 39 provided in the receiving unit 34, and their thread heads are made into a large diameter portion. In the illustration, in the receiving unit 34, three female threaded parts 39 are provided at intervals along the long side of the track, and locking protrusions 38, 38 are provided corresponding to the mounting side of the retaining part 45, with which two of them are selectively engaged. That is, when the receiving unit 34 is mounted on the opposite side of the track relative to the retaining part 45, it is also possible to make a structure in which the locking protrusions 38 engaged in the female threaded parts 39 on one side of the track along the long side are removed and engaged in the female threaded parts 39 on the other side of the track along the long side.

[0077] Alternatively, an insertion port for inserting a connection terminal located on the other can be provided on one of the receiving unit 34 and the holding part 45. For example, the holding part 45 may be provided with a connection terminal that can be electrically connected to the drive-side control unit 55 and the power supply unit via a wire that can be led out from either side in the door thickness direction, and the receiving unit 34 may be provided with an insertion port for inserting this connection terminal. Alternatively, a structure may be constructed in which the drive-side control unit 55 or the power supply unit, etc., are electrically connected to various devices including the receiving unit 35 by inserting the connection terminal into the insertion port. It is also possible to press the remaining wire of the connection terminal into the empty space within the receiving unit 34 or the holding part 45.

[0078] The locking protrusion 38 of the receiving unit 34 and the locking recess 46 of the retaining part 45 that locks it are not limited to the example described above, and can be made into various other structures. In the example described above, the locking protrusion 38 is provided in the receiving unit 34 and the locking recess 46 is provided in the retaining part 45, but they can also be provided on opposite sides. That is, the locking protrusion 38 can be provided in the retaining part 45 and the locking recess 46 can be provided in the receiving unit 34.

[0079] The receiving unit 35, located in the receiving unit 34, is configured to receive signals transmitted from the transmitting unit 19. These transmitting units 19 and receiving units 35 are appropriately structured to accommodate different door heights of the sliding door panel 30. These transmitting units 19 and receiving units 35 can also be configured to transmit and receive infrared communication. In this case, an appropriate light-emitting part, such as an infrared LED, can be provided in the transmitting unit 19 to emit infrared light, and an appropriate light-receiving part can be provided in the receiving unit 35 to receive infrared light. In this case, an appropriate transmission part, such as a filter, can be provided on the lower surface of the receiving unit 34 to allow infrared light from the transmitting unit 19 to pass through. The transmitting units 19 and receiving units 35 can also be configured to use various other wireless communication methods.

[0080] like Figure 2 (d) and Figure 9 As shown, the receiving unit 34 is provided with a mode switching operation unit 36 ​​for switching between the first mode and the second mode, which will be described later. With such a structure, the mode switching operation unit 36 ​​can be made inconspicuous (not conspicuous), and the situation of performing unwanted switching operations can be suppressed.

[0081] In the illustration, the mode switching operation unit 36 ​​is made into a sliding switch that slides on the lower surface of the receiving unit 34, but it is not limited to this structure.

[0082] The receiving unit 34 is provided with a setting time change operation unit 37, which changes the predetermined setting time for maintaining the sliding door panel 30 in the open position (fully open position) in the first mode described later. With this structure, it is possible to change the desired time for maintaining the open position in the first mode. In the illustration, one of the multiple dual in-line package switches provided on the lower surface of the receiving unit 34 is used as the setting time change operation unit 37, but the structure is not limited to this.

[0083] The receiving unit 34 may also include a speed-changing operation unit for adjusting the opening and closing speed of the sliding door panel 30, or a channel-switching operation unit for switching channels to suppress communication interference with the transmitting unit 19 of other sliding door devices 1. The receiving unit 34 may also include a light-emitting unit such as an LED as a display unit for showing the operation status. The receiving unit 34 may also include a sound-emitting unit such as a buzzer as a reporting unit for reporting the operation.

[0084] In the example described above, a mode switching operation unit 36 ​​and a time setting change operation unit 37 are provided on the receiving unit 34 mounted on the upper track 40. However, all or some of these units may also be provided at an appropriate location on the wall 3 or on the sensor unit 10 described later. Furthermore, in the example described above, the receiving unit 34 is mounted on the upper track 40, but it may also be mounted on the cover 48 described later.

[0085] like Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the sliding door assembly 1 includes covers 48, 48 on both sides of the upper track 40 in the door thickness direction, which are arranged to cover the space between the upper frame 5 and the upper track 40. This structure makes the drive mechanism 50 and other components located on the upper side of the upper track 40 less conspicuous. These covers 48, 48 are arranged to cover not only the space between the upper frame 5 and the upper track 40 but also the outer side of the upper track 40 in the door thickness direction. These covers 48, 48 are elongated curtain-like structures along the long side of the track. The covers 48 located on the side opposite to the sleeve wall 4 (indoor side) in the door thickness direction are as follows... Figure 1As shown in (a), the length is made corresponding to the dimension along the long side of the track between the longitudinal frame 7 on the door tail side and the receiving unit 34. The cover 48, located on the sleeve wall 4 side (outdoor side) which is the opposite side of the door thickness direction, is as follows... Figure 1 As shown in (b), the length is made to correspond to the dimension along the long side of the track between the side longitudinal frame 6 and the central stile 8.

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown, these covers 48, 48 are provided with locking portions 49, 49 that engage with the upper rail 40 as locking portions. These locking portions 49, 49 and the upper rail 40's protrusions 42, 42 are configured to interlock to suppress downward and door thickness-direction movement of the covers 48, 48 mounted relative to the upper rail 40. These locking portions 49, 49 are provided to protrude from the midpoint of the vertical direction of the surface of each cover 48, 48 facing the upper rail 40 toward the center (upper rail 40) in the door thickness direction, and are configured with a downward-protruding protrusion at the front end in the protrusion direction. These covers 48, 48 are mounted on the upper rail 40, and with the upper rail 40 fixed to the upper frame 5, their respective upper end surfaces 48a, 48a abut against or nearly face the lower surface 5a of the upper frame 5. With this structure, as long as the upper rail 40 is fixed to the upper frame 5 while the locking parts 49, 49 and the tabs 42, 42 are locked together, the upper end faces 48a, 48a of each cover 48, 48 will abut or nearly face the lower surface 5a of the upper frame 5. Thus, the movement of the covers 48, 48 is suppressed by the mutual locking of the lower surface 5a of the upper frame 5 and the locking parts 49, 49 and the tabs 42, 42, preventing undesirable detachment of the covers 48, 48. Alternatively, the dimensions between the lower surface 5a and the upper end faces 48a, 48a when the upper end faces 48a, 48a of each cover 48, 48 are close to the lower surface 5a of the upper frame 5 can be set to an appropriate size so that the locking parts 49, 49 and the tabs 42, 42 are not released.

[0087] The lower ends of these covers 48, 48 are provided with engaging protrusions 48b, 48b that engage with the lower ends of the side plate-like portions on both sides of the upper track 40. These engaging protrusions 48b, 48b are provided such that they protrude from the lower ends of each cover 48, 48 toward the center (upper track 40) in the door thickness direction. These engaging protrusions 48b, 48b are close to the lower ends of each side plate-like portion when each cover 48, 48 is installed on the upper track 40. This prevents the locking portions 49, 49 from locking relative to the protruding portions 42, 42. Alternatively, these covers 48, 48 can be installed on the upper track 40 by elastic deformation. These covers 48, 48 can also be, for example, molded synthetic resin articles. As covers 48, 48 that cover the space between the upper frame 5 and the upper track 40, they are not limited to the structure described above. They can also be fixed to the upper track 40 by suitable adhesives or fasteners, or various other structures can be made.

[0088] like Figure 7 As shown, the upper track 40 can also be fixed relative to the upper frame 5 of the door frame provided at the opening, with the drive mechanism 50 assembled thereon and the receiving unit 34 installed on the door thickness side of the holding part 45. In this case, as... Figure 8 As shown in (a) and (b), the covers 48, 48 on both sides in the door thickness direction can be installed onto the upper track 40 while the upper track 40 is temporarily held relative to the upper frame 5 by means of a fastener such as a threaded member or a clip-on to a clip-on part provided on the side of the upper frame 5, thereby fixing the fixing part 47. That is, the covers 48, 48 can be installed onto the upper track 40 while the upper track 40 is temporarily held with a gap formed between the upper surface of the fixing part 47 and the bottom of the receiving groove 5b. Furthermore, as Figure 8 As shown in (c), the fixing part 47 can also be tightened to fix it to the upper frame 5 for formal fixation. This makes the upper surface 34a of the receiving unit 34 and the upper end surfaces 48a, 48a of each cover 48, 48 abut or nearly face each other with the lower surface 5a of the upper frame 5, preventing the receiving unit 34 and each cover 48, 48 from disengaging from the upper track 40.

[0089] Detection units 16 and 26 are located at the door handle position of the sliding door panel 30. This structure allows for easy hand placement on the detection units 16 and 26 when the sliding door panel 30 needs to be moved in the opening / closing direction. Furthermore, when assembling sliding door panels 30 with different door heights, no additional components need to be assembled, enabling component commonality. Additionally, compared to structures where detection units 16 and 26 constituting the operating unit are provided in the wall 3 surrounding the entrance / exit 9, ease of installation is improved.

[0090] like Figure 9As shown, in this embodiment, the detection units 16 and 26 include first sensors 17 and 27, and second sensors 18 and 28 with a narrower detection range than the first sensors 17 and 27, which output detection signals. The second sensors 18 and 28 are configured to operate in a detection state where the first sensors 17 and 27 detect a detection object. With such a structure, when both the first sensors 17 and 27, which have a wider detection range, and the second sensors 18 and 28 detect a detection object, a detection signal is output, thus reducing the likelihood of false detections and undesirable opening and closing. That is, as will be described in detail later, if a finger or the like is brought close to the detection units 16 and 26 while the first sensors 17 and 27 have detected a detection object, the second sensors 18 and 28 will detect it, causing the sliding door panel 30 to move in the opening and closing direction. On the other hand, even if the first sensors 17 and 27 detect a detection object, if a finger or the like is not brought close to the detection units 16 and 26, the second sensors 18 and 28 will not detect it, and the sliding door panel 30 will not open or close. Furthermore, since the second sensors 18 and 28 operate when the first sensors 17 and 27 detect the object being detected, false detections such as those mentioned above can be suppressed, and power saving can be achieved.

[0091] In this embodiment, the detection units 16 and 26, including the first sensors 17 and 27 and the second sensors 18 and 28, and the transmitting unit 19 are provided in the sensor unit 10 installed at the door handle position of the sliding door panel 30.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown in (b), a battery housing 13 is provided at the door handle position of the sliding door panel 30. This battery housing 13 houses the battery 29, which serves as the power source for the detection units 16, 26, and the transmitting unit 19, in a replaceable manner. With this structure, for example, compared to a structure where power is supplied from outside the sliding door panel 30 or where the battery housing 13 is located away from the door handle position, wiring becomes easier, and maintenance such as battery replacement can be performed more easily. In this embodiment, the battery housing 13 is provided in the sensor unit 10. Details will be described later. The sensor unit 10 is provided with a handle portion (handle protrusion 12 and handle recess 23) that serves as the door handle of the sliding door panel 30.

[0093] Detection units 16 and 26 are respectively provided on both sides in the door thickness direction. With this structure, by bringing a detection object such as a hand close to the detection units 16 and 26 respectively provided at the door handle positions on both sides in the door thickness direction, the sliding door panel 30 can be slid in the door width direction. The detection units 16 and 26 include an indoor side detection unit 16, which detects the detection object on the first side 31 of one of the two sides of the sliding door panel 30 in the door thickness direction, and an outdoor side detection unit 26, which detects the detection object on the second side 32 of the other side.

[0094] The indoor detection unit 16 and the transmitting unit 19 are provided on the side of the first sensor housing 11, which is provided on the side of the first surface 31 at the door handle position in a manner that protrudes in the door thickness direction. The outdoor detection unit 26 is provided on the side of the second sensor housing 21, which is provided on the side of the second surface 32 at the door handle position in a manner that the surface 21a and the second surface 32 are substantially the same plane. With such a structure, the effective opening width can be increased, and the gap with the wall (in this embodiment, the sleeve wall 4) can be reduced. That is, by constructing the sliding door panel 30 so that the second surface 32, which is the side of the second sensor housing 21, faces the wall, it is not necessary to provide a pull-out portion or increase the gap between the sliding door panel 30 and the wall. In addition, since the transmitting unit 19 is provided on the side of the first sensor housing 11 that protrudes in the door thickness direction, communication obstacles with the receiving unit 35 can be suppressed.

[0095] like Figure 4 (b) and Figure 5 As shown in (b), the first sensor housing 11 and the second sensor housing 21 are made as separate parts, allowing them to be installed on either side of the sliding door panel 30 in the door thickness direction. With this structure, the first sensor housing 11 and the second sensor housing 21 can be installed on the sliding door panel 30 with the second sensor housing 21 (the non-protruding side) facing the wall, depending on whether the sliding door panel 30 is constructed for right-hand or left-hand (left-right sliding configuration). In other words, the first sensor housing 11 and the second sensor housing 21 can be made as universal components regardless of the left-right sliding configuration of the sliding door panel 30.

[0096] On the first surface 31 side of the first sensor housing 11, a protruding portion in the door thickness direction forms a handle protrusion 12, and the second sensor housing 21 is provided with a handle recess 23 that opens on surface 21a, also serving as a handle. With such a structure, when the sliding door panel 30 is opened and closed manually, the hand can be engaged in the handle protrusion 12 of the first sensor housing 11 or the handle recess 23 of the second sensor housing 21 to open and close the sliding door panel 30.

[0097] A battery housing 13 and a cover 14 for opening and closing the battery housing 13 are provided in one of the first sensor housing portion 11 and the second sensor housing portion 21. This configuration allows for easy battery replacement and other maintenance by opening the cover 14. Compared to a configuration where the battery housing 13 is located at a different door handle position than the first sensor housing portion 11 and the second sensor housing portion 21, wiring becomes easier. In this embodiment, the battery housing 13 and cover 14 are provided on the first sensor housing portion 11 side. This configuration, from the perspectives of preventing malfunctions and maintenance, allows the battery housing 13 and cover 14 to be provided on the side of the first sensor housing portion 11 (indoor side), which serves as the receiving portion 35. This allows for easy battery replacement and other maintenance on the indoor side, and also prevents unwanted battery removal on the outdoor side.

[0098] The first sensor housing portion 11 and the second sensor housing portion 21 are elongated in the door height direction. Marking portions 11d and 21d are provided on the surfaces 11a and 21a of the first sensor housing portion 11 and the second sensor housing portion 21 as markers indicating the approach of a detected object. On the surfaces 11a and 21a of the first sensor housing portion 11 and the second sensor housing portion 21, a detection window (second detection window) 11c and 21c of one of the first sensors 17 and 27 and the second sensors 18 and 28, adjacent to each other on the door height side of the marking portions 11d and 21d, is provided. On the surfaces 11a and 21a of the first sensor housing portion 11 and the second sensor housing portion 21, a detection window (first detection window) 11b and 21b of the other of the first sensors 17 and 27 and the second sensors 18 and 28, adjacent to each other on the door height side of the second detection window 11c and 21c, is provided. With this structure, it is easy for users to identify parts such as hands that are approaching. Furthermore, the approaching hands can be effectively detected by the second sensors 18 and 28, which are positioned adjacent to the marking sections 11d and 21d. In addition, since the first detection windows 11b and 21b of the first sensors 17 and 27 are positioned adjacent to the second detection windows 11c and 21c of the second sensors 18 and 28 in the door height direction, the functional components can be integrated while the marking sections 11d and 21d are configured as described above.

[0099] Specifically, these first sensor housing portion 11 and second sensor housing portion 21 are as follows: Figures 3-5 The sensor unit 10 is configured as shown. With this structure, wiring for supplying power from outside the sensor unit 10 is no longer required.

[0100] The first sensor housing 11 and the second sensor housing 21 are integrated by inserting their respective insertion portions into mounting holes 33 that are provided through the door handle position of the sliding door panel 30 in the door thickness direction, and then assembled with fasteners such as threaded parts. The mounting hole 33 is provided at an appropriate height position at the door head side end of the sliding door panel 30 so that the height position of the sensor unit 10 is a height position that is easy to grip with a hand.

[0101] like Figure 3 As shown, the sensor unit 10 is generally rectangular in shape when the first sensor housing portion 11 and the second sensor housing portion 21 are assembled together. The length dimension of the first sensor housing portion 11 and the width dimension of the second sensor housing portion 21 along the door height direction (vertical direction) are set to be approximately the same as each other.

[0102] like Figure 2 (c) and Figure 3 As shown in (c) to (f), the handle protrusion 12 of the first sensor housing portion 11 includes a flange-like portion. This flange-like portion is made larger than the dimensions of the mounting hole 33 along the door height direction and along the door width direction, so as to cover the entire periphery of the opening of the mounting hole 33. The handle protrusion 12 may also be provided on a portion of the first sensor housing portion 11 in the door height direction or a portion of the door width direction. In the illustration, it is formed by a portion that protrudes uniformly from the first surface 31 across the entire length of the first sensor housing portion 11 in both the door height and door width directions. The protrusion dimension of the handle protrusion 12 from the first surface 31 can be appropriately sized from the viewpoints of handleability and aesthetics. For example, the protrusion dimension of the handle protrusion 12 from the first surface 31 can be approximately 5 mm to 20 mm, and preferably less than 10 mm.

[0103] like Figure 4 As shown in (b), the battery housing 13 of the first sensor housing 11 is provided with an opening on the surface 11a of the first sensor housing 11 facing outward in the door thickness direction. In the illustration, the battery housing 13 is configured to house multiple (four in the illustration) cylindrical batteries (primary batteries) 29. The batteries 29 housed in the battery housing 13 are not limited to cylindrical types; they can also be flat six-layer batteries or so-called button batteries, etc. At the bottom of the battery housing 13, there is an insertion hole for inserting a fastener such as a threaded member that engages with the female threaded portion of the second sensor housing 21. Alternatively, the first sensor housing 11 and the second sensor housing 21 can be mated by inserting their respective insertion portions into the mounting holes 33, and then the fastener can be screwed onto the sliding door panel 30 by engaging the female threaded portion of the second sensor housing 21 with the fastener through the insertion hole at the bottom of the battery housing 13.

[0104] The cover 14 is configured to be easily installed and removed from the first sensor housing 11 by being inserted into the opening of the battery housing 13. The cover 14 is configured such that, when installed on the first sensor housing 11, its surface is substantially the same plane as the surface 11a that constitutes the first sensor housing 11.

[0105] The cover 14 is configured to be mounted relative to the first sensor housing 11 by means of a fastener such as a threaded member screwed into the second sensor housing 21 side. With such a structure, compared to a structure where both the removal of the cover 14 and the removal of the battery 29 can be performed on the first sensor housing 11 side, the undesirable removal of the battery 29 can be suppressed.

[0106] At the first end (upper end in the illustration) along the long side of the cover 14, a engaging protrusion is provided as an engaging portion, which engages (embeds into) an engaging recess (is the engaged portion) provided on the inner wall of the battery housing 13. On the back side (second sensor housing 21 side) of the second end (lower end in the illustration) along the long side of the cover 14, as shown... Figure 5 As shown in (b), a female threaded portion is provided that engages with a fastener screwed into the second sensor housing portion 21. The cover 14 is mounted relative to the first sensor housing portion 11 by inserting the upper engagement protrusion into the engagement recess of the battery housing portion 13 and by screwing the fastener from the second sensor housing portion 21 side to the female threaded portion at the lower end. The cover 14 can be detached from the first sensor housing portion 11 by removing the fastener that engages with the female threaded portion at the lower end of the cover 14 from the second sensor housing portion 21 side and by disengaging the upper engagement protrusion from the engagement recess of the battery housing portion 13.

[0107] As for the mounting configuration of the cover 14, it is not limited to the structure described above, and various other structures can be made. Furthermore, the cover 14 is only required to be a structure that allows the opening of the battery housing 13 to be opened and closed so that the battery 29 can be replaced. It is not limited to a structure that can be freely attached to and detached from the first sensor housing 11, and it can also be connected to the first sensor housing 11 by rotating freely with one end as a fulcrum.

[0108] like Figure 4 As shown, a marking portion 11d is provided on the surface 11a side of the first sensor housing portion 11 on the surface side of the cover 14. The marking portion 11d can be text such as "cover with your hand" or a finger pattern, or it can be a pictograph.

[0109] The second detection window 11c on the surface 11a side of the first sensor housing 11 is provided above the door height side of the marking part 11d. The second sensor (indoor side second sensor) 18 of the first sensor housing 11 is provided on the back side (second sensor housing 21 side) of the second detection window 11c.

[0110] The first detection window 11b on the surface 11a side of the first sensor housing 11 is positioned above the second detection window 11c on the side that is in the door height direction. The first sensor (indoor side first sensor) 17 of the first sensor housing 11 is positioned on the back side (second sensor housing 21 side) of the first detection window 11b.

[0111] The first detection windows 11b and the second detection windows 11c are provided at intervals in the door height direction on the upper end of the first sensor housing 11. The first detection windows 11b and the second detection windows 11c may be configured as through holes to expose at least the transmitting part (light-emitting part) and receiving part (light-receiving part) of the indoor first sensor 17 and the indoor second sensor 18, or they may be transparent parts.

[0112] A light-up window 11e is provided on the surface 11a side of the first sensor housing 11, which allows light from the lamp or the like in the battery replacement report section, which serves as a reference for the battery 29 lifespan (battery 29 replacement), to pass through. In the illustration, the light-up window 11e is positioned adjacent to the second detection window 11c on the side in the door width direction.

[0113] A suitable transmission portion 15, such as a filter, is provided in the first sensor housing portion 11 to allow the signal (infrared light) from the transmitting unit 19 to pass through. In the illustration, the transmission portion 15 is configured to form the upper end surface of the handle protrusion 12 of the first sensor housing portion 11. On the back side (lower side) of this transmission portion 15, a light-emitting portion, such as an infrared LED constituting the transmitting unit 19, is provided (see reference). Figure 12 (c)). The transmitting unit 19 can be appropriately structured to transmit a detection signal toward the receiving unit 35 of the receiving unit 34, which is located approximately directly above the receiving unit 34 when the sliding door panel 30 is in the locked position and diagonally above it when the panel is fully open.

[0114] like Figure 2 (c) and Figure 5 As shown in (a), in this embodiment, the second sensor housing portion 21 is configured such that its surface 21a is located slightly outside the door thickness direction than the second surface 32 of the sliding door panel 30. The surface 21a of the second sensor housing portion 21 and the second surface 32 of the sliding door panel 30 are substantially coplanar, and in addition to being completely coplanar, there is also a structure with a step difference of about 3 mm or less between them. From the viewpoint of suppressing interference with the sleeve wall 4 (mole 8), the step difference between the surface 21a of the second sensor housing portion 21 and the second surface 32 is preferably 2 mm or less. In the illustration, an example is shown where a flange-like portion 22 is provided in the second sensor housing portion 21, formed in such a way that it covers the entire periphery of the opening of the mounting hole 33, and the thickness of this flange-like portion 22 constitutes the step difference between the surface 21a of the second sensor housing portion 21 and the second surface 32. Alternatively, a recessed step (recessed section) for receiving the flange-shaped portion 22 can be provided across the entire circumference of the opening periphery of the mounting hole 33.

[0115] like Figure 5As shown, the handle recess 23 of the second sensor housing portion 21 is provided on the surface 21a of the second sensor housing portion 21, opening outward in the door thickness direction. This handle recess 23 is located at the lower end of the second sensor housing portion 21. A through hole is provided with an opening on the bottom side of this handle recess 23, through which a fastener that engages with the female threaded portion at the lower end of the cover 14 is inserted. This structure makes the fastener that secures the cover 14 inconspicuous.

[0116] The depth of the handle recess 23 along the door thickness direction, and the dimensions along the door height and width directions can be set to appropriate sizes so that it can be gripped by hand. The dimensions of the handle recess 23 along the door height and width directions can also be sizes that allow one or more fingers to be inserted. The depth of the handle recess 23 can also be approximately 5mm to 20mm.

[0117] like Figure 5 As shown, the marking portion 21d on the surface 21a side of the second sensor housing portion 21 is provided above the handle recess 23 on the side facing the door height direction. Alternatively, the marking portion 21d may have the same structure as the marking portion 11d described above. Furthermore, these marking portions 11d and 21d may be provided at approximately the same height relative to each other.

[0118] The second detection window 21c on the surface 21a side of the second sensor housing 21 is provided above the marking part 21d in the door height direction. The second sensor (outdoor second sensor) 28 of the second sensor housing 21 is provided on the back side (first sensor housing 11 side) of the second detection window 21c.

[0119] The first detection window 21b on the surface 21a side of the second sensor housing 21 is positioned above the second detection window 21c on the side that is in the door height direction. The first sensor (outdoor first sensor) 27 of the second sensor housing 21 is positioned on the back side (first sensor housing 11 side) of the first detection window 21b.

[0120] These first detection windows 21b and second detection windows 21c are provided at intervals along the door height on the upper end side of the second sensor housing 21. Similar to the above, these first detection windows 21b and second detection windows 21c can be configured as through holes to expose at least the transmitting (light-emitting) and receiving (light-receiving) parts of the outdoor first sensor 27 and the outdoor second sensor 28, or they can be transparent parts. Figure 3As shown in (a) and (b), the first detection window 21b and the second detection window 21c may also be arranged such that they are at approximately the same height as the first detection window 11b and the second detection window 11c of the first sensor housing 11.

[0121] The first sensors 17 and 27 in the first sensor housing 11 and the second sensor housing 21 have the same structure and are designed to have a relatively large detection range. These first sensors 17 and 27 can be human-sensing sensors such as pyroelectric infrared sensors that detect changes in heat (far-infrared radiation). The detection range of these first sensors 17 and 27 can be a region with a diffusion angle of 30 degrees or more in both the horizontal and vertical directions, with a detection distance of approximately 1 m to 10 m, preferably approximately 5 m or less.

[0122] Alternatively, the second sensors 18 and 28 in the first sensor housing 11 and the second sensor housing 21 may have a relatively narrow detection range. Such second sensors 18 and 28 may be reflective infrared rangefinders or similar sensors where the light-emitting and light-receiving parts are integrated. The detection range of these second sensors 18 and 28 may be approximately 10 mm to 500 mm in a roughly straight area along the door thickness direction, preferably 300 mm or less, and more preferably 80 mm or less. With such a structure, objects such as hands can be detected within a relatively close range, reducing the likelihood of unintended opening and closing. These first sensors 17 and 27 and second sensors 18 and 28 are not limited to the structures described above and may be made in various other ways.

[0123] like Figure 9 As shown, the sensor unit 10 is provided with a sensor-side control unit 20, which is connected to the aforementioned transmitting unit 19, indoor detection unit 16, outdoor detection unit 26, battery replacement report unit, etc., via signal lines or the like. This sensor-side control unit 20 can also be configured with the same microcomputer (MCU) as described above. This sensor-side control unit 20 can also be provided on the first sensor housing 11 side. In this case, when assembling the first sensor housing 11 and the second sensor housing 21, the outdoor detection unit 26 provided on the second sensor housing 21 side can be connected to the sensor-side control unit 20 via appropriate connection terminals or the like.

[0124] In the above example, the battery housing 13 and the cover 14 are provided in the first sensor housing 11, but they can also be provided in the second sensor housing 21, or in the door handle position outside the sensor unit 10.

[0125] The sensor unit 10 is not limited to having a separate first sensor housing 11 and a second sensor housing 21 as described above, but can also be integrally formed as in the third embodiment described later. In this case, it can also be configured such that the sensor unit 10 itself can be easily attached to and detached from the sliding door panel 30, and the battery can be replaced.

[0126] In the example above, a handle protrusion 12 and handle recess 23 constituting a handle portion are provided in the sensor unit 10, but the handle portion may also be provided in other parts of the sliding door panel 30.

[0127] In the example above, the upper track 40 is shown to suspend and hold the sliding door panel 30, but it could also be a structure that guides the upper side of the underload type sliding door panel 30.

[0128] Alternatively, a detection unit for detecting objects passing through the entrance / exit 9 and a main power switch can be installed at an appropriate location on the sliding door device 1.

[0129] A suitable locking and unlocking part, such as a barrel lock (hinge) or an electronic lock, may also be provided at an appropriate location on the sliding door device 1. This locking and unlocking part can prevent the sliding door panel 30 in the locked position from moving to the open side in a way that can be released.

[0130] In the example above, the sliding door panel 30 is shown to be constructed in a sleeve-like storage manner so that no remaining opening is formed in the fully open position. However, it can also be constructed in a suitable storage form such as door box storage or external storage. In the case of door box storage, the end of the door head can also be arranged as the remaining opening part on the entrance / exit 9 side so that the sensor unit 10 is exposed when fully open.

[0131] Next, an example of the basic operation performed in the sliding door device 1, which is structured as described above, will be explained.

[0132] Figure 10 This illustrates an example of the basic operation of sensor unit 10. Figure 11 This illustrates an example of the basic operation of the drive mechanism 50. The aforementioned devices are controlled according to control programs pre-stored in the storage units of the sensor-side control unit 20 and the drive-side control unit 55, and the following basic operations are performed.

[0133] The sensor-side control unit 20 activates the second sensors 18 and 28 based on the detection data from the first sensors 17 and 27. That is, as... Figure 10As shown, if the first sensors 17 and 27 detect a detection object such as a human body (step 100), the second sensors 18 and 28 are set to an ON state (start-up state) capable of detection (step 101). In this state, if the second sensors 18 and 28 detect a detection object such as a finger (step 102), a detection signal is sent via the transmitter 19 (step 103). If the first sensors 17 and 27 do not detect a detection object (step 100), the second sensors 18 and 28 are set to an OFF state (stop state) unable to detect (step 104). That is, during the normal operation of the sensor unit 10 (power is on (battery 29 has remaining charge)), the first sensors 17 and 27 are set to a working state where they can always detect, while the second sensors 18 and 28 are set to a working state where they can only detect when the first sensors 17 and 27 are in a detection state. As a result, the time it takes for the power-consuming second sensors 18 and 28 to become operational is shortened, thus saving power.

[0134] In the first mode, the drive-side control unit 55 opens the sliding door panel 30 from the locked position based on the operation (detection) of the operation units (detection units) 16 and 26, and locks the sliding door panel 30 after a predetermined set time. If the user operates the operation unit in the first mode (in this embodiment, the detection units 16 and 26 detect the detection object), the sliding door panel 30 is locked without further operation (detection) after it is opened. On the other hand, in the second mode, the operation (detection) of the operation units (detection units) 16 and 26 is required when sliding the sliding door panel 30 from the locked position to the open position and from the open position to the locked position, respectively. Therefore, for example, if it is desired to temporarily open the door for periodic ventilation, the second mode can be used to maintain the opening of the sliding door panel 30, and when locking, it can be locked simply by operating (detecting) the operation units (detection units) 16 and 26. Thus, compared to a structure that requires a mode switch when locking, ease of use is improved.

[0135] Specifically, such as Figure 11 As shown in (a), in the first mode, if the receiving unit 35 receives a detection signal from the transmitting unit 19, it refers to the position information of the sliding door panel 30 obtained by the position detection unit 56, and opens the sliding door panel 30 when it is in the locked position (steps 200-202). Furthermore, if a predetermined set time (for example, about 1 to 10 seconds) has elapsed (step 203), the sliding door panel 30 is locked (step 204). In this first mode, when a passage detection unit as described above is provided, the sliding door panel 30 can be locked if the passage detection unit detects a detection object, and locked if no detection is detected.

[0136] On the other hand, such as Figure 11 As shown in (b), in the second mode, if the receiving unit 35 receives a detection signal from the transmitting unit 19 (step 300), it refers to the position information of the sliding door panel 30 obtained by the position detection unit 56 and opens or closes the sliding door panel 30 (steps 300-304). That is, if the sliding door panel 30 is in the closed position (step 301), it opens the sliding door panel 30 (step 302), and if the sliding door panel 30 is in the open position (step 303), it closes the sliding door panel 30 (step 304).

[0137] The basic operation performed in the sliding door device 1 of this embodiment is not limited to the form described above, and various other operations can be performed.

[0138] Alternatively, the mode switching operation unit 36 ​​described above may, in addition to performing the first mode and the second mode, also be able to switch to a one-way mode that allows passage from only one side, or a closed mode that prohibits passage. Alternatively, instead of this structure that selectively executes the first mode and the second mode, it may be possible to execute only one mode.

[0139] Next, refer to Figures 12-17 An example of a sliding door device and an example of a sensor unit with respect to other embodiments will be described.

[0140] In the following embodiments, the differences from the embodiments described above will be mainly described. The same reference numerals will be used for the same structures, and their descriptions will be omitted or given briefly. In addition, the effects and basic operations that are performed in the same way as those in the embodiments described above will be omitted or given brief descriptions.

[0141] Figures 12-14 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sliding door device 1A and a sensor unit 10A according to the second embodiment.

[0142] In this embodiment, the structure of the sensor unit 10A installed at the door handle position of the sliding door panel 30 is different from the example described above.

[0143] In this embodiment, sensor unit 10A is as follows: Figure 12As shown in (c), the first sensors 17 and 27, configured to be located outside the door thickness direction, have diaphragm portions 11h and 21h that extend the detection range of the first sensors 17 and 27 to the lower side. With this structure, the detection range, as described above, expands outward in the approximately horizontal direction along the door thickness direction (see reference...). Figure 12 Compared to the structure with a larger unfolding angle (approximately 110 degrees in the illustration) of the double-dotted line in (c), energy saving can be achieved more effectively. That is, the first sensors 17 and 27 are less likely to detect a person passing by by a predetermined distance on one side of the door thickness direction of the sliding door panel 30, and can suppress the activation of the unwanted second sensors 18 and 28.

[0144] Sensor unit 10A includes a diaphragm portion 11h positioned outside the door thickness direction of the first sensor 17 on the indoor side, and a diaphragm portion 21h positioned outside the door thickness direction of the first sensor 27 on the outdoor side. These diaphragm portions 11h and 21h constitute shielding members that block the infrared light detected by the first sensors 17 and 27, forming openings in the second detection windows 11g and 21g, which also function as detection windows for the second sensors 18 and 28. The diaphragm portions 11h and 21h are positioned such that their center in the door width direction coincides with the center of the first sensors 17 and 27 in the door width direction. The diaphragm portions 11h and 21h are positioned with openings slightly below the center of the first sensors 17 and 27 in the door height direction, which are positioned outside the door thickness direction.

[0145] These diaphragm portions 11h and 21h are configured to limit the normal detection range of the first sensors 17 and 27 (when they are not present) to the downward angle. The detection range of the first sensors 17 and 27 limited by these diaphragm portions 11h and 21h can be a range where the angle between the downward side of the first sensors 17 and 27 and the vertical plane is 60 degrees or less, preferably 45 degrees or less. These diaphragm portions 11h and 21h can also be configured such that the detection range of the first sensors 17 and 27 is within 1m, preferably 0.5m, of the sliding door panel 30 on the ground in the door thickness direction. That is, these diaphragm portions 11h and 21h can also be configured such that the first sensors 17 and 27 cannot detect a person passing by more than 1m, preferably more than 0.5m, from the sliding door panel 30.

[0146] The dimensions of the diaphragm portions 11h and 21h along the door height direction and along the door width direction, the dimensions of the first sensors 17 and 27 along the door height direction from their center, and the dimensions between the front ends of the first sensors 17 and 27 along the door thickness direction can be set to appropriate dimensions to achieve the detection range described above. The dimensions of the diaphragm portions 11h and 21h along the door height direction and along the door width direction, and the dimensions of the first sensors 17 and 27 along the door height direction from their center, while depending on the type of the first sensors 17 and 27, can be, for example, approximately 2mm to 10mm, or less than 5mm. The dimensions between the front ends of the first sensors 17 and 27 along the door thickness direction of the diaphragm portions 11h and 21h can also be approximately 1.0mm to 3.0mm, or less than 2.0mm. The diaphragm portions 11h and 21h... Figure 14 As shown in (a) and (b), the hole appears roughly square in the thickness direction, but it can also be roughly round or elliptical.

[0147] In the sensor unit 10A, first detection windows 11f and 21f are provided to cover the diaphragm portions 11h and 21h respectively. These first detection windows 11f and 21f are formed by suitable transmissive members that allow infrared light detected by the first sensors 17 and 27 to pass through. In the illustration, an example is shown in which the first detection windows 11f and 21f are provided on the back side (center side in the door thickness direction) of the diaphragm portions 11h and 21h.

[0148] The second detection windows 11g and 21g on both sides in the door thickness direction are formed by light-transmitting members that allow light to pass through the second sensors 18 and 28 located below the diaphragm portions 11h and 21h. The second detection windows 11g and 21g, which also function as shielding members for these first sensors 17 and 27, are installed by being embedded in the openings respectively provided in the first sensor housing portion 11A and the second sensor housing portion 21A (see also [reference]). Figure 13 ).

[0149] In this embodiment, such as Figure 12 As shown in (a) and (b), the marking portions 11Ad and 21Ad on both sides in the door thickness direction are arranged above the first detection windows 11f and 21f and the second detection windows 11g and 21g.

[0150] In this embodiment, such as Figure 13As shown, a control board 20A is housed in either the first sensor housing portion 11A or the second sensor housing portion 21A. This control board 20A constitutes a sensor-side control unit that assembles the first sensors 17 and 27, the second sensors 18 and 28, and the transmitting unit 19 on both sides in the door thickness direction. With this structure, compared to a structure where each sensor is mounted on both the first sensor housing portion 11A and the second sensor housing portion 21A, the workability of installing the sensor unit 10A onto the sliding door panel 30 is improved. In the illustration, the control board 20A is housed in the first sensor housing portion 11A. A board cover 11B is provided in the first sensor housing portion 11A to cover the second sensor housing portion 21A side of the control board 20A.

[0151] An opening is provided in the substrate cover 11B to expose the outdoor first sensor 27 and the outdoor second sensor 28 assembled on the second sensor housing portion 21A side of the control substrate 20A (see also...). Figure 12 (c) The second sensor housing portion 21A is formed to receive the substrate cover 11B. A second detection window 21g, on which the first detection window 21f is mounted, is installed on the second sensor housing portion 21A. The first detection window 21f and the second detection window 21g are configured such that when the first sensor housing portion 11A and the second sensor housing portion 21A are assembled, they are positioned corresponding to the outdoor first sensor 27 and the outdoor second sensor 28.

[0152] In this embodiment, such as Figure 14 As shown in (c) to (e), ribs are provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first sensor housing portion 11A and the second sensor housing portion 21A of the sensor unit 10A, which abut against the inner peripheral surfaces of the mounting holes 33. This structure can suppress the shaking of the sensor unit 10A installed in the mounting holes 33 of the sliding door panel 30. In the illustrations, ribs are provided on the side surfaces of the first sensor housing portion 11A and the second sensor housing portion 21A.

[0153] Figures 15-17 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the sliding door device 1B and the sensor unit 10C of the third embodiment.

[0154] In this embodiment, the structure of the sensor unit 10C installed at the door handle position of the sliding door panel 30A is different from the examples described above.

[0155] like Figures 15-17As shown, the sensor unit 10C is installed on the door handle 10B at the door head end of the sliding door panel 30A. With this structure, similarly to the above, when a finger or other object being detected approaches the door handle 10B and is detected by the detection unit 16A, the detection signal can be wirelessly transmitted to the receiving unit 35 connected to the drive-side control unit 55. Therefore, similarly to the above, by installing the detection unit 16A on the door handle 10B side (sliding door panel 30A side), wiring connecting the detection unit 16A to the drive-side control unit 55 installed on the upper track 40 side is no longer required, improving ease of installation.

[0156] Furthermore, because the sensor unit 10C is mounted on the door handle 10B, a universal door handle 10B (sensor unit 10C) can be assembled even when assembling sliding door panels 30A with different door heights, achieving component standardization. The sensor unit 10C can be easily installed and removed from the sliding door panel 30A. Additionally, a battery housing 13A is provided in the sensor unit 10C. With this structure, maintenance such as battery replacement can be easily performed by removing the sensor unit 10C from the sliding door panel 30A.

[0157] The detection unit 16A of the sensor unit 10C is roughly the same as described above, and is respectively provided on both sides in the door thickness direction. A first sensor 17A and a second sensor 18A are respectively provided on both sides in the door thickness direction.

[0158] The door handle 10B integrally comprises a handle portion 12A on one side in the door thickness direction and a handle portion 12A on the other side in the door thickness direction, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly relative to the sliding door panel 30A. This structure improves assemblability and maintainability compared to assembling the sensor unit 10C separately to the door handle 10B, which is separate in the door thickness direction. In other words, when assembling to the sliding door panel 30A, it is not necessary to implement the sensor-side control unit 20 (see reference 20). Figure 9 The sensor unit 10C can be assembled with the door handle 10B, which has handles 12A and 12A on both sides, through standardized wiring and connection of the transmitter 19A, battery 29, etc.

[0159] Furthermore, similarly to the above, a structure is constructed in which the handle portion 12A of the door handle 10B is mounted on the sensor unit 10C. With this structure, the sensor unit 10C itself can function as the handle portion 12A of the door handle 10B. Therefore, compared to a structure where the sensor unit 10C is mounted on the base of a rod-shaped door handle, it is possible to effectively detect fingers or other objects approaching the handle portion 12A. In other words, a structure is formed that integrates the handle portions 12A and 12A, the sensor unit 10C constituting both sides in the door thickness direction, with the door handle 10B, which is detachable from and removable from the sliding door panel 30A.

[0160] Specifically, such as Figure 17 As shown in (b), a mounting portion 31A for mounting a door handle 10B is provided at the door head side end of the sliding door panel 30A. This mounting portion 31A is positioned at an appropriate height at the door head side end of the sliding door panel 30A, making it easy to grip the door handle 10B. The mounting portion 31A opens towards the door head side and extends through the door thickness direction, dividing the receiving recess 32A for receiving the door handle 10B. Specifically, the mounting portion 31A includes a recessed bottom portion that divides the receiving recess 32A towards the door head side, and two side portions that extend from the upper and lower ends of the recessed bottom portion towards the door head side, dividing the upper and lower sides of the receiving recess 32A. An edge cover portion is provided in the mounting portion 31A, which is positioned as an edge along both sides of the recess in the door thickness direction. The recess at the door head side end of the sliding door panel 30A is provided in a notch shape. The mounting part 31A can also be fixed to the door head side end of the sliding door panel 30A by means of fasteners such as threaded parts or adhesives. As the mounting part 31A, it is not limited to a structure that is separately set and fixed to the panel body of the sliding door panel 30A, but can also be a structure that is integrally set on the panel body of the sliding door panel 30A, or can be made into various other structures.

[0161] The door handle 10B, i.e., the sensor unit 10C, is a roughly rectangular block. The sensor unit 10C is detachable from and removable from the mounting portion 31A (sliding door panel 30A) in the door width direction. The sensor unit 10C is embedded in the receiving recess 32A and mounted on the mounting portion 31A. The sensor unit 10C is mounted on the mounting portion 31A such that its end face facing the door head is approximately flush with the end face of the sliding door panel 30A. Mounting portions 15A, 15A are provided on the upper and lower edges of the end face of the sensor unit 10C. These mounting portions 15A, 15A protrude outwards in the vertical direction (door height direction) and are detachably mounted on the mounting portion 31A by fasteners such as threaded members. The form that allows the sensor unit 10C to be detachably mounted from the sliding door panel 30A is not limited to this form and various other modifications are possible.

[0162] The sensor unit 10C is provided with a recess 14A that opens outward in the door thickness direction in a manner that forms a handle portion 12A. Figure 17 The illustration shows only the handle portion 12A and recess 14A on the side of the door thickness direction, but the handle portion 12A and recess 14A on the other side of the door thickness direction have the same structure. In this embodiment, windows 11Ab and 11Ac are provided on the concave bottom surface 14a, which is the surface that divides the recess 14A, to expose the detection unit 16A. With such a structure, the detection unit 16A can be made inconspicuous, and in addition, it can suppress the collision of foreign objects with the detection unit 16A. In the illustration, an example is shown where the first window 11Ab and the second window 11Ac are provided at intervals in the vertical direction to expose the first sensor 17A and the second sensor 18A, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. Furthermore, these first windows 11Ab and second windows 11Ac can be configured as through holes to expose at least the transmitting (light-emitting) and receiving (light-receiving) parts of the first sensor 17A and the second sensor 18A, and can also be translucent structures. In the illustration, an example is shown where the first window 11Ab of the first sensor 17A is positioned above the second window 11Ac of the second sensor 18A, but this configuration is not limited to this. Alternatively, instead of providing these windows 11Ab and 11Ac on the recessed bottom surface 14a, they can be provided on the inner surface of the recess 14A. Alternatively, instead of providing these windows 11Ab and 11Ac on the surface dividing the recess 14A, they can be provided on other surfaces of the sensor unit 10C.

[0163] In this embodiment, a pair of handle portions 12A, 12A are provided at intervals along the door width direction, dividing the recess 14A on both sides of the door width direction. These handle portions 12A, 12A are formed as protrusions extending outward in the door thickness direction and vertically. These handle portions 12A, 12A are configured to protrude outward in the door thickness direction from each surface of the sensor unit 10C, which is substantially coplanar with the surface of the edge cover portion of the mounting portion 31A, and the surface of the edge cover portion of the mounting portion 31A is made substantially coplanar with each surface of the sliding door panel 30A in the door thickness direction. That is, the recess 14A is provided with openings on both sides in the door thickness direction and the door height direction. Alternatively, protrusions dividing the recess 14A may be provided on both sides in the door height direction.

[0164] These handle portions 12A, 12A are provided across the entire vertical axis of the sensor unit 10C. The protruding dimensions and vertical dimensions of these handle portions 12A, 12A can be appropriately sized from the viewpoint of hand grip characteristics, etc. The handle portions 12A, 12A are not limited to a structure that divides the recess 14A by a protrusion; they can also be constructed as recesses provided in the direction of door thickness of the sensor unit 10C. Alternatively, the sensor unit 10C can be configured as a rod-shaped handle portion, or various other structures can be made. Instead of providing the handle portion 12A on the sensor unit 10C (door handle 10B) itself, which is detachable from the sliding door panel 30A, the handle portion 12A can be constructed as a component of the door handle 10B that is fixed to the sliding door panel 30A.

[0165] The battery housing 13A is positioned so as not to be exposed on the surface when the sensor unit 10C (door handle 10B) is mounted on the sliding door panel 30A. In this embodiment, the battery housing 13A is provided with an opening facing the door rear end face of the sensor unit 10C. In the illustration, the battery housing 13A is configured to house multiple (two in the illustration) cylindrical batteries (primary batteries) 29. The illustration shows an example where the batteries 29 are exposed on the door rear end face of the sensor unit 10C and housed in the battery housing 13A, but a suitable cover for opening and closing the battery housing 13A may also be provided. Alternatively, instead of being positioned so as not to be exposed on the surface when mounted on the sliding door panel 30A, the battery housing 13A may be provided on the door thickness side or the door front side of the sensor unit 10C. The battery housing 13A provided on the sensor unit 10C may also be made in various other structures.

[0166] In the same manner as described above, the sensor unit 10C is provided with a sensor-side control unit 20 (see reference) that is connected to the transmitting unit 19A and the detection unit 16A via signal lines or the like. Figure 9 In the illustration, the sending part 19A is provided such that the upper end of the handle part 12A on the door tail side is exposed. In this embodiment, as... Figure 15 As shown in (b), the sliding door panel 30A is configured such that the end of the door head is disposed on the entrance / exit 9 side as the open end, so that at least the sending part 19A and the detection part 16A are exposed in the fully open position.

[0167] Alternatively, at a suitable location on the sensor unit 10C or the door handle 10B, similarly to the above, a marking part such as a reference for the position of the detection unit 16A, that is, a guide light that serves as a reference for bringing a finger close, or a light that indicates the life of the battery 29 (replacement of the battery 29), may be provided.

[0168] Alternatively, instead of integrating the sensor unit 10C onto the door handle 10B, the sensor unit 10C can be separated in the door thickness direction, allowing the door handle 10B to be easily installed and removed from the sliding door panel 30A, which integrates the handle portions 12A on both sides in the door thickness direction. Alternatively, instead of having the handle portion 12A on the sensor unit 10C, it can be placed in another location. That is, it can also be configured such that the sensor unit 10C is placed in a location other than the handle portion 12A of the door handle 10B, such as the base or mounting part of various door handles like rod-shaped door handles.

[0169] The different structures of the sliding door devices 1, 1A, and 1B described in the above embodiments can also be appropriately modified or combined for application.

[0170] In the examples described above, detection units 16(16A) and 26, each equipped with a first sensor 17(17A) and 27 and a second sensor 18(18A) and 28, are provided on both sides of the sliding door panels 30 and 30A in the door thickness direction. However, they may also be provided only on one side in the door thickness direction. In this case, other detection units or contact-type operating units for detecting the object may be provided at appropriate locations on the other side in the door thickness direction, such as the door frame or a wall.

[0171] In the examples described above, the receiving unit 34 is shown to be installed on the side of the upper track 40 in the door thickness direction, but it could also be a structure that is set at a suitable location in the wall 3 or the upper frame 5, etc.

[0172] The structures of the various devices, components, and parts of the sliding door devices 1, 1A, and 1B described above in each embodiment are merely examples and can be modified in various other ways.

[0173] Label Explanation

[0174] 1. Sliding door device, 1A, 1B; Sensor unit, 10. Sensor unit, 10A, 10C; Door handle, 10B; Sensor housing, 11A; Surface, 11a; Detection window, 11b, 11f, 11Ab; Detection window, 11c, 11g, 11Ac; Marking part, 11d, 11Ad; Diaphragm portion, 11h; Handle protrusion, 12A; Handle part, 12A; Battery housing, 13A; Recess, 14A; Recess bottom surface, 14a; Indoor detection part, 16A; Detection part, 16A; Indoor sensor, 17A; Sensor, 17A; Sensor, 18; Indoor sensor, 18A 2nd sensor; 19, 19A Transmitting section; 21, 21A 2nd sensor housing (sensor housing); 21a Surface; 21b, 21f 1st detection window (detection window of the 1st sensor); 21c, 21g 2nd detection window (detection window of the 2nd sensor); 21d, 21Ad Marking section; 21h Diaphragm portion; 23 Handle recess (handle section); 26 Outdoor detection section (detection section); 27 Outdoor 1st sensor (1st sensor); 28 Outdoor 2nd sensor (2nd sensor); 29 Battery; 30, 30A Sliding door panel; 35 Receiving section; 50 Drive mechanism; 55 Drive-side control section (control section).

Claims

1. A sliding door device, characterized in that, have: Sliding door panel; The drive mechanism causes the aforementioned sliding door panel to slide in the door width direction; The receiving unit is connected to the control unit that controls the aforementioned drive mechanism; The inspection unit, located at the door handle position of the aforementioned sliding door panel, inspects the object to be inspected; and The transmitting unit wirelessly transmits the detection signal from the detection unit to the receiving unit. The above-mentioned testing department has: The first sensor; and The second sensor has a narrower detection range than the first sensor and outputs the aforementioned detection signal. The second sensor becomes an "on" state capable of detection when the first sensor detects the target object, and becomes a "off" state unable to detect when the first sensor does not detect the target object.

2. The sliding door device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A battery housing is provided at the aforementioned door handle location, which houses the battery that serves as the power source for the aforementioned detection unit and the aforementioned transmission unit in a replaceable manner.

3. The sliding door device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned detection unit, the aforementioned transmission unit, and the aforementioned battery housing unit are disposed in the sensor unit installed on the aforementioned sliding door panel.

4. The sliding door device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned sensor unit is provided with a handle portion that serves as the door handle of the aforementioned sliding door panel.

5. The sliding door device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The sensor unit is provided with a recess that opens outward in the direction of door thickness to form the handle portion, and the detection window of the detection portion is provided on the surface that divides the recess.

6. The sliding door device as described in any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The aforementioned sensor unit is disposed on the door handle of the aforementioned sliding door panel. The door handle integrally has a handle portion on one side in the door thickness direction and a handle portion on the other side in the door thickness direction. The door handle is detachable from the aforementioned sliding door panel. The aforementioned detection portions of the aforementioned sensor unit are respectively disposed on both sides in the door thickness direction.

7. The sliding door device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, It has a diaphragm portion, which is configured to be located outside the first sensor in the door thickness direction, so that the detection range of the first sensor is obliquely downward.

8. The sliding door device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The aforementioned detection components are respectively located on both sides of the door thickness direction.

9. The sliding door device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The detection range of the second sensor mentioned above is 10mm to 80mm.

10. The sliding door device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The aforementioned detection unit is housed within a sensor housing located at the door handle position of the aforementioned sliding door panel and extending in the door height direction. The sensor housing has the following features on its surface: a marking portion serving as a marker indicating the approach of a detected object; a detection window of one of the aforementioned first and second sensors, located adjacent to the marking portion on the door height side of the marking portion; and a detection window of the other of the aforementioned first and second sensors, located adjacent to the detection window of that sensor on the door height side of that sensor's detection window.

11. A sensor unit is installed at the door handle position of the sliding door panel of a sliding door device, the sliding door device comprising the sliding door panel, a drive mechanism for sliding the sliding door panel in the door width direction, and a receiving unit connected to a control unit for controlling the drive mechanism, the sensor unit being characterized in that... have: The testing department is responsible for testing the objects being tested; and The transmitting unit wirelessly transmits the detection signal from the detection unit to the receiving unit. The above-mentioned testing department has: The first sensor; and The second sensor has a narrower detection range than the first sensor and outputs the aforementioned detection signal. The second sensor becomes an "on" state capable of detection when the first sensor detects the target object, and becomes a "off" state unable to detect when the first sensor does not detect the target object.

Images