Opening / closing device

Abstract

To enable protection of a photoelectric sensor.SOLUTION: Photoelectric sensors 40, 37 include a light projector provided in one guide rail 30, 30' and a light receiver provided in the other guide rail 30, 30', and is configured to form light ray paths R between the light projector and the light receiver with spaces in an opening / closing direction of an opening / closing body. The guide rail 30, 30' includes fixed columns 31, 35 fixed on an immovable portion on a skeleton side, and guide rail main bodies 32, 36 connected to the fixed columns 31, 35, which guide an end part of the opening / closing body 10 in a vertical direction. The photoelectric sensors 40, 37 are provided in the guide rail main body 32 or a sensor support column 38 connected to the guide rail main body 36.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening and closing device, such as a shutter device or an overhead door, which performs a closing operation on an opening and closing body so as to partition a space. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, this type of invention includes a shutter device in which a multi-axis sensor having a large number of opposing light emitters and light receivers arranged in the vertical direction is attached to left and right guide rails, as described in Patent Document 1, for example. According to such a shutter device, it is possible to sense obstacles over a wide range in both the vertical and horizontal directions, and it is possible to improve the obstacle sensing performance compared to a shutter device using a single photoelectric sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-77752 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, according to the above-mentioned conventional technology, the emission ports of many of the light-projectors and the receiving ports of the light-receivers are exposed, so there is a risk that vehicles or transported goods passing through the shutter device may come into contact with the light-projectors or light-receivers and be damaged. One possible solution is to store the light projector and receiver inside a guide rail. However, this requires providing a round hole to allow the light to pass through, and there is a risk that the hole will become blocked by debris, leaves, snow, or mud during heavy rain and wind, so some ingenuity is required. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. An opening and closing device comprising an opening / closing body which performs a closing operation by dividing a space, two guide rails which surround both widthwise ends of the opening / closing body and guide it in the opening and closing direction, and a photoelectric sensor which performs non-contact detection of obstacles on the closing direction side of the opening / closing body, wherein the photoelectric sensor comprises a light projector provided on one guide rail and a light receiver provided on the other guide rail, and is configured to form a light path between the light projector and the light receiver at an interval in the opening and closing direction of the opening / closing body, the guide rail comprises a fixed support fixed to a non-moving portion on the main body side, and a guide rail main body which is connected to the fixed support and guides the end of the opening / closing body in the vertical direction, and the photoelectric sensor is provided on the guide rail main body or a sensor support support connected to the guide rail main body. Effect of the Invention

[0006] Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to protect the photoelectric sensor and also to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the light path. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing an example of an opening and closing device according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line (II)-(II) in FIG. [Diagram 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the same location, showing the state in which the guide rail body and the multi-axis sensor, etc. have been removed from the fixed support. [Figure 4] 1 is a view of the guide rail body, the multi-axis sensor, etc. as seen from the front side of the shutter. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line (V)-(V) in FIG. [Figure 6] 13 shows the lower end portion of the width direction end portion of the opening / closing body, with (a) being a front view and (b) being a right side view. [Figure 7] Specific examples of light-shielding members are shown, where (I) is the top light-shielding member, (II) is the light-shielding member in the vertical center, and (III) is the bottom light-shielding member. [Figure 8]11 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an end side of a storage section. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a connecting piece for connecting the side cover to the aggregate. [Figure 10] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a reinforcing structure on the central side of the storage section. FIG. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B show a reinforcing piece on a corner side inside a storage case, where FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a side view of a guide rail equipped with an optical sensor according to another invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line (IX)-(IX) in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a main portion of another example of the guide rail. [Figure 15] 13A and 13B are plan views showing other examples of light transmitting holes, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] This embodiment discloses the following features. A first feature is an opening and closing device comprising an opening / closing body which performs a closing operation so as to divide a space, two guide rails which surround both ends of the opening / closing body in the width direction and guide it in the opening and closing direction, and a multi-optical axis sensor which performs non-contact detection of an obstacle on the closing direction side of the opening / closing body, the multi-optical axis sensor comprising a first unit extending in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body within one guide rail, and a second unit extending in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body within the other guide rail, and configured to form a number of light beam paths spaced apart in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body between these two units, the guide rails being provided with light passing holes for passing the light beam paths, and the light passing hole being formed in an elongated shape extending in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body so as to pass a plurality of light beam paths which are some or all of the multiple light beam paths (see FIG. 5). According to this configuration, the multi-optical axis sensor can be protected by the guide rail, and foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the light passing hole.

[0009] As a second feature, in order to prevent a decrease in the strength of the guide rail, a plurality of the light passing holes are provided at intervals in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body.

[0010] As a third feature, in order to protect the multi-optical axis sensor, the multiple light beam paths coincide or approximately coincide with the center of the opening / closing body in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body (see FIG. 2).

[0011] As a fourth feature, in order to further improve dust resistance, the dimension of the light passing hole in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body is set smaller than the thickness dimension of the opening / closing body (see Figs. 2 and 5).

[0012] As a fifth feature, in order to further improve dust resistance, an inner wall surface facing the widthwise end face of the opening / closing body is provided within the guide rail, the light passing hole is provided in this inner wall surface, and the multi-axis sensor is provided on the back side of this inner wall surface (see FIG. 2).

[0013] As a sixth feature, in order to prevent the electrical wiring of the multi-optical axis sensor from interfering with the opening / closing body or the like, the electrical wiring of the multi-optical axis sensor is provided on the rear side of the inner wall surface (see FIG. 2).

[0014] As a seventh feature, in order to further improve dust resistance, a slip-out prevention member is provided at the widthwise end of the opening / closing body to prevent it from slipping out of the guide rail, and an inner guide rail is provided inside the guide rail to fit the slip-out prevention member so that it cannot slip out and guide it in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body, and the inner wall surface and the light passing hole are provided inside the inner guide rail (see Figure 2).

[0015] As an eighth feature, in order to improve maintainability, the guide rail comprises a fixed post fixed to an immovable portion in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body, and a guide rail main body removably connected to the fixed post. The guide rail main body is formed to surround the widthwise end of the opening / closing body to guide it in the opening / closing direction, and has the inner guide rail and the multi-axis sensor integrally mounted thereon (see FIG. 3).

[0016] As a ninth feature, in order to more effectively protect the multiple optical axis sensor, the multiple optical axis sensor is provided at a position a predetermined distance away from the contact target portion of the opening / closing body when fully closed in the opening direction (see FIG. 1).

[0017] A tenth feature is that a storage section for storing the opening / closing body is provided on the opening direction side of the opening / closing body, and within this storage section, a control section for controlling the opening and closing operation of the opening / closing body is provided toward one side in the width direction of the opening / closing body, and one of the first unit and the second unit is configured to transmit a signal when an obstacle is detected non-contactly to the control section via electrical wiring, and the one unit and at least a part of the electrical wiring are arranged within the guide rail located toward the one side (see Figure 14).

[0018] <Specific embodiment> Next, specific embodiments having the above-mentioned features will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "thickness direction of the opening / closing body" refers to the thickness direction of the opening / closing body in the closed state. "Width direction of the opening / closing body" refers to a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body, and is not the thickness direction of the opening / closing body. "Opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body" refers to the direction in which the opening / closing body slides to separate or open a space.

[0019] The opening / closing device 1 comprises an opening / closing body 10 which performs a closing operation to divide a space, a storage section 20 which stores and extends the opening / closing body 10 in the opening direction, two guide rails 30, 30 which surround both ends of the opening / closing body 10 in the width direction with a concave cross section and guide it in the opening and closing direction, and a multi-axis sensor 40 which performs non-contact detection of obstacles below the opening / closing body 10, and is attached to a structure having a relatively wide opening, such as a garage or factory.

[0020] The opening / closing body 10 comprises an opening / closing body main body 11 formed by connecting a number of slats 11a, each of which is formed by bending a horizontally elongated, roughly rectangular metal plate, so that the slats 11a, 11a can rotate between adjacent slats 11a, 11a arranged vertically. A fixed seat plate 12 is connected to the lower end of the opening / closing body main body 11, and a movable seat plate 13 is connected to the lower end side of the fixed seat plate 12 so that it can move in the vertical direction relative to the fixed seat plate 12 (see Figures 1 and 6).

[0021] A slip-out prevention member 14 that prevents the opening / closing body 10 from slipping out of the guide rail 30 is provided at the end of the opening / closing body 10 in the width direction (see Figs. 2 and 6). The slip-out prevention member 14 protrudes in the width direction from an end of the opening / closing body 10, and has an integral portion on its tip side that expands in the opening / closing body width direction (see FIG. 2).

[0022] The lowermost slat 11a, the movable seat plate 13 and the fixed seat plate 12 are provided with blocking members 15, 16 and 17, respectively (see Figs. 6 and 7). These blocking members 15, 16, 17 are attached to the ends of the slats 11a, the movable seat plate 13, and the fixed seat plate 12, respectively, so as to block the space communicating in the width direction inside the lower end side of the opening / closing body. These blocking members 15, 16, 17 sequentially block two of the light beam paths R of the multi-optical axis sensor 40 during the normal closing operation of the opening / closing body 10, thereby performing blanking control. Here, the blanking control is a control that, every time two light beam paths R are blocked by the blocking members 15, 16, 17 during the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10, disables obstacle detection on the light beam path R closest to the lower side of these two light beam paths R and above, so that the opening / closing body 10 is not detected as an obstacle.

[0023] In a preferred example of this embodiment, the center of the multiple light paths R and the central portion of the opening / closing body 10 are aligned or approximately aligned in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body. According to this configuration, the light-projecting surface 40a1 (or the light-receiving surface) of the multi-axis sensor 40 described later can be covered and protected by the widthwise end face of the opening / closing body 10, thereby preventing the light-projecting surface 40a1 (or the light-receiving surface) from becoming dirty, becoming contaminated, or being damaged. When an opening / closing body having a solid interior is used in place of the opening / closing body 10, the blocking members 15, 16, and 17 can be omitted.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the storage section 20 includes a storage case 21 having an opening formed at the bottom for allowing the opening / closing body 10 to appear and disappear, and includes a winding shaft 22 for winding up and paying out the opening / closing body 10, an opening / closing device 23 for driving and rotating the winding shaft 22 and braking the same via a power transmission mechanism such as a chain and a sprocket, and a control section 24 for controlling the opening / closing device 23 in response to signals from a remote control (not shown) or a multi-axis sensor 40, etc.

[0025] The storage case 21 is formed into a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape by side covers 21a on both ends and a case body 21b connected to the side covers 21a and extending in the width direction of the opening / closing body (see Figs. 1, 8 to 11). The case body 21b may be formed by combining a plurality of flat panels in a long cylindrical shape in the width direction of the opening / closing body, or may be formed by bending some of the panels into an integral shape.

[0026] In addition, in Figs. 8 and 9, reference numeral 21c denotes a connection piece for connecting the side cover 21a to an aggregate (not shown). 10 and 11, reference numeral 11d denotes a reinforcing piece that reinforces the upper corner of the storage case 21. In addition, in FIG. 10, reference numeral 11e denotes a turnbuckle that draws the upper and lower surfaces of the case body 21b together to suppress deformation.

[0027] The control unit 24 is an electronic circuit having, for example, a microcomputer, and functions according to a pre-stored program to process the input signal from the multi-axis sensor 40 and control the opening / closing device 23 according to the processing result. In more detail, when the control unit 24 receives a signal when the light path R of the multi-axis sensor 40 is blocked by an obstacle during the normal closing operation of the opening / closing body 10, the control unit 24 controls the opening / closing device 23 in accordance with the signal. The control unit 24 and the opening / closing device 23 are disposed in the storage case 21 toward one side in the width direction of the opening / closing body (to the left in the illustrated example).

[0028] Further, the guide rail 30 is configured to surround the end portion in the width direction of the opening / closing body 10 in a concave shape. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, this guide rail 30 comprises a fixed post 31 fixed to a non-moving portion on the main body side in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body, a guide rail main body 32 removably connected to this fixed post 31, and an inner guide rail 33 fixed within the guide rail main body 32, and a multi-axis sensor 40 is attached to the back side of the guide rail main body 32 by a bracket 48.

[0029] According to the illustrated example, the fixed post 31 is integrally formed of a fixing portion 31a which is directly fixed to the frame, and a fastening receiving portion 31b which is fitted and connected to the fixing portion 31a and to which the guide rail main body 32 is fastened. The fixing portion 31a and the fastening portion 31b may be formed in advance as an integral member.

[0030] 2 and 3, the fixed post 31 is formed in a concave cross section with an opening on the opening / closing body 10 side (left side in the figures), and is provided extending in the vertical direction along the frame on which the opening / closing device 1 is to be installed. A space S for accommodating the multi-axis sensor 40, its electrical wiring 49, etc. is provided inside the fixed post 31 (more specifically, the fastening portion 31b). On the opening side of the fixed post 31, fastening portions 31b1, 31b1 for fastening and fixing the guide rail main body 32 are provided in the shape of a flange protruding in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body.

[0031] The guide rail body 32 is formed with a concave cross section that surrounds the end of the opening / closing body 10 so as to be inserted into the opening 32a, and guides the end of the opening / closing body 10 in the up-down direction. Note that reference numeral 32b provided in the opening 32a denotes an airtight material made of an elastic material. The guide rail body 32 is provided with fastening parts 32c, 32c extending and protruding from both edges of the opening 32a in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body. Each fastening part 32c is overlapped with a fastening part 31b of the fixed post 31 and is fastened by fasteners such as screws or bolts.

[0032] At the bottom of the guide rail main body 32, there are provided a fitting portion 32d having a generally C-shaped cross section and a light passing hole 32e which ensures a light path R of the multi-axis sensor 40, so as to be located on an extension line of the opening / closing body 10 in the width direction of the opening / closing body. An inner guide rail 33 is fitted into the fitted portion 32d and fixed immovably.

[0033] The inner guide rail 33 has a generally concave cross section with an opening between opposing inward edges 33a, 33a facing the opening / closing body 10 side (left side in FIG. 2), and is formed into an elongated shape that continues in the vertical direction. The inner guide rail 33 fits the anti-slip member 14 of the opening / closing body 10 inside the inward edges 33a, 33a so that it cannot slip out, and guides the anti-slip member 14 in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body. A light passing hole 33b1 for ensuring a light path R is provided on the inner wall surface 33b facing the end surface in the width direction of the opening / closing body 10 (specifically, the end surface of the slip-out prevention member 14) on the bottom side of the inner guide rail 33. The light passing hole 33b1 communicates with the light passing hole 32e of the guide rail main body 32. A multi-optical axis sensor 40 is fixed to the rear side of the inner wall surface 33b with the fitted portion 32d therebetween.

[0034] The multi-optical axis sensor 40 includes a first unit 40a extending in the vertical direction within one of the guide rails 30, and a second unit 40b extending in the vertical direction within the other of the guide rails 30. The first unit 40a and the second unit 40b are each positioned a predetermined distance H in the opening direction away from the contact point G (e.g., the bottom frame, the floor surface, the ground, etc.) of the opening / closing body 10 when fully closed, and are fixed to the back side of the inner guide rail 33 and the guide rail main body 32 by brackets 48. The predetermined dimension H is set within a range of about 150 to 1500 mm, and more preferably within a range of about 150 to 500 mm. As an example other than the illustrated example, the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b may be provided across the entire height of the opening that is opened and closed by the opening / closing body 10. These two units 40a, 40b form a large number of light beam paths R spaced at substantially regular intervals in the vertical direction.

[0035] The first unit 40a has a large number of light-projecting devices (not shown) arranged at approximately regular intervals in the longitudinal direction of the case, inside a cubic case that is long in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body. These light-projecting devices constitute a photoelectric sensor, and receive power from an electric wiring 49 to emit light (e.g., infrared light) as an obstacle sensing medium.

[0036] The second unit 40b is provided with a cubic case that is long in the opening and closing direction of the opening and closing body, and includes a number of light receivers (not shown) spaced at approximately regular intervals along its length, and a control circuit (not shown) that processes the sensing signals of these light receivers. Each light receiver of the second unit 40b and each light emitter of the opposing first unit 40a function as a photoelectric sensor that forms a light path R therebetween. The control circuit processes the detection signal from the light receiver, and outputs an obstacle detection signal or the like to an electric wiring 49 as a result of the processing.

[0037] The electrical wiring 49 on the first unit 40a side and the electrical wiring 49 on the second unit 40b side are each guided upward through the space S in the guide rail 30 and electrically connected to the control unit 24 in the storage case 21. In particular, the second unit 40b (one unit) having a light receiver is configured to transmit a signal when the light path R is interrupted and an obstacle is detected in a non-contact manner to the control unit 24 via electrical wiring 49. The second unit 40b is disposed inside the guide rail 30 located toward one side (to the left in the drawing). According to this configuration, the signal output from the second unit 40b can be transmitted to the control unit 24 satisfactorily. In other words, if, as opposed to what is shown in the figure, the first unit 40a were used as the receiver side and the signal output from this first unit 40a were transmitted to the control unit 24 through the other guide rail 30 (the right side in the figure), the electrical wiring 49 would be relatively long, and there would be a possibility that the sensing accuracy would decrease due to increased electrical resistance, etc., but such a problem is unlikely to arise in this embodiment.

[0038] 2 to 4, the bracket 48 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped block shape, and has flanges 48a on the upper and lower ends thereof. Each flange 48a is fastened to the rear surface of the guide rail main body 32 by an inserted fastener (such as a screw or a bolt). The first unit 40a or the second unit 40b is fastened to the side surface of the bracket 48 by fasteners (for example, screws, bolts, etc.). This fastening structure allows the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b to be positioned with high precision. That is, for example, when the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b are fastened to the guide rail body 32 by a general L-shaped metal fitting or the like, the optical axis is likely to tilt due to deformation of the L-shaped metal fitting or the like, but this can be prevented.

[0039] Describing in detail the relationship between the multiple light paths R and the guide rail 30, a plurality of light passing holes 33b1, 32e on the bottom side of the guide rail 30 (specifically the inner guide rail 33 and the guide rail main body 32) are provided at intervals in the vertical direction. Each of the light passing holes 33b1 and 32e is formed as a long hole extending in the vertical direction so as to pass a part of a plurality of light beam paths R (four in the example of FIG. 5) among the many light beam paths R.

[0040] The light passing holes 33b1 and 32e on the first unit 40a side have a width W that is slightly larger than the diameter of the light projection surface 40a1 of the light projector of the multiple optical axis sensor 40. That is, the light projector emits light radially spreading at a predetermined angle. The width W of the light passing hole 33b1 is set so as to appropriately maintain the radial spreading. Further, a light passing hole (not shown) on the second unit 40b side is formed in substantially the same manner as the light passing hole 33b1. Therefore, the receiver facing the light projector will receive the light emitted from the light projector even if its position is slightly shifted in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body (width W direction as shown in the figure) due to manufacturing errors, etc.

[0041] Further, the width W of the light passing holes 33b1, 32e is set to be smaller than the thickness dimension X (see FIG. 2) at the end face in the width direction of the opening / closing body 10. Note that, according to one example of the present embodiment, the dimension X is the dimension in the thickness direction of the blocking members 15, 16, 17. According to this configuration, the two light paths R can be effectively blocked by the width direction ends of the opening / closing body 10 during blanking control. Moreover, since the hole width is relatively small, it is possible to effectively prevent foreign matter such as dust from adhering to the light passing holes 33b1 and 32e. In addition, it is possible to prevent the end side of the opening / closing body 10 from interfering with the inner edge of the light passing hole 33b1, thereby preventing the opening / closing body 10 from sliding or getting caught, and damage to the light projection surface 40a1 (light receiving surface) of the multi-axis sensor 40, etc.

[0042] In addition, the light passage hole 32e on the guide rail main body 32 side may be of the same shape as the light passage hole 33b1 on the inner guide rail 33 side, but it may also be made wider or longer than the light passage hole 33b1 so as to include the light passage hole 33b1. Furthermore, the relationship between the light emitters and the light receivers in the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b may be reversed, i.e., the first unit 40a may be provided with a number of light receivers, and the second unit 40b may be provided with a number of light emitters facing each other.

[0043] As yet another example, a light projector and a light receiver may be provided in one unit, and a reflector may be provided in the other unit so that light emitted from the light projector is reflected and captured by the light receiver.

[0044] Next, the characteristic functions and effects of the opening and closing device 1 having the above configuration will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 1, during the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10, a number of light paths R spaced apart in the vertical direction are formed below the opening / closing body 10 by the multi-optical axis sensor 40. When any one of the light beam paths R is blocked by an obstacle, an obstacle detection signal is output from the control circuit of the second unit 40b. Then, the control unit 24 appropriately controls the opening / closing device 23, such as stopping or reversing, in response to the input of the obstacle detection signal.

[0045] According to such an opening / closing device 1, the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b are disposed on the rear side of the inner guide rail 33 so as to face the width direction end of the opening / closing body 10 within the guide rail 30. This makes it possible to prevent the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b from coming into contact with objects passing near the opening / closing device 1 or being tampered with, and therefore makes it possible to protect these units.

[0046] Moreover, since the light passing hole 33b1 is long in the vertical direction, dust, leaves, snow, mud, etc. are less likely to adhere to the light passing hole 33b1, and even if they do adhere, they tend to fall off naturally. Furthermore, the light passing hole 33b1 faces the widthwise end face of the opening / closing body 10 and is located on the bottom side of the guide rail main body 32 and the inner guide rail 33, so that it has excellent dust-proofing properties. In addition, since a plurality of light ray paths R correspond to one elongated light passing hole 33b1, vertical optical axis alignment is easy, resulting in excellent productivity. In other words, if one light beam path R were to correspond to one light passage hole 33b1, it would be necessary to align the optical axis of each of the multiple photoelectric sensors with the light passage hole 33b1, which could result in problems with processing accuracy, but the opening and closing device 1 configured as described above can alleviate such problems and improve productivity.

[0047] Furthermore, since the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b are positioned above and away from the abutment target site G, these units are prevented from being submerged in water and foreign matter accumulated on the lower end side of the guide rail 30 is prevented from adhering to the first unit 40a or the second unit 40b, thereby effectively protecting the multi-axis sensor 40.

[0048] Furthermore, since the electrical wiring 49 is provided in the space S on the rear side of the guide rail main body 32, the electrical wiring 49 can be prevented from being interfered with by the opening / closing body 10, the anti-detachment member 14, or the like.

[0049] Furthermore, the guide rail body 32, the inner guide rail 33, the multi-optical axis sensor 40, etc. are constructed as an integrated unit, which can be easily attached to and detached from the fixed post 31 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, maintenance such as repair, inspection, and replacement of the multi-optical axis sensor 40 is also easy.

[0050] According to the above embodiment, light passage holes 33b1, 32e are provided in the inner wall surface 33b of the inner guide rail 33 and the bottom wall of the guide rail main body 32, respectively. However, as other examples, in a configuration in which the anti-slip member 14 and the inner guide rail 33 are omitted from the illustrated example, it is also possible to provide a light passage hole 32e only in the bottom wall of the guide rail main body 32, or to provide a separate plate having a light passage hole on the bottom side of the guide rail main body 32.

[0051] 12 and 13 show an invention different from the above embodiment. In this invention, the guide rail 30 of the above opening and closing device 1 is replaced with a guide rail 30'. As shown in Figure 13, the guide rail 30' is composed of a fixed support 35 fixed to the main body, a guide rail main body 36 that guides the widthwise end of the opening / closing body 10 in the vertical direction, and a sensor support support 38 that supports a single-axis photoelectric sensor 37 (light-spotter or light-receiver), which are arranged and integrated in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body, so that a single light beam path R is formed in front of the sensor support support 38. In this invention, an inner guide rail 33' is provided within the guide rail body 36, and electrical wiring 49' of the photoelectric sensor is provided within the sensor support column 38. According to this invention, it is possible to prevent the electric wiring 49' from interfering with the opening / closing body 10 and the pull-out prevention member 14, and the maintainability of the photoelectric sensor 37 is good.

[0052] As yet another aspect of the invention, in the invention shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, it is possible to replace the photoelectric sensor 37 with a long multi-optical axis sensor 40 (specifically, the first unit 40a or the second unit 40b).

[0053] In addition, according to the guide rail 30 shown in Figures 2 and 3, the guide rail main body 32 is fixed to the fastening portion 31b by fasteners (screws, bolts, etc.) on both sides in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body. However, as another example, it is also possible to use a structure such as guide rail 30'' shown in Figure 14, in which the guide rail main body 32'' is hung on the fixed post 31 on the outdoor side and is fixed only on the indoor side (structure side) by fasteners. Guide rail 30" is obtained by replacing fastening portion 31b of guide rail 30 with fastening portion 31b" and guide rail main body 32 with guide rail main body 32". The fastener receiving portion 31b'' does not have a screw hole for fastening a fastener from the fastener receiving portion 31b'', and instead has an inwardly protruding piece-like hook receiving portion 32h. Further, the guide rail body 32'' is obtained by eliminating the through-hole for inserting the fastener from the above-mentioned guide rail body 32, and instead providing a hooking portion 32g for hooking onto the hooked portion 32h. According to this guide rail 30'', fasteners (screws, bolts, etc.) are not exposed to the outdoors, improving crime prevention, and since the guide rail main body 32'' can be easily attached and detached, maintenance is also easy.

[0054] Furthermore, according to a preferred example of the above embodiment, the light passing hole 33b1 (32e) is an elongated hole that allows some of the light paths R to pass through. However, as another example of this light passing hole 33b1, it is also possible to form it elongated in the vertical direction so as to include all of the light paths R. As another example of the light passing hole 33b1, it is possible to form it in a notch or slit shape. For example, the guide rail 30 may be composed of two members divided in the thickness direction of the opening and closing body, and a notch may be provided in one of the members and the other member, and the light passing hole 33b1 may be formed by joining these two notches.

[0055] Furthermore, according to a preferred example of the above embodiment, the light passing hole 33b1 (32e) is formed in an elongated shape extending in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body so as to pass a plurality of light ray paths R that are a part of the numerous light ray paths R. However, as another example, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the light passing hole 33b1 can also be formed in an elongated shape extending in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body so as to pass a plurality of light ray paths R that are all of the numerous light ray paths R. In this case, more preferably, reinforcing members 33b2 may be provided at appropriate intervals in the longitudinal direction of the light passing hole 33b1 as shown in Fig. 15(b). The reinforcing members 33b2 are fixed to the guide rail 30 so as to straddle both long edges of the light passing hole 33b1 between the vertically adjacent light projecting surfaces 40a1 (or light receiving surfaces). With this configuration, the reinforcing members 33b2 can reduce the reduction in strength of the guide rail 30 (specifically, the inner guide rail 33, the guide rail main body 32, etc.) caused by the elongated light passing hole 33b1 (32e).

[0056] In addition, according to the above embodiment, the light projecting surface 40a1 (or the light receiving surface) is exposed to the outside air on the opening / closing body 10 side in the opening / closing body width direction, but as another example, the light passing hole 33b1 may be covered with a light-transmitting member (e.g., a plate or the like) or a transparent member. This configuration can prevent the light projecting surface 40a1 (or the light receiving surface) from becoming dirty or being damaged by contact with an object, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10: Opening and closing body 20: Storage area 30: Guide rail 31:Fixed post 32: Guide rail body 33: Inner guide rail 33b:Inner wall surface 33b1,32e: Light passage hole 40: Multi-axis sensor 40a: First unit 40b: Second unit 49: Electrical wiring R: Ray path

Claims

1. An opening and closing device including an opening and closing body that performs a closing operation so as to partition a space, two guide rails that surround both ends of the opening and closing body in the width direction and guide the opening and closing body in the opening and closing direction, and a photoelectric sensor that detects an obstacle on the closing direction side of the opening and closing body in a non-contact manner, The photoelectric sensor includes a light projector provided on one guide rail and a light receiver provided on the other guide rail, A light path is formed between the light projector and the light receiver at an interval in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body, The guide rail includes a fixed post fixed to a stationary portion of a body, and a guide rail body connected to the fixed post and guiding an end of the opening / closing body in a vertical direction; The opening and closing device, wherein the photoelectric sensor is provided on the guide rail main body or on a sensor support pillar connected to the guide rail main body.

2. 2. The opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein the photoelectric sensor is provided on the guide rail body that is detachably connected to the fixed post.

3. 3. The opening and closing device according to claim 2, wherein the guide rail body is provided with a light passing hole that ensures the light path of the photoelectric sensor.

4. 2. The opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein the photoelectric sensor is supported by the sensor support column which is aligned in a thickness direction of the opening and closing body and integrated with the guide rail main body.

5. 5. The opening and closing device according to claim 4, wherein electrical wiring for the photoelectric sensor is provided inside the sensor support column, and the light path is formed on a front side of the sensor support column.

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