Automatic closing door proximity detector

Abstract

To solve the problems that doors open without a reason, and that doors are closed in contact with an obstruction.SOLUTION: Provided is a proximity detection system (10) for detecting an object (O) in a detection volume (V). The proximity detection system (10) comprises first and second boundary members (11, 12) defining a plane (P). The first boundary member (11) is opposed and movable relative to the second boundary member (12). The first boundary member (11) includes a detector (20). The detector (20) includes one or more directional emitters (30) and one or more directional receivers (40). The one or more emitters (30) are placed facing an acute angle α to the plane (P), measured in a horizontal plane, in order to direct electromagnetic radiation at the angle α to the plane (P). The one or more receivers (40) are placed facing an acute angle θ to the plane (P).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and device for sensing the presence of an obstacle in a detection zone, the sensing device comprising a boundary member emitting an electromagnetic signal, the position of the boundary member being variable with respect to the detection zone, whereby its relative position can be modified upon entry of an obstacle into the detection zone. [Background technology]

[0002] Safety is a major concern in the elevator industry and one that will need to be addressed over time. A particular area of ​​concern is the possibility of an object becoming trapped in the self-closing elevator doors, resulting in damage to the elevator and endangering people inside, or injuring passengers if the object is part of the passenger. This is a concern for many automated systems currently in use.

[0003] Photoelectric devices are widely used in connection with elevator safety systems. How effectively a photoelectric device can perform in each operating environment is evaluated in terms of excess gain. Excess gain is conveniently defined as the ratio of the available optical signal at each device's location to the minimum optical signal required to make the device function. The term "photoelectric device" should be construed to include any device operable in response to electromagnetic radiation, including but not limited to infrared. Elevator doors are generally already provided with a curtain capable of blocking electromagnetic radiation, such as infrared, to ensure that the doorway is clear of obstacles before the doors close. Such a curtain is generally provided by an array of transmitters of electromagnetic radiation, such as infrared LEDs, and an opposing array of receivers of electromagnetic radiation, such as infrared photodiodes, mounted on opposite sides of the elevator doorway, or by both arrays with opposing reflective strips on the same side of the doorway. Such a curtain can only provide a yes or no determination as to whether the doorway is obstructed.

[0004] This pinching problem has been addressed, for example, in GB patent GB 2,414,073 (Airdri Limited), which describes a system for gap scanning in a door having a movable leading edge. The door is open between open configurations, with an emitter unit for a first plurality of electromagnetic radiation beams located at one lateral boundary of the gap and a second plurality of receiver units for the beams located at the other lateral boundary. The emitter unit and the receiver units are provided with control means for establishing an array of beams across the gap, in which a beam from one of the first plurality of emitters can be received by a second plurality of complementary receivers in the gap.

[0005] US4910464A (WO8703100A1), which is incorporated herein by reference, also addresses the problem of article pinching at entrances by enhancing sensitivity and detection range, maintaining sensitivity without false triggering even when the sensor is very close to an object that should not be detected, and often enhancing sensitivity. This application describes a movable door in a proximity detection system for sensing obstacles in a door track, the system having at least two electromagnetic transmitter / receiver pairs attached to the leading edge or leading face of the door to transmit energy pulses in a direction not perpendicular but similar to the direction facing the leading face or leading edge of the door to monitor for obstacles in the door track. Each receiver of a pair is blocked from the transmitter of the pair to ensure that radiation transmitted by the transmitter is not received. The receiver receives reflected radiation when an obstacle enters the door track.

[0006] In the installation of most elevators (also known as lifts), door control situations can occur when the sensitivity of the system fails to respond to the presence of adverse conditions for some reason when using currently available proximity sensors. Proximity detection systems for automatic doors must ignore static objects such as walls and other fixtures while being sensitive to moving objects. This is often achieved by reducing sensitivity, but as a result, false responses can occur, especially under site conditions that are prone to change. Doors opening without reason or closing upon contact with an obstacle are not desirable outcomes.

[0007] Therefore, the systems described in the prior art can only respond to articles already within the track in the gap between the doors (i.e., between the doors). Thus, these systems cannot detect and respond to objects entering the detection zone on the opposite side of the door gap. As a result, the response to obstacles is delayed, and the closing of the door is further delayed. When attached to an elevator, the movement of the elevator is thus slowed down.

[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for a sensing system having a detection zone on the opposite side of a boundary member or the gap G between the doors to which they are attached, aiming to address the problems of known prior art systems and improve safety by predicting obstacles that may enter the path of a closing door or a pair of closing doors. For example, if an article is detected at a certain distance in front of and around the door before it enters the gap G, the door will either remain open or start to open again. Although this introduction has focused on elevator doors, the present invention is applicable to any powered automatic closing door. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Aspects and / or embodiments relate to methods and apparatus for providing a sensing system for a detection volume V whose position changes relative to either or both of a first or second boundary member. One or both of the boundary members may move relative to each other. When an object, i.e., a target, enters the detection volume V of the boundary member, it may be necessary to correct for the relative movement of the boundary member.

[0010] According to a first aspect, there is provided a proximity detection system for detecting an object X in a detection volume V, the proximity detection system comprising a first boundary member and a second boundary member defining a plane P and a gap G therebetween, the first boundary member being opposed to the second boundary member and movable relative to the second boundary member, the first boundary member having a detector attached thereto, the detector having one or more directional emitters for emitting electromagnetic radiation and one or more directional receivers for detecting the presence of the emitted electromagnetic radiation, the one or more emitters being arranged facing an acute angle α with respect to the plane P, measured in the horizontal plane, for directing the electromagnetic radiation at an angle α with respect to the plane P, and the one or more receivers being arranged facing an acute angle θ with respect to the plane P, measured in the horizontal plane. Preferably, the one or more receivers are arranged so as not to directly receive electromagnetic radiation from the one or more directional emitters and to receive the radiation of the emitter reflected from an object in the detection volume V.

[0011] Advantageously, the detection volume V is not restricted to only one boundary member. Both boundary members have their own defined detection volume zones. The present invention can operate in such a system, but does not provide a boundary-boundary member detection volume zone. The intention in such a system is that a boundary-boundary system is not required. Thus, the system anticipates the object X as it approaches the gap G, enables earlier intervention, and closes the door more quickly.

[0012] Optionally, one or more emitters have a down emitter and / or an up emitter, the up emitter being arranged to face upward at an acute angle βup with respect to the plane P when measured in a vertical plane, the down emitter being arranged to face downward at an acute angle βdown with respect to the plane P when measured in a vertical plane, and the detector including at least one down emitter and preferably at least one down emitter and one up emitter.

[0013] The present invention is not limited to a moving door system as provided in an elevator, but provides an installation of an economical and feasible proximity detection system and provides a safe operation even when an inexperienced or inattentive user approaches the moving door. For example, during boarding or alighting from an elevator.

[0014] Advantageously, the composite angle provided by the angle σ and the angle β provides improved detection and improved overgain. The first angle α provides the exact direction of the emitted radiation and thus provides the received energy at the exact position for optimal reflection of the radiation energy for detection of the object (X) when in the detection volume V. The second angle β provides better discrimination or independence of the color of the object when either the angled transmitter or receiver affects the reflectivity from the object X.

[0015] Optionally, one or more receivers are arranged facing horizontally. This is to optimally receive the reflected radiation from the emitters, particularly the up and down emitters of the lower detector.

[0016] Optionally, the second boundary member is movable and includes a detector attached to the second boundary member. Since there are two movable boundary members, a larger G is provided, access to the gap is facilitated, and / or the gap is closed more quickly.

[0017] Optionally, one or more emitters in each region emit an electromagnetic signal of polarized radiation and / or an electromagnetic signal of infrared rays. Accordingly, the reflectivity of the radiation is improved and the reception of the reflected radiation by the receiver is improved.

[0018] Optionally, the electromagnetic radiation emitted from each emitter forms a conical shape having an angle σ.

[0019] Optionally, 0.5σ is less than α or βup or βdown, whereby the emitted polarized radiation does not reach directly to one of the one or more receivers. Thus, the receiver receives only the reflected radiation, the sensitivity is improved, and the excess gain is increased.

[0020] Optionally, the angle α is such that the radiation emitted from the detector of the first or second boundary member does not reach directly to the other of the first or second boundary members. Thus, the receiver receives only the reflected radiation, the sensitivity is improved, and the excess gain is increased.

[0021] Optionally, α is close to θ, or equal to θ.

[0022] Optionally, the first boundary member and / or the second boundary member includes a plurality of detectors, each facing towards the region of the detection volume V of each boundary member. Optionally, it includes upper detectors located above one or more lower detectors in the boundary member, and the lower detectors include at least one up emitter, one down emitter, and a plurality of receivers.

[0023] The plurality of detectors can operate together, providing a composite sensor and an improved response, having a more robust baseline signal, and a more reliable output and intervention.

[0024] Optionally, the upper detector includes only the down emitter and the receiver, and the receiver is also directed downward. Advantageously, since it is easier for an object to enter below the upper detector, the number of components is improved, and it operates with the lower detector to improve the response accuracy.

[0025] Optionally, there are three detectors including one upper detector and two lower detectors, and the two lower detectors are identical. Advantageously, it provides predictability and comparability of output signals and economy of production scale.

[0026] Optionally, the lower detector includes, in a vertical direction spaced from top to bottom in the following order, a down emitter, a first receiver among one or more receivers, a second receiver among one or more receivers, and an up emitter.

[0027] Optionally, the system includes a controller connected to one or more receivers, The controller includes a processor for receiving the output from each of the one or more receivers and generating a reference signal, and a comparison means for comparing the output of each receiver with the reference signal and generating a control signal when the difference between any of the output signals from the receiver and the reference signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0028] Optionally, the processor includes an averaging means for generating a reference signal, and the reference signal is equal to the instantaneous average or moving average of the output of the receiver.

[0029] Advantageously, it provides a stable reference for compensating for static objects in the detection volume.

[0030] Optionally, the first boundary member is the leading edge of a first door movable in plane P. Optionally, the second boundary member is the leading edge of a second door movable in plane P.

[0031] Optionally, the first door and optionally the second door are moved by one or more actuators, the actuators are operably connected to the controller for receiving a control signal from the controller, and the one or more actuators are configured to correct the relative movement of the first door and optionally the second door in response to the control signal.

[0032] Optionally, the detection volume V extends vertically in the direction of the plane P and extends horizontally perpendicular to the plane P with an offset distance D from the plane P. Advantageously, the proximity detection system can be activated before the object X reaches the gap G, improving the response and efficiency of the system user.

[0033] Optionally, the angle α and / or the angle θ are between 10 and 70 degrees, preferably between 30 and 50 degrees, most preferably between 40 and 45 degrees. Optionally, βup and / or βdown are between 10 and 70 degrees, preferably between 30 and 60 degrees, most preferably between 45 and 55 degrees. The emitter and the receiver are arranged in optimal positions for best reflection, improving the excess gain.

[0034] Optionally, the emitter and the receiver are directed and arranged such that the radiation emitted by each emitter is not directly received by any receiver.

[0035] Optionally, the receiver of the detector of the second boundary member is configured to detect the radiation emitted by the detector of the first boundary member.

[0036] According to a second aspect, the movable door includes the proximity detection system described herein. Optionally, the movable door is an automatic sliding door.

[0037] According to a third aspect, an elevator system having the proximity detector and / or the movable door described herein is provided.

[0038] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sensing. It relates to providing a detection system for a detection zone whose position changes with respect to either a first or a second boundary member that can move relative to each other. When a target enters any of these boundary member zones, it may be necessary to correct such relative movement. For example, in the installation of an elevator (also known as a lift), when using currently available proximity sensors and the sensitivity of the system fails to respond and misses due to the presence of some adverse conditions, a door control situation can occur. Photoelectric devices are widely used in relation to elevator safety systems. How effectively a photoelectric device can be implemented in each operating environment is evaluated from the perspective of excessive gain. Excessive gain is conveniently defined as the ratio of the available optical signal at each device's position to the minimum optical signal required for the device to function. The term "photoelectric device" should be interpreted to include any device operable in response to electromagnetic radiation including, but not limited to, infrared rays.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039] Next, embodiments will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings with like reference numerals.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

[0040] The components shown in the drawings differ only in relative position, and the same reference numerals are used for the components throughout all the drawings.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0041] Next, with reference to the drawings, a preferred embodiment including the proximity detection system according to the present invention installed in the elevator car 1 will be described.

[0042] FIG. 1 shows an elevator car 1 located in a frame 3 of a door opening as seen from a user approaching the elevator 1. The elevator 1 approaches from the surface 5 and has a floor 6 where a user can stand and a car door 50. In this example, the door 50 is movable relative to the frame 3 by one or more actuators 60. The one or more actuators 60 may have any conventional driving means. In this case, a first door 51 and a second door 52 are used, both of which are movable. In an alternative installation, only one door 50 is attached or movable.

[0043] The proximity detection system 10 according to the present invention is attached to each door 50 of the elevator 1, actually the elevator 1 in FIG. 1. The proximity detection system 10 has a first boundary member 11 and a second boundary member 12, each of which extends in the vertical direction and defines a gap G and a plane P therebetween. In FIG. 1, the first boundary member 11 is the leading edge of the first door 51, and the second boundary member 12 is the leading edge of the second door 52. Each door is movable in the plane P to enable access to the elevator 1, and thus each boundary member 11, 12 is movable relative to the other.

[0044] In the aforementioned alternative installation where there is only one movable door 50, only the first boundary member 11 may be movable. The second boundary member 12 may be fixed at a predetermined position of the second non-movable door 52 or may be fixed to a stationary surface such as a part of the frame 3.

[0045] The proximity detection system 10 is for detecting an object X that enters the detection volume V. The detection volume V extends vertically from the ground in front of the plane P and extends horizontally offset by a distance D from the plane P. The distance D is greater than zero, and the detection zone may extend away from P at any distance greater than D depending on the application of the proximity detection system 10.

[0046] At least a first boundary member 11 has a detector 20 attached thereto. The detector 20 includes one or more directional emitters 30 and one or more receivers 40. The emitter 30 emits electromagnetic radiation. Preferably, the electromagnetic radiation is infrared and / or polarized, and although other electromagnetic radiation can be used, it should be noted that infrared radiation that is invisible to the naked eye and has good reflection characteristics is preferred. One or more receivers 40 are configured to receive the radiation emitted from the emitter 30 after being reflected by the object X. The one or more emitters 30 and the one or more receivers 40 are optoelectronic devices. The emitter 30 is configured to emit radiation across an arc having an angle σ. Preferably, the emitter 30 emits conical radiation that spreads as it moves away from the emitter 30.

[0047] FIG. 2 shows the proximity detection system 10 in the horizontal plane as viewed from above in the horizontal plane. The emitter 30 faces away from the plane P to emit radiation into the detection volume V. The one or more emitters 30 are arranged to face an acute angle α away from P when measured in the horizontal plane. The one or more receivers 40 are arranged to face an acute angle θ from P. FIG. 2 also shows an arc σ, and the one or more emitters 30 emit electromagnetic radiation through the arc σ. The angle α may be the same as the angle θ, or θ may be different from α as seen in FIG. 2, i.e., greater than α. Preferably, θ is close to α, and more preferably within ±20 degrees. In any case, the angle α and / or the angle θ are between 10 and 70 degrees, preferably between 30 and 50 degrees, and most preferably between 40 and 45 degrees. Note that the emitter 30 is not arranged coaxially with the receiver 40.

[0048] Note that in FIG. 2, it is shown that the object X enters the detection zone V and the radiation emitted by one or more emitters 30 is reflected by the object X and returns toward one or more receivers 40.

[0049] FIG. 3 shows the boundary member in the vertical plane when viewed in the direction of the plane P, which can be the first boundary member 11 or the second boundary member 12. The shown boundary members 11, 12 include three detectors 20, namely, one upper detector 22 at the top of the boundary members 11, 12 and two lower detectors 24 vertically spaced below the upper detector 22. Although two lower detectors 24 are shown, it should be noted that one or more lower detectors 24 may be used with the upper detector 22 or without the upper detector 22. Each of the lower detectors 24 is preferably identical to the other. The detectors 20 inspect three regions Z1 to Z3 arranged in the vertical direction of the detection volume V. The upper detector 22 has at least one emitter 30 and one receiver 40 and inspects Z1. The lower detectors 24 inspect regions Z2 and Z3. Each of the lower detectors 24 has at least two emitters 30 and two receivers 40 arranged at intervals set along the length of the boundary members 11, 12 occupied by the detectors 20. The emitters in each region emit polarized radiation (infrared in this case) in the direction T into the boundary volume zone V above the floor 5.

[0050] The detection volume V of each boundary member includes at least three detectors 20 along the boundary members 11, 12. In a preferred case where three detectors 20 are included, these three detectors 20 have the same two lower detectors 24, whereby at least two emitters 30 of electromagnetic signals that are directed towards the region of the detection volume V but not directly towards the receiver 40 for that region, and at least two receivers 40 for receiving the electromagnetic signals from the emitters 30 of the detector 40. When the two emitters 30 emit electromagnetic signals simultaneously, the two receivers 40 of the detector 20 can also receive the same emitted electromagnetic signal. The emitter 30 and the receiver 40 form part of a network N that includes processing means 102 for forming a composite sensor used for operating monitoring of the detection volume. In all of the regions Z1 to Z3 of the detection volume V, the received signal level related to the received radiated electromagnetic signal from the emitter 30 changes. When an object X enters the region and causes reflection, the reflection is returned towards the optoelectronic device, i.e., the receiver 40, within the same region. The radiation received by the receivers 40 of each detector 30 in the three regions Z1 to Z3 is processed to provide a level used to define whether the differential detection threshold is exceeded by any of the detectors 20 when compared with the detectors 20 in other regions on the boundary member.

[0051] One or more emitters 30 have a down emitter 32 and / or an up emitter 34. The down emitter 32 is arranged to face downward towards the floor 5 at an angle βdown with respect to the plane P when viewed in a vertical plane as shown in FIG. 3. The up emitter 34 is arranged to face upward away from the floor 5 at an angle βup with respect to the plane P when viewed in a vertical plane as shown in FIG. 3. βup and / or βdown are between 10 and 70 degrees, preferably between 30 and 60 degrees, and most preferably between 45 and 55 degrees.

[0052] Therefore, the direction of the radiation emitted by the emitter 30 and optionally the receiving element uses a composite angle including σ and β. The radiation energy and the received energy are on two angles α and β with respect to P from the boundary member. Thereby, the first angle α measured in the horizontal plane and shown in FIG. 2 serves two functions: making the exact direction (T) of the emitted radiation and the exact direction R of the received energy coincide at the exact position for the optimal reflection of the radiation energy for detecting an object (X) when it is in the detection volume. The second angle β measured in the vertical plane and shown in FIG. 3 is where the emitter 30 or the receiver 40 is angled from the boundary member. Thereby, when either the angled transmitter or receiver reduces the reflectivity from the object X, better discrimination of the color of the object becomes possible.

[0053] The receivers 40 in each region are adapted to receive the beam reflected from an object X outside the volume V. During operation, the receiver 40 does not directly receive the beam or radiation from any of the emitters 30 from the same detectors 20 on the same boundary members 11, 12, or from other detectors 20, or from the emitters 30 of any of the detectors 20 on the opposite boundary members 11, 12. The upper detector 22 preferably has at least one receiver 40 angled downward when viewed in the vertical plane as shown in FIG. 3. Each of the lower detectors 24 has at least one up emitter 34, one down emitter 32, and two receivers 40. Preferably, the lower detector 24 includes, in order from top to bottom and at a vertical interval, at least one down emitter 32, a first receiver 41, a second receiver 42, and one up emitter 34. The first receiver 41 and the second receiver 42 may be perpendicular to the plane P when viewed in the vertical plane.

[0054] The emitter 30 is arranged such that the radiation emitted from one or more emitters 30 does not directly reach any of the receivers 40. One or more emitters 30 of the first boundary member 11 are arranged such that the radiation emitted from one or more emitters 30 of the detector of the first boundary member 11 does not directly reach either the second boundary member 12 or one or more receivers 40 that may be on the second boundary member 12. Specifically, 0.5σ, which is half of the cone angle of each emitter 30, is smaller than the angle α, or the angle βup or βdown.

[0055] Each of the boundary members 11, 12 functions in the same manner with respect to the proximity detection system 10. When the target X shown in FIG. 2 enters the volume V on any boundary, at least one of the radiation beams from one or more emitters 30 is reflected from the target X and generates a secondary beam that travels towards one of the one or more receivers within the same detector 20. As a result, a change occurs in the radiation received by one or more receivers, and a change also occurs in the output signal from each receiver. Signals from each of the plurality of detectors are fed into the network N. This makes it possible to define the position occupied by the target X by the received radiation.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 4, a schematic diagram of the controller 100 and the connections in the proximity detection system 10 will be described. The detector 20 is operably connected to the controller 100. When a plurality of detectors 20 are included, the plurality of detectors 20 form a network N together with the controller 100. Each receiver 40 is operably connected to the controller to transmit any output 200 from the receiver to the controller 100. The controller 100 includes a processor 102 for processing the output signal 200 received from one or more receivers 40. The controller 100 may also be connected to each of the one or more emitters 30 to cause the emitters 30, 32, 24 to emit a signal beam of infrared radiation polarized in the direction of axis T. One or more actuators 60 are operably connected to the controller 100 and respond to a control signal 203 from the controller 100. The array of the first receiver 41 and the second receiver 42 of each lower detector 24, and the processor 102 also function to define sensing regions Z1 to Z3 having an optimized high signal-to-noise ratio. The volume of each detection zone V is constant and does not change in the gap G between the boundary members 11, 12, that is, between the doors 51, 52. When the target X enters the volume zone V, the reflections of the radiation emitted by the down emitter 32 and the up emitter 34 are confirmed and processed by the first and second receivers 41, 42 and received by the processor P. The processor 102 compares the output signal 200 from the receiver 40 with a reference signal, that is, a baseline signal 201, in the comparator 104. The processor 102 may include averaging means 103 for generating the reference signal 201, and the reference signal 201 may be the instantaneous average or the moving average of the signal of the output signal 200 from the receiver 40. The reference signal 201 may be created from all the receivers 40 connected to the network, or a reference signal 201 for each detector 20 may be created. When the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold 204, that is, when the target X is present in the detection volume V, the processor 102 causes the controller 100 to issue a control signal 203. When the actuator 60 responds to the control signal 203, it is configured to correct the relative movement of the first door 51 and optionally the second door 52.When a definite result of target X is confirmed, in order to prevent target X from being pinched by the door, the closing control of the cage door 50 can be delayed, paused, or opened again.

[0057] In the lower detector 24, two emitters 30 emit electromagnetic signals simultaneously, and two receivers 40 of the detector 20 can also receive the same emitted electromagnetic signal. The upper detector 22 has one or more emitters 30 for the electromagnetic signal directed to the detection volume V and one or more receivers 40 for receiving the electromagnetic signal in its upper region. The emitter 30 and the receiver 40 form part of a network N including processing means for forming a composite sensor for use in monitoring the operation of the sensing volume V. The received signal levels of the sensors 20 respectively change in relation to the emitted electromagnetic signal from the emitter 30 when the object X enters the region that causes a direct reflection back towards the receiver 40 of the same detector 20, and the output signals from the receivers 40 of each of the three detectors 20 at each boundary member 11, 12 are processed to provide a level for defining whether a preset differential detection threshold is exceeded by any of the detectors 20 when compared with the other detectors 20 on the boundary member.

[0058] Any feature of the systems described herein may also be provided as a feature of a method, and vice versa. As used herein, a means-plus-function may alternatively be expressed in terms of the corresponding structure.

[0059] Any feature in one aspect may be applied in any suitable combination to other aspects. In particular, aspects of the method may be applied to aspects of the system, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some, and / or all features in one aspect may be applied in any suitable combination to any, some, and / or all features in any other aspect.

[0060] It should also be recognized that certain combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspect may be implemented and / or supplied and / or used independently.

Claims

1. A proximity detection system (10) for detecting an object (O) in a detection volume (V), comprising: a first boundary member (11) and a second boundary member (12) defining a plane (P) and a gap (G) therebetween; The first boundary member (11) faces the second boundary member (12) and is movable relative to the second boundary member (12); The first boundary member (11) has a detector (20) attached to the first boundary member (11); The detector (20) has one or more directional emitters (30) for emitting electromagnetic radiation and one or more directional receivers (40) for detecting the presence of the emitted electromagnetic radiation; The one or more emitters (30) are positioned at an acute angle α, measured in a horizontal plane, with respect to the plane P to direct electromagnetic radiation at an angle α with respect to the plane P, and the one or more receivers (40) are positioned at an acute angle θ, measured in the horizontal plane, with respect to the plane P so as not to receive electromagnetic radiation directly from the one or more directional emitters (30) and to receive the radiation of the emitters reflected from the object O in the detection volume V.

2. The one or more emitters (30) include a down emitter (32) and / or an up emitter (34), the up emitter (34) being arranged to face upward at an acute angle βup to the plane P when measured in a vertical plane, and the down emitter (32) being arranged to face downward at an acute angle βdown to the plane P when measured in the vertical plane, The detector (20) includes at least one down emitter (32), and preferably at least one down emitter (32) and one up emitter (34); The proximity detection system (10) of claim 1.

3. The one or more receivers (40) are horizontally oriented. A proximity detection system (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second boundary member (12) is movable and includes a detector (20) attached to the second boundary member (12). A proximity detection system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The one or more emitters (30) emit electromagnetic signals of polarized radiation and / or infrared radiation. A proximity detection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

6. The emitted electromagnetic radiation from each emitter (30) forms a cone shape having an angle σ. A proximity detection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. 0.5σ is less than α or β or β, such that the emitted polarized radiation does not directly reach one of the one or more receivers (30); The proximity detection system (10) of claim 6.

8. the angle α is such that the emitted radiation from a detector of the first or second boundary member (11, 12) does not directly reach the other of the first or second boundary members (11, 12); A proximity detection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. The angle α is close to or equal to the angle θ; A proximity detection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. the first boundary member (11) and / or the second boundary member (12) include a plurality of detectors (20), each facing towards a region of the detection volume V of the respective boundary member; A proximity detection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. an upper detector (22) located above one or more lower detectors (24) at the interface member; The lower detector (24) includes at least one up emitter (34), one down emitter (32), and a plurality of receivers (40). A proximity detection system (10) according to claim 10 when dependent on any one of claims 2 to 13.

12. The upper detector (22) includes only a down emitter (32) and the receiver (40), the receiver (40) being oriented facing downwards; The proximity detection system (10) of claim 11.

13. There are three detectors (20), including one upper detector (22) and two lower detectors (24), the two lower detectors (24) being identical; The proximity detection system (10) of claim 12.

14. The lower detector (24) includes, spaced vertically from the top in the following order: the down emitter (32), a first receiver (41), a second receiver (42), and the up emitter (34). A proximity detection system (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. a controller (100) connected to the one or more receivers (40); The controller (100) comprises a processor (102) for receiving an output (200) from each of the one or more receivers (40) and generating a reference signal (201), and comparison means (104) for comparing the output of each receiver (40) with the reference signal (101) and generating a control signal (203) if a difference between any of the output signals (200) from the receivers (40) and the reference signal (201) exceeds a predetermined threshold (204). A proximity detection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. the processor (102) includes averaging means (103) for generating the reference signal (201), the reference signal (201) being equal to an instantaneous or moving average of the output (200) of the receiver (40); The proximity detection system (10) of claim 15.

17. The first boundary member (11) is a leading edge (14) of a first door (51) that is movable in the plane P; A proximity detection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

18. the second boundary member (12) being a leading edge (14) of a second door (52) movable in the plane P; The proximity detection system (10) of claim 17.

19. the first door (51) and optionally the second door (52) are moved by one or more actuators (60), the actuators (60) being operatively connected to the controller (100) for receiving control signals (203) from the controller (100), the one or more actuators (60) being configured to modify relative movement of the first door (51) and optionally the second door (52) in response to the control signals (203); A proximity detection system (10) according to claim 16 or 17 when dependent on claim 14 or 15.

20. The detection volume V extends vertically in the direction of the plane P and horizontally perpendicular to the plane P, offset from the plane P by a distance D. A proximity detection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

21. the angle α and / or the angle θ are between 10 and 70 degrees, preferably between 30 and 50 degrees, and most preferably between 40 and 45 degrees; A proximity detection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

22. The angle βup and / or the angle βdown is between 10 and 70 degrees, preferably between 30 and 60 degrees, and most preferably between 45 and 55 degrees; A proximity detection system (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 21.

23. the emitters and the receivers are oriented such that the emitted radiation of each emitter is not directly received by any receiver; A proximity detection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

24. the receiver of the detector of the second boundary member is configured to detect the emitted radiation of the detector of the first boundary member. A proximity detection system (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 23.

25. A movable door (50) comprising a proximity detection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

26. An elevator (1) comprising a proximity detection system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 24 and / or a movable door (50) according to claim 25.

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