Opening / closing device

Abstract

To properly perform obstacle sensing control.SOLUTION: In an opening / closing device, a plurality of photoelectric sensors 40a and 40b have a plurality of light emitters and a plurality of light receivers. A plurality of light ray paths R are formed between the plurality of light emitters and the plurality of receivers. A guide rail 30 is provided with a light passage hole 33b1 for allowing passage of each light ray path R. The light passage hole 33b1 is formed in an elongated shape extending in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing member so as to allow a plurality of light ray paths R, which are part or all of the plurality of light ray paths R, to pass therethrough.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventional inventions of this type include, for example, a shutter device described in Patent Document 1, in which a multi-optical axis sensor, which has a large number of photoelectric sensors arranged in the vertical direction to form a large number of light beam paths, is attached to the left and right guide rails to detect obstacles over a wide range in the vertical direction. In this type of shutter device control, each time the opening / closing body blocks the light beam paths of two photoelectric sensors as it closes, the photoelectric sensors below the two photoelectric sensors and above are made unable to sense obstacles, so that the opening / closing body does not block multiple light beam paths and result in the detection of an obstacle. Therefore, obstacles are detected only by the photoelectric sensors below the nearest photoelectric sensors. Thereafter, when the opening / closing body is opened, the obstacle sensing incapability state is cancelled in order from bottom to top each time the opening / closing body that is opening opens the light path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-77752 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, according to the above-mentioned conventional technology, if a foreign object such as dust adheres to a photoelectric sensor that is in an obstacle-detecting state during the closing operation of the opening / closing body, when the opening / closing body is opened, the photoelectric sensors above the photoelectric sensor to which the foreign object adheres will not return to an obstacle-detecting state. Therefore, for example, if an obstacle enters the space above the foreign object when the opening / closing body is opened above the foreign object, the obstacle cannot be detected, and the opening / closing body may come into contact with the obstacle when it closes. Also, the closing operation may be performed below the foreign object, and it is expected that the obstacle may come into contact with the opening / closing body that has started to close at a relatively low position. Therefore, there is a need for better obstacle sensing control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. a plurality of photoelectric sensors arranged in the opening and closing direction of the opening and closing body, which form a plurality of light ray paths, and a multi-optical axis sensor which detects a blocked state of these light ray paths; and a guide rail which surrounds an end of the opening and closing body in a width direction to guide it in the opening and closing direction, and is provided on one side and the opposite side of the opening and closing body in the width direction, wherein the plurality of photoelectric sensors have a plurality of light emitters and a plurality of light receivers, and the plurality of light ray paths are formed between each of the plurality of light emitters and each of the plurality of light receivers, and the guide rail is provided with a light passing hole for passing the light ray paths, and the light passing hole is formed in an elongated shape extending in the opening and closing direction of the opening and closing body so as to pass a plurality of light ray paths which are some or all of the plurality of light ray paths. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to perform good obstacle detection control. [Brief explanation 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. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line (II)-(II) in FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part taken along line (III)-(III) in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B show a portion of the opening / closing body near the lower end on the widthwise end side, with FIG. 1A being a front view and FIG. 1B being a right side view. [Figure 5] Specific examples of the light-shielding member are shown, where (I) is the top light-shielding member, (II) is the light-shielding member in the center in the vertical direction, and (III) is the bottom light-shielding member. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the sensor control circuit during a closing operation. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the sensor control circuit during an opening operation. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of an opening / closing member control circuit. [Figure 9] 6 is a time chart showing the relationship between the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing body and a closing operation prohibition signal. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are plan views showing other examples of light transmitting holes, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] This embodiment discloses the following features. The first feature is that it comprises an opening / closing body that performs a closing operation so as to partition a space, a fully closed sensing unit that senses when the opening / closing body has reached a fully closed position during the closing operation, a fully open sensing unit that senses when the opening / closing body has reached a fully open position on the opening side of the fully closed position during the opening operation from the fully closed position, and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit prohibits the closing operation of the opening / closing body after the fully closed sensing unit senses the opening / closing body during the closing operation, and releases this prohibited closing state when the opening / closing body during the opening operation is sensed by the fully open sensing unit (see Figure 9).

[0009] As a second feature, when the opening / closing body is detected by the fully closed proximity detection unit during the closing operation, the control circuit prohibits the closing operation after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection (see Figures 6 and 9).

[0010] As a third feature, the predetermined time is set to be equal to or longer than the time from when the opening / closing body is detected by the fully closed proximity detecting portion during the closing operation to when the opening / closing body is substantially fully closed.

[0011] A fourth feature is that a number of photoelectric sensors lined up in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body form a number of light paths, and a multi-optical axis sensor is provided that detects the interruption state of these light paths, and this multi-optical axis sensor causes the photoelectric sensor located on the closing direction side of the number of photoelectric sensors to function as the fully closed proximity sensor, and causes the other photoelectric sensors located on the opening direction side of the fully closed proximity sensor to function as the fully open proximity sensor (see Figure 9).

[0012] As a fifth feature, the opening and closing device includes a multi-optical axis sensor that forms a multiplicity of light ray paths by a multiplicity of photoelectric sensors aligned in the opening and closing direction of the opening and closing body, and turns on or off the output of a close operation prohibition signal depending on the blocking state of these light ray paths, and prohibits the closing operation of the opening and closing body when the close operation prohibition signal is on, and releases this close operation prohibition state when the close operation prohibition signal is off, and the multi-optical axis sensor causes two photoelectric sensors located on the closing direction side among the multiplicity of photoelectric sensors to function as the full-closed deviation detection unit, and two other photoelectric sensors located on the opening direction side of the sensor as the fully-closed approaching sensor, and when two of the multiple light ray paths are blocked in order from the opening direction side to the closing direction side, the multi-optical axis sensor turns off the closing operation prohibition signal for the photoelectric sensor closest to the closing direction side of these two light ray paths and all photoelectric sensors located on the opening direction side of the photoelectric sensor, regardless of whether or not the light ray path is blocked; and when the light ray path of the fully-closed approaching sensor is blocked, the closing operation prohibition signal is turned on from OFF after the point of blocking; Furthermore, when the light beam paths of the multiple photoelectric sensors return from the blocked state in order from the closing direction side to the opening direction side, and only the light beam path of the fully open sensing unit is blocked, the multi-optical axis sensor changes the closing operation prohibition signal from ON to OFF after the point of blocking (see FIG. 9).

[0013] As a sixth feature, the closing operation prohibition state is released after the full-open leaning detection unit has detected the door and when there is no detection by the photoelectric sensors other than the full-open leaning detection unit.

[0014] As a seventh feature, the multi-optical axis sensor is provided at a position a predetermined distance away from the contact target portion of the opening / closing body in the opening direction when the opening / closing body is fully closed (see FIG. 1).

[0015] As an eighth feature, the multiple light ray paths coincide or substantially coincide with the center of the opening / closing body in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body (see FIG. 2).

[0016] A ninth feature is that a guide rail is provided that surrounds the widthwise end of the opening / closing body and guides it in the opening / closing direction, and this guide rail is provided with light passing holes that allow the multiple light paths to pass through, and the dimension of the light passing holes in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body is set to be smaller than the thickness dimension of the opening / closing body (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0017] As a tenth feature, a guide rail is provided that surrounds an end of the opening / closing body in the width direction and guides it in the opening / closing direction, and this guide rail is provided on one side and the opposite side in the width direction of the opening / closing body, the multi-optical axis sensor includes a first unit extended in the guide rail on one side in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body and a second unit extended in the guide rail on the opposite side in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body, and is configured to form the multiple light paths between these two units, the control circuit includes an opening / closing body control circuit that controls the opening and closing operation of the opening / closing body, a storage section that stores the opening / closing body is provided on the opening direction side of the opening / closing body, and within this storage section, the opening / closing body control circuit is provided on 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 it detects an obstacle in a non-contact manner to the opening / closing body control circuit by electrical wiring, and at least a part of the electrical wiring is arranged in the guide rail located on the one side (see FIG. 1).

[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. Also, "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, but is not the thickness direction of the opening / closing body. Also, "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 and closing device 1 comprises an opening and closing body 10 which performs a closing operation to separate a space, a storage section 20 which stores and extends the opening and closing body 10 on the opening direction side, two guide rails 30, 30 which surround both ends of the opening and closing body 10 in the width direction with a concave cross section and guide it in the opening and closing direction, a multi-optical axis sensor 40 which detects obstacles below the opening and closing body 10 in a non-contact manner, and a control circuit 50, and is mounted on a structure having a relatively wide opening, such as a garage or a factory.

[0020] A slip-out prevention member 14 is provided at the end of the opening / closing body 10 in the width direction to prevent the opening / closing body 10 from being pulled out from the guide rail 30 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The slip-out prevention member 14 protrudes in the width direction from the end of the opening / closing body 10 and has an integral portion on its tip side that expands in the width direction of the opening / closing body.

[0021] 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. 4 and 5). These blocking members 15, 16, 17 are attached to the end sides of the slat 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.

[0022] To explain each closing member in detail, as shown in Fig. 5(I), the closing member 15 is an integral member having a fastening piece 15a that is fastened to the back surface of the slat 11a and a closing piece 15b that is bent relative to the fastening piece 15a to close the opening at the widthwise end of the slat 11a. This closing member 15 is fastened to the slat 11a closest to the upper side of the fixed seat plate 12.

[0023] The blocking member 16 is formed in an approximately block shape having a blocking piece portion 16a that blocks the opening at the widthwise end of the fixed seat plate 12 and a fastening portion 16b that is fastened to the fixed seat plate 12, and according to the illustrated example, is formed by combining multiple members.

[0024] The blocking member 17 is a member that integrally has a blocking piece portion 17a that is inserted into the movable seat plate 13 and blocks the light path R that attempts to pass through the movable seat plate 13, and a fastening piece portion 17b that is fastened to the movable seat plate 13.

[0025] These blocking members 15, 16, and 17 sequentially block two of the multiple light beam paths R of the multi-optical axis sensor 40 during the normal closing operation of the opening / closing body 10, thereby preventing the opening / closing body 10 from being detected as an obstacle (this is sometimes called blanking control). Therefore, as long as these blocking members 15, 16, 17 function in the same manner, they may be formed in one, two, four or more than three, or in other forms other than those shown in the drawings.

[0026] It should be noted that if an opening / closing body with a solid interior is used in place of the opening / closing body 10 shown in the drawings, the blocking members 15, 16, and 17 can be omitted.

[0027] In a preferred example of this embodiment, the centers of the numerous light ray paths R and the center 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 can be covered and protected by the end surface in the width direction of the opening / closing body 10, thereby preventing the light-projecting surface 40a1 (or the light-receiving surface) from becoming dirty, having foreign matter adhere to it, or being damaged.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the storage section 20 is provided with a storage case 21 having an opening at the bottom for allowing the opening / closing body 10 to enter and exit, a winding shaft 22 for winding up and unwinding the opening / closing body 10, an opening / closing machine 23 for driving and rotating the winding shaft 22 and braking it via a power transmission mechanism such as a chain and sprocket, and an opening / closing body control circuit 51 which is part of the control circuit 50.

[0029] The storage case 21 is formed into a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape by side covers 21a at both ends, a case body 21b connected to the side covers 21a and extending in the width direction of the opening / closing body, and the like.

[0030] The opening and closing device 23 is composed of a rotary electric motor, a braking mechanism, and the like. The opening / closing device 23 is provided with a fully closed / fully open sensing unit 23a that outputs a contact signal at the fully closed and fully open positions of the opening / closing body 10. The fully closed / fully open sensing unit 23a is a switch with a mechanical counter structure that outputs a contact signal when the amount of rotation of the rotating part of the opening / closing device 23 reaches a predetermined value.

[0031] The opening / closing body control circuit 51 is an electronic circuit equipped with, for example, a microcomputer, and functions according to a pre-stored program to process input signals from the multi-axis sensor 40 and control the opening / closing device 23 according to the processing results, as described below. The opening / closing body control circuit 51 and the opening / closing device 23 are disposed in the storage case 21 on one side in the width direction of the opening / closing body (on the left side in the illustrated example).

[0032] The guide rail 30 is configured to surround the widthwise end of the opening / closing body 10 in a concave shape on one side of the opening / closing body in the width direction and on the opposite side. As shown in FIG. 2, this guide rail 30 comprises a hollow fixed support 31 fixed to a non-moving portion on the body side in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body, a guide rail main body 32 detachably connected to this fixed support 31, and an inner guide rail 33 that engages with the anti-slip member 14 inside the guide rail main body 32 so that it cannot slip out, and a multi-optical axis sensor 40 is fixed inside the fixed support 31 on the back side of the guide rail main body 32 by a bracket 48.

[0033] The inner guide rail 33 and the fixed support 31 are provided with a light passage hole 33b1 at a position facing the end of the slip-out prevention member 14 so as to penetrate from the bottom of the inner guide rail 33 into the fixed support 31.

[0034] The light passing hole 33b1 is a through hole for passing the light path R of the multiple optical axis sensor 40, and faces the light projecting surface 40a1 (or light receiving surface) of each photoelectric sensor constituting the multiple optical axis sensor 40.

[0035] The multi-optical axis sensor 40 includes a first unit 40a extending in the vertical direction within the guide rail 30 on one side, and a second unit 40b extending in the vertical direction within the guide rail 30 on the opposite side. These first unit 40a and second unit 40b are each positioned a predetermined distance H away from the contact point G (e.g., the lower frame, floor, ground, etc.) of the opening / closing body 10 when fully closed in the opening direction, and are fixed to the inner guide rail 33 and the back side of the guide rail main body 32 (inside the fixed support 31). The predetermined dimension H is set within a range of 150 to 1500 mm, and more preferably within a range of 150 to 500 mm. As an example other than the illustrated example, the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b may be provided over the entire height of the opening that is opened and closed by the opening / closing body 10. These two units 40a and 40b form a large number of light beam paths R spaced at substantially regular intervals in the vertical direction (see FIG. 1).

[0036] The first unit 40a has a cubic case that is long in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body, and has a number of light projectors (not shown) arranged at approximately regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the case. These light projectors constitute photoelectric sensors that receive power from electrical wiring 49 inside the fixed support 31 and emit light (e.g., infrared rays) as an obstacle detection medium.

[0037] 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 sensor control circuit 41 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 constitute a photoelectric sensor that forms a light path R therebetween. The sensor control circuit 41 processes the detection signal from the light receiver, and turns on or off the output of the closing operation prohibition signal as a result of the processing.

[0038] Here, the closing operation prohibition signal is a signal for prohibiting the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10. This closing operation prohibition signal may be, for example, a contact signal that changes between an OFF state and an ON state, or a voltage signal. When this closing operation prohibition signal is ON, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 does not close the opening / closing body 10 even if a closing command is received from a closing switch, etc. Also, when the closing operation prohibition signal is turned ON during the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 stops the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10.

[0039] 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 within the guide rail 30 and electrically connected to the opening / closing body control circuit 51 within the storage case 21. In particular, the second unit 40b (one of the units) having the photodetector 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 opening / closing body control circuit 51 via electrical wiring 49. The second unit 40b is disposed inside the guide rail 30 located on the one side (left side in the drawing). According to this configuration, the signal output from the second unit 40b can be transmitted to the opening / closing member control circuit 51 in a satisfactory manner. In other words, if, as opposed to the illustration, the first unit 40a were to be the receiver side and the signal output from this first unit 40a were to be transmitted to the opening / closing body control circuit 51 through the other guide rail 30 (the right side of the illustration), 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 occur in this embodiment.

[0040] To explain in detail the relationship between the multiple light ray paths R and the guide rail 30, a plurality of light passing holes 33b1 on the bottom side of the guide rail 30 are provided at intervals in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. Each light passing hole 33b1 is formed in the shape of a long hole extending in the vertical direction so as to allow a plurality of (four in the illustrated example) light paths R, which are a part of the many light paths R, to pass therethrough. The elongated light transmitting hole 33b1 can reduce clogging with foreign matter such as dust compared to a circular light transmitting hole. Furthermore, since a plurality of light ray paths R correspond to one elongated light passing hole 33b1, vertical alignment of the optical axes is easy, resulting in excellent productivity. That is, if one light ray path R were to correspond to one light passing hole 33b1, it would be necessary to align the optical axes of each of the many photoelectric sensors with the light passing hole 33b1, which could cause problems with processing accuracy, etc. However, according to this embodiment, such problems can be alleviated and productivity can be improved.

[0041] The light passing hole 33b1 on the first unit 40a side has a width W that is slightly larger than the diameter of the light projection surface 40a1 of the light projector of the multi-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. Furthermore, the 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 emitter will receive the light emitted from the light emitter even if its position is slightly shifted in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body (width W direction in the figure) due to manufacturing errors, etc.

[0042] The width W of the light passing hole 33b1 is set 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, and 17. According to this configuration, the two light paths R can be effectively blocked by the width direction end portions 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 hole 33b1. In addition, it prevents the end 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 against or getting caught on something, and preventing damage to the light projection surface 40a1 (light receiving surface) of the multi-axis sensor 40.

[0043] In the above embodiment, a light-passing hole 33b1 is provided so as to penetrate the inner guide rail 33 and the bottom wall of the guide rail main body 32. However, as another example, in a configuration in which the anti-slip member 14 and the inner guide rail 33 are omitted from the illustrated example, a light-passing hole can be provided only in the bottom wall of the guide rail main body 32, or a separate plate having a light-passing hole can be provided on the bottom side of the guide rail main body 32.

[0044] Of the numerous photoelectric sensors that make up the multi-optical axis sensor 40, the two photoelectric sensors that are adjacent to each other vertically and closest to the closing direction function as a fully closed sensing section A1 that detects when the opening / closing body 10 reaches a predetermined fully closed position B1 during the closing operation. At the fully closed position B1, the blocking members 15, 16, and 17 of the opening / closing body 10 during the closing operation cover the fully closed position sensing portion A1.

[0045] Furthermore, among the numerous photoelectric sensors that make up the multi-optical axis sensor 40, the two photoelectric sensors that are adjacent to each other vertically and closest to the opening direction function as a fully open sensing section A2 that detects that the opening / closing body 10, during the opening operation, has reached a fully open position B2 that is closer to the opening direction than the fully closed position B1. At the fully open position B2, the blocking members 15, 16, 17 of the opening / closing body 10 during the opening operation cover the fully open sensing portion A2.

[0046] The relationship between the light emitters and the light receivers of 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. As another example, one unit may be provided with a light projector and a light receiver, and the other unit may be provided with a reflector so that light emitted from the light projector is reflected and captured by the light receiver.

[0047] According to one example of the present embodiment, the control circuit 50 is configured by the above-described opening / closing body control circuit 51 and sensor control circuit 41, and these two control circuits 51 cooperate to control the operation of the opening / closing device 1. As another example, the control circuit 50 can be configured from one or three or more control circuits.

[0048] Next, the basic operations of the sensor control circuit 41 and the opening / closing member control circuit 51 will be described.

[0049] <Obstacle detection operation> As a basic operation, the sensor control circuit 41 turns on a closing operation prohibition signal when at least some (in other words, some or all) of the multiple light ray paths R are blocked approximately simultaneously during the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10, and turns off the closing operation prohibition signal when all light ray paths R are not blocked.

[0050] <Open / close body detection disabled> When the multiple light beam paths R are interrupted two by two in order from the top to the bottom, the sensor control circuit 41 turns off the closing operation prohibition signal for the photoelectric sensor closest to the lower side of these two light beam paths R, R and all photoelectric sensors located above these photoelectric sensors, regardless of whether the light beam path R is interrupted or not. However, when the light beam paths R, R of the two photoelectric sensors that constitute the fully closed approach sensing unit A1 are interrupted in sequence from the opening direction side to the closing direction side, the sensor control circuit 41 turns on the closing operation prohibition signal after a predetermined time (for example, about 3 seconds) has elapsed from the time of interruption. As another example, the condition "after a predetermined time (for example, about 3 seconds) has elapsed" may be changed to "after a predetermined distance has elapsed." In this case, the predetermined distance may be detected by, for example, the full-close / full-open detection unit 23a, or may be detected by a separately provided sensor.

[0051] <Disable Open / Close Sensor> When the light beam paths R of the multiple photoelectric sensors return from the blocked state in order from the bottom to the top, and only the light beam paths R, R of the two photoelectric sensors that constitute the fully open sensing unit A2 are blocked by the blocking members 15, 16, 17, the sensor control circuit 41 changes the closing operation prohibition signal from ON to OFF at the point of blocking. As another example, the closing operation prohibition signal may be changed from ON to OFF at the point in time when all of the light paths R, R return from the blocked state during the opening operation of the opening / closing body 10.

[0052] On the other hand, as shown in the flowchart of Figure 8, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 determines whether the closing operation prohibition signal is ON (step 21), and if it is ON, prohibits the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10 (step 22), and if not, releases the closing operation prohibition state of the opening / closing body 10 (step 23).

[0053] <Example of control in actual operation> Next, a control example in which the opening and closing body 10 is operated to close and open between the fully open position and the fully closed position will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts and time charts shown in FIGS.

[0054] First, when the opening / closing body 10 closes from the fully open position and the blocking members 15, 16, and 17 enter multiple light paths R, if, for example, the light path R below the light path R closest to the underside of the blocking members 15, 16, and 17 is blocked by an obstacle (e.g., a car, luggage, an animal, a person, etc.) or a foreign object (e.g., garbage, dead leaves, snow, mud, etc.), the sensor control circuit 41 turns on the closing operation prohibition signal, and in response, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 stops the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10 (Figure 9, point P1). After the obstacle or foreign object is removed, if a closing command is issued, for example, by a closing operation switch, the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10 resumes (see Figure 9, point P2), and if an opening command is issued by an opening operation switch, for example, the opening / closing body 10 performs an opening operation (not shown).

[0055] Next, during the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10, the sensor control circuit 41 waits for detection by the fully closed approaching sensing unit A1 (more specifically, for the blocking of the light path R, R of the fully closed approaching sensing unit A1) (Figure 6, step S1), and if there is detection (Figure 9, point P3), it waits for a predetermined time (approximately 3 seconds) to pass from that point (step S2).

[0056] On the other hand, when the opening / closing body control circuit 51 recognizes the fully closed state of the opening / closing body 10 based on the signal from the fully closed / fully open sensing section 23a, it stops the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10 (time point P4 in FIG. 9). Thereafter, the sensor control circuit 41 turns on the closing operation prohibition signal on the condition that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S3: see time P5 in FIG. 9).

[0057] Therefore, the opening / closing member control circuit 51 prohibits the closing operation of the opening / closing member 10 (see steps S21 to S22 in FIG. 8), and maintains this closing operation prohibited state. The predetermined time is preferably set in advance to be equal to or longer than the time from when the opening / closing body 10 passes the fully closed approaching sensing portion A1 until it is substantially fully closed. After this setting, the predetermined time is preferably made changeable, but as another example, the predetermined time may be made unchangeable.

[0058] Next, when an opening command is issued by an opening switch or the like, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 starts the opening operation of the opening / closing body 10 while maintaining the ON state of the closing operation prohibition signal (see P6 in FIG. 9).

[0059] During this opening operation, the sensor control circuit 41 waits for detection by the fully open sensing unit A2 (more specifically, for only the light path R, R of the fully open sensing unit A2 to be blocked) (Figure 7, step S11), and if this detection occurs, proceeds to the next step S12. Next, the sensor control circuit 41 determines whether the light path R has returned for the photoelectric sensors other than the photoelectric sensors that make up the fully open sensing section A2 (step S12), and if it has returned, turns off the closing operation prohibition signal (step S13: Figure 9, point P7). Therefore, thereafter, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 causes the opening / closing body 10 to close when a closing command is received from a closing switch or the like.

[0060] Therefore, for example, during the opening operation, before the opening / closing body 10 is detected by the fully open detection unit A2, the closing operation prohibition signal is maintained in the ON state regardless of the presence or absence of foreign objects or obstacles in the light path R, and therefore the opening / closing body 10 cannot be closed by operating the closing switch. Furthermore, after the opening / closing body 10 is detected by the fully open sensing section A2 (after point P7 in Figure 9), the closing operation prohibition signal is turned OFF, so if there are no foreign objects or obstacles in the multiple light paths R, the opening / closing body 10 can be closed by operating a closing switch, etc.

[0061] Furthermore, even after the opening / closing body 10 is detected by the fully open sensing section A2 (after point P7 in Figure 9), if there are foreign objects or obstacles in the multiple light paths R, the closing operation prohibition signal will remain ON (see Figure 9), and the opening / closing body 10 cannot be closed by operating a closing switch, etc.

[0062] In other words, according to the opening / closing device 1 having the above-described configuration, the opening / closing body 10 will not close even if a closing operation is performed until the opening / closing body 10 reaches the fully open position B2 during the opening operation, regardless of whether foreign matter is attached to the photoelectric sensor or whether an obstacle has entered the light path R. Furthermore, the opening / closing body 10 that has been opened from the fully closed position will not be closed from a relatively low position (lower than the position B2 closer to the fully open position). Therefore, good obstacle detection control can be performed, and the possibility of the opening / closing body 10 coming into contact with an obstacle can be reduced.

[0063] The opening / closing body 10 can be stopped at any time during the above operation by operating a stop switch (not shown).

[0064] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, as a particularly preferred embodiment, the fully closed sensing portion A1 and the fully open sensing portion A2 are configured by a photoelectric sensor that is a part of the multiple optical axis sensor 40, but as another example, the fully closed sensing portion A1 and the fully open sensing portion A2 can also be configured by a sensor other than the multiple optical axis sensor 40.

[0065] 2, the guide rail body 32 is fastened to the fixed support 31 by fasteners (screws, bolts, etc.) on both sides in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body, but as another example, it is also possible to use a structure in which the guide rail body 32 is hung on the outdoor side (lower side in FIG. 2) of the fixed support 31 without using fasteners, and is fastened only on the indoor side (upper side in FIG. 2) by fasteners. This structure can improve security and ease of maintenance.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, as a preferred example, the light passing hole 33b1 is an elongated hole that allows some of the light ray paths R to pass through, but 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 ray paths R. Furthermore, as another example of the light passing hole 33b1, it is also possible to form it in the shape of a notch or a slit. For example, the guide rail 30 may be composed of two members divided in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body, and a notch may be provided in one of the members and the other, and the light passing hole 33b1 may be formed by combining these two notches.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, as a preferred example, the light passing hole 33b1 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, which are a part of the many light ray paths R; however, as another example, as shown in Figure 10(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, which are all of the many light ray paths R. In this case, more preferably, reinforcing members 33b2 are provided at appropriate intervals in the longitudinal direction of this light passing hole 33b1, as shown in Fig. 10(b). These reinforcing members 33b2 are fastened 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.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the light-projecting surface 40a1 (or the light-receiving surface) is configured to be exposed to the outside air on the side of the opening / closing body 10 in the opening / closing body width direction, but as another example, each light passing hole 33b1 may be covered with a light-transmitting member (for example, a plate) 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.

[0069] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1: Switchgear 10: Opening and closing body 15, 16, 17: Closing parts 20: Storage area 30: Guide rail 40: Multi-axis sensor 40a: First unit 40b: Second unit 41: Sensor control circuit 50: Control circuit 51: Opening and closing body control circuit R: Ray path A1: Fully closed sensor A2: Fully open sensor B1: Fully closed position B2: Fully open position

Claims

1. An opening / closing body that closes to separate the space; a multi-optical axis sensor that forms a plurality of light beam paths by a plurality of photoelectric sensors arranged in the opening and closing direction of the opening and closing body and detects the interruption state of these light beam paths; a guide rail surrounding an end portion of the opening / closing body in the width direction and guiding the opening / closing body in the opening / closing direction, the guide rail being provided on one side of the opening / closing body in the width direction and the opposite side; In a switching device comprising: the plurality of photoelectric sensors each have a plurality of light emitters and a plurality of light receivers, and the plurality of light ray paths are formed between each of the plurality of light emitters and each of the plurality of light receivers; The guide rail is provided with a light passage hole for passing the light beam paths, and the light passage hole 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 beam paths, which are a part or all of the plurality of light beam paths. A switching device characterized by:

2. 2. The opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein the light passing hole has a width larger than a diameter of a light projection surface of the light projector of the multi-beam sensor.

3. 3. The opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light paths coincide or substantially coincide with a center of the opening and closing body in a thickness direction of the opening and closing body.

4. The opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the light passing holes are formed to allow a plurality of light paths that are a part of the plurality of light paths to pass through, and are provided in a plurality of holes spaced apart in the opening and closing direction of the opening and closing body.

5. An opening and closing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the guide rail is composed of two members divided in the thickness direction of the opening and closing body, and notches are provided in one and the other of the members, and the light passing hole is formed by these two notches coming together.

6. The opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the light passing hole is formed to allow all of the plurality of light paths to pass through, and a reinforcing material is provided so as to straddle both long edges of the light passing hole.

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