Switching device

Abstract

The objective is to provide a switchgear that can handle photoelectric sensors in a fail-safe manner without requiring a large-scale circuit around the photoelectric sensor. [Solution] The problem is solved by an opening / closing device comprising: an opening / closing body that opens and closes to connect or partition a space; a plurality of photoelectric sensors that form a plurality of optical paths aligned in the opening / closing direction in the opening / closing path of the opening / closing body; and an opening / closing body control circuit, wherein the opening / closing body control circuit determines the presence of an obstacle based on the photoelectric sensor output signals output from the plurality of photoelectric sensors and performs operation restriction control to restrict a part of the operation of the opening / closing body; and the opening / closing body control circuit turns off the light-emitting part of the photoelectric sensor for a first predetermined time when the closing operation of the opening / closing body starts under predetermined conditions, and determines that there is an abnormality in the photoelectric sensor if a photoelectric sensor output signal is not obtained during the first predetermined time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening and closing device that operates an opening and closing body to communicate or partition a space, such as a shutter device, an overhead door, a roll blind device, a sliding door, etc.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an opening and closing device that operates an opening and closing body to communicate or partition a space, such as a shutter device, an overhead door, a roll blind device, a sliding door, etc., when the opening and closing body descends, a photoelectric sensor is provided in the descending area between the left and right rails to prevent a person or object from being sandwiched between the lower end of the opening and closing body and the floor surface, and the descent of the opening and closing body is stopped based on the detection of the sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, when the opening and closing body ascends, there is a device that stops the ascent of the opening and closing body based on the detection of a photoelectric sensor to prevent a part of clothing or an umbrella, etc. from being caught by the opening and closing body. The photoelectric sensor for preventing entrainment is provided relatively above.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, regarding fail-safe measures for photoelectric sensors, there are two types of failures: one where the light-emitting part of the photoelectric sensor stops emitting light, and another where the signal line on the light-receiving part breaks, resulting in no sensor output even when the photoelectric sensor detects something. For the former, it is possible to use a dark-on setting with a through-type or retroreflective photoelectric sensor to detect obstacles when an ON signal is output. For the latter, it is common practice to use a light-on setting with a through-type or retroreflective photoelectric sensor to detect obstacles when no ON signal is output (when an OFF signal is output). Furthermore, it is empirically known that the latter type of failure is highly likely to occur, so ultimately, if fail-safe measures are to be taken for obstacle detection, the light-on specification is preferred.

[0005] However, if the light-on specification is selected, the following problem arises. When using a photoelectric sensor with transistor output in the light-on setting, it cannot be connected in series. Therefore, when installing two or more photoelectric sensors, each sensor must be connected to a relay and then to the control panel. As a result, the number of terminals increases and the circuit pattern becomes larger compared to the dark-on setting. Although this was mentioned for through-beam or retroreflective photoelectric sensors, diffuse-reflective sensors may also be used. Generally, the operation of the light-on / dark-on signal output when detecting an object is reversed between diffuse-reflective and through-beam or retroreflective sensors.

[0006] The present invention aims to address these problems and provides a switch that can provide fail-safe functionality for photoelectric sensors without requiring a complex circuit around the photoelectric sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve this objective, the technical means according to the present invention comprises at least the following configurations.

[0008] An opening and closing device comprising: an opening and closing body that opens and closes to connect or partition a space; a plurality of photoelectric sensors that form a plurality of optical paths aligned in the opening and closing direction in the opening and closing path of the opening and closing body; and an opening and closing body control circuit, wherein the opening and closing body control circuit determines that an obstacle is present based on the photoelectric sensor output signals output from the plurality of photoelectric sensors and performs operation restriction control to restrict a part of the operation of the opening and closing body; and the opening and closing body control circuit turns off the light-emitting part of the photoelectric sensor for a first predetermined time when the closing operation of the opening and closing body starts under predetermined conditions, and determines that there is an abnormality in the photoelectric sensor if a photoelectric sensor output signal is not obtained during the first predetermined time. Here, the operation restriction control for restricting a part of the operation of the opening / closing body includes any of the following: restricting the closing operation of the opening / closing body, restricting the opening operation of the opening / closing body, or restricting both opening and closing operations. In other words, "part" is a concept that includes the whole. Furthermore, operation restriction includes not only stopping the closing or opening operation, but also reversing the operation. Also, the start of the closing operation of the opening / closing body under predetermined conditions means that the closing operation starts after a predetermined number of opening and closing operations have been performed, but it also includes setting the start of each closing operation under predetermined conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Having these characteristics, the present invention provides the following effects. This allows for the provision of a switchgear that can handle photoelectric sensors in a fail-safe manner without requiring a large-scale circuit around the photoelectric sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing an example of an opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a side view taken in direction A. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation verification process for a photoelectric sensor in a switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes an example of an embodiment of the opening and closing device according to the present invention, based on the drawings. However, the following drawings are created for illustrative purposes, and in order to make them easier to understand, some components that are not necessary for the explanation may be intentionally omitted. Also, components may be intentionally shown larger or smaller for illustrative purposes, and the drawings do not represent an accurate scale. In the following description, the same reference numerals in different figures indicate parts with the same function, and redundant explanations in each figure will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] <Embodiment> (Regarding the device configuration) Figure 1 is a front view showing an example of an opening / closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 1, the front of the paper is the indoor side, and the opposite direction is the outdoor side. Figure 2 is a side view of Figure 1, seen in the direction of arrow A, and shows the side of the opening / closing device seen from between the left and right guide rails. In the following description, "opening / closing body thickness direction" means the thickness direction of the opening / closing body in the closed state. Also, "opening / closing body width direction" means a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body, and is not the thickness direction of the opening / closing body. Also, "opening / closing body opening / closing direction" means the direction in which the opening / closing body slides to partition or open a space.

[0013] The opening / closing device 1 comprises an opening / closing body 10 that opens and closes to connect or partition a space, a storage section 20 that stores or extends the opening / closing body 10 on its opening side, two guide rails 30, 30 that surround both ends of the opening / closing body 10 in the width direction of the opening / closing body in a concave cross-section and guide it in the opening / closing direction, a plurality of obstacle detection sensors 40 that non-contactly detect obstacles below the opening / closing body 10, an anti-entanglement sensor 60 to prevent clothing or personal belongings from getting caught in the rising opening / closing body, and a control circuit 50, and constitutes a shutter device that is installed on a structure having a relatively wide opening, such as a garage or factory. In this embodiment, the plurality of obstacle detection sensors 40 are provided at positions of 150 mm and 500 mm from the ground G, but this is merely an example, and they may be provided at different height positions, or there may be three or four locations instead of two. Furthermore, in this example, both the obstacle detection sensor 40 and the entanglement prevention sensor 60 employ through-beam photoelectric sensors, but retroreflective photoelectric sensors can also be used. Regardless of the type of photoelectric sensor, it will be set to dark-on, so it can be connected in series. However, for the entanglement prevention sensor, a diffuse-reflectance photoelectric sensor may also be used. It will be set to light-on, but since multiple entanglement prevention sensors will be installed, or at least they will not be installed in multiple stages, there are no particular inconveniences.

[0014] The opening / closing body 10 is a so-called grill shutter, constructed by connecting multiple pipes 11a vertically with spacing between them to ensure transparency and ventilation, and a drip edge 12 is connected to the lower end of this opening / closing body 11. However, this description of the opening / closing body is merely an example, and the opening / closing body could also be constructed by connecting multiple slats made by bending horizontally elongated, roughly rectangular metal plates.

[0015] The end of the opening / closing body 10 in the width direction is provided with an anti-detachment member (not shown) that prevents it from being pulled out of the guide rail 30. The anti-detachment member protrudes in the width direction from the end of the opening / closing body 10 and has a portion that widens in the width direction of the opening / closing body integrally with the tip of the protruding member.

[0016] A drain 12 is provided in the lowermost pipe 11a. The drain 12 is attached to the end of the pipe 11a so as to block a space that communicates in the lateral width direction inside the lower end side of the opening / closing body. However, the drain 12 is set such that its length in the width direction of the opening / closing body is shorter than that of the opening / closing body main body 11 so as not to interfere with the guide rails 30, 30 at both the left and right ends.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 20 includes a winding shaft 22 that winds and unwinds the opening / closing body 10 in a storage case 21 formed with an opening at the lower part for allowing the opening / closing body 10 to move in and out, an opening / closing machine 23 that drives and rotates or brakes the winding shaft 22 via a power transmission mechanism such as a chain and a sprocket, and an opening / closing body control circuit 51 that is a part of the control circuit 50.

[0018] The storage case 21 is a case that is connected to the side covers 21a, 21a at both ends and extends in the width direction of the opening / closing body, and is formed in a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape inside.

[0019] The opening / closing machine 23 is composed of a rotary electric motor, a braking mechanism, etc. A fully closed / fully open detection unit 23a that outputs a contact signal at the fully closed position and the fully open position of the opening / closing body 10 is provided in the opening / closing machine 23. This fully closed / fully open detection unit 23a is a switch with a mechanical counter structure that outputs a contact signal when the rotation amount of the rotating part of the opening / closing machine 23 reaches a predetermined value.

[0020] The opening / closing body control circuit 51 is an electronic circuit equipped with, for example, a microcomputer, and functions according to a program stored in advance. As will be described later, it processes detection signals from a plurality of obstacle detection sensors 40 and entanglement prevention sensors 60, signals from an open switch, a stop switch, and a closing switch (not shown), and other signals, and controls the opening / closing machine 23 according to the processing result. The opening / closing body control circuit 51 and the opening / closing machine 23 are arranged on one side (left side according to the illustrated example) in the width direction of the opening / closing body inside the storage case 21.

[0021] The opening / closing control circuit 50, in addition to the normal on / off control that interlocks the power supply of the photoelectric sensor including the light projecting unit in accordance with the on / off operation of the power supply of the opening / closing device, in the context of the present invention, as an operation confirmation process of the photoelectric sensor, a signal for turning off the light output of the light projecting unit is sent for a first predetermined time (in this embodiment, 0.5 seconds). Circuit-wise, an inhibit terminal is provided for the light projecting unit, and the light output is stopped for the first predetermined time by the microcomputer output. In this embodiment, the operation confirmation process of the photoelectric sensor is executed every time the opening / closing device performs a closing operation, but it may be executed every time the closing operation is performed a predetermined number of times.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, in the example of this embodiment, in the opening / closing body thickness direction, it is set such that the center of the optical paths of the plurality of obstacle detection sensors 40 does not coincide with the center portion of the opening / closing body 10. On the other hand, the drain 12 is set to pass through the center of the optical paths of the plurality of obstacle detection sensors 40, but when the drain 12 blocks the optical path of the photoelectric sensor 40, it is programmed to invalidate the detection output from the photoelectric sensor. As described above, in this embodiment, the plurality of obstacle detection sensors 40 are provided at positions 150 mm and 500 mm from the ground G. The obstacle detection sensors 40 are provided on the indoor side, but they may be provided on the outdoor side, and depending on the installation location, there may be cases where the recognition of indoor / outdoor sides does not occur. The entanglement prevention sensor 60 is preferably provided on the indoor side if it is of the type that is closed by an indoor operation such as a built-in garage, and is preferably provided on the outdoor side if it is a garage of the type that is closed by an outdoor operation. However, it may be provided on both sides. Also, in this embodiment, a transmissive photoelectric sensor in which the light projecting unit and the detection unit are provided in the opening / closing body width direction is used, but it may be configured to provide diffuse reflection type photoelectric sensors at the central portions on both indoor sides of the storage case 21.

[0023] With this configuration, when a detection output signal is emitted from at least one of the multiple obstacle detection sensors 40, the opening / closing control circuit 51 can determine that an obstacle is present and restrict the closing operation of the opening / closing body. Also, when a detection output signal is emitted from the entanglement prevention sensor 60, the opening / closing control circuit 51 can determine that there is an object that may be caught in the opening / closing body and restrict the opening operation of the opening / closing body. In addition to stopping the operation, the operation can also be restricted to reversing. However, when a sensor malfunction is determined during the operation confirmation process of the photoelectric sensor, it is desirable to keep the opening / closing body in a fully open state, so it is preferable to configure it to reverse upward to a fully open state. Furthermore, the operation may be restricted to limiting the opening / closing operation to a speed lower than the normal opening / closing speed, or to limiting the operation distance to a distance shorter than the normal operating distance.

[0024] (Regarding the process for verifying the operation of the photoelectric sensor) An example of the operation verification process for a photoelectric sensor will be explained in more detail with the help of a flowchart. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation verification process for a photoelectric sensor in a switchgear according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] First, in step 0, when the opening / closing body 10 is in the upper limit position (fully open position), pressing the closing switch provided on the shutter device causes the opening / closing body 10 to start descending (ST0).

[0026] In step 1, immediately after the lowering of the opening / closing body 10 begins, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 outputs a control signal to the inhibit terminal of the light-emitting section of all photoelectric sensors for a first predetermined time (0.5 seconds in this embodiment) (ST1). In response to this control signal, the light-emitting section stops outputting light for the first predetermined time.

[0027] Next, in step 2, the switch control circuit 51 monitors whether or not a detection output has been obtained from the photoelectric sensors. If detection is detected from all photoelectric sensors, the process proceeds to step 3, which is the normal processing flow. If even one photoelectric sensor does not detect anything, the process proceeds to step 6, which is the sensor abnormality processing flow (ST2).

[0028] In step 3, the switch control circuit 51 determines whether the detected output has continued for a second predetermined time (1 second in this embodiment) or longer. In this embodiment, for example, if the detected output changes to no detected output 0.5 seconds after the start of the control signal output, it is determined that there is no sensor abnormality, and the descent of the switch 10 continues (ST4). On the other hand, if the detected output continues for 1 second or longer, it is determined that there is no abnormality in the photoelectric sensor and that an obstacle has been detected normally, so the switch 10 reverses and rises (ST5). The switch 10 may simply stop. It may seem that stopping for 1 second when detecting an obstacle is not on the safe side, but in fact, that is not the case. This is because the process is executed when the switch 10 starts to descend from the upper limit position, so there is sufficient distance to the obstacle. Thus, the second predetermined time is set to a larger value than the first predetermined time, and is also set to a larger value than the normal obstacle detection time at which an obstacle is determined to be present in normal processing.

[0029] In step 6, as part of the sensor malfunction handling process, the malfunctioning photoelectric sensor is identified. Since a detection signal will be output from photoelectric sensors that are not malfunctioning, the malfunctioning photoelectric sensor can be identified by selecting the photoelectric sensor that is not outputting a signal.

[0030] In step 7, the identified photoelectric sensor is notified, for example, if there is a malfunction in the entanglement prevention sensor 60, or if there is a malfunction in any of the multiple obstacle detection sensors 40, using appropriate notification means (display means or voice guidance).

[0031] After step 7, it is desirable to keep the opening / closing body 10 in the fully open position until the faulty sensor has been restored or until the fault handling process has been completed. Therefore, a control command to reverse upward is given to the opening / closing body 10.

[0032] According to the embodiment described above, fail-safe functionality for the photoelectric sensor can be achieved without making the circuitry around the photoelectric sensor extensive. Specifically, the fail-safe functionality addresses malfunctions in the signal line output from the photoelectric sensor through the operation verification process of the photoelectric sensor. In addition to this, in this embodiment, since the dark-on setting is enabled, if a malfunction occurs in which the light-emitting unit stops emitting light, it is considered that an obstacle is present, thus also providing a fail-safe function against light-emitting unit failure.

[0033] <Summary> As described above, the above embodiment discloses the following invention. (1) An opening / closing device comprising: an opening / closing body that opens and closes to connect or partition a space; a plurality of photoelectric sensors that form a plurality of optical paths aligned in the opening / closing direction within the opening / closing path of the opening / closing body; and an opening / closing body control circuit, wherein the opening / closing body control circuit determines the presence of an obstacle based on the photoelectric sensor output signals output from the plurality of photoelectric sensors and performs operation restriction control to restrict a part of the operation of the opening / closing body; and the opening / closing body control circuit, when the closing operation of the opening / closing body begins under predetermined conditions, turns off the light-emitting part of the photoelectric sensor for a first predetermined time, and determines that there is a problem with the photoelectric sensor if a photoelectric sensor output signal is not obtained during the first predetermined time. (See Figures 1 and 3) With the above configuration, fail-safe functionality for the photoelectric sensor can be achieved without making the circuitry around the photoelectric sensor large and complex. (2) The switching device according to (1), characterized in that when a photoelectric sensor output signal is obtained during the first predetermined time, and further when the photoelectric sensor output signal is continuously obtained for a second predetermined time that is longer than the first predetermined time, it is determined that an obstacle has been detected. (See paragraph 28, Figure 3) According to the above configuration, the operation of the opening and closing mechanism can be restricted when an obstacle is present, thereby avoiding danger and obstruction. (3) The opening / closing device according to (1) or (2), characterized in that the plurality of photoelectric sensors include an obstacle sensor that detects an obstacle and prohibits the closing operation of the opening / closing body, and an anti-entanglement sensor that detects an obstacle and prohibits the opening operation of the opening / closing body. (See paragraph 13, Figures 1 and 3) According to the above configuration, it is possible to avoid both situations in which the opening / closing mechanism comes into contact with an obstacle, and situations in which personal belongings become caught in the opening / closing mechanism. (4) The switching device according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that the plurality of photoelectric sensors are set to dark-on. (See paragraph 13, Figure 3) The above configuration also enables a fail-safe function in case of a malfunction where the light-emitting unit stops emitting light. (5) The limitation on the operation of the opening / closing body is its reversal upward movement during the closing operation. An opening / closing device according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized by the above. (See paragraph 23, Figures 1 and 3) With the above configuration, the opening / closing mechanism can be kept in the fully open position until the problem is resolved, which is convenient. (6) The switching device according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized in that the light-emitting unit is provided with a dedicated input terminal, and a control signal line from the switching control circuit is connected to the input terminal. (See paragraph 21, Figures 1 and 3) With the above configuration, a fail-safe switchgear can be realized with only a few additional components and software changes compared to conventional circuit configurations.

[0034] Although the opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiment described above, and any design changes, etc., that do not depart from the gist of the present invention are also included. For example, since the entanglement prevention function can be considered a high-value function, an embodiment in which only multiple obstacle detection sensors are provided and no entanglement prevention sensor is provided is also included in the present invention. Furthermore, although the second predetermined time is set to 1 second in the embodiment, this is to increase the safety factor, and for example, even if the second predetermined time is set to 0.7 seconds, it is still included in the present invention. Similarly, setting the first predetermined time to a period other than 0.5 seconds is also acceptable, and as long as the second predetermined time is greater than the first predetermined time, it is possible to set an appropriate period. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 10: Opening / closing mechanism 11a: Pipe 20: Storage compartment 23: Opening / closing mechanism 30: Guide rail 40: Obstacle detection sensor 50: Control circuit 51: Switching control circuit 60: Anti-entanglement sensor

Claims

1. An opening and closing device comprising: an opening and closing body that opens and closes to connect or partition a space; a plurality of photoelectric sensors that form a plurality of optical paths aligned in the opening and closing direction within the opening and closing path of the opening and closing body; and an opening and closing body control circuit, The aforementioned opening / closing control circuit determines the presence of an obstacle based on the photoelectric sensor output signals output from the plurality of photoelectric sensors, and performs operation restriction control to restrict a part of the operation of the opening / closing body, and, The control circuit for the opening / closing body, when the closing operation of the opening / closing body begins under predetermined conditions, turns off the light-emitting part of the photoelectric sensor for a first predetermined time, and determines that there is an abnormality in the photoelectric sensor if no output signal from the photoelectric sensor is obtained during the first predetermined time. A switching device characterized by the following features.

2. If a photoelectric sensor output signal is obtained during the first predetermined time, and the photoelectric sensor output signal is subsequently obtained for a second predetermined time that is longer than the first predetermined time, it is determined that an obstacle has been detected. The opening and closing device according to feature 1.

3. The plurality of photoelectric sensors include an obstacle sensor that detects an obstacle and prevents the closing operation of the opening / closing body, and an anti-entanglement sensor that detects an obstacle and prevents the opening operation of the opening / closing body. The opening and closing device according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned multiple photoelectric sensors are set to dark-on. The opening and closing device according to feature 1.

5. The limitation on the operation of the opening / closing body is its reversal upward movement during the closing operation. The opening and closing device according to feature 1.

6. The light-emitting unit is provided with a dedicated input terminal, to which the control signal line from the switch control circuit is connected. The opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the features described herein.

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