Switching device

Abstract

To improve the reliability of the control of the electric pressing mechanism. [Solution] The opening and closing device comprises an opening / closing body 10 that closes in a manner that partitions a space, a guide rail 20 that guides the widthwise end of the opening / closing body 10 in the opening and closing direction, an electric pressing mechanism that pushes the closed opening / closing body 10 and presses it against a fixed part, and a pressing current sensing unit that emits a signal when the operating current of the electric pressing mechanism exceeds a threshold, wherein when a signal is emitted from the pressing current sensing unit, the electric pressing mechanism is stopped after a delay time corresponding to the ambient temperature of the electric pressing mechanism has elapsed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening / closing device configured to press a closed opening / closing body against a stationary part to enhance the closing property.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, inventions of this type include an opening / closing body that closes by stacking a plurality of panels, a guide rail that guides the end portions in the width direction of the opening / closing body in the opening / closing direction, an electric vertical pressing mechanism that presses the closed opening / closing body downward and presses it watertightly against a lower frame surface or the like, and an electric horizontal pressing mechanism that presses the opening / closing body horizontally and presses it watertightly against the guide rail (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a conventional technique, for each of the vertical pressing mechanism and the horizontal pressing mechanism, it is detected by a current detection switch or the like that the operating current has exceeded a threshold value. When there is an output signal of this current detection switch, it is regarded that the opening / closing body is watertightly pressed against the lower frame surface, the guide rail, or the like, and the pressing operation is stopped.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, according to the above conventional technique, there is a possibility that the operating currents of the vertical pressing mechanism and the horizontal pressing mechanism change depending on the temperature and reach the threshold value earlier or later. Therefore, it is conceivable to change the setting of the threshold value of the current detection switch according to the temperature. However, in a general current detection switch, the threshold value is set at the time of shipment, and it is difficult to change this threshold value frequently.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In view of these challenges, one aspect of the present invention comprises the following configuration. An opening and closing device comprising: an opening and closing body that closes in a manner that partitions a space; guide rails that guide the widthwise end of the opening and closing body in the opening and closing direction; an electric pressing mechanism that pushes the closed opening and closing body and presses it against a stationary part; and a pressing current sensing unit that emits a signal when the operating current of the electric pressing mechanism exceeds a threshold, wherein when a signal is emitted from the pressing current sensing unit, the electric pressing mechanism is stopped after a delay time corresponding to the ambient temperature of the electric pressing mechanism has elapsed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] As described above, the present invention is configured in such a way that it can improve the reliability of the control of the electric pressing mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing an example of an opening and closing device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the line (II)-(II) in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the line (III)-(III) in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view along the line (IV)-(IV) in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of control for an electric pressing mechanism. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the process that follows Figure 5. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing an example of a delayed processing routine. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows another example of control for an electric pressing mechanism. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the process that follows Figure 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "upstream side" refers to the upstream side in the assumed direction of water flow, and "downstream side" refers to the downstream side in the assumed direction of water flow, which is the opposite direction to the upstream side. In this embodiment, it is assumed that water flows from the outdoor side to the indoor side (see Figures 2 to 4).

[0009] <First Embodiment> Figures 1 to 4 show an example of an opening / closing device according to the present invention. This opening / closing device 1 comprises an opening / closing body 10 that closes in a manner that partitions a space, left and right guide rails 20, 20 that guide the widthwise ends of the opening / closing body 10 in the opening / closing direction, a storage section 30 that extends or stores the opening / closing body 10 on its upper side, a vertical pressing mechanism 40 (electric pressing mechanism) that presses the closed opening / closing body 10 against a lower stationary part G (for example, the floor, ground, lower frame, threshold, etc.), a horizontal pressing mechanism 50 (electric pressing mechanism) that presses the closed opening / closing body 10 against the guide rail 20, which is a downstream stationary part, a control unit 60 that controls the vertical pressing mechanism 40 and the horizontal pressing mechanism 50, etc., and a temperature sensing unit 70 that senses the ambient temperature of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 and the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 and transmits it to the control unit 60. This opening / closing device 1 is installed in the opening of a building or other structure and constitutes a water-stopping shutter device that prevents water from flowing from the outside to the inside during floods.

[0010] The opening / closing body 10 stacks multiple panels 11 and 12, which are sequentially extended in the closing direction by the storage section 30, almost vertically on the immovable part G to reach a fully closed state (see Figures 2 and 3). Multiple panels 11 and 12 are connected in the opening and closing direction via a support shaft 13 and a panel connecting chain 14, etc. In the figure, reference numeral 12 denotes the uppermost panel.

[0011] In the fully closed state of the opening / closing body 10, the panels 11, 11 (or 11, 12) adjacent to each other vertically are in watertight contact via the seal portion 16. Also, the lowermost panel 11 is in watertight contact with the immovable portion G below via the seal portion 16 (see Fig. 2).

[0012] The seal portion 16 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or an elastomer resin, and is elastically contracted by the operation of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 described later, thereby enhancing the watertightness between the upper and lower panels 11, 11 (or 11, 12), and between the lowermost panel 11 and the immovable portion G.

[0013] Also, the opening / closing body 10 in the fully closed state is pushed horizontally by the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 described later, and is pressed watertightly into the guide rail 20 (see Fig. 4).

[0014] The guide rail 20 has a substantially concave cross section that continuously extends in the vertical direction so as to surround the widthwise end portions of the opening / closing body 10 in the closed state, and is formed in a long shape extending from the immovable portion G on the lower side to the storage portion 30. In this guide rail 20, a motion direction conversion mechanism 52 that constitutes the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 described later, a receiving portion 21 that receives the opening / closing body 10 watertightly on its downstream side, etc. are provided. The guide rail 20 and the receiving portion 21 are immovable portions that are located immovably on the downstream side with respect to the opening / closing body 10 that is pushed by the horizontal pressing mechanism 50.

[0015] The receiving portion 21 is an elastic body made of rubber or an elastomer resin, and is continuous over substantially the entire vertical length of the guide rail 20. This receiving portion 21 is pressed against the opening / closing body 10 and elastically contracts, thereby enhancing the watertightness between the opening / closing body 10 and the guide rail 20.

[0016] The storage portion 30 is fixed to the wall surface of a housing or the like, which is the object to be installed with the opening / closing device 1, above the opening that is opened and closed by the opening / closing body 10. As shown in Figure 2, the storage unit 30 supports a sprocket 31 on which a panel connecting chain 14 is wrapped around a base 30a fixed to an immovable wall surface, an electric drive mechanism 32 that rotates the sprocket 31 in both directions, and storage rails 33 that suspend and guide the panels 11 and 12 in the front-rear direction, and these are covered by a housing 30b.

[0017] Furthermore, the storage section 30 and the guide rail 20 are provided with a vertical pressing mechanism 40 that presses the fully closed opening / closing body 10 against the immovable part G in a substantially vertical manner, and a horizontal pressing mechanism 50 that presses the fully closed opening / closing body 10 against the receiving part 21 inside the guide rail 20 in a substantially horizontal manner.

[0018] The vertical pressing mechanism 40 is an electrically operated pressing mechanism that electrically presses the closed opening / closing body 10 downwards and presses it against the immovable part on the closing side. Multiple vertical pressing mechanisms 40 are provided at intervals in the width direction of the opening / closing body (four in the illustrated example) (see Figure 1).

[0019] More specifically, each vertical pressing mechanism 40 includes an actuator 41 that moves a diagonally downward-facing rod 41a forward and backward using an electric motor, and a link mechanism 42 that rotates a pressing portion 42a in an arc shape as the rod 41a moves forward and backward. The pressing portion 42a, which rotates due to the drive of the actuator 41, comes into contact with the upper end of the closed opening / closing body 10, thereby pushing the opening / closing body 10 downward (see Figure 2). In the illustrated example, the two left and right rods 41a, 41a are connected by a single horizontally elongated pressing portion 42a and move forward and backward in synchronous motion.

[0020] Each actuator 41 is equipped with a vertical pressing amount sensing unit 41b as a means for emitting a signal when it senses that the operating part of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 has reached a predetermined position. The vertical pressure sensing unit 41b is a contact-type or non-contact-type position sensor (for example, a proximity switch or a limit switch) that senses the rod 41a when it has advanced to a predetermined position, and is built into the actuator 41. The sensing signal of the vertical pressure sensing unit 41b may be a contact signal that turns ON when the rod 41a moves forward to the predetermined position and turns OFF when the rod 41a moves backward from the predetermined position. This sensing signal is input to the control unit 60 via a signal line (not shown).

[0021] The horizontal pressing mechanism 50 is an electrically operated pressing mechanism that pushes the closed opening / closing body 10 and presses it against a stationary part adjacent to the downstream side of the opening / closing body 10 (in the illustrated example, the receiving part 21 in the guide rail 20). Two horizontal pressing mechanisms 50 are provided, one for each of the left and right guide rails 20, 20 (see Figure 1).

[0022] Each horizontal pressing mechanism 50 includes an actuator 51 that moves a downward rod 51a forward and backward using an electric motor, a motion direction conversion mechanism 52 that converts the vertical movement of the rod 51a into horizontal movement using a link member or the like, and a pressing part 53 that moves horizontally by the motion direction conversion mechanism 52. The pressing part 53 pushes the opening / closing body 10 and presses it against the receiving part 21 in the guide rail 20 (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0023] Each actuator 51 is equipped with a horizontal pressure sensing unit 51b as a means for emitting a signal when it senses that the operating part of the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 has reached a predetermined position. The horizontal pressure sensing unit 51b is configured with a contact-type or non-contact-type position sensor (for example, a proximity switch or a limit switch) that senses the rod 51a when it has advanced to a predetermined position, and is built into the actuator 51. The sensing signal of the horizontal pressure sensing unit 51b may be, for example, a contact signal that turns ON when the rod 51a moves forward to the predetermined position and OFF when the rod 51a moves backward from the predetermined position. This sensing signal is input to the control unit 60 via a signal line (not shown).

[0024] In the figure, reference numeral 90 denotes a deflection suppression device that moves the movable column 91 towards the center in the width direction of the opening / closing body and presses this movable column 91 against the indoor side surface of the opening / closing body 10 to suppress the deflection of the opening / closing body 10.

[0025] The control unit 60 includes a power supply circuit (not shown) that supplies power to each of the multiple actuators 41 and 51, a vertical pressing current sensing unit 61 and a horizontal pressing current sensing unit 62 that measure the operating current of actuators 41 and actuator 51, a control circuit 63 that controls actuators 41 and 51, and the like.

[0026] The vertical pressing current sensing unit 61 is equipped with a current sensor or the like that senses the operating current of the actuator 41 that constitutes the vertical pressing mechanism 40, and is configured to emit an ON signal when the sensed current exceeds a predetermined threshold, and to emit an OFF signal when the sensed signal falls below the threshold.

[0027] Similarly, the horizontal pressing current sensing unit 62 is equipped with a current sensor or the like that senses the operating current of the actuator 51 that constitutes the horizontal pressing mechanism 50, and is configured to emit an ON signal when the sensed current exceeds a threshold, and to emit an OFF signal when the sensed signal falls below the threshold.

[0028] These vertical pressing current sensing units 61 and horizontal pressing current sensing units 62 can be fitted with current sensors, such as current detection switches.

[0029] The control circuit 63 is an electronic circuit equipped with a CPU and memory device, etc., that operates according to a pre-stored program, and controls the operation of multiple actuators 41 and 51 in response to various signals, including the output signals of the vertical pressing current sensing unit 61 and the horizontal pressing current sensing unit 62. This control circuit 63 can be fitted with a general-purpose programmable logic controller (PLC), also known as a sequencer or programmable controller.

[0030] The memory of the control circuit 63 stores multiple temperature ranges with different temperature levels, multiple delay times corresponding to these temperature ranges (see Figure 7), and programs for operating the control unit 60.

[0031] In this embodiment, in addition to the control unit 60 that controls the actuators 41 and 51, a control device (not shown) that controls the drive mechanism 32 is also provided. These control unit 60 and control device (not shown) can also be configured as an integrated control circuit. Furthermore, although the vertical pressing current sensing unit 61 and the horizontal pressing current sensing unit 62 are integrally incorporated into the control unit 60 in the illustrated example, they may be configured as separate components from the control unit 60.

[0032] The temperature sensing unit 70 is a temperature sensor that measures the ambient temperature around multiple actuators 41 and 51 and outputs a signal corresponding to the measured temperature. The output signal from this temperature sensing unit 70 is input to the control circuit 63.

[0033] This temperature sensing unit 70 is provided inside the housing 30b that constitutes the storage unit 30 so as to sense the ambient temperature of the multiple actuators 41 and 51. In other words, the housing 30b encloses the space around the multiple actuators 41 and 51 in a nearly closed manner, and the temperature is approximately the same throughout the space inside the housing 30b. Therefore, it is sufficient to install only one temperature sensing unit 70 within the space inside the housing 30b.

[0034] In the illustrated example, the temperature sensing unit 70 is provided singly within the housing 30b, near the multiple actuators 41, 51, and positioned closer to the center in the width direction of the opening / closing bodies of these actuators 41, 51, to measure the ambient temperature.

[0035] <Flowchart> Next, an example of the control operation by the control unit 60 will be explained in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 5 to 7. The control unit 60 starts its control operation when it receives a water shut-off ON signal while the opening / closing body 10 is in the fully closed state. Here, the water shut-off ON signal is a signal to initiate the water shut-off operation by the vertical pressing mechanism 40 and the horizontal pressing mechanism 50, and may be, for example, a signal emitted when the opening / closing body 10 is fully closed, or a signal emitted by manual operation.

[0036] When a water shut-off ON signal is received, the control unit 60 first starts operating the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 (step S1). More specifically, the control unit 60 advances the rod 51a from its initial position by supplying power to the actuator 51 of the horizontal pressing mechanism 50. As the rod 51a moves forward, the pressing unit 53 pushes the opening / closing body 10 downstream.

[0037] In step S2, it is determined whether the horizontal pressure amount sensing unit 51b of the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 is ON or OFF. If it is ON, the process proceeds to the next step S3; otherwise, the process moves to step S21.

[0038] In step S3, it is determined whether the horizontal pressing current sensing unit 62 is ON or OFF. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step SX; otherwise, the process moves to step S31.

[0039] Next, the processing of step SX will be described later, and step S4, which follows step SX, will be explained. In step S4, the operation of the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 is stopped by stopping the actuator 51. At this stopping point, the extension of the rod 51a of the actuator 51 pushes the opening / closing body 10 downstream, causing it to be pressed against the receiving part 21.

[0040] In other words, if signals are emitted from both the horizontal pressure amount sensing unit 51b and the horizontal pressure current sensing unit 62 after the horizontal pressure mechanism 50 has started operating, the operation of the horizontal pressure mechanism 50 is stopped.

[0041] In step S21, it is determined whether the horizontal pressing current sensing unit 62 is ON or OFF. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step S32; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S22. Note that the threshold value of the horizontal pressing current sensing unit 62 in step S21 and the threshold value of the horizontal pressing current sensing unit 62 in step S3 are the same, but they can also be made different.

[0042] In step S22, it is determined whether the count by the operation limit timer has exceeded a predetermined time limit. If it has exceeded the time limit, the process proceeds to step S32; otherwise, the process returns to step S2.

[0043] In step S31, it is determined whether the count by the operation limit timer has exceeded a predetermined time limit. If it has exceeded the time limit, the process proceeds to step S32; otherwise, the process returns to step S3.

[0044] The operation limit timer in steps S22 and S31 is a timer (not shown) provided by the control unit 60. This operation limit timer counts the elapsed time from the start of operation of the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 (step S1 above).

[0045] Furthermore, the time limit in steps S22 and S31 is a time pre-stored in the control unit 60. This time limit is set by adding an appropriate margin to the normal operating time from when the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 starts operating until the opening / closing body 10 presses the receiving part 21 by an appropriate amount.

[0046] In step S32, an abnormal operation is detected, an abnormality flag is set, an alarm is issued via sound, light, etc., and all operations of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 and the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 are stopped. This stopped state can be released by a manual reset operation, etc.

[0047] In other words, if the horizontal pressure sensing unit 51b is determined to be OFF in step S2, and the horizontal pressure current sensing unit 62 is determined to be ON in step S21, then mechanical friction, snagging, actuator failure, etc. are presumed, and an abnormality flag is set in step S32. Furthermore, if the operation limit timer exceeds the time limit in step S22 or S31, excessive operation of the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 is suspected, and therefore, an abnormality flag is set in step S32 from the standpoint of preventing damage.

[0048] Next, in step S5 shown in Figure 6, the vertical pressing mechanism 40 is activated. More specifically, the control unit 60 advances the rod 41a from its initial position by supplying power to the actuator 41 of the vertical pressing mechanism 40. This causes the rod 41a to rotate the pressing part 42a, which in turn presses the opening / closing body 10 downward.

[0049] In step S6, it is determined whether the vertical pressure amount sensing unit 41b of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 is ON or OFF. If it is ON, the process proceeds to the next step S7; otherwise, the process moves to step S61.

[0050] In step S7, it is determined whether the vertical pressing current sensing unit 61 is ON or OFF. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step SX; otherwise, the process moves to step S71.

[0051] Next, the processing of step SX will be described later, and step S8, which follows step SX, will be explained. In step S8, the operation of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 is stopped by stopping the actuator 41, thereby completing the water shutoff operation. At this stopping point, the extension of the rod 41a of the actuator 41 pushes the opening / closing body 10 downward, causing it to be pressed against the immovable part G in a watertight manner.

[0052] In step S61, it is determined whether the vertical pressing current sensing unit 61 is ON or OFF. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step S72; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S62.

[0053] In step S62, it is determined whether the count by the operation limit timer has exceeded a predetermined time limit. If it has exceeded the time limit, the process proceeds to step S72; otherwise, the process returns to step S6.

[0054] In step S71, it is determined whether the count by the operation limit timer has exceeded a predetermined time limit. If it has exceeded the time limit, the process proceeds to step S72; otherwise, the process returns to step S7.

[0055] The time limits in steps S62 and S71 are set by adding an appropriate margin to the normal operating time from when the vertical pressing mechanism 40 starts operating until the opening / closing body 10 is pressed by an appropriate amount against the immovable part G.

[0056] Note that the time limits for step S22 and step S62 are different because they depend on the structure of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 and the horizontal pressing mechanism 50, respectively, but it is possible to make them approximately the same.

[0057] In step S72, an abnormal operation is detected, an abnormality flag is set, an alarm is issued via sound or light, and all operations of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 and the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 are stopped. This stopped state can be released by a manual reset operation.

[0058] In other words, if the vertical pressure sensing unit 41b is determined to be OFF in step S6, and the vertical pressure current sensing unit 61 is determined to be ON in step S61, then mechanical friction, snagging, actuator failure, etc. are presumed, and an abnormality flag is set in step S72. Furthermore, if the operation limit timer exceeds the time limit in step S62 or S71, excessive operation of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 is suspected, and therefore, an abnormality flag is set in step S72 from the standpoint of preventing damage.

[0059] <Delayed Processing Routine> Next, we will explain the delay processing routine shown in Figure 7. When the delay processing routine (step SX) is executed in the flowchart described above, first, in step SX1, the delay timer is turned ON, and then the process proceeds to the next step, SX2. This delay timer is a timer (not shown) provided in the control unit 60.

[0060] In step SX2, it is determined whether the temperature measured by the temperature sensing unit 70 falls within a pre-stored range of normal temperature (in the illustrated example, a range greater than 10°C and less than 30°C). If it falls within the normal temperature range, the process proceeds to the next step SX3; otherwise, the process moves to step SX21.

[0061] In step SX3, the delay time is set to a specific time corresponding to the room temperature range (150ms in the illustrated example), and the process proceeds to step SX4. Here, the delay time is the time required to delay the stopping of the corresponding vertical pressing mechanism 40 or horizontal pressing mechanism 50 after the signal from the vertical pressing current sensing unit 61 or the horizontal pressing current sensing unit 62 has been issued in the previous step.

[0062] In step SX21, it is determined whether the temperature measured by the temperature sensing unit 70 is within a pre-stored high-temperature range (30°C or higher, according to the illustrated example). If it is within the high-temperature range, the process proceeds to the next step SX211; otherwise, the process moves to step SX22.

[0063] In step SX211, the delay time is set to a specific time corresponding to the high-temperature range (50ms in the illustrated example), and the process proceeds to step SX4.

[0064] In step SX22, it is determined whether the temperature measured by the temperature sensing unit 70 is within a pre-stored low-temperature range (10°C or less, according to the illustrated example). If it is within the low-temperature range, the process proceeds to the next step SX221; otherwise, the process returns to step SX2.

[0065] In step SX221, the delay time is set to a specific time corresponding to the high-temperature range (200ms in the illustrated example), and the process proceeds to step SX4.

[0066] In step SX4, the system waits for the elapsed time of the delay timer to exceed the delay time set in the previous step. Once the delay time is exceeded, the delay processing routine (Figure 7) terminates, and the system returns to the original flowchart (Figures 5, 6, or 9).

[0067] In other words, according to the above delay processing routine, when a signal is emitted from the vertical pressing current sensing unit 61, a temperature range that includes the ambient temperature of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 (the temperature measured by the temperature sensing unit 70) is selected, a delay time corresponding to this temperature range is set, and the vertical pressing mechanism 40 is stopped after this delay time has elapsed.

[0068] Similarly, when a signal is emitted from the horizontal pressing current sensing unit 62, a temperature range that includes the ambient temperature of the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 (the temperature measured by the temperature sensing unit 70) is selected, a delay time corresponding to this temperature range is set, and the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 is stopped after this delay time has elapsed.

[0069] In the higher temperature range (for example, the high temperature range), the delay time is set to be shorter than in the lower temperature range (for example, the room temperature range or the low temperature range) (see Figure 7).

[0070] In other words, within the normal temperature range, the actuator 41 (or 51) is stopped after a predetermined delay time has elapsed since the vertical pressing current sensing unit 61 (or 62) emitted a sensing signal.

[0071] In the high-temperature range, the winding resistance of the electric motors constituting actuators 41 and 51 increases compared to the room temperature range, making it difficult for current to flow. Therefore, to prevent delays in the operation of the vertical pressing current sensing unit 61 (or 62), the delay time is made shorter than in the room temperature range.

[0072] In the low-temperature range, the winding resistance of the electric motors constituting the actuators 41 and 51 becomes smaller than in the normal temperature range, making it easier for current to flow. For this reason, the delay time is made longer than in the normal temperature range to prevent the vertical pressing current sensing unit 61 (or 62) from operating too early.

[0073] <How to determine the delay time corresponding to a temperature range> The relationship between the various temperature ranges described above and the corresponding delay times can be determined experimentally or theoretically. The following is an example of how to determine the delay time corresponding to each temperature range.

[0074] First, in order to measure the load applied to the rod 41a of the actuator 41, a load measuring device equipped with a load cell or the like is prepared. Next, several different temperature conditions are set as appropriate, and in the environment of each temperature condition, the rod 41a is operated from its initial position, and its operating current is measured using the load measuring instrument. Then, the rod operating time is measured from the start of operation of rod 41a until the load applied to rod 41a reaches the target load. The target load is the load applied to rod 41a when sufficient water-stopping performance is achieved. This target load can be determined using empirical values, experimental values, or theoretical values.

[0075] Next, the relationship between the above-mentioned temperature conditions and rod operating time is represented by a graph or mathematical formula, and using this graph or formula, the delay time corresponding to each temperature range is appropriately set within the range of the rod operating time. For example, if the temperature range is set to the ambient temperature range of 10 to 30°C, and the measured rod operating time range is 125 ms to 175 ms, the delay time corresponding to the ambient temperature range of 10 to 30°C is set to 150 ms, which is the median or average value within the aforementioned rod operating time range. For high-temperature and low-temperature ranges, the same procedure as described above is used to set appropriate temperature ranges, measure the rod operating time corresponding to these temperature ranges, and then set the corresponding delay time within the range of these rod operating times. Similarly, the delay time corresponding to the temperature range can be determined for the actuator 51 of the horizontal pressing mechanism 50.

[0076] The relationship between the temperature conditions and rod operating time described above may vary depending on the type of actuator. If the type of actuator is changed, the above delay time should be readjusted as needed.

[0077] Therefore, with the above configuration of the opening / closing device 1, it is possible to prevent the stopping of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 and / or the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 from being delayed or accelerated due to changes in ambient temperature. Consequently, the reliability of the control of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 and the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 is improved, and the opening / closing body 10 is sufficiently pressed against the lower fixed part G and the downstream fixed part (guide rail 20), thereby achieving good watertightness.

[0078] <Second Embodiment> Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. The following embodiments are modified versions of the above-described switchgear 1, with some changes to the configuration of the control unit 60 and the program of the control circuit 63, and flowcharts are shown in Figures 8 and 9. In these flowcharts, processes that are substantially the same as those in the flowcharts of Figures 6 and 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0079] The flowchart in Figure 8 is the same as the flowchart in Figure 5 described above, but with steps S2, S21, and S22 omitted, and the other processes repeated twice, thereby activating the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 twice.

[0080] In other words, as shown in Figure 8, after stopping the first operation of the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 in step S4, the second operation of the same horizontal pressing mechanism 50 is started in the next step S1'.

[0081] In the next step S3', it is determined whether the horizontal pressing current sensing unit 62 is ON or OFF. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step SX; otherwise, the process moves to step S31'. Here, the threshold value 2 used in this second judgment is set to be a larger value than the threshold value 1 used in the first judgment (step S3). This means, for example, can be achieved by providing two types of horizontal pressing current sensing units 62 with different current threshold values, using one of the horizontal pressing current sensing units 62 with the smaller threshold value in the first operation, and using the other horizontal pressing current sensing unit 62 in the second operation.

[0082] Furthermore, the processing in the second step S4', SX, S31', S32', etc., is substantially the same as in the first step S4, SX, S31, S32, and the processing proceeds as shown in the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0083] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, after stopping the first operation of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 in step S8, the second operation of the same vertical pressing mechanism 40 is started in the next step S5'.

[0084] In the next step S7', it is determined whether the vertical pressing current sensing unit 61 is ON or OFF. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step SX; otherwise, the process moves to step S71'. Here, the threshold value 2 used in this second judgment is set to a larger value than the threshold value 1 used in the first judgment (step S7). This means, for example, involves providing two types of vertical pressing current sensing units 61 with different current threshold values, using one of the vertical pressing current sensing units 61 with the smaller threshold value in the first operation, and using the other vertical pressing current sensing unit 61 in the second operation.

[0085] Furthermore, the processes in the second step S8', SX, S71', S72', etc., are substantially the same as those in the first step S8, SX, S71, S72, and the process proceeds as shown in the flowchart in Figure 9. After step S8', the water shutoff operation is completed.

[0086] Therefore, according to the second embodiment, which shows control examples in Figures 8 and 9, similar to the first embodiment described earlier, by executing a delay processing routine, it is possible to prevent the stopping of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 and / or the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 from being delayed or accelerated due to changes in ambient temperature, and consequently, the reliability of the control of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 and the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 can be improved.

[0087] Furthermore, as a simpler control example, the delay processing routine SX for the first operation of the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 and / or the vertical pressing mechanism 40 can be omitted in the flowcharts shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0088] <Other variations>

[0089] In the above embodiment, the vertical pressure sensing unit 41b is a sensor built into the actuator 41. However, this vertical pressure sensing unit 41b can also be a sensor located outside the actuator 41 that senses the operating parts of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 (for example, the rod 41a, the link mechanism 42, the pressing part 42a, etc.). Similarly, the horizontal pressure sensing unit 51b can also be a sensor located outside the actuator 51 that senses the operating parts of the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 (for example, the rod 51a, the motion direction changing mechanism 52, the pressing part 53, etc.).

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the vertical pressure sensing unit 41b senses when the operating part of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 reaches a predetermined position and emits a signal. However, as another example of the vertical pressure sensing unit 41b, it is also possible to configure it to emit a signal when the operating time of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 reaches a predetermined time, and the operating amount of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 is deemed to have exceeded a predetermined amount. Similarly, another example of the horizontal pressure sensing unit 51b is a configuration in which, when the operating time of the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 reaches a predetermined time, the operating amount of the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 is deemed to have exceeded a predetermined amount, and a signal is emitted.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, both the vertical pressing mechanism 40 and the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 are configured to push the closed opening / closing body 10 and press it against the immovable part, but as an alternative example, it is also possible to configure the system so that only one of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 or the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 pushes the closed opening / closing body 10 and presses it against the immovable part. In other words, for example, vertical watertightness can be ensured solely by the weight of the multiple panels 11, 12, and in such cases, the vertical pressing mechanism 40 can be omitted.

[0092] Furthermore, in the control examples shown in Figures 5 and 6, a particularly preferred example is that the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 is activated first, followed by the vertical pressing mechanism 40. However, other examples include the opposite configuration, where the vertical pressing mechanism 40 is activated first, followed by the horizontal pressing mechanism 50; the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 and the vertical pressing mechanism 40 are activated almost simultaneously; or the operation of one of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 or the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 is started while the other is operating.

[0093] Furthermore, in the control examples shown in Figures 8 and 9, a particularly preferred example is that the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 is first operated twice, and then the vertical pressing mechanism 40 is operated twice. However, other examples include the operation of the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 for the first time, the operation of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 for the first time, the operation of the horizontal pressing mechanism 50 for the second time, and the operation of the vertical pressing mechanism 40 for the second time, or the operation of the first or second vertical pressing mechanism 40 being started while the first or second horizontal pressing mechanism 50 is being operated.

[0094] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations described above, and can be modified as appropriate without altering the essence of the invention.

[0095] <Summary> As described above, the above embodiment discloses the following invention. (1) An opening and closing device (see Figures 1 to 9) comprising: an opening and closing body that closes in a manner that partitions a space; guide rails that guide the widthwise end of the opening and closing body in the opening and closing direction; an electric pressing mechanism that pushes the closed opening and closing body and presses it against a stationary part; and a pressing current sensing unit that emits a signal when the operating current of the electric pressing mechanism exceeds a threshold, wherein when a signal is emitted from the pressing current sensing unit, the electric pressing mechanism is stopped after a delay time corresponding to the ambient temperature of the electric pressing mechanism has elapsed. (2) The switchgear according to (1) (see Figure 7), characterized in that it is equipped with a storage device that stores multiple types of temperature ranges with different temperature heights, and selects a temperature range that includes the ambient temperature and sets a delay time corresponding to this temperature range. (3) The switchgear according to (2) (see Figure 7), characterized in that, among the multiple temperature ranges, the delay time is set to be shorter in the higher temperature range than in the lower temperature range. (4) An opening / closing device according to any one of (1) to (3) (see Figure 1), characterized in that it comprises a plurality of the aforementioned electric pressing mechanisms and is provided with a temperature sensing unit to measure the ambient temperature of these plurality of electric pressing mechanisms. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1. Switching device 10 Opening / closing mechanism Panels 11 and 12 20 Guide Rails 21 Receiving Department 30 Storage compartments 40. Vertical pressing mechanism (electric pressing mechanism) 41 Actuator 41a Rod 41b Vertical pressure sensing unit 42 Link mechanism 42a Pressing part 50 Horizontal pressing mechanism (electric pressing mechanism) 51 Actuator 51a Rod 51b Horizontal pressure sensing unit 52 Motion Direction Change Mechanism 53 Pressing part 60 Control Unit 61 Vertical pressing current sensing unit 62 Horizontal pressing current sensing unit 63 Control circuits 70 Temperature sensing section

Claims

1. The device comprises an opening / closing body that closes to partition a space, a guide rail that guides the widthwise end of the opening / closing body in the opening / closing direction, an electric pressing mechanism that pushes the closed opening / closing body and presses it against a stationary part, and a pressing current sensing unit that emits a signal when the operating current of the electric pressing mechanism exceeds a threshold. An opening / closing device characterized in that, when a signal is emitted from the pressing current sensing unit, the electric pressing mechanism is stopped after a delay time corresponding to the ambient temperature of the electric pressing mechanism has elapsed.

2. It is equipped with a memory device that stores multiple types of temperature ranges with different temperature heights, The switchgear according to claim 1, characterized in that a temperature range including the ambient temperature is selected, and a delay time corresponding to this temperature range is set.

3. The switchgear according to claim 2, characterized in that, among the multiple temperature ranges, the delay time is set to be shorter in the higher temperature range than in the lower temperature range.

4. The opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of the aforementioned electric pressing mechanisms and is provided with a temperature sensing unit to measure the ambient temperature of these plurality of electric pressing mechanisms.

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