Switching device

Abstract

It can protect the photoelectric sensor. [Solution] An opening / closing device 1 comprises an opening / closing body 10 that closes in a manner that partitions a space, two guide rails 30 that surround both ends of the opening / closing body 10 in the width direction and guide it in the opening / closing direction, and a photoelectric sensor that non-contactly detects obstacles on the closing side of the opening / closing body 10, wherein the guide rail 30 comprises a guide rail body 32 that surrounds the end of the opening / closing body 10 in the width direction in a concave shape, and an inner guide rail 33 fixed to the bottom of the guide rail body 32, and an inner wall surface 33b on the bottom side of the inner guide rail 33 that faces the end face of the opening / closing body 10 is provided with a light passage hole 33b1 to secure the light beam path R of the photoelectric sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening / closing device that closes an opening / closing body by partitioning a space, such as a shutter device or an overhead door.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in this type of invention, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, there is a shutter device in which a multi-optical axis sensor having a large number of light emitters and light receivers arranged vertically facing each other is attached to left and right guide rails. According to such a shutter device, an obstacle can be detected in a wide range in the vertical direction, and the obstacle detection performance can be improved as compared with a shutter device using a single photoelectric sensor.

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 prior art, since the emission ports of a large number of light emitters and the light reception ports of light receivers are exposed, there is a risk that a vehicle or a conveyed object trying to pass through the shutter device may come into contact with the light emitters or light receivers and be damaged. Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to house the light emitters and light receivers in the guide rails, but since it is necessary to provide round holes for passing light, there is a risk that the round holes may be blocked by dust, leaves, snow, or mud during a strong storm, and thus improvement is required.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In view of such problems, the present invention has the following configuration. An opening and closing device comprising an opening and closing body that closes in a manner that partitions a space, two guide rails that surround both ends of the opening and closing body in the width direction and guide it in the opening and closing direction, and a photoelectric sensor that non-contactly detects obstacles on the closing side of the opening and closing body, wherein the guide rail comprises a guide rail body that surrounds the end of the opening and closing body in the width direction in a concave shape, and an inner guide rail fixed to the bottom of the guide rail body, and the inner wall surface on the bottom side of the inner guide rail, facing the end face of the opening and closing body, is provided with a light passage hole to secure the light beam path of the photoelectric sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] As described above, the present invention is configured to protect the photoelectric sensor and prevent foreign matter from adhering to the light beam path. [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 cross-sectional view along the line (II)-(II) in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the same location, showing the guide rail body and multi-axis sensors, etc., removed from the fixed support column. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the guide rail body and multi-axis sensor, etc., viewed from the front of the shutter. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view along the line (V)-(V) in Figure 2. [Figure 6] The image shows the lower end of the opening / closing mechanism on the widthwise end side, with (a) being a front view and (b) being a right side view. [Figure 7] Specific examples of light-shielding members are shown, where (I) is the uppermost light-shielding member, (II) is the light-shielding member in the center in the vertical direction, and (III) is the lowermost light-shielding member. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the end structure of the storage compartment. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the connecting piece for attaching the side cover to the structural frame. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing the reinforcing structure on the central side of the storage compartment. [Figure 11] The images show the reinforcing pieces at the corners inside the storage case, with (a) being an oblique view and (b) being a plan view. [Figure 12] This is a side view of a guide rail equipped with an optical sensor of another invention. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view along the line (IX)-(IX) in Figure 12. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of a key section showing another example of a guide rail. [Figure 15] (a) and (b) are plan views showing other examples of light-passing holes, respectively. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] This embodiment discloses the following features: The first feature is an opening / closing device comprising an opening / closing body that closes in a manner that partitions a space, two guide rails that surround both ends of the opening / closing body in the width direction and guide it in the opening / closing direction, and a multi-axis optical sensor that non-contactly detects obstacles on the closing side of the opening / closing body, wherein the multi-axis optical sensor comprises a first unit extending in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body within one guide rail and a second unit extending in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body within the other guide rail, and is configured to form a number of light ray paths spaced apart in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body between these two units, and the guide rails are provided with light passage holes for passing through the light ray paths, and the light passage holes are formed in an elongated shape extending in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body so as to allow a number of light ray paths, which are some or all of the number of light ray paths, to pass through (see Figure 5). This configuration allows the multi-axis sensor to be protected by guide rails, and also makes it difficult for foreign matter to adhere to the light passage holes.

[0009] The second feature is that, in order to prevent a decrease in the strength of the guide rail, multiple light-passing holes are provided at intervals in the opening and closing direction of the opening / closing body.

[0010] As a third feature, in order to protect the multi-optical axis sensor, the plurality of light paths are aligned or substantially aligned with the center of the opening / closing body in the opening / closing body thickness direction (see Fig. 2).

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

[0012] As a fifth feature, in order to further improve the dustproof property, an inner wall surface facing the end surface in the width direction of the opening / closing body is provided in the guide rail, the light passage hole is provided in this inner wall surface, and the multi-optical axis sensor is provided on the back side of this inner wall surface (see Fig. 2).

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

[0014] As a seventh feature, in order to further improve the dustproof property, a retaining member for preventing the opening / closing body from coming out of the guide rail is provided at the end in the width direction of the opening / closing body, and an inner guide rail for fitting the retaining member in the guide rail so that it cannot come out and guiding it in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body is provided inside the guide rail, and the inner wall surface and the light passage hole are provided inside the inner guide rail (see Fig. 2).

[0015] As an eighth feature, in order to improve the maintainability, the guide rail includes a fixed support column fixed to a fixed part over the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body, and a guide rail main body detachably connected to the fixed support column. The guide rail main body is formed to surround the end in the width direction of the opening / closing body and guide it in the opening / closing direction, and integrally mounts the inner guide rail and the multi-optical axis sensor (see Fig. 3).

[0016] The ninth feature is that, in order to more effectively protect the multi-optical axis sensor, the multi-optical axis sensor is positioned at a predetermined distance away from the contact point of the opening / closing body when fully closed, on the opening side (see Figure 1).

[0017] The tenth feature is that a storage section for housing the opening / closing body is provided on the opening direction side of the opening / closing body, and a control unit for controlling the opening and closing operation of the opening / closing body is provided in this storage section, positioned towards one side in the width direction of the opening / closing body, and one of the first and second units is configured to transmit a signal to the control unit via electrical wiring when an obstacle is detected without contact, and at least a portion of the one unit and the electrical wiring is arranged in the guide rail located towards the one side (see Figure 14).

[0018] <Specific Embodiments> Next, a specific embodiment having the above-described features will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following explanation, "thickness direction of the opening / closing body" refers to the thickness direction of the opening / closing body when it is closed. "Width direction of the opening / closing body" refers to a direction approximately perpendicular to the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body, but not the thickness direction of the opening / closing body. "Opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body" refers to the direction in which the opening / closing body slides to partition or open a space.

[0019] The opening / closing device 1 comprises an opening / closing body 10 that closes in a manner that partitions 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 with a concave cross-section and guide it in the opening / closing direction, and a multi-optical axis sensor 40 that non-contactly detects obstacles below the opening / closing body 10, and is installed, for example, on a structure with a relatively wide opening such as a garage or factory.

[0020] The opening / closing body 10 is constructed by connecting multiple slats 11a, which are made by bending horizontally elongated, roughly rectangular metal plates, so that they can rotate between vertically adjacent slats 11a, 11a. A fixed seat plate 12 is connected to the lower end of this opening / closing body 11, and a movable seat plate 13 is connected to the lower end of the fixed seat plate 12 so as to be able to move vertically relative to it (see Figures 1 and 6).

[0021] A retaining member 14 is provided at the lateral end of the opening / closing body 10 to prevent it from coming out of the guide rail 30 (see Figures 2 and 6). The anti-detachment member 14 protrudes laterally from the end of the opening / closing body 10 and has an integral portion that widens in the width direction of the opening / closing body on its protruding end (see Figure 2).

[0022] The lowest slat 11a, the movable seat plate 13, and the fixed seat plate 12 are each provided with a sealing member 15, 16, and 17 (see Figures 6 and 7). These blocking members 15, 16, and 17 are attached to the ends of the slat 11a, the movable seat plate 13, and the fixed seat plate 12, respectively, so as to block the space that communicates in the lateral direction inside the lower end of the opening / closing body. Furthermore, these blocking members 15, 16, and 17 sequentially block two light ray paths R of the multi-axis sensor 40 during the normal closing operation of the opening / closing body 10, thereby enabling blanking control. Here, blanking control is a control method in which, each time two light ray paths R are blocked by the blocking members 15, 16, and 17 during the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10, obstacle detection is disabled in the light ray path R immediately adjacent to the lower of these two light ray paths R and above, so that the opening / closing body 10 is not detected as an obstacle.

[0023] In a preferred example of this embodiment, the centers of the numerous light ray paths R and the center of the opening / closing body 10 are aligned or substantially aligned in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body. With this configuration, the light-emitting surface 40a1 (or light-receiving surface) of the multi-axis sensor 40, described later, can be covered and protected by the end face in the width direction of the opening / closing body 10, thereby preventing dirt, foreign matter from adhering to the light-emitting surface 40a1 (or light-receiving surface), damage, etc. Furthermore, if a solid-bodied opening / closing body is used instead of the opening / closing body 10 described above, the closing members 15, 16, and 17 can be omitted.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the storage unit 20 includes a storage case 21 with an opening at the bottom for extending and retracting the opening / closing body 10, a winding shaft 22 for winding and unwinding the opening / closing body 10, an opening / closing mechanism 23 that drives and brakes the winding shaft 22 via a power transmission mechanism such as a chain and sprockets, and a control unit 24 that controls the opening / closing mechanism 23 in response to signals from a remote control (not shown) or a multi-axis sensor 40.

[0025] The storage case 21 is formed into a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape inside by the side covers 21a at both ends and the case body 21b which is connected to the side covers 21a and extends in the width direction of the opening / closing body (see Figures 1, 8 to 11). The case body 21b may be configured such as a configuration in which multiple flat panels are combined into a long cylindrical shape in the width direction of the opening and closing body, or a configuration in which some of the panels are made into a single bent shape.

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

[0027] The control unit 24 is an electronic circuit equipped with, for example, a microcontroller, and functions according to a pre-stored program to process the input signal from the multi-axis sensor 40 and control the switch 23 according to the processing result. More specifically, when the control unit 24 receives a signal during the normal closing operation of the opening / closing body 10, such as when the light path R of the multi-axis sensor 40 is blocked by an obstacle, it controls the opening / closing mechanism 23 in accordance with this signal. The control unit 24 and the opening / closing mechanism 23 are arranged within the storage case 21, towards one side (to the left in the illustrated example) in the width direction of the opening / closing body.

[0028] Furthermore, the guide rail 30 is configured to surround the end of the opening / closing body 10 in the width direction in a concave shape. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the guide rail 30 comprises a fixed support column 31 fixed to an immovable part on the building structure side in the opening and closing direction of the opening / closing body, a guide rail body 32 detachably connected to the fixed support column 31, and an inner guide rail 33 fixed inside the guide rail body 32. A multi-axis sensor 40 is attached to the back side of the guide rail body 32 by a bracket 48.

[0029] According to the illustrated example, the fixed support column 31 is integrally composed of a fixing portion 31a that is directly fixed to the frame and a fixed portion 31b that is fitted into and connected to the fixing portion 31a and is the target to which the guide rail body 32 is fixed. These fixing portion 31a and fastening portion 31b may be formed as a single integrated component beforehand.

[0030] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, this fixed support column 31 is formed with a concave cross-section, with an opening on the side of the opening / closing body 10 (left side in the figures), and extends vertically along the structure on which the opening / closing device 1 is installed. Inside this fixed support column 31 (specifically the fastened portion 31b), a space S is provided for housing the multi-axis optical sensor 40 and its electrical wiring 49, etc. On the opening side of the fixed support column 31, fastening portions 31b1, 31b1 for fastening and securing the guide rail body 32 are provided in a flange shape that protrudes in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body.

[0031] The guide rail body 32 is formed in a concave cross-section to surround the end of the opening / closing body 10 so that it can be inserted into the opening 32a, and guides the end of the opening / closing body 10 in the vertical direction. Reference numeral 32b provided in the opening 32a is an airtight material made of an elastic material. The guide rail body 32 is provided with fastening portions 32c, 32c that extend and protrude from both edges of the opening 32a in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body. Each fastening portion 32c is superimposed on the fastening portion 31b of the fixed support column 31 and fastened and secured by fasteners such as screws or bolts.

[0032] Furthermore, at the bottom of the guide rail body 32, a fitting portion 32d with a substantially C-shaped cross-section and a light passage hole 32e that secures the light ray path R of the multi-optical axis sensor 40 are provided, so as to be located on the extension line of the opening / closing body 10 extended in the width direction of the opening / closing body. The inner guide rail 33 is then fitted into the mating portion 32d and fixed in place.

[0033] The inner guide rail 33 has a substantially concave cross-section with the opening between the opposing inward-facing edges 33a, 33a facing the opening / closing body 10 side (left side in Figure 2), and is formed in a long, continuous shape in the vertical direction. The inner guide rail 33 then fits the retaining member 14 of the opening / closing body 10 into the inner side of the inward-facing edges 33a, 33a in a way that prevents it from coming out, and guides the retaining member 14 in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body. On the bottom side of the inner guide rail 33, the inner wall surface 33b facing the lateral end face of the opening / closing body 10 (specifically, the end face of the anti-detachment member 14) is provided with a light-passing hole 33b1 to secure the light ray path R. This light-passing hole 33b1 is in communication with the light-passing hole 32e of the guide rail body 32. Furthermore, the multi-axis sensor 40 is fixed to the back side of the inner wall surface 33b, with the fitting portion 32d in between.

[0034] The multi-axis sensor 40 comprises a first unit 40a extending vertically within one guide rail 30 and a second unit 40b extending vertically within the other guide rail 30. These first unit 40a and second unit 40b are each positioned a predetermined distance H away from the contact point G of the opening / closing body 10 when fully closed (for example, the lower frame, floor surface, ground, etc.) in the opening direction, and are fixed to the back side of the inner guide rail 33 and the guide rail body 32 by brackets 48. The predetermined dimension H is set within the range of approximately 150 to 1500 mm, and more preferably within the range of approximately 150 to 500 mm. In addition to the illustrated example, it is also possible to provide the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b across the entire height of the opening that is opened and closed by the opening / closing body 10. These two units 40a and 40b then form a number of light ray paths R that are spaced approximately at a constant interval in the vertical direction.

[0035] The first unit 40a has a cubic case that is elongated in the direction of opening and closing the opening body, and contains a number of light emitters (not shown) spaced at approximately constant intervals along its longitudinal direction. These light emitters constitute a photoelectric sensor and receive power from the electrical wiring 49 to emit light (e.g., infrared rays) as an obstacle detection medium.

[0036] The second unit 40b is a cubic case that is elongated in the direction of opening and closing the opening body, and contains a number of light receivers (not shown) spaced at approximately constant intervals along its longitudinal direction, and a control circuit (not shown) that processes the sensing signals from these light receivers. Each light receiver in the second unit 40b and each light emitter in the opposing first unit 40a function as a photoelectric sensor, forming a light ray path R between them. The control circuit processes the sensing signal from the light receiver and outputs an obstacle detection signal, etc., to the electrical wiring 49 as a result of the processing.

[0037] The electrical wiring 49 on the first unit 40a side and the electrical wiring 49 on the second unit 40b side are respectively led upward through the space S within the guide rail 30 and electrically connected to the control unit 24 inside the storage case 21. In particular, the second unit 40b (one of the units), which has a light receiver, is configured to transmit a signal to the control unit 24 via electrical wiring 49 when an obstacle is detected without contact due to the obstruction of the light beam path R. This second unit 40b is located within the guide rail 30, which is positioned towards one side (to the left in the diagram). With this configuration, the signal output from the second unit 40b can be transmitted smoothly to the control unit 24. In other words, if, contrary to the diagram, the first unit 40a were to be the light receiver and the signal output from this first unit 40a were to be transmitted to the control unit 24 through the other guide rail 30 (on the right side in the diagram), the electrical wiring 49 would become relatively long, which could lead to a decrease in sensing accuracy due to increased electrical resistance, etc. However, in this embodiment, such problems are unlikely to occur.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the bracket 48 is formed in the shape of a rectangular block and has flange portions 48a on its upper and lower ends. Each flange portion 48a is fastened to the back surface of the guide rail body 32 by fasteners (for example, screws or bolts) that are inserted through it. Then, the first unit 40a or the second unit 40b is fastened to the side of the bracket 48 by fasteners (such as screws or bolts). This fastening structure allows for precise positioning of the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b. For example, if the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b were fastened to the guide rail body 32 using a general L-shaped bracket or the like, the optical axis would likely tilt due to deformation of the L-shaped bracket or the like, but this can be prevented.

[0039] To elaborate on the relationship between the numerous light ray paths R and the guide rail 30, the light passage holes 33b1 and 32e on the bottom side of the guide rail 30 (specifically the inner guide rail 33 and the guide rail body 32) are provided in multiple locations spaced apart in the vertical direction. Each light-passing hole 33b1,32e is formed as an elongated hole extending in the vertical direction to allow multiple (four, according to the example in Figure 5) light ray paths R, which are a part of the many light ray paths R, to pass through.

[0040] The light-passing holes 33b1 and 32e on the first unit 40a side have a width W that is slightly larger than the diameter of the light-emitting surface 40a1 of the light emitter of the multi-optical axis sensor 40. In other words, the light emits light in a radial pattern that spreads at a predetermined angle. The width W of the light-passing hole 33b1 is set to appropriately maintain the radial spread. Furthermore, the light-passing holes (not shown) on the second unit 40b are formed in substantially the same manner as the light-passing holes 33b1. Therefore, even if the position of the light receiver opposite the light emitter is slightly shifted in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body (width W direction in the illustration) due to manufacturing errors, etc., the light receiver will still receive the light emitted from the light emitter.

[0041] Furthermore, the width W of the light-passing holes 33b1 and 32e is set to be smaller than the thickness dimension X (see Figure 2) at the end face in the width direction of the opening / closing body 10. In this embodiment, dimension X is the thickness dimension of the blocking members 15, 16, and 17. With this configuration, during blanking control, the two light ray paths R can be effectively blocked by the widthwise ends of the opening / closing body 10. Furthermore, because the pore width is relatively small, it is possible to effectively prevent foreign matter such as dust from adhering to these light-passing pores 33b1 and 32e. Furthermore, this prevents the end of the opening / closing body 10 from interfering with the inner edge of the light-passing hole 33b1, thereby preventing sliding contact or snagging of the opening / closing body 10, and damage to the light-emitting surface 40a1 (light-receiving surface) of the multi-axis sensor 40.

[0042] The light-passing hole 32e on the guide rail body 32 side may be the same shape as the light-passing hole 33b1 on the inner guide rail 33 side, but it may also be made wider or longer than the light-passing hole 33b1, including the light-passing hole 33b1. Furthermore, the relationship between the light emitters and light receivers in the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b may be reversed. That is, the first unit 40a may be equipped with a large number of light receivers, and the second unit 40b may be equipped with a large number of light emitters facing each other.

[0043] Another example is to equip one unit with a light emitter and a light receiver, and the other unit with a reflector, so that the light emitted from the light emitter is reflected and captured by the light receiver.

[0044] Next, the characteristic effects of the opening / closing device 1 with the above configuration will be explained in detail. As shown in Figure 1, during the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10, a number of light ray paths R are formed below the opening / closing body 10, spaced apart in the vertical direction by the multi-optical axis sensor 40. If any of these light ray paths R are blocked by an obstacle, the control circuit of the second unit 40b outputs an obstacle detection signal. The control unit 24 then appropriately controls the switch 23, such as stopping or reversing it, in response to the input of the obstacle detection signal.

[0045] With this type of opening / closing device 1, the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b are positioned on the back side of the inner guide rail 33 so as to face the widthwise end of the opening / closing body 10 within the guide rail 30. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b from coming into contact with or being tampered with by objects passing near the opening / closing device 1, thereby protecting these units.

[0046] Furthermore, because the light-passing holes 33b1 are elongated in the vertical direction, dirt, leaves, snow, mud, etc. are less likely to adhere to these holes, and even if they do adhere, they are easily allowed to fall off naturally. Furthermore, since the light-passing holes 33b1 are located on the bottom side of the guide rail body 32 and the inner guide rail 33, facing the end face in the width direction of the opening / closing body 10, dustproof properties are excellent. Furthermore, since multiple light ray paths R are associated with a single elongated light-passing hole 33b1, vertical alignment of the optical axis is easy, resulting in excellent productivity. In other words, if one optical path R were to be associated with one optical passage hole 33b1, it would be necessary to align the optical axis with the optical passage hole 33b1 for each of the numerous photoelectric sensors, which could lead to problems with processing accuracy. However, the opening / closing device 1 with the above configuration can mitigate such problems and improve productivity.

[0047] Furthermore, since the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b are positioned above the contact target area G, it is possible to effectively protect the multi-axis sensor 40 by preventing these units from being submerged in water or by preventing foreign matter accumulated on the lower end of the guide rail 30 from adhering to the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b.

[0048] Furthermore, since the electrical wiring 49 is provided in the space S on the back side of the guide rail body 32, it is possible to prevent the electrical wiring 49 from interfering with the opening / closing body 10, the retaining member 14, etc.

[0049] Furthermore, the guide rail body 32, the inner guide rail 33, the multi-axis sensor 40, etc., are configured as an integrated unit, making them easy to attach and detach from the fixed support column 31 (see Figure 3). Therefore, maintenance such as repair, inspection, and replacement of the multi-axis sensor 40 is also easy.

[0050] In the above embodiment, light-passing holes 33b1 and 32e are provided on the inner wall surface 33b of the inner guide rail 33 and the bottom wall of the guide rail body 32, respectively. However, other examples include a configuration in which the anti-slip member 14 and the inner guide rail 33 are omitted from the illustrated example, and light-passing holes 32e are provided only on the bottom wall of the guide rail body 32, or a separate plate having light-passing holes is provided on the bottom side of the guide rail body 32.

[0051] Furthermore, Figures 12 and 13 show an invention different from the above embodiment. This invention replaces the guide rail 30 of the opening / closing device 1 with a guide rail 30'. As shown in Figure 13, the guide rail 30' integrates a fixed support column 35 fixed to the structure, a guide rail body 36 that guides the widthwise end of the opening / closing body 10 in the vertical direction, and a sensor support column 38 that supports a single optical axis photoelectric sensor 37 (light emitter or receiver), all arranged in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body, so as to form a single light ray path R on the front side of the sensor support column 38. In this invention, an inner guide rail 33' is provided inside the guide rail body 36, and electrical wiring 49' for the photoelectric sensor is provided inside the sensor support column 38. According to this invention, it is possible to prevent the electrical wiring 49' from interfering with the opening / closing body 10 or the retaining member 14, and the photoelectric sensor 37 is easy to maintain.

[0052] Furthermore, in the invention shown in Figures 12 to 13, the photoelectric sensor 37 can be replaced with a long, multi-axis optical sensor 40 (specifically, the first unit 40a or the second unit 40b).

[0053] Furthermore, in the guide rail 30 shown in Figures 2 and 3, the guide rail body 32 is fastened to the fastening portion 31b by fasteners (screws, bolts, etc.) on both sides in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body. However, as an alternative example, as shown in Figure 14, the guide rail body 32" is hooked onto the fixed support column 31 on the outdoor side and fastened only on the indoor side (building side) by fasteners. Guide rail 30" is obtained by replacing the fastening portion 31b of the guide rail 30 with the fastening portion 31b" and replacing the guide rail body 32 with the guide rail body 32". The fastening portion 31b'' is modified by omitting the screw hole for fastening the fastener from the fastening portion 31b'' and instead providing an inwardly projecting fastening portion 32h. Furthermore, the guide rail body 32" omits the through-hole for inserting the fastener from the guide rail body 32, and instead is provided with a hooking portion 32g for hooking onto the hooked portion 32h. With this 30" guide rail, fasteners (screws, bolts, etc.) are not exposed on the outdoor side, thus improving security. Furthermore, the guide rail body 32" is easy to attach and detach, resulting in good maintainability.

[0054] Furthermore, in one preferred example of the above embodiment, the light-passing hole 33b1 (32e) is an elongated hole that allows some of the light ray paths R to pass through. However, as another example of the light-passing hole 33b1, it is also possible to form it to be elongated in the vertical direction so as to include all of the light ray paths R. Furthermore, other examples of the light-passing holes 33b1 include notches and slits. For example, the guide rail 30 may be composed of two members divided in the thickness direction of its opening and closing body, with notches provided in one of the members and the other, so that the light-passing holes 33b1 are formed when these two notches come together.

[0055] Furthermore, in one preferred example of the above embodiment, the light passage hole 33b1 (32e) is formed in an elongated shape extending in the opening and closing direction of the opening / closing body so as to allow a plurality of light ray paths R, which are a part of the plurality of light ray paths R, to pass through. However, in another example, as shown in Figure 15(a), it is also possible to form the light passage hole 33b1 in an elongated shape extending in the opening and closing direction of the opening / closing body so as to allow a plurality of light ray paths R, which are all of the plurality of light ray paths R, to pass through. In this case, more preferably, as shown in Figure 15(b), reinforcing members 33b2 may be provided at appropriate intervals along the longitudinal direction of the light-passing hole 33b1. These reinforcing members 33b2 are fixed to the guide rail 30 so as to straddle both long edges of the light-passing hole 33b1 between vertically adjacent light-emitting surfaces 40a1 (or light-receiving surfaces). With this configuration, the reduction in strength of the guide rail 30 (specifically the inner guide rail 33 and the guide rail body 32, etc.) due to the elongated light-passing hole 33b1 (32e) can be mitigated by the reinforcing members 33b2.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the light-emitting surface 40a1 (or light-receiving surface) is exposed to the outside air on the side of the opening / closing body 10 in the width direction of the opening / closing body. However, as an alternative, the light-passing hole 33b1 may be covered with a light-transmitting material (for example, a plate) or a transparent material. This configuration prevents the light-emitting surface 40a1 (or light-receiving surface) from becoming dirty or being damaged by contact with objects, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 10: Opening / closing mechanism 20: Storage compartment 30: Guide rail 31: Fixed support 32: Guide rail body 33: Internal guide rail 33b:Inner wall surface 33b1,32e: Light passage hole 40: Multi-axis optical sensor 40a: First unit 40b: Second Unit 49: Electrical wiring R: Light ray path

Claims

1. An opening and closing device comprising an opening and closing body that closes in a manner that partitions a space, two guide rails that surround both ends of the opening and closing body in the width direction and guide it in the opening and closing direction, and a photoelectric sensor that non-contactly detects obstacles on the closing side of the opening and closing body, The aforementioned guide rail is A guide rail body that encloses the end of the opening / closing body in the width direction in a concave shape, The system comprises an inner guide rail fixed to the bottom of the guide rail body, An opening / closing device characterized in that the inner wall surface on the bottom side of the inner guide rail, facing the end face of the opening / closing body, is provided with a light-passing hole for securing the light beam path of the photoelectric sensor.

2. The opening and closing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the photoelectric sensor is located on the back side of the inner wall surface of the inner guide rail.

3. The aforementioned inner guide rail is formed with a substantially concave cross-section, with the opening between opposing inward-facing edges facing toward the opening / closing body side. The opening surface of the light-passing hole is characterized in that it faces the opening surface between the inward-facing edges, as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. At the end of the opening / closing body in the width direction, an anti-detachment member is provided to prevent it from coming out of the guide rail. The opening and closing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the internal guide rail is configured to fit and guide the anti-dislodgement member so that it cannot be removed from the inside of the inward edge.

5. The opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the width of the light-passing hole provided on the inner wall surface of the inner guide rail is set to be smaller than the thickness dimension at the end face in the width direction of the opening and closing body.

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