Opening and closing device

Abstract

To reduce problems associated with canceling of blanking control.SOLUTION: A multi-optical axis sensor 40 has a blanking control mode in which, every time a plurality of optical paths R are blocked in order in the closing direction, the presence or absence of blocking is ignored for the optical paths R located closer to the opening direction side, including these blocked optical paths R, and in which an output of the closing operation restriction signal is turned ON or OFF depending on the presence or absence of blocking for the optical path R located closer to the closing direction side than the ignored optical path, and a normal sensing mode in which the output of the closing operation restriction signal is turned ON or OFF depending on the presence or absence of blocking for a specific normal sensing optical path among the plurality of optical paths R. During the blanking control mode, if there is a change in the presence or absence of blocking of a predetermined fully closed optical path R among the many optical paths by the closing member provided on an opening / closing body, the multi-optical axis sensor 40 switches to the normal sensing mode after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time of the change.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventional inventions of this type include a shutter device in which a multi-axis sensor, in which a number of photoelectric sensors are arranged in the vertical direction to form a number of optical paths, is attached to the left and right guide rails to detect obstacles over a wide range in the vertical direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to such a shutter device, when at least a part of the multiple optical paths is blocked by an obstacle during the closing operation of the opening / closing body, the opening / closing body stops. However, in order to prevent the opening / closing body from interrupting the optical path and stopping during the closing operation, every time the lower end of the opening / closing body interrupts the optical paths of the two upper and lower photoelectric sensors, all of the upper photoelectric sensors, including these two photoelectric sensors, are disabled from detection. This type of control is sometimes called blanking control. During this blanking control, obstacles are detected only by the photoelectric sensor located below the two photoelectric sensors. The blanking control is released when the lower end of the opening / closing body during the closing operation passes downward through the lowest optical path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-77752 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a typical shutter device, the opening and closing body is formed by connecting vertically connected slats with concave cross-sections made by bending metal plate, so that a through space that continues in the width direction is formed at the center of the thickness direction of each slat. For this reason, in order to perform blanking control, a blocking member 101 for blocking the optical path passing through the space is provided on the lower end side of the opening / closing body 100 (see FIG. 11). Then, when this blocking member 101 blocks the optical paths of the two uppermost photoelectric sensors 201, 201 downward in turn, blanking control is started (time point P1 in FIG. 11). During this blanking control, each time the optical paths of the two photoelectric sensors 201, 201 are blocked in turn by the blocking member 101, the photoelectric sensors 201 on the optical path R1 and above immediately below the blocking member 101 are put into a detection-invalid state. Therefore, even if the optical path is blocked by the opening / closing body 100 performing a closing operation, it is not determined that an obstacle has been detected. Then, when the blocking member 101 passes downward through the optical path of the lowest photoelectric sensor 201 (time point P2 in FIG. 11), the blanking control is released and the multiple optical axis sensor 200 enters the normal sensing state.

[0005] In this normal sensing state, unless the optical paths of all the photoelectric sensors 201 pass through the spaces within the slats and are blocked, the non-sensing state is maintained. However, if the opening / closing body 100 swings in the thickness direction due to wind, vibration, or the like, causing some of the slats to block the light path, this is deemed to be an obstacle detection, and the closing operation of the opening / closing body 100 will stop. For this reason, particularly when the opening / closing stroke below the multi-axis sensor 200 becomes longer due to on-site conditions, there is a risk that the opening / closing body 100 will stop before fully closing, resulting in the formation of a gap S between the opening / closing body 100 and the floor surface, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. An opening and closing device comprising an opening / closing body that performs a closing operation so as to partition a space, and a multiple optical axis sensor that forms multiple optical paths aligned in an opening and closing direction in an opening and closing path of the opening / closing body, and a signal output from the multiple optical axis sensor is used as a closing operation limiting signal for limiting the closing operation of the opening / closing body, the multiple optical axis sensor has a blanking control mode in which, each time multiple optical paths are blocked in the closing direction, the presence or absence of blocking is ignored for optical paths that are located closer to the opening direction, including these blocked optical paths, and the output of the closing operation limiting signal is turned ON or OFF depending on the presence or absence of blocking for optical paths on the closing direction side of the ignored optical paths, and a normal detection mode in which the output of the closing operation limiting signal is turned ON or OFF depending on the presence or absence of blocking for a specific normal detection optical path among the multiple optical paths, and the multiple optical axis sensor is configured to detect a predetermined optical path among the multiple optical paths that is closer to fully closed during the blanking control mode, and to detect a predetermined optical path among the multiple optical paths that is closer to fully closed during the blanking control mode. to If there is a change in whether or not the device is blocked by the when the opening / closing body becomes fully closed during a predetermined time period from that point of change, and From the time of the change the An opening / closing device characterized in that the opening / closing device switches to the normal sensing mode after a predetermined time has elapsed. Effect of the Invention

[0007] Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to reduce problems that accompany the release of blanking control. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

[0009] This embodiment discloses the following features. The first feature is an opening / closing device that includes an opening / closing body that performs a closing operation so as to partition a space, and a multiple optical axis sensor that forms multiple optical paths aligned in the opening / closing direction in the opening / closing path of the opening / closing body, and uses a signal output from the multiple optical axis sensor as a closing operation limiting signal for limiting the closing operation of the opening / closing body, in which the multiple optical axis sensor has a blanking control mode in which, each time multiple optical paths are blocked in the closing direction, the multiple optical axis sensor ignores the presence or absence of blocking for optical paths located closer to the opening direction, including the blocked optical paths, and turns on or off the output of the closing operation limiting signal depending on the presence or absence of blocking for optical paths closer to the closing direction than the ignored optical paths, and a normal detection mode in which the output of the closing operation limiting signal is turned on or off depending on the presence or absence of blocking for a specific normal detection optical path among the multiple optical paths, and when there is a change in the presence or absence of blocking of a specific optical path closer to full closure among the multiple optical paths during the blanking control mode, the multiple optical axis sensor switches to the normal detection mode after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time of the change (see Figs. 6 to 10).

[0010] According to this configuration, when the light path close to the fully closed position changes from the fully closed position to the blocked position during the blanking control mode, the normal sensing mode is entered after a predetermined time has elapsed since the change. In other words, the blanking control mode is maintained for the predetermined time. Therefore, immediately after a change occurs in whether or not the light path is blocked toward full closure, the mode switches to the normal detection mode, and it is possible to prevent the opening / closing body from swinging in the thickness direction, etc., being detected by the multi-optical axis sensor, thereby preventing the closing operation of the opening / closing body from being unintentionally restricted (for example, stopped or reversed and raised).

[0011] The second feature is that in order to effectively execute the blanking control mode, the blanking control mode is executed on the condition that the optical path on the most open direction side and the optical path adjacent to the optical path on the closing direction side are blocked in the closing direction order (see Figures 7 and 10).

[0012] The third feature is that, in order to effectively execute the normal sensing mode, the normal sensing optical path is set closer to the closing direction than the two optical paths closest to the opening direction.

[0013] The fourth feature is that, in order to effectively utilize all of the numerous optical paths, the optical path closest to the fully closed state is constituted by the optical path closest to the closing direction and an optical path adjacent to the fully closed optical path on the opening direction side.

[0014] The fifth feature is that the predetermined time is set to be equal to or longer than the time from when the light path is blocked or not blocked toward the fully closed state until the opening / closing body is substantially fully closed (see Figs. 7 and 10). This configuration can effectively prevent the normal detection mode from being entered before the opening / closing body is fully closed, resulting in the closing operation being stopped due to detection of the opening / closing body.

[0015] The sixth feature is that when there is a change in the presence or absence of blocking in the opening direction of the opening / closing body for the fully open light path which is located closest to the opening direction among the multiple light paths, and when the normal sensing light path is not blocked, the closing operation restriction signal is turned OFF (see Figures 7 and 10). With this configuration, the closing movement of the opening / closing body can be restricted until the opening / closing body is opened to a certain extent, and thus it is possible to prevent the opening / closing body from closing from a relatively low position and coming into contact with an obstacle.

[0016] As a seventh feature, the multi-optical axis sensor forcibly turns on the closing operation limiting signal after the predetermined time has elapsed, regardless of whether any of the optical paths is blocked (see FIGS. 8 and 10). According to this configuration, after the predetermined time has elapsed and during the opening operation thereafter, the closing operation restriction signal can be turned ON regardless of whether or not the opening / closing body is detected. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the closing operation from being performed at the beginning of the opening operation.

[0017] <Specific embodiment> Next, specific embodiments having the above characteristics will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the "thickness direction of the opening / closing body" means the thickness direction of the opening / closing body in the closed state. The "width direction of the opening / closing body" 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. The "opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body" means the direction in which the opening / closing body slides to partition or open a space.

[0018] The opening and closing device 1 comprises an opening and closing body 10 which performs a closing operation to divide a space, a storage section 20 which stores and extends the opening and closing body 10 in the opening direction, two guide rails 30, 30 which surround both ends of the opening and closing body 10 in the width direction with a concave cross section and guide it in the opening and closing direction, a multi-axis sensor 40 which detects obstacles below the opening and closing body 10 in a non-contact manner, and a control circuit 50, and constitutes a shutter device which is attached to a structure having a relatively wide opening, such as a garage or factory.

[0019] The opening / closing body 10 comprises a plurality of slats 11a formed by bending a horizontally elongated, roughly rectangular metal plate, which are connected so as to rotate between adjacent slats 11a, 11a arranged vertically, to form an opening / closing body main body 11, a fixed seat plate 12 is connected to the lower end of the opening / closing body main body 11, and a movable seat plate 13 is connected to the lower end side of the fixed seat plate 12 so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the fixed seat plate 12.

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

[0021] The lowermost slat 11a, the movable seat plate 13 and the fixed seat plate 12 are provided with blocking members 15, 16 and 17, respectively (see Figs. 4 and 5). These blocking members 15, 16, 17 are attached to the ends of the slats 11a, the movable seat plate 13, and the fixed seat plate 12, respectively, so as to block the space communicating in the width direction inside the lower end side of the opening / closing body.

[0022] 5(I), the uppermost closing member 15 is an integral member having a fastening piece 15a that is fastened to the rear surface of the slat 11a and a blocking piece 15b that is bent relative to the fastening piece 15a to block the opening at the widthwise end of the slat 11a. This blocking member 15 is fastened to the slat 11a closest to the upper side of the fixed seat plate 12.

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

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

[0025] These blocking members 15, 16, 17 are used in a blanking control mode in which the upper and lower optical paths R are blocked in sequence, two by two, during the normal closing operation of the opening / closing body 10. Therefore, as long as these blocking members 15, 16, 17 function similarly, they may be in one, two, four or more than three, or in other forms other than those shown in the drawings.

[0026] In a preferred example of this embodiment, the center of the multiple light paths R and the central portion of the opening / closing body 10 are aligned or approximately aligned in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body. According to this configuration, the widthwise end of the opening / closing body 10 can be brought close to the light projection surface 40a1 (or the light receiving surface) of the multi-axis sensor 40, thereby preventing dirt, foreign matter, etc. from adhering to the light projection surface 40a1 (or the light receiving surface).

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the storage section 20 includes a storage case 21 having an opening formed at the bottom for allowing the opening / closing body 10 to enter and exit, and includes a winding shaft 22 for winding up and paying out the opening / closing body 10, an opening / closing machine 23 for driving and rotating the winding shaft 22 and braking it via a power transmission mechanism such as a chain and a sprocket, and an opening / closing body control circuit 51 which is part of the control circuit 50.

[0028] The storage case 21 is formed into a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape by side covers 21a on both ends and a case body 21b connected to the side covers 21a and extending in the width direction of the opening / closing body.

[0029] The opening / closing device 23 is composed of a rotary electric motor, a braking mechanism, and the like. The opening / closing device 23 is provided with a fully closed / fully open sensing unit 23a that outputs a contact signal at the fully closed position and the fully open position of the opening / closing body 10. The fully closed / fully open sensing unit 23a is a switch having a mechanical counter structure that outputs a contact signal when the amount of rotation of the rotating part of the opening / closing device 23 reaches a predetermined value.

[0030] The opening / closing body control circuit 51 is an electronic circuit equipped with, for example, a microcomputer, and functions according to a pre-stored program to process the closing operation restriction signal from the multi-axis sensor 40, signals from an open switch, a stop switch, and a close switch (not shown), and other signals, as described below, and controls the opening / closing device 23 according to the processing results. The opening / closing body control circuit 51 and the opening / closing device 23 are disposed in the storage case 21 toward one side in the width direction of the opening / closing body (to the left in the illustrated example).

[0031] The guide rail 30 is configured to surround the widthwise end of the opening / closing body 10 in a concave shape on one side of the opening / closing body in the width direction and on the opposite side. As shown in FIG. 2, this guide rail 30 comprises a hollow fixed post 31 fixed to a non-moving portion on the main body side in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body, a guide rail main body 32 detachably connected to this fixed post 31, and an inner guide rail 33 that engages with the anti-slip member 14 within the guide rail main body 32 so that it cannot slip out. A multi-axis sensor 40 is secured within the fixed post 31 on the back side of the guide rail main body 32 by a bracket 48.

[0032] The inner guide rail 33 and the fixed post 31 are provided with a light passing hole 33b1 at a position facing the end of the fall-off prevention member 14 so as to penetrate from the bottom of the inner guide rail 33 into the fixed post 31.

[0033] The light passing hole 33b1 is a through hole for passing the optical path R of the multiple optical axis sensor 40, and faces the light projection surface 40a1 (or the light receiving surface) of each photoelectric sensor 42 constituting the multiple optical axis sensor 40.

[0034] The multi-optical axis sensor 40 comprises a first unit 40a extending in the vertical direction within the guide rail 30 on one side, and a second unit 40b extending in the vertical direction within the guide rail 30 on the opposite side, and forms a number of optical paths R spaced apart in the opening and closing direction along the opening and closing path of the opening and closing body 10. The signal output from the multi-optical axis sensor 40 is used as a closing operation limiting signal for limiting the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10.

[0035] The first unit 40a and the second unit 40b are each positioned a predetermined distance H away from the contact target portion G (e.g., the bottom frame, the floor surface, the ground, etc.) of the opening / closing body 10 when fully closed in the opening direction, and are fixed to the inner guide rail 33 and the back side of the guide rail main body 32 (inside the fixed support 31). The predetermined dimension H is set within a range of 150 to 1500 mm, and more preferably within a range of 150 to 500 mm. These two units 40a, 40b form a large number of optical paths R spaced at substantially regular intervals in the vertical direction (see FIG. 1).

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

[0037] The second unit 40b is provided with a cubic case that is long in the opening and closing direction of the opening and closing body, and is equipped with a number of light receivers (not shown) spaced at approximately regular intervals along its length, and a sensor control circuit 41 that processes the sensing signals of these light receivers. Each light receiver of the second unit 40b and each light emitter of the opposing first unit 40a constitute a photoelectric sensor 42 that detects an object via an optical path R formed therebetween.

[0038] The sensor control circuit 41 processes the sensing signal from the light receiver, and as a result of the processing, switches between a blanking control mode and a normal sensing mode, which will be described later, and turns the output of the closing operation limiting signal ON or OFF in each mode.

[0039] Here, the closing operation limiting signal is a signal for limiting the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10, and may be, for example, a contact signal that changes between an OFF state and an ON state, or a voltage signal. As described in detail later, this closing operation restriction signal turns ON when the multi-optical axis sensor 40 detects an object such as a foreign object, an obstacle, or the opening / closing body 10, and turns OFF when the multi-optical axis sensor 40 detects no object. When this closing operation limiting signal is ON, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 does not close the opening / closing body 10 even if there is a closing command from a closing switch, etc. In addition, when the closing operation limiting signal becomes ON during the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 stops the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10.

[0040] The electrical wiring 49 on the first unit 40a side and the electrical wiring 49 on the second unit 40b side are each guided upward through the space within the guide rail 30 and electrically connected to an opening / closing body control circuit 51 in the storage case 21. In a particularly preferred example of this embodiment, the second unit 40b having the photodetector and its electrical wiring 49 are positioned toward the opening / closing body control circuit 51 in the opening / closing body width direction, thereby reducing electrical resistance, noise, etc., compared to when they are positioned on the opposite side.

[0041] To describe in detail the relationship between the multiple light paths R and the guide rail 30, a plurality of light passing holes 33b1 on the bottom side of the guide rail 30 are provided at intervals in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. Each light passing hole 33b1 is formed in a vertically elongated hole shape so as to pass a part of a plurality of light paths R (four in the illustrated example) through the light passing hole 33b1. The elongated light passing hole 33b1 can reduce clogging with foreign matter such as dust, compared to a case where the light passing hole is a circular hole. In addition, since a plurality of optical paths R correspond to one elongated light passing hole 33b1, vertical optical axis alignment is easy, resulting in excellent productivity.

[0042] The light passing hole 33b1 on the first unit 40a side has a width W that is slightly larger than the diameter of the light projection surface 40a1 of the light projector of the multiple optical axis sensor 40. That is, the light projector emits light radially spreading at a predetermined angle. The width W of the light passing hole 33b1 is set so as to appropriately maintain the radial spreading. Further, a light passing hole (not shown) on the second unit 40b side is formed in substantially the same manner as the light passing hole 33b1. Therefore, the receiver facing the light projector will receive the light emitted from the light projector even if its position is slightly shifted in the thickness direction of the opening / closing body (width W direction as shown in the figure) due to manufacturing errors, etc.

[0043] Further, the width W of the light passing hole 33b1 is set to be smaller than the thickness dimension X (see FIG. 2) at the end face in the width direction of the opening / closing body 10. Note that, according to one example of the present embodiment, the dimension X is the dimension in the thickness direction of the blocking members 15, 16, and 17. According to this configuration, the two optical paths R can be effectively blocked by the width direction ends of the opening / closing body 10 during blanking control. Moreover, since the hole width is relatively small, it is possible to effectively prevent foreign matter such as dust from adhering to the light passing hole 33b1. In addition, it is possible to prevent the end side of the opening / closing body 10 from interfering with the inner edge of the light passing hole 33b1, thereby preventing the opening / closing body 10 from sliding or getting caught, and thereby preventing damage to the light projecting surface 40a1 (light receiving surface) caused by these.

[0044] According to one example of the present embodiment, the control circuit 50 is configured by the above-mentioned opening / closing body control circuit 51 and sensor control circuit 41, and these two control circuits 51 cooperate with each other to control the operation of the opening / closing device 1. As another example, the control circuit 50 may be composed of a single control circuit or three or more control circuits. When a plurality of control circuits 50 are provided, the allocation of functions such as a blanking mode, a normal sensing mode, and a reset operation (command transmission and control) to be described later can be set arbitrarily. Furthermore, when a single control circuit 50 is provided, this single control circuit (for example, the opening / closing body control circuit 51) performs all of the blanking mode, normal sensing mode, reset operation, and the like, which will be described later.

[0045] Next, the basic operations of the sensor control circuit 41 and the opening / closing member control circuit 51 will be described. The sensor control circuit 41 executes either the blanking control mode or the normal sensing mode in accordance with a predetermined condition.

[0046] <Blanking control mode> The blanking control mode is a mode that is executed when the opening / closing body 10 during the closing operation passes through the optical path R of the multi-optical axis sensor 40. In this blanking control mode, when multiple optical paths are blocked in the closing direction, the sensor control circuit 41 ignores whether or not the optical paths located closer to the opening direction, including these blocked optical paths, are blocked, and turns the output of the closing operation restriction signal ON or OFF depending on whether or not the optical paths below the ignored optical paths are blocked. Here, the configuration of "light paths located toward the opening direction, including the blocked light paths" refers to all light paths starting from light path R1 adjacent to the lower side of the two light paths blocked in the closing direction order, according to the example shown in Fig. 1. In other words, this configuration refers to the light paths of the photoelectric sensors 42 (the top three in Fig. 1) facing the end of the opening / closing body 10 in the width direction, and the light path R1 adjacent to the lower side of the light paths.

[0047] As an example other than the illustrated example, the "optical paths located toward the opening direction, including the blocked optical path" may be all optical paths located above the optical path R1 (i.e., only the optical paths of all photoelectric sensors 42 facing the end face of the opening / closing body 10), excluding the optical path R1.

[0048] 6(a), the sensor control circuit 41 judges whether or not at least one of the multiple optical paths R below the optical path R1 directly below the opening / closing body 10 is blocked (step S1), and if it is blocked, it turns ON the output of the closing operation limiting signal (step S2), and if it is not blocked, it turns OFF the output of the closing operation limiting signal (step S3). After that, the process returns to step S1.

[0049] <About normal detection mode> The normal sensing mode is a mode that is executed when a reset operation is performed under a predetermined condition, which will be described later. In the normal sensing mode, the sensor control circuit 41 turns the output of the closing operation limiting signal ON or OFF depending on whether or not at least a portion of the normal sensing light path R is blocked, regardless of the order of the closing directions.

[0050] Here, the "normal sensing optical path R" refers to a plurality of optical paths R located closer to the closing direction than the two upper and lower optical paths R, R closest to the opening direction, and closer to the opening direction than the two upper and lower optical paths R, R closest to the closing direction, and is formed, for example, by a plurality of normal sensing photoelectric sensors 42 on the central side in the vertical direction, as shown in Figure 10. Moreover, the "two upper and lower optical paths closest to the open direction" are the two optical paths R, R located above the normal sensing optical path R. These optical paths R, R may be referred to as optical paths closer to the fully open direction in this specification. The "two upper and lower optical paths closest to the closing direction" are the two optical paths R, R located below the normal sensing optical path R. These optical paths R, R may be referred to as optical paths closer to the fully closed direction in this specification.

[0051] Next, the obstacle sensing operation in the normal sensing mode will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In the normal detection mode, the sensor control circuit 41 turns off the closing operation restriction signal (step S23) on the condition that there is a change in the presence or absence of blocking in the opening direction of the opening / closing body for the fully open light paths R, R which are located closest to the opening direction among the multiple light paths R, and all of the multiple normal detection light paths R are not blocked (step S20); if not, the sensor control circuit 41 transitions to step S21. Here, the "change in the presence or absence of blocking in the opening direction of the opening / closing body" specifically means that the two fully open light paths R, R lined up vertically at the top are released from the blocked state by the blocking members 15, 16, and 17 in order from top to bottom.

[0052] Also, in step S21, the output of the closing operation limiting signal is turned ON or OFF depending on whether or not the normal sensing light paths R are blocked. Specifically, the sensor control circuit 41 determines whether or not at least a portion of the multiple normal sensing light paths R is blocked, and if so, proceeds to step S22 and turns ON the output of the closing operation restriction signal, and if not, proceeds to step S23 and turns OFF the output of the closing operation restriction signal. After step S22 or S23, the process returns to step S20.

[0053] <Regarding mode switching operations> Next, the switching operation between the blanking control mode and the normal sensing mode will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0054] The sensor control circuit 41 performs a reset operation when the power supply is turned on by energizing the switching device 1 or the like (step S31). In this reset operation, the sensor control circuit 41 is brought into an initial state of the normal sensing mode.

[0055] In the next step S32, the process waits for the optical path R that is furthest in the opening direction among the numerous optical paths R and the optical path R adjacent to the optical path R on the closing direction side (in other words, the two optical paths R, R that are closer to being fully open) to be blocked in the order of the closing direction, and if they are blocked, the process proceeds to the next step S33.

[0056] In step S33, the mode of the sensor control circuit 41 is switched to the blanking control mode, and the process proceeds to the next step S34.

[0057] In step S34, the blanking control mode is maintained and a change in whether or not the optical paths R, R close to full closure are blocked is awaited, and the process proceeds to the next step S35. Here, the "change in the presence or absence of blocking" is, according to the illustrated example, a change in which the two light paths R, R closer to full closure are sequentially opened downward from a blocked state by the blocking members 15, 16, 17. As another example of this change, it is also possible to change from an open state to a blocked state.

[0058] In step S35, the process waits for a predetermined time to elapse, and after that time, the process proceeds to the next step S36. Here, the specified time is set to be longer than the time from when the lower light path R close to full closure changes from a blocked state to an open state until the opening / closing body 10 is almost fully closed (including completely closed), and according to a preferred example of this embodiment, it is set to approximately 5 seconds.

[0059] In step S36, the above-mentioned reset operation is performed, switching to the normal sensing mode, and the process returns to step S32.

[0060] <Operation of the switching control circuit> The opening / closing body control circuit 51 controls the opening / closing device 23 in response to a closing operation limiting signal input from the multi-optical axis sensor 40, and limits the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10. Explaining in detail in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 determines whether the closing operation restriction signal is ON or not (step S51), and if it is ON, proceeds to the next step S52, and if it is OFF, shifts the processing to step S53.

[0061] In step S52, the opening / closing body 10 is made inoperable for closing and operable for opening. More specifically, when the opening / closing body 10 is in the closing operation, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 stops the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10 by, for example, stopping the opening / closing machine 23. Furthermore, when a closing signal is received by, for example, operating a closing switch (not shown), the opening / closing body control circuit 51 ignores the closing signal and does not perform the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10. On the other hand, in this step S52, if the opening / closing body 10 is in the process of opening, the opening operation is continued, and if, for example, the opening / closing body 10 is stopped and there is an opening signal due to the operation of an opening switch not shown, the opening / closing body 10 is opened in accordance with that signal.

[0062] In step S53, the opening / closing body 10 is made capable of both closing and opening operations. More specifically, when the opening / closing body 10 is in the closing operation, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 continues the closing operation. Furthermore, when the opening / closing body 10 is stopped and a closing signal is received by operating a closing switch (not shown) or the like, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 closes the opening / closing body 10 in accordance with the closing signal. On the other hand, in step S53, if there is an opening signal due to the operation of an opening switch (not shown) or the like, the opening / closing body 10 is opened in accordance with that signal.

[0063] Incidentally, the opening / closing body 10 can be stopped by operating a stop switch (not shown) at any point in the steps described above.

[0064] <Example of control in actual operation> Next, an example of control during actual operation of the opening / closing body 10 will be described in detail. FIG. 10 is a time chart that illustrates the relationship between the opening and closing operation of the opening / closing body 10 and various signals.

[0065] First, when the opening / closing body 10 is stopped in the fully open position, power is supplied to the opening / closing device 1 and the power of the sensor control circuit 41 is turned ON, the sensor control circuit 41 resets and enters the normal sensing mode (see point P0 in Figure 10 and step S31 in Figure 7).

[0066] Next, when the closing switch is operated, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 starts the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10 (see time point P1 in FIG. 10).

[0067] During the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10, when the blocking members 15, 16, 17 successively block the light paths R, R toward the fully open position, the sensor control circuit 41 switches the normal sensing mode to the blanking control mode (see time P2 in FIG. 10 and steps S32 to S33 in FIG. 7).

[0068] In the blanking control mode, for example, if a foreign object or the like enters the closing direction side of the opening / closing body 10, the sensor control circuit 41 detects the foreign object or the like and turns ON the output of the closing operation restriction signal (see time P3 in Figure 10 and steps S1 to S2 in Figure 6). For this reason, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 disables the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10 and enables the opening operation (see steps S51 to S52 in FIG. 9).

[0069] After that, when the foreign object or the like is removed, the sensor control circuit 41 turns off the output of the closing operation restriction signal. In this OFF state, for example, when a closing switch (not shown) is operated, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 resumes the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10 (see time point P4 in FIG. 10).

[0070] When the blocking members 15, 16, 17 of the opening / closing body 10 during the closing operation pass downward through the lowermost light paths R, R closest to full closure, the presence or absence of blocking of the light paths changes (see time point P5 in FIG. 10). Thereafter, the sensor control circuit 41 waits for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) to elapse from the time of the change. Therefore, during the passage of this predetermined time, the opening / closing body 10 is in a substantially fully closed state (see time P6 in FIG. 10).

[0071] Next, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the sensor control circuit 41 performs a reset operation and switches the blanking control mode to the normal sensing mode (see time point P7 in FIG. 10, steps S35 to S36 in FIG. 7).

[0072] Then, after the mode switching, when a portion of the opening / closing body 10 above the blocking members 15, 16, 17 (specifically, any one of the many slats 11a) blocks any one of the multiple normal sensing optical paths R, the multi-optical axis sensor 40 turns on the output of the closing operation restriction signal. That is, after switching to the normal sensing mode, any one of the many slats 11a normally blocks at least a portion of the normal sensing light paths R, so that the output of the close operation limiting signal is turned ON.

[0073] As another example, as shown as step S37 in the flowchart of FIG. 8, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the photoelectric sensor 42 can forcibly turn on the closing operation restriction signal regardless of whether any of the optical paths are blocked. The flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is obtained by adding step S37 after step S36 to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0074] Next, when an opening switch (not shown) is operated while the opening / closing body 10 is fully closed, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 starts the opening operation of the opening / closing body 10 (see time point P8 in FIG. 10).

[0075] During this opening operation, before the blocking members 15, 16, 17 pass upward along the uppermost fully open optical paths R, R, the output of the closing operation restriction signal is ON. Therefore, as shown by symbol Q in Figure 10, even if a closing signal is sent from the closing switch, this closing signal is ignored and the opening operation of the opening / closing body 10 continues.

[0076] During the opening operation, if the blocking members 15, 16, 17 pass upward over the light paths R, R close to being fully open, and the multiple normal sensing light paths R are in an open state (unblocked state), the output of the closing operation restriction signal is turned OFF (see point P9 in Figure 10, and steps S20 and S23 in Figure 6(b)).

[0077] Furthermore, when the opening / closing body 10 during the opening operation is fully opened, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 stops the opening / closing mechanism 23 (see point P10 in Figure 10) based on a signal from the fully closed / fully open sensing unit 23a or a signal from a load sensing unit (not shown), and maintains the opening / closing body 10 in the fully open position.

[0078] Next, when there is a signal from the closing switch, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 starts the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10 by driving the opening / closing device 23 (see time P11 in FIG. 10). During this closing operation, for example, if a foreign object is detected by the multi-axis sensor 40, the closing operation restriction signal turns ON, and the opening / closing body control circuit 51 stops the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10 (see time P12 in FIG. 10 and steps S21 to S22 in FIG. 6). If the foreign object is removed during this stop, the closing operation restriction signal is turned OFF (see S21 and S23 in FIG. 6B). After that, when there is a signal from the closing switch, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 restarts the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10 (time point P13 in FIG. 10). During this closing operation, when the blocking members 15, 16, 17 block the light paths R, R in turn closer to the fully open state, the mode is switched again from the normal sensing mode to the blanking control mode (time point P14 in FIG. 10, see steps S32 to S33 in FIG. 7).

[0079] Therefore, according to the opening / closing device 1 having the above configuration, the reset operation (switching to normal sensing mode) is not performed immediately after the blocking members 15, 16, 17 pass downward through the optical paths R, R close to being fully closed, but rather the reset operation is performed a predetermined time after the passage, so that the reset operation can be extended until the opening / closing body 10 is substantially fully closed (see P5 to P7 in Figure 10). This prevents the slat 11a from swinging in the thickness direction immediately after the passage, blocking the light path, etc., causing the output of the closing operation restriction signal to turn ON, and causing the opening / closing body 10 to stop before being fully closed.

[0080] Furthermore, if the opening / closing stroke changes depending on the site conditions, the setting of the above-mentioned specified time can be changed, for example by providing a dip switch for changing the setting, so there is no need to change the vertical length of the blocking members 15, 16, 17.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the opening / closing device 1, until the opening / closing body 10 during the opening operation passes upward through the optical paths R, R toward the fully open position, the output of the closing operation restriction signal is maintained ON regardless of the presence or absence of foreign matter adhering to the photoelectric sensor 42 or the intrusion of an obstacle into the optical path, etc., so that the closing operation of the opening / closing body 10 can be restricted. Therefore, the opening / closing body 10, which has been opened from the fully closed position, is prevented from being closed from a relatively low position, thereby reducing the possibility of the opening / closing body 10 coming into contact with an obstacle.

[0082] <About modified examples> In the above embodiment, the light paths closer to being fully closed are two light paths, one above the other at the bottom. However, as other examples of the light paths closer to being fully closed, it is also possible to have a single light path located at the bottom, or three or more light paths lined up vertically at the bottom.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the fully open optical paths are two optical paths, one above the other at the top. However, other examples of the fully open optical paths include a single optical path located at the top, or three or more optical paths lined up vertically at the top.

[0084] In addition, according to the above embodiment, the normal sensing optical paths are multiple optical paths between the fully open optical path and the fully closed optical path, but as another example, the normal sensing optical paths can be all optical paths below the fully open optical path.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, as a particularly preferred example, the light passing hole 33b1 is an elongated hole that allows some of the light paths R to pass through (see FIG. 3). However, as another example of this light passing hole 33b1, it is also possible to form it elongated in the vertical direction so as to include all of the light paths R. As another example of the light passing hole 33b1, it is possible to form it in a notch or slit shape. For example, the guide rail 30 may be composed of two members divided in the thickness direction of the opening and closing body, and a notch may be provided in one of the members and the other member, and the light passing hole 33b1 may be formed by joining these two notches.

[0086] In addition, according to the above embodiment, the light projection surface 40a1 (or the light receiving surface) is exposed to the outside air on the opening / closing body 10 side in the opening / closing body width direction, but as another example, each light passing hole 33b1 may be covered with a light-transmitting member (e.g., a plate) or a transparent member. This configuration can prevent the light projection surface 40a1 (or the light receiving surface) from becoming dirty or being damaged by contact with an object, etc.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, a light passing hole 33b1 is provided so as to penetrate the inner guide rail 33 and the bottom wall of the guide rail main body 32. However, as another example, in a configuration in which the anti-slip member 14 and the inner guide rail 33 are omitted from the illustrated example, a light passing hole can be provided only in the bottom wall of the guide rail main body 32, or a separate plate having a light passing hole can be provided on the bottom side of the guide rail main body 32.

[0088] Furthermore, the relationship between the light emitters and the light receivers may be reversed in the first unit 40a and the second unit 40b constituting the multiple optical axis sensor 40. That is, it is also possible to provide a number of light receivers in the first unit 40a and provide a number of light emitters facing each other in the second unit 40b. As yet another example, a light projector and a light receiver may be provided in one unit, and a reflector may be provided in the other unit so that light emitted from the light projector is reflected and captured by the light receiver.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the multiple optical axis sensor 40 is partially provided on the lower side of each guide rail 30, but as another example, the multiple optical axis sensor 40 can be provided over approximately the entire height of the opening that is opened and closed by the opening / closing body 10.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the reset operation when the power is turned on and the reset operation executed after a predetermined time has elapsed when the blocking members 15, 16, 17 pass downward through the lowermost fully closed optical path R and the presence or absence of blocking of the optical path R changes are performed by the sensor control circuit 41. However, as another example, the following can also be used. That is, as another example, the reset operation when the power is turned on may be such that the opening / closing body control circuit 51 issues a reset command to the sensor control circuit 41, and the sensor control circuit 41 performs the reset operation based on this command.

[0091] As another example, the sensor control circuit 41 may output a signal to the opening / closing body control circuit 51 indicating that the blocking members 15, 16, 17 have passed downward through the lowermost fully closed optical path R, changing the presence or absence of the optical path R, and based on this signal, the opening / closing body control circuit 51 may output a reset command to the sensor control circuit 41 after a predetermined time has elapsed, and based on this command, the sensor control circuit 41 may perform a reset operation.

[0092] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 10: Opening and closing body 11a: Slat 15, 16, 17: Blocking material 20: Storage area 23: Opening and closing machine 30: Guide rail 40: Multi-axis sensor 40a: First unit 40b: Second unit 41: Sensor control circuit 42: Photoelectric sensor 50: Control circuit 51: Opening and closing body control circuit R,R1: Optical path

Claims

1. An opening and closing device comprising an opening and closing body that performs a closing operation so as to partition a space, and a multi-optical axis sensor that forms a number of optical paths aligned in an opening and closing direction in an opening and closing path of the opening and closing body, and a signal output from the multi-optical axis sensor is used as a closing operation limiting signal for limiting the closing operation of the opening and closing body, the multi-optical axis sensor has a blanking control mode in which, each time a plurality of optical paths are blocked in the order of the closing direction, the presence or absence of blocking of optical paths located closer to the opening direction including the blocked optical paths is ignored, and the output of the closing operation limiting signal is turned ON or OFF depending on the presence or absence of blocking of optical paths on the closing direction side of the ignored optical paths, and a normal sensing mode in which the output of the closing operation limiting signal is turned ON or OFF depending on the presence or absence of blocking of a specific normal sensing optical path among the plurality of optical paths, The multi-optical axis sensor is characterized in that, when, during the blanking control mode, there is a change in whether or not a predetermined optical path among the multiple optical paths that is close to being fully closed is blocked by the opening / closing body, the opening / closing body becomes fully closed within a predetermined time from the time of the change, and switches to the normal sensing mode after the predetermined time has elapsed from the time of the change.

2. The opening and closing device as described in Claim 1, characterized in that the multi-axis sensor is located a predetermined distance away from the contact portion of the opening and closing body in the opening direction when fully closed.

3. The opening and closing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the blanking control mode is executed on the condition that the light path on the most opening direction side and the light path adjacent to the light path on the closing direction side are blocked in the closing direction order.

4. 4. The opening and closing device according to claim 3, wherein the normal sensing optical path is set closer to the closing direction than the two optical paths closest to the opening direction.

5. 5. The opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein the light path closest to the fully closed direction is composed of a light path closest to the closing direction and a light path adjacent to the light path on the opening direction side.

6. An opening / closing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the specified time is set to be longer than the time from when there is a change in whether or not the light path is blocked toward full closure to when the opening / closing body is approximately fully closed.

7. An opening / closing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when there is a change in the presence or absence of blocking in the opening / closing body opening direction for the fully open light path which is located closest to the opening direction among the multiple light paths, and when the normal detection light path is not blocked, the closing operation restriction signal is turned OFF.

8. The opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the multi-optical axis sensor forcibly turns on the closing operation restriction signal after the predetermined time has elapsed, regardless of whether any of the optical paths are blocked or not.

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