EP0959218B1 - Partition wall - Google Patents

Abstract

The room dividing wall has movable dividing wall elements (2,2',2'') driven by drive mechanisms (8). At least some of the dividing wall elements each have a distance measurement arrangement (12-20) for determining the instantaneous distance to a reference point. The measured distance is passed to the drive mechanism, which moves the wall element to the reference point and stops it when the measured distance is null.

Description

The invention relates to a removable room partition with movable partition elements, which are driven by drive means, according to Preamble of claim 1.

PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 015, no. 378 (M-1161), September 24, 1991 (1991-09-24) & JP 03151483 A (NICHIBEI KAIHATSU: KK), June 27, 1991 (1991-06-27) and / or
JP9268840 A disclose
an adjustable room partition with movable partition elements which are driven by drive means, at least some of the partition elements each having a distance measuring device for determining the instantaneous distance to a reference point (the next panel or the end wall or the STARTING POSITION).

Such fully automatic room partitions have long been known and are in practical use in a variety of forms. So that the partition elements automatically into the desired positions, especially in their installation position and on the other hand in their parking position, reliable and targeted can be moved, facilities for determining the current Positions of the individual partition elements can be provided. Only then is ensures that the system recognizes where the individual partition elements are and how far they may have to be moved to get the desired one To reach position. So far, mainly incremental encoders in Connection with chain drives used. Even if the use of such Incremental encoders that have proven themselves in practice are this technology however, there are limits. The detection accuracy is particularly great at long distances often not particularly satisfactory, which makes the use of automatic is limited in terms of the possible functions. Are also with the automatic partitioning systems that have been used up to now are compatible with the room partitions constructive constraints, sometimes regarding particular special applications can be disadvantageous.

It is therefore an object of the invention to make the automatic more flexible, so that any functions and control strategies over any distance with the desired one Accuracy can be specified and the installation of the room partitions insofar as it is not subject to any design restrictions.

This object is achieved with the help of the invention through the characteristics according to claim 1.

The invention proposes a completely new way of changing the positions of the to determine individual partition elements. For those with the invention Distance measuring device provided partition wall namely Position determined independently. This new, self-sufficient position determination option offers several advantages. On the one hand, it allows particularly high flexibility for fully automatic operation; any functions and control strategies can be used realize. On the other hand, the structure of the room partition is not a constructive one Positioning restrictions apply, so that the room partition according to the invention for a wide variety of uses and Installation locations is suitable.

The distance measuring device preferably transmits the determined instantaneous Distance of the associated partition element to the reference point to the Drive means which determine the partition element depending on the move instantaneous distance to the reference point, the drive means the Stop the partition element when the instantaneous distance determined is zero.

In a further development of this embodiment, the drive means slow the Movement speed of the associated partition element when the determined instantaneous distance from the reference point a predetermined value below. In this way, a gentle approach to the reference point, usually from a solid object such as another Partition element or end element exists, realizes the danger damage to the partition element is excluded.

Provided control means that communicate with the drive means for controlling the Partition elements are provided in certain positions, the distance measuring device should the determined instantaneous distance to the reference point transmit to these tax funds. At least one is preferably at least one Distance measuring device having partition elements with these control means Mistake. Alternatively, the control means can also be used outside of Partition elements can be arranged.

The invention is particularly suitable for those dividing wall elements which own drive means are provided. In this way it is achieved that the Partition elements not only determine their position independently, but also themselves can move completely independently, which is particularly advantageous for the desired Realization of a completely flexible, fully automatic operation.

At the reference point from which the distance measuring device detects the current Distance of the associated partition element is determined in Usually a neighboring partition element and / or another neighboring one Subject such as in particular a fixed final or other part of the building.

The associated distance measuring device should be used to determine the position of the partition element the instantaneous distances are expediently contactless measure up.

According to the invention it is provided that at the reference point at least one transmitter for transmitting Signals, in particular as electromagnetic waves or sound waves, are provided and the distance measuring device each has at least one receiver for receiving such signals and have a calculation device which the distance to the reference point is determined from the transit time of the signals.

The distance measuring devices expediently each have at least one another transmitter to send out the signals and the transmitters and act Receiver essentially in the direction of movement of the partition elements. there the transmitter and receiver should be on at least one end of the partition elements be arranged. Thus, in this embodiment, the distance to one nearest partition element or another nearest stand measured so that here the reference point from the nearest partition element or the closest other object is formed.

To differentiate whether the nearest element is a movable one Partition element or another - in particular fixed - Subject should act like a termination element, the transmitters in the distance measuring devices the partition elements signals of a first type and Send a signal of a second type to the other object.

Another currently particularly preferred further development is emerging characterized in that the distance measuring device of each partition element two Has transmitter and two receivers, the two pairs of one transmitter each and a receiver are combined, of which the one pair essentially in one direction of movement and the other pair essentially in other direction of movement of the partition element acts. The one should Pair consisting of a transmitter and a receiver on one end and the other pair on the opposite other face of the associated one Partition element can be arranged. With this training, everyone Partition element the distances to the neighboring partition elements on both sides or with another object such as a partition element closest to the distance to the distance this other object on one side and the distance to the neighboring one Partition element determined on the other side.

The transmitters can be used as sound transducers for emitting ultrasound and the Receiver designed as sound sensors for receiving the ultrasonic waves his.

Furthermore, a control device is preferably provided which has a trigger signal generated that activates at least one transmitter and by the distance measuring device of the adjacent partition element as a reference for determining the Runtime of the signals is used. The trigger signal should be all at the same time Activate the transmitter so that the position determination for all corresponding partition elements takes place simultaneously. This is especially true for a cyclical

Operation advantageous, if not important, to keep recurring in time Follow the positions of each partition to determine what requirement for a reliable fully automatic driving style.

The control device can be common for all partition elements, for example provided and be arranged outside of this and over a common Data bus with the distance measuring devices of the partition elements communicate. The control device can also provide additional commands for Control of the partition elements on the drive means of these partition elements to transfer.

The distance measuring devices are expedient for secure data transmission the partition elements to the control device via busbars connected along the transport route of the partition elements run and against which sliding contacts are in contact with the partition elements are arranged.

Figur 1

schematisch einen Teil einer Raumtrennwand mit drei Trennwandelementen und einem Abschlußelement;

Figur 2

ein Blockschaltbild der an jedem Trennwandelement vorgesehenen elektrischen Schaltung; und

Figur 3

ein Blockschaltbild einer externen Steuereinrichtung.

A preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Figure 1

schematically a part of a room partition with three partition elements and a closing element;

Figure 2

a block diagram of the electrical circuit provided on each partition element; and

Figure 3

a block diagram of an external control device.

In Figure 1 is part of a room partition with three movable schematically Partition elements 2, 2 'and 2 "shown. Since the partition elements 2, 2' and 2 "of the room partition shown all have the same structure, are from For reasons of clarity, only the elements of the partition element on the right in accordance with FIG. 1 2 - representative of the other partition elements - with Reference numerals marked in detail.

The partition elements are via support members 4, which are shown in Figure 1 by only one simple line are indicated, hung on a guide rail 6. each Partition wall element has its own drive motor 8 which, as in FIG is recognizable, preferably arranged in or on the upper part of the partition element is and drives a power transmission member 9 so that the partition elements can move independently from each other. In Figure 1 is the power transmission element 9 indicated as a role that engages with the guide rail 6 is located. This role can be one of the roles of the support member 8, for example.

In the embodiment shown, the drive motor 8 is supplied by a (not shown) external voltage source via sliding contacts 10, which only in Figure 1 are indicated schematically by dashes. These sliding contacts 10 are preferred attached to the top of the partition elements and are in Sliding engagement with (not shown) corresponding grinding rails, which in the Guide rail 6 or adjacent to this and to which the external Voltage source is connected.

Among other things, a distance measuring and Control circuit 12, which is provided in each partition element and whose function is explained in detail below.

A first sound transducer 14, a first sound sensor 16, a second sound transducer 18 and a second sound sensor 20 are connected, such as Figure 1 shows schematically. The transducers 14 and 18, which according to Art of a loudspeaker work, generate ultrasonic waves due to electrical Signals from the circuit 12 while the sound sensors 16 and 20 are following Kind of a microphone work, receive ultrasound and turn into electrical signals convert, which are transmitted to the circuit 12. The purpose of usage this sound converter and sound sensors is explained in more detail below. The first sound transducer 14 and the first sound sensor 16 together form one first pair, the one (according to Figure 1 right) end face 2a de partition elements or is arranged in the direction of this. The second transducer 18 and the second sound sensor 20 form a second pair which is attached to the (according to Figure 1 left) other end face 2b of the partition elements or in the direction this is arranged. At this point it should be noted that the sound transducers and sound sensors aligned in the direction of movement of the partition elements are so that they emit ultrasound in the direction of movement of the partition elements or received.

In addition to the partition elements, of which three partition elements 2 in FIG. 1, 2 'and 2 "are shown and those in their (not shown in the figures) Set up position with their end faces 2a, 2b together to form a closed Forming a room partition is at least one stationary one End element 22 is provided to the in the installation position of the room partition the adjacent partition wall element 2 rests with its end face 2a, so that the Room partition can also be closed to form part of a building. Like figure 1 can also be seen, there is also a sound transducer on this terminating element 22 24 attached, which also like the transducers and sound sensors acts in the direction of movement of the partition elements, i.e. ultrasound in Direction of movement of the adjacent partition element 2 and thus in the direction emits on the front side 2a and the first sound sensor 16.

The arrangement of the sound transducer 24 on the end element 22 and the sound transducer 14 and 18 and the sound sensors 16 and 20 on the individual partition elements can also be realized in a different way than described above if the sound transducer 24 on the terminating element 22 at first Sound sensor 16 of the closest or adjacent partition element 2 and in each case the first sound transducer 14 of the one partition element on the second sound sensor 20 of the one adjacent to the one on the right (according to FIG. 1) Partition element and the second sound transducer 18 on the first sound sensor 16 of the partition wall element adjacent to the other (on the left in FIG. 1) is directed. Accordingly, the first sound sensor 16 receives on the partition element 2 the ultrasound generated by the sound transducer 24 on the terminating element 22 according to arrow A and the first sound sensor 16 on the other partition elements (e.g. 2 ') the one adjacent to the one side of the second sound transducer 18 Partition element (e.g. 2) generated ultrasound according to arrow B while the sound generated by the first sound transducer 14 on the partition element (e.g. 2 ') from the second sound sensor 20 on the adjacent partition element (e.g. 2) according to Arrow C is received.

As FIG. 1 finally reveals, there is also a central control device 26 provided, which are arranged outside the partition elements 2, 2 ', 2 " and via a combined data-voltage supply line 27 to the (not shown) running in or next to the guide rail 6 busbar connected.

In Figure 2 is the structure of the circuit provided in each partition element 12 shown in detail. This has a microcomputer 28, one to the Microcomputer 28 connected combined digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters 30, on which the sound transducers 14 and 18 and sound sensors 16 and 20 are connected, one also connected to the microcomputer 28 Motor power driver 32, to which the drive motor 8 is connected, and a voltage supply circuit 34 which includes the aforementioned circuit elements supplied with the necessary operating voltage.

The microcomputer 28 controls the combined digital-analog and analog-digital converter 30 the sound transducers 14 and 18 for generating ultrasound signals. The received ultrasound signals are from the sound sensors 16 and 20 in analog electrical signals and from the combined digital-analog and Analog-to-digital converter 30 is converted into digital signals and sent to the microcomputer 28 which transmits these signals in a manner described in more detail below Processed way and depending on these signals, among other things Drive motor 8 controls the motor power driver 32.

The microcomputer 28 receives external control data via a data line 35 which is connected to a contact 10 a, which is part of the sliding contacts 10. Accordingly, the (not shown in the figures) in or next to the Guide rail 6 extending external power rail also has a data wire that serves as a data bus and from the control device 26 via the data line 27 Receives tax data. As mentioned earlier, takes place via the external power rail and the sliding contacts 10 also take the power supply, so that the sliding contacts 10 also have a ground contact 10b and a voltage supply contact 10c, on which in the circuit 12 according to FIG Motor power driver 32 and the voltage supply circuit 34 connected are. Accordingly, the external busbar has a ground wire and a voltage supply wire connected to a (not shown in the figures) external voltage source are connected and with which the ground and Power supply contacts 10b and 10c of the sliding contacts 10 in sliding engagement are while the data contact 10a of the sliding contacts 10 is in sliding engagement with the associated data wire of the external power rail, so that in this way the corresponding electrical connections are made.

In addition, the microcomputer 28 has further inputs and outputs 36, which can be used for other purposes, but not in the present case to be discussed in more detail.

The structure of the control device 26 is shown in more detail in FIG. The control device 26 has a control circuit 40 and one connected to it Control panel 42 on. To the control circuit 40, which is preferably a microprocessor contains, is the data line already mentioned in connection with Figure 1 27 connected, which consists of three wires, namely a data wire 27a, a ground wire 27b and a voltage supply wire 27c. The data line 27 is on the busbar running in or next to the guide rail 6 connected, which in Figure 3 outlined by the reference numeral "46" is indicated. The control circuit 40 is also connected via a connecting line 48 an external voltage source (not shown in the figures) is connected. This voltage source provides via the control circuit 40 and the voltage supply wire 27c of the data line 27 a supply voltage on the in or in addition to the guide rail 6 running busbar available. Further the control circuit 40 also has other data lines 50, one External communication and / or other purposes such as one Networking with other controls can serve, but not here to be discussed in more detail.

Although not shown in detail in the figures, the sound transducer is also 24 is connected to the control device 26 at the end element 22 and is controlled by this.

Finally, preferably on the end element 22 and also on the End faces 2a, 2b of the individual partition elements (not shown in the figures) Limit switches can be arranged, which to the control device 26 and / or Microcomputer 28 of the circuit in the partition elements transmit signals, which show that the partition elements are face to face and the 'first' partition element 2 according to FIG. 1 abuts the end element 22 and thus the room partition is closed.

The mode of operation of the device described above is described in more detail below explained.

Since the individual partition elements are provided with their own drive motor 8 are independent of one another along the guide rail 6 move. The drive motor 8 of each partition element is controlled the associated motor power driver 32 from the microcomputer 28 in the circuit 12, on the one hand based on control signals from the control device 26 via the data line 27, the busbar and the sliding contacts 10 and the data line 35 connected to it are transmitted, and to others due to the signals from the sound sensors 16 and 20.

The use of ultrasonic waves from transducers 14, 18 and 24 generated and transmitted and received by the sound sensors 16 and 20 are used for non-contact distance measurement Embodiment the instantaneous distances between adjacent ones Partition elements (2, 2 ', 2 "according to Figure 1) and between the stationary End element 22 and the next or adjacent partition element 2. The circuit 12 preferably determines both in each partition element the distance of this partition element (e.g. 2 'according to Figure 1) to the nearest or adjacent partition element (e.g. 2 according to Figure 1) on the one side or in the partition element 2 to the end element 22 and the Distance to the nearest or adjacent partition element (e.g. 2 " according to Figure 1) on the other side.

The microcomputer 28 determines the distances in the circuit 12 from the runtime differences the ultrasonic waves. To do this, the microcomputer 28 must determine the time know where the transducer on the adjacent partition element or the sound transducer 24 on the end element 22 for emitting the ultrasonic waves is activated. This is done with the help of the control device 26 which generates a corresponding trigger signal which is sent both to the microcomputer 28 in the partition element whose sound transducer is to be activated, as well is transmitted to the microcomputer 28 in the adjacent partition element, whose sound sensor the ultrasonic waves generated by that transducer should receive. For measuring the distance between the partition element 2 and the closure element 22 is the control device 26 of this Closing element 22 arranged sound transducer 24 activated accordingly. From the Time difference between the time of the trigger signal, which preferably consists of there is a short pulse, and the impact of the ultrasonic waves on the Associated Schatlsensor then determines the microcomputer 28 taking into account the respective instantaneous distances.

In this way it is possible for each partition element to be self-sufficient in its position determined, with the respective adjacent partition elements as a reference point and the stationary end element 22 serve. Depending on the determined the microcomputer 28 controls instantaneous distances in the partition element the associated drive motor 8. If the partition elements of a Moving the parking position into a set-up position or vice versa, the drive motor moves 8 the associated partition element normally at a nominal speed. However, the microcomputer 28 determines that the distance to the next partition element or - in the case of the partition element 2 according to Figure 1 - decreases to the terminating element 22, the microcomputer 28 recognizes that 'his' partition element on the adjacent partition element or - in Case of the partition element 2 according to FIG. 1 - on the closure element 22 moved. If the distance now falls below a predetermined value, controls the microcomputer 28 drives the motor power driver 32 such that the connected one Drive motor 8 its performance, so the drive speed slowly reduced, whereby the associated partition element is braked, namely so that the partition element comes to a standstill when the measured instantaneous distance becomes zero. This ensures that the individual Move the partition elements gently together in their set-up position or that 'First' partition element 2 according to FIG. 1 gently against the end element 22 drives up. The same applies of course to the process of the partition elements in parking positions or other construction and operating positions.

For fully automatic operation, the trigger signal from the Control device 26 each to the circuits 12 of all partition elements transmitted so that their microcomputers 28 simultaneously determine the distances and to evaluate the control of the associated drive motors 8 accordingly can, the generation of the trigger signal cyclically, for example at a distance of 100 ms, should take place in order to realize a continuous operation.

To differentiate between the movable partition elements on the one hand and the fixed end element 22 on the other hand, the sound transducer 24 generate a different ultrasound signal on the terminating element 22 than the sound transducers on the partition elements. For this purpose, the ultrasonic waves are preferably used generated in the form of pulse series, the ultrasonic pulses of the transducer 24 on the end element 22 a different frequency than that of the sound transducer 14, 18 on the partition elements.

In addition to the aforementioned trigger signal, the control device 26 in Dependent on inputs on the control panel 42 (FIG. 3) further control signals generated and transmitted to the circuits 12 of the partition elements, whereby the partition elements in different operating states or positions be controlled.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the device described above among other things, can also be modified so that the microcomputer 28 of the Circuits 12 in the individual partition elements not only the distances to determine the nearest partition element or end element 22, but also to other partition elements or other objects that can serve as a reference point, provided there is a corresponding sound transducer is provided.

Claims (19)

1. Displaceable room separating wall having moveable separating wall elements (2, 2', 2") which are driven by drive means (8), wherein at least some of the separating wall elements (2, 2', 2") have in each case a distance measuring device (12 to 20) for contact-free determination of the instantaneous distance from a reference point, characterised in that at the reference point, at least one transmitter (14, 18, 24) is provided to transmit signals, in particular as electromagnetic waves or sound waves, and the distance measuring devices (12 to 20) have in each case at least one receiver (16, 20) for receiving such signals and a calculating device (28), which determines the distance from the reference point from the running time of the signals.
2. Room separating wall according to claim 1, characterised in that the distance measuring device (12 to 20) conveys the determined instantaneous distance from the reference point to the drive means (8) and the drive means (8) move the separating wall element (2, 2', 2") having the distance measuring device (12 to 20) as a function of the determined instantaneous distance from the reference point, wherein the drive means (8) stop the separating wall element (2, 2', 2") if the determined instantaneous distance is zero.
3. Room separating wall according to claim 2, characterised in that the drive means (8) slow down the speed of movement of the separating wall element (2, 2', 2") if the determined instantaneous distance from the reference point does not reach a predetermined value.
4. Room separating wall according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, having control means which communicate with the drive means, for the control of the control elements in certain positions, characterised in that the distance measuring device conveys the determined instantaneous distance from the reference point to the control means.
5. Room separating wall according to claim 4, characterised in that at least the particular separating wall elements (2, 2', 2") having a distance measuring device (12 to 20) are also provided with the control means (28).
6. Room separating wall according to claim 4, characterised in that the control means (26) are arranged outside of the separating wall elements (2, 2', 2").
7. Room separating wall according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that at least some of the separating wall elements (2, 2', 2") having a distance measuring device (12 to 20) are provided with separate drive means (8).
8. Room separating wall according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the distance measuring device (12 to 20) of each separating wall element (2, 2', 2") measures the distance from the adjacent separating wall element and/or from another adjacent object, such as in particular a fixed connection part or other building part (22).
9. Room separating wall according to claim 1, characterised in that the distance measuring devices (12 to 20) have in each case at least one further transmitter (14, 18) for transmitting the signals and the transmitters (14, 18) and receivers (16, 20) act essentially in the direction of movement of the separating wall elements (2, 2', 2").
10. Room separating wall according to claim 9, characterised in that the transmitters (14, 18) in the distance measuring devices (12 to 20) of the separating wall elements (2, 2', 2") transmit signals of a first type and the transmitter on the other object (22) transmits a signal of a second type.
11. Room separating wall according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the distance measuring device (12 to 20) of each separating wall element (2, 2', 2") has two transmitters (14, 18) and two receivers (16, 20), which are combined to form two pairs of in each case a transmitter and a receiver, of which one pair (14, 16) acts essentially in the one direction of movement and the other pair (18, 20) acts essentially in the other direction of movement of the separating wall element (2, 2', 2").
12. Room separating wall according to at least one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that transmitters (14, 18) and receivers (16, 20) are arranged on at least one end-face side (2a, 2b) of the separating wall elements (2, 2', 2").
13. Room separating wall according to claims 11 and 12, characterised in that the one pair (14, 16) consisting of a transmitter and a receiver is arranged on the one end-face side (2a) and the other pair (18, 20) is arranged on the opposite other end-face side (2b).
14. Room separating wall according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the transmitters (14, 18, 24) are designed as electroacoustic transducers for transmitting ultrasound and the receivers (16, 20) are designed as acoustic sensors for receiving the ultrasound waves.
15. Room separating wall according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, characterised by a control device (26), which produces a trigger signal, which activates at least one transmitter (14, 18, 24) and is used by the distance measuring device (12 to 20) of the adjacent separating wall element (2, 2', 2") as a reference for determining the running time of the signals.
16. Room separating wall according to claim 15, characterised in that the control device (26) produces a trigger signal - preferably cyclically - which activates all transmitters (14, 18, 24) at the same time.
17. Room separating wall according to claim 15 or 16, characterised in that the control device (26) is a common control device for all separating wall elements (2, 2', 2"), which is arranged outside the separating wall elements (2, 2', 2") and communicates with the distance measuring devices (12 to 20) of the separating wall elements (2, 2', 2") via a common data bus (10, 27).
18. Room separating wall according to claims 7 and 17, characterised in that the control device (26) also conveys additional commands for the control of the separating wall elements (2, 2', 2") to the drive means (8) of these separating wall elements (2, 2', 2").
19. Room separating wall according to at least one of claims 15 to 18, characterised in that the distance measuring devices (12 to 20) of the separating wall elements (2, 2', 2") are connected to the control device (26) via current buses (46), which run along the transport path (6) of the separating wall elements (2, 2', 2") and rest on wiping contacts (10) thereof, which are arranged on the separating wall elements (2, 2', 2").

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