Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
  • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
  • G05G5/00—Means for preventing, limiting or returning the movements of parts of a control mechanism, e.g. locking controlling member
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
  • E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
  • E05F15/40—Safety devices, e.g. detection of obstructions or end positions
  • E05F15/42—Detection using safety edges
  • E05F15/43—Detection using safety edges responsive to disruption of energy beams, e.g. light or sound
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
  • E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
  • E05F15/40—Safety devices, e.g. detection of obstructions or end positions
  • E05F15/42—Detection using safety edges
  • E05F15/43—Detection using safety edges responsive to disruption of energy beams, e.g. light or sound
  • E05F2015/434—Detection using safety edges responsive to disruption of energy beams, e.g. light or sound with optical sensors
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
  • E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
  • E05Y2900/10—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof
  • E05Y2900/13—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof characterised by the type of wing
  • E05Y2900/132—Doors

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a device for monitoring and / or controlling at least one member such as in particular a motor, a jack or a meter.
• the control devices concerned are in particular those making it possible to avoid closing a door such as a bus, metro or elevator door when a person or an object is placed in this door.
• the latter comprises a tube made of a flexible synthetic material such as rubber.
• the interior of this tube has electrically conductive contacts. These contacts are open in the absence of deformation of the rubber tube.
• the contacts close and a command opens the door automatically.
• This device generally works satisfactorily.
• the manufacturing cost is extremely high, because of the installation of the electrical contacts in the tube. document describes a device composed of a rubber tube at the ends of which are arranged a transmitter on one side and a detector on the other side. A light beam is sent from the transmitter to the detector. When an obstacle deforms the tube, the light intensity reaching the detector is less than the intensity without deformation.
• This device replaces a switch and acts for example on the opening or closing of a door. It has a number of drawbacks. First of all, it is used only as a switch. It does not allow operation to be controlled continuously or analogically. On the other hand, it is sensitive to deformation. Indeed, if the tube and its support deform, the light intensity received by the detector will be less than the "normal" intensity. This decrease will be interpreted as the presence of an obstacle.
• correction means making it possible to take account of external parameters, such as in particular the external light.
• these correction means are complex and expensive and all the corrections, in particular the aging of the components, are not taken into account.
• control is generally arranged in one or more point locations.
• the present invention proposes to produce a reliable control device, insensitive to deformations which are not due to an obstacle, and a reliable, simple and inexpensive control device, offering great flexibility of use and improving safety on existing facilities.
• a device as defined in the preamble and characterized in that it comprises at least a second receiver, means for measuring the intensities received by each of the receivers and means for controlling said member as a function of the received intensities determined. by means of measurement.
• the device comprises a deformable tubular element and the two receivers are arranged at two opposite ends of this deformable tubular element.
• the device comprises two deformable tubular elements and the two receivers are each arranged at one end of a different deformable tubular element.
• the device according to the present invention advantageously comprises means for controlling the power emitted by each transmitter as a function of the power measured by said measuring means.
• the device comprises a deformable tubular element and a transmitter and a receiver at each end of this deformable tubular element.
• the device advantageously includes a calculating device arranged to process the signals of the measuring means.
• the control means are preferably arranged to control at least one parameter of said member, this parameter being preferably chosen from speed, position, duration or value.
• the device comprises a network of tubular elements, each of these elements cooperating with at least one wave transmitter and at least one wave receiver.
• the aims set by the present invention are also achieved by a method as defined above, and characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting in transmitting by means of at least one transmitter, waves in at least one tubular element deformable, measure the intensity received by two separate receivers, compare the intensities received by each of the receivers and control said member according to the result of the comparison of the intensities received by each of the receivers.
• the intensities received by each receiver are compared with a lower threshold value and with an upper threshold value, and the transmission power of each transmitter is adapted as a function of the result of this comparison.
• the intensity received by two receivers arranged at two opposite ends of the same deformable tubular element is measured and at least one location is determined where the element tubular is deformed by comparing the intensities received by each of said receivers.
• the method comprises a step consisting in transforming the result of the step of comparing the intensities of each of the receivers into an analog signal, and in controlling said member as a function of this analog signal.
• At least one parameter of said member is controlled as a function of the analog signal generated in said comparison step, said parameter preferably being chosen from a speed, a distance or a value.
• the aims of the invention are also achieved by a method as defined above, and characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting in transmitting, by means of two wave transmitters, waves in two deformable tubular elements, measuring the intensity of the radiation received by two receivers and transmitted from the transmitters by the tubular elements, determining a difference between the intensities received by the two receivers, and controlling said member as a function of the difference between the intensities received.
• an action of the member is associated with different deformation positions.
• the time elapsing between two successive deformations of the deformable tubular element is measured.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a device according to the present invention
• FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the invention, in which the device is not actuated;
• FIG. 3 shows the device of Figure 2, in the actuated position
• FIG. 4 is a sectional view along the line II-II of Figure 2;
• FIG. 5 is a sectional view along the line III-III of Figure 3;
• Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are schematic views of a third embodiment of the invention, in three different positions;
• FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the method for controlling the transmitters and detectors of the device according to the invention.
• Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 for measuring the distance at two points.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a device 10 according to the invention, as it could be mounted on an elevator door, bus 11 or metro for example.
• This device comprises on each door, a transmitter of waves 12 which may in particular be electromagnetic waves such as visible light.
• a laser light source can advantageously be used.
• the the device also further comprises on each door, a receiver 13 sensitive to the waves of the transmitter and a deformable tubular element 14 connecting the transmitter to the receiver.
• This tubular element has a partially reflective and partially absorbent inner layer.
• the device further comprises means 15 for measuring the variations in intensity of the waves received by the receiver, and means 16 for controlling an actuator 17 as a function of the variations in intensity.
• the device as described with reference to this figure operates as follows.
• the transmitter 12 emits electromagnetic waves or radiation, a certain amount of which is received by the receiver 13 and a further amount of which is absorbed by the tubular element.
• This quantity received called standard intensity, essentially depends on the reflection of the inner layer of the tube and the intensity of the radiation emitted by the emitter. It is therefore known.
• the intensity of the radiation received by the receiver 13 is different from the known standard intensity, received in the absence of deformation of the tubular element. This is due to the fact that the inner layer of the tube is partially reflective and therefore partially absorbent. A certain amount of radiation is therefore absorbed by the tubular element because of its deformation. This change in the intensity received is detected by the means 15 for measuring the variations in intensity of the electromagnetic waves.
• This device 20 essentially comprises two transmitters 22, 22 'and two receivers 23, 23' connected by two deformable tubular elements 24, 24 ', arranged substantially parallel to one another. As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 4 and 5, the two tubular elements can be held on a support profile 25 made for example of metal.
• each receiver 23, 23 ' receives an amount of radiation which depends on the amount of radiation emitted, on the absorption or the reflection inside the tubular element 24, 24' and on the deformation of this tubular element. In the absence of deformation, the quantity received by each receiver is known. When one of the tubular elements is deformed, the amount of radiation received by each receiver is less than this known amount.
• the means 15 for measuring the variations in intensity are used to precisely measure the amount of radiation received by each receiver. It is then possible to control for example the speed or the distance of movement of the carriage as a function of the quantity of radiation received or as a function of the difference between the quantity received in the absence of deformation and the quantity received with deformation.
• the upper tubular element 24 can be used to advance the carriage, while the lower tubular element 24 'can be used to reverse it. It is also possible to use the upper tubular element for movement and the lower tubular element for stopping.
• a differential measurement between the intensity received by the receivers 23, 23 'of the two tubular elements also makes it possible to differentiate a voluntary deformation of one of the tubular elements 24, 24', from a deformation of the profile. support 25 for example. Indeed, a deformation of the profile will have the same effect on the two tubular elements.
• the decrease in radiation received by the receivers, due to the deformation of the support profile will be substantially identical for each receiver.
• the means 15 for measuring the variations in intensity will not interpret these variations as an order to move the actuator.
• a deformation intended for the movement of the carriage will act only on one of the two tubular elements.
• the reduction in the radiation received by the two receivers will be different and the means 15 for measuring variations in intensity will interpret this difference as an order to move the actuator.
• FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate a particular embodiment of the invention in which it is possible to determine the place where a tubular element 30 is deformed.
• FIG. 6A illustrates this embodiment without deformation
• FIG. 6B illustrates it with a deformation situated substantially in the middle of the length of the tubular element.
• the deformation is close to one of the ends of the tubular element.
• the device of FIGS. 6A to 6C comprises a transmitter 31 placed at one end of the tubular element 30, a first receiver 32 placed at the other end of the tubular element and a second receiver 33 placed next to the transmitter 31 .
• the intensity of the radiation received by the first receiver 32 is measured on the one hand, and the intensity received by the second receiver 33 on the other hand.
• the intensity emitted by the emitter 31 is fixed and known. This intensity is represented diagrammatically by the height 34 of a hatched area having the reference 35 in FIGS. 6A to 6C, near the emitter 31.
• FIG. 6A which illustrates the non-deformed tubular element 30
• part of the radiation is absorbed along this tubular element.
• This absorbed part is represented schematically by the reduction in the height of the hatched areas 35 in the direction of movement of the wave beam.
• Part of the total intensity of the radiation emitted by the emitter 31 is transmitted to the first receiver 32.
• the rest of the radiation is absorbed by the tubular element.
• the part of the intensity received by the receiver 32 is represented schematically by the height 36 of the hatched area 35, near the receiver 32.
• the intensity of the radiation received by the second receiver 33 is practically zero.
• the total intensity arriving at point 39 where the tubular element is deformed is separated into a transmitted part 37 and a reflected part 38.
• the first receiver 32 receives the transmitted part minus the absorbed part the along the path taken from the deformation point 39 of the tubular element to the receiver 32.
• the second receiver 33 receives the reflected part 38 minus the absorbed part along the path taken from the deformation point 39 to the receiver 33
• FIG. 6C also illustrates this distribution of the radiations, in the case where the deformation point 39 is close to the second receiver 33.
• the quantity 40 of the reflected part 38 before arriving at the second receiver 33 depends directly on the distance traveled by the radiation in the tubular element before being reflected towards the second receiver.
• the intensity of the radiation emitted by the emitter 31 and the intensities received by each of the two receivers 32 and 33 it is possible to determine, by a differential measurement of the intensities, where the tubular element has been distorted.
• the total amount of radiation received by the two receivers depends only on the "amount" of deformation of the tubular element 30, assuming that the amount of radiation emitted by the emitter is constant and known. By knowing this total quantity, it is possible to determine the influence of the deformation.
• the deformation can for example be produced by a wheel 41 of a carriage 42 of a machine tool or of another mobile element. It can also be produced by a sliding or rolling element linked to a rail, which allows for example the production of a potentiometer.
• FIGS. 6A to 6C is particularly advantageous in the case where a mobile element has to be moved into different given positions. It is possible to press a tubular element at a given location to bring the movable element to a corresponding location. Thus, by having for example a plan or a model of a route, the mobile element can be brought to the desired location of the route.
• FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the device formed by two tubular elements 24, 24 ', in which each tubular element comprises, at each end, a transmitter 22, resp. 22 'and a receiver 23, resp. 23 '.
• the light intensity received by each of the receivers is added in a calculating device 50 forming part of the means 15 for measuring the intensities received by the receivers, then this intensity is compared, by means of a comparator 51, to two threshold values , a higher value and a lower value. If this intensity is less than the lower threshold value, the transmission power of the transmitters 22, 22 ′ is increased until the measured intensity is greater than the lower threshold value. Conversely, if the intensity is greater than the upper threshold value, the transmission power is reduced until the intensity is less than the upper threshold value.
• signal processing means 52 determine the quotient between the difference of the intensities of the receivers, determined by a calculating device 50 'also forming part of the means 15 for measuring the intensities received. by the receivers, and their sum determined by the calculation device 50. Depending on the value of this quotient, an action can be taken.
• FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a device formed from a single tubular element 30, in which it is possible to detect two pressures on this tubular element 30, and to determine the place where these pressures are performed.
• each end of the tubular element comprises a transmitter 22, 22 'and a receiver 23, 23'.
• the light intensity emitted by one of the emitters is measured by each of the receivers 23, 23 '.
• the sum of the intensities is introduced into a calculation device 50, then the power of the transmitter 22 is adapted so that this sum is between two threshold values.
• the differential measurement of the intensity received by each of the receivers 23, 23 ′ makes it possible to determine the position in which a deformation is produced.
• the other transmitter that is to say the transmitter 22 'and the two receivers 23, 23'
• the distance separating the two opposite transmitters 22, 22 ′ it is possible on the one hand to determine if the tubular element is deformed in one or in two places and on the other hand, to measure with precision where is (are) this or these deformation (s). In this way, it is possible to initiate two functions, depending on the position of the deformations.
• FIG. 9 illustrates a particular application using the embodiment of FIG. 8.
• This device comprises a tubular element 30 at each end of which are arranged a transmitter 22, 22 'and a receiver 23, 23'.
• This tubular element is covered with a perforated plate 60, each perforation making it possible, for example, to access a different function.
• the indication of the functions can for example be engraved on the plate.
• This embodiment makes it possible to obtain a particularly reliable "multi-switch” since it has no mechanical part. In the event of a breakdown, the transmitters and receivers can be easily replaced since they are made up of standard elements, just like the tubular element. In addition, this "multi-switch" does not include medium voltage power cables, so that it can be used in an explosive, chemically aggressive or even underwater environment.
• FIG. 10 is another example of application of the device according to the invention.
• This device comprises a tubular element 30 having at each end, a transmitter 22, 22 'and a receiver 23, 23'. It is connected to a counter 70 and allows for example to carry out road statistics. For this purpose, it is placed across a road not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of this road.
• the position of the deformations is measured, as well as the distance x between two deformations. It is thus possible to determine whether the vehicle is a cycle, a car or a truck by determining the distance x which corresponds to its width.
• the device according to the present invention has many advantages over the devices of the prior art.
• the emitters used can be formed for example of laser diodes which have a very low manufacturing cost.
• the tubular elements can be commercially available standard rubber tubes, requiring no further processing. They are therefore particularly inexpensive.
• the device By the operating principle of the device, it can be used even if the tubular element is partially damaged. In addition, since there is no electrical contact at the tube, there are no sparks. This the device can therefore be used in an environment presenting a risk of explosion or another aggressive environment.
• the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but extends to any modification or variant obvious to those skilled in the art.
• this device can in particular be used to control doors, windows, blinds, blackboards, trolleys of machine tools, handling trolleys, etc.
• a logic signal to control the actuator this could for example have two logic states corresponding respectively to the opening or closing of a door. It could also have three logical states corresponding to moving forward, stopped and moving back. More generally, it could have a number of logic states corresponding to a predetermined number of actions or positions of the actuator, as may for example be the case in a "multi-switch" according to FIG. 9.
• tubular elements comprise one or two tubular elements. It is clear that an unlimited number of tubular elements could be used if different functions were to be accessible. For example, one element could be dedicated to a slow speed advance, another to a fast speed advance, a third to a slow speed reverse, a fourth, to a fast speed reverse and finally a fifth, when the movement stops.
• the device In the case where the device is used to control the movement in a given position of a mobile element, it is possible to use an array of tubular elements.
• the waves used in the embodiments described are electromagnetic waves. However, other types of waves, such as pressure waves in particular, could also be used.
• the embodiments described all use the measurement of the intensity received by each of the receivers. It is also possible to measure other parameters of the light beam, in particular the transmission time and / or the shape of a pulse.
• the type of member used in particular the choice of a motor, a jack or a meter, depends on the application of the device of the invention.

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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Family Cites Families (9)

• 1999
  • 1999-06-01 FR FR9907117A patent/FR2794540B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2000
  • 2000-05-31 AU AU45330/00A patent/AU4533000A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2000-05-31 WO PCT/CH2000/000306 patent/WO2000073871A1/fr not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2000-05-31 EP EP00926633A patent/EP1188101A1/de not_active Withdrawn

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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