FR2865916A1 - Workstation access securing device, has control module coupled to another control module of control case for authorizing opening and closing of door based on instructions from control case - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a structure (S) arranged in such a way to constrain a lower part (PIR) of a door. The door is driven between opened and closed positions by a motor (M) for allowing and forbidding access to a zone (ZA) of a workstation, respectively. A control module (MCT), coupled to another control module (MCE) of a control case (BC), authorizes opening and closing of the door based on instructions from the control case.

Description

DEVICE FOR SECURING ACCESS TO A WORK STATION, WITH A MECHANISM

ANTI-CONFINEMENT

  The invention relates to the field of securing access to workstations.

  The term "workstation" is understood to mean a location in which a robot or a machine is located responsible for performing operations or sequences of operations that are potentially dangerous for an operator.

  To prohibit access to certain workstations it has been proposed to place upstream thereof access security devices. These devices usually comprise, firstly, a structure equipped with a door, generally rigid, installed at a distance from the work station and can be driven by drive means, generally vertically, between open and closed positions allowing and prohibiting, respectively, access to an area located upstream of the workstation, a second part, detection means responsible for delivering information representative of the state of occupancy of the area, and a third part, control means charged to authorize the opening or closing of the door depending, in particular, the occupation state of the zone.

  The control means of the device are generally coupled to a control module of the workstation that warns them when an operation is in progress. Thus, the door can not be opened until an operation (or sequence of operations) is complete.

  Once the door has opened an operator can enter the access area to intervene at the workstation. However, it can happen that the door closes even though the operator is still in the access area. This can notably occur in the event of failure of the means of detecting the occupation of the zone, or of unfortunate actuation of the closing mechanism of the door, coupled to the control means of the device, by another operator located outside. of the area.

  In this situation, the operator may become trapped in the access zone, with no possibility of intervention on the door opening mechanism, even though a new operation or sequence of operations has been triggered by the control module of the workstation, following receipt of information indicating the closing of the door, from the control means of the access security device.

  The invention therefore aims to overcome this disadvantage.

  It proposes for this purpose a device for securing access to a workstation, comprising a structure equipped with a door (or curtain) intended to be placed at a distance from the workstation and can be driven by drive means between open and closed positions allowing and prohibiting, respectively, access to an area upstream of the work station, and control means responsible for authorizing the opening or closing of the door according to information of 'state.

  This device is characterized in that its door (or curtain) is deformable and that the structure is arranged to constrain a lower portion of the door to deform, while it is driven from its open position to its closed position so that at least one end portion of this lower portion is located at a selected height above a front end of the area (adjacent to the workstation) when the door is in its closed position.

  The device according to the invention may comprise other characteristics that may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular: the end portion of the door may comprise first detection means, for example of the shock sensor, coupled the control means for transmitting alarm status information to them each time they detect a collision between the terminal part and an obstacle placed on its path in the area during a driving phase of the door to its position closed. In this case, the control means 30 are loaded, when receiving alarm status information, to instruct the drive means to interrupt the training phase and then to drive the door to its position. open position, É the chosen height may be between about 10 centimeters and about 1 meter, É the structure may comprise guide means, such as slides, at least partially curvilinear and responsible for guiding the lateral edges of the door , substantially parallel, in order to induce the deformation of its lower part at the level of the zone, E it may comprise storage means responsible for storing at least a part of the door when it is not in its closed position It may comprise second detection means responsible for delivering to the control means state information representative of the occupation status of the zone. In this case, when the control means receive status information signaling occupation of the area, they are responsible for prohibiting the drive means from driving the door to its closed position, and it may comprise a wall front intended to be installed at the front end of the zone, in a substantially vertical position, to define an end of travel stop for the end portion of the door. In this case, the front wall may comprise third detection means responsible for delivering closed position state information to the control means when they detect that the end portion of the door is substantially at the level of the front wall. its drive means may comprise a rotary shaft motor, for example of pneumatic or electric type, and responsible for driving a driving element, such as a rotating drum, to wind the door or the door. uncoil. Alternatively, the drive means may comprise a rotary shaft motor, for example of pneumatic or electric type, and responsible for driving a driving element, such as a wheel, coupled to the door via at least one cable, so as to raise and lower the door, the motor may be housed inside or outside the storage means, and may comprise actuating means placed outside the zone, in the vicinity of the structure, and loaded, when actuated by an external operator, to address to the control means an instruction representative of a request to open the door, control means can be coupled to a control module of the workstation, and be responsible for prohibiting the opening of the door when the control module notifies them that an operation is in progress at the workstation. In this case, the control means may be optionally responsible for instructing the control module to interrupt an operation in progress at the workstation when they receive a status information signaling the occupation of the area or a collision within this area, the door (or curtain) may consist of an assembly of elements such as rollers, blades or slats. Alternatively, it may be made of a semi-rigid and deformable material, such as a fabric or flexible polycarbonate.

  Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a security device According to the invention, implanted upstream of a workstation, FIG. 2 schematically illustrates in a front perspective view, the state of the access security device of FIG. 1 when its curtain 3 is a schematic view in a rear perspective view of the state of the access securing device of FIG. 1 when its curtain is in the closed position, FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate schematically in front and rear perspective views, the state of the access security device of FIG. 1 when its curtain begins its ascent, and FIG. 6 schematically illustrates in a p-view 1, the state of the access security device of FIG. 1 when its curtain completes its ascent; FIG. 7 schematically illustrates in a rear perspective view the state of the security device of FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing algorithm that can be implemented by an access security device according to the invention, and Figure 9 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of an access security device according to the invention, located upstream of a workstation.

  The accompanying drawings may serve not only to supplement the invention, but also to assist in its definition, as appropriate.

  The invention relates to a device for securing access to a workstation.

  Referring first to Figures 1 to 7 to describe a first embodiment of an access security device D, according to the invention.

  An access security device D, according to the invention, firstly comprises a structure S, preferably of the self-supporting type, intended to be installed upstream of a PT workstation in order to secure it. 'access. This structure S comprises for example two vertical uprights MV placed on the ground at a selected distance from the workstation PT, defining a passage for an operator O and supporting a housing BS for storing a door or a curtain R. As shown , the structure S also preferably comprises a front wall PA, substantially vertical, secured to vertical side walls PL, themselves secured to the uprights MV and substantially parallel to each other so as to define with said box a species of gantry d 'access. The front wall PA is placed near the PT workstation. It is intended to define the front end of an access zone (or work zone) ZA in which the operator O is authorized to move when the curtain R is in the open position. The rear end of the access zone ZA is defined by the uprights MV, while its lateral ends are defined by the side walls PL.

  The PT workstation is a location in which is located a robot or a machine responsible for performing operations or sequences (or cycles) of potentially dangerous operations for an operator O. It includes an MCT control module managing the operation of the robot (or the machine), and having at every moment of its operating state. Such an MCT control module is therefore capable of providing information representative of the state of progress of an operation or of a cycle of operations, and in particular information indicating that an operation is in progress or that she is finished.

  The device according to the invention D also comprises an opening / closing mechanism of the curtain R, which can be implanted in the storage box BS, as illustrated in FIG. 1, or else implanted in a separate housing communicating with the housing of BS storage. This opening / closing mechanism is preferably embodied in the form of a motor M with a rotary shaft AR, for example of the pneumatic or electric type. The rotary shaft AR is coupled, in this first exemplary embodiment, to a drum TR, for example of a cylindrical type, on which the curtain R is wound when it is in the recovery or storage phase (corresponding to the open position).

  To allow winding and uncoiling of the curtain R, it is, according to the invention, deformable type. It may consist of an assembly of elements such as rollers, blades or slats (as shown in FIGS. 2 to 7), or else in a semi-rigid and deformable material, such as a fabric or polycarbonate flexible.

  In the case of an assembly, the elements of the curtain R are for example connected to each other by means of flexible links or chains, or mechanically linked to each other.

  According to the invention, the structure S is arranged so as to constrain a lower part PIR of the curtain (or door) R to deform while it is driven from its open position (shown in FIG. 7) to its closed position ( 1 to 3), so that at least one end portion PTR of this lower part PIR is located at a height H chosen above the front end of the access zone ZA (defined by the wall before PA) when the curtain R is in its closed position.

  In other words, when the curtain R is in the closed position (FIGS. 2 and 3), its lower part PIR is placed above the access zone ZA, while its upper part is substantially vertical (or slightly inclined relative to the vertical), thus constituting a barrier.

  The height H, which is the height at which is located substantially at least the end portion PTR curtain R, and preferably the major part of its lower part PIR, is preferably between about 10 centimeters (cm) and about 1 meter (m). It is more preferably equal to about 60 cm, which roughly represents the altitude at which the mid-thigh of an operator O is located. This height H is also, preferably, equal to the height of the front wall PA. Thus, when the curtain R is in the closed position, only the rear part of the access zone, located on the side of the uprights MV, is open, so that a person can certainly enter the access area, by crawling , but unable to access the PT workstation.

  In order to allow the deformation of the lower part PIR of the curtain R, the structure S of the device D comprises deformation means GL, at least partially curvilinear, and secured to its uprights MV and to its side walls PL. These deformation means GL are for example made in the form of two substantially parallel slides and shaped to define the path of the curtain R of the storage case BS to the front wall PA, or in the form of shaped parts so to generate the desired deformation of the curtain. In this case, the opposite ends of the elements of the curtain R are shaped so as to slide easily inside the slideways GL. When the curtain R is made of a material such as a fabric, it is preferable to equip the edges of the fabric with a flexible sheath to facilitate its movement.

  In Figures 4 and 5, we can observe the state of the device D a few moments after the start of the curtain R (or a few moments before the end of the curtain R). In Figure 6, one can observe the state of the device D a few moments before the end of the curtain R (or a few moments after the beginning of the descent of the curtain R). Finally, in FIG. 7, the state of the device D can be observed when the curtain R is in the open position.

  The device according to the invention D also comprises a control box BC connected, on the one hand, to the control module MCT, and, on the other hand, to the motor M. This control unit BC preferably allows an operator to on the one hand, to send instructions to the MCT control module of the PT workstation so that it starts or interrupts an operation or a cycle of operations, and on the other hand, to request the opening or closing of the curtain R. For this purpose, the control box BC comprises at least one MCE control module 30 coupled to the control module MCT, TCR control keys dedicated to the opening / closing of the curtain, and dedicated TCP control keys. at the PT workstation. Such a control box BC may be, for example, secured to one of the uprights MV of the structure S. The deformation of the lower part PIR of the curtain R at the access zone ZA is intended to prevent that an operator O is locked in the access zone ZA, while an operation starts at the PT workstation, following the actuation of a TCP or TCR control key. Indeed, if an operator O or an object is on the path of the terminal portion PTR of the curtain R at the access zone ZA, said end portion will collide with it.

  In order to detect these collisions, the device D comprises a first detector D1, preferably implanted in the end portion PTR of the curtain R. This first detector D1 is preferably an impact detector, such as a safety edge. A safety edge comprises, for example, a housing provided with a slot and housing, on the one hand, a source emitting a light beam towards a receiver, and on the other hand, a blade placed parallel to the beam, protruding by the slot and being able to translate, under the constraint of a restoring force, to intercept said beam in the event of a collision. Of course, other types of detector may be envisaged, including electromechanical contactors, radar, mechanical safety devices or a sensitive platform.

  This first detector D1 is connected to the control module MCE, in order to transmit alarm state information to it in the event of detection of a collision between the terminal part 20 PTR of the curtain R and an obstacle placed on its path in the access zone ZA when the curtain R closes.

  When the control module MCE receives alarm status information from the first detector D1, it sends the motor M a stop command so that it immediately interrupts the unwinding of the curtain R, and then, preferably, it winds said curtain R to place it in its open position.

  Furthermore, the device D preferably comprises a second detector D2 responsible for detecting the presence of an operator O or an object inside the access zone ZA.

  This second detector D2 is preferably a pressure sensor mat installed on the ground in the access zone ZA, and if possible over its entire surface, or even, as illustrated in FIG. 1, projecting slightly outside. upstream of MV amounts. Of course, other types of detector may be envisaged, including beam optical detectors or volumetric detectors.

  This second detector D2 is connected to the control module MCE, in order to transmit occupancy status information to it when the access zone ZA is occupied.

  When the control module MCE receives occupancy status information from the second detector D2, it sends the motor M an instruction forbidding it to unroll the curtain, and to wind it to place it in its open position if the information Occupancy state is transmitted after the beginning of the descent of the curtain R. The device D also preferably comprises a third detector D3 responsible for detecting the placement of the curtain in its closed position. This third detector D3 is for example an electromechanical contactor placed on the front wall PA of the structure S, in an area where the end portion PTR of the curtain R is placed when the latter is in the closed position. Of course other types of detector can be envisaged, and in particular beam optical detectors or pressure detectors.

  This third detector D3 is connected to the control module MCE in order to transmit closure state information when the curtain is in the closed position.

  When the ECM control module receives closure state information of the third detector D3, it can send the control module MCT an instruction to start an operation or a cycle of operations in the PT workstation.

  Referring now to Figure 8 to describe an example of a processing algorithm that can be implemented by an access security device D, according to the invention.

  In a step 10, the operator O, which is placed outside the access zone ZA, for example because it has just come out after providing parts to the robot of the PT workstation, activates a TCP command key so that the robot performs a cycle of operations.

  In a step 20, the control module MCE of the device D carries out a test with the second detector D2 in order to determine the state of occupation of the access zone ZA. If the access zone ZA is occupied (or not empty), then in a step 30 the control module MCE triggers an alarm, then returns to perform the test of step 20. On the other hand if the access zone ZA is empty, then in a step 40 the control module MCE orders the motor M to lower the curtain (or door) A. The curtain R starts to go down, and the control module MCE waits for the third detector D3 to signal that the curtain R is placed in its closed position.

  If during the descent, the control module MCE is informed by the first detector D1 that a collision has occurred (step 50), then in a step 60 the control module MCE triggers an alarm, orders the motor M to interrupt the down the curtain R and then back to its open position. He then returns to perform the test of step 20.

  When the control module MCE is warned by the third detector D3 that the curtain R is placed in its closed position (step 70), then in a step 80 it allows the control module MCT of the workstation PT to cycle through robot operations that he controls.

  Then, in a step 90, the MCE control module performs a test to determine if the operation cycle is complete. To do this, it queries the MCT control module. If the cycle is not completed, then the control module MCE returns to perform the test of step 90. On the other hand, if the cycle is completed, the control module MCE orders the motor M, in a step 100, to turn the curtain R towards its open position.

  Then, in a step 110, the ECM control module performs a test to determine whether the curtain R is placed in its open position. To do this, it can for example interrogate the motor M. Alternatively, a fourth detector can be provided to detect the placement of the curtain R in its open position.

  If the curtain is still in recovery phase, the control module MCE returns to perform the test of step 110. On the other hand if the curtain R is placed in its open position, then in a step 120 the control module MCE delivers a message allowing the entry of an operator in the access zone ZA, then it returns to step 10 to await new instructions from an operator O. Of course, the algorithm described above is only a non-limiting example of operation-ment device D, according to the invention, which can be the subject of numerous variants and adaptations.

  In the foregoing, an embodiment of an access security device D has been described in which the storage of the curtain (or door) R was done by winding on a drum TR inside a storage box BS . Because of its compactness, this embodiment is advantageous when there is no significant height upstream of the PT workstation. But, as illustrated in Figure 9, we can consider a variant of the device in which the storage of the curtain (or door) R is substantially vertically and no longer by winding.

  In this case, the storage box BS has dimensions substantially equal to those of the curtain when it is placed vertically (and therefore subject to gravity). Furthermore, the upper end ESR of the curtain R is, for example, connected to at least one cable C, itself coupled to a drive wheel TR coupled to the motor AR shaft M. When the curtain R must to be reassembled, the motor M drives the wheel TR which winds the cable C and thus causes the curtain R to the storage box BS.

  In the foregoing, any drive means of the curtain can be envisaged, and in particular by pulley (s), by belt (s). Furthermore, any drive mode can be envisaged, including gear drive (s) or friction.

  The invention is not limited to the access security device embodiments described above, by way of example only, but encompasses all the variants that can be envisaged by those skilled in the art in the art. the scope of the claims below.

Claims (21)

  1. Device (D) for securing access to a work station (PT), comprising a structure (S) equipped with a door (R) adapted to be placed at a distance from said workstation (PT) and to be driven by drive means (M) between open and closed positions allowing and prohibiting, respectively, access to a zone (ZA) located upstream of said work station, and control means (MCE) arranged in a manner to allow the opening or closing of said door (R) according to status information, characterized in that said door (R) is deformable, and in that said structure (S) is arranged to constrain a lower portion (PIR) of said door (R) to deform, while being driven from its open position to its closed position, so that at least one end portion (PTR) of this lower part (PIR) is located at a height (H) chosen above a front end (PA) of the zone (ZA) when the door (R) is in its closed position.   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said end portion (PTR) of the door (R) comprises first detection means (D1) coupled to said control means (MCE) and arranged to transmit information to them alarm state condition in the event of detection of a collision between said terminal portion (PTR) and an obstacle placed on its path in said zone (ZA) during a driving phase of said door (R) towards its closed position , and in that said control means (ECM) are arranged, on receipt of alarm status information, to instruct said drive means (M, AR, TR) to interrupt said phase of operation. driving and then driving said door (R) to its open position.   3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said first detection means (D1) are arranged to detect shocks.   4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said selected height (H) is between about 10 centimeters and about 1 meter.   5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said structure (S) comprises guide means (GL) at least partially curvilinear and adapted to guide side edges of said door (R), substantially parallel, so as to induce said deformation of the lower part (PIR) at said zone (ZA).   6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said guide means (GL) comprise two substantially parallel and partly curvilinear slides.   7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises storage means (BS) adapted to store at least a portion of said door (R) when not in the closed position .   8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises second detecting means (D2) adapted to deliver to said control means (MCE) state information representative of the state occupying said zone (ZA), and in that in the presence of status information signaling the occupation of said zone (ZA), said control means (MCE) are arranged to prohibit said training means (M, AR, TR) to drive said gate (R) to its closed position.   9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a front wall (AV) adapted to be installed at said front end of the zone (ZA), in a substantially vertical position, of defining a path end stop for said end portion (PTR) of the gate (R).   10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that said front wall (AV) comprises third detection means (D3) arranged to deliver closed position state information to said control means (ECM) in the event of detecting said terminal portion (PTR) of the door (R) substantially at said front wall (AV).   11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said drive means (M, AR, TR) comprise a motor (M) with rotating shaft (AR) and a driving element (TR). adapted to be rotated by said shaft (AR) so as to wind said door (R) and allow it to unwind.   12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said drive means (M, AR, RE) comprise a motor (M) with rotating shaft (AR) and a driving element (TR). coupled to said door (R) via at least one cable (C) and adapted to be rotated by said shaft (AR) so as to raise and lower said door (R).   13. Device according to one of claims 11 and 12, characterized in that said motor (M) is housed in said storage means (BS).   14. Device according to one of claims 11 and 12, characterized in that said motor (M) is housed outside said storage means (BS).   15. Device according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that said motor (M) is selected from pneumatic motors and electric motors. 20 16. Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises actuating means (TCR) placed outside said zone (ZA), in the vicinity of said structure (S), and arranged, when actuated by an operator (0), to address to said control means (MCE) an instruction representative of a request to open the door (R).   17. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that said control means (MCE) are coupled to a control module (MCT) of said work station (PT), and are arranged to prohibit the opening said gate (R) when said control module (MCT) signals to them that an operation is in progress at said work station (PT).   18. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that said control means (ECM) are arranged to instruct said control module (MCT) to interrupt an operation in progress at said work station (PT) in case of reception. a state information signaling the occupation of said zone (ZA) or a collision within said zone (ZA).   19. Device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that said door (R) consists of an assembly of elements selected from rollers, blades and slats.   20. Device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that said door (R) is made of a semi-rigid material and deformable.   21. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that said material is selected from the webs and the flexible polycarbonate.