JP5156633B2 - Door assembly with flexible sensing member and method related thereto - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a configuration for detecting a foreign object at a boundary between an automatic door and another surface.

  There are various automated door configurations that are used in different situations. In some examples, the automatic door slides between an open position and a closed position in a direction parallel to the door panel. This type of configuration is commonly used to provide access to an elevator car.

  When the automatic door moves toward the position where the door end approaches another structural member in the closed position, foreign matter may be drawn between the door and the other structural member. In order to avoid such a situation, various configurations have been proposed.

  There have been proposed various types of door safety devices for decelerating or stopping the sliding door so as to prevent the foreign object from being caught when the foreign object is drawn into the door pocket of the sliding door during the door opening operation. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-77440 discloses that a swingable panel member is used to narrow a gap between a vertical frame on a sliding door door side of a door entrance / exit frame and an outer surface of the sliding door. Disclosure. At the same time, a micro switch for detecting the swing of the panel member is provided. If the foreign object is drawn into the sliding door pocket during the door opening operation, the panel member is pressed by the foreign object and swings. This movement is detected by the microswitch, and the door opening operation can be stopped so as to prevent further foreign matter from being caught.

  Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-189431 discloses a flexible piezoelectric sensor arranged in a vertical direction so as to come into contact with a foreign object on a slide door. When the foreign object comes into contact with the slide door, the piezoelectric sensor is deformed and generates an output signal. One drawback associated with such a configuration is that it is necessary to place the piezoelectric sensor over the entire area where foreign matter is detected. This is not economical.

  A drawback associated with the swing panel is that friction increases between the foreign object and the swing panel when the foreign object presses the panel member in the door opening direction. The load applied to the foreign matter increases, which is not preferable.

  Another type of device for elevator doors is one that allows illumination light from a projector to pass vertically near the entrance of a door slot. When the irradiation light of this photoelectric switch is interrupted, it is detected that a foreign object exists near the entrance of the door. Therefore, control for stopping the door opening operation can be executed in order to prevent foreign matter from being caught in the door slot.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-265175 discloses a projector and a light receiver that are arranged on the lower and upper frames of a door frame so as to face each other. Thereby, a foreign substance approaching the entrance of the door slot is detected. In Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 63-66084, a recess along the vertical direction is provided on the surface of the end of the vertical frame facing the door in the door closing direction. The light projector and the light receiver of the photoelectric switch are arranged at the upper end and the lower end of the recess so as to detect foreign matter entering the door slot. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-310375 discloses disposing a projector and a light receiver on the upper side and the lower side of the door slot in order to detect foreign matter entering the door slot.
JP-A-9-77440 JP 2004-189431 A JP-A 63-66084 JP-A-11-310375

  In all such configurations, the irradiation light of the photoelectric switch passes through the space where the passenger in the door opening exists. Accordingly, malfunction may occur due to disturbances such as light from sunlight other than the projector and sunlight. Furthermore, dust may hinder operating efficiency. In particular, when visible light is used as the irradiation light of the photoelectric switch, the irradiation light enters the passenger's eyes, which is not preferable.

  Further, in some configurations, a foreign object approaching the vertical frame can be detected even when the foreign object is not actually drawn. Furthermore, in some configurations, it is only possible to detect foreign matter that has already been drawn in, and therefore it is not possible to avoid the foreign matter being drawn into the door guard.

  It would be desirable to provide an improved arrangement for detecting foreign objects coming into a position that is retracted by an automatically moving door. It would be beneficial to provide a configuration that can detect the potential for foreign objects to be pulled in as the door automatically moves toward the closed position, toward the open position, or both.

  An exemplary door assembly includes a door panel that automatically moves between an open position and a closed position. A flexible member is located near the boundary between the door and the other surface. The flexible member is at least partially deformed in response to contact with a foreign object near the boundary. A sensor detects the deformation of the flexible member and provides an indicator that indicates the presence of a foreign object near the boundary.

  An exemplary method for detecting a foreign object at a boundary between a door panel and another surface uses a flexible member near the boundary and is at least partially responsive to contact between the flexible member and the foreign object. Using a sensor to detect any deformation. The index indicating the contact is given as foreign object detection.

  Various features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

  The disclosed embodiment includes a flexible member at the boundary between the automatically moving door and the other surface. The flexible member deforms in response to contact with a foreign object approaching the boundary. This deformation can be detected to give an indication related to the presence of foreign material at the boundary. The movement of the automatic door is controlled in response to this detection, preventing foreign objects from being drawn between the door and other surfaces, or even if foreign objects are pulled in, the space between the door and other surfaces. Can be easily pulled out from. The disclosed embodiments are useful in a variety of situations where the automatic door moves relative to the other surface in such a way that foreign objects can be drawn into the boundary between the door and the other surface. For illustrative purposes, an elevator door is used as an example of a door assembly according to the present invention.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a portion of the door assembly 20 including the door frame members 22 and 23. The door panel 24 can automatically move between an open position where the passenger can pass through the opening surrounded by the door frame members 22 and 23 and a closed position where the door panel 24 closes the opening. .

  In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a flexible member 26 is located near the boundary between each door panel 24 and the adjacent surface of the door frame member 22 corresponding thereto. In one embodiment, the flexible member is between the door panel and the adjacent surface. In other embodiments, the flexible member is outside the gap between them. At various positions near the boundary, the flexible member interferes with foreign objects approaching the boundary.

  In the figure, since it is a perspective view, only one flexible member 26 is visible. As can be seen from the figure, the flexible member 26 extends along the entire length or most of the boundary 28. In some examples, the flexible member 26 is located inside the boundary so that it is not visible outside the passenger's line of sight.

  When the door panel 24 slides relative to the frame member 22 toward the open position, foreign matter may be drawn into the gap between the door panel 24 at the boundary 28 and the surface of the door frame member 22 adjacent thereto. The flexible member 26 deforms in response to contact with such foreign matter approaching the boundary 28. The deformation of the flexible member 26 gives an index indicating the presence of such foreign matter. This indicator can be used for the controller 60 to control the operation of the automatic door drive mechanism 61.

  In one example, the controller 60 stops the door panel 24 when a foreign object is detected by deformation of the flexible member 26 during the door operation. In one example, the controller 60 stops the door panel 24 at least temporarily and then moves the door panel in a special manner to help remove foreign objects from the boundary 28. For example, the door panel 24 is temporarily stopped, and then the operation in the opening direction is continued at a lower speed than usual. Other examples include moving the door in the opposite direction at least once before subsequently moving the door in the open direction.

  The flexible member 26 may be placed in several optimal positions depending on the particular configuration of the door assembly.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of a door assembly 20 used for elevator applications. One set of door panels 24 are provided on the landing side of the hoistway entrance, and the other set of door panels 24 are elevator car doors. In this example, a flexible member 26 is disposed at each of the boundaries 28 between the moving door panel 24 and the corresponding adjacent surface of the frame member 22.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows the configuration of another embodiment including two moving door panels 24. In this example, the door panel 24 at the left end (in the figure) is generally called a high-speed moving door panel, and the door panel 24 on the right side (in the figure) is generally called a low-speed door panel. In this example, relative movement occurs between the low speed door panel 24 and the surface of the door frame member 22 adjacent thereto. Accordingly, the flexible member 26 is provided at the boundary 28 between the low speed door panel 24 and the door frame member 22. A relative movement also occurs between the high speed door panel 24 and the low speed door panel 24. In the illustrated example, a flexible member 26 is provided at each boundary 28 between each set of door panels 24.

  Other flexible member 26 locations and other door assembly configurations are possible. Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this application will be able to achieve the optimal door assembly configuration as needed.

  The flexible member 26 can take a variety of forms. In one example shown in FIG. 4, the flexible member 26 is made of a flexible tube. FIG. 4 shows a mounting assembly 30 for securing the flexible tube body 32 in a desired position on the boundary 28. In this example, the flexible tube body 32 defines a passage 34 in the body 32. In this example, the passage portion 34 extends over the entire length of the tube main body 32.

  FIG. 4 includes a sensor 40 that includes a radiation source 42. At least one radiation beam 44 exits the radiation source 42 and passes through the passage 34 in the tube body 32. The radiation detector 46 detects that the radiation beam 44 has entered the radiation detector 46. The main body 32 is flexible to such an extent that it can be at least partially deformed when a foreign object such as a human finger comes into contact with it. Due to the deformation of the body 32, the radiation beam 44 is blocked and cannot be detected by the detector 46. In such a situation, the sensor 40 sends to the controller 60 an index indicating the detection of a foreign object at the corresponding boundary 28. Thus, the controller 60 can respond according to the requirements of a particular situation.

  In one example, light is used as the form of radiation. In such an example, the radiation source 42 comprises a light source such as a laser or a light emitting diode. The detector 46 is composed of a photo detector, for example.

  An embodiment of the type shown in FIG. 4 has several advantages. By using a flexible tube as the flexible member 26, the tube main body 32 becomes a buffer material of the corresponding boundary 28. In many configuration examples, foreign matter approaching the boundary contacts the tube 32 before being drawn into the gap between the door panel 24 and the adjacent surface. As a result, for example, when the foreign object is a human finger, the person is given a tactile sensation, and the person does not further move the finger into the boundary 28. This has the advantage that it can be extracted from the boundary before it is retracted.

  Further, the flexible tube as illustrated in FIG. 4 gives elasticity to the boundary 28, and the presence of the flexible member 26 prevents a collision between the adjacent surface of the door panel 24 or the door frame member 22 and the foreign matter. Buffered. The impact on the foreign matter is alleviated by the flexible member 26. In addition, due to the flexibility of the flexible member 26, in many cases, it becomes easier to pull out the foreign matter that is about to be drawn into the gap of the boundary 28.

  Another advantage of a flexible tube as illustrated in FIG. 4 is that it effectively surrounds the radiation beam 44. In many instances, light is used as the form of sensor 40 radiation. A flexible tube such as this example shields the light so as to avoid interference with an external light source. The flexible tube also functions as a shield that protects a light detector such as a light source or a photo detector from dirt caused by dust.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the detector 46 is accommodated in a housing part 50 </ b> A near one end of the door panel 24, and the radiation source 42 is accommodated in a housing part 50 </ b> B near the other end of the door panel 24. Although not specifically shown, the flexible tube body 32 is provided on the housing portions 50A, 50B for maximum protection of the sensor components and maximum avoidance of interference with an external radiation source (light source). It extends vertically to each edge or to a position very close to it.

  FIG. 5 schematically shows the configuration of another embodiment. In this embodiment, a single housing 50 contains both the radiation source 42 and the detector 46. A reflector 52 is provided at the other end of the assembly. In this example, the beam 44 emitted from the radiation source 42 is reflected by the reflector 52, and the reflected beam 54 is detected by the detector 46. In such an embodiment, when the tube body 32 is deformed into the optical path of the beam 44 or the reflected beam 54, the detection of the reflected beam 54 by the detector 46 is interrupted. Thereby, an index indicating the detection of the foreign matter at the boundary 28 is given to the controller 60.

  The advantage of this FIG. 5 configuration is that the positions of both the radiation source 42 and the detector 46 are reliably located above a convenient door so that passengers and articles passing through the door opening will collide. It will be away from the position where there is a possibility of doing. In particular, when the housing 50 is appropriately protected, the radiation source 42 and the detector 46 are not easily affected by dust. Furthermore, the configuration as shown in FIG. 5 is more convenient for signal communication between the detector 46 and the controller 60.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 illustrating a technique for attaching a flexible member 26 supported on a selected surface to this surface. In this example, the mounting assembly 30 includes a frame member 62 that is secured to a selected surface by a fastener 64. In this example, the selected surface is a part of the door frame member 22. A support plate 66 is accommodated in the passage portion 34 of the tube body 32. In one example, the support plate 66 extends over most of the length of the tube body 32. Each of the connection plate 68 and the frame member 62 is provided with an opening through which the fastener 70 passes, and the fastener 70 fixes the mounting plate 66 and the flexible tube main body 32 in a desired position. The illustrated example also includes a protective cover 72 to provide a cosmetic appearance that covers the components shown in FIG. When the cover 72 is used, it is desirable that the cover 72 has sufficient flexibility so as not to hinder the deformation of the flexible member 26 due to contact with a foreign substance that has approached the boundary 28.

  Another advantage in the flexible tube embodiment is that this can reduce the gap or gap at the boundary 28. A gap dimension G exists between the door panel 24 and the door frame member 22 in the example. When the tube main body 32 is positioned as shown in the figure, the gap dimension of the boundary 28 at a place where a foreign substance may enter the gap between the door panel 24 and the door frame member 22 becomes a smaller dimension F. This reduction in gap size can further protect foreign objects from the potential for being drawn into the boundary 28.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, showing the main part of another embodiment. In this example, the tube body 32 includes a protrusion 80 that further reduces the gap dimension F at the boundary 28 between the flexible member 26 and, for example, the door panel 24.

  Further, the embodiment of FIG. 7 includes a blocking portion 82 supported by a rib 84 in the passage portion 34. In this example, the rib 84 effectively partitions the passage portion 34 into the first portion 34A and the second portion 34B. As can be seen, the second portion 34B is close to the boundary 28. In this example, the radiation beams 44 and 54 pass through the first portion 34 </ b> A of the passage portion 34.

  The rib 84 includes a curved portion 86 and an inclined portion 88 that are relatively easily deformed. As can be seen from the drawing, the curved portion 86 is directed toward the first portion 34 </ b> A side of the passage portion by the inclined portion 88. The configuration of FIG. 7 shows an example of the tube main body 32 in a free state where no foreign matter is in contact.

  FIG. 8 shows a state in which foreign matter is colliding with the tube body 32 in the vicinity of the boundary 28. In this example, in the vicinity of the second portion 34 </ b> B of the passage portion, a force due to contact indicated by a symbol C in the drawing acts on the tube body 32. In this state, the deformation of the tube body 32 in the direction away from the door panel 24 is promoted by the relatively easily curved portion 86 and the inclined portion 88. In this state, the blocking unit 82 moves to a position where at least one of the radiation beams 44 and 54 is blocked. Thus, an index indicating that a foreign object has been detected in the vicinity of the boundary 28 is obtained. One advantage of having a blocking portion 82 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is that tolerances in adjusting the axis of the radiation beam 44 are greater. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the configuration of this embodiment can be detected when a foreign object approaches the boundary 28 in such a manner that the foreign object is drawn into the gap between the door panel 24 and the door frame member 22.

  FIG. 9 shows another state of the embodiment of FIG. In this example, a force indicated by a symbol D is applied by the foreign matter that has contacted the tube main body 32. In this example, the inclined portion 88 of the rib 84 prevents the portion constituting the second portion 34B of the passage portion of the main body 32 from being deformed. Instead, only the portion of the main body 32 corresponding to the first portion 34A of the passage portion is deformed. In this example, the tube body 32 is effectively prevented from being deformed to the position where the beams 44 and 54 are blocked by the position of the illustrated blocking portion 82.

  One advantage of such a configuration is that it can prevent false detection when a foreign object approaching the boundary 28 is unlikely to be drawn. For example, when the foreign object is at the position of the arrow D, the possibility that the foreign object is drawn into the boundary 28 during the relative movement between the door panel 24 and the door frame member 22 is small. Thus, the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9 provides one method that can accommodate various forms of contact or collision with the flexible member 26 and provides an index of foreign object detection only in the desired or selected situation. Is given to the controller 60.

  FIG. 10 schematically shows another embodiment of the flexible member 26. In this embodiment, the flexible member 26 includes a mounting tab 90 that is received in the groove 92 of the door panel 24. Such a configuration provides an alternative method for securing the flexible member 26 in a desired position relative to the selected boundary 28.

  In this embodiment, the flexible member 26 is a substantially cylindrical tube provided with a tube body 94. A fluid 96 is sealed inside the tube main body 94. When at least a portion of the tube body 94 is deformed, the fluid 96 in the tube moves and the pressure of the fluid 96 in the tube changes at least locally. The sensor 40 detects such a change in pressure and determines, for example, whether or not it is an obvious change that is likely to be drawn into the boundary 28 or that indicates contact with a foreign object that has already been drawn.

  The example of FIG. 10 includes a pressure transducer 98 supported relative to the tube body 94, which can detect pressure changes in the fluid 96 within the tube. In one example, the fluid is a gas. Another example of fluid is a liquid. Another example of fluid is a gel. In one example, the fluid 96 comprises silicone. In another example, air is used.

  When the pressure changes (this is generally detected as a pressure increase reaching a predetermined threshold), the sensor 40 sends an indicator to the controller 60, which responds to the door 60 in a pre-programmed form. Control the operation automatically.

  FIG. 11 schematically shows an example of a door assembly including a flexible member 26 according to another embodiment. In this example, the flexible member 26 is made of a cord 100. One advantage in some examples of using a code is that the code enters the boundary gap and is not visible from the outside. A switch 102 is associated with one end of the cord 100, and the other end of the cord 100 is fixed to the door frame member 22 via a mounting portion 104. Desirably, tension is applied to the cord 100, and when a foreign object at the boundary 28 comes into contact, a corresponding portion of the cord 100 is deformed. The switch 102 is activated by the movement of the code 100, and an index indicating the detection of the foreign matter at the boundary 28 is sent to the controller 60.

  In some examples, it may be desirable to support the cord 100 in response to movement of the door panel 24. FIG. 12 schematically shows a configuration example for such a purpose. In this example, one end of the cord 100 is supported by the attachment portion 104 near one end portion of the door panel 24. The other end of the cord 100 is attached to the hanger plate 108 associated with the door panel 24 at the connection 106.

  In the example of FIG. 12, the sheave 110 is supported by the door hanger 108. The cord 100 is at least partially wrapped around the sheave 110 and extends toward the sheave 112. In this embodiment, the sheave 112 is related to a drive mechanism for automatically moving the door panel 24 (that is, the automatic door drive mechanism 61). Another sheave 114 is associated with this moving mechanism. In this example, when the cord 100 contacts a foreign object at the boundary 28, the sheave 112 moves due to the deformation of the code 100, and an associated switch 102 provides an indication of the detection of the foreign object at the boundary 28.

  While various examples of detection mechanisms have been described, those skilled in the art will appreciate from the above description what type of configuration should be selected or what combination of configurations is useful to meet the requirements of a particular situation. Could be realized. Furthermore, the above description will enable those skilled in the art to show that combinations of various features of the disclosed embodiments are useful under certain circumstances.

  The above description is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiments do not depart from the spirit of the invention. The scope of legal protection in the present invention is defined only by the claims.

Schematic which shows typically the door assembly of the Example of this invention. Schematic seen from one end of an example of a door assembly. Schematic seen from the one end part of the other example of a door assembly. Schematic which shows the principal part of the detection mechanism of this invention. Schematic which shows the other example of a detection mechanism. Sectional drawing of the Example of FIG. 5 cut along the XX line of FIG. Sectional drawing similar to FIG. 6 which shows the other Example of the flexible member in the detection mechanism of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the Example of FIG. 7 in another state. Sectional drawing which shows the Example of FIG. 7 in another state. Sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the other Example of a detection mechanism. Schematic which shows the principal part of the other example of a door assembly. Schematic which shows the principal part of the other example of a door assembly.

Claims (7)

A door panel that automatically moves between an open position and a closed position;
A flexible member supported near the boundary between the door panel and another structure and deformed at least partially in response to a foreign object contacting the corresponding part;
A sensor that detects deformation of the flexible member and provides an index indicating that there is a foreign object near the boundary;
A door assembly comprising:
The flexible member comprises a tube having a rectangular cross section having a passage portion and at least a partially soft outer surface;
The tube divides the passage portion into a second portion near the boundary and a first portion opposite to the boundary, and a side wall facing the outside of the tube is opposite to the second region near the boundary. And a rib connected to the side wall so as to partition the first region, and the rib is curved toward the first portion in response to the second region being pressed. Configured to deform,
A blocking portion whose position changes with the curved deformation of the rib extends from the rib into the first portion,
The sensor
A radiation source emitting at least one radiation beam along the longitudinal direction of the tube into the first portion of the passage;
A detector for detecting the at least one radiation beam;
Comprise, the radiation beam is configured to detect that it has been blocked by the deformation of the tube,
The blocking section and the radiation beam are blocked by the blocking section by the curved deformation of the rib when the second area is pressed by a foreign object, and the first area is pressed by the foreign object. The door assembly is arranged so that the blocking portions do not block the radiation beam when they are moved . A door drive mechanism that automatically moves the door panel between an open position and a closed position;
A controller that controls the door drive mechanism in response to the indicator from the sensor;
The door assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:   3. The door assembly according to claim 1, wherein the radiation source is located near one end of the door panel, and the detector is located near the other end of the door panel.   The radiation source is located near one end of the door panel, the detector is located near this one end of the door panel, and the sensor includes a reflector near the other end of the door panel, and radiates from the radiation source. The door assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one radiation beam reflected by the reflector and detected by the reflector is detected by the detector.   The door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the radiation comprises light. It said radiation source and said detector of at least one door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a rigid cover that surrounds at least a portion. The door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the flexible member is fitted in a gap between the door panel and another structure so as to be hidden from the line of sight.

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