CN103958812B - Electric safe curtain - Google Patents

Abstract

This application discloses electric safe curtain.A kind of example safety barrier assembly for controlling to touch equipment includes track and includes the barrier of socket.Described barrier can move in described track between open and closed positions.Described open position makes it possible to touch equipment, and described closed position is essentially prevented from touching equipment.This example safety barrier assembly also includes: sensor, and it identifies that described barrier is the most in the closed position；And fixing device, it includes when barrier is identified as in the closed position the part by described female receiver.Interaction between described part and described socket prevents barrier from removing from closed position.

Description

electric safety curtain

related application

This application is a continuation-in-part of US Application No. 13/288,790 filed November 3, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

technical field

This invention relates generally to screens and, more particularly, to motorized shades.

Background technique

To help prevent injury, safety barriers are often used to control access to moving or dangerous machinery. Examples of these machines may include machining centers, saws, shears and press brakes. Some security barriers have movable access doors with various sensors for determining whether the door is open or closed. In some cases, to prevent unsafe access to machinery, automatic locks prevent doors from being opened accidentally.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a front view of an exemplary barrier with its shade in an open position.

Figure 2 is a front view of the screen shown in Figure 1 but showing the shade in an intermediate position between the open and closed positions and showing a portion of the track in section.

Figure 3 is a front view of the screen shown in Figure 1, but showing a section of the shade and track in a closed position.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 .

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational configuration of exemplary second and third safety devices.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram similar to Fig. 6 but showing another operational configuration of exemplary second and third mounting devices.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram similar to Fig. 6 but showing another operational configuration of exemplary second and third mounting devices.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram similar to Fig. 6 but showing yet another operational configuration of exemplary second and third mounting devices.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 4 but showing an exemplary cleaning device.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5 but showing the exemplary cleaning device shown in FIG. 10 .

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 4 but showing another exemplary safety device.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5 but showing the exemplary safety device shown in FIG. 12 .

Figure 14 is a diagram representing machine readable instructions that may be executed to implement the apparatus shown in Figures 1-13, 16 and 17.

15 is a block diagram of an example processing system that may execute the instructions shown in FIG. 14 to implement the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-13 , 16 and 17 .

16 and 17 are cross-sectional views of exemplary safety barriers that may be used to practice the examples disclosed herein.

detailed description

Examples disclosed herein relate to safety systems that enable a machine to be safely operated by allowing or preventing access to the machine based on the state of the machine (eg, safe state, unsafe state). In some examples, the security system includes a barrier or curtain, one or more wireless interlock switches, and/or one or more fixtures or solenoids. In operation, when the barrier reaches the closed position, the wireless interlock switch can be activated, which in turn sends a signal to the safety relay, processor, control system and/or safety PLC input. Based on the received information that the barrier is in the closed and/or down position, the control system may generate and/or send a signal to the immobilization device to extend the associated interlock pin engaged with the barrier. In some examples, power is supplied to the fixture to retract the pin, and power is removed from the fixture to extend the pin.

When the latch pin is extended and secures the barrier in the closed position, the contacts of the securing device and/or the locking switch may be activated, which in turn deliver one or more signals to the second safety relay and/or safety PLC input. When the control system receives information that either the safety relay or the safety PLC input is active, the control system may determine that the barrier is secured in the closed position. In instances where safety relays are used, safety rated output devices may be connected in series. In some examples, the control system may be communicatively coupled to the security system (eg, one or more elements of the security system). In some examples, the control system may remotely control the security system or be integrated into the security system.

Exemplary barriers for machine guarding and other applications disclosed herein include vertically moving roller shades with multipurpose guides attached to the lower corners of the shade. In some instances, the guides add substantial weight to the shade. While the added mass increases the object's inertia, the added weight of the guide actually increases some shade closing speed. In some instances, the guide plate also allows or enhances the operation of the three safety devices. In some examples, portions of one or more safety devices are carried by the guide plate. In some instances, the substantial mass of the guide provides additional downward momentum to the lower leading edge of the closing shade. Increasing the downward momentum of the shade provides an additional force that, in some embodiments, helps to positively engage the lock that holds the shade in its closed position. In some instances, the guide plate provides a hard stop edge to the soft leading edge curtain.

1-5 illustrate an example barrier 10 with an example shade 12 movable over a selected opening 14 . Figure 1 shows the leading edge 16 of the shade 12 in an open position exposing the opening 14, Figures 2 and 4 show the leading edge 16 between its open and closed positions, and Figures 3 and 5 show the leading edge 16 in its closed position, wherein The curtain 12 blocks the opening 14 .

While barrier 10 may be used in a variety of applications, barrier 10 includes safety features that may make barrier 10 useful as a guard for selective access to potentially hazardous machinery 18 . Barrier 10 is particularly useful for guarding machines that, even after being shut down, have momentum that can remain at dangerous levels for a period of time. Examples of machines 18 include, but are not limited to, machining centers, saws, shears, press brakes, and the like.

To open or close the screen 10 by raising or lowering the screen 12, respectively, the illustrated exemplary screen 10 includes a motorized drive unit 20 that includes a motor 22 that rotates a drum 24 on which the screen 12 is wound. Depending on the direction of rotation determined by the controller 26 , the roller 24 selectively pulls the shade 12 upward to expose the opening 14 or loosens the shade 12 to lower the shade across the opening 14 . When the shade 12 is lowered, the rollers 24 controllably release the shade 12 while the weight of the shade 12 helps to pull the shade 12 downward. To help guide the vertical movement of the shade 12 , in this example the shade 12 includes side edges 28 each extending into a slot 30 in a generally vertical track 32 ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The rails 32 that engage the side edges 28 of the shade 12 help support the shade 12 along its vertical length when the barrier 10 is closed.

The term "curtain" refers to a sheet of material which, when positioned along a substantially vertical plane, provides substantially meaningless vertical support because the sheet of material is unsupported along its vertical length tends to bend or fold under its own weight. Examples of shades include, but are not limited to, one or more layers of fabric, one or more layers of flexible polymer sheets, flexible curtains, and the like. The term "motorized drive unit" when referring to a shade means any motorized device capable of raising or lowering a shade. Examples of motorized drive units include, but are not limited to, motor-driven drums (e.g., drums rotated by electric motors, hydraulic motors, or air motors), winches, lifts, and linear actuators (e.g., linear motors, motor-driven lead screws, hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, etc.). The term "controller" refers to any electrical system that provides control signals. Examples of controllers include, but are not limited to, computers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), circuits, electromechanical relays, and various combinations thereof.

In the example shown, the screen 10 includes two multipurpose guides 34 located at the lower corners of the shade 12 . In some examples, each guide plate 34 includes two plates 34 that sandwich the shade 12 therebetween. In some examples, the guide plate 34 serves various functions of allowing or facilitating the lowering of the shade 12 and/or allowing or facilitating the operation of the three safety devices and/or sensors 36, 38 and 40 (Figs. 1 and 4). In some examples, the first safety device 36 is a non-contact proximity sensor that detects when the barrier 10 is closed and the second safety device 38 is an electromechanical switch having electrical contacts that respond to the barrier 10 being closed. Closed is physically forced closed (or forced open), and the third safety device 40 is a solenoid released mechanical lock. In some examples, the barrier 10 has six safety devices, with one set of safety devices 36, 38, and 40 mounted near the leading edge 16 at one side edge 28 of the curtain 12, and another set of safety devices 36, 38, and 40. Mounted adjacent to the front edge 16 at the other side edge 28 of the shade 12 . While details and examples of safety devices 36, 38 and 40 will be described later, the multiple functions of some examples of guide plate 34 will first be described as follows:

First, in some instances, the guide plate 34 adds substantial weight to the lower end of the shade 12 to help keep the shade 12 vertically taut and to help pull the shade 12 downward when the drive unit 20 controllably releases the shade 12 . In order to ensure that the guide plate 34 exerts a downward pull on the shade 12, the guide plate 34 is made of a denser material than that of the shade 12. Thus, the guide plate 34 has the weight to force the shade 12 to move downward during closing. In some examples, guide plate 34 is made of steel while shade 12 includes a polymer sheet.

Second, in some examples, one or more guides 42 and/or 44 ( FIGS. 2 and 4 ) are attached to the guide plate 34 to limit slack in the horizontal direction and/or to keep the shade 12 in the horizontal direction. Was basically stretched. Guide plate 34 places guides 42 and 44 within track 32 and prevents the lower ends of side edges 28 of the shade from being pulled out of track 32 because guides 42 and 44 do not fit through relatively narrow slot 30 of the track.

Third, in some embodiments, the guides 42 and 44 attached to the guide plate 34 provide an excellent secure place for mounting the first cordless portion 36a of the first security device 36 . To ensure precise alignment between the first wireless portion 36a and the first electrical portion 36b of the first safety device 36 when the barrier 10 is closed, in some examples the guide 42 (and/or the guide 44) has an inclination A surface, or tapered surface 46 , is shaped to cooperatively engage a tapered lead-in face 48 (the first tapered lead-in face) fixed with respect to the track 32 . Angled surface 46 engaging tapered lead-in surface 48 ensures proper alignment with respect to both relative vertical positioning and horizontal spacing between portions 36a and 36b of security device 36 (eg, portions 36a, 36b adjacent to each other). In some examples, the guide plate 34 provides a lower hard stop edge 33 for the shade 12 . While the leading edge 16 of the shade is relatively flexible, the more rigid hard stop edge 33 provides a more precise stop point for the shade 12 as the edge 33 engages the end stop 35 on the track 32 .

Fourth, in some examples, the guide plate 34 provides a means for adding a second wireless portion 38a of a second safety device 38 to the shade 12 . In some examples, the second wireless portion 38a is a mechanical actuator in the form of a metal blade or tongue 50 that extends from the guide plate 34 and is insertable in a housing 54 containing the second electrical portion 38b of the second safety device 38 in the slot 52.

Fifth, in some examples, guide plate 34 provides sufficient downward momentum 56 ( FIG. 7 ) to shade 12 to force third wireless portion 40a into locking engagement with third electrical portion 40b of third security device 40 . In some examples, the second and third wireless sections 38a and 40a share a common structure in the form of a multipurpose actuator. In the example shown, wireless portions 38a and 40a share a common actuator (eg, tongue 50). Additionally, in some examples, both the second and third electrical sections 38b and 40b are housed within the same common housing 54 . In the example shown, electrical portions 38b and 40b share a common housing. The terms "common actuator" and "common housing" mean that two or more components share the same structure.

Although the construction and application of safety devices 36, 38, and 40 may be implemented and/or performed in many different ways, in some instances, first safety device 36 provides a non-contact method for detecting whether barrier 10 is closed. device. As previously mentioned, the first security device 36 includes a first electrical part 36b and a first wireless part 36a. The term "wireless" when referring to the first, second and third wireless parts 36a, 38a, and 40a means that the item (e.g., wireless part 36a) is where the wires do not conduct power to or electrical signals from the item kick in. The term "wireless" does not necessarily mean that the item in question (eg, wireless portion 36a) is completely free of internal circuitry. In some cases, for example, first wireless portion 36a includes an RFID device having internal circuitry that is externally stimulated by electromagnetic radiation from some instance of first electrical portion 36b.

Examples of the first wireless portion 36a include, but are not limited to, magnets, ferrous blocks, reflectors (eg, barcodes, white markers, reflective paint, mirrors), and RFID devices, among others. More specific examples of the first wireless portion 36a include, but are not limited to, models Eva p/n20-046-xx available from Jokab Safety, Inc. of Westland, Michigan; and Rockwell Automation, Inc. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The non-wired or wireless portion of the Allen-Bradley Sensaguard switch. Examples of the first electrical part 36b include, but are not limited to, Adam p/n 2051-xx, available from Jokab Safety, Westland, MI; and Allen-Bradley, available from Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The wired portion of the Sensaguard switch.

For mounting the first security device 36, some examples of the guide 42 are made of a non-ferrous material (eg, plastic, aluminum, brass) and include a notch or recess 58 for mounting the first wireless portion 36a. The recess 58 helps protect the first cordless portion 36a from damage by preventing the first cordless portion 36a from rubbing against the inner surface of the track 32, and the non-ferrous material quality of the guide 42 makes possible contact between the first electrical portion 36b and the first cordless portion 36a. Communication interference is minimized. In some examples, bracket assembly 60 for mounting first electrical portion 36b includes various slots 62 that provide a means for adjusting the position of first electrical portion 36b.

In some examples, the second safety device 38 includes a second electrical portion 38b and a second wireless portion 38a that provide the actual physical contact means for determining whether the barrier 10 is closed. In some examples, the second wireless portion 38a is a mechanical member having physical characteristics (e.g., thickness, width, and/or edge of the tongue 50) that are physically closed when the barrier 10 is closed (or at some Open in the example) electrical contacts 64 in the second electrical part 38b of the second safety device 38 . Examples of the second electrical portion 38b include, but are not limited to, the internal electromechanical switch (e.g., switch 66) of the Allen-Bradley Model 440G-MT Guard Lockout Switch supplied by Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and its wired contacts or electrical contacts. contacts (e.g., contact 64); and the internal electromechanical switch and its wired contacts of an Euchner model STA3A-4141A024RC18 safety switch supplied by Euchner-USA, Inc. of East Syracuse, New York, or Electrical contacts (eg, contacts 64).

Examples of the second wireless portion 38a include, but are not limited to, the Allen-Bradley Model 440G-MT Guard Locking Solenoid Switch Mechanical Actuator (e.g., Mechanical Actuator p/ n440K-A11112 or 440K-A17116) and Switch Movement Characteristics of Mechanical Actuator for Euchner Safety Switch Model No. STA3A-4141A024RC18, supplied by Euchner-USA, Inc., East Syracuse, NY . In addition or alternatively, other examples of the second wireless portion 38a include, but are not limited to, a tongue sandwiched between two guide plates 34 and protruding downward from the guide plates 34, a protrusion extending integrally from the guide plates 34 (wherein “ Integrally extending from the guide plate 34” means that the tab and guide plate comprise a single piece without a seam connecting the tab to the guide plate), and the tab and tab are secured or welded to the guide plate 34.

In some examples, the third safety device 40 includes a third electrical portion 40b and a third wireless portion 40a for ensuring that the shade 12 is physically kept locked in its closed position under certain predetermined conditions. In some examples, the third cordless portion 40a includes a locking feature (e.g., opening 70 in the tongue 50) that allows the third cordless portion 40a to hook or lock in place when the barrier 10 is closed. A spring loaded solenoid 74 extends over the plunger 72 . In some examples, tongue 50 includes physical features for both second and third wireless portions 38a and 40a. An example of the third wireless portion 40a includes, but is not limited to, the mechanical actuator portion of the Allen-Bradley model 440G-MT guard locking solenoid switch available from Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (e.g., p/n 440K-A11112 or 440K-A17116); and the locking feature of the mechanical actuator portion of the Euchner model STA3A-4141A024RC18 safety switch provided by Euchner-USA, Inc. of East Syracuse, New York.

In some examples, the third electrical portion 40b includes a solenoid 74, an electrical terminal 76 for the solenoid, a plunger 72, and a mechanism for urging the plunger 72 from its retracted position (FIG. 9) to its normally extended position ( The spring 78 of Fig. 6 and 8). Energizing solenoid 74 from terminal 76 drives solenoid 74 to retract plunger 72 from its normally extended position to its retracted position. De-energizing the solenoid 74 allows the spring 78 to extend the plunger 72 if the plunger 72 is not otherwise restrained from extending. Examples of the third electrical portion 40b include, but are not limited to, the Internal Electric Solenoid of Allen-Bradley Model 440G-MT Guard Lockout Switch supplied by Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; The internal electric solenoid of the Euchner model STA3A-4141A024RC18 safety switch supplied by Euchner-USA, Inc. In some examples, the second and third electrical sections 38b and 40b are housed within a common housing 54 as previously mentioned.

An exemplary method of operating the barrier 10 is as follows. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6 , an output signal 80 of the controller 26 commands the drive unit 20 to lower the shade 12 at a predetermined speed to close the barrier 10 . In some examples, the predetermined speed varies over the travel of the shade 12, eg, the shade 12 accelerates and decelerates. Arrow 82 in FIG. 2 indicates that the shade 12 is lowered at a predetermined speed. In addition to the drive unit 20 controllably releasing the shade 12, the weight of the shade, including the weight of the guide plate 34, provides a substantial downward force 84 for moving the leading edge 16 of the shade downward. FIG. 2 shows the downward momentum 86 of a substantial magnitude due to the downward travel of the shade 12 at a predetermined velocity. In some instances, particularly where the shade 12 comprises a polymeric sheet material and the guide plate 34 comprises a metallic material, the guide plate 34 traveling with the shade 12 provides a substantial percentage of the downward momentum of the shade 12 .

As leading edge 16 approaches its closed position shown in FIGS. 3 , 5 and 8 , beveled edge 46 engages lead-in surface 48 to physically guide cordless portions 36 a , 38 a and 40 a into respective electrical portions 36 b , 38 b and 40b and properly align the wireless parts 36a, 38a and 40a with the corresponding electrical parts 36b, 38b and 40b. The term "proper alignment" and its derivatives refer to horizontal and/or vertical positioning to achieve a desired result. The portions 36a, 36b, 38a, 38b, 40a, 40b may be properly aligned when the corresponding portions 36a, 36b, 38a, 38b, 40a, 40b are adjacent, engaged and/or fixed relative to each other. Additionally or alternatively, the lower edge 88 of the tongue 50 engages a secondary lead-in surface 90 ( FIG. 4 ) on the spacer 91 to guide the tongue 50 into the slot 52 of the housing 54 . In other words, the secondary introduction surface 90 guides the tongue 50 into the switch housing.

In some examples, as the guide plate 34 lowers the tongue 50 into the slot 52, as shown in FIGS. , lever, trigger, etc.) engagement (for example, from normally open to forced closed or from normally closed to forced open). Open or close contact 64 provides controller 26 with a signal (eg, feedback signal) 94 indicating whether barrier 10 is open or closed.

Additionally, in some examples, when tongue 50 enters slot 52 , tongue 50 engages plunger 72 , which is part of third electrical portion 40 b of third safety device 40 . 7 shows barrier 10 applying a closing force 96 that pushes third wireless portion 40a (e.g., tongue 50) into locking engagement with third electrical portion 40b (e.g., plunger 72) of third security device 40, wherein in some instances The intermediate closing force 96 includes the combined result of the weight of the shade and the downward momentum 86 of the shade. 7 also shows the third safety device 40 when the closing force 96 pushes the third wireless part 40a (eg, the tongue 50) into locking engagement with the third electrical part 40b (eg, the plunger 72 of the third electrical part 40b). The third electrical portion 40b exerts (eg, via the spring 78 and plunger 72 ) an upward resistance 98 on the third cordless portion 40a (eg, on the tongue 50 ), wherein the closing force 96 is greater than the upward resistance 98 .

In some examples, as shown in FIG. 2 , the drive unit 20 applies a downward feed force 100 to the shade 12 by controllably releasing the shade 12 . FIG. 2 also shows that the portion 102 of the downward feed force 100 is transferred to the third wireless portion 40a (e.g., to the tongue 50) through the curtain 12 and the guide plate 34, wherein the downward feed force to the third wireless portion 40a Portion 102 of 100 is less than the upward resistance 98 exerted by third electrical portion 40b (eg, plunger 72 ) on third cordless portion 40a. Thus, while portion 102 assists in positively locking third security device 40 , in some instances, portion 102 alone is not sufficient to lock tab 50 into locking engagement within housing 54 of third security device 40 . Thus, in this example, the combined result of the closure force 96 includes the weight of the shade 12 , a substantial amount of downward momentum 86 and a portion 102 of the downward feed force 100 .

Also shown in FIG. 2 , when the shade 12 is lowered, the barrier 10 prevents the shade 12 from buckling and keeps the shade 12 in a vertical orientation by limiting the predetermined rate of descent of the shade 12 and relying on the weight of the shade 12 and/or the weight of the guide plate 34 Pull roughly tight. In some instances, at some times during the descent of shade 12, drive unit 20 limits the velocity of descent of shade 12 to be less than the tip free fall velocity of the object or in some instances less than the velocity of descent of shade 12 achieved by gravity alone.

To control the operation of the barrier 10, in some examples, the first electrical portion 36b of the first safety device 36 is communicatively coupled (eg, via a wired or wireless connection) to deliver the first and/or feedback signal 104 to the controller 26 , the second electrical portion of the second safety device 38 is communicatively coupled (eg, via a wired or wireless connection) to deliver the second signal 94 to the controller 26, and the controller 26 is wired and/or communicatively coupled (eg, via wired or wireless connection) to the third electrical portion 40b of the third safety device 40 to deliver the excitation and/or output signal 106 to the solenoid 74, and the controller 26 is communicatively coupled (eg, via a wired or wireless connection) to The drive unit 20 delivers an output signal 80 for controlling the operation of the drive unit 20 . Additionally, in some examples, controller 26 is communicatively coupled (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection) to receive machine state signal 108 from device 110 indicating whether machine 18 is in a predetermined safe state (e.g., stopped, stationary) . As previously mentioned, barrier 10 is particularly useful for guarding machines (machines 18) that have momentum that can remain at dangerous levels for a period of time even after closure; Whether the electrical part 40b switches between its activated and deactivated states determines whether the third safety device 40 releases the curtain 12 or not. In some examples, signals 80, 94, 104, 106, and 108 are used as follows:

Once the first and second safety devices 36 and 38 determine that the shade 12 is closed and the third safety device 40 locks and maintains the shade 12 in the closed position, the controller 26 responds to a response from the respective first safety device 36 and second safety device 38 . Feedback signals 104 and 94 of the system allow and/or command the machine 18 to start operating (the machine 18 is in the running state). In some instances, triggering or actuation of safety devices 36, 38, and 40 occurs substantially simultaneously, perhaps with some insignificant time delay. Triggering and/or actuation may occur substantially simultaneously to account for time delays caused by, for example, shade 12 moving to the fully closed position. After machine 18 is started, in some examples, controller 26 prevents barrier 10 from opening until machine status signal 108 from device 110 indicates that machine 18 is safe or stopped (eg, in a safe state). In some examples, the controller 26 prevents the shade 12 from opening by maintaining and/or allowing engagement between the third electrical portion 40b and the third wireless portion 40a. In some cases, machine 18 may not necessarily be safe or stopped immediately after machine 18 is de-energized or shut down due to the momentum of the machine (e.g., in a situation where machine 18 is coasting while machine 18 is moving due to momentum ).

After status signal 108 indicates that it is safe to open barrier 10 , in some examples, controller 26 outputs signal 106 to energize solenoid 74 . In some examples, energizing the solenoid 74 releases the third wireless portion 40a (eg, the tongue 50 ) by retracting the plunger 72 from within the opening 70 . The controller 26 then outputs a signal 80 to the drive unit 20 to raise the shade 12 .

In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the barrier 10 ′ includes a cleaning device 112 for removing dust and other contaminants from one or more security devices (eg, first security device 36 ). In some examples, the cleaning device 112 provides less resistance to the shade 12 closing under its own weight than the cleaning device 112 provides to the shade 12 opening under the power of the drive unit 20 . In some examples, cleaning device 112 includes a brush 114 (eg, bristles, wipers, etc.) extending from pivot rod 116 . In some examples, magnets are used instead of or in addition to brushes 114 as a means of removing ferrous contaminants from one or more safety devices 36 , 38 , and/or 40 . In the illustrated example of brush 114 , pin 118 pivotally connects rod 116 to guide 42 . The second pin 120 limits rotational movement of the rod 116 about the pin 118 . As the drive unit 20 lifts the shade 12 upwardly, as shown in FIG. 10 , the upward movement of the shade 12 pulls the brush 114 upwardly across the surface of the first electrical portion 36b of the first safety device 36 . The brush 114 swept up the surface of the first electrical part 36b forces the lever 116 to pivot counterclockwise, as shown in FIG. 10 , until the second pin or stop 120 stops the rotation of the lever 116 . This positions the cleaning device 112 at a location where the brushes 114 are able to exert a meaningful cleaning pressure on the surface of the first electrical part 36b.

Then, when the barrier 10' is closed and the curtain 12 is lowered, the brush 114 sweeping down the surface of the first electrical part 36b tilts the cleaning device 112 clockwise to the position shown in FIG. 11 . In this inclined position, relatively little friction exists between the brushes 114 and the surface of the first electrical portion 36b so that the shade 12 can be lowered easily without meaningful resistance from the brushes 114 .

Additionally or alternatively, a cleaning device 112 is used in a similar manner to clean the surface of the first cordless portion 36a. In these examples, the cleaning device 112 is pivotally attached at a fixed position relative to the track 32, and the brush 114 sweeps the surface of the first wireless portion 36a when the barrier 10' is opened and/or closed. As with the examples shown in Figures 10 and 11, the cleaning device 112 is still configured to provide greater frictional brushing force when the shade 12 is raised than when the shade 12 is lowered.

In some examples, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the barrier 10" includes: a second security device 122 comprising a second wireless portion 122a and a second electrical portion and/or a proximity sensor 122b; and a third security device 124, It includes an opening or socket 70 in the tongue or extension 50 and a third electrical portion and/or solenoid 124b. In some examples, the second electrical portion 122b is a proximity sensor (e.g., electric eye, Hall effect sensor , etc.), the second wireless part 122a is the axial face of the plunger 126 of the solenoid, and the third electrical part 124b is the solenoid.

As shown in FIG. 13 , extending the solenoid plunger 126 through the opening 70 locks and holds the shade 12 in its closed position. When the third electrical portion 124b is fully extended, the second electrical portion 122b detects the presence of the second wireless portion (eg, the axial face of the plunger) 122a, thereby determining that the third safety device 124 is fully actuated. When the second electrical part 122b detects the second wireless part 122a while the first security device 36 senses that the shade 12 is in its closed position, the controller 26 determines that the barrier 10" is secure with the shade 12 locked in its closed position. of.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart representing example machine readable instructions that may be executed to implement the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-13. The example computer readable instructions of FIG. 14 may be executed to control a barrier system based on feedback. The example process shown in FIG. 14 may be performed using a processor, controller, and/or any other suitable processing device. For example, the exemplary process shown in FIG. 14 may use coded instructions stored on a tangible computer-readable medium, such as flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), and/or random-access memory (RAM) (e.g., computer readable instructions) to implement. As used herein, the term tangible computer readable medium is expressly defined to include any type of computer readable memory and to exclude propagating signals. Additionally or alternatively, the exemplary process shown in FIG. 14 may use data stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), cache, or Coded instructions (e.g., computer readable instructions) on any other storage medium for storing information for any duration (e.g., for an extended period of time, permanently, briefly, for temporary buffering, and/or caching of information) to implement. As used herein, the term non-transitory computer readable medium is expressly defined to include any type of computer readable medium and to exclude propagating signals.

Alternatively, some or all of the exemplary blocks shown in FIG. 14 may be implemented using application specific integrated circuits (ASIC(s)), programmable logic devices (PLD(s)), device (FPLD(s)), discrete logic, hardware, firmware, etc. in any combination. Additionally, some or all of the exemplary blocks shown in FIG. 14 may be implemented manually or as any combination of any of the foregoing methods, eg, any combination of firmware, software, discrete logic, and/or hardware. Additionally, while the exemplary process shown in FIG. 14 is described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14, other methods of implementing the process shown in FIG. 14 may be employed. For example, the order of performing the blocks may be changed, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, subdivided, or combined. Additionally, some or all of the exemplary blocks shown in FIG. 14 may be executed sequentially and/or in parallel, eg, by separate processing threads, processors, devices, discrete logic, circuits, and the like.

When controller 26 receives barrier information (e.g., feedback) from first electrical section 36b, second electrical section 38b, and/or third electrical section 40b, and/or when controller 26 receives machine status from machine 18 information (block 1402), the exemplary process shown in Figure 14 begins. In some examples, the barrier information includes information regarding whether the shade 12 of the barrier 10 is in a closed position, a secured position, an unsecured position, an open position, or the like. In some examples, the machine information includes information about whether machine 18 is in an unsafe state, a safe state, an operational state, or the like.

The controller 26 determines whether the barrier 10 is in a secured state (block 1404). The controller 26 may determine that the shade 12 of the barrier 10 is in the secured state based on feedback from the first electrical portion 36b and/or the second electrical portion 38b (eg, barrier information). If the barrier 10 is not in the secured state, the controller 26 determines by, for example, requesting and receiving feedback from the operator using a user interface (e.g., monitor, keyboard, etc.) and/or based on feedback received at block 1402 Whether to move the barrier 10 to the closed position and secure the barrier (block 1406).

If the barrier 10 is in the secured state, the controller 26 determines whether to allow the machine 18 by, for example, requesting and receiving feedback from an operator (e.g., monitor, keyboard, etc.) and/or based on feedback received at block 1402. operation (block 1408). If the controller 26 determines that machine operation is permitted, the controller 26 determines whether the machine state is associated with a safe state based on, for example, feedback received at block 1402 (block 1410 ). Machine 18 may be associated with a safe state if, for example, a portion of machine 18 that could injure an operator (eg, a saw blade) is not moving and/or is in a safe position. If the controller 26 determines that the machine 18 is not in a safe state, the controller 26 maintains the barrier 10 in the secured position until a safe state is achieved (block 1412).

If the controller 26 determines that the machine 18 is in a safe state, the controller 26 determines the safety status by, for example, requesting and receiving feedback from the operator using a user interface (e.g., monitor, keyboard, etc.) and/or based on the feedback received at block 1402. It is determined whether to move the barrier 10 to the open position (block 1414). If the barrier 10 is to be moved to the open position, the controller 26 moves the shade 12 to the open position (block 1416).

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an example processor system 1500 that may be used to execute the example instructions shown in FIG. 14 to control barriers. As shown in FIG. 15 , processor system 1500 includes processor 1502 coupled to interconnection bus 1504 . Processor 1502 may be any suitable processor, processing unit or microprocessor, and may implement controller 26 . Processor system 1500 may be a multi-processor system and, thus, may include one or more additional processors the same as or similar to processor 1502 communicatively coupled to interconnection bus 1504 .

The processor 1502 shown in FIG. 15 is incorporated into a chipset 1506 including a memory controller 1508 and an input/output (I/O) controller 1510 . Chipset 1506 typically provides I/O and memory management functions as well as a number of general and/or special purpose registers, timers, etc. that may be accessed or used by one or more processors incorporated into chipset 1506 . Memory controller 1508 performs the functions that enable processor 1502 (or processors, if there are multiple processors) to access system memory 1512 and mass storage 1514 .

System memory 1512 may include any desired type of volatile and/or non-volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM) etc. Mass storage 1514 may include any desired type of mass storage device, including hard drives, optical drives, magnetic tape storage devices, and the like.

I/O controller 1510 performs the functions that enable processor 1502 to communicate with peripheral input/output (I/O) devices 1516 and 1518 and network interface 1520 through I/O bus 1522 . I/O devices 1516 and 1518 may be any desired type of I/O device, eg, keyboard, video display or monitor, mouse, etc. Network interface 1520 may be, for example, an Ethernet device, an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) device, an 802.11 device, a DSL modem, a cable modem, a cellular modem, etc. that enable processor system 1500 to communicate with other devices such as the sensors described above .

Although memory controller 1508 and I/O controller 1510 are described in FIG. 15 as separate modules within chipset 1506, the functions performed by these modules may be integrated within a single semiconductor circuit, or two or more may be used. realized by an independent integrated circuit.

16 and 17 depict an exemplary barrier 1600 that may be used to practice the examples disclosed herein. Exemplary barrier 1600 may include fewer parts, may be easier to assemble and/or provide a reliable connection to maintain barrier 1600 in a closed position. Exemplary barrier 1600 includes a second safety feature 1602 that includes a recessed portion, socket and/or cutout 1604 and a locking mechanism and/or solenoid 1606 . Groove 1604 may include a first surface or step 1608 , a second surface 1610 and a third or tapered surface 1612 .

In order for the extension or plunger 1614 to securely engage the groove 1604 and thereby secure the barrier 1600 in the closed position, the first surface 1608 may be substantially perpendicular to the second surface 1610 . To facilitate entry of the plunger 1614 into the groove 1604, the third surface 1612 may be tapered. In this example, the first wireless portion 36a and the cutout 1604 are oppositely positioned on and/or within the guide plate 34 . However, the first and second security devices 36 and 1602 may be positioned differently. For example, second safety device 1602 may be positioned such that plunger 1614 engages the top surface of guide plate 34 and/or guide 44 when plunger 1614 is extended. In these examples, the top surface of guide plate 34 and/or guide 44 may be substantially untapered. Additionally or alternatively, the second safety device 1602 may be positioned at 90 degrees relative to the first safety device 36 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the track 32 .

In some examples, the second electrical part 1606 is a safety switch with guard latch from Euchner Corporation. However, any other means may be used to secure the barrier 1600 in the closed position. Additionally, although not shown, the example barrier 1600 may include additional and/or optional safety features as disclosed herein.

In operation, the controller 26 may receive information from the first safety device (eg, proximity sensor, sensor) 36 that the barrier 1600 is in the closed position. When controller 26 determines that barrier 1600 is in the closed position, controller 26 may extend plunger 1614 into slot 1604 to secure barrier 1600 in the closed position. The controller 26 may determine that the barrier 1600 is in the closed position based on feedback received from the first safety device 36 and/or the associated safety relay. The first connection portion 1616 of the second electrical portion 1606 may not be in the extended position, and the second connection portion 1618 of the second electrical portion 1606 may be in the extended position. Information related to first and/or second connections 1616 and/or 1618 may be communicated to controller 26 . Such information may be used by controller 26 to determine whether barrier 1600 is secured in the closed position. If the controller 26 receives information that the device is in the safe state, the controller 26 may retract the plunger 1614 from the groove 1604 to enable the barrier 1600 to move to the open position. The first link 1616 may be in the retracted position, and the second link 1618 may not be in the retracted position. Information related to first and/or second connections 1616 and/or 1618 may be communicated to controller 26 . Such information may be used by controller 26 to determine whether barrier 1600 is in an unsecured position.

As disclosed herein, an exemplary security barrier assembly for controlling access to a device includes a track and a barrier including an outlet. The barrier is movable within the track between an open position and a closed position. The open position enables access to the device. The closed position substantially prevents access to the device. The exemplary safety barrier includes: a sensor that identifies when the barrier is in a closed position; and a securing device that includes a portion that is received by the receptacle when the barrier is identified as being in a closed position. Interaction between the portion and the socket prevents movement of the barrier from the closed position.

In some examples, the barrier includes guides extending into the track to guide movement of the barrier. In some examples, the guide body defines the socket. In some examples, the guide includes a tapered surface that engages the lead-in surface of the safety barrier assembly to enable the barrier to move relative to at least one of the sensor or the fixture. an alignment. In some examples, a controller in communication with the safety barrier assembly moves the barrier from the closed position based on feedback received from the device. In some examples, a controller in communication with the fixture extends the portion into the receptacle based on feedback received from the sensor. In some examples, the barrier includes an extension defining the socket, the extension being received by the slot of the safety barrier assembly when the barrier is in the closed position. In some examples, the socket includes a hole. In some examples, the barrier includes a flexible curtain. In some examples, the portion includes a plunger.

Another exemplary security barrier assembly for controlling access to a device includes a track and a barrier movable within the track between an open position and a closed position. The open position enables access to the device. The closed position substantially prevents access to the device. The exemplary safety barrier includes: a sensor that identifies when the barrier is in a closed position; and a securing device that includes an extension that engages a portion of the barrier when the barrier is recognized as being in a closed position. Interaction between the extension and the portion prevents movement of the barrier from the closed position.

In some examples, the extension interacts with the socket of the guide body to prevent movement of the barrier from the closed position. In some examples, the socket includes a tapered surface that enables the extension to be guided into the socket. In some examples, a controller in communication with the safety barrier assembly controls the barrier and the fixture based at least on feedback received from the device. In some examples, responsive to the controller receiving feedback associated with the device being in a safe state, the controller causes the fixture to move the portion to enable movement of the barrier and cause the barrier to Move from closed position.

An exemplary method of providing a security barrier assembly for controlling access to equipment includes providing a track and providing a barrier including a guide. The barrier is movable within the track between an open position and a closed position. The open position enables access to the device and the closed position substantially prevents access to the device. The method includes: incorporating a sensor to the track for identifying when the barrier is in a closed position; and coupling a securing device to the track. The securing means interacts with the guide body to prevent movement of the barrier from the closed position when the barrier is identified as being in the closed position. In some examples, the method includes incorporating a target to the guide body, the target enabling the sensor to identify when the barrier is in the closed position.

Another exemplary method of operating a security system includes: receiving an instruction to close a barrier; sensing that the barrier is in a closed position; transmitting a first signal associated with the barrier being in a closed position; and receiving a signal based on the barrier being determined is the second signal in the closed position. The second signal causes the securing means to secure the barrier in the closed position.

In some examples, the method also includes delivering a third signal associated with the barrier being secured in the closed position. In some examples, sensing that the barrier is in the closed position includes sensing that an object is adjacent to a sensor.

While some exemplary methods, apparatus, and article of manufacture are described herein, the scope of coverage of the invention is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the teaching of equivalents.

Claims (18)

1. A security barrier assembly for controlling access to equipment, comprising: track; a barrier movable within the track between an open position that enables access to the device and a closed position that substantially prevents access to the device; a guide mounted to the barrier and positioned within the track, the guide retained in the track to guide movement of the barrier, the guide comprising a socket; a sensor that identifies when the barrier is in the closed position; and A securing device comprising a portion received by the socket when the barrier is identified as being in the closed position, interaction between the portion and the socket prevents movement of the barrier from the closed position. 2. The security barrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the guide includes a tapered surface that engages the lead-in face of the security barrier assembly to enable the barrier to move relative to the At least one of the sensor or the fixture is aligned. 3. The safety barrier assembly of claim 1, wherein a controller in communication with the safety barrier assembly moves the barrier from the closed position based on feedback received from the device. 4. The safety barrier assembly of claim 1, wherein a controller in communication with the fixture extends the portion into the receptacle based on feedback received from the sensor. 5. The safety barrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the barrier includes an extension defining the socket, the extension being received by a slot of the safety barrier assembly when the barrier is in the closed position. 6. The security barrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the socket comprises a hole. 7. The security barrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the barrier comprises a flexible curtain. 8. The safety barrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the portion comprises a plunger. 9. A security barrier assembly for controlling access to equipment, comprising: a track defining a narrower slot; a barrier movable within the track between an open position that enables access to the device and a closed position that substantially prevents access to the device; a guide attached to said barrier and placed within said track, said guide remaining in said track due to said narrower slot; a sensor that identifies when the barrier is in the closed position; and A securing means comprising an extension engaging a portion of the guide when the barrier is identified as being in the closed position, the interaction between the extension and the portion preventing movement of the barrier from the closed position. 10. The safety barrier assembly of claim 9, wherein the portion of the guide that engages the extension is a socket of the guide. 11. The safety barrier assembly of claim 10, wherein the socket includes a tapered surface that enables the extension to be guided into the socket. 12. The safety barrier assembly of claim 10, wherein a controller in communication with the safety barrier assembly controls the barrier and the fixture based at least on feedback received from the device. 13. The safety barrier assembly of claim 12, wherein in response to the controller receiving feedback associated with the device being in a safe state, the controller causes the fixture to move the portion so that the The barrier is movable and the barrier is moved from the closed position. 14. A method of providing a security barrier assembly for controlling access to equipment, the method comprising: providing a track with grooves; providing a barrier comprising a guide placed within the track, the guide not fitting through the slot of the track, and the barrier being movable within the track between an open position and a closed position , the open position enables access to the device, the closed position substantially prevents access to the device; incorporating a sensor to the track for identifying when the barrier is in the closed position; and A securing means is coupled to the track, the securing means interacting with the guide to prevent movement of the barrier from the closed position when the barrier is identified as being in the closed position. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising incorporating a target to the guide, the target enabling the sensor to identify when the barrier is in the closed position. 16. A method of operating a security system comprising: receiving instructions to close a barrier having a guide retained in a track to guide movement of the barrier and prevent side edges of the barrier from being pulled out of the track; sensing that the barrier is in a closed position; delivering a first signal associated with the barrier being in the closed position; and Receiving a second signal based on the barrier being determined to be in the closed position causes a securing means to engage a receptacle in the guide to secure the barrier in the closed position. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising delivering a third signal associated with the barrier being secured in the closed position. 18. The method of claim 16, wherein sensing that the barrier is in a closed position includes sensing that an object is adjacent to a sensor.