EP1319795B1 - Tube drive apparatus with control system in a shading or darkening device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a controlled tubular drive a shading or darkening element, such as Sonnenschutzbehanges of textile material, or a roller shutter, wherein the shading or darkening element is rollable on a winding shaft and a closure rail and optionally a locking mechanism for the unrolled position, wherein the Control is provided with a commander for starting the rolling or rolling movement.

As shading elements come Sonnenschutzbehänge - they are also called screens -, such as awnings, blinds or the like sun protection systems into consideration, in which instead of a shutter, a glare protection is achieved by means of a cloth. The cloth is bordered at its one end to a closing rail, which is guided laterally in associated building side rails. At the other end, the cloth is fixed to a shaft whose rotational movement leads to a rolling or rolling movement.

A controlled tubular drive according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from EP-A 0 315 036 known. In order to avoid disturbing rattling noises due to wind in the unrolled position, a locking mechanism for the terminus rail is provided there. In this case, for example, pivotable elements or hooks on the end rail interact with stationary locking elements in the guide rails. The locking then takes place so that the hooks of the closure rail when rolling the cloth over the stationary locking elements in the guide rails pass away and then in a short reversing movement of the cloth in the Engage locking elements, which stops the end rail and the cloth is stretched and tightened by the further movement of the engine. This clamping can only be done by a counter-movement.

To operate such a locking mechanism, the closing rail is moved to a lower position. The drive is reversed, causing the drive to run in reverse, the locking elements engage and the fabric is tensioned.

For retracting the awning, the winding shaft is first set in the sense of lowering the drop bar in motion, thereby unlocking the detent gear takes place. Thereafter, the winding shaft is rotated in the sense of winding the awning fabric, whereby the lock is disengaged from the locking gear and the awning can be retracted freely.

The individual movements of the cloth are realized in the prior art via external controls with predetermined time constants.

A disadvantage of this prior art is that the drive and the control must always be set to the particular circumstances. Often there is no sufficient process reliability. Also, the attitude for the fitter - especially if it is not trained personnel - proves to be quite difficult and time consuming. Another disadvantage is the stress on the cloth, which is loaded with the rated torque of the drive. Through this strong stretching, the cloth loses its elasticity and can be overstretched.

From the JP-A-2001 173 347 a control for a tubular drive of a shading or darkening element is known, in which the respectively opposite during the movement of the shading or darkening element is taken into account.

From the DE 196 15 554 A1 For example, there are known a method and a device for controlling a blackout system in which a pulse generator can be provided which uses pulses for determining the actual position of the blackout device

The object of the invention is therefore to propose a controlled tubular drive for a shading or darkening element of the type mentioned, which is easily adjustable on the one hand for unskilled fitters and on the other hand, not overstretched even in years of operation, the shading or obscuring.

This object is achieved by a controlled tubular drive with the features of claim 1.

The invention thus has two special features over the controls according to the prior art. On the one hand, the control moves regardless of whether an up or a move is desired, the shading or darkening element always in two directions when the unrolled end or the intended locking position is reached. On the other hand, the succession of rotational movements (up-down or down-up) depends not only on the switch position or position of the commander, but also where the shading or darkening element (more precisely its end rail) is currently located (position control) and what resistance its further movement requires there (moment control).

While in simple controls, the retraction of the rolled-up curtain by adjusting a switch in the closed position and a rotational movement of the winding roll only in the unwinding direction, according to the invention when adjusting the command generator or the switch in the on position, a shutdown and then a position- and torque-controlled driving carried out in the vicinity of the end position or the locking position.

While in simple controls the unrolling of the unrolled curtain by adjusting the switch in the open position and by a sole rotational movement of the winding roll only in the retraction, according to the invention when adjusting the command generator in the up position from a locking position is only a short, positions - and torque-controlled shutdown and a subsequent startup.

Instead of the timing according to the above-mentioned prior art, a position control and a torque control is used according to the invention, whereby the on-site initial setting is much easier - it can namely usually already specified by the factory. In addition, overstretching of the shading element is avoided by incorrect settings. The drive does not pull with the rated torque of the motor on the shading element, but only expands it by a certain, factory-set distance or up to a factory preset maximum torque, which or material is not overloaded, but is still sufficiently taut to flutter and rattling movements to avoid by the wind.

According to the stop commands or the turn commands are not timed, but given position and torque controlled. Position control means that the control measures the position of the shading or darkening element of the blind or the end rail and uses this as a manipulated variable (as a trigger for switching on or off). Torque control means that the torque of the drive is measured and used as a manipulated variable. The torque control is particularly material-friendly, since a once preset voltage value is never exceeded.

In position control, the shading or darkening element moves up to certain positions. In torque control, the shading or obscuring element moves until some resistance to further movement occurs.

According to the invention, a combination of both controls is provided. This allows the shading or darkening element to reach a certain position be moved and then (after snapping) to a certain position or to a certain force (moment) to be withdrawn.

According to the invention, incremental encoders are provided on the winding shaft for position determination. This allows a particularly favorable and accurate position determination. Any occurring elongations are compensated automatically, for example by means of a difference determination between an upper defined position and a lower defined position of the shading or darkening element.

In principle, all devices or sensors suitable for this purpose can be used to measure the moment of the shading or darkening element or the end rail. The measurement of the torque to be applied can be done via force gauges or springs. The drive is an electric tubular motor used, which is housed together with gear in the winding shaft. This is a common technique that has been proven in many awnings or roller shutters.

Obviously, the invention is also applicable to blinds.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the winding shaft above the building opening, so the window or door, arranged so that when rolling the shading or darkening this building opening closed by gravity, for example, the screen so is approached, and ascended when rolling up the screen. It is also possible to reverse this arrangement, so that the winding shaft is below the window and the shading element is raised upwards, thereby closing the building opening. In this case, of course, gravity can not be the driving force, but a motor must pull the closing rail with the curtain from the wound position by means of a pull rope. It is also possible that the winding shaft is attached to the left or right of the opening and the curtain is pulled by a lateral movement.

According to a further embodiment of the invention the left and right of the building opening guide rails for the end rail and / or for the Beschattungsbeziehungsweise obscuring element are provided. Guiding the end rail is recommended for longer running distances, especially for large windows or doors, so that a certainty and definition of the travel is given. A guide of the fabric in the side rail also seals laterally from the sun's rays and, with appropriate fabrics, even allows for an absolute eclipse of the room behind the window.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a locking mechanism known per se is used, which locks or releases when the direction of rotation. Such locking mechanisms are known from ballpoint pens or cabinet doors with vertical axis, as they are particularly used in kitchens, in various designs. Sliding in one direction is always possible (opening), while sliding over in the other direction (closing) is once locked (latching to hold open) and next time is released (closing).

Preferably, a latching mechanism is used, which has a spring-loaded, pivotable cam on each side of the end rail. This cam cooperates with a nose on the building side as a detent element, which always allows the cam to slide over in one direction (downwards), whereas a movement in the other direction (upward) either leads to a locking or allows it to slide over depending on the position of the cam. The locking position and the end positions are normally provided in the vicinity of the unrolled end position. This means that the shading or darkening element is completely undisturbed or unwound over long distances of its travel, while a locking takes place in the end position. However, it is also possible that stop options are provided at intermediate positions, so that the curtain can also be locked there. Thus, for example, in the half of the travel path, a lock may be provided, so that the shading or darkening element partially shaded, but still sufficient light passes.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the sensors for the position forward their information to an evaluation circuit, which in turn operates current reversing means, such as changeover relay, which supply the motor with the current in the desired polarity for ascending or descending.

Further advantages and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiment illustrated in the drawings.

Figuren 1 bis 4

einen erfindungsgemäßen Bewegungsablauf beim Zufahren eines Sonnenschutzbehanges und

Figuren 5 bis 7

einen erfindungsgemäßen Bewegungsablauf beim Auffahren des gleichen Sonnenschutzbehanges

und

Figur 8 eine Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steuerung.

Show it:

FIGS. 1 to 4

a movement sequence according to the invention when driving a Sonnenschutzbehanges and

FIGS. 5 to 7

a movement sequence according to the invention when driving up the same sun protection curtain

and

FIG. 8 an embodiment of a controller according to the invention.

The FIGS. 1 to 4 each show a Sonnenschutzbehang or Screen 2, which is rolled up on a above the building opening (window or door) winding shaft 4 and has at its lower end a cover rail 6. For carrying out the rolling and the rolling movement, a motor 8 is provided in the winding shaft 4. The components transmission and control are not drawn here. The end rail 6 is guided in two guide rails 10, which are attached to the left and right of the building opening. The reference numerals P1, P2, P3 and P4 show four positions of the end rail 6, P1 corresponding to the wound-up position and the positions P2, P3 and P4 being in the vicinity of the shut-down end position.

In FIG. 1 Screen 2 is shown in a middle position. The building opening is approximately half hidden, and the curtain 2 is closed by a rotational movement of the motor 8 down. This rotational movement for closing was triggered by pressing a switch, not shown.

FIG. 2 shows the curtain 2 a little later, namely after a further access, after the end rail 6 has passed the position P2 and has reached the position P3. In this position, the motor 8 is stopped according to the invention by the controller. The hanging 2 then remains (position-controlled) stand. This position (position P3) is so far down that the locking cams of the locking mechanism of the end rail 6 are already below the building-fixed lugs that prevent "snapping" of the curtain.

Fig. 3 shows the further course of the Zufahrbewegung. According to the invention, the circuit polts the current to the motor 8 after stopping in position P3, as a result of which the curtain 2 is rearranged again in part. Now - in this countermovement - grab the noses in the stationary locking elements and the fabric of the curtain 2 is stretched by the short further movement of the motor 8 in the direction of approach.

In the position in FIG. 4 is shown, the end rail is in the position P2, the lock is locked and prevents the end rail 6 further booting. Here, the controller stops the motor either position-controlled or when reaching a certain maximum torque. The fabric is stretched with a predetermined tension and is therefore against rattling and others Wind noise protected. This is also the end position for the shut down curtain 2.

The sequence of shutdown and the short startup and tensioning is carried out according to the invention automatically and position or torque controlled, without the operator person at the switch 18 must remain responsive or switch. Due to the small distance between P2 and P3, only a short, factory-set travel path in the opposite direction (or a rotation up to a preset torque) is given, so that an excessive loading or stretching of the fabric of the curtain 2 is avoided.

The FIGS. 5 to 7 show three different positions of the curtain 2 when driving (opening) by means of a controller according to the invention.

In Fig. 5 is shown the beginning of the Auffahrbewegung. Upon actuation of the switch 18 in the "open" direction, the controller for the first time commands the motor 8 to drive "downwards", so that the closing rail 6 of the curtain 2 moves from position P2 to position P4, which is still slightly below the position P3 is located. The mechanism unlocks. The inhibiting cams are folded over so that they do not engage in the noses when driving past at positions P2 or P3, but slide over them.

Fig. 6 shows the position of the end rail 6 of the curtain 2 in the lowest position P4. Upon reaching this position P4, the controller stops the motor 8 (in this example by a position control) and polts via a relay or otherwise, the current is controlled so that the motor 8 changes its direction of rotation. Again, it can be seen again that the movements are not timed or even by the user, but automatically controlled.

It starts the actual upward movement. This is in FIG. 7 shown. The curtain 2 is wound up on its winding shaft 4 and releases the building opening. The end rail 6 moves up to the position P1, in which the motor 8 is stopped and the raising of the curtain 2 is completed. Again, a position control ("arrived at the top") or a torque control ("can not continue with reasonable force") can be used again.

In addition to the simple and material-friendly operation of the blind during the period of use, the initial setting is easier than in the prior art. Since it is not working in reverse operation via torque changes or position detection, but over time constants, the individual time constants must be taught during initial setting (running time from top to bottom, running time from bottom to a few cm above the lock, running time slightly above the lock to the unlocking).

In the invention, however, the mechanic moves to the initial setting to the upper end position. For example, by means of the torque change occurring there, the drive automatically detects the upper position P1. Then the fitter drives the drive via the position P3 into the lock. There, the circuit recognizes by means of torque change the lower position P2.

Positions P3 and P4 are now set automatically by the drive. In the prior art, therefore, the fitters must therefore additionally set the path between position P1 and position P4.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a controller according to the invention. An electromechanical unit for opening and closing a sunshade curtain (screen 2) consists of a motor gear unit 12 and a control unit 14, which are mounted together in a housing 16. This housing 16 may preferably be located in the winding shaft for the screen 2. Provided is still a located outside of the housing 16 commander, here the switch 18, with which the operator can cause the opening or closing of the screen 2. The control unit 14 is drawn again enlarged and contains a microprocessor (μ-controller) with read-only memory (ROM) and a writable, non-volatile memory (E 2 Prom). The microprocessor has an input for the data of the incremental transducer, thus knows the position of the screen 2, and receives commands from the command response logic. The output of the microprocessor is connected to a current loop logic.

A single travel command ("up" or "down") issued at the switch 18 causes the control unit 14 to move the curtain to certain positions (P1 to P4) while changing the directions of rotation, as described above. In this case, the positions were previously communicated to the control unit 14 in connection with the sole teach-in of the end positions of the curtain and stored in the non-volatile memory (E 2 Prom). The control unit 14 causes the motor gear unit 12 to initiate a rotation command cycle. which consists of at least two rotations undefined duration with different direction of rotation. Its start and end conditions are position-dependent and torque-dependent.

Claims (7)

1. Controlled tubular drive of a shading or darkening element, such as for example a sunshade of textile material, in particular a screen (2), or a roller blind, the shading or darkening element being able to be rolled up on a winding shaft (4) and having an end bar (6) and a locking mechanism for the unrolled position, the control being provided with a command switch (18) for starting the rolling-up or unrolling movement, characterized in that the control has a control unit (14), which on the basis of a manipulated variable for the position of the element and the torque of the tubular drive and in response to just one actuation of the command switch carries out at least two movements of the shading element in different directions, an incremental encoder being provided for the positional determination.
2. Tubular drive according to Claim 1, characterized in that it has an electric motor (8), in particular a tubular motor, arranged in the winding shaft (4).
3. Tubular drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the winding shaft (4) is arranged above the opening in the building and in that, when unrolling over the opening in the building, the shading or darkening element (2) is closed by the force of gravity and, when rolling up, is moved up by the force of the motor.
4. Tubular drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that guide rails (10) for the end bar (6) and/or for the shading or darkening element (2) are provided to the left and right of the opening in the building.
5. Tubular drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism locks or releases when there is a change in the direction of rotation.
6. Tubular drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an evaluation circuit and a centre-zero relay are provided for the activation of the motor (8).
7. Tubular drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (14) has a writable, nonvolatile memory (E2 PROM) for storing positions (P1 - P4) of an end bar of the shading or darkening element (2) and a logic for carrying out a rotation command cycle, which carries out at least two different rotational movements in response to a single control command.

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