EP1659252B1 - Operating process for a motorised system for closure and motorised system for closure comprising hardware and software means for implementing said method - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves transmitting acknowledgement signals, after modification of adjustment of a parameter value. The acknowledgement signals are different according to whether the value is an end value or not. The parameter takes a finite number of intermediate values between two end values. The acknowledgement signals transform a given adjustment level or given adjustment variation. An independent claim is also included for a motorized closing/occulting/sun protecting/shield device.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a motorized closure, concealment, sun protection or screen device comprising a mobile element operable by means of an actuator and a nomadic remote control used to carry out an adjustment. the value of an operating parameter of the device, the value of this parameter being able to be modified between two extreme values. It also relates to a motorized device operating according to this method.

The adjustment of adjustment parameters necessary for the proper operation of operation of closing devices, occultation, sunscreen or screens such as for example a garage door, a shutter or a blind is a subject recurrent related to the motorization of these devices.

These parameters to be determined include the force applied to an obstacle, the sensitivity of obstacle detection and the de-stressing time.

There are, in fact, very strict standards defining the conditions under which the device must be able to detect an obstacle and react accordingly. On the other hand, it is important to protect the closure device against repeated mechanical stresses.

It is known from the prior art different methods for adjusting some of these parameters.

The US Patent 4,638,433 describes, in its introductory part dealing with the known prior art, a motorized garage door device equipped with manual means of adjusting the forces provided by the motor to move the door. A disadvantage of this system is obviously the risk of error that can lead to dangerous operating conditions, not allowing the safety of a person being stuck under the door during a closing movement. The patent proposes, to solve this problem, an automatic method for determining the maximum forces that will be provided by the motor in the door device operating mode, in a learning mode. According to this method, a complete cycle of opening and closing of the garage door is performed. During this cycle, the forces necessary to move the door are measured and the maximum forces that can be provided subsequently by the engine are deduced from them, for example by fixing the maximum forces as being equal to the forces required to move the door increased. 10%.

In the request for WO 96/39740 the described parameter setting method differs from the method described in the aforementioned patent in that a training cycle is performed semi-automatically. A maximum effort threshold that can be provided by the motor is first set to a relatively low level. If, during the learning cycle, the forces required to drive the door are locally greater than the threshold, this threshold is incremented to a higher value. In this way, it is certain that the effort threshold value recorded at the end of the learning procedure allows the door to be driven over its entire travel in the absence of obstacles. The effort threshold is no longer modified unless a new learning cycle is performed.

The US Patent 5,278,480 describes procedures for adjusting the levels of effort and sensitivity for a motorized garage door. These adjustments are not limited to the learning mode, but can still be done in one mode of use.

Finally, the patent application US 2003/0193304 describes a procedure for determining threshold values of operating parameters of a garage door. This document discloses all the features of the preamble of claim 1. Following a learning phase of this procedure, in which threshold values of parameters are established, the user can modify the values of these parameters with the help of a user interface. The device and the procedure that are the subject of this application have disadvantages. On the one hand, when this interface is implanted on a nomadic remote control it causes a significant increase in the size of it. Then, when the user has manipulated the interface to modify a parameter, it is not obvious for him to verify that this parameter has indeed been modified.

The object of the invention is to provide a method of operating a device to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to improve the methods known from the prior art. In particular, the method according to the invention allows changes in parameter values to be made by means of a nomadic remote control having for example only three or four keys. The operating method according to the invention also allows the user or the installer to be informed, using simple means, on the settings he has just made.

The operating method according to the invention is characterized in that after a modification of the setting of the parameter value, an acknowledgment signal is transmitted, the acknowledgment signals being different depending on whether the value of the parameter is or is not an extreme value.

Different embodiments of the method are defined by dependent claims 2 to 9.

The motorized closure, concealment, sun protection or screen device according to the invention comprises a movable element operable by means of an actuator and a remote control of nomadic type used to adjust the value of a operating parameter of the device, the value of this parameter can be modified between two extreme values. It is characterized in that it comprises hardware and software means for implementing the method defined above.

The appended drawing shows, by way of example, an embodiment of a device according to the invention and an embodiment of the operating method according to the invention.

The figure 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of the device according to the invention.

The figures 2 and 3 are chronograms representing means of information of the user.

The figure 4 is a flowchart of a parameter setting procedure performed according to an embodiment of the operating method according to the invention.

The motorized screen device 1 shown in FIG. figure 1 mainly comprises a movable element 5 such as a shutter, driven by an actuator 2. The actuator 2 is connected to a command receiver 3 communicating with one or more issuers of control commands 4 through wireless links. An electronic management unit 6 of the actuator 2 is connected or integrated therewith.

The different issuers of orders are intended to issue orders following actions performed manually by the user on them, via a control interface. These orders are received by the order receiver 3 and routed to the electronic management unit 6 which drives the actuator 2 accordingly. The electronic management unit comprises a logic processing unit 11 provided with a counter 13 and connected to a memory 12.

The actuator 2 is connected to a power supply source (not shown). The command transmitter 4 is nomadic and is therefore powered by an internal power source, battery or accumulator type.

The main advantage of a wireless communication between the command transmitter 4 and the command receiver 3 is obviously to facilitate the installation of such a motorized screen device 1. It also implies having to pair the issuer (s) of orders 4 to the order receiver 3.

The command transmitter 4 comprises a rising control key 7 controlling the winding of the movable element 5, a descent control key 9 controlling the unwinding of the movable element 5 and a stop control key 8 it also comprises a programming key 10 whose activation is less easy to implement than that of a control key. For example, pressing the programming key should be done with a fine point, such as the tip of a pen. This key can be placed on the back side of the issuer of orders. Pressing this key for a fixed duration causes the transmission of an order that switches the device into a programming mode.

In this mode, the installer or the user defines the directions of rotation of the actuator 2 associated with the presses on the control keys 7 and 9, the end positions of the moving element. It also carries out the adjustment of certain operating parameters of the device via the command transmitter 4.

In principle, in the shutter devices, one or more detection means are put in place, so as to detect the actual position of the movable member, its speed of movement and / or the mechanical torque provided by the actuator. In the latter case, a maximum torque threshold value is recorded in the actuator either at the factory or during installation. In the mode of use, exceeding this threshold value by the motor torque supplied by the actuator to drive the movable element automatically causes the actuator to stop. In the case where the actuator comprises a phase shift capacitor AC motor, the torque supplied by the motor can be determined by measuring the value of the voltage across the phase shift capacitor.

The detection means are for example integrated in the electronic management unit 6 as well as memories 12 necessary for the recording of operating parameters such as the threshold value of maximum torque.

In the closing, shading, sun protection or screen devices, different settings must be made before use to ensure proper operation.

These various settings include the recordings of the end positions, the records of rotation direction of the actuator allowing the opening and closing movements of the movable element, the sensitivity value records and the time records. de-stressing.

These last adjustments of sensitivity and time of stress release differ from the other settings in that during these, the installer attributes to the device values included in ranges including in general more than three values which are not associated with any indication visual (allowing the installer to deduce the value of the parameter).

The sensitivity is a parameter for controlling the shutdown of the actuator when the movable element reaches the end of stroke or when it comes into contact with an obstacle. This stop can be triggered by the crossing up a threshold by the drive torque provided by the actuator. This stop can also be triggered by the crossing up a threshold by the variation of the drive torque provided by the actuator. The stop can still be triggered by a logical or mathematical combination of crossing a threshold by the torque or by the variation of the drive torque supplied by the actuator. Threshold values can be prerecorded.

The time of de-stressing is a parameter making it possible to spare the members of the kinematic chain of transmission of the movement of the motor of the actuator to the movable element. In some devices the end of travel of the movable element is detected by an increase in the driving torque and when the feed of the actuator is cut off a brake blocks the transmission chain to prevent any subsequent movement of the movable element. This has the consequence that the stresses generated in the transmission kinematic chain are maintained. To avoid this problem, it is common to control a brake release phase whose duration is called the de-stressing time. During this phase, the motor no longer exerts any force on the components of the transmission kinematic chain and the latter having been stressed release their constraints. The optimum de-stressing time can vary substantially from one device to another.

A default de-stressing time value can be pre-registered in the device. This value can be arbitrarily set at 70 ms.

In principle, a de-stressing phase is applied both after the arrival of the mobile element in the high position and the arrival of the movable element in the low position.

The settings of these parameters can be made in a simple and practical way for the installer, while guaranteeing the safety of operation via the mobile remote control.

The values of the parameters can be adjusted in a programming mode, following learning in particular of the end positions, possible intermediate positions as well as, if applicable, of an automatic determination of the force curve applied between the positions of limit switch.

• être déterminées automatiquement (par détection de surcouple lorsque l'élément mobile présente des butées qui viennent en contact avec un élément de l'ouverture à occulter, par exemple),
• être déterminées semi-automatiquement (l'une des deux fins de course est déterminée automatiquement, l'autre est enregistrée par l'installateur), ou
• être déterminées manuellement (les deux fins de course sont enregistrées manuellement par l'installateur, soit mécaniquement, soit électroniquement).

The end positions can be determined classically. They can for example:

• be determined automatically (by overtorque detection when the movable element has stops which come into contact with an element of the opening to hide, for example),
• be determined semi-automatically (one of the two limit switches is determined automatically, the other is registered by the installer), or
• be determined manually (both limit switches are manually recorded by the installer, either mechanically or electronically).

The stress curve can be determined semi-automatically or automatically as described in the aforementioned patent applications or patents, or in a similar manner during the programming mode.

The range of adjustment of the parameter value, of the sensitivity type or the de-stressing time, can be determined from the values learned during phases previously carried out in the programming mode or given arbitrarily according to the type of device.

Preferably, the adjustment range consists of an integer and finite number of possible values. Incrementing the minimum value to the maximum value is done incrementally. Preferably, the default value of the parameter to be adjusted is the value of the range (generally the maximum or minimum value) leading to the safest operation of the device (from the point of view of protection of persons or equipment). The adjustment of the parameter chosen therefore consists of an offset with respect to the current level of the parameter.

Adjusting the sensitivity:

The description of a sensitivity value setting is made with reference to the figure 4 .

Pressing the programming key 10 of the command transmitter switches the device from the operating mode to the programming mode. In a step 30, a particular ergonomics of simultaneous support on a set of keys of the transmitter of orders or sequential supports on different keys of the transmitter of orders, allows, inside the mode of programming , to enter a phase of adjustment of the sensitivity.

In this adjustment phase, the sensitivity threshold value can be incremented by a given step, respectively decremented by a given step, by pressing the key 7 or the key 9. At a step 40, following each press, a signal of modification of the sensitivity value is sent to the electronic unit 6. The current value of sensitivity is modified according to this signal. In a step 50, after modification, an acknowledgment of receipt of the modification signal is issued. This signal may for example comprise a movement of the movable element.

Depending on whether the registered sensitivity value is an extreme value or an intermediate value of the possible adjustment range for the sensitivity, the acknowledgment signal is different.

For example, as shown in figure 2 when the stored sensitivity value is an intermediate value of the adjustment range, the acknowledgment signal consists of a first movement of the movable element in a first direction for 300 ms, then a stopping of the movable element for 500 ms and finally a second movement of the movable element in a second direction for 300 ms.

For example, as shown in figure 3 when the recorded sensitivity value is an extreme value of the adjustment range, the acknowledgment signal consists of a first movement of the movable element in a first direction for 150 ms, then a stopping of the movable element for 150 ms, then a second movement of the moving element in the first direction for 150 ms, then a stop of the moving element for 500 ms, then a third movement of the mobile element in a second direction for 150 ms, then a stop of the movable element for 150 ms and finally a fourth movement of the movable element in the second direction for 150 ms.

It can be provided additionally or alternatively, particularly in the case of a decrease in the value of the sensitivity below a default value, one or more movements of the movable element (performed automatically or caused by the installer) drive it to an end position to test the selected sensitivity value. Thus, the installer receives feedback on the sensitivity value change and can visually validate the effect of the selected sensitivity value.

In this case, in a step prior to step 30, the movable member is brought to a low end position. In a step 60, subsequent to step 50, the movable element is optionally displaced at a distance from its low end position, then in a step 70, it is moved to the end of the lower stroke. at a step 80, to the installer, to visually appreciate the effect of changing the sensitivity value on stopping the moving element at the end of the low stroke.

Once the sensitivity value has been selected, it is validated and stored by an ergonomics of support on the command keys of the command transmitter 4 (for example by a support of a duration greater than 2 seconds on the key 8). Following this support, a recording signal of the sensitivity value is sent to the electronic unit 6.

This manipulation may be followed by a new acknowledgment signal possibly confirming both the recording of the value and the output of the sensitivity adjustment phase.

Adjusting the de-stressing time:

Pressing the programming key of the command transmitter switches the device from the operating mode to the programming mode. A particular ergonomics of simultaneous support on a set of keys of the transmitter of orders or sequential supports on different keys of the transmitter of orders, makes it possible, inside the mode of programming, to enter a phase of adjustment of the de-stressing time.

In this adjustment phase, the value of the de-stressing time can be incremented by a given step, respectively decremented by a given step, by pressing the key 7 or the key 9. Following each support, a signal of modification of the value of the de-stressing time is sent to the electronic unit 6. The current value of the de-stressing time is modified according to this signal. After modification, an acknowledgment of receipt of the modification signal is issued. This signal may for example comprise a movement of the movable element.

Depending on whether the value of the recorded de-stressing time is an extreme value or an intermediate value of the possible setting range for the de-stressing time, the acknowledgment signal is different.

For example, as shown in figure 2 when the value of the recorded de-stressing time is an intermediate value of the adjustment range, the acknowledgment signal consists of a first movement of the moving element in a first direction for 300 ms, then a stop of the moving element for 500 ms and finally a second movement of the movable element in a second direction for 300 ms.

For example, as shown in figure 3 when the value of the recorded de-stressing time is an extreme value of the adjustment range, the acknowledgment signal consists of a first movement of the moving element in a first direction for 150 ms, then a stop of the element moving for 150 ms, then a second movement of the movable element in the first direction for 150 ms, then a stopping of the movable element for 500 ms, then a third movement of the movable element in a second direction during 150 ms. ms, then a stop of the moving element for 150 ms and finally a fourth movement of the movable element in the second direction for 150 ms.

The acknowledgment signal could also be different from that for the sensitivity setting.

It can be provided additionally or alternatively, particularly in the case of a decrease in the value of the de-stressing time below a default value, that one or more movements of the moving element (performed automatically or caused by the installer) lead the latter to an end position in order to test the value of the chosen de-stressing time. Thus, the installer receives a feedback on the change in value of the de-stressing time and can visually validate the effect of the value of the chosen de-stressing time.

Once the value of the de-stressing time has been chosen, it is validated and memorized by an ergonomics of support on the control keys of the command transmitter 4 (for example by a support lasting more than 2 seconds on key 8). Following this support, a signal for recording the value of the de-stressing time is sent to the electronic unit 6.

This manipulation can be followed by a new acknowledgment signal possibly confirming both the recording of the value and the output of the adjustment phase of the de-stressing time.

ergonomics

One or more ergonomics can be implemented to trigger the adjustment phases of these parameters.

These ergonomics must be complex enough not to be realized by chance while remaining executable.

A first ergonomics can be set up for entry into a setting menu, during which the different phases of adjustment of the sensitivity value, the time value of de-stressing, and possibly the values of other parameters are carried out successively. Alternatively, a new ergonomics distinguishes each new parameter to be adjusted in this menu.

Another solution is to provide ergonomics specific to each adjustable parameter.

Finally, a last solution, allowing the use of the same ergonomics for different parameters consists in imposing an initial condition, for example of the position of the movable element: for example, the adjustment of the de-stressing time is carried out when the moving element is in the low position, the sensitivity setting being made when the movable element is in the up position.

Another possibility is to enter a setting mode of a first setting threshold of the de-stressing time when the movable element is in the upper end position, to enter a setting mode of a second threshold of adjusting the de-stressing time when the movable member is in the low end position and allowing entry into the sensitivity setting mode if the movable member is in any position except the limit switch. Due to the position conditions of the movable element, the particular ergonomics of entering the adjustment mode can be identical for the settings of the various parameters.

Preferably, the signals for modifying the value of a parameter are in fact incrementation or decrementation commands of the counter 13 of the electronic management unit 6, the values of the counter being associated with parameter values.

The logic processing unit may also comprise a digital-to-analog converter and a comparator, the value of the counter being applied to the input of the converter and the output of this converter being used as a value to be compared with another measured value in the device such as an image voltage of the torque supplied by the actuator.

The values of the counter 13 can be used as a multiplying coefficient of a basic value determined for example during the programming mode to define a value of no adjustment.

In the case where the threshold of a parameter such as the sensitivity threshold is defined by the evolution of several physical quantities, a modification of the threshold value of this parameter may involve the modification of several physical values.

In the case where the number of values that a parameter can take is limited, a specific acknowledgment signal can be associated with each value. For example, for a setting range having four values: a minimum value, a lower intermediate value, an upper intermediate value, and a maximum value, the acknowledgment signal may include a round-trip movement to confirm that the value of the parameter is the minimum value, two movements of going back to confirm that the value of the parameter is the lower intermediate value, three movements of going back to confirm that the value of the parameter is the upper intermediate value and four movements to go back to confirm that the value of the parameter is the maximum value.

Alternatively, the value of the parameter set can be translated by a position of the movable element. For example, after a parameter has been set to its minimum value, the moving element is moved to its low position, whereas after this parameter has been set to its maximum value, the movable element is moved to its maximum value. 'to its high position. All the intermediate parameter setting values may correspond to intermediate positions of the movable element.

Upon entry into the parameter-related adjustment mode, the movable element can be moved automatically to reach the height representative of the parameter value in memory. Setting the parameter value then causes the moving element to move from this reference position. Preferably, the mobile element is moved from the reference position in one or another direction intuitively corresponding to an increase or a decrease in the value of the parameter.

The ergonomics of setting the threshold could, in these cases, be directly indicated by a succession of presses on one of the control keys 7, 9 in a given time.

It should be noted that the acknowledgment signal may also be transmitted by radio waves from the command receiver 3 to the nomadic remote control 4 and that this latter may have, for example, a light-emitting diode of information of the user or installer. In this case flashes of the diode may be emitted in replacement of movements of the movable element. The threshold value can also be displayed on a screen replacing the diode.

When a new setting is made, the threshold value can be reset to its initial level before any adjustment or keep its current value: in the latter case, it is sufficient for the installer to increase or decrease the current value used as a function of the observation of the device and the need for adjustment that results.

Such a method of operation is quite suitable for a roller shutter device. Indeed, unlike garage doors, the load seen by the actuator of a roller shutter is not constant depending on the movement. An adjustment of operating parameters that does not require an additional interface and that remains accessible to an installer or a user is particularly useful in this case.

Claims (10)

1. Operating method for a motorized system (1) for closure, privacy, solar protection or screening, comprising a moving element (5) that can be operated via an actuator (2) and a handheld-type remote control (4) used to set the value of an operating parameter of the system (1), the value of this parameter being modifiable between two limit values, wherein, after the setting of the parameter value has been modified by the handheld-type remote control (4), an acknowledgement signal is sent by the system (1), the acknowledgement signals differing according to whether the parameter value is or is not a limit value.
2. The operating method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the parameter can take a finite number of intermediate values between the two limit values and wherein a specific acknowledgement signal is associated with each of the intermediate and limit values.
3. The operating method as claimed in claim 2, wherein an acknowledgement signal reflects a given setting level or a given setting variation.
4. The operating method as claimed to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the acknowledgement signal includes a movement of the moving element (5), until a position representative of the parameter value is reached.
5. The operating method as claimed to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, in a first mode of operation of the system (1), presses on buttons (7, 8, 9) of the remote control (4) are used to control the movements of the moving element (5), and wherein, in a second mode of operation of the system (1), presses on said buttons (7, 8, 9) of the remote control (4) are used to modify the parameter value.
6. The operating method as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein, in the second mode of operation of the system (1), presses on said buttons (7, 8, 9) of the remote control (4) cause a counter (13), the values of which are associated with parameter values, to be incremented or decremented.
7. The operating method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the acknowledgement signals include movements of the moving element (5).
8. The operating method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating parameter is a sensitivity or a duration.
9. The operating method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a modification of the setting of the parameter is accompanied by a movement of the system allowing the set parameter value to be checked.
10. Motorized system (1) for closure, privacy, solar protection or screening, including a moving element (5) that can be operated via an actuator (2) and a handheld-type remote control (4) used to set the value of an operating parameter of the system, the value of this parameter being modifiable between two limit values, which comprises hardware (6, 11, 12, 13) and software means for implementing the method according to one of the preceding claims.

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