EP1843004A1 - End profile of the shutter of a protection device - Google Patents

Abstract

The profile (12) has an electrical driving motor for driving a unit, which permits deployment and folding of an apron (5). An obstacle detection unit (15) detects an obstacle on a path of an apron and connected to a control unit (18) to control the stopping of the motor when the obstacle is detected. An end of course detection unit (19) e.g. strain gauge, detects an end of course of apron`s deployment and is connected to the control unit for controlling the stopping of the motor when the end of course is detected.

Description

The present invention relates to an end section of a protective device apron of the type blind, shutter, mosquito net or the like.

This invention relates to the field of manufacturing devices for equipping a building, more particularly a home, and designed to provide a certain type of protection. Such a device may, in fact and without limitation, be in the form of a sun protection device such as a blind or the like, in the form of a device for protection against intrusion or against daylight such as a shutter or the like, or even in the form of a device for protection against pests such as a mosquito net or the like.

In known manner, such devices comprise an apron and a means for the deployment and folding of the deck, adopting, usually, the shape of a winding shaft and unfolding said deck. This shaft is completed by an electric motor designed to ensure the rotational drive of this shaft for deployment and folding of the deck. The latter has a first end connected to said shaft and a second end, said free, usually provided with an end profile that can be equipped with means for detecting an obstacle on the path of the deck. This detection means is connected to means designed to control the stopping of the drive motor in the event of an obstacle being detected.

In fact and as visible in the document EP-0791716 such an obstacle detection means may be in the form of a rubber tube fitted to the underside of an apron and having, internally, a succession of switches extending over the entire length of the tube. In the absence of deformation of this tube, all the switches are closed so that the flow of an electric current is ensured over the entire length of the tube while in case of contact of the tube with an obstacle, one in the less of these switches is open so that the flow of electric current is interrupted along the length of the tube causing the engine stop command.

Such a detection means makes it possible, in fact, to detect the presence of an obstacle and, in this case, to interrupt the operation of the engine. This detection means also makes it possible to detect the arrival at the end of travel of the apron against the threshold of a door or the like. However, the device described in this document EP-0791716 does not, in any way, to differentiate between an obstacle stop requiring an immediate stop deployment of the apron and a limit stop of the deck, including ajour.

It is still known from the document EP-1245774 a shutter comprising an end profile provided with means designed on the one hand to be deformed under the effect of contact with an obstacle and, on the other hand, to react to such deformation by emitting and / or by modifying an electrical signal capable of controlling the stopping of the drive motor of the apron. This roller shutter is designed in such a way that the deformable means makes it possible to control the stopping of the motor in the event of contact with an obstacle but also in the event of contact with the threshold of the door or the like equipped with such a shutter. In fact, this deformable means is associated with means for processing the emitted and / or modified electrical signal designed to determine, depending on the nature of this signal, whether it is an obstacle stop or a limit switch. apron, this from an electrical signal from a single deformable means. These signal processing means are complex, unreliable and do not always make it possible to determine with certainty the nature of the entity (obstacle, person, threshold, etc.) with which the profile came into contact. Since it is the determination of the nature of this entity that the reaction of the shutter depends (immediate shutdown of the apron drive in case of obstacle, triggering of an alarm signal ...), it is essential that this determination be exact, which is not the case for this device.

The present invention is intended to overcome the disadvantages of devices of the state of the art.

For this purpose, the invention relates to an end section of a protective device apron of the type blind, shutter, mosquito net or the like, comprising a driving motor means for the deployment and for the folding of said apron, this end profile comprising means for detecting an obstacle on the path of this apron and a means, connected to the obstacle detection means, for controlling at least the stopping of the drive motor in case of detection of such an obstacle. This end profile is characterized in that it comprises, again, a means for detecting a deployment limit switch of this apron, this end-of-stroke detection means being, on the one hand, distinct from the means of obstacle detection and, on the other hand, connected to the engine control means to control its stop in case of detection of such a limit switch.

Another feature is that the means for detecting an obstacle is constituted by means for detecting a relative movement, either of the end profile with respect to the deck, or of a second part of this end profile by relative to a first portion of the end profile.

According to an additional characteristic, the means for detecting a limit switch is constituted either by a second means for detect such relative movement, either by a contact detector implanted under the end section.

Another feature of the invention is that the profile comprises a means for distinguishing between a limit switch and an obstacle detection, this means being, in particular, associated or integrated with the engine control means.

The advantages of the present invention consist in that the device comprises, on the one hand, a means for detecting an obstacle and, on the other hand, a means for detecting an end of travel, such means being distinct which allows a separate, simultaneous or even successive operation while controlling the shutdown of the drive motor of the apron. The fact that these means are distinct also makes it possible to distinguish efficiently and with certainty between a limit switch and an obstacle stop and thus to provide an appropriate and proportionate response according to what is detected (engine stop, even, in addition, raising the apron, triggering a visual and / or sound signaling means).

• la figure 1 est une vue schématisée d'un dispositif de protection adoptant la forme d'un volet roulant, équipant une ouverture ménagée au niveau d'un bâtiment et comportant un profilé d'extrémité conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 2 correspond à une vue schématisée, partielle et en détail d'un profilé d'extrémité conforme à un premier mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• la figure 3 est une vue schématisée, partielle et en détail d'un profilé d'extrémité conforme à un second mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• la figure 4 correspond à une vue schématisée, partielle et en détail d'un profilé d'extrémité conforme à un troisième mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• la figure 5 est une vue schématisée et en détail d'un moyen de détection d'un obstacle selon un premier mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 6 correspond à une vue schématisée et en détail d'un moyen de détection d'une fin de course selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, the understanding of which will be facilitated by reference to the accompanying drawings.

• Figure 1 is a schematic view of a protective device adopting the form of a roller shutter equipping an opening provided at a building and having an end profile according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is a schematic, partial and detailed view of an end profile according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 3 is a schematic, partial and detailed view of an end section according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 4 is a schematic, partial and detailed view of an end section according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 5 is a schematic and detailed view of an obstacle detection means according to a first embodiment;
• Figure 6 is a schematic and detailed view of a limit detection means according to a first embodiment of the invention.

The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing devices designed to equip a building, more particularly, a residential building and intended to provide a certain type of protection.

In this regard, in the following description, it will be more particularly refers to a protection device 1 against intrusion or against daylight and adopting the form of a shutter or the like, equipping an opening 2 defined at the level of the masonry 3 of a building and coming to the front of a door 4, window or the like.

It should be noted, however, that the present invention is in no way limited to such a device but also relates to a device for protection against solar radiation and can take the form of a blind or the like. This device may also relate to a device for protection against pests, including mosquitoes, spiders or other, and may adopt the form of a mosquito net or the like.

However, such a protection device 1 comprises an apron 5 which, in the case of a roller shutter, is constituted, at least in part, by a juxtaposition of a plurality of blades 6 (in particular assembled by nesting and / or threaded into each other) and which, in the case of a blind, a mosquito net or the like is in the form of a flexible element, more particularly a piece of cloth or other.

This protection device 1 also comprises a means 7 for deploying and folding the apron 5.

In this respect, it should be observed that such a deployment / folding means 7 is present, but in a non-limiting manner, in the form of a shaft 8 on which is wound and from which said apron 5 is unwound. In the particular case of a shutter, this shaft 8 is, generally, implanted in a box 9 surmounting the door 4, window or other, equipped with said protection device 1.

This protection device 1 comprises, again, a motor 10, more particularly of the electric type, for driving this means 7 of deployment / folding of said apron 5. Again and in the case of a roller shutter, this motor 10 can advantageously be implanted in said box 9 inside which is then folded said apron 5.

In fact, this apron 5 has, on the one hand, a first end secured to said means 7 of deployment / folding and, secondly, a second end 11, said free end, provided with an end section 12 extending at least partly along the edge of this second end 11 of the apron 5.

According to a first embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2, this end profile 12 may be in the form of a single piece, adopting more particularly and in the case of a roller shutter, the shape of a blade, in particular of the final blade type.

However, according to another embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, such an end profile 12 comprises, on the one hand, a first part 13 made integral with the end 11 of said apron 5 and extending at least partly along the edge of this end 11 and, secondly, a second portion 14, extending at least partly along said first portion 13, and secured to the latter 13 through means allowing a relative movement of this second portion 14 relative to said first portion 13 of this end section 12.

In this regard, it will be observed that the means allowing relative movement of the second portion 14 of the end profile 12 relative to the first portion 13 of this section 12, on the one hand, can be constituted by assembly means , in particular by threading, of the two parts 13, 14 of this end section 12 and, on the other hand, allow such a movement at least of the second part 14 of this profile 12 in the direction of the first part 13, in particular according to a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the profile 12.

This end section 12 comprises a means 15 for detecting an obstacle on the path of this deck 5, this more particularly during a deployment maneuver of the deck 5.

According to a first embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2, such an obstacle detection means 15 is constituted by a means 16 designed to detect a relative movement of the end profile 12 with respect to the deck 5.

However, and according to another embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, said obstacle detection means 15 is constituted by a means 17 for detecting a relative movement of the second portion 14 of the end profile 12 with respect to the first portion 13 of this end profile 12.

This end profile 12 further comprises means 18, connected to the obstacle detection means 15, for controlling at least the stopping of the drive motor 10, in case of detection of such an obstacle by this means. detection means 15.

A particular embodiment may consist in that this control means 18 may, in addition to the stop command of the motor 10, control a folding (at least partially) of the deck 5 (in particular by activating the motor 10), or again an activation of an alert or alarm signal, of visual and / or sound type, in particular that includes the protection device 1 or remote type.

In fact and according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, this control means 18 comprises transmission means (more particularly a transmitter, in particular of the radio type or the like) designed to transmit to said motor 10 (more particularly to a receiver therein). associated) at least one stop instruction of this engine 10.

According to the invention, said end profile 12 further comprises means 19 for detecting an end of deployment stroke of this apron 5, such a corresponding end of travel, more particularly and in the case of a roller shutter, at the arrival of the apron 5 (more particularly, the end profile 12 equipping this deck 5) in contact with the threshold 20 of the door 4, window or the like equipped with the protection device 1.

Again and in accordance with a first type of embodiment, such a means 19 of end-of-stroke detection may be constituted by a means 17A relative motion detection.

According to a first embodiment, not shown, such end-of-travel detection means 19 is constituted by means (especially a second means) for detecting a relative movement of the end section 12 with respect to the deck 5. Such means 19 is preferably associated with an end profile 12 having an obstacle detection means 15 adopting the shape of a first means 16 for detecting a relative movement of the end section 12 by report to apron 5.

However, according to another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, such end-of-travel detection means 19 is constituted by a means 17A (especially a second means) for detecting a relative movement of the second portion 14 of the end profile 12 relative to the first portion 13 of this section 12, such a relative movement detection means 17A being of the aforementioned type. Such end-of-travel detection means 19 is preferably associated with an end section 12 comprising an obstacle detection means 15 adopting the shape of a first means 17 for detecting a relative movement of the second part. 14 of the end profile 12 relative to the first portion 13 of this section 12.

Finally and in accordance with a second type of embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, such end-of-stroke detection means 19 is constituted by a contact detector 21 implanted under the end profile 12, preferably close to one end. free of this profile 12.

In this regard, it will be observed that such a means 19 for end-of-stroke detection may be associated with an end profile 12 comprising an obstacle detection means 15 in the form of a means 16 for detecting a relative movement. end profile 12 relative to the deck 5 (Figure 2).

However, according to another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, such an end-of-travel detection means 19 is preferably associated with an end profile 12 comprising an obstacle detection means 15 adopting the shape of a means 17 for detecting a relative movement of the second portion 14 of the end profile 12 with respect to the first portion 13 of this profile 12.

In such a case, this contact detector 21 can be implanted under the second portion 14 of this end profile 12.

According to another characteristic of the invention, said end-of-travel detection means 19 is distinct from the obstacle detection means 15.

In this regard, it will be observed that the end profile 12 comprises, along its length, at least two successive portions 22, 23 and that the means 15 for detecting an obstacle is implanted in a first portion 22 of the end profile. 12 while the end-of-stroke detection means 19 is implanted in a second portion 23 of this end profile 12.

As mentioned above, said end profile 12 has lateral ends 24, 25 which, in the particular case of a roller shutter, are designed to run in lateral slides 31 which a protective device 1 ( figure 1) .

In this regard it will be observed that the means 15 for detecting an obstacle is located near or preferably at a first lateral end 24 of the end section 12, whereas the means 19 for detecting the end of race is located near or preferably at the level of a second lateral end 25 of this end section 12.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, such end-of-travel detection means 19 may, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, be implanted near the second lateral end 25 of the end profile 12 and so that this end-of-travel detection means 19 is situated inside a lateral slide 31 which receives this second lateral extremity 25 of section 12 in a scrolling fashion. Such an embodiment makes it possible, advantageously, to guarantee that this means 19 of detection is activated only in the event of end of travel and in no case in case of contact with any obstacle.

It will be noted that such a detection means (15, 19) can be in the form of a housing which can then be engaged inside an internal volume that has said end profile 12 (at at least partly of hollow type), this at the lateral end (24, 25) of this end profile 12.

According to another characteristic of the invention, said end-of-travel detection means 19 is, like the obstacle detection means 15, connected to the control means 18 of the motor 10 in order to control the stopping of the motor. this engine 10 in case of detection of such a limit switch.

In this regard, it should be noted that the control means 18 can be designed so as to control the stopping of the motor 10 immediately after the detection of an end of travel by the detection means 19. Such an embodiment allows, advantageously and in the case of a shutter, to stop the deck 5 on ajour.

However, and according to a particular embodiment of the invention, these control means 18 may be designed to control the stopping of the motor 10 only after a certain period of time (in particular preprogrammed and predetermined) after the detection end of the race by means of detection 19. Such an embodiment makes it possible, advantageously and in the case of a roller shutter, to stop an apron 5 having openings, either on openings, or in total occlusion position.

An additional feature of the invention is that the end section 12 further comprises means for distinguishing between a detection of a limit switch and an obstacle detection, this means being, in particular, associated or integrated at the control means 18 of the motor 10.

Such an embodiment then makes it possible to control the motor 10 in a specific manner depending on the nature of the detection. Thus and in the event of detection of an obstacle, the motor 10 can be stopped or even actuated to fold (at least partially) the apron 5. Similarly, in the event of detection of an obstacle, these means 18 can control the actuation of a warning and / or alarm means of the aforementioned type. However, and in the event of detection of a limit switch, the motor 10 can be stopped immediately, in particular on openings, or still be stopped in a deferred manner for either a stop on openwork or a complete concealment.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the detection means (15, 19) may be constituted by a strain gauge, a displacement sensor or a position sensor, such a sensor possibly being of optical, magnetic, electromagnetic or the like.

However, according to another type of embodiment, such a detection means (15, 19) comprises an element 26 mounted in displacement relative, as the case may be, to the apron 5, to the end profile 12 or to an element (first 13 or second part 14) of this end profile 12, this under the impulse of a contact (of this element 26, of this profile 12 or the second part 14 of this profile 12) with an obstacle or in case of limit switch. This element 26 is designed to control, directly or indirectly, the means 18 for stopping control of the motor 10, this in case of obstacle detection or limit switch.

In fact, such detecting means (15, 19) may consist, at least in part, of a plunger associated with a solenoid, a switch, a contactor or the like.

An additional feature is that the detection means (15, 19) comprises means 27 for multiplying the displacement of this movable element 26, so as to ensure the control of the control means 18 even in case of low displacement. amplitude of this movable element 26.

The means 27 for multiplying the displacement of the element 26 is constituted by a means for transforming a translational movement of this element 26 into a rocking movement of an arm 28 associated with this element 26 and driven in tilting by this element 26 Said arm 28 is associated with a means 29 for controlling said control means 18.

FIG. 5 shows detection means (15, 19) constituted, at least in part, by a switch and comprising an element 26 integral with displacement of the first part 13 of the end profile 12 and mounted in displacement relative to at the second portion 14 of this profile 12. This element 26 is subjected to a return means 30 in the inactive position (no obstacle or no limit switch detected) and is associated with a means of reduction gear 27 comprising an arm 28 associated with a control means 29 adopting the form of a switch. The latter is designed to be opened in case of detection of an obstacle or an end of race. Obviously, another embodiment could consist of a switch instead of this switch.

FIG. 6 shows end-of-travel detection means 19 constituted, at least in part, by a contactor and comprising an element 26 mounted in displacement with respect to the section 12, more particularly with respect to the second part 14 of this section. 12. This element 26 is designed capable of coming into contact with a threshold 20 or the like, this at the end of travel of the deck 5. This element 26 is associated with a reduction means 27 having an arm 28 subjected to a means 30 of return to idle position (no end of travel detected). This arm 28 is associated with a control means 29 adopting the form of a contactor. The latter is designed to be activated when a limit switch is detected. Obviously, another embodiment could consist of a switch instead of this switch.

The invention also relates to a protection device consisting of a blind, a mosquito net or the like and comprising an apron at least partly constituted by a piece of cloth or the like. Such a device is characterized in that it comprises an apron end section having the above-mentioned characteristics.

This invention also relates to a protective device consisting of a roller shutter or the like and comprising an apron at least partly constituted by a juxtaposition of a plurality of blades, in particular assembled by interlocking and / or threaded into each other. other. This roller shutter is characterized in that it comprises an apron end section having the aforementioned characteristics.

Claims (14)

An end section (12) of apron end (5) of a protective device (1) of the type blind, shutter, insect screen or the like, comprising a drive motor (10) of means (7) for deployment and for folding said apron (5), this end profile (12) comprising a means (15) for detecting an obstacle on the path of this apron (5) and a means (18), connected to the means (15). ) for controlling at least the stopping of the drive motor (10) in the event of detection of such an obstacle, characterized in that it further comprises means (19) for detecting an end of the deployment stroke of this apron (5), this end-of-travel detection means (19) being, on the one hand, distinct from the obstacle detection means (15) and, on the other hand, connected means (18) for controlling the motor (10) in order to control its stopping in the event of detection of such a limit switch. End profile (12) of a protective device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the means (15) for detecting an obstacle is constituted by means (16; 17). for detecting a relative movement, either of the end profile (12) with respect to the deck (5), or of a second portion (14) of this end profile (12) with respect to a first portion (13) of this end profile (12). Protector end section (12) (12) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the means (19) for detecting a limit switch is constituted by a second means (17A). ) for detecting a relative movement of either the end profile (12) with respect to the deck (5) or a second portion (14) of the end section (12) with respect to a first portion (13) the end profile (12). End profile (12) of apron (5) protection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the means (19) for detecting an end of stroke is constituted by a contact detector (21) implanted under the end profile (12), preferably near a free end of this profile (12). Protector end section (12) (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end profile (12) has at least two lengths along its length. successive portions (22; 23) and that the means (15) for detecting an obstacle is implanted in a first portion (22) of the end profile while the end-of-stroke detecting means (19) is implanted in a second portion (23) of the end profile (12). End profile (12) of apron (5) protection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (15) for detecting an obstacle is located nearby, or preferably at a first lateral end (24) of the end profile (12), whereas the end-of-stroke detection means (19) is located in the vicinity, or preferably at the level of, a second lateral end (25) of this profile (12). Protector end section (12) (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection means (15; 19) can be constituted by a strain gauge. , by a displacement sensor or a position sensor, such a sensor may in particular be optical, magnetic, electromagnetic, or the like. Protector end section (12) (12) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the detecting means (15; 19) comprises an element (26). on the one hand, mounted in displacement relative to the apron (5), to the end profile (12) or to a member (13, 14) of this end profile (12), and on the other hand, designed to control, directly or indirectly, the means (18) for stopping control of the engine (10), this in case of obstacle detection or end of stroke. Protector end section (12) (12) according to claim 8, characterized in that the detecting means (15; 19) consists at least in part of a plunger associated with a solenoid, a switch, a contactor or the like. Protector end section (12) (12) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the detection means (15; 19) comprises means (27). to increase the displacement of the movable element (26), in order to control the control means (18) even in case of low amplitude displacement of this movable element (26). Protector end section (12) of a protective device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the means (27) for multiplying the displacement of the element (26) is constituted by means to transform a translation movement of this element (26) into a rocking movement of an arm (28), associated with this element (26), driven in tilting by this element (26) and associated with a control means ( 29) of said control means (18). Protector end section (12) of a protective device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means to distinguish between an end-of-travel detection and an obstacle detection, this means being, in particular, associated or integrated with the means (18) for controlling the motor (10). Device (1) for protection consisting of a blind, a mosquito net or the like and comprising an apron (5) at least partially constituted by a piece of fabric or the like, characterized in that it comprises an end profile (12 ) apron (5) according to any one of the preceding claims. Device (1) for protection constituted by a shutter or the like and comprising an apron (5) at least partially constituted by a juxtaposition of a plurality of blades (6), in particular assembled by interlocking and / or threaded into each other other, characterized in that it comprises an end section (12) of apron (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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