EP2216478B1 - Arrangement for detecting an obstacle between the threshold of an opening in a building and the bottom rail of a motorised screen - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a motorized mobile screen used in a home automation system, such as a roller shutter, a garage door or a blind, and more particularly a method of detecting an obstacle or a break-in.

It is known from the document DE-U-200 00 682 , the use of an accelerometer and / or inclinometer, placed on the load bar of a roller shutter, for the detection of an obstacle or a break-in.

The patent US 5,894,267 also describes a means for detecting the horizontality of a load bar of a roll-up door which causes the display to stop when the inclination of the end exceeds a predetermined angle.

The patent application WO 2005/111960 describes an accelerometer placed on a garage door to indicate the open state of the screen. This information is then used to detect a possible intrusion and then trigger an alarm.

The patent application EP-A-1,970,516 describes the use of an accelerometer placed on a garage door for obstacle detection. The accelerometer is used to regulate the speed of movement of the door.

In the two documents of the prior art proposing a tilt measurement, the measurement method is not described. There is every reason to believe that the angle variation is measured, in a vertical plane, between two angular positions of the detection means. To be able to detect angular variation, it is imperative to consider a reference (angular) position or a reference axis. The German utility model gives no precise indication of the inclinometer setting. The US patent describes a manually adjustable mercury bulb, regardless of the position of the end of the screen. This setting is not obvious and determines the accuracy of the measurement.

In addition, concerning the garage and gate doors, the safety standards NF EN 12453 and NF EN 12445 require that the actuators react when an obstacle is detected in the closure zone including on the edges of the deck and into the last 5 centimeters of the race. The accuracy of a detection using operating variables of the actuator is generally insufficient, because of the kinematics of the doors, to meet the standards. To meet these standards, a conventional solution is to use "probe edges", that is to say, a deformable strip, placed under the end of the door, incorporating a means for detecting the deformation of the strip. These "feeler edges" are expensive and their installation takes time. In addition, this detection means is not suitable for obstacles of large area or flat surface because the deformation of the rubber forming the band is not guaranteed.

The object of the invention is to provide a detection method remedying the disadvantages mentioned and improving the detection methods known from the prior art. In particular, the invention makes it possible to ensure, in a simple and economical manner, a fine obstacle detection, even in an area where the screen is approaching its closing end-of-travel. The invention also relates to an installation implementing such a method and to a program

The detection method according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

Different embodiments of the process are defined by claims 2 to 10.

The home automation system according to the invention is defined by claim 11.

A different embodiment of the installation is defined by claim 12.

The program according to the invention is defined by claim 13.

The invention proposes a method for detecting an element, in particular an obstacle, which interposed in an unexpected manner on the trajectory of the screen. The method not only detects an obstacle during closing and complies with the above standards but can also detect a break-in, such as the presence of a portion of a lever under the end of the screen. By "the end" of the screen is meant an edge of the screen intended to come into contact with the threshold of the opening which is intended to be obscured by the screen. This end can also be called load bar, final blade or edge of a screen. The threshold generally corresponds to the floor or a window sill but may also be one side of the frame forming the opening, in the case of a sliding screen laterally for example.

The proposed method uses the principle of detecting the presence of an intruder element from a measurement of the inclination of the end of the screen obtained by a detection means or determination means or sensor. This sensor is fixed near the end of the screen, that is to say, either on the final blade or near the edge of the screen, preferably less than 10 centimeters from this edge. The angle of inclination measurement used for detection corresponds to the angle between an axis determined reference and an axis specific to the detection means. This value is measured in a plane parallel to the plane formed by the screen (at least in the vicinity of the end) once the screen has been deployed. The plan can notably go through the end of the screen.

The method according to the invention comprises a determination step, prior to detection. In this determination step, a reference axis used for the evaluation of the angle of inclination is defined. During this step, the screen is placed in a certain configuration so that the position of the end, and more particularly its inclination, corresponds to a normal position which will serve as a reference for the detection of the angular variation of the end of the screen in a specific area of the race. When the end is thus positioned, the detection means is able to determine a reference axis from the measurements of the sensor. The detection means may be an accelerometer preferably with two measurement directions. Advantageously, the sensor is an accelerometer with three measurement directions. Once the reference axis has been determined, the inclination measurements of the end of the screen in a zone of the race are made with respect to this reference axis. If the value of the angular variation between the current position of the end and the reference axis is greater than a threshold value, then a processing unit detects the presence of an element obstructing the closure of the screen. A scenario can then be triggered based on this detection. Consequently, the determination of the reference axis, from a specific position of the end of the screen, makes it possible to have a good adjustment of the detection means, easily controllable by the installer. The measurement accuracy can also be improved since the reference axis for the measurement is determined from an actual position or inclination of the end of the screen and is not a reference axis intrinsically defined by the detection means. Indeed, it is common that the installation induces a natural inclination of the end of the screen, more or less constant, during the displacement of the screen. This may be due to the drive mechanism, screen guidance, or any other cause.

According to one variant, the determination of the reference axis is obtained from several measurements of the detection means. The end of the screen is placed at different positions along a particular area of the screen stroke. For each of these positions, the detection means makes it possible to determine a proper reference axis at each position. From the set of position-specific reference axes, it is possible to determine an average reference axis which is assigned to this area.

Advantageously, the tilt measurement is performed relative to a specific reference axis corresponding to a particular area of the race of the screen. It is thus possible to improve the accuracy of the detection by cutting off the race in several zones and by assigning to each zone a specific reference axis. This means that the system must be able to recognize different areas of the race. This recognition can be obtained by counting, by external sensors (use of magnets for example) or other means. Moreover, the threshold angle value considered for the measurement may vary according to the zones of the race. This also increases the detection accuracy. Another advantage of defining several zones is the guarantee of a good closing of the screen. Indeed, the threshold of the opening may not be horizontal and its angle of inclination does not necessarily correspond to the natural inclination of the screen during its movement. Therefore, considering at least a second reference axis corresponding to the inclination of the threshold, it can be ensured, with this method, that the screen is closed. Approaching the threshold or once the closed screen, the process will consider the reference axis corresponding to the inclination of the threshold. Thus, just after the closing of the screen, if the sensor detects a variation of angle with respect to this new reference axis, then the system detects that the screen is not completely closed and orders the execution of a corresponding scenario. The scenario may include sending an alert message that an obstacle prevents the complete closure of the screen.

Another advantage is to use this method as a burglar detection device. After a determined time, for example 10 seconds, following the closing of the screen and / or the method has detected effective closure of the screen, the method regularly monitors the inclination of the end of the screen. If the sensor detects an angular variation, it means that there is an attempted break-in. A person has probably slipped the end of a lever under the screen. The system can then send an alert and trigger an alarm / siren. The activation of the monitoring mode after closing the screen can be automatic and / or systematic. It can be triggered on the order of the user.

An additional advantage relating to the use of at least a second reference axis lies in the case of applications that must comply with the security standards defined above. Indeed, these standards require that in case of detection of an obstacle during the displacement of the screen and up to a distance of 5 cm from the threshold, the actuator must at least stop and the residual force exerted on the obstacle must be less than 25 N. Generally, the systems order the total or partial opening of the screen in case of detection of an obstacle. In the approach zone of the threshold, that is to say the threshold up to 5 cm from it, the security scenario triggered by an obstacle detection is inhibited. The sensor is used to detect the limit switch, to know if the threshold is reached or not. If an obstacle is present in this approach area, it is overwritten and no security scenario is planned. With the method according to the invention, it is then possible to propose an obstacle detection in this approach zone. Indeed, if an obstacle prevents closure in this area, the end of the screen can not be in continuous contact with the threshold. As a result, the end tilts and forms an angle with respect to the inclination of the threshold. This angle is detected and a security scenario can be triggered. For this detection to work, it is clear that the tilt measurement of the end of the screen must be made once the threshold is reached and not just after crossing the limit of the approach area. If the measurement is made before, the measured inclination will correspond to the natural inclination of the end of the screen and is likely to be different from the inclination of the threshold. Thus, the system considers that an obstacle is detected and launches the security scenario. The screen can never be closed. Consequently, if obstacle detection is desired in this approach area, the method must first detect that the threshold is reached other than by a measurement of the inclination.

Thus, the measurement of the inclination of the end can be carried out either throughout a zone or at a particular position of the zone. For example, in the safety zone Zs, the inclination of the end of the screen is regularly measured. On the other hand, in the approach zone, the inclination of the end is measured only when it has reached a particular position, namely when it is resting on the ground.

Preferably, the reference axis or axes are redefined regularly. It can be every maneuver of the screen or following a certain number of maneuvers. The screen is placed in a particular configuration. The system measures the inclination of the end of the screen and deduces the reference axis to be assigned to the corresponding stroke area. For example, for a stroke ranging from the total aperture corresponding to the end of the high stroke up to 5 cm from the threshold, a first reference axis can be determined automatically when the end is at the end of the high stroke, if the end is not supported on stops. For the approach area, the determination of a second reference axis can be obtained when the screen is completely closed, its end pressing the threshold. These updating operations of the reference axes can be regular but do not necessarily have the same updating frequency. The advantage of these updates is to take into account the aging of the installation or the variations in the functioning of the system, for example those due to climatic variations. The natural inclination of the end of the screen may fluctuate with time. The readjustment of the repository compensates for these variations and makes it possible to keep a good accuracy of the detection. It should be noted that readjustment is performed only if no obstacle is detected or if the screen is in a rest position, that is, in a position where the end is free, unconstrained. Thus, at the end of the high stroke, the end can be considered at rest if it is not supported on stops. Conversely, when the end is resting on the threshold, it is imperative that no obstacle is detected. The readjustment in this case compensates for small angular variations of the reference axis.

To facilitate installation, the detection means can communicate by radio with a processing or control unit controlling the actuator and / or an alarm center. With this communication mode, there is no need to connect the sensor to the wire processing unit. The installer must only fix the detection means on the end of the screen. Advantageously, the comparison of the inclination of the end of the screen with respect to a reference axis is performed at the level of the detection means. Thus, the treatment unit can react quickly and consume less energy.

The detection means can measure an angle variation of the position of the end of the screen relative to or relative to an absolute reference, for example, the vertical. In the second case, it is then necessary to retranscribe the measurement relative to the reference axis considered. By measuring against an absolute reference, the signal processing by the sensor is direct, fast and low energy consumption.

• la figure 1 est une représentation d'un écran enroulable avec lequel peut être mise en oeuvre l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue de face de l'écran enroulable partiellement ouvert,
• la figure 3 est une vue de face de l'écran enroulable fermé,
• la figure 4 est un ordinogramme relatif à la détermination d'un axe de référence, étape préalable du procédé de détection selon l'invention,
• la figure 5 est un ordinogramme du procédé de détection selon l'invention selon un premier mode de réalisation,
• la figure 6 décrit une étape complémentaire relative à la prise en compte d'un axe de référence prédéterminé en fonction de la configuration de l'écran lors du procédé de détection de la figure 5,
• la figure 7 est un ordinogramme du procédé de détection selon l'invention selon un deuxième mode de réalisation,
• les figures 8 et 9 sont des vues représentant le comportement de la porte enroulable lorsqu'elle rencontre un obstacle dans une première zone de la course de l'écran,
• les figures 10 et 11 sont des vues représentant le comportement de la porte enroulable lorsqu'elle rencontre un obstacle dans une deuxième zone de la course de l'écran, cette zone étant à proximité du seuil de l'ouverture,
• la figure 12 est une vue de coté d'une porte de garage basculante, non débordante, avec laquelle peut être mise en oeuvre l'invention,
• la figure 13 est une vue de face de la porte de garage basculante de la figure 12.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a representation of a roll-up screen with which the invention can be implemented,
• the figure 2 is a front view of the partially open roll-up screen,
• the figure 3 is a front view of the closed roll-up screen,
• the figure 4 is a flow chart relating to the determination of a reference axis, a preliminary step of the detection method according to the invention,
• the figure 5 is a flow chart of the detection method according to the invention according to a first embodiment,
• the figure 6 describes a complementary step relating to the taking into account of a predetermined reference axis according to the configuration of the screen during the detection method of the figure 5 ,
• the figure 7 is a flow chart of the detection method according to the invention according to a second embodiment,
• the Figures 8 and 9 are views representing the behavior of the roll-up door when it encounters an obstacle in a first zone of the stroke of the screen,
• the Figures 10 and 11 are views representing the behavior of the roll-up door when it encounters an obstacle in a second zone of the stroke of the screen, this zone being close to the threshold of the opening,
• the figure 12 is a side view of a tilting garage door, not overflowing, with which can be implemented the invention,
• the figure 13 is a front view of the tilting garage door of the figure 12 .

The invention is applicable to different types of screens. The Figures 1 to 11 illustrate the application of the method to roll-up screens such as roll-up doors, grilles or shutters. The Figures 12 and 13 represent an application of the method to a garage door tilting, not overflowing. Of course, these examples are not limiting, the invention can be adapted to other types of screens such as sectional garage doors, overflowing garage doors, gates ...

To the figure 1 , a home automation system ID comprises an apron of a roll-up screen 1, installed between two lateral slides 11a and 11b. These two slides ensure a good guidance of the screen. At the lower end of the apron 1 is fixed a bar 2, commonly called "final blade". When the screen is a venetian canvas or blind, this bar is usually referred to as a load bar or ballast bar. The screen is wrapped around a tube represented by its axis of rotation 3. The tube is rotated by an actuator 4 controlled by a control unit 5. The actuator may be a tubular actuator inserted into the tube and fixed to the frame. The processing unit 5 can be 6. The roll-up screen 1 is intended to close an opening O delimited by the two slides and a threshold 7 corresponding, in this case, to the ground. In addition, a detection means 8 is fixed near a lateral edge of the final blade. The functionalities and the structure of the detection means will be described later.

When closing the screen, the end (the final blade) runs a race that can be cut into several areas. In our example, the race is divided into two zones. A first zone Zs, referred to as the safety zone, is delimited by the upper end of travel of the apron, ie the position such that the apron is wound, thus clearing the opening, and by an arbitrary low limit. In this zone, the requirements of the safety standards EN 12453 and EN 12445 are met. A security scenario is executed in case of obstacle detection. The second zone Za, called the approach zone, extends from the previous low limit to the threshold of the opening, this threshold corresponding to the low end-of-travel and therefore to the complete closure of the screen. Advantageously, this arbitrary low limit corresponds to the position of the final blade when it is 5 cm from the threshold. To identify in which area the screen is located, one can use different means, such as counting the number of turns of the winding tube. However, this count is not very accurate and may be insufficient to identify the arbitrary low limit 10. Another way is to use a sensor responsive to magnets placed on a slide at desired positions of the race. Thus, when the sensor passes a magnet, it detects a zone limit. In our example, we can fix a magnet at the high end of the stroke and another magnet so that when the magnet is detected by the sensor, the final blade is 5 cm from the threshold. This zone detection principle is described in the application EP-A-1,598,518 . In this application, the final blade is provided with a "probe edge" and the treatment of an obstacle detection differs according to the area in which the "feeler edge" is located. In the security zone, a security scenario is executed in case of detection in order to comply with security standards. In the approach zone, the detection of the "probe edge" serves only to recognize the contact with the threshold. There is no security scenario in this area.

• un moyen de détermination d'un axe de référence utilisé pour la détermination d'une valeur d'angle d'inclinaison d'une extrémité d'un écran dans une zone définie de la course de l'écran,
• un moyen de détection permettant de déterminer une valeur d'angle d'inclinaison de l'extrémité de l'écran,
• un moyen de génération d'un signal de commande en fonction de la valeur d'angle d'inclinaison de l'extrémité de l'écran.

The installation comprises hardware and software means for governing its operation in accordance with the detection method object of the invention. In particular, it comprises hardware and / or software means for sequencing the steps of the method according to the invention. The installation may notably comprise a computer program code means adapted to carrying out the steps of the detection method according to the invention, when the program runs on a computer, such as a microcontroller of the installation. In particular, the installation, in particular the processing unit or the detection means, comprises:

• reference axis determining means for determining a tilt angle value of an end of a screen in a defined area of the screen stroke,
• detection means for determining a tilt angle value of the end of the screen,
• means for generating a control signal as a function of the tilt angle value of the end of the screen.

Preferably, the generating means comprises a comparator for comparing the tilt angle value of the end of the screen and a defined threshold angle value specific to a defined area of the screen stroke. . The control signal can be generated at the detection means. Preferably, the control signal triggers the execution of a scenario governed by the processing unit.

The figure 2 represents the partially open roll-up screen. The final blade is positioned in the safety zone Zs. In this zone, due to the kinematics of the installation and its aging, the final blade tends to incline "naturally" by an angle βs with respect to the horizontal. The natural inclination of the final blade is substantially the same, all along the race, in this area. This natural inclination can be likened to an inclination of the blade at rest in this zone. The axis Xs-Xs' is noted, an axis representative of the orientation of the final blade when it is in this position of natural inclination. This axis is preferably stored as the first reference axis for zone Zs in accordance with the proposed method and described with reference to FIG. figure 4 .

The figure 3 represents the closed roll-up screen. The final blade is positioned in the approach zone Za. When the screen touches the threshold, the final blade is oriented according to the inclination α of the threshold. We then measure the inclination βa of the final blade, the latter corresponding to the angle α. Note the axis Xa-Xa ', an axis representative of the orientation of the final blade when it is in this support position on the threshold. This axis is preferably stored as the second reference axis for zone Za. The storage of the reference axis is carried out in the same way as previously.

The figure 4 represents an embodiment of a procedure for determining a reference axis used in the method that is the subject of the invention. Different stages of this embodiment make it possible to memorize the reference axis to be assigned to a specific zone of the race.

In a first step E110, the end of the screen, for example the final blade, is positioned at a specific position. This position must be representative of the position that the end occupies along the area in the sense that the inclination of the end in this position is taken as a reference for the obstacle detection.

In a second step E120, the installation, in particular the control unit or the detection means, determines a reference axis XX 'from the data measured by the detection means 8, for example fixed on the final plate 2. Thus, when the end is placed at the specific position of step E110, the detecting means measures its angular position. These measurements are recorded and serve to define the reference axis X-X '. In our example, the detection means, such as an accelerometer, has at least two measurement axes or, at the very least, retranscribes its measurements along two axes X8 and Y8 in a plane parallel to the plane formed by the screen. once deployed. We considered that the reference axis X-X 'taken into account corresponds to the axis X8 at the moment when the final blade is in the specific position. We could have also considered the Y8 axis instead of the X8 axis as the transposition axis. Preferably, we placed the sensor on the final blade so that the axis X8 coincides at least substantially with the longitudinal orientation of the final blade. It is only a choice, another orientation of the detection means is also possible.

Steps E110 and E120 thus make it possible to define a reference axis for each zone of division of the stroke of the screen. These operations must be repeated as many times as there are zones. Similarly, they can be repeated regularly during the life of the product, for example, at each operation of the screen or all "n" cycles, for example n = 10 (which may correspond to a week of use ) or 40 (to correspond to a month of use).

For each zone, in addition to the reference axis to be determined, it is also necessary to define and record an angle threshold value beyond which the inclination of the end is considered abnormal. The threshold value can be a pre-registered value, by default. This threshold value conditions the accuracy of the obstacle detection but must not be less than a limit, for example 0.5 °, so as not to trigger unwanted detections due to the mechanism of the installation (normal friction, frost. ..). To ensure good detection accuracy, the threshold value is less than 10 degrees, preferably less than 3 degrees.

For safety zone Zs, as illustrated in figure 2 , the system must memorize the reference axis Xs-Xs'. The screen is therefore placed at a specific position such as the upper end position for example. From this position, the system determines the reference axis Xs-Xs'. Due to the alignment between the measuring direction of the sensor and the longitudinal axis of the end, the reference axis Xs-Xs' considered corresponds to the natural inclination of the final plate by an angle βs relative to horizontally.

The figure 3 illustrates the memorization of the reference axis Xa-Xa 'for the approach zone Za. For this zone, the specific position is the position of the final blade resting on the threshold. For the same reasons as above, the reference axis Xa-Xa 'considered corresponds to the inclination of the final blade placed on the threshold of an angle βa with respect to the horizontal.

The figure 5 represents a first embodiment of another procedure of the detection method which is the subject of the invention, this other procedure following the procedure described with reference to FIG. figure 4 .

In a third step E130, following a control command, the end of the screen is moved in a zone of the stroke of the screen.

In a fourth step E140, the position of the screen is analyzed to ensure that the end of the screen is always in the desired range of travel. If this end comes out of the zone, we go to an eighth step E180, otherwise we go to a fifth step E150.

In the fifth step E150, the angle of inclination of the end of the screen relative to the predetermined reference axis corresponding to the area traveled is measured.

In a sixth step E160, the measured angle is compared with the predetermined threshold value assigned to the traveled area. If the angle is less than the threshold angle, the screen continues its course, we go to step E140 with or without delay. If the angle is greater than this threshold angle, it goes to a seventh step E170.

In the seventh step E170, a security scenario is executed.

An eighth step E180 makes it possible to exit this detection process once the end exceeds the zone concerned. This means that there has been no detection in this area. A message or feedback may be sent to the user to inform them. If the end of the screen enters a new zone, proceed to step E130, integrating the step E135 defined in FIG. figure 6 or proceed to a step E230 of the process defined in figure 7 . If the limit switch is reached, the detection process ends and a message or feedback can be sent to the user to inform him.

The figure 6 represents step 135 added to the process described in figure 5 .

In this step 135 following step E130, the system will consider the predetermined reference axis corresponding to the area to be scanned and the predetermined threshold value assigned to this area.

The figure 7 represents a second embodiment of the procedure described in figure 5 . The main difference is that the measurement of the angle of inclination of the end of the screen is carried out only once, at a specific position of the zone considered.

In a step E230, the screen is moved to a specific position of the considered area of the race. In the example shown in figure 3 , this position corresponds to the closed position of the screen, when the end of the screen touches the threshold.

A step E240 is analogous to step E150.

A step E250 is analogous to step E160. If the measured angle is smaller than the considered threshold value, then one proceeds to a step E260. Otherwise, we go to a step E270.

Step E260 consists of executing a security scenario that may be the same as that of step E170.

Step E270 marks the end of the process in the case where the specific position has been correctly reached. Again, a message or feedback may be sent to the user to inform them.

The Figures 8 to 11 represent the different configurations processed by the detection method according to the invention. In our example, the detection of an element between the threshold of an opening and the final blade is performed by an accelerometer along three axes. This detection means is advantageous, but it could be envisaged to use another means, such as an inclinometer. The accelerometer is attached near a side edge of the final blade. This particular arrangement also makes it possible to integrate, in this detection means, a sensor for detecting a zone limit as described above. Indeed, the magnets being at a slide, the detection means must be close to this slide, so close to a side edge of the final blade. By grouping the obstacle detection and zone limit in the same housing, the detection means is economical, simple to perform and install. If another zone limit detection means was used, one could consider placing the accelerometer elsewhere on the final slide, in the center for example. For example, one can consider using a single accelerometer to determine the tilt position of the end of the screen and the vertical position of the end of the screen relative to the race. In this case, the position is obtained by double temporal integration of the acceleration values according to the direction of travel of the screen.

The Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a detection in the safety zone Zs. The obstacle detection in this zone is obtained in several ways: by detecting the inclination of the final blade, and / or by detecting a variation of speed or acceleration of it.

The figure 8 represents the first way of detection. An element, such as an obstacle 9, occurs on the side of the final blade 2 where there is no detection means 8. In this case, when the final blade meets the obstacle, the final blade will pivot around the blade. support on the obstacle. This means that the side edge of the blade, mean side of detection continues its movement. Thus, the accelerometer does not detect a variation of speed, acceleration or, at least, not a significant variation. The obstacle can then be crushed more than safety standards require. Consequently, the use of an accelerometer considering only the variations of speed / acceleration according to the vertical does not make it possible to detect an obstacle and to react in accordance with the preceding safety standards. To answer this problem, it is proposed to use the accelerometer to also detect the angle of inclination of the final blade. In our case, when the final blade will pivot, the accelerometer will measure, directly or indirectly, the angle θs corresponding to the inclination between the position of the final blade at the moment of the measurement and the reference axis Xs -Xs' defined before. This axis represents, as we have seen, the "natural" position of the blade in this zone. If this angle exceeds a predetermined threshold value assigned to this area, then the detection means transmits a detection signal to the processing unit that can initiate the execution of a security scenario. This scenario can be the opening of the screen or, at least, the relaxation of the effort on obstacle. Consequently, if the threshold value is correctly sized, the obstacle force can be limited. Be that as it may, this effort is less important than if it had finally been detected directly by a variation of speed or acceleration.

The figure 9 represents the second way of detection. An obstacle 9 is placed under the detection means 8, on one side of the final blade 2. When the final blade hits the obstacle, the speed and acceleration of the final blade fall abruptly. This variation is detected quickly by the accelerometer even before the natural inclination of the final blade can vary. In this case, the sensor transmits to the processing unit a signal corresponding to the detection of an obstacle. The processing unit then starts the execution of a security scenario that may be similar to the previous scenario. Note that tilt detection is a complementary means of detection which, in principle, is not activated when the obstacle occurs under the sensor. However, this detection mode proves to be a security in case the variation of speed or acceleration is not detected. The detection of the inclination and its treatment are similar to those defined above. In this case, the obstacle force at the time of inclination detection would be greater than if it had been detected directly by a variation of speed or acceleration.

The Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a detection in the approach area. In this zone, the majority of garage door systems inhibit the triggering of a security scenario in case of obstacle detection. The reason for this inhibition is simple: when the final blade meets the threshold of the opening, the sensor considers the ground as an obstacle and causes the security scenario. This has the effect, at best a bad closing of the door and at worst the opening of the door. Consequently, in this zone, the sensor serves only to detect the end of travel of the door, but that does not necessarily mean that the door is closed properly. Indeed, the sensor can detect an obstacle instead of the ground. In this case, the system makes no distinction and considers that the door is closed, as shown by the Figures 10 and 11 . In the case of the invention, the passage of the final blade in this approach zone has the effect of inhibiting the triggering of a safety scenario in case detection of speed variation or acceleration by the accelerometer . However, the system maintains the triggering of a safety scenario in case of detection of the inclination of the final blade with respect to a reference axis corresponding to the orientation of the threshold, once the final blade has reached this threshold . To be sure that the measurement of the inclination takes place while the screen is actually considered closed, it can be done after the system detects a limit switch, it can be by detection of the variation of speed or acceleration by the accelerometer, by counting at the level of the actuator ... or after a delay following an event, for example, the passage in the approach zone, or again, by detecting complete rest of the sensor, no vibration being then detected. Thus, at the time of measurement, the accelerometer will determine, directly or indirectly, the angle θa corresponding to the inclination between the position of the final blade, once the ground reaches, and the reference axis Xa-Xa ' defined before. It corresponds, in principle, to the inclination α of the ground. If this angle exceeds a predetermined threshold value assigned to this area, then the detection means transmits a detection signal to the processing unit that can initiate the execution of a security scenario. This scenario can be the opening of the screen or, at least, the relaxation of the effort on obstacle.

The figure 10 represents the configuration of the screen at the moment when an obstacle 9, placed on the side of the final blade 2 where there is no sensor 8, is detected.

The figure 11 represents the configuration of the screen at the moment when an obstacle 9 placed under the detection means 8, on one side of the final blade 2, is detected.

These two Figures 10 and 11 also illustrate the case of burglary detection. The obstacle 9 then represents the tool used for the break-in, for example, the end of a lever, type crowbar. The difference from the previous method is when the tilt measurement of the final blade is performed. To detect a burglary, it is preferable that the inclination is measured either at regular intervals of time after closing the door or at the request of the user. A request from the user can be a request sent by a remote control either in order to launch a program of regular scanning of the inclination of the final blade, or for a verification punctual that there was no break-in. Alternatively, the sensor is awakened by the movement of the door while no order has been issued. If a break-in is detected, a signal is sent to the processing unit which can then trigger an alarm.

The Figures 12 and 13 represent the method according to the invention applied to a tilting garage door, not overflowing. The door 11 is connected by an arm 133 to a carriage 132 movable along a rail 131. The carriage is driven in translation by a motor 14 through a chain or a belt not shown in the figure. The motor is controlled by a processing unit 15. The garage door closes an opening O. The lower end 12 of the door comes into contact with the threshold 17 of the opening. The detection means 18 or sensor is fixed on this end 12. The operation of the detection method and its configuration are the same as those described above. Note that the measurement of the inclination is made with respect to a plane parallel to the plane formed by the door, once closed. In this case, the angle of inclination is measured in a vertical plane.

When the detection means measures the inclination of the end of the screen relative to a fixed absolute reference, the measured angle can be retranscribed relative to the reference axis considered. The retranscription can become the angle of inclination to compare.

The determination of a value of the angle of inclination of the end of the screen means that the detection means evaluates the angular variation of the end of the screen relative to a reference frame. This determination generally requires a processing of the detection means measures to express them with respect to the reference axis considered. The transposed value corresponds to the value of the angle of inclination of the end of the screen. It directly reflects the angular variation of the end. Alternatively, it may be considered to transcribe the reference axis in the measurement frame. The analysis is less direct in this case.

The measurement of the angle of inclination by the detection means must be understood in the broad sense and not only by a strict angular measurement. Thus, using an accelerometer, the angle can be deduced from the acceleration measurements ax and ay respectively according to two measurement directions, X and Y, for example. The angle is then defined by the ratio ax / ay.

Claims (13)

1. Method for detecting the presence of an element (9) between a sill (7) of an opening (O) and an end (2) of a motorized screen (1) intended to come into contact with this sill, the screen comprising a detection means (8) able to determine the inclination of the end of the screen with respect to a predetermined reference axis, the inclination being determined in a plane parallel to the plane formed by the screen once the latter has been closed, the method comprising the successive steps in which:

   b) the detection means determines a value of the inclination angle of the end of the screen, and

   c) a processing unit (5) runs a specific scenario when the determined value of the inclination angle is greater than a defined threshold angle value, the defined threshold angle value being particular to a defined region (Zs; Za) of the screen travel,

   characterized in that
   the method comprises a first step a) of determining the reference axis on the basis of at least one measurement by the detection means, this reference axis, which is assigned to the defined region of the screen travel, being used to determine the value of the inclination angle of the end during step b).
2. Detection method according to Claim 1, characterized in that during step a) the reference axis is determined at a specific position of the end of the screen relative to its travel.
3. Detection method according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that during step b) the reference axis considered for measuring the inclination depends on the position of the end of the screen, it thus being possible for the screen travel to be split into several defined regions (Zs, Za).
4. Detection method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during step c) the threshold angle value considered for running the scenario depends on the position of the screen or of the reference axis considered.
5. Detection method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during step c) the threshold angle value considered is less than 10 degrees, preferably less than 3 degrees.
6. Detection method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during step b) the inclination angle of the end of the screen is measured solely at a specific position of the end of the screen in a defined region of the travel.
7. Detection method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that step a) is carried out regularly.
8. Detection method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during step c) the specific scenario which is run comprises the opening of the screen and/or the sending of a warning message.
9. Detection method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during step c) the processing unit receives a radio signal from the detection means.
10. Detection method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during step c) the inclination angle is compared with the threshold angle value at the detection means, the latter then sending a specific signal to the processing unit when the threshold angle value is exceeded.
11. Home automation installation (ID) comprising hardware means (4, 5, 8) and/or software means for implementing the detection method according to one of the preceding claims and comprising:

    - a means for determining a reference axis used for determining a value of the inclination angle of an end (2) of a screen (1) in a defined region (Zs, Za) of the screen travel,

    - a detection means (8) for determining a value of the inclination angle of the end of the screen, and

    - a means for generating a control signal as a function of the value of the inclination angle of the end of the screen.
12. Home automation installation according to Claim 11, characterized in that the generating means comprises a comparator intended to compare the value of the inclination angle of the end of the screen with a defined threshold angle value particular to a defined region of the screen travel.
13. Computer program comprising a computer program code means suitable for carrying out the steps of the detection method according to one of Claims 1 to 10 when the program is run on a computer.

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