EP2354423A1 - End-of-travel adjustment tool - Google Patents

Abstract

The tool (101) has a stop unit (10) whose stop surface is cooperated with a fixed structure of a domestic closing equipment (100) during rolling actuation of a rollable element at vicinity of a totally rolled position. A removable fixation unit (9) is fixed to an end of a rollable table (3) to resist stop effect applied to the stop surface. The fixation unit comprises an adhesion unit adhered to a load bar of the end of the table or to a joint connecting the load bar to a blade of the table. An independent claim is also included for a method for adjusting a domestic closing equipment in a semi-automatic manner.

Description

The invention relates to a tool for adjusting the limit switch, of the removable type, for the semi-automatic adjustment of home automation equipment for closure in a building, comprising a windable element on a winding tube arranged in a box. Such equipment is for example a roller shutter or a roller garage door. The equipment comprises an electric actuator which allows winding or unwinding of the windable element on a winding tube. The roll-up element is weighted by a load bar, which contributes by its weight to drive it during a unwinding phase. The adjustment tool can be used for end-of-stroke adjustment by stopping at the stop during a winding operation of the windable element in the vicinity of a fully wound position.

There is a problem relating to the adjustment of the actuators, especially in the wound position, which adjustment requires precise positioning of the load bar relative to the casing.
This problem is mentioned several times in the prior art.

The patent US 6,215,265 discloses a tubular actuator provided with torque detection means, and / or angular position detection of the winding tube and / or sub-speed detection. Indeed, in the case of roller shutters, mechanical stops are often used, again in connection with a torque detection of the actuator, to terminate the winding movement in the vicinity of the fully wound position. These stops are for example brackets arranged on the final blade. Except to resort to very sensitive and therefore expensive detection means, a known disadvantage of the stop by detection of torque is the need to cause a tension of the apron before reaching the detection threshold. As a result, the contact of the brackets causes bending of the box and / or progressively marks of scratches or even plastic deformation of the box. It is sometimes used specific stops reported in the side slides guiding the roller shutter, adding an installation constraint.

It is therefore better to reduce the stop opportunities in abutment. Certain devices of the prior art, for example the patent EP 0 905 592 thus provide an automatic stop on stop at the time of learning, with marking of the corresponding position and shift of the stop position relative to the stop position during subsequent cycles, to avoid stressing it at each cycle opening / closing.

However, a square-type stop is particularly unsightly. In addition, to prevent the load bar from being visible in the wound position, and to help mask part of the bay, some roller shutter manufacturers prefer that the winding movement only stop once the load bar inside the box. It is therefore useful to be able to identify this position, not visible, and in particular to stop a winding movement before the load bar leaves the lateral guiding slides. Now manufacturers try to limit the width of the box opening in which the roll-up element passes, for better thermal insulation, or even to hide this opening by flexible elements.
The task of the adjuster at the manufacturer, or that of the installer, is complicated by the fact of not seeing the product, except to make the adjustment before installation of the box which is sometimes impossible or can lead to errors.

Moreover, it is known from the patent EP 1 971 902 that the limitation of effort on an obstacle is all the easier to satisfy the known winding radius of the windable element. Winding radius information may be communicated to the actuator for this purpose, but this requires a specific and specific installation procedure, hence a loss of time. The document relates to a closing phase, to satisfy stress limitations on an obstacle imposed by the standards.

It is also known from the patent application WO 2008/107850 providing a detachable adjustment tool, provided with measurement measurement measurement communication means, on the free end of a garage door in order to have an accurate measurement of the force data in the event of an impact with a obstacle during closing and in order to interact with the control means of the actuator, in particular to satisfy the regulatory requirements. This measuring device comprises a force sensor and a speed sensor. Quantitative and qualitative information on the shock, obtained using these sensors, is transmitted to the electromechanical device. This information is necessarily richer than a binary information relating to the detection or non-detection of a collision. It makes it possible to select a set of data serving as a template, either for the power control of the gearmotor during subsequent closing maneuvers, or to adjust the detection sensitivity of an internal force sensor, or to adjust the coefficients or some branches of a control algorithm.
The adjustment tool is designed to cause the shock in a critical position higher or lower above the ground. It is not used to set a low end position and it does not address the case of a wound position of a moving element.

It is known from the patent application EP 1 811 273 to have a removable motion sensor on the load bar of a roller shutter. The motion sensor includes an accelerometer for measuring the acceleration during movement and its single or dual integration to obtain instantaneous values of speed and / or position. It is not used to set an end position.

The invention overcomes these problems or disadvantages of the prior art and / or improves the prior art in the field concerned.

• un moyen de butée comprenant une surface de butée apte à coopérer avec une structure fixe de l'équipement domotique lors d'une manoeuvre d'enroulement de l'élément enroulable au voisinage d'une position totalement enroulée, et
• un moyen de fixation amovible à la première extrémité du tablier, résistant à un effort de butée appliqué à la surface de butée.

According to the invention, the adjustment tool for the semi-automatic end-of-travel adjustment of domotic closing equipment comprises an apron wound on a winding tube activated in rotation by an electric actuator equipped with means for measuring rotation. and / or torque measuring means and / or signal receiving and calculation means, a first end of the apron comprising a load bar and a second end of the apron being connected to the winding tube, the tool comprising at least :

• an abutment means comprising an abutment surface able to cooperate with a fixed structure of the domotic equipment during a winding maneuver of the windable element in the vicinity of a fully wound position, and
• detachable fastening means at the first end of the apron, resisting an abutment force applied to the abutment surface.

According to the invention, the removable fastening means may comprise a hooking means to the load bar or an articulation connecting the load bar to a first blade of the deck.

According to the invention, the removable fastening means may comprise a first arm and a second arm connected by an elastic articulation, an upper extension of each arm ending in the attachment means, each arm being provided with a lower extension serving handle, an approaching action of the lower extensions causing an action of separation of the upper extensions.

According to the invention, the abutment means may comprise a first portion connected to the removable fixing means, and a second portion resiliently connected to the first portion, partially movable relative to the first portion and supporting the abutment surface.

According to the invention, the tool may comprise at least one means for varying the abutment force.

According to the invention, two means of variation of the thrust force can be arranged at a predefined distance.

According to the invention, a means of variation of the thrust force can induce a calibrated variation of the thrust force.

According to the invention, a means of variation of the thrust force may comprise a pin held by a thrust spring and partially projecting from a housing.

According to the invention, the tool may comprise a position sensor and a wireless signal transmitter capable of transmitting a signal when the position sensor detects a particular relative position of the first part with respect to the second part.

According to the invention, the tool may comprise a first position sensor and a second position sensor arranged at a predefined distance in a first particular position and in a second particular position.

• lors du passage dans chaque position particulière,
• pendant toute la durée séparant le passage entre les deux positions particulières,
• après le passage dans la deuxième position particulière, le signal comprenant alors une information temporelle relative au passage dans la première position particulière.

According to the invention, the emission of a signal can take place according to one of the following modes:

• when passing through each particular position,
• during the entire period separating the passage between the two particular positions,
• after the passage in the second particular position, the signal then comprising a temporal information relating to the passage in the first particular position.

According to the invention, a position sensor may comprise an electrical or electronic switching means.

According to the invention, the transmitted signal may comprise a stop command.

• une étape de mise en place, sur la première extrémité du tablier, d'un outil de réglage selon l'une au moins des revendications précédentes,
• une étape de détection d'au moins une position particulière de l'outil de réglage lors d'un contact de l'outil de réglage avec une butée fixe de l'équipement,
• une étape automatique de calcul et d'enregistrement, dans l'actionneur électrique, d'une donnée de position de fin de course,
• une étape de retrait de l'outil de réglage.

According to the invention, the method of semi-automatic adjustment of a closing home automation equipment comprising a roll-up apron on a winding tube activated in rotation by an electric actuator equipped with rotation measuring means and / or measurement means torque and / or signal receiving and calculation means, a first end of the apron comprising a load bar and a second end of the apron being connected to the winding tube, comprises at least:

• a step of placing, on the first end of the apron, an adjustment tool according to at least one of the preceding claims,
• a step of detecting at least one particular position of the adjusting tool during a contact of the adjustment tool with a fixed stop of the equipment,
• an automatic step of calculating and recording, in the electric actuator, an end position data item,
• a step of removing the adjustment tool.

According to the invention, a particular position can be defined by a variation of abutment force and / or by the activation of a position sensor in the adjustment tool.

According to the invention, a first particular position can be defined in a first relative position of two movable elements of the adjustment tool.

According to the invention, a second particular position can be defined in a second relative position of two movable elements of the adjustment tool.

According to the invention, a data of winding radius can be calculated in the electric actuator from a measurement of rotation separating the passage in two particular positions.

According to the invention, calibration data can be calculated from a measurement of variation of effort and of torque variation caused by the movement of a partially movable part of the adjustment tool on a means of variation of the thrust force.

According to the invention, the automatic calculation and recording step can enable the electric actuator to identify a particular type of adjustment tool.

According to the invention, the electric actuator can use the rotation measuring means to cause a stop when it has identified a removable adjustment tool.

• La figure 1 représente schématiquement un équipement domotique de fermeture, muni de l'outil de réglage de l'invention.
• La figure 2A représente schématiquement un premier mode de réalisation de l'outil de réglage, dans une position non-contrainte.
• La figure 2B représente schématiquement le premier mode de réalisation de l'outil de réglage, dans une position contrainte.
• La figure 3 représente schématiquement un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'outil de réglage.
• La figure 4 représente une courbe d'évolution d'une mesure de couple en fonction d'une mesure de rotation d'un actionneur d'enroulement quand le deuxième mode de réalisation est utilisé.
• La figure 5 représente schématiquement un troisième mode de réalisation de l'outil de réglage.
• La figure 6 représente partiellement un quatrième mode de réalisation.
• La figure 7 représente un procédé d'apprentissage d'un équipement domotique utilisant l'outil de réglage.
• La figure 8 représente 6 variantes du procédé d'apprentissage.
• La figure 9A représente schématiquement un cinquième mode de réalisation de l'outil de réglage, dans une position non-contrainte.
• La figure 9B représente schématiquement le cinquième mode de réalisation de l'outil de réglage, dans une position contrainte.
• La figure 10 représente schématiquement un sixième mode de réalisation de l'outil de réglage.
• La figure 11 représente des chronogrammes d'émission de l'outil de réglage quand le cinquième ou sixième mode de réalisation est utilisé.
• La figure 12 représente schématiquement un septième mode de réalisation de l'outil de réglage.
• La figure 13 représente partiellement un huitième mode de réalisation.
• La figure 14 représente 3 variantes supplémentaires du procédé d'apprentissage, applicables à l'un au moins des quatre derniers modes de réalisation.

The invention will be better understood by those skilled in the art through the detailed description of several embodiments in relation to the associated drawings, in which:

• The figure 1 schematically represents a home automation equipment, provided with the adjustment tool of the invention.
• The Figure 2A schematically represents a first embodiment of the adjustment tool, in an unstressed position.
• The Figure 2B schematically represents the first embodiment of the adjustment tool, in a constrained position.
• The figure 3 schematically shows a second embodiment of the adjustment tool.
• The figure 4 represents an evolution curve of a torque measurement as a function of a rotation measurement of a winding actuator when the second embodiment is used.
• The figure 5 schematically shows a third embodiment of the adjustment tool.
• The figure 6 partially represents a fourth embodiment.
• The figure 7 represents a method of learning a home automation equipment using the adjustment tool.
• The figure 8 represents 6 variants of the learning process.
• The Figure 9A schematically represents a fifth embodiment of the adjustment tool, in an unstressed position.
• The Figure 9B schematically represents the fifth embodiment of the adjustment tool, in a constrained position.
• The figure 10 schematically represents a sixth embodiment of the adjustment tool.
• The figure 11 shows timing diagrams of the setting tool when the fifth or sixth embodiment is used.
• The figure 12 schematically represents a seventh embodiment of the adjustment tool.
• The figure 13 partially represents an eighth embodiment.
• The figure 14 represents 3 additional variants of the learning method, applicable to at least one of the last four embodiments.

The figure 1 schematically represents a closure automation equipment 100, such as a shutter, placed in front of a bay 1. The roller shutter is rollable in a box 2 disposed at the top of the bay. It comprises an apron 3, consisting of horizontal blades 3a connected to each other by joints 3b. An already wrapped apron portion 3c is shown as a dotted line portion of disk.

A load bar 4, fixed to a first blade of the deck, is weighted so as to facilitate the unfolding of the deck during a closing phase and moves in a vertical H1. A first end of the deck thus includes the load bar and the first deck blade. A second end of the apron is attached to a winding tube 5, rotatable and rotated by an electric actuator 6. The electric actuator comprises a rotation measuring means 7a of the winding tube (or a motor located in the actuator and connected to the winding tube by a gear) and / or a means for measuring the torque 7b exerted on the actuator and / or signal receiving and calculation means 7c. These means 7c preferably comprise a wireless signal receiver, radiofrequency type. Equipment of this type is known from the prior art.

The equipment is provided with an adjustment tool 101-108 according to the invention

This adjustment tool comprises a removable attachment means 9 to the load bar 4, so as to be installed on the equipment only during the adjustment phase thereof. "Removable fastening" means a fastener the installation and removal of which are facilitated so as to make the adjustment tool removable as simply as possible, if possible without specialized tools and without leaving any marks on the load bar. or on the bottom end of the shutter.

The adjusting tool comprises a stop means 10.
The adjustment tool is used to cooperate with a fixed structure of the home automation equipment, formed by a rigid end 2a of the box, delimiting an opening 2b in which the apron can circulate during closing or opening operations.

The Figure 2A schematically represents a first embodiment 101 of the adjustment tool, in an unstressed position, that is to say in the absence of any thrust force. In this first embodiment, the adjustment tool comprises a first portion 10a partially movable relative to a second portion 10b. The first part is fixed to the load bar 4 by the removable fastening means 9, symbolized by a small rectangle. The removable fastening means can be made according to very many variants. It includes for example a magnetic suction cup in the case where the load bar is steel.
The first part comprises a contact piece 11 with the load bar, provided with a slide 12 and a sliding stop 13. It also comprises a foot 14, connected to the contact piece in its lower part, the workpiece contact and foot forming an L.
The second part comprises a drawer 15, able to move in the slideway and a contact surface 16 is a movable stop. A lower end 17 of the drawer is connected to the foot by a spring 18 operating in compression.
The two partially movable parts can move relative to a first distance D1 when the spring is compressed.

The Figure 2B schematically represents the first embodiment 101 of the adjustment tool, in a stressed position, that is to say when a thrust force F applied to the movable stop brings the lower end 17 of the drawer into contact with the sliding stop 13. A variation of the abutment force F occurs during this contact.
In this position, a second distance D2 taken between the abutment face and the lower end of the load bar, measures the offset to be added to the abutment position to calculate a high end position if it is desired that the bar load comes later flush out of the box.

When the progressive application of a thrust force F, causing a passage of the Figure 2A to the Figure 2B there is compression of the spring 18, which therefore also constitutes a means of variation of the thrust force. If we denote by K1 the stiffness of this spring, the thrust force goes from a zero value ( Figure 2A ), in a particular position P1, to a value F1 (= K1 x D1), then increases suddenly when there is contact between the lower end 17 of the slide and the slide stop 13, defining a particular position P2. This last increase this time takes into account the elasticity of the entire deck.

Despite the removable nature of the fastener, it is important that the fastening means is dimensioned so as to withstand the thrust force applied to the contact surface. This resistance to the abutment force enables at least one element of the adjustment tool, for example the first part 10a, to remain stationary relative to the end of the apron on which the adjustment tool is fixed, by example the load bar, while exerts the thrust force.
Thus, in worst case dimensioning, the resistance of the removable fastening means will be at least greater than the maximum tensile force on the apron end concerned. For example, the resistance must be greater than 3 N in the case of an electric actuator whose maximum torque is 20 Nm resulting in an apron whose radius R1 at maximum winding is 15 cm. A factor of safety (for example a factor of 2) will be applied to take into account the effects of inertia during a collision with the fixed structure.
However, some of the embodiments of the adjustment tool make it possible to anticipate the stopping of the electric actuator and thus to limit the abutment force: the resistance of the fastening means to the abutment force can then present a value lower than worst case sizing.
A given type of adjustment tool is therefore preferably sized for a given range of home automation equipment.

The figure 3 schematically shows a second embodiment 102 of the adjusting tool, also consisting of a first part 10a 'fixed to the load bar and a second part 10b' partially movable relative to the first portion and resiliently connected thereto by a spring 18 '. In this embodiment, a removable fixing means 9 'is made using a quarter-turn screw 9'a for locking the load bar 4 in a U of the first part 10a' using a rubbing means 9'b. Alternatively, the quarter-turn screw is replaced by a two-position lever applying an elastic stress to the friction means in one of the positions of the lever. The load bar is not damaged by the installation and removal of the adjustment tool.
This second embodiment comprises a contact surface 16 '. It differs from the previous one in that it also comprises two other means of variation of the thrust force, referenced 20 (20a, 20b, 20c) and 21. These means cooperate with a chamfer 22 of the second part and provide a variation calibrated thrust force.
A means of variation of the thrust force comprises a pin 20a, held by a thrust spring 20b partially overhanging a housing 20c in which is disposed the thrust spring.

The passage of the chamfer on the projecting end of a pin causes the movement thereof to the interior of the housing and the compression of the thrust spring. This event results in a calibrated variation ΔF of the abutment effort, perfectly reproducible, which constitutes a "signature" of the event. Depending on the nature of the contact and the friction between the pin and the slide, this variation is maintained as long as the pin is depressed or lasts only during the change of position of the pin. During the rotational movement of the actuator, this contact results in a torque variation ΔT.

These two means of variation of the thrust force are separated by a third distance D3, for example 5 centimeters. The first means of variation of the thrust force is separated from a third means, consisting of by a foot 14 'by a fourth distance D4. A recess 23 makes it possible to house the spring 18 'when it is completely compressed. Alternatively, a slide stop could be used as in the first embodiment.

The figure 4 represents an evolution curve of a torque measurement TRQ as a function of a rotation measurement ROT of a winding actuator when the second embodiment of the figure 3 is used. These measurements are performed in the actuator by the measuring means 7a and 7b described above. They correspond to a phase of winding end of the shutter.
A first zone Z1 corresponds to a slightly decreasing torque: the winding radius is substantially constant, at the maximum value R1 represented in FIG. figure 1 , while the suspended mass gradually decreases during the winding of the apron.
A second zone Z2 corresponds to the contact of the abutment surface 16 'with the rigid edge of the casing 2a and at the beginning of compression of the spring 18', before contact of the chamfer with the first peg 20a. The beginning of the second zone is a particular position P3.
A third zone Z3 corresponds to the depression of the first counter. This first event results in a rapid and temporary increase in torque, in the form of a torque peak defining a particular position P4. Alternatively this event can result in a simple stair step, or a combination of both.
A fourth zone Z4 corresponds to the compression of the spring 18 'when the drawer moves between the two pins. The torque increases with a slope corresponding to the stiffness K1 of the spring 18 '. As represented by a dashed line, the curve of zone Z4 can be increased by a constant value, corresponding to the friction of the pin on the slide.
A fifth zone Z5 corresponds to the depression of the second pin, in the second means of variation of the thrust force 21. This second event reproduces the same calibrated force variation ΔF as the third zone if the first two means of variation of the thrust force are identical. The torque peak defines a particular position P5.
A sixth zone Z6 corresponds to the final compression of the spring 18 '. As represented by a dotted line, the curve of the zone Z6 can be increased by a constant value, corresponding to the friction of the two pins on the drawer.
A seventh zone Z7 corresponds to the contact of the slide on a third means of variation of the thrust force, here schematized by a contact of the lower end of the slide 17 'with the foot 14', constituting a third event. The beginning of the seventh zone defines a particular position P6.

There are therefore, by construction, particular positions of the adjustment tool, constituted here by particular relative positions of the two partially movable parts. Each transition point between two zones and each zone vertex (in the case of zones Z3 and Z5) may constitute a particular position.

The torque variation events are easily identified by the torque measuring means, which measures their amplitude ΔT.
The rotation measuring means measures the rotation angle ROT (D3) separating the first two events and / or the rotation angle ROT (D4) separating the first and third events.
Knowing the third distance D3 and / or the fourth distance D4, these measurements of the angle of rotation make it possible to deduce automatically, by calculation in the electric actuator, the value of the winding radius. at the moment when the abutment force is applied, that is to say the value of a first radius R1 if the rigid abutment formed by the edge 2a of the box is urged.
For example : $$\mathit{R}\mathit{1}\mathit{=}\mathit{D}\mathit{3}\mathit{/}\mathit{ROT}\left(\mathit{D}\mathit{3}\right)$$

In a simplified variant, there is only the first and third means of variation of the thrust force, and we will take: $$\mathit{R}\mathit{1}\mathit{=}\mathit{D}\mathit{4}\mathit{/}\mathit{ROT}\left(\mathit{D}\mathit{4}\right)$$

The advantage of the embodiment comprising the first two means of variation of the thrust force is to cause easily identifiable events and to allow a very small amplitude of variation of torque ΔT compared with the maximum torque TMAX encountered during a test. frank stop. Thus, the electric actuator can cause stopping in the sixth zone, or even in the very beginning of the seventh zone, before the mechanical structure of the deck or trunk is solicited significantly.

When the actuator stops, after recognition of a particular torque signature, it records the current value of the rotation measuring means in a POS1 position memory.

At this time, the load bar may not be in the optimal position. For example, the load bar protrudes from the housing of a second distance D2 if the first embodiment of the setting tool has been used.
The upper limit position recorded in the actuator will therefore be corrected automatically by an angular difference equal to D2 / R1 so that by subsequently, in the absence of a setting tool, an automatic stop occurs in a position where the lower part of the load bar is flush with the extension of the edge of the box. Alternatively, the calculation means of the actuator may introduce a predetermined additional offset, so that the load bar penetrates a predetermined distance inside the box.

Finally, the measurement of the torque variation ΔT and the calculation of the radius makes it possible to calibrate the means for measuring the torque 7b. Indeed, it generally measures a magnitude representative of the torque and not the torque itself: for example the current i absorbed by the actuator.

dans laquelle le coefficient de proportionnalité K n'est pas connu. Lors d'une variation provoquée par le premier ou le deuxième moyen de variation de l'effort de butée, on a : $$\mathit{\Delta i}\mathit{=}\mathit{K}\mathit{.}\mathit{\Delta T}\mathit{=}\mathit{K}\mathit{.}\mathit{R}\mathit{1.}\mathit{\Delta F}$$

Or la variation calibrée ΔF de l'effort de buté est connue par mesure ou par construction de l'outil de réglage. L'outil de réglage permet donc le calcul du coefficient de proportionnalité et un calibrage du moyen de mesure de couple.For example, there is a relationship: $$i=K\mathrm{.}T$$

in which the coefficient of proportionality K is not known. During a variation caused by the first or the second means of variation of the thrust force, we have: $$\mathit{dI}\mathit{=}\mathit{K}\mathit{.}\mathit{DT}\mathit{=}\mathit{K}\mathit{.}\mathit{R}\mathit{1.}\mathit{.DELTA.F}$$

However, the calibrated variation ΔF of the abutment force is known by measurement or by construction of the adjustment tool. The adjustment tool therefore makes it possible to calculate the coefficient of proportionality and a calibration of the torque measuring means.

The figure 5 schematically shows a third embodiment 103 of the adjustment tool. In this third embodiment, the abutment means 10 "is completely fixed relative to the fastening means and is preferably placed in a position such that the stopping of the bar charging takes place in the desired position relative to the box. The adjustment tool comprises a clamp 9 "serving as removable attachment means and a contact surface 16" adapted to cooperate with the rigid edge 2a of the box. A particular position P7 is defined by the contact between the contact surface and the rigid edge.

The clamp is formed of a first arm 9 "a and a second arm 9" b connected by an elastic articulation 9a. The upper extension 9c of each arm ends with a hooking means 9b for attachment to the load bar 4 and / or a hinge 3b between the load bar and a first blade 3a of the deck. The attachment can in particular be made by clamping or by pinching with the help of jaws. The upper extension 9c has a thickness as small as possible, in order to enter the box without hitting and / or without damaging it.
The lower extension 9d of each arm serves as a handle.
An action A1 of approximation of the lower extensions causes an action A2 of separation of the higher extensions. The adjustment tool can only be put in place and removed when the load bar is sufficiently out of the housing.
In the simplest version of this embodiment, the abutment means, comprising the contact surface 16 ", and an arm are made from a single piece obtained for example by injection.

The figure 6 partially represents a fourth embodiment 104, combining the third mode and one of the first two embodiments. Only one arm 9 "is shown, this time the contact surface 16"'belongs to an abutment means separated from the arm and fastened thereto by a nut 9f. The stop means is made according to the first embodiment 10 or the second embodiment 10 '. It is therefore the stop means which provides a particular signature during the contact, for example example by producing two events of variation of effort ΔF separated by a distance D3.
It can also be adjusted in position, according to a fifth distance D5, along a rack 9g.
Alternatively, the fifth distance D5 is fixed, making the rack 9g unnecessary.

This variant therefore makes it possible to combine the simple removable attachment constituted by a clamp with a mechanical element delivering a particular signature when in contact with a fixed stop of the equipment.

To facilitate the maneuver by installer, the adjustment tool comprises a radio frequency transmitter 30 provided with a control keyboard 31, comprising for example several keys. The radiofrequency transmitter makes it possible to send programming or command commands to the electric actuator. In this case, it is functionally independent of the adjustment tool. It does not transmit any measurement data relating to the interaction of the adjustment tool with the fixed part of the home automation equipment and / or any order following this interaction.

The figure 7 represents a method of learning a home automation equipment using the adjustment tool.

In a first step S1, the installer has the end-of-travel adjustment tool on the load bar of the equipment. The actuator is energized in the winding direction causing contact with the high fixed stop.
In a second step S2, the contact between the adjustment tool and the fixed stop occurs. For the duration of the contact, at least one position The particular setting tool is detected automatically. According to the first four embodiments, the detection takes place directly in the electric actuator. According to the last four modes (described below) the detection takes place in the adjustment tool, the information being transmitted to the electric actuator.

In a third step S3, possibly carried out in parallel with the second step, the detection of the particular position or particular positions is used automatically to calculate and record end position data (angular data) in the electric actuator.

The figure 8 represents, in the form of sub-steps, 6 variants of the learning method.

In a first substep S21 of the second step, at least one parameter is measured in the electric actuator: current of the electric motor contained in the actuator, angle of rotation, etc., while the adjustment tool causes a stop force variation during contact. The variation of abutment force acts on the measured parameter (or on the measured parameters).
The variation of the parameter or parameters causes the automatic shutdown of the motor, for example beyond a predefined threshold.

In a second substep S22 of the second step, a first particular position is defined by a first relative position of two moving parts of the adjusting tool. "Moving parts" means "partially mobile parts relative to each other".

The fact of defining a particular position in the process involves a construction of the adjustment tool such that it induces a variation of effort, or a point of transition between two zones of variation of effort, in this particular position and implies that this particular position is detected.

In a third substep S23 of the second step, the second substep is repeated for a second particular position.

In a first substep S31 of the third step, a winding radius data R1 and / or a calibration data K of the torque measuring tool are calculated as previously described.
In the case of an analysis of the measurement data of the parameter carried out in parallel with the second step, the stopping of the motor can be caused as soon as a particular signature is identified, for example two successive current peaks corresponding to the variations of torque. DT.
In a second substep S32 of the third step, the electric actuator recognizes at least the presence of an adjusting tool according to the invention and / or a particular type of adjustment tool according to the invention.
The recognition of a particular signature makes it possible to identify that an adjustment tool of the type of the invention has been used. The electric actuator can then record an end position deduced from the stop position by a shift of a predefined quantity. Several different signatures may correspond to different models of adjustment tool according to the invention, with a predefined offset value per adjustment tool. Alternatively, the stop position is directly recorded as the end position.

When the actuator identifies a setting tool and records a high end position, it goes into an operating mode. where - except for special reset procedure - it will now use the rotation measuring means to cause the stop, without seeking again to find a high stop. This constitutes a third substep S33 of the third step of the method.

The following four embodiments 105-108 are respectively deduced from the first four embodiments 101-104 by replacing a means of variation of the thrust force by a position sensor, activated during the passage in a particular position, this sensor being connected to an RFS signal transmitter, transmitting a wireless signal to the reception and calculation means 7c of the electric actuator. The wireless signal transmitter is preferably radiofrequency type.
Functionally identical references are not modified, and the figures relating to these embodiments are not described in detail.

The Figure 9A schematically shows a fifth embodiment 105 of the adjusting tool, in an unstressed position. This mode differs from the first mode by the presence of a position sensor comprising a magnet 19a housed in the drawer 15 and cooperating with a flexible blade switch (ILS) 19b housed in the contact piece 11 with the load bar. The flexible blade switch is connected to a wireless transmitter 32, preferably radiofrequency type.

The Figure 9B schematically represents the fifth embodiment of the adjustment tool, in a constrained position. In this position, the magnet 19a acts on the flexible blade switch by closing a contact. The position sensor is activated and acts on the wireless transmitter that transmits an RFS signal to the electric actuator. This position is therefore a particular position, detected by the adjustment tool.

It is preferred an arrangement of the magnet in a location such that the particular position is before the contact between the lower end 17 of the drawer and the foot 14, for example in the location 19c. Thus, the RFS signal may contain an STP stop command of the electric actuator with anticipation of the reaction time related to the decoding and the execution of the stop command, thus avoiding a major stress on the stop means. .

The flexible blade switch can be replaced by a Hall effect sensor or other electronic switching device activated by the magnetic field. Alternatively, the position sensor may comprise an optocoupler cooperating with a reflector. In all cases, the position sensor is activated in a particular position.

The figure 10 schematically shows a sixth embodiment 106 of the adjustment tool. A first position sensor 20 ', of the "microswitch" type, is disposed in a first particular position P4 and a second position sensor 21' is disposed in a second particular position P5. The position sensor 20 'comprises a finger 20'a cooperating with a bevel 22 of the drawer 15' and a switch housing 20'b disposed in a housing 20'c.
The two particular positions P4 and P5 are distant from D3. Each position sensor is connected to a wireless transmitter 33.
The first position sensor is activated by pressing the chamfer on the finger 20'a and remains activated when the winding movement continues. The second position sensor is activated in turn when the winding has continued over a distance D3.

The figure 11 shows timing diagrams of the setting tool when the fifth or sixth embodiment is used.
According to a first transmission mode M1, a signal is emitted during the passage in each particular position. A first signal RFS1 is emitted upon activation of the first position sensor 20 'and a second signal RFS2 is emitted upon activation of the second position sensor 21'. The second signal advantageously comprises a stop command. When this transmission mode is used, the reception and calculation means of the electric actuator activate a time counting for measuring the duration T3 between the reception of the two signals, or the means for measuring rotation determine the rotation ROT ( D3) separating the reception of the two signals.
According to a second transmission mode M2, an RFS4 signal is emitted during the entire period separating the passage between the two particular positions,
According to a third transmission mode M3, an RFS4 signal is emitted after the passage in the second particular position, the signal then comprising a time information INFO (T3) relative to the passage in the first particular position.
In any case, it is therefore possible to measure directly or to determine by calculation (knowing the angular speed of rotation of the electric actuator) the angle of rotation separating the two particular positions, and therefore to deduce from them, by for example, the winding radius R1.

The figure 12 schematically and partially shows a seventh embodiment 107 of the adjustment tool. This embodiment differs from the third embodiment by the use of an abutment means comprising position sensors and a wireless transmitter replacing means for varying the abutment force. Way to stop is of the type presented to Figures 9A, 9B and 10 , comprising two parts partially movable relative to each other.
The figure 13 partially represents an eighth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment by the use of an abutment means comprising position sensors and a wireless transmitter instead of means for varying the abutment force. Advantageously, the wireless transmitter 32 (or 33) of the stop means is also used to transmit control commands provided by the user, using a keyboard 34 and an encoder 35 connected to the wireless transmitter.

Preferably, the wireless transmitter is radiofrequency type and uses the same communication protocol as remote controls of the equipment.

The figure 14 represents, in the form of sub-steps, 3 additional variants of the learning method, applicable to at least one of the last four embodiments.

A fourth substep S24 of the second step of the method is to activate a position sensor in a particular position of the adjustment tool.
A fifth substep S25 of the second step of the method comprises transmitting an RFS signal to the actuator upon activation of a position sensor. This signal is emitted by the wireless transmitter and may contain a stop command.
A sixth substep S26 of the second step of the method comprises transmitting an RFS signal to the actuator when activating a second position sensor (activated after a first position sensor). This signal is emitted by the wireless transmitter and may contain a stop command, as well as time information on the passage in the first position: for example a passage time or a time elapsed between the activation of the first sensor and the activation of the second sensor.

The different substeps of the process can be combined, as can the different embodiments of the adjustment tool.
For example, it is possible to define a first particular position by a position sensor and a second particular position by means of variation of the thrust force.
It is also possible to apply the three substeps S31-S33 of the third step to the last four embodiments 105-108. The recognition of a type of setting tool can be deduced from a particular identifier contained in a transmission frame of the wireless transmitter.

In all the cases of use of a wireless transmitter, the setting tool transmits information of the binary type (stop order for example) or of time type (information on the moment of passage in a particular position or the time elapsed between the moments of passage in two particular positions).

The partially movable parts relative to each other have been described as sliding and drawer type. Alternatively, the two partially movable parts can move in a relative rotational movement, forming for example a hinge whose one face is connected to the load bar, while a second face, resiliently biased towards the first face, s' angularly away from the first face when in contact with the rigid end of the box.

The variation of an abutment force can be obtained by the paralleling of a second spring, coaxial with a first spring 18, from a particular relative position of the partially movable parts.

A particular position can also be identified by a particular value of static stress exerted on the abutment surface, this stress being measured by a strain gauge or by a pressure sensor.

The adjustment tool can be used when the home automation equipment is installed on site, as represented in figure 1 , with vertical movement of the adjustment tool during winding and unwinding of the deck. It can also be used at the equipment manufacturer, for example at the end of the assembly process. The assembly process is often done on a horizontal work surface. In this case, the shape of the adjustment tool is optimized to allow a sliding of the adjustment tool on the work surface.

Claims (21)

Adjustment tool (101-108) for the semi-automatic end-of-travel adjustment of home automation equipment (100) comprising a roll-up apron (3) on a winding tube (5) activated in rotation by an electric actuator (6) equipped with rotation measuring means (7a) and / or torque measuring means (7b) and / or signal receiving and computing means (7c), a first end of the apron comprising a bar load (8) and a second end of the apron being connected to the winding tube, characterized in that it comprises at least: an abutment means (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10 *, 10 **) comprising an abutment surface (16, 16', 16", 16 "') adapted to cooperate with a fixed structure (2a) of home automation equipment during a winding operation of the windable element in the vicinity of a fully wound position, and - Removable fixing means (9, 9 ', 9 ", 9"') at the first end of the apron, resistant to an abutment force (F) applied to the abutment surface. Adjustment tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the removable fixing means comprises a hooking means (9b) to the load bar or an articulation connecting the load bar to a first blade of the deck. Adjusting tool (103, 104) according to claim 2, characterized in that the removable fixing means comprises a first arm (9 "a) and a second arm (9" b) connected by an elastic articulation (9a), a upper extension (9c) of each arm ending in the attachment means (9b), each arm being provided with a lower extension (9d) acting as a handle, an action (A1) of approaching the lower extensions causing an action (A2) of separation of the upper extensions. Adjusting tool according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop means comprises a first part (10a, 10a ', 10a *, 10a **) connected to the removable fixing means, and a second part ( 10b, 10b ', 10b *, 10b **) resiliently connected (18, 18') to the first portion, partially movable (D1) relative to the first portion and supporting the abutment surface (16, 16 ', 16 " , 16 "'). Adjustment tool according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one means for varying the thrust force (13, 17, 18, 18 ', 20, 21). Adjustment tool according to the preceding claim, characterized in that two means for varying the abutment force (20, 20 ', 21, 21') are arranged at a predefined distance (D3, D4). Adjustment tool according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that a means for varying the abutment force induces a calibrated variation (ΔF) of the abutment force. Adjustment tool according to claim 7, characterized in that a means for varying the thrust force (20) comprises a pin (20a) held by a thrust spring (20b) and partially projecting from a housing (20c). ). Adjustment tool according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a position sensor (19b, 20 ', 21') and a wireless signal transmitter (30, 30 ') adapted to transmit a signal (RFS, RFS1 , RFS2, RFS3, RFS4) when the position sensor detects a particular relative position of the first part with respect to the second part. Adjustment tool according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a first position sensor (20 ') and a second position sensor (21') arranged at a predefined distance (D3) in a first and a particular position. second particular position. Adjustment tool according to claim 10, characterized in that the emission of a signal takes place according to one of the following modes: - when passing through each particular position, - during the entire period separating the passage between the two particular positions, after passing through the second particular position, the signal then comprising time information relating to the passage in the first particular position. Adjustment tool according to at least one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that a position sensor comprises an electrical or electronic switching means. Adjustment tool according to at least one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the transmitted signal comprises a stop command. Method for the semi-automatic adjustment of a closing automation equipment (100) comprising a roll-up apron (3) on a winding tube (5) activated in rotation by an electric actuator (6) equipped with rotation measuring means ( 7a) and / or torque measuring means (7b) and / or signal receiving and computing means (7c), a first end of the apron comprising a load bar (8) and a second end of the apron being connected to the winding tube, characterized in that it comprises at least: a step of placing, on the first end of the apron, an adjustment tool according to at least one of the preceding claims, a step of detecting at least one particular position of the adjustment tool during a contact of the adjustment tool with a fixed stop of the equipment, an automatic step of calculating and recording, in the electric actuator, an end position data item, a step of removing the adjustment tool. Adjustment method according to Claim 14, characterized in that a particular position is defined by a stop force variation and / or by the activation of a position sensor in the adjusting tool. An adjusting method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that a first, particular position is defined in a first relative position of two movable elements of the adjusting tool. An adjusting method according to claim 16, characterized in that a second, particular position is defined in a second, relative position of two movable elements of the adjusting tool. An adjusting method according to claim 17, characterized in that a winding radius data is calculated in the electric actuator from a measurement of rotation separating the passage in two particular positions. Adjustment method according to Claim 18, characterized in that a calibration datum is calculated from a measurement of the variation of force (ΔF) and of the variation of torque (ΔT) caused by the movement of a part partially mobile of the adjusting tool on a means (20, 21) for varying the abutment force. Adjustment method according to one of Claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the automatic calculation and recording step allows the electric actuator to identify a particular type of adjusting tool. Adjustment method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electric actuator uses the rotation measuring means to cause a stop when it has identified a removable adjustment tool.

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