EP2762667B1 - Drive system and method of operating a drive system - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a drive system and a method for operating a drive system for movable sashes of windows, doors, flaps or the like.

From the DE 40 41 087 A1 a drive system is known in which a central control circuit acts on a plurality of actuators which together raise and lower a flap wing. The actuators are controlled by the control circuit directly via a voltage controller and regulated for synchronism.

In practice, drive systems with a number of actuators are also known, which each have their own programmable control unit and communicate with one another via a data bus. The actuators act together on a wing to be moved and are mutually controlled for synchronism, which is achieved via a separate control circuit or via a master-slave arrangement. For identification, the actuators exchange their unique serial number, which is fixed for each actuator by the manufacturer.

the DE 19 507 407 A1 discloses a drive system for window sashes in a building with drive units comprising a control unit and a control device, the digital bus addresses of the participants being set via DIP switches.

It is the object of the present invention to provide improved drive technology.

The invention solves this problem with the features of product claim 1 and method claim 10.

The claimed drive system and the method for its operation have the advantage of significantly simplifying and facilitating the system structure and commissioning. There is no need for time-consuming settings and programming of the drive units during commissioning.

The construction and control costs as well as the space requirement of the drive system can also be significantly reduced.

The drive technology makes it possible to couple any drive units with one another and network them via a control line. As a result, different drive units with different functions can be operated in a drive system. Their number can also vary. The control device can be connected to such different drive units.

The control units of the various drive units each generate their own virtual subscriber designation within the drive system and use this to identify themselves. In particular, this can be a consecutive number within the total number of drive units in the drive system. The subscriber designation can have a simple structure and a very small amount of data. For example, it can only consist of a single number with a few digits. This reduces the communication effort and allows the use of inexpensive and less complex control lines.

The continuous sequence of designations, in particular numbering, enables a particularly simple check of the existence and functionality of the connected drive units. This can be done, for example, by the control device, which signals the test result via a display and can also block the drive system if a drive unit is missing. On the other hand, the control device can assign the virtual subscriber designation of the replaced drive unit to a replacement drive unit, which additionally reduces the effort for the renewed commissioning.

The drive units can be standard units that only receive a virtual subscriber designation when they are commissioned and use this to communicate with one another. This allows a wide variety of system configurations with minimal planning and commissioning effort. In addition, standardized drive units from the warehouse can be used.

A further advantage consists in the particularly simple generation of a closing sequence control, which is particularly advantageous for the interaction of functionally different drive units, in particular actuators and locking drives, in the drive system. When opening a closed sash, the locking drives have priority and block the actuators until they have reached their unlocked position. When closing an open wing, the process is reversed, with the actuators blocking the locking drives until they have reached their closed position and the closed wing can then be locked. Here, too, the effort for installation, programming and control is minimal.

According to the invention, the control device and the control units each have a microcontroller.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control line(s) of the drive system is/are designed as a clocked bus. The control line(s) of the drive system can each have a cable with one or more wires, in particular with three wires.

In one variant, one or all drive unit(s) have a separate power supply, in particular an electrical power supply.

Further advantageous refinements of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The invention is shown by way of example and schematically in the drawing. In detail shows:
figure 1 : a schematic of a propulsion system.

The invention relates to a drive system 1 with a plurality of drive units (4-8). The invention also relates to a method for operating such a drive system (1). This includes the initialization of the drive system (1).

figure 1 shows a drive system (1) in a schematic representation. It is intended for movable casements (2) of windows, doors, flaps or similar closure elements. A preferred area of application is buildings, in particular buildings and building closures.

This in figure 1 The drive system (1) shown has a plurality of drive units (4-8) and a programmable control device (3). The drive units (4-8) can be functionally the same or different. In the exemplary embodiment shown, there are five drive units, the number of which can also vary up or down in another embodiment.

In the embodiment shown, the drive units (4,5,6) are designed as actuators that move the wing (2) together. This is preferably a pivoting movement, but can also be other kinematics. The actuators (4,5,6) attack side by side on the wing (2) and move it together. They can be coordinated with one another in their movements, in particular synchronized.

The other two drive units (7, 8) are designed as locking drives which lock the leaf (2) in its closed position, e.g. on a surrounding stationary frame. The drive units (4-8) are connected to one another and to the control device (3) via a control line (13). They can be connected to these, for example, in parallel.

One or more drive units (4-8) can be supplied with energy via a separate device (19), which is shown schematically for the actuator (4), for example, and can also be used for the other drive units. The power supply (19) can be, for example, an electrical power supply with DC or AC voltage. A connection can be made, for example, to the building power supply with 230 V alternating current or to a direct current supply with 12 or 24 V. Alternatively, the drive units (4-8) can be supplied with energy via the control line (13).

The control line (13) can be wired or wireless. In the preferred embodiment, the control line (13) is designed as a cable with one or more wires, e.g. with three wires. The control line (13) is designed as a clocked bus, in particular as a data bus. This can be a dominant and recessive level bus. Of the three wires mentioned above, one wire can be used for signal and data transmission, with the other two wires forming an electrical power supply and specifying the function, in particular the opening and closing direction, through their variable polarity.

The control device (3) can be connected to one or more actuator(s) (15). This can, for example, be a button, a control circuit, in particular an RWA control, an alarm, wind or rain sensor or the like. The actuator (15) and the control device (3) are connected to one another by means of electrical actuating lines (17). The number and arrangement of the actuators (15) can also differ from those in figure 1 be trained.

The control device (3) is programmable and for this purpose has a microcontroller with a microprocessor and peripherals, in particular memories for data and programs. The latter can, for example, be programs for checking, initializing and controlling the drive system (1) and the connected drive units (4-8). Furthermore, the control device (3) can have a display (14), e.g. an optical and/or acoustic display, in particular an LED display. The control device (3) has cable connections for the lines (13, 17) and an interface for bidirectional communication via the control line (13). This can be used to transmit data, in particular messages and commands.

The control device (3) can have a small size in the form of a small circuit board with the aforementioned components, which can be accommodated at any point so that it is visible or hidden. It can be placed, for example, in a switch box, on or in the sash (2) or its frame, or in or on a drive unit (4-8). Visual contact with the display (14) is advantageous for commissioning.

The drive units (4-8) each have a programmable control unit (12) and a drive means (9) which is controlled by the control unit (12). The drive means (9) can be constructed in different ways, preferably as an electric drive.

The drive means (9) can, for example, have a preferably controllable motor (10), in particular an electric motor, and a propellant (11) actuated by it, which acts outwards and in particular on the wing (2). In addition, a sensor system (18) can be present, which is also connected to the control unit (12) and can be used to monitor the function of the respective drive unit (4-8). This can be used, for example, to detect the position and/or the movement of a driving element (11).

In the case of the actuators (4,5,6), the propellant (11) can be a linear chain, for example. Alternatively, the propellant (11) can be designed as a rack, threaded spindle, link gear or any other type in order to transmit the drive movement of the motor (10) to the wing (2) for opening and closing.

In the case of the locking drives (7, 8), the driving means (11) can be designed in a different way, e.g. as a locking element. If a drive unit is used for purposes other than those mentioned above, the drive means (9) can be designed and adapted accordingly.

The control unit (12) of a drive unit (4-8) also has a microcontroller with a microprocessor and memory with data and programs. It is connected via an interface to the control line (13) for bidirectional communication with the sending and receiving of data. In addition, there is the mentioned control connection to the drive means (9). The control unit (12), in particular the microcontroller, also has a non-volatile and writable memory for a virtual subscriber designation explained below. The scope of the program includes programs for controlling the drive element (9), for data communication, for initialization and for evaluating the signals from other drive units (4-8).

A program for generating and assigning an individual subscriber designation is stored, with which each control unit (12) within the drive system (1) generates and assigns its own virtual subscriber designation and stores it in the non-volatile and reprogrammable memory. The control units (12) log on to the control device (3) with this virtual subscriber designation.

The virtual subscriber designations of the drive units (4-8) differ from one another and identify the respective drive unit. The virtual subscriber designations can be of any type. Alphanumeric numbering, in particular in the form of numbers with only one or a few digits, is preferred. The virtual subscriber designation can be sequential. In particular, it can begin with the number or number 1, the last number in the uninterrupted sequence representing the total number of drive units (4-8) present and connected in the drive system (1).

When the drive system (1) is put into operation, the control device (3) sends an initialization signal to the connected drive units (4-8) and their control units (12). Using the aforementioned program, they each generate a virtual subscriber designation starting with the lowest, in particular the number 1, and output a corresponding message to the control line (13). The generation and reporting of the control units (12) takes place at different times, with the first report before has priority over all others and blocks them. When the first or fastest control unit (12) has effectively reported the first number, it assigns and stores this number as a virtual subscriber designation. The other control units (12) learn from this priority message that there is already a first virtual subscriber designation and that their previous number assumption is therefore incorrect and they have to dial and report a next higher number in the next cycle. This iterative cycle can run several times in succession until all drive units (4-8) have assigned and stored their own virtual subscriber designation.

The virtual subscriber designations are also reported to the control device (3), which obtains information from this, at least about the number of connected drive units (4-8). In the simplest embodiment, the drive units (4-8) only report the virtual subscriber designation, so that the control device (3) does not have any further information about the type and function as well as the arrangement of the drive units (4-8) in the drive system (1) and on the wing (2). has. The control device (3) can output an acknowledgment signal and also further information, in particular about the number of connected and registered drive units (4-8) on the display (14).

The drive units (4-8) are activated to trigger their function, in particular to trigger an opening or closing movement, via the control device (3), with the polarity on the wires of the control line (13) being set accordingly, for example. In response to this control signal, the control units (12) of the drive units (4-8) first respond with their virtual subscriber designation, with the control device (3) receiving and reporting the messages Checked for completeness. If a virtual subscriber designation is missing due to the failure of a drive unit (4-8) or for other reasons, the control device (3) detects a fault and blocks the drive units (4-8).

In the event of a fault, the control device (3) can issue a message via the display (14). In addition, the control device (3) can output a fault message to the outside, e.g. to a maintenance center, via the actuating lines (17) or in some other way, e.g.

If a faulty drive unit (4-8) is replaced with a new unit during repairs, the drive system (1) must be put into operation again. In this case, the initialization phase can be shortened in that the control device (3) transmits to the new drive unit (4-8) the previous virtual subscriber designation of the exchanged unit for allocation and storage. Alternatively, the initialization process described above can run, with the existing virtual subscriber designations of the other drive units (4-8) being deleted and then regenerated and assigned.

When all drive units (4-8) report operational readiness in response to the aforementioned control signal, they then start their function, with the running direction being specified via the polarity on the control line (13). If several drive units, in particular the actuators (4-6), act together on a wing (2), synchronization control can be carried out. This is possible in different ways, e.g. B. via the control device (3) or the determination of one of the actuators (4-6) as a master and the other actuators as a slave. This is about the Sensors (18) detect the position and/or speed of the propellant (11) and achieve synchronism by braking the faster or accelerating the slower actuators (4-6). The identification of the sensor signals and also a targeted activation of the respective drive means (9) is possible via the virtual subscriber designation.

The drive system (1) can also have a closing sequence control. When the wing (2) is closed, the locking drives (7, 8) are first unlocked, after which the actuators (4-6) can open the wing (2). When closing an open leaf (2), the process is reversed, with the actuators (4-6) first closing the leaf (2), which is then locked by the locking drives (7,8). The closing sequence control can be dependent on the control signal, in particular on the polarity of the control line (13). The control units (12) of the drive units (4-8) can have a corresponding program stored for this purpose.

With an opening control signal, the locking drives (7,8) start immediately, while the actuators (4-6) have a programmed waiting time for this. As soon as a drive unit (4-8) is functional and running, it sends a corresponding feedback on the control line (13), which is received by the control device (3) and by all other drive units (4-8). If an actuator (4-6) receives such a message during the waiting time, the control unit (12) extends the waiting phase until the message signal disappears. This is the case when the locking drive (7.8) has reached its end position and unlocked position. Only then do the actuators (4-6) start to run.

If the control signal is a closing signal, the locking drives (7,8) have a programmed waiting time for this and wait until the actuating drives (4-6), which start up immediately, report that they have reached their end position and the leaf (2) is in the closed position.

If a leaf (2) is to be opened from an intermediate position, the locking drives (7, 8) have already reached their unlocking end position, so that they do not issue a blocking message on the control line (13). In this case, the actuators (4-6) can start up immediately after their programmed waiting time has elapsed. The closing sequence control via waiting times is particularly simple and inexpensive.

Modifications to the embodiment shown and described are possible in various ways within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. The drive system (1) shown relates to a single wing (2). Alternatively, it can also be extended to several wings. It is also possible that only a single actuator acts on a wing (2). In a modification of the exemplary embodiment, only similar drive units, e.g. exclusively actuators, can be arranged in the drive system (1).

In another embodiment, the input drive units (4-8) can have their own individual and predetermined identifiers, which may also contain information about the type and function of the respective drive unit. In this case, the existing identifier can be used instead of a virtual subscriber designation. In addition, the type, number and arrangement of the drive unit can vary. These can also have a setting and locking function other than that described. Variations are too possible with regard to the control line (13), which can be implemented wirelessly, for example via a radio link. The bus technology can also vary. Furthermore, the drive units (4-8) can emit a signal during operation that characterizes their respective type and function. The actuating and locking drives emit different signals, for example, which can be received and evaluated in the control units (12) for the closing sequence control.

Furthermore, structural modifications of the components of the drive system (1) are possible within the scope of the invention defined by the claims. The electric drive means (9) shown can alternatively be designed as a fluidic drive with a correspondingly adapted energy supply. An electrical drive means (9) can also be varied and designed, for example, as a linear drive.

REFERENCE LIST

1

drive system

2

wing

3

control device

4

drive unit, actuator

5

drive unit, actuator

6

drive unit, actuator

7

Drive unit, locking drive

8th

Drive unit, locking drive

9

drive means

10

engine

11

Driving element, chain, locking element

12

control unit

13

control line

14

display

15

actuator, button

16

connection

17

actuation line

18

sensors

19

power supply

Claims (13)

1. Drive system for movable wings of windows, doors, flaps or the like of structures, in particular buildings, wherein the drive system (1) has a plurality of drive units (4-8) and a monitoring device (3), wherein the drive units (4-8) each have a drive means (9) and a control unit (12), and wherein the control units (12) are connected to one another and to the monitoring device (3) via a control line (13), wherein the monitoring device (3) and the control units (12) can be programmed and each have an interface for connection to the control line (13) and for transmitting and receiving data and a microcontroller, wherein the microcontrollers of the control units (12) each have a microprocessor and a memory containing data and programs, wherein the respective microprocessor is configured to execute the respective programs for controlling the drive element (9), for data communication, for initialization and for evaluating the signals from other drive units (4-8), and wherein the control units (12) have a program for generating and assigning a respective dedicated virtual user identification in the drive system (1) and for registration and identification using this user identification at the monitoring device (3) as well as a non-volatile memory for the virtual user identification.
2. Drive system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring device (3) has a display (14) and/or a connection (16) for an actuator (15).
3. Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one drive unit (4, 5, 6) is in the form of an actuating drive for the movement of a wing (2) and/or a further drive unit (7, 8) is in the form of a locking drive for a wing (2) .
4. Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive units (4-8) have a synchronization controller and/or a closing-sequence controller.
5. Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive units (4-8) have a programmed waiting time which is dependent on the actuation signal.
6. Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive means (9) has a controllable motor (10) and a driving element (11), in particular a push chain, a link drive or a latch element.
7. Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive unit (4-8) has a sensor system (18) for its function, in particular, if dependent on claim 6, for the position and/or movement of the driving element (11) .
8. Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive unit (4-8) has a separate energy supply (19), in particular an electrical power supply.
9. Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control line (13) is in the form of a bus, in particular a bus with a dominant and a recessive level.
10. Method for operating a drive system (1) for movable wings of windows, doors, flaps or the like of structures, in particular buildings, wherein the drive system (1) has a plurality of drive units (4-8) and a monitoring device (3), wherein the drive units (4-8) each have a drive means (9) and a control unit (12), and wherein the control units (12) are connected to one another and to the monitoring device (3) via a control line (13), wherein the monitoring device (3) and the control units (12) can be programmed and each have a microcontroller and an interface for connection to the control line (13) and for transmitting and receiving data, wherein the microcontrollers of the control units (12) each have a microprocessor and a memory containing data and programs, wherein the respective microprocessor is configured to execute the respective programs for controlling the drive element (9), for data communication, for initialization and for evaluating the signals from other drive units (4-8), and wherein the control units (12) each use a program to generate and assign themselves a dedicated virtual user identification in the drive system (1) and register and identify themselves using this user identification at the monitoring device (3) and store the virtual user identification in a non-volatile memory.
11. Method according to Claim 10, characterized in that the virtual user identifications are generated as consecutive identifications, in particular numbers, within the total number of drive units (4-8) in the drive system (1).
12. Method according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the drive system (1) is operated using a closing-sequence controller of the different drive units (4-8), wherein the closing sequence is dependent on the polarity of the preferably multicore control line (13).
13. Method according to Claim 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that the drive units (4, 5, 6) are synchronized.

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