FR2871508A1 - Actuator operating process for e.g. opening frame, involves causing changeover of electronic control unit in inhibition state, where new support on key is analyzed in state without giving rise to movement control of actuator - Google Patents

Abstract

The process involves causing the changeover of an electronic control unit in an inhibition state, by utilizing a particular support, where a new support on the key is analyzed in the state without giving rise to a movement control of an actuator. The period of the new support is lesser than a period beyond which a support gives rise to movement control of the actuator, if the electronic unit is already in inhibition state. An independent claim is also included for a device having a control case and a control pad.

Description

The invention relates to a method of operating a device for

  closure, concealment or sun protection, comprising an actuator for moving a movable closure, concealment or sun protection element, the actuator comprising a motor, an electronic unit for controlling the power supply of the motor and a housing of

  control connected to the electronic unit and provided with at least one control key, the operating method comprising at least a first mode called control mode and a second mode called configuration mode. The invention also relates to a device for implementing such a method.

  Actuators are used to maneuver, thanks to the mechanical energy provided by their motor, movable elements of opening type, roll-up screens or solar protections. A user can control the movements of this element by pressing on control keys of a control box.

  In the case of very simple control box comprising only two keys associated with the two directions of movement of the element, or even including only one key for sequentially controlling the movements of the movable element in both directions and stopping, it is often necessary to provide a specific tool for configuring the actuator, defining, for example, a high limit switch, a low end position, a preferred intermediate position or to associate the various keys from the control box to a direction of rotation of the motor.

  MS \ 2. S649.12FR.509. dpt.doc The configuration operations can be carried out on the one hand when integrating the actuator to the element to be maneuvered which is for example a rolling shutter or a blind, and on the other hand after the integration of the actuator to the element during on-site installation. The configuration steps can be performed manually or, for example for end position records, automatically if the actuators have electronic means permitting it (for example by detecting stops).

  Further subsequent configuration operations, called re-adjustment, can take place during the life cycle of the device comprising the movable element and the actuator. These operations can in particular take place during maintenance phases. These re-adjustment operations are relatively rare in the life of the device, but they must however be considered. Re-adjustment operations can take place for example just after the setting, if the installer wishes to make adjustments to the set positions.

  There are a large number of possible procedures for configuring an actuator.

  For example, EP 0 822 315 discloses a device for controlling the supply of an asynchronous electric motor in which a short-circuiting of the phase lines allowing the rotation of the motor in a first direction and in a second direction by simultaneously pressing the motor rotation control keys in the first direction and in the second direction places the control electronics in a configuration mode.

  Patent FR 2 654 229 also discloses a method for controlling an engine. In this method, simultaneous support during MS \ 2.5649.12FR.509. dept. doc more than four seconds on the keys controlling the rotation of the motor in both opposite directions is interpreted as an order to put in configuration mode.

  A new simultaneous press can be used to validate a recording, or to exit the configuration mode.

  Similarly, the control electronics of an actuator can be directly placed in configuration mode when it is first powered up. The control electronics can also be placed in configuration mode by a known maneuver known as power failure, that is to say that it reacts to a sequence calibrated in time including interruptions of the power supply.

  In most cases, different operating modes of the actuator are thus defined (operating mode and configuration mode), in which the same actions on the control box are interpreted in different ways. In configuration mode, it is generally necessary to be able to move the movable element, and thus to have up and down commands, to adjust the positions to be recorded for example, as well as to validate steps of the configuration. This is a problem especially when the number of keys is reduced and / or when the keys can not be operated simultaneously.

  US Pat. No. 6,078,159 discloses a device for operating a closure element. The device comprises a control box provided with two keys respectively for controlling the operation of the operating element in a first direction and in a second direction. To place this device in a configuration mode, it is necessary to operate at least twice one of the MS12. S649. 12GB.509.doc.doc, each in a predefined time range and shorter than the actuation time for controlling the movement of the closure element. No movement order is taken into account during this predefined time range. Thus, when it is desired to control the movement of the closure element, it is necessary to actuate the control key for a duration greater than that of the predefined time range.

  This latter solution provides an alternative to the ergonomics provided for in the prior art and in particular in the application EP 0 822 315 and the patent FR 2 654 229. In contrast, a start delay of the actuator must be introduced to allow interpretation the duration of pressing a command key. These delays when starting the engine can be difficult to use. Indeed, it is usual to obtain an immediate response from the controlled device following an action performed on a control box.

  The object of the invention is to provide a method of operating a closure device, occultation or solar protection improving the known methods of the prior art and overcoming the drawbacks mentioned above. In particular, the invention provides a method of operating a device in which control commands, entered via a control box, are executed immediately by the device and in which the initial and subsequent configuration operations can be realized with the control unit, very simple construction, including for example, only two control buttons.

  According to a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, the latter is characterized in that a particular key press is interpreted as a motion control command of the mobile element if the MS \ 2. S649.12EN.509.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.docx.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc.doc this key is interpreted differently from a motion control command of the moving element if the closing device, occultation or sun protection is in the configuration mode or if it is in the control mode then that the movable element is in a particular position.

  According to a second embodiment of the method according to the invention, the latter is characterized in that a particular support on a key is interpreted as a movement control command of the movable element if the closure device, in the control mode and if, when the movable element is in a particular end position, the actuated control key is a movement control key of the movable element towards the end of travel. another end position and in that particular support on this key is interpreted differently from a motion control command of the movable element if the closing device, occultation or sun protection is in the configuration mode or if, when in the control mode, the actuated control key is a motion control key of the movable element to an end position while the Mobile lement is in the limit position.

  A particular key press may consist of an actuation of this key for a duration less than a first duration t1 beyond which the actuation of the key gives rise to a movement control of the movable element.

  MS \ 2.S649.12EN.509.dt.doc The closing, shading or sun protection device can switch automatically from configuration mode to control mode as soon as one or more values corresponding to particular positions of the moving element have been recorded in a memory of the actuator.

  The closure, concealment or sun protection device can automatically switch from the control mode to the configuration mode as soon as at least one value corresponding to a particular position of the mobile element has been erased in a memory of the actuator .

  A particular position of the movable element may be an end position or an intermediate position determined manually or automatically.

  One or more particular supports interpreted differently from motion control commands can cause the closure device, shading or sun protection to switch to the configuration mode.

  A particular pressing of the key while the closing device, occultation or sun protection is in the control mode and interpreted differently from a motion control command can cause the electronic unit to switch to a state of inhibition in which at least one new pressing of the key is analyzed but does not give rise to a motion control of the movable element, a particular sequence of supports in the muting state allowing the configuration of the actuator.

  M S \ 2. S 64 9.12FR. 09. dpt. The device according to the invention comprises an actuator for moving a movable closing, concealment or sun protection element, the actuator comprising a motor, an electronic control unit of the engine power supply provided with a memory and a control box connected to the electronic unit and provided with at least one control button. It is characterized in that it comprises electronic management means and / or mechanical support on the button or keys of the control box for implementing the method defined above.

  The device may include a configuration flag to indicate whether one or more values associated with particular positions of the mobile element have been registered.

  The appended drawing represents, by way of example, a control method according to the invention and a device for its implementation.

  Figure 1 is a diagram of a device for implementing the device according to the invention.

  FIGS. 2 and 3 are flow charts detailing an embodiment of the operating method according to the invention.

  A motorized device 1 for closing, concealment or sun protection is shown in FIG. 1. The device comprises an actuator 2 capable of driving a moving element 3 such as a blind, a shutter or a screen in motion. The actuator comprises a geared motor 4 connected to an electronic control unit 5. This electronic control unit comprises or is linked to a memory 6. Its function is notably to control the rotation of the geared motor and to determine the position in which the mobile element is at each MS \ 2. S 649. 12FR.5 09. dpt. instant doc. The actuator may comprise for this purpose a counting device associated with a sensor, for example of the Hall effect or optoelectronic type.

  To control the actuator 2, and therefore the movable member 3, the user has an interface in the form of a control box 7 provided with control keys 8a and 8b. These keys 8a and 8b respectively make it possible to control the movement upwards and downwards of the movable element. The control box can be integrated with the actuator or placed at a distance from it. When placed at a distance, the control unit 7 can communicate with the electronic control unit 5 by means of a wired connection or by means of an electromagnetic wave connection (for example radio waves or infra-red waves). In these cases, the control unit 7 and the electronic control unit 5 respectively comprise a transmitter and a signal receiver.

  Pressing one of the keys causes a command command from the command box 7 to be sent to the electronic control unit 5, which causes rotation of the gearmotor 4 in the direction corresponding to the command and therefore the movement of the movable element 3.

  Initial configuration operations of a closing device, occultation or sun protection are described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2.

  During a first phase 10, initial configuration operations are performed. A pairing between the control unit 7 and the electronic control unit is optionally made, then movements of the movable member are controlled to bring it MS12.S649.12FR. 509.dpt.doc in particular positions to record. As long as no particular position recording is performed, the memories 6 related to the electronic control unit are blank. In this phase, any motion command is executed only when the action of the installer on the corresponding key of the control box is maintained for a duration greater than a predetermined time t1, with for example t1 = 0.5 second .

  In a second phase 20, values corresponding to particular positions of the movable element are stored in memory.

  In a third phase 30, when at least one memory associated with a particular position of the movable element (for example a position of end of travel, predefined intermediate position) is indicated, and, preferably, when the two end positions of are saved, a CONFIGURE indicator is enabled. The electronic control unit may also have for example a two-state indicator that switches when one of the memories associated with the registration of a position is no longer blank.

  Alternatively, the CONFIGURE configuration indicator can be activated when a particular position is determined during an automatic procedure, for example by stop detection.

  An erase action of all the data contained in the memories 6 (RESET action known from the state of the art) deactivates the CONFIGURE configuration indicator.

  One embodiment of the control method according to the invention is described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In a step 40, a pressing is exerted on a key of the control box 7, a control command signal is transmitted to the electronic control unit 5, this signal containing a certain amount of information allowing him to distinguish in particular the content of the order, its origin and the duration of the support.

  In a step 50, the state of the configuration indicator CONFIGURE is tested. If the indicator is deactivated, it is tested, in a step 90, the duration of the pressing on the button of the control box. If this duration is greater than the predetermined duration t1, the support of step 40 is considered, in a step 100, as to cause the movement of the movable element and the actuator 4 is therefore powered. If the duration is less than the predetermined duration t1, the support is considered, in a step 110, as a particular support, forming part of a configuration ergonomics and no movement of the movable element 3 is controlled. During this step 110, the particular support can be considered, for example, as an order for changing the operating mode of the motorized closure, concealment or sun protection device, such as an order of validation of a setting, such as a triggering order of an inhibit period of the electronic unit or as an operation forming part of an adjustment procedure.

  If during the test step 50, it is found that the configuration indicator CONFIGURE is activated, it is tested, in a step 60, the position occupied by the movable member 3. If the movable element is not not find in a particular position such as the high end position, the low end position or a predefined intermediate position, the support of step 40 is considered, in a step 120, as to cause the movement of the movable element and the actuator 4 is therefore powered without the slightest delay perceptible by the user.

  MS \ 2. S649.12EN.509.dpt.doc If during step 60, it is found that the position occupied by the movable element 3 corresponds to one of the end positions or to a predefined intermediate position, it returns to the test step 90.

  Thus, if the configuration indicator is active, that is to say if the device is partially or is preferably completely configured, the presses on the control buttons of the control box will immediately give rise to a movement of the movable element, unless it is in a particular position and in this case, it will maintain the support for a period longer than the predetermined time t1 for it to be interpreted as a movement order. A support of a duration less than the predetermined duration t1 will be considered as a signal for setting configuration mode of the device.

  It can be expected that this operation causing a delay to the motion control only concerns one key, for example, the key 8a (controlling the upward movement of the movable element upwards) when the movable element is located in the high end position and the key 8b (controlling the downward movement of the movable element downwards) when the movable element is in the low end position.

  In this case, the user wishing to generate a setting mode press support will have to release his support or invalidate the order (in the case of a key such that the transmission of the signal is kept mechanically or electronically) in a lower time at a duration t1.

  If the mobile element is, however, in any position, any command is immediately taken into account. However, a test of the support duration MS \ 2.5649.12FR.509.dt.doc can be implemented in this case, but the duration concerned is then generally imperceptible for the user. This is usually a test of the order of 10ms, for example to overcome the electrical disturbances If the configuration indicator is inactive, and whatever the position of the movable element, a test is performed on the duration of support. The engine start is necessarily delayed by the predetermined duration t1.

  The operating method according to the invention has the advantage of allowing to maintain the same ergonomics to perform initial and subsequent configuration operations, which facilitates the task of the installer.

  Alternatively, once at least one particular position of the movable element is recorded, another ergonomics can be used at this or these particular positions.

  Once the device installed on site and configured by the installer, the user is no longer dependent on engine start delays, which can be difficult to use The position of the movable element can also be identified by a Duration, for example a movement time with respect to a reference position. The position count is then activated by a clock.

  The operating method is adapted to the ergonomics for placing the control electronics in a configuration mode by analyzing the duration of the control supports, regardless of the number of keys of the control box and whatever the link (wired or not) MS \ 2. S649.12EN.509.dot.doc between the control box and the electronic control unit of the actuator.

  For the implementation of the operating method according to the invention, it is possible for example to store in the memory (6) of the electronic unit (5), a value representative of the duration making it possible to discriminate the long presses of the short presses on the the control keys. This value can then vary according to the mode of operation of the device and the position of the mobile element. Thus, this value will for example be substantially zero when the closure device, occultation or sun protection is in the control mode and when the movable element is not in a particular position. Under these conditions, any pressing on one of the control keys is considered as a long press resulting in a motion control command of the movable element.

MS12.S649.12FR.509.dpt.doc

Claims (10)

claims:   1. A method of operation of a device (1) for closing, occultation or sun protection, comprising an actuator (2) for moving a movable element (3) closing, occultation or sun protection, the actuator (2) comprising a motor (4), an electronic engine power control unit (4) (4) and a control box (7) connected to the electronic unit (5) and provided with least one control key (8a, 8b), the operating method comprising at least a first mode called control mode and a second mode called configuration mode, characterized in that a particular key press (8a, 8b) is interpreted as a motion control command of the movable element (3) if the closing, occulting or sun protection device (1) is in the control mode and if the movable element (3) does not is not in a particular position and that particular support on this key (8a, 8b) is interpreted differently from a motion control command of the movable element (3) if the closing, occulting or sun protection device (1) is in the configuration mode or if it is in the mode while the movable element (3) is in a particular position.   2. A method of operating a device (1) for closing, concealment or sun protection, comprising an actuator (2) for moving a movable element (3) closing, occultation or sun protection, the actuator comprising a motor (4), an electronic engine power control unit (5) (4) and a control unit (7) connected to the electronic unit (5) and provided with at least one key (8a, 8b), the operating method comprising at least a first mode called control mode and a second mode called configuration mode, MS12. S 649.12EN.509.dpt.doc characterized in that a particular key press (8a, 8b) is interpreted as a motion control command of the movable element if the closing device (1) in the control mode and if, when the movable element (3) is in a particular end position, the actuated control key (8a, 8b) is a control key of movement of the movable element (3) to another end-of-travel position and in that a particular support on this key (8a, 8b) is interpreted differently from a motion control command of the movable element ( 3) if the closure, concealment or sun protection device (1) is in the configuration mode or if, when in the control mode, the actuated control key (8a, 8b) is a movement control key of the movable element (3) towards an end position while the moving element (3) is in this end position.   3. Operating method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a particular pressing of a key (8a, 8b) consists of an actuation of this key for a duration less than a first duration t1 beyond which the actuation of the key gives rise to a motion control of the movable element (3).   4. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) for closing, occultation or sun protection automatically switches from the configuration mode to the control mode as soon as one or more values corresponding at particular positions of the movable element (3) have been stored in a memory (6) of the actuator (2).   MS \ 2. S 649.12EN.509. dept. doc 5. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) for closing, occultation or sun protection automatically switches from the control mode to the configuration mode as soon as at least one corresponding value. at a particular position of the movable element (3) has been erased in a memory (6) of the actuator (2).   6. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a particular position of the movable member (3) is an end position or an intermediate position determined manually or automatically.   7. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more specific supports on one of the keys (8a, 8b) while the device (1) for closing, occultation or protection solar is in the control mode and interpreted differently motion control commands, cause a switchover of the device (1) for closing, occultation or sun protection to the configuration mode.   8. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a particular support on the key (8a, 8b) while the device (1) for closing, occultation or sun protection is in the command mode and interpreted differently from a motion control command causes the electronic unit (5) to switch to a muting state in which at least one further pressing of the key (8a, 8b) is analyzed but not does not give birth to an MS \ 2 command. S649.12FR.509.dpt. doc movement of the movable element (3), a particular sequence of supports in the state of inhibition for the configuration of the actuator (2).   9. Device (1) for closing, occulting or sun protection, comprising an actuator (2) for moving a movable element (3) closing, occultation or sun protection, the actuator comprising a motor (4). ), an electronic engine power control unit (5) (4) provided with a memory (6) and a control box (7) connected to the electronic unit (5) and provided with at least one a control key (8a, 8b), characterized in that it comprises means for electronic and / or mechanical management of the supports on the key or keys of the control box allowing the implementation of the method according to one of the Claims 1 to 8.   10. Device (1) for closing, occultation or sun protection, according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a configuration indicator (CONFIGURE) to indicate if one or more values associated with particular positions of the mobile element (3) have been recorded. MS \ 2.S649.12FR.509.dpt.doc