FR2929980A1 - METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING A MOTORIZED DOMOTIC SCREEN COUPLED TO A WIND INTENSITY DETERMINING MEANS - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of automatically controlling a home automation screen coupled to a means for determining the intensity of the wind, the method comprising a step of determining the intensity of the wind, the screen being in an initial position, a step in which the screen is brought from the initial position to a first safety position when the determined wind intensity is between a first and a second threshold and a step in which the screen is brought to a second safety position when t ' determined wind intensity is greater than the second threshold, characterized in that the first security position of the screen corresponds to a deployment of the screen at least substantially equal to the deployment of the screen in its initial position.

Description

The invention relates to a method for automatically controlling a home automation device comprising a wind-sensitive screen and a sensor for measuring the intensity of the wind. The invention also relates to a home automation device for implementing this method.

When a screen is located outside the building, it is exposed to restrictive operating conditions. In particular, the screen may be biased by the wind, which can damage the structure of the screen. For safety reasons, it is known to control the ascent of a screen as soon as the intensity of the wind exceeds a determined threshold. Given the security aspect, in the majority of cases, there is a single detection threshold beyond which the screen is completely reassembled. In US Pat. No. 5,225,748, several thresholds are taken into account. The automation moves or allows the displacement of a sunscreen to different positions determined according to the measured wind intensity. Thus, if the wind is not too strong, the screen can be deployed or partially folded. The structure of the screen is then less stressed because there is less surface of the screen exposed to the wind. On the other hand, the intermediate position of the screen still provides partial sun protection. Indeed, at this position, the screen remains deployed on the upper part of the race of the screen and covers a corresponding projection area. On the other hand, no sun protection can be provided for the zone corresponding to the lower part of the screen stroke.

For some screens with a load bar such as adjustable slat screens or roller blinds, maintaining the tension of the screen deployed depends on the weight and / or guidance of its load bar. When the screen is forced by the wind, the latter can cause the beat of the load bar and the screen, in particular M S \ 2. S 649.12 FR. 613. dept. do c if the surface of the screen exposed to the wind is large, which generates noise and / or may slightly deteriorate the structure.

In addition to providing only partial sun protection, US Pat. No. 5,225,748 does not solve the above problem in that the screen is simply moved to a particular position. No specific action is provided to limit the beat of the structure when the screen is at that particular position.

The object of the invention is to provide a method of automatically controlling a home automation screen to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and improving control methods known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a method of automatic control allowing a home-automation screen to ensure, in a secure manner, at least partially its function in low wind conditions and to ensure the return to a secure configuration in situations of Strong wind.

The method according to the invention allows the automatic control of a motorized home screen coupled to a means for determining the intensity of the wind. The method comprises a step of determining the intensity of the wind, the screen being in an initial position, a step in which the screen is brought from the initial position to a first safety position when the determined wind intensity is between a first and a second threshold and a step in which the screen is brought to a second safety position when the determined wind intensity is greater than the second threshold. It is characterized in that the first security position of the screen corresponds to a deployment of the screen at least substantially equal to the deployment of the screen in its initial position.

S. \ 2. S649.12EN.613.dpt.doc The first security position may be the fully deployed position of the screen.

The step in which the screen is brought to the first security position 5 may include a phase of stabilization of the screen.

The screen stabilization phase may include blocking at least one moving part of the screen.

The control method may comprise a step of unblocking the moving part before the step in which the screen is brought to the second safety position.

The control method can be applied to a home screen 15 comprising a load bar fixed at the end of the screen and whose moving part comprises the load bar. The control method can be applied to a home screen comprising a web wrapped around a winding tube rotated by a motor, and the screen stabilizing phase can include blocking the charge.

The stabilization phase of the screen may include powering up the fabric. The control method can be applied to a home automation screen comprising stackable steerable blades and the screen stabilization phase can comprise a modification of the orientation of the blades, in particular a modification of the orientation of the blades so as to 30 facilitate the passage of wind through the blades. S. \ 2. The home automation device according to the invention comprises a home-automation screen and a means for determining the intensity of the wind. It is characterized in that it comprises hardware and software means for implementing the method defined above.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams of a roll-up fabric in 10 any position for implementing the control method according to the invention; FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams of a roll-up fabric in a stabilized position for implementing the control method according to the invention; FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams of a screen provided with steerable blades in any position for carrying out the control method according to the invention; FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams of a screen provided with steerable blades in a stabilized position for implementing the control method according to the invention; - Figure 9 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the control method according to the invention. FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an addition to the embodiment of the preceding control method. A home automation device controlled according to the control method according to the invention comprises a mobile screen, for example a closure, concealment or sun protection screen, these screens being in general sensitive to the wind, that is to say may be damaged and / or damage nearby elements when deployed in windy conditions. The device also includes an MS \ 2. S649.12EN.613.dpt.doc means of determining, for example measuring, the intensity of the wind, either directly, such as an anemometer, or through its effects on an element of the screen, such as a force sensor.

The control method according to the invention is particularly suitable for controlling two types of home automation devices, such as motorized blinds illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8.

The first type of home automation device 1, shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, comprises a screen la provided with a rollable fabric 11. The fabric 11 is fixed on one side to a winding tube 12 and on the other side to a load bar 13 so as to allow its winding on the winding tube 12 or its unwinding from the tube 12 by means of actuating means, such as for example a motor 14 whose power supply is controlled by an electronic control unit 15. The home automation device also comprises a determination means 16, for example by measuring, the intensity of the wind, such as an anemometer. The home automation device further comprises a locking means 17 of the load bar of the screen, represented here by two V-shaped supports arranged laterally on either side of the screen. Other locking means may be envisaged to ensure the immobilization of the load bar at a given position, the representation of the locking means by this type of support being not limiting.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate any position of the blind. The wind exerts a force Fv over the entire deployed surface as shown in gray in Figure 1. This force causes the lateral beat ML1 and / or vertical MV1 of the screen, as shown in Figure 2. To reduce this beat, a solution according to the invention consists in blocking the load bar as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. By combining the blocking with a tensioning of the fabric, the MS \ 2 are greatly reduced. S649.12EN.61: 3.dpt.doc beats ML'1 and MV'l of the screen. In order to turn on the fabric, one solution consists in causing the fabric to wind up, after blocking of the load bar, until the desired tension is obtained. It is clear that an installation equipped with locking means must also provide means for unlocking. The locking means are generally arranged close to the bottom end of the screen but they can be located at another intermediate position of the race.

The second type of home automation device 2, shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, comprises a screen 2a provided with steerable blades 21. The screen is provided with a lower load bar 23, this load bar being fixed to the ends of cords or laces 27 winding on winding drums 22 driven in rotation by a shaft 28 connected to a motor 24 of which the power supply is controlled by an electronic control unit 25. The maneuvering of the screen is carried out thanks to the cords or laces, passing through the blades 21. In fact, the winding of the cords or laces on the winding drums has the effect of raising the load bar and, consequently, stacking the blades one over the other. The screen also comprises blade orientation means (not shown) for adjusting the angular position of the blades about their longitudinal axis, these being parallel to the axis of the load bar. In addition, the installation has a determination means 26, for example by measurement, of the intensity of the wind, such as an anemometer.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a position of the blind for which the blades are oriented so as to obtain maximum sun protection. The blades are close to the vertical position, thus providing a large wind catching surface as shown hatched in Figure 5. Wind then exerts a force Fv on this surface thus causing MS \ 2. S649.12EN.613.dpt.doc flap ML2 and / or vertical MV2 side of the screen, as shown in Figure 6. To reduce this beat, a solution according to the invention is to reduce the wind catching surface in modifying the orientation of the blades as shown in Figures 7 and 8 where the wind catching area is decreased. By directing the blades to a more horizontal position, the wind can pass through them (F'v) thus reducing the beats ML'2 and MV'2 of the screen.

Complementarily or alternatively, to improve the stability of the adjustable slat screens, it can be provided the blocking of the load bar, the unlocking of the elements of the blind is always possible by a specific command from the user. This blocking of the load bar can be provided by means identical to those mentioned above.

Both solutions proposed, blocking of the load bar or orientation of the blades, allow, both, to improve the stability of the screen in the direction of the reduction of the displacement of the screen. They can be used alternately or complementarily. As a result, the structure is preserved from any deterioration. Similarly, the noise generated by the movements of the load bar under the effect of the wind is reduced.

The two home automation devices described above comprise hardware means 15, 16 and 25, 26 and software for implementing the control method according to the invention.

The automatic control method according to the invention is described below. S. \ 2. S649.12EN.613.doc.doc 29 The proposed process uses two predefined wind intensity thresholds, which allows three operating intervals to be defined.

When the intensity of the wind is below the first threshold, no action is expected because the intensity of the wind is not strong enough to cause degradation or discomfort / inconvenience.

When the intensity is greater than the second threshold, the method triggers a security scenario. This is usually a full or substantial rise or fallback order of the home screen. It is in fact necessary to no longer expose the surface of the screen to the wind. In this case, the force of the wind on even a small surface of the screen may damage its structure.

The median operating interval corresponds to a wind intensity between the first and the second threshold. When the determined wind intensity is included in this median interval, the method according to the invention controls the positioning of the screen in a position at least equal to or more deployed than in its initial position when an intensity is detected. wind within the median operating range. Thus, this makes it possible to maintain a protection, for example an extended sun protection, which can also cover an area corresponding to the lower part of the screen stroke.

Preferably, the deployment position reached following a determination of the intensity of the wind in the median interval corresponds to the total deployment of the screen, the covered solar protection zone thus being the largest.

For this median interval, the wind is strong enough to generate a nuisance by causing a flutter of the screen. It can be an MS \ 2. S649.12EN.613.dpt.doc noise or slight degradation of the structure due to wear. However, the intensity is not important enough to damage the structure. Also, to avoid this nuisance, the screen is configured to stabilize the screen.

This stabilization can be performed as explained above by blocking a mobile part of the screen. In the case of a rollable fabric equipped with a load bar, this blocking may consist in immobilizing the load bar. Blocking means can be activated or deactivated following a specific operation of the screen. Once the load bar is immobilized, the fabric can be stretched. In addition to the aesthetic appearance, this tension and immobilization limit the flutter of the screen and the nuisances previously mentioned. In this case, it is possible to associate different voltages of the screen (that is to say of the fabric or cords supporting the blades) at different wind speeds, the voltage increasing with the speed of the coming.

As mentioned above, the stabilization of the screen can also (alternatively or complementarily) be obtained by decreasing the surface of the screen exposed directly to the wind. This solution is particularly suitable for screens with adjustable blades where it is then possible to orient the blades to facilitate the passage of wind through them. The wind exerts less force on the screen. The screen is therefore more stable because less solicited. In this case, we can associate different orientations of the blades at different wind speeds, the angle of orientation of the blades (acute geometric angle between the horizontal and the plane of the blades) decreasing with the wind speed.

A particular embodiment of the automatic control method is described below by way of example with reference to FIG. 9. MS \ 2. S649.12EN.613.dpt.doc In a first step 110, the intensity of the wind lm, that is to say for example the value of its speed or the value of the forces it exerts on the screen, is determined for example using the measuring means 16 or 26.

In a second step 120, this intensity lM is compared with a first threshold S1 previously recorded. If the measured intensity is lower, the process loops on a new determination of the intensity of the wind according to a determined polling rate, in other words, after a delay. Otherwise, we go to a step 130.

In a third step 130, the intensity lM is compared with a second threshold S2 previously recorded. If the intensity measured is lower, we go to a fourth step 140. Otherwise, we go to a fifth step 150.

In the fourth step 140, the screen is configured to stabilize it. This stabilization can be obtained by one of the solutions described above. At the end of this step, the deployment of the screen is either identical or greater than it was in the previous step. In other words, the free end of the screen has either remained motionless or has moved so as to increase the visible surface of the screen.

In the fifth step 150, a security scenario is executed. This scenario involves bringing the screen to a position where its structure will be protected from any risk of damage. In the case of intense wind, it is generally a position for which the screen is completely reassembled. It is obvious that if the screen is blocked, the MS \ 2. S649.12FR.61: 3.dpt.doc security scenario will start with unlocking the screen before moving the screen.

Steps 120 and 130 can be reversed. Following step 140, it may be provided to reset the method to guarantee the execution of the security scenario of step 150 in the case where the wind intensity exceeds the second threshold S2.

In a variant, illustrated in FIG. 10, the steps following step 140 are: A sixth step 160 corresponding to step 110. A seventh step 170 analogous to step 130, the difference being that when the measurement is lower at the second threshold S2, proceed to step 160 with or without delay. An eighth step 180 corresponding to step 150.

The method relating to this variant therefore consists, once the screen is stabilized, to react only for events presenting a significant risk for the screen. Thus, in the rest of the method, the intensity 20 determined is only compared to the second security threshold S2, triggering a security scenario if the threshold is crossed. If the screen is no longer stabilized, following a manual operation for example, the process can loop on step 110.

Alternatively, a step of activating or deactivating step 140 may be provided depending on the user's wishes. Thus the screen is not locked in a stabilization position as defined in step 140 if the user does not wish. For example, the user may prefer the sun protection, by tilting the blades a little more, with respect to the stability of the screen, thus accepting possible nuisances

S. \ 2. S649.12EN.613.dpt.doc5 induced. For this, the user can act on the installation via a control point.

The stabilized position, corresponding to a tension level of the fabric after blocking of the load bar or corresponding to a blade orientation, can be set by default, by setting the user manually or by learning. Similarly, it may also be provided means for evaluating the beat of the screen, such as an accelerometer, and adjust the stabilization based on this evaluation. The beat can be appreciated by measuring the movements of the load bar when the screen is off. The adjustment of the stabilization may correspond to the increase of the tensioning of the fabric or to the angular orientation of the blades. The flapping of the screen can also be measured from the forces exerted on the motor 14.

The method of execution of the method has been described when it is applied to a blind with rollable fabric or with adjustable blades. It is however clear that the method can be applied to any home automation device comprising a wind-sensitive screen and means for stabilizing the screen with respect to the effects of the wind.

To enable the implementation of the control method according to the invention, the home automation devices described above comprise, among the hardware and / or software means for implementing the control method according to the invention, a recording means for a first threshold S1, a means for recording a second threshold S2, a means for comparing the intensity lm determined at the first and second thresholds, a screen displacement control means so as to block one of its moving parts and / or MS \ 2 orientation changing control means. S649.12EN.61: 3.dpt.doc blades and a way to execute a predefined security scenario. The software means may comprise computer programs. MS \ 2. S649.12FR.613.dpt.doc

Claims (10)

1. A method of automatically controlling a motorized home automation screen (1a) coupled to a wind intensity determining means (16; 26), the method comprising a step of determining the intensity of the wind , the screen being in an initial position, a step in which the screen is brought from the initial position to a first safety position when the determined wind intensity is between a first (SI) and a second threshold (S2 ) and a step in which the screen is brought to a second safety position when the determined wind intensity is greater than the second threshold, characterized in that the first security position of the screen corresponds to a deployment of the screen at least substantially equal to the deployment of the screen in its initial position. 2. Automatic control method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first safety position is the fully deployed position of the screen. 3. Automatic control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step in which the screen is brought to the first safety position comprises a stabilizing phase of the screen. 4. Automatic control method according to claim 3, characterized in that the stabilization phase of the screen comprises Ile blocking at least one movable portion (13; 23) of the screen. 30 5. Automatic control method according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a step of unblocking the M S \ 2. S 649.12 FR. 613. dept. moving part before the step in which the screen is brought to the second safety position. 6. Automatic control method according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that it applies to a home screen (1a) comprising a load bar (13) fixed at the end of the screen and in that that the moving part comprises the load bar. 7. Automatic control method according to claim 6, characterized in that it applies to a home screen (2a) comprising a web (11) wrapping around a winding tube (12) rotated by a motor (14) and in that the stabilization phase of the screen comprises the blocking of the load bar. 8. Automatic control method according to claim 7, characterized in that the stabilization phase of the screen comprises the power of the fabric. 9. Automatic control method according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that it applies to a domotic screen (2a) comprising stackable steerable blades (21) and in that the stabilization phase of the The screen comprises a modification of the orientation of the blades, in particular a modification of the orientation of the blades so as to facilitate the passage of the wind through the blades. 10. Home automation device (1; 2) comprising a home automation screen (la; 2a) and means (16; 26) for determining the intensity of the wind, characterized in that it comprises material means (15; 25) and MS \ 2. S649.12EN.613.dpt.doc16 software for implementing the method according to one of the preceding claims. S. \ 2. S649.12FR.613.dpt.doc