JP2010180696A - Method for detecting existence of element between sill of opening and end of electric home automation screen - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and economically ensure accurate detection of an obstacle when an screen is coming near the end in a closing stroke. <P>SOLUTION: This method is provided for detecting the existence of an element between the sill of an opening and the end of an electric screen which contacts the sill. The screen has a detecting means for determining the inclination of the end of the screen to a predetermined reference axis, and the inclination is determined by a plane parallel to a plane formed by the screen after closed. The method includes continuous steps, namely, (b) a step in which the detecting means 8 determines a value for the inclination angle of the end of the screen, and (c) a step in which a processing unit executes a specified scenario when the determined value of the inclination angle is greater than a defined threshold angle value. It also includes a step of determining the reference axis in accordance with at least one value measured by the detecting means 8, the reference axis being used for determining the value for the inclination angle of the end in the step (b). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a motorized movable screen used in home automation equipment such as roller shutters, garage doors or blinds, and more particularly to a method for detecting obstacles or intrusions.

  The use of accelerometers and / or inclinometers arranged on the load bar of a roller shutter for detecting obstacles or intrusions is known from US Pat.

  Patent Document 2 describes means for detecting the level of the load bar of the roller door, and this means stops the development of the screen when the inclination of the end exceeds a predetermined angle.

  Patent Document 3 describes an accelerometer arranged on a garage door to display an open state of a screen. This information is therefore used to detect a possible intrusion and then trigger an alarm.

  Patent Document 4 describes the detection of an obstacle using an accelerometer arranged on a garage door. The accelerometer is used to regulate the moving speed of the door.

  In the two patent documents of the prior art proposing the measurement of the inclination, the measuring method is not explained. There are good reasons to think that the angular change is measured in a vertical plane between the two angular positions of the detection means. In order to be able to detect angular changes, it is necessary to consider a reference position (with an angle) or a reference axis. Patent Document 1 does not provide any accurate instruction regarding the adjustment of the inclinometer. U.S. Patent No. 6,099,056 describes a mercury vial that can be manually adjusted regardless of the position of the edge of the screen. This adjustment is not easy and is essential to the accuracy of the measurement.

  Furthermore, with regard to garage doors and gates, safety standards NF EN12453 and NF EN12445, as soon as an obstacle is detected in the closed area, including the apron edge and up to the last 5 cm of the stroke, The actuator is required to react. The accuracy of detection using actuator operating variables is generally insufficient to meet standards due to door kinematics. In order to comply with these standards, the conventional solution is to use a "detection edge", i.e. a deformable elongate body located under the edge of the door, and means for detecting deformation of the elongate body Is incorporated. These “detection edges” are expensive and it takes time to attach the “detection edges”. In addition, this detection means is not suitable for obstacles with a large surface area or flat surface. This is because the deformation of the rubber forming the elongated body is not guaranteed.

German utility model No. 20000682 US Pat. No. 5,894,267 International Publication No. 2005/111960 European Patent Application Publication No. 1970516 European Patent Application No. 1598518

  The object of the present invention is to provide a detection method which corrects the above-mentioned drawbacks and improves the detection method known from the prior art. In particular, the present invention ensures simple and economical detection of obstacles even in areas where the screen is approaching the end of the closing stroke. The invention also relates to equipment and programs for performing such methods.

In accordance with the present invention, the method allows detecting the presence of an element between an opening sill and an end of a motorized screen intended to contact the sill, the screen being a predetermined reference. A detection means is provided which can determine the inclination of the edge of the screen relative to the axis, the inclination being determined in a plane parallel to the plane formed by the screen after the screen is closed. This method is a continuous step, i.e.
b) the detecting means determining the value of the angle of inclination of the edge of the screen;
c) If the determined value of the tilt angle is greater than the defined threshold angle value, the processing unit executes a specific scenario, and the defined threshold angle value is defined for the screen stroke. And steps that are specific to the region.

  The method includes an initial step a) of determining a reference axis based on at least one measurement value by the detection means, which reference axis is assigned to a defined area of the screen stroke, during step b) It is used for determining the value of the inclination angle of the part.

  During step a), the reference axis can be determined at a specific position at the edge of the screen relative to the stroke.

  During step b), the reference axis taken into account for measuring the tilt can depend on the position of the edge of the screen, so that the screen stroke can be divided into several defined areas. is there.

  During step c), the threshold angle value considered for executing the scenario can depend on the position of the screen or the position of the reference axis considered.

  During step c), the considered threshold angle value may be less than 10 °, preferably less than 3 °.

  During step b), the tilt angle of the edge of the screen can be measured only at a specific position of the edge of the screen in the defined region of the stroke.

  Step a) can be performed periodically.

  During step c), the specific scenario to be executed may include opening the screen and / or sending a warning message.

  During step c), the processing unit can receive a radio signal from the detection means.

  During step c), the tilt angle can be compared with the threshold angle value at the detection means, and if the threshold angle value is exceeded, the detection means can send a specific signal to the processing unit. .

  According to the invention, the home automation equipment comprises hardware means and / or software means for performing the detection method defined above.

Home automation equipment
-Means for determining a reference axis used to determine the value of the angle of inclination of the edge of the screen in a defined area of the screen stroke;
-Detection means for determining the value of the angle of inclination of the edge of the screen;
-Means for generating a control signal according to the value of the tilt angle of the edge of the screen.

  The means for generating can comprise a comparator that is for comparing the value of the tilt angle of the edge of the screen with a defined threshold angle value specific to a defined area of the screen stroke. .

  According to the invention, the computer program comprises computer program code means suitable for executing the steps of the detection method defined above when the program is executed on a computer.

  The present invention provides a method for detecting unexpected elements, particularly obstacles, in the course of the screen. This method not only allows obstacles to be detected in accordance with the above standards during closure, but also detects intrusions such as the presence of a lever portion placed under the edge of the screen. it can. The “edge” of the screen shall mean the edge of the screen that is in contact with the threshold of the opening that is to be sealed by the screen. This end can also be referred to as the load bar, final slat or edge of the screen. The sill generally corresponds to the ground or window sill, but for example, in the case of a screen that slides laterally, it can also be the side of the frame forming the opening.

  The provided method utilizes the principle of detecting the presence of an intrusion element based on a measurement of the tilt of the edge of the screen obtained by a detection means, a determination means or a sensor. This sensor is fixed close to the edge of the screen, i.e. either on the last slat of the screen or near the edge, and is preferably less than 10 cm from this edge. The tilt angle measurement used for detection corresponds to the angle between the predetermined reference axis and the axis specific to the detection means. This value is measured in a plane parallel to the plane formed by the screen (at least near the edges) after the screen is closed. In particular, this surface can pass through the edge of the screen.

  The method according to the invention includes a determination step prior to detection. In this determination step, a reference axis used to evaluate the tilt angle is defined. During this step, the screen is in a particular configuration so that the position of the edge, in particular its inclination, corresponds to a normal position that serves as a reference for detecting the angular change of the edge of the screen in the exact region of the screen travel To place. When the end portion is arranged in this way, the detection means can determine the reference axis based on the sensor measurement value. The detection means can be an accelerometer which preferably has two measuring directions. The sensor is advantageously an accelerometer having three measuring directions. After determining the reference axis, the inclination of the edge of the screen in the region of the screen stroke is measured with respect to this reference axis. If the value of the angular change between the current position of the edge and the reference axis is greater than a threshold value, the processing unit detects the presence of an element that hinders the closing of the screen. Thereafter, the scenario can be activated in response to this detection. As a result, the determination of the reference axis based on the specific position of the edge of the screen allows an accurate adjustment of the detection means that can be easily controlled by the equipment manufacturer. In addition, the measurement accuracy can be improved. This is because the reference axis for measurement is determined based on the actual position or tilt of the edge of the screen and is not the reference axis originally defined by the detection means. In particular, installations often produce a substantially constant natural slope at the edge of the screen as the screen is moving. This may be due to a drive mechanism, screen guidance, or some other cause.

  According to a variant, the reference axis is determined based on some measured values by the detection means. The screen edges are placed at different locations along specific areas of the screen stroke. For each of these positions, the detection means determines a reference axis that is unique to each position. Based on all of the position-specific reference axes, it is possible to determine the intermediate reference axis assigned to this region.

  It is advantageous to measure the inclination with respect to a specific reference axis corresponding to a specific area of the screen stroke. Therefore, the accuracy of detection can be improved by dividing the process into several regions and assigning a specific reference axis to each region. This means that the system must be able to recognize various areas of the journey. This recognition can be achieved by counting or by an external sensor (eg, using a magnet) or by other means. Furthermore, the threshold angle value considered for the measurement can vary depending on the stroke area. Thereby, the detection accuracy can be further increased. Another advantage of defining several areas is to ensure that the screen closes correctly. In particular, the threshold of the opening may not be horizontal, and the inclination angle of the threshold does not necessarily correspond to the natural inclination of the screen when the screen is moving. Consequently, it is possible with this method to ensure that the screen is correctly closed by taking into account at least a second reference axis corresponding to the slope of the sill. When the screen is approaching the threshold or after the screen is closed, the method considers a reference axis corresponding to the threshold slope. Thus, immediately after the screen is closed, if the sensor detects a change in angle relative to this new reference axis, the system detects that the screen is not fully closed and commands execution of the corresponding scenario. This scenario can include sending a warning message that conveys a signal that the screen cannot be completely closed due to an obstacle.

  Another advantage is that this method is used as a device for detecting intrusions. After a predetermined period of time since screen closure, for example 10 seconds, and / or when the method detects effective screen closure, the method periodically monitors the tilt of the edge of the screen. If the sensor detects a change in angle, this means that an intrusion attempt is being made. It is clear that the end of the lever was slid under the screen. In this case, the system sends a warning signal and activates the alarm / siren. After the screen is closed, the monitoring mode can be activated automatically and / or systematically. The monitoring mode can be activated by a user command.

  An additional advantage with respect to the use of at least a second reference axis is in applications where it is necessary to meet the safety standards defined above. In particular, these standards require that if an obstacle is detected as far as 5 cm from the threshold during screen movement, the actuator must be at least stopped and the residual force applied to the obstacle must be less than 25 N. Is obligatory. When an obstruction is detected, the system generally commands the screen to be fully or partially opened. In the approach area of the sill, that is, up to 5 cm from the sill, the safety scenario activated by the detection of the obstacle is suppressed. In order to know if the threshold has been reached, the sensor is used to detect the end of the stroke. If there are obstacles in this approach area, the obstacles are crushed and no safety scenario is planned. In the case of the method according to the invention, it is possible to detect obstacles in this approach area. In particular, the edge of the screen cannot continue to contact the sill if an obstruction obstructs the closure in this area. As a result, the end slopes and forms an angle with respect to the threshold slope. This angle is detected and a safety scenario can be triggered. Obviously, in order for this detection to be successful, it is necessary to measure the slope of the edge of the screen not only after passing the limit of the access area but also after reaching the threshold. If the measurements have been made in advance, the measured slope corresponds to the natural slope of the edge of the screen, and this slope is likely to be different from the slope of the sill. Thus, the system assumes that an obstacle has been detected and initiates a safety scenario. It is therefore absolutely impossible to close the screen. As a result, if it is desired to detect an obstacle in this approaching area, the method must first detect that the threshold has been reached by means other than measuring the slope.

  Thus, the slope of the edge can be measured over the entire length of the region or at a specific position within the region. For example, in the safety region Zs, the inclination of the edge of the screen is periodically measured. In contrast, in the approach area, the inclination of the end is measured only when the end reaches a specific position, i.e. when the end is pressed against the ground.

  One or more reference axes are preferably redefined on a regular basis. This redefinition can be done each time the screen is operated or after a certain number of operations. The screen is placed in a specific configuration. The system measures the tilt of the edge of the screen and calculates the reference axis to be assigned to the corresponding area of the stroke. For example, if the stroke starts with a full opening of the screen corresponding to the upper edge of the stroke and extends up to 5 cm from the threshold, the edge touches the stop when the edge is at the upper edge of the stroke. If not, the first reference axis can be automatically determined. In the case of the approaching area, the second reference axis can be determined when the screen is completely closed and the end is pushing the sill. These update operations of the reference axis can be performed periodically. However, the update frequency need not be the same. The advantage of these update operations is that equipment degradation or changes in system operation due to climate change, for example, are taken into account. The natural slope of the edge of the screen can vary over time. Reference point readjustment compensates for these changes and allows detection to be maintained with high accuracy. Note that the readjustment will only take place if no obstacles are detected, or if the screen is in a rest position, i.e. the end is free and not in a pressurized position. Therefore, at the upper end portion of the stroke, if the end portion is not in contact with the stop portion, the end portion can be regarded as stationary. On the other hand, it is absolutely necessary that no obstacles are detected when the edge is pushing the threshold. The readjustment in this case compensates for slight angular changes in the reference axis.

  To assist the facility, the detection means can communicate wirelessly with a processing unit or control unit that controls the actuator and / or alarm system. Because of this communication mode, there is no need to connect the sensor to the processing unit with a wire. The equipment contractor need only fix the detection means to the end of the screen.

  It is advantageous to compare the inclination of the edge of the screen with a reference axis in the detection means. Thus, the processing unit can react quickly and consumes little power.

  The detection means can measure the angular change in the position of the edge of the screen from a relative point of view or with respect to an absolute reference coordinate system, eg vertical. In the second case, it is necessary to re-transfer the measurement relative to the considered reference axis. By measuring against an absolute reference coordinate system, the signal is processed directly and quickly by the sensor and consumes little power.

The invention will be better understood by interpreting the following description, given by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
It is a figure showing the roll screen which can implement this invention. It is a front view of the roll screen opened partially. It is a front view of the closed roll screen. 6 is a flowchart relating to determination of a reference axis, which is the first step of the detection method according to the present invention. It is a flowchart of 1st Embodiment of the detection method by this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating complementary steps that take into account a predetermined reference axis according to the configuration of the screen during the execution of the detection method in FIG. 5. It is a flowchart of 2nd Embodiment of the detection method by this invention. It is a figure which shows the behavior of a roller door when a roller door encounters an obstruction in the 1st area | region of a screen process. It is a figure which shows the behavior of a roller door when a roller door encounters an obstruction in the 1st area | region of a screen process. It is a figure which shows the behavior of a roller door when a roller door encounters an obstruction in the 2nd area | region of the screen process close to the threshold of an opening part. It is a figure which shows the behavior of a roller door when a roller door encounters an obstruction in the 2nd area | region of the screen process close to the threshold of an opening part. It is a side view of the non-protruding garage door of the system which can implement this invention and lifts it horizontally and opens. It is a front view of the garage door of the system of lifting and leveling and opening of FIG.

  The present invention can be applied to various types of screens. 1 to 11 show a method applied to a roll screen such as a roller door, a grid or a roller shutter. 12 and 13 show a method applied to a non-projecting garage door that is lifted, leveled and opened. Of course, these examples are not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention may be applied to other types of screens such as assembly-type garage doors, raised garage doors that are lifted and leveled and opened, and gates. Can be suitable.

  In FIG. 1, the home automation equipment ID includes an apron of a roll screen 1 incorporated between two side sliding portions 11a and 11b. These two sliding parts guide the screen appropriately. At the lower end of the apron 1, a bar 2 commonly referred to as a “final slat” is fixed. If the screen is a woven or Venetian blind, this bar is commonly referred to as a “load bar” or “balance weight bar”. The screen is wound up on a cylinder represented by the rotating shaft 3. The cylinder is rotated by the actuator 4 controlled by the control unit 5. The actuator can be a tubular actuator that is inserted into the cylinder and fixed to the building. The processing unit 5 can be connected to the alarm system 6. The roll screen 1 is for closing the opening O, and the opening O is bounded by two sliding parts and, in this case, a threshold 7 corresponding to the ground. Further, the detection means 8 is fixed close to the side edge of the final slat. The structure of the detection means and the manner in which the detection means operates will be described below.

  While the screen is closed, the end (final slat) passes through a stroke that can be divided into several regions. In this example, the stroke is divided into two regions. The first zone Zs, called the safety zone, is bounded by the upper end of the apron stroke, i.e. the position where the apron is rolled up to release the opening, and an optional lower limit 10. In this area, the requirements of safety standards EN12453 and EN12445 are met. If an obstacle is detected, a safety scenario is executed. The second area Za called the approach area extends from the lower limit described above to the threshold of the opening. This threshold corresponds to the complete closing of the lower end of the stroke and hence the screen. This optional lower limit advantageously corresponds to the position of the final slat 5 cm from the threshold. Various means such as counting the number of turns of the rotating cylinder can be used to identify the area where the screen is located. However, these counts are not very accurate and may not be sufficient to specify any lower limit 10. Another means is to use a sensor that reacts to the magnet located on the sliding part at the desired position of the stroke. Thus, when the sensor passes in front of the magnet, the sensor detects a region limit. In this example, one magnet can be fixed at the upper end of the stroke, and another magnet can be fixed so that the final slat is 5 cm from the threshold when this magnet is detected by the sensor. Can be done. The principle of this region detection is described in Patent Document 5. In this patent document, a “detection edge” is provided on the final slat, and obstacle detection is handled differently depending on the region where the “detection edge” is located. In the safety area, a safety scenario is executed in the case of detection in order to meet safety standards. In the approaching area, the detection by the “detection edge” only serves to recognize the contact with the threshold. There are no safety scenarios in this area.

The equipment comprises hardware means and software means that can control the operation of the equipment according to the detection method of the present invention. In particular, the installation comprises hardware means and / or software means for performing the method steps according to the invention in succession. The installation can in particular comprise computer program code means suitable for executing the steps of the detection method according to the invention when the program is running on a computer such as the installation microcontroller. Equipment, in particular processing units or detection means,
-Means for determining a reference axis used to determine the value of the angle of inclination of the edge of the screen in a defined area of the screen stroke;
-Detection means for determining the value of the angle of inclination of the edge of the screen;
-Means in particular for generating a control signal according to the value of the tilt angle of the edge of the screen.

  The means for generating comprises a comparator for comparing the value of the tilt angle at the edge of the screen with a defined threshold angle value specific to a defined area of the screen stroke. preferable. A control signal can be generated in the detection means. The control signal preferably triggers execution of a scenario controlled by the processing unit.

  FIG. 2 shows a partially open roll screen. The final slat is arranged in the safety area Zs. In this region, due to equipment kinematics and equipment degradation, the final slats tend to tilt “naturally” at an angle βs to the horizontal. In this region, the natural slope of the final slat is approximately the same throughout the stroke. This natural slope can be compared to the slat slope at rest in this region. Note that the axis Xs-Xs' represents the direction of the final slat when the final slat is in a natural tilt position. This axis is preferably stored as the first reference axis of the region Zs according to the method proposed and described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 shows a closed roll screen. The final slat is arranged in the access area Za. When the screen contacts the sill, the final slat is oriented according to the sill slope α. Therefore, the final slat slope βa corresponding to the angle α is measured. Note that the axis Xa-Xa 'represents the direction of the final slat when the final slat is in a position to press the sill. This axis is preferably stored as the second reference axis of the region Za. The reference axis is stored as described above.

  FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a procedure for determining a reference axis used in the method of the present invention. The various steps of this embodiment allow a reference axis to be assigned to a particular area of the stroke to be saved.

  In the first step E110, the edge of the screen, for example, the final slat is placed at a specific position. This position needs to represent the position occupied by the edge throughout the region so that the slope of the edge at this position is considered as a reference for detecting obstacles.

In a second step E120, the installation, in particular the control unit or the detection means, determines a reference axis XX ′, for example based on the data measured by the detection means 8 fixed on the final slat 2. Therefore, when the end portion is disposed at a specific position in step E110, the detecting means measures the angular position. These measurements are recorded and help define the reference axis XX ′. In this example, the detection means, such as an accelerometer, has at least two measurement axes, or at least the measurement values of the two axes X ₈ and Y ₈ are formed by the screen after the screen is closed Re-transfer to a plane parallel to the plane. Considered is the fact that the reference axis XX ′ considered corresponds to the axis X ₈ at which the final slat is at a particular position. Similarly, axis Y ₈ could be considered as a transposition axis instead of axis X ₈ . As the axis X ₈ is at least approximately coincides with the longitudinal direction of the last slat, it is preferred that the sensor is arranged on the final slat. This is just one option and other directions of the detection means are possible as well.

  Therefore, steps E110 and E120 enable the reference axis to be defined for each area into which the screen stroke is divided. Therefore, it is necessary to repeat these operations as many times as there are regions. Similarly, these operations can be repeated periodically during the life of the product, eg, every time the screen is operated, or every “n” period. For example, n = 10 (to accommodate 1 week of usage) or n = 40 (to accommodate 1 month of usage).

  In addition to the reference axis to be determined, the angle threshold must also be defined and recorded for each region as well. Beyond the angular threshold, the edge tilt is considered abnormal. The threshold value can be an initial value recorded in advance. This threshold determines the accuracy of obstacle detection, but is less than a certain limit, for example 0.5 °, in order not to trigger unnecessary detection by the equipment mechanism (eg normal friction, frost, etc.) Do not. In order to ensure good detection accuracy, the threshold value is smaller than 10 °, preferably smaller than 3 °.

  As shown in FIG. 2, for the safety zone Zs, the system needs to store the reference axis Xs-Xs'. Thus, the screen is placed at a specific position, such as a position at the upper end of the stroke. From this position, the system determines a reference axis Xs-Xs'. By aligning the measuring direction of the sensor with the longitudinal axis of the end, the considered reference axis Xs-Xs' corresponds to the natural inclination of the final slat forming an angle βs with respect to the horizontal.

  FIG. 3 shows the preservation of the reference axis Xa-Xa 'of the approaching area Za. In the case of this region, the specific position is the position where the final slat presses the threshold. For the same reasons as described above, the considered reference axis Xa-Xa 'corresponds to the inclination of the final slat placed on the sill at an angle βa with respect to the horizontal.

  FIG. 5 shows a first embodiment of another procedure of the detection method according to the present invention. This other procedure follows the procedure described with reference to FIG.

  In the third step E130, the end of the screen is moved into the screen stroke area in accordance with the control command.

  In a fourth step E140, the screen position is analyzed to make sure that the edge of the screen is still within the desired region of the stroke. If this end is out of this area, the eighth step E180 is continued, otherwise the fifth step E150 is continued.

  In the fifth step E150, the inclination angle of the end of the screen with respect to a predetermined reference axis corresponding to the passing region is measured.

  In the sixth step E160, the measured angle is compared with a predetermined threshold value assigned to the passing area. If the angle is less than the threshold angle, the screen follows the stroke and step E140 continues with or without delay. If the angle is larger than this threshold angle, the seventh step E170 is continued.

  In a seventh step E170, a safety scenario is executed.

  After the end has passed through the relevant area, the eighth step E180 allows this detection process to be terminated. This means that nothing was detected in this area. Messages or feedback can be sent to the user to notify the user. If the edge of the screen enters a new area, continue with step E130, including step E135 defined in FIG. 6, or continue with step E230 of the method defined in FIG. If the end of the journey is reached, the detection method ends and a message or feedback can be sent to the user to notify the user.

  FIG. 6 shows step E135 which is added to the method described in FIG.

  In this step E135 after step E130, the system considers a predetermined reference axis corresponding to the area to be passed and a predetermined threshold value assigned to this area.

  FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the procedure described in FIG. The main difference is that the tilt angle of the edge of the screen is measured once at a specific position in the considered area.

  In step E230, the screen is moved to a specific position in the area considered for the stroke. In the example shown in FIG. 3, this position corresponds to the closed position of the screen when the edge of the screen contacts the sill.

  Step E240 is the same as step E150.

  Step E250 is the same as step E160. If the measured angle is less than the considered threshold, step E260 is continued. Otherwise, continue with step E270.

  Step E260 executes a safety scenario that can be the same as the safety scenario of step E170.

  Step E270 indicates that the method ends when the specific position is reached exactly. Again, a message or feedback can be sent to the user to notify the user.

  8 to 11 show various configurations processed by the detection method according to the present invention. In this example, the element is detected along three axes by an accelerometer between the threshold of the opening and the final slat. Although it could be envisaged to use another means such as an inclinometer, this detection means proves beneficial. The accelerometer is fixed close to the side edge of the final slat. Similarly, this particular arrangement makes it possible to incorporate in this detection means a sensor that detects the region limits, as described above. In particular, when the magnet is in the sliding part, the detection means needs to be close to this sliding part and therefore needs to be close to the side edge of the final slat. By combining the detection of obstacles and area limits in a single enclosure, it can be seen that the detection means is economical, easy to manufacture and easy to install. If another means of detecting the region limit is used, it can be assumed that the accelerometer is placed elsewhere in the final slat, for example in the center. As an example, it can be envisaged to use a single accelerometer that determines the tilt position of the edge of the screen and the vertical position of the edge of the screen relative to the stroke. In this case, the position is obtained by double time integration of acceleration values in the direction of the screen stroke.

  8 and 9 show detection in the safety region Zs. In this region, obstacles are detected in a number of ways, i.e. by detecting the inclination of the final slat and / or by detecting changes in the speed or acceleration of the final slat.

  FIG. 8 shows a first method of detection. Elements such as the obstacle 9 occur adjacent to the portion of the final slat 2 where no detection means 8 is present. In this case, when the final slat encounters an obstacle, the final slat pivots about the point at which the final slat presses the obstacle. This means that the side end of the slat near the detection means continues to move. Thus, the accelerometer does not detect changes in velocity or acceleration, or at least does not detect significant changes. The obstacle may then be crushed beyond the tolerance of the safety standard. As a result, obstacles cannot be detected by using an accelerometer that only considers the change in velocity / acceleration with respect to the vertical, and cannot respond in accordance with the above safety standards. In order to address this problem, it is proposed to also detect the tilt angle of the final slat using an accelerometer. In this case, when the final slat pivots, the accelerometer measures the angle θs directly or indirectly. The angle θs corresponds to the slope between the position of the last slat at the time of measurement and the reference axis Xs-Xs ′ defined above. This axis represents the “natural” position of the slat in this region, as described above. If this angle exceeds a predetermined threshold assigned to this area, the detection means sends a detection signal to the processing unit that can start the execution of the safety scenario. This scenario can be the opening of the screen, or at least a relaxation of the force on the obstacle. As a result, when the threshold value is set correctly, the force on the obstacle can be limited. In any case, this force is less than if it were finally detected directly by a change in velocity or acceleration.

  FIG. 9 shows a second method of detection. The obstacle 9 is placed under the detection means 8 on one side of the final slat 2. When the final slat hits an obstacle, the speed and acceleration of the final slat suddenly decreases. This change is quickly detected by the accelerometer, even before the natural tilt of the final slat can change. In this case, the sensor transmits a signal corresponding to the detection of the obstacle to the processing unit. The processing unit then starts executing a safety scenario that can be similar to the scenario described above. It should be noted that tilt detection is a complementary detection means, which in principle is not activated when an obstacle is under the sensor. However, it can be seen that this detection means is a safety measure for when no change in speed or acceleration is detected. The tilt detection and processing is the same as the tilt detection and processing defined above. In this case, the force on the obstacle at the time of tilt detection is larger than that detected directly by a change in speed or acceleration.

  10 and 11 show detection in the approach region. In this area, if an obstacle is detected, most garage door systems prevent activation of the safety scenario. The reason for this prevention is simple because when the final slat encounters the threshold of the opening, the sensor considers the ground as an obstacle and creates a safety scenario. This, at best, closes the door inadequately and in the worst case opens the door. As a result, in this region, the sensor only serves to detect the end of the door stroke. This does not necessarily mean that the door is properly closed. In particular, the sensor may detect an obstacle instead of the ground. In this case, as FIGS. 10 and 11 show, the system makes no distinction and assumes that the door is closed. In the case of the present invention, the final slat passes through this approach region to prevent activation of the safety scenario when a change in speed or acceleration is detected by the accelerometer. However, after the final slat has reached the threshold, the system still activates the safety scenario if a tilt of the final slat relative to the reference axis corresponding to the direction of this threshold is detected. This measurement can be made after the system detects the end of the stroke to ensure that the tilt is measured when the screen is considered to be closed. This detection can be by detecting changes in velocity or acceleration by an accelerometer, or by counting at an actuator or the like, or after a delay that occurs following an event, for example, passing through an approach region, or This can be achieved by the sensor detecting complete quiescence and then not detecting any vibration. Therefore, at the time of measurement, the accelerometer directly or indirectly determines the angle θa corresponding to the inclination between the position of the final slat after reaching the ground and the reference axis Xa-Xa ′ defined above. To do. In principle, the angle θa corresponds to the ground inclination α. If this angle exceeds a predetermined threshold assigned to this area, the detection means sends a detection signal to the processing unit that can start the execution of the safety scenario. This scenario can be the opening of the screen, or at least a relaxation of the force on the obstacle.

  FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the screen when the obstacle 9 placed on the side of the final slat 2 where the sensor 8 is not present is detected.

  FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the screen when the obstacle 9 placed under the detecting means 8 on one side of the final slat 2 is detected.

  These two FIGS. 10 and 11 also show the case where an intrusion is detected. In this case, the obstacle 9 represents the end of a tool used to enter, for example a bar-type lever. The difference from the method described above is the point at which the final slat slope is measured. In order to detect intrusions, it is preferable to measure the tilt at regular intervals after the door is closed or at the request of the user. The user's request can be a request sent by remote control to initiate a program that periodically reviews the tilt of the final slats, or to check occasionally that there has been no intrusion. Alternatively, the sensor is woken up by the movement of the door when no command is sent. If an intrusion is detected, a signal is sent to the processing unit, which can then trigger an alarm.

  12 and 13 show a method according to the present invention applied to a non-projecting garage door that is lifted, leveled and opened. The door 11 is connected to a carriage 132 that can move along the rail 131 via an arm 133. The carriage is driven by a motor 14 so as to be translated by a chain or a belt (not shown). The motor is controlled by the processing unit 15. The garage door closes the opening O. The lower end 12 of the door is in contact with the opening threshold 17. The detection means 18 or sensor is fixed to the end 12. The operation and configuration of the detection method are the same as the operation and configuration of the detection method described above. Note that the tilt is measured relative to a plane parallel to the plane formed by the door after the door is closed. In this case, the tilt angle is measured in the vertical plane.

  When the detecting means measures the tilt of the edge of the screen relative to a certain absolute reference coordinate system, the measured angle can be re-transferred with respect to the reference axis considered. Retransfer can be at a tilt angle to compare.

  Determining the value of the angle of inclination of the screen edge means that the detecting means evaluates the angle change of the screen edge relative to the reference point. In general, this determination involves processing the measured values of the detection means and expressing these measured values with respect to the considered reference axis. The transposed value corresponds to the value of the tilt angle at the edge of the screen. This value directly represents the angular change at the end. Alternatively, it can be envisaged to transfer the reference axis to the measurement reference point. In this case, the analysis is not very straightforward.

  The measurement of the inclination angle by the detection means must be understood in the broadest sense, and should not be understood only by strict angle measurement. Therefore, by using the accelerometer, for example, the angle can be estimated based on the acceleration measurement values ax and ay in the two measurement directions X and Y. The angle is then defined by the ratio ax: ay.

Claims (14)

It was a method to detect the presence of the element (9) between the sill (7) of the opening (O) and the end (2) of the electric screen (1) that is in contact with this sill. The screen comprises detection means (8) capable of determining an inclination of the end of the screen relative to a predetermined reference axis, the inclination being relative to a surface formed by the screen after the screen is closed Determined by parallel planes,
b) the detection means determines a value of the tilt angle of the end of the screen;
c) If the determined value of the tilt angle is greater than a defined threshold angle value that is specific to the defined area (Zs; Za) of the screen stroke, the processing unit (5) Running specific scenarios,
In a method comprising successive steps of:
The method includes an initial step a) of determining the reference axis based on at least one measurement value by the detection means, the reference axis being assigned to the defined region of the screen stroke, step b ), The method being used to determine the value of the angle of inclination of the end.   The method according to claim 1, wherein during step a) the reference axis is determined at a specific position of the edge of the screen relative to a stroke.   3. A detection method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, during step b), the reference axis considered for measuring the tilt depends on the position of the end of the screen, and thus the screen stroke. Can be divided into several defined regions (Zs, Za).   The detection method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein during step c) the threshold angle value considered for performing the scenario is the position of the screen or is considered. Depending on the position of the reference axis.   5. A detection method according to claim 1, wherein during step c) the threshold angle value considered is less than 10 °, preferably less than 3 °. And how to.   6. The detecting method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein during step b), the angle of inclination of the end of the screen is the angle of the end of the screen in a defined region of the stroke. A method characterized by being measured only at a specific position.   7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein step a) is performed periodically.   The detection method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the step c), the particular scenario executed comprises opening the screen and / or sending a warning message. A method characterized by comprising.   9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during step c), the processing unit receives a radio signal from the detection means.   10. The detecting method according to claim 1, wherein, during step c), the inclination angle is compared with the threshold angle value in the detecting means and exceeds the threshold angle value. The detecting means transmits a specific signal to the processing unit.   Home automation equipment (ID) comprising hardware means (4, 5, 8) and / or software means for performing the detection method according to any one of claims 1-10. 12. The home automation facility according to claim 11, wherein the home automation facility is:
-Means for determining a reference axis used to determine the value of the tilt angle of the end (2) of the screen (1) in the defined area (Zs, Za) of the screen stroke;
-Detection means (8) for determining the value of the tilt angle of the end of the screen;
Means for generating a control signal in accordance with the value of the tilt angle of the end of the screen.   13. The home automation facility of claim 12, wherein the generating means includes the value of the tilt angle at the end of the screen and a defined threshold angle that is specific to a defined area of the screen stroke. Home automation equipment characterized by comprising a comparator for comparing values.   A computer program comprising computer program code means, wherein the computer program code means performs the steps of the detecting method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 when the program is executed on a computer. A computer program that is suitable to run.

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