WO2017026624A1

WO2017026624A1 - Automatic sash opening and closing apparatus and smart window including the same

Info

Publication number: WO2017026624A1
Application number: PCT/KR2016/003978
Authority: WO
Inventors: Seung Jung Lee; Cha Nam Kim; Do Young Lee
Original assignee: Lg Hausys, Ltd.
Priority date: 2015-08-13
Filing date: 2016-04-18
Publication date: 2017-02-16
Also published as: JP6592179B2; CN107849892B; KR20170019951A; KR101951981B1; CN107849892A; JP2018529860A; DE112016002304T5

Abstract

Disclosed are an automatic sash opening and closing apparatus that is capable of automatically opening and closing a sash using a driving roller configured to be rotated by a motor and that is capable of controlling the opening and closing of the sash using a terminal, such as a smartphone, in real time regardless of place and a smart window including the same.

Description

AUTOMATIC SASH OPENING AND CLOSING APPARATUS AND SMART WINDOW INCLUDING THE SAME

The present invention relates to an automatic sash opening and closing apparatus and a smart window including the same, and more particularly to an automatic sash opening and closing apparatus that is capable of automatically opening and closing a sash using a driving roller configured to be rotated by a motor and a smart window including the same.

In general, a window serves as a wall for isolating the indoors from the outdoors and, in addition, serves to let sunlight and fresh air in for indoor ventilation.

Windows may be variously classified based on the material for the windows or the manner in which the windows are opened. For example, windows may be classified into a tilt and turn type window, in which a window is opened wide and closed inward, and a lift sliding type window, in which a sash is moved along a rail using a hardware member having a lifting function when the window is opened and closed.

The lift sliding type window is configured such that a sliding sash, disposed on one side or both sides of a stationary sash, is moved to open and close the sliding sash. An example of such a lift sliding type window is disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2006-0025389.

More specifically, the lift sliding type window includes a stationary sash mounted to a frame, at least one sliding sash configured to be moved along a rail formed at the upper and lower ends of the frame in leftward and rightward directions such that the sliding sash can be opened and closed, and a hardware member for moving the sliding sash in upward and downward directions or in leftward and rightward directions to lock and seal the sliding sash.

In the lift sliding type window, when a handle is turned in order to open the sliding sash, the sliding sash is lifted from the rail by a predetermined height through the operation of the hardware member, which includes a lifting means. In this state, the sliding sash is moved horizontally, with the result that the sliding sash is opened silently and smoothly. In a state in which the sliding sash is closed, the sliding sash is in tight contact with the rail, thereby achieving airtightness, watertightness, and heat insulation.

The lift sliding type window is mainly applied to a large-sized window system, which is used for a living room or a balcony. However, the lift sliding type window is manually operated, with the result that a very great force is necessary to open and close the lift sliding type window. For this reason, an automatic opening and closing apparatus that is capable of slidably opening and closing a sash via a screw shaft, which is rotated by a driving device, in order to automatically open and close the sash is disclosed in Korean Registered Patent No. 10-0915952.

Meanwhile, in recent years, a window system has been proposed which includes automatic sash opening and closing, ventilation, and security systems incorporated therein for user convenience in addition to a simple function of opening and closing the window.

However, most automatic sash opening and closing apparatuses and ventilation apparatuses are configured such that users directly manipulate the apparatuses indoors using remote controllers in a state in which the users are located near the apparatuses.

While the users are out, the users are not capable of checking whether the ventilation apparatuses are operating or whether the sashes are open or closed. In addition, when it rains, it is not possible for the user to close the sashes if the users are out.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is one object of the present invention to provide an automatic sash opening and closing apparatus that is capable of automatically opening and closing a sash using a driving roller configured to be rotated by a motor and that is capable of controlling the opening and closing of the sash using a terminal, such as a smartphone, in real time regardless of place and a smart window including the same.

The above and other objects can be accomplished by the present invention described below.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, provided is an automatic sash opening and closing apparatus mounted to one selected from between at least one pair of sashes mounted in a frame such that the sashes can be opened and closed in a sliding fashion, the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus including a driving motor mounted to a sliding sash, one of the sashes, a driving roller configured to be rotated by power from the driving motor, in a state in which the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller is in contact with one surface of a stationary sash, which is mounted adjacent to the driving roller, for slidably opening and closing the sash, and an electronic clutch mounted on a shaft of the driving motor in order to manually open and close the sliding sash for selectively interrupting transmission of the power from the driving motor to the driving roller.

The automatic sash opening and closing apparatus may be mounted in a mullion of the sliding sash, at which the sashes meet each other, on an upper part and/or a lower part of the mullion.

The driving roller may be made of rubber or urethane, and a plurality of grooves may be formed at regular intervals in the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller in order to increase the friction between the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller and the surface of the stationary sash when the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller contacts the surface of the stationary sash.

The surface of the stationary sash, which contacts the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller, may be provided with a pad having protrusions configured to be engaged with the grooves in order to prevent slippage of the driving roller when the driving roller is initially rotated.

The automatic sash opening and closing apparatus may further include a safety sensor for sensing whether a person or an object passes through the frame while the sliding sash is being closed in order to immediately interrupt the operation of the driving motor.

The automatic sash opening and closing apparatus may further include a position adjusting device for tightly pushing the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller to the surface of the sash, wherein the position adjusting device may include a sliding member having one side coupled to the shaft via a bearing and the other side slidably coupled to a stationary member, fixed to the sliding sash, a support member fixed to the sliding sash such that the support member is spaced apart from the sliding member in a direction in which the sliding member slides, the support member having therein a fastening hole, and a manipulation member screw-coupled into the fastening hole in a state in which a tip end of the manipulation member is in contact with one surface of the sliding member so as to push the sliding member.

The sliding member may be coupled to the stationary member via a plurality of balls such that the sliding member can slide.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, provided is a smart window comprising a frame and at least one pair of sashes mounted in the frame such that the sashes can be opened and closed in a sliding fashion, wherein the smart window further includes an automatic opening and closing unit mounted to one of the sashes and a control unit for selectively controlling the automatic opening and closing unit using a user's wireless communication terminal and for performing control so as to display the opened or closed state of the sashes on the wireless communication terminal in real time.

The control unit may use wireless communication that supports near field communication, and a wireless signal may be transmitted to a gateway and may then be connected to an application installed in the terminal over an Internet.

The terminal may be any one selected from among a smartphone, a tablet PC, a cellular phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet laptop computer, and a personal digital assistant (PDA).

As apparent from the fore-going, in an automatic sash opening and closing apparatus according to the present invention and a smart window including the same, it is possible to automatically open and close a sash using the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus, which includes a driving roller configured to be rotated by a motor.

In addition, it is possible to control the opening and closing of the sash using a terminal, such as a smartphone, in real time regardless of place.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a smart window to which an automatic sash opening and closing apparatus according to the present invention is applied;

FIG. 2 is a view showing the overall structure of a smart window according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view showing the indoor side of the smart window according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure in which the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus according to the present invention is mounted to a sash;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a schematic side sectional view showing a state in which a driving roller according to the present invention is in tight contact with a sash, to which the driving roller is adjacent;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a sash provided with a position adjusting device according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the position adjusting device applied to the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the position adjusting device according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view showing a state in which the position adjusting device according to the present invention is mounted; and

FIGS. 11A to 11J are views showing an application installed in a terminal according to the present invention for controlling various functions of the window.

Now, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples. These examples are provided only for illustration of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope and spirit of the present invention.

In the drawings, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a smart window to which an automatic sash opening and closing apparatus according to the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a view showing the overall structure of a smart window according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an elevation view showing the indoor side of the smart window according to the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100 according to the present invention, which is mounted to one selected from between at least one pair of sashes 20 mounted in a frame 10 such that the sashes 20 can be opened and closed in a sliding fashion, includes a driving motor 110, a driving roller 120, and an electronic clutch 130.

Hereinafter, the construction of the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100 according to the present invention will be described in detail.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100 is mounted to one of the sashes 20, which is configured to be opened and closed in a sliding fashion, e.g. a sliding sash 21, so as to be capable of automatically opening and closing the sliding sash 21. The automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100 may be mounted in a mullion 21a of the sliding sash 21, at which the sashes 20 meet each other, on the upper part or the lower part of the mullion 21a. Alternatively, the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100 may be mounted in the mullion 21a of the sliding sash 21 on each of the upper and lower parts of the mullion 21a. In this embodiment, an example in which the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100 is mounted in the mullion 21a of the sliding sash 21 on each of the upper and lower parts of the mullion 21a will be illustrated and described.

In this case, the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100 may be exposed outward when a case 21b, which is coupled to the mullion 21a, is separated from the mullion 21a.

Referring to FIG. 5, the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100 may include a driving motor 110 mounted in the mullion 21a of the sliding sash 21 and a driving roller 120 configured to be rotated by the power from the driving motor 110, in a state in which the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller 120 is in contact with one surface 23a of a stationary sash 23, which is mounted adjacent to the driving roller 120, for slidably opening and closing the sliding sash 21.

In addition, the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100 may further include an electronic clutch 130 for switching between manual opening and closing of the sliding sash 21 and automatic opening and closing of the sliding sash 21. The electronic clutch 130 is mounted on a shaft 111, which connects the driving motor 110 and the driving roller 120 to each other, to selectively interrupt the transmission of the power from the motor 110 to the driving roller 120. When electric current has been cut off or when something has gone wrong with the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100, therefore, it is possible to manually open and close the sliding sash 21.

Describing the operation of the electronic clutch 130 in detail, a first gear 113 is integrally coupled to a rotary shaft of the driving motor 110, and the first gear 113 is engaged with a second gear 115 to rotate the shaft 111 and thus to rotate the driving roller 120. The second gear 115 is coupled to the shaft 111 such that the second gear 115 can idle. The electronic clutch 130 and the second gear 115 are arranged side by side on the same axis as the shaft 111 such that the electronic clutch 130 can be coupled to the second gear 115. The electronic clutch 130 is integrally fixed to the shaft 111 such that the electronic clutch 130 can rotate together with the shaft 111. An electromagnet (not shown) is provided in the electronic clutch 130.

When electric current is supplied to the electromagnet in the electronic clutch 130, therefore, the second gear 115, which is adjacent to the electronic clutch 130, is coupled to the electronic clutch 130 due to magnetic force, with the result that the electronic clutch 130 rotates together with the second gear 115. Consequently, the power from the driving motor 110 is transmitted to the driving roller 120 in order to automatically open and close the sliding sash 21.

When the supply of electric current to the electromagnet in the electronic clutch 130 is interrupted, on the other hand, the electronic clutch 130 is decoupled from the second gear 115, with the result that the power from the driving motor 110 is not transmitted to the driving roller 120. When electric current has been cut off or when something has gone wrong with the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100, therefore, it is possible to manually open and close the sliding sash 21 without difficulty.

In this case, the first gear 113 and the second gear 115 may be spur gears. In order to reduce the noise generated between the first gear 113 and the second gear 115, however, helical gears may be used as the first gear 113 and the second gear 115.

Referring to FIG. 6, the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller 120 may be made of rubber or urethane in order to improve the contact between the stationary sash 23 and the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller 120.

A plurality of grooves 121 may be formed at regular intervals in the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller 120 in order to increase friction between the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller 120 and the surface 23a of the stationary sash 23 when the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller 120 contacts the surface 23a of the stationary sash 23.

In addition, the surface 23a of the stationary sash 23, which contacts the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller 120, may be provided with a pad having protrusions configured to be engaged with the grooves 121 in order to prevent slippage of the driving roller 120 when the driving roller 120 is initially rotated. The protrusion pad 123 may be formed over the entire area of the surface 23a of the stationary sash 23 in a direction in which the sliding sash 21 opens and closes. Alternatively, the protrusion pad 123 may be formed only in a predetermined area (see FIG. 3) in which the driving roller 120 in a stationary state is initially rotated.

Furthermore, the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100 may further include a safety sensor 140 (see FIG. 3) for sensing whether a person or an object passes through the frame 10 while the sliding sash 21 is being closed in order to immediately interrupt the operation of the driving motor 110. The safety sensor 140 may be mounted in a mullion 23a of the stationary sash 23, or may be mounted in the tip end of the sliding sash 21 in a direction in which the sliding sash 21 is closed. In this embodiment, the safety sensor 140 is mounted in the mullion 23a of the stationary sash 23.

Referring to FIG. 7, the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100 may further include a position adjusting device 150 for tightly pushing the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller 120 to the surface 23a of the stationary sash 23. When the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100 is mounted to the sliding sash 21, the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller 120 may not be brought into tight contact with the surface 23a of the stationary sash 23 due to an error in assembly tolerance between the respective components constituting the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100 (see FIG. 6). In order words, even in a case in which the distance between the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller 120 and the surface 23a of the stationary sash 23 is small, e.g. 1 to 2 mm, power transmission may not be satisfactorily achieved.

For this reason, it is necessary to be able to easily adjust the distance between the driving roller 120 and the stationary sash 23, which is realized by the provision of the position adjusting device 150, thereby providing the frictional force necessary to automatically open and close the sliding sash 21.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the position adjusting device 150 may include a sliding member 151 having one side coupled to the shaft 111 via a bearing 151a and the other side slidably coupled to a stationary member 151b, fixed to the sliding sash 21, a support member 153 fixed to the sliding sash 21 such that the support member 153 is spaced apart from the sliding member 151 in a direction in which the sliding member 151 slides, the support member 153 having therein a fastening hole 153a, and a manipulation member 155 screw-coupled into the fastening hole 153a in a state in which the tip end of the manipulation member 155 is in contact with one surface 153c of the sliding member 151 so as to push the sliding member 151.

Referring to FIG. 10, the sliding member 151 may be coupled to the stationary member 151b via a plurality of balls 151d such that the sliding member 151 can slide smoothly.

The manipulation member 155 may be provided in one surface thereof with a wrench recess, in which the manipulation member 155 can be manipulated using a tool, such as a hexagonal wrench. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The manipulation member 155 may be modified to have various structures such that the manipulation member 155 can be manipulated using various other tools, such as a spanner and a driver.

In this embodiment, one side of the sliding member 151 is coupled to the shaft 111 via the bearing 151a in order to adjust the position of a driving module, which is constituted by the driving motor 110 and the driving roller 120. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The structure of the sliding member 151 is not particularly restricted as long as the sliding member 151 can easily adjust the position of the driving module, which includes the driving motor 110 and the driving roller 120.

A plurality of position adjusting devices 150 may be mounted in the mullion 21a of the sliding sash 21 at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction (i.e. the vertical direction) thereof in order to move the driving module at a consistent interval.

The automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100 with the above-stated construction may be applied to a lift type sliding window as well as a general sliding window.

Meanwhile, the smart window 1 according to the present invention may further include a natural ventilation unit 200, a light adjustment unit 300, an opening and closing notification unit 400, and a control unit 500, in addition to the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the natural ventilation unit 200 is mounted in at least one of the sashes 20 to let fresh air in. For example, the natural ventilation unit 200 may be mounted in the stationary sash 23, which does not open and close.

In this case, the natural ventilation unit 200 may include a carbon dioxide sensor 210 for measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide in indoor air. When the concentration of the carbon dioxide measured by the carbon dioxide sensor 210 exceeds a predetermined reference value, the natural ventilation unit 200 may operate automatically.

Any one selected from among ventilators for windows disclosed in Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1274838, No. 10-1259671, No. 10-1260564, No. 10-1301811, No. 10-1293852, No. 10-1307645, No. 10-1433437, No. 10-1293846, No. 10-1292365, No. 10-1330447, No. 10-1252906, No. 10-1272994, No. 10-1338547, No. 10-1273019, No. 10-293802, No. 10-1263991, and No. 10-1254413, which have been filed and registered in the name of the applicant of the present application, may be applied to the natural ventilation unit 200. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any ventilator generally used in windows may be applied to the natural ventilation unit 200. A detailed description of the operation of the ventilator for windows will be omitted.

The light adjustment unit 300 is mounted to some or all of the glass provided in the sashes 20 in order to adjust the light transmittance of the glass, i.e. to switch the state of the glass between a transparent state and an opaque state. The light adjustment unit 300 is generally referred to as a 'magic glass.'

The magic glass used as the light adjustment unit 300 is a laminated glass manufactured by pressing two sheets of glass in a state in which ITO films and polymers comprising liquid crystals are placed therebetween. When voltage is applied to the magic glass, the arrangement of the molecules of the liquid crystals in the polymers between the films is changed, with the result that the state of the glass is switched from the opaque state to the transparent state. The transparency of the glass may be easily changed based on the magnitude of voltage.

Specifically, in a state in which no voltage is applied to the magic glass, the liquid crystals, each of which is a bar-shaped molecule, are arranged along the inner wall of a capsule. In this state, light incident upon the magic glass is refracted at the surface of the capsule or in the capsule due to the difference in index of refraction between the polymers and the liquid crystals and double refraction of the liquid crystals. As a result, the light does not travel straight ahead but is scattered, whereby the magic glass becomes opaque.

When voltage is applied to the magic glass, on the other hand, the liquid crystals are arranged perpendicular to electrodes due to the properties of the liquid crystals in which the liquid crystals are arranged in a direction parallel to a direction in which the voltage is applied to the magic glass. If the index of refraction of the liquid crystals is identical to that of the polymers in this state, which means that the capsule has no interface, the light is not scattered but travels straight ahead. As a result, the magic glass becomes transparent.

The opening and closing notification unit 400 includes a sensor 410 mounted to the window 1 for sensing whether the sliding sash 21 has been opened or closed in real time.

In this case, the sensor 410 may include at least one pair of magnet type sensors mounted to the sliding sash 21 and the frame 10 in a corresponding fashion for sensing whether the sliding sash 21 has been opened or closed.

Specifically, the sensor 410 may be buried in the upper part of the sliding sash 21 and in one surface of the frame 10 corresponding thereto. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The position at which the sensor 410 is mounted is not particularly restricted as long as the sensor 410 can easily sense whether the sliding sash 21 has been opened or closed.

The control unit 500 individually or integrally controls the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100, the natural ventilation unit 200, the light adjustment unit 300, the opening and closing notification unit 400 using a user's wireless communication terminal 510 regardless of time and place. In addition, the control unit 500 performs control so as to display the states of the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100, the natural ventilation unit 200, the light adjustment unit 300, the opening and closing notification unit 400 on a display window of the wireless communication terminal 510 in real time.

Specifically, the control unit 500 performs control in a wireless communication fashion, in which a wireless signal is transmitted to a gateway and is then connected to an application installed in the terminal 510 over the Internet.

In this case, the wireless communication may be radio frequency (RF) communication. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. ZigBee wireless communication, which supports near field communication, may also be used. For reference, ZigBee wireless communication is one of the IEEE 802.14.4 standards that support near field communication. ZigBee wireless communication is technology for near field communication within a distance of 10 to 20 m and ubiquitous computing in a wireless networking region, such as a house or an office. That is, ZigBee is a concept for cellular phones and wireless LAN. ZigBee is different from existing technologies in that a small amount of information is communicated and power consumption is minimized.

In this embodiment, RF communication (447MHz RF communication) or ZigBee wireless communication is used as the wireless communication. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any one selected from among Bluetooth, Z-wave, Wi-Fi, WiBro, and near field communication (NFC) may be used as the wireless communication.

In addition, a smartphone, which is easy to hold and allows a specific application to be installed therein, may be used as the terminal 510. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any one selected from among a tablet PC, a cellular phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet laptop computer, and a personal digital assistant (PDA) may be used as the terminal 510.

The control unit 500 with the above-stated construction may monitor the current state of the window 1, which has various functions, in real time through the display window of the terminal 510.

That is, the user may check whether the window 1 has been opened or closed using the specific application installed in the terminal 510. In addition, the user may check the operation of the natural ventilation unit 200, the light adjustment unit 300, and the opening and closing notification unit 400 in real time.

In a state in which the window 1 is open, the user may manipulate a menu for the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100 in a main menu of the application installed in the terminal 510 to close the sliding sash 21. After the sliding sash 21 is closed the user may then execute a security mode through the opening and closing notification unit 400 of the window 1.

Specifically, when a signal is sensed by the opening and closing notification unit 400, the control unit 500 determines whether the sensed signal indicates forced entry. The control unit 500 determines first whether the sashes 20 have been forcibly opened. Upon determining that the sashes 20 have been forcibly opened, the control unit 500 immediately generates an alarm. The alarm may be simultaneously generated through the user's terminal 510 and a speaker (not shown) provided in the window 1.

In addition, the control unit 500 may transmit a text message or make a phone call to at least one selected from among specific contacts, including acquaintances, a security company, a control office, and a police box, which have been set by the user in advance, in order to immediately announce the state of forced entry.

Alternatively, the control unit 500 may notify the user's terminal 510 of the state of forced entry using an alarm, and may display the above-mentioned measures on the display window such that the user can select one of the measures.

FIGS. 11A to 11J are views showing an application installed in a terminal according to the present invention for controlling various functions of the window. Hereinafter, menus and functions of the application will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 11A, a main menu is displayed on the display window of the terminal 510 when the application is initially executed. The main menu may include a menu for total control T, which is configured to control all functions in one screen, and menus for controlling the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100, the natural ventilation unit 200, the light adjustment unit 300, and the opening and closing notification unit 400, which are configured to display the current states of the respective units and to selectively control the respective units under detailed conditions.

FIG. 11B is a view showing a screen, displayed when the menu for total control T is selected from the main menu (see FIG. 11A), for simply controlling various functions 100 to 400 under previously set conditions. Specifically, close and open buttons for closing and opening the sliding sash 21 may be provided for the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100, and stop and start buttons for stopping and starting the ventilator may be provided for the natural ventilation unit 200. In addition, transparent and opaque buttons for switching between the transparent state and the opaque state of the sash glass, to which the magic glass is applied, may be provided for the light adjustment unit 300, and release and set buttons for releasing and setting a security function of the house may be provided for the opening and closing notification unit 400.

FIG. 11C is a view showing a screen displayed when the menu for the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100 is selected from the main menu (see FIG. 11A). On this screen, it is possible to display whether the sliding sash 21 has been opened or closed and to open and close the sliding sash 21. Furthermore, it is possible to select the sash that the user wishes to open or close from among the sashes.

In addition, in the menu for the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus 100, it is possible to select the extent to which the sash 21 is to be opened or closed. That is, on the assumption that the maximum opening width of the sash 21 is 100 cm, it is possible to select the extent of opening and closing of the sash 21 such that the sash 21 is 20 to 30 cm open in order to achieve natural ventilation or to allow a pet to move between the living room and the balcony when the pet is alone in the house.

FIG. 11D is a view showing a screen displayed when the menu for the natural ventilation unit 200 is selected from the main menu (see FIG. 11A). On this screen, it is possible to display whether the ventilator is operating, when to replace a filter, and the concentration of carbon dioxide sensed by the carbon dioxide sensor 210 in real time.

In addition, it is possible to set the screen such that the ventilator operates automatically when the sensed concentration of the carbon dioxide is equal to or more than a reference value (for example, 800 ppm).

FIG. 11E is a view showing a screen displayed when the menu for the light adjustment unit 300 is selected from the main menu (see FIG. 11A). On this screen, it is possible to display whether the state of sashes 20, to which the magic glass is applied, is transparent or opaque and, in addition, to perform switching between the transparent state and the opaque state in real time.

FIG. 11F is a view showing a screen displayed when the menu for the opening and closing notification unit 400 is selected from the main menu (see FIG. 11A). On this screen, it is possible to display the current security state of the window 1 and, in addition, to release or set the security function of the window 1.

Meanwhile, when it is sensed that the sashes 20 have been forcibly opened or closed in a state in which the security function is set from the menu for the opening and closing notification unit 400, the control unit 500 controls an alarm window shown in FIG. 11G to be displayed on the terminal 510 such that the user can transmit a text message or make a phone call to at least one party selected from among specific contacts, including acquaintances, a security company, a control office, and a police box, which have been set by the user in advance, in order to immediately notify the party of the state of forced entry.

Referring to FIG. 11H, a setting (S) menu is constantly displayed in the upper right-hand corner of the display window of the terminal 510. When the setting (S) menu is selected, a pull-down menu appears.

FIG. 11I is a view showing a screen displayed when a lifestyle (L) menu is selected from the pull-down menu. On the lifestyle (L) menu, it is possible to set

various functions

100, 200, 300, and 400 of the window in advance based on specific situations, such as going out, sleeping, and going on vacation, which are frequently experienced by the user. The user may voluntarily make setting in response to respective situations.

That is, when the 'going out' situation is set as shown in FIG. 11J, on a 'window selection' menu, it is possible to set 'opening and closing notification,' 'automatic opening and closing,' 'light adjustment,' and 'natural ventilation' situations based on the user's preferences. For example, the opening and closing notification of the sliding sash 21 may be set to an ON state, the automatic opening and closing may be set to a closed state, the light adjustment may be set to an opaque state, and the natural ventilation may be set to an OFF state.

In addition, for 'sleeping' and 'going on vacation,' in which the user may leave the house for a few days, it is possible for the user to perform appropriate selection based on the situation.

When the user selects the lifestyle (L) from the setting (S) menu in a certain situation, selects an appropriate one from among the situations, and selects 'start,'

various functions

100, 200, 300, and 400 of the window 1 are immediately performed based on the predetermined settings.

The smart window 1 with the above-stated construction according to the present invention performs various functions, such as automatic opening and closing of the sashes 20, natural ventilation, light adjustment for switching between the transparent state and the opaque state of the window glass, and opening and closing notification for sensing whether the sashes have been forcibly opened or closed, thereby improving the residential environment of the user.

In the window 1 with the above-stated functions, it is possible to individually or integrally control various functions of the window 1 using the user's terminal 510, such as a smartphone, regardless of place.

In addition, it is possible to set specific situations, such as going out, sleeping, and going on vacation, which are frequently experienced by the user, in the lifestyle (L) menu of the terminal 510 in advance and to simply select and use one of the modes.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

〔Description of Reference Numerals〕

1: Window, 10: Frame, 20: Sashes, 21: Sliding sash, 21a: Mullion , 23: Stationary sash, 100: Automatic sash opening and closing apparatus, 110: Driving motor, 111: Shaft, 113: First gear, 115: Second gear, 120: Driving roller, 121: Grooves, 123: Protrusion pad, 130: Electronic clutch, 140: Safety sensor, 150: Position adjusting device, 151: Sliding member, 151a: Bearing, 151b: Stationary member, 151d: Balls, 153: Support member, 153a: fastening hole, 155: Manipulation member, 200: Natural ventilation unit, 210: Carbon dioxide sensor, 300: Light adjustment unit 300, 400: Opening and closing notification unit, 410: Sensor, 500: Control unit, 510: Terminal, L: Lifestyle, S: Setting, T: Total control

Claims

An automatic sash opening and closing apparatus mounted to one selected from between at least one pair of sashes (20) mounted in a frame (10) such that the sashes (20) can be opened and closed in a sliding fashion, the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus comprising:

a driving motor (110) mounted to a sash (21), one of the sashes (20);

a driving roller (120) configured to be rotated by power from the driving motor (110), in a state in which an outer circumferential surface of the driving roller (120) is in contact with one surface (23a) of a stationary sash (23), which is mounted adjacent to the driving roller (120), for slidably opening and closing the sash (21); and

an electronic clutch (130) mounted on a shaft (111) of the driving motor (110) in order to manually open and close the sash (21) for selectively interrupting transmission of the power from the driving motor (110) to the driving roller (120).
The automatic sash opening and closing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the automatic sash opening and closing apparatus is mounted in a mullion (21a) of the sash (21), at which the sashes (20) meet each other, on an upper part and/or a lower part of the mullion (21a).
The automatic sash opening and closing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the driving roller (120) is made of rubber or urethane, and

a plurality of grooves (121) is formed at regular intervals in the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller (120) in order to increase friction between the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller (120) and the surface (23a) of the sash (23) when the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller (120) contacts the surface (23a) of the sash (23).
The automatic sash opening and closing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the surface (23a) of the sash (23), which contacts the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller (120), is provided with a pad (123) having protrusions configured to be engaged with the grooves (121) in order to prevent slippage of the driving roller (120) when the driving roller (120) is initially rotated.
The automatic sash opening and closing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a safety sensor (140) for sensing whether a person or an object passes through the frame (10) while the sash (21) is being closed in order to immediately interrupt an operation of the driving motor (110).
The automatic sash opening and closing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a position adjusting device (150) for tightly pushing the outer circumferential surface of the driving roller (120) to the surface (23a) of the sash (23), wherein

the position adjusting device (150) comprises:

a sliding member (151) having one side coupled to the shaft (111) via a bearing (151a) and the other side slidably coupled to a stationary member (151b), fixed to the sash (21);

a support member (153) fixed to the sash (21) such that the support member (153) is spaced apart from the sliding member (151) in a direction in which the sliding member (151) slides, the support member (153) having therein a fastening hole (153a); and

a manipulation member (155) screw-coupled into the fastening hole (153a) in a state in which a tip end of the manipulation member (155) is in contact with one surface (153c) of the sliding member (151) so as to push the sliding member (151).
The automatic sash opening and closing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the sliding member (151) is coupled to the stationary member (151b) via a plurality of balls (151d) such that the sliding member (151) can slide.
A smart window comprising a frame (10) and at least one pair of sashes (20) mounted in the frame (10) such that the sashes (20) can be opened and closed in a sliding fashion, wherein the smart window further comprises:

an automatic opening and closing unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, mounted to one of the sashes (20); and

a control unit (500) for selectively controlling the automatic opening and closing unit (100) using a user's wireless communication terminal (510) and for performing control so as to display an opened or closed state of the sashes (20) on the wireless communication terminal (510) in real time.
The smart window according to claim 8, wherein the control unit (500) uses wireless communication that supports near field communication, and a wireless signal is transmitted to a gateway and is then connected to an application installed in the terminal (510) over an Internet.
The smart window according to claim 8, wherein the terminal (510) is any one selected from among a smartphone, a tablet PC, a cellular phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet laptop computer, and a personal digital assistant (PDA).