HK1229864B - Method for controlling a screen roller actuator and system implementing said method - Google Patents

Description

The technical field of the invention

The invention relates to the operation of a screen winding actuator, and more specifically to the time management of the use and maintenance phases of a screen winding actuator.

The state of the art

Err1:Expecting ',' delimiter: line 1 column 682 (char 681)The duration of this relaxation phase is typically 70 ms to 100 ms. The duration of the relaxation phase can be pre-registered in the system. In practice, however, it may be useful to adjust this value, in particular because the system undergoes permanent wear and tear during its life which makes the initial adjustment inoperative or excessive.in a system programming mode, a stress-free time setting procedure in which the system indicates receipt of the adjustment instructions in a visible manner, allowing the operator to determine whether the stress-free time of his choice is within or at a limit of a predetermined range of variation.

A development of the stress relief function is to provide for a stress relief step triggered on detection of threshold exceeding by an actuator operating parameter, in particular a torque threshold, when the element is driven in one direction of drive, during which the actuator drives the element in the other direction of drive for a predetermined time, which may be, for example, 100 ms and set at the factory of manufacture of the device when the device is actuated.To address this problem, a method of setting a stress-relieving value defining the stopping position at the end of a stress-relieving stage as defined above has been proposed in EP 2 808 479. This setting consists of detecting a discontinuity in the evolution of the actuator's operating parameter during the first-direction drive before the threshold is exceeded and setting the stress-relieving value according to the discontinuity and threshold exceed detected.According to this document, to create a visual defect.

In addition, actuators with an automatic learning system of the running ends are known. Such systems cyclically readjust their running ends throughout the life of the product, for example every 56 countdown stops. During maintenance phases, the system remains usable, but responds to a complete re-up order from the winding by performing a re-up to a high-stop position (followed by a release), while during normal use phases, the system responds to complete re-up orders from the winding by going back to the high-stop position (e.g. every 56 countdown cycles).

This mode of operation results in a visible difference between the behaviour of the system during the use and maintenance phases, which can be misinterpreted by the untrained user.

The difference can be made even more glaring if two shutters are installed side by side, and if one of them is in a maintenance phase while the other is in a use phase.

EP1577486A1 describes a process for controlling an electromechanical actuator of a screen winding, the winding being capable of being driven by the actuator to rotate the screen between an extreme position in one direction of travel or a first end-of-use position in the first direction of travel, and at least a second end-of-use position in a second direction of travel opposite to the first direction of travel, where the process consists of: phases of use, during which an actuator control unit responds to instructions to move fully or partially in the first or second direction of travel by commanding the actuator to move the screen between the first end-of-use position and the second end-of-use position,but without moving the screen in the first direction of travel beyond the first position of the end of the service life; and maintenance phases separating the phases of use, during which the actuator control unit responds to a full first direction of travel instruction by commanding the actuator to drive the screen to the extreme position in the first direction of travel, detecting a first direction of travel extreme position.

EP1577486A1 also describes a roller shutter, blind or similar, having: a coil for winding and unwinding a screen,an electromechanical actuator, for driving the coil to rotate and to move the screen between an extreme position in the first direction of travel, a first position of end of run in the first direction of travel and at least a second position of end of run in the second direction of travel opposite to the first direction of travel,a human-machine interface for entering instructions for movement in the first direction of travel and in the second direction of travel, and an actuator control unit, capable of determining phases of use separated by maintenance phases, and during phases of use, of responding to instructions for movement to the first position of the screen in the second direction of travel or to the position of the commander in the direction of movement between the first direction of travel and the end of run, but without moving to the first position of use, without moving to the extreme position of the screen in the second direction of travel.

Exposed to the Invention

The purpose of the invention is to remedy the disadvantages of the present state of the art and to propose means of making the passage of a screen winding actuator through the maintenance and use phases imperceptible to the user.

To this end, a method of controlling an actuator of a screen winding is proposed, according to a first aspect of the invention, whereby the winding is capable of being driven by the actuator to drive the screen between an extreme position in the first direction of travel or a first end-of-use position in the first direction of travel and at least a second end-of-use position in a second direction of travel opposite to the first direction of travel, the end-of-use position being between the extreme position in the first direction of travel and the end-of-use position,the process involving: phases of use, during which an actuator control unit responds to instructions to move fully or partially in the first direction of travel or in the second direction of travel by commanding the actuator to move the screen between the first end-of-use run position and the second end-of-use run position, but without moving the screen in the first direction of travel beyond the first end-of-use run position; andphases of maintenance separating the phases of use, during which the actuator control unit responds to an instruction to move fully in the first direction of travel,by commanding the actuator to drive the screen to the extreme position in the first direction of travel, by detecting an extreme position in the first direction of travel and then, in response to the detection of the extreme position in the first direction of travel, by moving the screen in the second direction of travel before stopping it in the first end-of-use position or a position closer to the first end-of-use position than the extreme position in the first direction of travel.

Err1:Expecting ',' delimiter: line 1 column 52 (char 51)

As mentioned above, the purpose of the maintenance phases is to reverse at least the first end-of-run position from the extreme position in the first direction of travel (in practice, a position defined by a physical stop), which may be required either by drift over time between the actuator's calculated position and the actual screen position, or by a possible elongation of the screen or by deformation of any element in the kinematic chain between the actuator and the screen.

In addition to the visual consistency between a maintenance phase cycle and a use phase cycle, the process of the invention allows the position of the final blade to be harmonized on two adjacent flaps for which the maintenance and use phases would be offset.

The programming may consist of predetermining an actuator activation time or a number of fractions of actuator activation turns in the second direction of travel after reaching the extreme position in the first direction of travel.

One embodiment envisages that, in response to the detection of the extreme first-move position during maintenance phases, the actuator control unit will command the screen to move in the second-move position for a predetermined time period stored until a stop position.

Another method of implementation is that, in response to the detection of the extreme position in the first direction of travel during the maintenance phases, the actuator control unit commands the screen to move in the second direction of travel at a predetermined angle of rotation stored up to a stop position.

Preferably, first-directional, second-directional and first-directional full-displacement instructions are issued from a human-machine interface, preferably from a fixed or nomadic remote control.

Preferably, during the phases of use, the control unit determines the current position of the actuator and the screen by incrementing and decrementing a meter and during the maintenance phases the control unit reverses the meter in response to the detection of the extreme position being reached in the first direction of travel.

In one embodiment, the extreme position in the first direction of travel is a position in which the screen is in a fixed buttocks.

Following a mode of implementation, the control unit leaves a phase of normal use to enter a subsequent maintenance phase in response to a detection of a predetermined condition for the start of maintenance. the achievement of a predetermined number of instructions since the beginning of the current use phase;the achievement, since the beginning of the current use phase, of a predetermined number of steps through a reference position, the reference position being the first end-of-use run position, the second end-of-use run position or a predetermined intermediate position between the first end-of-use run position and the second end-of-use run position;the achievement by a counter of a predetermined value from a sum of fractions of the number of turns driven by the actuator since the beginning of the current use phase;the achievement by a counter of a predetermined cumulative value from an actuator actuator actuator indicator during the start of the current use phase, the duration of the actuator actuator actuator.

Following one embodiment, the control unit leaves a routine maintenance phase to enter a subsequent phase of use in response to a detection of a predetermined end-of-maintenance condition. the achievement of a predetermined number of instructions since the start of the current maintenance phase;the achievement, since the start of the current maintenance phase, of a predetermined number of steps through a reference position, the reference position being either the first end-of-use run position, the second end-of-use run position or a predetermined intermediate position between the first end-of-use run position and the second end-of-use run position;the achievement by a counter of a predetermined indicator value for a cumulative number of fractions of turns driven by the actuator since the start of the current maintenance phase;the achievement by a counter of a predetermined cumulative value for an actuator actuation indicator during the maintenance phase.

In practice, the phases of use shall correspond to at least 80% and preferably at least 90% or even at least 92% of the total time of use or total angular distance travelled by the actuator.

The procedure can be expected to be used only when the distance between the extreme first-going position and the first running end position is greater than a predetermined value, for example when the linear distance between the extreme first-going position and the first running end position is greater than 2 cm.

The invention relates to a control method for a screen winding actuator with use phases separated by maintenance phases, the screen being mobile between a high-rolled position and at least a low-rolling end position through a high-rolling end position, such that during the use phases an actuator control unit responds to winding or unrolling instructions by commanding the actuator to position the screen between the high-rolling end position and the low-rolling end position, but without rolling upwards to the high-rolling end position beyond the high-rolling end position. During the maintenance phases, a controller response position responds to the unrolling or unrolling instruction by commanding the actuator to reach a complete position of action until the screen reaches the high-rolling end position, but without rolling upwards to the high-rolling end position beyond the high-rolling end position.

The invention relates to a system of closing, concealing, sun protection or screen consisting of: a coil for winding and unwinding a screen,an electromechanical actuator, to drive the coil to rotate and move the screen between an extreme position in one direction of travel, a first end-of-use position in the first direction of travel and at least a second end-of-use position in a second direction of travel opposite to the first direction of travel, the first end-of-use position being between the extreme position in the first direction of travel and the second end-of-use position,a human-machine interface for inputting first- and second-directional movement instructions, and an actuator control unit, capable of determining phases of use separated by maintenance phases, and during phases of use, responding to first- or second-directional movement instructions by commanding the actuator to position the screen between the first end-of-use run position and the second end-of-use run position, but without moving the screen to the extreme first-directional movement position beyond the first end-of-use run position,the actuator control unit is capable, during maintenance phases, and in response to an instruction to fully move the screen in the first direction of travel, of commanding the actuator to drive the screen to the extreme position in the first direction of travel, of detecting the extreme position in the first direction of travel and then, in response to the detection of the extreme position in the first direction of travel, of commanding the actuator to drive the screen in the second travel direction before stopping in the first end-of-use running position or in a position closer to the first end-of-use running position than the extreme first travel direction.

Preferably, the control unit is capable, during the operation cycles, of determining a current position of the actuator and screen by incrementing and decrementing a meter and of reversing the meter during the maintenance phases, in response to the detection of the extreme position being reached in the first direction of travel.

The invention relates to a system of closing, concealing, sun protection or screen consisting of: a coil for winding and unwinding a closing, concealing, sunscreen or screen,electromechanical actuator, to drive the coil to rotate and move the screen between an extreme position in the first direction of travel, a first end-of-run position in the first direction of travel and at least a second end-of-run position in a second direction of travel opposite to the first direction of travel, the first end-of-run position being between the extreme position in the first direction of travel and the second end-of-run position in the first direction of travel, according to a human-machine interface for entering instructions in the first direction of travel and in the second direction of travel, and a controller, for any aspect of the second direction of travel, according to its variations in the procedure of operation, ex-convention.

A brief description of the figures

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, with reference to the figures annexed, which illustrate: Figure 1, a schematic view in cut-off of a home automated system with a closing, concealing, sun protection or winding screen system according to an embodiment of the invention;Figure 2, a schematic view from the perspective of the home automated system of Figure 1;Figure 3, a schematic representation of a sequence of opening and closing cycles of the closing system of Figures 1 and 2, the following process according to one of the embodiments of the invention;Figure 4, a schematic view of a home automated system with two closing, concealing, sun protection or winding screen systems of the type illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference marks on all figures.

The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, lay down the rules for the application of this Regulation.

The home automation system shown in Figures 1 and 2 is installed in a building with an opening 1, window or door, equipped with a screen 2 belonging to a cloaking device 3, in this case a shutter.

The screen 2 of the roller shutter 3 is coiled on a winding tube 4 driven by a motorized drive 5 and moves between a coiled, particularly high, and a unfolded, particularly low, position.

For example, the roller shutter 3 may be known to have a apron comprising horizontal blades articulated with each other, forming the screen 2, and guided by two side slides 6.

In the case of a roller shutter, the extreme high-rolled position is the support of an L-shaped end blade 8 of the roller shutter 2 of the roller shutter 3 or plots fixed perpendicular to the end blade against a fixed buttress, e.g. an edge of a box 9 of the roller shutter 3. Fixed buttress means any structural element whose position is fixed in relation to the box 9 of the roller shutter and which intersects with the roller shutter 2 in the extreme high position. The low unfolded position is the support of the extreme high-rolled blade 8 on the roller shutter 2 of the roller shutter 3 or a threshold 7 of the end roll opening.

The winding tube 4 is placed inside the box 9 of the roller shutter 3. Generally, the box 9 is placed above the opening 1 or at the top of the opening 1. The apron 2 of the roller shutter 3 is wrapped and unwrapped around the winding tube 4 and is at least partially housed inside the box 9.

The central control unit 13 may be in communication with a weather station outside the building, including, inter alia, one or more sensors which can be wired to determine, for example, a configuration, a luminous device or a windscreen. A central control unit 13 may be a local control unit, and may be used for monitoring and controlling the speed of the motor, including a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a control unit, a, control unit, etc.

The electric motor 16 comprises a rotor and a stator, not represented, and is positioned coaxially around an X-axis of rotation, which is also the axis of rotation of the winding tube 4 in the mounted configuration of the motorized drive device 5. The electric motor 16 also comprises a gearbox (not represented), in particular a single or multi-stage epicycloidal gearbox.

The means of controlling the electromechanical actuator 11 according to the invention, which enable the movement of the screen 2 of the cloaking device 3, consist of at least one electronic control unit 15. The means of controlling the electromechanical actuator 11 and in particular the electronic control unit 15 include hardware and/or software. By way of example, the hardware may include at least one microcontroller. The electronic control unit 15 is designed to operate the electric motor 16 of the electromechanical actuator 11 and, in particular, to enable the electrical energy supply to the electric motor 16 in order to open or close screen 2.The control unit 15 also includes a command command receiving module issued by a command transmitter, such as the remote control 14 for controlling the electromechanical actuator 11 or one of the local or central control units 12 or 13. Preferably, the control command receiving module of the control unit 15 is wireless. For example, the control command receiving module may be configured to receive radio-electrical commands. Alternatively or additionally, it may also be considered that the command transmitting module may also allow the receipt of command commands by wired means.The electronic control unit 15 shall also receive information on the power of the electric motor 16 and at least one rotation sensor of the electric motor 16 or winding tube 4 which enables one or more of the electronic control unit 15's pulse meters to be incremented and decremented.

Figure 3 shows a schematic sequence of opening and closing cycles. A first learning phase (PhA) consists of a predefined number of learning cycles (up to 4) during which the shutter is driven on command by one of the control units, several times to its extreme high coiled position (corresponding to a mechanical stop) and to its extreme low coiled position. During this learning phase, the extreme high coiled and low coiled positions are learned.The measurement values are defined for example by an angular position of the winding tube and/or a number of rotation fractions of the winding tube, read with the rotation sensor. These positions can be defined with respect to an angular position of the output shaft of the actuator or rotor. Alternatively these positions are defined by a timing meter. At least one of the extreme high-rolled and low-rolled positions can be considered as a reference position.

The high end position is determined for example at the end of the PhA learning phase. This may be a preprogrammed position, corresponding for example to a fixed fraction of N rpm predetermined from the extreme high position, or a predetermined running time from the extreme high position. In another embodiment, the high end position is manually set by the installer, who manually (e.g. by remote control) shifts the final blade 8 of the appropriate distance and validates this new high end position, which causes the corresponding high end position to be recorded from the extreme position to the recorded high end running position, expressed in fractions of the number of rpm or in the activation time.

After the PhA learning phase, the following cycles are carried out in a use phase (PhU). When the shutter is driven on command by one of the control units to its extreme high coiled position, the movement is stopped as soon as a high running end position is reached, at a high distance N from the extreme coiled position.

In the case of the three-wheel drive system, the control unit 15 drives the rolling part 3 to its extreme high rolling position by the command of one of the control units 12, 13, 14 and continues its running beyond the high end of stroke position until it reaches the extreme high rolling position. This continuation of the movement to the head allows the rolling part to recede from the counting position and the reference position,After the movement has stopped, the screen 2 of the roller shutter 3 is again operated in the opposite direction (in a closing motion) at a distance N from the extreme high position coiled to a stopping position. This stopping position is substantially equivalent to the high end of stroke position reached by the shutter during an opening motion. The stopping position and the high end of stroke position are visually identical to a user, although a slight difference in position may remain from the point of view of the electromagnetic actuator 11.A further descent is made from the stationary position to the unfolded low position.

The maintenance phase is followed by a new phase of use, and movements to the extreme high coiled position are again stopped at the high end of the run.

In addition to the visual consistency between a maintenance cycle and a use cycle, the process of the invention allows the position of the final blade to be harmonized on two side-by-side flaps for which the maintenance and use phases would be offset.

The examples shown in the figures and discussed above are of course given for illustrative purposes only and not as a limitation.

Depending on the design, the function of reconciling use and maintenance modes can be deactivated, and the installer can then choose, according to the user's wishes, whether the use and maintenance cycles should be differentiated.

In another embodiment, the function is only proposed if the distance between the extreme high position and the high end position is greater than a pre-defined value, e.g. greater than 2 cm. The function is of interest only at large distances between the extreme high position and the high end position, whereas it may be a source of technical constraints for small distances (noise production when starting from the stop, and when stopping at the high end position on each maintenance cycle, mechanical stresses, reaction times too long in relation to the distance to be covered by the shutter, etc.).

Claims (14)

1. A method of controlling an electromechanical actuator (11) of a winder (4) of a screen (2), the winder (4) being able to be rotated by the actuator (11) to drive the screen (2) between an end position in a first movement direction or a first end of usage stroke position in the first movement direction and at least a second end of usage stroke position in a second movement direction opposite the first movement direction, the first end of usage stroke position being located between the end position in the first movement direction and the second end of usage stroke position, wherein the method comprises:

   - usage phases, during which a control unit (15) of the actuator (11) responds to instructions for complete or partial movement in the first movement direction or in the second movement direction by controlling the actuator (11) so as to move the screen (2) between the first end of usage stroke position and the second end of usage stroke position, but without moving the screen (2) in the first movement direction beyond the first end of usage stroke position; and

   - maintenance phases separating the usage phases, and during which the control unit (15) of the actuator (11) responds to a complete movement instruction in the first movement direction, by controlling the actuator (11) so as to drive the screen (2) to the end position in the first movement direction, detecting reaching of the end position in the first movement direction and then, in response to detection of reaching of the end position in the first movement direction, by moving the screen (2) in the second movement direction before stopping it in the first end of usage stroke position or a position closer to the first end of usage stroke position than the end position in the first movement direction.
2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the first end of usage stroke position is a stored or programmed position.
3. The control method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in response to the detection of reaching the end position in the first movement direction during the maintenance phases, the control unit (15) of the actuator (11) controls the movement of the screen (2) in the second movement direction for a stored predetermined time to a stop position.
4. The control method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in response to the detection of reaching the end position in the first movement direction during the maintenance phases, the control unit (15) of the actuator (11) controls the movement of the screen (2) in the second movement direction over a stored predetermined angle of rotation to a stop position.
5. The control method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement instructions in the first direction of movement, for movement in the second movement direction and for complete movement in the first movement direction, are issued from a human-machine interface (14), preferably from a fixed or nomadic remote control (14).
6. The control method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the usage phases, the control unit (15) determines a current position of the actuator (11) and the screen (2) by incrementing and decrementing a counter and in that during the maintenance phases, the control unit (15) recalibrates the counter in response to the detection of reaching the end position in the first movement direction.
7. The control method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end position in the first movement direction is a position in which the screen abuts against a fixed stop.
8. A control method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (15) leaves a current usage phase to enter a following maintenance phase in response to a detection of a predetermined maintenance start condition.
9. The control method according to the preceding claim, wherein the predetermined maintenance start condition is one of the following conditions:

   - reaching a predetermined number of instructions since the beginning of the current usage phase;

   - reaching, since the beginning of the current usage phase, a predetermined number of passages by a reference position, the reference position being able to be the first end of usage stroke position, the second end of usage stroke position or a predetermined intermediate position between the first end of usage stroke position and the second end of usage stroke position;

   - reaching, by a counter, of a predetermined value indicative of an accumulation of numbers of fractions of laps traveled by the actuator since the beginning of the current usage phase;

   - reaching, by a counter, of a predetermined value indicative of an accumulation of activation durations of the actuator since the beginning of the current usage phase,

   - a power switching off of the actuator.
10. The control method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (15) leaves a current maintenance phase to enter a next usage phase in response to a detection of a predetermined end of maintenance condition.
11. The control method according to the preceding claim, wherein the predetermined end of maintenance condition is one of the following conditions:

    - reaching a predetermined number of instructions since the beginning of the current maintenance phase;

    - reaching, since the beginning of the current maintenance phase, a predetermined number of passages by a reference position, the reference position being able to be the first end of usage stroke position, the second end of usage stroke position or a predetermined intermediate position between the first end of usage stroke position and the second end of usage stroke position;

    - reaching, by a counter, of a predetermined value indicative of an accumulation of numbers of fractions of laps traveled by the actuator since the beginning of the current maintenance phase;

    - reaching, by a counter, of a predetermined value indicative of an accumulation of activation durations of the actuator since the beginning of the current maintenance phase.
12. The control method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it is implemented only when the distance between the end position in the first movement direction and the first end of stroke position is greater than a preset value.
13. A closing, concealment, sun protection or screen system comprising:

    - a winder (4) for winding and unwinding a screen (2),

    - an electromechanical actuator (11) for rotating the winder (4) and moving the screen (2) between an end position in a first movement direction, a first end of usage stroke position in the first movement direction and at least one second end of usage stroke position in a second movement direction opposite the first movement direction, the first end of usage stroke position being located between the end position in the first movement direction and the second end of usage stroke position,

    - a human-machine interface (14) for inputting movement instructions in the first movement direction and in the second movement direction, and

    - a control unit (15) of the actuator (11), able to determine usage phases separated by maintenance phases, and during the usage phases, to respond to the movement instructions in the first movement direction or in the second movement direction by controlling the actuator (11) so as to position the screen (2) between the first end of usage stroke position and the second end of usage stroke position, but without moving the screen (2) to the end position in the first movement direction beyond the first end of usage stroke position,

    - wherein the control unit (15) of the actuator (11) is able, during the maintenance phases, and in response to a complete movement instruction of the screen (2) in the first movement direction, to control the actuator (11) to drive the screen (2) to the end position in the first movement direction, to detect that the end position has been reached in the first movement direction and, in response to detecting that the end position has been reached in the first movement direction, to control the actuator (11) to drive the screen (2) in the second movement direction before stopping it in the first end of usage strokeposition or in a position closer to the first end of usage stroke position than the first end position in the first movement direction.
14. A closing, concealment, sun protection or screen system according to the preceding claim, wherein the control unit (15) is able, during the usage cycles, to determine a current position of the actuator and of the screen (2) by incrementing and decrementing a counter and to reset the counter during the maintenance phases, in response to detecting that the end position has been reached in the first movement direction.