FR2793518A1 - METHOD FOR MANAGING THE OPERATION OF MOTORIZED CLOSING SYSTEMS OF A BUILDING - Google Patents

Abstract

The system comprises of a series of controllers (1,2,3) that are motorized and drive systems such as doors, windows and shut located on a building structure. The system utilizes an intelligent control system in that sensors (7) are located within the building such that external factors such as the weather conditions can be taken into consideration during the controlling of the window, doors and shutters.

Description

The invention relates to a method for managing the operation of systems.

  motorized closing of a building, such as roller shutters, in particular according to variable data,

  including meteorological, hourly or other data.

  The present invention relates, in particular, to the field of automated and remote management of

motorized closing of the building.

  More and more constructions, whether industrial buildings, offices or dwellings, are equipped with a number of motorized locking systems. There is a very particular example which is that of the roller shutters in which the manual drive mechanism is very frequently substituted for a

electric motor.

  In this regard, if each rolling shutter is associated with a control member enabling it to be opened or closed, it is quite usual, in a construction grouping together several of these motorized rolling shutters, to also have means making it possible to act simultaneously on the entire group of roller shutters in the home, or even control means capable of

  manage the operation of sub-groups.

  We understand that it is then essential to have interconnection means between the various roller shutters, or even

  their own programming resources.

  Similarly, a clock should be provided, either at the level of a central operating management of these roller shutters, or at the level of each of these, if one wishes to manage their opening and closing with respect to a time programming. It is still quite frequent, however, for the opening and closing of such motorized closing systems, of the roller shutter type, blinds or the like, to be managed according to weather conditions. In particular, we may wish to extend a awning or close a curtain, or even a roller shutter, in case of sunshine to preserve the furnishing fabrics, furniture etc ... with regard to this solar radiation, either in order to preserve a certain freshness in the dwelling. To obtain such a result without manual intervention, it is necessary to have on almost each of the facades of the building liable to be exposed to such solar radiation, light sensors capable, precisely, of detecting the exceeding of a determined brightness index. to order the closing of a

  awning, curtain or roller shutter.

  We can still look for this same result if rain is detected. In particular, buildings can receive, on the roof, an opening system, of skylight, roof window or similar with motorized control, which it is obviously necessary to close when it starts to rain. Again, the only solution is to use an appropriate detector to trigger the closure of such systems at the right time. Apart from such roof closure systems, it can also be useful for roller shutters of windows, placed at particularly exposed facades, to close in the event of rain,

  if only to avoid dirtying the windows.

  Finally, we will cite, again, the case of motorized awnings that should be folded in case of strong wind, an operation which, to be automated, requires yet another sensor, such

than an anemometer.

  As is apparent from the above description, the only

  solution for managing the operation of motorized locking systems of a home according to variable parameters, such as weather conditions, consists in equipping this house with several sensors adapted to said parameters so as to detect the change in one of 'between them and intervene, accordingly, on these motorized locking systems. It is quite obvious that this multiplication of sensors complicates, considerably, the installations for managing the operation of these motorized locking systems, which has a significant influence on the cost of this type of installation.

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  not to mention that this complexity necessarily generates a

  increased risk of failure, and therefore maintenance costs.

  It is certainly for all these reasons, moreover, that a home is very rarely equipped with all these technical solutions which, however, could prove to be very useful at times. Ultimately, the present invention aims to offer, to everyone having at the level of a dwelling motorized locking systems, the possibility of ensuring the management of the operation of these systems according to a certain number of variable parameters, without it being necessary for this house to include detection means and other specific programming means in line with the parameters to be

take into account.

  To this end, the invention relates to a method for managing the operation of motorized closure systems of a building, such as blinds, roller shutters or the like, consisting of: - connecting said motorized systems, through an intelligent unit which is associated with them and an appropriate communication network, to a central server, capable of ensuring the operation management thereof; - to identify at this central server the motorized locking system (s); - to select the variable parameters to take into account for the management of the operation of each of them; - to define the setpoint threshold values for these variable parameters; - to monitor, at the central server, the threshold values of the variable parameters selected in relation to information contained in a database capable of being updated periodically; - to control, via the central server and in relation to pre-recorded control instructions, the operation of one or more motorized locking systems in the event of being exceeded, by one and / or the other of the variable parameters of

  the corresponding setpoint threshold value.

  Thus, if, until now, the only solution for systematically closing all or part of the motorized roller shutters of a home at nightfall, consisted in equipping the installation with a twilight sensor , it is now sufficient, according to the method according to the invention, to connect these roller shutters to a central server and, after their identification to select as a parameter to be taken into account, the sunset time for the command to close this or these shutters. At this time, this central server, knowing through the database associated with it, the exact time of sunset each day of the year and, this, region by region, can order, in return and through the communication network and the intelligent unit which connects it to each of the motorized locking systems concerned, closing

of these.

  In the same way, it is possible to record, at the level of the central server, the geographical location of a dwelling and the orientation of the facade receiving a motorized closure system, the deployment of which it is desired to control in the event of sunshine. Also, when it is detected at this central server, by referring to information contained in its database and continuously updated by an external server, in this case a weather station, that, depending on the geographical location of the building, the facade equipped with said motorized closing system is probably exposed to solar radiation, this central server can effectively control the closing operation of this system. Note that the transfer of data from a weather station to the central server can be done by communication technologies

  in particular through the internet.

  It should be noted that if the locking systems of each house can be connected to its own central server, itself in permanent or periodic connection with external information servers, such as weather stations and others, this can still be done. consider in the form of an external server to which several dwellings would then be connected, each comprising motorized locking systems whose operation should be managed. Other objects and advantages of the present invention

  will appear during the description which follows relating to

  to an exemplary embodiment given as an indication. The

  understanding of this description will be facilitated by referring to

  attached drawing, in which: - Figure 1 is a block diagram of an architecture for implementing the method according to the invention. Thus, the invention relates to a method for managing the operation of motorized closure systems 1, 2, 3 of a building taking into account that it may be roller shutters, any curtain blinds, blinds, doors or windows

motorized, etc ...

  As explained above, we can seek to manage their operation in relation to variable parameters, for example: - rainfall; - temperature; - the degree of sunshine; -the wind; - Pollution; - day-night cycles;

- etc ...

  In order to avoid using multiple sensors, at the level of each dwelling to allow this management of the operation of the motorized locking systems as a function of such variable parameters, a process has been devised which consists, as shown in FIG. 1 ci -joined, to connect said motorized systems 1 through an intelligent unit 4, 4 ', 4' '

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  associated with them and an appropriate communication network 5,

to a central server 6.

  At the level of the latter, we will, in the end: - identify, each or the group of said motorized locking systems 1, 2, 3, which can be done, either by adequate manual programming, or automatically through their integrated intelligent unit 4, 4 ', 4' 'and via the communication network 5; - select the variable parameters to take into account for the management of the operation of each of these motorized locking systems 1, 2, 3;

  - enter the threshold values for these selected parameters.

  In short, by an adequate programming system, for example, by means of a personal microcomputer, or any other suitable programming center and of software accordingly, the user, after the step of identification of the motorized locking system or systems for which it wishes to manage the operation, selects, from a determined list, the parameter or parameters which it is necessary to take into account for this management,

  for example, the degree of sunshine or the day-night cycles.

  Then, it determines the threshold value for this or these parameters which, when it is crossed, triggers a command of a determined type therefore preprogrammed of the motorized closure system (s). In short, we come to control, via the central server 6 and with respect to prerecorded control instructions, the operation of one or more motorized closure systems 1, 2, 3, in the event of being exceeded, by one and / or the other of these variable parameters, from the setpoint threshold value

corresponding.

  In this regard, the notion of threshold value determination should be interpreted broadly, knowing, for example, that it can be predefined, therefore preprogrammed, at the level of

central server 6.

  In particular, when it is desired that a closure system, of the blind type, be extended in the event of solar radiation, the luminosity index leading precisely to the

  deployment of this store, can correspond to a predefined data.

  Similarly, recommended threshold values can be preprogrammed,

  for other parameters, at this central server 6.

  In addition, if one wishes to control the closing of roller shutters in relation to sunset, the threshold value can correspond, for example, in the choice of a defined duration of shift of the command to close the rolling shutter (s)

  before or after this sunset.

  These preset or user-defined setpoint values are then monitored with respect to information contained in at least one database 8. In particular, this can be continuously updated through an interconnection with servers. 7 external information. Thus, the meteorological information contained in this database 8 can come from a meteorological station and kept continuously up to date by periodic consultations of this station by said server.

central 6.

  Such a weather station is, in fact, capable of detecting any meteorological change occurring in the region

  geographic corresponding to the dwelling.

  It should be noted that insofar as it is necessary to intervene on motorized locking systems that at the very moment when the meteorological data changes, or even just before, the assembly can operate with very high precision

and reliability.

  Note, however, that to avoid, in the event of intermittent rain for example, to order, via the central server 6, systematically the opening, then the closing of one or more motorized closing systems, this central server 6 may take into account a time moderating factor, or even weather forecasts over a short determined period,

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  for example 2, 3, 4 hours, to order, after a first

  closing of the system (s), reopening of the latter.

  In short, if a motorized roller shutter has been closed, due to the detection, by an external server 7, corresponding to a weather station, of rainfall in a region where the house comprising said motorized roller shutter is located, that -this is only reopened at the end of the rain if it is not expected,

  by this weather station, new rainfalls

beyond a determined time T.

  The database can, of course, contain the hours at which the sunset takes place throughout a year, knowing that one can also take into account the geographical location of the building whose system (s) should be managed motorized closing, this in relation to the meridian of

reference.

  It will be observed that if each dwelling or building can have its own central server 6 to which the motorized locking systems 1, 2, 3 are connected, this central server 6 being in connection with the external information servers 7 for updating its database 8 via an appropriate communication network 9, using, for example, the internet or other protocol, via a telephone line, radio or the like, one can also imagine a central server 6 located at a different location. To this latter are then connected the motorized locking systems 1, 2, 3 of several dwellings or buildings by means of their intelligent unit 4, 4 ′, 4 ″, but also through the communication network 5. This under these conditions, it consists of a smart network 5A internal to the home through which the smart units 4, 4 ', 4' 'of each motorized locking system 1, 2, 3 are connected to an external communication network B, via a modem or similar, ensuring the connection to the central server 6. Again, it may be used internet protocol or equivalent to ensure this communication with this server

central 6 relocated.

  It should in particular be observed that an architecture such as has just been described can still fulfill many other functions. Thus, an anomaly detected at the level of a motorized locking system 1, 2, 3 and corresponding, for example, to an attempted break-in, can be transmitted, by its intelligent unit 4, 4 ', 4' 'and the communication network 5, to the central server 6 which, in turn, can relay the information to an external service company, for example from

  remote monitoring, this time via the communication network 9.

  Likewise, there may be provided, within the framework of the management method according to the invention, a step of verification, by the central server 6, of the proper execution of an order previously transmitted by the latter to the motorized closing systems 1, 2, 3, or to one of them, via the communication network 5 and the intelligent unit (s) 4, 4 ', 4' 'of this or these

motorized closing systems.

  Ultimately, such an architecture makes it possible to go and verify, from the outside, that is to say remotely and by calling on the communication network 5 and said intelligent units 4, 4 ′, 4 ″ to control the state of these motorized locking systems.

  Finally, as can be seen from the description above

  and by means of very simple means, it is possible for the users of each dwelling equipped with motorized locking system, to access the conveniences of using such systems which could not be envisaged, up to present, that by implementing, at the level of these dwellings, a technology

  complex, therefore unreliable and of high cost price.

  Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment, it is understood that it is in no way limited thereto and that it is possible to make various modifications to the forms, materials and combinations of these. various elements,

  without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims (8)

Claims   1. Method for managing the operation of motorized closure systems (1, 2, 3) of a building, such as blinds, roller shutters or the like, consisting of: - connecting said motorized systems (1, 2, 3) through an intelligent unit (4, 4 ', 4' ') associated therewith and an appropriate communication network (5), to a central server (6), capable of ensuring its operation management; - to identify at this central server (6) the locking system (s) (1, 2, 3); - to select the variable parameters to be taken into account for the operation management of each of them; - to define the threshold values of these variable parameters; - to monitor at the central server (6), the threshold values of the variable parameters selected with respect to information contained in a database (8) capable of being periodically updated; - to control, via the central server (6) and in relation to pre-recorded control instructions, the operation of one or more motorized closing systems (1, 2, 3) in the event of being exceeded, for the one and the other of the parameters   variables, of the corresponding setpoint threshold value.   2. Management method according to claim 1, characterized in that the database (8) of the central server (6) is updated by means of external information servers (7) to which it is connected by an appropriate communication network (9), using, in particular the protocol   internet or other, via a telephone line, radio or similar.   3. Management method according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that the   motorized locking systems (1, 2, 3) of several homes or buildings to a central server (6) relocated through the intelligent unit (4, 4 ', 4' ') equipping each of these motorized locking systems ( 1, 2, 3) and the communication network (5), 1! this being defined by an intelligent network (5A) internal to a dwelling through which the intelligent units (4, 4 ', 4' ') of each motorized locking system (1, 2, 3) are connected to a network external communication (5B), via a modem or similar, using, in particular, the internet protocol or equivalent and   ensuring the connection to said centralized server (6).   4. Management method according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that the   management of the operation of motorized locking systems (1, 2, 3) of a home with respect to one and / or the other of the following variable parameters: - rainfall; - temperature; - the degree of sunshine; - the wind; - Pollution; - day-night cycles; 5. Management method according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that at least one of   external information servers (7) to which the central server (6) is connected for updating its database (8) is a meteorological station capable of detecting meteorological changes occurring in the region of the receiving dwelling   motorized locking systems (1, 2, 3) to manage.   6. Management method according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that the values   threshold of at least some of the variable parameters able to be selected and to be taken into account for the management of the operation of motorized locking systems are predefined at the central server (6).   7. Management method according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that an order   transmitted by the central server (6) to the motorized locking systems (1, 2, 3) or to one of them generates a verification step, by this central server (6) of the correct execution, passing through the communication network (5) and the intelligent unit (s) (4, 4 ', 4' ') of this or these motorized locking systems (1, 2, 3). 8. Management method according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that a detected anomaly is transmitted to a   motorized closure (1, 2, 3) via its intelligent unit (4, 4 ', 4' ') and the communication network (5), at   central server (6) defined capable of retransmitting the information to an external service company, such as remote monitoring, by the communication network (9).