Device for opening or closing a window or door, and system and method for controlling and managing the air quality of an indoor space

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for automatically opening or closing a window or a door, and a system and a method for controlling and managing indoor air quality via the Internet. The system monitors indoor air parameters through sensors, and when these parameters reach predefined user thresholds, it provides room ventilation through natural air convection by automatically opening / closing the door and / or the window. The automatic opening / closing device (26) includes a housing having means for fixedly connecting to a window or a door. The housing houses: a stepper motor (16) and a motion conversion device (9, 13) for converting rotational motion into linear motion, which drives an extended flexible connecting member (10, 11). The flexible connecting member (10, 11) pushes or pulls a support element (1) mounted on the window / door, thereby opening the window or the door.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for automatically opening or closing a window or a door, and a system and a method for controlling and managing indoor air quality via the Internet. The system measures indoor air quality parameters and provides ventilation by automatically opening / closing doors and / or windows and utilizing natural air convection. Background Art

[0002] Known indoor air quality monitoring systems include sensors for monitoring various air parameters, such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, fine dust particles, humidity, and temperature. When any parameter exceeds its threshold, these sensors send signals to a remote terminal (CN108153186). Such systems are only for notification purposes and require additional intervention to change the monitored metrics.

[0003] CN109197271 discloses an intelligent ventilation system for blinds or roller shutters. The intelligent ventilation system includes an environmental monitoring module, a microprocessor module, a roller shutter opening / closing actuator, and a LoRa wireless module. The environmental monitoring module includes a carbon dioxide sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a wind sensor, a rain sensor, a snow sensor, and an angle sensor. When the carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and humidity in the greenhouse are higher than their preset concentrations and values, the microprocessor module commands the actuator to open the blinds; when the carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and humidity in the greenhouse are lower than the preset values, it commands the actuator to close the blinds. Additionally, the system also monitors the wind speed, rain, and snow outside the greenhouse, and the microprocessor module decides whether to open or close the blinds accordingly. This system is complex and expensive and is not suitable for habitable places.

[0004] Known existing indoor air quality monitoring systems and control systems include sensors for various air parameters, air conditioners or ventilation devices, and a control unit that activates the air conditioners or ventilation devices to reach preset thresholds (CN107062565, CN205245461, CN109140702). Such systems require the installation of expensive air conditioning or ventilation systems, which include wall perforation, high power consumption, and expensive maintenance.

[0005] KR20170022019(A) is a ventilation system known for its intelligent windows with intelligent sliding characteristics. The ventilation system includes a sliding sash automatic opening / closing device, a carbon dioxide sensor installed in the room, and a control unit that automatically activates the opening device when the carbon dioxide concentration is higher than a preset limit value. The control unit has a wireless communication terminal and is connected to a remote client device, such as a mobile phone. The remote client device can remotely monitor the carbon dioxide concentration in real time, set the carbon dioxide limit value, and directly control the opening / closing of the window. This system is limited to sliding sash windows and requires the installation of an opening / closing window device within the window frame, making the window more expensive and the system difficult to maintain.

[0006] A natural ventilation system (RU41783U1) is also known, which includes a mechanical device for opening and closing a movable sash of a window. The mechanical device is remotely controlled by a microprocessor and is connected to a sensor system for monitoring various parameters of the internal environment (temperature, humidity) and various parameters of the external environment (noise, temperature, anthropogenic pollution, such as carbon dioxide, etc.). When the value of the monitored parameter exceeds a preset limit, the microprocessor opens or closes the movable built-in part of the window. The system has limited ability to be remotely controlled by a remote user and to monitor air parameters in real time.

[0007] Another device for automatically opening / closing a window (CN 109197271 A) includes a housing unit that can be installed on the frame of a sliding sash window, a control unit, and a gear motor that drives a chain located in a guide groove inside the house. The front end of the chain extends outside the housing unit and is connected to a groove on the window frame. The device is noisy and does not allow the chain to bend in multiple planes, which limits the installation and application of the device. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a compact device for automatically opening and closing windows or doors, which allows for simple and convenient installation on any type of window and door with any type of frame and opening method. The present invention also aims to make the automatic opening / closing device operate at a low noise level so as not to disturb people in the room. Another task is that the automatic opening / closing device can be remotely controlled, including via the Internet.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an indoor air quality control and management system that provides room ventilation by automatically opening / closing doors and / or windows and utilizing natural air convection. In addition, the object of the present invention is to provide a system with a wireless connection between its individual devices, which can be controlled and monitored via the Internet. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating an indoor air quality control and management system.

[0010] These and other objects are achieved by forming an external device for automatically opening / closing a window or a door, the external device comprising a housing unit having means for fixedly connecting to the frame of an open sash or window / door.

[0011] Arranged in said housing are:

[0012] · A stepper motor having an electronic control unit and power connection means, the electronic control unit comprising a driver and a controller, the controller having a microprocessor adapted to provide control pulses for the rotation direction, speed and rate of the motor;

[0013] · A motion conversion means for converting the rotary motion of the motor into a linear motion;

[0014] · An extended flexible connecting member which is rigid in its extending direction and flexible in more than one direction transverse to its extending direction, said more than one direction transverse to its extending direction being in different planes, the flexible connecting member being located in a guide groove in the housing, the guide groove having at least one curved section for changing the moving direction of the flexible connecting member, wherein one end of the flexible connecting member is connected to the motion conversion means and the other end of the flexible connecting member freely passes through an opening in the housing and is connected to a support element having means for connecting to the frame of the window / door.

[0015] According to the invention, the motion conversion means is adapted to reciprocate the flexible connecting member between a front end final position and a rear end final position such that when the shaft of the motor rotates in one direction, the flexible connecting member retracts into the housing to the rear end final position and pulls the support element. When the shaft of the motor rotates in the opposite direction, the flexible connecting member extends out of the housing to the front end final position, thereby pushing the support element away from the unit.

[0016] Importantly, the flexible connecting member is flexible in several directions transverse to its extension in order to change the moving direction of the flexible connecting member. This allows for a simplified construction of the device and also makes it easy to change the operating direction of the device for use with doors / windows of different designs.

[0017] In one embodiment, the flexible connecting member is connected to the support element by a detachable joint, thereby allowing the flexible connecting member to be separated from the support element. This occurs when a predetermined tension greater than the force required to pull the support element to the housing is applied.

[0018] The flexible connecting member can also be connected to the motion conversion means by a detachable joint. This allows the flexible connecting member to be separated from the motion conversion means when a force greater than the force for pushing the support element out of the housing is applied.

[0019] Preferably, the above-mentioned joint is a magnetic joint.

[0020] The flexible connecting member may be composed of a flexible wire, and a number of rigid bead elements pass through the flexible wire along a central groove channel. The bead elements are arranged adjacent to each other and in contact with each other. Preferably, the bead elements have a circular, square or other regular polygon shape in a cross-section transverse to the groove channel; and in a cross-section parallel to the groove channel, the bead elements have rounded protrusions or depressions such that the rounded protrusions of one bead element and the rounded depressions of adjacent bead elements form a shared hinge surface, thereby defining bending of the flexible connecting member in more than one direction.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the device, the motion conversion device is designed as a helical gear device and includes a lead screw installed in a housing and capable of freely rotating in two directions. The lead screw is connected to the rotating shaft of a stepper motor, and a coupling element is mounted on the lead screw through a motor nut. The coupling element is positioned in a linear guide channel allowing reciprocating motion, and one end of the flexible connecting member is fixed to the coupling element.

[0022] Preferably, the device further has a wireless communication module allowing it to connect to a remote device. The wireless communication module is connected to be adapted to send data to and receive data and control signals from the remote device. This allows the remote device to control the motor.

[0023] The device according to the present invention is compact, reliable, easy to install, and suitable for doors and windows of different frame designs and configurations. Due to the design of the lead screw mechanism and the flexible connecting member, the device operates very quietly and does not disturb the occupants indoors.

[0024] The present invention also provides an indoor air quality control and management system having at least one opening. The system includes:

[0025] · An indoor air parameter sensor unit, which includes a wireless module for transmitting and receiving information and at least one of the following sensors: a carbon dioxide sensor and / or other gas sensors, a humidity sensor, and a temperature sensor;

[0026] · A noise sensor having a wireless module for transmitting information, and the noise sensor is located near the at least one opening of the room;

[0027] At least one device for automatic opening / closing according to the present invention is connected to the at least one opening of the room (door or window) and has a wireless module for sending and receiving information;

[0028] · A management server, which at least includes a memory, a processor, a data input module, a timing control module, and an Internet module; the management server is connected to an air parameter sensor unit, connected to a noise sensor to receive data, and connected to an automatic opening / closing device and sends a control signal.

[0029] According to the present invention, the management server is adapted to compare the data obtained from the sensors with a predetermined threshold value and / or threshold range. When the value of the monitored parameter is lower than or higher than the corresponding threshold value and / or threshold range, and / or when a certain time recorded by the timing module is reached, the management server is adapted to send a control signal to the automatic opening / closing device, so as to open or close at least one opening (door or window) of the room.

[0030] In an embodiment of the system, the management server is connected to an indoor air parameter sensor unit via the Internet. The indoor air sensor unit is in turn connected to the automatic opening / closing device via a local wireless connection.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment of the system, the management server is directly connected to both the automatic opening / closing device and the sensor unit via the Internet.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the system, the management server is connected to a remote client device via the Internet, so as to transmit information and receive data such as threshold values and / or control signals.

[0033] In addition, a method for controlling and managing indoor air quality executed by the system according to the present invention is provided, and the method includes:

[0034] · Setting the following parameters in the management server:

[0035] ○ At least one threshold value and / or threshold range for each parameter among the monitored parameters, such parameters including but not limited to: temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, air humidity, noise level, and / or

[0036] ○ A certain hour or time interval of a day;

[0037] · Receiving the currently monitored parameters from the sensors in the management server and comparing these parameters with the set threshold values;

[0038] · When deviating from the threshold value and / or threshold range, and / or according to the occurrence of the specified hour or the expiration of the pre-specified time interval, submitting a control signal with an instruction to open or close at least one opening of the room to the automatic opening / closing device.

[0039] In an embodiment of the method, the monitored parameters are sorted by priority to determine the control signal for the automatic opening / closing device.

[0040] The system and method according to the present invention ensure a reduced external noise level by automatically closing doors and / or windows, while reducing the level of harmful substances in the enclosed space by ventilation and natural convection.

[0041] The system can be easily installed in any enclosed space and indoor space, mounted on doors and windows of different structures, and without installation or construction work.

[0042] The system has a wireless connection and communication between the devices and units and can be controlled via the Internet. The system can be completely autonomous. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] More specifically, with reference to the drawings, the apparatus, system, and method (according to the present invention) are illustrated by preferred embodiments provided as non-limiting examples of the present invention, in which:

[0044] Figures 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 are respectively a front view, a side view, and a top view of the automatic opening / closing device in an exemplary embodiment;

[0045] Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-section of the automatic opening / closing device along line AA of Figure 1.2;

[0046] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-section of the automatic opening / closing device along line BB of Figure 1.1;

[0047] Figure 4.1 and Figure 4.2 respectively represent cross-sectional views of the commutation device along line CC in Figure 1.2 at the left and right positions;

[0048] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the automatic opening / closing device along Figure 3 line DD in and shows the magnetic detachable joint between the rear end of the flexible connector and the coupling element of the motion conversion device;

[0049] Figure 6 shows a top view, a full side view, and a cross-section along line EE of a square bead-shaped element;

[0050] Figure 7 shows a top view, a full side view, and a cross-section along line FF of a circular bead-shaped element;

[0051] Figures 8 and 9 respectively show the opening / closing device mounted on a window with the flexible connector conditionally placed on the right side in the open and closed positions of the window;

[0052] Figures 10 and 11 respectively show an opening / closing device installed on a window with a flexible connector conditionally placed on the left side in the open position and the closed position of the window;

[0053] Figure 12 is a conditional block diagram of an indoor air quality control and management system in a preferred embodiment of the interconnecting members of each unit. Detailed implementation mode

[0054] According to the present invention, a door or window automatic opening / closing device includes a housing, a flexible connector, and an actuator for the flexible connector. On one side of the housing, there is a device for connecting the housing to the frame of the window or door. The connection can be achieved using double-sided tape, screw assemblies, or the like. The housing can be made of metal, plastic, or composite materials.

[0055] The device has a stepper motor 16 for moving the flexible connector, and the stepper motor has an electronic control unit 12. The control unit includes a driver and a microprocessor controller, and the microprocessor controller is adapted to provide control pulses for the rotation direction, speed, and rate of the motor 16. The motor can be 12V, 2.5 - 3A, with a power supply input terminal 18 and a corresponding circuit board 17. The motor can be powered by a battery or can be directly powered through an adapter via the power grid. The battery is preferably rechargeable.

[0056] The flexible connectors 10, 11 are elongated elements that are rigid along the extension direction and are laterally flexible in a plurality of directions located in different planes.

[0057] The motor 16 drives a motion conversion device for converting rotational motion into linear motion in two directions. The motion conversion device is preferably completed by a lead screw mechanism. In Figure 2 and Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the motion conversion device includes a lead screw 9 which is mounted to the housing by at least one bearing 8 to ensure free movement in either direction. The lead screw 9 is connected to and driven by a stepper motor 16. The coupling element 14 is mounted to the lead screw 9 by a motor nut 13 and is also connected to the flexible connection. The connection between the lead screw 9 and the motor nut 13 can be a threaded coupling or a ball screw pair type. The coupling element 14 is located in a linear guide groove in the housing such that the coupling element can move freely in a reciprocating manner between two end positions. These two extreme positions are hereinafter referred to as "front" and "rear". At the same time, the coupling element 14 is laterally constrained by the guide groove to prevent rotation relative to the lead screw 9. When the motor 16 operates in one direction, the lead screw 9 rotates in the same direction, causing the motor nut 13 and the coupling element 14 to move along the lead screw 9. For example, when the motor 16 rotates the lead screw 9, the motor nut 13 moves forward relative to the motor 16, which also drives the coupling element and the flexible connections 10, 11 forward, and when the motor 16 rotates in the opposite direction, the motor nut 13 and the coupling element 14 move backward and pull the flexible connection back into the housing. Means can also be provided for determining the time at which the flexible connection reaches one of its end positions to cause the motor 16 to stop. In one embodiment, the controller is adapted to monitor the back electromagnetic voltage of the motor, i.e., monitor the engine load and the controller stops the motor when the maximum load is reached. The end position of the flexible connection can be determined by a sensor that sends a signal to the control unit, or by a switch located at the end position of the coupling element 14.

[0058] One end of the flexible connection, conditionally referred to as the "rear end", is connected to the coupling element 14. The other end of the flexible connection, conditionally referred to as the "front end", freely passes through an opening in the housing and is connected to the support element 1. In the case where the housing is fixed to the sash of the window 25, the support element 1 is fixed to the frame of the window 24 (Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11). Conversely, when the housing is fixed to the frame of the window 24, the support element 1 is connected to the sash 25. The latter option is suitable for mounting the device to a dormer window. As the flexible connection moves back and forth in the housing, the flexible connection pushes or pulls back the support element 1, thereby increasing or shortening the distance between the support element 1 and the housing. This causes the window or door to open or close. The support element can be a flat plastic or metal plate.

[0059] The housing has at least one curved guide groove 30 which guides the direction of movement of the flexible connection. In Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the lead screw 9 and the guide groove of the coupling element are arranged along the extension of the housing. This enables the flexible connecting member to more conveniently change its direction along the short side of the housing. This is achieved by the curved guide groove 30 in the housing for changing the direction of the flexible connecting member by 90 degrees. A direction-changing accessory 7 is also provided, which can be installed at the opening for the flexible connecting member where the flexible connecting member extends out of the housing. The housing of the direction-changing accessory provides another curved channel that allows the direction of the flexible connecting member to be changed by 90 degrees as well ( Figure 4.1 ). The second change in the direction of the flexible connecting member is possible because the flexible connecting member is flexible in nature and can be bent in multiple directions transverse to its extension. To facilitate the disassembly and rotation of the direction-changing accessory 7, a detachable connection to the housing is provided. For example, this can be achieved by magnets 21 and metal plates 20 installed in the housing ( Figure 4.1 ), by guide rails and grooves, etc. The direction-changing accessory 7 can be rotated and installed at 180°, so that the direction-changing accessory can reverse the flexible connecting member in the opposite direction ( Figure 4.1 and Figure 4.2 ). This design allows the device to be installed on different door and window structures, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11.

[0060] The flexible connecting member can be a rod made of metal or polymeric material, which is rigid along its extension and flexible in a direction transverse to its extension, and can be bent at different angles without breaking its integrity. A polymeric tube that is partially or entirely corrugated along its length can be used. The corrugated sections of the tube can be bent in any direction transverse to the extension of the tube. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible connecting member can include a flexible wire along which a number of rigid bead-like elements have central groove channels for the flexible wire ( Figure 6 and Figure 7 ), and these central groove channels are adjacent to each other and in contact. The wire can be a metal rope or wire or a non-metallic rope, such as a cord. The bead-like elements 11 have a circular, square, or other regular polygon cross-section in the cross-section of the groove channel, and on both sides of the opening of the groove channel in a cross-section parallel to the groove channel, the bead-like elements have rounded protrusions or depressions such that the rounded protrusions of one bead-like element and the rounded depressions of adjacent bead-like elements form a common hinge surface, thereby defining the lateral bending of the flexible connecting member. This design of the bead-like elements provides flexibility of the flexible connecting member in multiple directions transverse to its extension, so that the flexible connecting member can be bent at different angles in multiple directions located in different planes. When the cross-section of the bead-like element is circular ( Figure 7 ), the rounded protrusions and depressions are annular, and the flexible connecting member can be bent in any direction transverse to its extension. The bead-like element with a square cross-section ( Figure 6) It can be bent in two directions transverse to its extension, and these directions are in two different planes perpendicular to each other. The overall shape of the bead-like element can be disc-shaped, spherical, cubic, cylindrical, prismatic, frustum-shaped, or truncated pyramid-shaped. Preferably, a recess is formed on one side of the bead-like element adjacent to an opening of the groove channel, and a protrusion corresponding to the shape of the above-mentioned recess is formed on the opposite side( Figure 6 and Figure 7 ). In this embodiment, with the threaded coupling of the bead-like elements, the protrusion of each bead-like element further enters the recess of the previous bead-like element( Figure 2 、 Figure 3 ), thus ensuring the stability of the flexible connector. An alternative arrangement is that bead-like elements with two opposite recesses and bead-like elements with two opposite protrusions alternate when strung together.

[0061] Figure 2 and Figure 3 show an embodiment in the rear part of the flexible connector a helical spring 15, which is threadedly coupled to the wire in front of the string of bead-like elements. Its purpose is to tighten the flexible connector to compensate for the effect of flexural bending.

[0062] Since this device limits the degree of opening of the window or door, a device is provided to allow the window or door to open fully. For this purpose, a detachable joint is provided between the front end of the flexible connector and the support element 1. For the device to operate properly, in the normal state, the detachable joint must not disconnect from the support element 1. When the applied predetermined tension is greater than the force required to pull the support element onto the housing when the device is installed on the door or window, the flexible connector can be separated from the support element. The force required to separate the flexible connector is greater than the force required to close the door or window. An example of such a detachable joint is a magnetic joint, which includes a metal plate 22 fixed to the support element 1 and a magnet 23 mounted on the window / door attachment 2 located at the front end of the flexible connector( Figure 4.1 ).

[0063] In addition, in some cases, it may be necessary to quickly push the window / door closed without waiting for the actuator to retract the flexible connector into the housing. To avoid damaging the device, a detachable joint is provided between the rear end of the flexible connector and the motion conversion device. When the applied compressive force is greater than the force required to push the support element out of the housing at the installation position of the device, this allows the flexible connector to be separated from the motion conversion device. In Figure 3 and Figure 5In the device shown, the detachable joint is magnetic, and a coupling element 14 on the rear end of the wire 10 connected to the flexible connecting member is detachably coupled to the motor nut 13. For this purpose, magnets 19 are mounted on the upper part of the coupling element 14, and these magnets attract corresponding magnets 19 mounted on the motor nut 13. The bracket-shaped motor nut 13 allows the flexible connecting member to pass freely when the magnetic connection is disconnected. When the door / window is opened, the magnetic attraction force in the detachable joint is greater than the force exerted by the motor nut 13 on the flexible connecting member and the support element 1.

[0064] The embodiment of the opening / closing device shown in the figure is provided with a mounting plate 3 for connecting the housing to the frame of a window or a door. The mounting plate 3 is mounted on corresponding sockets 31 which are located on opposite sides of the housing. This allows the user to choose which side of the housing to connect to the door / window frame according to the configuration of the window or the door. The unused sockets can be covered with a front decorative panel 6, as shown in FIGS. 1.2 and Figure 3 shown. In FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11, two options for connecting the opening / closing device are shown. In one embodiment (FIGS. 8 and 9), one of the sides 4 of the housing unit is mounted and the deflecting attachment 7 points to the left. In another embodiment (shown in FIGS. 10 and 11), the opposite side of the housing 5 is mounted and the deflecting attachment 7 points to the right.

[0065] Preferably, the device also has a wireless connection through which the device can send data and receive data and control signals from a remote motor control device. The wireless connection can be via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The remote control device can be a computer, a phone or other fixed or mobile device.

[0066] Different sensors can be installed in the housing unit, such as a noise sensor that transmits information to a remote device via a wireless connection. Based on the data received from the noise sensor, the remote device sends a control signal to the opening / closing device to operate the window or the door.

[0067] The electronic block is arranged on one or more circuit boards 12, and the circuit boards are mounted in the housing.

[0068] An indoor air quality control and management system having at least one opening according to the present invention includes: a sensor unit 27 for monitoring indoor air parameters, a noise sensor for the external environment, an automatic opening / closing device 26 for operating at least one opening, and a management server 28 for collecting data from the sensors. Based on the collected data, the management server wirelessly transmits a control signal to the automatic opening / closing device 26.

[0069] The system is suitable for any habitable room having at least one window or door (e.g., a balcony door) leading to the outside.

[0070] The room is equipped with an air parameter sensor unit 27, which at least includes a carbon dioxide sensor, a second noise sensor, a humidity sensor, and an air temperature sensor. There can also be sensors for other harmful gases, volatile organic compound (VOC) gases, carbon monoxide, radiation, lighting, fine particulate matter, etc. The sensor unit 27 has a wireless module for sending information to other units of the system and receiving information from other units of the system. The wireless connection can be via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi through a local router.

[0071] The noise sensor is located next to an open window or door so that the noise sensor can read the noise level of the external environment. The purpose of this sensor is to close the window when the external noise level rises above a certain level (e.g., above 60 dB or 90 dB). The sensor can be installed on the inside or outside of the frame of the window or door. The noise sensor has a wireless module for sending information to other units of the system and receiving information from other units of the system. The wireless connection can be via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi through a local router. In a preferred embodiment of the system, the noise sensor is part of the automatic opening / closing device 26 and is connected to the wireless module of the device.

[0072] The automatic opening / closing device 26 can be additionally installed on the frame of an existing door or window, which does not require installing a dedicated expensive window with a built-in device. Various prior art devices equipped with a wireless communication module can be used to send information to other units of the system and receive information from other units of the system. When the room has more than one opening (window or door) to the external environment, the system can also install several automatic opening / closing devices on all or some of the open doors or windows. In a preferred embodiment of the system, the above-mentioned automatic opening / closing device according to the present invention is used.

[0073] The system is controlled by a management server 28, such as a computer, which at least includes a memory, a processor, a data input module, a timing module, a wireless module, and an Internet module. The wireless module can be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other methods suitable for wireless data transmission and reception. Through the wireless module or through the Internet, the management server 28 is connected to the sensor unit 27 for monitoring air and noise parameters, receives real-time data, and preferably stores the data in its memory. The stored data can be used for later reference, statistics, and other purposes. The management server 28 is connected to the switching device 26 through a wireless module for sending control signals. The connection between the management server 28 and the opening / closing device 26 can be direct, such as through an Internet connection using the Wi-Fi module in the opening / closing device 26, or indirect, such as through the sensor unit 27, as Figure 12As shown, the sensor unit can be connected to the management server 28 via Wi-Fi and via the Internet and to the opening / closing device 26 via Bluetooth.

[0074] The management server 28 has a software application that is designed to analyze the received sensor data and compare it with preset thresholds of the monitored parameters. Through the software application, the algorithms for the system operation can be set, and statistical data can be extracted from the sensor reports and stored in the memory of the management server. When the value of the monitored parameter is below or above the relevant threshold, or at a certain time indicated by the timing module, the management server sends a control signal to the automatic opening / closing device to operate the door or window. In a preferred embodiment of the system, the management server 28 is remote from the room, but the management server receives information from and sends information to those devices via the Wi-Fi modules of the other devices of the closed system via the Internet.

[0075] The management server 28 can receive meteorological data of the external environment, such as temperature, humidity, pollution, and other meteorological phenomena, via the Internet. The management server software application utilizes this data to determine whether the door or window should be opened or closed. For example, if the humidity inside the room is high and the window needs to be opened for ventilation, but the humidity of the outdoor environment is even higher, the system will not send a signal to the automatic opening / closing device to open the window.

[0076] Alternatively, the management server 28 can be connected via the Internet to a software application installed on a remote client electronic device 29, which is such as a computer, a mobile phone, or a tablet ( Figure 12 ). The management server 28 can transmit information about the monitored parameters to the client device 29 in real time and can receive data on the reference thresholds of the monitored parameters or instructions for directly controlling the opening / closing device 26 from the client device 29. Accordingly, the user can remotely monitor the air parameters in the monitored room where the system is installed, set the thresholds or threshold ranges of these parameters, set the opening and closing times of the window or door, or force the opening or closing of the window or door. For example, all of these can be done remotely via a software application installed on a mobile phone.

[0077] The system works by the following method:

[0078] The thresholds and / or threshold ranges of the parameters monitored by the sensors are set in the management server. These include but are not limited to: temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, humidity, and noise level. Specific times for opening or closing the window or door of the room can be set for the management server.

[0079] The management server 28 receives the current value of the monitored parameter from the sensor, saves the current value in its memory and compares the current value with a preset threshold value.

[0080] When the current value of the monitored parameter deviates from the threshold value or reaches a predetermined time, the server 28 sends a control signal to the automatic opening / closing device 26 to operate the window or door of the room accordingly.

[0081] Preferably, the monitored parameters are sorted by priority so that the control server 28 determines what command to send to the automatic opening / closing device 26 in the case where two threshold values requiring opposite actions are exceeded simultaneously. For example, if the amount of carbon dioxide exceeds the set value for opening the window, but at the same time the room temperature is below the set threshold due to cold weather outside, then the window needs to be closed so that the indoor temperature does not continue to drop. In this case, if the management server 28 designates the temperature in the room as a priority, a command to close the window will be given. Several parameters can be prioritized and their threshold values set.

[0082] Several embodiments of a method for implementing indoor air quality control and management through a system according to the present invention are provided below. For the purposes of these embodiments, the management server 28 is connected to the sensor unit 27 via the Internet, and the sensor unit is connected to the opening / closing device 26 via a local wireless connection (as Figure 12 shown). Additionally, the management server 28 is connected to the remote client device 29 on which the system management software application is installed via the Internet.

[0083] Embodiment 1:

[0084] The user sets the desired temperature value, for example 21 - 25 °C and / or a carbon dioxide (CO2) level of 400 - 800 ppm, through the software application. This data is then transmitted via the Internet connection and saved in the management server 28. The management server 28 then compares these with the current sensor readings (temperature and / or CO2) also received via the Internet. If necessary, the management server 28 sends a command to the opening / closing device 26 via the wireless connection, so as to open or close the window or door of the operation, in order to achieve the optimal level of carbon dioxide (CO2) or temperature.

[0085] Embodiment 2:

[0086] The window (or door) of the monitored room is opened. The noise sensor enclosed in the opening / closing device 26 detects the increased external noise level and transmits this data via a local wireless connection to the sensor unit 27. The sensor unit then relays this information via the Internet to the management server 28. The management server 28 compares the received noise data with a preset user-defined threshold range, for example 40 - 60 dB. If the threshold range is exceeded, the management server 28 sends a command via the Internet to the opening / closing device 26 to close the door / window in order to reduce the noise level in the room.

[0087] Example 3:

[0088] The user opens the software application 29 installed on their computer or other mobile device. The application connects to the management server 28 via the Internet and receives information about the current sensor readings in the monitored room. The user evaluates this data and sends a close command or an open command via the software application. The signal is then sent via the management server 28 over the Internet, and the management server relays the command to the sensor unit 27 to operate the opening / closing device 26.

[0089] Example 4:

[0090] In the software application, the user defines a specific time for the ventilation of the monitored room. This information is recorded in the management server 28. At the pre-specified time, the server 28 sends a command via the sensor unit 27 to the opening / closing device 26 to open the window / door to ventilate the room.

[0091] Example 5:

[0092] The user sets combination criteria and priorities in the management server 28. For example, on the night when the user is sleeping, the highest priority can be the optimal level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the room. The server monitors the carbon dioxide (CO2) level in the room, and when it is exceeded, it sends a command via the sensor unit 27 to the opening / closing device 26 to open the window / door so that the carbon dioxide (CO2) level can be reduced by natural air convection.

[0093] Example 6:

[0094] The user sets the desired indoor air quality value via the software application and then sends it to the management server 28. The management server 28 compares the user input value with the identified health standard value. If their difference exceeds, for example, 20%, a message is sent to the user's application 29 and suggestions for correcting them are proposed.

[0095] Example 7:

[0096] Users set a target indoor temperature (e.g., between 21 and 25 degrees Celsius) for a specific time period when someone is sleeping in the room through an application on their device. Accordingly, the management server 28 enters the "sleep mode" during the user-defined time interval. The management server 28 is adapted to receive meteorological information about the external temperature via the Internet. Assuming that the external temperature is different from the temperature in the monitored room, the management server sends commands to the opening / closing device 26 via the sensor unit 27 to operate the window / door so as to regulate the temperature through natural air convection.

[0097] Example 8:

[0098] Users set a target humidity range for the monitored room (e.g., between 40% and 60%) through a software application on the user device 29. These values are recorded in the management server 28. The management server 28 is adapted to receive meteorological information about the external environmental humidity via the Internet. When the management server 28 receives the room humidity reading from the sensor unit, it compares the room humidity reading with the humidity data from the external environment and with the predefined user humidity target range. If the external environmental conditions permit, the server corrects any differences between the target and the actual room reading by operating the opening / closing device 26.

[0099] Example 9:

[0100] Users select the "day mode" for the monitored room in the application. Then this command is recorded in the management server 28. Users define the algorithm for operating the window / door; for example, opening the window / door once every 30 minutes for 5 minutes, and also specify the time range during which the "day mode" is effective. When the time arrives, the system switches to the "day mode", and the management server 28 sends commands to the opening / closing device 26 via the sensor unit 27 to execute the user-defined algorithm. Similarly, users can set the "night mode", for example, opening the window / door once every half an hour for 3 minutes between 23:00 and 7:00 in the morning.

[0101] The reference signs of the technical features are included in the claims only for better understanding of the claims, and thus the reference signs have no limiting effect on the interpretation of the elements represented by these reference signs.

Claims

1. An external device for automatically opening / closing a window or a door, the external device comprising a housing having mounting means for fixedly connecting to an openable sash or fixedly connecting to a frame of the window / door, wherein, Arranged in the housing are: A stepper motor (16) having an electronic control unit (12) and power connection means, the electronic control unit comprising a driver and a controller, the controller having a microprocessor adapted to provide control pulses for the direction, speed and rate of rotation of the motor, A motion conversion means for converting the rotational motion of the motor into a linear motion, An extended flexible connecting member which is rigid in its extending direction and flexible in more than one direction transverse to its extending direction, the more than one direction transverse to its extending direction being in different planes, the flexible connecting member comprising a flexible wire along which a plurality of rigid bead-like elements (11) are threaded, the bead-like elements (11) having a central groove channel for the flexible wire and being adjacent to and in contact with each other, the flexible connecting member being located in a guide groove (30) in the housing, the guide groove having at least one curved section for changing the moving direction of the flexible connecting member, wherein one end of the flexible connecting member is connected to the motion conversion means and the other end of the flexible connecting member freely passes through an opening in the housing and is connected to a support element (1), the support element having means for connection to a frame of a window / door, wherein the motion conversion means is adapted to reciprocate the flexible connecting member between a front end final position and a rear end final position such that when the shaft of the stepper motor (16) rotates in one direction, the flexible connecting member retracts into the housing to the rear end final position and pulls the support element (1), and when the shaft of the stepper motor (16) rotates in the opposite direction, the flexible connecting member extends out of the housing to the front end final position and pushes the support element (1).

2. The external device for automatically opening / closing a window or a door according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible connecting member is connected to the support element (1) by a detachable joint such that when a predetermined tensile force greater than the force required to pull the support element to the housing in the installation working position of the device is applied, the flexible connecting member is allowed to separate from the support element.

3. The external device for automatically opening / closing a window or a door according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible connecting member is connected to the motion conversion means by a detachable joint such that when a pressure greater than the force required to push the support element from the housing in the installation working position of the device is applied, the flexible connecting member is allowed to separate from the motion conversion means.

4. The external device for automatically opening / closing a window or a door according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The detachable joint is a magnetic joint.

5. The external device for automatically opening / closing a window or a door according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The bead-like element (11) has a circular, square or other regular polygon shape in a cross-section transverse to the groove channel, and in a cross-section parallel to the groove channel and at both sides and openings of the groove channel, the bead-like element has rounded protrusions or recesses such that the rounded protrusions of one bead-like element and the rounded recesses of adjacent bead-like elements form a common articulated surface, thereby defining the bending of the flexible connecting member in more than one direction.

6. The external device for automatically opening / closing a window or a door according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The motion conversion device is designed as a helical gear device, which includes a lead screw (9) installed in the housing and capable of freely rotating in two directions and connected to the rotating shaft of the stepper motor (16). An coupling element (14) is installed on the lead screw (9) through a motor nut (13). The coupling element is located in a linear guiding channel allowing reciprocating motion. One end of the flexible connecting member is fixedly connected to the coupling element (14).

7. The external device for automatically opening / closing a window or a door according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The external device for automatically opening / closing a window or a door further includes a wireless communication module, which is connected to a remote device. The wireless communication module is connected to the electronic control unit (12) of the motor and is adapted to send data to the remote device and receive data and control signals from the remote device to control the stepper motor (16).

8. A system for controlling and managing indoor air quality in a room having at least one opening, the system comprising: An indoor air parameter sensor unit (27), which includes a wireless module for transmitting and receiving information and at least one sensor from the following group: a carbon dioxide sensor and / or other gas sensors, a humidity sensor, and a temperature sensor A noise sensor, having a wireless module for transmitting information, and the noise sensor is located near the at least one opening of the room At least one external device for automatically opening / closing a window or a door according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the external device for automatically opening / closing a window or a door is connected to the at least one opening of the room and has a wireless module for transmitting and receiving information A management server (28), which at least includes a memory, a processor, a data input module, a timing control module, and an Internet module. The management server is connected to the air parameter sensor unit (27), connected to the noise sensor to receive data, and also connected to the external device for automatically opening / closing a window or a door to send control signals. Wherein, the management server (28) is adapted to compare the data obtained from the sensors with a predetermined threshold and / or threshold range. When the value of the monitored parameter is lower or higher than the corresponding threshold and / or threshold range, and / or when a certain time recorded by the timing module is reached, the management server (28) is adapted to send a control signal to the external device for automatically opening / closing a window or a door to start opening or closing the at least one opening of the room.

9. The system for controlling and managing the indoor air quality in a room having at least one opening according to claim 8, characterized in that, The management server (28) is connected to the air parameter sensor unit (27) through the Internet, and the air parameter sensor unit (27) is in turn connected to the external device for automatically opening / closing a window or a door through a local wireless connection.

10. The system for controlling and managing indoor air quality in a room having at least one opening according to claim 8, characterized in that, The noise sensor is part of the external device for automatically opening / closing a window or a door.

11. The system for controlling and managing indoor air quality in a room having at least one opening according to claim 8, characterized in that, The management server (28) is connected via the Internet to a remote client device (29) having a software application installed for transmitting information on thresholds and / or control signals and receiving data on thresholds and / or control signals.

12. A method for controlling and managing indoor air quality, using a system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, the method comprising: Setting in the management server: At least one threshold and / or threshold range for each of the monitored parameters, such as but not limited to: temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, air humidity, noise level, and / or A time of day or time interval; Receiving in the management server the current values of the monitored parameters from the sensors and comparing them with the set thresholds; When there is a deviation of the monitored parameter from the threshold and / or threshold range and / or after the expiration of the specified time of day or the predetermined time interval, submitting from the management server to the external device for automatically opening / closing a window or door a control signal with an instruction to open or close at least one opening of the room.

13. The method for controlling and managing indoor air quality according to claim 12, characterized in that, The monitored parameters are sorted by priority to determine the control signal for the external device for automatically opening / closing a window or door.

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