Methods for controlling the operation of sun protection equipment and related equipment

Abstract

A shading device (I) includes a shading assembly (9) comprising a top rod (10), a bottom rod (12), and a curtain (13) disposed between the top plate (10) and the bottom plate (12). The device (I) also includes an electric drive (17) designed to unfold and fold the curtain (13), comprising a first electromechanical actuator (18) configured to move the top rod (10), a second electromechanical actuator (20) configured to move the bottom rod (12), and a control unit (30) configured to control the first electromechanical actuator (18) and the second electromechanical actuator (20). The control unit (30) controls the first electromechanical actuator (18) to move the top rod (10), and then controls the second electromechanical actuator (20) to move the bottom rod (12) according to the position and / or movement of the top rod (10), or vice versa.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on December 18, 2020, with application number 202080088132.8, international application number PCT / EP2020 / 086952, and entitled "Method for controlling the operation of sun protection equipment and related equipment". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of a sun protection device. The invention also relates to a sun protection device suitable for implementing this control method.

[0003] This invention generally relates to the field of shielding devices, which include at least a track, a curtain, a first rod, a second rod, and an electric drive device. In the assembly configuration of the shielding device, the first rod is arranged between the track and the second rod. The curtain is arranged between the first rod and the second rod. The curtain is configured to be moved by the electric drive device. The electric drive device moves the first rod connected to the curtain between at least one first position and at least one second position, and on the other hand, moves the second rod connected to the curtain between at least one third position and at least one fourth position. Background Technology

[0004] Systems for blinds are known from documents NL 2019347 B1, NL 2020475 B1, and EP 3 434 857 A1. These systems include two rods for adjusting the shading of the blinds within an opening. These systems allow selection of the height of the area to be shaded and its vertical position within the opening. For this purpose, each rod is connected to a winding shaft, which initiates vertical movement of the rod connected to it when rotated by an electromechanical actuator. Each winding shaft is independently driven by a control unit. These systems also include means for limiting the rotation of the winding shafts to prevent collisions between the rods. Thus, each rod is driven independently of the others while ensuring that no collisions occur between the two rods. These systems can make operating the blinds cumbersome for the user, especially when he / she wants to move the entire shading area without changing the height.

[0005] The hardware of document US 2012 / 0200247 A1 also has similar shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is particularly intended to overcome these shortcomings by proposing a method for controlling the operation of sun protection devices that is more intuitive than known methods.

[0007] Therefore, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of a sun protection device, the device comprising at least:

[0008] - A shielding device, which includes at least:

[0009] --mandrel,

[0010] --Base rod, and

[0011] --A curtain, which is placed between the top and bottom rods.

[0012] - An electric drive unit configured to unfold and fold the curtain, the electric drive unit comprising at least:

[0013] --A first electromechanical actuator, configured to move a push rod.

[0014] --A second electromechanical actuator, configured to move the base rod, and

[0015] --Control unit, configured to control the first electromechanical actuator and the second electromechanical actuator.

[0016] According to the present invention, the control unit performs the following control:

[0017] - Control the first electromechanical actuator to move the push rod, and then control the second electromechanical actuator to move the bottom rod according to the position and / or movement of the push rod;

[0018] or

[0019] - Control the second electromechanical actuator to move the bottom rod, and then control the first electromechanical actuator to move the top rod according to the position and / or movement of the bottom rod.

[0020] Because of this invention, the movement of the corresponding bottom rod or top rod will be based on the position and / or movement of the corresponding top rod or bottom rod, which makes it easier and more intuitive for the user to adjust the shading of the opening by the shading device.

[0021] According to an advantageous but non-mandatory aspect of the invention, such a control method combines one or more of the following features employed in any technically permissible combination:

[0022] -The control unit performs the following controls:

[0023] --Control the second electromechanical actuator to move the bottom rod upwards until the bottom rod contacts the top rod, then

[0024] --Control the first and second electromechanical actuators to simultaneously move the push rod and the bottom rod upwards, so that the push rod and the bottom rod move in the same direction and at the same speed;

[0025] or

[0026] --Control the first electromechanical actuator to move the push rod downwards until the push rod contacts the bottom rod, then

[0027] --Control the first and second electromechanical actuators to simultaneously move the top rod and bottom rod downwards, so that the top rod and bottom rod move in the same direction and at the same speed.

[0028] -The control unit performs the following controls:

[0029] - Control the first electromechanical actuator to move the push rod downwards until the push rod contacts the bottom rod.

[0030] - Control the first electromechanical actuator to stop the push rod from moving, then

[0031] - Control the second electromechanical actuator to move the bottom rod downwards and away from the top rod;

[0032] or

[0033] - Control the second electromechanical actuator to move the bottom rod upward until the bottom rod contacts the top rod.

[0034] - Control the second electromechanical actuator to stop the bottom rod from moving, then

[0035] - Control the first electromechanical actuator to move the push rod upward and away from the bottom rod.

[0036] - The control unit controls the first electromechanical actuator to move the push rod and controls the second electromechanical actuator to simultaneously move the bottom rod in the same direction and speed as the push rod.

[0037] - The control unit controls the first electromechanical actuator to move the push rod and controls the second electromechanical actuator to simultaneously move the bottom rod at the same speed and in the opposite direction to the push rod.

[0038] When the push rod reaches the end of its stroke, the control unit controls the first electromechanical actuator to stop the push rod and controls the second electromechanical actuator to move the bottom rod away from the push rod. When the bottom rod reaches the end of its stroke, the control unit controls the second electromechanical actuator to stop the bottom rod and controls the first electromechanical actuator to move the push rod away from the bottom rod.

[0039] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a sunshade device, the device comprising at least:

[0040] - A shielding device, which includes at least:

[0041] --mandrel,

[0042] --Base rod, and

[0043] --A curtain, which is placed between the top and bottom rods.

[0044] - An electric drive unit configured to unfold and fold the curtain, the electric drive unit comprising at least:

[0045] --A first electromechanical actuator, configured to move a push rod.

[0046] --A second electromechanical actuator, configured to move the base rod, and

[0047] --Control unit, configured to control the first electromechanical actuator and the second electromechanical actuator.

[0048] The control unit is configured to implement the method according to the invention and as described above.

[0049] In other words, the control unit includes elements for implementing the method according to the invention, and in particular for implementing the steps of the method according to the invention, especially a microcontroller.

[0050] This shading device offers the same advantages as the control method mentioned above according to the invention.

[0051] According to an advantageous but non-mandatory aspect of the invention, such a sunshade device incorporates one or more of the following features employed in any technically permissible combination:

[0052] - The device includes a command unit, which includes at least one first selection element and at least one second selection element different from the first selection element, and the first and second selection elements control the top rod and the bottom rod through the control unit.

[0053] Double-clicking on the first selection element will control the stacking of the top rod and bottom rod at their respective predetermined high positions, and double-clicking on the second selection element will control the stacking of the top rod and bottom rod at their respective predetermined low positions.

[0054] - The command unit includes at least one third selection element, the first selection element and the second selection element control the top rod and the bottom rod to set the position of the shading area of ​​the curtain, and the third selection element controls the top rod and the bottom rod to set the vertical range of the shading area of ​​the curtain.

[0055] - The first and second selection elements are configured to select an action controlled by the third selection element, and optionally, the first and second selection elements are also configured to control the full opening or closing of the curtain. Attached Figure Description

[0056] The invention will be better understood and its other advantages will become clear from the following description of a method for controlling the operation of a sunshade device and several embodiments of a sunshade device suitable for implementing this method. The following description is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, based on the principles of the invention, wherein:

[0057] Figure 1 Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a sunshade device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, configured to implement a method for controlling its operation according to the present invention, wherein the top rod and bottom rod of the shading device are in a first state;

[0058] Figure 2 Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the device shown shows that the top rod and bottom rod of the shielding device are in the second state;

[0059] Figure 3 Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the device shown shows that the top rod and bottom rod of the shielding device are in the third state;

[0060] Figure 4 Figure 4 yes Figures 1 to 3 The schematic diagram of the device shown shows that the top rod and bottom rod of the shielding device are in the fourth state;

[0061] Figure 5 Figure 5 yes Figures 1 to 4 The schematic diagram of the device shown shows that the top rod and bottom rod of the shielding device are in the fifth state;

[0062] Figure 6 Figure 6 yes Figures 1 to 5 The schematic diagram of the device shown shows that the top rod and bottom rod of the shielding device are in the sixth state;

[0063] Figure 7 Figure 7 yes Figures 1 to 6 The schematic diagram of the device shown shows that the top rod and bottom rod of the shielding device are in the seventh state;

[0064] Figure 8 Figure 8 yes Figures 1 to 7 The schematic diagram of the device shown indicates that the top and bottom rods of the shielding device are in the eighth state; and

[0065] Figure 9 Figure 9The diagram is based on a second embodiment of a sunshade device configured to implement a method for controlling its operation according to the invention, wherein the top rod and bottom rod of the shading device are in a first state. Detailed Implementation

[0066] First, refer to Figures 1 to 8 We describe a device I according to a first embodiment of the invention, which is installed in a building having an opening (not shown), a window or a door, and is equipped with a curtain 13 that is a shading or sunshade device—especially an electric curtain.

[0067] The shading or sunshade device is referred to as the “shading device” below. The shading device includes a curtain 13.

[0068] Here, device I includes a shielding device.

[0069] Here, the veil 13 can be formed, for example, from pleated fabric or honeycomb fabric.

[0070] Reference Figures 1 to 8 The first embodiment of the present invention describes a curtain.

[0071] Device I includes a drive mechanism 17 for at least partially concealing a curtain 9, such as a window installed in a building wall. The drive mechanism 17 is configured to vertically drive the top rod 10 and bottom rod 12 of the curtain 9. The electric drive mechanism 17 includes at least one electromechanical actuator 18, 20. (Hereinafter...) Figure 1 As shown, the electric drive device 17 includes a first electromechanical actuator 18 and a second electromechanical actuator 20.

[0072] The drive unit 17 is housed in the housing 8 of the curtain 9, which is mounted at or above the opening. The housing 8 is commonly referred to as a guide rail, and more specifically as a top guide rail.

[0073] In an assembly configuration not shown, housing 8 has a "U" shaped cross-section.

[0074] The curtain 9 includes a veil 13. The veil 13 is arranged, or constructed, between the two rods 10 and 12 of the curtain 9, which are called load rods.

[0075] Rods 10 and 12 include a top rod 10 connected to the top edge of the curtain 13 and a bottom rod 12 connected to the bottom edge of the curtain 13, the bottom edge of which is parallel to the top edge of the curtain 13. Therefore, in the assembly configuration of device I, the top rod 10 is parallel to the bottom rod 12. Furthermore, in the assembly configuration of device I, the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12 are parallel to the maximum dimension of the housing 8. Depending on the relative positions of the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12, the curtain 13 is more or less extended.

[0076] The electric drive unit 17, and more particularly the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20, are configured to rotate the two winding shafts 22 and 24 belonging to the curtain 9.

[0077] The winding shafts 22 and 24 include a top winding shaft 22 and a bottom winding shaft 24. The top winding shaft 22 is dedicated to the movement of the top rod 10, while the bottom winding shaft 24 is dedicated to the movement of the bottom rod 12. Here, the top winding shaft 22 and the bottom winding shaft 24 are parallel to the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12.

[0078] The top winding shaft 22 is equipped with two first winding pulleys 26, each of which is dedicated to winding or unwinding a first rope 14 attached to the top rod 10. Each first rope 14 is attached to the top rod 10 in a region near one end of its end. Similarly, the bottom winding shaft 24 is equipped with two second winding pulleys 28, each of which is dedicated to winding or unwinding a second rope 16 attached to the bottom rod 12. Each second rope 16 is attached to the bottom rod 12 in a region near one end of its end. The first ropes 14 and the second ropes 16 connect the top rod 12 and the bottom rod 12 to the top winding shaft 22 and the bottom winding shaft 24, thus supporting the curtain 13. When the first rope 14 or the second rope 16 is wound around the corresponding first winding pulley 26 or second winding pulley 28, the corresponding top rod 10 or bottom rod 12 moves upward toward the electric drive unit 17, and more particularly toward the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 18. Similarly, when the first rope 14 or the second rope 16 is unwound from the corresponding first winding pulley 26 or second winding pulley 28, the top rod 10 or bottom rod 12 moves downward away from the housing 8.

[0079] The first winding pulley 26 and the second winding pulley 28 are commonly referred to as winders.

[0080] The number of first and second winding pulleys associated with the corresponding top and bottom winding shafts is unlimited and can be different, especially more than two.

[0081] Herein and without limitation, the first winding pulley 26 and the second winding pulley 28 have a truncated conical shape.

[0082] Advantageously, in the assembly configuration of the curtain 9, the first winding pulley 26 and the second winding pulley 28 are arranged inside the housing 8.

[0083] The lengths of the first rope 14 and the second rope 16 are set such that these first ropes 14 and the second rope 16 are permanently tensioned while keeping the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12 parallel to each other and parallel to the top winding shaft 22 and the bottom winding shaft 24.

[0084] Advantageously, the electric drive unit 17, and more particularly the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20, are controlled by the command unit 2. The command unit 2 may be, for example, a local command unit 2 or a central command unit (not shown).

[0085] Advantageously, the local command unit 2 can be connected to the central command unit via wired or wireless connection.

[0086] Advantageously, the central command unit can control local command unit 2 as well as other similar local command units distributed throughout the building.

[0087] The electric drive unit 17 is preferably configured to execute commands for unfolding or retracting the curtain 13, which may be issued, in particular, by the local command unit 2 or the central command unit.

[0088] Device I includes a local command unit 2, or a central command unit, or both a local command unit 2 and a central command unit.

[0089] The device for controlling the electric drive unit 17, and more particularly the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20, thereby enabling the curtain 13 to move, includes at least one control unit 30, particularly an electronic control unit. This control unit 30 is adapted to operate at least one electric motor (not shown) of the electric drive unit 17, and more particularly to operate the electric motor of each of the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20, and is particularly adapted to enable the supply of power to the electric motors of the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20. Here, the electric drive unit 17, and more particularly the first electromechanical actuator 18, includes a first electric motor (not shown), and the second electromechanical actuator 20 includes a second electric motor (not shown).

[0090] In addition to an electric motor, each of the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20 may include a gearbox, a brake, and / or a clutch (not shown).

[0091] Therefore, the control unit 30 controls, in particular, the first and second electric motors of the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20, so that the curtain 13 is unfolded or folded as previously described.

[0092] The means for controlling the electric drive unit 17, and more particularly the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20, includes hardware and / or software means.

[0093] As a non-limiting example, the hardware device may include at least one microcontroller (not shown).

[0094] Advantageously, the control unit 30 also includes a first communication module (not shown), which is specifically used to receive command instructions issued by a command transmitter such as a local command unit 2 or a central command unit, which are intended to control the electric drive unit 17.

[0095] Preferably, the first communication module of the control unit 30 is wireless. In particular, the first communication module is configured to receive radio commands.

[0096] Advantageously, the first communication module can also be made capable of receiving commands sent via wired means.

[0097] Advantageously, the control unit 30, the local command unit 2, and / or the central command unit can communicate with a weather station located inside or outside the building. In particular, the weather station includes one or more sensors, which, in the case of the weather station being located outside the building, can be configured to determine, for example, temperature, light intensity, or wind speed.

[0098] Advantageously, the control unit 30, the local command unit 2 and / or the central command unit can also communicate with a server (not shown) to control the electric drive unit 17 and more particularly the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20 based on data obtained remotely through a communication network, particularly an Internet network that can be connected to the server.

[0099] The control unit 30 can be controlled by a local command unit 2 or a central command unit. The local command unit 2 or the central command unit is equipped with a control keyboard. The control keyboard of the local command unit 2 or the central command unit includes one or more selection elements 42, 44, 6 and optionally one or more display elements.

[0100] As a non-limiting example, the selection element may include buttons and / or touch-sensitive keys. The display element may include light-emitting diodes and / or liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or thin-film transistor (TFT) displays. The selection element and display element may also be made via a touchscreen.

[0101] The local command unit 2 or the central command unit includes at least a second communication module.

[0102] Therefore, the second communication module of the local command unit 2 or the central command unit is configured to transmit, in other words, issue command instructions, particularly wirelessly (e.g., via radio) or via wired means.

[0103] Furthermore, the second communication module of the local command unit 2 or the central command unit can also be configured to receive, in other words, command instructions, particularly through the same means.

[0104] The second communication module of the local command unit 2 or the central command unit is configured to communicate with the first communication module of the control unit 30, in other words, to communicate with the first communication module of the control unit 30.

[0105] Therefore, the second communication module of the local command unit 2 or the central command unit exchanges command instructions with the first communication module of the control unit 30 in one-way or two-way directions.

[0106] Advantageously, the local command unit 2 is a control point, which can be fixed or movable. A fixed control point can be a control box designed to be fixed to the front of a building wall or the frame surface of a window or door. A movable control point can be a remote control, a smartphone, or a tablet.

[0107] Advantageously, the local command unit 2 or the central command unit also includes a controller.

[0108] The electric drive unit 17—particularly the control unit 30—is preferably configured to execute commands for moving, especially folding and unfolding the curtain 13. These commands can be issued, in particular, by the local command unit 2 or the central command unit.

[0109] The electric drive unit 17 can be controlled by a user, for example by receiving a command instruction corresponding to pressing the selection element 42, 44, 6 or one of the selection elements 42, 44, 6 of the local command unit 2 or the central command unit.

[0110] The electric drive unit 17 can also be controlled automatically, for example by receiving command instructions corresponding to at least one signal from at least one sensor and / or a clock signal from the control unit 30, particularly the microcontroller. The sensor and / or clock can be integrated into the local command unit 2 or the central command unit.

[0111] Advantageously, the electric drive unit 17 may also include a stroke end position and / or obstacle detection device, which may be mechanical or electronic.

[0112] Each of the electric drive unit 17, and more particularly the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20, is powered by an electrical power source (not shown), which may be the main power grid or a battery that can be charged, for example, by a photovoltaic panel (not shown).

[0113] Here, the electric drive unit 17 includes a power cable (not shown) so that power can be supplied to it from a power supply source.

[0114] Advantageously, the power cable may include at least one electrical connector, particularly one at each end or a single connector at one end. When the electric drive unit 17 is powered by a mains power network, the power cable may be, for example, a wire having a supply voltage of, for example, 110V or 230V; or when the electric drive unit 17 is powered by Ethernet, the power cable may be a dongle equipped with an RJ45 connector (an abbreviation for “Registered Jack”).

[0115] Advantageously, each of the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20 includes a housing (not shown), particularly a tubular housing. Furthermore, in the assembly configuration of the first electromechanical actuator 18 or the second electromechanical actuator 20, each of the first electric motor and the second electric motor is mounted within the housing. Similarly, the control unit 30 may be mounted within the housing of one of the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20.

[0116] For example, the outer shell can be cylindrical, especially rotary or parallelepiped.

[0117] In one example implementation, the housing is made of a metallic material.

[0118] The material of the casing is not limited and can vary. In particular, it can be made of plastic.

[0119] exist Figures 1 to 8 In the illustrated example embodiment, the local command unit 2 is a remote control. This local command unit 2 includes a first selection element 42 that corresponds to a firstly designated "high" control button and a second selection element 44 that corresponds to a secondly designated "low" control button. Furthermore, the local command unit 2 includes a third selection element 6, different from the first and second selection elements 42 and 44, which may be, for example, a finger wheel. Here, the local command unit 2 is a portable command device, intended to be held by a user and movable relative to the rest of the device I. The local command unit 2 is configured to control the drive mechanism 17.

[0120] exist Figures 1 to 8 In this first embodiment of the device I shown, the electric drive unit 17 includes a first electromechanical actuator 18 and a second electromechanical actuator 20. The first electromechanical actuator 18 includes a first electric motor, which may be referred to as a master motor, and the second electromechanical actuator 20 includes a second electric motor, which may be referred to as a slave motor. The first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20 are electrically connected via an electrical connection device 19. The first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20 are each configured to rotate one of the top winding shaft 22 or the bottom winding shaft 24.

[0121] In one variant, the first electric motor of the first electromechanical actuator 18 can be referred to as the slave motor. Furthermore, the second electric motor of the second electromechanical actuator 20 can be referred to as the master motor.

[0122] Each of the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20, and therefore each of the first and second electric motors, is controlled via the electrical connection device 19 according to command instructions transmitted to the other of the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20. Therefore, the first electromechanical actuator 18 and thus the first electric motor can be controlled according to the position and / or movement of the base rod 12. Furthermore, the second electromechanical actuator 20 and thus the second electric motor can be controlled according to the position and / or movement of the top rod 10.

[0123] In this first embodiment of device I, such as Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the top and bottom winding shafts 22 and 24 are parallel but not aligned. Furthermore, the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20 are respectively arranged at one end of the housing 8 and one end of either the top winding shaft 22 or the bottom winding shaft 24. More specifically, each of the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20 is arranged along the axis of the one driven by the top winding shaft 22 or the bottom winding shaft 24.

[0124] The drive unit 17 also includes a control unit 30 for controlling the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20 according to command instructions received from the local command unit 2 or the central command unit. Herein and as... Figure 1 As shown, the control unit 30 is connected to the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20 via control lines 32 and 34, respectively.

[0125] Instead of the electrical connection device 19, the control unit 30 and control lines 32, 34 can be used to control the other of the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20 based on the position and / or movement of the top rod 10 or the bottom rod 12 controlled by the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20.

[0126] exist Figure 1 The image shows housing 8, with its front part disassembled to expose the electric drive unit 17. Figures 2 to 8 In the middle, the housing 8 is shown in an external view.

[0127] The local command unit 2 or the central command unit is an interface that allows the user to control the curtain 9 to position the shroud 13 as needed. The local command unit 2 or the central command unit can be programmed with different configurations to adjust the shroud 13's coverage of the opening.

[0128] In a first operating configuration of the control unit 30 corresponding to a first embodiment of a method for controlling the operation of device I, a first selection element 42 controls the push rod 10 in a first direction via the control unit 30, and a second selection element 44 controls the push rod 10 in a second direction opposite to the first direction via the control unit 30.

[0129] For example, when the user presses the first selection element 42 (i.e., the "up" button 42), the push rod 10 moves upward. Furthermore, when the user presses the second selection element 44 (i.e., the "down" button 44), the push rod 10 moves downward.

[0130] Here, the distance traveled by the top lever 10 or the bottom lever 12 is independent of the time it takes to press the first selection element 42 or the second selection element 44. The top lever 10 or the bottom lever 12 is stopped at the user's desired position by pressing the first selection element 42 or the second selection element 44 again.

[0131] In one variant, the distance traveled by the top lever 10 or the bottom lever 12 is proportional to the time it takes to press the first selection element 42 or the second selection element 44.

[0132] Furthermore, the third selection element 6 is a thumbwheel; when the user rotates the thumbwheel clockwise, the base rod 12 moves downwards. Conversely, when the user rotates the thumbwheel counterclockwise, the base rod 12 moves upwards. This operation can be reversed according to the user's preference. The distance traveled by the base rod 12 is proportional to the amount of the rotational increment of the third selection element 6.

[0133] In this first configuration, when the second electromechanical actuator 20 and therefore the second electric motor are controlled by the control unit 30, the base rod 12 performs a lifting motion A12 (i.e., upward movement), as... Figure 1 As shown, and the upward motion A12 is maintained for a sufficiently long time, the bottom rod 12 comes into contact with the top rod 10, as... Figure 2 As shown. If the bottom rod 12 maintains its upward movement due to the incremental amount generated by the operation of the third selection element 6, the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20 are controlled by the control unit 30, and the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12 are driven to perform a common upward movement AT with the same direction and speed for the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12, until they both reach a predetermined high position, which may be the high stroke end position against the housing 8, such as... Figure 3 As shown. At this predetermined high position, the top rod 10 is adjacent to the housing 8, while the bottom rod 12 is adjacent to the top rod 10. The predetermined high position can also be determined based on the increment produced by the operation of the third selection element 6. Figure 2 The position shown is the same as Figure 3 The position is intermediate between the indicated positions. In this case, at the predetermined high position, the top rod 10 is not adjacent to the housing 8, but the bottom rod 12 is adjacent to the top rod 10.

[0134] It is foreseeable that the situation is similar during the descent motion (i.e. downward motion), that is, from the moment the top rod 10 engages with the bottom rod 12, the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12 move together with the same motion in direction and speed until they simultaneously reach a predetermined low position, which may be the low stroke end position.

[0135] In this first embodiment of the method, the moving one of the top rod 10 or the bottom rod 12 drives the stationary one of the top rod 10 or the bottom rod 12 to make further movement when it comes into contact with the stationary one of the top rod 10 or the bottom rod 12.

[0136] In the second to fifth embodiments of the method described below, since they are the same device I, the structural elements of device I are the same as those of the device I. Figure 1 The same applies to both. Only the movements of the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12 differ among these different implementations.

[0137] In the second operation configuration of the control unit 30 corresponding to the second embodiment of the method for controlling the operation of device I, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first selection element 42 and the second selection element 44 control the push rod 10, while the third selection element 6 controls the bottom rod 12, as in the first operating configuration of the control unit 30. When the first electromechanical actuator 18 and therefore the first electric motor are controlled by the control unit 30, the push rod 10 performs a descending motion D10 (i.e., downward movement), as... Figure 4 As shown, the bottom rod 12 has been lowered previously, and the lowering motion D10 is maintained for a sufficient time to bring the top rod 10 into contact with the bottom rod 12, as... Figure 5 As shown. Then, the first electromechanical actuator 18 is controlled by the control unit 30 to stop the push rod 10, and the second electromechanical actuator 20, and therefore the second electric motor, is controlled by the control unit 30 to cause the bottom rod 12 to perform a descending movement D12 to continue the descending movement initiated by the push rod 10 and to move the bottom rod 12 away from the push rod 10 according to a trajectory determined by the command made by the second selection element 44. The lower position reached by the bottom rod 12 may or may not be a predetermined lower position.

[0138] A similar situation is achieved during the upward movement, whereby the top rod 10 continues to move upward and away from the bottom rod 12 until it reaches a high position, at which point the bottom rod 12 stops from the moment it engages with the top rod 10; this high position may or may not be the predetermined high position.

[0139] In this second embodiment of the method, the moving one of the top rod 10 or the bottom rod 12 “push” the stationary one away from the other from the moment it begins to make contact with the other of the top rod 10 or the bottom rod 12 to begin further movement.

[0140] In the third operation configuration of the control unit 30 corresponding to the third embodiment of the method for controlling the operation of device I, such as Figure 6 As shown, when neither the top rod 10 nor the bottom rod 12 is in a predetermined high or low position (i.e., the high stroke end position or the low stroke end position), that is, when neither the first rope 14 nor the second rope 16 is fully wound or unwound around the first winding pulley 26 and the second winding pulley 28, the first selection element 42 or the second selection element 44 simultaneously drives the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12 in the same direction to move the shielding area defined by the curtain 13 unfolded between the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12.

[0141] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the user presses the first selection element 42 (i.e., the "up" button), the first electromechanical actuator 18 and therefore the first electric motor are controlled by the control unit 30 to cause the top rod 10 to move upward A10. Simultaneously, the second electromechanical actuator 20 and therefore the second electric motor are controlled by the control unit 30 to cause the bottom rod 12 to move upward A12. The top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12 move upward in the same direction and at the same speed, keeping the gap between the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12 constant.

[0142] Similarly, when the user presses the second selection element 44 (i.e., the "down" button), the top lever 10 and the bottom lever 12 move downward at the same speed and in the same direction.

[0143] The movement of the top lever 10 and the bottom lever 12, initiated by pressing one of the first selection element 42 or the second selection element 44, stops only when: the user sends a stop command via the local or central command unit 2, for example by pressing the previously actuated first selection element 42 or the second selection element 44 again, or when one of the top lever 10 and the bottom lever 12 reaches one of the predetermined high or low positions (i.e., the high stroke end position or the low stroke end position).

[0144] When either the push rod 10 or the bottom rod 12 is in a predetermined high or low position (i.e., the high stroke end position or the low stroke end position), it is referred to as "anchoring". Furthermore, the use of the first selection element 42 or the second selection element 44 controls the other of the push rod 10 or the bottom rod 12—that is, the one that is neither in a predetermined high nor a predetermined low position. The first selection element 42 (i.e., the "up" button) moves the push rod 10 or the bottom rod 12 upwards, while the second selection element 44 (i.e., the "down" button) moves the push rod 10 or the bottom rod 12 downwards.

[0145] When the top rod 10 is at the upper stop (i.e., at the predetermined high position) and the bottom rod 12 is at the lower stop (i.e., at the predetermined low position), the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12 are said to be "anchored". In addition, pressing the first selection element 42 (i.e., the "up" button) moves the bottom rod 12 upward, and pressing the second selection element 44 (i.e., the "down" button) moves the top rod 10 downward.

[0146] In the fourth operation configuration of the control unit 30 corresponding to the fourth embodiment of the method for controlling the operation of device I, such as Figure 7 As shown, the third selection element 6 adjusts the height of the shielding area, and the functions of the first selection element 42 and the second selection element 44 can be the same as those of the third operation configuration.

[0147] For example, when the third selection element 6 rotates clockwise, the height of the shielding area of ​​the curtain 13 increases. To this end, the first electromechanical actuator 18 and therefore the first electric motor are controlled by the control unit 30 to cause the top rod 10 to move upward (i.e., upward) A10, and the second electromechanical actuator 20 and therefore the second electric motor are controlled by the control unit 30 to cause the bottom rod 12 to move downward (i.e., downward) D12, as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0148] For ease of use, the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12 move away from each other from the intermediate plane P. The intermediate plane P is located between the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12, and is equidistant from them. The top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12 move in opposite directions at the same speed, and the intermediate plane P remains stationary while the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12 are moving.

[0149] Similarly, when the third selection element 6 rotates counterclockwise, the height of the shielding area of ​​the curtain 13 decreases. For this purpose, the first electromechanical actuator 18 and therefore the first electric motor are controlled by the control unit 30 to move the top rod 10 downwards, while the second electromechanical actuator 20 and therefore the second electric motor are controlled by the control unit 30 to move the bottom rod 12 upwards at the same speed and in the opposite direction to the top rod 10.

[0150] In the fifth operation configuration of the control unit 30, corresponding to the fifth embodiment of the method for controlling the operation of the control device I and based on the fourth operation configuration of the control unit 30, such as Figure 8 As shown, when the height of the shielding area of ​​the curtain 13 is increased, one of the top rod 10 or the bottom rod 12 reaches a predetermined high or low position (i.e., the high stroke end position or the low stroke end position), and that one stops while the other of the top rod 10 or the bottom rod 12 continues to move as controlled by the user by operating the third selection element 6.

[0151] exist Figure 8In the example, the push rod 10 has reached a predetermined high position (i.e., the high stroke end position), and the first electromechanical actuator 18, and therefore the first electric motor, is controlled by the control unit 30 to stop the push rod 10. Furthermore, the second electromechanical actuator 20, and therefore the second electric motor, is controlled to cause the bottom rod 12 to perform a downward movement D12, moving away from the push rod 10 and the mid-plane P, which is no longer equidistant from the push rod 10 and the bottom rod 12.

[0152] A similar situation occurs when the bottom rod 12 reaches the predetermined low position (i.e., the low-stroke end position), at which point the height of the shielding area of ​​the curtain 13 increases. Then, the bottom rod 12 stops while the top rod 10 continues its upward movement away from the bottom rod 12.

[0153] Depending on the optional features of the five operating configurations that can be added to the control unit 30, a double-click on the first selection element 42 or the second selection element 44 will cause the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12 to be stacked in a predetermined high or low position (i.e., high stroke end position or low stroke end position) depending on the direction requested by the local command unit 2 or the central command unit.

[0154] For example, after a double-click, particularly a rapid press, on the first selection element 42 (i.e., the "up" button), the push rod 10 moves upward until it reaches a predetermined high position (i.e., the high-stroke end position), particularly against the housing 8, and simultaneously, the bottom rod 12 moves upward until it reaches a predetermined high position (i.e., the high-stroke end position), particularly against the push rod 10, as... Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0155] Similarly, after a double-click, or especially a quick press, on the second selection element 44 (i.e., the "down" button), the bottom rod 12 moves downward until it reaches a predetermined low position (i.e., the low stroke end position), especially when the second rope 16 is fully unwound from the second winding pulley 28, and simultaneously, the top rod 10 moves downward until it reaches a low position (i.e., the low stroke end position), especially against the bottom rod 12.

[0156] According to another optional feature that can be added to the control unit 30, pressing, especially holding, the first selection element 42 (i.e., the "up" button) will stack the control lever 10 and the bottom lever 12 at a predetermined high position (i.e., the high stroke end position), such as... Figure 3 As shown. Therefore, in this case, the curtain 9's drape 13 is fully folded. Furthermore, pressing, especially holding down, the second selection element 44 (i.e., the "down" button) will allow the drape 13 to be fully unfolded by raising the top rod 10 to a predetermined high position (i.e., the high travel end position) and lowering the bottom rod 12 to a predetermined low position (i.e., the low travel end position). In this case, the curtain 9's drape 13 is thus fully unfolded.

[0157] Therefore, the method for controlling the operation of the device I according to the present invention enables differentiated or simultaneous movement of the top rod 10 and the bottom rod 12 regardless of the configuration selected by the user.

[0158] Figure 9 Device I, including an electric drive unit 117, is shown according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The electric drive unit 117 of the second embodiment is functionally similar to the electric drive unit 17 of the first embodiment, but differs structurally. Elements in device I similar to those in the first embodiment have the same reference numerals increased by 100 and operate in the same manner. Specifically, the local command unit 102 of this second embodiment is the same as the local command unit 2 of the first embodiment. Thus, the selection elements 42, 44, and 6 retain the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, the differences between the first and second embodiments of device I will be described mainly with respect to the electric drive units 17 and 117.

[0159] Now refer to Figure 9 The device I and the electric drive device 117 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are described.

[0160] In this second embodiment, the electric drive device 117 includes a first electromechanical actuator 118 and a second electromechanical actuator 120. The first electromechanical actuator 118 includes a first electric motor (not shown), which may be referred to as a master actuator. Furthermore, the second electromechanical actuator 120 includes a second electric motor (not shown), which may be referred to as a slave actuator.

[0161] In one variant, the first electric motor of the first electromechanical actuator 118 can be referred to as the slave motor. Furthermore, the second electric motor of the second electromechanical actuator 120 can be referred to as the master motor.

[0162] The first electromechanical actuator 118 and the second electromechanical actuator 120 have complementary shapes, allowing them to be fitted together. The nesting of the first electromechanical actuator 118 and the second electromechanical actuator 120 provides an electrical connection (not shown) between the first electromechanical actuator 118 and the second electromechanical actuator 120 without requiring connecting cables or mechanical connection devices between them.

[0163] The electric drive unit 117 also includes two coaxial winding shafts 122 and 124. The first winding shaft 122 is provided with two first winding pulleys 126 to simultaneously wind or unwind the first rope 14, thereby raising or lowering the top rod 10. The second winding shaft 124 is also provided with two second winding pulleys 128 to simultaneously wind or unwind the second rope 16, thereby raising or lowering the bottom rod 12.

[0164] In this second embodiment, the first winding pulley 126 and the second winding pulley 128 are also truncated conical in shape.

[0165] To reduce the size of the electric drive unit 117, the first electromechanical actuator 118 and the second electromechanical actuator 120 are nested together, and the first winding shaft 122 and the second winding shaft 124 are arranged on opposite sides of the block 140 formed by the first electromechanical actuator 118 and the second electromechanical actuator 120, wherein the first winding shaft 122 and the second winding shaft 124 are respectively connected to the output shafts (not shown) of the first electromechanical actuator 118 and the second electromechanical actuator 120.

[0166] The first electromechanical actuator 118 and the second electromechanical actuator 120, and therefore the first electric motor and the second electric motor, are controlled by a control unit 130, which is connected to them respectively via two control lines 132 and 134, and in particular by a common control unit. In the second embodiment, the control unit 130 enables the same operation configuration as described above regarding the control method of device I in the first embodiment to be implemented in the operation of device I via the first electromechanical actuator 118 and the second electromechanical actuator 120.

[0167] Regardless of the implementation method and as Figure 1 and Figure 9 As shown, control units 30 and 130 can be formed as a single component and arranged outside the first electromechanical actuators 18 and 118 and the second electromechanical actuators 20 and 120. In this case, the master / slave operation between the first electric motors of the first electromechanical actuators 18 and 118 and the second electric motors of the second electromechanical actuators 20 and 120 is not mandatory.

[0168] In a variant not shown, the control units 30, 130 are divided into two parts, with each of the first electromechanical actuators 18, 118 and the second electromechanical actuators 20, 120 integrating one part. The first electromechanical actuators 18, 118 include a first electric motor referred to as the master, while the second electromechanical actuators 20, 120 include a second electric motor referred to as the slave, and vice versa. In this case, each of the first electromechanical actuators 18, 118 and the second electromechanical actuators 20, 120 includes a portion of the control unit 30, 130 for controlling the second electromechanical actuators 20, 120 according to the position and / or movement of the push rods 10, 110 driven by the first electromechanical actuators 18, 118, and vice versa.

[0169] In a variant not shown, the first selection element 42 and the second selection element 44 may be replaced, for example, by a finger wheel, as with the third selection element 6.

[0170] According to another variant not shown, the third selection element 6 may be replaced, for example, by an "up" button and a "down" button, as is the case for the first selection element 42 and the second selection element 44.

[0171] In a variant not shown, local command units 2, 102 may be installed in a fixed location within facility I. In this case, the first and second communication modules of the corresponding control units 30, 130 and local command units 2, 102 may optionally be wired or wireless.

[0172] In one variant, the action controlled by the third selection element 6 is selected by pressing the first selection element 42 and the second selection element 44, which act as guide elements in the menu. For example, a short press on the first selection element 42 will allow the third selection element 6 to control the top lever 10 independently, and a short press on the second selection element 44 will allow the third selection element 6 to control the bottom lever 12 independently.

[0173] In a variant not shown, in a first embodiment of device I, the electrical connection between the first electromechanical actuator 18 and the second electromechanical actuator 20 is made via a control unit 30 and control lines 32, 34.

[0174] The above-described embodiments and variations can be combined with each other to produce new embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the operation of a sunshade device (I), said sunshade device (I) comprising at least: - A shielding device (9), said shielding device (9) comprising at least: --Top rod (10), --Bottom rod (12), and --A curtain (13), which is arranged between the top rod (10) and the bottom rod (12), - An electric drive unit configured to unfold and fold the curtain (13), the electric drive unit comprising at least: --A first electromechanical actuator, configured to move the push rod (10), --A second electromechanical actuator, the second electromechanical actuator being configured to move the base rod (12), and --Control unit, configured to control the first electromechanical actuator and the second electromechanical actuator. The control unit is characterized in that it performs the following controls: - Control the first electromechanical actuator to move the top rod (10), and then control the second electromechanical actuator to move the bottom rod (12) according to the position and / or movement of the top rod (10); or - Control the second electromechanical actuator to move the bottom rod (12), and then control the first electromechanical actuator to move the top rod (10) according to the position and / or movement of the bottom rod (12). The sunshade device (I) includes a command unit, which includes at least one first selection element (42) and at least one second selection element (44) different from the first selection element (42). The first selection element (42) and the second selection element (44) control the top rod (10) and the bottom rod (12) through the control unit. The command unit includes at least a third selection element (6). The first selection element (42) and the second selection element (44) control the top rod (10) and the bottom rod (12) to set the position of the shading area of ​​the curtain (13). Furthermore, the third selection element (6) controls the top rod (10) and the bottom rod (12) to set the vertical range of the shielding area of ​​the curtain (13).

2. The method for controlling the operation of the shading device (I) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit performs the following controls: - Control the second electromechanical actuator to move the bottom rod (12) upward (A12) until the bottom rod (12) contacts the top rod (10), then - Control the first electromechanical actuator and the second electromechanical actuator to make the top rod (10) and the bottom rod (12) move upward simultaneously (AT), so that the top rod (10) and the bottom rod (12) move in the same direction and at the same speed; or - Control the first electromechanical actuator to move the push rod (10) downward until the push rod (10) contacts the bottom rod (12), then - Control the first electromechanical actuator and the second electromechanical actuator to make the top rod (10) and the bottom rod (12) move downward simultaneously, so that the top rod (10) and the bottom rod (12) move in the same direction and at the same speed.

3. The method for controlling the operation of the shading device (I) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit performs the following controls: - Control the first electromechanical actuator to move the push rod (10) downward (D10) until the push rod (10) contacts the bottom rod (12). - Control the first electromechanical actuator to stop the movement of the push rod (10), then - Control the second electromechanical actuator to move the bottom rod (12) downward (D12) and away from the top rod (10); or - Control the second electromechanical actuator to move the bottom rod (12) upward until the bottom rod (12) contacts the top rod (10). - Control the second electromechanical actuator to stop the movement of the base rod (10), then - Control the first electromechanical actuator to move the top rod (10) upward and away from the bottom rod (12).

4. The method for controlling the operation of the shading device (I) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit performs the following controls: - Control the first electromechanical actuator to move the push rod (10) (A10), and - Control the second electromechanical actuator to simultaneously cause the bottom rod (12) to move in the same direction and speed as the top rod (10) (A12).

5. The method for controlling the operation of the shading device (I) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit performs the following controls: - Control the first electromechanical actuator to move the push rod (10) (A10), and - Control the second electromechanical actuator to simultaneously move the bottom rod (12) in the same speed but opposite direction to the movement of the top rod (10) (D12).

6. The method for controlling the operation of the shading device (I) according to claim 5, characterized in that: - When the push rod (10) reaches the end of its stroke position, the control unit performs the following control: --Control the first electromechanical actuator to stop the movement of the push rod (10), and --Control the second electromechanical actuator to move the bottom rod (12) away from the top rod (10) (D12); and - When the bottom rod (12) reaches the end of its stroke position, the control unit performs the following control: --Control the second electromechanical actuator to stop the movement of the base rod (12), and --Control the first electromechanical actuator to move the top rod (10) away from the bottom rod (12).

7. A sunshade device (I), said sunshade device (I) comprising at least: - A shielding device (9), said shielding device (9) comprising at least: --Top rod (10) --Bottom rod (12), and --A curtain (13), wherein the curtain (13) is disposed between the top rod (10) and the bottom rod (12), - An electric drive unit configured to unfold and fold the curtain (13), the electric drive unit comprising at least: --A first electromechanical actuator, configured to move the push rod (10), --A second electromechanical actuator, the second electromechanical actuator being configured to move the base rod (12), and --Control unit, configured to control the first electromechanical actuator and the second electromechanical actuator. The sunshade device (I) is characterized in that it includes a command unit, the command unit comprising at least one first selection element (42) and at least one second selection element (44) different from the first selection element (42). The first selection element (42) and the second selection element (44) control the top rod (10) and the bottom rod (12) through the control unit. The command unit includes at least a third selection element (6). The first selection element (42) and the second selection element (44) control the top rod (10) and the bottom rod (12) to set the position of the shading area of ​​the curtain (13). The third selection element (6) controls the top rod (10) and the bottom rod (12) to set the vertical range of the shielding area of ​​the curtain (13). Furthermore, the control unit is configured to implement a method for controlling the operation of the sunshade device (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The sunshade device (I) according to claim 7, characterized in that, Double-clicking on the first selection element (42) will control the stacking of the top rod (10) and the bottom rod (12) at their respective predetermined high positions, and double-clicking on the second selection element (44) will control the stacking of the top rod (10) and the bottom rod (12) at their respective predetermined low positions.

9. The sunshade device (I) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first selection element (42) and the second selection element (44) are configured to select the action controlled by the third selection element (6).

10. The shading device (I) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first selection element (42) and the second selection element (44) are also configured to control the full opening or closing of the curtain (13).

Images