AUTOMATIC WINDOW SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic window system with at least one sash pivotably mounted on a stationary frame, with a drive device for motor-driven opening and / or closing of the sash and with a sensor device for detecting body parts and / or objects in the movement range of the sash, wherein the sensor device, upon detecting body parts and / or objects in the movement range of the sash, emits an output signal to a control device of the drive device, whereupon the control device can carry out a safety reaction during the sash movement.

[0002] A device for monitoring automatic windows with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from EP 3 613 933 A1. Furthermore, sensors arranged on a door leaf for monitoring a movement range of the door leaf are disclosed in EP 3 527 954 A1, EP 2 322 748 A1, or EP 1 832 866 A2.

[0003] For motorized windows installed below a height of 2.5 m, shear and crush edges should be protected. Various sensors and solutions are available for this purpose. For example, a window should generally have at least three closing edges protected. This often limits the choice of sensors, or multiple sensors are required. Furthermore, to protect against external intrusion, for example, in top-hung outward-facing sashes, existing sensors often have to be mounted outside.

[0004] Various sensors are known for protecting against shear and pinch edges on window sashes, each with its own disadvantages: For example, light barriers always require a transmitter and receiver to be installed and wired. Retro-reflective light barriers also require the installation of a reflector. Safety edges must be tailored to the window dimensions and equipped with corner connectors at the corners. Furthermore, safety edges cannot protect all edges of a window profile. Laser scanners have moving mechanical parts and cannot be completely shut down regularly.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic window system of the type mentioned above, which is particularly simple in construction and in particular overcomes the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0006] This object is achieved by an automatic window system having the features of claim 1, and in particular by the sensor device comprising a time-of-flight sensor and being arranged so as to move along with the sash. Preferred embodiments of the automatic window system according to the invention are evident from the subclaims, the present description, and the drawings.

[0007] A time-of-flight sensor, or ToF sensor for short, is a sensor that has a transmitter and a receiver element (not necessarily separate), particularly in a common sensor unit. The transmitter element is configured to emit a scanning beam, and the receiver element is configured to detect the scanning beam after it has been reflected from an object. The time of flight of the scanning beam can be used to determine the distance from the sensor device to the object. In general, the term "beam" is not necessarily limited to a permanently present signal, but refers in particular only to an at least essentially linear propagation direction of the same. Thus, a beam can, in particular, also comprise only one or more pulses that are repeated regularly.

[0008] The invention enables reliable, contactless protection of the wing edges using simple means. The sensor device, which includes a time-of-flight sensor and is mounted on the wing so that it moves with the wing, forms a particularly simple structure for detecting body parts and / or objects within the wing's movement range, with detection using the time-of-flight sensor being particularly reliable.

[0009] For example, it may be sufficient to install just one time-of-flight sensor or just a few time-of-flight sensors. In particular, a time-of-flight sensor advantageously eliminates the need for spaced transmitter and receiver elements on the wing, as is the case with light barriers, for example. Furthermore, no additional components are required, such as with retro-reflective sensors, which require the installation and adjustment of a reflector.

[0010] To avoid having to install the sensor device outdoors, it is advantageous, for example, in the case of a top-hung, outward-facing sash and the desired protection against external tampering, to mount the sensor device so that it moves with the sash. The sensor device can also be advantageously mounted elsewhere indoors and / or on the inside of the sash. This protects the sensor device from the elements and, when closed, from external tampering.

[0011] The time-of-flight sensor also makes it easy to protect different window sizes with the same sensor type. In particular, no mechanical length adjustment is required, as is the case with safety edges.

[0012] A time-of-flight sensor can also be designed and positioned in a very space-saving manner. Furthermore, it has no mechanically moving parts, such as a laser scanner. This makes the time-of-flight sensor robust and durable.

[0013] The safety reaction includes, in particular, stopping or reversing a closing movement of the wing.

[0014] According to the invention, the sensor device is configured to detect body parts and / or objects in the region of at least one closing edge, in particular the main closing edge and / or at least one secondary closing edge, of the leaf. In this context, this is also referred to as closing edge monitoring. In particular, monitoring of the main closing edge and two secondary closing edges adjoining the main closing edge can be provided, for example, by means of one or more sensor devices. According to the invention, a transmitter element of the time-of-flight sensor is arranged such that a scanning beam of the transmitter element runs along a closing edge.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive device can be arranged on the frame side or in a stationary position, or it can be arranged so that it moves along with the sash. In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the drive device is arranged so that it moves along with the sash, and the sensor device is mounted on the drive device and / or integrated into it. This enables particularly simple installation and, moreover, a visually unobtrusive arrangement of the sensor device on the sash.

[0016] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the drive device is arranged on the frame and coupled to the sash via a coupling element arranged on the sash, in particular a sash bracket or chain bracket, with the sensor device being mounted on the coupling element and / or integrated into it. This also enables particularly simple installation and a visually unobtrusive arrangement of the sensor device on the sash.

[0017] For example, it can also be provided that the drive device with its control device is arranged on the frame, with the sensor device being connected wirelessly, in particular via radio, to the control device for transmitting the output signal. Thus, no additional cable connection is required between the sash and stationary parts of the window system, in particular the frame, for transmitting the output signal.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if a battery is provided to power the sensor device. This eliminates the need for an additional cable connection between the sash and stationary parts of the window system, especially the frame, to supply power to the sensor device.

[0019] A further development of the invention provides that the window system comprises a charging device for the battery. The charging device can preferably be configured to charge the battery when the sash is in a closed position. In particular, a first electrical contacting device can be provided on the frame, which is connected or connectable to a building's power supply. A second electrical contacting device can be provided on the sash, which is connected to the battery. The contacting devices can in particular be designed and arranged such that the contacting devices come into contact when the sash is closed, such that the battery can be charged via the building's power supply. The battery can thus be charged particularly easily by simply closing the sash. An additional cable connection from the frame to the sash is omitted.Nevertheless, a reliable power supply to the sensor device can be ensured by continuously recharging the battery while the leaf is closed. For example, the control device or a building management system connected to it can be configured to close the leaf regularly and / or, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed to recharge the battery.

[0020] The sensor device can advantageously be configured to enter an energy-saving mode when the sash is not moving, preferably while the sash is open, in particular fully open, and / or while the sash is closed. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device can preferably be configured to enter an active mode when the sash is moving. As a result of these measures, the sensor device is only operated when necessary, i.e. when a body part in the area of ​​movement of the sash could be injured or an object could be damaged or the window system could be damaged, namely while the sash is moving. If, on the other hand, the sash is stationary, the sensor device can thus be put into an energy-saving mode so that energy for the active operation of the sensor device can be saved.These energy-saving measures prove particularly advantageous when the sensor device is powered by a battery. However, the energy-saving measures described here can also be implemented independently of battery operation, as energy savings are always advantageous.

[0021] To detect movement of the wing, a motion sensor, for example, an acceleration sensor and / or an inclination sensor, can be provided on the wing. The motion sensor can, for example, be permanently active, at least while the wing is open, and, when movement is detected, switch the sensor devices to active mode. Alternatively or additionally, the drive device and / or the control device of the drive device can be configured to send a second output signal, in particular wirelessly, to the sensor device, which indicates movement of the wing and / or a standstill of the wing.

[0022] The time-of-flight sensor can preferably be light-based, in particular laser and / or infrared light-based. This enables particularly precise monitoring of the movement range and a compact design of the time-of-flight sensor. For example, the sensor device, namely the time-of-flight sensor, can be configured to emit visible light. This allows the installation of the sensor device to be easily checked for precise arrangement and alignment. The visible light can itself form a scanning beam or be emitted solely for verification purposes, in particular parallel to or on the path of the scanning beam.

[0023] Alternatively, the time-of-flight sensor can be designed as a sound-based sensor, for example with a sound generator and / or an ultrasonic sensor, and / or comprise a sensor based on electromagnetic waves, for example an antenna.

[0024] Multiple sensor devices can also be provided, for example, to monitor different closing edges and / or different areas of closing edges. For example, two sensor devices can be arranged adjacent to each other and aligned with their respective scanning beams in opposite directions.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least one deflection element is provided, by means of which a scanning beam of the sensor device can be deflected between different areas to be monitored, in particular between different closing edges. This allows the different areas or different closing edges to be reliably monitored in a simple manner. A scanning beam of the sensor device can in principle be guided through one or more deflection elements, beam splitters and / or beam combiners, which can be formed, for example, by a mirror arrangement and / or a prism. In this way, a large area of ​​closing edges, in particular also different closing edges, can be easily monitored with just one or just a few sensor devices.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic window system comprises a top-hung sash and / or, in particular, forms a top-hung window. In particular, the sash can be an outward-hung sash and / or an inward-hung sash. In principle, however, the sash can also be, for example, a side-hung and / or tilt-hung sash and / or a parallel-hung window.

[0027] The invention is explained below merely by way of example with reference to the schematic drawing. Fig. 1 shows a window system according to the invention with a sash, in the embodiment shown here a folding sash.

[0028] The Fig. 1The schematically indicated window system 10 comprises a sash 12, here a top-hung sash 12, which is arranged to be movable relative to a frame 14, namely a window frame, and is driven to an automatic movement via a drive device 16. The drive device 16 is arranged on the frame side and is coupled to the top-hung sash 12 via a so-called sash bracket 17.

[0029] When the folding wing 12 closes automatically, obstacles such as objects and / or body parts of people must be detected within the movement range of the folding wing 12 in order to automatically stop or reverse the closing movement of the folding wing 12. Therefore, a closing edge monitoring system is provided, namely a main closing edge 18 and two adjacent secondary closing edges 19.

[0030] For this purpose, two sensor devices 20 are provided, which are integrated into the sash bracket 17. Scanning beams 22, namely laser beams, are shown, which are aligned circumferentially around the folding sash 12, namely along both the main closing edge 18 and the two adjacent secondary closing edges 19. A deflection element 24 for the scanning beams 22 is provided at two opposite ends of the main closing edge 18. The deflection elements 24 are mirrors, by means of which the scanning beam 22 is deflected by 90°.

[0031] The sensor devices 20 with respective ToF sensors are mounted on the folding wing 12. In applications where the drive device 16 - unlike in Fig. 1- is mounted on the folding wing 12, for example, at least one sensor device 20 can be integrated directly into the drive device 16 or flanged on. In most cases, the drive device 16 - as in Fig. 1 - mounted on or in the frame 14.

[0032] The sensor devices 20 or ToF sensors are positioned such that their scanning beams 22 run in opposite directions along the main closing edge 18, so that the ToF sensors "see" to the left and right along the main closing edge 18.

[0033] For windows with the "outward-hinged" hinge type, the sensor device 20 and / or the drive device 16 can be mounted on the inside of the top-hung sash 12, even if protection against external intervention is to be provided.

[0034] To eliminate the need for an additional cable connection to the top-hung sash 12, the sensor device 20 is powered by a battery that is only charged when the top-hung sash 12 is closed. To save energy and thus minimize battery size, the window system 10 is designed so that the sensor device 20 and / or the ToF sensor are only active when the top-hung sash 12 is moving. For this purpose, an acceleration sensor is integrated, which activates the sensor device 20 or the ToF sensor from a "sleep mode" or energy-saving mode as soon as the top-hung sash 12 moves. Alternatively, the drive device 16 can also send a radio signal to the sensor device 20 to activate the sensor device 20 from a "sleep mode." In this case, a "sensor active" signal can also be transmitted wirelessly from the sensor device 20 to the drive device 16.

[0035] Since the sensor devices 20, the battery and any radio devices of the sensor devices 20 together with the sash bracket 17 or a drive device 16 mounted on the sash side form a unit, a compact design and simple installation are achieved and no additional electrical connection is required. List of reference symbols

[0036] 10Window system 12Sash / top-hung sash 14Frame 16Drive mechanism 17Sash bracket 18Main closing edge 19Secondary closing edge 20Sensor device 22Sensing beam 24Deflection element

Claims

1. Automatic window system (10) having at least one casement (12) which is pivotably mounted on a fixed frame (14), having a drive device (16) for opening and / or closing the casement (12) in a motorized manner, and having a sensor device (20) for detecting body parts and / or objects in the movement region of the casement (12), wherein the sensor device (20) outputs an output signal to a control device (20) of the drive device (16) when body parts and / or objects are detected in the movement region of the casement (12), in response to which the control device (20) can implement a safety response during the casement movement, wherein the sensor device (20) comprises a time-of-flight sensor and is arranged on the casement (12) so as to move with it, characterized in that the sensor device (20) is designed in the region of at least one closing edge (18, 19), and a transmitter element of the time-of-flight sensor is arranged in such a way that a scanning beam of the transmitter element runs along a closing edge (18, 19).

2. Automatic window system (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device (20) for detecting body parts and / or objects is designed in the region of a main closing edge (18) and / or at least one secondary closing edge (19) of the casement (12).

3. Automatic window system (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive device (16) is arranged on the casement (12) so as to move with it and the sensor device (20) is mounted on and / or integrated into the drive device (16).

4. Automatic window system (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive device (16) is arranged on the frame (14) and is coupled to the casement (12) via a coupling element arranged on the casement (12), in particular a casement block (17), wherein the sensor device (20) is mounted on and / or integrated into the coupling element.

5. Automatic window system (10) according to at least one of Claims 1, 2 and 4, characterized in that the drive device (16) is arranged with its control device on the frame (14), wherein the sensor device (20) is connected to the control device for transmitting the output signal wirelessly, in particular by radio.

6. Automatic window system (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a battery is provided for supplying power to the sensor device (20).

7. Automatic window system (10) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the window system (10) comprises a charging device for the battery, the charging device being designed to charge the battery, in particular when the casement (12) is in a closed position.

8. Automatic window installation (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (20) is designed to assume an energy saving mode when the casement (12) is not moving, in particular while the casement (12) is completely open or closed, and / or to assume an active mode when the casement (12) is moving.

9. Automatic window system (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the time-of-flight sensor is light-based, in particular laser- and / or infrared-light-based.

10. Automatic window system (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one deflection element (24) is provided, by means of which a scanning beam (22) of the sensor device (20) can be deflected between different regions to be monitored, in particular between different closing edges (18, 19).

11. Automatic window system (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in the automatic window system (10) comprises a side-hung and / or bottom-hung and / or top-hung window and / or a parallel opening window.