Opening / closing device control system and remote controller

Abstract

To provide an opening / closing device control system capable of preventing inconvenience or trouble even if a connection with a power supply line becomes disconnected, and a remote controller for the same.SOLUTION: The opening / closing device control system comprises: an opening / closing device that opens / closes an opening of a garage by an opening / closing body; a remote controller that can be installed in a vehicle; and an opening / closing control part that controls the opening / closing device. The remote controller starts transmission of an opening control signal when a power supply is received from the vehicle. The opening / closing control part has a control transmitter for receiving a control signal including the opening control signal, and opens the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is received, and closes the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is not received. The remote controller has an internal power source, and executes a process during power cut-off when the power supply from the vehicle is cut off.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening / closing device control system that controls an opening / closing device that opens and closes a garage opening with an opening / closing body (shutter), and a remote control used in the system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional inventions of this type include, for example, a remote control and opening / closing device control system, which includes a wireless transmission circuit that utilizes a specific low-power wireless method inside a case that is detachable from a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle, and which continues to transmit an opening control signal that includes a control signal in a predetermined format when power is supplied from the cigarette lighter socket by operating the ignition key, as described in Patent Document 1. With this remote control and opening / closing device control system, the garage shutter device can be appropriately opened and closed depending on conditions such as whether the opening control signal is received by the garage shutter device. In addition, this remote control and opening / closing device control system is configured so that when the vehicle approaches the garage upon returning home, the system receives an opening control signal, causing the garage shutter device to open. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-82523 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above conventional technology, the remote control is configured to operate by receiving power from the vehicle. Therefore, if the connection to the power supply line is disconnected, the opening control signal is not transmitted, and even if the vehicle approaches the garage, the garage shutter device does not open. In addition, if the connection to the power supply line is disconnected during entry into the garage, the transmission of the opening control signal is stopped before the entry is completed, and there is a possibility that the garage shutter device will start closing.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a switching device control system and a remote control therefor that can prevent inconveniences and troubles even if the connection to the power supply line is cut off. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. A system comprising an opening / closing device that opens and closes a garage opening using an opening / closing body, a remote control that can be attached to a vehicle, and an opening / closing control unit that controls the opening / closing device, wherein the remote control starts transmitting an opening control signal upon receiving power supply from the vehicle, the opening / closing control unit has a control communication device that receives control signals including an opening control signal, and causes the opening / closing body to open when the opening control signal is received, and causes the opening / closing body to close when the opening control signal is no longer received, the remote control has an internal power source, and performs power interruption processing when the power supply from the vehicle is cut off. Effect of the Invention

[0007] Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to provide a switching device control system that can perform appropriate processing even if the connection to the power supply line is cut off, thereby preventing inconvenience and trouble. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of a switching device control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle detection area set in a switching device control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a side view of a remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1A and 1B are plan views of a remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams showing usage modes of a remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows a mode in which the remote control is directly connected to a USB female terminal, and (b) shows a mode in which the remote control is connected to a cigarette lighter socket via a conversion adapter. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage state of a remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state in which the remote control is connected to a USB female terminal via a USB extension cable. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of control of a remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the remote control according to the embodiment of the present invention in a state where power supply from the vehicle is cut off. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a garage door opening / closing device control system A equipped with a remote control according to the present invention. This opening / closing device control system A includes a shutter device 20 that opens and closes an opening 11 of a garage 10 by a shutter curtain 21, and a remote control 40 that controls the shutter device 20 by transmitting a wireless signal.

[0011] The garage 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped space with an opening 11 on the outdoor side, and is formed, for example, on the first floor of a building. Above the opening 11, a storage section 22 for the shutter device 20 is installed.

[0012] The shutter device 20 comprises a shutter curtain 21 that opens and closes in the vertical direction to divide and open a space, a storage section 22 that stores and unrolls the shutter curtain 21 in the opening direction, a guide rail (not shown) that surrounds the widthwise end of the shutter curtain 21 and guides it in the opening and closing direction, a winding shaft 23 that winds and unrolls the shutter curtain 21 within the storage section 22, an opening / closing mechanism 24 (e.g., a motor) that drives and rotates the winding shaft 23, a receiving section 25 that receives a wireless control signal emitted from a remote control 40, and a control section 26 that controls the opening / closing mechanism 24 in response to the wireless control signal.

[0013] The shutter curtain 21 is formed, for example, from metal slats or the like in a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above, and slides vertically as it is wound up and unwound by a winding shaft 23 in a storage section 22 to open and close the opening 11 .

[0014] 1 and 2, receiving unit 25 is composed of three transceivers: opening / closing control communication device 250, first vehicle detection communication device 251, and second vehicle detection communication device 252. Opening / closing control communication device 250 is an electric circuit that receives a transmission signal sent from remote control 40 and transfers a control command included in the transmission signal to control unit 26, and is composed of, for example, a specified low-power wireless module.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the first vehicle detection communication device 251 and the second vehicle detection communication device 252 have different receiving sensitivities, so that the communication distance of the first vehicle detection communication device 251 is set to a first area R1 of about 50 m in the garage, and the communication distance of the second vehicle detection communication device 252 is set to a second area R2 of about 100 m in the garage.

[0016] The control unit 26 is an electric circuit including, for example, a microcomputer, a storage device, a relay circuit, etc., and operates according to a program stored in advance. The control unit 26 is electrically connected to the receiving unit 25 (opening / closing control communication device 250, the first vehicle detection communication device 251, and the second vehicle detection communication device 252), an obstacle detection sensor (not shown), and other sensors, etc., and appropriately controls the opening / closing device 24 according to signals from the opening / closing control communication device 250 and the sensors, etc. In addition, the control unit 26 receives a weak radio wave emitted by the remote control 40, and when the second vehicle detection communication device 252 detects the vehicle 30 first, and then the first vehicle detection communication device 251 detects the vehicle 30, the control unit 26 stores history information that the detections were performed in this order, and determines that the vehicle 30 is approaching the garage 10 to enter the garage based on the history information. In contrast, if the history information starts with the detection of the vehicle 30 by the first vehicle detection communication device 251, it is determined that the vehicle 30 is parked in the garage 10. The control unit 26 is configured to also perform a transmission process of outputting a response signal to transmit information that the second vehicle detection communication device 252 and the first vehicle detection communication device 251 have detected the vehicle 30 in this order to the remote control 40 in the vehicle 30. The response signal is transmitted only when the first vehicle detection communication device 251 and the second vehicle detection communication device 252 change from a state in which the vehicle 30 has not been detected to a state in which the vehicle 30 has been detected, and is not transmitted continuously during detection.

[0017] In the illustrated example, the vehicle 30 is a typical passenger car, and is provided with one or more USB female terminals 31 on the dashboard, with a remote control 40 inserted into one of the USB female terminals 31.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 3, the remote control 40 includes a main body case 41, a USB male terminal 42 protruding forward from the main body case 41, a control unit 43 that performs transmission processing of an opening control signal for automatically operating the shutter device 20 by power supply from the USB male terminal 42 in the main body case 41, processing at the time of power interruption when the power supply from the vehicle is interrupted, and appropriate reception processing and judgment processing, a power switch 44 that turns on and off the power supply from the USB male terminal 42 to the control unit 43, a single manual operation switch 45 exposed to the outside from the main body case 41 in order to manually operate the shutter device 20, an alarm unit 46 that outputs an alarm in response to the operation of the power switch 44 and / or the manual operation switch 45, the occurrence of a power interruption, or the occurrence of a specific condition at the time of a power interruption, and multiple types of ornaments 47 that can be attached and detached to the power switch 44. The remote control 40 also includes an internal power source (a rechargeable secondary battery in the embodiment) so that it can execute processing at the time of power interruption. This internal power source is not provided in remote controls for conventional systems.

[0019] The main body case 41 is formed in a generally flat plate shape having upper and lower surfaces generally parallel to the wide surface 42a of the USB male terminal 42 (the upper surface or the lower surface shown in the figure). In particular, the main body case 41 in the illustrated example has a front half 41a which is rectangular and flat when viewed from above, and a rear half 41b which is semicircular when viewed from above and continues to the rear side of the front half 41a. The front half 41a and the rear half 41b are hollow and house a control unit 43, which will be described later, and the like.

[0020] The thickness T, front-rear length L, and width W of main body case 41 are set within the range of 2 to 3 times the thickness t, length l of the protruding portion, and width w, respectively, of USB male terminal 42 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The above-mentioned dimensional ranges are particularly preferred, but it goes without saying that other dimensions than those mentioned above can also be applied.

[0021] In the illustrated example, the main body case 41 is configured as a single hollow piece by butting together two components that are separable in the thickness direction, but as other examples, it may be configured from two components or three or more components that are separable in the front-rear or width directions.

[0022] The USB male terminal 42 is a standard Type A USB terminal, and for example, one that satisfies the USB 2.0, USB 3.0, or USB 3.1 standard is used. This USB male terminal 42 is mounted on an electronic circuit board that constitutes a control unit 43, which will be described later.

[0023] The control unit 43 is composed of an electronic circuit board in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate, and includes a wireless transmission circuit that utilizes a specific power-saving wireless method, a control circuit that operates this wireless transmission circuit in response to a power input or a signal from the manual operation switch 45, and a memory device that stores a program and a unique code for the vehicle 30 to operate this control circuit. This control unit 43 transmits manual control signals (stop signal, open signal, close signal, etc.) that control the operation of the shutter device 20 according to the manual operation pattern (specifically, the number of times the switch is pressed) of the one-point manual operation switch 45. In addition, the control unit 43 performs a judgment process to determine that a specific condition, that the vehicle 30 is approaching the garage 10, has been met based on receiving response signals from the second vehicle detection communication device 252 and the first vehicle detection communication device 251 of the opening and closing device control system A, in that order. Of course, this control unit 43 is provided at a position that avoids interference with the USB male terminal 42. The transmission unit (antenna, etc.) of this control unit 43 is preferably provided at a position as far away as possible from the USB male terminal 42 so as not to adversely affect the transmitted radio waves, and more preferably, is disposed closer to the front side (top side) of the main body case 41 than the back side.

[0024] In addition, the power switch 44 is a slide switch that is turned on by sliding it in the insertion direction of the USB male terminal 42 and turned off by sliding it in the opposite direction.The power switch 44 is slidably attached to the main body case 41 and is electrically connected to the control circuit of the control unit 43.

[0025] 5, power switch 44 is formed in a disk shape in plan view having a diameter substantially the same as that of main body case 41, and covers the rear half side of the top surface of main body case 41 with the same width as that of the rear half side. That is, the shape of the rear half side of power switch 44 in plan view is formed in a semicircular shape in plan view, the same as the shape of the rear half side of main body case 41 in plan view, as shown in FIG. 5(a). As shown in FIG. 4, the rear end of the power switch 44 is located substantially flush with the rear end surface of the main body case 41 or slightly forward of the rear end surface of the main body case 41 in the OFF state. Therefore, with these configurations, it is possible to prevent the rear end of the power switch 44 from coming into contact with small objects inside the vehicle and causing the power switch 44 to be unintentionally turned on.

[0026] The main body case 41 is provided with an OFF display section 41c which is visible when the power switch 44 is in the OFF position at the rear end side, and an ON display section 41d which is visible when the power switch 44 is in the ON position at the front end side. As shown in Fig. 5(a), when the power switch 44 is moved backward to the OFF position, the ON display section 41d is hidden by the power switch 44 and only the OFF display section 41c is displayed. Also, as shown in Fig. 5(b), when the power switch 44 is moved forward to the ON position, the OFF display section 41c is hidden by the power switch 44 and only the ON display section 41d is displayed. In the illustrated example, the OFF display section 41c and the ON display section 41d display the characters "ON" and "OFF", but they may be other marks or designs, or may be omitted.

[0027] Further, a recess 44a surrounded by an edge portion 44b is provided on the surface of the power switch 44, and a decorative body 47 is detachably fitted into this recess 44a.

[0028] The recess 44a is a circular recess in plan view that is slightly smaller than the entire power switch 44. An edge portion 44b surrounding the recess 44a protrudes upward over the entire circumference from the bottom surface of the recess 44a and functions as a non-slip surface when the power switch 44 is slid.

[0029] The manual operation switch 45 is a small, single-point, automatic reset push button switch that is disposed near the front of the side surface of the main body case 41 and protrudes from the side surface. The manual switch 45 is electrically connected to the control circuit of the control unit 43 .

[0030] The notification unit 46 is a light-emitting device fitted along the semicircular rear side surface of the main body case 41, and for example, an LED is used. The notification unit 46 is electrically connected to the board of the control unit 43. As for the light emission mode, the lighting mode for confirming that an operation has been performed is preferably a gentle color such as green, and in a situation where it is important to call attention to the occurrence of a power outage, for example, it is preferable to have a red light flashing in a short cycle. As shown in FIG. 5, this notification unit 46 can emit light in a range of 180 degrees behind and on both sides of the remote control 40, providing good visibility.

[0031] In addition, each switch such as the power switch 44 and the manual operation switch 45 is provided on the same side position as the USB male terminal 42 on the main body case 41 or in a position away from the vicinity of the USB male terminal 42 so as not to get in the way when the USB male terminal 42 is attached. In addition, in order to avoid the notification unit 46 becoming invisible due to the attachment of the USB male terminal 42, the notification unit 46 is positioned in the same side position as the USB male terminal 42 on the main body case 41 or in a position that avoids the vicinity of the USB male terminal 42 (in other words, a position that will be hidden by the attachment of the USB male terminal 42).

[0032] The decorative body 47 is a circular sheet having an adhesive on the back side, and is attached to the bottom surface of the recess 44a. This decorative body 47 is available in a wide variety of colors and designs, and can be replaced according to the user's preference.

[0033] The remote control 40 configured as described above is housed in a box (not shown) to form a remote control set, together with a conversion adapter 51 (see Figure 6) that converts the car's cigarette lighter socket into a USB female terminal, a USB extension cable 52 (see Figure 7) that has a USB female terminal on one end of the cable and an L-shaped USB male terminal on the other end of the cable, and the multiple types of decorative bodies 47 mentioned above.

[0034] The remote control 40 configured as described above can be compactly attached to the USB female terminal 31 of the vehicle 30 (see FIG. 6(a)), and can prevent objects from coming into contact with the part protruding from the USB female terminal 31. Moreover, the remote control 40 is entirely flat, and the power switch 44 is relatively large compared to the main body case 41, so that the remote control 40 is easy to operate.

[0035] Furthermore, since power switch 44 is turned on by sliding it in the direction of inserting the USB and turned off by sliding it in the direction of removing the USB, power switch 44 can be turned on at approximately the same time as inserting remote control 40 into USB female terminal 31, and power switch 44 can be turned off at approximately the same time as removing remote control 40 from USB female terminal 31.This not only provides excellent operability, but also prevents the battery of vehicle 30 from being drained due to forgetting to turn off the power.

[0036] In particular, since power switch 44 is formed in a flat plate shape covering the rear half of the top surface of main body case 41 by approximately the same width, when the rear half of remote control 40 is pinched with two fingers, one finger (thumb) naturally catches on edge portion 44b of power switch 44, providing good operability.

[0037] Moreover, the ornament 47 can be easily replaced according to the user's preference.

[0038] Furthermore, if the vehicle 30 does not have a USB female terminal 31, the remote control 40 can be attached to a cigarette lighter socket 51a using a conversion adapter 51 (see FIG. 6(b)). It is also possible to connect the remote control 40 to the USB female terminal 31 of the vehicle 30 via a USB extension cable 52. In this case, for example, the remote control 40 can be extended and placed above the dashboard, thereby further improving the radio wave transmission environment.

[0039] Moreover, under normal circumstances, the automatic mode can be achieved by a simple operation of simply turning on the power switch 44, and even in the switch operation mode, the one-point manual operation switch 45 provides good operability. In particular, since a closure signal is sent by pressing the single-point manual operation switch 45 multiple times, it is possible to prevent the shutter device from unintentionally closing when the closure switch is operated due to interference with an object, as occurs in conventional technology in which an independent closure switch is provided.

[0040] Moreover, since the notification section 46 is exposed rearward in a semicircular shape, it has excellent visibility, and the operating state of the shutter device 20 can be easily grasped by using this notification section 46.

[0041] In the above embodiment, the notification unit 46 is a light-emitting device, but other examples of the notification unit 46 include a device that generates sound (such as a speaker), or a device that generates sound and light.

[0042] In addition, according to the above embodiment, the decorative body 47 is a decorative sheet, but other examples of this decorative body 47 include one having an uneven design on the surface, or a three-dimensional body imitating a mascot or character, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the USB male terminal 42 is a Type A USB terminal, but other examples of the USB male terminal 42 can be, for example, a USB mini terminal or other types of USB terminals depending on the USB female terminal 31 on the vehicle 30 side.

[0044] In addition, in the above embodiment, as a particularly preferred example, the rear half sides of the main body case 41 and the power switch 44 are formed in the same semicircular shape when viewed from above. However, as other examples, the main body case 41 and the power switch 44 can also be formed in the same rectangular shape when viewed from above, the same polygonal shape when viewed from above, the same convex curved shape when viewed from above, or the like.

[0045] Next, the operation of the remote control 40 will be described in detail. First, the operation when the power supply from the vehicle is working properly will be described. However, some explanations about the process when the power is interrupted will be provided for reference to facilitate understanding. The flowcharts in FIG. 8 and FIG. First, the control unit 43 waits for power to be supplied (step S1), and if power is supplied, proceeds to the next step S2. That is, when the engine of the vehicle 30 is started by operating the ignition key or the like while the remote control 40 is inserted into the USB female terminal 31 of the vehicle 30, power is supplied to the remote control 40 from the USB female terminal 31. Then, if the power switch 44 of the remote control 40 is in the on position, the power is supplied to the control unit 43, and the control unit 43 operates.

[0046] In the next step S2, the notification unit 46 lights up in green to notify the user that the operation of the remote control 40 has started.

[0047] Then, in step S3, the control unit 43 goes into the automatic mode and starts transmitting an opening control signal. Here, the open control signal is a signal in a predetermined format including a code unique to the remote control 40. When the shutter device 20 receives the open control signal and the code matches, it opens the shutter curtain 21 in the closed state, and when it no longer receives the open control signal, it closes the shutter curtain 21. Therefore, when the power switch 44 is in the ON position, for example, as shown in Fig. 1, when the engine of the vehicle 30 in the garage 10 is started, the shutter curtain 21 that was in the closed state will automatically open. Then, when the vehicle 30 that has left the garage moves away from the shutter device 20, the opening control signal (radio wave) will no longer reach the receiver 25, and the shutter curtain 21 will automatically close. Even if the remote control 40 is accidentally disconnected from the USB male terminal 42 during the vehicle leaving the garage, the present embodiment is configured to maintain the transmission output of the open control signal as a power failure process. Therefore, the automatic opening operation and the automatic closing operation are executed without any problems. In addition, as a power failure process, the notification unit 46 (LED) is caused to flash red at a fast rate. The driver who notices this is alerted to reconnect the vehicle. As described above, if the vehicle is not reconnected, the transmission output of the open control signal is maintained. However, in order to reduce power consumption of the secondary battery, the remote control 40 goes into a standby state after a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes) and transmits only weak radio waves. When the vehicle 30 approaches the shutter device 20 from the outside to enter the garage, the shutter device 20 receives an opening control signal, so the shutter curtain 21 opens, and the engine is turned off in the vehicle 30 that has completed parking. In the conventional system, the shutter device 20 stops receiving the opening control signal, so that the shutter curtain 21 closes. However, in this embodiment, even if the connection with the power supply line is disconnected, the system is configured to continue transmitting the opening control signal for a while using the power of the secondary battery so that the closing operation is not performed immediately, in order to avoid trouble. However, if the control unit 26 determines that the vehicle 30 has approached the garage 10 to enter the garage, the control unit 26 stops transmitting the opening control signal and closes the shutter curtain 21 with a sufficient margin, for example, five minutes after the opening operation of the shutter curtain 21. In addition, if the power outage process is initiated because the remote control 40 has become detached from the USB male terminal 42 when the vehicle is brought into the garage, or because the remote control 40 has become detached during the process of bringing the vehicle into the garage, the system may be configured so that the shutter curtain 21 will not close unless a manual operation is performed by switching to a switch operation mode in step S5 described below.

[0048] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart, in the next step S4, the control section 43 waits for the single manual operation switch 45 to be pressed during the automatic mode, and when the switch is pressed, the process proceeds to the next step S5.

[0049] In step S5, the control unit 43 stops transmitting the opening control signal, switches from the automatic mode to the switch operation mode, and advances the process to the next step S6.

[0050] In step S6, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 43 transmits a stop signal to stop the operation of the shutter device 20. For example, if the shutter device 20 receives the stop signal during an opening operation, it stops the opening operation, if the shutter device 20 receives the stop signal during a closing operation, it stops the closing operation, and if the shutter device 20 receives the stop signal while stopped, it maintains the stopped state.

[0051] In the next step S7, as a first notification output in response to the stop signal, the notification unit 46 (LED) is caused to blink slowly, and a first timer T1 is started. Here, the first timer T1 is a timer that counts a preset time (20 seconds in the illustrated example), and is incorporated in a control circuit that constitutes the control unit 43.

[0052] In the next step S8, it is determined whether the count by the first timer T1 has exceeded a set time (20 seconds in the illustrated example), and if so, the process jumps to step S19; if not, the process proceeds to the next step S9.

[0053] In step S9, it is determined whether the single-point manually operated switch 45 has been turned on multiple times (twice in the illustrated example) within a predetermined period of time (one second in the illustrated example), and if it has been turned on multiple times, the process proceeds to the next step S10; if not, the process jumps to step S14.

[0054] In step S10, a signal is sent to operate the shutter device 20 in one direction (closing operation in the illustrated example). The shutter device 20 receives this signal and drives the opening / closing device 24 to operate the shutter curtain 21 in the one direction (closing direction).

[0055] In the next step S11, as a second notification output in response to the close signal, the notification unit 46 (LED) is caused to blink faster than in step S7, and a second timer T2 is started. Here, the second timer T2 is a timer that counts a preset time (20 seconds in the illustrated example), and is incorporated in a control circuit that constitutes the control unit 43.

[0056] In the next step S12, it is determined whether the count by the second timer T2 has exceeded a set time (20 seconds in the illustrated example), and if so, the process jumps to step S19; if not, the process proceeds to the next step S13.

[0057] In step S13, it is determined whether or not the manual operation switch 45 has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process returns to step S6; if not, the process returns to step S12.

[0058] In step S19, the first notification output, the second notification output, or the third notification output is stopped (specifically, the LED is turned off), and the process returns to step S4. That is, the switch operation mode is maintained, and the input of the manual operation switch 45 is awaited.

[0059] That is, according to the above steps S7 to S13, S19, etc., if the manual operation switch 45 is pressed quickly twice while the LED is blinking slowly (20 seconds or less), the shutter device 20 will be closed and the LED output will be switched to blinking quickly, and if the manual operation switch 45 is pressed once while the LED is blinking quickly (20 seconds or less), a stop signal will be output and the LED output will be switched back to blinking slowly (step S7). Moreover, if the slow or fast blinking of the LED output exceeds 20 seconds, the LED can be turned off and the state can be returned to a waiting state for pressing the manual operation switch 45 (step S4).

[0060] On the other hand, in step S14, it is determined whether the single manually operated switch 45 has been turned on once within a predetermined time (one second in the illustrated example), and if it has been turned on once, the process proceeds to the next step S15, and if not, the process returns to step S8.

[0061] In step S15, a signal is transmitted to operate the shutter device 20 in the other direction (opening direction in the illustrated example). The shutter device 20 receives this signal and drives the opening / closing mechanism 24 to operate the shutter curtain 21 in the other direction (opening direction).

[0062] In the next step S16, as a third notification output in response to the open signal, the notification unit 46 (LED) is continuously lit in green, and a third timer T3 is started. Here, the third timer T3 is a timer that counts a preset time (20 seconds in the illustrated example), and is incorporated in a control circuit that constitutes the control unit 43.

[0063] Next, in step S17, it is determined whether the count by the third timer T3 has exceeded the set time (20 seconds in the illustrated example), and if so, the process jumps to step S19, and if not, the process proceeds to the next step S18.

[0064] In step S18, it is determined whether or not the manual operation switch 45 has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process returns to step S6; if not, the process returns to step S17.

[0065] That is, according to the above steps S7 to S9, S14 to S19, etc., by pressing the manual operation switch 45 just once while the LED is flashing slowly (20 seconds or less), the shutter device 20 can be opened and the LED output can be switched to continuous green lighting, and by pressing the manual operation switch 45 once while the LED is flashing green (20 seconds or less), a stop signal can be output and the LED output can be returned to the slow green flashing (step S7). Also, if the LED output continues to flash slowly in green or remains lit in green for more than 20 seconds, the LED can be turned off and the device can return to a state waiting for the manual operation switch 45 to be pressed (step S4). The above-described manual operation is suitable for drivers who want to check the state of the shutter with their own eyes. Anxious drivers may be very concerned about whether the shutter will actually close after leaving the parking lot. The control of the embodiment makes it possible to meet the desire of drivers who want to check with their own eyes that the shutter has been manually closed before starting to drive.

[0066] Next, the operation when the vehicle continues to be driven and returns to the garage 10 while the power supply from the vehicle is still cut off will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. At the start of the process, the remote control 40 is not receiving power from the vehicle 30 and is in a standby state in order to reduce power consumption of the secondary battery, and is transmitting only weak radio waves.

[0067] In step S21, when a vehicle 30 heading toward the garage 10 enters a second area R2 within 100 m around the garage, the second vehicle detection communication device 252 receives the weak radio waves transmitted from the remote control 40 and transmits a response signal to the remote control 40.

[0068] Furthermore, in step S22, when the vehicle 30 enters a first area R1 within 50 m around the garage, the first vehicle detection communication device 251 receives the weak radio waves transmitted from the remote control 40 and transmits a response signal to the remote control 40.

[0069] At this time, the control unit 26 of the opening / closing device control system A determines, in the order of steps S21 and S22, that the vehicle 30 is approaching the garage 10 to enter the garage, based on the weak radio waves received (not shown in the flowchart).

[0070] Meanwhile, in step S23, the control unit 43 of the remote control 40 also performs a determination process to determine that the specific condition that the vehicle 30 is approaching the garage 10 is established by receiving response signals from the second vehicle detection communication device 252 and the first vehicle detection communication device 251 of the opening / closing device control system A in this order. If the determination result is positive, in step S24, the output signal is switched from the transmitted weak radio wave to an opening control signal.

[0071] At the timing of step S25 immediately after the processing of step S24 (or substantially simultaneously), the remote controller 40 causes the notification unit 46 (LED) to flash red at high speeds as a power interruption process to alert the driver.

[0072] In step S26, if the driver notices that the notification unit 46 (LED) is flashing red and reinserts the remote control 40 into the USB female terminal 31 of the vehicle 30, the process returns to normal and continues with the poor connection notification stopped. Then, for example, five minutes after the shutter curtain 21 is opened, the transmission of the opening control signal is stopped and the shutter curtain 21 is closed (step S27).

[0073] On the other hand, if the remote control 40 is not inserted into the USB female terminal 31 of the vehicle 30 in step S26, the power interruption process continues, and the transmission of the opening control signal continues by the power supply from the secondary battery. For example, five minutes after the opening operation of the shutter curtain 21, the transmission of the opening control signal stops and the closing operation of the shutter curtain 21 is performed (step S28). Apparently, this is not different from step S27. However, since the control unit 43 of the remote control 40 can recognize whether it has output the opening control signal under normal processing or under power interruption process, it is possible to change the state after the end, such as completely shutting off the power after the end or putting it into a standby state.

[0074] If the vehicle is parked in the garage 10 with the power supply from the vehicle cut off, even if the ignition key is operated, the remote control 40 cannot start transmitting the opening control signal because the information is not transmitted to the remote control 40. The driver, realizing that the opening operation of the shutter curtain 21 will not start, will check the connection. However, for example, if the opening / closing control communication device 250 has not only a receiving function but also a transmitting function, and the control unit 26 recognizes the difference between step S27 and step S28 in the flowchart of FIG. 10, and the manner in which the most recent parking occurred was according to step S28, then it is possible to clearly alert the user that the connection has been disconnected by, for example, sending a command signal to flash the remote control 40 in red in response to a detection output from a human presence sensor in the garage.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the internal power source of the remote control 40 is a secondary battery, but it may be a primary battery or a simpler capacitor. Also, a solar cell may be installed. Also, in the above embodiment, a general passenger car is assumed as the vehicle 30, but it is of course possible to assume a truck, a special vehicle, etc. as the vehicle 30. Furthermore, the remote control 40 can be used by attaching it to a USB female terminal of a personal computer, instead of being attached to the vehicle 30, or by attaching it to a USB female terminal provided in a building or the like.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the opening / closing device control system A is configured for a garage. However, as another example, the remote control 40 can be used to control a shutter device other than that for a garage.

[0077] Also, in the above embodiment, the remote control 40 is provided with the power switch 44, but in another invention, it is also possible to omit the power switch 44 from the remote control 40, and supply power by connecting the USB male terminal 42 to the USB female terminal 31, and cut off the power supply by disconnecting the USB male terminal 42 from the USB female terminal 31. However, while a remote control 40 provided with the power switch 44 can be controlled not to transition to the power interruption processing by turning off the power switch 44, a remote control 40 without the power switch 44 cannot be controlled not to transition to the power interruption processing.

[0078] In addition, in the above embodiment, a single-point manual operation switch 45 is provided on the remote control 40, but in other inventions, it is also possible to provide a three-point (on / off) switch or other switch, provided that the size of the main body case 41 and the size of the switch, etc., are acceptable for use.

[0079] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. In particular, the process at the time of power interruption may be configured to only notify an abnormality and not maintain the transmission output of the open control signal. Although this may reduce usability, it has a certain significance in terms of preventing trouble from occurring. For this reason, even if the remote control is configured to only transmit and not have a receiving function, it is still fully included in the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0080] <Summary> As described above, the above embodiment discloses the following inventions. (1) A system comprising an opening / closing device that opens and closes a garage opening using an opening / closing body, a remote control that can be attached to a vehicle, and an opening / closing control unit that controls the opening / closing device, wherein the remote control starts transmitting an opening control signal upon receiving power supply from the vehicle, the opening / closing control unit has a control communication device that receives control signals including an opening control signal, and causes the opening / closing body to open when the opening control signal is received, and causes the opening / closing body to close when the opening control signal is no longer received, the remote control has an internal power source, and performs power interruption processing when the power supply from the vehicle is cut off (see Figure 10). (2) The switching device control system according to (1) (see FIG. 10), wherein the process at the time of power interruption is to notify an abnormality. (3) The switching device control system according to (1) or (2) (see FIG. 10), wherein the process during power interruption is to maintain a transmission output of an opening control signal. (4) The opening / closing device control system according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that the remote control starts transmitting an opening control signal in a specific case even when the remote control is not receiving power supply from the vehicle (see FIG. 10). (5) The opening / closing control unit is equipped with a vehicle detection communication device, and a detection range of a first area near the garage and a second area wider than the first area are set in the vehicle detection communication device. The remote control also has a receiving function, and first, vehicle detection corresponding to the second area is performed, and then, when vehicle detection corresponding to the first area is performed, the remote control starts transmitting an opening control signal even if it is not receiving power supply from the vehicle. (See FIG. 10) The opening / closing device control system described in any one of (1) to (4) is characterized in that: (6) A remote control that can be attached to a vehicle used in a system that includes an opening / closing device that opens and closes a garage opening using an opening / closing body, and an opening / closing control unit that controls the opening / closing device, the remote control having an internal power supply and performing a power interruption process when the power supply from the vehicle is cut off (see Figure 10). [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10: Garage 20: Shutter device 31: USB female connector 40: Remote control 41: Main unit case 42: USB male terminal 43: Control unit 44: Power switch 45: Manual operation switch 46: Notification Department 47: Decoration 51: Conversion adapter 51a: Cigarette lighter socket 52: USB extension cable A: Switchgear control system

Claims

1. A system including an opening / closing device that opens and closes an opening of a garage by an opening / closing body, a remote control that can be attached to a vehicle, and an opening / closing control unit that controls the opening / closing device, The remote controller starts transmitting an opening control signal when the remote controller receives power from the vehicle; The opening / closing control unit has a control communication device that receives a control signal including an opening control signal, and causes the opening / closing body to perform an opening operation when the opening control signal is received, and causes the opening / closing body to perform a closing operation when the opening control signal is no longer received, The remote control has an internal power supply and performs a power interruption process when the power supply from the vehicle is interrupted. A switching gear control system comprising:

2. The power interruption process is to notify an abnormality.

2. The switching device control system according to claim 1.

3. The power interruption process is to maintain the transmission output of the open control signal.

3. The switching device control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The remote control starts transmitting an open control signal in a specific case even if the remote control is not receiving power from the vehicle.

2. The switching device control system according to claim 1.

5. The opening / closing control unit includes a vehicle detection communication device, and the vehicle detection communication device is set to have a detection range of a first area near the garage and a detection range of a second area wider than the first area, The remote control also has a receiving function, First, vehicle detection corresponding to the second area is performed, and then, when a condition for vehicle detection corresponding to the first area is satisfied, when the remote control receives a signal indicating that the condition is satisfied from the vehicle detection communication device, the remote control starts transmitting an open control signal even if it is not receiving power supply from the vehicle.

5. The switchgear control system according to claim 4.

6. A remote control that can be attached to a vehicle and is used in a system including an opening / closing device that opens and closes an opening of a garage by an opening / closing body and an opening / closing control unit that controls the opening / closing device, It has an internal power supply and performs power interruption processing if the power supply from the vehicle is cut off. A remote control characterized by:

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