Opening and closing device control system and remote control

Abstract

To provide an opening and closing device control system that is based on automatic closing but that is configured not to perform automatic closing depending on the situation.SOLUTION: Provided is a system including an opening and closing device that opens and closes a garage opening by means of an opening and closing body, a remote control attachable to a vehicle, and an opening and closing control unit that controls the opening and closing device. The remote control starts transmission of an opening control signal upon receiving power supply from the vehicle, and the opening and closing control unit is connected to a control communication device that receives control signals including at least the opening control signal and a closing control signal, executes opening control to open the opening and closing body when the opening control signal is received, executes closing control to close the opening and closing body when the closing control signal is received, executes automatic closing control to close the opening and closing body when the opening control signal is no longer received, and executes automatic closing prohibition control to disable the automatic closing control under specified conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening / closing device control system that uses a remote control to control 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, an opening and closing device control system as described in Patent Document 1, which includes a wireless transmission circuit using a specified low-power wireless method inside the main body case of a remote control that is detachable from a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle, and which continues to transmit an opening control signal including a control signal in a predetermined format when power is supplied from the cigarette lighter socket by operating the vehicle's ignition key or start switch. According to this opening / closing device control system, the garage shutter device can be opened and closed appropriately depending on conditions such as whether or not the opening control signal transmitted from the remote control is received by the garage shutter device. When the vehicle leaves the garage, the engine is started by operating the ignition key or start switch, and when power begins to be supplied from the cigarette lighter socket, the system receives the open control signal sent from the remote control, causing the garage shutter device to open. After that, when the vehicle leaves the garage and the open control signal is no longer received by the garage shutter device, the garage shutter device will automatically close after a predetermined time has passed, for example, 30 seconds. On the other hand, when the vehicle approaches the garage, the system receives an opening control signal sent from the remote control, and the garage shutter device opens. After that, when parking is complete and the engine is stopped by operating the vehicle's ignition key or start switch, the power supply from the cigarette lighter socket is stopped, and after a predetermined time has passed, for example, 30 seconds, the garage shutter device automatically closes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-82523 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described prior art, the automatic closing of the shutter device when the car leaves the garage is highly convenient and extremely popular among car owners. However, automatic closing when the car enters the garage is not always desirable. For example, there are requests to inspect or observe the car in bright sunlight after leaving the garage and turning off the engine without closing the shutter. More fundamentally, there are also requests to close the shutter device at the owner's own will and at the timing of their choice when returning home. However, the prior art has the problem of the shutter device automatically closing at a timing unrelated to the car owner's will.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an opening / closing device control system and a remote control for use in the system that are easy to use, by assuming that the shutter device will automatically open and close, but by preventing automatic closing depending on the situation. [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 when it receives power from the vehicle, and the opening / closing control unit is connected to a control communication device that receives control signals including at least the opening control signal and the closing control signal, and executes opening control to open the opening / closing body when it receives the opening control signal, executes closing control to close the opening / closing body when it stops receiving the opening control signal, executes automatic closing control to close the opening / closing body when it stops receiving the opening control signal, and executes automatic closing prohibition control to disable the automatic closing control under specified conditions. Here, "closing the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is no longer received" includes not only performing the closing operation simultaneously with or immediately after the signal is no longer received, but also performing the closing operation a predetermined time after the signal is no longer received (for example, 5 seconds or 30 seconds). In other words, "when" does not refer to timing, but is merely an expression indicating a condition. Further, examples of "predetermined conditions" include when it is determined that a vehicle is entering the garage based on the signal's directionality or reception strength, or when the opening control signal is continuously received for a predetermined period of time after the start of reception of the opening control signal, and it is therefore strongly presumed that a vehicle will enter the garage.

[0007] In view of the above problems, the present invention also 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 begins transmitting an opening control signal upon receiving power from the vehicle, the opening / closing control unit is connected to a control communication device that receives control signals including the opening control signal, and can determine whether the opening control signal is being transmitted from outside or inside the garage based on the reception status of the control communication device, and the opening / closing control unit executes opening control to open the opening / closing body when it receives the opening control signal, executes automatic closing control to close the opening / closing body when the opening control signal begins to be transmitted from inside the garage and the opening control signal is no longer received, and executes automatic closing prohibition control to disable the automatic closing control when the opening control signal begins to be transmitted from outside the garage. Here, "closing the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is no longer received" includes not only performing the closing operation simultaneously with or immediately after the signal is no longer received, but also performing the closing operation a predetermined time after the signal is no longer received (for example, 5 seconds or 30 seconds later). In other words, "when" rather than "at" does not refer to timing, but is merely an expression indicating a condition.

[0008] In view of the above problems, the present invention also has the following configuration. 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 by receiving power from the vehicle; the opening / closing control unit is connected to a control communication device that receives control signals including the opening control signal, and is capable of determining the reception strength of the opening control signal based on the reception status of the control communication device; and the opening / closing control unit executes opening control to open the opening / closing body when it receives the opening control signal, executes automatic closing control to close the opening / closing body when it begins to receive the opening control signal at a first predetermined strength or higher and the opening control signal is no longer received, and executes automatic closing prohibition control to disable the automatic closing control when it begins to receive the opening control signal at a second predetermined strength or lower that is weaker than the first predetermined strength. Here, "closing the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is no longer received" includes not only performing the closing operation simultaneously with or immediately after the signal is no longer received, but also performing the closing operation a predetermined time after the signal is no longer received (for example, 5 seconds or 30 seconds later). In other words, "when" rather than "at" does not refer to timing, but is merely an expression indicating a condition.

[0009] In view of the above problems, the present invention also 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 begins transmitting an opening control signal upon receiving power from the vehicle, and the opening / closing control unit is connected to a control communication device that receives control signals including the opening control signal, and executes opening control to open the opening / closing body when it receives the opening control signal, executes automatic closing control to close the opening / closing body when it stops receiving the opening control signal within a predetermined time from the start of receiving the opening control signal, and executes automatic closing prohibition control to disable the automatic closing control when it continues to receive the opening control signal beyond the predetermined time from the start of receiving the opening control signal. Here, "closing the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is no longer received" includes not only performing the closing operation simultaneously with or immediately after the signal is no longer received, but also performing the closing operation a predetermined time after the signal is no longer received (for example, 5 seconds or 30 seconds). In other words, "when" does not refer to timing, but is merely an expression indicating a condition.

[0010] In view of the above problems, the present invention also has the following configuration. A remote control that can be attached to a vehicle and used in conjunction with 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 is connected to a control communication device that receives control signals including at least an opening control signal and an automatic closing prohibition control signal and controls the opening / closing device, wherein the opening / closing control unit executes opening control to open the opening / closing body when it receives the opening control signal, executes automatic closing control to close the opening / closing body when it no longer receives the opening control signal, and executes automatic closing prohibition control to disable the automatic closing control when it receives the automatic closing prohibition control signal, and the remote control starts sending the opening control signal by receiving power from the vehicle, and sends the automatic closing prohibition control signal under specified conditions. Here, "closing the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is no longer received" includes not only performing the closing operation simultaneously with or immediately after the signal is no longer received, but also performing the closing operation a predetermined time after the signal is no longer received (for example, 5 seconds or 30 seconds). In other words, "when" does not refer to timing, but is merely an expression indicating a condition. Further, examples of "predetermined conditions" include when it is determined that a vehicle is entering the garage based on the signal's directionality or reception strength, or when the opening control signal is continuously received for a predetermined period of time after the start of reception of the opening control signal, and it is therefore strongly presumed that a vehicle will enter the garage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to provide a remote control for use in an opening / closing device control system that is easy to use, by assuming that the shutter device will automatically open and close, but in some situations preventing automatic closing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of an opening and closing device control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle detection area set in the opening / closing device control system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 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. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are plan views of a remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A shows an off state and FIG. 1B shows an on state. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams showing how to use a remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows how the remote control is directly connected to a USB female terminal, and (b) shows how the remote control is connected to a cigarette lighter socket via a conversion adapter. [Figure 7] 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] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control of a remote control operation. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control of a remote control operation. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of automatic closing prohibition control. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of automatic closing prohibition control. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of automatic closing prohibition control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] <Overall system configuration> FIG. 1 shows a garage door opener control system A equipped with a remote control according to the present invention. The opening and closing device control system A includes a shutter device 20 that opens and closes the opening 11 of the garage 10 by a shutter curtain 21, and a remote control 40 that controls the shutter device 20 by transmitting a radio signal.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The shutter device 20 comprises a shutter curtain 21 that opens and closes in the vertical direction to separate or 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 accordance with the wireless control signal.

[0017] The shutter curtain 21 is formed, for example, from metal slats or the like, in a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from above, and slides up and down as it is wound up and unwound by a winding shaft 23 inside the storage section 22, thereby opening and closing the opening 11.

[0018] <About the system for determining whether goods are in stock or out> 1 and 2, receiving unit 25 is depicted as one unit, but is actually made up 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 the control command contained in the transmission signal to control unit 26, and is made up of, for example, a specified low-power radio module or the like.

[0019] As shown in Figure 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.

[0020] 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 pre-stored program. The control unit 26 is electrically connected to the receiving unit 25 (opening / closing control communication device 250, first vehicle detection communication device 251, and second vehicle detection communication device 252), an obstacle detection sensor (not shown), and other sensors, etc., and appropriately controls the open / close switch 24 in response to signals from the opening / closing control communication device 250 and the sensors, etc. Furthermore, by receiving weak radio waves emitted by the remote control 40, the control unit 26 stores history information indicating that the detection of the vehicle 30 was first performed by the second vehicle detection communication device 252 and then by the first vehicle detection communication device 251 in this order, and determines based on the history information that the vehicle 30 is approaching the garage 10 to enter the garage. On the other hand, 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 and is about to leave. The control unit 26 is also configured to perform a transmission process of outputting a response signal to convey information to the remote controller 40 in the vehicle 30 that the second vehicle detection communication device 252 and the first vehicle detection communication device 251 have detected the vehicle 30 in that order. The response signal is transmitted only when the first vehicle detection communication device 251 and the second vehicle detection communication device 252 change from an undetected state to an detected state of the vehicle 30, and is not transmitted continuously while the vehicle 30 is being detected. Furthermore, the configuration in which the remote controller 40 recognizes the movement status of the vehicle 30, i.e., other information regarding entry and exit, upon receiving the response signal may be omitted. In this case, the information is recognized only by the shutter device 20. If we look at the above-mentioned mechanism for determining whether a vehicle is entering or leaving the facility from an operational perspective, we can understand that it makes different decisions about whether a vehicle is entering or leaving the facility by utilizing differences in the transmission direction of the opening control signal or differences in the reception strength of the opening control signal, in addition to the order in which the vehicles are detected.

[0021] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , whether a vehicle is entering or leaving the garage is determined based on differences in communication conditions, such as the communication direction and reception strength, between the first vehicle detection communication device 251 and the second vehicle detection communication device 252. However, it is also possible to determine the difference between entering and leaving using a single communication device. For example, if it takes about 50 seconds for a vehicle approaching from outside the garage to pass through the door after receiving an opening control signal, if the opening control signal continues to be received 60 seconds after the opening control signal was received, it can be strongly inferred that the vehicle is entering the garage. Therefore, as an embodiment of the present invention, a determination logic can be adopted in which if the opening control signal is no longer received within a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds) from the start of reception of the opening control signal, it is determined that the vehicle is leaving the garage, and if the opening control signal is no longer received after the predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds) from the start of reception of the opening control signal, it is determined that the vehicle is entering the garage. From an operational perspective, this mechanism for determining whether a vehicle is in or out of storage can be understood as making different decisions about whether a vehicle is in or out of storage by utilizing the difference in the time it takes to receive the opening control signal.

[0022] <About the remote control> (Structure and function of the remote control) In the illustrated example, vehicle 30 is a typical passenger car, and is provided with one or more USB female terminals 31 on the dashboard, with remote control 40 inserted into one of the USB female terminals 31. However, typical passenger cars include not only automobiles that run on an engine, but also electric automobiles that run on a motor, and hybrid automobiles that use both an engine and a motor.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the remote control 40 comprises a main body case 41, a USB male terminal 42 protruding forward from the main body case 41, a control unit 43 that performs appropriate receiving and judgment processing as well as transmission processing of opening control signals and the like to automatically operate the shutter device 20 using power supplied from the USB male terminal 42 within the main body case 41, a power switch 44 that turns the power supply from the USB male terminal 42 to the control unit 43 on and off, a single manual operation switch 45 exposed to the outside from the main body case 41 for manually operating the shutter device 20, an alarm unit 46 that outputs an alarm in response to operation of the power switch 44 and / or the manual operation switch 45, the occurrence of a power outage or the occurrence of a specific condition at the time of the power outage, etc., and multiple types of decorative bodies 47 that can be attached and detached to the power switch 44.

[0024] The main body case 41 is formed in a generally flat plate shape having upper and lower surfaces that are generally parallel to the wide surface 42a of the USB male terminal 42 (the upper or lower surface in the figure). In particular, the main body case 41 in the illustrated example has a front half 41a that is rectangular and flat when viewed from above, and a rear half 41b that 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 the control unit 43, which will be described later, and other components.

[0025] The thickness T, front-to-back length L, and width W of this main body case 41 are set within a range of 2 to 3 times the thickness t, length l of the protruding portion, and width w of the USB male terminal 42, respectively (see Figures 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.

[0026] The main body case 41 in the illustrated example is constructed as a single hollow unit by butting together two components that can be separated in the thickness direction, but in other examples, it may be constructed from two components that can be separated in the front-to-back or width directions, or from three or more components.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The control unit 43 is composed of an electronic circuit board in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate, and includes a radio transmission circuit that uses a specified low-power radio method, a control circuit that operates this radio 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 of the one-point manual operation switch 45 (specifically, the operation mode of the remote control and the different number of times of pressing in each operation mode). Note that the manual operation switch may be configured as a two-point type or multiple switches may be provided so as to correspond to multiple states of the manual operation pattern. In addition, the control unit 43 performs a judgment process to determine that a specific condition has been met, that is, that the vehicle 30 is approaching the garage 10, i.e., that the vehicle 30 is in a garage-entered state, based on the response signals received 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. Of course, this control unit 43 is provided in a position that avoids interference with the USB male terminal 42. The transmitting unit (antenna, etc.) of this control unit 43 is preferably provided in 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 provided closer to the front side (top side) of the main body case 41 than the back side.

[0029] In addition, the power switch 44 is a slide switch that turns on when slid in the insertion direction of the USB male terminal 42 and turns off when slid in the opposite direction, and is slidably attached to the main body case 41 and is electrically connected to the control circuit of the control unit 43.

[0030] 5, power switch 44 is formed in a disk shape in plan view with a diameter approximately the same as the width 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 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. 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.

[0031] The main body case 41 is provided with an OFF display section 41c that is visible when the power switch 44 is in the OFF position on the rear end side, and an ON display section 41d that is visible when the power switch 44 is in the ON position on 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 also display other marks or designs, or may be omitted.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 along the entire periphery from the bottom surface of the recess 44a, and functions as a non-slip surface when the power switch 44 is slid.

[0034] The manual operation switch 45 is a small, single-point, automatic reset push button switch, and is disposed near the front of the side of the main body case 41, protruding from the side. The manual switch 45 is electrically connected to the control circuit of the control unit 43 .

[0035] The notification unit 46 is a light-emitting device fitted along the semicircular rear side of the main body case 41, and uses, for example, an LED. The notification unit 46 is electrically connected to the circuit board of the control unit 43. As for the light emission mode, the lighting mode for confirming that an operation has been performed is, for example, a gentle color such as green, and when a power outage occurs and a secondary power is used to alert the user, it is preferable to have, for example, a red light flash at short intervals. 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.

[0036] In addition, each switch such as the power switch 44 and the manual operation switch 45 is located on the same side 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, to avoid the notification unit 46 becoming invisible when the USB male terminal 42 is attached, the notification unit 46 is placed at the same side position as the USB male terminal 42 on the main body case 41 or at a position that avoids the vicinity of the USB male terminal 42 (in other words, a position that will be hidden when the USB male terminal 42 is attached).

[0037] The decorative body 47 is a circular sheet with an adhesive on the backside, 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.

[0038] 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(b)) that converts a car 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.

[0039] The remote control 40 configured as described above can be compactly attached to the USB female terminal 31 of the vehicle 30 (see Figure 6(a)), and it is possible to 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, making it easy to operate.

[0040] Furthermore, the power switch 44 turns on when slid in the USB insertion direction and turns off when slid in the USB removal direction, so the power switch 44 can be turned on at approximately the same time as inserting the remote control 40 into the USB female terminal 31, and can be turned off at approximately the same time as removing the remote control 40 from the USB female terminal 31, which not only provides good operability but also prevents the battery of the vehicle 30 from being drained due to forgetting to turn off the power.

[0041] In particular, since the power switch 44 is formed in a flat plate shape that covers the rear half of the top surface of the main body case 41 with approximately the same width, when the rear half of the remote control 40 is pinched with two fingers, one finger (thumb) naturally catches on the edge portion 44b of the power switch 44, making it easy to operate. Furthermore, the decorative body 47 can be easily replaced according to the user's preference. Furthermore, if the vehicle 30 does not have a USB female terminal 31, the remote control 40 can be attached to the cigarette lighter socket 51a using a conversion adapter 51 (see FIG. 6(b)). The remote control 40 can also be connected to the USB female terminal 31 of the vehicle 30 via a USB extension cable 52 (see FIG. 7). In this case, for example, the remote control 40 can be extended and placed above the dashboard, further improving the radio wave transmission environment.

[0042] Furthermore, automatic mode can be achieved by simply turning on the power switch 44 during normal operation, and even when in switch operation mode, operability is good thanks to the single-point manual operation switch 45. In particular, because a close 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 due to the close switch being operated by interference with an object, as in the prior art where an independent close switch is provided. However, if this disadvantage can be tolerated, there is nothing to prevent the shutter device from being provided with an independent close switch.

[0043] The notification unit 46 has excellent visibility because it is exposed in a semicircular shape to the rear, and the operating state of the shutter device 20 can be easily understood by this notification unit 46. Note that, according to 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 both sound and light.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the decorative body 47 is a decorative sheet, but other examples of this decorative body 47 include one with an uneven design on the surface, or a three-dimensional body that resembles a mascot or character, etc.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Furthermore, 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.

[0047] (Remote control operation) Next, a detailed description will be given of the operation of the remote control 40. Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of control of the remote control operation, and show the operation by the control unit 43. First, the control unit 43 waits for power to be supplied (step S1), and if power is supplied, the process proceeds to the next step S2. That is, when the engine of the vehicle 30 is started or the EV system is started by operating the ignition key, start switch, power switch, etc. with the remote control 40 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.

[0048] In the next step S2, the notification unit 46 lights up in green to notify the driver that the operation of the remote control 40 has started.

[0049] 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 that includes a code specific 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 that is closed, and when it stops receiving the open control signal, it closes the shutter curtain 21 after a predetermined time has passed (for example, 30 seconds). Note that the shutter device 20 may also close the shutter curtain 21 when it stops receiving the signal, without waiting for the predetermined time to pass. 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 or the EV system is started, the shutter curtain 21, which was in a closed state, will automatically open. Then, when the vehicle 30 leaves the garage and 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 after a predetermined time has passed. Note that a predetermined time does not have to be set.

[0050] When the vehicle 30 approaches the shutter device 20 from outside to enter the parking lot, the shutter device 20 receives an opening control signal, causing the shutter curtain 21 to open, and the engine inside the vehicle 30 to be turned off once parking is complete. In conventional technology, whether entering or leaving the parking lot, if the shutter device stops receiving the opening control signal, the shutter curtain automatically closes after a predetermined time has elapsed, but in this embodiment, automatic closing is prohibited when the vehicle enters the parking lot. This will be explained in detail later in <Disabling automatic closing control>.

[0051] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart, in the next step S4, the control unit 43 waits for the manual operation switch 45 to be pressed during the automatic mode, and when the manual operation switch 45 is pressed, the process proceeds to the next step S5.

[0052] In step S5, the control unit 43 stops transmitting the opening control signal, switches from the automatic mode to the switch operation mode, and proceeds to the next step S6.

[0053] 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 it receives the stop signal during a closing operation, it stops the closing operation; and if it receives the stop signal while stopped, it maintains the stopped state.

[0054] In the next step S7, as a first notification output in response to the stop signal, the notification unit 46 (LED) is made 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 into a control circuit that constitutes the control unit 43.

[0055] In the next step S8, it is determined whether the count by the first timer T1 has exceeded the 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.

[0056] In step S9, it is determined whether the single-point manual operation 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.

[0057] In step S10, a close control signal is transmitted, which is a signal for operating the shutter device 20 in one direction (closing operation in the illustrated example). The shutter device 20, which has received the close control signal, drives the opening / closing mechanism 24 to operate the shutter curtain 21 in the one direction (closing direction).

[0058] In the next step S11, as a second notification output in response to the close control signal, the notification unit 46 (LED) is caused to blink faster than the blinking 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 into a control circuit that constitutes the control unit 43.

[0059] In the next step S12, it is determined whether the count by the second timer T2 has exceeded the 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.

[0060] In step S13, it is determined whether the manual operation switch 45 has been pressed or not, and if it has been pressed, the process returns to step S6, and if not, the process returns to step S12.

[0061] In step S19, the first, second, or 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 process waits for an input from the manual operation switch 45.

[0062] As described above, according to steps S7 to S13, S19, etc., if the manual operation switch 45 is pressed twice quickly while the LED is flashing slowly (for 20 seconds or less), the shutter device 20 will be closed and the LED output will be switched to fast flashing, and if the manual operation switch 45 is pressed once while the LED is flashing quickly (for 20 seconds or less), a stop signal will be output and the LED output will be switched back to slow flashing (step S7). If the slow or fast blinking of the LED output continues for more than 20 seconds, the LED is turned off and the state returns to a state waiting for the manual operation switch 45 to be pressed (step S4).

[0063] 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 (1 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.

[0064] In step S15, an opening control signal is transmitted, which is a signal for operating the shutter device 20 in the other direction (opening operation in the illustrated example). The shutter device 20, which has received the opening control signal, drives the opening / closing mechanism 24 to operate the shutter curtain 21 in the other direction (opening direction).

[0065] In the next step S16, as a third notification output in response to the opening control 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 into a control circuit that constitutes the control unit 43.

[0066] 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; if not, the process proceeds to the next step S18.

[0067] In step S18, it is determined whether the manual operation switch 45 has been pressed, and if it has been pressed, the process returns to step S6, and if not, the process returns to step S17.

[0068] As described above, according to steps S7 to S9, S14 to S19, etc., by pressing the manual operation switch 45 just once while the LED is flashing slowly (for 20 seconds or less), the shutter device 20 is opened and the LED output is switched to continuous green illumination, and by pressing the manual operation switch 45 once while the LED is flashing green (for 20 seconds or less), a stop signal is output and the LED output is switched back to the slow green flash (step S7). Furthermore, if the LED output continues to flash slowly in green or stays lit in green for more than 20 seconds, the LED can be turned off and the system can return to a state waiting for the manual operation switch 45 to be pressed (step S4). According to the manual operation mode described above, it is possible to prevent the shutter from opening when the vehicle engine is started for checking purposes in the garage but the vehicle is not to be driven out. Furthermore, the manual operation mode is suitable for drivers who wish to check the shutter status with their own eyes. Anxious drivers may be anxious about whether the shutter will actually close after leaving the garage. The control of the embodiment makes it possible to accommodate the desire of drivers who wish to confirm with their own eyes that the shutter has been manually closed before driving.

[0069] <About disabling automatic closing control> The automatic closing prohibition control performed by disabling the automatic closing control will be described in detail below. (Example of determining from the transmission direction of the release control signal) Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of automatic closing prohibition control using differences in the transmission direction of an opening control signal. The flowchart in Fig. 10 mainly shows the operation by the control unit 26, but the processing executed by the control unit 43 of the remote control 40 will also be explained here. However, the processing by the remote control 40 is not shown in the flowchart, and some of the detailed determination processing by the control unit 26 is also omitted from the flowchart. Please also refer to the flowcharts in Figs. 8 and 9 as necessary.

[0070] First, in step S101, the control unit 26 waits for reception of an open control signal transmitted from the remote control 40 (step S101), and if the open control signal is received, the process proceeds to the next step S102.

[0071] In order to cause the vehicle 30 to leave the parking lot, with the remote control 40 inserted into the USB female terminal 31 of the vehicle 30, when the ignition key, start switch, power switch, or the like is operated to start the engine of the vehicle 30 or start the EV system, 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, which operates and begins transmitting an opening control signal. Here, the opening control signal is a signal in a predetermined format that includes a code unique to the remote control 40. The shutter device 20 receives the opening control signal, and if the code matches, causes the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21, which is in the closed state, to open (automatically open) (step S102).

[0072] Therefore, when the power switch 44 is in the on position, for example, as shown in Figure 1, when the engine of the vehicle 30 in the garage 10 is started or the EV system is started, the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21, which was in a closed state, will automatically open.

[0073] On the other hand, even 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 (step S101). If the code unique to the remote control 40 matches, the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21 in the closed state is opened (automatically opened) (step S102).

[0074] In the next step S103, it is determined whether the opening control signal was transmitted from outside the garage (step S103). Specifically, if the second vehicle detection communication device 252 receives the signal first, it is determined that the signal was transmitted from outside the garage. However, if the first vehicle detection communication device 251 receives the signal first, it is determined that the signal was transmitted from inside the garage. However, this is just one example, and another configuration, for example, a configuration in which a plurality of directional antennas oriented in different directions are provided to determine the transmission direction, may be used. Since a signal transmitted from inside the garage means that the vehicle 30 has left the garage, in step S104, when reception of the opening control signal stops, the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21 is closed (automatically closed) (step S104). Note that, rather than immediately performing the closing operation when reception of the opening control signal stops, the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21 may be closed (automatically closed) after a predetermined time, such as 5 seconds or 30 seconds, has elapsed since reception of the opening control signal stopped, for safety reasons. On the other hand, if the opening control signal is received from outside the garage, it means that the vehicle 30 is about to enter the garage, and therefore automatic closing prohibition control is executed to disable the automatic closing control (step S105). The control unit 26 of the shutter device 20 determines whether to disable the automatic closing control, but if the remote control 40 receives a response signal from the control unit 26, the control unit 43 of the remote control 40 may also determine whether to disable the automatic closing control. In this case, the control unit 43 may automatically transmit a stop signal without any operation by the driver.

[0075] If the manual operation switch 45 is pressed twice in succession while the automatic closing prohibition control is being executed, a close control signal is transmitted from the remote control 40, and the control unit 26 determines that the close control signal has been received (step S106). Then, the control unit 26 closes the shutter curtain 21, which is in the open state (step S107). In this case, the closing operation is a manual closing operation performed by operating the remote control 40. Note that instead of operating the remote control 40, the close control signal may be input to the control unit 26 by pressing a push-button type close switch provided near the shutter curtain 21 inside the garage 10, or by operating a card remote control for operating the shutter curtain 21.

[0076] (Example of determining based on the received strength of the open control signal) Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of automatic closing prohibition control using differences in the reception strength of the opening control signal. The flowchart in Fig. 11 mainly shows the operation by the control unit 26, but the processing executed by the control unit 43 of the remote control 40 will also be explained here. However, the processing by the remote control 40 is not shown in the flowchart, and some of the detailed determination processing by the control unit 26 is also omitted from the flowchart. Please also refer to the flowcharts in Figs. 8 and 9 as necessary.

[0077] First, in step S201, the control unit 26 waits for reception of an open control signal transmitted from the remote control 40 (step S201), and if the open control signal is received, the process proceeds to the next step S202.

[0078] In order to cause the vehicle 30 to leave the parking lot, with the remote control 40 inserted into the USB female terminal 31 of the vehicle 30, when the ignition key, start switch, power switch, or the like is operated to start the engine of the vehicle 30 or start the EV system, power is supplied to the remote control 40 from the USB female terminal 31. If the power switch 44 of the remote control 40 is in the ON position, the power is supplied to the control unit 43, which operates and begins transmitting an opening control signal. Here, the opening control signal is a signal in a predetermined format that includes a code unique to the remote control 40. The shutter device 20 receives the opening control signal, and if the code matches, causes the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21, which is in the closed state, to open (automatically open) (step S202).

[0079] Therefore, when the power switch 44 is in the on position, for example, as shown in Figure 1, when the engine of the vehicle 30 in the garage 10 is started or the EV system is started, the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21, which was in a closed state, will automatically open.

[0080] On the other hand, even when the vehicle 30 approaches the shutter device 20 from the outside to enter the parking lot, the shutter device 20 receives an opening control signal (step S201). If the code unique to the remote control 40 matches, the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21 in the closed state is opened (automatically opened) (step S202).

[0081] In the next step S203, it is determined whether the strength of the signal at the start of reception of the opening control signal was weak (step S203). Specifically, if the second vehicle detection communication device 252 receives the signal first, it is determined that the strength of the signal at the start of reception was weak. However, if the first vehicle detection communication device 251 receives the signal from the beginning, it is determined that the strength of the signal at the start of reception was not weak. However, this is just one example, and another configuration, for example, a sensor capable of detecting the signal reception level may be provided and the strength of the signal may be determined based on a threshold. If the strength of the signal at the start of reception was not weak, it means that the vehicle 30 has left the garage. Therefore, in step S204, when reception of the opening control signal stops, the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21 is closed (automatically closed) (step S204). Note that, instead of immediately performing the closing operation when reception of the opening control signal stops, the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21 may be closed (automatically closed) after a predetermined time, such as 5 seconds or 30 seconds, has elapsed since reception of the opening control signal stopped, for safety reasons. On the other hand, if the strength at the start of reception is weak, this means that the vehicle 30 is about to enter the garage, and therefore automatic closing prohibition control is executed to disable the automatic closing control (step S205). The determination of whether to disable the automatic closing control is performed by the control unit 26 of the shutter device 20, but if the remote control 40 receives a response signal from the control unit 26, the control unit 43 of the remote control 40 may also perform the determination process. In this case, the control unit 43 may automatically transmit a stop signal without any operation by the driver.

[0082] If the manual operation switch 45 is pressed twice in succession while the automatic closing prohibition control is being executed, a close control signal is transmitted from the remote control 40, and the control unit 26 determines that the close control signal has been received (step S206). Then, the control unit 26 closes the shutter curtain 21, which is in the open state (step S207). In this case, the closing operation is a manual closing operation performed by operating the remote control 40. Note that instead of operating the remote control 40, the close control signal may be input to the control unit 26 by pressing a push-button type close switch provided near the shutter curtain 21 inside the garage 10, or by operating a card remote control for operating the shutter curtain 21.

[0083] (Example of determining based on the reception time of the release control signal) Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of automatic closing prohibition control using differences in the reception time of an opening control signal. The flowchart in Fig. 12 mainly shows the operation by the control unit 26, but the processing executed by the control unit 43 of the remote control 40 will also be explained here. However, the processing by the remote control 40 is not shown in the flowchart, and some of the detailed determination processing by the control unit 26 is also omitted from the flowchart. Please also refer to the flowcharts in Figs. 8 and 9 as necessary.

[0084] First, in step S301, the control unit 26 waits for reception of an open control signal transmitted from the remote control 40 (step S301), and if an open control signal is received, the process proceeds to the next step S302.

[0085] In order to cause the vehicle 30 to leave the parking lot, with the remote control 40 inserted into the USB female terminal 31 of the vehicle 30, when the ignition key, start switch, power switch, or the like is operated to start the engine of the vehicle 30 or start the EV system, 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, which operates and begins transmitting an opening control signal. Here, the opening control signal is a signal in a predetermined format that includes a code unique to the remote control 40. The shutter device 20 receives the opening control signal, and if the code matches, causes the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21, which is in the closed state, to open (automatically open) (step S302).

[0086] Therefore, when the power switch 44 is in the on position, for example, as shown in Figure 1, when the engine of the vehicle 30 in the garage 10 is started or the EV system is started, the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21, which was in a closed state, will automatically open.

[0087] On the other hand, even when the vehicle 30 approaches the shutter device 20 from the outside to enter the parking lot, the shutter device 20 receives an opening control signal (step S301). If the code unique to the remote control 40 matches, the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21 in the closed state is opened (automatically opened) (step S302).

[0088] In the next step S303, it is determined whether the open control signal has stopped within 60 seconds from the start of reception of the open control signal (step S303). If the open control signal has stopped within 60 seconds from the start of reception of the open control signal, it can be strongly assumed that the vehicle 30 has left the garage. Therefore, in step S304, the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21 is closed (automatically closed) 30 seconds after reception of the open control signal has stopped (step S304). Note that "60 seconds" here is a time longer than the time required for the vehicle 30 to pass through the shutter curtain 21 to leave the garage. However, this time may be set appropriately depending on the size and shape of the garage, and may be set to, for example, 50 seconds or 70 seconds. On the other hand, "30 seconds" is set for safety reasons, but because a situation in which the open control signal stops means that the vehicle 30 is sufficiently far from the garage, it is possible to set it to a shorter time such as "5 seconds" or even to no interval at all, such as "0 seconds."

[0089] On the other hand, "60 seconds" also has the meaning of a time shorter than the time required for the vehicle 30 to pass through the shutter curtain 21 to enter the parking lot after starting to receive the opening control signal. In other words, when entering the parking lot, the opening control signal continues to be received even if 60 seconds have passed since starting to receive the opening control signal. Under this premise, in step S305, it is determined whether 60 seconds have passed since starting to receive the opening control signal (step S305). If 60 seconds have passed, it can be strongly assumed that the vehicle 30 is about to enter the parking lot, and automatic closing prohibition control is executed to disable the automatic closing control (step S306). The control unit 26 of the shutter device 20 determines whether to disable the automatic closing control after counting the reception time. However, if the remote control 40 is capable of counting the reception time, the control unit 43 of the remote control 40 may also perform the determination. In this case, the control unit 43 may automatically transmit a stop signal without any operation by the driver.

[0090] If the manual operation switch 45 is pressed twice in succession while the automatic closing prohibition control is being executed, a close control signal is transmitted from the remote control 40, and the control unit 26 determines that the close control signal has been received (step S307). Then, the control unit 26 closes the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21, which is in the open state (step S308). In this case, the closing operation is a manual closing operation performed by operating the remote control 40. Note that instead of operating the remote control 40, the close control signal may be input to the control unit 26 by pressing a push-button type close switch provided near the shutter curtain 21 inside the garage 10, or by operating a card remote control for operating the shutter curtain 21.

[0091] <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 when it receives power from the vehicle, and the opening / closing control unit is connected to a control communication device that receives control signals including at least the opening control signal and the closing control signal, and executes opening control to open the opening / closing body when it receives the opening control signal, executes closing control to close the opening / closing body when it receives the closing control signal, executes automatic closing control to close the opening / closing body when it no longer receives the opening control signal, and executes automatic closing prohibition control to disable the automatic closing control under predetermined conditions (see Figures 10 to 12). (2) The opening and closing device control system according to (1) is characterized in that the predetermined condition is a case where it is determined that a vehicle is entering the parking lot (see FIGS. 10 to 12). (3) The opening and closing device control system described in (1) (see Figure 12), characterized in that the predetermined condition is when the opening control signal is continuously received for a predetermined time period from the start of reception of the opening control signal. (4) The opening and closing device control system according to any one of (1) to (3) above, characterized in that the automatic closing control can be disabled manually (see FIGS. 10 to 12). (5) The opening and closing device control system according to any one of (1) to (4) (see Figures 10 to 12), characterized in that the remote control transmits the open control signal in response to an open instruction operation by an operator, and transmits the close control signal in response to a close instruction operation by the operator. (6) A system comprising an opening / closing device that opens and closes a garage opening with 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 when it receives power from the vehicle, the opening / closing control unit is connected to a control communication device that receives control signals including the opening control signal, and can determine whether the opening control signal is coming from outside or inside the garage based on the reception status of the control communication device, and the opening / closing control unit executes opening control to open the opening / closing body when it receives the opening control signal, executes automatic closing control to close the opening / closing body when the opening control signal starts to be transmitted from inside the garage and the opening control signal is no longer received, and executes automatic closing prohibition control to disable the automatic closing control when the opening control signal starts to be transmitted from outside the garage (see Figure 10). (7) 11 , a system comprising: an opening / closing device that opens and closes a garage opening with 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 when it receives power from the vehicle; the opening / closing control unit is connected to a control communication device that receives control signals including the opening control signal and is capable of determining the reception strength of the opening control signal based on the reception status of the control communication device; and the opening / closing control unit executes opening control to open the opening / closing body when it receives the opening control signal; executes automatic closing control to close the opening / closing body when it starts to receive the opening control signal at a first predetermined strength or higher and the opening control signal is no longer received; and executes automatic closing prohibition control to disable the automatic closing control when it starts to receive the opening control signal at a second predetermined strength or lower that is weaker than the first predetermined strength (see FIG. 11 ). (8) An opening / closing device control system (see Figure 12) 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 when it receives power from the vehicle, and the opening / closing control unit is connected to a control communication device that receives control signals including the opening control signal, and executes opening control to open the opening / closing body when it receives the opening control signal, executes automatic closing control to close the opening / closing body when it stops receiving the opening control signal within a predetermined time from when it started receiving the opening control signal, and executes automatic closing prohibition control to disable the automatic closing control when it continues to receive the opening control signal beyond the predetermined time from when it started receiving the opening control signal (see Figure 12). (9) The opening / closing device control system described in (8) (see Figure 12) is characterized in that the specified time is set to a time longer than the time required for a vehicle to pass through the opening / closing body to leave the facility and shorter than the time required for a vehicle to pass through the opening / closing body to enter the facility after starting to receive the opening control signal. (10) The opening / closing device control system described in (8) or (9) (see Figure 12) is characterized in that the remote control is capable of sending a signal to cause the opening / closing body to be closed by manual operation by an operator under circumstances in which the opening control signal is no longer received after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of reception of the opening control signal. (11) A remote control that can be attached to a vehicle and is used with 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 is connected to a control communication device that receives control signals including at least an opening control signal and an automatic closing prohibition control signal and controls the opening / closing device, wherein the opening / closing control unit executes opening control to open the opening / closing body when it receives the opening control signal, executes automatic closing control to close the opening / closing body when it no longer receives the opening control signal, and executes automatic closing prohibition control to disable the automatic closing control when it receives the automatic closing prohibition control signal, and the remote control starts sending the opening control signal when it receives power supply from the vehicle, and sends the automatic closing prohibition control signal under predetermined conditions (see Figures 8 to 12). (12) The remote controller according to (11) (see FIGS. 8 to 12) is characterized in that the predetermined condition is when it is determined that the car is entering the garage. (13) The remote control according to (11) (see FIG. 12) is characterized in that the predetermined condition is when the open control signal is continuously received for a predetermined time period from the start of reception of the open control signal. (14) The remote controller according to any one of (11) to (13) (see FIGS. 8 to 12), wherein the automatic closing prohibition control signal is a stop signal that changes the automatic closing control to a manual operation mode. (15) Furthermore, the remote control according to any one of (11) to (14) (see Figures 8 to 12) is characterized in that the open control signal is transmitted in response to an open instruction operation by the operator, and the close control signal is transmitted in response to a close instruction operation by the operator.

[0092] The opening and closing device control system and the remote control used in the system according to the embodiment of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes design changes within the scope of the present invention that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. For example, in this embodiment, the automatic closing control is automatically disabled, but in addition, a special switch may be provided on the remote control so that the automatic closing control can be disabled manually. In cases where a vehicle approaches a garage when the road traffic around the garage is smooth and the garage is completed in an unexpectedly short time, the vehicle may not be determined to have entered the garage. This has the advantage that the driver, aware of this, can reliably disable the automatic closing control. The special switch may also be a two-position switch, configured to restore the automatic closing control once it has been disabled. In a configuration in which the determination is made based on the time it takes for the opening control signal to be received, if for some reason the driver realizes they have left something behind and returns home to retrieve it with the engine still running, delaying the exit, the determination logic may mistakenly determine that the vehicle has entered the parking lot, preventing automatic closing. While manual closing would suffice, it would be necessary to temporarily stop the vehicle, making it convenient to have a function that can restore the control once it has been disabled. Note that in a configuration in which the determination is made based on the transmission direction or reception strength of the opening control signal, a reset means is not required, since incorrect determination is logically impossible. Of course, without providing the special switch, the stop signal from the manual operation switch 45 may also be used as a means for disabling the automatic closing control, as in the embodiment. In this case, however, it is essential that the control unit of the remote control obtains other information on entry and exit. Furthermore, the manual operation switch 45 itself may be omitted, and a configuration may be adopted in which no close control signal is sent from the remote control to the shutter device. In that case, however, in order to close the opening / closing body while the automatic close prohibition control is being executed, it is necessary to press a push button type close switch provided near the shutter curtain, which may impair convenience to some extent. However, even in this embodiment, it is still included in the present invention. It is important to note that the entity responsible for the process of determining whether or not to prohibit automatic closing control can be either the shutter device or the remote control, as explained in the embodiment, and is not something that should be specified as a matter specifying the invention. In other words, it should be fully understood that the important technical significance of the present invention lies in the fact that automatic closing control is appropriately prohibited under predetermined conditions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 10: Garage 11: Opening 20: Shutter device 21: Shutter curtain (opening and closing body) 22: Storage area 23: Winding shaft 24: Opening and closing machine 25: Receiving unit 26: Control unit 31: USB female terminal 40: Remote control 41: Main unit case 42: USB male terminal 43: Control unit 44: Power switch 45: Manual operation switch 46: Information Department 47: Decoration 51: Conversion adapter 51a: Cigarette lighter socket 52: USB extension cable A: Switchgear control system

Claims

1. A system comprising an opening / closing device that opens and closes an opening of a garage 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, The remote controller starts transmitting an open control signal when power is supplied from the vehicle. The opening / closing control unit is connected to a control communication device that receives control signals including at least the opening control signal and the closing control signal, and performs opening control to open the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is received, performs closing control to close the opening / closing body when the closing control signal is received, and performs automatic closing control to close the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is no longer received, Furthermore, under predetermined conditions, an automatic closing prohibition control is executed to disable the automatic closing control. A switching device control system comprising:

2. The predetermined condition is when it is determined that the vehicle is being stored. The switchgear control system according to claim 1 .

3. The predetermined condition is when the open control signal is continuously received for a predetermined period of time from the start of reception of the open control signal. The switchgear control system according to claim 1 .

4. The automatic closing control can also be disabled manually. The switchgear control system according to claim 1 .

5. The remote controller transmits the open control signal in response to an open instruction operation by an operator, and transmits the close control signal in response to a close instruction operation by an operator. The opening and closing device control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A system comprising an opening / closing device that opens and closes an opening of a garage 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, The remote controller starts transmitting an open control signal when power is supplied from the vehicle. The opening / closing control unit is connected to a control communication device that receives control signals including the opening control signal, and can determine whether the opening control signal is transmitted from the outside or inside of the garage based on the reception status of the control communication device, and The opening / closing control unit executes opening control to open the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is received, executes automatic closing control to close the opening / closing body when the opening control signal starts to be transmitted from inside the garage and the opening control signal is no longer received, and executes automatic closing prohibition control to disable the automatic closing control when the opening control signal starts to be transmitted from outside the garage. A switching device control system comprising:

7. A system comprising an opening / closing device that opens and closes an opening of a garage 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, The remote controller starts transmitting an open control signal when power is supplied from the vehicle. The opening / closing control unit is connected to a control communication device that receives control signals including the opening control signal, and is capable of determining the reception strength of the opening control signal based on the reception status of the control communication device, and The opening / closing control unit executes opening control to open the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is received, executes automatic closing control to close the opening / closing body when the opening control signal begins to be received at a first predetermined intensity or higher and the opening control signal is no longer received, and executes automatic closing prohibition control to disable the automatic closing control when the opening control signal begins to be received at a second predetermined intensity or lower that is weaker than the first predetermined intensity. A switching device control system comprising:

8. A system comprising an opening / closing device that opens and closes an opening of a garage 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, The remote controller starts transmitting an open control signal when power is supplied from the vehicle. The opening / closing control unit is connected to a control communication device that receives control signals including the opening control signal, and executes opening control to open the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is received, executes automatic closing control to close the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is no longer received within a predetermined time from the start of reception of the opening control signal, and executes automatic closing prohibition control to disable the automatic closing control when the opening control signal is continuously received beyond the predetermined time from the start of reception of the opening control signal. A switching device control system comprising:

9. The predetermined time is set to be longer than the time required for the vehicle to pass through the opening / closing body in order to leave the parking lot, and shorter than the time required for the vehicle to pass through the opening / closing body in order to enter the parking lot after starting to receive the opening control signal. The switchgear control system according to claim 8 .

10. The remote controller is capable of transmitting a signal for causing the opening / closing body to perform a closing operation by manual operation by an operator under a circumstance in which the opening / closing body does not perform a closing operation when the opening control signal is no longer received after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of reception of the opening control signal.

10. The switching device control system according to claim 8 or 9.

11. A remote control that can be attached to a vehicle and is used with a system that includes an opening / closing device that opens and closes an opening of a garage with an opening / closing body, and an opening / closing control unit that is connected to a control communication device that receives control signals including at least an opening control signal and an automatic closing prohibition control signal and controls the opening / closing device, the opening / closing control unit executes opening control to open the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is received, executes automatic closing control to close the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is no longer received, and executes automatic closing prohibition control to disable the automatic closing control when the automatic closing prohibition control signal is received, The remote controller starts transmitting an opening control signal when power is supplied from the vehicle, and transmits the automatic closing prohibition control signal under a predetermined condition. A remote control characterized by:

12. The predetermined condition is when it is determined that the vehicle is being stored.

12. The remote control according to claim 11.

13. The predetermined condition is when the open control signal is continuously received for a predetermined period of time from the start of reception of the open control signal.

12. The remote control according to claim 11.

14. The automatic closing prohibition control signal is a stop signal that changes the automatic closing control to a manual operation mode.

12. The remote control according to claim 11.

15. Furthermore, the open control signal is transmitted in response to an open instruction operation by the operator, and the close control signal is transmitted in response to a close instruction operation by the operator. The remote control according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

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