Opening / closing device control system and remote controller

Abstract

To provide an opening / closing device control system that makes it possible to set an appropriate operation pattern for an opening / closing body for each specific position based on the garage.SOLUTION: A system including an opening / closing device that causes an opening / closing body to open / close a garage opening, a remote controller that can be attached to a vehicle, and an opening / closing control unit that receives an opening / closing control signal from the remote controller to control the opening / closing, the opening / closing control unit being configured to control the opening and closing by communicating with the remote controller via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) and also perform positioning of the remote controller, and the positioning being performed by setting the received radio wave strength to one of three levels: strong, medium, and weak, both the opening and closing operations of the opening / closing body being permitted only when the received radio wave strength is at the medium level.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, in the automatic opening / closing mode, 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 automatically closes. 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 the garage shutter device automatically closes. In addition, in the switch operation mode, the opening / closing control system can also allow the driver to operate the remote control to cause the garage shutter device to perform opening and closing operations. [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-mentioned conventional technology, the opening operation is performed depending on whether or not an opening control signal is received, so the shutter may be opened unintentionally while the driver is driving near the house without intending to enter the parking lot after returning home, which poses a security problem. Also, the communication range of specified low-power radio waves varies depending on the environment, and the opening control signal may reach the driver from a considerable distance, so automatic closing of the shutter when leaving the parking lot also poses a security problem. In addition, while it is convenient and desirable for the shutter to close automatically when the vehicle moves away from the garage when leaving, there is also the problem that when the vehicle finally enters the garage, there is a demand to be able to see the shutter close with one's own eyes, but automatic closing is not desirable. For this reason, there was a request to eliminate the automatic closing function when entering the garage. Furthermore, there is also the problem that the shutter may close unintentionally if the remote control is operated incorrectly in switch operation mode or if radio waves are lost due to communication failure or the like.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an opening / closing device control system and a remote control to be used in the system that enable setting of an appropriate operating pattern of an opening / closing body for each specific position based on the garage. [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 the 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 receives an opening / closing control signal from the remote control and controls the opening and closing of the opening / closing device, wherein the opening / closing control unit controls the opening and closing by communicating with the remote control via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) and also performs positioning of the remote control, and the positioning is performed by setting the received radio wave strength to one of three levels: strong, medium, and weak, and both the opening and closing operations of the opening / closing body are permitted only when the received radio wave strength is at the medium level. Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the opening operation is prohibited when the received radio wave intensity is at a weak level. Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the closing operation is prohibited when the received radio wave intensity is at a strong level.

[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 the 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 receives an opening / closing control signal from the remote control and controls the opening and closing of the opening / closing device, wherein the opening / closing control unit controls the opening and closing by communicating with the remote control via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), and also performs positioning of the remote control, and the positioning is set to three levels: short distance, medium distance, and long distance, based on the garage, and only in the medium distance case is both the opening and closing operations of the opening / closing body permitted.

[0008] 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, a remote control that can be attached to the vehicle, and an opening / closing control unit that receives an opening / closing control signal from the remote control and controls the opening and closing of the opening / closing device, wherein the remote control communicates with the opening / closing control unit via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), and positioning is performed by the opening / closing control unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to provide an opening / closing device control system and a remote control used in the system that enable setting an appropriate operating pattern of the opening / closing body for each specific position based on the garage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [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] 3 is a schematic diagram showing three levels of received radio wave intensity set in the opening / closing device control system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] Schematic diagrams showing the relative positions of the garage and the vehicle, where (a) shows the vehicle leaving the garage, and (b) shows the vehicle traveling near the garage. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph illustrating free space basic propagation loss in BLE communication. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing a remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a side view showing a remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are plan views showing 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 8]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 of a drive recorder, and (b) shows how the remote control is connected to a USB female terminal on a front panel via a USB extension cable. [Figure 9] These are schematic diagrams to explain the state of radio wave strength when a BLE communication signal leaves the vehicle. Fig. 9(a) shows the state when the remote control is placed near the center console, and Fig. 9(b) shows the state when the remote control is placed near the windshield. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control of a remote control operation. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control of a remote control operation. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the automatic opening and closing operation of the shutter device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <Overall system configuration> FIG. 1 shows a garage door opener 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 using a shutter curtain 21, and a remote control 40 that controls the shutter device 20 via BLE communication.

[0013] 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.

[0014] The shutter device 20 includes a shutter curtain 21 that opens and closes vertically to separate or open a space; a storage section 22 that stores and unrolls the shutter curtain 21 on the opening side; 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 transceiver 25 that receives BLE control signals issued from a remote control 40; and a control unit 26 that controls the opening / closing mechanism 24 in response to the BLE control signals. BLE communication consumes approximately 200 μA of current during standby and approximately 1 mA during communication, contributing to power conservation. The transceiver 25 on the shutter device 20 is the central (parent device), and the transceiver on the remote control 40 is the peripheral (child device). If the garage 10 is intended to accommodate two or more vehicles, a plurality of remote controls 40 will be provided, forming a plurality of peripherals (child devices) in BLE communication.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The control unit 26 receives an opening / closing control signal transmitted from the transceiver unit 25 and performs opening / closing control. The control unit 26 also determines the location of the target vehicle from among three preset areas based on the received signal strength indicator (RSSI), i.e., the strength of the radio waves received via wireless communication. The control unit 26 then automatically controls the opening or closing of the opening / closing mechanism according to the location of the target vehicle. This will be described later. The control unit 26 also prohibits the opening operation when the received radio wave strength is weak, prohibits the closing operation when the received radio wave strength is strong, and permits both the opening and closing operations only when the received radio wave strength is medium. Specifically, the vehicle location area based on the radio wave signal strength is set, for example, as follows:

[0017] <Three-level setting for received signal strength> Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of three levels of received radio wave strength set in a switching device control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between a garage and a vehicle, where (a) shows the state when the vehicle is leaving the garage, and (b) shows the state while the vehicle is traveling near the garage. Fig. 4 is a graph showing the free space basic propagation loss of BLE communication.

[0018] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the received signal strength level is set in three stages: a strong signal level is in the range of 0 to 6 m from the garage, a medium signal level is in the range of more than 6 m to 10 m from the garage, and a weak signal level is in the range of more than 10 m from the garage. Looking at these three stages in terms of RSSI, assuming that the BLE transmission power is 0 dBm, the strong signal level is more than -56 dBm, the medium signal level is more than -60 dBm to -56 dBm, and the weak signal level is -60 dBm or less. There are two background circumstances behind setting 6 m and 10 m as the thresholds in this way.

[0019] (1) Circumstances related to the behavior of the vehicle In this embodiment, the shutter is not automatically closed when the vehicle is parked, but it is possible to close the shutter by operating the remote control. In this case, there is a possibility that the remote control may be operated incorrectly. As shown in Figure 3(a), if the shutter's descent line (substantially directly below where the receiver is installed) is set to 0 m, it is desirable that the shutter does not close within a range of ±6 m, which is the total length of the vehicle plus α, i.e., the closing operation of the shutter device is prohibited. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(b), if the shutter and the vehicle are somewhat close to each other, for example, if the shutter's descent line (the position almost directly below the receiver) is set to 0 m and the distance is between 6 m and 10 m, it is highly likely that the driver is trying to enter the parking lot, so it is desirable to be able to perform both opening and closing operations. On the other hand, if there is a vehicle within a distance of more than 10 meters, it may just be that the vehicle is passing by the residence and is not planning to return home and enter the parking lot, so it is best not to open the shutter unnecessarily.

[0020] (2) Characteristics of free space basic propagation loss in BLE communication Figure 4 is a graph used to explain the free-space basic propagation loss of BLE communication. However, it shows the attenuation characteristics of Bluetooth (Classic) and 2.4 GHz connections, rather than the BLE connection itself. However, it is safe to assume that the characteristics are nearly identical. As can be seen from the graph, the dynamic range is wide in the 0-10 m range, making system design easy. Furthermore, as explained earlier, it is easy to accommodate differences in behavior depending on the distance from the garage.

[0021] For these reasons, in this embodiment, the received radio wave strength level is set in three stages: a strong signal level in the range of 0 to 6 m from the garage, a medium signal level in the range of 6 m to 10 m from the garage, and a weak signal level in the range of more than 10 m from the garage. However, this is merely an example. In a large mansion where the approach to the garage from the public road is several tens of meters long, or in a suburban or rural area, the behavior of the car will be different from the above-described behavior. Therefore, it is desirable to set the three levels appropriately depending on the situation. Even if the difficulty of system design increases somewhat, it is possible to design it as long as the propagation loss is a gradually decreasing curve.

[0022] <About the remote control> (Structure and function of the remote control) In the illustrated example, vehicle 30 is a typical passenger car, but has a drive recorder installed above the windshield, and the drive recorder has a USB female terminal 31 into which remote control 40 is inserted. 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 5, 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 reception 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 a 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 6 and 7). 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 transmitting / receiving circuit for BLE communication, a control circuit that operates this transmitting / receiving 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. Of course, this control unit 43 is provided in a position that avoids interference with the USB male terminal 42. The transmitting / receiving 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 emitted 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] 7, 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. 6, 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.

[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. 7(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. 7(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. 7, 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 placed in a vehicle by inserting its USB male terminal into the USB female terminal 31 of the drive recorder DR, which is installed above the windshield of the vehicle, to receive power (see FIG. 8(a)). In the case of a vehicle that does not have a drive recorder DR, when power is supplied from the USB female terminal 31 provided on the front panel of the vehicle, the remote control 40 is placed above the dashboard using a USB extension cable 52 having a USB female terminal on one end and an L-shaped USB male terminal on the other end (see FIG. 8(b)). Alternatively, a cable may be laid inside the front panel of the vehicle, and the USB female terminal for power supply may be located near the rearview mirror. In either case, it is important to place the remote control 40 as close to the windshield as possible. The reason for this will be explained below.

[0039] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram to explain the state of radio wave strength when a BLE communication signal leaves the vehicle. Figure 9(a) shows the state when the remote control is placed near the center console, and Figure 9(b) shows the state when the remote control is placed near the windshield. In Figure 9(a), the radio waves emitted from the remote control are scattered by the metal frame of the car, and the reflected waves weaken each other's strength.Additionally, they are attenuated when passing through the windshield, and the final signal becomes quite weak. On the other hand, in FIG. 9(b), although the radio waves emitted from the remote control are attenuated when passing through the windshield, they are hardly affected by diffused reflection and are therefore strong. Conventional switching device control systems that use specific low power identify whether or not radio waves are reaching them and create two states, open or closed, so even if the radio wave strength changes, the closing distance varies, but this does not pose a significant problem in building the system. However, in this embodiment, in order to create three states depending on the radio wave strength, it is important to suppress radio wave attenuation.

[0040] The remote control 40 can normally be placed in automatic mode by simply turning on the power switch 44, and even when placed in switch operation mode, it has good operability thanks to the single-point manual operation switch 45. In particular, because a close signal is transmitted by multiple presses of the single-point manual operation switch 45, it is possible to prevent the shutter device from unintentionally closing when the close switch is operated by interference with an object, as in conventional technology that provides an independent close switch. Moreover, in this embodiment, when the radio wave intensity of the BLE signal is strong, close control based on the close signal from the remote control 40 is prohibited, so that erroneous close operations in dangerous areas are prevented from occurring in the first place.

[0041] Returning to the detailed description of the remote control, the notification unit 46 has excellent visibility because it is exposed in a semicircular shape at the rear, and this notification unit 46 makes it easy to understand the operating state of the shutter device 20. Note that, while in the above embodiment the notification unit 46 is a light-emitting device, 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.

[0042] 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.

[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] 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.

[0045] (Remote control operation) Next, the operation of the remote control 40 will be described in detail. Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of control of the remote control operation, and show the operation by the control unit 43. The flowcharts in Figures 10 and 11 mainly show the operation by the control unit 43, but here we will also explain the processing executed in cooperation with the control unit 26 of the shutter device 20. However, not all of the processing by the control unit 26 is shown in the flowcharts. 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 vehicle power-linked USB female terminal 31 of the drive recorder DR mounted on the vehicle 30, power is supplied from the USB female terminal 31 to the remote control 40. 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 driver that the operation of the remote control 40 has started.

[0047] Then, in step S3, the control unit 43 goes into automatic mode and starts transmitting an opening control signal. Opening and closing control in automatic mode when leaving the parking lot will be described later, but to briefly describe the situation when entering the parking lot, when the vehicle 30 approaches the shutter device 20 from the outside to enter the parking lot, the shutter curtain 21 opens when the radio wave strength drops from a weak to a medium level, and the engine is turned off inside the vehicle 30 once parking is complete. In conventional technology using specified low-power radio, when the shutter device stops receiving the opening control signal whether entering or leaving the parking lot, the shutter curtain automatically closes after a predetermined time has elapsed, but in this embodiment, automatic closing is prohibited when entering the parking lot.

[0048] 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.

[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 proceeds to the next step S6.

[0050] In step S6, as shown in FIG. 11, 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 S21; 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 S15.

[0054] In step S10, it is determined whether the received radio wave strength is strong. If it is strong, the closing operation is prohibited, and the process returns to step S9. On the other hand, if the radio wave strength is not strong but medium or weak, the closing operation is not prohibited, and so in step S11, the remote control 40 transmits a closing control signal, which is a signal for operating the shutter device 20 in one direction (closing operation in the illustrated example). Having received the closing control signal, the shutter device 20 drives the opening / closing mechanism 24 to operate the shutter curtain 21 in that one direction (closing direction).

[0055] In the next step S12, 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.

[0056] In the next step S13, 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 S21; if not, the process proceeds to the next step S14.

[0057] In step S14, 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 S13.

[0058] In step S21, 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.

[0059] As described above, according to the above steps S7 to S14, S21, 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 unless the vehicle is near the garage (within 0 to 6 m from the garage), 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).

[0060] On the other hand, in step S15, 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 S16, and if not, the process returns to step S8.

[0061] In step S16, it is determined whether the received radio wave strength is at a weak level. If it is at a weak level, the opening operation is prohibited, and the process returns to step S15. On the other hand, if the radio wave strength is at a medium level rather than a weak level, the opening operation is not prohibited, and so in step S17, 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). Upon receiving the opening control signal, the shutter device 20 drives the opening / closing mechanism 24 to operate the shutter curtain 21 in the other direction (opening direction).

[0062] In the next step S18, 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.

[0063] Next, in step S19, 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 S21; if not, the process proceeds to the next step S20.

[0064] In step S20, 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 S19.

[0065] As described above, according to steps S7 to S9, S15 to S20, 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 will be opened and the LED output will be switched to a continuous green light unless the vehicle is far from the garage (within a range of 10 m or more from the garage), and by pressing the manual operation switch 45 once while the LED is flashing green (for 20 seconds or less), a stop signal will be output and the LED output will be switched back to a 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). The manual operation described above is suitable for drivers who want to check the shutter status with their own eyes. Anxious drivers may be anxious about whether the shutter will actually close after leaving the parking lot. The control of the embodiment can accommodate the desire of drivers who want to check with their own eyes that the shutter has been manually closed before starting their drive.

[0066] <Shutter device opening and closing operation in automatic mode> The opening and closing control in automatic mode when leaving the garage, which will be described later, will be explained. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the opening and closing operation of the shutter device in automatic mode. The flowchart in Fig. 12 mainly shows the operation by the control unit 26, but here we will also explain the processing executed by the control unit 43 of the remote control 40. However, the processing by the remote control 40 is not shown in the flowchart.

[0067] 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.

[0068] In order to cause vehicle 30 to leave the parking lot, remote control 40 is inserted into vehicle power-linked USB female terminal 31 of drive recorder DR mounted on vehicle 30. When the ignition key, start switch, power switch, etc. are operated to start the engine of vehicle 30 or start the EV system, power is supplied to remote control 40 from USB female terminal 31. Then, if power switch 44 of remote control 40 is in the ON position, the power is supplied to control unit 43, which operates and starts transmitting an open control signal. Here, the open control signal is a signal in a predetermined format that includes a code unique to remote control 40, etc.

[0069] If it is determined in step S102 that the signal strength is at a weak level, the opening operation is prohibited, and the process returns to step S101. This is the case when the vehicle 30 is traveling outside the garage, and this will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the signal strength is not at a weak level from the time the opening control signal started to be received, this means that the signal strength is at a strong level and the vehicle is about to leave the garage, and therefore the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21, which is in the closed state, is opened (automatically opened) (step S103).

[0070] 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.

[0071] On the other hand, even when the vehicle 30 approaches the shutter device 20 from the outside, the shutter device 20 receives an opening control signal (step S101). Then, if the code unique to the remote control 40 matches, it is determined whether the received radio wave strength is at a weak level (step S102). If it is at a weak level, the vehicle is approaching the garage, but this does not necessarily mean that the vehicle has returned home to enter the garage, so the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21 is not yet opened. If the radio wave strength changes from a weak level to a medium level, it means that there is a high possibility that the vehicle will enter the garage, so the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21 is opened (automatically opened) (step S103).

[0072] After automatic opening, if it is determined that the radio wave strength has changed from a strong level to a medium level and then to a weak level (step S104), the vehicle has sufficiently moved away from the garage, and in the next step S105, the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21 is closed (automatically closed). On the other hand, when entering the garage, the radio wave strength eventually reaches a strong level, so automatic closing does not occur. Furthermore, in this embodiment, automatic closing is prohibited even if the radio wave strength suddenly changes from a strong level to zero level. This is to prevent the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21 from unintentionally closing if some kind of failure occurs and the power supply to the remote control 40 is cut off. The distinction from when the vehicle is leaving the garage can be determined by whether the radio wave strength has passed through a medium level state.

[0073] In this way, the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21 does not close automatically when entering the garage. Also, as explained above, even if the mode is switched to the switch operation mode, the shutter curtain (opening / closing body) 21 cannot be closed because a close command from the remote control 40 is prohibited. In this case, the closing operation is performed by inputting a close control signal 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. Operations by these operating means take priority over control signals from the remote control 40, and are not prohibited from operating.

[0074] <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 receives an opening / closing control signal from the remote control and controls the opening / closing of the opening / closing device, wherein the opening / closing control unit performs opening / closing control and locates the remote control by communicating with the remote control via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), and the locating is performed by setting the received radio wave strength to one of three levels: strong, medium, and weak, and both the opening and closing operations of the opening / closing body are permitted only when the received radio wave strength is medium (see Figure 11). (2) The opening and closing device control system according to (1) (see FIG. 11) is characterized in that the opening operation is prohibited when the received radio wave intensity is at a weak level. (3) The opening and closing device control system according to (1) or (2) (see FIG. 11), characterized in that the closing operation is prohibited when the received radio wave intensity is at a strong level. (4) The opening and closing device control system according to (3) (see FIG. 11) is characterized in that the closing operation is also prohibited when the received radio wave intensity changes from a strong level to a zero level. (5) The remote control starts transmitting an opening control signal by receiving power from the vehicle, and the opening / closing control unit opens the opening / closing body when it starts receiving the opening control signal with a strong received radio wave strength, and then closes the opening / closing body when the received radio wave strength decreases from a strong level to a medium level and then to a weak level while receiving the opening control signal, and the opening / closing control unit does not open the opening / closing body when it starts receiving the opening control signal with a weak received radio wave strength, but opens the opening / closing body when the received radio wave strength increases from a weak level to a medium level while receiving the opening control signal (see Figure 12). (6) The opening and closing device control system according to any one of (1) to (5) is characterized in that the remote controller is installed near the windshield of the vehicle when in use (see FIGS. 8 to 9). (7) The opening and closing device control system according to (6) (see FIGS. 8 and 9) is characterized in that the remote controller is supplied with power from a power supply outlet of the drive recorder. (8) A system comprising an opening / closing device that opens and closes the 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 receives an opening / closing control signal from the remote control and controls the opening / closing of the opening / closing device, wherein the opening / closing control unit performs opening / closing control and also performs positioning of the remote control by communicating with the remote control via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), and the positioning is set to three levels: short distance, medium distance, and long distance, with the garage as the base, and only in the medium distance case is both the opening and closing operations of the opening / closing body permitted (see Figure 11). (9) A remote control that can be attached to a vehicle and is used in conjunction with a system that includes 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 receives an opening / closing control signal from the remote control and controls the opening and closing of the opening / closing device, wherein the remote control communicates with the opening / closing control unit via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), and positioning is performed by the opening / closing control unit (see Figure 11).

[0075] 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 the embodiment, the remote control is described as being placed near the windshield, but it is not impossible to place it near the center console as in the past. Although radio waves are attenuated, the level can be set to a strong level, a medium level, or a weak level taking this into consideration. Here, a functional configuration may be adopted in which the level can be set not only at the time of product shipment but also after shipment. In addition, in the embodiment, RSSI is used for positioning to set three distance levels based on the garage: short distance, medium distance, and long distance. However, it is also possible to use angle-based positioning technology such as AoA (Angle of Arrival) or AoD (Angle of Departure) that uses the phase of radio waves after preparing multiple antennas. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the closing operation is prohibited when the received radio wave intensity is strong, but if the shutter device is provided with a closing prohibition means that operates in conjunction with the obstacle detection means, it is possible to omit the prohibition operation in cooperation with the remote control, and such an embodiment is also included in the scope of the present invention. Although a separate obstacle detection sensor is required, which increases costs, there is a significant advantage in that manual operation using the remote control within the garage is possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 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: Transmitter / receiver 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 52: USB extension cable A: Switchgear control system DR: Drive recorder

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 receives an opening / closing control signal from the remote control and controls the opening / closing of the opening / closing device, The opening / closing control unit performs opening / closing control and performs positioning of the remote controller by performing BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication with the remote controller, The positioning is performed by setting the received radio wave intensity to three levels: strong level, medium level, and weak level, Only when the received radio wave strength is at a medium level, both the opening and closing operations of the opening / closing body are permitted. A switching device control system comprising:

2. When the received signal strength is weak, opening is prohibited. The switchgear control system according to claim 1 .

3. When the received signal strength is strong, the closing operation is prohibited. The switching device control system according to claim 2 .

4. Closing is also prohibited when the received radio wave strength drops from a strong level to zero. The switching device control system according to claim 3 .

5. The remote controller starts transmitting an open control signal when power is supplied from the vehicle. The opening / closing control unit opens the opening / closing body when reception of the opening control signal is started when the received radio wave intensity is at a strong level, and then closes the opening / closing body when the received radio wave intensity decreases from a strong level to a medium level and then to a weak level while receiving the opening control signal, and The opening / closing control unit does not open the opening / closing body when reception of the opening control signal is started at a weak level of received radio wave intensity, but opens the opening / closing body when the received radio wave intensity increases from a weak level to a medium level during reception of the opening control signal. The switchgear control system according to claim 1 .

6. The remote control is installed near the windshield of the vehicle when in use.

6. A switching device control system according to claim 1, 3 or 5.

7. The remote control is supplied with power from the power supply socket of the drive recorder.

7. The switching device control system according to claim 6.

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 receives an opening / closing control signal from the remote control and controls the opening / closing of the opening / closing device, The opening / closing control unit performs opening / closing control and performs positioning of the remote controller by performing BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication with the remote controller, The positioning is set to three levels, short distance, medium distance, and long distance, with the garage as the reference point; Only in the case of a medium distance, both the opening and closing operations of the opening / closing body are permitted. A switching device control system comprising:

9. A remote control that can be attached to a vehicle and that is used with a system that includes 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 receives an opening / closing control signal from the remote control and controls the opening and closing of the opening / closing device, The remote controller communicates with the opening / closing control unit via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and the opening / closing control unit performs positioning. A remote control characterized by:

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