Switching device control system

Abstract

This invention provides a switchgear control system and a remote control for it that can prevent malfunctions and problems even if the connection to the power supply line is interrupted. [Solution] A system comprising an opening / closing device that opens and closes the opening of a garage by an opening / closing body, a remote control that can be attached to a vehicle, an information processing device that communicates with the remote control and can be attached to a location inside the vehicle different from where the remote control is attached, and an opening / closing control unit that controls the opening / closing device, wherein the remote control starts transmitting an opening control signal when power is supplied from the vehicle, the opening / closing control unit has a control communication device that receives control signals, including the opening control signal, directly from the remote control or indirectly via the information processing device, opens the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is not received, and closes the opening / closing body when the opening and closing operations are performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening / closing device control system for controlling an opening / closing device that opens and closes an opening of a garage with an opening / closing body (shutter).

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in this type of invention, as described in Patent Document 1 for example, a wireless transmission circuit using a specific power-saving wireless method is provided in a detachable case for a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle, and when power supply from the cigarette lighter socket is received by operating an ignition key, there is a remote control and an opening / closing device control system configured to continuously transmit an opening control signal including a control signal in a predetermined format. According to this remote control and opening / closing device control system, the garage shutter device can be appropriately opened and closed according to conditions such as whether the opening control signal is received by the garage shutter device or not. In addition, in this remote control and opening / closing device control system, when the vehicle returns home, the system is configured to receive an opening control signal as the vehicle approaches the garage, and the garage shutter device is configured to perform an opening operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, it has become common for devices used inside vehicles to be powered by USB female ports rather than cigarette lighter sockets, and remote controls for opening / closing device control systems are now also being designed to connect to USB female ports. While some USB female ports are located in positions visible to the driver, others are located in places invisible to the driver, such as inside the console box. Incidentally, when the remote control for the opening / closing device control system is transmitting, for example, an opening control signal, a light-emitting part on the remote control lights up or flashes to let the driver know that it is in operation. However, if the remote control is installed in a location that is not visible to the driver, such as inside the console box, it is not possible to adequately confirm whether the opening / closing control system is functioning properly.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an open / close device control system that can reliably confirm whether or not the open / close device control system is operating properly, even when the remote control for the open / close device control system is mounted in a position where it cannot be seen by the operator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In view of these challenges, the present invention has the following configuration. A system comprising: an opening / closing device for opening and closing a garage opening with an opening / closing body; a remote control that can be mounted on a vehicle; an information processing device that communicates with the remote control and can be mounted in a location inside the vehicle different from the location where the remote control is mounted; and an opening / closing control unit that controls the opening / closing device, wherein the remote control starts transmitting an opening control signal when power is supplied from the vehicle; the opening / closing control unit has a control communication device that receives control signals, including the opening control signal, directly from the remote control or indirectly via the information processing device; when the opening control signal is received, the opening / closing body is opened; when the opening control signal is no longer received, the opening / closing body is closed; and the information processing device notifies when the opening operation and the closing operation are performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As described above, the present invention provides a switchgear control system that can reliably confirm whether the switchgear control system is operating correctly, even when the remote control for the switchgear control system is mounted in a position where it cannot be seen by the operator. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a switchgear control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle detection area set in an opening / closing device control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a side view of a remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of a remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the off state and (b) shows the on state. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]A flowchart shows an example of remote control control according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is the flowchart that follows Figure 7. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of control using a remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention when the power supply from the vehicle is cut off. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0010] <First Embodiment> (Overall structure) Figure 1 shows a garage opening / closing device control system A equipped with a remote control according to the present invention. This opening / closing device control system A includes a shutter device 20 that opens and closes the opening 11 of the garage 10 with a shutter curtain 21, a remote control 40 that transmits wireless signals to directly or indirectly control the shutter device 20, and an information processing device 50 that communicates with the remote control 40. The information processing device 50 may be configured as an alarm that functions only to receive control signals from the remote control 40 and inform the operator of the control status, or it may be configured as a relay that transmits control signals from the remote control 40 to a communication device 250 for opening and closing control of the shutter device 20. In the former configuration, the remote control 40 directly controls the shutter device 20, and in the latter configuration, the remote control 40 indirectly controls the shutter device 20. The first embodiment will be described mainly on the premise that the information processing device 50 is an alarm.

[0011] The garage 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped space with an outdoor side surface as an opening 11, and is formed, for example, in the first floor part of a building or the like. Above the opening 11, a storage part 22 of the shutter device 20 is installed. Further, the garage 10 is, for example, an open-air garage without a roof or enclosure, and in some cases, the shutter device 20 is erected by a support column or the like at a location corresponding to the entrance and exit of the garage, and the opening is formed by a steel member of the shutter itself. Furthermore, the garage 10 can also be a collective parking lot having one or more entrances and exits.

[0012] The shutter device 20 includes a shutter curtain 21 that opens and closes in the vertical direction so as to partition or open a space, a storage part 22 that stores and pays out the shutter curtain 21 on the opening direction side, a guide rail (not shown) that surrounds the end part in the lateral width direction of the shutter curtain 21 and guides it in the opening and closing direction, a winding shaft 23 that winds up and pays out the shutter curtain 21 in the storage part 22, an opening and closing machine 24 (for example, a motor or the like) that drives and rotates the winding shaft 23, a receiving part 25 that receives a wireless control signal emitted from a remote control 40 (or, in the second embodiment described later, an information processing device 50), and a control part 26 that controls the opening and closing machine 24 according to the wireless control signal.

[0013] The shutter curtain 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view from, for example, metal slats or the like, and slides in the vertical direction by being wound up and paid out by the winding shaft 23 in the storage part 22, thereby opening and closing the opening 11.

[0014] The receiving part 25 is depicted as one in FIGS. 1 and 2, but is composed of three transceivers, namely, an opening and closing control communication machine 250, a first vehicle detection communication machine 251, and a second vehicle detection communication machine 252. The opening and closing control communication machine 250 is an electric circuit that receives a transmission signal emitted from a remote control 40 (or, in the second embodiment described later, an information processing device 50) and transfers a control command included in the transmission signal to the control part 26, and is composed of, for example, a specific low-power wireless module or the like.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, the first vehicle detection communication device 251 and the second vehicle detection communication device 252 have different reception sensitivities, so that the first vehicle detection communication device 251 has a communication range of about 50 m in the first area R1 of the garage, and the second vehicle detection communication device 252 has a communication range of about 100 m in the second area R2 of the garage.

[0016] The control unit 26 is an electric circuit composed of, for example, a microcomputer, a storage device, a relay circuit, etc., and operates according to a program stored in advance. The control unit 26 is electrically connected to a reception unit 25 (the opening / closing control communication device 250, the first vehicle detection communication device 251, and the second vehicle detection communication device 252), an obstacle detection sensor (not shown), and other sensors, and appropriately controls the opening / closing machine 24 according to signals from the opening / closing control communication device 250 and the sensors. Further, when the control unit 26 receives the weak radio wave emitted by the remote control 40, first, the second vehicle detection communication device 252 detects the vehicle 30, and then, when the first vehicle detection communication device 251 detects the vehicle 30, the control unit 26 stores the history information that the detection has been performed in this order, and determines that the vehicle 30 is approaching the garage 10 in order to enter the garage based on the history information. Different from this, when the history information starts from the detection of the vehicle 30 by the first vehicle detection communication device 251, it is determined that the vehicle 30 is parked in the garage 10. The control unit 26 is also configured to perform a transmission process of outputting a response signal in order to transmit information indicating that the second vehicle detection communication device 252 and the first vehicle detection communication device 251 have detected the vehicle 30 in this order to the remote control 40 (or the information processing device 50 described later) in the vehicle 30. The response signal is transmitted only at the timing when the first vehicle detection communication device 251 and the second vehicle detection communication device 252 detect the vehicle 30 from a state where the vehicle 30 has not been detected, and is not continuously transmitted while the vehicle 30 is being detected.

[0017] Vehicle 30, as shown in the illustration, is a typical passenger car equipped with one or more USB female terminals 31 in the console box, and a remote control 40 is plugged into one of these USB female terminals 31. An information processing device 50 is mounted on the dashboard of vehicle 30 and is powered by the ACC power supply. The information processing device 50 has a built-in internal power supply (a rechargeable secondary battery in this embodiment).

[0018] (Remote control configuration) 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 located within the main body case 41 that performs transmission processing such as an open control signal for automatically operating the shutter device 20 by power supply from the USB male terminal 42, power outage processing when the power supply from the vehicle is interrupted, and appropriate reception and judgment processing, 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 alert unit 46 that outputs an alert in response to the operation of the power switch 44 and / or the manual operation switch 45, the occurrence of a power outage, or the occurrence of specific conditions during a power outage, and multiple types of decorative bodies 47 that can be attached to and detached from the power switch 44. The remote control 40 also has a built-in internal power supply (a rechargeable secondary battery in this embodiment) so that it can perform power outage processing.

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

[0020] The thickness T, front-to-back length L, and width W of the main case 41 are set to be within a range of 2 to 3 times the thickness t, protruding portion length I, and width w of the USB male connector 42 (see Figures 4-5). While the aforementioned dimensional range represents a particularly preferred range, it goes without saying that other dimensions are also applicable.

[0021] In the illustrated example, the main case 41 is constructed by joining two members that can be separated in the thickness direction to form a single hollow structure. However, as an alternative, it may be constructed from two members that can be separated in the front-to-back direction or width direction, or from three or more members.

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

[0023] The control unit 43 is composed of a roughly rectangular electronic circuit board and includes a wireless transmission circuit using a specific low-power wireless system, a control circuit that operates this wireless transmission circuit in response to signals from power input and manual operation switches 45, and a memory device that stores a program and unique code for the vehicle 30 to operate this control circuit. The control unit 43 transmits manual control signals (stop signal, open signal, close signal, etc.) that control the operation of the shutter device 20 according to the manual operation pattern (specifically, the number of times the switch is pressed) for the single-point manual operation switch 45. Furthermore, the control unit 43 receives response signals from the second vehicle detection communication device 252 and the first vehicle detection communication device 251 of the opening / closing device control system A in that order, and performs a determination process to determine that the specific condition that vehicle 30 is approaching the garage 10 has been met. This control unit 43 is, of course, positioned to avoid interference with the USB male terminal 42. Furthermore, the transmitting unit (antenna, etc.) of this control unit 43 is preferably positioned as far away from the USB male terminal 42 as possible, and more preferably closer to the front (top) side of the main unit case 41 than the back side, so as not to adversely affect the transmitted radio waves.

[0024] Furthermore, the power switch 44 is a slide switch that turns on when the USB male terminal 42 is slid in the insertion direction and turns off when slid in the reverse direction. It is slidably mounted on the main body case 41 and is electrically connected to the control circuit of the control unit 43.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5, the power switch 44 is formed in a plan view as a disc shape with a diameter approximately the same width as the main body case 41, and covers the rear half of the upper surface of the main body case 41 with the same width as the rear half. That is, as shown in Figure 5(a), the plan view shape of the rear half of the power switch 44 is formed as a semicircle in plan view, the same as the plan view shape of the rear half of the main body case 41. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the rear end of the power switch 44 is positioned approximately flush with the rear end surface of the main body case 41, or slightly in front of the rear end surface of the main body case 41, when it is in the off state. Therefore, with these configurations, it is possible to prevent small objects inside the vehicle from coming into contact with the rear end of the power switch 44 and unintentionally turning the power switch 44 on.

[0026] The main unit case 41 is provided with an OFF indicator 41c that is visible when the power switch 44 is in the OFF position at the rear end, and an ON indicator 41d that is visible when the power switch 44 is in the ON position at the front end. As shown in Figure 5(a), when the power switch 44 is in the retracted position (off), the ON indicator 41d is hidden by the power switch 44, and only the OFF indicator 41c is displayed. Also, as shown in Figure 5(b), when the power switch 44 is in the forward position (on), the OFF indicator 41c is hidden by the power switch 44, and only the ON indicator 41d is displayed. These OFF indicators 41c and ON indicators 41d, as shown in the illustration, display the words "ON" and "OFF," but they may also display other marks or patterns, or they may be omitted altogether.

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

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

[0029] The manual operation switch 45 is a small, single-point, self-resetting push-button switch, positioned towards the front of the side of the main body case 41, and protruding from that side. This manual operation switch 45 is electrically connected to the control circuit of the control unit 43.

[0030] The notification unit 46 is a light-emitting device fitted along the semicircular rear side of the main body case 41, and an LED is used, for example. This notification unit 46 is electrically connected to the circuit board of the control unit 43. As for the mode of illumination, for the illumination mode to confirm that an operation has been performed, it is preferable to illuminate with a gentle color such as green, and in situations where the character is strongly focused on warning in the event of a power outage, it is preferable to flash red at a short period of time, for example. According to this notification unit 46, as shown in Figure 5, light can be emitted in a 180-degree angle range behind and to both sides of the remote control 40, resulting in good visibility.

[0031] Furthermore, the switches such as the power switch 44 and the manual operation switch 45 are positioned on the main unit case 41 in a location that avoids the same side position as the USB male connector 42 or the vicinity of the USB male connector 42, so as not to interfere with the installation of the USB male connector 42. Furthermore, the notification unit 46 is positioned in a location that avoids being obscured by the installation of the USB male connector 42, such as the same side position as the USB male connector 42 on the main unit case 41 or the vicinity of the USB male connector 42 (in other words, a position that will be hidden by the installation of the USB male connector 42).

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

[0033] The remote control 40 with the above configuration can be compactly attached to the USB female terminal 31 of the vehicle 30, and it is possible to prevent objects from coming into contact with the part that protrudes from the USB female terminal 31. Furthermore, the entire remote control 40 is flat, and the power switch 44 is relatively large compared to the main unit case 41, resulting in good operability.

[0034] Furthermore, since the power switch 44 turns on when slid in the USB insertion direction and off when slid in the USB removal direction, the power switch 44 can be turned on almost simultaneously when the remote control 40 is inserted into the USB female terminal 31, and the power switch 44 can be turned off almost simultaneously when the remote control 40 is removed from the USB female terminal 31. This provides excellent operability and prevents the vehicle's battery from being drained due to forgetting to turn off the power.

[0035] In particular, since the power switch 44 is formed as a flat plate that covers the rear half of the top surface of the main unit case 41 with approximately the same width, when the rear half of the remote control 40 is grasped with two fingers, one finger (thumb) naturally rests on the edge 44b of the power switch 44, resulting in good operability.

[0036] Furthermore, the decorative elements 47 can be easily replaced according to the user's preference.

[0037] Furthermore, under normal circumstances, the device can be switched to automatic mode with a simple operation of turning on the power switch 44, and even in switch operation mode, the single-point manual operation switch 45 provides good operability. In particular, since the closing signal is transmitted by pressing the single-point manual operation switch 45 multiple times, it is possible to prevent the shutter device from closing unintentionally due to interference with an object or other object, as is the case with conventional technology that has a separate closing switch.

[0038] Furthermore, since the notification unit 46 is exposed in a semicircular shape towards the rear, it has excellent visibility, and the operating status of the shutter device 20 can be easily grasped using this notification unit 46.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the notification unit 46 is a light-emitting device, but other examples of the notification unit 46 include a sound-generating device (such as a speaker) or a device that generates both sound and light.

[0040] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the decorative element 47 is a decorative sheet, but other examples of the decorative element 47 include those with an uneven surface design, or three-dimensional objects that resemble mascots or characters.

[0041] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the USB male terminal 42 is a Type A USB terminal, but other examples of the USB male terminal 42 include, for example, a USB mini terminal or other types of USB terminals, depending on the USB female terminal 31 on the vehicle 30 side.

[0042] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as a particularly preferred example, the rear half of the main body case 41 and the power switch 44 are formed in the same semicircular shape in plan view. However, as other examples, the main body case 41 and the power switch 44 can also be formed in the same rectangular shape in plan view, the same polygonal shape in plan view, the same convex curved surface shape in plan view, and so on.

[0043] (Configuration of information processing device) As shown in Figure 6, the information processing device 50 includes a main body case 51, an information display unit 56 located at the front of the main body case 51 that provides information on the operating status of the remote control 40 through an illuminated display, and an audio output unit 59 located at the top of the main body case 51 that provides information on the operating status of the remote control 40 through an audio output. The information processing device 50 is powered by the ACC power supply, but it also has an internal power supply (a rechargeable secondary battery in this embodiment) so that it can operate even when the vehicle's accessory switch or start switch is off.

[0044] The information processing device 50 has a communication device inside and receives control signals from the remote control 40. It notifies the user that the remote control 40 is operating and the shutter device 20 is in the process of opening, closing, or stopping. It also provides information via the notification unit 56 and the voice output unit 59 regarding situations such as the remote control 40 being powered off.

[0045] The notification unit 56 is a light-emitting device fitted into the semicircular portion at the front upper part of the main body case 51, and an LED is used, for example. This notification unit 56 is electrically connected to the control board inside the information processing device 50. In terms of the mode of illumination, when the remote control is operating normally, it is preferable to illuminate in a gentle color such as green, and in situations where the purpose is to warn of a power outage, it is preferable to flash red at a short period of time, for example.

[0046] (Operation of the remote control and information processing device) Next, the operation of the remote control 40 and the information processing device 50 will be explained in detail. First, the operation when power is supplied from the vehicle without any problems will be explained. However, some explanation of the handling of power outages is also provided for reference to aid understanding. The flowcharts in Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the operation of the control unit 43. First, the control unit 43 waits for power to be supplied (step S1), and if power is supplied, proceeds to the next step S2. In other words, when the remote control 40 is plugged into the USB female terminal 31 of the vehicle 30, and the engine of the vehicle 30 is started by operating the ignition key or other operation, 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.

[0047] In the next step S2, the notification unit 46 lights up green to inform the user that the remote control 40 has started operating. Even if the remote control 40 is installed inside the console box and is not visible to the user, the information processing device 50, which receives a signal from the remote control 40, lights up the notification unit 56 located on the dashboard, which is visible to the user, in green, so that the user can be sure that the remote control 40 is operating.

[0048] Then, in step S3, the control unit 43 enters automatic mode and starts transmitting the open control signal. Here, the open control signal is a signal consisting of a predetermined format that includes a code specific to the remote control 40. The shutter device 20 receives the open control signal, and if the code matches, it opens the closed shutter curtain 21. If it stops receiving the open control signal, it closes the shutter curtain 21. Therefore, when the power switch 44 is in the ON position, for example, as shown in Figure 1, when a vehicle 30 in the garage 10 starts its engine, the shutter curtain 21, which was in the closed position, will automatically open. Then, when the vehicle 30 leaves the garage and moves away from the shutter device 20, the open control signal (radio wave) will no longer reach the receiving unit 25, and the shutter curtain 21 will automatically close. Even if the remote control 40 becomes disconnected from the USB male terminal 42 due to an unforeseen event while the vehicle is being taken out of storage, in this embodiment, the system is configured to maintain the output of the open control signal as a power outage processing measure. Therefore, the automatic open and close operations are performed without any problems. In addition, as a power outage processing measure, the notification unit 46 (LED) of the remote control 40 and the notification unit 56 (LED) of the information processing device 50 are also made to flash red at a rapid interval. This notification from the notification unit 56 is particularly effective when the remote control 40 is installed in an invisible location inside the console box. The driver who notices the power outage will be reminded to reconnect. As mentioned above, if the connection is not made again, the output of the open control signal is maintained, but in order to reduce the power consumption of the secondary battery, after a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes), the remote control 40 enters a standby state and transmits only weak radio waves. When a vehicle 30 approaches the shutter device 20 from the outside to enter the garage, the shutter device 20 receives an open 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 systems, the shutter device 20 was configured to close the shutter curtain 21 when it stopped receiving the open control signal. However, in this embodiment, to avoid problems even if the connection to the power supply line is disconnected, the system is configured to continue transmitting the open control signal for a while using the power of the secondary battery so that the closing operation does not occur immediately. However, if the control unit 26 has determined that a vehicle 30 is approaching the garage 10 to enter, it will stop transmitting the open control signal and close the shutter curtain 21 after a sufficient margin, for example, 5 minutes after the shutter curtain 21 has opened. Furthermore, if the remote control 40 is disconnected from the USB male terminal 42 when the vehicle is brought into storage, or if it becomes disconnected during the process of bringing the vehicle into storage, resulting in a power outage, the system may be configured so that the shutter curtain 21 does not close unless the switch operation mode in step S5 described later is activated and manual operation is performed.

[0049] Returning to the flowchart explanation, in the next step S4, the control unit 43 waits for a single manual operation switch 45 to be pressed during the automatic mode, and when a press is detected, proceeds to the next step S5.

[0050] In step S5, the control unit 43 stops transmitting the open control signal, switches from automatic mode to switch operation mode, and proceeds to the next step S6.

[0051] In step S6, as shown in Figure 8, the control unit 43 transmits a stop signal to stop the operation of the shutter device 20. The shutter device 20, for example, stops the opening operation if it receives the stop signal during the opening operation, stops the closing operation if it receives the stop signal during the closing operation, and maintains the stopped state if it receives the stop signal while stopped.

[0052] In the next step S7, as a first notification output corresponding to the stop signal, the notification unit 46 (LED) of the remote control 40 and the notification unit 56 (LED) of the information processing device 50 are slowly blinked, and the 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 the control circuit that constitutes the control unit 43.

[0053] 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). If it has exceeded the set time, the process jumps to step S19; otherwise, the process proceeds to the next step S9.

[0054] In step S9, it is determined whether the single-point manual operation switch 45 was turned on multiple times (twice in the illustrated example) within a predetermined time (one second in the illustrated example). If it was turned on multiple times, the process proceeds to the next step S10; otherwise, the process jumps to step S14.

[0055] In step S10, a signal is sent to operate the shutter device 20 in one direction (closing operation in the illustrated example). Upon receiving this signal, the shutter device 20 drives the opener 24 to operate the shutter curtain 21 in the aforementioned direction (closing direction).

[0056] In the next step S11, as a second notification output corresponding to the closing signal, the notification unit 46 (LED) of the remote control 40 and the notification unit 56 (LED) of the information processing device 50 are made to blink faster than the blinking in step S7, and the 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 the control circuit that constitutes the control unit 43.

[0057] 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). If it has exceeded the set time, the process jumps to step S19; otherwise, the process proceeds to the next step S13.

[0058] In step S13, it is determined whether the manual operation switch 45 has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process returns to step S6; otherwise, the process returns to step S12.

[0059] 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. In other words, the switch operation mode is maintained, and the system enters a state of waiting for input from the manual operation switch 45.

[0060] In other words, according to steps S7 to S13, S19, etc., if the manual operation switch 45 is pressed quickly twice while the LED is blinking slowly (20 seconds or less), the shutter device 20 can be closed and the LED output can be switched to rapid blinking. If the manual operation switch 45 is pressed once while the LED is blinking rapidly (20 seconds or less), a stop signal can be output and the LED output can be returned to slow blinking (step S7). Furthermore, if the LED output blinks slowly or rapidly for more than 20 seconds, the LED can be turned off, returning the system to the state of waiting for a manual operation switch 45 to be pressed (step S4).

[0061] On the other hand, in step S14, it is determined whether a single manual operation switch 45 was turned on once within a predetermined time (1 second in the illustrated example). If it was turned on once, the process proceeds to the next step S15; otherwise, the process returns to step S8.

[0062] In step S15, the shutter device 20 transmits a signal to move to the other side (opening operation in the illustrated example). Upon receiving this signal, the shutter device 20 drives the opener 24 to move the shutter curtain 21 to the other side (opening direction).

[0063] In the next step S16, as a third notification output corresponding to the open signal, the notification unit 46 (LED) of the remote control 40 and the notification unit 56 (LED) of the information processing device 50 are continuously illuminated in green, and the 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 the control circuit that constitutes the control unit 43.

[0064] 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). If it has exceeded the set time, the process jumps to step S19; otherwise, the process proceeds to the next step S18.

[0065] In step S18, it is determined whether the manual operation switch 45 has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process returns to step S6; otherwise, the process returns to step S17.

[0066] In other words, according to steps S7 to S9, S14 to S19 above, if the manual operation switch 45 is pressed only once while the LED is slowly blinking (20 seconds or less), the shutter device 20 can be opened and the LED output can be switched to continuous green illumination. If the manual operation switch 45 is pressed once while the LED is illuminated green (20 seconds or less), a stop signal can be output and the LED output can be returned to slow green blinking (step S7). Furthermore, if the LED output blinks slowly in green or stays lit in green for more than 20 seconds, the LED can be turned off, returning the system to the state of waiting for a manual operation switch 45 to be pressed (step S4). The manual operation method described above is suitable for drivers who want to visually confirm the status of the shutter. Some anxious drivers may be very concerned about whether the shutter has actually closed after leaving the parking lot. The control method of this embodiment makes it possible to accommodate the wishes of drivers who want to visually confirm that the shutter has closed manually before starting to drive.

[0067] Next, we will explain the operation when the vehicle continues to operate and returns to garage 10 while the power supply from the vehicle is cut off, using the flowchart in Figure 9. At the start of operation, the remote control 40, which is not receiving power from the vehicle 30, is in standby mode to conserve power from the secondary battery and transmits only weak radio waves.

[0068] In step S21, when a vehicle 30 heading towards the garage 10 enters the second area R2 within 100m of the garage, the second vehicle detection communication device 252 receives a weak radio wave transmitted from the remote control 40 and transmits a response signal to the remote control 40.

[0069] Furthermore, in step S22, when the vehicle 30 enters the first area R1 within 50m of the garage, the first vehicle detection communication device 251 receives a weak radio wave transmitted from the remote control 40 and transmits a response signal to the remote control 40.

[0070] At this time, the control unit 26 of the opening / closing device control system A receives a weak radio signal in the order of step S21 and step S22, and determines that the vehicle 30 is approaching the garage 10 in order to enter the garage (not shown in the flowchart).

[0071] Meanwhile, in step S23, the control unit 43 of the remote control 40 also receives response signals from the second vehicle detection communication device 252 and the first vehicle detection communication device 251 of the opening / closing device control system A in that order, and performs a determination process to determine that the specific condition that vehicle 30 is approaching the garage 10 has been met. If the determination result is correct, in step S24, the output signal is switched from the weak radio wave that was being transmitted to the opening control signal.

[0072] Without delay (or almost simultaneously) with the processing in step S24, at the timing of step S25, the remote control 40, as a power outage processing, flashes the notification unit 46 (LED) of the remote control 40 and the notification unit 56 (LED) of the information processing device 50 red at a rapid interval to alert the driver.

[0073] In step S26, if the driver notices the red flashing of the notification unit 46 (LED) of the remote control 40 or the notification unit 56 (LED) of the information processing device 50, and reinserts the remote control 40 into the USB female terminal 31 of the vehicle 30, the process will return to normal and the connection failure notification will be stopped and the process will continue. For example, five minutes after the shutter curtain 21 is opened, the transmission of the open control signal will be stopped and the shutter curtain 21 will be closed (step S27).

[0074] On the other hand, if the remote control 40 is not plugged into the USB female terminal 31 of the vehicle 30 in step S26, the power outage processing continues, and the transmission of the open control signal continues with power supplied from the secondary battery. For example, five minutes after the shutter curtain 21 is opened, the transmission of the open control signal stops, and the shutter curtain 21 is closed (step S28). On the surface, this is no different from step S27. However, the control unit 43 of the remote control 40 can recognize whether it has output an open control signal under normal processing or under power outage processing, so it can make the end state different, such as completely shutting off the power after completion or putting it into a standby state.

[0075] If the vehicle is parked in the garage 10 with the power supply from the vehicle cut off, the remote control 40 will not receive the information even if the ignition key is operated, and therefore cannot start transmitting the open control signal. The driver, realizing that the shutter curtain 21 has not started to open, will then check the connection. However, for example, if the opening / closing control communication device 250 has both a receiving and transmitting function, and the control unit 26 recognizes the difference between step S27 and step S28 in the flowchart of Figure 9, and the most recent parking operation was according to step S28, then triggered by the detection output from the motion sensor in the garage, it can send a command signal to make the remote control 40 flash red, thereby clearly alerting the user that the connection has been disconnected.

[0076] <Second Embodiment, Other Embodiments> In the first embodiment, the information processing device 50 was an informant that received control signals from the remote control 40 via specific low-power wireless communication and guided the user through the operation and status of the remote control 40. In the second embodiment, in addition to the guidance function, it is a relay that transmits control signals from the remote control 40 to the control unit 26 of the shutter device 20. In this configuration, the control signal output from the remote control 40 does not need to reach the control unit 26 of the shutter device 20 directly, so a local communication method such as Ethernet (registered trademark) may be used. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the internal power supply for the remote control 40 and the internal power supply for the information processing device 50 were secondary batteries, but primary batteries or even simpler capacitors may be used. Solar cells may also be incorporated. Additionally, in the above embodiment, a typical passenger car was assumed for the vehicle 30, but it is certainly possible to assume trucks, special vehicles, etc., for the vehicle 30. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the remote control 40 is equipped with a power switch 44. However, in another invention, the power switch 44 is omitted from the remote control 40, and power is supplied by connecting the USB male terminal 42 to the USB female terminal 31, and the power supply is cut off by disconnecting the USB male terminal 42 from the USB female terminal 31. However, with a remote control 40 equipped with a power switch 44, it is possible to control the device so that it does not transition to the power outage processing by turning off the power switch 44. In contrast, with a remote control 40 that does not have a power switch 44, it is not possible to control the device so that it does not transition to the power outage processing. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a single-point manual operation switch 45 is provided on the remote control 40, but in other inventions, if the size of the main unit case 41 and the size of the switches are permissible for use, a three-point (on / off) switch or other switches can also be provided.

[0077] <Summary> As described above, the above embodiment discloses the following invention. (1) A system comprising an opening / closing device for opening and closing a garage opening with an opening / closing body, a remote control that can be attached to a vehicle, an information processing device that communicates with the remote control and can be attached to a location inside the vehicle different from the location where the remote control is attached, and an opening / closing control unit that controls the opening / closing device, wherein the remote control starts transmitting an opening control signal when power is supplied from the vehicle, the opening / closing control unit has a control communication device that receives control signals including the opening control signal directly from the remote control or indirectly via the information processing device, opens the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is received, closes the opening / closing body when the opening control signal is no longer received, and notifies the information processing device when the opening operation and the closing operation are performed (see Figure 9). (2) The switchgear control system according to (1) (see Figure 6), characterized in that the information processing device is an alarm that receives control signals from the remote control. (3) The switchgear control system according to (1) or (2) (see Figure 6), characterized in that the information processing device is a relay that transmits control signals from the remote control to the switchgear control unit. (4) The switchgear control system according to any one of (1) to (3) (see Figure 9), characterized in that the notification performed by the information processing device is an audio output. (5) The switchgear control system according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that the notification performed by the information processing device is a display output. (See Figure 6). (6) The information processing device is mounted in a position visible to the operator, such as on the windshield or around the instrument panel of the vehicle, and is a control system for opening and closing devices according to any one of (1) to (5) (see Figure 1). (7) The opening / closing device control system according to (6) (see Figure 1), characterized in that the remote control is installed in a location that is not visible to the operator, such as inside the vehicle's console box. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 10: Garage 20: Shutter device 31: USB female connector 40: Remote control 41: Main unit case 42: USB male connector 43: Control Unit 44: Power switch 45: Manual operation switch 46: Hochi Department 47: Ornament 50: Information Processing Device 51: Main unit case 56: Hochi Department 59: Audio output section A: Switching device control system

Claims

1. A system comprising: an opening and closing device for opening and closing a garage opening with an opening and closing body; a remote control that can be attached to a vehicle; an information processing device that communicates with the remote control and can be attached to a location inside the vehicle different from the location where the remote control is attached; and an opening and closing control unit that controls the opening and closing device, The remote control, upon receiving power from the vehicle, begins transmitting an open control signal. The opening / closing control unit has a control communication device that receives control signals, including an opening control signal, directly from the remote control or indirectly via the information processing device, and when it receives the opening control signal, it opens the opening / closing body, and when it stops receiving the opening control signal, it closes the opening / closing body. The information processing device shall notify the public when the opening operation and the closing operation are performed. A control system for opening and closing devices characterized by the following:

2. The information processing device is an alarm that receives control signals from the remote control. The switchgear control system according to claim 1.

3. The information processing device is a relay that transmits control signals from the remote control to the opening / closing control unit. The switchgear control system according to claim 1.

4. The notification performed by the aforementioned information processing device is an audio output. The switchgear control system according to claim 1.

5. The notification performed by the aforementioned information processing device is a display output. The switchgear control system according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned information processing device is mounted in a location visible to the operator, such as on the vehicle's windshield or around the instrument panel. The switchgear control system according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned remote control is installed in a location that is not visible to the operator, such as inside the vehicle's console box. The switchgear control system according to claim 6.

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