Control system for electric blinds

Abstract

To provide a control system for electric blinds that allows for more flexible control of the slats according to sunlight conditions. [Solution] The control system for an electric blind is a control system for an electric blind equipped with multiple slats, comprising: a sunshine determination unit that determines multiple sunshine conditions; and a control unit that acquires sun position information and controls the opening and closing angles of the multiple slats based on the sun position information and the sunshine conditions determined by the sunshine determination unit. The control unit controls the opening and closing angles of the multiple slats to obtain a corrected control angle by adding or subtracting one of a plurality of different correction angles set for each of the multiple sunshine conditions to the shading angle determined based on the sun position information.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a control system for an electric blind.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional control device for an electric blind, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 below is known. The control device for an electric blind shown in this document includes a blind angle calculation unit that calculates the control angle of the blind (slat), a glare evaluation calculation unit that calculates a glare evaluation value from the state of outdoor light and the control angle of the blind, a glare evaluation determination unit that determines whether the glare evaluation value is less than or equal to a predetermined glare threshold value, a blind angle determination unit that determines the angle of the blind to the control angle when the glare evaluation value is less than or equal to the glare threshold value, and a blind angle correction unit that obtains a correction control angle obtained by adding or subtracting a predetermined correction angle to or from the control angle when the glare evaluation value is greater than the glare threshold value.

[0003] According to such a configuration, when the glare evaluation value is greater than the glare threshold value, glare can be accurately suppressed by correcting the slat angle in the closing direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, since the control device for the electric blind described above is configured to always correct the slat angle at a constant correction angle, depending on the sunlight state, the slat may be closed more than necessary, making it difficult to ensure daylighting and viewability. Therefore, a control device for an electric blind that can control the slat more flexibly according to the sunlight state has been desired.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the object of the present invention is to provide a control system for electric blinds that can control the slats more flexibly according to sunlight conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a control system for an electric blind according to one embodiment of the present invention is a control system for an electric blind equipped with a plurality of slats, comprising: a sunshine determination unit that determines a plurality of sunshine conditions; and a control unit that acquires sun position information and controls the opening and closing angles of the plurality of slats based on the sun position information and the sunshine conditions determined by the sunshine determination unit. The control unit controls the opening and closing angles of the plurality of slats to obtain a corrected control angle by adding or subtracting one of a plurality of different correction angles set for each of the plurality of sunshine conditions to the shading angle determined based on the sun position information.

[0008] This configuration allows the control system to correct the shading angle, determined based on solar position information, with different correction angles for each sunlight condition, enabling more flexible control of the slats according to the sunlight conditions.

[0009] The control unit may control the opening and closing angles of the plurality of slats so that the control angle is obtained by correcting the determined shielding angle in the closing direction by the amount of the correction angle.

[0010] This configuration allows the control system to control the slats to further reduce glare.

[0011] The control unit may set the correction angle to be larger for sunlight conditions where the amount of solar radiation or illuminance is greater.

[0012] This configuration allows the control system to, for example, significantly adjust the shading angle towards closing to enhance shading during fully sunny conditions, and adjust it towards closing to a degree that maintains light and visibility while still providing shading during overcast conditions. In other words, it enables more convenient control that avoids closing the slats more than necessary depending on the sunlight conditions.

[0013] The control unit may pre-set the correction angle in sunlight conditions where the amount of solar radiation or illuminance is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0014] This configuration prevents the control system from automatically correcting the slats to close even in sunlight conditions where shading is not required, such as on cloudy days. In other words, the slats can be controlled to an appropriate angle according to each sunlight condition, from sunlight conditions where improved shading is required to sunlight conditions where shading is not required.

[0015] The control unit may, when it determines that the sunlight conditions are in a first state, control the opening and closing angles of the plurality of slats so that the control angle is obtained by correcting the determined shading angle in the closing direction by the amount of the first correction angle, and when it determines that the sunlight conditions are in a second state, control the opening and closing angles of the plurality of slats so that the control angle is obtained by correcting the determined shading angle in the opening direction by the amount of the second correction angle.

[0016] This configuration allows the control system to improve shading performance by correcting the shading angle in the closing direction (correction angle subtraction) during clear or slightly cloudy conditions, while improving light transmission and visibility during heavily cloudy conditions by correcting the shading angle in the opening direction (correction angle addition). [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] As described above, the present invention provides a control system for electric blinds that can more flexibly control the slats according to sunlight conditions. However, this effect is not limited to the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system for an electric blind according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the functional blocks of the above control system. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a table indicating the control settings in each sunlight state, which is stored by the above control system for blind control processing. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the flow of blind control processing by the above control system. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of the sunlight state determination process in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of Process A in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of Process B in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of Process C in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of Process D in FIG. 5. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining the threshold setting for the control system to determine the sunlight state. [Figure 11] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the correction angle set by the above control system. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of blind control in each sunlight state by the above control system (in the case of FIG. 3(a)). [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of blind control in each sunlight state by the above control system (in the case of FIG. 3(b)).

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] [Configuration of the control system for electric blinds] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the control system for electric blinds according to this embodiment.

[0021] As shown in the figure, the control system 100 of the electric blind according to this embodiment (hereinafter also simply referred to as the control system 100) includes a central control device 1, a sunlight detection device 2, a floor control device 3, a floor control device 4, a blind control device 5, and an electric blind 6.

[0022] The central control unit 1 is connected to the blind control unit 5 of the electric blinds 6, which are located on each floor, via floor control units 4 installed on each floor of a building such as an office building. The electric blinds 6 are horizontal blinds having multiple slats 7.

[0023] The central control unit 1 is a computer that oversees the blind control process, which controls the opening and closing angles of the slats 7 of the electric blind 6 according to the position of the sun (solar altitude, solar azimuth) and the sunlight conditions. Hereafter, the solar position information, which indicates the position of the sun, will be described as including solar altitude information, which indicates the altitude of the sun, and solar azimuth information, which indicates the direction of the sun. The central control unit 1 has a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and includes control circuits that perform data transfer, calculations, temporary data storage, or storage of the main program according to the program, as well as an I / O control circuit (communication unit) that controls data input and output with the blind control unit 5 via the floor control unit 4, and memory for storing data and programs.

[0024] Furthermore, the control circuit of the central control unit 1 is equipped with a clock capable of acquiring the current time, and also stores location information (latitude and longitude information) of the building where the electric blinds 6 are installed. The corresponding solar altitude is calculated using this time and location information. In addition, the control circuit also stores information indicating thresholds for determining the sunlight conditions, which will be described later.

[0025] The solar radiation detection device 2 consists of a pyranometer that detects the amount of solar radiation, an illuminance meter that detects the illuminance value, and a control unit that transmits the amount of solar radiation and the illuminance value to the floor control device 3.

[0026] More specifically, the sunshine detection device 2 comprises a first pyranometer / illuminometer, a second pyranometer / illuminometer, and a shielding plate that rotates relative to the second pyranometer / illuminometer to block the incidence of direct sunlight from the direction of the sun onto the second pyranometer / illuminometer. The sunshine detection device 2 then determines the total sky value from the first pyranometer / illuminometer and the scattered value from scattered light other than direct sunlight, which is blocked by the shielding plate of the second pyranometer / illuminometer. Furthermore, it determines the direct value, which is the difference between the total sky value and the scattered value, and uses these to determine whether or not there is sunlight.

[0027] The solar radiation and illuminance measurement signals measured by the solar radiation detection device 2 are transmitted to the central control unit 1 via the floor control devices 3 and 4, for example, every minute. Unlike the floor control device 4, the floor control device 3 does not have a connection function to the central control unit 1 and the blind control device 5, and is solely a control device that serves as a relay between the solar radiation detection device 2 and the floor control device 4 connected to the central control unit 1.

[0028] The blind control device 5 receives a blind control signal transmitted from the central control device 1 via the floor control device 4 to control the opening and closing angle of the slats 7 of the electric blind 6, and transmits a control signal to the motor of the electric blind 6 in accordance with the blind control signal.

[0029] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the functional blocks of the control system 100 described above.

[0030] As shown in the figure, the control system 100 includes a sunshine determination unit 10 and a slat control unit 20 that controls the opening and closing angle of the slats 7 of the electric blind 6 according to the position of the sun or the sunshine conditions. In this embodiment, the sunshine determination unit 10 and the slat control unit 20 are, for example, performed by the control circuit of the central control unit 1.

[0031] [Settings for shielding operation and correction angle] Figure 3 shows an example of a table that the control system 100 stores for blind control processing (shading operation and angle correction), which shows the control settings for each sunlight condition. This table is stored, for example, in the control circuit of the central control unit 1. Two example settings ((a) Example A and (b) Example B) are shown in the figure, but the example settings are not limited to these.

[0032] As shown in the figure, the table has pre-set settings for shading operation, setting angle, correction angle, and correction angle for each sunshine condition. Examples of sunshine conditions include clear skies, partly cloudy, heavily cloudy, and completely cloudy.

[0033] The shading operation setting is an item that determines whether or not to perform a process (shading operation) that controls the opening and closing angles of multiple slats 7 of the electric blind 6 to block sunlight based on the sunlight conditions (sun position information). If this item is set, the opening and closing angles of the slats 7 are controlled to the shading angle calculated based on the sun position information; if it is not set, the slats 7 are controlled to the set angle.

[0034] In the example settings shown in Figure (a), the shading operation is enabled when the sun conditions are completely clear or slightly cloudy, and disabled when the conditions are heavily cloudy or completely cloudy. In the example settings shown in Figure (b), the shading operation is enabled when the conditions are completely clear, slightly cloudy, or heavily cloudy, and disabled when the conditions are completely cloudy. Therefore, in Figure (a), the opening and closing angle of the slats 7 is controlled to be the angle calculated based on the sun's position information when the conditions are completely clear or slightly cloudy, and the opening and closing angle of the slats 7 is controlled to be the preset angles α° and β° when the conditions are heavily cloudy or completely cloudy, respectively. In Figure (b), the opening and closing angle of the slats 7 is controlled to be the angle calculated based on the sun's position information when the conditions are completely clear, slightly cloudy, or heavily cloudy, and the opening and closing angle of the slats 7 is controlled to be the preset angle β° when the conditions are completely cloudy.

[0035] The correction angle setting is an item that determines whether or not to set a correction angle to be added to or subtracted from the shading angle of the slats 7 for each sunlight condition when the above shading operation setting is enabled. If this item is enabled, the angle set in the correction angle item is added to or subtracted (subtracted in this embodiment) from the above calculated shading angle. If this item is not enabled, the opening and closing angle of the slats 7 is controlled to achieve the above set angle.

[0036] Here, each correction angle is set to be larger as the amount of solar radiation (or illuminance) increases. That is, in the same figure, for example, A°>B°>C°.

[0037] Furthermore, this correction angle is pre-set for sunlight conditions where the amount of solar radiation (or illuminance) is above a predetermined value. For example, in Figure (a), it is set for sunlight conditions of partly cloudy or better, and in Figure (b), it is set for sunlight conditions of dense cloudy or better.

[0038] In the setting example shown in Figure (a), during fully sunny and partly cloudy conditions, correction angles A° and B° are subtracted from the calculated shading angle (corrected towards closing), and the opening and closing angles of the slats 7 are controlled to achieve these angles. Similarly, in the setting example shown in Figure (b), during fully sunny, partly cloudy, and heavily cloudy conditions, correction angles A°, B°, and C° are subtracted from the calculated shading angle (corrected towards closing), and the opening and closing angles of the slats 7 are controlled to achieve these angles.

[0039] In the blind control process, the control circuit (slat control unit 20) of the central control unit 1 uses the sunlight conditions measured by the sunlight detection device 2 as a key to search for and acquire the corresponding shading operation settings, setting angles, correction angle settings, and correction angle settings.

[0040] [Operation of the control system for electric blinds] Next, the operation of the electric blind control system 100 configured as described above will be explained. This operation is performed through the cooperation of the hardware of the central control unit 1, such as the control circuit, I / O control circuit (communication unit), and memory, and the software stored in the control circuit. For convenience, in the following explanation, the control circuit will be considered the main operator, and the software (functional block) responsible for it will be shown in parentheses. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of blind control processing by the above control system.

[0041] As shown in the figure, the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) of the central control unit 1 first acquires solar radiation information from the sunlight detection device 2, and determines the current sunlight conditions based on the solar radiation information (step 101).

[0042] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of the sunlight condition determination process.

[0043] As shown in the figure, the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines whether or not a record of the previous sunlight state determination exists (step 201). As described above, the central control device 1 acquires the sunlight state from the sunlight detection device 2, for example, every minute, but for example, immediately after the central control device 1 is started up, there will be no record of the previous sunlight state determination.

[0044] If it is determined that no record of the previous sunlight condition determination exists (No. in step 201), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) executes process A, which will be described later (step 203).

[0045] If it is determined that a record of the previous sunshine condition determination exists (Yes in step 201), the control circuit (sunshine determination unit 10) determines whether the sunshine condition determined in the previous determination was all clear (step 202).

[0046] If the previously determined sunshine condition is clear (Yes in step 202), the control circuit (sunshine determination unit 10) executes process A, which will be described later (step 203).

[0047] If the previously determined sunshine condition was not completely clear (No. in step 202), the control circuit (sunshine determination unit 10) determines whether the previously determined sunshine condition was partly cloudy or not (step 204).

[0048] If the previously determined sunshine condition was partly cloudy (Yes in step 204), the control circuit (sunshine determination unit 10) executes process B, which will be described later (step 205).

[0049] If the previously determined sunshine condition was not partly cloudy (No. in step 204), the control circuit (sunshine determination unit 10) determines whether the previously determined sunshine condition was heavily cloudy or not (step 206).

[0050] If the previously determined sunshine condition is heavily cloudy (Yes in step 206), the control circuit (sunshine determination unit 10) executes process C described later (step 207).

[0051] If the previously determined sunshine condition is not heavily overcast (No. in step 206), the control circuit (sunshine determination unit 10) determines that the previously determined sunshine condition is completely overcast (step 208) and executes process D described later (step 209).

[0052] Figures 4 and 5 show an example of a process that determines sunshine based solely on solar radiation. However, the control circuit (sunshine determination unit 10) may also use illuminance values ​​in addition to, or instead of, solar radiation to determine sunshine. Illuminance values ​​can be obtained by the sunshine detection device 2, just like solar radiation.

[0053] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of process A (step 203: all clear weather at the time of the previous determination) in Figure 5 above.

[0054] As shown in the figure, the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines whether the measured amount of solar radiation is equal to or greater than the threshold th1 (step 301).

[0055] If the amount of solar radiation is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold th1 (Yes in step 301), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines that the sunshine condition is a clear day (step 302).

[0056] Here, the threshold th1 and other thresholds mentioned above will be explained. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the threshold settings used by the control system 100 to determine the sunlight conditions.

[0057] As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, when determining the four sunshine conditions of clear skies, partly cloudy skies, heavily cloudy skies, and completely cloudy skies, two thresholds are set for each direction in which the amount of solar radiation decreases (clear skies → completely cloudy skies) and increases (completely cloudy skies → clear skies).

[0058] Specifically, the thresholds for determining whether it is completely sunny or partly cloudy are set as threshold th1 < threshold th4, the thresholds for determining whether it is partly cloudy or heavily cloudy are set as threshold th2 < threshold th5, and the thresholds for determining whether it is heavily cloudy or completely cloudy are set as threshold th3 < threshold th6. Even within the same sunshine conditions, the threshold for the sunshine condition to switch towards increasing solar radiation is set higher than the threshold for the sunshine condition to switch towards decreasing solar radiation.

[0059] As a result, when the sunshine state switches to a lower state at a certain solar radiation value, it will not switch to a higher state even if the same solar radiation value is measured afterward. It will only switch when an even higher solar radiation value is measured, thus suppressing frequent operation of the slat 7 due to frequent changes in the sunshine state determination result.

[0060] As mentioned above, there are three types of solar radiation measured by the solar radiation detection device 2: "total solar radiation," "scattered solar radiation," and "direct solar radiation." The control circuit (solar radiation determination unit 10) may determine that the above-mentioned solar radiation conditions exist if at least one of these three types of solar radiation is above its respective threshold.

[0061] Returning to Figure 6, if it is determined that the amount of solar radiation is less than the threshold th1 (No. in step 301), the control circuit (solar radiation determination unit 10) determines whether the measured amount of solar radiation is equal to or greater than the threshold th2 (step 303).

[0062] If the amount of solar radiation is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold th2 (Yes in step 303), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines that the sunlight conditions are partly cloudy (step 304).

[0063] If it is determined that the amount of solar radiation is less than the threshold th2 (No. in step 303), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines whether the measured amount of solar radiation is equal to or greater than the threshold th3 (step 305).

[0064] If the amount of solar radiation is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold th3 (Yes in step 305), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines that the sunlight condition is heavily overcast (step 306).

[0065] If the amount of solar radiation is determined to be less than the threshold th3 (No. in step 305), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines that the sunlight condition is completely overcast (step 307).

[0066] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of process B (step 205: slightly cloudy at the time of the previous determination) in Figure 5 above.

[0067] As shown in the figure, the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines whether the measured amount of solar radiation is equal to or greater than the threshold th4 (step 401).

[0068] If the amount of solar radiation is determined to be above the threshold th4 (Yes in step 401), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines that the sunshine condition is completely clear (step 402).

[0069] If it is determined that the amount of solar radiation is less than the threshold th4 (No. in step 401), the control circuit (solar radiation determination unit 10) determines whether the measured amount of solar radiation is equal to or greater than the threshold th2 (step 403).

[0070] If the amount of solar radiation is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold th2 (Yes in step 403), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines that the sunlight conditions are partly cloudy (step 404).

[0071] If it is determined that the amount of solar radiation is less than the threshold th2 (No. in step 403), the control circuit (solar radiation determination unit 10) determines whether the measured amount of solar radiation is equal to or greater than the threshold th3 (step 405).

[0072] If the amount of solar radiation is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold th3 (Yes in step 405), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines that the sunlight condition is heavily overcast (step 406).

[0073] If the amount of solar radiation is determined to be less than the threshold th3 (No. in step 405), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines that the sunlight condition is completely overcast (step 407).

[0074] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of process C (step 207: heavily cloudy in the previous determination) in Figure 5 above.

[0075] As shown in the figure, the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines whether the measured amount of solar radiation is equal to or greater than the threshold th5 (step 501).

[0076] If it is determined that the amount of solar radiation is equal to or greater than the threshold th5 (Yes in step 501), the control circuit (solar radiation determination unit 10) determines whether the measured amount of solar radiation is equal to or greater than the threshold th4 (step 502).

[0077] If the amount of solar radiation is determined to be above the threshold th4 (Yes in step 502), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines that the sunshine condition is completely clear (step 504).

[0078] On the other hand, if the amount of solar radiation is determined to be less than the threshold th4 (No. in step 502), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines that the sunlight conditions are partly cloudy (step 505).

[0079] If it is determined that the amount of solar radiation is less than the threshold th5 (No. in step 501), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines whether the measured amount of solar radiation is equal to or greater than the threshold th3 (step 503).

[0080] If the amount of solar radiation is determined to be above the threshold th3 (Yes in step 503), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines that the sunlight condition is heavily overcast (step 506).

[0081] On the other hand, if the amount of solar radiation is determined to be less than the threshold th3 (No. in step 503), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines that the sunlight condition is completely overcast (step 507).

[0082] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of process D (step 209: all cloudy at the time of the previous determination) in Figure 5 above.

[0083] As shown in the figure, the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines whether the measured amount of solar radiation is equal to or greater than the threshold th6 (step 601).

[0084] If the amount of solar radiation is determined to be less than the threshold th6 (No. in step 601), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines that the sunlight condition is completely overcast (step 603).

[0085] On the other hand, if it is determined that the amount of solar radiation is equal to or greater than the threshold th6 (Yes in step 601), the control circuit (solar radiation determination unit 10) determines whether the measured amount of solar radiation is equal to or greater than the threshold th5 (step 602).

[0086] If the amount of solar radiation is determined to be less than the threshold th5 (No. in step 602), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines that the sunlight condition is heavily overcast (step 605).

[0087] On the other hand, if it is determined that the amount of solar radiation is equal to or greater than the threshold th5 (Yes in step 602), the control circuit (solar radiation determination unit 10) determines whether the measured amount of solar radiation is equal to or greater than the threshold th4 (step 604).

[0088] If the amount of solar radiation is determined to be less than the threshold th4 (No. in step 604), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines that the sunlight conditions are partly cloudy (step 607).

[0089] On the other hand, if the amount of solar radiation is determined to be above the threshold th4 (Yes in step 604), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) determines that the sunshine condition is completely clear (step 606).

[0090] Returning to Figure 4, the control circuit (slat control unit 20) uses the sunlight condition information determined in step 101 as a key to check the shading operation setting from the table shown in Figure 3 above, and determines whether or not a shading operation setting exists (step 102).

[0091] If the control circuit (slat control unit 20) determines from the above table that there is no setting for shielding operation (No. in step 102), the control circuit (slat control unit 20) controls the opening and closing angle of the slats 7 of the electric blind 6 to an angle that is pre-registered in the setting angle of the above table (α° or β° in setting example A in Figure 3, and β° in setting example B) (sends a blind control signal to the blind control device 5) (step 104).

[0092] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a shielding operation setting (Yes in step 102), the control circuit (slat control unit 20) calculates the shielding angle based on the current position of the sun (step 103). The information on the position of the sun includes information on the altitude of the sun and information on the azimuth of the sun.

[0093] The solar altitude is calculated, for example, from the current time information obtained from the control circuit's clock (or time server) and the position information (latitude / longitude information) of the motorized blind 6 stored in the control circuit. The solar azimuth is calculated appropriately using a well-known calculation method based on the above current time information and position information, similar to the solar altitude.

[0094] Furthermore, any known technique can be used to calculate the shading angle. For example, the angle of incidence of sunlight on the window surface where the electric blind 6 is installed at time T can be calculated from the position of the sun, and then the angle at which the inclination angle of the plane including the outer edge of the upper slat 7 and the inner edge of the lower slat 7 is equal to or slightly smaller than the above-mentioned angle of incidence of sunlight can be calculated as the shading angle.

[0095] Next, the control circuit (slat control unit 20) refers to the table above and determines whether or not there is a setting for a correction angle corresponding to the sunlight conditions determined above (step 105).

[0096] If it is determined that a correction angle has been set (Yes in step 105), the control circuit (slat control unit 20) controls the opening and closing angle of the slats 7 so that the angle is obtained by adding or subtracting the correction angle obtained from the table according to the determined sunlight conditions to the shading angle calculated above (sending a blind control signal to the blind control device 5) (step 106).

[0097] On the other hand, if it is determined that no correction angle has been set (No. in step 105), the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) controls the opening and closing angle of the slats 7 to achieve the shading angle calculated above (sending a blind control signal to the blind control device 5) (step 107).

[0098] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the correction angle set by the control system 100 described above.

[0099] As shown in the figure, the control circuit (sunlight determination unit 10) subtracts, for example, a correction angle θ set according to the sunlight conditions from the calculated shielding angle (shown by the dashed line in the figure), thereby controlling the slats 7 to a more closed angle and improving the shielding performance.

[0100] Note that the correction angle θ shown in the figure is just one example, and other angles are also acceptable (for example, 20°, 30°, 40°, etc., but are not limited to these).

[0101] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of blind control by the control system 100 in each sunlight condition, as shown in Figure 3(a). Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of blind control by the control system 100 in each sunlight condition, as shown in Figure 3(b). Figures (a) to (d) show different sunlight conditions ((a) completely clear, (b) partly cloudy, (c) heavily cloudy, (d) completely cloudy) at the same sun position. Note that the correction angle of the slats 7 in both figures is just an example and is not limited to those shown.

[0102] Figures 12(a) and (b) show the case where the opening and closing angle of the slat 7 is controlled by adding or subtracting the correction angle in step 106 of Figure 4, and Figures 12(c) and (d) show the case where the opening and closing angle of the slat 7 is controlled to a preset angle in step 104 of Figure 4.

[0103] Figures 13(a), (b), and (c) show the case where the opening and closing angle of the slats 7 is controlled by adding or subtracting the correction angle in step 106 of Figure 4, and Figure 13(d) shows the case where the opening and closing angle of the slats 7 is controlled to a preset angle in step 104 of Figure 4.

[0104] In both figures, the vertical direction (fully closed state) is defined as the opening / closing angle of the slat 7 being 0°. Therefore, in the examples of Figures (a) and (b), the shielding angle calculated in step 103 above is subtracted by the correction angle (corrected in the closing direction of the slat 7).

[0105] As shown in Figure 12, even if the position of the sun (altitude and azimuth) is the same, in the case of a completely clear day (Figure (a)), a larger angle correction can be used to further improve shading, while in the case of a slightly cloudy day (Figure (b)), a smaller correction angle can be used to ensure light transmission and visibility without closing the slats 7 too much.

[0106] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, even if the position of the sun (altitude and azimuth) is the same, in the case of a completely clear day as shown in Figure (a), a larger angle correction can be used to further improve shading performance. In the case of a partly cloudy day as shown in Figure (b) and a heavily cloudy day as shown in Figure (c), the smaller the amount of solar radiation, the smaller the correction angle can be, ensuring light transmission and visibility without closing the slats 7 too much.

[0107] [summary] As described above, according to this embodiment, the shading angle determined based on the sun's position information can be corrected with different correction angles for each sunlight condition, thus providing a control system 100 for the electric blind 6 that can control the slats 7 more flexibly according to the sunlight conditions. Specifically, for example, on a completely sunny day, the shading angle can be greatly corrected in the closing direction to further enhance shading, and on a partly cloudy day, the shading angle can be corrected in the closing direction to the extent that light and visibility are ensured while still providing shading. In other words, it is possible to achieve more convenient control that does not close the slats 7 more than necessary depending on the sunlight conditions.

[0108] [Differentiation] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the art.

[0109] In the embodiment described above, in the example shown in Figure 13 (Figure 3(b)), three different correction angles (correction angle A° > correction angle B° > correction angle C°) were set according to three different sunlight conditions. However, in the present invention, it is sufficient to set at least two different correction angles, and for example, any two of these three or more correction angles may be the same angle (for example, correction angle A° = correction angle B° or correction angle B° = correction angle C°).

[0110] In the above-described embodiment, the correction angle for each different sunlight condition was subtracted from the shading angle calculated based on the position of the sun. However, it is also possible to adjust the settings so that the slats are corrected in the closing direction (correction angle subtraction) when the sunlight condition is "fully sunny" or "partly cloudy" to improve shading, and the slats are corrected in the opening direction (correction angle addition) when it is "heavy cloudy" to further improve light transmission and visibility.

[0111] In other words, if the control system 100 determines that the sunlight conditions are in a first state, it may control the opening and closing angles of the multiple slats 7 so that the calculated shading angle is corrected in the closing direction by the amount of the first correction angle, and if the sunlight conditions are determined to be in a second state, it may control the opening and closing angles of the multiple slats 7 so that the calculated shading angle is corrected in the opening direction by the amount of the second correction angle.

[0112] In the embodiment described above, the control circuit calculated the occlusion angle in step 103 of Figure 4 based on the solar position, which is obtained by adding the solar azimuth to the solar altitude. However, the occlusion angle may be calculated using only the solar altitude without using the solar azimuth. That is, the solar position information may include only information indicating the solar altitude and not information indicating the solar azimuth.

[0113] In the embodiment described above (Figure 1), only one central control unit 1 is shown for a single building, but there may be multiple central control units in a single building. For example, a central control unit 1 may be present on each floor of the building, and each central control unit 1 on each floor may independently handle the control processing of one or more electric blinds 6 on that floor.

[0114] In this case, the shielding angle and / or correction angle θ may differ for each floor, and accordingly, different shielding angle control and correction processes may be performed for each floor.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the central control unit 1 may not exist, and each blind control unit 5 may independently perform the control processing for the shielding angle of the electric blinds 6. In this case, the blind control unit 5 may be externally connected to the electric blinds 6 or may be built into the electric blinds 6. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1…Central Control Unit 2…Sunlight detection device 3…Floor control device 4…Floor control device 5…Blind control device 6…Electric blinds 7...Slat 10…Sunshine determination section 20... Slat control unit 100…Control system for electric blinds θ... Correction angle

Claims

1. A control system for an electric blind with multiple slats, A sunshine determination unit that determines multiple sunshine conditions, The system comprises a control unit that acquires solar position information and controls the opening and closing angles of the plurality of slats based on the solar position information and the sunlight conditions determined by the sunlight determination unit, The control unit controls the opening and closing angles of the multiple slats to achieve a corrected control angle by adding or subtracting one of the multiple different correction angles set for each of the multiple sunlight conditions to the shading angle determined based on the sun's position information. Control system for electric blinds.

2. A control system according to claim 1, The control unit controls the opening and closing angles of the plurality of slats so that the control angle is obtained by correcting the determined shielding angle in the closing direction by the amount of the correction angle. Control system for electric blinds.

3. A control system for electric blinds according to claim 2, The control unit sets the correction angle to be larger for sunlight conditions where the amount of solar radiation or illuminance is greater. Control system for electric blinds.

4. A control system for electric blinds according to claim 2, The control unit sets the correction angle in advance when the amount of solar radiation or illuminance is above a predetermined value. Control system for electric blinds.

5. A control system for electric blinds according to claim 1, The control unit, If the aforementioned sunlight conditions are determined to be the first state, the opening and closing angles of the plurality of slats are controlled so that the determined shading angle is corrected in the closing direction by the amount of the first correction angle, If the aforementioned sunlight conditions are determined to be the second state, the opening and closing angles of the multiple slats are controlled so that the control angle is obtained by correcting the determined shading angle in the opening direction by the amount of the second correction angle. Control system for electric blinds.

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