Control system and relay device

Abstract

To provide a control system capable of increasing the usability of the control system while reducing the installation cost of the control system, and a relay device.SOLUTION: A control system 1 is a system that includes multiple closing mechanisms 10 and a relay device 80. Each of the multiple closing mechanisms 10 includes a state control part that controls the open / closed state of an opening and closing body 40 based on operation signals. The relay device 80 includes: an identification unit that is configured so as to, when the operation signal is received, identify a communication format that matches the type of a target closing mechanism corresponding to closing mechanism identification information included in the operation signal, by referring to closing mechanism type information and communication format information stored in a first communication format table 85a and a second communication format table 85b based on the closing mechanism identification information; and a relay unit that transmits the operation signal to the target closing mechanism by using the communication format identified by the identification unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system and a relay device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a system for controlling the opening and closing of shutter curtains in each of a plurality of electric shutter devices provided in each of a plurality of openings in a building has been proposed. As such a system, for example, a plurality of transceivers provided in each of the plurality of electric shutter devices, and an operation signal transmitted from a mobile communication terminal (specifically, an opening signal for controlling the opening and closing of the shutter curtain, a closing signal, a stop signal, etc.) are relayed to a plurality of transceivers having the same communication format. A system including a transceiver master unit is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in recent years, there has been an increasing need to relay an operation signal transmitted from a mobile communication terminal to a plurality of transceiver slave units having different communication formats from a transceiver master unit. For example, this applies to relaying between an old-fashioned transceiver slave unit provided in an existing electric shutter device and a new transceiver slave unit provided in a newly installed electric shutter device, where the new transceiver slave unit has a different communication format from the old-fashioned transceiver slave unit, using a single transceiver master unit. However, in the above-described conventional system, as described above, it only relays an operation signal from the transceiver master unit to a plurality of transceiver slave units having the same communication format. Therefore, for example, in order to make the communication formats of the plurality of transceiver slave units the same, it is necessary to replace the old-fashioned transceiver slave unit with a new one, that is, to replace communication devices such as transceiver slave units, which may result in an excessive installation cost of the system. Thus, there was room for improvement from the viewpoints of the installation cost and usability of the system.

[0005] The present invention is for solving the problems in the above-described prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a control system and a relay device capable of enhancing the usability of the control system while reducing the installation cost of the control system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the control system according to claim 1 includes a plurality of opening / closing devices provided at each of a plurality of openings in a building, and a relay device capable of communicating with the plurality of opening / closing devices, the relay device being configured to relay an operation signal received from an operation device for operating the plurality of opening / closing devices to the plurality of opening / closing devices. Each of the plurality of opening / closing devices includes an opening / closing body that opens and closes the opening, and state control means for controlling the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body based on the operation signal. The relay device includes communication format information storage means for storing in association with each other opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying the opening / closing device, opening / closing device type information indicating the type of the opening / closing device, and communication format information indicating a communication format for communicating between the relay device and the opening / closing device. When the operation signal is received, specific means for specifying a communication format that matches the type of the target opening / closing device, which is the opening / closing device corresponding to the opening / closing device identification information in the operation signal and is the opening / closing device to be operated, by referring to the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means based on the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal. The relay means for transmitting the received operation signal to the target opening / closing device using the communication format specified by the specific means.

[0007] The control system according to claim 2 is the control system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of opening / closing devices includes remote operation means for remotely operating the opening / closing device, and the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means includes first communication format information indicating the same communication format as the communication format for communicating between the remote operation means and the opening / closing device.

[0008] The control system according to claim 3 is the control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means includes second communication format information indicating a communication format for instructing two-way communication between the relay device and the opening / closing device.

[0009] The control system according to claim 4 is the control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the relay device stores, in the communication format information storage means, the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information to be registered in association with each other based on different registration methods according to the type of the opening / closing device.

[0010] The relay device according to claim 5 is a relay device provided for each of a plurality of openings in a building and communicable with the plurality of opening / closing devices, and relays an operation signal received from an operation device for operating the plurality of opening / closing devices to the plurality of opening / closing devices. The relay device includes: communication format information storage means for storing in association with each other the opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying the opening / closing device, the opening / closing device type information indicating the type of the opening / closing device, and the communication format information indicating the communication format for communication between the relay device and the opening / closing device; specifying means for, when the operation signal is received, specifying a communication format that matches the type of the target opening / closing device, which is the opening / closing device corresponding to the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal and is the opening / closing device to be an operation target, by referring to the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means based on the opening / closing device identification information; and relay means for transmitting the received operation signal to the target opening / closing device using the communication format specified by the specifying means.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the control system described in claim 1 and the relay device described in claim 5, the relay device includes: a communication format information storage means for storing the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information in association with each other; when an operation signal is received, by referring to the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means based on the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal, a specifying means for specifying a communication format that matches the type of the target opening / closing device corresponding to the opening / closing device identification information; and a relay means for transmitting the received operation signal to the target opening / closing device using the communication format specified by the specifying means. Therefore, an operation signal can be transmitted to the target opening / closing device using a communication format that matches the type of the target opening / closing device. Accordingly, without replacing the communication devices provided for each of the plurality of opening / closing devices, it is possible to accurately relay operation signals to a plurality of opening / closing devices with different communication formats, so that it is possible to enhance the usability of the control system while reducing the installation cost of the control system.

[0012] According to the control system described in claim 2, since the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means includes first communication format information indicating the same communication format as the communication format for communication between the remote operation means and the opening / closing device, an operation signal can be transmitted to the target opening / closing device using the same communication format as the communication format for communication between the remote operation unit and the opening / closing device, and the trouble of newly creating a communication format dedicated to relaying can be omitted.

[0013] According to the control system described in claim 3, since the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means includes second communication format information indicating a communication format for instructing two-way communication between the relay device and the opening / closing device, for example, two-way communication between the relay device and the opening / closing device can be instructed according to the type of the opening / closing device, and the reliability of communication between the relay device and the opening / closing device can be enhanced.

[0014] According to the control system described in claim 4, the relay device includes a registration means for storing, in the communication format information storage means, the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information, which are to be registered, in association with each other based on different registration methods according to the type of the opening / closing device. Therefore, the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information can be accurately registered, and the usability of the control system can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of a control system and a relay device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, [I] the basic concept of the embodiment will be described, then [II] the specific content of the embodiment will be described, and finally, [III] modifications to the embodiment will be described. However, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments.

[0017] [I] Basic Concept of the Embodiment First, the basic concept of the embodiment will be described. The embodiment generally relates to a control system including a plurality of opening / closing devices provided at each of a plurality of openings in a building, and a relay device capable of communicating with the plurality of opening / closing devices, the relay device relaying an operation signal received from an operation device that operates the plurality of opening / closing devices to the plurality of opening / closing devices.

[0018] Here, the specific structure and type of the "building" are arbitrary. For example, it is a concept including public facilities, commercial facilities, detached houses, apartment houses such as apartments and condominiums, etc.

[0019] Also, the "opening" is an opening formed in a part of the building's structure (for example, wall materials, floor materials, ceiling materials, etc.) for installing an entrance / exit or a window.

[0020] Also, the specific type of the "opening / closing device" is arbitrary. For example, it is a concept including shutter devices (as an example, window shutters, weight shutters, lightweight shutters, etc.), door devices (as an example, hinged doors, sliding doors, folding doors, etc.), and window devices, etc. Also, regarding the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body of the opening / closing device, for example, the up / down direction, left / right direction, front / rear direction, etc. are applicable. Also, the driving method of the opening / closing device is arbitrary. For example, an "electrically operated opening / closing device" etc. is applicable.

[0021] Also, the specific type of the "operation device" is arbitrary. For example, it is a concept including a remote operation device for an opening / closing device, which is a remote operation device for remotely operating the opening / closing device, and a terminal device different from the remote operation device, which is a communication device capable of transmitting an operation signal (as an example, a mobile terminal, a management server, etc.). In the embodiment, it will be described as a mobile terminal (specifically, a smartphone) in which an app for enabling the transmission of an operation signal is installed.

[0022] Also, the specific type of the "operation signal" is arbitrary. For example, it is a concept including an opening signal, a closing signal, a stop signal, etc.

[0023] Among these, the "opening signal" is a signal for moving the opening / closing body in the opening direction, the "closing signal" is a signal for moving the opening / closing body in the closing direction, and the "stop signal" is a signal for stopping the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body.

[0024] Note that the "response signal" is a signal including information indicating that an operation signal has been received.

[0025] Also, the specific type of the "relay device" is arbitrary, but it is a concept including a relay device for the opening / closing device and a relay server (as an example, a network server, a cloud server, etc.) capable of relaying other signals in addition to the operation signal to devices other than the opening / closing device. In the embodiment, it will be described as a relay device for the opening / closing device.

[0026] Hereinafter, in the embodiment, a case where the opening / closing device is an up / down opening / closing and electric window shutter installed in an opening provided in an outer wall of a building such as a detached house will be described.

[0027] [[II] Specific Content of the Embodiment Next, the specific content of the embodiment will be described.

[0028] (Configuration) First, the configuration of the control system according to the embodiment will be described.

[0029] In the following description, the X direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the left - right direction of the control system (-X direction is the left direction of the control system, +X direction is the right direction of the control system), the Y direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the up - down direction of the control system (+Y direction is the upper direction of the control system, -Y direction is the lower direction of the control system), and the direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction is referred to as the front - rear direction (the direction reaching the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is the front direction of the control system, the direction reaching the back side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is the back direction of the control system).

[0030] The control system 1 is a system for controlling a plurality of opening / closing devices 10 described later and a relay device 80 described later. Generally, as shown in FIG. 1, it includes a plurality of opening / closing devices 10 (two opening / closing devices 10 in FIG. 1) and a relay device 80.

[0031] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device) First, the configuration of the plurality of opening / closing devices 10 will be described.

[0032] The plurality of opening / closing devices 10 are devices for opening and closing a plurality of openings 2 (two openings 2 in FIG. 1) provided in the building structure (for example, the outer wall of the building, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1, one of each of these plurality of opening / closing devices 10 is provided around each opening 2. Generally, it includes a storage unit 20, a guide rail 30, an opening / closing body 40, an opening / closing machine 50, a winding shaft (not shown), and an opening / closing side control system 60. However, the description of the configuration that is not specifically noted for each opening / closing device 10 will be omitted as being the same as that of a conventional shutter device (specifically, an up / down opening / closing and electric window shutter).

[0033] Also, the connection form of each component constituting each opening / closing device 10 is set as follows. That is, the opening / closing side control unit 70 of the opening / closing side control system 60 described later is electrically connected to each of the opening / closing machine 50, the opening / closing side operation unit 61 of the opening / closing side control system 60 described later, the position detection unit 62, the rotation speed detection unit 63, and the obstacle detection unit 64 via the wiring 3. Thereby, communication or power supply can be directly or indirectly performed between the opening / closing side control unit 70 described later and each of the opening / closing machine 50, the opening / closing side operation unit 61 described later, the position detection unit 62 described later, the rotation speed detection unit 63 described later, and the obstacle detection unit 64 described later.

[0034] In the following, as necessary, among the plurality of opening / closing devices 10, the opening / closing device 10a located on the left side in FIG. 1 is referred to as the "first opening / closing device 10a", and the opening / closing device 10b located on the right side in FIG. 1 is referred to as the "second opening / closing device 10b".

[0035] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device - Storage Unit) The storage part 20 is a hollow body for storing each part of the opening / closing device 10. As shown in FIG. 1, this storage part 20 is installed above the upper end part of the opening 2. Further, inside this storage part 20, an opening / closing machine 50, a winding shaft, and a position detection part 62, a rotation speed detection part 63, an obstacle detection part 64, and an opening / closing side control unit 70 of an opening / closing side control system 60, which will be described later, are accommodated. Also, when the opening / closing body 40 is wound up by the winding shaft, at least a part of the opening / closing body 40 is also accommodated inside the storage part 20.

[0036] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device - Guide Rail) The guide rail 30 guides the opening / closing body 40 to move along the opening / closing direction (vertical direction) of the opening 2. This guide rail 30 is a long body formed so that the cross-sectional shape is substantially U-shaped, and is arranged at the left and right end parts of the opening / closing device 10 in a direction substantially along the vertical direction, and is directly fixed to the building wall or indirectly fixed via a base material (not shown).

[0037] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device - Opening / Closing Body) The opening / closing body 40 is a shielding means for switching the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 by being moved in a closing or opening movement by a winding shaft.

[0038] Here, the "opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40" is a concept including the "fully closed state", the "fully open state", and the "half-open state". Among these, the "fully closed state" is a state where the opening 2 is fully closed by the opening / closing body 40, and the position of the opening / closing body 40 in the fully closed state is referred to as the "fully closed position". Also, the "fully open state" is a state where the opening 2 is fully opened by the opening / closing body 40, and the position of the opening / closing body 40 in the fully open state is referred to as the "fully open position". Also, the "half-open state" is a state where the opening / closing body 40 is located between the fully closed position and the fully open position. For example, it includes the "half-open moving state" where the opening / closing body 40 is located between the fully closed position and the fully open position and the opening / closing body 40 is moving in an opening / closing movement, and the "half-open stopped state" where the opening / closing body 40 is located between the fully closed position and the fully open position and the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body 40 has stopped.

[0039] This opening / closing body 40 is configured using, for example, a known screen-type shutter curtain. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, it includes a plurality of slats 41, and the plurality of slats 41 are fitted and connected to each other via fitting portions (not shown) formed at both upper and lower ends of each slat 41. Further, each of the left and right ends of this opening / closing body 40 is inserted into the inside of the guide rail 30 via the U-shaped open end of the guide rail 30, is slidable inside the guide rail 30 in the vertical direction, and is restricted from falling outside the guide rail 30 in the front-rear direction.

[0040] In addition, a seat plate 42 is connected to the closing-side end (specifically, the lower end of the opening / closing body 40) of this opening / closing body 40. This seat plate 42 is arranged to be close to or in contact with the floor surface of the building in the fully closed state, and is formed over the entire length in the left-right direction of the closing-side end of the opening / closing body 40.

[0041] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device - Opening / Closing Machine) The opening / closing machine 50 is a driving means for electrically opening and closing the opening / closing body 40 by controlling the rotation of the winding shaft. This opening / closing machine 50 is configured by, for example, a known opening / closing machine (as an example, an opening / closing machine with a brake, or a brakeless opening / closing machine, etc.), and is provided at a position near the winding shaft inside the storage portion 20 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0042] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device - Winding Shaft) The winding shaft is a rotating shaft for closing or opening the opening / closing body 40. This winding shaft is configured using, for example, a known winding shaft, etc., and is installed along the left-right direction. Further, a connecting slat (not shown) connected to the upper end of the opening / closing body 40 is connected to this winding shaft, and by rotating this winding shaft, the opening / closing body 40 can be closed or opened via the connecting slat. Also, since the left end (or right end) of this winding shaft is connected to the output shaft of the opening / closing machine 50 via a chain (not shown), the winding shaft can be rotated as the output shaft of the opening / closing machine 50 rotates.

[0043] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device - Opening / Closing Side Control System) The opening / closing side control system 60 is for controlling the opening / closing device 10. As shown in FIG. 1, it includes an opening / closing side operation unit 61, a position detection unit 62, a rotation speed detection unit 63, an obstacle detection unit 64, a remote operation unit 65, and an opening / closing side control unit 70.

[0044] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device - Opening / Closing Side Control System - Opening / Closing Side Operation Unit) The opening / closing side operation unit 61 is an opening / closing side operation means for receiving operation inputs related to the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body 40. This opening / closing side operation unit 61 is configured using, for example, a known wired operation device or the like, and as shown in FIG. 1, is provided near the opening 2. It includes an opening button for electrically moving the opening / closing body 40 to the open position, a closing button for electrically moving it to the closed position, and a stop button for stopping the electrically driven closing or opening movement (all not shown in the figure).

[0045] Also, although the specific operation of the opening / closing side operation unit 61 is arbitrary, in the embodiment, when the opening button, the closing button, or the stop button is pressed by the user, an operation signal corresponding to the pressed button (i.e., an opening signal, a closing signal, a stop signal) is output to the opening / closing machine 50 via the opening / closing side control unit 70, so that the opening / closing body 40 can be electrically moved to the open or closed position by the opening / closing machine 50, or the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body 40 can be electrically stopped. (It should be noted that when the above operation signal is input to the opening / closing side control unit 70, the verification of the opening / closing device identification information described later is not performed).

[0046] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device - Opening / Closing Side Control System - Position Detection Unit, Rotation Speed Detection Unit) The position detection unit 62 is a position detection means for detecting the position of the opening / closing body 40 (specifically, the position of the lower end of the opening / closing body 40) and outputting a signal indicating the detected position (hereinafter referred to as the "position signal") at a predetermined cycle. As shown in FIG. 1, it is provided inside the opening / closing machine 50.

[0047] The rotation speed detection unit 63 is a position detection means for detecting the rotation speed of the drive unit of the opening / closing machine 50 (hereinafter referred to as the "rotation speed of the drive unit") and outputting a signal indicating the detected rotation speed (hereinafter referred to as the "rotation speed signal") at a predetermined period. As shown in FIG. 1, it is provided inside the opening / closing machine 50.

[0048] The specific configurations of these position detection unit 62 and rotation speed detection unit 63 are arbitrary. However, in the embodiment, it is configured using a Hall IC or the like having the functions of both the position detection unit 62 and the rotation speed detection unit 63. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, the position detection unit 62 may be configured using an encoder (or potentiometer) or the like, and the rotation speed detection unit 63 may be configured using a tachogenerator or the like.

[0049] Here, in the embodiment, since the opening / closing side control system 60 does not include an upper limit switch and a lower limit switch, in order to execute the relay process described later, it is necessary to set the fully open position (upper limit position) and the fully closed position (lower limit position). The method for setting these fully open position and fully closed position is arbitrary. For example, the method shown below (hereinafter referred to as the "manual setting method") may be used for setting.

[0050] That is, first, by an operator performing a predetermined operation via the opening / closing side operation unit 61, the control mode of the opening / closing device 10 is set to a mode for setting the fully open position and the fully closed position (hereinafter referred to as the "limit setting mode"). Next, in the limit setting mode, by operating the open button of the opening / closing side operation unit 61, the opening / closing body 40 is moved to open so that the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 becomes the fully open state. Then, when the lower end portion of the opening / closing body 40 (the end portion on the closing direction side of the opening / closing body 40) abuts against the sill, the voltage value or current value of the drive unit of the opening / closing machine 50 (that is, the load amount of the drive unit) reaches the threshold value, and the position of the opening / closing body 40 corresponding to the position signal acquired from the position detection unit 62 is set as the fully open position. Next, by the operator operating the closing button of the opening / closing side operation unit 61, the opening / closing body 40 is moved to close so that the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 becomes the fully closed state. Subsequently, when the lower end portion of the opening / closing body 40 abuts against the floor surface, the voltage value or current value of the drive unit of the opening / closing machine 50 (that is, the load amount of the drive unit) reaches the threshold value, and the position of the opening / closing body 40 corresponding to the position signal acquired from the position detection unit 62 is set as the fully closed position.

[0051] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device - Opening / Closing Side Control System - Obstacle Detection Unit) The obstacle detection unit 64 is an obstacle detection means for detecting an obstacle (such as a person, an animal, an object, etc.) that hinders the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body 40, and is configured by using, for example, a known obstacle detection sensor (as an example, an overload detection sensor), etc., and is provided inside the opening / closing machine 50 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0052] Also, the method for detecting an obstacle by the obstacle detection unit 64 is arbitrary, but for example, it may be detected as follows. That is, every time the opening / closing body 40 is moved to close, the voltage value or current value of the drive unit of the opening / closing machine 50 is acquired over time. Among the acquired voltage value or current value, the voltage value or current value acquired during the closing movement of the opening / closing machine 50 in the previous turn before the closing movement of the target opening / closing machine 50 is set as the learning value. Then, based on the number of times the voltage value or current value acquired during the closing movement of the target opening / closing machine 50 exceeds the learning value, it is determined whether the opening / closing machine 50 is in an overload state. If it is in an overload state, it may be detected that an obstacle exists, and if it is not in an overload state, it may be detected that no obstacle exists.

[0053] Also, the specific operation of the obstacle detection unit 64 is arbitrary, but in the embodiment, when the lower end of the opening / closing body 40 comes into contact with an obstacle, an obstacle detection signal indicating that the obstacle has been detected is output to the opening / closing side control unit 70. When the lower end of the opening / closing body 40 is not in contact with an obstacle, it corresponds to not outputting the obstacle detection signal to the opening / closing side control unit 70.

[0054] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device - Opening / Closing Side Control System - Remote Operation Unit) The remote operation unit 65 is a remote operation means for remotely operating the opening / closing device 10. This remote operation unit 65 is configured using, for example, a known wireless operation device or the like, and is provided near the opening 2 (or is carried by the user). It includes an open button for electrically moving the opening / closing body 40 to open, a close button for electrically moving it to close, and a stop button for stopping the electrically driven closing movement or opening movement.

[0055] Also, although the specific operation of the remote control unit 65 is arbitrary, in the embodiment, when an open button, a close button, or a stop button is pressed by the user, an operation signal corresponding to the pressed button (that is, an open signal, a close signal, or a stop signal including the opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying its own opening / closing device 10) is output to the opening / closing machine 50 via the opening / closing side control unit 70, so that the opening / closing body 40 can be electrically opened / closed and moved by the opening / closing machine 50, or the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body 40 can be electrically stopped. (When the above operation signal is input to the opening / closing side control unit 70, collation of the opening / closing device identification information (specifically, determining whether the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal matches the opening / closing device identification information stored in the opening / closing side storage unit) shall be performed.)

[0056] Note that the method of setting the opening / closing device identification information is arbitrary. For example, a product number pre-assigned to the opening / closing device 10, a number determined by the user, or other numbers (as an example, the ID number of the remote control unit 65, etc.) may be set as the opening / closing device identification information. As an example, the opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying the first opening / closing device 10a may be set as information indicating the ID number of the remote control unit 65, and the opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying the second opening / closing device 10b may be set as information indicating the product number of the second opening / closing device 10b.

[0057] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device - Opening / Closing Side Control System - Opening / Closing Side Control Unit) The opening / closing side control unit 70 is a device that interlocks each part of the opening / closing device 10. As shown in FIG. 1, it is provided inside the opening / closing machine 50 (or inside the storage unit 20 and outside the opening / closing machine 50, etc.). As shown in FIG. 2, it includes a first opening / closing side communication unit 71, a second opening / closing side communication unit 72, an opening / closing side power supply unit 73, an opening / closing side control unit 74, and an opening / closing side storage unit 75.

[0058] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device - Opening / Closing Side Control System - Opening / Closing Side Control Unit - First Opening / Closing Side Communication Unit) The first opening / closing side communication unit 71 is the first opening / closing side communication means for performing communication between the opening / closing machine 50, the opening / closing side operation unit 61, the position detection unit 62, the rotation speed detection unit 63, or the obstacle detection unit 64 and the opening / closing side control unit 70, and is configured by using, for example, a known communication means that performs communication using a wired communication network.

[0059] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device - Opening / Closing Side Control System - Opening / Closing Side Control Unit - Second Opening / Closing Side Communication Unit) The second opening / closing side communication unit 72 is the second opening / closing side communication means for performing communication between the opening / closing side control unit 70 and the relay device 80, and is configured by using, for example, a known communication means that performs communication using a wireless communication network (as an example, a communication means for short-range wireless communication (for example, a communication means using a short-range wireless communication standard such as specific low-power wireless), or a communication means for long-range wireless communication (for example, a communication means using a long-range wireless communication standard such as 4G, 5G, or LTE (registered trademark))).

[0060] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device - Opening / Closing Side Control System - Opening / Closing Side Control Unit - Opening / Closing Side Power Supply Unit) The opening / closing side power supply unit 73 is the opening / closing side power supply means that supplies the power supplied from a commercial power supply or a battery (for example, a battery etc.) (not shown) to each part of the opening / closing side control unit 70, and also supplies it to the opening / closing side operation unit 61, the position detection unit 62, the rotation speed detection unit 63, or the obstacle detection unit 64 etc.

[0061] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device - Opening / Closing Side Control System - Opening / Closing Side Control Unit - Opening / Closing Side Control Section) The opening / closing side control section 74 is the opening / closing side control means for controlling each part of the opening / closing side control unit 70. Specifically, it is a computer configured to include a CPU, various programs (including a basic control program such as an OS and an application program that is launched on the OS and realizes a specific function) interpreted and executed on the CPU, and an internal memory such as a RAM for storing programs and various data (note that the same applies to the configuration of the relay side control section 84 of the relay device 80 described later).

[0062] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, this opening / closing side control unit 74 functionally conceptually includes a state control unit 74a.

[0063] The state control unit 74a is state control means for controlling the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 based on an operation signal received from the relay device 80 (or the remote operation unit 65) or an operation signal for which an input has been received from the opening / closing side operation unit 61.

[0064] (Configuration - Opening / Closing Device - Opening / Closing Side Control System - Opening / Closing Side Control Unit - Opening / Closing Side Storage Unit) The opening / closing side storage unit 75 is opening / closing side storage means for storing programs and various data (for example, opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying its own opening / closing device 10, etc.) necessary for the operation of the opening / closing side control unit 70, and is configured using a rewritable recording medium. For example, a non-volatile recording medium such as a flash memory can be used (the same applies to the configuration of the relay side storage unit 85 of the relay device 80 described later).

[0065] (Configuration - Relay Device) Returning to FIG. 1, next, the configuration of the relay device 80 will be described.

[0066] The relay device 80 is a device capable of communicating with a plurality of opening / closing devices 10 (specifically, the first opening / closing device 10a and the second opening / closing device 10b), and is a device that relays an operation signal received from an operating device for operating the opening / closing device 10 (specifically, a smartphone in which an application capable of transmitting an operation signal is installed) to the plurality of opening / closing devices 10. As shown in FIG. 1, this relay device 80 is provided around the plurality of opening / closing devices 10, and as shown in FIG. 3, includes a relay side operation unit 81, a relay side communication unit 82, a relay side power supply unit 83, a relay side control unit 84, and a relay side storage unit 85. Regarding the configuration of the relay device 80 that is not particularly noted, the description will be omitted assuming it is the same as a conventional relay device for an opening / closing device.

[0067] In the embodiment, the relay device 80 communicates operation signals and the like with each of a plurality of opening / closing devices 10 corresponding to a plurality of opening / closing device identification information registered (stored) in the relay-side storage unit 85.

[0068] Here, the method of transmitting the operation signal in the operation device is arbitrary, but in the embodiment, it is transmitted as follows.

[0069] That is, when any one of a plurality of opening buttons, a plurality of closing buttons, or a plurality of stop buttons displayed on the display unit of the operation device, which are a plurality of opening buttons, a plurality of closing buttons, or a plurality of stop buttons corresponding to each opening / closing device 10, is pressed by the user, an operation signal corresponding to the pressed button (specifically, an opening signal, a closing signal, or a stop signal including the opening / closing device identification information that uniquely identifies the opening / closing device 10 corresponding to the pressed button) is transmitted.

[0070] (Configuration - Relay Device - Relay-Side Operation Unit) The relay-side operation unit 81 is relay-side operation means for receiving operation inputs regarding various types of information. This relay-side operation unit 81 is configured using a known operation device such as a hard switch or a touch panel, and includes setting buttons for performing various settings regarding the relay device 80 (not shown in the figure).

[0071] (Configuration - Relay Device - Relay-Side Communication Unit) The relay-side communication unit 82 is relay-side communication means for communicating between the relay device 80 and each of the opening / closing device 10 (specifically, the opening / closing-side control unit 70) and the operation device, and is configured using a known communication means for communicating using a wireless communication network (as an example, a communication means for short-range wireless communication, a communication means for long-range wireless communication, or a communication means having both of these functions).

[0072] (Configuration - Relay Device - Relay-Side Power Supply Unit) The relay-side power supply unit 83 is relay-side power supply means for supplying the power supplied from a commercial power supply or a battery (not shown) to each part of the relay device 80.

[0073] (Configuration - Relay Device - Relay - side Control Unit) The relay - side control unit 84 is relay - side control means for controlling each part of the relay device 80. As shown in FIG. 3, conceptually in terms of functions, it includes a specific part 84a, a relay part 84b, and a registration part 84c.

[0074] When an operation signal is received from the operation device, the specific part 84a refers to the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information (described later) stored in the first communication format table 85a and the second communication format table 85b (described later) based on the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal. By doing so, it is specific means for specifying a communication format that matches the type of the opening / closing device 10 corresponding to the opening / closing device identification information and that is the operation target (hereinafter referred to as the "target opening / closing device").

[0075] The relay part 84b is relay means for transmitting the received operation signal to the target opening / closing device using the communication format specified by the specific part 84a.

[0076] The registration part 84c is registration means for correlating the opening / closing device identification information to be registered, the opening / closing device type information (described later), and the communication format information (described later) with each other based on different registration methods according to the type of the opening / closing device 10 and storing them in the first communication format table 85a or / and the second communication format table 85b (described later).

[0077] (Configuration - Relay Device - Relay - side Storage Unit) The relay - side storage unit 85 is relay - side storage means for storing programs and various data necessary for the operation of the relay device 80. As shown in FIG. 3, it includes a first communication format table 85a and a second communication format table 85b. Note that the above - mentioned first communication format table 85a and second communication format table 85b correspond to the "communication format information storage means" in the claims.

[0078] (Configuration - Relay Device - Relay - side Storage Unit - First Communication Format Table) The first communication format table 85a stores the opening / closing device identification information and the opening / closing device type information in association with each other.

[0079] Here, the "opening / closing device type information" is information indicating the type of the opening / closing device 10. Also, the "type of the opening / closing device 10" is a concept including, for example, the type of the opening / closing body 40 of the opening / closing device 10, the type of the version of the opening / closing device 10, and / or the type of the manufacturing company of the opening / closing device 10, etc.

[0080] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the first communication format table 85a stores the item "opening / closing device identification information", the item "opening / closing device type information", and the information corresponding to each item in association with each other.

[0081] Among these, the information corresponding to the item "opening / closing device identification information" is the opening / closing device identification information. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, it corresponds to the identification number "1001" assigned to the opening / closing device 10, etc.

[0082] Also, the information corresponding to the item "opening / closing device type information" is the opening / closing device type information. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, it corresponds to the "old - type opening / closing device" which is an old version of the opening / closing device 10, the "screen - type new opening / closing device" which is a new version of the opening / closing device 10 and the opening / closing body 40 is a screen - type shutter curtain, the "blind - type new opening / closing device" which is a new version of the opening / closing device 10 and the opening / closing body 40 is a blind - type shutter curtain, and the "slit - type new opening / closing device" which is a new version of the opening / closing device 10 and the opening / closing body 40 is a slit - type shutter curtain, etc.

[0083] (Configuration - Relay Device - Relay - Side Storage Unit - Second Communication Format Table) The second communication format table 85b stores the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information in association with each other.

[0084] Here, the "communication format information" is information indicating the communication format for communication between the relay device 80 and the opening / closing device 10. Also, the "communication format" means the specifications of communication (e.g., the order and length of communication data, etc.) determined by the combination of the communication method and the data format.

[0085] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the second communication format table 85b stores the item "opening / closing device type information", the item "communication format information", and the information corresponding to each item in an associated manner.

[0086] Among these, the information corresponding to the item "opening / closing device type information" is the opening / closing device type information. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, an "old - type opening / closing device" which is an old version of the opening / closing device 10, etc. is applicable.

[0087] Also, the information corresponding to the item "communication format information" is the communication format information. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the "first communication format", "second communication format", etc., which are the communication formats assigned for each type of the opening / closing device 10, are applicable.

[0088] Here, the communication format information indicating the "first communication format" is information (first communication format information) indicating the same communication format as the communication format for communication between the remote operation unit 65 and the opening / closing device 10, and is information for instructing only the communication from the relay device 80 to the opening / closing device 10 (so - called one - way communication). Thereby, an operation signal can be transmitted to the target opening / closing device using the same communication format as the communication format for communication between the remote operation unit 65 and the opening / closing device 10, and the trouble of newly creating a communication format dedicated to the relay can be omitted.

[0089] In addition, the communication format information indicating the "second communication format" is information (second communication format information) indicating a communication format for instructing bidirectional communication between the relay device 80 and the opening / closing device 10, and is information indicating a communication format different from the communication format for communicating between the remote operation unit 65 and the opening / closing device 10. Thereby, for example, bidirectional communication between the relay device 80 and the opening / closing device 10 can be instructed according to the type of the opening / closing device 10, and the reliability of communication between the relay device 80 and the opening / closing device 10 can be improved. In this case, for example, after an operation signal is transmitted from the relay device 80 to the opening / closing device 10, when a response signal to the operation signal is transmitted from the opening / closing device 10 to the relay device 80, information indicating the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 of the opening / closing device 10 may be included in the response signal so that the information can be transmitted to the operating device.

[0090] (Relay processing) Next, the relay processing executed by the relay side control unit 84 of the relay device 80 configured as described above will be described. In the following description, in the description of each process shown in FIG. 6, the steps are abbreviated as "S".

[0091] The relay processing is processing for relaying an operation signal received from the operating device to a plurality of opening / closing devices 10 (specifically, the first opening / closing device 10a and the second opening / closing device 10b). The timing for executing this relay processing is arbitrary, but in the embodiment, it will be described as being activated after the power of the relay device 80 is turned on.

[0092] Also, regarding the premise of the relay processing, in each opening / closing device 10, before the relay processing, it is assumed that the control mode is set to the limit setting mode, and the fully open position and the fully closed position are respectively set.

[0093] When the relay processing is activated, as shown in FIG. 6, in SA1, the relay side control unit 84 of the relay device 80 determines whether an operation signal (specifically, an opening signal, a closing signal, or a stop signal including opening / closing device identification information) has been received from the operating device.

[0094] When it is determined that the operation signal has been received (SA1, Yes), the relay-side control unit 84 of the relay device 80 proceeds to SA2, and when it is determined that the operation signal has not been received (SA1, No), it proceeds to SA4.

[0095] In the embodiment, the operation signal received at SA1 is temporarily stored in the relay-side storage unit 85. Here, when the first communication format is specified at SA2 described later, when the operation signal is transmitted to the specific opening / closing device 10 at SA3 described later, the stored operation signal shall be deleted. Also, when the second communication format is specified at SA2 described later, when a response signal to the operation signal is received from the specific opening / closing device 10 after the operation signal is transmitted to the specific opening / closing device 10 at SA3 described later, the stored operation signal shall be deleted.

[0096] At SA2, the specifying unit 84a of the relay device 80 specifies the communication format that matches the type of the target opening / closing device corresponding to the opening / closing device identification information by referring to the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information stored in the first communication format table 85a and the second communication format table 85b based on the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal received at SA1.

[0097] Specifically, first, the opening / closing device type information corresponding to the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal received at SA1 is extracted from the opening / closing device type information stored in the first communication format table 85a. Next, the communication format information corresponding to the extracted opening / closing device type information is extracted from the communication format information stored in the second communication format table 85b. Then, the communication format of the extracted communication format information is specified as the communication format that matches the type of the target opening / closing device.

[0098] As an example, when the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal received at SA1 is the opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying the first opening / closing device 10a, as shown in FIG. 4, the opening / closing device type information indicating the old - type opening / closing device is extracted from the first communication format table 85a. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the communication format information indicating the first communication format is extracted from the second communication format table 85b. Thereby, the first communication format is specified as the communication format that matches the type of the first opening / closing device 10a, which is the target opening / closing device.

[0099] Returning to FIG. 6, in SA3, the relay unit 84b of the relay device 80 transmits the operation signal received at SA1 to the target opening / closing device using the communication format specified at SA2, and / or receives a response signal (hereinafter referred to as the "first response signal") to the transmitted operation signal from the target opening / closing device, and then migrates to SA1.

[0100] The method of transmitting the received operation signal is arbitrary, but in the embodiment, it is transmitted as follows.

[0101] That is, first, the relay unit 84b of the relay device 80 converts the communication data of the received operation signal into content that conforms to the communication format specified by SA2 (for example, changes the length of the communication data of the operation signal and / or the order of the communication data), and transmits the converted operation signal to a plurality of opening / closing devices 10. Next, after each opening / closing side control unit 74 of the plurality of opening / closing devices 10 receives the transmitted operation signal, it determines whether the opening / closing device identification information included in the received operation signal matches the opening / closing device identification information stored in the opening / closing side storage unit 75. Here, when these opening / closing device identification information matches, as the received operation signal is transmitted to the target opening / closing device, each state control unit 74a of the plurality of opening / closing devices 10 controls the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the received operation signal, and / or transmits a first response signal (specifically, a first response signal including the opening / closing device identification information stored in the opening / closing side storage unit 75) to the relay device 80. On the other hand, when these opening / closing device identification information does not match, as the received operation signal is not transmitted to the target opening / closing device, each state control unit 74a of the plurality of opening / closing devices 10 does not control the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the received operation signal and does not transmit a first response signal.

[0102] As an example, when the relay unit 84b of the relay device 80 includes the opening / closing device identification information that uniquely identifies the first opening / closing device 10a in the received operation signal, after converting the received operation signal into content that conforms to the first communication format specified by SA2, it transmits it to the first opening / closing device 10a and the second opening / closing device 10b. Then, when the state control unit 74a of the first opening / closing device 10a receives the converted operation signal, since it matches the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal, it controls the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the operation signal. On the other hand, when the state control unit 74a of the second opening / closing device 10b receives the converted operation signal, since it does not match the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal, it does not control the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the operation signal.

[0103] In addition, when the relay unit 84b of the relay device 80 includes the opening / closing device identification information that uniquely identifies the second opening / closing device 10b in the received operation signal, after converting the received operation signal into content that conforms to the second communication format specified by SA2, it transmits the signal to the first opening / closing device 10a and the second opening / closing device 10b. And when the state control unit 74a of the second opening / closing device 10b receives the converted operation signal, since it matches the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal, it controls the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the operation signal and transmits a first response signal including the opening / closing device identification information that uniquely identifies the second opening / closing device 10b to the relay device 80. On the other hand, when the state control unit 74a of the first opening / closing device 10a receives the converted operation signal, since it does not match the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal, it does not control the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the operation signal and does not transmit a first response signal to the relay device 80.

[0104] In these cases, the specific processing content for controlling the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 by the state control unit 74a is arbitrary, but in the embodiment, it is as follows.

[0105] That is, when a closing signal or an opening signal transmitted by SA3 is received, the opening / closing body 40 is electrically moved for closing or opening by the opening / closing machine 50. Also, when the opening / closing body 40 is electrically moving for closing or opening and a stop signal transmitted by SA3 is received, the closing movement or the opening movement is stopped by the opening / closing machine 50.

[0106] In addition, after a closing signal or an opening signal transmitted by SA3 is received, so that the user can electrically move the opening / closing body 40 for closing or opening the opening / closing body 40 without operating the closing button or the opening button of the operating device, even when the reception of the closing signal or the opening signal is completed, the closing movement or the opening movement is continued by the opening / closing machine 50 (so-called "control of the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 by self-holding operation" is performed).

[0107] Also, from the viewpoint of enhancing safety during use, for example, when controlling the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the operation signal transmitted by SA3, if an opening signal, closing signal, or stop signal is received via the opening / closing side operation unit 61 (or the remote operation unit 25), the control of the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the operation signal transmitted by SA3 is aborted, and the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 is controlled based on the opening signal, closing signal, or stop signal received via the opening / closing side operation unit 61 (or the remote operation unit 25) (that is, the control of the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the opening signal or the like received via the opening / closing side operation unit 61 (or the remote operation unit 25) is prioritized). However, it is not limited to this. For example, even when an opening signal, closing signal, or stop signal is received via the opening / closing side operation unit 61 (or the remote operation unit 25) while controlling the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the operation signal transmitted by SA3, the control of the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the operation signal transmitted by SA3 may be continued.

[0108] Also, although the method of receiving the first response signal is arbitrary, in the embodiment, it is determined whether the opening / closing device identification information included in the first response signal transmitted from the opening / closing device 10 matches the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal transmitted by SA3. If these opening / closing device identification information matches, it is assumed that the first response signal is received from the target opening / closing device, and if these opening / closing device identification information does not match, it is assumed that the first response signal is not received from the target opening / closing device (note that the method of receiving the second response signal described later is also substantially the same).

[0109] Through the processing of SA1 to SA3 like this, an operation signal can be transmitted to the target opening / closing device using a communication format that matches the type of the target opening / closing device. Therefore, without replacing the communication devices provided in each of the plurality of opening / closing devices 10, since the operation signal can be accurately relayed to the plurality of opening / closing devices 10 with different communication formats, it is possible to enhance the usability of the control system 1 while reducing the installation cost of the control system 1.

[0110] In SA4, the registration unit 84c of the relay device 80 determines whether the registration timing has arrived.

[0111] Here, the "registration timing" means the timing to register (store) the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information in the first communication format table 85a and the second communication format table 85b in association with each other.

[0112] The method for determining whether this registration timing has arrived is arbitrary. However, in the embodiment, it is determined based on whether a signal (hereinafter referred to as an "instruction signal") instructing to register the opening / closing device identification information or the like is received from the operating device, or whether a predetermined operation is received via the relay-side operation unit 81. When the instruction signal is received or the predetermined operation is received, it is determined that the registration timing has arrived. When the instruction signal is not received and the predetermined operation is not received, it is determined that the registration timing has not arrived.

[0113] Then, when it is determined that the registration timing has arrived (SA4, Yes), the registration unit 84c of the relay device 80 proceeds to SA5, and when it is determined that the registration timing has not arrived (SA4, No), it proceeds to SA1.

[0114] In SA5, the registration unit 84c of the relay device 80 executes a process of registering (hereinafter referred to as a "registration process") the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information in the first communication format table 85a and the second communication format table 85b in association with each other.

[0115] The specific content of this registration process is arbitrary. However, in the embodiment, based on a different registration method according to the type of the opening / closing device 10, the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information to be registered are associated with each other and registered (stored) in the first communication format table 85a and the second communication format table 85b.

[0116] Here, the "registration method different according to the type of the opening / closing device 10" specifically corresponds to, for example, registering by varying the transmission source of a registration signal described later according to the type of the opening / closing device 10. For example, when the type of the opening / closing device 10 = an old-type opening / closing device, it may be registered with the transmission source of the registration signal described later = the operating device, and when the type of the opening / closing device 10 = a new-type opening / closing device, it may be registered with the transmission source of the registration signal described later = the opening / closing device 10.

[0117] For example, when the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information that can be assumed in the second communication format table 85b are already registered, and when the type of the first opening / closing device 10a = an old-type opening / closing device, when registering the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information regarding the first opening / closing device 10a, if a signal (hereinafter referred to as the "registration signal") including the opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying the first opening / closing device 10a and the opening / closing device type information indicating the type of the first opening / closing device 10a is received from the operating device within a predetermined time (for example, within 5 minutes, etc.) after the processing of SA4, the opening / closing device identification information and the opening / closing device type information included in the received registration signal may be stored in the first communication format table 85a. In addition, when the predetermined time has elapsed after the processing of SA4, it may be shifted to SA1 as if the registration process has not been executed.

[0118] Thereby, among the stored opening / closing device identification information and the opening / closing device type information, and the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information stored in the second communication format table 85b, the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information corresponding to the stored opening / closing device type information (that is, the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information regarding the first opening / closing device 10a) can be registered in the first communication format table 85a and the second communication format table 85b in association with each other.

[0119] However, not limited to this, for example, when registering the opening / closing device identification information, opening / closing device type information, and communication format information regarding the first opening / closing device 10a that is not registered in the first communication format table 85a and the second communication format table 85b, within a predetermined time after the processing of SA4, the opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying the first opening / closing device 10a, the opening / closing device type information indicating the type of the first opening / closing device 10a, and the communication format information indicating the communication format (specifically, the first communication format) for communicating with the first opening / closing device 10a are included. When a registration signal is received from the operating device, the opening / closing device identification information and the opening / closing device type information included in the received registration signal may be stored in the first communication format table 85a, and the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information included in the received registration signal may be stored in the second communication format table 85b.

[0120] In these cases, the method of transmitting the registration signal from the operating device is arbitrary. For example, when the input of the opening / closing device identification information and the opening / closing device type information is received via a predetermined operation, a registration signal including the received opening / closing device identification information and the opening / closing device type information may be transmitted.

[0121] Also, when the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information that can be assumed in the second communication format table 85b are already registered, and when the type of the second opening / closing device 10b is a screen type new opening / closing device, when registering the opening / closing device identification information, opening / closing device type information, and communication format information regarding the second opening / closing device 10b, within a predetermined time after the processing of SA4, when a registration signal including the opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying the second opening / closing device 10b and the opening / closing device type information indicating the type of the second opening / closing device 10b is received from the second opening / closing device 10b, the opening / closing device identification information and the opening / closing device type information included in the received registration signal may be stored in the first communication format table 85a. In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the processing of SA4, it may be considered that the registration process has not been executed, and the process may be shifted to SA1.

[0122] As a result, among the stored opening / closing device identification information and opening / closing device type information, and the opening / closing device type information and communication format information stored in the second communication format table 85b, the opening / closing device type information and communication format information corresponding to the stored opening / closing device type information (i.e., the opening / closing device identification information, opening / closing device type information, and communication format information regarding the second opening / closing device 10b) can be associated with each other and registered in the first communication format table 85a and the second communication format table 85b. (Note that, when the type of the second opening / closing device 10b is a blind type new opening / closing device and when the type of the second opening / closing device 10b is a slit type new opening / closing device, the case of registering the opening / closing device identification information, opening / closing device type information, and communication format information is substantially the same.)

[0123] However, it is not limited to this. For example, when registering the opening / closing device identification information, opening / closing device type information, and communication format information regarding the second opening / closing device 10b that are not registered in the first communication format table 85a and the second communication format table 85b, within a predetermined time after the processing of SA4, the opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying the second opening / closing device 10b, the opening / closing device type information indicating the type of the second opening / closing device 10b, and the communication format information indicating the communication format (specifically, the second communication format) for communicating with the second opening / closing device 10b are included in the registration signal received from the second opening / closing device 10b, the opening / closing device identification information and the opening / closing device type information included in the received registration signal may be stored in the first communication format table 85a, and the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information included in the received registration signal may be stored in the second communication format table 85b.

[0124] In these cases, the method of transmitting the registration signal from the second opening / closing device 10b is arbitrary. For example, a registration signal including the opening / closing device identification information and the opening / closing device type information stored in advance in the opening / closing side storage unit 75 may be transmitted by performing a predetermined operation via the opening / closing side operation unit 61.

[0125] With such SA5, it is possible to accurately register the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information, and improve the usability of the control system 1.

[0126] In SA6, the registration unit 84c of the relay device 80 transmits a registration confirmation signal to the operating device and receives a response signal (hereinafter referred to as "second response signal") to the transmitted registration confirmation signal from the operating device. Then, it proceeds to SA1 and, thereafter, similarly repeats the processes of SA1 to SA6.

[0127] Here, the "registration confirmation signal" is a signal indicating that the registration process has been executed in SA5. In the embodiment, in addition to the information indicating that the registration process has been executed, it is described as a signal including the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information registered in the registration process.

[0128] Also, the processing content when the operating device receives the above registration confirmation signal is arbitrary. For example, by displaying various information included in the registration confirmation signal on the display screen of the operating device, it may be possible to confirm that the desired opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information have been registered. Further, by setting the opening / closing device 10 corresponding to the opening / closing device identification information included in the registration confirmation signal as an opening / closing device 10 that can be remotely operated, it may be possible to control the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 of the corresponding opening / closing device 10 based on an operation signal transmitted from the operating device.

[0129] Through the relay processing as described above, it is possible to execute the relay of the operation signal and the registration of the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information, and improve the usability of the control system 1.

[0130] (Effects of the Embodiment) According to the embodiment in this way, the relay device 80 includes a first communication format table 85a and a second communication format table 85b that store the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information in association with each other. When an operation signal is received, the specific part 84a refers to the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information stored in the first communication format table 85a and the second communication format table 85b based on the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal, so as to specify the communication format that matches the type of the target opening / closing device corresponding to the opening / closing device identification information. The relay part 84b transmits the received operation signal to the target opening / closing device by using the communication format specified by the specific part 84a. Therefore, an operation signal can be transmitted to the target opening / closing device by using a communication format that matches the type of the target opening / closing device. Thus, without replacing the communication devices provided for each of the plurality of opening / closing devices 10, since the operation signal can be accurately relayed to the plurality of opening / closing devices 10 with different communication formats, it is possible to improve the usability of the control system 1 while reducing the installation cost of the control system 1.

[0131] In addition, since the communication format information stored in the second communication format table 85b includes the first communication format information indicating the same communication format as the communication format for communicating between the remote operation part 65 and the opening / closing device 10, an operation signal can be transmitted to the target opening / closing device by using the same communication format as the communication format for communicating between the remote operation part 65 and the opening / closing device 10, and the trouble of newly creating a communication format dedicated for relaying can be omitted.

[0132] In addition, since the communication format information stored in the second communication format table 85b includes the second communication format information indicating the communication format for instructing two-way communication between the relay device 80 and the opening / closing device 10, for example, two-way communication between the relay device 80 and the opening / closing device 10 can be instructed according to the type of the opening / closing device 10, and the reliability of communication between the relay device 80 and the opening / closing device 10 can be improved.

[0133] In addition, the relay device 80 includes a registration unit 84c that stores, in a first communication format table 85a and a second communication format table 85b, the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information to be registered in association with each other based on different registration methods according to the type of the opening / closing device 10. Therefore, the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information can be accurately registered, and the usability of the control system 1 can be improved.

[0134] [III] Modifications to the Embodiment As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the specific configurations and means of the present invention can be arbitrarily modified and improved within the scope of the technical idea of each invention described in the claims. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described.

[0135] (Regarding the problems to be solved and the effects of the invention) First, the problems to be solved and the effects of the invention are not limited to the above-described content. According to the present invention, it is also possible to solve problems not described above or to achieve effects not described above. Further, it may solve only some of the described problems or achieve only some of the described effects.

[0136] (Regarding dispersion and integration) In addition, each of the above-described electrical components is a functional concept, and it is not necessarily physically configured as shown in the drawings. That is, the specific form of dispersion or integration of each part is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically dispersed or integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage situations, etc. Further, the "device" in the present application is not limited to that constituted by a single device, but includes that constituted by a plurality of devices. For example, the relay device 80 according to the embodiment may be configured to be dispersed among a plurality of devices configured to be communicable with each other, a relay-side control unit 84 may be provided in a part of these plurality of devices, and a relay-side storage unit 85 may be provided in another part of these plurality of devices.

[0137] (Regarding shape, numerical value, structure, time series) Regarding the components exemplified in the embodiments and the drawings, with respect to the shape, numerical value, or the structure or time series interrelationship of a plurality of components, within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, arbitrary modifications and improvements can be made.

[0138] (Regarding the opening / closing device) In the above embodiment, it was described that the number of installed opening / closing devices 10 is two, but it is not limited to this, and for example, three or more may be used.

[0139] Also, in the above embodiment, it was described that the opening / closing device 10 includes the remote operation unit 65, but it is not limited to this, and for example, the remote operation unit 65 may be omitted.

[0140] (Regarding the obstacle detection unit) In the above embodiment, it was described that the obstacle detection unit 64 is configured using an overload detection sensor, but it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be a seat plate switch provided on the seat plate 42.

[0141] (Regarding the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body) In the above embodiment, it was described that the "half-open state" of the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 includes a half-open moving state and a half-open stop state, but it is not limited to this.

[0142] For example, when the opening / closing body 40 is configured as a blind-type shutter curtain, the "half-open state" may include a "slat inclined state" in which the slats 41 are inclined at a predetermined angle (as an example, a state in which the slats 41 are inclined in a range greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees (note that the inclination angle of the slats 41 is the angle formed by the closing direction and the slats 41, and the angle at which the slats 41 are parallel to the closing direction is 0 degrees)).

[0143] Alternatively, when the opening / closing body 40 is constituted by a slit-type shutter curtain, the "half-open state" may include a "slit open state" in which the slit of the slit-type shutter curtain is open to the outside (as an example, a state in which the slit is opened in a range greater than 0% and 100% or less).

[0144] In these cases, for example, the operation signal may include a slit tilt signal for switching the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 to the slit tilt state, and / or a slit opening signal for switching the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 to the slit open state. Thereby, in the relay process, the state control unit 74a of each opening / closing device 10 can switch the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 to the slit tilt state or the slit open state by receiving the slit tilt signal or the slit opening signal from the relay device 80.

[0145] (Regarding the relay device) In the above embodiment, it has been described that the relay device 80 includes the registration unit 84c, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the registration unit 84c may be omitted. In this case, in the relay process, the processes from SA4 to SA6 may be omitted.

[0146] (Regarding the communication format information storage means) In the above embodiment, it has been described that the communication format information storage means is constituted by two tables (specifically, the first communication format table 85a and the second communication format table 85b), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be constituted by one table that stores the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information in association with each other.

[0147] (Regarding the operation signal) In the above embodiment, it has been described that the operation signal includes an open signal, a close signal, and a stop signal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to these signals, an all-stop signal and / or an emergency stop signal may further be included.

[0148] Here, the "simultaneous stop signal" is a signal for simultaneously stopping the opening and closing movement of each closing body 40 of a plurality of opening and closing devices 10 while receiving a response signal to the simultaneous stop signal. For example, a simultaneous stop signal including a plurality of opening and closing device identification information added in an operating device or a relay device 80 corresponds to this. Further, the "emergency stop signal" is a signal for urgently stopping the opening and closing movement of each closing body 40 of a plurality of opening and closing devices 10 regardless of the presence or absence of receiving a response signal to the emergency stop signal. For example, an emergency stop signal including a plurality of opening and closing device identification information added in an operating device or a relay device 80 corresponds to this.

[0149] In this case, in the relay process, in the process of SA2, after identifying the communication format corresponding to each of the plurality of opening and closing device identification information included in the simultaneous stop signal (or emergency stop signal), in the process of SA3, the simultaneous stop signal (or emergency stop signal) may be transmitted to each opening and closing device 10 using the corresponding communication format.

[0150] (Regarding communication format information) In the above embodiment, it has been described that the communication format information includes communication format information indicating a first communication format and communication format information indicating a second communication format, but it is not limited to this. For example, in addition to these information, information indicating a communication format for instructing only communication from the relay device 80 to the opening and closing device 10, which is different from the communication format for communication between the remote operation unit 65 and the opening and closing device 10, may be included. Alternatively, it may be the same communication format as the communication format for communication between the remote operation unit 65 and the opening and closing device 10, and include information indicating a communication format for instructing two-way communication between the relay device 80 and the opening and closing device 10 (that is, the first communication format information and the second communication format information).

[0151] (Regarding relay process) In the above embodiment, it has been described that the process of SA6 is executed, but it is not limited to this. For example, the process of SA6 may be omitted.

[0152] (Supplementary Note) The control system of Supplementary Note 1 includes a plurality of opening / closing devices provided for each of a plurality of openings in a building, and a relay device capable of communicating with the plurality of opening / closing devices. The relay device relays an operation signal received from an operation device for operating the plurality of opening / closing devices to the plurality of opening / closing devices. Each of the plurality of opening / closing devices includes an opening / closing body for opening and closing the opening, and state control means for controlling the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body based on the operation signal. The relay device stores, in association with each other, opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying the opening / closing device, opening / closing device type information indicating the type of the opening / closing device, and communication format information indicating a communication format for communicating between the relay device and the opening / closing device. When the operation signal is received, the relay device refers to the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means based on the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal, and specifies a communication format that matches the type of the target opening / closing device, which is the opening / closing device corresponding to the opening / closing device identification information and is the opening / closing device to be operated. The relay device includes relay means for transmitting the received operation signal to the target opening / closing device using the communication format specified by the specifying means.

[0153] The control system of Supplementary Note 2 is the control system described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein each of the plurality of opening / closing devices includes remote operation means for remotely operating the opening / closing device, and the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means includes first communication format information indicating the same communication format as the communication format for communicating between the remote operation means and the opening / closing device.

[0154] The control system according to Supplementary Note 3 is the control system according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means includes second communication format information indicating a communication format for instructing two-way communication between the relay device and the opening / closing device.

[0155] The control system according to Supplementary Note 4 is the control system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the relay device includes registration means for mutually associating the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information to be registered based on different registration methods according to the type of the opening / closing device, and storing the same in the communication format information storage means.

[0156] The relay device according to Supplementary Note 5 is a relay device that is communicable with a plurality of opening / closing devices provided at each of a plurality of openings in a building, and relays an operation signal received from an operation device that operates the plurality of opening / closing devices to the plurality of opening / closing devices. The relay device includes communication format information storage means for mutually associating and storing opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying the opening / closing device, opening / closing device type information indicating the type of the opening / closing device, and communication format information indicating a communication format for communicating between the relay device and the opening / closing device; specifying means for, when the operation signal is received, specifying a communication format that matches the type of the target opening / closing device, which is the opening / closing device corresponding to the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal and is the opening / closing device to be operated, by referring to the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means based on the opening / closing device identification information; and relay means for transmitting the received operation signal to the target opening / closing device using the communication format specified by the specifying means.

[0157] (Effect of Supplementary Note) According to the control system described in Supplementary Note 1 and the relay device described in Supplementary Note 5, the relay device includes a communication format information storage means for storing the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information in association with each other, and when an operation signal is received, referring to the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means based on the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal, thereby specifying a communication format that matches the type of the target opening / closing device corresponding to the opening / closing device identification information; and a relay means for transmitting the received operation signal to the target opening / closing device using the communication format specified by the specifying means. Therefore, an operation signal can be transmitted to the target opening / closing device using a communication format that matches the type of the target opening / closing device. Accordingly, without replacing the communication devices provided for each of the plurality of opening / closing devices, it is possible to accurately relay the operation signal to a plurality of opening / closing devices with different communication formats, so that it is possible to improve the usability of the control system while reducing the installation cost of the control system.

[0158] According to the control system described in Supplementary Note 2, the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means includes first communication format information indicating the same communication format as the communication format for communication between the remote operation means and the opening / closing device. Therefore, an operation signal can be transmitted to the target opening / closing device using the same communication format as the communication format for communication between the remote operation unit and the opening / closing device, and the trouble of newly creating a communication format dedicated to relaying can be omitted.

[0159] According to the control system described in Supplementary Note 3, the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means includes second communication format information indicating a communication format for instructing two-way communication between the relay device and the opening / closing device. Therefore, for example, two-way communication between the relay device and the opening device can be instructed according to the type of the opening / closing device, and the reliability of communication between the relay device and the opening / closing device can be improved.

[0160] According to the control system described in Supplementary Note 4, the relay device includes a registration means for storing, in the communication format information storage means, the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information while associating them with each other based on different registration methods according to the type of the opening / closing device. Therefore, the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information can be accurately registered, and the usability of the control system can be improved.

Explanation of Signs

[0161] 1 Control system 2 Opening 3 Wiring 10 Opening / closing device 10a First opening / closing device 10b Second opening / closing device 20 Storage section 30 Guide rail 40 Opening / closing body 41 Slat 42 Seat plate 50 Opening / closing machine 60 Opening / closing side control system 61 Opening / closing side operation section 62 Position detection section 63 Rotation speed detection section 64 Obstacle detection section 65 Remote operation section 70 Opening / closing side control unit 71 First opening / closing side communication section 72 Second opening / closing side communication section 73 Opening / closing side power supply section 74 Opening / closing side control section 74a State control section 75 Opening / closing side memory section 80 Relay device 81 Relay side operation section 82 Relay side communication section 83 Relay side power supply section 84 Relay side control section 84a Specific section 84b Relay section 84c Registration section 85 Relay side memory section 85a First communication format table 85b Second communication format table

Claims

1. A control system comprising: a plurality of opening / closing devices provided at each of a plurality of openings of a building; and a relay device capable of communicating with the plurality of opening / closing devices, the relay device relaying an operation signal received from an operation device that operates the plurality of opening / closing devices to the plurality of opening / closing devices, wherein each of the plurality of opening / closing devices comprises an opening / closing body that opens and closes the opening, and state control means for controlling the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body based on the operation signal, and the relay device comprises communication format information storage means for storing in association with each other opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying the opening / closing device, opening / closing device type information indicating the type of the opening / closing device, and communication format information indicating a communication format for communicating between the relay device and the opening / closing device, specific means for, when the operation signal is received, referring to the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means based on the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal, and specifying a communication format that matches the type of the target opening / closing device, which is the opening / closing device corresponding to the opening / closing device identification information and is the opening / closing device to be operated, and relay means for transmitting the received operation signal to the target opening / closing device using the communication format specified by the specific means. Control system.

2. Each of the plurality of opening / closing devices comprises remote operation means for remotely operating the opening / closing device, and the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means includes first communication format information indicating the same communication format as the communication format for communicating between the remote operation means and the opening / closing device, The control system according to claim 1.

3. The communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means includes second communication format information indicating a communication format for instructing two-way communication between the relay device and the opening / closing device, The control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The relay device comprises registration means for storing in the communication format information storage means in association with each other the opening / closing device identification information, the opening / closing device type information, and the communication format information, which are the targets of registration, based on different registration methods according to the type of the opening / closing device. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A relay device communicable with a plurality of opening / closing devices provided at each of a plurality of openings of a building, the relay device relaying an operation signal received from an operation device that operates the plurality of opening / closing devices to the plurality of opening / closing devices, communication format information storage means for storing in association with each other opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying the opening / closing device, opening / closing device type information indicating the type of the opening / closing device, and communication format information indicating a communication format for communication between the relay device and the opening / closing device; specifying means for, when the operation signal is received, referring to the opening / closing device type information and the communication format information stored in the communication format information storage means based on the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal, and specifying a communication format that matches the type of a target opening / closing device, which is the opening / closing device corresponding to the opening / closing device identification information and is the opening / closing device to be operated; relaying means for transmitting the received operation signal to the target opening / closing device using the communication format specified by the specifying means. Relay device.

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