Control system and relay device

Abstract

To provide a control system capable of increasing the usability of the control system, and a relay device.SOLUTION: A control system 1 is a system that includes: a closing mechanism 10 placed at a building opening 2; and a relay device 80 capable of communicating with the closing mechanism 10. The closing mechanism 10 includes: an opening and closing body 40 that opens and closes the opening; and a state control unit that controls the open / closed state of the opening and closing body 40 based on operation signals. The relay device 80 includes a communication confirmation unit that is configured so as to, when the communication confirmation timing arrives, transmit a communication confirmation signal to the closing mechanism 10. The state control unit is configured so as to, when receiving the communication confirmation signal, control the open / closed state of the opening and closing body 40 so that the open / closed state of the opening and closing body 40 is switched to a given state based on the received communication confirmation signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Systems for controlling the opening and closing of a shutter curtain in an electric shutter device installed at an opening in a building have been proposed. For example, one such system has been disclosed, which includes a transmitter-receiver provided in the electric shutter device and a base unit that relays operation signals (specifically, open signals, close signals, stop signals, etc. for controlling the opening and closing of the shutter curtain) transmitted from a mobile communication terminal to the transmitter-receiver (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this system, when two-way communication between the transmitter-receiver and the base unit is established (i.e., when communication between the transmitter-receiver and the base unit is confirmed), the settings configured in the base unit are displayed on the screen of the mobile communication terminal, allowing the user to confirm the communication. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-220015 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, in the above-mentioned conventional system, as mentioned above, when confirming communication between the transmitter / receiver handset and the transmitter / receiver base station, the user checks the settings displayed on the screen of the mobile communication terminal.Therefore, if the user does not have a mobile communication terminal, or if the wireless communication environment is not in place around the system installed at a new construction site, etc., and communication between the mobile communication terminal and the transmitter / receiver base station is not possible, it may become difficult to confirm communication between the transmitter / receiver handset and the transmitter / receiver base station, and there is room for improvement in terms of usability of the system.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the problems in the conventional technology described above, and has an object to provide a control system and a relay device that can improve the usability of the control system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the control system according to claim 1 comprises: A control system comprising: a plurality of opening / closing devices provided at 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, wherein each of the plurality of opening / closing devices comprises an opening / closing body that opens and closes the opening, and a state control means that controls the open / closed state of the opening / closing body based on the operation signal, and the relay device, when a communication confirmation timing arrives that is a timing for confirming communication between the relay device and the opening / closing device, switches the open / closed state of the opening / closing body to a predetermined state, thereby transmitting a communication confirmation signal to the opening / closing device to enable the communication confirmation. and when the communication confirmation signal is received, the state control means controls the open / close state of the opening / closing body based on the received communication confirmation signal so that the open / close state of the opening / closing body is switched to the predetermined state, and when the communication confirmation timing arrives, the communication confirmation means transmits the communication confirmation signal to all of the plurality of opening / closing devices, and the operation signal includes a stop operation signal related to stopping the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body, and when the stop operation signal is received while the communication confirmation means is transmitting the communication confirmation signal to the plurality of opening / closing devices, the communication confirmation means cancels transmission of the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received stop operation signal to at least one of the plurality of opening / closing devices.

[0007] The control system according to claim 2 is the control system according to claim 1, The stop operation signal includes a first stop operation signal that stops the opening and closing movement of the opening and closing body in a specific opening and closing device among the plurality of opening and closing devices, and when the first stop operation signal is received while the communication confirmation means is transmitting the communication confirmation signal to the plurality of opening and closing devices, the communication confirmation means stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received first stop operation signal to the specific opening and closing device.

[0008] The control system according to claim 3 is the control system according to claim 1 or 2, The stop operation signal includes a second stop operation signal that stops the opening and closing movement of the opening and closing body in each of the plurality of opening and closing devices, and when the second stop operation signal is received while the communication confirmation means is transmitting the communication confirmation signal to the plurality of opening and closing devices, the communication confirmation means stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received second stop operation signal to all of the plurality of opening and closing devices.

[0009] The control system according to claim 4 comprises: Any one of claims 1 to 3 In the control system described in The communication confirmation signal is a signal that enables communication confirmation by switching the open / close state of the opening / closing body to a fully closed state in which the opening is fully closed by the opening / closing body, or a fully open state in which the opening is fully opened by the opening / closing body.

[0010] The control system according to claim 5 comprises: A control system comprising: an opening / closing device provided at an opening of a building; and a relay device capable of communicating with the opening / closing device, the relay device relaying an operation signal received from an operation device that operates the opening / closing device to the opening / closing device, wherein the opening / closing device comprises an opening / closing body that opens and closes the opening; and a state control means that controls the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body based on the operation signal, and the relay device comprises a communication confirmation means that, when a communication confirmation timing arrives that is the timing for confirming communication between the relay device and the opening / closing device, transmits a communication confirmation signal to the opening / closing device to enable the communication confirmation by switching the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body to a predetermined state, and when the communication confirmation signal is received, the state control means controls the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body based on the received communication confirmation signal so that the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body is switched to the predetermined state, and when the operation signal is received while the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body is being controlled based on the communication confirmation signal, the state control means stops controlling the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body based on the communication confirmation signal, and controls the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body based on the received operation signal.

[0011] The relay device according to claim 6 comprises: a relay device capable of communicating with a plurality of opening / closing devices provided at each of a plurality of openings in 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, the relay device comprising a communication confirmation means that, when a communication confirmation timing arrives for confirming communication between the relay device and the opening / closing devices, transmits a communication confirmation signal to the opening / closing devices to enable the communication confirmation by switching the open / close state of the opening / closing body to a predetermined state, the communication confirmation means transmits the communication confirmation signal to all of the plurality of opening / closing devices when the communication confirmation timing arrives, the operation signal including a stop operation signal for stopping the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body, and when the communication confirmation means receives the stop operation signal while transmitting the communication confirmation signal to the plurality of opening / closing devices, the communication confirmation means cancels transmission of the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received stop operation signal to at least one of the plurality of opening / closing devices. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] A control system according to claim 1, and Claim 6 According to the relay device described in [2], when a communication confirmation signal is received, the state control means controls the open / close state of the opening / closing body based on the received communication confirmation signal so that the open / close state of the opening / closing body switches to a predetermined state. Therefore, a user can visually confirm that the open / close state of the opening / closing body has switched to the predetermined state or the transition state during the switching, thereby confirming communication between the relay device and the opening / closing device. Therefore, the communication confirmation can be performed using only multiple opening / closing devices and the relay device. Therefore, communication confirmation between the relay device and the opening / closing device can be performed relatively easily, and the usability of the control system can be improved. In addition, when the communication confirmation timing arrives, the communication confirmation means transmits a communication confirmation signal to all of the multiple switching devices, so that the communication confirmation signal can be transmitted to all of the multiple switching devices, and communication confirmation between the relay device and the multiple switching devices can be efficiently performed. Furthermore, if a stop operation signal is received while the communication confirmation means is transmitting a communication confirmation signal to the plurality of opening / closing devices, the communication confirmation means halts transmission of the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received stop operation signal to at least one of the plurality of opening / closing devices, so that if a stop operation signal is received while transmitting a communication confirmation signal, the received stop operation signal can be transmitted with priority. This makes it possible to quickly stop the opening / closing movement of at least one of the opening / closing bodies of the plurality of opening / closing devices, thereby improving safety when using the plurality of opening / closing devices.

[0015] According to the control system of claim 2, when the communication confirmation means receives a first stop operation signal while transmitting a communication confirmation signal to a plurality of opening and closing devices, it stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received first stop operation signal to a specific opening and closing device. Therefore, when the first stop operation signal is received while transmitting a communication confirmation signal, the received first stop operation signal can be transmitted with priority, and the opening and closing movement of the opening and closing body in the specific opening and closing device can be quickly stopped.

[0016] According to the control system of claim 3, when the communication confirmation means receives a second stop operation signal while transmitting a communication confirmation signal to a plurality of opening and closing devices, it stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received second stop operation signal to all of the plurality of opening and closing devices.Therefore, when the second stop operation signal is received while transmitting a communication confirmation signal, the received second stop operation signal can be transmitted with priority, and the opening and closing movement of each of the opening and closing bodies of the plurality of opening and closing devices can be quickly stopped.

[0017] According to the control system of claim 4, the communication confirmation signal is a signal for enabling the communication confirmation by switching the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body to a fully closed state or a fully open state. Therefore, when the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body is switched to a fully closed state, it can be confirmed that the communication confirmation between the relay device and the opening / closing device has been performed, and it becomes possible to confirm after the fact whether the communication confirmation has been performed or not, regardless of the type of opening / closing device.

[0018] According to the control system of claim 5, when a communication confirmation signal is received, the state control means controls the open / close state of the opening / closing body based on the received communication confirmation signal so that the open / close state of the opening / closing body switches to a predetermined state. Therefore, a user can visually confirm that the open / close state of the opening / closing body has switched to the predetermined state or the transition state during the switching, thereby performing communication confirmation between the relay device and the opening / closing device, and therefore the communication confirmation can be performed using only a plurality of opening / closing devices and the relay device. Therefore, communication confirmation between the relay device and the opening / closing device can be performed relatively easily, and usability of the control system can be improved. Furthermore, when an operation signal is received while the open / close state of the opening / closing body is being controlled based on a communication confirmation signal, the state control means stops controlling the open / close state of the opening / closing body based on the communication confirmation signal and controls the open / close state of the opening / closing body based on the received operation signal.Therefore, when the open / close state of the opening / closing body is being controlled based on a communication confirmation signal, priority can be given to the control of the open / close state of the opening / closing body based on the received operation signal, making it possible to maintain the usability of the opening / closing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an opening / closing side control unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a relay device. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of a relay process according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a control system and a relay device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. First, [I] the basic concept of the embodiment will be described, then [II] specific content of the embodiment will be described, and finally, [III] modified examples of the embodiment will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

[0023] [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 switching device provided at an opening of a building and a relay device capable of communicating with the switching device, which relays an operation signal received from an operating device that operates the switching device to the switching device.

[0024] Here, the specific structure and type of "building" are arbitrary, but the concept includes, for example, public facilities, commercial facilities, detached houses, and collective housing such as apartments and condominiums.

[0025] Furthermore, an "opening" is an opening formed in a part of the building frame (for example, a wall material, a floor material, a ceiling material, etc.) for installing an entrance or a window.

[0026] Furthermore, the specific type of "opening and closing device" is arbitrary, but the concept includes, for example, shutter devices (examples include window shutters, heavy shutters, lightweight shutters, etc.), door devices (examples include swing doors, sliding doors, folding doors, etc.), and window devices. Furthermore, the opening and closing direction of the opening and closing body of the opening and closing device includes, for example, the up-down direction, the left-right direction, the front-rear direction, etc. Furthermore, the drive method of the opening and closing device is arbitrary, and for example, an "electric opening and closing device" is an example.

[0027] Furthermore, the specific type of "operation device" is arbitrary, but for example, it is a remote operation device for an opening and closing device, and is a concept that includes a remote operation device for remotely operating the opening and closing device, and a terminal device different from the remote operation device, and a communication device (for example, a mobile terminal, a management server, etc.) that is capable of transmitting operation signals, but in the embodiment, it will be described as a mobile terminal (specifically, a smartphone) on which an app that enables transmission of operation signals is installed.

[0028] Furthermore, the specific type of "operation signal" is arbitrary, but the concept includes, for example, an open signal, a close signal, a stop operation signal, and the like.

[0029] Of these, the "open signal" is a signal for moving the opening / closing body of a specific opening / closing device to the open position, and the "close signal" is a signal for moving the opening / closing body of a specific opening / closing device to the close position.

[0030] Furthermore, the "stop operation signal" is a signal related to the operation of stopping the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body of at least one opening / closing device, and is a concept that includes, for example, a first stop operation signal and a second stop operation signal.

[0031] Here, the "first stop operation signal" is a signal for stopping the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body of a specific opening / closing device. The "second stop operation signal" is a signal for stopping the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body in each of a plurality of opening / closing devices, and in the embodiment, the "second stop operation signal" is described as a signal for urgently stopping the opening / closing movement of each of the opening / closing bodies of a plurality of opening / closing devices (a so-called emergency stop signal) regardless of whether a response signal to the second stop operation signal is received. However, without being limited thereto, for example, the "second stop operation signal" may be a signal for simultaneously stopping the opening / closing movement of each of the opening / closing bodies of a plurality of opening / closing devices while receiving a response signal to the second stop operation signal (a so-called simultaneous stop signal).

[0032] The "response signal" is a signal that includes information indicating that the operation signal has been received.

[0033] Furthermore, the specific type of "relay device" is arbitrary, but the concept includes a relay device for a switching device and a relay server (for example, a network server, a cloud server, etc.) that can relay other signals in addition to operation signals to devices other than the switching device. In the embodiment, however, it will be described as a relay device for a switching device.

[0034] In the following embodiments, a case will be described in which the opening and closing device is a vertically opening and closing type electrically operated window shutter that is installed in an opening provided in the outer wall of a building such as a detached house.

[0035] [II] Specific details of the embodiment Next, specific details of the embodiment will be described.

[0036] (composition) First, the configuration of the control system according to the embodiment will be described.

[0037] In the following explanation, the X direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the left-right direction of the control system (the -X direction is the left direction of the control system, and the +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 (the +Y direction is the up direction of the control system, and the -Y direction is the down direction of the control system), and the direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions is referred to as the front-to-back direction (the direction leading to the front side of the paper in FIG. 1 is the front direction of the control system, and the direction leading to the back side of the paper in FIG. 1 is the rear direction of the control system).

[0038] The control system 1 is a system for controlling a plurality of opening and closing devices 10 and a relay device 80, which will be described later, and is generally equipped with a plurality of opening and closing devices 10 (two opening and closing devices 10 in FIG. 1) and a relay device 80, as shown in FIG.

[0039] (Configuration - Switchgear) First, the configuration of the multiple opening and closing devices 10 will be described.

[0040] The multiple opening and closing devices 10 are devices for opening and closing multiple openings 2 (two openings 2 in FIG. 1 ) provided in the framework of a building (for example, the outer wall of a building, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1 , each of the multiple opening and closing devices 10 is provided around each opening 2, and generally includes a storage section 20, a guide rail 30, an opening and closing body 40, an opening and closing machine 50, a winding shaft (not shown), and an opening and closing control system 60. However, unless otherwise specified, the configuration of each opening and closing device 10 is the same as that of a conventional shutter device (specifically, a top-and-bottom opening and closing type and an electric type window shutter), and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] The connection configuration of each component constituting each opening / closing device 10 is set as shown below. That is, an opening / closing control unit 70 of an opening / closing control system 60 (described later) is electrically connected to each of the opening / closing device 50, an opening / closing operation section 61, a position detection section 62, a rotation speed detection section 63, and an obstacle detection section 64 of the opening / closing control system 60 (described later) via wiring 3. This allows communication or power supply directly or indirectly between the opening / closing control unit 70 (described later) and each of the opening / closing device 50, the opening / closing operation section 61, the position detection section 62, the rotation speed detection section 63, and the obstacle detection section 64 (described later).

[0042] In the following, as necessary, of the multiple opening and closing devices 10, the opening and closing device 10a located on the left side of Figure 1 will be referred to as the "first opening and closing device 10a," and the opening and closing device 10b located on the right side of Figure 1 will be referred to as the "second opening and closing device 10b."

[0043] (Configuration - Switching device - Storage section) The storage section 20 is a hollow body for storing each part of the opening / closing device 10. As shown in FIG. 1 , the storage section 20 is installed above the upper end of the opening 2. The storage section 20 also stores the opening / closing machine 50, the winding shaft, and a position detection section 62, a rotation speed detection section 63, an obstacle detection section 64, and an opening / closing side control unit 70 of the opening / closing side control system 60, which will be described later. 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 stored inside the storage section 20.

[0044] (Configuration - Switching 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. The guide rail 30 is an elongated body formed so that its cross section is roughly U-shaped, and is disposed at each of the left and right ends of the opening / closing device 10 in a direction roughly along the vertical direction, and is fixed directly to the wall of the building or indirectly via a base material (not shown).

[0045] (Configuration - Switching device - Switching body) The opening / closing body 40 is a shielding means that switches the open / closed state of the opening / closing body 40 by being moved to close or open by the winding shaft.

[0046] Here, the "open / closed state of the opening-closing body 40" is a concept that includes a "fully closed state," a "fully open state," and a "half-open state." Of these, the "fully closed state" is a state in which 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." Furthermore, the "fully open state" is a state in which 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." Furthermore, the "half-open state" is a state in which the opening-closing body 40 is located between the fully closed position and the fully open position, and is a concept that includes, for example, a "half-open movement state" in which the opening-closing body 40 is located between the fully closed position and the fully open position and is moving between the opening and closing positions, and a "half-open stop state" in which the opening-closing body 40 is located between the fully closed position and the fully open position and is stopping its opening and closing movement.

[0047] 1, the opening / closing body 40 is configured using, for example, a known screen-type shutter curtain, and specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, it has a plurality of slats 41 that are fitted and connected to each other via fitting portions (not shown) formed at both the upper and lower ends of each slat 41. Each of the left and right ends of the 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, and is able to slide within the guide rail 30 in the up and down direction, while being restricted from falling out of the guide rail 30 in the front and rear direction.

[0048] A seat plate 42 is connected to the closed end of the opening / closing body 40 (specifically, the lower end of the opening / closing body 40). The seat plate 42 is disposed so as to be in close proximity to or in contact with the floor surface of the building in the fully closed state, and is formed over the entire length of the closed end of the opening / closing body 40 in the left-right direction.

[0049] (Configuration - Switchgear - Switchgear) The opening / closing device 50 is a driving means for electrically opening and closing the opening / closing body 40 by controlling the rotation of the winding shaft. The opening / closing device 50 is configured, for example, by a known opening / closing device (for example, an opening / closing device with a brake or a brakeless opening / closing device), and is provided inside the storage section 20 in a position near the winding shaft, as shown in FIG.

[0050] (Configuration - Opening and closing device - Winding shaft) The winding shaft is a rotating shaft for moving the opening / closing body 40 to close or open. This winding shaft is configured using, for example, a known winding shaft or the like, and is installed along the left-right direction. In addition, a connecting slat (not shown) that is 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 moved to close or open via the connecting slat. In addition, the left end (or right end) of this winding shaft is connected to the output shaft of the opening / closing device 50 via a chain (not shown), so the winding shaft can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the output shaft of the opening / closing device 50.

[0051] (Configuration - Switchgear - Switching side control system) The opening / closing side control system 60 is for controlling the opening / closing device 10, and as shown in Figure 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, and an opening / closing side control unit 70.

[0052] (Configuration - Switchgear - Switching Control System - Switching Operation Unit) The opening / closing side operation unit 61 is an opening / closing side operation means that receives 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, and as shown in Fig. 1, is provided near the opening 2, and includes an open button that electrically moves the opening / closing body 40 to the open position, a close button that electrically moves the opening / closing body 40 to the closed position, and a stop button that stops the electrically moved closing or opening position (all of which are not shown).

[0053] Furthermore, the specific operation of the opening / closing side operating unit 61 is arbitrary, but in the embodiment, when the open button, close button, or stop button is pressed by the user, an operation signal corresponding to the pressed button (i.e., an open signal, close signal, or first stop operation signal including opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying the 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 moved open or closed by the opening / closing machine 50, or the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body 40 can be electrically stopped.

[0054] (Configuration - Switching device - Switching 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 a "position signal") at a predetermined interval, and is provided inside the opening / closing machine 50 as shown in Figure 1.

[0055] 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, and is provided inside the opening / closing machine 50 as shown in Figure 1.

[0056] The specific configurations of the position detection unit 62 and the rotation speed detection unit 63 are arbitrary, but in the embodiment, they are configured using a Hall IC or the like that has the functions of both the position detection unit 62 and the rotation speed detection unit 63. However, this is not limiting, and 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 tachometer generator or the like.

[0057] In this embodiment, since the opening / closing side control system 60 does not include an upper limit switch or a lower limit switch, it is necessary to set a fully open position (upper limit position) and a fully closed position (lower limit position) in order to execute the relay process described later. The fully open position and the fully closed position may be set by any method, but may be set, for example, by the method shown below (hereinafter referred to as the "manual setting method").

[0058] That is, first, an operator performs a predetermined operation via the opening / closing side operation unit 61 to set the control mode of the opening / closing device 10 to a mode for setting a fully open position and a fully closed position (hereinafter referred to as a "limit setting mode"). Next, in the limit setting mode, an operator operates the open button of the opening / closing side operation unit 61 to move the opening / closing body 40 to an open position so that the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 becomes the fully open state. Next, when the lower end portion (the end portion of the opening / closing body 40 on the closing direction side) of the opening / closing body 40 abuts against the lintel, the voltage value or current value (i.e., the load amount of the drive unit) of the opening / closing device 50 reaches a 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, an operator operates the close button of the opening / closing side operation unit 61 to move the opening / closing body 40 to a closed position so that the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 becomes the fully closed state. Next, when the lower end of the opening / closing body 40 abuts against the floor surface, the voltage value or current value (i.e., the load amount of the drive unit) of the opening / closing mechanism 50 reaches a threshold value, and the position of the opening / closing body 40 corresponding to the position signal obtained from the position detection unit 62 is set as the fully closed position.

[0059] (Configuration - Switching device - Switching control system - Obstacle detection unit) The obstacle detection unit 64 is an obstacle detection means that detects obstacles (e.g., people, animals, objects, etc.) that hinder the opening and closing movement of the opening / closing body 40, and is configured using, for example, a known obstacle detection sensor (one example is an overload detection sensor), etc., and is provided inside the opening / closing machine 50, as shown in Figure 1.

[0060] Furthermore, the method for detecting an obstacle by the obstacle detection unit 64 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, as follows: That is, the voltage value or current value of the drive unit of the switchgear 50 is acquired over time each time the switchgear body 40 is moved to close, and of the acquired voltage values ​​or current values, the voltage value or current value acquired in the closing movement of the switchgear 50 immediately before the closing movement of the target switchgear 50 is set as the learned value. Then, based on the number of times that the voltage value or current value acquired during the closing movement of the target switchgear 50 exceeds the learned value, it is determined whether the switchgear 50 is in an overload state, and if the switchgear 50 is in an overload state, it is detected that an obstacle is present, and if the switchgear is not in an overload state, it is detected that no obstacle is present.

[0061] Furthermore, 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 an obstacle has been detected is output to the opening / closing side control unit 70, and when the lower end of the opening / closing body 40 does not come into contact with an obstacle, an obstacle detection signal is not output to the opening / closing side control unit 70.

[0062] (Configuration - Switchgear - Switching Control System - Switching Control Unit) The opening / closing side control unit 70 is a device that interconnects each part of the opening / closing device 10, and as shown in Figure 1, is provided inside the opening / closing machine 50 (or inside the storage section 20, but outside the opening / closing machine 50, etc.), and as shown in Figure 2, is equipped with a first opening / closing side communication section 71, a second opening / closing side communication section 72, an opening / closing side power supply section 73, an opening / closing side control section 74, and an opening / closing side memory section 75.

[0063] (Configuration - Switchgear - Switching side control system - Switching side control unit - First switching side communication unit) The first opening / closing side communication unit 71 is a first opening / closing side communication means for communicating 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 using, for example, a known communication means for communicating using a wired communication network.

[0064] (Configuration - Switchgear - Switching side control system - Switching side control unit - Second switching side communication unit) The second opening / closing side communication unit 72 is a second opening / closing side communication means for communicating between the opening / closing side control unit 70 and the relay device 80, and is configured using, for example, a known communication means for communicating using a wireless communication network (for 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 radio), 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)).

[0065] (Configuration - Switchgear - Switching control system - Switching control unit - Switching power supply) The opening / closing side power supply unit 73 is an opening / closing side power supply means that supplies power supplied from a commercial power source or a battery (e.g., a battery, etc.) not shown to each part of the opening / closing side control unit 70, and also supplies power to the opening / closing side operating unit 61, position detection unit 62, rotation speed detection unit 63, obstacle detection unit 64, etc.

[0066] (Configuration - Switchgear - Switching control system - Switching control unit - Switching control section) The opening / closing side control unit 74 is an opening / closing side control means that controls each part of the opening / closing side control unit 70. Specifically, it is a computer that is configured with a CPU, various programs that are interpreted and executed on the CPU (including basic control programs such as an OS, and application programs that are started on the OS and realize specific functions), and an internal memory such as RAM for storing programs and various data (note that the same applies to the configuration of a relay-side control unit 84 of a relay device 80, which will be described later).

[0067] As shown in FIG. 2, the opening / closing side control section 74 conceptually includes a state control section 74a.

[0068] The state control unit 74 a is a state control means that controls the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 based on an operation signal received from the relay device 80 or an operation signal input from the opening / closing side operation unit 61 .

[0069] (Configuration - Switchgear - Switching Control System - Switching Control Unit - Switching Memory Unit) The opening / closing side memory unit 75 is an opening / closing side memory means that stores programs and various data (for example, opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying its own opening / closing device 10) necessary for the operation of the opening / closing side control unit 70, and is configured using a rewritable recording medium, and a non-volatile recording medium such as a flash memory can be used (the same applies to the configuration of the relay side memory unit 85 of the relay device 80 described later).

[0070] (Configuration - Relay device) Returning to FIG. 1, the configuration of relay device 80 will now be described.

[0071] The relay device 80 is a device capable of communicating with a plurality of opening and closing devices 10 (specifically, a first opening and closing device 10a and a second opening and closing device 10b), and is a device that relays an operation signal received from an operation device that operates the opening and closing devices 10 (specifically, a smartphone installed with an app that enables transmission of the operation signal) to the plurality of opening and closing devices 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the relay device 80 is provided in the vicinity of the plurality of opening and 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 memory unit 85. Note that, unless otherwise specified, configurations of the relay device 80 are the same as those of conventional relay devices for opening and closing devices, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] In the embodiment, the relay device 80 communicates operation signals, etc. with each of the multiple opening and closing devices 10 corresponding to the multiple opening and closing device identification information registered (stored) in the relay side memory unit 85.

[0073] Furthermore, the method of transmitting the operation signal in the operation device is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, the signal is transmitted as follows.

[0074] That is, when the user presses any of the multiple open buttons, multiple close buttons, or multiple first stop buttons displayed on the display unit of the operating device, which correspond to each opening / closing device 10, an operation signal corresponding to the pressed button (specifically, an open signal, a close signal, or a first stop operation signal including opening / closing device identification information that uniquely identifies the opening / closing device 10 corresponding to the pressed button) is transmitted. Also, when the user presses one second stop button displayed on the display unit of the operating device, which corresponds to all of the multiple opening / closing devices 10, an operation signal corresponding to the pressed button (specifically, a second stop operation signal corresponding to the second stop button) is transmitted.

[0075] (Configuration - Relay device - Relay side operation unit) The relay side operation unit 81 is a relay side operation means for receiving operation inputs relating to various information. This relay side operation unit 81 is configured using a known operation device such as a hard switch or a touch panel, and has setting buttons (not shown) for making various settings relating to the relay device 80.

[0076] (Configuration - Relay device - Relay side communication unit) The relay side communication unit 82 is a relay side communication means for communicating between the relay device 80 and the opening / closing device 10 (specifically, the opening / closing side control unit 70) and each of the operating devices, and is configured using, for example, a known communication means for communicating using a wireless communication network (for 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).

[0077] (Configuration - Relay device - Relay side power supply unit) The relay-side power supply unit 83 is a relay-side power supply means that supplies power supplied from a commercial power supply or a battery (not shown) to each unit of the relay device 80.

[0078] (Configuration - Relay device - Relay side control unit) The relay-side control unit 84 is a relay-side control means that controls each unit of the relay device 80, and as shown in FIG. 3, conceptually includes a communication confirmation unit 84a.

[0079] The communication confirmation unit 84a is a communication confirmation means that transmits a communication confirmation signal to the switching device 10 when the timing for confirming communication between the relay device 80 and the switching device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "communication confirmation timing") arrives.

[0080] Here, the "communication confirmation signal" refers to a signal that enables the above-mentioned communication confirmation by switching the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 to a predetermined state. This communication confirmation signal is a concept that includes, for example, a signal that enables the above-mentioned communication confirmation by switching the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 to a fully closed state or a fully open state, but in the embodiment, it is described as a signal that enables the above-mentioned communication confirmation by switching the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 to a fully open state. This makes it possible to prevent people, etc., from being pinched by the opening / closing body 40 during the switching, compared to when the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 is switched to a fully closed state, and makes it possible to safely perform the above-mentioned communication confirmation.

[0081] (Configuration - Relay device - Relay side memory unit) The relay-side storage unit 85 is a relay-side storage means that stores programs and various data necessary for the operation of the relay device 80 (for example, a plurality of pieces of switching device identification information for uniquely identifying each switching device 10).

[0082] (Relay processing) Next, a description will be given of the relay process executed by the relay-side control unit 84 of the relay device 80 configured as described above. In the following description, steps will be abbreviated as "S" in the description of each process shown in FIG.

[0083] The relay process is a process for relaying an operation signal received from an operating device to a plurality of opening and closing devices 10 (specifically, the first opening and closing device 10a and the second opening and closing device 10b). The timing for executing this relay process is arbitrary, but in the embodiment, the relay process will be described as being started after the power of the relay device 80 is turned on.

[0084] Furthermore, as a premise for the relay processing, it is assumed that, in each opening / closing device 10, the control mode is set to the limit setting mode before the relay processing, and thus the fully open position and the fully closed position are respectively set.

[0085] When the relay process is initiated, as shown in FIG. 4, at SA1, the relay side control unit 84 of the relay device 80 determines whether or not an operation signal (specifically, an open signal, a close signal, or a first stop operation signal or a second stop operation signal including opening / closing device identification information) has been received from the operation device.

[0086] Then, if the relay side control unit 84 of the relay device 80 determines that the above operation signal has been received (SA1, Yes), it proceeds to SA2, and if it determines that the above operation signal has not been received (SA1, No), it proceeds to SA3.

[0087] In addition, in embodiment 1, the operation signal received at SA1 is temporarily stored in the relay side memory unit 85, and when a response signal to the operation signal is received from a specific opening / closing device 10 at SA2 described below, the stored operation signal is erased.

[0088] In SA2, the relay side control unit 84 of the relay device 80 transmits the operation signal received in SA1 to at least one of the multiple opening and closing devices 10 (specifically, the first opening and closing device 10a, the second opening and closing device 10b), and / or receives a response signal to the transmitted operation signal from at least one of the multiple opening and closing devices 10, and then transitions to SA1.

[0089] The received operation signal may be transmitted in any manner, but in this embodiment, it is transmitted as follows.

[0090] That is, if the received operation signal is an open signal, a close signal, or a first stop operation signal, the relay-side control unit 84 of the relay device 80 transmits the received operation signal to the multiple opening / closing devices 10. Next, after receiving the transmitted operation signal, the opening / closing-side control unit 74 of each of the multiple opening / closing devices 10 determines whether or not 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 memory unit 75. Here, if the opening / closing device identification information matches, the received operation signal is considered to have been transmitted to a specific opening / closing device 10, and the state control unit 74a of each of the multiple opening / closing devices 10 controls the open / closed state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the received operation signal and transmits a response signal (specifically, a response signal including the opening / closing device identification information stored in the opening / closing-side memory unit 75) to the relay device 80. On the other hand, if the opening / closing device identification information does not match, the received operation signal is deemed not to have been transmitted to the specific opening / closing device 10, and the state control unit 74a of each of the multiple opening / closing devices 10 will not control the open / closed state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the received operation signal, and will not transmit a response signal.

[0091] As an example, when the received operation signal including the opening / closing device identification information that uniquely identifies the first opening / closing device 10a is transmitted from the relay-side control unit 84 of the relay device 80, the state control unit 74a of the first opening / closing device 10a, upon receiving the received operation signal, finds that the received operation signal matches the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal, and therefore controls the open / closed state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the operation signal and transmits a response signal including the opening / closing device identification information that uniquely identifies the first opening / closing device 10a to the relay device 80. On the other hand, when the state control unit 74a of the second opening / closing device 10b receives the received operation signal, finds that the received operation signal does not match the opening / closing device identification information included in the operation signal, and therefore does not control the open / closed state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the operation signal and does not transmit a response signal.

[0092] Furthermore, when the received operation signal is a second stop operation signal, the relay-side control unit 84 of the relay device 80 transmits the received operation signal including switching device identification information that uniquely identifies the switching device 10 to one of the multiple switching devices 10, and then, without waiting for a response signal to the transmitted operation signal to be received, transmits the received operation signal including the switching device identification information that uniquely identifies the switching device 10 to the next switching device 10. This process is repeated until the received operation signal is transmitted to all of the multiple switching devices 10 (specifically, the multiple switching devices 10 corresponding to the multiple switching device identification information registered in the relay-side storage unit 85). However, without being limited to this, for example, the received operation signal including reception code information (e.g., reception code information indicating a reception identification code common to each of the multiple switching devices 10) that enables each of the multiple switching devices 10 to receive the received operation signal may be transmitted once, thereby simultaneously transmitting the received operation signal to the multiple switching devices 10.

[0093] As an example, the relay side control unit 84 of the relay device 80 may transmit the received operation signal to the first opening / closing device 10a, including opening / closing device identification information that uniquely identifies the first opening / closing device 10a, and then, without waiting for a response signal to be received in response to the transmitted operation signal, transmit the received operation signal to the second opening / closing device 10b, including opening / closing device identification information that uniquely identifies the second opening / closing device 10b, thereby transmitting the received operation signal to both the first opening / closing device 10a and the second opening / closing device 10b.

[0094] In these cases, the specific processing contents for controlling the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 by the state control unit 74a are arbitrary, but in this embodiment, they are as follows.

[0095] That is, when a close signal or an open signal transmitted by SA2 is received, the opening / closing body 40 is electrically moved to close or open by the opening / closing device 50. Also, when the opening / closing body 40 is electrically moved to close or open by the opening / closing device 50, when a stop operation signal transmitted by SA2 is received, the opening / closing body 40 stops the closing or opening movement.

[0096] Furthermore, after the closing signal or opening signal transmitted by SA2 is received, the opening / closing device 50 continues the closing or opening movement so that the opening / closing body 40 can be electrically moved to the closing position or the opening position without the user having to operate the closing or opening button on the operating device (so-called "control of the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 by self-holding operation" is performed).

[0097] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of enhancing safety during use, for example, when the open / closed state of the opening / closing body 40 is being controlled based on an operation signal transmitted by SA2, if an open signal, a close signal, or a first stop operation signal is received via the opening / closing-side operation unit 61, the control of the open / closed state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the operation signal transmitted by SA2 is stopped, and the open / closed state of the opening / closing body 40 is controlled based on the open signal, the close signal, or the first stop operation signal received via the opening / closing-side operation unit 61 (that is, priority is given to the control of the open / closed state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the open signal, etc. received via the opening / closing-side operation unit 61. The same applies to the case where the open / closed state of the opening / closing body 40 is controlled based on a stop operation signal transmitted by SA8, which will be described later). However, this is not limiting, and for example, when the open / closed state of the opening / closing body 40 is being controlled based on an operation signal transmitted by SA2, even if an open signal, a close signal, or a first stop operation signal is received via the opening / closing-side operation unit 61, the control of the open / closed state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the operation signal transmitted by SA2 may continue.

[0098] Furthermore, the method for receiving the response signal is arbitrary, but in the embodiment, it is determined whether or not the switching device identification information included in the response signal transmitted from the switching device 10 matches the switching device identification information included in the operation signal transmitted at SA2, and if these switching device identification information match, it is determined that the response signal has been received from the specific switching device 10, and if these switching device identification information do not match, it is determined that the response signal has not been received from the specific switching device 10 (note that the method for receiving a response signal to a first stop operation signal at SA8, which will be described later, is substantially the same). Furthermore, when the response signal is received, it is determined that the operation signal stored in the relay-side memory unit 85 and corresponding to the response signal is erased.

[0099] In SA3, the communication confirmation unit 84a of the relay device 80 determines whether or not the communication confirmation timing has arrived.

[0100] The method for determining whether or not the communication confirmation timing has arrived is arbitrary, but in the embodiment, the determination is made based on whether or not a specified operation has been accepted via the relay side operation unit 81, or whether or not a signal instructing to perform the communication confirmation (hereinafter referred to as an "instruction signal") has been received from the operation device, and if the specified operation has been accepted or the instruction signal has been received, it is determined that the communication confirmation timing has arrived, and if the specified operation has not been accepted or the instruction signal has not been received, it is determined that the communication confirmation timing has not arrived.

[0101] Then, if the communication confirmation unit 84a of the relay device 80 determines that the communication confirmation timing has arrived (SA3, Yes), it proceeds to SA4, and if it determines that the communication confirmation timing has not arrived (SA3, No), it proceeds to SA1.

[0102] In SA4, the communication confirmation unit 84a of the relay device 80 transmits a communication confirmation signal to at least one of the plurality of switching devices 10.

[0103] The method for transmitting this communication confirmation signal is arbitrary, but in the embodiment, the communication confirmation signal is transmitted to all of the multiple switching devices 10 (specifically, the multiple switching devices 10 corresponding to the multiple switching device identification information registered in the relay side storage unit 85).

[0104] Specifically, a process of transmitting a communication confirmation signal including switching device identification information that uniquely identifies the switching device 10 to any one of the multiple switching devices 10, and after a response signal to the transmitted communication confirmation signal is received, transmitting a communication confirmation signal including switching device identification information that uniquely identifies the switching device 10 to the next switching device 10 (i.e., a process of sequentially transmitting communication confirmation signals) is repeated until communication confirmation signals are transmitted to all of the multiple switching devices 10. However, without being limited to this, for example, a process of transmitting a communication confirmation signal including switching device identification information that uniquely identifies the switching device 10 to any one of the multiple switching devices 10, and transmitting a communication confirmation signal including switching device identification information that uniquely identifies the switching device 10 to the next switching device 10 regardless of whether a response signal to the transmitted communication confirmation signal is received, may be repeated until communication confirmation signals are transmitted to all of the multiple switching devices 10.

[0105] The length of the transmission interval when the communication confirmation signals are transmitted sequentially can be any length, but in the embodiment, it is set to be longer than the transmission interval (for example, about 2 seconds) when signals other than the communication confirmation signal (for example, an operation signal, etc.) are transmitted sequentially, and may be set to, for example, about 5 seconds. This makes it relatively easy for the user to confirm the start of movement of each opening / closing body 40 when the opening / closing state of each opening / closing body 40 of the multiple opening / closing devices 10 switches to a predetermined state.

[0106] In this case, in the embodiment, when a communication confirmation signal is received, the state control unit 74a of each of the multiple opening and closing devices 10 determines whether the opening and closing device identification information included in the operation signal matches the opening and closing device identification information stored in the opening and closing side memory unit 75, and only if they match, controls the opening and closing state of the opening and closing body 40 so that the opening and closing state of the opening and closing body 40 is switched to a predetermined state (specifically, a fully open state) based on the communication confirmation signal, and transmits a response signal to the received communication confirmation signal.

[0107] As an example, if the opening / closing state of each of the opening / closing bodies 40 of the first opening / closing device 10a and the second opening / closing device 10b is set to a fully closed state or a half-open state (specifically, a half-open stopped state) immediately before the processing of SA4, the state control unit 74a of the first opening / closing device 10a may, upon receiving a communication confirmation signal, move the opening / closing body 40 of the first opening / closing device 10a to open so that the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 of the first opening / closing device 10a switches to the fully open state. Thereafter, upon receiving a communication confirmation signal, the state control unit 74a of the second opening / closing device 10b may move the opening / closing body 40 of the second opening / closing device 10b to open so that the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 of the second opening / closing device 10b switches to the fully open state.

[0108] Furthermore, when an operation signal is received from the relay device 80 while the state control unit 74a of each of the multiple opening / closing devices 10 is controlling the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the communication confirmation signal, the state control unit 74a stops controlling the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the communication confirmation signal and controls the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the received operation signal.

[0109] As an example, when the state control unit 74a of the first opening / closing device 10a receives a communication confirmation signal and moves the opening / closing body 40 of the first opening / closing device 10a to open so that the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 of the first opening / closing device 10a switches to a fully open state, if the state control unit 74a receives a closing signal including opening / closing device identification information for uniquely identifying the first opening / closing device 10a, the state control unit 74a may stop the opening movement of the opening / closing body 40 and move the opening / closing body 40 to close based on the received closing signal.

[0110] This allows the control of the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the received operation signal to be given priority when the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 is being controlled based on the communication confirmation signal, thereby maintaining the usability of the opening / closing device 10.

[0111] Furthermore, by performing the processes of SA3 and SA4, the user can visually confirm that the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 has switched to a predetermined state or the transition state during the switching (in the embodiment, the half-open movement state during the switching to the fully open state (specifically, the state in which the opening / closing body 4 is moving to the open state)), thereby enabling communication confirmation between the relay device 80 and the opening / closing device 10. Therefore, the communication confirmation can be performed using only the multiple opening / closing devices 10 and the relay device 80. Furthermore, when the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 switches to the fully open state, it can be confirmed that communication confirmation between the relay device 80 and the opening / closing device 10 has been performed. This makes it possible to confirm after the fact whether or not the communication confirmation has been performed, regardless of the type of opening / closing device 10. Therefore, for example, when performing communication confirmation between the relay device 80 and multiple opening / closing devices 10 provided on different floors, it can be confirmed whether or not the communication confirmation has been performed after the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 switches to the fully open state. Furthermore, a communication confirmation signal can be transmitted to all of the multiple opening / closing devices 10, enabling efficient communication confirmation between the relay device 80 and the multiple opening / closing devices 10.

[0112] In SA5, the communication confirmation unit 84a of the relay device 80 determines whether or not the transmission of the communication confirmation signal in SA4 has been completed.

[0113] The method for determining whether the transmission of this communication confirmation signal has been completed is arbitrary, but in the embodiment, the determination is made based on whether the communication confirmation signal has been transmitted to all of the multiple opening and closing devices 10, and if the communication confirmation signal has been transmitted to all of the multiple opening and closing devices 10, it is determined that the transmission of the communication confirmation signal has been completed, and if the communication confirmation signal has not been transmitted to all of the multiple opening and closing devices 10, it is determined that the transmission of the communication confirmation signal has not been completed.

[0114] Then, if the communication confirmation unit 84a of the relay device 80 determines that the transmission of the communication confirmation signal has been completed (SA5, Yes), it transitions to SA1, and if it determines that the transmission of the communication confirmation signal has not been completed (SA5, No), it transitions to SA6.

[0115] In SA6, the communication confirmation unit 84a of the relay device 80 determines whether or not a stop operation signal (specifically, the first stop operation signal and the second stop operation signal) has been received from the operation device.

[0116] Then, if the communication confirmation unit 84a of the relay device 80 determines that a stop operation signal has been received (SA6, Yes), it proceeds to SA7, and if it determines that a stop operation signal has not been received (SA6, No), it proceeds to SA5.

[0117] In SA7, the communication confirmation unit 84a of the relay device 80 stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal in SA4.

[0118] The method for canceling the transmission of this communication confirmation signal is arbitrary, but in the embodiment, the method cancels the transmission of the communication confirmation signal to the switching device 10 to which the communication confirmation signal has not been transmitted as of the time of processing SA7, and discards (deletes) the communication confirmation signal that is stored in the relay-side memory unit 85 and is being held without being transmitted to the switching device 10 (i.e., remains in the relay-side memory unit 85). However, without being limited to this, for example, the method may simply cancel the transmission of the communication confirmation signal to the switching device 10 to which the communication confirmation signal has not been transmitted as of the time of processing SA7.

[0119] In SA8, the communication confirmation unit 84a of the relay device 80 transmits the stop operation signal received in SA6 to at least one of the multiple opening and closing devices 10, and / or receives a response signal to the transmitted stop operation signal from at least one of the multiple opening and closing devices 10. Thereafter, the process proceeds to SA1, and the processes from SA1 to SA8 are repeated in the same manner.

[0120] The received stop operation signal may be transmitted in any manner, but in this embodiment, it is transmitted as follows.

[0121] That is, when the received stop operation signal is the first stop operation signal, the received first stop operation signal is transmitted to a specific opening / closing device 10.

[0122] Specifically, the received first stop operation signal is transmitted to the specific opening / closing device 10 in substantially the same manner as the method for transmitting the first stop operation signal in SA2.

[0123] As a result, if the communication confirmation unit 84a receives a first stop operation signal while transmitting a communication confirmation signal, the received first stop operation signal can be transmitted with priority, and the opening and closing movement of the opening and closing body 40 in a specific opening and closing device 10 can be quickly stopped.

[0124] Moreover, when the received stop operation signal is the second stop operation signal, the received second stop operation signal is transmitted to all of the plurality of opening and closing devices 10.

[0125] Specifically, the received second stop operation signal is transmitted to all of the plurality of opening and closing devices 10 in substantially the same manner as the method for transmitting the second stop operation signal in SA2.

[0126] As a result, if the communication confirmation unit 84a receives a second stop operation signal while transmitting a communication confirmation signal, the received second stop operation signal can be transmitted with priority, and the opening and closing movement of each opening and closing body 40 of the multiple opening and closing devices 10 can be quickly stopped.

[0127] By performing the processes from SA3 to SA8, if the communication confirmation unit 84a receives a stop operation signal while transmitting a communication confirmation signal, the received stop operation signal can be transmitted with priority. Therefore, the opening / closing movement of at least one opening / closing body 40 of the multiple opening / closing devices 10 can be quickly stopped, thereby improving safety when using the multiple opening / closing devices 10.

[0128] By the relay processing described above, communication confirmation between the relay device 80 and multiple opening and closing devices 10 can be performed relatively easily using only multiple opening and closing devices 10 and the relay device 80, thereby improving the usability of the control system 1.

[0129] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the embodiment, when a communication confirmation signal is received, the state control unit 74a controls the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the received communication confirmation signal so that the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 switches to a predetermined state. Therefore, the user can visually confirm that the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 has switched to the predetermined state or the transition state during the switching, thereby confirming communication between the relay device 80 and the opening / closing device 10. Therefore, the communication confirmation can be performed using only the multiple opening / closing devices 10 and the relay device 80. Therefore, the communication confirmation between the relay device 80 and the opening / closing device 10 can be performed relatively easily, and the usability of the control system 1 can be improved.

[0130] Furthermore, since the communication confirmation signal is a signal that enables the communication confirmation by switching the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 to a fully open state, it can be confirmed that the communication confirmation between the relay device 80 and the opening / closing device 10 has been performed by switching the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 40 to a fully open state, and it becomes possible to confirm after the fact whether the communication confirmation has been performed or not regardless of the type of opening / closing device 10.

[0131] In addition, when the communication confirmation timing arrives, the communication confirmation unit 84a transmits a communication confirmation signal to all of the multiple opening and closing devices 10, so that the communication confirmation signal can be transmitted to all of the multiple opening and closing devices 10, and communication confirmation between the relay device 80 and the multiple opening and closing devices 10 can be efficiently performed.

[0132] Furthermore, if a stop operation signal is received while the communication confirmation unit 84a is transmitting a communication confirmation signal to the multiple opening and closing devices 10, it stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received stop operation signal to at least one of the multiple opening and closing devices 10. Therefore, if a stop operation signal is received while transmitting a communication confirmation signal, the received stop operation signal can be transmitted with priority. Therefore, the opening and closing movement of the opening and closing body 40 of at least one of the multiple opening and closing devices 10 can be quickly stopped, and safety when using the multiple opening and closing devices 10 can be improved.

[0133] Furthermore, if the communication confirmation unit 84a receives a first stop operation signal while transmitting a communication confirmation signal to multiple opening / closing devices 10, it stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received first stop operation signal to a specific opening / closing device 10. Therefore, if the first stop operation signal is received while transmitting a communication confirmation signal, the received first stop operation signal can be transmitted with priority, and the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body 40 in the specific opening / closing device 10 can be quickly stopped.

[0134] Furthermore, if the communication confirmation unit 84a receives a second stop operation signal while transmitting a communication confirmation signal to multiple opening and closing devices 10, it stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received second stop operation signal to all of the multiple opening and closing devices 10. Therefore, if the second stop operation signal is received while transmitting a communication confirmation signal, the received second stop operation signal can be transmitted with priority, and the opening and closing movement of each opening and closing body 40 of the multiple opening and closing devices 10 can be quickly stopped.

[0135] Furthermore, when an operation signal is received while the state control unit 74a is controlling the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 based on a communication confirmation signal, the state control unit 74a stops controlling the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the communication confirmation signal and controls the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the received operation signal.Therefore, when the state control unit 74a is controlling the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 based on a communication confirmation signal, the control of the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 based on the received operation signal can be given priority, making it possible to maintain the usability of the opening / closing device 10.

[0136] [III] Modifications to the embodiment Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the specific configurations and means of the present invention can be modified and improved as desired within the scope of the technical ideas of the inventions set forth in the claims. Such modifications will be described below.

[0137] (About the problem to be solved and the effects of the invention) First, the problems that the invention aims to solve and the effects of the invention are not limited to those described above, and the present invention may solve problems that are not described above or achieve effects that are not described above, or may solve only some of the problems that are described or achieve only some of the effects that are described.

[0138] (Regarding decentralization and integration) Furthermore, the electrical components described above are merely functional concepts and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution or integration of each component is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of the components can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. Furthermore, the term "device" in this application is not limited to a single device but also includes a plurality of devices. For example, the relay device 80 according to the embodiment may be distributed among multiple devices configured to be able to communicate with each other, with a relay-side control unit 84 provided in some of the devices and a relay-side memory unit 85 provided in another of the devices.

[0139] (shape, numbers, structure, time series) The components illustrated in the embodiments and drawings may be modified and improved as desired within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention in terms of shape, numerical value, or the structure or chronological relationship of multiple components.

[0140] (Regarding the opening and closing device) In the above embodiment, the number of opening and closing devices 10 installed is two, but the number is not limited to this, and may be, for example, three or more, or may be only one.

[0141] (About the obstacle detection section) In the above embodiment, the obstacle detection unit 64 is described as being configured using an overload detection sensor, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a seat panel switch provided on the seat panel 42.

[0142] (Regarding the open / close state of the opening / closing body) In the above embodiment, the "half-open state" of the opening / closing body 40 has been described as including the half-open moving state and the half-open stopped state, but is not limited to this.

[0143] For example, if 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 between the closing direction and the slats 41, and the angle at which the slats 41 are parallel to the closing direction is defined as 0 degrees)).

[0144] Alternatively, if the opening / closing body 40 is composed of 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 open in a range greater than 0% and less than 100%).

[0145] In these cases, for example, the communication confirmation signal may be a signal for enabling the communication confirmation by switching the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 to a slat tilted state or a slit open state. As a result, in the relay process, the communication confirmation can be performed by switching the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 of each opening / closing device 10 from a fully closed state to a slat tilted state or a slit open state.

[0146] (About communication confirmation signals) In the above embodiment, the communication confirmation signal is described as a signal for enabling the above communication confirmation by switching the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 to a fully open state, but this is not limited to this. For example, the communication confirmation signal may be a signal for enabling the above communication confirmation by switching the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 to any of a fully closed state, a half-open stopped state, or a half-open moving state. Thus, for example, if the communication confirmation signal is a signal for enabling the above communication confirmation by switching the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 to a half-open stopped state, the communication confirmation can be performed in the relay process by switching the open / close state of the opening / closing body 40 of each opening / closing device 10 from the open moving state or closed moving state of the opening / closing body 40 to the half-open stopped state.

[0147] (About relay processing) In the above embodiment, when the communication confirmation unit 84a receives a stop operation signal while transmitting a communication confirmation signal to a plurality of opening and closing devices 10, the communication confirmation unit 84a stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received stop operation signal to at least one of the plurality of opening and closing devices 10. However, this is not limited to this. For example, even if a stop operation signal is received while transmitting a communication confirmation signal to a plurality of opening and closing devices 10, the communication confirmation unit 84a may continue transmitting the communication confirmation signal and then transmit the received stop operation signal to at least one of the plurality of opening and closing devices 10. Alternatively, when a stop operation signal is received while transmitting a communication confirmation signal to a plurality of opening and closing devices 10, the communication confirmation unit 84a may ignore the reception of the stop operation signal and continue transmitting the communication confirmation signal.

[0148] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it has been described that the communication confirmation signal is transmitted to all of the multiple switching devices 10 in the processing of SA4, but this is not limiting, and for example, the communication confirmation signal may be transmitted to only some of the multiple switching devices 10. As an example, if the instruction signal received from the operating device includes information instructing to confirm communication between a specific switching device 10 and the relay device 80, the communication confirmation signal may be transmitted to only some of the multiple switching devices 10 by including switching device identification information for uniquely identifying the specific switching device 10 in the communication confirmation signal and transmitting the communication confirmation signal.

[0149] (Addendum) The control system of Appendix 1 is a control system comprising an opening / closing device installed at an opening of a building, and a relay device capable of communicating with the opening / closing device, which relays an operation signal received from an operation device that operates the opening / closing device to the opening / closing device, wherein the opening / closing device comprises an opening / closing body that opens and closes the opening, and a state control means that controls the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body based on the operation signal, and the relay device comprises a communication confirmation means that, when a communication confirmation timing arrives, which is the timing for confirming communication between the relay device and the opening / closing device, transmits a communication confirmation signal to the opening / closing device to enable the communication confirmation by switching the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body to a predetermined state, and when the communication confirmation signal is received, the state control means controls the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body so that the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body is switched to the predetermined state based on the received communication confirmation signal.

[0150] The control system of Appendix 2 is the control system described in Appendix 1, wherein the communication confirmation signal is a signal for enabling the communication confirmation by switching the open / close state of the opening / closing body to a fully closed state in which the opening is fully closed by the opening / closing body, or a fully open state in which the opening is fully opened by the opening / closing body.

[0151] The control system of Appendix 3 is the control system described in Appendix 1 or 2, which comprises a plurality of opening and closing devices provided at each of a plurality of openings of the building, and a relay device capable of communicating with the plurality of opening and closing devices and relaying the operation signal received from the operating device to the plurality of opening and closing devices, and when the communication confirmation timing arrives, the communication confirmation means transmits the communication confirmation signal to all of the plurality of opening and closing devices.

[0152] The control system of Appendix 4 is the control system described in Appendix 3, wherein the operation signal includes a stop operation signal for stopping the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body, and when the stop operation signal is received while the communication confirmation means is transmitting the communication confirmation signal to the plurality of opening / closing devices, the communication confirmation means stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received stop operation signal to at least one of the plurality of opening / closing devices.

[0153] The control system of Appendix 5 is the control system described in Appendix 4, wherein the stop operation signal includes a first stop operation signal that stops the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body in a specific opening / closing device among the plurality of opening / closing devices, and when the first stop operation signal is received while the communication confirmation means is transmitting the communication confirmation signal to the plurality of opening / closing devices, the communication confirmation means stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received first stop operation signal to the specific opening / closing device.

[0154] The control system of Appendix 6 is the control system described in Appendix 4 or 5, wherein the stop operation signal includes a second stop operation signal that stops the opening and closing movement of the opening and closing body in each of the plurality of opening and closing devices, and when the second stop operation signal is received while the communication confirmation means is transmitting the communication confirmation signal to the plurality of opening and closing devices, the communication confirmation means stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received second stop operation signal to all of the plurality of opening and closing devices.

[0155] The control system of Appendix 7 is a control system described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 6, wherein when the operation signal is received while the open / close state of the opening / closing body is being controlled based on the communication confirmation signal, the state control means stops controlling the open / close state of the opening / closing body based on the communication confirmation signal, and controls the open / close state of the opening / closing body based on the received operation signal.

[0156] The relay device of Appendix 8 is an opening / closing device provided at an opening of a building, and is a relay device capable of communicating with the opening / closing device that has an opening / closing body that opens and closes the opening, and relays an operation signal received from an operation device that operates the opening / closing device to the opening / closing device, and is equipped with communication confirmation means that, when a communication confirmation timing arrives that is the timing for confirming communication between the relay device and the opening / closing device, transmits a communication confirmation signal to the opening / closing device to enable the communication confirmation by switching the open / close state of the opening / closing body to a predetermined state.

[0157] (Effect of supplementary notes) According to the control system described in Supplementary Note 1 and the relay device described in Supplementary Note 8, when a communication confirmation signal is received, the state control means controls the open / close state of the opening / closing body based on the received communication confirmation signal so that the open / close state of the opening / closing body switches to a predetermined state. Therefore, the user can visually confirm that the open / close state of the opening / closing body switches to the predetermined state, and therefore the communication confirmation can be performed using only multiple opening / closing devices and relay devices. Therefore, the communication confirmation between the relay device and the opening / closing device can be performed relatively easily, and the usability of the control system can be improved.

[0158] According to the control system described in Appendix 2, the communication confirmation signal is a signal for enabling the communication confirmation by switching the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body to a fully closed state or a fully open state. Therefore, when the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body is switched to a fully closed state, it can be confirmed that the communication confirmation between the relay device and the opening / closing device has been performed, and it becomes possible to confirm after the fact whether the communication confirmation has been performed or not, regardless of the type of opening / closing device.

[0159] According to the control system described in Appendix 3, when the communication confirmation timing arrives, the communication confirmation means transmits a communication confirmation signal to all of the multiple switching devices, so that the communication confirmation signal can be transmitted to all of the multiple switching devices, and communication confirmation between the relay device and the multiple switching devices can be efficiently performed.

[0160] According to the control system described in Supplementary Note 4, if a stop operation signal is received while the communication confirmation means is transmitting communication confirmation signals to a plurality of opening / closing devices, the communication confirmation means stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received stop operation signal to at least one of the plurality of opening / closing devices, so that if a stop operation signal is received while transmitting a communication confirmation signal, the received stop operation signal can be transmitted with priority. Therefore, the opening / closing movement of at least one of the opening / closing bodies of the plurality of opening / closing devices can be quickly stopped, and safety when using a plurality of opening / closing devices can be improved.

[0161] According to the control system described in Appendix 5, when the communication confirmation means receives a first stop operation signal while transmitting a communication confirmation signal to a plurality of opening / closing devices, it stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received first stop operation signal to a specific opening / closing device.Therefore, when the first stop operation signal is received while transmitting a communication confirmation signal, the received first stop operation signal can be transmitted with priority, and the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body in the specific opening / closing device can be quickly stopped.

[0162] According to the control system described in Appendix 6, if a second stop operation signal is received while the communication confirmation means is transmitting a communication confirmation signal to a plurality of opening and closing devices, the communication confirmation means stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received second stop operation signal to all of the plurality of opening and closing devices.Therefore, if a second stop operation signal is received while transmitting a communication confirmation signal, the received second stop operation signal can be transmitted with priority, and the opening and closing movement of the opening and closing bodies of each of the plurality of opening and closing devices can be quickly stopped.

[0163] According to the control system described in Appendix 7, when an operation signal is received while the open / close state of the opening / closing body is being controlled based on a communication confirmation signal, the state control means stops controlling the open / close state of the opening / closing body based on the communication confirmation signal and controls the open / close state of the opening / closing body based on the received operation signal.Therefore, when the open / close state of the opening / closing body is being controlled based on a communication confirmation signal, the control of the open / close state of the opening / closing body based on the received operation signal can be given priority, making it possible to maintain the usability of the opening / closing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 1. Control System 2 Opening 3 Wiring 10 Switchgear 10a First switchgear 10b Second opening and closing device 20 Storage area 30 guide rail 40 Opening and closing body 41 Slats 42 Seat board 50 Door opener 60 Opening and closing control system 61 Opening / closing operation section 62 Position detection unit 63 Rotation speed detection unit 64 Obstacle detection unit 70 Opening and closing control unit 71 First opening / closing side communication unit 72 Second opening / closing side communication unit 73 Opening and closing side power supply unit 74 Opening and closing control section 74a State control section 75 Opening and closing side memory section 80 Relay Device 81 Relay side operation unit 82 Relay side communication unit 83 Relay side power supply unit 84 Relay side control unit 84a Communication confirmation section 85 Relay side memory unit

Claims

1. A control system comprising: 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, Each of the plurality of opening and closing devices is an opening / closing body that opens and closes the opening; a state control means for controlling the open / close state of the opening / closing body based on the operation signal, the relay device includes a communication confirmation means for, when a communication confirmation timing arrives, transmitting a communication confirmation signal to the opening / closing device to enable the communication confirmation by switching the open / close body to a predetermined state, the state control means controls the open / close state of the opening / closing body so that the open / close state of the opening / closing body is switched to the predetermined state based on the received communication confirmation signal when the communication confirmation signal is received; the communication confirmation means, when the communication confirmation timing arrives, transmits the communication confirmation signal to all of the plurality of switching devices; the operation signal includes a stop operation signal related to stopping the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body, When the stop operation signal is received while the communication confirmation means is transmitting the communication confirmation signal to the plurality of opening / closing devices, the communication confirmation means stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received stop operation signal to at least one of the plurality of opening / closing devices. Control system.

2. The stop operation signal includes a first stop operation signal that stops the opening and closing movement of the opening and closing body in a specific opening and closing device among the plurality of opening and closing devices, When the first stop operation signal is received while the communication confirmation means is transmitting the communication confirmation signal to the plurality of opening / closing devices, the communication confirmation means stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received first stop operation signal to the specific opening / closing device. The control system of claim 1 .

3. The stop operation signal includes a second stop operation signal that stops the opening and closing movement of the opening and closing body in each of the plurality of opening and closing devices, When the second stop operation signal is received while the communication confirmation means is transmitting the communication confirmation signal to the plurality of opening and closing devices, the communication confirmation means stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received second stop operation signal to all of the plurality of opening and closing devices.

3. A control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The communication confirmation signal is a signal for enabling the communication confirmation by switching the open / close state of the opening / closing body to a fully closed state in which the opening is fully closed by the opening / closing body or a fully open state in which the opening is fully opened by the opening / closing body. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A control system comprising: an opening / closing device provided at an opening of a building; and a relay device capable of communicating with the opening / closing device, the relay device relaying an operation signal received from an operation device that operates the opening / closing device to the opening / closing device, The opening and closing device is an opening / closing body that opens and closes the opening; a state control means for controlling the open / close state of the opening / closing body based on the operation signal, the relay device includes a communication confirmation means for, when a communication confirmation timing arrives, transmitting a communication confirmation signal to the opening / closing device to enable the communication confirmation by switching the open / close body to a predetermined state, The state control means when the communication confirmation signal is received, controlling the open / close state of the opening / closing body so that the open / close state of the opening / closing body is switched to the predetermined state based on the received communication confirmation signal; When the operation signal is received while the open / close state of the opening / closing body is being controlled based on the communication confirmation signal, the control of the open / close state of the opening / closing body based on the communication confirmation signal is stopped, and the open / close state of the opening / closing body is controlled based on the received operation signal. Control system.

6. A relay device capable of communicating with a plurality of opening / closing devices provided at each of a plurality of openings in a building, the relay device having an opening / closing body for opening and closing the openings, and relaying an operation signal received from an operation device for operating the plurality of opening / closing devices to the plurality of opening / closing devices, a communication confirmation means for transmitting a communication confirmation signal to the opening / closing device when a communication confirmation timing arrives, which is a timing for confirming communication between the relay device and the opening / closing device, to enable the communication confirmation by switching the opening / closing body to a predetermined state; the communication confirmation means, when the communication confirmation timing arrives, transmits the communication confirmation signal to all of the plurality of switching devices; the operation signal includes a stop operation signal related to stopping the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing body, When the stop operation signal is received while the communication confirmation means is transmitting the communication confirmation signal to the plurality of opening / closing devices, the communication confirmation means stops transmitting the communication confirmation signal and transmits the received stop operation signal to at least one of the plurality of opening / closing devices. Relay device.

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