Sun protecting arrangement with automatic blind control and possibility of manual intervention

The invention relates to a sun protection system with a motorized adjustable hangings and a controller regulates the blind function of at least a particular input to a predetermined basic programming performs, with a possibility of manual intervention for the realization of the automatic adjustment differing settings of the blind is provided.

It is already known, sun protection systems with an automatic to provide control, based on certain input parameters produce outputs, for example for Electrical motors, by means of which the curtain automatically adjusted according to the input parameters is. Although the basic programming of such systems may operate in a carried out as optimally adopted way but is ahead very difficult, the actual illumination characteristics a room can be seen, whereby the the shaded subjective feeling in using such equipment Spaces working or living humans differ can be. Although you can by manual intervention manage in the control and the desired shading state adjust, but the user must click the automatic adjustment of the sun protection system throughout waive or constantly make manual changes, which hardly can be considered an acceptable solution.

While it is possible to program a controller before adjust location the user wishes, it turns out, however, extremely labor intensive and costly and is not trained Professionals not feasible.

The object of the invention is to provide a sun protection system create that to without costly reprogramming will better meet user requirements.

According to the invention the object is achieved by a sun protection system solved the above-described type, in which the Control together manually selected settings of the blind with at least one at the time of manual intervention input variable existing, stores and from a certain plurality of substantially identical, at least twice repeated manual intervention at substantially same input programming for future Settings in the presence of this input variable under Review of manual intervention changed.

in the present invention, unlike conventional systems, does not apply self-learning control any more or less complicated programming by the user. The Programming of the controller, that is, the deviation from the given basic programming according to user requirements, carried out only by taking place in the automatic mode manual settings, which detects the system and from them learn.

The control and learning algorithms used in the control have the effect that the user is only in the initial phase manual after commissioning of the sun protection system must make changes according to his wishes and the system no longer perceives them after a time, as always the desired settings prevail.

To programming errors by one-time manual intervention prevent, for example, if a room once a third person is used, or a room for a slide show once completely darkened, it is expedient to adapt the programming of a non- to make single manual intervention depends. For example it can be provided that the control of the programming with increasing number of repetitions of essentially same manual settings at substantially same input gradually the manual setting adapts and present input the adjusted settings the curtain performs. As an alternative, it is conceivable in that after a certain number of repetitions substantially the same manual settings at substantially same input programming manual Setting accepts and in the presence of the input variable repeated.

While the gradual adaptation example so can proceed in that time or two-time manual Interventions cause minimal changes recommended, it is the second variant described, a least three to four times repetition of manual adjustment presuppose a change of programming in order go out with reasonable statistical certainty to can that the manual intervention of a user of the request for a fundamental change in the underlying programming lies.

Preferably, the learning algorithm is so designed that the Call the adapted or inherited setting in a carried out certain parameter range of the detected input. This prevents that there is exaggerated by Accuracy in detecting the input and the manual set output variables is almost impossible, that this condition is repeated, since the user manual always make adjustments with a certain spread is and the detected input variables particularly in the recording of multiple input variables hardly repeatedly are expected by the time the same.

In determining the width of the parameter area is also another way, a repetition of performed once To avoid manual settings by the parameter area the input size with increasing number of repeated manual settings is wider and, for example, at a one-time entry to repeat only exactly repeated input variables is performed.

The controller detects at least the input variables daytime, Day, date, wind speed, sun intensity and / or temperature and reflects this in the change the setting of the blind and / or the programming change. Basically, do not have to all input variables, of the controller to the setting of the blind be used, included in the learning processes with will. Basically, however, it can be assumed that with additional input, the programming change is used, an improved adaptation to the user wishes is possible by changing the programming. Preferably, in several evaluated input variables occurs a call to an adapted or inherited setting if all input values ​​within defined parameter ranges lie.

This logical AND operator safety is a Recognizing a reason increases, leading to a manual Intervention in the control led. Although absolute security upon detection of a reason for a manual Engagement can not be achieved, with an increasing number can detected input variables taken the parameter ranges close be without this programming errors, ie adverse Changes in sunblind, lead to would.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention is provided, that after a certain period of time after a manual Engagement or a call to an adapted or adopted Setting a provision in a setting according to the Basic programming or takes place in a new setting. In this way it is ensured that the curtain does not remain in changing attitudes, but the sun protection system automatically return to the automatic control returns. Preferably, the reset is over an interpolated adjustment curve that and on the basis of output to be traveled to final adjustment of the hanging of the controller can be determined. By interpolated Verstellkurven can prevent sudden adjustment processes that of the present in the shaded from the sun protection system space People are perceived as very annoying. Especially pleasant adjustment characteristics result when resetting is sigmoidförmig, the sigmoid Transitions are realized by Bèzier curves. Such Restoring curves have only a turning point and give thereby a perceived as a particularly soft and pleasant Change the lighting during the adjustment.

Under certain circumstances it may be advisable that the sun protection system can be switched to a purely manual control, for example, so that in case of system errors but a desired be able to set sunblind permanently. on the other hand it may be useful if the control in a state is switchable in which more manual settings alter the basic programming. For example, a room in the meantime by others used people, this could program the actual User manipulate by repetitive manual intervention, so that the actual user's sun protection system then again should new "program". Further it may be advantageous to operate the system using a command reset certain signals on the basic programming to.

The control described is basically in all types use of sun protection systems, the setting of Hanging by varying at least one output, for example, the sunblind, the slat inclination or the slat tilt carried out at external venetian blinds. The outputs can For example, the control signals to be electric motors.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings in received embodiments of the invention. Show it:<dl tsize="7"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>a schematic diagram of a sensor system the identification of relevant input variables for the control of sun protection equipment;</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>a section of a sun protection system with integrated sensor;</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>a functional diagram of the linked sensor according to FIG. 1 or 2 Control.</dd></dl>

In Fig. 1 is a sensor system 10 for determining an active input variables for regulating a sun protection system 12 (see shown Fig. 2) provided on a controller 14 (see FIG. 2 and 3) are received, the defined upon reaching Switching values ​​move commands to the actuators 17 (see FIG. 3) of the Sun protection system received 12 and so an automatic allows adjustment of the sun protection system 12th

The sensor system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is in a separate Housing 16 housed, with the aid of connecting leads 18 is coupled to the controller fourteenth The sensor 10 must at least the input variables the time / date, sun intensity and direction of the sun protection system determine to a automatic control of the sun protection system 12 depending to allow the sun's position. Particularly in external shading systems are capturing the additional inputs wind speed and outside temperature sense by the sensor 10 and a rain detector.

To determine the input date / time has the Sensor 10 via a radio receiver 20, the electromagnetic Funkuhrsignale receives and to calculate the current Sun article further specifies the control 14th The radio receiver 20 is of course with a suitable antenna (Not shown) is formed, the secure data reception regardless of location ensures within the coverage area. The determination of the weekday and daylight savings can be realized by the program in the controller 14 will.

Instead of a radio receiver 20, the sensor 10 can also a clock feature, which provides the required input. However, with independent clocks of disadvantage that adjust over the years clock errors or as a result of power outages even lead to complete adjustment is that a new manual intervention with Setting the time requires. By contrast, provides determining the input time / date on the basis of the Funkuhrprinzips a nearly perfect accuracy and the possibility of an automatic primary and Nacheinstellens.

Determining the input intensity of the sun is carried out with Aid of a solar sensor 22, of the photoresistor, photodiode is formed or solar cell. It is also conceivable several such sensors - also of different types - for provide determination of the intensity of the sun. The sun sensor 22 is directly in the illustrated embodiment, on the PCB of the analysis system within the sensor housing 16, and via a light guide 24 having a on the housing outer wall seated lens 26 connected. It is However, also conceivable for the light-sensitive element itself on to assemble outside the housing and the connection to the produce board by means of electrical cables. Of the Sun sensor provides the controller 14 information as to whether the sun protection system 14 or of her verschattende Window area ever a sunlight is suspended or if for example due to cloudiness an extension of the sun protection system is necessary at all. Conversely, the sun sensor 22 may also, for example, of an opposite facade reflected sunlight capture and an extension of the sun protection system for a cause day time at which the control actually thereof assumes that the affected façade is shaded.

To capture the input direction, ie the geographical Alignment of the sun protection system 12 is, Direction sensor 28 is provided, which automatically after mounting the alignment of the sun protection system 12 recognizes what wherein in Fig. 1 separately executed housing 16 of the sensor system 10 of course presupposes that this precisely in a defined position for sun protection system is. The direction sensor 28 may in its execution as electronic Compass measure two or three axes of Endmagnetfeldes and from the individual components of the magnetic field, the absolute direction to calculate. sufficient for most applications the measurement of the two horizontal components, since the sun protection installation and thus the direction sensor 28 during assembly be aligned exactly with the aid of a spirit level. It is important to ensure that the ferromagnetic components Sun protection system, such. As the drive motors 17 to the do not bother measuring geomagnetic field. While interference within the sensor 10 can be compensated by the calculation, the drive motors 17 should be ousted during measurements Remember, in order not to falsify the measurement result. The electronic compass 28, for example, as a fluxgate sensor his or executed as magnetoresesiver sensor.

Furthermore 10 provides the sensor system the opportunity to help a wind sensor 30, the input variable wind speed detect and thus in high winds a threat to investment by mechanical overloading by causing the to avoid retraction of the plant.

In principle, the wind sensor a conventional cup anemometer be used which, however, only the Hoizontalkomponenten the pending wind up to a deviation of about 15 ° can detect from the horizontal. Upon oblique attacking winds is the input variable wind speed understated, in pure premium or halyard winches can such Schalenkreuzanimometer no wind movement capture. Moreover Schalenkreuzanimometer require relatively lots of space.

In the sensor 10 shown in Fig. 1, therefore, is as Wind sensor 30, a pressure sensor used, of the inside Housing 16 is located and via a hose connection 32 with around communicates. Other sensors by means of which an air flow is detected, the for a measure the wind speed may apply, are thermal probes at which the airflow an electrically heated probe cools, so that at a constant heating power, the temperature or at a constant temperature, the heating power is a measure of the flow rate, or a strain gauge circuit, the deflection of a certain exposed to the airflow Body as a measure of the flow velocity with the help of two DMS elements detected and with a bridge circuit evaluates. Of course, instead of the hose connection 32, the wind sensor 30 in turn on the surface of the housing be mounted 16.

To capture an equivalent wind speed from to allow the four winds, the wind sensor has 22 a sensor head (not shown) which either a has large detection range or formed self-aligning is. Depending on the geometry of the sensor head may have different large sensing ranges covered will, where the deviations of the measured actual to Winds z. B. below 5%. in this connection can in known studies related to total pressure probes be used, with particular shielded Probe heads such. B. Kielsche probes as geometry template come into question.

Alternatively, the sensor head on a movable wing be fixed, where he modeled a simple Pitot tube can be. The wing has a free rotation in accordance ensure the prevailing wind and the connection the receiving tube to the sensor must be flexible to the Mobility of the wing does not restrict.

A completely different principle for determining the input size Wind speed may consist in immediate deformation, Vibrations or accelerations on parts of the sun protection system to determine, as a measure for the wind speed may apply.

For example, deformations caused by wind Help DMS circuits are determined. These are preferably on a heavy-duty component of the sun protection system mounted in awnings example of an awning support tube in the arm receiver or to the Armprofilen. The DMS-circuit is to be determined according to the Deformation as quarter-, half- or full-bridge formed, the resistance changes occurring in the gage a measure of the deformation and thus to the attacking Wind load is.

Further, it is possible, caused by the prevailing wind Vibrations or accelerations as a measure of the attacking to detect wind load. This, in a subject to vibration Component of the sun protection system a mercury switch for detecting the vibrations and shocks or a z. B. after the piezoelectric principle working accelerometer for detecting the accelerations occurring integrated. The ads above certain thresholds Pulses are evaluated by the controller 14, causing optionally retraction of the plant. In this Case, the arrangement of the sensors in the area exposed to wind strongly moving components expedient such. B. Under rails of Outdoor blinds or loss profiles of awnings.

The sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1 also has detect a rain sensor 34, the precipitation or moisture can and especially sensitive to moisture sun protection systems, such. as awnings, the retraction of the plant can cause.

The sensor 10 also has a temperature sensor 36, its signal as a further input variable for the controller 14 can be used.

The sensor shown in Fig. 1 10, which in a separate Housing 16 is housed further has a integrated microcontroller 38, the multiplexer 40 and an analog / digital converter 42 (see FIG. 3), wherein the multiplexer 40 and the A / D converter 42 in FIG. 3 as Part of the controller are shown 14th Microcontroller 38 is a two-wire or three-wire bus line 44 the controller 14 is connected.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross section of a Venetian blinds 12, in the upper rail 46, a sensor 10 according to the sensor system without a housing shown in Fig. 1 and a controller 14 are integrated. The lens 26, the temperature sensor 36 and the opening of the wind sensor 30 connected hose line 32 are one on the outside Aperture 48 is provided that the upper part of the shaft 50 covering, is mounted in which the venetian blinds 12th The venetian blinds 12 has a 52 Lamellenbehang whose individual lamellae 54 in Fig. 2 in the retracted position as a package are shown gathered. The venetian blind 12 has two Engines 17 (see FIG. 3), by means of which the Lamellenbehang 52 extendable and the inclination of the slats 54 adjustable is. The motors will be from the controller 14 adopted, whereby in addition to a purely automatic control a manual intervention for the extension length and the Angle setting of the blind 52 is provided.

The functional diagram shown in FIG. 3 showing the control 14 for the engines 17 of the venetian blind 12 in FIG. 2 held for determination of relevant input variables Sensors. In addition to the temperature sensor already described 36, rain sensor 34, the direction sensor 28, the radio receiver 20, Sun sensor 22 and wind sensor 30 are further for determining Inputs the aforementioned manual hand switch 56, 58 for the extension length or the angle adjustment the curtain 52 is shown. The handset can also be in the form of a remote control. Further input variables make the detected by a sensor 60 Actual extension length, and with the help of an additional encoder 62 detected actual angular position of the curtain 52. The two Encoders 60, 62 may, for example in the form of rotary encoders be provided to the motors 17th

The erwä agreements referred to measured or set input variables are to the multiplexer 40 and a downstream Analog / digital converter 42 passed, the incoming the Sensor signals converts serially. To the transducer 42 is followed by a sensor signal conditioning 64, for example, Characteristics or linearized signal pulses in a continuous size converts. In an EPROM memory module 66 are sequential programs stored, depending the output of the sensor signal conditioning 64, the output variables produce to control motors seventeenth The Control programs continue to be the contents of a memory 68 influenced, in which information about the geographical Length and width of the exhibition space of the sun protection system 12 deposited, because only on the exact geographic Specifying an exact determination of the sun relative is possible to sun protection system 12th However, even without this information using a default one good approximation for many locations possible.

The controller 14 is so constructed that the using the manual switches 56, 58 manually entered values ​​for the extension length or the angle adjustment with priority over the corresponding the measured input variables based on the basic programming determined setting is included. If manual Setting for a particular time does not correct balances, the controller 14 in a predefined period of several Hours setting self again to the theoretical Ideal course at. The transitions occur sigmoidförmig, to allow an unobtrusive as possible reset. The sigmoid transitions are Bèzier curves realized that guarantee that the return curve only a turning point has.

The 20 identified by the clock input variables daytime and date are used for tracking the attitude angle of the Lamella 54 to the sun height, date information, season dependent can compensate for changes in the sun's path. For the tracking of special calculation formulas in the controller 14 stored, the azimuth and elevation angle Calculate the sunlight. In connection with the through the compass can be 28 determined input direction calculate this, if the sun ever directly on the Investment may seem and what relative position them to rest occupies. These calculations can be carried in the memory 68 stored information about the geographical 12 precise location of the plant further, the Data also from an integrated system in the GPS receiver can be provided. Moreover, the geographical Data in the installation of the system in the memory 68 deposited, for example by transfer from a mobile GPS receiver, direct input of geographic data or alternatively, enter the geographic location approximately characterizing information such. as ZIP or license plate.

To simplify the sensor system, it is also conceivable for the direction sensor 28 and omit the alignment of the sun protection installation in the memory 68 during assembly as a preset to deposit.

The other input variables sun intensity, wind speed, Rain and temperature are treated so that at Exceeds or falls below certain thresholds retraction the installation of the controller 14 is caused. Possibly these thresholds depending on the determined by the encoder 60, 62 actual extension state the system 12 are varied.

In addition to the designed as EPROM memory 68 is a Another, designed as EEPROM memory module 70 is provided, which enables an adaptive learning capability of control 14th With the aid of the memory module 70, it is possible, wherein manual intervention the system state, that is all for the adaptive learning capability relied on input variables and Output variables, namely the setting parameters of the hanging, save in the form of a state vector. As for the learning process relied on input variables are inter alia the Time, month and day of the week, the wind speed, Temperature and solar intensity, but also the signal of the Humidity sensor 34 in question.

During automatic operation, the controller 14 compares now permanently the input variables of all stored vectors with the actual quantities of the system. Located at the system again in a similar or even identical state, wherein previously manually certain output variables in deviation have been chosen from the basic program, so this vector is called again (Recall). This has the Result that the stored output values, previously a Hand setting made correspond, automatically will. About the input variables, the system tries thereby to determine the reason of a manual override has led. Although is an absolutely safe recognition of to reach ground hard, but increases with each additional in adaptive learning capability relied on input security for recognizing the user's will.

For a reasonable determination of the similarity measure of the input variables the stored vector to continuously detected Actual state, it is necessary that the control algorithms consider the input variables of the vector individually and adaptation rules and parameters are specifically adapted. It is However, note that the input variables partly not are independent, but in the adaptation parameters influence each other. When in Fig. 3 shown Control is provided that, for each input variable the vector is an absolute difference between the stored State and the detected actual state determined becomes. For each input, a threshold is defined, must be reached to cause a recall. The results the individual input variables are logically and-ed. It follows that a recall a stored vector only occurs when all input variables in the given Variation range on the current status is.

The thresholds are defined not as rigid sizes but defined for each input as a so-called. Recall area. This recall areas will be implemented as repeated operation be adapted to and for greater security Insensitivity to random manual intervention to care. It is therefore provided the Recall areas with only to choose unique input is very small, so that a Recall only identical stored with the input variables of a Vector matching actual state values ​​occurs.

The adaptation of the recall areas according to specific, defined rules that are part of the learning and control algorithms the controller 14 is. If manual adjustment z. B. to a certain time of day is always on a same Weekday, the controller assumes that this setting should only take place on this day. The generated Recall area is thus limited to a week, but extended to all calendar weeks. to the inputs successes different days of the week, also takes place with reference to this Input a relatively strong expansion of the recall range. This adaptation takes place continuously, so that an optimum Adaptation of the adaptation behavior to the desired Learning behavior is possible. The learning algorithm is also in able to the user input points depending on their temporal distances to each other and to weigh their age. Older entries will be to define the areas Recall only used limited, with very old vectors can also be deleted from the input variables.

The controller 14 also offers the possibility of a reset, of all vectors clears and the algorithm in its Start condition set back, in which the output variables from the detected input variables only on the basic programming be determined. The automatic control can be disabled through the manual switch 56, 58th

The sensor 10, controller 14 and motors 17 of the sun protection system 12 need to supply only a conventional Household mains without additional components or even control lines, as previously realized she systems encountered. With the connection to the power grid is the System ready, where appropriate, only still the data for the geographical location and / or orientation the system must be saved.

Instead suitable for driving the venetian blinds described 12 the combination of a sensor 10 with a described Controller 14 also for the automatic control of other Sun protection systems, such. As the awning. Depending on the nature of the to be controlled sun protection system, the controller 14 outputs for only one engine, two motors (see create embodiment) or more engines. to adapt the controller to the respective type of sun protection system The basic programming needs to be amended, wherein a case adapted programming of the use of the same Unit from sensor 10 and controller 14 for various Types are used sunshades can.

Depending on the nature of the sun protection system can individual Sensors are dispensed to the cost of the sensor system 10 lower.