DE29923046U1 - Sensor for a blackout device and blackout system - Google Patents

Description

Gesthuysen & von Rohr

99.659.4.wa

Essen, 30 December 1999

Utility model application

Wilhelm Rademacher Ulmenweg 3

46414 Rhede

Sensor for a blackout device and blackout system

Gesthuysen & von Rohr - 1 -

The present invention relates to a sensor according to the preamble of claim 1 and a darkening system according to the preamble of claim 17.

Such a sensor is installed in particular as a so-called sun sensor or brightness sensor in the area of a window, a door or the like, so that depending on the sunlight on the sensor or the outside brightness, the window or the door can be darkened by an associated darkening device, in particular an electric motor-operated roller shutter or the like. For this purpose, the sensor can transmit corresponding sensor signals to the darkening device or its control unit.

EP 0 687 794 B1, which forms the starting point of the present invention, already discloses a sensor designed as a light, wind, rain, noise, glass breakage or pollutant sensor, which can transmit its sensor signals wirelessly, in particular by radio, to a control or drive unit of a darkening device. The wireless transmission enables the wiring effort to be minimized. It is therefore not necessary to establish a cable connection between the sensor and the control or drive unit.

EP 0 687 794 B1 does not provide any information on how the sensor is supplied with the energy required, particularly for transmitting the sensor signals. If the sensor is supplied with power via the local power grid, a connection and the corresponding wiring work are required. If the power is supplied via a battery or accumulator, the battery must be replaced or the accumulator charged regularly, which means that a not inconsiderable amount of maintenance work is required, particularly if there are a large number of such sensors in a household or a residential complex with many households.

The present invention is based on the object of specifying a sensor, in particular for a darkening device, and a darkening system with a separate sensor, so that the wiring effort and the maintenance effort for the sensor are minimized.

Gesthuysen & von Rohr - 2 -

The above object is achieved by a sensor according to claim 1 or a darkening system according to claim 17. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

A basic idea of the present invention is to use radiated energy, in particular light, to wirelessly supply energy to the sensor. In particular, the sensor has a solar cell for converting incident light into electrical energy. However, instead of the solar cell, another converter device, such as a so-called transponder or the like, can also be provided, which can absorb energy via radio, for example, and make it available to the sensor, so that the sensor can measure or process its sensor signals and in particular also transmit or send them via radio. In this case, the radio energy received by the sensor is sent out in particular by the associated darkening device or another central control device, preferably regularly at desired intervals, to query the sensor signals.

In both cases, the effort required for wiring and maintenance of the sensor is minimal, as the sensor can be installed in a desired, ideal and possibly difficult-to-access position without a cable connection and subsequent maintenance is not required.

Preferably, the solar cell or the converter device is combined with an energy storage device fed by it, in particular an electrolytic capacitor. In this way, buffering or smoothing and a sufficient energy or power supply for the sensor over longer periods of time can be achieved in a simple, cost-effective manner.

According to a design variant that is very simple to implement, it is provided that electrical values of the solar cell, such as resistance, voltage and/or current, are recorded as measurement signals of the sensor and are output or transmitted as sensor signals directly or, if necessary, after evaluation or further processing.

Gesthuysen & von Rohr - 3 -

However, the sensor preferably has at least one sensor element, in particular for measuring or detecting brightness, incident light, wind, rain, broken glass, vibration, smoke and/or pollutants.

The sensor measurement signals derived from the solar cell can be further processed directly in the sensor, in particular standardized and/or evaluated. The unchanged or further processed measurement signals can then be transmitted as sensor signals to the associated darkening device or in particular its control unit. Additionally or alternatively, the measurement signals can also be evaluated and control signals can be derived, in particular when a certain, preferably adjustable or enterable switching threshold is exceeded and/or undershot, if necessary for a specific time, which are then output as sensor signals. The time of day, the day of the week and/or the time of year can also be taken into account here.

For the aforementioned further processing and in particular evaluation of the measurement signals and provision of the sensor signals to be transmitted, the sensor preferably has a control unit which in particular comprises a microprocessor or the like.

If required, the sensor or control unit can also have a time base and/or a receiver unit for recording time data via radio. Accordingly, the control unit can then take the current time, the day of the week and/or the time of year into account, depending on the selected program. In addition or alternatively, the control unit can then perform a timer function, i.e. cause the darkening device to open or close independently of the other measurement signals.

Further properties, features, objectives and advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing of a preferred embodiment. It shows:

Fig. 1 shows a darkening system with a proposed sensor attached to a window pane;

Gesthuysen & von Rohr - 4 -

Fig. 2 shows a partial lateral section of the sensor;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the sensor; and

Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the sensor.

Fig. 1 shows a proposed sensor 1, which is arranged on an associated window 2. In particular, the sensor 1 is attached to a window pane 3 of the window 2, preferably in a detachable manner.

A darkening device 4 is assigned to the sensor 1 or the window 2. In particular, this is a roller shutter that can be opened and closed by an electric motor, as indicated in Fig. 1, whereby the drive unit assigned to the roller shutter and a corresponding control unit are not shown. Alternatively, it can also be a blind, an awning, another shading device or the like.

Of course, the sensor 1 can also be used in a door, a roof window or the like, in particular one provided with a glass pane, instead of the window 2 shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 2 shows the sensor 1 in a partial sectional view from the side. A transmission device 5 for the wireless transmission of sensor signals to the associated darkening device 4 is indicated.

The transmission device 5 can be better seen in the block diagram according to Fig. 4.

According to the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the energy supply device 6 of the sensor 1 has a solar cell 7 for the exclusive power supply of the sensor 1. The term "solar cell" is to be understood here in particular as a component or a device that converts incident light into electrical energy for the power supply of the sensor 1.

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Gesthuysen & von Rohr - 5 -

Alternatively or in addition to the solar cell 7, the energy supply device 6 can also have another converter device (not shown) which in particular converts received radio radiation into electrical energy, or the like.

The energy supply device 6 also has an energy storage device 8, as indicated in Fig. 2 and 4, which is fed by the solar cell 7 or another converter device. According to a preferred embodiment, the energy storage device 8 is designed as a capacitor, in particular as an electrolytic capacitor.

The sensor 1 according to the example shown has a sensor element 9, which is designed here in particular as a light-sensitive element for measuring or detecting sunlight hitting it, preferably in a range of 2000 to 10000 lux. The sensor 1 is therefore designed here as a brightness sensor or so-called sun sensor.

In the preferred detection or measurement of the light or brightness striking the sensor 1, the solar cell 7 or at least one electrical value thereof, such as voltage, current and/or resistance, can be used alternatively or in addition to the sensor element 9 to derive measurement signals that correspond to the incident light or the ambient brightness. The implementation here depends in particular on the calibration capability or the measurement value curve of the solar cell 7.

The sensor element 9 can alternatively also be designed to detect wind, rain, broken glass, vibrations, smoke, pollutants or the like, depending on the desired use of the sensor 1. If necessary, the sensor 1 can also have several sensor elements 9, in particular for detecting different value ranges and/or different measured variables.

The measurement signals provided by the solar cell 7 and/or the sensor element 9 are further processed and in particular evaluated by a control unit 10, which in particular comprises a microprocessor or the like with suitable software. However, the unchanged measurement signals can also be output by the control unit 10 via the transmission device 5 as sensor signals from the sensor 1.

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Gesthuysen & von Rohr - 6 -

Preferably, however, the measurement signals are processed, in particular standardized and/or evaluated, so that, for example, when certain, preferably predeterminable threshold values are exceeded and/or undershot, a desired control signal is output as a sensor signal from the sensor 1 to the associated darkening device 4. This evaluation can, for example, also monitor the exceeding and/or undershooting of threshold values for certain, in particular again predeterminable and possibly different time periods and only then output a desired control signal as a sensor signal to the darkening device 4. Depending on requirements, the control unit 10 can also take into account the charge state of the energy storage device 8 or the current supply voltage provided by the solar cell 7 and/or the time, the day of the week and/or the season, particularly when outputting control signals as sensor signals. For this purpose, the control unit 10 or the sensor 1 can have a corresponding time base or receiving device for receiving the time and date via radio.

The control signals then cause the associated darkening device 4 to open or close accordingly, in particular the roller shutter associated with the window 2. In particular, the roller shutter can also be opened or closed only partially, in particular by a predeterminable amount, depending on the measurement signals detected and/or depending on the control signals.

Additionally or alternatively, the sensor 1 or in particular the control unit 10 can also work as a timer, so that, for example, the complete opening and/or closing of the darkening device 4 can take place as required solely in a time-dependent manner, i.e. independently of the measuring signals from the solar cell 7 or the sensor element 9.

If necessary, the control unit 10 or the sensor 1 can also be designed or programmed in such a way that if there is an imminent power failure, i.e. in particular if the voltage falls below a predetermined level, a control signal for opening the roller shutter more or completely is output by the sensor 1 to the associated darkening device 4. The energy storage device 8 can then be recharged when light falls on the solar cell 7.

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Gesthuysen & von Rohr - 7 -

In particular, the sensor 1 is provided with a program or software such that the desired parameters and functions can be entered or selected. For example, the sensor 1 can be programmed in such a way that the roller shutter moves to a pre-programmed sun position when the sun shines continuously for a predetermined time of, for example, 10 minutes. The roller shutter opens completely, for example, when the sensor 1 continuously detects shadows for a predetermined time of, for example, 25 minutes. The aforementioned delay times can be automatically extended depending on the program if the sunlight changes in the meantime.

To adjust the response sensitivity or a threshold value, the sensor 1 has a potentiometer 11, indicated in Fig. 2 and 4, to which a rotary knob 12 is assigned on a flat or front side 13 of the housing 14 of the sensor 1, which is preferably at least essentially cylindrical here, as shown in Fig. 2 and 3. In particular, the rotary knob 12 is arranged essentially centrally on the front side 13. This makes it possible to realize a relatively large rotary knob 12 with a scale surrounding it peripherally in the overall miniaturization of the sensor 1.

Of course, it is within the scope of the specialist knowledge of the person skilled in the art to implement the above-described evaluation of the measurement signals and derivation of control signals in the sensor 1, if necessary, at least partially in the associated darkening device 4 or its control device (not shown) or the like.

Alternatively or in addition to the potentiometer 11 with rotary knob 12, the sensor 1 has in particular at least one operating element for entering parameters, threshold values or control commands or for programming or the like.

A switch or a button 15 is provided as an operating element for synchronizing the sensor 1 with a receiver (not shown) of the associated darkening device 4. When this button 15 and a corresponding button (not shown) on the darkening device 4 are pressed simultaneously, a synchronization process is initiated so that the transmitters and receivers of the

Gesthuysen & von Rohr - 8 -

Sensor 1 and the associated darkening device 4 are coordinated with each other and can communicate with each other without any problems in the future. This is particularly important if several darkening devices 4 can be assigned to a sensor 1 and the sensor 1 is only supposed to control one darkening device 4 or only some of the darkening devices 4 that are in the reception range of sensor signals from the sensor 1.

In the example shown, the sensor 1 also has a switch or a button 16 as a control element, in particular for programming or setting the sun position of the associated darkening device 4. When the darkening device 4 or its roller shutter has taken a desired position - the sun position, i.e. a preferably only partially closed position that should be taken when there is strong sunlight - the button 16 is pressed during the basic setting or programming in order to coordinate or program the sensor 1 and the associated darkening device 4 in such a way that this position of the roller shutter is set as the sun position and is later taken in response to a corresponding control command from the sensor 1.

Of course, the sensor 1 can have additional control elements and/or the control elements of the sensor 1 can be assigned several functions.

For example, the sensor 1 can also be designed in such a way that the associated darkening device 4 is opened and/or possibly completely closed by operating an operating element. This facilitates direct operation on site, in particular a separate transmitter or the like that would otherwise be required to control the darkening device 4 is then not required.

The sensor 1 preferably also has at least one display element 17, in particular a light-emitting diode. The display element 17 can be used to display in particular the operational readiness of the sensor 1 and/or the charge state of the energy storage device 8. To monitor the charge state of the energy storage device 8, to which the electrical components of the sensor 1 are connected for power supply,

Gesthuysen & von Rohr - 9 -

the sensor 1 preferably has a voltage monitoring unit 18 which is connected to the control unit 10 or possibly integrated into it. The control unit 10 then switches the display element on or off depending on the charge state of the energy storage device 8 or lets it flash, possibly with a different flashing frequency.

It should be noted that the display element 17 can also have an acoustic effect in addition to or as an alternative to the optical effect. For example, the display element 17 can emit a warning tone at certain intervals when the charge level of the energy storage device 8 decreases.

In the example shown, the transmission device 5 has a transmitting unit 19 with an antenna 20 connected thereto and, if necessary, an additional receiving unit (not shown) in order to send or transmit the sensor signals 1 by radio to the associated darkening device 4 and, if necessary, to receive confirmation or other signals, for example also for programming or setting the sensor 1.

As indicated in Fig. 2, the sensor 1 has a circuit board 21, which preferably carries at least most of the electrical and electronic parts and components of the sensor 1, wherein the circuit board 21 is arranged in particular substantially immediately adjacent to the solar cell 7 on the side facing away from the sun.

The solar cell 7 is arranged here essentially parallel and adjacent to the flat or front side 22 of the housing 14, which faces away from the flat or front side 13, i.e. faces the solar radiation. Accordingly, at least this side 22 of the housing 14 is transparent to light, in particular solar radiation, at least in the area of extension of the solar cell 7.

In the example shown, a suction cup 23, preferably made of rubber-elastic material, is molded onto the housing 14 in the area of side 22. The suction cup 23 is used to fasten or attach the sensor 1 to the window pane 3 or another suitable, smooth object.

Gesthuysen & von Rohr - 10 -

Preferably, the housing 14 is formed in two parts, as indicated in Fig. 2, wherein the suction foot 23 is formed in one piece with a part 24 of the housing 14, which is preferably made entirely of transparent material, such as plastic. The other housing part 25 can be transparent or non-transparent as required.

From the above it follows that the sensor 1 has no connecting cable and in particular does not require any other cable connection. Consequently, the proposed sensor 1 can be installed and made ready for use with minimal effort.

In addition, a battery change or the like is not necessary, so that the sensor 1 does not require any maintenance.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Rather, the sensor 1 can also be used independently of a darkening device 4 for other purposes, for example for an alarm system or as another warning device or the like.

Claims (17)

1. Sensor ( 1 ), in particular for a window ( 2 ) and in particular for a motor-operated darkening device ( 4 ) associated with the window ( 2 ), such as a roller shutter, a blind or an awning, with a transmission device ( 5 ) for the particularly wireless transmission of sensor signals to the darkening device ( 4 ) or another device receiving the sensor signals and with an associated energy supply device ( 6 ), characterized in that the energy supply device ( 6 ) has a solar cell ( 7 ) or another converter device converting radiation into electrical energy, in particular for the exclusive power supply of the sensor ( 1 ). 2. Sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy supply device ( 6 ) has an energy storage device ( 8 ) fed by the solar cell ( 7 ) or the other converter device. 3. Sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that the energy storage device ( 8 ) comprises a capacitor, in particular an electrolytic capacitor. 4. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that electrical values, such as resistance, voltage and/or current, of the solar cell ( 7 ) can be evaluated as measurement signals corresponding to light striking the sensor ( 1 ) and/or can be output as sensor signals. 5. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor ( 1 ) has at least one sensor element ( 9 ), in particular for measuring or detecting brightness, light, wind, rain, glass breakage, vibration, smoke and/or pollutants. 6. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor ( 1 ) has a control unit ( 10 ) which further processes, in particular evaluates, measurement signals provided in particular by the solar cell ( 7 ) and/or a sensor element ( 9 ), preferably in a program-controlled manner, and outputs the measurement signals and/or control signals derived therefrom as sensor signals via the transmission device ( 5 ). 7. Sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that the control unit ( 10 ) is designed or programmable in such a way that in the event of a lack of energy, in particular in the event of a drop in the voltage of an energy storage device ( 8 ), an opening signal can be output to the associated darkening device ( 4 ). 8. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a threshold value or a response sensitivity can be specified or entered, preferably by means of a potentiometer ( 11 ). 9. Sensor according to claim 8, characterized in that the potentiometer ( 11 ) is assigned a rotary knob ( 12 ) which is arranged at least substantially centrally on a flat or front side ( 13 ) of a preferably substantially cylindrical housing ( 14 ) of the sensor ( 1 ). 10. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor ( 1 ) has at least one operating element, such as a switch or button ( 15 , 16 ), preferably for entering parameters, times, control commands or the like. 11. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor ( 1 ) or a control unit ( 10 ) of the sensor ( 1 ) has a time base. 12. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor ( 1 ) has a display element ( 17 ), in particular a light-emitting diode, preferably for displaying the charge state of an energy storage device ( 8 ) of the sensor ( 1 ). 13. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission device ( 5 ) has a transmitting unit ( 19 ) for the wireless transmission, in particular by radio, of sensor signals, preferably an associated antenna ( 20 ), and preferably a receiving unit for the wireless reception of control and/or programming signals. 14. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor ( 1 ) has an at least partially transparent housing ( 14 ) so that light can strike the solar cell ( 7 ). 15. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the solar cell ( 7 ) and/or a sensor element ( 9 ) is/are arranged in the region of a flat or front side ( 22 ) of the sensor ( 1 ), in particular in the region of a suction cup ( 23 ) of the sensor ( 1 ). 16. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor ( 1 ) has a preferably rubber-elastic suction cup ( 23 ) which is in particular integrally formed on a housing ( 14 ) or a housing part ( 24 ) of the sensor ( 1 ). 17. Blackout system with a motor-operated blackout device ( 4 ) assigned to a window ( 2 ) or a door and with a sensor ( 1 ) assigned to the window ( 2 ) or the door, in particular attachable to its pane ( 3 ), wherein sensor signals from the sensor ( 1 ) can be transmitted to the blackout device ( 4 ) for controlling it, characterized in that the sensor ( 1 ) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.