EP1944449A1 - Method for determining the effects of the wind on an awning - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves collecting, from a sensor, two signals representative of the effects of the wind on a blind (1), in two measurement directions, respectively. The signals are processed so as to provide a secondary signal representative of the effects of the wind and independent of the orientation of the sensor in a plane defined by the two directions. The secondary signal is the intensity of resultant of the two signals over various directions or the intensity and the direction of resultant of the signals over various directions. An independent claim is also included for a protection device comprising a detection device.

Description

The invention relates to a method for determining the effects of wind on a blind or the like and a device for protecting against the effects of wind for a blind or the like.

The protection of blinds against the effects of wind is a function sought by manufacturers. Indeed, in case of squalls, the fabric of the awning offers a great hold in the wind and strongly demands the structure of the blind. This can therefore deteriorate. It should be noted that the deterioration of the blind is greater when a force is applied substantially perpendicular to the surface of the deployed fabric. In addition, from a safety point of view, it is essential that the awning remains firmly attached to the structure of the building it equips. The EN13561 standard specifies the constraints to be respected.

To meet this requirement, a known solution is to measure the vibration of the moving elements namely the arms or, more commonly, the load bar. As soon as the measured vibration exceeds a certain threshold, set by the installer, a fallback order is transmitted to the actuator controlling the blind. The actuator then causes the winding of the fabric around the winding tube and the folding of the arms.

The vibration is generally measured by the acceleration of the movable element in one direction. So the demand US 2006/0113936 describes a unidirectional piezoelectric vibration sensor. Such a sensor will therefore have a preferential detection sensitivity. Thus, the orientation of the sensor affects the detection sensitivity of the system. Therefore, if the detection direction is parallel to the surface of the deployed canvas, a stress on the structure caused by the wind in a perpendicular direction will be little or not detected while it may be damaging to the blind. To overcome this problem, a low detection threshold can be defined. In this case, when the structure is biased in the direction of the detection direction of the sensor, it may cause unnecessary withdrawal of the fabric.

Document is known DE 198 40 418 a particular blind structure in which a screen is guided circularly. The awning structure is equipped with a sensor to determine the wind actions on the screen. The sensor comprises means for measuring accelerations in a tangential direction and in a radial direction. The signals obtained are then processed by filtering.

Patent is known US 3,956,932 a sensor to determine the direction of the wind. It comprises elements heated on the one hand by a heating means and cooled on the other hand by the wind. By determining their temperatures, we deduce those who are most exposed to the wind and therefore the direction of the wind.

Patent is known US 4,615,214 an anemometer with piezoelectric elements. It includes several piezoelectric elements distributed in space. Depending on the output signals of these elements, we deduce those who are most exposed to the wind and therefore the direction of the wind.

Finally, we know of the document EP 1 077 378 a blind comprising a sensor for determining wind conditions. Different usable sensor technologies are listed.

The object of the invention is to provide a method for determining the effects of wind overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks and improving the methods known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a method for determining the effects of wind making it possible to overcome the constraints of installing a sensor, in particular sensor orientation constraints and making it possible to obtain the same detection sensitivity of the sensor. whatever its orientation. The invention also relates to a detection device intended to be mounted on a blind or the like to determine the effects of the wind on it.

In a first embodiment, the determination method according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

Different variants are defined by claims 2 to 7.

The detection device according to the invention is defined by claim 8.

An embodiment is defined by claim 9.

According to the invention, the device for protecting a blind or the like is defined by claim 10.

Embodiments are defined by claims 11 and 12.

• la figure 1 est un schéma d'un store à bras intégrant un mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de protection selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 décrit le principe de détection de dispositifs de détection représentatifs de l'état de la technique, une coupe transversale d'un store selon un plan P étant représentée,
• les figures 3, 4 et 5 décrivent le principe de détection d'un dispositif de détection mettant en oeuvre un premier mode d'exécution du procédé de détermination selon l'invention à travers des schémas de principe et un ordinogramme,
• les figures 6, 7 et 8 décrivent le principe de détection d'un dispositif de détection mettant en oeuvre un deuxième mode d'exécution du procédé de détermination selon l'invention à travers des schémas de principe et un ordinogramme,
• la figure 9 est un mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de détection selon l'invention.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a diagram of a blind with an arm incorporating an embodiment of a protection device according to the invention,
• the figure 2 describes the principle of detection of detection devices representative of the state of the art, a cross section of a blind according to a plane P being represented,
• the Figures 3, 4 and 5 describe the principle of detection of a detection device implementing a first embodiment of the determination method according to the invention through block diagrams and a flowchart,
• the figures 6 , 7 and 8 describe the detection principle of a detection device implementing a second embodiment of the determination method according to the invention through block diagrams and a flowchart,
• the figure 9 is an embodiment of a detection device according to the invention.

The arm awning 1 shown in FIG. figure 1 , comprises a support 2, mounted on the structure of a building, a winding tube 3 driven by a motor 11 on which a web 4 is wound and a load bar 5 connected to the support 2 via articulated arms.

The articulated arms comprise two segments 6, 7, the first segment being articulated at one of its ends to the support 2 around a first axis 8, and at the other of its ends at one end of the second segment 7 around a second axis 9. The other end of the second segment 7 is articulated to the load bar 5 about a third axis 10.

The fabric 4 is fixed on one side to the winding tube 3 and on the other side to the load bar 5 so as to allow it to wind on the winding tube 3 or its unwinding from the tube 3 by means actuator, such as for example a motor 11 whose power supply is controlled by an electronic control unit 12. figure 1 , the canvas is represented in an unwound state.

A detection device 13 is disposed on the load bar 5 to determine the effect of the wind on the structure. When the measured quantity exceeds a threshold value, the detection device transmits, by radio, to the electronic control unit 12, a folding order of the fabric 4.

There are different ways to determine the effect of the wind. For example, sensor means having one or more accelerometers may be used. The figure 2 illustrates the use of such a sensor means, detecting the acceleration in two perpendicular directions X ₁ and Y ₁ , X ₂ and Y ₂ or X ₃ and Y ₃ . This figure shows three examples of attaching sensor means 131 (horizontal), 132 (vertical) or 133 (45 °) on the load bar 5. In the first example, the sensor means 131 detects or measures acceleration along the X ₁ and Y ₁ axes. Threshold values Xs and Ys have been defined beforehand for each detection axis. As long as the accelerations do not exceed the preceding thresholds, that is to say, as long as the result of the measurements is in the gray zone, no signal is transmitted to the electronic control unit 12. On the other hand, as soon as a threshold value is exceeded, a folding order of the fabric is transmitted to the electronic control unit 12. The principle is the same in the other examples of fixing. The sensor means 132 detects or measures the accelerations along the axes X ₂ and Y ₂ . The sensor means 133 detects or measures the accelerations along the axes X ₃ and Y ₃ . In this illustration, the threshold values Xs and Ys are the same for all the sensor means 131, 132 and 133. The directions X ₁ , Y ₁ , X ₂ , Y ₂ , X ₃ and Y ₃ are intrinsic to the structure of the means. sensors, it is noted that the sensing sensitivity or measurement of the sensor means depends on its orientation on the load bar. Although it is possible to obtain the same sensitivity between the sensor 131 and 132 by inverting the threshold values, it is however not possible to obtain the same sensitivity with the sensor 133, as it is oriented. It is therefore not possible to have an operation of a system equipped with such a sensor means which is independent of the orientation of this sensor means.

The detection device 13, shown in FIG. figure 9 , mainly comprises a sensor means 231, a logic processing unit 26 and a radio wave transmitter 27.

The sensor means 231 comprises two accelerometers 20 and 21. The first accelerometer 20 is intended for the detection and measurement of accelerations along the Y axis ₁ and the second accelerometer 21 is intended for the detection and measurement of accelerations. along the X1 axis. Axes X1 and Y1 are perpendicular. These two accelerometers provide signals attacking the logic processing unit 26.

The logic processing unit 26 comprises a means 22 for processing the signals supplied by the sensor means 231. It makes it possible to supply a comparison means 23 with a secondary signal intended to be compared with one or more thresholds stored in a memory 25. This comparison means makes it possible to supply a signal triggering the establishment of a control signal within a means for generating a control signal 24. This control signal is then transmitted to the radio wave transmitter. 27 which transmits it in radio form. The detection device comprises in particular software means for governing the determination method object of the invention, modes of execution of which are described in detail below. In particular, these software means may comprise computer programs that may in particular be implemented in the logical processing unit. The means 22 for processing the signals supplied by the sensor means 231 may also comprise software means such as computer programs for calculating the secondary signal.

A first embodiment of the determination method according to the invention is described below with reference to the figure 4 .

In a first step 210, a threshold value Rs is set at the detection device 13. The adjustment can be done by means of a potentiometer or any other similar means. The threshold value is stored in the memory 25.

In a second step 220, the detection device is fixed on the load bar. This step can be swapped with the previous step but it is easier to perform the operations in the proposed order. Fixing the detection device is for example such that the sensor means it contains is in one of the positions occupied at the figure 3 , that is to say that the axes X ₁ , Y ₁ and / or X ₂ , Y ₂ and / or X ₃ , Y ₃ of the sensor means 231 and / or 232 and / or 233 are parallel (or at least substantially parallel) to the same plane P in which it is desired to measure the effects of the wind. In the case of figure 3 this plane P is perpendicular to the load bar 5. On the other hand, the sensor means can be oriented in this plane P (around the axis of the load bar) indifferently, as shown by the different positions of the sensors 231, 232 and 233. In other words, the sensor means can be oriented angularly with respect to an axis perpendicular to the two measurement directions of the sensor means without affecting the determination of the secondary signal representative of the effects of the wind. This signal is therefore independent of the orientation of the sensor in the plane P that is to say independent of its orientation relative to this perpendicular axis. As a result, the sensor can be freely installed on an element of the blind as long as its measuring directions remain in the same plane. It is subsequently assumed that the detection device comprises the sensor means 231.

In a third step 230, the sensor means 231 provides signals representative of the accelerations experienced by the mobile part of the blind on which is fixed the sensor, in this case the load bar. These signals are in this case representative of the projections of the accelerations undergone by the load bar on the detection axes of the accelerometers composing the sensor means, namely, X ₁ and Y ₁ . The instantaneous values of the signals obtained are respectively denoted Xa and Ya.

In a fourth step 240, the instantaneous value of a signal representative of the acceleration experienced by the detection device or the load bar is calculated from the instantaneous values of the signals representative of the projections of this acceleration. We denote A the vector representing this resultant acceleration, its instantaneous value nA (the norm of the vector) is: $$\mathrm{n\; /\; A}=\sqrt{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="Xa"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0003.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">Xa</figure-callout>}}^2+{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="Ya"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0003.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">Ya</figure-callout>}}^2}$$

The instantaneous value of the resulting acceleration constitutes a secondary signal representative of the wind effects and independent of the orientation of the sensor means in the plane P.

In a fifth step 250, the instantaneous value of the acceleration is compared with the threshold value Rs. If this instantaneous value is greater than the threshold value Rs, then the process proceeds to a sixth step 260. In the opposite case, returns to step 230. A timer can be set up before renewing step 230.

In the sixth step 260, an order of execution of a security scenario is transmitted by the detection device to the electronic control unit 12 and this order is executed. Generally, the scenario begins with a fallback order of the canvas.

The figure 5 illustrates this principle of the processing of the measurements of the sensor means. The acceleration vector A does not trigger any scenario while the acceleration vector A 'controls the winding of the fabric 4, the end of the arrow representing the vector A' coming out of the gray zone.

Returning to figure 3 it then appears that whatever the orientation of the sensor means, the detection sensitivity is always the same. The detection device triggers the security scenario for the same solicitation.

A second embodiment of the determination method according to the invention is described below with reference to the figure 7 .

In a first step 310, the detection device is fixed on the load bar as described in step 220. The configuration of the detection device is identical to that of the figure 3 . However, a learning phase is needed here.

In a second step 320, the installer performs a configuration operation for associating a specific reference mark OXY, for example orthogonal, with the sensor means. The setting of this new OXY mark is therefore independent of the detection axes X ₁ and Y ₁ of the sensor means. It is thus independent of the orientation of the detection device. Taking this mark into account by the detection device results in a relationship between the new OXY mark and a mark OX ₁ Y ₁ corresponding to the detection axes of the sensor (rotation of an angle α).

To define this specific reference, different learning modes are possible. The detection device can detect the vertical using the effect of gravity detected by measurement from its accelerometers 20, 21 (the load bar is for example deployed and at rest). From these measurements, the detection device can define an absolute orientation and deduce an identical specific mark regardless of the orientation of the detection device. The X axis of the specific marker can be parallel to the gravitational field.

Another way is to place the detection device in a configuration mode. The installer then solicits the load bar by exerting on it an effort. The axis of stress is determined by analysis of the signals provided by the accelerometers 20 and 21 of the sensor means. This axis of stress can then be the axis X of the specific reference.

A third means may include learning the specific marker when deploying the canvas or a movement back and forth of the canvas following a specific order. The X axis would be the deployment axis. Other means can be imagined, including the capture of orientation angles of the detection device relative to the vertical by the installer via a human-machine interface.

In a third step 330, threshold values Xs and Ys are set. These values are stored in the memory 25. These values Xs and Ys respectively correspond to thresholds that must not be exceeded according to each axis X and Y of the set specific reference point OXY. The adjustment can be done through potentiometers or any other means. Alternatively, a threshold value can be applied to several axes, thus making it possible to simplify the electronics by eliminating adjustment means.

In a fourth step 340, the sensor means 231 provides signals representative of the accelerations experienced by the moving part of the blind on which is fixed the detection device, in this case the load bar. These signals are in this case representative of the projections of the accelerations undergone by the load bar on the detection axes of the accelerometers composing the sensor means, namely, X ₁ and Y ₁ . The instantaneous values of the signals obtained are respectively denoted X ₁ a and Y ₁ a. As before, the measurement is direct from the accelerometers composing the sensor means.

$$\mathrm{Ya}\mathrm{=}{-\mathrm{X}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{\times }\sin \left(\mathrm{\alpha }\right)\mathrm{+}{\mathrm{Y}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{\times }\cos \left(\mathrm{\alpha }\right)$$

avec α angle algébrique entre X et X₁.In a fifth step 350, the measurements obtained previously X ₁ a and Y ₁ a are converted into the predefined specific reference OXY by rotation transformation and give the magnitudes Xa and Ya. They are expressed as follows: $$\mathrm{Xa}\mathrm{=}{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="X"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">X</figure-callout>}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{at}\mathrm{\times }\cos \left(\mathrm{\alpha }\right)\mathrm{+}{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="Y"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">Y</figure-callout>}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{at}\mathrm{\times }\sin \left(\mathrm{\alpha }\right)$$

$$\mathrm{Ya}\mathrm{=}{-\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="X"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">X</figure-callout>}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{at}\mathrm{\times }\sin \left(\mathrm{\alpha }\right)\mathrm{+}{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="Y"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">Y</figure-callout>}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{at}\mathrm{\times }\cos \left(\mathrm{\alpha }\right)$$

with α algebraic angle between X and X ₁ .

These quantities constitute a secondary signal representative of the effects of the wind and independent of the orientation of the sensor means in the plane P.

Alternatively, the threshold values Xs and Ys can be transcribed in the direct measurement reference (OX1Y1). In this case, the threshold values expressed in the direct reference are not constant. They are interdependent.

Advantageously, a finer sensitivity of the detection device can be adjusted by determining a specific reference adapted to the blind. One of its axes may correspond to the most constraining axis of stress for the structure of the awning, it may be the direction perpendicular to the deployment of the fabric. For this axis, a threshold value can thus be lower.

In a sixth step 360, the component Xa is compared with the threshold value Xs. If this quantity Xa is greater than the threshold value Xs, then a step 380 is proceeded to. In the opposite case, the method proceeds to a step 370.

In a seventh step 370, the component Ya is compared with the threshold value Ys. If this magnitude Ya is greater than the threshold value Ys, then we go to step 380. In the opposite case, we return to step 340. A timer can be set up before renewing step 340. Of course, steps 360 and 370 can be swapped.

In the eighth step 380, an order of execution of a security scenario is transmitted by the detection device to the electronic control unit 12 and this order is executed. Generally, the scenario begins with a fallback order of the canvas.

The figure 8 illustrates this principle of the processing of the measurements of the sensor means. The acceleration vector A does not trigger any scenario while the acceleration vector A 'controls the winding of the fabric 4, the end of the arrow representing the vector A' coming out of the gray zone.

Returning to figure 6 it then appears that whatever the orientation of the sensor means, the detection sensitivity is always the same. The detection device triggers the security scenario for the same solicitation. Indeed, the method makes it possible to provide a secondary signal representative of wind effects and independent of the orientation of the sensor means in the plane P. This secondary signal can be in particular the intensity of the resultant of the acceleration measured in the plane. P or the intensity and direction of the resultant of the acceleration measured in the plane P or the components, in a particular reference, of the resultant measured in the plane P.

Whatever the embodiment chosen, it is preferable to confirm the measurement based on an average of several measurements. This makes it possible to avoid parasitic measurements. To execute the security scenario, the detection device is based on a magnitude representative of the acceleration of the moving part which can be its absolute acceleration, its acceleration variation, its speed or its variation, its position or its variation or any other information that may reflect the effect of the wind on the canvas. The detection device will preferably have an autonomous power source and will preferentially transmit the security commands to the electronic control unit 12 by radio. The signals and quantities supplied by the sensor means, as described above, are processed at the level of the detection device but may very well be processed at the level of the electronic control unit 12. Finally, it is advantageous to use sensor means detecting the acceleration along three axes, for example orthogonal. In this way, the protection of the blind is increased. The previous operating principle then applies in the same way.

The use of a sensor detecting the acceleration along three axes is more advantageous than a sensor using only two directions of measurement because the secondary signal is identical whatever the orientation of the sensor, it is not necessary to place the sensor so as to keep the measurement directions in the same plane. Thus, the secondary signal is independent of the orientation in the space of the sensor and the installation of the latter on a blind element is then all the more facilitated.

In this application, we mean by a "plan chosen for the measurement of the effects of the wind", when a sensor with two directions of measurements is used, the plane in which the user wishes to measure the effects of the wind. To measure the effects of the wind in such a plane, it is then necessary that the measurement directions of the sensor are parallel or coplanar to this plane. In the figures 3 and 6 , the plane is perpendicular to the load bar and the directions of measurements are coplanar.

The plan for measuring the wind effects of a sensor with two directions of measurement is linked to the installation of the sensor on a movable element of the blind subjected to the effects of wind. Thus, for a sensor position, it measures the effect of the wind depending on the orientation of its two directions of measurement. This plan is defined by both directions. It is either parallel or coplanar to these two directions. If the two measurement directions are coplanar, the plane formed by these two directions corresponds to the measurement plane of the wind effects of the sensor. If the measurement directions are not coplanar, a plane parallel to these two directions can be defined. It corresponds to the measurement plan of the wind effects of the sensor.

It is considered that sensors with parallel wind measurement plans measure the effects of wind in the same plane. Thus, several sensors having different measurement directions can have the same plane of measurement of the effects of the wind.

"The orientation of the sensor in the measurement plane" means that the sensor can take different positions as long as its two measurement directions are always parallel or coplanar with the plane chosen for the measurement.

Consequently, when the user chooses a plan for measuring the effects of the wind, this plane being linked to the installation of the sensor on a moving element of the blind, the sensor can take different positions to measure the effects of the wind in the plane. selected. The wind effect measured by the sensor can therefore be independent of its orientation in its measurement plane.

Claims (12)

Method for determining the effects of the wind on a blind (1) or the like provided with a sensor means (231) measuring the effects of the wind in at least a first measuring direction (X ₁ ) and a second measuring direction (Y ₁ ), the two directions being distinct, the method comprising the following steps: collecting, from the sensor means, at least a first signal representative of the effects of the wind on the blind or the like in the first measuring direction and a second signal representative of the effects of the wind on the blind or the like in the second measurement direction, characterized in that it comprises the step: processing the collected signals so as to provide a secondary signal representative of the effects of the wind and independent of the orientation of the sensor means in order to obtain the same detection sensitivity of the sensor whatever its orientation. Determination method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a preliminary step of positioning the sensor means, the orientation of the sensor means being indifferent provided that the first and second measurement directions are parallel to a plane chosen for the measurement wind effects. Determination method according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor means also measures the effects of the wind in a third direction, the three directions being distinct from each other, and in that it comprises a step in which one collects, of the sensor means, a third signal representative of wind effects on the blind or the like in the third direction of measurement. Determination method according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a preliminary step of positioning the sensor means, the orientation of the sensor means in the space being indifferent. Determination method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the secondary signal is the intensity of the resultant of the signals representative of the effects of the wind on the different directions or the intensity and the direction of the resultant of the signals representative of the wind effects on different directions. Determination method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a preliminary step of determining axes (X, Y) specific to the blind or the like and in that the secondary signal consists of components of the resultant of the signals representative of the effects of the wind according to these proper axes. Determination method according to claim 6, characterized in that the preliminary determination step comprises a sub-step in which a mechanical action is applied to the blind or the like, a sub-step in which the sensor means determines the direction of this action and a substep in which this direction is used to define one of the shades of the blind or the like. Detection device (13) for mounting on a blind (1) or the like, comprising sensor means (231) measuring the effects of the wind in at least a first measuring direction (X ₁ ) and a second measuring direction ( Y ₁ ), the two directions being distinct, characterized in that it comprises material means (231, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) and software for implementing the method according to one of the preceding claims. Detection device (13) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sensor means comprises at least one accelerometer (20, 21). Device for protecting a blind or the like comprising a detection device (13) according to claim 8 or 9. Protective device according to claim 10, characterized in that signal processing is performed at the detection device or at an electronic control unit (12). Protective device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it comprises means (27, 12) for controlling a folding order of the blind or the like when the secondary signal or one of the components of the secondary signal passes through the rise a predetermined threshold.

Images