WO2015115896A2

WO2015115896A2 - System for adjusting a position of a free end of a cover for a window or door

Info

Publication number: WO2015115896A2
Application number: PCT/NL2015/050062
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hendrik Paul Wolleswinkel
Original assignee: Verosol Fabrics B.V.
Priority date: 2014-01-30
Filing date: 2015-01-30
Publication date: 2015-08-06
Also published as: WO2015115896A3; NL2012313C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for adjusting a position of a free end of a cover for a window or door with respect to said window or door in a direction of translation of the free end of said cover, said system comprising: - a detectable means; - a detection apparatus for detecting said detectable means, and - a control means for controlling the movement of the free end of said cover in said direction of translation, wherein said cover comprises said detectable means or said detection apparatus at or near its free end and wherein said detection apparatus or said detectable means is transportable to and from a desired location for detecting said detectable means or for being detected by said detection apparatus; and wherein said detection apparatus is connected to said control means and said control means are configured for controlling the movement of said free end of said cover based on a detection signal provided by said detection apparatus. The invention further relates to a system for charging a battery of a motor of a cover for a window or door. The invention also relates to a method for adjusting a position of a free end of a cover for a window or door with respect to said window or door in a direction of translation of the free end of said cover. The invention also relates to a method for charging a battery of a motor of a cover for a window or door.

Description

SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING A POSITION OF A FREE END OF A COVER FOR A WINDOW OR DOOR

Blinds and shades, or other covers for a window or door, that are installed require physical dimensional limits for start and stop positions as well as reference distances between installation locations of covers that should be operated in groupwise conditions.

In this respect a start position is defined as the position of a free end of the cover in a wounded or retracted position of the cover, and the stop position is the position of the free end of the cover in its unwounded or extended position. The reference distances may define intermediate positions for the cover between the start and stop position.

Currently the start, stop and/or intermediate position of a free end of a cover is manually set. This may be relatively time consuming because it may take a few minutes, for example 1 minute to travel 350 cm of fabric, before the free end reaches its desired start, stop and/or intermediate position, for example at a lower end of a window or door. The person setting the start, stop and/or intermediate position must wait all this time and then has to manually fine tune the position of the free end by moving the cover in a forward or backward direction in the direction of translation of the free end until the start, stop and/or intermediate position is acceptable and sufficiently accurate by mean of human eye correction / comparison with a reference height.

It is an object of the invention to at least partially overcome the above described

disadvantage(s). In particular it may be an object of the invention to make adjusting a start, stop and/or intermediate position of a free end of a cover less time consuming for the person installing the cover and/or more accurate and/or independent of human eye and/or reference height comparison.

This object is achieved by a system for adjusting or setting a position of a free end of a cover for a window or door (opening) with respect to said window or door in a direction of translation of the free end of said cover, said system comprising:

- a detectable means;

- a detection apparatus for detecting said detectable means, and

- a control means for controlling the movement of the free end of said cover in said direction of translation, and

wherein said cover comprises said detectable means or said detection apparatus at or near its free end and wherein said detection apparatus or said detectable means is transportable to and from a desired location for detecting said detectable means or for being detected by said detection apparatus; and

wherein said detection apparatus is connected to said control means and said control means are configured for controlling the movement of said free end of said cover based on a detection signal provided by said detection apparatus.

The cover thus has one of the detectable means and the detection apparatus and the other of the detectable means and the detection apparatus is transportable to and from a desired location.

The desired location may be any location in or near the traveling path of the cover.

By using the system according to the invention the location of the position of the free end of the cover for a window or door with respect to said window or door in a direction of translation of the free end of said cover may be adjusted or set automatically. The position may be a start, stop or intermediate position and said location may be chosen as desired by transporting the detectable means or the detection apparatus to a desired location. The person installing the cover may use this system to automatically adjust the position of the free end of the cover and in the mean time may start installing a next cover. The time for installing the cover including adjusting the position is thereby less time consuming. Since the position is controlled by the detection apparatus, it may be adjusted more accurate and/or independent of human eye and/or reference height comparison.

The location where the free end of the cover is detected is the reference location for the start, stop or intermediate position. This reference location defines the desired location of the start, stop or intermediate position of the free end of the cover. The invention thus relates to a system for automatically adjusting or setting the location of a start, stop or intermediate position of the free end of the cover.

It is noted that the reference location may be the desired location of the position of the free end. In that case the detectable means of the detection apparatus is located in or at the desired location. Alternatively, the desired location of the position of the free end may be calculated based on the reference location. In that case the detectable means of the detection apparatus is located anywhere in or near traveling path of the cover. The distance between the desired location of the position of the free end of the cover and the reference location is in that case known, for example by measuring the distance, such that the desired start, stop or intermediate position may be calculated based on the detected reference location plus or minus the known distance.

Document WO2013/067312 discloses a safety curtain and a detector for detecting if a free end of the curtain is in it's closed, end position or not. The location of the closed, end position is defined by a physical end point, namely the floor, and not by the detector. The detector of WO2013/067312 thus not adjusts a location of a position of the free end of the cover, but merely detects if the free end is in its end position or not. The system according to the invention is in particular advantageous because the end, start and/or intermediate position(s) may be adjusted at any desired height by placing the detection apparatus or said detectable means at the desired location. There is no requirement of a physical end point, such as a floor, window-sill or the like. Therefore, the end position of the free end may for example be slightly above such a floor, window-sill or the like, thereby leaving some space therebetween. The system according to the invention is in particular advantageous in situations where the conversion between rotation and travel distance is not constant over the length between the start and stop position. Such a situation arises for example for covers wounded to a rotatable element, wherein the number of windings of cover material present on a rotatable element determines the traveling speed of the free end of the cover. For example, at the start position of the cover the windings on the rotatable element are all wounded around the rotatable element and thus relatively thick, such that at a certain rotational speed of the rotatable element the free end of the cover travels faster than at a near stop position of the cover element at the same rotational speed of the rotatable element, when there are fewer windings on the rotatable element compared to the start position. In such a situation the travel distance is not a simple calculation of the number of rotations of the rotatable element, because this travel distance is dependent amongst others on the number of windings present on the rotatable element and/or the thickness of the cover material. As such, the stop position and/or start position and/or intermediate position(s) can not be calculated (easily) based on the number of rotations of the rotatable element. In such a situation the start and/or stop and/or intermediate position(s) can easily be adjusted in accordance with the system according to the invention.

The cover may be, but is not limited thereto, a (roller) blind, a (roller) shade, a (roller) shutter, a (sliding) screen, or the like. The free end may travel in any desired direction, for example (substantially) vertical or horizontal.

The cover material may be (made of) any suitable material, such as, but not limited thereto, a woven, a non-woven, a foil, paper, textile, plastics, a mesh, or the like.

It is noted that said system may be used for adjusting multiple positions for one cover. For example, said system may be used for adjusting a start position, at least one intermediate position, and a stop position of the free end of the cover.

If a building comprises a plurality of windows and doors, the start, stop and/or intermediate position(s) of the various covers may be synchronized (groupwise controlled covers), such that a plurality of covers have the same start and/or stop and/or intermediate position(s).

The invention is a measurement method and a position detector that allows to measure the effective radius of a tubular motorized blind together with its wounded fabrics or wires on that tubular pipe. Thus diameter tolerances and fabrics thickness tolerances will be 'stretched out' to a direct relation between rotations and accurate distance of travelling.

The detection apparatus is preferably a mobile device that is preferably wirelessly connected to said control means. In such an embodiment no physical connection between the detection apparatus and the control means is required, thus making the detection apparatus easily transportable, that may be located at any desired position for detecting the detectable means. The invention according to this embodiment covers a new and precise measurement tool that allows blind and shade configurators to perfect relative location measurements using a mobile and wireless measurement instrument that is/are connected with the motors of (groupwise) controlled blinds and with a configuration script or commissioning tool.

The detection of the detectable means by the detection apparatus may be both contact based as well as contactless. In contact based detection methods the detectable means is detected by the detection apparatus as soon as there is a physical direct or indirect contact between them. In contactless detection methods said detectable means can be detected without physical contact, for example by means of a magnetic field or optically.

The invention covers a simple detection beacon or detectable element that is universally applicable to any type of blind or shades with any kind of automation.

The control means may be the usual control means of said cover, that in accordance with the invention is able to control the movement of the cover based on the detection signal.

Position detection can be done either by "proximity" (in line with the travel direction of the free end) or by "pass by" (other than in line with the travel direction of the free end).

The invention covers an accurate measurement detector that is capable to detect the beacon or detectable means to a position accuracy between 0.1 mm (very accurate) and 20 mm (less accurate) in the direction of the travel distance.

The invention may include a working method that allows professional as well as do-it- yourself -for-the -first-time users to perform a position calibration per shade or blind that does not require button presses or special programming steps nor does it require physical presence at the motor compartment. It only requires the end of the blind or share to be in range at or in the neighbourhood of the intended stop position.

Measurement instrument, motor and instruction panel for configuring or commissioning are linked via a wireless connectivity solution that allows both indirect contact via "Cloud" (Internet Services based data storage and communication functions) and Internet based connectivity as well as local access to a mobile presentation and control panel using an industry standard of wireless connectivity.

In an embodiment of the system according to the invention said detectable means is electromagnetically, electrically, magnetically, or mechanically detectable by said detection apparatus.

The detectable element may be an element added to a normal cover. Alternatively, the detectable element may be the free end of the normal cover. This is for example possible if the free end of the normal cover is electromagnetically, electrically, magnetically, mechanically detectable by said detection apparatus.

In another embodiment of the system according to the invention said detection apparatus comprises a receiving means for receiving said free end of said cover, wherein said detection apparatus is arranged to provide said detection signal upon receiving said free end of said cover.

In this embodiment the free end of said cover is said detectable means. Upon receiving said free end said detection signal may be provided and the position of the free end of the cover may be adjusted or set.

It is noted that by receiving it is meant that said free end is able to receive said free end in a contacting or touching manner.

In yet another embodiment of the system according to the invention said receiving means is movably mounted to said detection apparatus and arranged to move in a first direction upon receiving said free end of said cover, wherein said receiving means comprises one of a second detectable means and a sensor that is movable with said receiving means between a first, start position and a second position, and wherein said detection apparatus comprises the other one of the detectable means and the sensor arranged in the moving path of said receiving means between the first and second position, and said sensor being arranged to detect the presence of the detectable means and upon detecting to provide said detection signal.

In this embodiment said receiving means will be located in the moving path of the free end of the cover. Dependent on the type of cover this may be a vertical, horizontal or inclined path. When said free end moves and touches said receiving means it will move the receiving means and thereby the detectable means or the sensor from the first position to the second position, such that the receiving means will be detected and said detection signal will be provided.

Practically said second detectable means comprises a magnet and said sensor is a hall effect sensor.

If said receiving means is moved by said free end of the cover the magnet and the sensor will come in the vicinity of each other such that the receiving means is easily detected.

In yet another embodiment of the system according to the invention said system comprises a second sensor, for example a hall effect sensor, arranged to detect if the receiving means is in its first position.

An advantage of this embodiment is that said detection apparatus can thereby be activated for receiving said free end.

In yet another embodiment of the system according to the invention said first and second sensors are arranged such that in the first position only the second sensor detects the second detectable means, in the second position only the first sensor detects the second detectable means, and over a certain length between the first and second position both the first and second sensor detect the second detectable means, and wherein the control means is arranged to reverse a direction of movement of the cover when both the first and second sensor detect the second detectable means, and wherein said detection apparatus comprises an urging means for urging said receiving means in a second direction opposite to the first direction upon removal of said cover from said receiving means, such that said one of said second detectable means and said sensor moves from its second position to its first position.

In this embodiment said one of said second detectable means and said sensor is first moved from the first to the second position and then from the second position to the first position. The second detectable means is thereby detected by both sensors in said certain length twice, such that the position of said one of said second detectable means and said sensor may be accurately determined to be in said certain length. Said certain length may for example lie between 0.1 and 1 mm, for example approximately 0.5 mm.

As a result of the detectable means being detected twice in said certain length any delay in communication between the detection apparatus and the control means may be removed, thereby improving the accuracy of the determination of the position.

Practically said detection apparatus comprises a receiving space for receiving said receiving means.

Said sensors may be arranged in said receiving space, wherein said receiving means comprises said detectable means.

In yet another embodiment of the system according to the invention said receiving space has two openings. Each opening is able to receive said receiving means, wherein said receiving means may be inserted in a first opening of the two openings in use of the detection apparatus and may be inserted in the other opening of the two openings for storing said detection apparatus.

Instead of having one receiving space with two openings said detection apparatus may alternatively have two receiving spaces, each with one opening for receiving the receiving means. One receiving space may have said sensors, and the other receiving space may be arranged to store said receiving means if said detection apparatus is not used. The invention also relates to a detection apparatus comprising any of the above described features or combination thereof. In particular the invention relates to a detection apparatus comprising any of the features of claims 4 - 8 or any combination thereof.

Practically said control means comprises a memory for storing at least one position of said free end of said cover based on said detection signal provided by said detection apparatus. Herewith at least one position, or the plurality of start and/or stop and/or intermediate positions of the free end of the cover may simply be stored in said memory, such that in use of the cover said cover may automatically be set in any desired start and/or stop and/or intermediate position stored in said memory. In groupwise controlled covers the same start and/or stop and/or intermediate position may be chosen for the various covers, such that the covers are easily and/or automatically set in the same positions.

In particular said memory may store a rotation angle of a rotatable element to which said cover or a means for retracting and extending said cover may be wounded, which rotation angle is a measure for the position of the free end of the cover.

If the position is stored in the memory, the detection apparatus or the detectable means may be removed after adjusting and storing the position(s).

Alternatively, said detectable element and/or the detection apparatus may be maintained in its desired position for being detected or for detecting, such that the cover will stop each time the detectable means is detected. Such a simple system does not require a memory for storing the position.

The measurement tool can optionally be used as remote charger for integrated batteries to power the motor of the blinds or shades.

In such an embodiment said detection apparatus comprises a charging means for charging a battery of a motor of said cover. An advantage hereof is that no separate charging apparatus has to be provided. The detection apparatus may be provided when the batteries need to be charged. Alternatively, the detection apparatus may be maintained in position and automatically charge the batteries or charge the batteries upon actuation.

The battery of the motor is usually located outside or integrated within the motor, which is usually located near the upper part of the window or door. It may be difficult for a person to reach the battery or its power supply connection sockets in this position, or may require the use of a step or ladder. In order to overcome this problem and/or avoid personal risks of incidents said cover may comprise a receiving means at or near its free end that is suitable for receiving charging energy transmitted by said charging means, and wherein said receiving means is connected to said battery for transporting said charging energy to said battery. The connection between the receiving means and the battery may be both direct as indirect, for example via external battery extension systems. When the cover is moved to its stop position or an intermediate position, which may be at or near the lower end of the window or door, the receiving means may easily be connected to the charging means for charging the battery of the motor. The charging means may for example comprise a plug and wire that may be connected to said receiving means for transmitting the charging energy to the receiving means.

In an embodiment of the system according to the invention said receiving means is connected to said battery via said cover, said cover being conductive or said cover comprising a conductive element, such as a conductive wire, connecting the receiving means with said battery.

In yet another embodiment of the system according to the invention said charging means may be suitable for wirelessly transmitting charging energy and, optionally, said receiving means may be suitable for wirelessly receiving charging energy transmitted by said charging means.

In such an embodiment the battery may be wirelessly charged, thereby overcoming any problems in reaching the battery and/or avoiding necessary human interaction or battery charge activities at difficult moments and/or at difficult places. The distance between the battery and the charging means may however be too large. This may be overcome by said receiving means being suitable for wirelessly receiving the charging energy, because the receiving means may be located near the charging means when the free end of the cover is in its stop or an intermediate position.

Said receiving means may be said detectable means. For example, said receiving means and said detectable means may be a coil.

Where the metering tool or detecting apparatus may be removed after installation if it is only necessary during commissioning phase, it may remain at its position or may be returned to its position when the optional battery charger is used via the positioned closing profile. The metering tool is in that situation connected to a mains power supply source or to a mobile battery charger docking station with sufficient power buffer and matching supply voltages.

In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, said system comprises means for determining a power buffer status of the battery, wherein said control means are arranged for transporting said free end of the cover to a charging position in dependence of the determined a power buffer status.

The power buffer status may be measured or calculated. For example, the motor and its controlling intelligence can forecast the amount of power consumption used for motor travelling as well for communication and sensor measurements, based on which forecast the power buffer status may be determined. At the same time solar energy harvesting modules may generate power that is used to charge the battery. This battery charging and discharging may run into a predicted moment of 'nearly empty' power buffer. This may activate the motor to transport the free end of cover to its charging (for example end) position, such that charging may take place automatically on a 'nearly empty' signal. During charging the battery will be charged so a level that is sufficient to stop charging and reverse the procedure by travelling the free end of the blind to its home or 'active' position. In such a configuration the detection apparatus is maintained in its detection and/or charging position. In such a configuration the motor of said cover can automatically manage its battery power without any human interfaces and (un)plugging of power supply cabling. In the charging position the receiving means are able to receive the charging energy, for example wirelessly or by the receiving means connecting electrically to the detection apparatus in any other direct or indirect way.

When the charger docking station seems to be without power during the 'power upload' request a message can be sent to the owner/user of the cover informing him/her that power supply at the charger docking station is unexpectedly missing and should be restored before the automated function of the cover can continue.

The invention further relates to a system for charging a battery of a motor of a cover for a window or door, said system comprising a charging means. Said system for charging a battery of a motor of a cover for a window or door may have the above described advantages and may comprise any feature or combination of features as described above, in particular in relation to the claims 4 - 9.

In an embodiment of the system for charging a battery of a motor of a cover for a window or door, a receiving means is comprised in said cover, for example at or near a free end thereof, that is configured for receiving charging energy transmitted by said charging means, and wherein said receiving means is connected to said battery for transporting said charging energy to said battery.

For example, said receiving means is connected to said battery via said cover, said cover being conductive or said cover comprising a conductive element connecting the receiving means with said battery.

In another embodiment of the system for charging a battery of a motor of a cover for a window or door, said charging means are configured for wirelessly transmitting charging energy and, optionally, said receiving means are configured for wirelessly receiving charging energy transmitted by said charging means.

In yet another embodiment of the system for charging a battery of a motor of a cover for a window or door, said system comprises a system for adjusting a position of a free end of a cover for a window or door with respect to said window or door in a direction of translation of the free end of said cover according to any of claims 1 - 14, and wherein said receiving means is said detectable means.

The invention further relates to a method for adjusting a position of a free end of a cover for a window or door with respect to said window or door in a direction of translation of the free end of said cover, wherein a system according to any of claims 1 - 14 is used, said method comprising the steps to be performed in suitable sequence:

(a) transporting said detection apparatus or said detectable means to a desired location for detecting said detectable means or for being detected by said detection apparatus ;

(b) moving the free end of said cover in the direction of translation of the free end of the cover until said detectable means is detected by said detection apparatus and said detection apparatus provides a detection signal to said control means;

(c) based on said detection signal adjusting or setting the position of the free end of the cover, and, optionally,

(d) storing said position in said memory.

Such a method offers the above described advantages of adjusting the position relatively low time consuming and/or accurate.

As described above, the detection location where the detection signal is provided may form a reference location for a position of the free end to be set or adjusted. As described above, the reference location may be the desired location of the position of the free end. In that case the detectable means of the detection apparatus is located in or at the desired location. Alternatively, the desired location of the position of the free end may be calculated based on the reference location. In that case the detectable means or the detection apparatus is located anywhere in or near the travelling path of the cover. The distance between the desired location of the position of the free end of the cover and the reference location is in that case known, for example by measuring the distance, such that the desired start, stop or intermediate position may be calculated based on the detected reference location plus or minus the known distance.

The detection apparatus or said detectable means may be located in line with the direction of translation of the free end of the cover or under an angle, for example perpendicular, to the direction of translation of the free end of the cover.

The invention further relates to a method for charging a battery of a motor of a cover for a window or door, wherein a system according to any of claims 10 - 14 is used.

The invention will be further elucidated with reference to figures shown in a drawing, in which:

Figures 1A and IB schematically show a system for adjusting a position of a free end of a cover for a window or door with respect to said window or door in a direction of translation of the free end of said cover in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 2A and 2B schematically show a system for charging a battery of a motor of a cover for a window or door in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 schematically show a cross-sectional view of a detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein a receiving means is in a non-use position; and

Figures 4A - 4E show the detection apparatus of figure 3 wherein the receiving means is in different positions.

Figures 1A and IB show a window 1 with a cover 2, in this case a roller blind. Near its free end 3 the cover 2 comprises a detectable element 4. This detectable element 4 may for example be sown, glued or otherwise attached to the cover 2. Near the lower end of the window 1 a freely transportable detection apparatus 5 is positioned, said detection apparatus 5 being configured for detecting the detectable element 4 as soon as the detectable element 4 is in its detection area, in this example when the detectable element 4 is aligned with the detection apparatus 5, see figure IB. The cover system comprises a motor 6 that rotatably drives a rotational element to which said cover 2 or a means for retracting and extending said cover 2 is wounded. By rotatably driving the rotational element in a first direction said cover element or said means for retracting and extending is winded up, such that the free end 3 of the cover 2 moves upwards, and in a second, opposite direction said cover element or said means for retracting and extending are unwinded, such that the free end 3 of the cover 2 moves downwards. The rotational movement of the rotationable element driven by the motor 6 is thereby converted in a translational movement of the free end 3 of the cover 2. After detecting the detectable element 4 the detection apparatus 5 (wirelessly) sends a detection signal to a controller that controls the motor 6 of the cover system. Based on this detection signal the controller controls and in particular stops the motor 6, such that the free end 3 of the cover 2 is stopped and thereby adjusted in the position in which the detectable element 4 is detected. This position may be any desired position, which can be chosen be placing the detection apparatus 5 in a desired position. In figure IB the position is a maximum or end position of the cover 2, but alternatively or additionally intermediate and/or start positions may be adjusted.

The adjusted position(s) may be stored in a memory (not shown), such that the cover 2 may be set in any stored position by a user. The detection apparatus 5 may be removed after storing all desired positions.

If no positions are stored, the detection apparatus 5 may be maintained in place, thereby stopping the movement of the cover 2 each time the detectable element 4 is detected. For example, the detection apparatus 5 may be comprised in the window sill 7. Optionally, multiple detectors 5 may be comprised in the window sill 7 at desired chosen heights, such that the movement of the cover 2 may be stopped at any of those desired chosen heights where the detectors 5 are located.

Detection of the detectable element 4 in this example takes place contactless, for example by detecting the detectable element 4 electromagnetically, electrically, or magnetically. Alternatively the detectable element 4 may be detected contact-based, for example by detecting the detectable element 4 electrically or mechanically.

In this example the detector 5 is arranged such that the detectable element 4 is detected in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cover 2. Alternatively, the detector 5 may be arranged such that it detects the detectable element 4 in line with the direction of movement. In such an arrangement the detector 5 may detect a distance with the detectable element 4 and may establish the detection signal when the detectable element 4 is at a predetermined distance.

It is noted that in this example the detectable element 4 is comprised in the cover 2 and the detection apparatus 5 is freely movable, which may be most practical. However, it is obvious for the skilled person that instead the detectable element 4 may be freely movable and the detection apparatus 5 is comprised in the cover 2.

It is further noted that instead of a rotatable element the motor 6 may drive any other suitable transport means for moving the free end 3 of the cover 2.

Figures 2A and 2B show a window 11 with a cover 12, in this case a roller blind. Near its free end 13 the cover 12 comprises a receiving element 4. This receiving element 4 may for example be sown, glued or otherwise attached to the cover 2. The cover system comprises a motor 16 that rotatably drives a rotational element to which said cover 12 or a means for retracting and extending said cover 12 is wounded. By rotatably driving the rotational element in a first direction said cover element or said means for retracting and extending is winded up, such that the free end 13 of the cover 12 moves upwards, and in a second, opposite direction said cover element or said means for retracting and extending are unwinded, such that the free end 13 of the cover 12 moves downwards. The rotational movement of the rotationable element driven by the motor 16 is thereby converted in a translational movement of the free end 13 of the cover 12. Near the lower end of the window 11 a freely transportable charging means 15 is located. The receiving element 14 is configured for receiving charging energy transmitted by said charging means 15, wherein said receiving means 14 is connected to a battery of the motor 16 for transporting said charging energy to said battery.

In this example, the cover 12 is conductive and the charging energy is transported to the battery via said cover 12 and means connecting the cover 12 to the battery (not shown).

Alternatively, a wire or other conductive means may be provided to said cover 12 for conducting the charging energy.

In accordance with the invention the charging means 15 may be positioned near the lower end of the window 11, which is convenient for the user of the cover system, because otherwise the user has to climb or reach the upper end of the window 11 where the battery of the motor 6 is usually located.

The charging energy is in this example wirelessly transmitted to the receiving element 14.

Alternatively it is possible to connect the charging means 15 to the receiving element 14 via a wire and plug. Again alternatively, it is possible that after lowering the free end 13 of the cover 12 the receiving element 14 will be in electrically conductive contact with the charging means 15.

In this example the charging means 15 is freely movable, and may be removed after charging and reinstalled each time charging of the battery is needed. Alternatively, the charging means 15 may be maintained in position. In such an embodiment the system may further comprise a means configured for determining a power buffer status of the battery, wherein a control means of the system is configured for transporting said free end 13 of the cover 12 to the charging position shown in figure 2B in dependence of the determined a power buffer status. In such an embodiment charging of the battery may take place automatically in dependence of the determined power buffer status. The power buffer status may be calculated or measured.

The systems according to figures 1A - IB and 2 A -2B may optionally be combined. In such a combined system the receiving element 14 may be the detectable element 4 and the charging means 15 may be the detection apparatus 5.

The invention thus relates to a system for adjusting or setting a position of a free end of a cover for a window or door with respect to said window or door in a direction of translation of the free end of said cover on itself, to a system for charging a battery of a motor of a cover for a window or door on itself, or to a combined system combining these two systems. The invention also relates to the methods for adjusting a position of a free end of a cover for a window or door with respect to said window or door in a direction of translation of the free end of said cover on itself, to a method for charging a battery of a motor of a cover for a window or door on itself, or to a combined method combining these two methods.

Figures 3 and 4A-4E show a detection apparatus 50 according to the invention that may be used in the system or method according to the invention. Said detection apparatus 50 comprises a receiving means 51 that is (re)movably mounted in a receiving space 55 of a housing 52 of the apparatus 50. In this embodiment the receiving means 51 has the shape of a T-bar, but it is noted that said receiving means 51 may have any suitable shape. The receiving space 55 has two openings 53, 54 on opposite sides of the housing 52. A first opening 53 is for receiving said receiving means 51 in use of the detection apparatus, while the second opening 54 is for receiving said receiving means 51 in storage of the detection apparatus.

In figure 3 A the receiving means 51 is inserted in a second opening 54. The second opening 54 has a shape that is adapted to and in particular identical to the shape of the receiving means 51. As a result thereof said receiving means 51 may be completely inserted in said receiving space 55. In this position the detection apparatus cannot be used, but may for example be easily stored as the receiving means 51 does not protrude from said housing 52. Said receiving means 51 comprises a magnet 56 and said receiving space 55 comprises two Hall effect sensors 58. In the position shown in figure 3A the sensor 58 that is arranged closest to the second opening 54 senses the magnet 56 and thereby detects that said receiving means 51 is in its non-use, or storage position.

In figures 4A - 4E the receiving means 51 is inserted in the first opening 52 for use of the detection apparatus. The receiving means is shown in five positions, wherein the positions of figures 4A and 4E are equal. In a first position shown in figure 4A, the receiving means 51 protrudes from the receiving space 55 via said first opening 53. In this position the receiving means 51 is able to receive the free end of the cover (not shown), which moves in a first direction indicated by arrow 57. In this first position of the magnet 56, the magnet 56 is detected only by the sensor 58 that is arranged closest to the first opening 53. The signal of only this sensor 58 indicates that the detection apparatus is ready for use. If said free end of the cover touches said receiving means 51 it pushes the receiving means further in the receiving space 55 in the direction 57 to the position indicated in figure 4B. The magnet 56 thereby comes in the vicinity of also the sensor 58 that is arranged closest to the first opening 53, such that both sensors 58 detect the magnet 56. As both sensors 58 have a small overlapping length in which they are both able to detect the magnet 56, the location of the magnet 56 is accurately known to be in this overlapping length. As soon as both sensors 58 detect the magnet 56 the control means are (preferably wirelessly) instructed to stop and reverse the direction of movement of the free end of the cover. As there is some delay, the cover element will still continue to move in direction 57 for some time, such that the receiving means is moved into the position of figure 4C. In this second position of the magnet 56, the magnet 56 is detected only by the sensor 58 that is arranged closest to the first opening 53. When said free end of the cover is transported in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the free end is removed from the receiving means. The receiving means 51 is then urged in a reversed direction by an urging means, such as a spring (not shown). In this urging movement the magnet 56 is moved from its second position shown in figure 4C back to its first position shown in figure 4E, which is equal to figure 4A, during which movement said magnet 56 passes again said length in which both sensors 68 detect the magnet, such that the position is again accurately known, see figure 4D. As a result of this detection apparatus according to the invention, the position of the free end of the cover may accurately be determined or calibrated.

It is noted that the detection apparatus 1 may also be the remote control of the cover element. The detection apparatus preferably is a hand held apparatus.

It is further noted that said detection apparatus may be used for installing multiple covers. In that case, a communication between the cover to be installed and the detection apparatus is established to set or calibrate the position of the free end of that cover. After calibration, a next cover may be brought in communication with the detection apparatus.

It is noted that the invention is not limited to the shown embodiments but also extends to variants within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. System for adjusting a position of a free end of a cover for a window or door with respect to said window or door in a direction of translation of the free end of said cover, said system comprising:

- a detectable means;

- a detection apparatus for detecting said detectable means, and

- a control means for controlling the movement of the free end of said cover in said direction of translation,

2. System according to claim 1 , said control means comprising a memory configured for storing at least one position of said free end of said cover based on said detection signal provided by said detection apparatus.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said detectable means is electromagnetically, electrically, magnetically, or mechanically detectable by said detection apparatus.

4. System according to claim 3, wherein said detection apparatus comprises a receiving means for receiving said free end of said cover, wherein said detection apparatus is arranged to provide said detection signal upon receiving said free end of said cover.

5. System according to claim 4, wherein said receiving means is movably mounted to said detection apparatus and arranged to move in a first direction upon receiving said free end of said cover, wherein said receiving means comprises one of a second detectable means and a sensor that is movable with said receiving means between a first, start position and a second position, and wherein said detection apparatus comprises the other one of the detectable means and the sensor arranged in the moving path of said receiving means between the first and second position, and said sensor being arranged to detect the presence of the detectable means and upon detecting to provide said detection signal.

6. System according to claim 5, wherein said second detectable means comprises a magnet and said sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

7. System according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said system comprises a second sensor arranged to detect if the receiving means is in its first position.

8. System according to any of the claims 5 - 7, wherein said first and second sensors are arranged such that in the first position only the second sensor detects the second detectable means, in the second position only the first sensor detects the second detectable means, and over a certain length between the first and second position both the first and second sensor detect the second detectable means, and wherein the control means is arranged to reverse a direction of movement of the cover when both the first and second sensor detect the second detectable means, and wherein said detection apparatus comprises an urging means for urging said receiving means in a second direction opposite to the first direction upon removal of said cover from said receiving means, such that said one of said second detectable means and said sensor moves from its second position to its first position.

9. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said detection apparatus comprises a charging means configured for charging a battery of a motor of said cover.

10. System according to claim 5, wherein said cover comprises a receiving means at or near its free end that is configured for receiving charging energy transmitted by said charging means, and wherein said receiving means is connected to said battery for transporting said charging energy to said battery.

11. System according to claim 6, wherein said receiving means is connected to said battery via said cover, said cover being conductive or said cover comprising a conductive element connecting the receiving means with said battery.

12. System according to any of claims 9 - 11, said charging means being configured for wirelessly transmitting charging energy and, optionally, said receiving means being configured for wirelessly receiving charging energy transmitted by said charging means.

13. System according to any of claims 9 - 11 and 10, wherein said receiving means is said detectable means.

14. System according to any of claims 9 - 13 and 10, comprising a means configured for determining a power buffer status of the battery, wherein said control means are configured for transporting said free end of the cover to a charging position in dependence of the determined a power buffer status.

15. System for charging a battery of a motor of a cover for a window or door, said system comprising a charging means.

16. System according to claim 15, wherein a receiving means is comprised in said cover, for example at or near a free end thereof, that is configured for receiving charging energy transmitted by said charging means, and wherein said receiving means is connected to said battery for transporting said charging energy to said battery.

17. System according to claim 16, wherein said receiving means is connected to said battery via said cover, said cover being conductive or said cover comprising a conductive element connecting the receiving means with said battery.

18. System according to any of claims 15 - 17, said charging means being configured for wirelessly transmitting charging energy and, optionally, said receiving means being configured for wirelessly receiving charging energy transmitted by said charging means.

19. System according to any of claims 15 - 18 and 16, said system comprising a system for adjusting a position of a free end of a cover for a window or door with respect to said window or door in a direction of translation of the free end of said cover according to any of claims 1 - 9, and wherein said receiving means is said detectable means.

20. Method for adjusting a position of a free end of a cover for a window or door with respect to said window or door in a direction of translation of the free end of said cover, wherein a system according to any of claims 1 - 14 is used, said method comprising the steps to be performed in suitable sequence:

(b) moving the free end of said cover in the direction of translation of the free end of the cover until said detectable means is detected by said detection apparatus and said detection apparatus provides a detection signal to said control means; (c) based on said detection signal adjusting or setting the position of the free end of the cover, and, optionally,

(d) storing said position in said memory.

21. Method according to claim 20, wherein in step (a) the detection apparatus or said detectable means is located in line with the direction of translation of the free end of the cover or under an angle, for example perpendicular, to the direction of translation of the free end of the cover.

22. Method for charging a battery of a motor of a cover for a window or door, wherein system according to any of claims 15 - 19 is used.