FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a closure system and apparatus. In particular the invention relates to remote control of motors for closing curtains or drapery or other shade means and including control of tubular structures for blinds but is not limited to such use.

BACKGROUND ART It is known to use electric drive motors to open and close blinds or curtains. However there are two major shortcomings in the control systems that have been used for decades in opening and closing blinds or curtains.

The first is that to install a system, it is necessary to turn off the power to all other blinds or curtains closing means in the area as the initiation of the new system will send out control signals that affect all systems. This is not of great concern for a single residence having multiple blinds or curtains but becomes very inconvenient if you are residing in townhouses, flats or units where your neighbours are within range of the remote control signal or in commercial situations such as multi-floor and multi- tenanted buildings and in large premises where there can be a multitude of curtains or drapes with power sources in difficult access points.

The second is that the known system uses mechanical endpoints such that a rotation means provides a powered rotation until a physical element mechanically hits a positioned physical endpbint and stops the motor. To change operative endpoints of the closing of the curtains or blinds it is necessary to disassemble the rotation means motor and physically reposition the physical endpoint to a new location. This is difficult and usually undertaken by professional installers and not the end user; It also increases the chance of damage to the equipment as the inner workings of the motor and electric elements are opened. This is not a particularly safe working practice.

The third is that the known system uses thoma components (also know as hardware)

for collision protection, which takes a longer time to react to a collision should it happen in operating a motorised open/closure system.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved closure system and apparatus, which overcomes or at least ameliorates the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention there is provided a method of remotely controlling a closure system and apparatus wherein the closure system and apparatus includes a motor control actuator able to be connected by drive means to the article to be closed and a remote control device; the method including the steps of providing the remote control device and motor control actuator with a plurality of frequency channels to enable distinct wireless instruction from the remote control device to the motor control actuator, said selecting of a channel for enabling wireless instruction by automatic selection in an initial fixed start-up period. Therefore the control of one closure system and apparatus is unlikely to affect the control of another unrelated closure system and apparatus.

Such closure system and apparatus can be means for closing blinds or curtains.

Only motors that have been powered on within the fixed start-up period can be activated for further programming on the selected channel. The further programming can include the setting of electronic end points for the extent of the opening and closing. This allows for variable selection of open or closed positions according to position or material. For example if there is a track that is able to run beyond the window in front of adjoining wall it is possible to define the endpoint so that the curtain when retracted from the window fully covers the adjoining wall so as to provide a soft wall effect and to not crush the curtain material. Alternatively the- end point can be selectively chosen to move the curtain fully away from the window or to remain just covering the edge of the window. All of these aesthetic choices can be selectively chosen by selecting electronic endpoints. Also for the sake of the material or for different materials the same area being covered by curtains can have different requirements of endpoints due to the bulk or delicacy of the material. The .material

could be fitted after the professional fitting of the curtain rod and closure system and apparatus but the present system allows ready selective programming by the end user.

The further programming can include selection of intermediate stopping points between the endpoints. Such selection is not possible on electromechanical systems. This allows a partial closing to allow for change of weather or change of angle of sunlight during the day or change of required aesthetic effect.

The remote control device and motor control actuator can have a multitude of selected channels for operation such that general operation occurs along one of those channels. The number of channels can be of the order of 10,000 so as to render extremely unlikely that operation of another closure system and apparatus occurs on the same control channel.

The remote control device can include distinct selection of a limited number of channels to distinctly and separately operate different closure system and apparatus for locations with multiple contains or blinds.

The motor control actuator can be configured to provide one of a selection of drive means to enable operation of a curtain for side to side controls or for blinds with upwards and downwards control.

The one remote control device can include operation controls to allow selection of the curtain or blind to be opened or closed and to allow control of horizontal or lateral opening and closing motion or vertical opening and closing motion.

The remote control device can also include a subset of channels that can be activated to control simultaneously a multiple number of closure system and apparatus each receiving signals on one of the subset of channels to enable unison control. This is particularly advantageous in commercial premises with many of the closure- systems. To react to a collision should it happen in operating a motorised open/closure-system has been invented for such collision protection. By using repetitive testing to detect any abnormal running of the actuator, stop the motor instantly should it occur, and

provide much better protection to the actuators with much more rapid reaction.

The motor control actuator for receiving instructions from the remote control device can include a slave connection for allowing physical connection of two adjacent motors to simultaneously and jointly control two closure system and apparatus with one signal control from the remote control. This allows symmetrical opening of adjacent curtains.

The motor control actuator can include a soft switch to enable external light sensor or wind sensor to be connected and automatically open or close the closure system and apparatus of a blind, curtain or other shade means when predetermined sensed levels are reached. Since operation of the control means can be at 5 Watts, the sensor does not need a battery but can be powered from the control means.

This invention meets the ongoing window covering challenges of the architectural •and design specification community with motorisation solutions for window covering systems. The system excels in use of electronic control solutions compatible with most building automation requirements. By adopting the advanced technology of microcomputer, the new generation draperies motorisation systems developed offers excellent solutions without the difficulties encountered with the traditional versions in installation, stop limit setting and operating,

The systems have been specifically engineered for residential homes and commercial applications. Its unmatched technology makes the system the preferred choice of those who design lhe most lavish hotels, restaurants, galleries, corporate centres and luxury homes throughout the world.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIIE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention is more readily understood an embodiment will be described by way of illustration only with reference to the drawings wherein

Figures 1 and 2 are photographs of prototypes of an embodiments of the closure system and apparatus of the invention comprising a motor control actuator and a drive means and a remote control device;

Figure 3 is a photograph of the prototypes of an embodiments of the closure system and apparatus of the invention comprising a motor control actuator and a drive means and a remote control device and including a control link for plugging into .the motor control actuator; Figures 4 and 5 are photographs of prototypes of an embodiment of the closure system and apparatus of the invention comprising a cylindrical drive means for a blind opening mechanism;

Figures 6 and 7 are photographs of prototypes of two embodiments of the closure system and apparatus of the invention including a curtain actuator and blind tubular motor,

Figures 8 and 9 are photographs of prototypes of embodiments of the closure system and apparatus of the invention comprising a drive means and a soft connection for connection of sensor to the drive means;

Figure 10 shows an exploded view of a blind roller system in accordance with an embodiment of the closure system and apparatus of the invention;

Figure 11 shows an exploded view of a curtain system in accordance with an embodiment of the closure system and apparatus of the invention;

Figure 12 and 13 respectively include flowcharts of a closure system and apparatus for a curtain actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and for a blind opening means in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14 includes a flowchart of a collision prevention mechanism for the closure system and apparatus for a curtain actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and for a blind opening means in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 15 is a functional block diagram of a wireless remote control for the closure system and apparatus for a curtain actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and for a blind opening means in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 16 is a functional block diagram of a motor control for the closure system and apparatus for a curtain actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and for a blind opening means in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 17 is a circuit diagram for a curtain actuator in accordance with an

embodiment of the invention and for a blind opening means in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 18 is a circuit diagram for a remote control in accordance with an embodiment of the invention for a blind opening means or curtain opening means in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings there is shown a closure system and apparatus for a blind or for a curtain. Each system includes a motor control actuator and a drive means: and a remote control device.

The motor control actuator 1 is an elongated structure that is mounted near the blind or curtain to be opened and has a microcomputer and a communication receiver and an output for connecting to the drive means 2 that is mounted in line with, the curtain support track.

In the form used for opening blinds the components is mounted in a roller blind tube 7 around which the blind material is rolled. The drive means includes a tubular motor 5 fitting within the roller blind tube and having at one end power supply lead 4 and at the other end a spigot engaging drive wheel 6 that drives rotation of the roller blind tube 7. This can be by engagement with end plug or direct engagement with the tube. The end of a tubular cylinder motor and the roller blind tube around which the blind material fits are mounted at the end to fixed brackets projecting from wall adjacent ends of the window and allows a relative rotation to enable winding up or down of the blind. A soft control connection 11 can connect to adjacent roller blind systems to obtain unified control from single remote control action.

In the form used for curtain control a rotating motor is encapsulated in the elongated casing of the curtain motor control actuator 1 mounted vertically adjacent the end of the curtain alongside the curtain track from which the curtains hang. By drive means 2 and rotation sprocket at end of the curtain track, movement enables curtains to be opened and closed whether by moving drive belt 6 formed of loop of flexible cord attaching to individual hanging clip fittings or chain means. The rotating mofbr can

be separate and be physically connected to the curtain motor control actuator. A soft control connection 14 can connect to adjacent curtain closure systems to obtain unified control from single remote control action.

The specification details of one embodiment are as follows :

• ECM M 50 Curtain motors o 196W, 230V AC, 50Hz, up to 90Kg load, up to 15m straight and curved track, wired and wireless controllers by up to 18 controlling devices including RF transmitter, EMS, sensors, switching power and etc.

• ETM tubular motors o 196W, 230V AC, 5OHz., 20Nm, 25rpm. wired and wireless controllers by up to 18 controlling devices including RF transmitter, EMS, sensors, switching power and etc. • Accessories o all kinds of accessories for curtain & blinds automations.

The remote control device includes a plurality of input means in the form of buttons to. allow different instructions to be received in the circuitry of the remote control device. A transmitter is able to send the selected different instruction to the motor control actuator by wireless communication such as radio signal.

The closure system and apparatus for each system therefore includes a motor control actuator able to be connected by drive means to the article to be closed and a remote control device. The remote control device and motor control actuator have a plurality of communication frequency channels or communication formats to enable distinct wireless instruction from the remote control device to the motor control actuator.

The method of operation includes the step of the selection of the channel for enabling wireless instruction being selectively chosen in an initial fixed start-up period. Thereby the control of one closure system and apparatus is unlikely to affect the control of another unrelated closure system and apparatus.

It can be seen that the closure system and apparatus of the invention provide features that have never before been possible in motorised blinds, curtains and other shading devices. They include inbuilt RF receivers for instant remote control from hand held control transmitters. There can be a tolling code protection for remote control systems to avoid parallel interference. There can be a high voltage switched supply input for motor operation. The low voltage control signal out put can be controlled by dry contact switching with either simple momentary contact wall switch or direct BMS control via RJ11 (telephone wire) connections.

The operation is improved as there is facility for multiple grouping commands, which connect many actuators electronically with no extra controls, or wiring. Closure system and apparatus allows ability to limit setting from RF digital frequency remote control that controls up to 12 channels/groups of curtain motors and tubular motors. There is facility for intermediate positioning and zoned control of finished products. There are closed loop servo capabilities for direct connection to slave motors with infinite control from central control system. There is multiple input control such that more than one input can control the same actuator.

The closure system and apparatus of the invention also has handset programming for all functions with end user reprogrammable facility for some parameters. The controls on the handset can be reconfigured.

Motors can be powered by direct mains AC power or by switched mains power supplies. So called switching power turns a single-phase AC supply into two actives, only one ofwhich is powered at any given time.

Adaptability is achieved as drive shaft can be of same dimension on both 40mm and 50mm tubular motors. Further tubular and curtain motors use identical control system Le. the same remote control can be used for both these motor types. Soft cόnβiection (low-voltage control) port able to supply DC power to the third party device providing signals to the motor. This port also allows support for networking functions. Anti- collision feature works by powering down the motors when internal microprocessor detects that normal operation has been hindered. Each motor can communicate with

up to 16 controls. Horizontal and Vertical directions on the 4-way control pad caters for open/close operation on the Tubular and Curtain motors respectively,

Motorization become simple to install and use, and affordable. No electrician needed in installation.

It should be understood that the above description is of preferred embodiments and included as illustration only. It is not limiting of the invention. Clearly variations of the closure system and apparatus and operation would be understood by a person skilled in the art without any inventiveness and such variations are included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.