Installation for controlling the lighting level of premises

• US 5,237,169 A
• Filed: 07/01/1992
• Issued: 08/17/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 07/03/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Somfy SA
• Original Assignee: Somfy SA
• Inventors: Grehant, Bernard J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nelms, David C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHAMI, KHALED
• Application Number:
  US07/907,235
• Time in Patent Office: 412 Days
• Field of Search: 250/205, 250/214 AL, 250/214 D, 315/151, 315/159
• US Class Current: 250/214.0AL
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 9/32 Operating, guiding, or securing devices therefor operation of tilting bars E06B9/307
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 39/042 by measuring the incident light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 41/3922 and measurement of the incident light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/165 following a pre-assigned programmed sequence; Logic control [LC]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 30/24 Structural elements or technologies for improving thermal insulation
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 80/00 Architectural or constructional elements improving the thermal performance of buildings

Abstract

Device for automatically controlling the lighting level of premises (A) having available one or more openings (B) to the outside. This device acts on means (V, S, E) of masking the openings and on means of artificial lighting with dimmer (L) as a function of a set point value corresponding to a lighting level established by the user and recorded instantaneously. The masking and lighting means are furthermore controlled in a specified order so as to limit the consumption of energy. In certain implementations, this order is determined as a function of the deviation between a measured temperature and a threshold temperature.

Claims

1. An installation for controlling the lighting level of premises provided with at least one opening permitting entry of natural light and fitted with means of masking the said opening and with means of artificial lighting (M(1) to M(N)), means associated with control operators (IP(1) to IP(N)), this installation comprising photosensitive means (CL) for measuring the lighting level, means (P1, P2;

P) of automatic control of the operators monitored by photosensitive means as a function of a lighting set point, means of adjusting the set point consisting of manually actuatable contacts (PA, PB, PC) and means (PI, P2;

P) of storing this set point, and in which the means of automatic control comprise a logic processing unit (P, CAN, H;

P1, CAN1, H1, P2, H2) electrically connected, by galvanic link or otherwise, to the photosensitive means (CL), to the manually actuatable contacts and to the operators, the logic processing unit being programmed to read the state of the contacts and the values measured by the photosensitive means and to emit signals for more or less lighting directed towards the operators, on the one hand as a function of the state of the said contacts (PA, PB) and on the other hand as a function of the deviation between the set point value and the value measured by the photosensitive means, and to record, at an instant determined by the user, a lighting value measured by the photosensitive means, wherein it comprises means (P1, P2;

P) of effecting successive control, in a predefined order, of the masking means and of the lighting means, these control means being arranged in such a way that they pass from one means (M(K)) to the next means (M(K±

1)) after a specified duration.

2. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said means for effecting successive control consist of a second logic processing unit (P2) receiving orders from a first logic processing unit (P1).

3. The installation as claimed in claim 2, wherein said specified duration (TMAX) for passing from one means to the next means is identical for each means and equal to the duration required for the slowest means to pass from a completely open state to a completely closed state.

4. The installation as claimed in claim 2, wherein the specified duration (TMAX)(K)) for passing from one means to the next means is specific to each means, a table of N constants being provided for this purpose in the memory of the logic processing unit.

5. The installation as claimed in claim 2, wherein the specified duration (TH) for passing from one means to the next means is equal to the time required for the slowest means to bring about a significant variation in the lighting.

6. The installation as claimed in claim 2, wherein the specified duration (TH)(K)) for passing from one means to the next means is specific to each means, a table of N constants being provided for this purpose in the memory of the logic processing unit.

7. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for effecting successive control are provided in a single logic processing unit (P) connected to the manually actuatable contacts (PA, PB, PC) and to the photosensitive means (CL).

8. The installation as claimed in claim 7, wherein said specified duration (TMAX) for passing from one means to the next means is identical for each means and equal to the duration required for the slowest means to pass from a completely open state to a completely closed state.

9. The installation as claimed in claim 7, wherein the specified duration (TMAX)(K)) for passing from one means to the next means is specific to each means, a table of N constants being provided for this purpose in the memory of the logic processing unit.

10. The installation as claimed in claim 7, wherein the specified duration (TH) for passing from one means to the next means is equal to the time required for the slowest means to bring about a significant variation in the lighting.

11. The installation as claimed in claim 7, wherein the specified duration (TH)(K)) for passing from one means to the next means is specific to each means, a table of N constants being provided for this purpose in the memory of the logic processing unit.

12. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein it comprises a manually actuatable contact (PK) making it possible to pass at will from the control of one means (M) to the control of all the succeeding means, display means (L(K)) being provided for displaying that means controlled.

13. The installation as claimed in claim 12, wherein the logic processing unit is programmed or hard-wired in such a way that, during automatic control, it is unaware of that means (M(K)) corresponding to the latest manual control applied.

14. The installation as claimed in claim 12, wherein the logic processing unit is programmed or hard-wired in such a way that, during automatic control, it acts by priority on that means (M(K)) corresponding to the latest manual control applied.

15. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein it comprises means of detecting and storing the saturation states (FCA, FCB) of the means of masking and of lighting (M), the logic processing unit being programmed in such a way as not to call upon those means (M(K)) in a state of saturation during new controls of like direction.

16. The installation as claimed in claim 15, wherein said means of detection consist of means of comparison which compare the measurement of the lighting at a given instant with the measurement made at a preceding instant shifted by a duration at least equal to the reaction time (TH) of the means (M(K)) and delivering a saturation signal when the deviation between the compared values is less than a specified value or does not correspond to the direction of activation of the means (M(K)).

17. The installation as claimed in claim 15, wherein said means of detection comprise sensors arranged on the means (M) and connected to the logic processing unit by any means, galvanic or otherwise, these sensors transmitting solely a saturation signal (FCA, FCB).

18. The installation as claimed in claim 15, wherein said means of detection comprise sensors arranged on the means (M) and connected to the logic processing unit by any means, galvanic or otherwise, these sensors transmitting a continuous acquisition signal (ACK) while the controlled means is active and is responding to a control, the logical saturation variables (FCA, FCB) being formulated by noting the absence of reception of the acquisition signal (ACK) after a duration at least equal to the reaction time (TH) of the means.

19. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein it comprises configuration keys (CF) enabling the user to modify the hierarchical order of control of the means (M).

20. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein it comprises at least two kinds of masking means (M1, M2) having different thermal incidences, possibly a means of artificial lighting with dimmer (M3), a temperature-measuring probe (CT) for measuring the inside temperature (TINT) and means of comparing this inside temperature (TINT) with a threshold temperature (TTHRESH), the means of automatic control being programmed to formulate a position set point (ALPHA) of the masking means with large thermal incidence (M1) as a function of the deviation measured by said means of comparison.

21. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein it comprises at least two kinds of masking means (M1, M2) having different thermal incidences, possibly a means of artificial lighting with dimmer (M3), two-position switch making it possible directly to assign the values 1 or 0 to a position set point (ALPHA) of the masking means with large thermal incidence (M1).

22. The installation as claimed in claim 20, comprising two processors (P1, P2), wherein the processors are programmed in such a way that said position set point (ALPHA) takes only the two values 1 or 0 corresponding to full opening and full closing respectively, and wherein a set point equal to 1 produces a control sequence (SCA(1)) intended to satisfy it fully, whereas a set point equal to 0 first of all brings about full opening of the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2), and then the order to close (SCB(1)) the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), which order ceases as soon as the request for less light (DB) disappears.

23. The installation as claimed in claim 20, comprising a single processor (P), wherein the processors are programmed in such a way that said position set point (ALPHA) takes only the two values 1 or 0 corresponding to full opening and full closing respectively, and wherein a set point equal to 1 produces a control sequence (SCA(1)) intended to satisfy it fully, whereas a set point equal to 0 first of all brings about full opening of the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2), and then the order to close (SCB(1)) the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), which order ceases as soon as a light level less than or equal to the set point (CNL) is detected.

24. The installation as claimed in claim 21, comprising two processors (P1, P2), wherein the processors are programmed in such a way that said position set point (ALPHA) takes only the two values 1 or 0 corresponding to full opening and full closing respectively, and wherein a set point equal to 1 produces a control sequence (SCA(1)) intended to satisfy it fully, whereas a set point equal to 0 first of all brings about full opening of the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2), and then the order to close (SCB(1)) the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), which order ceases as soon as the request for less light (DB) disappears.

25. The installation as claimed in claim 21, comprising a single processor (P), wherein the processors are programmed in such a way that said position set point (ALPHA) takes only the two values 1 or 0 corresponding to full opening and full closing respectively, and wherein a set point equal to 1 produces a control sequence (SCA(1)) intended to satisfy it fully, whereas a set point equal to 0 first of all brings about full opening of the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2), and then the order to close (SCB(1)) the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), which order ceases as soon as a light level less than or equal to the set point (CNL) is detected.

26. The installation as claimed in claim 22, wherein a request to increase the light level has the effect of calling upon firstly the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), then the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the lighting means (M3), if the position set point (ALPHA) is equal to 1 and of calling upon firstly the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2), then the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) and finally the lighting means (M3), if the position set point is equal to 0 and wherein a request to decrease the light level has the effect of calling upon firstly the lighting means (M3), then the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), if the set point is equal to and of calling upon firstly the lighting means (M3), then the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) and finally the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2), if the set point is equal to 0.

27. The installation as claimed in claim 22, wherein this position set point is firstly satisfied during thermal monitoring and wherein a request to increase the light level has the effect of calling upon firstly masking means with low thermal incidence (M2), then the lighting means (M3) and finally the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), if the position set point is equal to 0 and of calling upon firstly the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) then the means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the lighting means (M3), if the position set point is equal to 1, and wherein a request to decrease the light level has the effect of calling upon firstly the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) then the lighting means (M3) and finally the means with low thermal incidence (M2), if the position set point is equal to 0 and of calling upon firstly the lighting means (M3), then the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), if the position set point is equal to 1.

28. The installation as claimed in claim 23, wherein a request to increase the light level has the effect of calling upon firstly the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), then the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the lighting means (M3), if the position set point (ALPHA) is equal to 1 and of calling upon firstly the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2), then the masking means with high thermal incidence (Ml) and finally the lighting means (M3), if the position set point is equal to 0 and wherein a request to decrease the light level has the effect of calling upon firstly the lighting means (M3), then the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), if the set point is equal to 1 and of calling upon firstly the lighting means (M3), then the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) and finally the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2), if the set point is equal to 0.

29. The installation as claimed in claim 23, wherein this position set point is firstly satisfied during thermal monitoring and wherein a request to increase the light level has the effect of calling upon firstly masking means with low thermal incidence (M2), then the lighting means (M3) and finally the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), if the position set point is equal to 0 and of calling upon firstly the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) then the means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the lighting means (M3), if the position set point is equal to 1, and wherein a request to decrease the light level has the effect of calling upon firstly the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) then the lighting means (M3) and finally the means with low thermal incidence (M2), if the position set point is equal to 0 and of calling upon firstly the lighting means (M3), then the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), if the position set point is equal to 1.

30. The installation as claimed in claim 20, comprising two processors (P1, P2), wherein the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) is equipped with a position sensor delivering an analog value (M_-- ALPHA) of the degree of opening of this means, means being provided to calculate the analog value of the position set point (ALPHA) according to a law of automatic correction, and the processors being programmed in such a way that a position set point (ALPHA) greater than the measured analog value increased by a hysteresis value produces a control sequence (SCA(1)) intended to fully satisfy the set point, whereas a position set point less than the measured analog value decreased by a hysteresis value first of all brings about the complete opening of the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) and control of the closing of the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) is interrupted during this positioning, as soon as the request (DB) for less light disappears.

31. The installation as claimed in claim 20, comprising a single processor (P), wherein the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) is equipped with a position sensor delivering an analog value (M_-- ALPHA) of the opening of this means, means being provided to calculate the analog value of the position set point (ALPHA) according to a law of automatic correction, and the processor being programmed in such a way that a position set point greater than the analog value, increased by a hysteresis value, produces a control sequence (SCA(1)) intended to satisfy it fully, whereas a position set point less than the measured value, decreased by a hysteresis value, first of all brings about the complete opening of the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2), then the order to close the masking means with high thermal incidence, which order ceases as soon as a light level less than or equal to the light level set point (CNL) is detected.

32. The installation as claimed in claim 20, comprising two processors (P1, P2), wherein the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) is equipped with a position sensor delivering an analog value (M_-- ALPHA) of the degree of opening of this means (M1), means being provided to calculate the analog value of the position set point (ALPHA) according to a law of automatic correction, and the processors being programmed in such a way that during automatic corrections of light level, a request to increase the light level has the effect of calling upon firstly the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), then the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the lighting means (M3) if the position set point is greater than the measured analog value (M_-- ALPHA) and of calling upon firstly the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) then the means with high thermal incidence (M1) and finally the lighting means (M3), if the position set point is less than the measured analog value, and wherein a request to decrease the light level has the effect of calling upon firstly the lighting means (M3), then the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) if the position set point is greater than the measured analog value, and of calling upon firstly the lighting means (M3), then the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) and finally the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2), if the position set point is less than the measured analog value.

33. The installation as claimed in claim 20, comprising two processors (P1, P2), wherein the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) is equipped with a position sensor delivering an analog value (M_-- ALPHA) of the degree of opening of this means, means being provided to calculate the analog value of the position set point (ALPHA) according to a law of automatic correction and the processors being programmed in such a way that the position set point is firstly satisfied and that, during automatic corrections of the light level, a request to increase the light level has the effect of calling upon firstly the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) then the lighting means (M3) and finally the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), if the position set point is less than the measured analog value (M_-- ALPHA), and of calling upon firstly the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), then the means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the lighting means (M3), if the position set point is greater than the measured analog value, and wherein a request to decrease the light level has the effect of calling upon firstly the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), then the lighting means (M3) and finally the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2), if the position set point is less than the measured analog value and of calling upon firstly the lighting means (M3), then the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), if the position set point is less than the measured analog value, and of calling upon firstly the lighting means (M3), then the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), if the position set point is greater than the measured analog value.

34. The installation as claimed in claim 21, comprising two processors (P1, P2), wherein the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) is equipped with a position sensor delivering an analog value (M_-- ALPHA) of the degree of opening of this means, means being provided to calculate the analog value of the position set point (ALPHA) according to a law of automatic correction, and the processors being programmed in such a way that a position set point (ALPHA) greater than the measured analog value increased by a hysteresis value produces a control sequence (SCA(1)) intended to fully satisfy the set point, whereas a position set point less than the measured analog value decreased by a hysteresis value first of all brings about the complete opening of the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) and control of the closing of the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) is interrupted during this positioning, as soon as the request (DB) for less light disappears.

35. The installation as claimed in claim 21, comprising a single processor (P), wherein the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) is equipped with a position sensor delivering an analog value (M_-- ALPHA) of the opening of this means, means being provided to calculate the analog value of the position set point (ALPHA) according to a law of automatic correction, and the processor being programmed in such a way that a position set point greater than the analog value, increased by a hysteresis value, produces a control sequence (SCA(1)) intended to satisfy it fully, whereas a position set point less than the measured value, decreased by a hysteresis value, first of all brings about the complete opening of the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2), then the order to close the masking means with high thermal incidence, which order ceases as soon as a light level less than or equal to the light level set point (CNL) is detected.

36. The installation as claimed in claim 21, comprising two processors (P1, P2), wherein the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) is equipped with a position sensor delivering an analog value (M_-- ALPHA) of the degree of opening of this means (M1), means being provided to calculate the analog value of the position set point (ALPHA) according to a law of automatic correction, and the processors being programmed in such a way that during automatic corrections of light level, a request to increase the light level has the effect of calling upon firstly the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), then the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the lighting means (M3) if the position set point is greater than the measured analog value (M_-- ALPHA) and of calling upon firstly the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) then the means with high thermal incidence (M1) and finally the lighting means (M3), if the position set point is less than the measured analog value, and wherein a request to decrease the light level has the effect of calling upon firstly the lighting means (M3), then the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) if the position set point is greater than the measured analog value, and of calling upon firstly the lighting means (M3), then the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) and finally the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2), if the position set point is less than the measured analog value.

37. The installation as claimed in claim 21, comprising two processors (P1, P2), wherein the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1) is equipped with a position sensor delivering an analog value (M_-- ALPHA) of the degree of opening of this means, means being provided to calculate the analog value of the position set point (ALPHA) according to a law of automatic correction and the processors being programmed in such a way that the position set point is firstly satisfied and that, during automatic corrections of the light level, a request to increase the light level has the effect of calling upon firstly the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) then the lighting means (M3) and finally the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), if the position set point is less than the measured analog value (M_-- ALPHA), and of calling upon firstly the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), then the means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the lighting means (M3), if the position set point is greater than the measured analog value, and wherein a request to decrease the light level has the effect of calling upon firstly the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), then the lighting means (M3) and finally the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2), if the position set point is less than the measured analog value and of calling upon firstly the lighting means (M3), then the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), if the position set point is less than the measured analog value, and of calling upon firstly the lighting means (M3), then the masking means with low thermal incidence (M2) and finally the masking means with high thermal incidence (M1), if the position set point is greater than the measured analog value.

38. The installation as claimed in claim 1, in which the masking means are internal masking means of the type with orientable blades (LO) of which one (LOA) of the faces is essentially absorbent and the other face (LOR) essentially reflective of light, wherein it comprises means of detecting and storing three position saturation states of the blades, namely a state of maximum opening (FCA(1)), a state of closure in which the absorbent face is turned outwards (FCB1(1)) and a state of closure in which the reflective face is on the outwards side (FCB0(1)), the logic processing unit being programmed in such a way that a movement control in a first direction (SCA(1)) makes it possible, from an initial state in which the reflective faces of the blades are turned outwards, to pass successively to the state of maximum opening, then to the state in which the absorbent faces are turned outwards, whereas a movement control in a second direction (SCB (1)) makes it possible, from an initial state in which the absorbent faces are turned outwards, to pass successively to the state of maximum opening, then to the state in which the reflective faces are turned outwards, means being provided to detect and record the passage of the blades either side of the position of maximum opening, the recorded value (M_-- ALPHA) being 1 or 0 according as the blade passes from one side or the other of the position of maximum opening, and

either a two-position switch making it possible directly to assign a value 1 or 0 to a position set point (ALPHA) of the masking means corresponding respectively to the interval of positions in which the absorbent faces are turned outwards and to the interval with positions in which the reflective faces are turned outwards;

or a temperature-measuring problem (CT) measuring the inside temperature (TINT), the logic processing unit being programmed in such a way that the inside temperature (TINT) is periodically compared with a threshold temperature (TTHRESH) in order to formulate a position set point (ALPHA) of the masking means such that the former takes the value 1 or 0 corresponding respectively to the position interval in which the absorbent faces are turned outwards and to the position interval in which the reflective faces are turned outwards, if the inside temperature is less than the threshold temperature, respectively greater than the threshold temperature and, to position, in one or other of the preceding cases, the blades in such a way that the detected value is equal to the position set point value, and to activate one or other of the outputs (SCA, SCB) during automatic or manual corrections of the lighting level, according as the position value (M_-- ALPHA) is 1 or 0.