AU2015200518B2 - Controller for operating a closure - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a controller for operating a closure by way of a closure drive operator, and a method of controlling a closure. The controller includes one or more manually operable controls, and a lock changeable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition, wherein, when the lock is in the unlocked condition, the controller is operatively configured to allow, using the manually operable controls, selection of one or more operating parameters, and when the lock is in the locked condition, operation of the controller using the manually operable controls is determined on the basis of the one or more selected operating parameters. The lock may be a keyswitch movable between a first position, providing said locked condition, and a second position, providing said unlocked condition. huimm An wA1 1QrEA..u1 1 20m AA7 222------ 204 -- 206 224---..-0 226 -- - -~'~ --- 216 Figu2220 Figure 2

Description

Invention title: Controller for operating a closure

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:

hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015

Controller for operating a closure

Field of the invention [0001 ] The invention relates to a controller for operating a closure, and to a method of controlling a closure.

Background of the invention [0002] A closure such as a garage door or gate is typically driven by a drive assembly including a drive circuit. For example, in many powered garage roller door arrangements, the drive assembly is supported by a chassis, and includes a motor with an associated drive train for driving the roller door up and down. The roller door is mounted on an axle held in position at both ends by end supports. The drive circuit is coupled to a position encoder, which monitors the position of the door during its travel. During operation, the drive circuit stops driving the door when the position encoder signals that a limit position of the door has been reached.

[0003] The drive circuit can be controlled by various control units such as handheld transmitters and wall mounted control units. When a switch or button of a control unit is activated, an appropriate signal is sent from the control unit to the drive circuit, which then drives the door up or down.

[0004] In some applications, particularly in industrial and commercial environments, a keyswitch control unit is used to control the drive circuit. Generally, the controls (e.g. buttons) on the keyswitch unit can be used to open, close and stop the door when the keyswitch is unlocked. Operation of the controls on the unit can be disabled when the keyswitch is locked, to prevent an unauthorised person using the unit to operate the door.

[0005] The control unit, the drive circuit and the position encoder are customised to the roller door on installation. During installation setup, maintenance or repair of the garage door system, it is generally necessary to set various operating parameters of the system, for example, the default direction of the motor in accordance with the operating direction of the door, and the limit positions for the door.

[0006] This setup can be a complex and time consuming process, particularly so when (as is often the case) the technician needs to use a ladder to access hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 switches of the control circuit in programming the system. In addition, it is often necessary for the technician to dismantle one of more control units, exposing internal controls and circuitry to set, reset, configure and change the various operating parameters. In some circumstances, it is also necessary for the technician to utilise special instruments/equipment for communicating with the control units. [0007] Accordingly, the setup, maintenance or repair of the control system and control units can be a time consuming task, and this can add markedly to the cost of such operations. In addition, dismantling control units, and exposing various control circuitry can be risky, as it can often undesirably expose the technician to high voltages.

[0008] Moreover, some control units may have waterproof and/or tamperproof seals, which can become damaged if the unit is dismantled.

[0009] Embodiments of the invention provide an improved controller which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above.

[0010] In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date:

a. part of common general knowledge; or

b. known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

Summary of the invention [0011] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a controller for operating a closure by way of a closure drive operator, the controller including one or more manually operable controls, and a lock changeable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition, wherein, hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 when the lock is in the unlocked condition, the controller is operatively configured to allow, using the manually operable controls, selection of one or more operating parameters, and when the lock is in the locked condition, operation of the controller using the manually operable controls is determined on the basis of the one or more selected operating parameters.

[0012] The lock may include any suitable locking means. For example, the lock may be mechanically and/or electronically operated. Preferably, the lock includes a keyswitch movable between a first position, providing said locked condition, and a second position, providing said unlocked condition. The features below are discussed with reference to this keyswitch embodiment.

[0013] The manually operable controls may include any suitable manual command means, for example switches, buttons, touch screens, icons, dials, knobs or the like, or any combination thereof.

[0014] Preferably, the manually operable controls are push buttons provided on the controller. In accordance with the invention, when the keyswitch is in the unlocked position, a user can select between different response themes using the buttons. Once the keyswitch is in the locked position the selected response theme then determines how use of the buttons will affect control of the closure. This approach allows the use of a single keyswitch to restrict or set up closure control using software, such that the internal wiring of the controller does not need to be accessed by an installer in order to set up and change functionality.

[0015] A technician can thus easily and conveniently access and configure the operating parameters using the keyswitch without the need to dismantle or expose any control circuitry, thereby mitigating any risk of exposure to high voltages. Avoiding the need to dismantle the controller further avoids damaging any waterproof or tamperproof seals of the controller.

[0016] Preferably, the controller is operatively configured such that repeated operation of one or more of said manually operable controls cycles through a plurality of defined response themes. When a desired response theme is reached, turning the keyswitch into the locked position or operating one of said manually hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 operable controls sets that response theme for subsequent operation of said manually operable controls.

[0017] In this way, with the keyswitch unlocked, one or more buttons on the controller may be used to select a response theme, thereby determining the restricted control afforded by the controller buttons once the keyswitch is locked. In particular, when the keyswitch is in the locked position, the selected response theme may determine the operation modes available to govern operation of the closure by a user accessing said controller or one or more further controllers operatively interconnected with said controller.

[0018] The controller may be coupled to one or more further controllers for operating the closure. Accordingly, the closure may be controllable by multiple controllers. The controllers may be mounted at different locations. Alternatively, any one or more of the controllers may be a mobile unit.

[0019] The controllers may be coupled together via any one or more suitable communication channels. For example, any combination of wired communication and/or suitable wireless communication may be used.

[0020] In one embodiment, the controller includes a receiver configured to receive control signals from another controller. The receiver may include input terminals for receiving control signals for the closure. The control signals may be received from one or more further controllers. More particularly, the input terminals may be connected to one or more manually operable controls of a further controller such that the one or more manually operable controls of the further controller may also be used to operate the closure.

[0021 ] Any one of the controllers may be disabled. In one embodiment, the controller and/or any one of the further controllers may be enabled and disabled using the controller. The controller may be configured to disable and enable its manually operable controls and/or the receiver at any appropriate time. The manner in which the controller enables and/or disables the controllers may be defined by one or more said operating parameters.

[0022] Advantageously, the functionality of the controller may be expandable such that two or more linked controllers can be used to operate the closure so as to provide flexibility to the user. The ability to position the controllers at various hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 locations relative to the closure provides convenient operation. Moreover, any one or more controllers may be disabled and enabled at any time to provide further flexibility and to meet specific security requirements.

[0023] Any suitable manually operable controls may be provided on each controller. In one embodiment, the manually operable controls includes an Open' button for opening the closure, a 'Close' button for closing the closure, and a 'Stop' button for stopping the movement of the closure.

[0024] The one or more manually operable controls may further include a 'Mode' button for selecting an operating mode of the controller.

[0025] As previously discussed, each manually operable control (eg. each button) may be associated with a different response theme. Elaborating further, each button may generate a signal upon activation based on the one or more selected operating parameters. For example, the 'Mode' button may have a number of different response themes. The controller may provide a predetermined number of response themes for each button. For the 'Mode' button, each response theme may include a different combination of operating modes. The response theme of the 'Mode' button may be defined by the one or more selected operating parameters.

[0026] The functionality of one or more manually operable controls may be different for different operating modes. For example, the operating modes may include a first mode in which the manually operable controls can be used to control the closure and the receiver is enabled to receive input signals for controlling the closure.

[0027] The operating modes may include a second mode in which only the manually operable controls can be used to control the closure or only the receiver is enabled to receive input signals for controlling the closure.

[0028] The operating modes may include a third mode in which both the manually operable controls and the receiver are disabled .

[0029] The operating modes may include a fourth mode in which the manually operable controls may be used to select the one or more operating parameters, for example to set up the controller during installation, repair or hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 maintenance. Access to the fourth mode may be restricted. For example, the fourth mode may only be accessed when the keyswitch is in the unlocked position.

[0030] The operating parameters may be used to identify the response themes. The selection of one or more operating parameters may include selecting one or more operating parameters to select a response theme for the 'Mode' button. For example, in a first response theme, the controller may only be allowed to operate in one of the first, second or third modes. In particular, the operating mode may be locked, in other words not changeable by the 'Mode' button.

[0031] In a second response theme, the operating mode of the controller may be changed and the 'Mode' button may be used to select the first, second or the third mode.

[0032] In a third response theme, the operating mode of the controller may be changed and the 'Mode' button may be used to select the first mode or the second mode only.

[0033] In a fourth response theme, the operating mode of the controller may be changed and the 'Mode' button may be used to select the second or the third mode only.

[0034] The one or more selected operating parameters may be used to define one or more operating modes. The selection of one or more operating parameters may include selecting one or more operating parameters to define an operating mode. In particular, in the defined operating mode, the manually operable controls may be enabled and the receiver may be disabled. Alternatively, in the defined operating mode, the manually operable controls may be disabled and the receiver may be enabled. The defined operating mode may be the second operating mode.

[0035] The operating parameters may be used to define functionality and/or characteristics of information receivable by the controller. For example, the type of signals receivable by the receiver may be defined using operating parameters. The types of receivable signals may include control signals (e.g. signals for controlling the operation of the closure such as signals for opening, closing and stopping the closure), setup information (e.g. signals for defining the controller settings), closure operating information such as status information (e.g. the operating status of the closure such as Opening' or 'closing'), load information (e.g. the load on the motor hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 to operate the closure at a certain speed), and/or position information (e.g. the position of the closure such as Open', 'intermediate', 'closed', etc) and any other suitable information.

[0036] In one embodiment, the selection of one or more operating parameters may include selecting one or more parameters to select an input parameter for the receiver. The input parameter may be a control signal, a setting or the like.

[0037] In particular, the input parameter may be an input parameter for one of the input terminals. The input parameter may be a control signal. For example, the parameter for one of the input terminals may be selected from a list of control signal parameters including:

• a 'Close' signal for closing the closure, • a 'Stop' signal for stopping the movement of the closure, • an Open' signal for opening the closure, • a 'Light' signal for turning on a light associated with the closure, and • a 'Part Open' signal for partially opening the closure.

[0038] The controller may further include one or more programmable outputs. The programmable outputs may be transmitted in any suitable manner, for example via one or more wireless transmitters and/or output terminals. The one or more operating parameters may be used to program the outputs. The controller may include any suitable number of outputs. In one embodiment, the controller includes three programmable output terminals.

[0039] The output terminals may be used to relay any suitable information to the closure system. For example, the output terminals may be used to provide closure operating information such as status information (e.g. the operating status of the closure such as Opening' or 'closing'), load information (e.g. the load on the motor to operate the closure at a certain speed), and/or position information (e.g. the position of the closure such as Open', 'intermediate', 'closed', etc) and the like.

[0040] One or more of the output terminals may be programmed to output a signal indicating any one of the following operating status:

• a 'Closed' status indicating that the closure is closed, hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 • a 'Stopped' status indicating that the closure has stopped, • an Open' status indicating that the closure is open, • a 'Closing' status indicating that the closure is closing, • an Opening' status indicating that the closure is opening, • a 'Moving' status indicating that the closure is moving, and • a 'Light' status indicating that a light associated with the closure is turned on.

[0041 ] The controller may further be used to configure settings of the closure drive operator. Typically, the controller may be used to configure the settings of the closure drive operator when the keyswitch is in the unlocked position.

[0042] Some settings for the closure drive operator may include a upper position limit for an open position of the closure, a lower position limit for a closed position of the closure, an intermediate or partial open position limit for an intermediate/partial open position of the closure, and the like. Other settings for the closure drive operator may include a speed and/or acceleration for opening or closing the closure, the rotating direction of a motor of the closure drive operator, and the like.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the controller may be used to record a partially open position for the closure. Moreover, the controller may be used to record an upper position limit for an open position of the closure, and a lower position limit for a closed position of the closure. Additionally, the controller may be used to reverse the operating direction of a motor of the drive operator.

[0044] Optionally, the controller is used to configure the settings of the closure drive operator when the controller is operating in the fourth mode. In the fourth mode, one or more manually operable controls may be used to configure the settings of the closure drive operator.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a control system for a closure, the control system including a first controller and a second controller, the first controller being a controller as previously described.

[0046] Control signals from the second controller may be received by the receiver of the first controller.

hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 [0047] Either one of the first or second controllers may be disabled or locked by selecting one or more operating parameters.

[0048] Both the first and second controllers may be disabled or locked by selecting one or more operating parameters.

[0049] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of controlling a closure by way of a closure drive operator having a lock and one or more manually operable controls, the method including:

switching the closure drive operator lock between a locked condition and an unlocked condition, selecting one or more operating parameters using said one or more manually operable controls when the lock is in the unlocked condition so as to allow operation of the one or more manually operable controls in accordance with the selected operating parameters once the lock is returned to its locked condition.

[0050] In other embodiments of the lock, beyond the keyswitch embodiment, the lock may include a pin pad, a card reader such as a swipe card or a proximity card reader, a NFC (Near Field Communication) terminal, biometric scanner and/or the like, or any combination thereof.

[0051] The closure may be any suitable closure including a garage door, a sliding or pivoting door, a gates, window and the like.

[0052] Reference throughout this specification to One embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristic described herein may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

Brief Description of the drawings [0053] The invention will now be further explained and illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 [0054] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a closure system including a control system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 2 is a front view of a control console of the control system shown in Figure 1;

[0056] Figure 3 is an internal view of part of the control console of Figure 2;

[0057] Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using the control console of Figure 2 to select operating parameters;

[0058] Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using the control console of Figure 2 to set up a partial open position for the closure;

[0059] Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using the control console of Figure 2 to set up position limits for the closure; and [0060] Table 1 illustrates the available operating parameters for selection in connection with the method illustrated in Figure 4.

[0061 ] Whilst the following description concerns roller door systems, it will be readily apparent that the invention relates to any type of moving closures arranged for automated operation, including roller and panel garage doors, gates, and window shutters.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0062] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a closure system 100 including a control system 102 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The control system 102 includes two control consoles, control console A 104 and control console B 106. Control console A 104 includes manually operable controls and a switchkey for controlling a closure 108 via a drive operator assembly 110 (such as a roller door motor drive unit - see below). Control console B 106 is connected to input terminals 300 of console A 104 (see Figure 3). Control console B 106 also includes control buttons (not shown) for operating closure 108 via the drive assembly 110. The details of control system 102 will be explained further below with reference to Figures 2 to 6 and Table 1.

[0063] Drive assembly 110 includes a drive circuit 112 which drives a motor assembly 114 to operate closure 108. Drive circuit 112 also operates a light 116 hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 associated with closure 108. Typically, light 116 is arranged to turn on during and to remain on for a prescribed time period after operation of closure 108.

[0064] Figure 2 illustrates the front panel 200 of control console A 104.

Control console A 104 includes four push buttons 202, 204, 206, 208 and a keyswitch 210. Keyswitch 210 is movable between a locked position 212 and an unlocked position 214. The push buttons include an OPEN button 202 for opening closure 108, a STOP button 204 for stopping the movement of closure 108, a CLOSE button 206 for closing closure 108 and a MODE button 208 for changing the operating mode of control system 102. The STOP button 204 is also used as a SET button 204 when the system 102 is operating in certain operating modes, for example in SETUP mode, as explained in further detail below.

[0065] Control console A 104 further includes LED indicators, in particular, operating mode indicators 216, 218, 220, and selection parameter indicators 222, 224, 226, 228, 230. Indicators 222, 224, 226, 230 are also used to indicate the operating status of closure 108.

[0066] The operating mode indicators include a RUN indicator 216, a LOCK indicator 218, and a SETUP indicator 220, to indicate the operating mode of control system 102.

[0067] The selection parameter indicators include a first LED 222, a second LED 224, a third LED 226 and a fourth LED 230, each LED having a different colour. For example, LED 222 is green, LED 224 is red, LED 226 is blue and LED 230 is yellow. As noted above, these four LEDs are used to indicate an operating status of closure 108. For example, LED 222 is illuminated when closure 108 is opening; LED 224 is illuminated when closure 108 is closed; LED 224 is illuminated when closure 108 is stopped between the open and closed limits, and so forth.

[0068] When keyswitch 210 is in unlocked position 214, a user has full access to the functions of control console A 104, including selecting the operating parameters for normal operation (i.e. in SETUP mode, as explained in further detail below). When keyswitch 210 is in locked position 212, a user has limited access to the functions of control console A 104, in accordance with the selected operating parameters.

hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 [0069] Elaborating further, when keyswitch 210 is in its unlocked position 214, a user (eg. a technician or installer) can select one of the following operating modes:

• RUN mode - In this mode, RUN indicator 216 is illuminated, and operation of closure 108 can be controlled by push buttons 202, 204, 206 of control console A 104 and relevant controls of control console B 106 (not shown).

• RUN LOCK mode - In this mode, RUN indicator 216 and LOCK indicator 218 are both illuminated, and either the push buttons 202, 204, 206 of control console A 104 are disabled or controls of the control console B 106 are disabled. In other words, the operation of closure 108 can only be controlled either by push buttons 202, 204, 206 of control console A 104 or by the controls of control console B 106 (depending on the selected operating parameters).

• LOCK mode - In this mode, LOCK indicator 218 is illuminated, and closure 108 cannot be operated by control console A 104 or by control console 106.

In other words, the push buttons on control console A 104 and the controls on control console B (not shown) are disabled.

• SETUP mode - In this mode, SETUP indicator 220 is illuminated, and push buttons 202, 204, 206 and 208 can be used to set up control system 102 by selecting operating parameters, as explained in further detail below. SETUP mode can only be selected when keyswitch 210 is its unlocked position 214.

[0070] When keyswitch 210 is in unlocked position 214, the user can select RUN mode, RUN LOCK mode or LOCK mode by repeatedly pushing MODE button 208 to cycle through the different modes in sequence. If RUN mode is selected, pushing MODE button 208 a first time changes the mode to RUN LOCK mode, pushing MODE button 208 once more changes the mode to LOCK mode, and pushing MODE button 208 once more changes the mode back to RUN mode. Holding down MODE button 208, for example for 2 seconds, changes the mode to SETUP mode.

[0071] Once SETUP mode is selected, the user can select the operating parameters for determining the operation of control console A 104 and control hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 console B 106 during normal operation (i.e. operation with keyswitch 210 is in its locked position 212).

[0072] Figure 3 shows the connection portions of a circuit within the housing of control console A 104, including input terminals 300 which can be optionally connected to control console B 106. In particular:

• input terminal 302 can be connected to receive an Open' input signal from a manually operable control (e.g. a push button) from console B 106 to open closure 108;

• input terminal 304 can be connected to receive a 'stop' input signal from a manually operable control of console B 106 to stop the movement of closure 108, • input terminal 306 can be connected to receive a 'close' input signal from a manually operable control of console B 106 to close closure 108, and • input terminal 308 can be connected to receive a programmed input signal (as set according to setting 706 shown in Table 1 and described in further detail below) from a manually operable control of console B.

[0073] Any one or more of the above input terminals can be connected with control console B 106, as required.

[0074] Output terminals 310, 312, 314 can be configured in relation to setting 708 (described in further detail below with reference to Table 1), to indicate the operating status of closure 108. Any suitable indicators may be connected to output terminals 310, 312, 314 to indicate the operating status of closure 108, for example LEDs, buzzers, alarms or the like, or any combination thereof.

Operating Parameter Setup [0075] The selection of the operating parameters will now be explained with reference to Table 1, which lists the available operating parameters for selection.

[0076] In SETUP mode, the user can select to set/change the parameters for the following variable settings as set out in Table 1:

• Operating mode options (setting 702) • RUN LOCK mode operation (setting 704) hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 • Parameter for input terminal (AUX) 308 - see Figure 3 (Setting 706) • Parameters for output terminals 310, 312, 314 - see Figure 3 (Setting 708) [0077] Firstly, the STOP/SET button is pushed and held for a prescribed duration (for example, 2 seconds) to enter a configuration mode for the above variable settings 702, 704, 706, 708. Then, the OPEN and CLOSE buttons 202, 206 can be used to select the desired setting 702, 704, 706, 708 by cycling between those settings in sequence. The LED indicators 222, 224, 226, 228, 230 can be used to indicate to the user the selection of the setting, namely.:

• Setting 702 above is selected when LEDs 222, 224 and 226 are illuminated.

• Setting 704 above is selected when LEDs 222 and 224 are illuminated.

• Setting 706 above is selected when LEDs 222, 224, 226 and 230 are illuminated.

• For Setting 708, output terminal 310 is selected when LED 230 is illuminated; output terminal 312 is selected when LEDs 226 and 230 are illuminated; and output terminal 314 is selected when LEDs 224, 226 and 230 are illuminated.

[0078] Once the desired setting 702, 704, 706 or 708 is selected, SET button 204 is pushed to enter a configuration mode for saving a value to the selected setting 702, 704, 706 or 708. Once SET button 204 is pushed, LED 228 begins flashing to indicate that control console A 104 is ready to save a value for the selected setting 702, 704, 706 or 708. The OPEN and CLOSE buttons 202, 206 can be used again to select the desired value or operating parameter for the selected setting by cycling between the parameters in sequence. The LED indicators 222, 224, 226, 228, 230 provide an indication of the parameters being selected. More specifically:

• If setting 702 (Operating mode options) is to be configured:

o When LED 230 is on and LED 228 is flashing, the operating mode for console A 104 can be set (by locking keyswitch 201) to whatever operating mode is selected at that time (ie. the mode prevailing when keyswitch 210 is moved from its unlocked position 214 to its locked position 212). For example, the various operating modes RUN, RUN LOCK and LOCK can be selected by using the MODE button as hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 previously described with keyswitch 210 in its unlocked position. By selecting the desired operating mode in this manner and using the OPEN and CLOSE buttons 202, 206 to cycle through the various LED indicator 222, 224, 226, 228, 230 patterns until LED 230 is on and LED 228 is flashing, turning keyswitch 210 to the locked position 212 sets the mode to the operating mode prevailing at that time.

o When LEDs 230, 226 are on and LED 228 is flashing, the response theme selected allows use of RUN mode, RUN LOCK mode and LOCK mode during normal operation. This means that once keyswitch 210 is turned back to its locked position 212, MODE button 208 can only be used to select between RUN mode, RUN LOCK mode and LOCK mode.

o When LEDs 230, 226, and 224 are on and LED 228 is flashing, the response theme selected allows selection of RUN mode and RUN LOCK mode during normal operation. This means that once keyswitch 210 is turned back to its locked position 212, MODE button 208 can only be used to select between RUN mode and RUN LOCK mode.

o When LEDs 230, 226, 224 and 222 are on and LED 228 is flashing, the response theme selected allows selection of RUN LOCK mode and LOCK mode. This means that once keyswitch 210 is turned back to its locked position 212, MODE button 208 can only be used to select between RUN LOCK mode and LOCK mode.

• If setting 704 (RUN LOCK mode operation) is to be configured:

o When LEDs 230 and 226 are on and LED 228 is flashing, the RUN LOCK mode is set to enable control by the push buttons on control console A 104 only (i.e. controls on control console B 106 are disabled). This means that once keyswitch 210 is turned back to its locked position 212, selecting RUN LOCK mode will disable controls on control console B 106.

o When LEDs 230, 226 and 224 are on and LED 228 is flashing, the RUN LOCK mode is set to enable control by the push buttons on hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 control console B 106 only (i.e. push buttons on control console A 104 are disabled). This means that once keyswitch 210 is turned back to its locked position 212, selecting RUN LOCK mode will disable controls on control console A 104.

• If setting 706 (the parameter for input terminal AUX) is to be configured:

o When LED 230 is on and LED 228 is flashing, input terminal 308 is configured to receive a 'Close' signal for closing the closure.

o When LEDs 230, 226 are on and LED 228 is flashing, input terminal 308 is configured to receive a 'Stop' signal for stopping the movement of the closure.

o When LEDs 230, 226, and 224 are on and LED 228 is flashing, input terminal 308 is configured to receive an Open' signal for opening the closure.

o When LEDs 230, 226, 224 and 222 are on and LED 228 is flashing, the input terminal 308 is configured to receive a 'Light' signal for turning on light 116 associated with the closure, and o When LEDs 226, 224 and 222 are on and LED 228 is flashing, input terminal 308 is configured to receive a 'Part Open' signal for partially opening closure 108. The 'Part Open' signal relates to a pedestrian setting or pet setting, to allow a command button to be used to open the closure only part of its full opening travel. For example, an industrial closure of 5m height can be raised to a height of approximately 2m to allow a person to pass through.

• Similarly for setting 708, the OPEN and CLOSE buttons 202, 206 can be used to cycle through the various LED combinations to select one of the following parameters for each of the output terminals 310; 312; and 314:

o a 'Closed' status indicating that the closure is closed (LED 230 is on and LED 228 is flashing), o a 'Stopped' status indicating that the closure has stopped (LEDs 230 and 226 are on and LED 228 is flashing), hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 o an Open' status indicating that the closure is open (LEDs 230, 226 and 224 are on and LED 228 is flashing), o a 'Closing' status indicating that the closure is closing (LEDs 230, 226, 224 and 222 are on and LED 228 is flashing), o an Opening' status indicating that the closure is opening (LEDs 226, 224 and 222 are on and LED 228 is flashing), o a 'Moving' status indicating that the closure is moving (LEDs 224 and 222 are on and LED 228 is flashing), and o a 'Light' status indicating that a light associated with the closure is turned on (LED 222 is on and LED 228 is flashing).

[0079] A method 400 of using control console A 104 to select operating parameters will now be explained further with reference to Figure 4.

[0080] At query step 402, a user (e.g. a technician or installer setting up the system) checks to see whether the keyswitch 210 of control console A 104 is in the unlocked position. If not, the method 400 proceeds to step 404. If so, the method 400 proceeds to step 406.

[0081 ] At step 404, the user inserts a key into the keyswitch 210 and moves the keyswitch 210 from its locked position 212 to its unlocked position 214.

[0082] At step 406, the user presses and holds MODE button 208 for 2 seconds to initiate SETUP mode. Once SETUP mode is initiated, SETUP LED indicator 220 begins flashing.

[0083] At step 408, the user presses and holds SET button 204 for 2 seconds to initiate a Setting Configuration mode in which the adjustable settings 702, 704, 706, 708 as shown in Table 1 can be configured and adjusted.

[0084] At step 410, the user uses the OPEN and/or the CLOSE buttons 202, 206 to select the desired setting 702, 704, 706, 708 by cycling between the settings 702, 704, 706, 708 in sequence, as previously explained.

[0085] At step 412, the user presses SET button 204 to initiate configuration of the selected setting in which a value or an operating parameter can be selected for the selected setting 702, 704, 706, 708. Once SET button 204 is pushed, to hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 indicate that configuration of the selected setting can begin, LED indicator 228 begins flashing.

[0086] At step 414, the user uses the OPEN and/or the CLOSE buttons 202, 206 to select the desired operating parameter listed under a respective column of the selected setting 702, 704, 706 or 708 as shown in Table 1 by cycling through the parameters in sequence, as previously explained.

[0087] At query step 416, once the desired parameter is selected, the user decides whether to apply the selected parameter to the selected setting 702, 704, 706, or 708. If the user decides not to apply the selected parameter to the selected setting, the method 400 proceeds to step 418. If the user decides to apply the selected parameter to the selected setting, the method 400 proceeds to step 420.

[0088] At step 418, the user presses the MODE button 208 to cancel the selected parameter without saving it to the selected setting 702, 704, 706 or 708 .

[0089] At step 420, the user presses the SET button 204 to save the selected parameter to the selected setting 702, 704, 706 or 708.

[0090] At query step 422, the user decides whether another setting 702, 704, 706, or 708 requires configuration. If so, the method 400 returns to step 410. If not, the method 400 proceeds to step 424.

[0091 ] At step 424, the user presses the MODE button 208 to exit from the Setting Configuration mode and return to SETUP mode.

[0092] In one embodiment, memory of the control console A 104 and the driver circuit 112 can be cleared by using the control console A 104. For example, once the user enters the Setting Configuration mode, the user may clear the memory by holding SET button (or any other button) for a predetermined period of time, for example 10 seconds.

Intermediate Position Setup [0093] In SETUP mode, the user can also set the 'Part Open' position for closure 108. In SETUP mode, once the OPEN button 202 is pushed and held for a prescribed time, for example 2 seconds, controller console A 104 records the current closure position and sets the current closure position as the 'Part Open' hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 position. In this case, if input terminal 308 is configured to receive a 'Part Open' signal, closure 108 is able to open to the predetermined position previously set upon receipt of the signal. In other embodiments, control console A 104 may include an additional push button to operate closure 108 to the 'Part Open' position.

[0094] A method 500 of using control console A 104 to set up a 'Part Open' position for closure 108 will now be explained with reference to Figure 5.

[0095] At query step 502, a user (e.g. a technician) checks to see whether keyswitch 210 of control console A 104 is in its unlocked position 214. If not, the method 500 proceeds to step 504. If so, the method 500 proceeds to step 506.

[0096] At step 504, the user inserts a key into the keyswitch 210 and moves the keyswitch 210 from its locked position 212 to its unlocked position 214.

[0097] At query step 506, the user determines whether controller console A 104 is currently operating in RUN mode (i.e. whether the RUN indicator 216 is turned on). If so, the method 500 proceeds to step 510. If not, the method 500 proceeds to step 508.

[0098] At step 508, the user pushes MODE button 208 until RUN mode is selected (i.e. RUN indicator 216 is turned on) by iteratively cycling through the different modes (i.e. RUN, RUN LOCK and LOCK) each time MODE button 208 is pressed.

[0099] At step 510, the user uses the OPEN and/or CLOSE buttons 202, 206 to move closure 108 to a desired 'Part Open' position.

[0100] At step 512, the user presses and holds MODE button 208 for 2 seconds to enter SETUP mode. Once SETUP mode is entered, SETUP indicator 220 will be turned on.

[0101 ] At step 514, the user presses and holds OPEN button 202 for 2 seconds to save the current closure position as the 'Part Open' position. Once the 'Part Open' position of closure 108 is saved to memory, control console A 104 automatically returns to RUN mode without moving the position of closure 108.

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2015200518 03 Feb 2015

Limit Position Setup [0102] In SETUP mode, control console A 104 further allows the user to set the upper and lower limits for opening and closing closure 108. When setting the limits, LED 226 flashes to indicate that the lower limit needs to be set, and LED 222 flashes to indicate that the upper limit needs to be set. When LED 226 flashes, the technician is able to push and hold CLOSE button 206 to drive closure 108 to a desired lower limit in order to set the lower limit. When LED 222 flashes, the user is able to push and hold the OPEN button 202 to drive closure 108 to a desired upper limit in order to set the upper limit.

[0103] A method 600 of using control console A 104 to set up position limits for closure 108 will now be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0104] At query step 602, a user (e.g. a technician or installer setting up the system) checks to see whether keyswitch 210 of control console A 104 is in its unlocked position 214. If not, the method 600 proceeds to step 604. If so, the method 600 proceeds to step 606.

[0105] At step 604, the user inserts a key into keyswitch 210 and moves keyswitch 210 from its locked position 212 to its unlocked position 214.

[0106] At step 606, the user presses and holds MODE button 208 for 2 seconds to initiate SETUP mode. Once SETUP mode is initiated, SETUP LED indicator 220 begins flashing.

[0107] At step 608, the user presses and holds CLOSE button 206 for 2 seconds to initiate Position Limit Setup mode in which the upper and lower position limits of closure 108 can be setup. Once the Position Limit Setup mode is initiated, RUN indicator 216 begins flashing.

[0108] At query step 610, the user determines whether the CLOSE indicator 226 is flashing. A flashing CLOSE indicator 226 indicates that the lower position limit for the closure needs to be set. If CLOSE indicator 226 is flashing, the method 600 proceeds to step 612. If CLOSE indicator 226 is not flashing, the method 600 proceeds to query step 622.

[0109] At step 612, the user presses CLOSE button 206 to begin moving closure 108 to a closed position.

hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 [0110] At query step 614. the user determines whether closure 108 is moving in the wrong direction. Closure 108 moves in a wrong direction if it moves upwardly when the CLOSE button 206 is pressed, or if it moves downwardly when the OPEN button 202 is pressed. If closure 108 moves in the wrong direction, the method 600 proceeds to step 616. If closure 108 moves in the right direction, the method 600 proceeds to step 618.

[0111] At step 616, the user presses MODE button 208 to reverse the direction of the drive motor of motor assembly 114 (not shown) to thereby reverse the direction of movement for closure 108.

[0112] At step 618. if the user is setting the lower limit, the user presses and holds CLOSE button 206 until closure 108 reaches a desired closed position. If the user is setting the upper limit, the user presses and holds the OPEN button 202 until closure 108 reaches a desired open position.

[0113] At step 618. once the desired closed or open position is reached respectively, the user presses SET button 204 to record the closed position as the lower limit or the open position as the upper limit respectively.

[0114] At query step 622, the user determines whether the OPEN indicator 222 is flashing. A flashing OPEN indicator 222 indicates that the upper position limit for closure 108 needs to be set. If the OPEN indicator 222 is flashing, the method 600 proceeds to step 624. If the OPEN indicator 222 is not flashing, the upper limit has already been set and thus method 600 is completed.

[0115] At step 624, the user presses OPEN button 202 to begin moving closure 108 to an open position. The method 600 then proceeds to steps 614 to 620 as previously described to set the upper position limit.

[0116] Advantageously, control system 102, by way of control console 104, allows a user (ie. an installer) to conveniently set up the operating parameters for the consoles 104, 106 without the need to dismantle any consoles and/or use additional tools or equipment. As mentioned, the dismantling of consoles to configure operating parameters can be potentially unsafe, as installers may be exposed to high voltages. As described, the operating parameters can be configured by simply unlocking keyswitch 210 using a key and using the existing hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 push buttons 202, 204, 206, 208 to select and set the various operating parameters in a safe and efficient manner.

[0117] The use of the LED indicators 216,218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228 and 230 enables a large range of settings and parameters to be represented and configured using a small number of manually operable controls (ie. the push buttons). This advantageously allows the design of console A 104 to be kept simple and user friendly for both technicians and for operational users.

[0118] The additional option of having a second console B 106, the operation of which can be enabled and disabled as desired advantageously provides great flexibility and security in the control system 102.

[0119] In one application, control console A 104 may be installed on an internal side of closure 108 control console B 106 on an external side of closure 108. RUN LOCK mode on control console A 104 can be configured to disable which selected - the operation of console B 106, so that console B 106 cannot be used to operate closure 108 during set shutdown periods and/or after hours.

[0120] Control system 102 can thereby be easily adapted to provide functionality suitable for any particular facility.

[0121] Moreover, controller system 102 is versatile and can be adapted for use in many closure applications, for example to control industrial or domestic garage doors, gates or any other doors or openings.

[0122] In alternative embodiments of the invention, control system 102 may include more than two control consoles coupled together to control closure 108. The control consoles can be coupled together in any suitable manner (e.g. via wired or wireless communication).

[0123] In one example, each of the input terminals 300 of control console A 104 can be coupled to a different control console (e.g. a transmitter). In particular, input terminal 302 can be coupled to a transmitter having a single manually operable control (e.g. a single button). When using the transmitter to operate closure 108, a signal received from the transmitter can be translated to a different operating command depending on the status of closure 108. For example, if closure 108 is in a closed position, a signal received from the transmitter can be translated hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 to an Open' command for opening closure 108; if closure 108 is opening or closing, a signal received from the transmitter can be translated to a 'stop' command for stopping the motion of closure 108; if closure 108 is in an open position, a signal received from the transmitter can be translated to a 'close' signal to close closure 108. Similarly, each of the other input terminals 304, 306 and 308 can be optionally coupled to a different control console to control closure 108 in this manner. Moreover, control console A 104 can include additional input terminals (not shown) so as to enable any number of control consoles to be coupled together.

[0124] In another example, control console A 104 can include multiple sets of input terminals , each set of input terminals being coupled to a different control console (e.g. a transmitter). In particular, each set of input terminals can include a first terminal for receiving an Open' signal for opening closure 108, a second terminal for receiving a 'close' signal for closing closure 108, and a third terminal for receiving a 'stop' signal for stopping the motion of closure 108.

[0125] To allow selection of the individual input terminals or the sets of input terminals to be enabled or disabled, for example when operating a RUN LOCK mode, more parameters may be provided for selection in SETUP mode. In other words, more parameters can be available for selection to define the RUN LOCK mode in Table 1.

[0126] In some embodiments, the multiple control consoles may be networked together via a local network and any one or more of the control consoles can be enabled or disabled at any point in time using a central control console. For instance, one of the networked control consoles may be a central control console. The various combinations of enabled and disabled control consoles can be defined using the operating parameters and a specific combination of enabled and disabled control consoles can be selected by selecting one or more operating parameters.

[0127] In some embodiments, one or more of the control consoles can include a screen, such as a touch screen to facilitate selection of the desired operating parameters and/or the desired control consoles to be enabled or disabled directly. For instance, the screen may include an icon representing each control console and the icons can be used to select the control consoles to be enabled or disabled.

hymm A0131993230-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 [0128] In one embodiment, control console B 106 includes a keyswitch (not shown) configured to operate closure 108. In particular, the keyswitch can be movable between a first position and a second position. When the keyswitch is in the first position, a control signal is sent to drive circuit 112 via control console A 104 to open closure 108. When the keyswitch is in the second position, a control signal is sent to drive circuit 112 via control console A 104 to close closure 108. In addition, the keyswitch can have a third position such that when the keyswitch is moved to the third position, drive circuit 112 stops the motion of closure 108.

[0129] In this embodiment, in a scenario in which control console B 106 is mounted on an outer side of closure 108, only authorised users having a key can operate closure 108 via control console B 106. However, an additional layer of security is provided in that the control console B can be disabled when desired so as to prevent the authorised users (i.e. users in possession of a key) from operating control console B (and gaining access to a facility) during certain times, such as set shutdown or lockout periods.

[0130] Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.

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Claims (22)

1. A controller for operating a closure by way of a closure drive operator, the controller including:

one or more manually operable controls, and a lock changeable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition, wherein, when the lock is in the unlocked condition, the controller is operatively configured to allow, using the manually operable controls, selection of one or more operating parameters, and when the lock is in the locked condition, operation of the controller using the manually operable controls is determined on the basis of the one or more selected operating parameters.

2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the controller is operatively coupled to a second controller for operating the closure.

3. The controller of claim 2, the controller including input terminals for connecting to one or more second manually operable controls of the second controller such that the one or more second manually operable controls of the second controller can be used to generate control signals to operate the closure.

4. The controller of claim 3, wherein one or more manual operable controls of the controller and/or one or more second manual operable controls of the second controller can be disabled and enabled based on the one or more selected operating parameters.

5. A controller according to any one of the preceding claims, including a receiver for receiving external control signals for controlling the closure.

6. The controller of claim 5, wherein the one or more selected operating parameters determine available operation modes including one or more of:

a first operation mode in which the manually operable controls can be used to control the closure and the receiver is enabled to receive input signals for controlling the closure, hymm A0131992689-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 a second operation mode in which either the manually operable controls are enabled to control the closure or the receiver is enabled to receive input signals for controlling the closure, and a third operation mode in which both the manually operable controls and the receiver are disabled.

7. A controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more selected operating parameters determine available operation modes to govern operation of the closure.

8. A controller according to any one of the preceding claims, the manual operable controls of the controller including:

an 'Open' button for opening the closure, a 'Close' button for closing the closure, a 'Stop' button for stopping the movement of the closure, and a 'Mode' button for selecting an operation mode of the controller.

9. A controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more selected operating parameters determine an input parameter for the controller.

10. The controller according to claim 9, wherein the input parameter is a control signal parameter selected from a list of control signal parameters including:

• a 'Close' signal for closing the closure, • a 'Stop' signal for stopping the movement of the closure, • an Open' signal for opening the closure, • a 'Light' signal for turning on a light associated with the closure, and • a 'Part Open' signal for partially opening the closure.

11. A controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more selected operating parameters define types of signals receivable by the controller, the types of signals including any one or more of:

control signals for controlling the operation of the closure, setup parameters including parameters for defining the controller settings, hymm A0131992689-vl 120505367

2015200518 03 Feb 2015 closure operating information including status information, load information including the load on a drive motor of the closure, and position information including open and closed positions of the closure.

12. A controller according any one of the preceding claims, having one or more programmable outputs, the outputs determined by the one or more selected operating parameters.

13. The controller of claim 12, wherein the outputs include indicators for providing an indication of closure operating status.

14. The controller of claim 12 or 13, wherein one or more of the programmable outputs are programmable to indicate any one of the following operating status:

• a 'Closed' status indicating that the closure is closed, • a 'Stopped' status indicating that the closure has stopped, • an Open' status indicating that the closure is open, • a 'Closing' status indicating that the closure is closing, • an Opening' status indicating that the closure is opening, • a 'Moving' status indicating that the closure is moving, and • a 'Light' status indicating that a light associated with the closure is turned on.

15. A controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein settings of a drive operator of the closure can be configured using the one or more manually operable controls of the controller.

16. The controller of claim 15, the settings for the drive operator including any one or more of:

an upper position limit for an open position of the closure, a lower position limit for a closed position of the closure, and a partial open position limit for a partial open position of the closure.

17. A controller according to any one of the preceding claims, further including one or more LED indicators for indicating a selected operating parameter.

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18. A controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lock is a keyswitch movable between a first position, providing said locked condition, and a second position, providing said unlocked condition.

19. A control system for a closure, the control system including a first controller and 5 a second controller, the first controller being a controller according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. A control system for a closure, the control system including two or more controllers coupled together for operating the closure, each controller being a controller according to any one of the preceding claims.

10

21. A method of controlling a closure by way of a closure drive operator having a lock and one or more manually operable controls, the method including:

switching the closure drive operator lock between a locked condition and an unlocked condition, selecting one or more operating parameters using said one or more manually 15 operable controls when the lock is in the unlocked condition so as to allow operation of the one or more manually operable controls in accordance with the selected operating parameters once the lock is returned to its locked condition.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the lock is a keyswitch, and switching the lock between its locked condition and its unlocked condition involves moving said keyswitch

20 between a first, locked position and a second, unlocked position.