Sensors for transmitting information signals

Abstract

The present application discloses a sensor, which is intended to be located on a movable part of an expandable structure and transmits an information signal to a transmitting unit which is intended to be located on a fixed part of the expandable structure, wherein the sensor comprises a wireless transmitter / receiver (50), which is configured to receive an incident signal from the transmitting unit when the expandable structure is in a folded position; a processing logic unit (52), which is suitable for determining whether the wireless transmitter / receiver (50) transmits the information signal to the transmitting unit; and an independent energy source (54), which is configured to supply power to the processing logic unit (52).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrically deployable structures in home automation devices, such as electric shutters or more generally solar protection devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sensor comprising a wireless transmitter to transmit a safety signal. Background Art

[0002] In a known manner, document EP1939832 describes a device provided on an electric blind. The device comprises a battery, an accelerometer and is configured to emit a safety signal when the accelerometer detects movement. Such an arrangement makes it possible to adjust the blind according to the movement detected, in particular to fold the blind to fix it in case of strong winds.

[0003] However, this solution also has limitations.

[0004] In fact, the use of batteries makes it necessary to replace them regularly or to provide a size suitable for powering the motion detection device and the security signaling device for a long time.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve all or part of the above-mentioned disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a sensor intended to be located on a mobile part of a deployable structure and to transmit information signals to a transmitting unit located on a fixed part of the deployable structure, the sensor comprising:

[0007] a wireless transmitter / receiver configured to receive an incident signal from a transmitting unit according to a first operating mode;

[0008] Independent energy;

[0009] a converter configured to convert an incident signal into an electric current and use the electric current to charge an independent energy source;

[0010] a logic processing unit adapted to determine, according to the second operation mode, that the wireless transmitter / receiver transmits the information signal to the transmitting unit, and the independent energy source is configured to supply power to the logic processing unit;

[0011] The first operating mode corresponds to operation of the sensor in a folded position of the deployable structure, and the second operating mode corresponds to operation of the sensor in a deployed position of the deployable structure.

[0012] Thanks to the arrangement described above, the sensor forms an energy reserve in the folded position of the deployable structure by means of an independent energy source in the charging mode so as to be able to reuse this reserve in the deployed position of the deployable structure in the detection and transmission modes.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the transition from the first operating mode to the second operating mode can be controlled during the unfolding of the deployable structure. In particular, the transition can be triggered by a signal from the motion detection unit. Alternatively, a specific wake-up signal emitted by the transmitting unit after the transmitting unit detects the deployment movement can trigger the transition. The transition from the second operating mode to the first operating mode can be controlled during the folding of the deployable structure. Thus, when a distance threshold is reached, the transmitting unit can start emitting an incident signal that triggers the sensor to switch to the first operating mode.

[0014] Of course, the deployable structure can adopt multiple positions. It can be agreed that the folded position corresponds to a position where the distance between the proximal end and the distal end of the deployable structure is less than a first threshold, and the deployed position corresponds to a position where the distance between the proximal end and the distal end of the deployable structure is greater than a second threshold. The first and second thresholds can be different or the same. The thresholds considered can also correspond to one or more distance thresholds between the transmitting unit and the sensor.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the converter is configured to convert the radio frequency signal into an electric current.

[0016] Such an arrangement allows the transducer of the sensor to convert the incident signal into an electrical current, thereby charging the independent energy source when the deployable structure is in the folded position.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the converter is configured to generate a binary signal for the logic processing unit.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the value of the generated binary signal depends on the reception state of the incident signal.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the deployable structure is any kind of deployable element, such as an awning.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the information signal is of any kind, such as a safety signal including an alarm.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the sensor comprises a detection unit. The detection unit may be of different types. In particular, the detection unit may be a motion detection unit, a capacitive or inductive detection unit, or even any type of touch-sensitive detection unit. According to another possibility, the detection unit may be a photometric or sunlight detection unit.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the sensor comprises a motion detection unit configured to detect a motion of the deployable structure, and the logic processing unit is configured to decide on the transmission of the information signal based on the motion of the deployable structure detected by the motion detection unit.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the threshold between the deployed position and the collapsed position of the deployable structure is determined based on the amount of current generated by the conversion of the incident signal.

[0024] Such an arrangement makes it possible to detect abnormal movement of the deployable structure and to send an information signal to the transmitting unit when abnormal movement of the deployable structure is detected.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the threshold value is determined based on the amount of current generated by the transition of the incident signal.

[0026] Such an arrangement can save energy. In practice, the transmitting unit does not send the incident signal if the current resulting from the conversion of said incident signal is too low.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the sensor is configured to transmit a status signal at regular intervals when the deployable structure is in the deployed position, the status signal comprising at least one piece of information regarding the status of the sensor.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the status signal comprises the energy remaining in the independent energy source.Such an arrangement allows the transmitting unit to know the status of the sensor.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the sensor is configured to send a charging signal when the deployable structure is in the folded position, the charging signal comprising at least one piece of information regarding a status of the independent energy source.

[0030] Such an arrangement allows the transmitting unit to no longer send an incident signal when the charging signal indicates that the independent energy source is sufficiently charged. Thus, such an arrangement can save energy.

[0031] According to one embodiment, a charging signal is sent when the independent energy source is fully charged.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the charging signal is sent at fixed intervals.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the first operating mode is a default operating mode of the sensor.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the sensor is configured such that charging of an independent energy source can be performed without a power supply by conversion of the incident signal.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a component comprising a sensor to be located on a moving part of an deployable structure and a transmitting unit located on a fixed part of the deployable structure, wherein the transmitting unit is configured to send a position change control signal of the deployable structure to an actuator, and the actuator is configured to move the deployable structure from a deployed position to a folded position.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the transmitting unit is configured to send the control signal upon receiving the information signal originating from the sensor.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the transmitting unit is configured to send the control signal upon receiving the information signal originating from the sensor.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the transmitting unit is configured to send the control signal when said transmitting unit no longer receives the status signal originating from the sensor.

[0039] The invention also relates to a method for controlling a sensor intended to be located on a mobile part of a deployable structure, the method being performed by the sensor and comprising:

[0040] - In a first operating mode corresponding to a charging mode, the sensor performs the following steps:

[0041] receiving an incident signal originating from a transmitting unit located on a fixed portion of the deployable structure;

[0042] converting the incident signal into an electric current; and

[0043] Using the current generated by the conversion of the incident signal to charge the sensor's independent energy source; and

[0044] - In a second operating mode corresponding to the detection and emission mode, the sensor performs the following steps:

[0045] transmitting an information signal to a transmitting unit;

[0046] The first operating mode corresponds to operation of the sensor in a folded position of the deployable structure, and the second operating mode corresponds to operation of the sensor in a deployed position of the deployable structure.

[0047] According to one embodiment, in the second operating mode, the sensor performs the following steps:

[0048] A status signal is transmitted to the transmitting unit, the status signal comprising information about the remaining energy in the independent energy source of the sensor.

[0049] According to one embodiment, in a first operating mode, the sensor performs the following steps:

[0050] A charging message is transmitted to the transmitting unit indicating the charge level of the independent energy source.

[0051] According to one embodiment, in a first operating mode, the sensor performs the following steps:

[0052] If the independent energy source is finished charging, it enters sleep mode.

[0053] According to one embodiment, in the second operating mode, the sensor performs the transmission of an information signal to the transmitting unit in case of detection of a movement of the deployable structure.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the incident signal includes one or more of the following information:

[0055] Synchronous mode for synchronizing the control device with the transmitting device;

[0056] A header containing a protocol version identifier allowing the transmitting device to specify to the controlling device the transport protocol to be used;

[0057] Data, such as a network address corresponding to the receiving device; and / or

[0058] · Checksum, which enables the correct transmission of data to be checked.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the incident signal and configuration instructions are transmitted according to the Bluetooth protocol, more specifically, "Bluetooth advertisement".

[0060] The various incompatible aspects defined above may be combined. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] The present invention will be better understood using the following detailed description disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] Figure 1 A deployable structure according to the invention is shown, on which a transceiver is arranged.

[0063] Figure 2 Shown is an electrical diagram of a sensor according to the invention.

[0064] Figure 3 An implementation of the method according to the invention for controlling a sensor is shown.

[0065] Figure 4 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of a method of operating a sensor according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] As an example of the deployable structure 30, Figure 1 Represents an electric patio shade. The deployable structure comprises a fixing portion 32 forming the proximal end of the deployable structure intended to be fixed to a support such as a building wall, a fabric 36 connected to a load bar 34 forming the distal end of the deployable structure, a motorized winding tube 38 arranged to roll up the fabric 36, the motorized winding tube 38 being positioned on the fixing portion 32, and an articulated arm 39 equipped with a spring enabling it to exert a force on the load bar 34 to resist the action of the motorized winding tube and thereby keep the fabric 36 taut.

[0067] Winding or unwinding of the fabric 36 on the motorized wind-up tube 38 enables the load bar, articulated arm, and fabric to move between at least one folded position and at least one deployed position of the deployable structure.

[0068] The mobile structure is associated with an assembly comprising a transmitting unit 40 located on the fixed part 32 and a sensor 20 fixed on the load beam 34 .

[0069] Of course, the deployable structure can take multiple positions. It can be agreed that the folded position corresponds to a position where the distance d between the proximal end 32 and the distal end 34 of the deployable structure 30 is less than a first threshold value Sd, and the deployed position corresponds to a position where the distance d between the proximal end 32 and the distal end 34 of the deployable structure 30 is greater than a second threshold value Sd. The first and second thresholds can be different or the same. This example uses a single threshold value Sd. The threshold value considered can also correspond to a distance threshold value between the transmitting unit 40 and the sensor 20.

[0070] Figure 2 An electrical diagram of the sensor 20 is represented. In particular, the sensor comprises a wireless transmitter / receiver 50 configured to receive an incident signal originating from a transmitting unit 40 and to transmit an information signal to said transmitting unit 40, a logic processing unit 52 being adapted to decide on the transmission of the information signal to the transmitting unit 40 by the wireless transmitter / receiver 50 and an independent energy source 54, such as a supercapacitor or a supercapacitor configured to supply power to the logic processing unit 52. The information signal transmitted by the wireless transmitter / receiver 50 may in particular be a safety signal comprising an alarm, according to which a critical vibration has been detected by a motion detection unit 58 comprised in the sensor 20. Such an arrangement makes it possible to detect abnormal movements of the deployable structure 30.

[0071] The sensor 20 also includes a converter 56 configured to convert the incident signal into an electric current and use the electric current to power the independent energy source 54. In practice, the converter 56 receives the incident signal as a radio signal and converts it into direct current, thereby making it possible to recharge the independent energy source 54. Such an arrangement makes it easier to charge the independent energy source 54 and thus reduce its size.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the converter 56 is further configured to generate a binary signal for the logic processing unit 52. The value of the generated binary signal depends on the reception state of the incident signal.

[0073] According to one embodiment, when the wireless transmitter / receiver 50 receives an incident signal and the converter 56 converts the incident signal into an electric current, the converter 56 generates a binary signal, intended for the logic unit processing 52, equal to 1. Conversely, when the converter 56 does not convert any incident signal, the converter generates a binary signal equal to zero.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the generated binary signal intended for the logic processing unit 52 is read by said logic processing unit according to determined intervals such as for example every 20 milliseconds.Such an arrangement enables a configuration message comprising one or more pieces of information to be sent via one or more event messages.

[0075] Therefore, a frame is formed by a series of binary signals, which may include a wake-up signal (WAKE-UP), a synchronization pattern, a header (HEADER), data (DATA) and a verification code (CRC-4).

[0076] According to one possibility, the wake-up signal comprises four signals equal to 1 in order to provide enough energy to process the upcoming signal.

[0077] Upon receiving the information signal, the transmitting unit 40 is configured to send a control signal to the actuator 38, which comprises, for example, an electric winding tube 38, so as to switch the deployable structure 30 from the deployed position to the folded position. Such a configuration makes it possible to fold the mobile structure 30 and thus reduce its wind resistance. Such an arrangement can limit the risk of degradation of the mobile structure.

[0078] According to one possibility, the information signal is sent by the wireless transmitter / receiver 50 to the transmitting unit 40 only when the deployable structure 30 is in the deployed position. In fact, when the deployable structure 30 is in the folded position, there is no need to obtain vibration information since the mobile structure has reduced its wind resistance.

[0079] The incident signal is sent by the transmitting unit 40 only when the deployable structure 30 is in the folded position. In fact, it is in this position that the incident signal has sufficient power to be converted into an electric current by the converter 56. The threshold value allowing the deployed position and the folded position to be distinguished is determined according to the amount of electric current generated by the conversion of the incident signal. Such an arrangement saves energy. In fact, if the current generated by the conversion of said incident signal is too low, the transmitting unit 40 does not send the incident signal.

[0080] According to one possibility, the transmitting unit 40 can obtain position information from the deployable structure and therefore from the sensor 20 via the actuator 38. In practice, the actuator knows the position of the sensor 20, for example by previously learning the ends of travel of the electromechanical actuator in normal operation.

[0081] The sensor 20 is configured to send a status signal at regular intervals when the deployable structure 30 is in the deployed position, the status signal comprising information about the remaining energy in the independent energy source of the sensor 20. Such an arrangement allows the transmitting unit 40 to know the status of the sensor. Such an arrangement allows the transmitting unit 40 to send a control signal in order to place the deployable structure 30 in the folded position in order to charge the independent energy source 54 of the sensor 20 when the independent energy source 54 of the sensor 20 contains only a small amount of energy, in particular when the transmitting unit no longer receives the status signal.

[0082] When the deployable structure 30 is in the folded position, the sensor 20 is configured to send a charging signal including at least one piece of information about the state of the independent energy source 54. Such an arrangement allows the transmitting unit 40 to no longer send an incident signal when the charging signal indicates that the independent energy source is sufficiently charged. Therefore, such an arrangement can save energy.

[0083] The charging signal is sent when the independent energy source 54 is fully charged or at regular intervals.

[0084] like Figure 2 As shown, the sensor 20 is configured to receive and convert incident signals even when the logic processing unit is turned off. In fact, the wireless transmitter / receiver 50 is electrically connected to a first diode 60, which is configured to be conductive in the direction of receiving the incident signal. The wireless transmitter / receiver 50 is also electrically connected to a second diode 62, which is configured to be conductive in the direction of signal transmission. The first diode 60 is electrically connected to the converter 56, and the second diode 60 is electrically connected to the logic processing unit 52. In other words, the wireless transmitter / receiver 50 is passively connected to the converter 56. Such an arrangement allows the incident signal to be automatically directed to the converter 56, even when the logic processing unit 52 is turned off. Such an arrangement makes it possible to obtain current to power the logic processing unit 52, and to send a signal to the control device even in the absence of an internal power supply.

[0085] The sensor 20 also includes a variable resistor 66 controlled by the logic processing unit 52, making it possible to electrically isolate the wireless transmitter / receiver 50 from the converter 56. Such an arrangement makes it possible not to convert the received signals, thus enabling them to be read.

[0086] Figure 3 2 shows an embodiment of a control method or an operating method of the sensor 20. The sensor has several different operating modes.

[0087] According to the first operation mode MCE1 corresponding to the charging mode, the sensor can perform the following steps:

[0088] - receiving an incident signal EMCE11 from the transmitting unit 40;

[0089] - converting the incident signal into a current EMCE12; and

[0090] - Charging the independent energy source 54 of the sensor 20 EMCE 13 using the current generated by the conversion of the incident signal.

[0091] According to the first operating mode MCE1, the sensor 20 may also perform a step of sending charging information EMCE14 indicating the charge level of the independent energy source. This step may be performed periodically or when the charge level of the independent energy source 54 reaches a predetermined value, for example corresponding to full charge.

[0092] According to the first operation mode MCE1 , if the independent power source has finished charging, the sensor 20 may also perform the step of entering the sleep mode EMCE15 .

[0093] Thus, in the first operating mode MCE1, the independent energy source 54 of the sensor 20 can be fully charged after receiving several frames of incident signals converted into energy. A piece of information about the charge level is sent to the transmitting unit 40 to stop sending frames. The sensor 20 enters a sleep mode, which corresponds to a standby mode waiting for switching to the second operating mode MCE2.

[0094] According to the second operating mode MCE2 corresponding to the detection and emission mode, the sensor 20 performs the following steps:

[0095] - a step of sending an information signal MCE21 to the transmitting unit 40, in particular if a critical movement 58 is detected;

[0096] - a step of emitting a status signal MCE22 comprising information about the remaining energy in the independent energy source 54 of the sensor 20;

[0097] The first operating mode MCEl corresponds to normal operation of the sensor in the folded position of the folded structure, that is to say when the distance between the proximal end 32 and the distal end 34 of the deployable structure 30 is less than a threshold value Sd.

[0098] The second operating mode MCE2 corresponds to normal operation of the sensor in the deployed position of the deployable structure, that is to say when the distance between the proximal end 32 and the distal end 34 of said deployable structure 30 is greater than a threshold value Sd.

[0099] The transition TCE12 from the first operating mode MCE1 to the second operating mode MCE2 can be controlled during the deployment of the deployable structure. In particular, the transition TCE12 can be triggered by a signal from the movement detection unit 58. Alternatively, a specific wake-up signal, for example corresponding to a radio frequency frame or an energy frame sent by the transmitting unit 40, can trigger the transition. As previously described, the position of the sensor 20 and the condition of exceeding the threshold value Sd can be accessed by the actuator 38 associated with the transmitting unit 40.

[0100] The transition TCE21 from the second operating mode MCE2 to the first operating mode MCE1 can be controlled during the folding of the deployable structure. As previously mentioned, the position of the sensor 20 and the condition of exceeding the threshold value Sd can be accessed by the actuator 38 associated with the transmitting unit 40. Thus, when the threshold value Sd is reached, the transmitting unit can start to transmit the incident signal that triggers the sensor 20 to switch to the first operating mode.

[0101] Figure 4 An embodiment of a method or method of operation for controlling the transmitting unit 40 is shown. The transmitting unit has several different modes of operation.

[0102] According to the first operation mode MT1 corresponding to the charging mode, the transmitting unit 40 performs:

[0103] - a step of transmitting to the sensor 20 a signal EMT11 corresponding to the energy incidence signal received by the sensor in step EMCE11 ;

[0104] - a step of receiving charging information EMT12 indicating the charging level of the independent energy source of the sensor 20;

[0105] - If the independent power supply is charged, possible steps to enter sleep mode EMT13.

[0106] According to detecting the second operation mode MT2 corresponding to the receiving mode, the transmitting unit 40 performs the following steps:

[0107] - a step of receiving the information signal EMT21 at the transmitting unit 40, in particular in case a critical movement 58 is detected;

[0108] - a step of receiving a status signal EMT22 comprising information about the remaining energy in the independent energy source 54 of the sensor 20;

[0109] - If one of the receiving steps indicates a critical movement or a low charge of the sensor 20 , a possible step of folding control of the deployable structure EMT 23 .

[0110] The first operating mode MT1 corresponds to the normal operation of the sensor in the folded position of the folded structure, that is to say when the distance between the proximal end 32 and the distal end 34 of the deployable structure 30 is less than a threshold value Sd.

[0111] The second operating mode MT2 corresponds to the normal operation of the sensor in the deployed position of the deployable structure, that is to say when the distance between the proximal end 32 and the distal end 34 of said deployable structure 30 is greater than the threshold value Sd.

[0112] The transition TT12 from the first operating mode MT1 to the second operating mode MT2 can be controlled during the deployment of the deployable structure. The transition TT21 from the second operating mode MT2 to the first operating mode MT1 can be controlled during the folding of the deployable structure. As previously described, the position of the sensor 20 and the situation of exceeding the threshold value Sd can be accessed by the actuator 38 associated with the transmitting unit 40. Therefore, when the threshold value Sd is reached, the transmitting unit can be switched from one operating mode to another operating mode.

[0113] By default, the sensor enters charging mode. This allows the component to operate even if the sensor's independent energy source is completely discharged.

[0114] For example, the distance threshold for switching to the charging mode may be several tens of cm. In particular, the sensor and the transmitting unit may be separated by a distance of less than 50 cm, in particular of the order of 20 to 30 cm. The distance threshold corresponds in particular to the distance between the antenna of the sensor and the antenna of the transmitting unit. The transmitting unit may, for example, continuously transmit several tens of mW of power in the charging operating mode. For example, the charging may be carried out in a few minutes or even several tens of minutes to achieve an autonomy of one day, emitting a status signal every 15 minutes to prove its presence and sending some information frames per day, for example indicating vibrations.

[0115] According to one possibility, a configuration step can be performed to optimize the transmission power of the sensor according to the distance to the motor and the interferences that may be present locally. This makes it possible to adjust the energy consumption for communication between the sensor and the motor.

[0116] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments represented and described above, but on the contrary encompasses all variants thereof.In particular, the invention will be applicable to other types of deployable structures, such as shutters with adjustable slats.

[0117] For example, the invention can be applied to electric roller blinds or external Venetian blinds, the sensor being associated with a sensor preferably placed on the slats located in the lower part of the blind. This could be an anti-intrusion sensor capable of detecting movements corresponding to attempts to raise the roller blind skirt or the external blind slats, or a sunlight sensor that can inform the entire home automation installation about the sunlight level outside. Of course, other types of sensors using different types of detection units can be imagined. In this example, the transmitting unit will be associated with the roller blind drive motor placed in the center of the roller blind's rolling tube, or with the drive motor of the external blind slats placed in the upper part of the blind. In the same way as in the embodiment of Venetian blinds, the sensor can be charged when the roller blind is raised, if the distance between the transmitting unit and the sensor is less than a threshold value Sd.

[0118] For example, the invention can also be applied to internal solar protection of the roller blind or venetian blind type. In this example, the sensor can be placed in the lower part of the blind, in particular on the load bar. This sensor can be a sensor consisting of a motion detection unit capable of detecting an impact corresponding to a command to raise or lower the blind, or a detection unit consisting of touch-sensitive keys constituting a control keyboard allowing the user to control the movement of the blind. As in the previous example, the transmitting unit is associated with an actuator allowing the blind to move. In this case, the transmitting unit can also transmit energy to a sensor present in the lower part of the blind when the blind is in the folded state.

Claims

1. A sensor, which is intended to be located on a mobile part of a deployable structure and transmits an information signal to a transmitting unit located on a fixed part of the deployable structure, wherein the sensor include: - a wireless transmitter / receiver configured to receive an incident signal from said transmitting unit according to a first operating mode; - Independent energy; - a converter configured to convert an incident signal into an electric current and to use the electric current to power the independent energy source; - a logic processing unit, which is adapted to determine, according to a second operation mode, that the wireless transmitter / receiver transmits an information signal to the transmitting unit, and the independent energy source is configured to supply power to the logic processing unit; The first mode of operation corresponds to operation of the sensor in a folded position of the deployable structure, and the second mode of operation corresponds to operation of the sensor in a deployed position of the deployable structure.

2. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a motion detection unit, the motion detection unit being configured to detect the movement of the deployable structure, and the logic processing unit being configured to decide on the transmission of the information signal based on the movement of the deployable structure detected by the motion detection unit.

3. The sensor according to claim 2, wherein the threshold between the deployed position and the folded position of the deployable structure is determined according to the amount of current generated by the conversion of the incident signal. 4 . The sensor according to claim 2 , wherein the sensor is configured to send a status signal at regular intervals when the deployable structure is in the deployed position, the status signal comprising at least one piece of information regarding the status of the sensor.

5. The sensor of claim 2, wherein the sensor is configured to send a charging signal when the deployable structure is in the folded position, the charging signal comprising at least one piece of information regarding a status of the independent energy source. The sensor of claim 2 , wherein the first operating mode is a default operating mode of the sensor.

7. The sensor of claim 1, wherein a threshold between the deployed position and the folded position of the deployable structure is determined based on an amount of current generated by conversion of an incident signal.

8. The sensor of claim 7, wherein the sensor is configured to transmit a status signal at regular intervals when the deployable structure is in the deployed position, the status signal comprising at least one piece of information regarding a status of the sensor.

9. The sensor of claim 7, wherein the sensor is configured to send a charging signal when the deployable structure is in the folded position, the charging signal comprising at least one piece of information regarding a status of the independent energy source.

10. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to transmit a status signal at regular intervals when the deployable structure is in the deployed position, the status signal comprising at least one piece of information regarding a status of the sensor.

11. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to send a charging signal when the deployable structure is in a folded position, the charging signal comprising at least one piece of information regarding a status of the independent energy source.

12. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the first operating mode is a default operating mode of the sensor.

13. An assembly comprising a sensor and a transmitting unit located on a fixed part of a deployable structure, wherein the transmitting unit is configured to send a position change control signal of the deployable structure to an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to move the deployable structure from a deployed position toward a folded position, in, The sensor is intended to be located on the mobile part of the deployable structure and transmit an information signal to a transmitting unit located on the fixed part of the deployable structure, and the sensor comprises: - a wireless transmitter / receiver configured to receive an incident signal from said transmitting unit according to a first operating mode; - Independent energy; - a converter configured to convert an incident signal into an electric current and to use the electric current to power the independent energy source; - a logic processing unit, which is adapted to determine, according to a second operation mode, that the wireless transmitter / receiver transmits an information signal to the transmitting unit, and the independent energy source is configured to supply power to the logic processing unit; The first mode of operation corresponds to operation of the sensor in a folded position of the deployable structure, and the second mode of operation corresponds to operation of the sensor in a deployed position of the deployable structure.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the transmitting unit is configured to send a control signal upon receiving an information signal from the sensor.

15. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the transmitting unit is configured to send a control signal when the transmitting unit no longer receives a status signal from the sensor.

16. A method for controlling a sensor to be located on a mobile part of a deployable structure, the method being performed by said sensor and include: - In a first operating mode corresponding to a charging mode, the sensor performs the following steps: - receiving an incident signal originating from a transmitting unit located on a fixed part of the deployable structure; - converting the incident signal into an electric current; and - using the current generated by the conversion of the incident signal to charge an independent energy source of the sensor; and - In a second operating mode corresponding to the detection and emission mode, the sensor performs the following steps: - transmitting an information signal to the transmitting unit; The first mode of operation corresponds to operation of the sensor in a folded position of the deployable structure, and the second mode of operation corresponds to operation of the sensor in a deployed position of the deployable structure.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein in the second operating mode, the sensor performs the following steps: - transmitting a status signal to the transmitting unit, the status signal comprising information about the remaining energy in the independent energy source of the sensor.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein in the first operating mode, the sensor performs the following steps: - transmitting charging information to the transmitting unit, the charging information indicating the charging level of the independent energy source.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein in the first operating mode, the sensor performs the following steps: - If the independent energy source is finished charging, then enter sleep mode.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein in the second operating mode, the sensor transmits an information signal to the transmitting unit upon detecting movement of the deployable structure.

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