Method for controlling an electromechanical actuator for a shielding device and electromechanical actuator for a shielding device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling an electromechanical actuator for a shielding device and an electromechanical actuator for a shielding device. The invention relates to a method for controlling an electromechanical actuator comprising an electronic control unit (15) and a battery (18), the electronic control unit comprising a controller (31) connected to a charger (44) and a charging circuit (32) of the battery (18), the method comprising: detecting a connection of the charger to the electromechanical actuator; when a connection is detected, determining a power profile having an amperage threshold; the charger is controlled to supply the power profile to the charging circuit. The method further comprises a first control step for charging the battery with a charging current of an amperage equal to the first amperage and a second control step for charging the battery with a charging current of an amperage equal to a second amperage strictly greater than the first amperage and less than or equal to an amperage threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling an electromechanical actuator used in a shielding device, and an associated electromechanical actuator. Background Technology

[0002] An electromechanical actuator for a closure, shield, or sunshade device includes an electronic control unit, a rechargeable battery, and an electric motor powered by the rechargeable battery to set the shield of the closure, shield, or sunshade device into motion. The electronic control unit includes: a controller embedded in the electromechanical actuator, adapted to be connected via a communication bus to a smart charger external to the electromechanical actuator; and a rechargeable battery charging circuit adapted to be connected via a power bus to the smart charger. When the rechargeable battery is charged with the smart charger, the charging circuit is powered by the smart charger via the power bus to charge the rechargeable battery, and the embedded controller communicates with the smart charger via the communication bus to exchange data. However, if data exchange occurs simultaneously with the charging of the rechargeable battery, the data exchange is interrupted, particularly due to interference caused by electromagnetic interference, which degrades the quality of the exchanged data or even renders the exchanged data unreadable by the embedded controller and the smart charger. This effect is particularly pronounced when the current flowing through the power bus to charge the rechargeable battery is high and / or the communication speed used to exchange data via the communication bus is high. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to enable data exchange with minimal interruption without interrupting the charging of the rechargeable battery.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention relates to a method for controlling an electromechanical actuator used in a shielding device, the electromechanical actuator comprising at least:

[0005] Electronic control unit, and

[0006] Rechargeable batteries

[0007] The electronic control unit includes at least:

[0008] The controller, which is connected to the charger via a communication bus, is located outside the electromechanical actuator.

[0009] A charging circuit, which is connected on one side to the rechargeable battery and the controller, and on the other side is adapted to be connected to the charger via a power bus.

[0010] This method is implemented by an electronic control unit, and the method includes at least:

[0011] The testing steps for checking the connection between the charger and the electromechanical actuator.

[0012] When a connection between the charger and the electromechanical actuator is detected, a step is taken to determine a power profile that can be supplied by the charger. This power profile is characterized by including a voltage threshold associated with an ampere threshold, and...

[0013] The charger control steps cause the charger to supply the determined power profile to the charging circuit.

[0014] According to the present invention, the method further includes at least:

[0015] A first control step involves controlling the charging circuit to charge the rechargeable battery with a charging current equal to a first ampere number for a predetermined duration, wherein the first ampere number is strictly less than an ampere number threshold.

[0016] When the predetermined time has elapsed, the second control step is to control the charging circuit to charge the rechargeable battery with a charging current equal to the second ampere number, which is strictly greater than the first ampere number and less than or equal to the ampere number threshold.

[0017] Thanks to this invention, the embedded controller and the smart charger can exchange data with each other even while the rechargeable battery is being charged. During a predetermined period, the charging current in amperes is equal to a first ampere level and low enough to limit interruptions to data exchange. Communication is performed for a predetermined time to limit the charging time of the rechargeable battery at a charging current equal to the first ampere level, resulting in slower charging than when the rechargeable battery is charged at a charging current equal to a second ampere level. This enables communication between the embedded controller and the smart charger while limiting charging time.

[0018] In other advantageous aspects of the invention, the method includes one or more of the features described below, either individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0019] The method also includes a communication step of communicating with the charger via a communication bus to enable data exchange between the controller and the charger, the communication step being performed for a predetermined duration.

[0020] The communication bus is a high-speed communication bus, and data exchange is carried out at a speed between 200kHz and 400kHz, especially at 300kHz.

[0021] During the communication process, the data exchanged between the controller and the charger is power delivery data from the USB power delivery standard.

[0022] The detection steps include at least:

[0023] The monitoring sub-step for detecting the presence of power signals on the power bus.

[0024] During the monitoring sub-step, a first detection sub-step is performed to detect the presence of a power signal on the power bus.

[0025] In response to the detection of a power signal, a first transmission sub-step involves transmitting at least one piece of information indicating the presence of a power signal from the charging circuit to the controller, and

[0026] In response to receiving information indicating the presence of a power signal, the controller performs a second detection sub-step to detect the presence of a resistance value on the communication bus.

[0027] The monitoring sub-step and the first detection sub-step are implemented by the charging circuit, and the second detection sub-step is implemented by the controller.

[0028] The steps for determining the power profile also include at least the following:

[0029] The receiving sub-step for receiving the power profile list, which is sent by the charger; and

[0030] Select the power profile selection sub-step from the list of power profiles.

[0031] The receive and select sub-steps are executed by the controller.

[0032] When the charger is connected to the electromechanical actuator, the charger automatically supplies a minimum power profile to the charging circuit. This minimum power profile differs from and is strictly lower than the power profile determined in the determination step.

[0033] Furthermore, the charging circuit is not controlled to charge the rechargeable batteries in pairs during the detection and determination steps.

[0034] The present invention also relates to an electromechanical actuator for a shielding device, the electromechanical actuator comprising at least:

[0035] Electronic control unit, and

[0036] Rechargeable batteries

[0037] The electronic control unit includes at least:

[0038] A controller adapted to be connected via a communication bus to a charger located outside the electromechanical actuator, and

[0039] A charging circuit that is connected on one side to the rechargeable battery and the controller, and on the other side is adapted to be connected to the charger via a power bus.

[0040] According to the present invention, the electronic control unit is configured to implement the steps of the method.

[0041] In other advantageous aspects of the invention, the electromechanical actuator includes one or more of the features described below, either individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0042] The electromechanical actuator also includes a connector, and the connector includes at least:

[0043] A communication pin, which is connected to the controller via a communication bus, and

[0044] The power supply pin is connected to the charging circuit via the power bus.

[0045] The connector is a Universal Serial Bus Type-C connector.

[0046] The electromechanical actuator also includes an electric motor that is electrically connected to a rechargeable battery so that it is powered by the rechargeable battery during operation. Attached Figure Description

[0047] The invention will become more apparent from the following description, given only by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a view of a shielding device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 This is a view of an electromechanical actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 This is a view of the torque support member of an electromechanical actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 This is an electrical diagram of an electromechanical actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0052] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling an electromechanical actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0053] First, refer to Figure 1 The text describes a shading or sunshade device 3. The shading or sunshade device is referred to below as a "shading device".

[0054] The shielding device 3 can be a roller blind, particularly a roller blind with rolled-up fabric, pleats, or honeycomb fabric, or a roller blind with adjustable slats. This invention is applicable to all types of shielding devices.

[0055] The shielding device 3 includes a motorized drive 5 for the shield 2, the motorized drive 5 being positioned at an opening in the building B to move the shield 2 relative to the opening in the building B. The shielding device 3 includes the shield 2.

[0056] The shielding element 2 is made of, for example, rolled-up fabric, or pleated or honeycomb fabric, or adjustable slats.

[0057] The motor drive unit 5 also includes, for example, Figure 2 The electromechanical actuator 11 is shown in the figure.

[0058] The shielding device 3 also includes a winding tube 4. The shielding member 2 can be wound onto the winding tube 4. In addition, the winding tube 4 is arranged to rotate via an electromechanical actuator 11.

[0059] Therefore, the shielding element 2 of the shielding device 3 is wound onto or unfolded around the winding tube 4, which is driven by the motor drive device 5, particularly by the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0060] Therefore, the shield 2 can move between a curled position, especially a high position, and an unfolded position, especially a low position.

[0061] The shielding element 2 of the shielding device 3 is a shielding and / or sunshade that can be wound and unfolded around the winding tube 4. The inner diameter of the shielding element 2 is larger than the outer diameter of the electromechanical actuator 11, so that the electromechanical actuator 11 can be inserted into the winding tube 4 when the shielding device 3 is assembled.

[0062] The shielding device 3 also includes a load bar 8 for applying tension to the shield 2. In the assembly configuration of the shielding device 3, the first end of the shield 2, particularly the upper end of the shield 2, is fixed to the winding tube 4. Furthermore, in the assembly configuration of the shielding device 3, the second end of the shield 2, particularly the lower end of the shield 2, is fixed to the load bar 8.

[0063] Electromechanical actuator 11, particularly tubular electromechanical actuator, allows the wound tube 4 to rotate about the axis of rotation X, so that the shield 2 of the shielding device 3 can be moved, particularly unfolded or rolled up.

[0064] With the shielding device 3 installed, the electromechanical actuator 11 is inserted into the winding tube 4.

[0065] The shielding device 3 includes a retaining device 23. The retaining device 23 may include two support members. The support members are specifically arranged at one end of the wound tube 4 in the assembly configuration of the shielding device 3. Thus, the wound tube 4 is held by the support members. The support members allow the shielding device 3 to be mechanically connected to the structure of the building B, and in particular to the wall of the building B.

[0066] Now refer to Figures 2 to 4 Describe electromechanical actuator 11.

[0067] The electromechanical actuator 11 includes an electronic control unit 15, an electric motor 16, and a rechargeable battery 18. The electronic control unit 15 is connected to the rechargeable battery 18 and the electric motor 16.

[0068] The electromechanical actuator 11 also includes a housing 17, particularly a hollow tubular housing. The electric motor 16 is specifically mounted inside the housing 17 in the assembly configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0069] The rechargeable battery 18 is specifically installed inside the housing 17 in the assembly configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0070] Alternatively, not shown in the figures, the rechargeable battery 18 is external to the electromechanical actuator 11, in which case the rechargeable battery 18 is connected to the electronic control unit 15 via a power cable. The housing 17 includes a first end 17a and a second end 17b. The second end 17b is opposite to the first end 17a. Here, the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is cylindrical in shape, particularly rotationally symmetrical about the axis of rotation X, and open at each of the ends 17a, 17b of the housing 17.

[0071] The electromechanical actuator 11 also includes an output shaft 20. The output shaft 20 is specifically arranged in the assembly configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11, that is, configured to be arranged on one side of the second end 17b of the housing 17.

[0072] The electromechanical actuator 11 also includes a gearbox. The gearbox is connected to the electric motor 16 in the assembly configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11, that is, it is configured to be connected to the electric motor 16.

[0073] The electromechanical actuator 11 also includes a brake. The brake is configured to brake the output shaft 20 and / or rotatably lock the output shaft 20 in order to adjust the rotational speed of the winding tube 4 when the shield 2 moves, and to keep the winding tube 4 locked when the electric motor 16 is electrically deactivated.

[0074] The gearbox and possible brake are specifically mounted inside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 in the assembly configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0075] The electromechanical actuator 11 also includes a ring; in other words, the electromechanical actuator 11 also includes a sleeve. The ring is specifically configured in the assembly configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11 to be arranged, i.e., arranged at the first end 17a of the housing 17.

[0076] The ring is formed, i.e. constructed to form or constitute a guide carrier in the assembly configuration of the motor drive device 5 and therefore in the assembly configuration of the shielding device 3, the guide carrier guiding the winding tube 4 to rotate around the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0077] The winding tube 4 rotates about the rotation axis X and the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, and is supported by two pivoting connections. A first pivoting connection is formed at the first end of the winding tube 4 by means of a ring arranged around a first end 17a of the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11. Thus, the ring allows for load-bearing. A second pivoting connection is formed at a second end of the winding tube 4 opposite to the first end.

[0078] The electromechanical actuator 11 also includes a torque support 21, which may also be referred to as the "actuator head" or "fixed point". Figure 3 The figure shows one embodiment of the torque support member 21.

[0079] Here, the torque support 21 is specifically arranged on the first end 17a of the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 in the assembly configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0080] The torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is configured to attach the electromechanical actuator 11 to the holding device 23, and in particular to one of the supports.

[0081] Therefore, the torque support 21 allows the absorption of loads applied by the electromechanical actuator 11, particularly the torque applied by the electromechanical actuator 11 relative to the structure of building B. Advantageously, the torque support 21 also allows the bearing of loads applied by the winding tube 4, particularly the weight of the winding tube 4, the electromechanical actuator 11, and the shield 2, and ensures that such loads are absorbed by the structure of building B.

[0082] Torque support 21 protrudes from the first end 17a of the housing 17 of electromechanical actuator 11.

[0083] Therefore, the first part of the torque support 21 is arranged inside the housing 17 and the second part of the torque support 21 is arranged outside the housing 17.

[0084] The torque support 21 is specifically enclosed in the assembly configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11, i.e., constructed as the first end 17a of the enclosed housing 17.

[0085] In addition, the torque support member 21 of the electromechanical actuator 11 can support at least a portion of the electronic control unit 15.

[0086] The torque support 21 is specifically configured to be fixed, i.e. fixed to the housing 17, in the assembly configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11 by means of one or more fastening elements (not shown). The fastening elements may be, for example, bosses, fastening screws, resilient snap-fit ​​fastening elements, ribs in recesses, or combinations thereof.

[0087] In a first embodiment not shown, the ring is specifically arranged in the assembly configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11, i.e., configured to be arranged around a portion of the housing 17. In this case, the ring is mounted to rotate freely around the housing 17.

[0088] Alternatively, not shown, the ring is specifically arranged in the assembly configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11, i.e., configured to be arranged around the torque support 21. In this case, the ring is mounted to rotate freely around the torque support 21.

[0089] In a variant not shown, the ring is specifically arranged in the assembly configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11, i.e., configured to surround a portion of the torque support 21 on one side and the housing 17 on the other. In this case, the ring can be mounted to rotate freely about the torque support 21 on one side and about the housing 17 on the other.

[0090] The output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is arranged inside the winding tube 4 and at least partially outside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0091] Here, one end of the output shaft 20 protrudes from the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, particularly from the second end 17b of the housing 17.

[0092] Advantageously, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is configured to rotate the connecting element, i.e., to make the connecting element, also referred to as a "wheel". The connecting element is specifically connected to the winding tube 4 in the assembly configuration of the shielding device 3.

[0093] When the electromechanical actuator 11 is activated, the electric motor 16 and gearbox rotate the output shaft 20. Additionally, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 rotates the winding tube 4 via a connecting element. Therefore, the winding tube 4 rotates the shielding element 2 of the shielding device 3, causing the opening 1 of the building B to open or close.

[0094] Now refer to Figure 4 The electronic control unit 15 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is described.

[0095] The electronic control unit 15 is arranged, that is, integrated inside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0096] The electronic control unit 15 includes a controller 31 embedded in the electromechanical actuator 11 and circuitry 32 for charging the rechargeable battery 18.

[0097] The charging circuit 32 is connected to the controller 31 and the rechargeable battery 18.

[0098] The electronic control unit 15 includes at least one electronic board, on which a charging circuit 32 and a controller 31 are mounted. The electronic board is arranged inside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 in the assembly configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11. In other words, the electronic board is integrated inside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 in the assembly configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0099] The rechargeable battery 18 is configured to supply power to the electromechanical actuator 11, particularly the electronic control unit 15 and the electric motor 16.

[0100] Advantageously, the rechargeable battery 18 is a Ni-MH type rechargeable battery or a lithium-ion type rechargeable battery.

[0101] Controller 31 is, for example, a microcontroller. Here, and by way of a non-limiting example, controller 31 is an STM32G0B1CE microcontroller.

[0102] In one embodiment of the motor drive unit 5, the controller 31 specifically includes a combination of software components, commonly referred to as a USB power delivery stack, also known as a USB-PD stack.

[0103] The electromechanical actuator 11 advantageously includes a management module 26 for the rechargeable battery 18, which is connected between the rechargeable battery 18 and the charging circuit 32.

[0104] The electromechanical actuator 11 advantageously includes a connector 28. The connector 28 includes a power pin 33 connected to the charging circuit 32 via a power bus 34, and a communication pin 35 connected to the controller 31 via a communication bus 36, such as... Figure 4 As can be seen in the image. Advantageously, connector 28 is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C connector, also known as USB-C.

[0105] Advantageously, the power bus 34 and the communication bus 36 are included in the same flexible flat cable (FFC) strip. For example, the FFC strip is at least 1 cm long, and the cable included in the FFC strip is unshielded.

[0106] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 also includes a protection module 40. Figure 4In the example shown, protection module 40 is connected in parallel with switch 42 located on power bus 34. Protection module 40 is configured to control switch 42. When switch 42 is open, the connection between power pin 33 and charging circuit 32 is interrupted.

[0107] Figure 4 The smart charger 44 shown is configured to be connected to the electromechanical actuator 11. The smart charger 44 is external to the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0108] The smart charger 44 is, for example, a smart charger connected to a power supply source, such as a trunk line, or an auxiliary power unit that allows electronic devices to be recharged without the use of a power outlet, such as another battery outside the electromechanical actuator 11. In this case, the auxiliary power unit is usually referred to as a "power bank".

[0109] The smart charger 44 includes hardware and software elements adapted to communicate with the controller 31 of the electromechanical actuator 11 via the communication bus 36.

[0110] Typically, the smart charger 44 is configured by default to supply the minimum power profile PDO_min to the power bus 34. The smart charger 44 can also provide, i.e., be configured to provide a power profile list PDO_N via the communication bus 36. The smart charger 44 is also configured to negotiate power profile PDOs from the power profile list PDO_N with the controller 31 via the communication bus 36. In other words, the smart charger 44 is configured to provide a power profile PDO selected by the controller 31 from the power profile list PDO_N based on commands from the controller 31.

[0111] Generally speaking, and within the meaning of this invention, a power supply profile is characterized by including a voltage threshold U associated with an ampere threshold I. Power supply profiles are typically referred to as U / I, such as 5V / 500mA, 6V / 2A, 15V / 1A, etc.

[0112] According to an embodiment of the smart charger 44, the smart charger 44 includes hardware and software components compatible with the "USB Power Delivery" standard, also known as "USB-PD", and in particular the "USB Power Delivery 3.0" standard, also known as "USB-PD 3.0". In other words, the smart charger 44 includes hardware and software components configured to implement the aforementioned standards.

[0113] According to one embodiment of the smart charger 44, the smart charger 44 is a smart charging station configured to charge the rechargeable battery 18 of the electromechanical actuator 11 and to configure or update the software elements of the electronic control unit 15 of the electromechanical actuator 11, or to configure the electromechanical actuator 11 and update the software elements of the electronic control unit 15 of the electromechanical actuator 11. In this embodiment, the smart charging station includes hardware and software elements adapted to communicate with the controller 31 via a communication bus 36, data for configuring the electromechanical actuator, or data for updating the software elements of the electronic control unit 15, or data for configuring the electromechanical actuator 11 and updating the software elements of the electronic control unit 15.

[0114] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 is configured to connect to the smart charger 44 via connector 28. If connector 28 is a USB-C connector, then the smart charger 44 is a USB-C charger with "power delivery" functionality.

[0115] The controller 31 is configured to control the charging circuit 32 and to charge the rechargeable battery 18 from the smart charger 44.

[0116] Now refer to Figure 5 A method for controlling an electromechanical actuator 11 is described. The method is implemented by an electronic control unit 15, and at least some steps of the method are implemented by a controller 31.

[0117] The control method includes a detection step 102 that detects the connection between the smart charger 44 and the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0118] Advantageously, the connection detection between the smart charger 44 and the electromechanical actuator 11 is performed by detecting the connection between the smart charger 44 and the connector 28.

[0119] Advantageously, when the smart charger 44 is connected to the electromechanical actuator 11, the smart charger 44 automatically supplies the minimum power profile PDO_min to the charging circuit 32 via the power bus 34. In other words, the smart charger 44 is provided, or configured to provide, the minimum power profile PDO_min by default via the power bus 34.

[0120] The minimum power profile PDO_min is characterized by including a minimum voltage threshold U_min associated with an ampere threshold I_min. In one embodiment of the smart charger 44, the minimum power profile PDO_min is characterized by including a minimum voltage threshold U_min equal to 5 volts associated with a minimum ampere threshold I_min equal to 500 mA, in which case the minimum power profile PDO_min is expressed as 5V / 500mA.

[0121] Advantageously, detection step 102 includes at least:

[0122] Monitoring sub-step 1021 for monitoring the presence of the power signal VBUS on the power bus 34.

[0123] During monitoring sub-step 1021, a first detection sub-step 1022 is performed to detect the presence of a power signal VBUS on the power bus 34.

[0124] In response to the detection of the presence of a power signal VBUS, a first transmission sub-step 1023 transmits at least one piece of information indicating the presence of a power signal VBUS from the charging circuit 32 to the controller 31, and

[0125] In response to receiving information indicating the presence of a power signal VBUS, the controller 31 detects a second detection sub-step 1024 where a resistance value is detected on the communication bus.

[0126] Monitoring sub-step 1021 and first detection sub-step 1022 are implemented by charging circuit 32, and second detection sub-step 1024 is implemented by controller 31.

[0127] Advantageously, when performing detection step 102, the power signal VBUS is generated by the smart charger 44 according to the minimum power profile PDO_min.

[0128] Therefore, detection step 102 enables controller 31 to be informed of the presence of power signal VBUS on power bus 34 via charging circuit 32 and in response to the presence of a detected resistance value on communication bus 36, the presence of the resistance value indicates to controller 31 the possibility of exchanging messages with smart charger 44 via communication bus 36.

[0129] When the connection between the smart charger 44 and the electromechanical actuator 11 is detected, the control method further includes a determination step 104 of determining a power profile PDO that can be supplied by the smart charger 44. The power profile PDO is characterized by including a voltage threshold U_N associated with an ampere threshold I_N, and the power profile PDO is expressed as U_N / I_N.

[0130] Advantageously, the minimum power profile PDO_min differs from and is strictly lower than the power profile PDO determined during determination step 104. In other words, the minimum voltage threshold U_min differs from and is strictly lower than the voltage threshold U_N determined during determination step 104, and the minimum ampere threshold I_min differs from and is strictly lower than the ampere threshold I_N determined during determination step 104.

[0131] Advantageously, step 104 further includes at least:

[0132] The controller 31 receives the power profile list PDO_N in sub-step 106, whereby the power profile list PDO_N is sent by the smart charger 44.

[0133] The controller 31 selects the power profile PDO from the power profile list PDO_N in the selection sub-step 108.

[0134] Here, and as previously described, the power profile list PDO_N includes multiple power profiles PDO1, PDO2, ..., PDON that can be supplied by the smart charger 44. This list includes, for example, the following power profiles: 5V / 500mA, 6V / 2A, 15V / 1A, and may include additional or different profiles.

[0135] Advantageously, the profile selected during the selection sub-step 108 is adapted to charge the rechargeable battery 18 via the charging circuit 32.

[0136] Advantageously, the power profile list PDO_N is sent from the smart charger 44 to the controller 31 via communication pin 35 and communication bus 36.

[0137] Advantageously, the power profile PDO selected during selection sub-step 108 is selected relative to a predetermined power profile stored in the memory of controller 31. The predetermined power profile is selected, for example, by the manufacturer of electromechanical actuator 11.

[0138] Advantageously, the power profile PDO selected during selection step 108 is equal to 15V / 1A, which allows for efficient charging of the rechargeable battery 18 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0139] Alternatively, the power profile PDO selected in selection sub-step 108 is chosen from the power profile list PDO_N by comparing it with a predetermined power profile stored in the memory of controller 31, so as to have the greatest similarity to the predetermined power profile. For example, the selected power profile is the one with the voltage closest to the predetermined power profile, or the current closest to the predetermined power profile. In another example, the similarity between the power profiles in the power profile list PDO_N and the predetermined power profile is calculated based on both the voltage threshold and the ampere threshold of the power profile.

[0140] Alternatively, for example during the manufacture of the electromechanical actuator 11, a list of authorized power profiles arranged in priority order is pre-stored in the memory of the controller 31, and the controller 31 selects the power profile PDO with the highest priority from the list PDO_N provided by the smart charger 44.

[0141] Advantageously, when performing detection step 102 and determination step 104, the charging circuit 32 is not controlled to charge the rechargeable battery 18. In this way, the rechargeable battery 18 is not charged by the charging circuit 32 until the controller 31 has selected a suitable power profile for charging the rechargeable battery 18.

[0142] The control method further includes the following control step 110: controlling the smart charger 44 such that it supplies the charging circuit 32 with the power profile PDO determined in the determination step 104, for example, a 15V / 1A power profile. In control step 110, the controller 31 transmits the determined power profile PDO to the smart charger 44 via the communication bus 36 and the communication pin 35.

[0143] Once control step 110 has been executed—in other words, once controller 31 has controlled smart charger 44 to supply the determined power profile PDO to charging circuit 32—controller 31 executes first control step 112, which controls charging circuit 32 to charge rechargeable battery 18 with a charging current equal to the first ampere number I_1, which is strictly less than the ampere number threshold I_N. Therefore, charging circuit 32 charges rechargeable battery 18 with a lower ampere number than the power profile PDO commanded by controller 31 to smart charger 44 during control step 110 for the predetermined duration Tcom. In this way, the current flowing through power bus 34 during the predetermined time Tcom is minimized, but not zero, thus minimizing electromagnetic interference between power bus 34 and communication bus 36, while simultaneously initiating slow charging of rechargeable battery 18. For example, the first ampere number I_1 is equal to 100mA.

[0144] Advantageously, the predetermined duration Tcom is calculated from the moment when the smart charger 44 supplies the power profile PDO to the charging circuit 32 in response to the control step 110 of the smart charger 44. The predetermined duration Tcom is advantageously on the order of several minutes, for example, two minutes.

[0145] Advantageously, the control method also includes a communication step 114 that communicates a predetermined time Tcom with the smart charger 44 via the communication bus 36 so as to enable the exchange of data between the controller 31 and the smart charger 44.

[0146] Advantageously, the communication bus 36 is a high-speed communication bus, and data exchange is carried out at a speed in the range of 200 kHz to 400 kHz, especially at a speed of 300 kHz.

[0147] Advantageously, the data is from the "USB Power Delivery" standard, also known as "USB-PD", and in particular from the "Power Delivery 3.0" standard, also known as "USB-PD 3.0".

[0148] Alternatively, the exchanged data may be data for configuring the electromechanical actuator 11, or data for updating the software elements of the electronic control unit 15, or data for configuring the electromechanical actuator 11 and updating the software elements of the electronic control unit 15.

[0149] When the predetermined time Tcom has elapsed, the controller 31 implements a second control step 116 to control the charging circuit 32 to charge the rechargeable battery 18 with a charging current equal to a multiple of the second ampere number I_2, wherein the second ampere number I_2 is strictly greater than the first ampere number I_1.

[0150] Advantageously, the second ampere I_2 is equal to the ampere threshold I_N of the determined power profile PDO. For example, when the power profile PDO determined by determination step 104 is a 15V / 1.5A power profile, the second ampere I_2 is equal to 1.5A.

[0151] In the second control step 116, the charging circuit 32 remains connected to the smart charger 44 and is supplied with the power profile PDO determined in determination step 104 by the smart charger 44. In this way, the rechargeable battery 18 is charged faster than during the predetermined time Tcom because the charging circuit 32 charges the rechargeable battery 18 at a number of amperes that is significantly greater than the number of amperes charged to the rechargeable battery during the predetermined time Tcom.

[0152] Advantageously, the second control step 116 further includes a stop sub-step 1161 for charging the rechargeable battery 18, the stop step 1161 being implemented by the charging circuit 32 such that when the charge level of the rechargeable battery 18 reaches or exceeds a charging threshold, the charging circuit 32 stops charging the rechargeable battery 18 at a second ampere number I_2.

[0153] Advantageously, the second control step 116 further includes a monitoring sub-step 1162, which is implemented by the charging circuit 32 after the stop sub-step 1161, such that the charging circuit 32 monitors the value of the charge level of the rechargeable battery 18, and if the value of the charge level is strictly less than the charging threshold, the charging circuit 32 recharges the rechargeable battery 18 at a second ampere I_2.

[0154] Advantageously, the control method also includes a second step of detecting that the smart charger 44 is disconnected from the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0155] Advantageously, the second detection step 118 includes at least:

[0156] Monitoring sub-step 1181 for monitoring the presence of the power signal VBUS on the power bus 34.

[0157] During monitoring sub-step 1181, a detection sub-step 1182 is performed to detect the absence of the power signal VBUS on the power bus 34.

[0158] In response to the detection of the presence of a power signal VBUS, a first transmission sub-step 1183 transmits at least one piece of information indicating the presence of a power signal VBUS from the charging circuit 32 to the controller 31, and

[0159] In response to receiving a message indicating that there is no VBUS power signal, the control circuit 32 is controlled to stop charging the rechargeable battery 18 in control sub-step 1184.

[0160] The monitoring sub-step 1181 and the detection sub-step 1182 are implemented by the charging circuit 32, and the control sub-step 1184 is implemented by the controller 31.

[0161] This method is advantageously implemented each time the controller 31 detects that the smart charger 44 is connected to the electromechanical actuator 11 via the connector 28.

[0162] Advantageously, in the event of an electrical fault between the smart charger 44 and the charging circuit 32, such as a short circuit or overcurrent, the protection module 40 commands the switch 42 to open in order to protect the charging circuit 32.

[0163] Advantageously, in the event of an electrical fault or malfunction in the rechargeable battery 18, such as if the temperature of the rechargeable battery 18 is too high, the management module 26 of the rechargeable battery 18 interrupts the connection between the charging circuit 32 and the rechargeable battery 18 to avoid damage to the rechargeable battery 18.

[0164] Advantageously, the controller 31 also includes hardware and software devices suitable for controlling the electric motor 16.

[0165] Advantageously, the controller 31 also includes a command and instruction receiving module, which may be wired or wireless. Movement commands, for example, come from a remote control device operated by the user to move the shield 2.

[0166] Waiting for a predetermined duration—during which the rechargeable battery 18 is charged by a charging current at a first ampere level—allows communication step 114 to occur without the risk of interference or even unreadable signals exchanged on the communication bus 36, a risk that would render communication on the communication bus 36 impossible. This also allows for the use of an unshielded FFC strip between connector 28, charging circuit 32, and controller 31, thereby reducing the cost of the electromechanical actuator 11 without degrading communication quality or completely interrupting the predetermined charging time Tcom for the rechargeable battery 18.

[0167] Any feature described for one of the foregoing embodiments or variations may be implemented for other embodiments and variations described above to the extent technically feasible.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an electromechanical actuator (11) used in a shielding device (3), said electromechanical actuator (11) comprising at least: Electronic control unit (15), and Rechargeable battery (18), The electronic control unit (15) includes at least: A controller (31) is connected to a charger (44) via a communication bus (36), the charger (44) being external to the electromechanical actuator (11), and A charging circuit (32) is connected on one hand to the rechargeable battery (18) and the controller (31), and on the other hand to the charger (44) via a power bus (34). The method is implemented by the electronic control unit (15), and the method includes at least: The detection step (102) detects the connection between the charger (44) and the electromechanical actuator (11). When the connection between the charger (44) and the electromechanical actuator (11) is detected, a step (104) is taken to determine a power profile (PDO) that can be supplied by the charger (44), the power profile (PDO) being characterized by including a voltage threshold (U_N) associated with an ampere threshold (I_N), and The control step (110) controls the charger (44) to supply the determined power profile (PDO) to the charging circuit (32). The method is characterized in that it further comprises at least: A first control step (112) controls the charging circuit (32) to charge the rechargeable battery (18) with a charging current equal to a first ampere number for a predetermined duration (Tcom), wherein the first ampere number is strictly less than the ampere number threshold (I_N), and When the predetermined time (Tcom) has elapsed, a second control step (116) is performed to control the charging circuit (32) to charge the rechargeable battery (18) with a charging current equal to the second ampere number, the second ampere number being strictly greater than the first ampere number and less than or equal to the ampere number threshold (I_N).

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a communication step (114) of communicating with the charger (44) via the communication bus (36) to realize the exchange of data between the controller (31) and the charger (44), the communication step (114) being performed for the predetermined duration (Tcom).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The communication bus (36) is a high-speed communication bus, and the data exchange is carried out at a speed in the range of 200 kHz to 400 kHz.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The communication bus (36) is a high-speed communication bus, and the data exchange is carried out at a speed of 300 kHz.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein, During the communication step (114), the data exchanged between the controller (31) and the charger (44) is power delivery type data of the USB power delivery standard.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The detection step (102) includes at least: The monitoring sub-step (1021) monitors the presence of a power signal (VBUS) on the power bus (34). During the monitoring sub-step (1021), a first detection sub-step (1022) is performed to detect the presence of the power signal (VBUS) on the power bus (34). In response to the detection of the presence of the power signal (VBUS), a first transmission sub-step (1023) transmits at least one piece of information indicating the presence of the power signal (VBUS) from the charging circuit (32) to the controller (31), and In response to receiving information indicating the presence of the power supply signal (VBUS), the controller (31) performs a second detection sub-step (1024) to detect the presence of a resistance value on the communication bus (36). The monitoring sub-step (1021) and the first detection sub-step (1022) are implemented by the charging circuit (32), and the second detection sub-step (1024) is implemented by the controller (31).

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The determination step (104) of determining the power profile (PDO) further includes at least: The receiving sub-step (106) of receiving a power profile list, the power profile list (PDO_N) being sent by the charger (44); and The selection sub-step (108) involves selecting the power profile (PDO) from the power profile list (PDO_N). The receiving sub-step (106) and the selection sub-step (108) are executed by the controller (31).

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, When the charger (44) is connected to the electromechanical actuator (11), the charger (44) automatically supplies a minimum power profile to the charging circuit (32), which is different from and strictly lower than the power profile (PDO) determined in the determination step (104). Furthermore, when the detection step (102) and the determination step (104) are executed, the charging circuit (32) is not controlled to charge the rechargeable battery (18).

9. An electromechanical actuator (11) for a shielding device (3), said electromechanical actuator (11) comprising at least: Electronic control unit (15), and Rechargeable battery (18), The electronic control unit (15) includes at least: A controller (31) is connected to the charger (44) via a communication bus (36), the charger (44) being external to the electromechanical actuator (11), and A charging circuit (32) is connected on one hand to the rechargeable battery (18) and the controller (31), and on the other hand is adapted to be connected to the charger (44) via the power bus (34). The electronic control unit (15) is characterized in that it is configured to implement the steps of the method according to claim 1.

10. The electromechanical actuator (11) according to claim 9, further comprising a connector (28), wherein the connector (28) comprises at least: A communication pin (35) is connected to the controller (31) via the communication bus (36), and A power supply pin (33) is connected to the charging circuit (32) via the power supply bus (34).

11. The electromechanical actuator (11) according to claim 10, wherein, The connector (28) is a Universal Serial Bus Type-C connector.

12. The electromechanical actuator (11) according to claim 9, the electromechanical actuator (11) further comprising an electric motor (16) electrically connected to the rechargeable battery (18) so as to be powered by the rechargeable battery (18) in operation.

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