Drive device for a winding device of a darkening device

Abstract

Winding device for a roll-up screen of a blackout installation comprising a longitudinal axis winding assembly (X) and a drive device for rotating the winding assembly about its longitudinal axis (X), said drive device comprising a tubular housing in which are disposed an electric motor, one or more power batteries, a control circuit and a human-machine interface (16) accessible through a side wall of the housing, in which the winding assembly (6) comprises a winding tube and a crown (28), in which said crown (28) is mounted at a longitudinal end of the winding tube (and has an outside diameter equal to that of the winding tube) and in which the crown (28) has in its side wall an access zone (26) for the human-machine interface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND PREVIOUS ART

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device for a winding device of a blackout installation.

[0002] A shading system includes a motorized drive mechanism that rotates a roller tube onto which a screen is wound and unwound. The screen can be a shutter or a solar protection screen.

[0003] The drive device includes an electromechanical actuator, generally cylindrical in shape, partially inserted into the winding tube. The electromechanical actuator comprises a torque support and a housing containing an electric motor, one or more rechargeable power batteries, and a control circuit for the electromechanical actuator.

[0004] The torque support comprises a first part, called the head, and a body. The head includes a human-machine interface that allows the user, for example, to program the electromechanical actuator or to recharge the battery or batteries. The human-machine interface includes, for example, a connector for a charging cable or a cable connected to an external programming tool for programming the electromechanical actuator, one or more buttons, or an indicator light.

[0005] Traditionally, the head of the electromechanical actuator is partly located outside the body of the electromechanical actuator, in particular partly located outside the winding tube to allow easy access to the human-machine interface by the user.

[0006] On the figure 1 , we can see a state-of-the-art 4' blackout installation mounted above an opening O. The screen 2' is partially unrolled.

[0007] The shading device is fixed at its longitudinal ends 4.1', 4.2' above the opening O to be shading by means of brackets 6.1', 6.2' fixed to the wall. The mounting is achieved, for example, by a mounting accessory connected to the bracket 6.2' at one end and by the torque support of the electromechanical actuator 8' at the other end. The winding tube is mounted freely for rotation on one side on the mounting accessory, which acts as a bearing, and on the other side on a ring mounted freely for rotation on the housing of the electromechanical actuator. This mounting generally results in a gap between each lateral edge of the screen and a corresponding edge of the opening. This gap, called a "light gap" in Anglo-Saxon terminology, allows light to pass through. The aim is to reduce this gap, or even eliminate it.Furthermore, the presence of the torque support and mainly the 8' head of the electromechanical actuator protruding from the winding tube results in a non-centred position of the blackout screen 2' relative to the opening and therefore a different clearance on either side of the blind.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to improve the visual aesthetics of the shading system, particularly by minimizing light play, but it is important to maintain access to the human-machine interface. An existing shading installation can thus be upgraded. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is therefore one of the aims of this application to provide a drive device for a winding assembly for a screen winding device which does not have the disadvantages mentioned above, in particular allowing the light gap to be reduced while retaining the functionalities of the drive device made available to a user or installer.

[0010] The stated objective is achieved by a drive device for a winding assembly. The drive device is designed to rotate the winding tube around its axis. The drive device comprises a torque support and a tubular housing containing an electric motor. The drive device also includes one or more power batteries, a control circuit, and a human-machine interface accessible via a longitudinal section of the side wall of the motorized drive device. This longitudinal section has an outside diameter equal to or substantially equal to that of the housing. Advantageously, the longitudinal section forms an extension of the housing.

[0011] The drive device is intended to be housed at least partially in a winding tube in a winding assembly of a winding device, the winding assembly comprising the winding tube and a crown of which a first longitudinal part is mounted in a longitudinal end of the winding tube and a second longitudinal part protrudes from the winding tube as an extension thereof and whose outside diameter is substantially equal to the inside diameter of the winding tube, said second longitudinal part of the crown comprising an access zone to the human-machine interface.

[0012] The crown extends the winding tube and forms a fully integrated end of the winding tube around which the screen will wind. The human-machine interface, accessible on a side wall of the motorized drive unit, is then accessed through the crown's access point. It can thus be relocated to a tubular section internal to the winding assembly, avoiding its integration into the head section of the torque support. The thickness of the head section of the torque support, considered in the axial direction of the winding device, can therefore be reduced or even eliminated. Thanks to the invention, the drive unit can then be entirely housed within the winding assembly formed by the tube and the crown.

[0013] This blackout system allows the use of standard roller tubes, without any special cutting other than cutting to length.

[0014] Reducing or eliminating the thickness of the head part of the torque support, which is external to the winding assembly, thus reduces the light gap.

[0015] Thanks to the invention, the blackout device comprising the winding device and the screen can be mounted centered above the opening.

[0016] Access to the human-machine interface occurs when the screen is fully or almost fully extended. The winding mechanism is then advantageously configured so that, in this state, the human-machine interface of the drive unit is aligned with the access area of ​​the ring. The initial mounting position thus ensures that the human-machine interface of the drive unit is aligned with the access area of ​​the ring.

[0017] Preferably, the crown is axially fixed to the drive device and rotationally fixed to the winding tube. In one embodiment, the crown is axially fixed to the drive device by means of tabs that clip onto the housing or torque support of the drive device.

[0018] The invention makes it possible to retain existing winding tubes and adapt them to a headless electromechanical actuator.

[0019] The present invention then relates to a device for rotating a winding assembly around a longitudinal axis, said drive device comprising a torque support and a tubular housing in which an electric motor is housed, the drive device also comprising one or more power batteries, a control circuit and a human-machine interface accessible at the level of a side wall of a longitudinal part of the drive device, said longitudinal part having an outside diameter equal to that of the tubular housing.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a winding device for a roll-up screen of a blackout installation comprising a drive device according to the invention and a longitudinal axis winding assembly, said drive device being at least partially housed in the winding tube, the winding assembly comprising a winding tube and a crown, said crown comprising a first longitudinal part mounted in a longitudinal end of the winding tube and a second longitudinal part projecting from the winding tube as an extension thereof and having an outside diameter equal to that of the winding tube, said crown comprising, in a lateral wall of the second longitudinal part, an access zone for the human-machine interface.

[0021] Preferably, the human-machine interface includes at least one charging connector and the access area includes an opening to allow access to the charging connector.

[0022] The winding device advantageously includes means for rotationally securing the crown to the winding tube. The winding device may also include means for axially securing the crown to the drive device. For example, the securing means include a groove in the drive device and elements projecting radially inward from the second longitudinal portion of the crown, configured to fit into said groove.

[0023] In an advantageous example, the winding tube is made of metallic material and the crown is made of a material permeable to electromagnetic waves. The drive device can then include a module for receiving commands in the form of electromagnetic waves, comprising at least one antenna, the antenna being housed in the winding assembly axially opposite the crown, in particular opposite the second longitudinal part of the crown.

[0024] The torque support of the drive device can advantageously be made of a material permeable to electromagnetic waves and in which the antenna is housed.

[0025] Advantageously, the winding device includes alignment means for aligning the access area and the human-machine interface. These alignment means include, for example, detection means for determining the angular position of the winding coil relative to the drive unit. The control circuit can be configured to move the winding assembly to an angular position in which the human-machine interface is accessible through the access area. The control circuit is advantageously configured to move the winding assembly to an angular position in which the human-machine interface is accessible through the access area when the charge level of the battery or batteries is below a given threshold.

[0026] The present invention also relates to a blackout installation comprising a winding device according to the invention and a screen fixed to the winding assembly by an upper edge, along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuation assembly, but offset on the circumference of the winding assembly substantially by an angle between 90° and 270° with respect to the angular position of the access zone of the crown.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a method for recharging a winding device according to the invention, comprising: a) Measurement of the charge level of the power supply battery(ies), b) Detection of a charge level below a given threshold, c) Emission of a warning signal, d) Activation of the winding device so as to make the human-machine interface accessible through the access area, e) Recharging of the battery(ies) by connecting a charging device to the connector of the human-machine interface.

[0028] The emission of the warning signal is advantageously prior to the activation of the drive device so as to warn a user that the battery or batteries need recharging and the activation of the drive device is controlled by the user.

[0029] For example, the activation of the drive device is automatically controlled by the control circuit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] This application will be better understood with the help of the following description and the attached drawings, which: There figure 1 is a schematic representation of an opening equipped with a state-of-the-art shading device, The figure 2 is a front view of a blackout installation according to an embodiment of the invention fixed to the ceiling, The figure 3A is a perspective view of an example of the blackout installation of the figure 2 With the screen fully extended and the human-machine interface accessible, the figure 3B is a view similar to that of the figure 3A With a charging cable connected to the charging connector of the human-machine interface, the figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the winding device of the figure 3A , There figure 5 is a detailed view of the figure 4 at the connection between the winding tube and the crown, The figure 6is a detailed view of the figure 4 at the human-machine interface level, The figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the winding device of the figure 3A in a plane orthogonal to the cutting plane of the figure 4 , There figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a winding device according to another embodiment, The figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a winding device according to another embodiment, The Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a winding device according to another embodiment, The figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a winding device according to another embodiment, The figure 12 represents a flowchart of an example of a method for activating the winding device according to the invention in a mode of access to the human-machine interface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0031] On the figure 2, we can see a representation of an example of the realization of an S1 blackout installation according to the invention fixed to a ceiling P in an unrolled state.

[0032] On the Figures 3A and 3B , we can see a detailed view of the installation of the figure 2 On the figure 3B , for example, the installation is in the charging phase.

[0033] The shading system S1 comprises a winding device D1 for a screen and a screen 4. The screen 4 is, for example, a blackout screen, such as a roller shutter, or a sunshade mounted in front of an opening O (shown in dotted lines). A load bar 5 is mounted along the lower edge of the screen 4.

[0034] The winding device D1 extends along a longitudinal axis X and includes a winding assembly 6 with axis X around which the screen 4 is designed to wind and unwind between a fully wound upper position and a fully unwound lower position. The winding assembly is hollow. The screen 4 is fixed by one edge to the winding assembly 6.

[0035] On the figures 4 to 7 We can see cross-sectional views of the D1 winding device of the Figures 3A and 3B .

[0036] The winding device D1 also includes a drive device 7 that rotates about the X-axis of the winding assembly 6 visible on the figures 4 to 6 .

[0037] The drive device 7 is configured to be housed entirely within the winding assembly 6.

[0038] On the figures 4 to 7, one can see part of the drive device 7. This comprises a tubular housing 8 and, housed within the housing 8, an electromechanical actuator 7.1 including an electric motor 10, a gearbox 11, one or more power supply batteries 12 and a control circuit (not shown) for the electromechanical actuator 7.1. The electronic control circuit is mounted on an electronic board 15, such as a printed circuit board. In this example, the tubular housing 8 is a single piece ( figure 6 ).

[0039] The reducer 11 extends by means of an output shaft 7.2 extending along the X axis and engaging with the winding assembly 6, notably by means of a coupling accessory (not shown), also called a drive wheel.

[0040] The drive device, in particular the electromechanical actuator 7.1, includes a torque support 34 intended to be fixed to a wall mounting bracket or to a window frame to take up the torque of the electric motor 10. The torque support 34 closes one end of the housing of the electromechanical actuator 7.1.

[0041] The control circuit includes a command reception module, specifically for radio commands transmitted by a transmitter, such as a remote control. Alternatively, or in addition, the transmitter is a centralized control unit that operates, for example, all the blinds and shutters in a home according to predetermined scenarios.

[0042] The command reception module includes an antenna 17 enabling the reception of radio commands.

[0043] The drive unit also includes a human-machine interface 16, allowing a user to interact with the drive unit. The human-machine interface 16 is connected to the electronic board. On the figures 6 And 7 The human-machine interface 16 is supported by the electronic board 15. Alternatively, several electronic boards are implemented, one comprising the control circuit and another the human-machine interface. The human-machine interface 16 is accessible through at least one window made in a side wall of the electromechanical actuator 7.1, in particular a side wall of the housing 8 in the example of the figures 4 to 6 .

[0044] The human-machine interface 16 includes, but is not limited to, at least one charging connector 20 and / or at least one button, and / or a digital display and / or at least one indicator light such as a light-emitting diode. The button(s) may, for example, have a programming function.

[0045] On the figures 3A to 7 The human-machine interface 16 includes a charging connector 20, a button 22 and an indicator light 23. The tubular housing includes a window 18.1 for accessing the connector 20, a window 18.2 for accessing the button 22 and a window 18.3 for viewing the indicator light 23.

[0046] In this example, window 18.1 is oblong and extends perpendicularly to the axis of the device, and windows 18.2 and 18.3 are circular. It should be understood that these shapes are not exhaustive. Furthermore, it should also be understood that one or two windows may be provided to access all elements of the human-machine interface. In addition, transparent or opaque covers may be provided to close the windows, for example, temporarily.

[0047] On the figure 3B A battery charging cable C is connected to the charging connector 20. In a preferred embodiment in which the power supply batteries are rechargeable, the charging connector 20 has at least one function for connecting a cable C of a device for charging the power supply battery(ies). Optionally, the connector 20 can be connected by a cable to a programming tool.

[0048] The charging device can be the electrical grid; in this case, cable C has a connector C1 at one end that plugs into the connector of the human-machine interface 16, and a plug (not shown) at the other end that plugs into a wall socket. Alternatively, the charging device is a fast-charging device such as a power bank.

[0049] In one embodiment, connector 20 has the additional function of connecting a programming device, for example a laptop or tablet.

[0050] The connector is a standard connector, advantageously a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector, most advantageously a USB-C® type, version 3.0 or higher. Alternatively, the connector is an inductive type.

[0051] Particularly advantageous, magnetic fastening means between the human-machine interface connector and the charging device cable connector allow for easy connection, especially due to the high position of the shading installation.

[0052] The winding assembly includes a side wall 24 with an access area 26 for the human-machine interface 16.

[0053] Preferably, and as depicted on the figure 2 and on the Figures 3A and 3BThe winding device 7 is mounted above the opening O and angled so that the human-machine interface is oriented substantially horizontally or downwards, opposite the opening O that the screen must cover when it is in its fully extended lower position. This makes the human-machine interface more accessible for an installer or user. Preferably, markings are provided on the winding device to indicate the orientation of the human-machine interface and thus mount the winding device in the desired position.

[0054] The winding assembly 6 comprises a winding tube 25 with axis X and a ring 28 mounted at one longitudinal end of the winding tube and extending it.

[0055] On the figure 5 , we can see a detailed view of the crown assembly in the winding tube.

[0056] The ring 28 comprises a first longitudinal portion 28.1 mounted inside the winding tube 25 and a second longitudinal portion 28.2 outside the winding tube 25. The first longitudinal portion 28.1 has an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the winding tube 25. The second longitudinal portion 28.2 has an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the winding tube, thus forming a tubular element with a substantially constant outer diameter along its entire length. The first longitudinal portion 28.1 and the second longitudinal portion 28.2 have an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the housing 8. The ring 28 forms a bearing for the rotation of the winding assembly relative to the drive device, as will be described below.

[0057] The first longitudinal part 28.1 and the second longitudinal part 28.2 preferably have a sleeve shape connecting by a shoulder 30 against which an end face of the winding tube can rest.

[0058] Preferably, the winding device includes means for rotationally securing the coil 28 to the winding tube 25. For example, the outer diameter of the first longitudinal portion 28.1 is such that it ensures a friction-retained mounting of the coil 28 within the winding tube and rotationally immobilizes the coil 28 relative to the winding tube. Alternatively, rotational immobilization of the coil 28 relative to the winding tube 25 is achieved through a combination of shapes. For example, the inner cross-section of the winding tube 25 may be hexagonal, or have a rib or groove, and the first longitudinal portion 28.1 of the coil 28 may have a complementary outer profile.

[0059] The translational immobilization of the crown 28 relative to the winding tube 25 is achieved by friction, clipping, or any other suitable means (screw, rivet, etc.). There are few axial forces applied to the winding assembly 6. In particular, the winding device 6 advantageously includes means for axially securing the crown 28 to the drive device 25. Furthermore, the winding tube 25 is axially and rotationally fixed to the output shaft of the electromechanical actuator 7.1. Consequently, the crown 28 and the winding tube 25 are axially fixed to each other to the electromechanical actuator 7.1 and thus axially fixed relative to one another.

[0060] The translational immobilization between the winding assembly and the drive device can be achieved in different ways.

[0061] On the schematic example of the figure 8The ring 28 has radially projecting elements 31 on its inner surface, for example, fingers or a ring, and the electromechanical actuator, in particular the torque support 34 of the electromechanical actuator 7.1, is shaped to form an axial stop for the projecting elements. In this example, the electromechanical actuator has a groove 32 at its longitudinal end surrounded by the ring 28. This groove can be formed at the junction between the torque support 34 and the tubular housing 8. The elements 31 are housed in this groove 32, being attached to the end of the housing 8 and prevented from moving when the torque support 34 is attached to the housing 8. The elements 31 can be mounted with clearance in the groove 32.

[0062] In another example of implementation, schematically represented on the figure9The ring 28 has on its inner surface elastic elements 37 projecting radially inwards, for example fingers or a ring, and the electromechanical actuator has a groove 38, formed integrally in the housing or the torque support 34. The mounting of the elements 37 in the groove 38 is achieved by elastic deformation of the elements 37.

[0063] The torque support 34 may include a hood-forming element, as described in document WO2022117679. Advantageously, this hood-forming element has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the ring 28.

[0064] On the figures 3A, 3B And 7An example of an access zone 26 is shown in the side wall of the second part 28.2 of the ring 28. In this example, the access zone 26 has three openings 40.1, 40.2, and 40.3 to allow a user or installer to access the human-machine interface of the electromechanical actuator 7.1, particularly when the openings 40.1, 40.2, and 40.3 are aligned with the windows 18.1, 18.2, and 18.3, respectively, and the fabric is unrolled. In one embodiment, one or more removable covers (not shown) may be provided to cover the window 18 and / or the opening 40 when it is not in use.

[0065] Furthermore, the access area 26 may include a transparent element for viewing the screen and / or indicator lights, the transparent material advantageously forming a light guide over at least part of its surface. Alternatively, the shutter element is partly flexible to allow the buttons to be operated through it. As a further alternative, the shutter element is both flexible and transparent.

[0066] In one example, the crown is made entirely of transparent material.

[0067] The crown 28 comprises a main rigid portion. If the access area includes a flexible portion, the crown can be made of two materials, for example, by co-injection. Alternatively, the flexible portion is bonded to the rigid portion.

[0068] The winding tube is significantly longer than the crown and transmits most of the mechanical forces, particularly those applied by the electric motor and the screen. The motor is connected to the winding tube via the gearbox, output shaft, and drive wheel. Therefore, the design of the access area within the crown has little to no impact on the overall mechanical strength of the winding assembly.

[0069] Internal zones 28.3 forming a bearing between the ring 28 and the drive device can be made along the length of the ring 28, for example by making the internal diameter of the ring 28, along the length of the second longitudinal part 28.2 or only on several point portions of the second longitudinal part 28.2.

[0070] On the figure 2It can be observed that, thanks to the invention, the winding device has a symmetrical position with respect to the vertical edges of the opening, which significantly improves the visual appearance. Furthermore, the invention facilitates the installation of the blackout system.

[0071] The screen is attached to the winding tube 25 and optionally to the ring 28 by any suitable means. In the simplest way, one upper edge of the screen is attached to the winding tube by gluing, for example, using double-sided adhesive. Alternatively, a groove provided in the winding tube 25 accommodates a corresponding bead provided at the end of the screen.

[0072] Preferably, the screen is fixed along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuation assembly, but offset on the circumference of the winding assembly by an angle between 90° and 270° relative to the angular position of the access zone 26 of the ring 28. In particular, an offset of 90° ensures that, when the fabric is fully unrolled, the access zone is opposite the installer or the user, regardless of the direction of winding of the fabric.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the winding tube 25 is made of metal, for example, bent and welded sheet metal, enabling it to bear most of the loads, such as the weight of the fabric and the forces transmitted by the electric motor 10. The sprocket 28 is made of plastic, for example, unfilled polyamide 6-6 (PA 66) or any other plastic material without metallic components. Making the sprocket 28 from plastic allows, on the one hand, for a lighter winding assembly and therefore a lighter winding device, and on the other hand, for easier manufacturing, particularly the two longitudinal sections 28.1 and 28.2 and the construction of the access area in the second section 28.2.

[0074] Preferably, the ring 28 is made of a material permeable to electromagnetic waves, and the antenna 17 of the drive unit 7 is positioned so that it is surrounded by the ring 28 and not by the metal housing 8. The antenna 17 is contained within the winding assembly, improving the aesthetic appearance of the installation and reducing the risk of damage to the antenna 17. In one embodiment, the antenna 17 is external to the drive unit and internal to the winding assembly 6.

[0075] In another example of implementation shown on the figure 11The torque support 34' has a sufficiently long axial length and a hollow profile to accommodate at least part of the control circuit 14, including a portion of the electronic board and the antenna 17. The torque support 34' comprises a first part 34.1' forming a head and a second longitudinal part 34.2' located within the winding assembly and having an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the tubular housing. The human-machine interface 16 is housed within the second longitudinal part 34.2' and is accessible through a window in a side wall of the second longitudinal part. The torque support 34' is also advantageously made of a material permeable to electromagnetic waves, for example, a plastic material, and the antenna 17 is located inside this torque support 34', outside the housing 8 of the electromechanical actuator 7.1 and outside the winding tube 25.In another example, antenna 17 extends outside the winding device.

[0076] The winding assembly and therefore the access area are mobile in rotation relative to the drive device and therefore to the human-machine interface.

[0077] Furthermore, access to the human-machine interface is possible when the screen is fully or almost fully unrolled and reveals the access area 26 of the winding assembly.

[0078] The winding device is configured to ensure the alignment of the access zone 26 and the human-machine interface 16 in a position in which the access zone 26 is accessible.

[0079] In one example, an installer adjusts the angular position of the electromechanical actuator 7.1 and the winding assembly 6 so that, in the fully or almost fully unwound position, the access area and the human-machine interface are aligned, i.e., angularly opposite each other. This preferred position can be stored in the control circuit 14 as a reference position.

[0080] In another embodiment not shown, the winding device includes sensing means for detecting the position of the access zone relative to the human-machine interface. For example, the sensing means include at least one magnetized area on the ring 28 and a sensing device, such as a Hall effect sensor positioned in the electromechanical actuator, in particular belonging to the control circuit 14, such that the magnetized area of ​​the ring 28 passes at least once per revolution opposite the sensing device. This position then becomes a reference position. The angular position in which the access zone and the human-machine interface are aligned can then be located relative to this reference position.

[0081] For example, control card 14 is programmed to take into account the detection of the magnetic area by the detection device only under certain conditions.

[0082] Advantageously, a specific command is programmed such that the response to this command is to move the screen to an angular position where the human-machine interface and the access area are directly opposite each other and not obscured by a section of the rolled-up screen. This specific command corresponds to a "human-machine interface access" mode of the rolling device. The specific angular position reached in this mode is called the human-machine interface access position.

[0083] As explained above, in this "human-machine interface access" mode, the screen is unrolled sufficiently to provide access to the access area, and the human-machine interface and the access area are facing each other.

[0084] Regardless of the initial setting method for this particular angular position, whether manually by the installer or through detection means, the "human-machine interface access" mode can be implemented.

[0085] Some winding devices have a "screen replacement" mode, for example, when the screen is damaged. This mode involves unwinding the screen and exposing the connection area between the screen and the winding tube. Document FR3125081 describes such a device. It can be configured so that the specific angular position reached in the human-machine interface access mode corresponds to the screen replacement position.

[0086] This mode can be activated by pressing a key combination on the remote control to allow voluntary access to the human-machine interface, or by any other means. Voluntary activation of this mode may occur to reprogram the device and / or when a signal has been emitted indicating that the batteries need to be recharged or replaced.

[0087] Alternatively, the access mode is activated automatically, for example, when the control unit detects a need to recharge or replace the power supply batteries. For instance, when the battery charge level falls below a certain threshold, the winding device switches to interface access mode. Optionally, a signal is emitted to alert the user that the batteries need recharging. The specified charge threshold is set so that the winding device has sufficient power to unroll the screen far enough to reveal the access area.

[0088] On the figure 12A flowchart of an example of a process for activating interface access mode is shown. In step 100, the battery charge level (CH) is checked. In step 200, the charge level is compared to a given threshold (S). If the charge level (CH) is above the given threshold (S), no action is taken. If the charge level (CH) is below the threshold (S), the "human-machine interface access" mode is activated. To do this, in step 300, the control circuit sends an instruction to the drive device to unroll the screen until the access area is accessible and positioned opposite the human-machine interface. In step 400, a signal is emitted to warn the user that the batteries need recharging. Step 400 can take place simultaneously with step 300. Step 400 can take place before step 300 so that the user is not surprised by the flow of the screen.

[0089] The signal can be of any type, for example a sound and / or light signal, a message sent on a smartphone, on an email or on a terminal.

[0090] On the Figure 10 Another example of an embodiment of a drive device according to the invention can be seen in which the tubular housing comprises several parts joined together. On the Figure 10 The housing comprises a first part 108.1 and a second part 108.2 assembled with rivets 119. The human-machine interface is housed in the first part 108.1 and includes the opening(s). This example has the advantage of simplifying the device's construction since only the first part 108.1 is manipulated to create the windows, compared to the entire housing.

Claims

1. A drive device for rotating a winding assembly around a longitudinal axis (X), said drive device comprising a torque support (34) and a tubular housing (8) in which an electric motor (10) is housed, the drive device also comprising one or more power batteries (12), a control circuit (14) and a human-machine interface (16) accessible at the level of a side wall of a longitudinal part of the drive device, said longitudinal part having an outside diameter equal to that of the tubular housing (8).

2. Winding device for a roll-up screen of a blackout installation comprising a drive device according to claim 1 and a winding assembly with longitudinal axis (X), the winding assembly (6) comprising a winding tube (25) and a crown (28), said drive device being at least partially housed in the winding tube, said crown (28) comprising a first longitudinal part (28.1) mounted in a longitudinal end of the winding tube (25) and a second longitudinal part (28.2) projecting from the winding tube as an extension thereof and having an outside diameter equal to that of the winding tube (25), said crown (28) comprising, in a lateral wall of the second longitudinal part (28.2), an access zone (26) for the human-machine interface.

3. Winding device according to claim 2, wherein the human-machine interface includes at least one charging connector and wherein the access area includes an opening to allow access to the charging connector.

4. Winding device according to claim 2 or 3, comprising means for rotationally securing the crown (28) relative to the winding tube (25).

5. Winding device according to claim 4, comprising means for axially securing the crown to the drive device, the securing means advantageously comprising a groove in the drive device and elements projecting radially towards the inside of the second longitudinal part (28.2) of the crown (28) configured to be housed in said groove.

6. Winding device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the winding tube (25) is made of metallic material and the crown (28) is made of material permeable to electromagnetic waves.

7. Winding device according to the preceding claim, in which the drive device comprises a command receiving module in the form of electromagnetic waves, including at least one antenna (17), the antenna (17) being housed in the winding assembly axially opposite the ring (28), in particular opposite the second longitudinal part (28.2) of the ring (28).

8. Winding device according to the preceding claim, in which the torque support (34) of the drive device is made of a material permeable to electromagnetic waves and in which the antenna (17) is housed.

9. Winding device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, comprising alignment means for aligning the access area and the human-machine interface, said alignment means advantageously comprising detection means for locating the angular position of the crown (28) relative to the drive device.

10. Winding device according to the preceding claim, wherein the control circuit is configured to move the winding assembly into an angular position in which the human-machine interface (16) is accessible through the access area.

11. Winding device according to the preceding claim, wherein the control circuit is configured to move the winding assembly into an angular position in which the human-machine interface (16) is accessible through the access area, when the charge level of the battery or batteries is below a given threshold.

12. A blackout installation comprising a winding device according to any one of claims 2 to 11 and a screen fixed to the winding assembly by an upper edge, along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuation assembly, but offset on the circumference of the winding assembly substantially by an angle between 90° and 270° with respect to the angular position of the access zone (26) of the crown (28).

13. Method for recharging a winding device according to any one of claims 2 to 11, comprising: a) Measuring the charge level of the supply battery or batteries, b) Detecting a charge level below a given threshold, c) Emitting a warning signal, d) Activating the winding device so as to make the human-machine interface accessible through the access zone, e) Recharging the battery or batteries by connecting a charging device to the connector of the human-machine interface.

14. A charging method according to the preceding claim, wherein the emission of the warning signal is prior to the activation of the drive device so as to warn a user that the battery or batteries need to be recharged, and wherein the activation of the drive device is controlled by the user.

15. Recharging method according to claim 13, wherein the activation of the drive device is automatically controlled by the control circuit (14).

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