Method for controlling a ventilation system, associated ventilation system and ventilation installation

Abstract

This method for controlling a ventilation system includes a remote control and a ventilation grille, which incorporates battery-powered receiving means. Cyclically, the ventilation grille switches between a sleep phase (ΔTs), during which the receiving means are off, and a wake-up phase (ΔTr), during which the receiving means are on and ready to receive a control signal sent by the remote control. The control method also includes the activation of the remote control by a user, so as to send a control signal for a transmission time (ΔTt) that is longer than the sleep time (ΔTs).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a ventilation system, a ventilation system and an associated ventilation installation.

[0002] We are interested in ventilation systems comprising a ventilation grille and a remote control. Ventilation grilles are designed to renew the air inside rooms, particularly rooms intended for occupancy. Ventilation grilles include air inlets, supply vents, and exhaust vents. The ventilation grille is designed to be controlled by a user via the remote control. The ventilation grille includes an actuation device, usually electromechanical, which is configured to modify the airflow rate. As an example of use, such a ventilation grille is installed in a bathroom, allowing the user, after a shower, to increase the ventilation rate to remove the humidity generated during the shower.The ventilation outlet is advantageously equipped with a timer, and after a predetermined period, the ventilation outlet returns to its nominal configuration, in which the airflow is maintained at a nominal value, defined in particular by applicable regulations. For example, in France, the NF DTU 68.3 standard of April 2017, based on the decree of March 1982, applies to self-regulating systems, while for humidity-controlled systems, the decree of October 1983, along with documents CPT3828 and 3827 - version 6 of July 2024, applies. In the case of humidity-controlled systems, the nominal airflow is variable, depending on the humidity level.

[0003] Prior art has shown us battery-operated ventilation grilles equipped with a control cord or button. This requires the user to approach the ventilation grille in the immediate vicinity to change the airflow.

[0004] We are also familiar with ventilation grilles controlled by a radio frequency remote control. The ventilation grille thus includes a radio frequency module, which is relatively bulky and energy-intensive. Using a battery would require changing it too frequently, for example, every two months, which is impractical. Furthermore, such a ventilation grille needs to be connected to an electrical power source via a wired connection, which is inconvenient, especially during renovations. US-2004 / 067731-A1 describes such an example of a ventilation grille.

[0005] It is these problems that the invention aims to address in particular, by proposing a ventilation system that is simpler to install and use.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a method for controlling a ventilation system, the control method comprising: the supply of a ventilation system comprising a ventilation outlet, which provides an air passage and which includes: an actuating member, which is movable between several positions each corresponding to an occlusion of the air passage, each position of the actuating member corresponding to an operating state of the ventilation outlet, a control unit, with receiving means, the control unit being configured to switch the receiving means between a sleep phase and a wake-up phase, a battery compartment, configured to receive a battery for powering the control unit and the actuating member, the ventilation system also comprising a remote control, which includes transmission means capable of communicating with the receiving means of the ventilation outlet, so as to send to the ventilation outlet a control signal relating to the operating states of the ventilation outlet,in which the control method comprises: cyclically, and by means of the control unit, switching the receiving means between a sleep phase, during which the receiving means are off, and a wake-up phase, during which the receiving means are on and capable of receiving the control signal sent by the remote control; the sleep phase lasting for a predetermined sleep time, while the wake-up phase lasts for a predetermined wake-up time; the actuation, by a user, of the remote control so as to send a control signal to the control unit, by the transmission means, the transmission of the control signal taking place during a transmission time that is greater than the sleep time; the reception, by the receiving means and during the wake-up phase, of the transmitted control signal.

[0007] Thanks to the invention, the receiving devices are put into standby mode during part of their operating time, saving energy. This increases the autonomy of the ventilation outlet, reducing the frequency of battery replacement. The use of the ventilation outlet is thus simplified. Furthermore, since the outlet is battery-powered, its installation is also easier, as there is no need to run a dedicated power line. The ventilation system of the invention is therefore particularly well-suited for the renovation of premises, especially residential buildings.

[0008] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a piloting method may incorporate one or more of the following features taken individually or in any technically permissible combination: The sleep time is greater than the wake time, preferably more than 5 times the wake time, preferably more than 10 times the wake time. The sum of the sleep and wake times is between 0.5 and 10 seconds, preferably greater than 1 second and / or less than 5 seconds. The sum of the sleep and wake times is equal to one operating period of the control unit, while the transmission time is greater than 100% of the operating period, preferably greater than 120%.

[0009] The invention also relates to a ventilation system, which is configured to implement the control method as defined above, the ventilation system comprising a ventilation outlet, which provides an air passage and which includes: an actuation member, which is movable between several positions each corresponding to an occlusion of the air passage, a control unit, with receiving means, the control unit being configured to switch the receiving means between a sleep phase and a wake-up phase, a battery compartment, configured to receive an electric battery to power the control utility and the actuation member, The ventilation system also includes a remote control, which includes transmission means capable of communicating with the receiving means of the control unit, so as to send to the control unit commands relating to the operating states of the ventilation outlet.

[0010] This ventilation system induces the same advantages as those mentioned above regarding the control method of the invention.

[0011] Advantageously: The transmission means are multidirectional. The receiving and transmitting means operate according to a Bluetooth protocol, defined by the IEEE 802.15.1:2005 standard, and in particular a Bluetooth Low Emission protocol, defined by the IEEE 802.15.4:2020 standard. The remote control is a smartphone, which includes the transmission means. The ventilation outlet is either an extraction vent or a supply vent.

[0012] The invention finally relates to a ventilation installation, comprising the ventilation system as defined above, the ventilation outlet being fixed to an opening leading into the room.

[0013] The invention will be better understood, and other advantages thereof will become more apparent in the light of the following description of an embodiment of a method for controlling a ventilation system, of a ventilation system and of a ventilation installation, conforming to its principle, given solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [ Fig 1 ] there figure 1 represents respectively, on two inserts a) and b), a ventilation installation according to the invention, the ventilation installation comprising a ventilation system, also according to the invention, and a remote control belonging to the ventilation system, and [ Fig 2 ] there figure 2 represents respectively, on two inserts a) and b), two graphs illustrating the principle of a control method according to the invention.

[0014] A ventilation installation 20, according to the invention, is schematically represented in the figure 1 a) The ventilation system 20, also referred to simply as "system 20" hereafter, comprises a room, which in this case consists of a single room 22. Room 22 is, for example, a bathroom. Depending on the circumstances, room 22 is designed to accommodate one or more people.

[0015] The component 22 includes at least two openings 24, which are intended for air circulation. In the illustrated example, the installation 20 includes an air inlet 30, which is connected to one of the openings 24, and an exhaust vent 40, which is connected to the other opening 24. The air inlet 30 provides an air passage 32, which is configured to allow an incoming airflow F30 to pass through the air inlet 30. Similarly, the exhaust vent 40 provides an air passage 42, which is configured to allow an exhaust airflow F40 to pass through the exhaust vent 40.

[0016] In the illustrated example, the extraction vent 40 is fluidically connected to a ventilation unit 50, which is configured to extract the exhaust airflow F40 from room 22 and expel this exhaust airflow F40 outside room 22. By negative pressure in room 22, the incoming airflow F30 is introduced into room 22 through the air inlet 30. The system 20 is thus a so-called "single-flow" system. The incoming airflow F30 is considered to be equal to the exhaust airflow F40, neglecting any potential leaks. In a variant not shown, the air inlet 30 and the corresponding opening 24 are absent, the incoming airflow F30 passing, for example, under a door of the room, or through a ventilation grille, etc. According to another variant not shown, the principles of the invention are also applicable to a dual-flow system.In this case, the air inlet 30 is replaced by a supply vent, which is fluidically connected to a ventilation box.

[0017] The extraction vent 40 also includes an actuation element 44, here a pivoting flap, which is movable between several positions, so as to more or less close the air passage 42 of the extraction vent 40, thus influencing the flow rate of the extracted airflow F40 through the air passage 42 when the ventilation system 20 is in operation.

[0018] The extraction vent 40 is a first example of a ventilation vent of the ventilation installation 20. More generally, the actuation member 44 is switchable between several configurations, so as to influence the airflow through the air passage 42 associated with the ventilation vent, here the extraction vent 40, each configuration of the actuation member 44 being associated with an operating state of the ventilation vent.

[0019] As described below, the extraction vent 40 can be remotely controlled by means of a remote control 100, in order to adjust the position of the actuator 44, in other words, to select the operating state of the ventilation vent. The extraction vent 40 and the remote control 100 together form a ventilation system.

[0020] The extraction vent 40 includes a control unit 46, which includes receiving means 47, which are configured to receive a control signal F124 emitted by the remote control 100. For example, the control unit 46 includes an electronic board with a microprocessor and an antenna, which form the receiving means.

[0021] The extraction mouth 40 also includes a battery compartment, which is configured to receive one or more electric batteries to power the control utility 46 and the actuation member 44. The battery compartment and the battery or batteries are not shown.

[0022] The remote control 100 includes transmission means 124, which are here schematically represented by an electronic component mounted on an electronic board 125. The transmission means 124 are capable of communicating with the receiving means 47 of the control unit, so as to send to the ventilation outlet 40 a control signal F124 relating to the operating states of the ventilation outlet 40.

[0023] The remote control 100 includes a control element, here a button 110, which is configured to be operated by a user so as to trigger the sending of a control signal F124 to the ventilation outlet 40. The button 110 is here a physical button, in particular a push button.

[0024] We now describe an example of the use of the ventilation system and a method for controlling the ventilation system, with reference to the figure 2 .

[0025] Initially, the piloting process includes the provision of a sample of the ventilation system. Generally, the ventilation system is part of the ventilation installation 20.

[0026] There figure 2 a) is a graph 201 illustrating the evolution of the means of reception 47 over time, between the sleep phases, logically represented by the value 0 - zero - on the ordinate axis, and the wake-up phases, represented by the value 1 on the ordinate axis.

[0027] There figure 2 b) is a graph 202 illustrating the evolution of the means of transmission 124 over time, between waiting phases, during which no control signal is transmitted, and the transmission phase. Each waiting phase is logically represented by the value 0 - zero - on the y-axis, while the transmission phase is represented by the value 1 on the y-axis.

[0028] In the illustrated example, room 22 is a bathroom. In the absence of a specific control, the extraction vent 40 allows an extracted airflow F40 to pass through, corresponding for example to a minimum flow, which is generally defined by building ventilation standards.

[0029] After a shower, the bathroom air is humid, so the user wants to activate the exhaust vent 40 to temporarily increase the extracted airflow F40. The user then presses button 110 on the remote control 100 to send the corresponding control signal F124 to the exhaust vent 40 at time T1. The transmission of the control signal is considered to begin at time T1.

[0030] For the F124 control signal to be effectively received by the extraction vent 40, the receiving means 47 must be in a wake-up phase, i.e., supplied with electrical energy and in a configuration such that the F124 control signal sent by the remote control 100 is effectively read and understood by the control unit 46.

[0031] Compared to the power consumption of each of the other components of the extraction vent 40, the electrical consumption of the receiving means 47 is the highest. Therefore, when the receiving means 47 are in the wake-up phase, they consume electricity, reducing the remaining battery life.

[0032] One of the principles of the invention is to switch, by means of the control unit 46, the receiving means 47 between the wake-up phase and a sleep phase, during which the receiving means 47 are switched off, i.e. not supplied with electrical energy and do not reduce the residual capacity of the battery.

[0033] Thus, according to an example of a ventilation system control process, cyclically, and by means of the control unit, the receiving means are switched between the sleep phase, during which the receiving means are off, and the wake-up phase, during which the receiving means are on and able to receive the control signal sent by the remote control.

[0034] During each cycle, the sleep phase lasts for a predetermined time called "sleep time" ΔTs, while the wake-up phase lasts for a predetermined time called "wake-up time" ΔTr. The sum of the duration of the sleep phase and the duration of the wake-up phase, in other words the sum of the sleep time ΔTs and the wake-up time ΔTr, is equal to one operating period Tf of the control unit 46.

[0035] During the transmission of the control signal, the receiving elements 47 must be in the wake-up phase at least once. In other words, when the user activates the remote control 100, thereby sending a control signal F124 to the control unit via the transmission means 124, the transmission of the control signal occurs for a transmission time ΔTt, which is greater than the sleep time ΔTs. Consequently, the control method includes the reception, by the receiving means 47 and during the wake-up phase, of the transmitted control signal F124.

[0036] Preferably, the transmission time ΔTt is greater than 100% of the operating period Tf, preferably greater than 120%. This ensures that the receiving means 47 are in the wake-up phase concurrently with the sending of the control signal, at least for the entire wake-up duration ΔTr of a wake-up phase.

[0037] The shorter the wakefulness period ΔTr compared to the sleep period ΔTs, the more energy-efficient the extraction vent 40 is. Therefore, the sleep period ΔTs is longer than the wakefulness period ΔTr, preferably more than 5 times the wakefulness period, and preferably more than 10 times the wakefulness period.

[0038] As a schematic example, when the receiving means 47 are continuously in the wake-up phase, a battery typically lasts two months. When the wake-up time ΔTr is 0.5 s, with a sleep time of 4.5 s, the receiving means are in sleep 90% of the time, and the same battery then lasts 20 months. According to this same example, the transmission time ΔTt is greater than 4.5 seconds, preferably greater than 5 s, and preferably greater than 6 seconds. Preferably, the operating period Tf of the control unit is between 0.5 and 10 seconds, preferably greater than 1 s and / or less than 5 s.

[0039] In a preferred example, the wake-up time ΔTr is between 15 ms and 20 ms, while the sleep time ΔTs is between 1 and 1.5 seconds. In a particularly preferred example, the wake-up time ΔTr is approximately 18 ms, while the sleep time ΔTs is approximately 1.3 s. Preferably, the transmission time ΔTt is 5 s. Thus, several wake-up phases are included within a single transmission phase.

[0040] During the transmission period, the control signal is advantageously sent several times at short intervals. For example, each control signal has a duration of approximately 0.5 ms and is sent at regular or irregular intervals, on the order of 10 ms on average.

[0041] Preferably, the transmission means 124 are multidirectional. Thus, when the user presses button 110, they do not need to keep the remote control pointed at the extraction vent 40 for the entire duration of the transmission time ΔTt, which is approximately 5 seconds in the previous example. This simplifies the operation of the ventilation system.

[0042] Preferably, once the user presses button 110, even for a duration shorter than the transmission time ΔTt, the control signal is transmitted for the entire duration of the transmission time ΔTt. This facilitates the use of the ventilation system.

[0043] Preferably, the receiving means 47 and the transmitting means 124 operate according to a protocol Bluetooth, in particular a low-energy Bluetooth protocol, called Bluetooth Low Energy, or BLE. The Bluetooth protocol is defined by the IEEE 802.15.1:2005 standard and its subsequent revisions, with Bluetooth Low Energy being integrated into the Bluetooth specifications since version v4.0 published in 2010. Alternatively, the receiving means 47 and the transmitting means 124 communicate with each other using a Wi-Fi protocol, defined by the IEEE 802.11:2016 standard and its subsequent revisions or evolutions. Preferably, the remote control 100 and the ventilation grille 40 are paired with each other, so that the ventilation grille 40 only responds to commands sent by the remote control 100 with which it is previously paired. For example, during the installation of the ventilation system, the installer follows a predetermined sequence, including switching on the télécommande, one or more presses - possibly prolonged - on button 110, in order to pair the remote control 100 with the ventilation outlet 40.

[0044] As an alternative not shown, remote control 100 consists of a device comprising a touchscreen and an antenna suitable for use as a transmission device, preferably a smartphone, or alternatively a tablet. Whereas in the example of the figure 1 , the button is a physical button, in the case where the remote control is a smartphone, the control button is then a portion of the touch screen.

[0045] In the case where the remote control is a smartphone, the extraction vent 40 is advantageously equipped with a unique identifier, for example a QR code, or an RFID chip, in particular an NFC chip, or equivalent, which is intended to pair the smartphone with the extraction vent 40. It is then possible to control the extraction vent 40 simply by installing an application on the user's smartphone, which is particularly economical as it avoids the cost of a specific remote control.

[0046] When the remote control is a smartphone, which is meant to be recharged regularly, it is possible to extend the transmission time ΔTt without worrying about the energy consumption of the remote control, and as a corollary to extend the sleep time ΔTs of each cycle, which further prolongs the battery life of the extraction mouth.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the ventilation system includes the exhaust vent 40 and the remote control 100, while the air inlet 30 is considered "passive" and includes neither an actuator nor a control unit. The exhaust vent 40 is installed, for example, in a bathroom, toilet, or kitchen, so that the user can temporarily increase the extracted airflow following activities that cause a deterioration in air quality.

[0048] According to a mirror image, not shown, the air inlet is said to be "active" and comprises an actuating element, similar to actuating element 44, and a control unit similar to the control unit 46 described previously with reference to the exhaust vent 40, so that the incoming airflow F30 is adjustable by means of the remote control 100, while the exhaust vent is passive. In other words, the ventilation vent is formed by the air inlet 30, the principles of the invention being applicable to this variant. According to another variant, not shown, the ventilation vent is a supply vent.

[0049] The embodiments and variants mentioned above can be combined to generate new embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. Method for controlling a ventilation system, the control method comprising: - the provision of a ventilation system including a ventilation outlet (40), which provides an air passage (42) and which includes: • an actuating member (44), which is movable between several positions each corresponding to an occlusion of the air passage (42), each position of the actuating member (44) corresponding to an operating state of the ventilation outlet (40), • a control unit (46), with receiving means (47), the control unit (46) being configured to switch the receiving means (47) between a sleep phase and a wake-up phase, • a battery compartment, configured to receive a battery for powering the control unit (46) and the actuating member (44), the ventilation system also including a remote control (100),which includes transmission means (124) capable of communicating with the receiving means (47) of the ventilation outlet (40), so as to send to the ventilation outlet (40) a control signal (F124) relating to the operating states of the ventilation outlet (40), in which the control method comprises: - cyclically, and by means of the control unit (46), switching the receiving means (47) between a sleep phase, during which the receiving means (47) are off, and a wake-up phase, during which the receiving means (47) are on and capable of receiving the control signal (F124) sent by the remote control (100), the sleep phase for a predetermined sleep time (ΔTs), while the wake-up phase lasts for a predetermined wake-up time (ΔTr), - the actuation, by a user, of the remote control (100),in order to send a control signal (F124) to the control unit (46), by means of transmission (124), the transmission of the control signal (F124) taking place during a transmission time (ΔTt), which is greater than the sleep time (ΔTs), - the reception, by means of reception (47) and during the wake-up phase, of the transmitted control signal (F124).

2. Control method according to claim 1, wherein: - the sleep time (ΔTs) is greater than the wake-up time (ΔTr), preferably greater than 5 times the wake-up time (ΔTr), preferably greater than 10 times the wake-up time (ΔTr).

3. Control method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: - the sum of sleep time (ΔTs) and wake-up time (ΔTr) is between 0.5 and 10 seconds, preferably greater than 1 s and / or less than 5 s.

4. Control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: - the sum of the sleep time (ΔTs) and the wake-up time (ΔTr) is equal to one operating period (Tf) of the control unit (46), - the transmission time (ΔTt) is greater than 100% of the operating period (Tf), preferably greater than 120%.

5. Ventilation system, wherein: - the ventilation system is configured to implement the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, - the ventilation system comprises a ventilation outlet (40), which provides an air passage (42) and which includes: • an actuating member (44), which is movable between several positions, each corresponding to an occlusion of the air passage (42), • a control unit (46), with receiving means (47), the control unit (46) being configured to switch the receiving means (47) between a sleep phase and a wake-up phase, • a battery compartment, configured to receive a battery for powering the control unit and the actuating member (44), - the ventilation system also comprises a remote control (100), which includes transmission means (124) capable of communicating with the receiving means (47) of the control unit (46).in order to send commands relating to the operating states of the ventilation outlet (40) to the control unit (46).

6. Ventilation system according to claim 5, wherein: - the transmission means (124) are multidirectional.

7. Ventilation system according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein: - the receiving means (47) and the transmitting means (124) operate according to a Bluetooth protocol, defined by the IEEE 802.15.1:2005 standard, and in particular a Bluetooth Low Emission protocol, defined by the IEEE 802.15.4:2020 standard.

8. Ventilation system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: - the remote control (100) is a smartphone, which includes the transmission means (124).

9. Ventilation system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein: - the ventilation outlet (40) is an extraction outlet or an insufflation outlet.

10. Ventilation installation, comprising: - the ventilation system according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the ventilation outlet (40) is fixed to an opening (24) leading into the room (22).

Images