Procedure for configuring at least one motorized drive device of a pergola installation and associated installation

Abstract

A method is described for configuring at least one motorized drive device of a home automation installation, comprising at least: - a first step (E102) of moving the display, by electrically activating the first electromechanical actuator, for a first predetermined time period according to a first control setpoint; - during the first step (E102) of moving the display, a step (E104) of acquiring at least two measurement signals; - a first step of determining the presence or absence of at least one sensor of the counting device based on the two measurement signals acquired during the acquisition step (E104); - in the event that at least one sensor is determined to be present during the first determination step (E105), a second determination step (E106) that determines the direction of rotation of the electric motor of the first electromechanical actuator;and - a step (E108) to automatically configure the control unit according to the result of the first determination step (E105) and the second determination step (E106).;

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of configuring at least one motorized drive device of a home automation installation, such as a pergola.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a home automation installation comprising such a device.

[0003] In general, the present invention relates to the field of pergolas. Pergolas are typically structures located outside a building, comprising a frame supported by pillars and a covering or screen assembly supported by the frame. Pergolas are designed to provide a shaded area, generally in a garden or landscaped setting, near a dwelling. The covering assembly can be a fixed unit, composed of materials such as tiles or slates, a collection of ground cover plants, or a plurality of slats, with a substantially rectangular cross-section, hinged at their two longitudinal ends to the frame by a pivot joint. Rotating the slats around their longitudinal axis allows the surface area of ​​the covering assembly to be modified, thus altering the shaded area provided by the covering assembly.The slats can be oriented in a horizontal position, such that their widest face is parallel to the plane of the frame: the area covered by the slat then corresponds to the entire area delimited by the frame. The slats can be rotated relative to this horizontal position to reduce the area covered by the slat. Generally, the assembly of slats can be considered a screen. The slats themselves can be moved in translation, stacking against one of the edges of the frame and thus freeing the frame from the slat assembly.

[0004] The orientation of the blades is advantageously controlled by a motorized drive system comprising at least one electromechanical actuator, a control unit, and a counting device for determining the screen position, including the angular rotation of the blades. The electromechanical actuator includes an electric motor. The motorized drive system also includes a drive mechanism. A wide variety of such mechanisms exist for the mechanical movement of the steerable blades in orientation or translation via the electromechanical actuator.

[0005] To manage the position of the screen's louvers for user comfort, and also to protect the installation from inclement weather, the control unit may itself include weather sensors or be capable of retrieving information on weather conditions or forecasts that could affect the use and configuration of the installation. Based on the received weather information, the control unit can generate automatic commands for the associated motorized drive device(s). Document FR2998068 describes an example of such a pergola installation comprising several electromechanical actuators and a control unit.

[0006] We also know of document EP 1 507 059 A2, which describes a sliding window for a building comprising a fixed frame, a sash, a motorized drive device for sliding the sash relative to the fixed frame, and a locking device for securing the sash to the fixed frame in a locked closed position. The motorized drive device includes an electromechanical actuator, an electronic control unit, a flexible element, and a drive arm. The electromechanical actuator includes an electric motor. The flexible element is configured to move the sash relative to the fixed frame when the electromechanical actuator is electrically activated.

[0007] The electronic control unit sends command orders to the electromechanical actuator to control its movement, and can also receive information on the position of the opening or motorized drive device from one or more sensors associated with the motorized drive device.

[0008] One drawback is that the electronic control unit often needs to be manually configured to recognize and interpret the measurement signals from the motorized drive device. This is usually done during the installation of the electromechanical actuator, for example by a specialist installer, prior to the initial commissioning of the home automation system.

[0009] This procedure is sometimes complicated, and requires the manufacturer to provide extensive documentation for installers, given that in practice such an electronic control unit is often designed to be compatible with many electromechanical actuators from different manufacturers (each with their own specific characteristics regarding the signals emitted).

[0010] It also happens that, during installation, the electronic control unit is incorrectly connected to the motorized drive, for example, due to faulty cable connections between the motorized drive and the electronic control unit. In this case, the motorized drive may not function properly.

[0011] EP 3 428 365 A2 also refers to a pergola having adjustable blades movable by a drive device comprising at least one electric motor controlled by an electronic controller capable of estimating a position of the blades from measurements of an electrical parameter.

[0012] The issue of compatibility between the control unit and the electromechanical actuator(s) of a pergola installation is also relatively common. The control unit must be able to operate with numerous electromechanical actuators from different manufacturers, each with its own specific characteristics. It must be able to use the signals provided to it, particularly by the counting devices of the motorized drive unit(s), and determine the commands to send to the electromechanical actuators in the absence of counting devices.

[0013] The present invention aims to resolve the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a method for configuring a motorized drive device for a pergola installation, as well as a home automation installation including such a pergola, allowing the control unit to automatically configure the motorized drive device, in particular to automatically establish a correspondence between the characteristics of the received signals and the direction of rotation of the motor.

[0014] To this end, the present invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a method for configuring at least one drive device of a home automation system, according to claim 1, wherein the home automation system comprises at least: a screen, the motorized drive device comprising at least: a first electromechanical actuator, a control unit, and a counting device, the counting device being configured to measure a rotational movement of the motorized drive device, the first electromechanical actuator comprising at least: an electric motor, in which the method comprises at least: a first step of moving the screen, by electrical activation of the first electromechanical actuator, for a first predetermined period of time according to a first control instruction, during the first step of moving the screen, a step of acquiring at least two measurement signals, a first step of determining the presence or absence of at least one sensor of the counting device as a function of the two measurement signals acquired, during the acquisition step,the sensors of the counting device being mounted so that their respective measurement signals are out of phase, the sensors being rotary encoders, each sensor delivering information representative of the angular position of the electric motor at a given instant, - in the case where at least one sensor is determined to be present, during the first determination step, a second determination step of a direction of rotation of the electric motor of the first electromechanical actuator, and - an automatic configuration step of the control unit based on the result of the first determination step and the second determination step.

[0015] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, following the first movement of the screen, the method includes a second step of moving the screen, by electrical activation of the first electromechanical actuator, for a second predetermined period of time according to a second control instruction.

[0016] According to another advantageous feature of the invention, the acquisition step comprises at least: - a first sub-step of reading a sequence of values ​​from the first signal and the second signal, the first determination step includes: a first sub-step of determining a variation in values ​​of the first signal, a second sub-step of determining a variation in values ​​of the second signal, and the second determination step includes: a sub-step of comparing the sequence of values ​​with at least two predetermined sequences of values, each predetermined sequence of values ​​corresponding to a direction of rotation of the electric motor of the electromechanical actuator.

[0017] According to another advantageous feature of the invention, the automatic configuration step consists of associating a first direction of rotation of the electric motor of the first electromechanical actuator with the first control setpoint, and a second direction of rotation of the electric motor of the first electromechanical actuator with a second control setpoint, the first direction of rotation being opposite to the second direction of rotation.

[0018] According to another advantageous feature of the invention, the automatic configuration step comprises: a first sub-step of recording in the control unit the number of sensors, a second sub-step of recording the associations of the first and second direction of rotation of the electric motor of the first electromechanical actuator with the first and second control instructions.

[0019] According to another advantageous feature of the invention, the counting device comprises one or more sensors, and the sensor or each sensor is a rotary encoder.

[0020] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the sensor or each sensor is configured to emit a measurement signal, and the sensor or each sensor is connected to the control unit by an electrical conductor.

[0021] The present invention relates, according to another aspect, to a home automation installation according to claim 8.

[0022] This home automation system has characteristics and advantages similar to those described previously, in relation to the pergola according to the invention.

[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below.

[0024] The attached drawings are given as non-exhaustive examples: there figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pergola with adjustable louvers conforming to prior art, where the louvers are oriented in a so-called horizontal position; the figure 2 is a schematic view of a portion of the motorized drive device conforming to the prior art; the figure 3 is a schematic view of the motorized drive device according to the invention; the figure 4 is a perspective view of the control unit housing according to the invention; the figure 5 is a block diagram of an algorithm for a method according to the invention, for the automatic configuration of the motorized drive device of the window illustrated in relation to the figures 1 à 4 ; and The figures 6a et 6b are diagrams of two measurement signals from sensors that are part of a counting device of the motorized drive device.

[0025] First, we describe, with reference to figures 1 And 2A home automation system 1 conforming to the invention and installed in a garden or landscaped area, near a residential building. The home automation system 1 is described with reference to a pergola 2, but other applications are also envisaged, such as sun protection or shading systems placed in front of building openings. The pergola may be attached to a building facade or be freestanding.

[0026] The pergola 2 comprises a frame 4, consisting of four crossbeams 4a arranged at right angles. The frame 4 is supported by pillars 4c, as illustrated in the figure 1 The pergola also includes a covering or screen assembly 3, supported by the frame 4. The screen 3 comprises a plurality of blades 3a, with a substantially rectangular cross-section, hinged at their two longitudinal ends to the frame 4 by a pivot joint. In a so-called horizontal position, in which their widest face is substantially parallel to the plane P of the frame 4, the area thus covered by the screen corresponds to the entire area delimited by the frame. In this horizontal position, the adjacent blades can be arranged parallel to each other or overlap along their longer edges. The horizontal position, shown in dotted lines on the figure 1 , is indicated with an angle α of 0°.

[0027] The pergola installation also includes a motorized drive device 5 for moving the screen, in particular for rotating the adjustable blades 3a relative to plane P, as illustrated in the figure 2 .

[0028] Here, the motorized drive device 5 is configured to move all the blades 3a angularly simultaneously, relative to the frame 4. However, it is envisaged that the motorized drive device 5 can move the steerable blades 3a in translation along an edge of the frame 4. It is also envisaged that the motorized drive device 5 can move a first group of steerable blades 3a independently of a second group of blades 3a, whether in orientation or translation, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0029] Advantageously, the motorized drive device 5 also includes a drive mechanism 20 located between the frame 4 and each adjustable blade 3a, as illustrated in the figure 2 .

[0030] The drive mechanism 20 of the pergola 2 allows each adjustable blade 3a to be oriented and / or slid relative to the frame 4 relative to the plane P of the frame 4.

[0031] The motorized drive device 5 allows the adjustable blades 3a to be moved automatically by sliding or orientation relative to the frame 4, in particular in orientation between the horizontal position and a so-called vertical position, in which the adjustable blades are pivoted by about 90° relative to the horizontal position or relative to the plane P, so as to present a minimum section in the plane P and thus minimize the surface covered by the screen 3.

[0032] The home automation system 1 may also include a blind 33, for example a roller blind comprising a fabric and a weighted bottom rail 33b, extending in its deployed position from one of the cross members 4a of the pergola frame 2 and between two posts 4c. The blind 33 is advantageously motorized, that is to say, it includes an electromechanical actuator 6 enabling the fabric 33a to be rolled up or down around a roller tube (not shown).

[0033] The motorized drive device 5 is particularly represented in figures 2 , 3 And 4 It includes an electromechanical actuator 6. The electromechanical actuator 6 includes an electric motor 7. The electromechanical actuator 6 may also include an output shaft 8, connected to the drive mechanism 20 of the pergola 2.

[0034] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 6 is configured to drive the set of adjustable blades 3a relative to the frame 4 by means of the drive mechanism 20.

[0035] Here, the electric motor 7 is of the direct current or DC (Direct Current) type. Advantageously, the electric motor 7 can be of the electronically commutated brushless type, also called "BLDC" (acronym for the English term Brushless Direct Current) or "permanent magnet synchronous" motor.

[0036] Alternatively, the electric motor 7 can be an asynchronous motor, powered directly by alternating current.

[0037] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 6 is arranged on the frame 4, advantageously integrated on or in one of the cross members 4a or pillars 4c of the pergola 2.

[0038] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 6 controlling the adjustable blades 3a is a piston-type actuator. The electric motor 7 drives a worm gear, which drives a toothed wheel, which in turn drives a pinion. This pinion drives a rack connected to a rod forming the output shaft 8 of the actuator, moving in a direction F. Some elements of the actuator are not shown. This mechanism includes a speed reduction function and therefore generates a high gear ratio, ensuring the mechanical stability of all positions of the output shaft 8 of the electromechanical actuator 6, which is said to be irreversible. Thus, the translation of the output shaft 8 of the electromechanical actuator 6 acts on the drive mechanism 20 of the home automation system 1 to produce the rotation of the adjustable blades 3a around their axis of greatest length. In the embodiment shown in the figure 2 for the orientation of the adjustable blades 3a, non-limiting, the drive mechanism comprises a rod 18 and a connecting rod 19, one end of the connecting rod 19 being linked in translation to the output shaft 8 of the electromechanical actuator 6. Other mechanisms are envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

[0039] According to possible embodiments, the motorized drive device 5 can include several electromechanical actuators 6, for controlling the orientation and translation of the steerable blades 3a and / or for the synchronized control of long blades and / or for the independent control of several groups of steerable blades 3a and / or for the control of different screens.

[0040] Here, for example, for the control of the blind 33, the electromechanical actuator 6 can be of the tubular type, that is to say, include a housing in the form of a cylindrical tube in which the electric motor 7 is housed. Alternatively, as shown, the housing of the electromechanical actuator 6 can be of parallelepiped shape.

[0041] The electromechanical actuator 6 may also include an electronic control unit 10 comprising in particular hardware and / or software means, for example computing means, such as a microprocessor 25, a counting device 24 and a limit switch and / or obstacle detection device, not shown.

[0042] Alternatively, the counting device 24 and the detection device can be external to the electromechanical actuator 6 and provide information to the electronic control unit 10.

[0043] The electronic control unit 10 is configured to start the electric motor 7 of the electromechanical actuator 6 and, in particular, to enable the supply of electrical power to the electric motor 7.

[0044] Thus, the electronic control unit 10 drives, in particular, the electric motor 7, so as to move the output shaft 8 relative to the frame 4.

[0045] The counting device 24 includes at least one sensor 32, in particular a position sensor. The counting device 24 is configured to cooperate with the electronic control unit 10. Furthermore, the counting device 24 and the electronic control unit 10 are configured to determine a position, which can be called the "current" position, of the output shaft 8, representative of the orientation of the adjustable blades 3a.

[0046] The electronic control unit 10 is configured to monitor at least one S1 or S2 signal from the counting device 24.

[0047] Here, the counting device 24 includes two sensors 32.

[0048] The number of sensors in the counting device is not limited and can vary, in particular from one to three or more.

[0049] In one embodiment example, the counting device 24 is of magnetic type, for example an encoder cooperating with one or more Hall effect sensors.

[0050] Here and as illustrated in the figure 2 , the counting device 24 allows to determine the number of revolutions made by a rotor of the electric motor 7.

[0051] Alternatively, not shown, the counting device 24 allows the displacement of the output shaft 8 of the electromechanical actuator 6 to be determined.

[0052] The type of counting device is not limiting and can be different, in particular of optical type, for example an encoder equipped with one or more optical sensors.

[0053] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 10 and, more particularly, the microprocessor 25 of the electronic control unit 10 includes at least one memory configured to store the current position determined by means of the counting device 24.

[0054] Advantageously, the memory of the electronic control unit 10 is also configured to store at least one first end-of-stroke position, which may be, in particular, the position of the output shaft 8 corresponding to a first horizontal position of the steerable blades 3a, and optionally, at least one second end-of-stroke position, which may be, in particular, a second horizontal position of the steerable blades 3a obtained by rotation of approximately 180° with respect to the first horizontal position.

[0055] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 10 and the counting device 24 are configured to determine the orientation position of the adjustable blades 3a relative to the plane P of the frame 4 according to one or more of the last control commands executed previously by the electronic control unit 10.

[0056] The motorized drive device 5 includes a control unit 13, which allows the management of commands to at least one electromechanical actuator 6. The motorized drive device 5 is advantageously controlled by a control unit. The control unit can be, for example, a local control unit 12.

[0057] The local control unit 12 can be connected via wired or wireless link to the control unit 13.

[0058] Advantageously, the control unit 13 provides control commands to the electronic control units 10 of the associated electromechanical actuators 6. For this purpose, the control unit 13 includes a communication module 23, specifically for receiving control commands. These commands are issued by a command transmitter, such as the local control unit 12, a server 14, or a sensor 9, and are intended to control the motorized drive device 5.

[0059] Preferably, the communication module 23 of the control unit 13 is of the wireless type. The control commands can be, for example, radio commands.

[0060] Advantageously, the communication module 23 can also allow the reception of orders transmitted by wired means.

[0061] The control unit 13 communicates with one or more sensors 9, including climate sensors, configured to determine, for example, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and the presence of sun, rain, or snow. These sensors can be local physical sensors, located near the pergola 2 or the building, or remote sensors, providing their measurements via a server 14 connected to the control unit 13.

[0062] Thus, the control unit 13 can be in communication with the server 14, so as to control the electromechanical actuator 6 according to data made available remotely via a communication network, in particular an internet network that can be connected to the server 14.

[0063] The control unit 13 and / or the electromechanical actuator 6 can be controlled from the local control unit 12. The local control unit 12 is equipped with a control keypad. The control keypad of the local control unit 12 includes selection elements and, optionally, display elements.

[0064] By way of example, and not exhaustively, selection elements can be push buttons or touch-sensitive keys, and display elements can be light-emitting diodes, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display. Selection and display elements can also be implemented using a touchscreen.

[0065] The local control unit 12 can be a fixed or portable control point. A fixed control point is a control box designed to be mounted on a wall of the building near the pergola 2 or on a part of the pergola. A portable control point is a remote control.

[0066] The local control unit 12 could potentially allow a user to directly control the electromechanical actuator 6 of the motorized drive device 5 via the electronic control unit 10 associated with this motorized drive device 5, provided the latter includes suitable signal reception means. Preferably, however, the local control unit controls the electromechanical actuator 6 of the motorized drive device 5 indirectly via the control unit 13.

[0067] The motorized drive device 5 is configured to execute control orders issued, in particular, by the local control unit 12 or by the control center 13.

[0068] The control center 13 is particularly well represented at figures 3 And 4 Advantageously, the control unit 13 allows the electrical power supply to each electromechanical actuator 6 connected to it.

[0069] Here, and as illustrated in the figure 4 The control unit 13 includes an electronic unit 40 arranged inside a case 17. The electronic unit 40 includes in particular hardware and / or software means, for example processing means, such as a microprocessor 41.

[0070] Advantageously, the control unit 13 includes a sensor 9 measuring at least one climatic parameter of the environment of the home automation installation 1 and connected to this electronic unit 40.

[0071] Thus, the control unit 13 can control the electronic control unit(s) 10 associated with the motorized drive device 5 according to data from the sensor 9 measuring the climatic parameter of the environment of the home automation installation 1.

[0072] By way of non-limiting examples, a climatic parameter of the environment of the home automation installation 1 measured by the sensor 9 of the local control 12 is relative humidity, temperature, sunshine, the presence of rain or snow.

[0073] The motorized drive device 5 can be controlled by the user, for example by receiving a command order corresponding to a press on a selection element of the local control unit 12, such as a remote control or a fixed control point.

[0074] The motorized drive unit 5 can also be controlled automatically, for example by receiving a control command corresponding to at least one signal from at least one sensor and / or a signal from a clock. The sensor and / or clock can be integrated into the local control unit 12 or the control unit 13.

[0075] Information via a sensor 9 may take priority over the activation of the local control unit 12 by the user, so as to guarantee the safety and integrity of the home automation installation 1.

[0076] Thus, an activation command for the motorized drive device 5 based on a selection made by the user can be inhibited if a value measured by a sensor generates an automatic order contrary to the activation command issued by the user.

[0077] The operation of the electromechanical actuators 6 connected to the control unit 13 is controlled by the supply of electrical power to each electromechanical actuator 6.

[0078] In practice, the electrical power supply of the electromechanical actuator 6 is controlled by a command order received by the control unit 13, coming from the local control unit 12, from a sensor 9.

[0079] Here, the motorized drive device 5, in particular the control unit 13, is supplied with electrical energy from a mains power supply network, in particular from the commercial alternative network.

[0080] For this purpose, the control unit 13 includes an electrical power cable, not shown, enabling its supply of electrical energy from the mains power supply network and a converter 35 enabling the transformation of the alternating current supply from the mains into a direct current suitable on the one hand for supplying the electronic unit 40 of the control unit 13 and on the other hand for supplying the electromechanical actuators 6 connected to the control unit 13.

[0081] As represented in figures 3 And 4 The control unit 13 includes a first connector 36a for connection to the mains power supply or any other suitable power source. It includes a second connector 36b for connecting a sensor 9 by wire to the electronic unit 40.

[0082] The control unit 13 also includes at least one third connector 36c, allowing an electromechanical actuator 6 to be connected via a cable 43.

[0083] The cable 43 comprises a plurality of electrical conductors electrically connecting the electromechanical actuator 6 to the control unit 13.

[0084] Among these electrical conductors of cable 43, at least two electrical conductors are adapted to control, in a first direction of rotation D1, the electric motor 7 of the electromechanical actuator 6 by means of a first control command C1, and in a second direction of rotation D2, in particular opposite to the direction of rotation D1, by means of a second control command C2. For example,

[0085] The cable 43 also includes at least two electrical conductors suitable for transmitting the S1 and S2 signals respectively from the counting device 24 to the control unit 13. These signals are individually connected to the control unit 13 via a connector 36c specific to each signal S1 or S2.

[0086] All of these connectors are located inside the housing 17. Sealing sleeves 37 are provided on the walls of the housing 17 to allow the electrical cables to be inserted into the housing while maintaining the watertightness of the housing 17 of the control unit 13. This unit can indeed be installed outside a building and subjected to the same weather conditions as the frame 4 and the adjustable louvers 3a of the pergola 2. For this purpose, the housing 17 also includes a base 17a and a cover 17b that can be connected in a watertight manner, notably by means of a baffle 17c formed around the entire perimeter of the housing. A sealing gasket (not shown) can also be provided. Screws 39b for securing the cover 17b are screwed into bushings 39a provided in the base of the housing 17a. The base and the cover are preferably made of molded plastic.Electrical protection walls 42 may also be provided to separate the electrical cables entering the housing and connected to the connectors 36a, 36b, 36c, from the electronic components of the electronic unit 40.

[0087] We now describe, with reference to the figure 5 , a method of implementing a control procedure during operation of the motorized drive device 5 of the pergola 2 illustrated in figures 1 à 4 .

[0088] However, it is understood that this process can be usefully applied to other types of openings than the one described previously.

[0089] In general, the process is preferably triggered during a first commissioning (step E100) of the home automation installation 1, for example following the installation and home automation installation 1 by an installer of the motorized drive device 5 and in particular of the control unit 13.

[0090] Advantageously, the process includes at least: a first step of moving screen 3 E102, by electrical activation of the first electromechanical actuator 6, for a first predetermined period of time P1 according to a first control setpoint C1, during the first step of moving screen 3 E102, an acquisition step E104 of at least two measurement signals S1, S2, a first determination step E105 of the presence or absence of at least one sensor 32 of the counting device 24 according to the two measurement signals acquired, during the acquisition step E104, in the case where at least one sensor 32 is determined to be present, during the first determination step E105, a second determination step E106 of a direction of rotation of the electric motor 7 of the first electromechanical actuator 6, and an automatic configuration step E108 of the control unit 13 according to the result of the first determination step E105 and the second determination step E106.

[0091] Preferably, following the first movement of the screen 3, the process includes a second step of moving the screen 3, by electrical activation of the first electromechanical actuator 6, during a second predetermined time period P2 according to a second control instruction C2.

[0092] In practice, the second movement step allows screen 3 to return to its initial position.

[0093] In this case, the E104 signal acquisition step is preferably extended for the entire duration of the return movement. Alternatively, however, only the movement towards the setpoint position is considered.

[0094] In practice, during step E102, the duration of the return movement to the original position can have the same duration as the predefined duration for the first movement step E102.

[0095] In other words, the second time period P2 can be equal to the first time period P1, or it can be different from the first time period P1.

[0096] For example, the first control instruction C1 corresponds to a first direction of rotation of the motor and the second instruction C2 corresponds to a second direction of rotation D2 of the electric motor 7, in particular a direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation of the electric motor 7.

[0097] In general, the first determination step E105 allows us to determine the number and type of sensors 32 of the electromechanical actuator 6.

[0098] In many embodiments, the counting device 24 includes a sensor 32, and preferably two sensors 32, associated with the motorized drive device 5. In practice, it may also happen that the electric motor 7 does not include any sensor.

[0099] In practice, each sensor 32 is connected to the control unit 13 by an electrical conductor, such as a cable. It is understood that there is a risk that the cables could be incorrectly installed, particularly reversed or swapped, by an installer during the installation and assembly of the home automation system 1.

[0100] As explained previously, the sensors 32 are rotary encoders. Each sensor 32 provides information representing the angular position of the electric motor 7 at a given instant. In practice, the output signal from each sensor 32, when read over a prolonged period (for example, the duration of the movement of step E102), can be a sequence of values, such as binary values. For example, a binary code or a Gray code is used.

[0101] For example, during step E105, if only one signal is received by the control unit 13, then this means that the electric motor 7 (or the motorized drive device 5) has only one sensor 32.

[0102] In the case where two signals are detected, preferably in opposite phase, then this means that the electric motor 7 (or the motorized drive device 5) has two sensors 32.

[0103] And, if no signal is detected, or if none of the acquired signals correspond to an expected sequence of values ​​(as explained below) then this means that the electric motor 7 (or the motorized drive device 5) has no sensor.

[0104] The corresponding information is stored in memory and is used to configure the operation of the control unit 13 accordingly.

[0105] On the figures 6a et 6b , we have schematically represented the evolution over time (noted t, on the x-axis) of the output signals of two rotary encoder type sensors (first signal S1 and second signal S2) associated with the same electric motor 7 (or the same motorized drive device 5) and preferably sampled at the same sampling frequency by the control unit 13.

[0106] The signals are, for example, periodic signals (the motor rotating at a constant speed and in the same direction), square in shape, and oscillating between a low value (0) and a high value (1).

[0107] The sensors 32 are mounted so that the respective signals are out of phase, preferably in opposite phase. For example, the first signal S1 leads the second signal S2, since it undergoes a transition from the low state to the high state before the second signal S2.

[0108] Thus, the two signals can be associated with a sequence of values, for example by pairing each binary value of signals S1 and S2 between a high state and a low state.

[0109] For the example illustrated on the figure 6a The SEQ sequence of values ​​is as follows: 00 01 11 10 00 01 11 10 00 ...

[0110] It is understood that when the motor rotates in the opposite direction or if the wiring is reversed, the sequence of values ​​is modified. For example, as illustrated on the figure 6b For a reverse rotation direction, a second sequence of values ​​is obtained with the same sensors: 00 10 11 01 00 10 11 01 00 ...

[0111] Back to the figure 5 Preferably, the E104 acquisition step includes at least: a first sub-step of reading a sequence of values ​​SEQ, such as a sequence of binary values, from the first signal S1 and the second signal S2, the first determination step E105 includes: a first sub-step of determining a variation of values ​​of the first signal S1, a second sub-step of determining a variation of values ​​of the second signal S2, and the second determination step E106 includes: a sub-step of comparing the sequence of values ​​SEQ with at least two predetermined value sequences, each predetermined value sequence corresponding to a direction of rotation D1, D2 of the electric motor 7 of the electromechanical actuator 6.

[0112] In other words, the second E106 determination step includes determining the wiring direction of signals S1 and S2 by comparing the acquired SEQ value sequence with a predefined value sequence.

[0113] Thus, it is possible to associate a direction of rotation with a sequence of values ​​from the sensor, since the direction of rotation of the motor is known during the movement phase of step E102.

[0114] Subsequently, this information can be used during the operation of the home automation system 1.

[0115] For example, the automatic configuration step E108 consists of associating a first direction of rotation D1 of the electric motor 7 of the first electromechanical actuator 6 with the first control setpoint C1, and a second direction of rotation D2 of the electric motor 7 of the first electromechanical actuator 6 with a second control setpoint C2, the first direction of rotation D1 being opposite to the second direction of rotation D2.

[0116] More specifically, in preferred embodiments, the automatic configuration step (E108) includes: a first sub-step of recording in the control unit 13 the number of sensors 32, a second sub-step of recording the associations of the first and second direction of rotation D1, D2 of the electric motor 7 of the first electromechanical actuator 6 with the first and second command instructions C1, C2.

[0117] Advantageously, the configuration step includes recording in the control unit 13 the association between the sequence of values ​​from the received signals S1 and S2 and the direction of rotation D1 or D2.

[0118] Thanks to the present invention, the control unit 13 can be configured automatically according to the nature of the motorized drive device 5 and the way in which the motorized drive device 5 is wired, in particular the way in which the motorized drive device 5 has been connected to the control unit 13.

[0119] This makes installing the actuator easier.

[0120] In addition, in the case where the counting device 24 has one or two sensors, the invention makes it possible more particularly to automatically establish a correspondence between the characteristics of the signals received and the direction of rotation of the motor, even if the electrical conductors used to connect the motorized drive device to the electronic control unit have been reversed.

[0121] Numerous modifications can be made to the embodiment examples described above without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0122] In particular, the motorized drive device 5 can be configured to move several openings 3a, 3b by means of the flexible element 9, in the same direction of movement or in opposite directions of movement.

[0123] Alternatively, the electric motor 7 of the electromechanical actuator 6 can be of the asynchronous or direct current type.

[0124] Alternatively, the steps could be performed in a different order. Some steps could be omitted. The example described does not preclude other embodiments from implementing other steps concurrently and / or sequentially with the described steps.

[0125] Furthermore, the envisaged embodiments and variants can be combined to generate new embodiments of the invention defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for configuring at least one motorised driving device (5) of a home automation installation (1), the home automation installation (1) comprising at least: - a screen (3), the motorised driving device (5) comprising at least: - a first electromechanical actuator (6), - a command unit (13), and - a counting device (24), the counting device (24) being configured to measure a rotational movement of the motorised driving device (5), the first electromechanical actuator (6) comprising at least: - an electric motor (7), characterised in that the method comprises at least: - a first step (E102) of moving the screen (3) by electrically activating the first electromechanical actuator (6) for a first predetermined period of time (P1) in accordance with a first command setpoint (C1), - during the first step (E102) of moving the screen (3), a step (E104) of acquiring at least two measurement signals (S1, S2), - a first step (E105) of determining whether or not at least one sensor (32) of the counting device (24) is present as a function of the two measurement signals acquired during the acquisition step (E104), the sensors (32) of the counting device (24) being mounted so that their respective measurement signals (S1, S2) are out of phase, the sensors (32) being rotary encoders, each sensor (32) delivering information representative of the angular position of the electric motor at a given instant, - if at least one sensor (32) is determined to be present, during the first step of determining (E105), a second step (E106) of determining a direction of rotation of the electric motor (7) of the first electromechanical actuator (6), and - a step of automatically configuring (E108) the command unit (13) as a function of the result of the first step of determining (E105) and the second step of determining (E106).

2. The configuration method according to claim 1, characterised in that, following the first movement of the screen (3), the method comprises a second step of moving the screen (3), by electrically activating the first electromechanical actuator (6), for a second predetermined period of time (P2) in accordance with a second command setpoint (C2).

3. The configuration method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised: in that the acquisition step (E104) comprises at least: - a first sub-step for reading a sequence of values (SEQ) from the first signal (S1) and the second signal (S2), in that the first step of determining (E105) comprises: - a first sub-step of determining a variation in the values of the first signal (S1), - a second sub-step of determining a variation in the values of the second signal (S2), and in that the second step of determining (E106) comprises: - a sub-step of comparing the sequence of values (SEQ) with at least two sequences of predetermined values, each sequence of predetermined values corresponding to a direction of rotation (D1, D2) of the electric motor (7) of the electromechanical actuator (6).

4. The configuration method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the step of automatically configuring (E108) consists in associating a first direction of rotation (D1) of the electric motor (7) of the first electromechanical actuator (6) with the first command setpoint (C1), and a second direction of rotation (D2) of the electric motor (7) of the first electromechanical actuator (6) with a second command setpoint (C2), the first direction of rotation (D1) being opposite to the second direction of rotation (D2).

5. The configuration method according to claim 4, characterised in that the step of automatically configuring (E108) comprises: - a first sub-step of registering the number of sensors (32) in the command unit (13), - a second sub-step of recording the associations of the first and second directions of rotation (D1, D2) of the electric motor (7) of the first electromechanical actuator (6) with the first and second command setpoints (C1, C2).

6. The configuration method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the counting device (24) comprises one or more sensors (32), and in that the or each sensor (32) is a rotary encoder.

7. The configuration method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the or each sensor (32) is configured to emit a measurement signal, and in that the or each sensor (32) is connected to the command unit (13) by an electrical conductor.

8. A home automation installation (1) comprising at least: - a screen (3), the motorised driving device (5) comprising at least: - a first electromechanical actuator (6), - a command unit (13), and - a counting device (24), the counting device (24) being configured to measure a rotational movement of the motorised driving device (5), the first electromechanical actuator (6) comprising at least: - an electric motor (7), characterised in that the command unit (13) is configured to implement a configuration method comprising at least: - a first step (E102) of moving the screen (3) by electrically activating the first electromechanical actuator (6) for a first predetermined period of time (P1) in accordance with a first command setpoint (C1), - during the first step (E102) of moving the screen (3), a step (E104) of acquiring at least two measurement signals (S1, S2), - a first step (E105) of determining whether or not at least one sensor (32) of the counting device (24) is present as a function of the two measurement signals acquired during the acquisition step (E104), the sensors (32) of the counting device (24) being mounted so that their respective measurement signals (S1, S2) are out of phase, the sensors (32) being rotary encoders, each sensor (32) delivering information representative of the angular position of the electric motor at a given instant, - if at least one sensor (32) is determined to be present, during the first step of determining (E105), a second step (E106) of determining a direction of rotation of the electric motor (7) of the first electromechanical actuator (6), and - a step of automatically configuring (E108) the command unit (13) as a function of the result of the first step of determining (E105) and the second step of determining (E106).

9. The home automation installation (1) according to claim 8, wherein the home automation installation (1) comprises two electromechanical actuators associated with the drive mechanism (20), each electromechanical actuator (6) being associated with the command unit (13), the command unit (13) being configured to apply the configuration method for each of the electromechanical actuators (6).

10. The home automation installation (1) according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the home automation installation (1) comprises two drive mechanisms (20) and two electromechanical actuators (6), each electromechanical actuator (6) being associated with a drive mechanism (20), each electromechanical actuator (6) being associated with the command unit (13), the command unit (13) being configured to apply the configuration method for each of the electromechanical actuators (6).

11. The home automation installation (1) according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein each electromechanical actuator (6) is associated with the same number of sensors (32).

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