Method for controlling an operating device comprising a master actuator and a slave actuator and associated home automation shading system

Abstract

Method of controlling an operating device comprising a master actuator and a slave actuator and associated shading system. Method of controlling an operating device (2) intended to operate a screen (3) of a home automation shading system (1) between at least a first position and a second position, the operating device comprising: - a first actuator (5) equipped with a first electric motor (9), a torque detection device (19) and a position management module (27), - a second actuator (6) equipped with a second electric motor (12), a torque detection device (26) and a position management module (28) and - a winding shaft (7), the first actuator and the second actuator being configured to drive the winding shaft, the control method comprising a step of designating the first actuator as the master actuator and the second actuator as the slave actuator.Figure for the abbreviation: figure 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Method for controlling an operating device comprising a master actuator and a slave actuator and associated home automation blackout system Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling a control device intended to operate a screen, in particular to roll up or unroll a screen. The invention also relates to a control device and a home automation blackout system comprising means for implementing such a method. State of the prior art

[0002] Doors or windows of a building are generally equipped with a home automation blackout system to secure the building, and / or to control the thermal and sound insulation or to adjust the brightness inside the building. These home automation blackout systems can be automated using an operating device provided with an electric motor. In particular, operating devices are known which consist of a winding tube around which a screen is intended to be wound. Such an operating device comprises an electric motor arranged inside the winding tube. The electric motor is supplied with energy via one or more converters.

[0003] Certain applications require the use of an electric motor capable of providing high torque. The electric motor is then sized accordingly. However, when more powerful motors are used, energy losses occur in the converters used to power them and the efficiency of the operating devices decreases. In particular, the use of such motors may become incompatible with the use of autonomous energy sources. In addition, a more powerful motor is also larger. The winding tube in which the motor is housed must therefore be enlarged. The size of the operating device is therefore increased. Finally, the diversity of possible applications for such operating devices also requires a wide variety of electric motors, which makes the management of a range of operating devices particularly complex. Presentation of the invention

[0004] The aim of the invention is to provide an operating device and a method for controlling such an operating device which overcomes the above drawbacks and improves the operating devices and control methods known from the prior art.

[0005] More specifically, a first object of the invention is an operating device and a method of controlling such an operating device making it possible to optimize energy consumption.

[0006] A second object of the invention is a compact and economical to manufacture maneuvering device. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention relates to a method for controlling a maneuvering device intended to maneuver a screen of a home automation blackout system between at least a first position and a second position, the maneuvering device comprising - a first actuator equipped with a first electric motor, a torque detection device and a position management module, - a second actuator equipped with a second electric motor, a torque detection device and a position management module and - a winding shaft, the first actuator and the second actuator being configured to drive the winding shaft, the control method comprising a step of designating the first actuator as master actuator and the second actuator as slave actuator, and a step of configuring the second actuator in which the operation of the position management module of the second actuator is at least partially inhibited.

[0008] The control method may comprise a step of regulating the rotation speed of a rotor of the first electric motor as a function of a speed setpoint, and a step of adapting the operation of the second electric motor as a function of a value representative of a torque supplied by the first electric motor.

[0009] The step of adapting the operation of the second electric motor may comprise: - a first sub-step of determining a first value representative of the torque supplied by the first electric motor and a second value representative of a torque supplied by the second electric motor, then - a second sub-step of comparing the second value with the first value, then - if the second value is strictly less than a predefined percentage of said first value, a third sub-step of increasing a speed setpoint of the second electric motor, and - if the second value is strictly greater than the predefined percentage of said first value, a fourth sub-step of decreasing a speed setpoint of the second electric motor.

[0010] The second motor may be a direct current motor, said third sub-step may comprise an increase in a control duty cycle of the second electric motor, and said fourth sub-step may comprise a decrease in a control duty cycle of the second electric motor.

[0011] Said first value may be equal to the supply current of the first electric motor and / or said second value may be equal to the supply current of the second electric motor.

[0012] The predefined percentage may be a percentage between 80 and 120%, preferably 100%.

[0013] The control method may comprise a starting phase of the operating device comprising: - simultaneous starting of the first electric motor and the second electric motor, and / or - starting the first electric motor at a predetermined supply voltage as a function of the speed setpoint without this voltage allowing movement of the rotor of the first electric motor, then supplying power to the second electric motor driving the winding shaft in rotation.

[0014] The control method may comprise a phase of stopping the operating device comprising: - a simultaneous stopping of the first electric motor and the second electric motor by transmitting a stop command from the master actuator to the slave actuator, and / or - a shutdown of either the first electric motor or the second electric motor, the other electric motor stopping following the detection of excessive torque.

[0015] The invention also relates to an operating device intended to operate a screen of a home automation blackout system between at least a first position and a second position, the operating device comprising: - a first actuator equipped with a first electric motor, a torque detection device and a position management module, - a second actuator equipped with a second electric motor, a torque detection device and a position management module and - a winding shaft, the first actuator and the second actuator being configured to drive the winding shaft, the first actuator being designated as master actuator and the second actuator as slave actuator, the operating device comprising a memory provided with information relating to the at least partial inhibition of the position management module of the second actuator.

[0016] The operating device may comprise: - a means for regulating the rotation speed of a rotor of the first electric motor as a function of a speed setpoint and - a means of adapting the operation of the second electric motor as a function of a value representative of a torque supplied by the first electric motor, in particular as a function of a supply current of the first electric motor.

[0017] The first electric motor and / or the second electric motor is a synchronous, brushless, direct current motor.

[0018] The first electric motor and the second electric motor may comprise the same technical definition, and / or the winding shaft may be a winding tube, the first electric motor and the second electric motor being integrated inside the winding tube, in particular the first electric motor and the second electric motor being arranged symmetrically with respect to each other inside the winding tube.

[0019] The invention also relates to a home automation blackout system comprising an operating device as defined previously, a screen configured to be wound around the winding shaft, and at least one converter for supplying energy to the first electric motor and / or the second electric motor.

[0020] The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising program code instructions recorded on a computer-readable medium for implementing the steps of the control method as defined above when said program operates on a computer or to a computer program product downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a data medium readable by a computer and / or executable by a computer, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the computer, cause the latter to implement the control method as defined above.

[0021] The invention also relates to a data recording medium, readable by a computer, on which is recorded a computer program comprising program code instructions for implementing the control method as defined above or to a computer-readable recording medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the latter to implement the control method as defined above.

[0022] Finally, the invention also relates to a signal of a data carrier, carrying the computer program product as defined above. Presentation of figures

[0023] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0024] [fig. 1] [fig.l] is a sectional view of an embodiment of a home automation blackout system comprising an operating device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] [fig.2] [fig.2] is a perspective view of one embodiment of the system blackout home automation.

[0026] [fig.3] [fig.3] is a schematic view of the operating device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0027] [fig.4] [fig.4] is a schematic view of the operating device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0028] [fig.5] [fig.5] is a block diagram of a method for controlling a maneuvering device according to one embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0029] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a home automation blackout system 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. The home automation blackout system 1 is a home automation installation comprising an operating device 2, a screen 3 and a means 4 for supplying power to the operating device 2. The home automation blackout system can be installed in any building such as a house, an apartment or a building. The screen 3 can be intended to blackout a window, a door, or any type of opening. It can also be intended to cover or mask any surface, such as for example the surface of a terrace or a pergola.

[0030] The operating device 2 is intended to move the screen between at least a first position and a second position. The screen 3 may be, for example, a pleated or slatted blind, a curtain, a roller blind, a shutter or any other type of flexible or articulated screen, and more generally any type of screening means. The screen may, for example, be formed by a set of articulated slats. In the remainder of the document, the term “screen” is used to designate the various embodiments of the screen 3 indifferently.

[0031] The operating device 2 may be capable of providing a relatively large torque, so as to move a heavy or large screen. The home automation blackout system 1 may also comprise a spring mechanism configured with a drive direction to cause the screen to unfold and / or retract. Such a spring mechanism is used, for example, to operate the arms of a blind. terrace, to deploy it. The torque provided by the operating device can then be useful for braking the action of the springs when they work in their direction of driving the screen and / or for tensioning the springs of the mechanism when the screen is operated against the direction of driving the spring mechanism. The operating device 2 can also be a particularly compact device, in particular intended for installation inside a building.

[0032] The movement controlled by the operating device can be of several types, depending on the type of screen. For example, the controlled movement can be a winding movement around a shaft, in particular a tube. In this case, the speed of the movement of the screen is fixed by the rotation speed of the tube. The movement controlled by the operating device can also be a rotational movement of slats of a slatted blind, or a translational movement, for example a driving movement of a flexible link driving in translation a screen such as a curtain, fixed to the flexible link.

[0033] In relation to [fig.3], the operating device comprises a first actuator 5, a second actuator 6, a winding shaft 7, in particular a winding tube 7.

[0034] The first actuator 5 comprises a first electric motor 9 and an output shaft on which a first drive wheel 10 can be mounted. The electric motor 9 and the drive wheel 10 are both housed inside the winding tube 7. The first drive wheel 10 is fixed to the winding tube 7 and is integral with a rotor of the first electric motor 9 via a first reduction gear. The first electric motor 9 further comprises a stator integral with a first connection interface 11 arranged at a first end of the winding tube 7. The first actuator 5 further comprises a first control means 8 for the first electric motor 9.

[0035] Similarly, the second actuator 6 comprises a second electric motor 12 and an output shaft on which a second drive wheel 13 can be mounted. The electric motor 12 and the drive wheel 13 are both housed inside the winding tube 7. The second drive wheel 13 is fixed to the winding tube 7 and is also integral with a rotor of the second electric motor 12 via a second reduction gear. Therefore, the two drive wheels 10 and 13 are coupled to each other via the winding tube 7. The winding shaft is rigid and therefore rigidly connects an output shaft of the first actuator 5 to an output shaft of the second actuator 6. The second electric motor 12 also comprises a stator secured to a second connection interface 14 arranged at a second end of the winding tube 7, opposite the first end of the winding tube 7.The second actuator 6 further comprises a . second control means 21 of the second electric motor 12.

[0036] The first actuator 5 and the second actuator 6 are therefore configured to drive the winding tube 7 in rotation. The first electric motor 9 and the second electric motor 12 are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other, inside the winding tube 7. Thus, in stabilized mode, their respective rotors rotate substantially at the same speed but in opposite directions.

[0037] Advantageously, the first actuator 5 and the second actuator 6 are identical. However, the first electric actuator 5 and the second electric actuator 6 are indeed two actuators distinct from one another. More generally, the first electric motor 9 and the second electric motor 12 may comprise the same technical definition, that is to say an identical design, or even the same rotation speed characteristic as a function of the torque supplied by the motor, called the torque / speed characteristic. The first electric motor 9 and / or the second electric motor 12 may preferably be a synchronous, brushless, direct current motor. Such a motor is commonly called a BLDC motor for "Brushless Direct Current" or an electronically commutated motor.

[0038] Alternatively, the invention could also be transposed to an operating device in which one of the two electric motors, or even both electric motors, is of a different type, in particular a synchronous motor, with brush, and direct current, or a two-phase asynchronous motor, or a three-phase asynchronous motor. The two actuators 5 and 6 could also have different torque / speed characteristics.

[0039] The winding tube extends generally along an axis X. It comprises an interior volume intended to house the actuators 5 and 6. The interior diameter of the winding tube 7 is substantially greater than the external diameter of the actuators 5 and 6, so that they can be inserted into the winding tube 7, during assembly of the operating device. The winding tube 7 may comprise a length along the axis X corresponding substantially to the width of the screen 3.

[0040] Advantageously, the winding tube extends horizontally. It can, for example, be positioned at the upper edge of a window, a door, or any other type of opening. In the unrolled configuration, the screen can extend vertically, for example opposite the glazed surface of a window. Alternatively, the screen could extend obliquely, for example to conceal a roof window, or shade a terrace, or even horizontally, such as on a pergola.

[0041] The power supply means 4 of the operating device comprises at least one converter capable of supplying an electric current intended to power at least one of the electric motors 9 and 12. Such a converter may for example be of the AC / DC or DC / DC or DC / AC type. It will be defined in particular according to the nature of a energy source upstream of the converter and depending on the technical characteristics of the electric motor(s) to be powered. The energy source may come from an energy distribution network. The energy supply means may alternatively be connected to or include a local energy source. This local energy source may be, for example, a set of electrochemical cells, a mains-rechargeable battery, or a battery rechargeable by a photovoltaic panel.

[0042] According to a first embodiment shown in [fig. 3], the home automation blackout system may comprise a power supply means 4 for each of the electric motors 9 and 12. The two electric motors may thus be powered via an electricity distribution network (in other words by the mains). Alternatively, one may be powered by the electricity distribution network, the other by a local energy source. Alternatively, the two motors may also each be powered by a local energy source. A separate power supply for each of the two electric motors facilitates installation, because if there may be access to a power line on one side of the home automation system, it is rarer to have this power source at both sides, which requires running power cables along the operating device 2.

[0043] The control means 8, 21 are electronic control units specific to each actuator 5, 6. Each control means 8, 21 comprises: - a communication interface 15, 22, - a memory 16, 23, - a microprocessor 17, 24, - power supply means 18, 25, respectively for the electric motor 9 and 12, - a torque detection device 19, 26, comprising for example means for determining the electric current consumed by the electric motor 9 or respectively the electric motor 12, - a position management module 27, 28 comprising means for detecting the current position, based for example on the recording of the angular positions of the rotor of the electric motor 9 or 12 during the movement of the screen, and finally - a means 29, 30 for regulating the rotation speed of the rotor of the first electric motor 9 and of the second electric motor 12 respectively, as a function of a speed setpoint.

[0044] The control means 8, 21 may be housed respectively in the first actuator 5 and the second actuator 6, for example at the connection interfaces 11 and 14 respectively. Alternatively, the communication interfaces 15, 22 may be in a separate housing, while the memory 16, 23, the microprocessors 17, 24, the power supply means 18, 25, the detection means 19, 26, the position management modules 27, 28, and the regulation means 29, 30 are housed in each of the actuators 5 and 6.

[0045] The communication interfaces 15, 22 may be wireless communication interfaces, for example radio wave communication interfaces, or wired communication interfaces. The communication interface 15 is configured to receive control commands from a control point 20, such as a remote control. The communication interface 15 may transmit control commands which are received by the communication interface 22.

[0046] The control means 8, 21 are capable of regulating respectively the rotation speed of the rotor of the electric motors 9 or 12, for example via the power supply means 18, 25. Advantageously, these rotation speeds are controlled by a pulse width modulation, commonly called PWM ("Pulse Width Modulation"). The pulse width modulation is based on the control of a duty cycle to vary the average voltage with which the electric motor is powered. The duty cycle is defined by the ratio between the duration of an active state of the voltage over a given period. The higher the duty cycle, the higher the average supply voltage will be and the faster the electric motor will rotate.Alternatively, the supply voltage to the electric motors 9 and 12 could be an adjustable voltage and the rotational speed could then be controlled by adjusting the value of the supply voltage at constant torque.

[0047] The memories 16, 23 of the control means 8, 21 are a data recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising program code instructions for implementing a method for controlling the maneuvering device according to an embodiment of the invention. The microprocessors 17, 24 are capable of executing this computer program.

[0048] According to a second embodiment, illustrated in [fig.4], the operating device could comprise a single energy supply means 4 in connection with a single control means 8, itself in connection with the two actuators 5, 6. According to the second embodiment, the communication interface 15, the memory 16, the microprocessor 17, the supply means 18 can be integrated in the same housing, mounted inside or outside the winding tube 7.

[0049] According to a third embodiment (not shown), the elements of the control means 8, 21 can be distributed and integrated into separate housings in a wired or wireless connection to each other, in particular in a radio connection. For example, the communication interface 15, the memory 16, the microprocessor 17, the power supply means 18 of the first electric motor and the torque detection device 19 and the position management module 27 associated with the first electric motor can be integrated into the first actuator. The communication interface 22, the memory 23, the microprocessor 24, the power supply means 25 of the second electric motor and the torque detection device 26 and the position management module associated with the second electric motor can be integrated into the second actuator.

[0050] An embodiment of the method for controlling the operating device 2 according to an embodiment of the invention is now described in relation to [fig.5].

[0051] In a preliminary step E0, an installer designates which of the two is the master actuator and which is the slave actuator from the actuator 5 and the actuator 6. If the two actuators are identical, this designation is at the installer's discretion. If the actuators are not identical, their differences may encourage the installer to choose one rather than the other to act as the master actuator. This designation may be made at the time of integration of the control point 20 into the installation and of pairing of the actuators 5 and 6 with the control point 20. This pairing consists in particular of the exchange of at least one identifier between an actuator and the control point, this shared identifier allowing secure communication between the control point and the actuator.During this step E0, the installer can use the control point input keyboard to communicate to each actuator its master or slave status. This status is stored in memories 16 and 23. This status can be used to activate software subroutines of the control means 8, 21 adapted to the operation of the actuator as master or slave.

[0052] Alternatively, the designation of an actuator as master or slave actuator in the preliminary step E0 could also be done automatically or semi-automatically, for example, via a double power cut, or via the activation of a programming button at the actuators, or even via a remote control previously paired with one of the actuators. It is thus possible to start one of the actuators in a programming mode, in which it is waiting for information to be stored. Then, this actuator observes a significant torque: it stops rotating because the other actuator is not powered. It then automatically designates itself master and sends a programming frame to the second actuator for a predetermined duration. When the second actuator is powered in turn, it receives the programming frame and defines itself as a slave actuator.

[0053] In the example below, the first actuator 5 is selected and designated as the master actuator and the second actuator 6 is selected and designated as the slave actuator. The master actuator 5 is capable of issuing control commands to the slave actuator 6. The slave actuator is capable of receiving the control commands from the master actuator and executing them. In particular, the control means 8 of the master actuator 5 can set for the slave actuator 6 through of corresponding control orders: - Its direction of rotation; a rotation order in the opposite direction is then sent to the slave actuator; and / or - The reference speed for regulation; and / or - Motor stopping in the event of end of travel or overtorque detection and sending a stop order to the slave actuator; and / or - Application position management (e.g. position tracking and reaching a specific position, such as an end-of-travel position or a predefined intermediate stop position).

[0054] In a configuration step E1, the actuator 6, designated as the slave actuator, is configured so that the operation of its position management module 28 is at least partially inhibited. In other words, the control means 21 of the slave actuator 6 stores information relating to the at least partial inhibition of its position management module 28. For example, this configuration of the slave actuator 6 determines that it can no longer manage a specific stop position by means of position tracking of the current position.

[0055] According to a variant, this configuration of the slave actuator 6 makes it unnecessary to search for extreme end-of-travel positions, normally necessary to complete the configuration procedure of the slave actuator 6. This configuration makes it possible to avoid a conflict between the operation of the position management module of the first master actuator 5 and of the second slave actuator 6, in particular if the pre-recorded positions differ. In other words, only the position management module 27 of the master actuator 5 manages the stops in pre-recorded positions at the end of step EL

[0056] In a second step E2, a user interacts during a sub-step E21 with the control point 20 to define a command for the home automation blackout system. Such a command may be, for example, a command to wind the screen, a command to unwind the screen, or a command to reach a particular position of the screen. A control order is then received by the control means 8 via its communication interface 15. This control order may then be translated into the form of a rotation speed instruction for the winding tube.

[0057] In a second sub-step E22, the rotation speed of the rotor of the first electric motor 9 is supplied and regulated for the master actuator, for example via the supply means 18. To do this, the pulse width of the control voltage of the first electric motor 9 is modulated (i.e. the duty cycle of the first electric motor 9 is regulated) so as to obtain a rotation speed of the rotor of the first electric motor corresponding to the setpoint received during the first step. The winding tube 7 is thus driven into rotation at a regulated rotation speed. Simultaneously, the second electric motor 12 is also powered, in the opposite direction to the first electric motor 9.

[0058] According to a first embodiment, the slave actuator 6 will also use its own control means 21 and self-regulate its speed. The torques provided by the two actuators will tend to automatically balance around their natural operating value because the two actuators will rotate at the same speed. The torque value of each actuator may be different.

[0059] According to another embodiment, and in a third step E3 carried out by the slave actuator 6, the operation of the second electric motor is adapted as a function of a supply current of the first electric motor. The third step may comprise a set of sub-steps E31, E32, E33, E34 repeated iteratively according to a given frequency.

[0060] More particularly, the third step E3 comprises a first sub-step E31 during which the slave actuator 6 receives the supply current information from the first electric motor and monitors the supply current from the second electric motor. This first sub-step is notably executed in support of the torque detection devices, for example means for determining the electric current consumed by each of the electric motors 9 and 12.

[0061] In other cases, the slave actuator 6 receives voltage information from the first electric motor and monitors a voltage associated with the second electric motor. This first sub-step is notably executed in support of the torque detection devices, for example means for determining the voltage of a phase shift capacitor between stator windings of each of the electric motors 9 and 12, if these are asynchronous motors.

[0062] Generally, the slave actuator 6 receives a value representative of the torque associated with the first electric motor and monitors a value representative of the torque associated with the second electric motor. The value representative of the torque associated with the first electric motor can be transmitted by the first actuator 5 and received by the second actuator 6 using their communication interfaces 15, 22.

[0063] Then, the third step E3 comprises a second sub-step E32 in which a first value representative of the torque supplied by the first electric motor is compared with a second value representative of a torque supplied by the second electric motor. In particular, the first value may be simply equal to the supply current of the first electric motor and the second value may be simply equal to the supply current of the second electric motor. A direct comparison of the two supply currents is particularly relevant if the two electric motors have the same technical definition. More generally, the first value corresponds to a representative value of the torque associated with the first electric motor (9) and the second value corresponds to a representative value of the torque associated with the second electric motor (12).

[0064] To the extent that the actuators or their electric motors may differ, it is possible to compare the second value to a predefined percentage of the first value, for example to a percentage between 80 and 120% of the first value. Thus, one could also compare the supply current of the second electric motor to a percentage of the supply current of the first electric motor. Such a comparison would make it possible to obtain different torques for each of the two electric motors. Such an operating mode may be interesting if the two electric motors have different technical definitions, in particular if they operate with different supply currents, or if one voluntarily wishes to preserve one of the two electric motors to the detriment of the other, for example in the case where one of the actuators is powered by mains power while the other is powered by batteries.

[0065] Then, if the second value is strictly less than the predefined percentage of the first value, a third sub-step E33 is carried out for increasing a speed setpoint of the second electric motor. This is for example a sub-step in which the control duty cycle of the second electric motor 12 is increased. If the second value is strictly greater than the predefined percentage of the first value, a fourth sub-step E34 is carried out for decreasing a speed setpoint of the second electric motor. This is for example a sub-step in which the control duty cycle of the second electric motor is decreased. The decrease or increase in the control speed setpoint of the second electric motor can be done according to a predetermined step at each iteration of the sub-steps E33 or E34.Alternatively, the decrease or increase in this speed setpoint could also be calculated based on a value equal to the difference between the supply current of the second electric motor and said first value.

[0066] Given the symmetrical arrangement of the two electric motors 9 and 12, the second electric motor 12 is controlled so that its rotor rotates in the opposite direction to the rotor of the first electric motor 9.

[0067] By proceeding in this way, in particular for direct current motors, a regulation of the duty cycle of the second motor is obtained as a function of the supply currents of the two electric motors 9 and 12. The supply current of the second electric motor thus becomes substantially equal to the first value. In general, whatever the type of actuator used, the aim is to obtain a regulation chosen partition of working torques for each actuator. The working torque provided by each actuator is advantageously close to, or even equal to, the nominal torque that the actuator can provide. This avoids a situation where one of the two actuators operates with a torque that is too high in relation to its capacities. The operation of the operating device is thus optimized. The working torques provided by each of the actuators add up to effectively operate the screen 3.

[0068] The control method as described above comprises a transient start-up phase during which the rotors of the two electric motors are set into rotation. During this start-up phase, the first electric motor and the second electric motor can be started simultaneously or almost simultaneously. In this case, an initial control command is sent to each of the two electric motors so that they are powered. Then, the operation of the second electric motor is adapted as a function of the supply current of the first electric motor in accordance with the third step E3 described above.

[0069] Alternatively, during this start-up phase, the first electric motor can be controlled by a supply voltage determined as a function of the speed setpoint, without this voltage however allowing movement of the rotor. During the first iteration(s) of the adaptation step E3, the supply current of the first and second electric motors is progressively increased until the winding tube is driven in rotation and reaches the regulation speed. Transiently, one of the actuators can therefore operate with a slightly higher working torque. This would not damage the other actuator since the start-up phase is only transient.

[0070] The control method may also comprise a stopping phase of the operating device. During this stopping phase, the first electric motor and the second electric motor may be stopped simultaneously or almost simultaneously. The communication interface 15 allows the transmission of this stopping order from the master actuator to the slave actuator. Alternatively, any one of the first electric motor and the second electric motor may be stopped, the other electric motor stopping automatically following the detection of excessive working torque, due to the blocking of the rotation of the winding tube by the stopped electric motor.

[0071] The control method which has just been described relates to a method in which the rotational speed of the winding tube is regulated according to a given speed setpoint. Such a method therefore makes it possible to wind or unwind the screen around the winding tube according to a given speed profile, in particular with a constant speed. The same operating device could also be used without speed regulation. In this case, the working torques of each of the actuators tend to automatically balance around their natural operating value because the rotors of the two electric motors rotate at the same speed.

[0072] Other embodiments of the operating device according to the invention may be proposed. For example, the operating device may comprise a larger number of electric motors, for example three or four electric motors arranged in a support rail of a screen, for example for driving a winding shaft on which cords or straps holding the screen are wound. In this case the method just described may be adapted so as to adapt the operation of the additional slave electric motors in the manner described for the slave actuator 6. The arrangement of the electric motors within a winding tube could be different, for example they could be oriented in the same direction. According to another variant, the electric motors could be arranged outside the winding tube.

[0073] Thanks to the invention, a maneuvering device is provided that is both powerful and compact. Each of the actuators of the maneuvering device produces a moderate working torque and therefore requires a much lower supply current than a single actuator producing an equivalent working torque. Energy losses within the converters used to power the actuators are minimized. In addition, thanks to the invention, it is possible to expand a range of maneuvering devices without designing new electric motors. Resources useful for the development of new products are therefore also saved.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for controlling an operating device (2) intended to operate a screen (3) of a home automation blackout system (1) between at least a first position and a second position, the operating device (2) comprising: - a first actuator (5) equipped with a first electric motor (9), a torque detection device (19) and a position management module (27), - a second actuator (6) equipped with a second electric motor (12), a torque detection device (26) and a position management module (28) and - a winding shaft (7), the first actuator (5) and the second actuator (6) being configured to drive the winding shaft (7), the control method comprising a step (EO) of designating the first actuator as master actuator and the second actuator as slave actuator,and a step (El) of configuring the second actuator in which the operation of the position management module (28) of the second actuator (6) is at least partially inhibited.

2. Control method according to the preceding claim, the control method comprising a step (E2) of regulating the rotation speed of a rotor of the first electric motor (9) as a function of a speed setpoint, and a step of adapting (E3) the operation of the second electric motor (12) as a function of a value representative of a torque supplied by the first electric motor (9).

3. Control method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the step of adapting (E3) the operation of the second electric motor (12) comprises: - a first sub-step (E31) of determining a first value representative of the torque supplied by the first electric motor (9) and a second value representative of a torque supplied by the second electric motor (12), then - a second sub-step (E32) of comparing the second value with the first value, then - if the second value is strictly less than a predefined percentage of said first value, a third sub-step (E33) of increasing a speed setpoint of the second electric motor (12), and - if the second value is strictly greater than the predefined percentage of said first value, a fourth sub-step (E34) of decreasing a speed setpoint of the second electric motor (12).

4. Control method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second motor is a direct current motor, in that said third sub-step (E33) comprises an increase in a control duty cycle of the second electric motor, and in that said fourth sub-step (E34) comprises a decrease in a control duty cycle of the second electric motor.

5. Control method according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that said first value is equal to the supply current of the first electric motor (9) and / or said second value is equal to the supply current of the second electric motor (12).

6. Control method according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the predefined percentage is a percentage between 80 and 120%, preferably 100%.

7. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a starting phase of the operating device (2) comprising: - a simultaneous starting of the first electric motor (9) and the second electric motor (12), and / or - a starting of the first electric motor (9) at a predetermined supply voltage as a function of the speed setpoint without this voltage allowing movement of the rotor of the first electric motor, then a supply of the second electric motor driving the winding shaft (7) in rotation.

8. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a phase of stopping the operating device (2) comprising: - a simultaneous stopping of the first electric motor (9) and of the second electric motor (12) by transmission of a stopping order from the master actuator to the slave actuator, and / or - a stopping of any one of the first electric motor (9) or the second electric motor (12), the other electric motor stopping following the detection of excessive torque.

9. Operating device (2) intended to operate a screen (3) of a home automation blackout system (1) between at least a first position and a second position, the operating device (2) comprising: - a first actuator (5) equipped with a first electric motor (9), a torque detection device (19) and a position management module (27), - a second actuator (6) equipped with a second electric motor (12), a torque detection device (26) and a position management module (28) and - a winding shaft (7), the first actuator (5) and the second actuator (6) being configured to drive the winding shaft (7), the first actuator being designated as the master actuator and the second actuator as the slave actuator, the operating device comprising a memory (23) provided with information relating to the at least partial inhibition of the position management module of the second actuator (6).

10. Operating device (2) according to the preceding claim, comprising: - a means (29) for regulating the rotation speed of a rotor of the first electric motor (9) as a function of a speed setpoint and - a means for adapting the operation of the second electric motor (12) as a function of a value representative of a torque supplied by the first electric motor (9), in particular as a function of a supply current of the first electric motor (9).

11. Operating device (2) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the first electric motor (9) and / or the second electric motor (12) is a synchronous, brushless, direct current motor.

12. Operating device (2) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the first electric motor (9) and the second electric motor (12) comprise the same technical definition, and / or in that the winding shaft (7) is a winding tube, the first electric motor (9) and the second electric motor (12) being integrated inside the winding tube (7), in particular the first electric motor (9) and the second electric motor (12) being arranged symmetrically with respect to each other inside the winding tube (7).

13. Home automation blackout system (1), characterized in that it comprises an operating device (2) according to one of claims 9 to 12, a screen (3) configured to be wound around the winding shaft (7), and at least one converter for supplying energy to the first electric motor (9) and / or the second electric motor (12).

14. A computer program product comprising program code instructions recorded on a computer-readable medium for implementing the steps of the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 when said program is running on a computer.

15. A computer-readable data storage medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising program code instructions for implementing the control method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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