Motorized drive device for a concealing device and associated concealing device

Abstract

Motorized drive device for a concealment device and associated concealment device A motorized drive device (5) comprises an electromechanical actuator, an external electrical power supply and control device (26) and a power supply cable (18). The actuator comprises an electric motor, a reduction gear, a housing and an output shaft. The motor is of the electronically commutated brushless type. The external device (26) comprises a housing (32) and an electronic control unit (15). The motor is supplied with electrical power from the electronic control unit (15), by means of power supply wires of the cable (18). Each of the power supply wires extends from the external device (26) to the actuator. The electronic control unit (15) is entirely housed inside the housing (32). The cable (18) comprises only power supply wires.The electrical power supply and control of the motor from the electronic control unit (15) is implemented only by the power supply wires. Figure for abstract: Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Motorized drive device for a concealment device and associated concealment device

[0001] The present invention relates to a motorized drive device for a concealing device, in other words a motorized drive device for a concealing device, as well as a concealing device comprising such a motorized drive device.

[0002] Generally, the present invention relates to the field of occultation devices comprising a motorized drive device moving a screen, between at least a first position and at least a second position.

[0003] A motorized drive device comprises an electromechanical actuator of a movable closing, concealing or sun protection element, such as a shutter, a door, a grille, a blind or any other equivalent material, hereinafter called a screen.

[0004] Document EP 2 755 318 A1 is already known, which describes a motorized drive device for a Venetian blind. The motorized drive device comprises an electromechanical actuator and an external electrical power supply and communication device. The electromechanical actuator comprises an electric motor, a reducer, a housing and a Venetian blind drive mechanism. The electric motor is of the electronically commutated brushless type. The electric motor comprises a rotor and a stator. The electric motor and the reducer are mounted inside the housing. The housing comprises a first end and a second end, the second end being opposite the first end. The output shaft is arranged at the second end of the housing. The external electrical power supply and communication device comprises a housing and a first electronic control unit.The first electronic control unit is mounted inside the housing of the external electrical power supply and communication device. The electric motor of the electromechanical actuator is supplied with electrical power from the first electronic control unit of the external electrical power supply and communication device, by means of two power supply wires. Each of the power supply wires extends from the external electrical power supply and communication device to the electromechanical actuator.

[0005] However, this motorized drive device has the disadvantage that the electromechanical actuator comprises a second electronic control unit. The first electronic control unit of the power supply device external electrical and communication unit is electrically connected to the second electronic control unit of the electromechanical actuator.

[0006] Thus, the electronic control unit is divided into two parts, a first part of which is arranged in the housing of the external electrical power supply and communication device and a second part of which is arranged in the casing of the electromechanical actuator.

[0007] Therefore, a length of the electromechanical actuator is not minimized, since the second electronic control unit of the electromechanical actuator is arranged in the extension of the electric motor, the reducer and the drive mechanism, along a longitudinal direction of the electromechanical actuator.

[0008] Furthermore, this motorized drive device has the disadvantage that the external electrical power supply and communication device is electrically connected to the electromechanical actuator by means of two electrical power supply wires. These two electrical power supply wires correspond to the two electrical connection polarities of the electromechanical actuator.

[0009] Consequently, the second electronic control unit of the electromechanical actuator must be configured to transform a supply current supplied by the external electrical power supply and communication device through the two electrical power supply wires into a control current of the electric motor of the electromechanical actuator as a function of each of the phases of this electric motor.

[0010] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a motorized drive device for a concealment device, as well as a concealment device comprising such a motorized drive device, making it possible to minimize a length of an electromechanical actuator of the motorized drive device, in its longitudinal direction, and to control the electromechanical actuator from an external electrical power supply and control device which may comprise different components according to desired functionalities which may vary for the motorized drive device, without having to modify the electromechanical actuator, in the case where the electromechanical actuator is equipped with an electronically commutated brushless electric motor.

[0011] In this regard, the present invention aims, according to a first aspect, at a motorized drive device for a concealment device,

[0012] the motorized drive device comprising at least:

[0013] - an electromechanical actuator,

[0014] - an external electrical power supply and control device, and

[0015] - an electrical power cable, the electrical power cable comprising power supply wires,

[0016] the electromechanical actuator comprising at least:

[0017] - an electric motor, the electric motor being of the brushless commutated type electronic, the electric motor comprising at least one rotor and one stator,

[0018] - a reducer,

[0019] - a casing, the electric motor and the reducer being mounted inside the casing, the housing comprising a first end and a second end, the second end being opposite the first end, and

[0020] - an output shaft, the output shaft being disposed at the second end of the crankcase,

[0021] the electrical power supply and external control device comprising at least:

[0022] - a housing, and

[0023] - an electronic control unit, the electric motor of the actuator electromechanical being supplied with electrical energy from the electronic control unit, by means of the electrical supply wires of the electrical supply cable, each of the electrical supply wires of the electrical supply cable extending from the external electrical energy supply and control device to the electromechanical actuator.

[0024] According to the invention, the electronic control unit is entirely housed inside the housing of the external electrical power supply and control device. The electrical power cable comprises only electrical power wires. Furthermore, the electrical power supply and control of the electric motor of the electromechanical actuator from the electronic control unit of the external electrical power supply and control device is implemented only by the electrical power wires of the electrical power cable.

[0025] Thus, such a motorized drive device where only the housing of the external electrical power supply and control device comprises the electronic control unit, i.e. where the electronic control unit is housed entirely in the housing of the external electrical power supply and control device, makes it possible to minimize a length of the electromechanical actuator of the motorized drive device, along its longitudinal direction, and to control the electromechanical actuator from the external electrical power supply and control device which may comprise different components according to desired functionalities which may vary for the motorized drive device, without having to modify the electromechanical actuator, in the case where the electromechanical actuator is equipped with an electronically commutated brushless type electric motor.

[0026] In this way, the electromechanical actuator is an operator, that is to say a material capable of operating on equipment, configured to drive in movement a screen of a concealment device, this screen being able to be of reduced width. The driving of the screen 2 is implemented by means of the brushless type electric motor with electronic commutation, whereas the electromechanical actuator is devoid of an electronic control unit, given that the only electronic control unit of the motorized drive device is housed inside the housing of the external electrical power supply and control device. In other words, the electronic control unit of the external electrical power supply and control device is decentralized with respect to the electromechanical actuator.

[0027] Therefore, the cost of obtaining the motorized drive device is minimized, since the electromechanical actuator is of reduced length and the electromechanical actuator is the same for different references of motorized drive device, while the electronic control unit entirely housed in the housing of the external electrical power supply and control device can be adapted for each of these references of motorized drive device.

[0028] The adaptation of the electronic control unit of the electrical power supply and external control device can be implemented as a function of a supply voltage provided by an electrical power supply source or as a function of a communication medium, in particular wireless and / or wired.

[0029] Furthermore, the electrical power supply and external control device can be used to supply electrical power and control a plurality of electromechanical actuators as defined previously according to the invention.

[0030] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the electronic control unit, entirely housed in the housing of the electrical energy supply and external control device, comprises a sensorless counting device, the counting device being configured to determine a position of the rotor of the electric motor.

[0031] According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the electromechanical actuator further comprises a brake.

[0032] According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the electronic control unit, entirely housed in the housing of the electrical power supply and external control device, further comprises a communication module.

[0033] According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the communication module is of the wireless type. In addition, the electronic control unit, entirely housed in the housing of the electrical power supply device and external control, further comprises a radio frequency antenna, the radio frequency antenna being electrically connected to the communication module.

[0034] According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the communication module is of the wired type.

[0035] According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the electrical power supply cable comprises an electrical plug. The electromechanical actuator further comprises an electrical connection device, the electrical connection device being mounted inside the housing, the electrical connection device being electrically connected to the electric motor. Furthermore, the electrical plug of the electrical power supply cable is electrically connected to the electrical connection device of the electromechanical actuator.

[0036] According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the electromechanical actuator further comprises at least one torque support, the torque support being mounted at least partly inside the casing, the torque support being arranged at the first end of the casing. Furthermore, each of the electrical power supply wires of the electrical power supply cable extends at least partly through the torque support.

[0037] According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the torque support further comprises a housing. Furthermore, the electrical plug of the electrical power supply cable is inserted inside the housing of the torque support.

[0038] The present invention aims, according to a second aspect, at a concealment device comprising at least:

[0039] - a screen, and

[0040] - a motorized drive device.

[0041] According to the invention, the motorized drive device is in accordance with the invention and as mentioned above. The screen is configured to be driven in movement by the electromechanical actuator of the motorized drive device.

[0042] This concealment device has characteristics and advantages similar to those described previously in relation to the motorized drive device according to the invention and as mentioned above.

[0043] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the occulting device further comprises a winding tube. The screen can be rolled onto the winding tube. Furthermore, the winding tube is arranged so as to be driven in rotation by the electromechanical actuator.

[0044] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description, given with reference to the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples and in which:

[0045] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic cross-sectional view of an installation according to one embodiment of the invention, the installation comprising a concealment device according to the invention;

[0046] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of the installation illustrated in [Fig.l], showing a device for supplying electrical energy and for externally controlling a motorized drive device for the concealment device of the installation; and

[0047] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic view in axial and partial section of the installation illustrated in figures 1 and 2, showing an electromechanical actuator of the motorized drive device of the concealment device of the installation.

[0048] First of all, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, a home automation installation 100 according to the invention is described. This home automation installation 100 comprises at least one closing, concealing or solar protection device 3, according to one embodiment of the invention. This home automation installation 100, installed in a building, not shown, comprises an opening 1, in which is arranged a window 40 or a door, which is only shown in [Fig.l]. This home automation installation 100 is equipped with at least one screen 2 belonging to the closing, concealing or solar protection device 3, in particular a motorized roller shutter.

[0049] The closing, concealing or sun protection device 3 is hereinafter called “concealing device”. The concealing device 3 comprises the screen 2.

[0050] The occultation device 3 may be a roller shutter, a canvas blind, a rolling gate, or even a grille. The present invention applies to all types of occultation device.

[0051] A roller shutter conforming to the embodiment of the invention is described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0052] The occulting device 3 comprises a motorized drive device 5, according to the invention. The motorized drive device 5 comprises an electromechanical actuator 11, illustrated in [Fig. 3], and an electrical power supply and external control device 26, illustrated in [Fig. 2].

[0053] Advantageously, the occulting device 3 further comprises a winding tube 4. The screen 2 can be wound on the winding tube 4. Furthermore, the winding tube 4 is arranged so as to be driven in rotation by the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0054] Thus, the screen 2 of the occulting device 3 is wound onto the winding tube 4 or unwound around it, the winding tube 4 being driven by the motorized drive device 5, in particular by the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0055] In this way, the screen 2 is movable between a rolled-up position, in particular high, and an unrolled position, in particular low, and vice versa.

[0056] The screen 2 of the occultation device 3 is a closing, occultation and / or solar protection screen, winding and unwinding around the winding tube 4, the internal diameter of which is greater than the external diameter of the electromechanical actuator 11, so that the electromechanical actuator 11 can be inserted into the winding tube 4, during the assembly of the occultation device 3.

[0057] The electromechanical actuator 11, in particular of the tubular type, makes it possible to rotate the winding tube 4 around an axis of rotation X, so as to move, in particular unwind or wind, the screen 2 of the occulting device 3.

[0058] In a mounted state of the occulting device 3, the electromechanical actuator 11 is inserted into the winding tube 4.

[0059] In a known manner, the roller shutter, which forms the concealment device 3, comprises an apron comprising horizontal slats articulated to each other, forming the screen 2 of the roller shutter 3, and guided by two lateral slides 6, shown only in [Fig.2]. These slats are joined when the apron 2 of the roller shutter 3 reaches its lower unrolled position.

[0060] In the case of a roller shutter, the rolled-up high position corresponds to the support of a final end blade 8, for example L-shaped, of the apron 2 of the roller shutter 3 against an edge of a box 9 of the roller shutter 3 or to the stopping of the final end blade 8 in a programmed high end-of-travel position. In addition, the unrolled low position corresponds to the support of the final end blade 8 of the apron 2 of the roller shutter 3 against a threshold 7 of the opening 1 or to the stopping of the final end blade 8 in a programmed low end-of-travel position.

[0061] Here, the screen 2 is configured to be moved, by means of the motorized drive device 5, between an open position, corresponding to the rolled-up position and which can also be called the first end-of-travel position or the upper end-of-travel position FdCH, and a closed position, corresponding to the rolled-up position and which can also be called the second end-of-travel position or the lower end-of-travel position FdCB.

[0062] Thus, the electromechanical actuator 11 is configured to drive, in other words causes, the screen 2 to move between the first end-of-travel position FdCH and the second end-of-travel position FdCB, and vice versa.

[0063] The first blade of the roller shutter 3, opposite the final end blade 8, is connected to the winding tube 4 by means of at least one articulation 10, in particular a band-shaped attachment piece.

[0064] The winding tube 4 is arranged inside the box 9 of the roller shutter 3. The apron 2 of the roller shutter 3 winds and unwinds around the winding tube 4 and is housed at least partly inside the box 9.

[0065] Generally, the trunk 9 is arranged above the opening 1, or in the upper part of the opening 1.

[0066] Advantageously, the motorized drive device 5 is controlled by a control unit. The control unit may be, for example, a local control unit 12 or a central control unit 13.

[0067] Advantageously, the local control unit 12 can be connected, by wired or wireless connection, with the central control unit 13.

[0068] Advantageously, the central control unit 13 can control the local control unit 12, as well as other similar local control units distributed throughout the building.

[0069] The motorized drive device 5 is preferably configured to execute the commands for unrolling or rolling up the screen 2 of the occulting device 3, which can be issued, in particular, by the local control unit 12 or the central control unit 13.

[0070] The home automation installation 100 comprises either the local control unit 12, or the central control unit 13, or the local control unit 12 and the central control unit 13.

[0071] We will now describe, in more detail and with reference to Figures 2 and 3, the motorized drive device 5, including the electromechanical actuator 11 and the electrical power supply and external control device 26, belonging to the home automation installation 100 and, more particularly, to the occultation device 3 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

[0072] The electromechanical actuator 11 comprises an electric motor 16.

[0073] The electric motor 16 is represented by its casing in [Fig.3], without details on its internal constituent elements.

[0074] The electric motor 16 comprises a rotor and a stator, not shown.

[0075] Here, the rotor and the stator of the electric motor 16 are positioned coaxially around the axis of rotation X, which is also the axis of rotation of the winding tube 4 in the mounted configuration of the motorized drive device 5.

[0076] The electric motor 16 is of the brushless type with electronic commutation, also called “BLDC” (acronym for the English term BrushLess Direct Current) or “synchronous with permanent magnets”.

[0077] Means for controlling the electromechanical actuator 11, allowing the screen 2 of the occulting device 3 to be moved, comprise at least one electronic control unit 15. This electronic control unit 15 is capable of putting the electric motor 16 of the electromechanical actuator 11 into operation and, in particular, of allowing the electric motor 16 to be supplied with electrical energy.

[0078] Thus, the electronic control unit 15 controls, in particular, the electric motor 16, so as to open or close the screen 2, as described previously.

[0079] The control means of the electromechanical actuator 11 comprise hardware and / or software means.

[0080] By way of non-limiting example, the hardware means may comprise at least one microcontroller 31.

[0081] The external electrical power supply and control device 26 comprises the electronic control unit 15.

[0082] Here, the electronic control unit 15 comprises the microcontroller 31.

[0083] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 15 further comprises a first communication module 27, in particular for receiving control orders, the control orders being emitted by an order transmitter, such as the local control unit 12 or the central control unit 13, these orders being intended to control the motorized drive device 5.

[0084] Advantageously, the first communication module 27 of the electronic control unit 15 is of the wireless type. In particular, the first communication module 27 is configured to receive radio control commands.

[0085] Advantageously, in the case where the first communication module 27 is of the wireless type, the electronic control unit 15 further comprises a radiofrequency antenna 42. The radiofrequency antenna 42 is electrically connected, in other words is configured to be electrically connected, to the first communication module 27.

[0086] Alternatively or in addition, the first communication module 27 can allow the reception of control orders transmitted by wired means.

[0087] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 15, the local control unit 12 and / or the central control unit 13 may be in communication with a weather station, not shown, arranged inside the building or remote to the outside of the building, including, in particular, one or more sensors which may be configured to determine, for example, a temperature, a brightness, or even a wind speed, in the case where the weather station is remote to the outside of the building.

[0088] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 15, the local control unit 12 and / or the central control unit 13 can also be in communication with a server 28, as illustrated in [Fig.2], so as to control the electromechanical actuator 11 according to data made available remotely via a communication network, in particular an internet network which can be connected to the server 28.

[0089] The electronic control unit 15 can be controlled from the local control unit 12 and / or the central control unit 13. The local control unit 12 and / or the central control unit 13 is provided with a control keyboard. The control keyboard of the local control unit 12 or the central control unit 13 comprises one or more selection elements 14 and, optionally, one or more display elements 34.

[0090] By way of non-limiting examples, the selection elements may comprise push buttons and / or sensitive keys. The display elements may comprise light-emitting diodes and / or a display, for example LCD (acronym for the English term “Liquid Crystal Display”) or TFT (acronym for the English term “Thin Film Transistor”). The selection and display elements may also be implemented using a touch screen.

[0091] Advantageously, the local control unit 12 and / or the central control unit 13 comprises at least one second communication module 36.

[0092] Thus, the second communication module 36 of the local control unit 12 or of the central control unit 13 is configured to transmit, in other words emit, control orders, by wireless means, for example radioelectric, and / or by wired means.

[0093] Furthermore, the second communication module 36 of the local control unit 12 or of the central control unit 13 can also be configured to receive, in other words receives, control commands, in particular via the same means.

[0094] Advantageously, the second communication module 36 of the local control unit 12 or of the central control unit 13 is configured to communicate, in other words communicates, with the first communication module 27 of the electronic control unit 15.

[0095] Thus, the second communication module 36 of the local control unit 12 or of the central control unit 13 exchanges control orders with the first communication module 27 of the electronic control unit 15, either in a unidirectional manner or in a bidirectional manner.

[0096] Advantageously, the local control unit 12 is a control point, which may be fixed or mobile. A fixed control point may be a control box intended to be fixed on a facade of a wall of the building or on a face of a fixed frame of the window 40 or of a door. A mobile control point may be a remote control, a smartphone or a tablet.

[0097] Advantageously, the local control unit 12 and / or the central control unit 13 further comprises a controller 35.

[0098] The motorized drive device 5, in particular the electronic control unit 15, is preferably configured to execute movement control orders, in particular closing and opening, of the screen 2 of the occulting device 3. These control orders can be issued, in particular, by the local control unit 12 or by the central control unit 13.

[0099] The motorized drive device 5 can be controlled by the user, for example by receiving a control command corresponding to pressing the or one of the selection elements 14 of the local control unit 12 or of the central control unit 13.

[0100] The motorized drive device 5 can also be controlled automatically, for example by receiving a control command corresponding to at least one signal from at least one sensor, not shown, and / or to a signal from a clock, not shown, of the electronic control unit 15, in particular of the microcontroller 31. The sensor and / or the clock can, as a variant, be integrated into the local control unit 12 or into the central control unit 13.

[0101] The electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a casing 17, in particular a tubular casing. The electric motor 16 is mounted inside the casing 17, in other words is housed inside the casing 17, in particular in an assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0102] Here, the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is of cylindrical shape, in particular of revolution around the axis of rotation X.

[0103] Advantageously, the casing 17 is a tube.

[0104] Here, the tube forming the casing 17 has a circular section.

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, the casing 17 is made of a metallic material.

[0106] The material of the housing of the electromechanical actuator is not limiting and can be different. This may be, in particular, a plastic material.

[0107] Here, the casing 17 is hollow. The casing 17 is open at each of its ends 17a, 17b.

[0108] The casing 17 comprises a first end 17a and a second end 17b. The second end 17b is opposite the first end 17a.

[0109] The electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises an output shaft 20.

[0110] The output shaft 20 is arranged, in other words is configured to be arranged, at the second end 17b of the casing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0111] The electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a reducer 19.

[0112] The reducer 19 is represented by its casing in [Fig.3], without details on its internal constituent elements.

[0113] Advantageously, the reducer 19 comprises at least one reduction stage. The reduction stage may be an epicyclic type gear train.

[0114] The type and number of reduction stages of the reducer are not limiting.

[0115] The reducer 19 is coupled, in other words is configured to be coupled, with the electric motor 16, in particular with the rotor of the electric motor 16, in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0116] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a brake 29.

[0117] By way of non-limiting examples, the brake 29 may be a spring brake, a cam brake, a magnetic brake or an electromagnetic brake.

[0118] Here and as visible in [Fig.3], in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11, the brake 29 is configured to be arranged, in other words is arranged, between the electric motor 16 and the reducer 19, that is to say at the output of the electric motor 16.

[0119] As a variant, not shown, the brake 29 is configured to be arranged, in other words is arranged, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11, between the electronic control unit 15 and the electric motor 16, in other words at the input of the electric motor 16, between the reducer 19 and the output shaft 20, in other words at the output of the reducer 19, or between two reduction stages of the reducer 19.

[0120] Advantageously, the reducer 19 and, possibly, the brake 29 are arranged inside the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0121] Advantageously, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is arranged inside the winding tube 4 and at least partly outside the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0122] Here, one end of the output shaft 20 projects relative to the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular relative to the second end 17b of the casing 17 opposite the first end 17a.

[0123] Advantageously, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is configured to drive a connecting element 22 in rotation. This connecting element 22 is connected to the winding tube 4, in particular in the assembled configuration of the occulting device 3. The connecting element is, in the example of the figures, produced in the form of a wheel.

[0124] When the electromechanical actuator 11 is operated, the electric motor 16 and the reducer 19 rotate the output shaft 20. In addition, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 rotates the winding tube 4 via the connecting element 22.

[0125] Thus, the winding tube 4 rotates the screen 2 of the occulting device 3, so as to open or close the opening 1.

[0126] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a crown 30. The crown 30 is arranged, in other words is configured to be arranged, at the first end 17a of the casing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0127] The crown 30 constitutes, in other words is configured to constitute, a bearing for guiding the rotation of the winding tube 4, in particular in an assembled configuration of the occulting device 3.

[0128] The winding tube 4 is rotated about the axis of rotation X and about the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 while being supported by means of two pivot connections. The first pivot connection is made at a first end of the winding tube 4 by means of the crown 30 inserted around the first end 17a of the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11. The crown 30 thus makes it possible to produce a bearing. The second pivot connection, not shown in [Fig. 3], is made at a second end of the winding tube 4, not visible in this figure.

[0129] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a torque support 21, which may also be called “actuator head” or “fixed point”.

[0130] The torque support 21 closes, in other words is configured to close, the first end 17a of the casing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0131] Thus, the torque support 21 is arranged, in other words is configured to be arranged, at the first end 17a of the casing 17.

[0132] Advantageously, the torque support 21 is mounted at least partly inside the casing 17.

[0133] Advantageously, the torque support 21 projects, at the level of the first end 17a of the casing 17, in particular the end 17a of the casing 17 receiving the crown 30.

[0134] Thus, a first part of the torque support 21 is arranged inside the casing 17 and a second part of the torque support 21 is arranged outside the casing 17.

[0135] Advantageously, the torque support 21 is configured to fix the electromechanical actuator 11 on a frame 23, in particular on a cheek of the trunk 9.

[0136] Thus, the torque support 21 makes it possible to take up the forces exerted by the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular the torque exerted by the electromechanical actuator 11, relative to the structure of the building. The torque support 21 advantageously also makes it possible to take up forces exerted by the tube winding 4, in particular the weight of the winding tube 4, the electromechanical actuator 11 and the screen 2, and to ensure that these forces are taken up by the structure of the building.

[0137] The torque support 21 is fixed, in other words is configured to be fixed, to the casing 17 by means of one or more fixing elements, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11. The fixing element(s) may be, in particular, bosses, fixing screws, elastic snap-fastening fixing elements, ribs fitted into notches or a combination of these different fixing elements.

[0138] The motorized drive device 5 further comprises an electrical power supply cable 18. The electrical power supply cable 18 comprises electrical power supply wires 33a, 33b, 33c, in particular three in number.

[0139] Here, the electric motor 16 is three-phase. Furthermore, each of the electrical supply wires 33a, 33b, 33c corresponds, in other words is associated, with one of the supply phases U, V, W of the electric motor 16.

[0140] The electronic control unit 15 is supplied with electrical energy, in other words is configured to be supplied with electrical energy, from an electrical energy supply source 25. Another electrical power supply cable 41 electrically connects, in other words is configured to electrically connect, the electrical energy supply source 25 to the electronic control unit 15.

[0141] Thus, the electronic control unit 15 is electrically connected to the electrical power supply source 25.

[0142] The electrical power supply source 25 may be, for example, a mains electrical power supply network or so-called “PoE” (acronym for the English term “Power over Ethernet”), or a battery, which may be rechargeable by means of a photovoltaic panel or a charger.

[0143] Advantageously, each of the electrical supply wires 33a, 33b, 33c of the electrical supply cable 18 extends at least partly through the torque support 21.

[0144] The external electrical power supply and control device 26 further comprises a housing 32. The electronic control unit 15 is mounted inside the housing 32. In other words, the electronic control unit 15 is an integral part of the external electrical power supply and control device 26 and is arranged outside the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0145] The electric motor 16 is supplied with electrical energy from the electronic control unit 15, by means of the electrical supply wires 33a, 33b, 33c of the electrical supply cable 18.

[0146] Each of the power supply wires 33a, 33b, 33c of the power supply cable 18 extends from the external power supply and control device 26 to the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0147] Only the housing 32 comprises the electronic control unit 15. In other words, the electronic control unit 15 is entirely housed, in other words included, inside the housing 32. The electronic control unit 15 is therefore completely arranged in the interior volume of the housing 32, that is to say integrated into the housing 32.

[0148] The power supply cable 18 comprises only power supply wires 33a, 33b, 33c.

[0149] Furthermore, the electrical power supply and control of the electric motor 16 from the electronic control unit 15 are implemented only by the electrical power supply wires 33a, 33b, 33c of the electrical power supply cable 18.

[0150] Thus, the motorized drive device 5 where only the housing 32 of the external electrical power supply and control device 26 comprises the electronic control unit 15, that is to say where the electronic control unit 15 is housed entirely in the housing 32 of the external electrical power supply and control device 26, makes it possible to minimize a length L of the electromechanical actuator 11, in its longitudinal direction, in particular defined by the direction of the axis of rotation X, and to control the electromechanical actuator 11 from the external electrical power supply and control device 26.This external electrical power supply and control device 26 may comprise different components according to desired functionalities which may vary for the motorized drive device 5, without having to modify the electromechanical actuator 11, in the case where the electromechanical actuator 11 is equipped with the electronically commutated brushless type electric motor 16.

[0151] In this way, the electromechanical actuator 11 is an operator, that is to say a piece of equipment capable of operating on equipment, configured to drive the screen 2 of the occulting device 3 in movement, this screen 2 being able to be of reduced width W. The driving of the screen 2 is implemented by means of the electric motor 16 of the brushless type with electronic commutation, whereas the electromechanical actuator 11 is devoid of an electronic control unit, given that the only electronic control unit 15 of the motorized drive device 5 is housed inside the housing 32 of the external electrical power supply and control device 26. In other words, the electronic control unit 15 is decentralized with respect to the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0152] Therefore, the cost of obtaining the motorized drive device 5 is minimized, given that the electromechanical actuator 11 is of reduced length L and that the electromechanical actuator 11 is the same for different references of motorized drive device 5, while the electronic control unit 15 entirely housed in the housing 32 of the external electrical power supply and control device 26 can be adapted for each of these references of motorized drive device 5.

[0153] The adaptation of the electronic control unit 15 of the electrical power supply and external control device 26 can be implemented as a function of a supply voltage provided by the electrical power supply source 25 or as a function of a communication medium, in particular wireless and / or wired. The supply voltage can be, for example, between twelve Volts (12V) and two hundred and thirty Volts (230V).

[0154] Furthermore, the electrical power supply and external control device 26 can make it possible to supply electrical power and control a plurality of electromechanical actuators 11, as defined previously according to the invention.

[0155] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 is configured to deliver, in other words delivers, a torque less than or equal to ten Newton meters (10Nm), preferably less than or equal to six Newton meters (6Nm), and its length L, measured along the direction of the axis of rotation X from a distal face 21a of the torque support 21, is less than or equal to three hundred and fifty millimeters (350mm), preferably less than or equal to three hundred millimeters (300mm).

[0156] As a non-limiting example, the length L of the electromechanical actuator 11 can be reduced to two seventy-five millimeters (275mm), the electromechanical actuator 11 being devoid of an electronic control unit and being equipped with the brushless type electric motor 16 with electronic commutation, instead of four hundred and forty-five millimeters (445mm), for an electromechanical actuator equipped with an electronic control unit and the brushless type electric motor 16 with electronic commutation. This exemplary embodiment is given for an electromechanical actuator delivering an output torque of six Newton meters (6Nm).

[0157] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 15, entirely housed in the housing 32 of the electrical power supply and external control device 26, further comprises a counting device 24 without a sensor. The counting device 24 is configured to determine a position of the rotor of the electric motor 16, consequently a position of the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 and therefore a position of the screen 2, which can be called “current”. In other words, the counting device 24 makes it possible to determine the number of revolutions made by the rotor of the electric motor 16. In addition, the counting device 24 is, possibly, configured to determine an over-torque at the electric motor 16, in particular in combination with a measurement of the current flowing in each electrical supply wire 33a, 33b, 33c, in particular by means of a shunt resistor, not shown, of an analog / digital converter and of the microcontroller 31 of the electronic control unit 15. The determined overtorque may correspond, in particular, to a detection of the reaching of one of the end-of-travel positions FdCB, FdCH of the screen 2 or to an obstacle detection during the movement of the screen 2. Furthermore, the counting device 24 is, possibly, configured to determine a heating of the electric motor 16, in particular in combination with an analysis of a pulse width modulation signal, of the acronym MLI in French or PWM in English (acronym of the Anglo-Saxon term "Pulse Width Modulation"), configured to control the operation of the electric motor 16, in particular by means of the microcontroller 31 of the electronic control unit 15.

[0158] Thus, the cost of obtaining the motorized drive device 5 is minimized thanks to the sensorless counting device 24 of the electronic control unit 15 of the electrical power supply and external control device 26, since the electrical power cable 18 only requires the electrical power wires 33a, 33b, 33c and no communication wires.

[0159] In this way, the determination of the position of the rotor of the electric motor 16 is implemented by analyzing signals from the operating parameters of the electric motor 16 and, in particular, from the current flowing through the power supply wires 33a, 33b, 33c of the power supply cable 18 and from the voltage differences between the power supply wires 33a, 33b, 33c of the power supply cable 18.

[0160] Furthermore, the integration of the sensorless counting device 24 into the electronic control unit 15 of the electrical power supply and external control device 26 makes it possible to determine when one of the end-of-travel positions FdCB, FdCH of the screen 2 of the occultation device has been reached and to determine the so-called "current" position of the screen 2, to determine the direction of rotation of the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 and, consequently, of the winding tube 4, as well as to control the operation of the electric motor 16.

[0161] In this way, the sensorless counting device 24 of the electronic control unit 15 of the electrical energy supply and external control device 26 allows management of the position of the rotor of the electric motor 16 and, consequently, of the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 and of the screen 2, from application information.

[0162] Furthermore, the electrical power supply and external control device 26 can be remote from the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular by a distance which can be of the order of several meters, given that the power supply cable electrical 18 is devoid of communication wire. The electrical supply wires 33a, 33b, 33c of the electrical supply cable 18 can be of considerable length without any interference effect being able to disturb the operation of the electronic control unit 15 of the electrical power supply and external control device 26 and, in particular, of the counting device 24 without sensor, in particular due to problems linked to electromagnetic compatibility due to electrical devices arranged near the motorized drive device 5.

[0163] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 15 is configured to monitor signals S coming from the counting device 24 at a predetermined frequency f, in particular as a function of the position of the screen 2.

[0164] The counting device 24 can also be called an obstacle detection and / or end-of-travel device, in particular when rolling up the screen 2 and when unrolling this screen 2.

[0165] Advantageously, the counting device 24 is implemented by means of the microcontroller 31 of the electronic control unit 15 and, in particular, by means of an algorithm implemented by this microcontroller 31.

[0166] Advantageously, the electrical power cable 18 comprises an electrical plug 38, which may also be called an “electrical socket”. The electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises an electrical connection device 39. The electrical connection device 39 is mounted, in other words is configured to be mounted, inside the casing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11. The electrical connection device 39 is electrically connected to the electric motor 16. Furthermore, the electrical plug 38 is electrically connected, in other words is configured to be electrically connected, to the electrical connection device 39, in particular in the assembled configuration of the motorized drive device 5.

[0167] Advantageously, the torque support 21 further comprises a housing 37. Furthermore, the electrical plug 38 of the electrical power supply cable 18 is inserted, in other words is configured to be inserted, inside the housing 37 of the torque support 21, in particular in the assembled configuration of the motorized drive device 5.

[0168] Thus, the electrical plug 38 of the electrical power supply cable 18 is arranged in the housing 37 of the torque support 21 during the electrical connection of the electrical plug 38 with the electrical connection device 39 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0169] By virtue of the present invention, such a motorized drive device where only the housing of the external electrical power supply and control device comprises the electronic control unit, i.e. where the electronic unit of control is housed entirely in the housing of the external electrical power supply and control device, makes it possible to minimize a length of the electromechanical actuator of the motorized drive device, along its longitudinal direction, and to control the electromechanical actuator from the external electrical power supply and control device which may comprise different components according to desired functionalities which may vary for the motorized drive device, without having to modify the electromechanical actuator, in the case where the electromechanical actuator is equipped with an electronically commutated brushless type electric motor.

[0170] Numerous modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0171] Furthermore, the embodiments and variants contemplated may be combined to generate new embodiments of the invention, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A motorized drive device (5) for a concealing device (3), the motorized drive device (5) comprising at least: - an electromechanical actuator (11), - an external electrical power supply and control device (26), and - an electrical power cable (18), the electrical power cable (18) comprising electrical power supply wires (33a, 33b, 33c), the electromechanical actuator (11) comprising at least: - an electric motor (16), the electric motor (16) being of the brushless type with electronic commutation, the electric motor (16) comprising at least one rotor and one stator, - a reduction gear (19), - a housing (17), the electric motor (16) and the reduction gear (19) being mounted inside the housing (17), the housing (17) comprising a first end (17a) and a second end (17b), the second end (17b) being opposite the first end (17a), and - an output shaft (20),the output shaft (20) being arranged at the second end (17b) of the housing (17), the external electrical power supply and control device (26) comprising at least: - a housing (32), and - an electronic control unit (15), the electric motor (16) of the electromechanical actuator (11) being supplied with electrical power from the electronic control unit (15), by means of the electrical power supply wires (33a, 33b, 33c) of the electrical power cable (18), each of the electrical power supply wires (33a, 33b, 33c) of the electrical power cable (18) extending from the external electrical power supply and control device (26) to the electromechanical actuator (H), characterized in that the electromechanical actuator (11) further comprises a brake (29), the brake (29) being mounted inside of the casing (17), in that the electronic control unit (15) is entirely housed inside the housing (32) of the external electrical power supply and control device (26), in that the electrical power supply cable (18) comprises only electrical power supply wires (33a, 33b, 33c), and in that the electrical power supply and control of the electric motor (16) of the electromechanical actuator (11) from the electronic control unit (15) of the external electrical power supply and control device (26) is implemented only by the electrical power supply wires (33a, 33b, 33c) of the electrical power supply cable (18).

2. Motorized drive device (5) of a concealing device (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic control unit (15), entirely housed in the housing (32) of the external electrical power supply and control device (26), comprises a counting device (24) without a sensor, the counting device (24) being configured to determine a position of the rotor of the electric motor (16).

3. Motorized drive device (5) of a concealment device (3) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the electronic control unit (15), entirely housed in the housing (32) of the external electrical power supply and control device (26), further comprises a communication module (27).

4. Motorized drive device (5) of a concealment device (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that the communication module (27) is of the wireless type, and in that the electronic control unit (15), entirely housed in the housing (32) of the electrical power supply and external control device (26), further comprises a radiofrequency antenna (42), the radiofrequency antenna (42) being electrically connected to the communication module (27).

5. Motorized drive device (5) of a concealment device (3) according to claim 3 or according to claim 4, characterized in that the communication module (27) is of the wired type.

6. Motorized drive device (5) of a concealment device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the electrical power cable (18) comprises an electrical plug (38), in that the electromechanical actuator (11) further comprises an electrical connection device (39), the electrical connection device (39) being mounted inside the housing (17), the electrical connection device (39) being electrically connected to the electric motor (16), and in that the electrical plug (38) of the electrical power cable (18) is electrically connected to the electrical connection device (39) of the electromechanical actuator (11).

7. Motorized drive device (5) of a concealment device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electromechanical actuator (11) further comprises at least one torque support (21), the torque support (21) being mounted at least partly inside the casing (17), the torque support (21) being arranged, at the first end (17a) of the casing (17), and in that each of the electrical supply wires (33a, 33b, 33c) of the electrical supply cable (18) extends at least partly through the torque support (21).

8. Motorized drive device (5) of a concealing device (3) according to claim 6 and according to claim 7, characterized in that the torque support (21) further comprises a housing (37), and in that the electrical plug (38) of the electrical power supply cable (18) is inserted inside the housing (37) of the torque support (21).

9. A screening device (3) comprising at least: - a screen (2), and - a motorized drive device (5), characterized in that the motorized drive device (5) is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 8, the screen (2) being configured to be driven in movement by the electromechanical actuator (11) of the motorized drive device (5).

10. A screening device (3) according to claim 9, characterized in that the screening device (3) further comprises a winding tube (4), in that the screen (2) can be rolled up onto the winding tube (4), and in that the winding tube (4) is arranged to be driven in rotation by the electromechanical actuator (11).

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