ACTUATOR FOR DRIVING A SCREEN

Abstract

System for driving a protective screen between several positions, comprising an actuator and a device for supplying said actuator, said actuator comprising an electric motor (4), a reducer (6), at least one battery (8), a control circuit (12), a charging connector (16) allowing the connection of the actuator to the power supply device, the power supply device being provided with a connector compatible with the charging connector of the actuator. The actuator and its charging connector are configured to support a power supply technology according to a first and a second power supply profile during a recharging phase, the first and the second power supply profile being distinct by at least one power supply profile parameter value, so that the power supply device supplies the voltage and the current according to the first and the second power supply profile.The actuator comprises means for detecting and informing a user that a battery recharging phase is taking place according to one of the first and second power supply profiles. During a recharging phase, the system is configured so that the actuator is powered by the power supply device, successively according to the first power supply profile and according to the second power supply profile. [Fig. 1B].

Description

Title of the invention: ACTUATOR FOR DRIVING A SCREEN TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR ART

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuator for driving between several positions a solar protection or occultation screen, such as a shutter.

[0002] An example of an actuator for driving a sun protection or occultation screen between several positions is described in document EP3896247.

[0003] Such actuators for roller shutters or blinds comprise a torque support and a casing in which are housed an electric motor, a reducer, one or more power batteries and at least in part, a control circuit. The casing has a cylindrical shape of revolution. The torque support and the casing are mechanically connected to each other. The torque support or actuator head comprises support elements intended for mounting the actuator on a frame, that is to say on a fixed structure of a building in which it is installed.

[0004] The actuator is intended to be inserted at least partially into a winding tube on which the sun protection or occultation screen is intended to be wound.

[0005] The reducer is extended by an output shaft extending outside the housing and rotating relative to the housing for driving the winding tube in rotation, for example through a connecting accessory between the output shaft and the winding tube.

[0006] The control circuit is in the form of one or more electronic circuits. It manages in particular the power supply to be provided to the motor and the power supply to the batteries. The actuator comprises a charging connector, in particular at the torque support or at the end of a charging cable exiting at a lateral or radial face of the torque support. The charging connector makes it possible to connect the battery(ies) to an external device for recharging the battery(ies).

[0007] It is desired to be able to provide the user with information on the progress of the recharging of the battery(ies). Statement of the invention

[0008] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a system comprising an actuator for driving a sun protection or occultation screen between several positions, said actuator comprising at least one battery rechargeable, capable of more efficient recharging and informing the user of this efficiency.

[0009] The aim stated above is achieved by a system comprising an actuator for driving a sun protection or occultation screen between several positions and a device for supplying power to at least one battery of the actuator, the actuator comprising an electric motor, a reduction gear, one or more batteries, a control circuit and an electrical connection of the battery or batteries for recharging the battery or batteries, said electrical connection comprising a recharging connector. The actuator also comprises a torque support and a casing, housing the electric motor, the reduction gear, the battery or batteries and at least part of the control circuit.The actuator, its charging connector and the power supply device are configured to support a power supply technology according to at least a first power supply profile and a second power supply profile during a charging phase, the first power supply profile and the second power supply profile being distinct by at least one power supply profile parameter value, such that the power supply device supplies the voltage and the current according to the first power supply profile and the second power supply profile. One and / or the other of the actuator and the power supply device also comprises means configured to emit an information signal to the user informing him at least that the recharging of the actuator is taking place according to at least one of the first and the second power supply profile.

[0010] In a preferred example, the actuator and its charging connector are configured to support a PD (Power Delivery) energy supply technology according to which a fixed voltage at the input of the actuator with a maximum current is adapted to the needs of the actuator according to the power profile selected by the actuator and transmitted by the actuator to the power supply device. In addition, the charging connector is a standard USB-C® type connector, version 3.0 or higher. The power supply device can also be configured to support a PD energy supply technology.

[0011] Thanks to the invention, the user is informed not only that the actuator is being charged but also under what conditions this recharging is carried out. In the exemplary embodiment where the recharging is carried out using power delivery technology, the user is informed and knows that the recharging is carried out in an optimized manner.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the means for emitting the information signal comprise a Zener diode interposed between the power source and a means configured to emit a signal, for example a light-emitting diode, said Zener diode becoming conductive for a supply voltage of the first or second supply profile.

[0013] The present invention then relates to a system for driving a sun protection or occultation screen between several positions, comprising an actuator for driving said screen and a device for supplying at least one battery to said actuator, said actuator comprising an electric motor, a reducer, at least one battery supplying the electric motor, a control circuit, a charging connector configured to allow the connection of the actuator to the power supply device, said actuator also comprising a torque support and a longitudinal axis casing housing the electric motor, the reducer, the battery and at least part of the control circuit, the power supply device being provided with a connector compatible with the charging connector of the actuator.At least the actuator and its charging connector are configured to support a power supply technology according to at least a first power profile and a second power profile during a charging phase, the first power profile and the second power profile being distinct by at least one power profile parameter value, such that the power supply device supplies the voltage and the current according to the first power profile and the second power profile, and the actuator comprises means for detecting and informing a user configured to inform the user that a phase of recharging the battery by the power supply device is taking place according to at least one of the first and second power profiles.During a recharging phase, the system is configured so that the actuator is powered by the power supply device, successively according to the first power supply profile and according to the second power supply profile.

[0014] The detection and information means are for example connected in parallel with the power supply connector of the actuator or in parallel with the connector of the power supply device.

[0015] The detection and information means may comprise at least a first electrical circuit comprising at least a first indicator light, advantageously a light-emitting diode, intended to light up when the recharging phase takes place according to at least one of the first and second power supply profiles.

[0016] In a preferred example, the first electrical circuit comprises at least one Zener diode in series with the indicator light, and the threshold voltage of the Zener diode is greater than a voltage value associated with the first power supply profile.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the first indicator light lights up when the recharging phase takes place according to the second power supply profile and remains off when the recharging phase takes place according to the first power supply profile.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment, the information means comprise a second electrical circuit comprising a second indicator light and a ohmic resistance in series, the first and second electrical circuits being connected so that the second indicator lights up as soon as the actuator is powered according to the first power profile by the power supply device and the first indicator lights up when the recharging phase takes place according to the second power profile.

[0019] According to an additional characteristic, the control circuit can be configured so that the first indicator light flashes as soon as a voltage is supplied by the power supply device according to the first power supply profile and the first indicator light lights up permanently as soon as the actuator is supplied according to the second power supply profile.

[0020] Preferably, the actuator is configured to support a configurable type power supply technology, for example according to a Power Delivery technology, in which the charging connector of the actuator is a USB-C® connector and the connector of the power supply device is configured to cooperate with the connector of the actuator.

[0021] The charging connector advantageously comprises magnetic securing means cooperating with a charging connector of the power supply device.

[0022] The invention also relates to an actuator for driving a sun protection or occultation screen between several positions, said actuator comprising an electric motor, a reducer, at least one battery powering the electric motor, a control circuit, a charging connector configured to allow the connection of the actuator to a device for powering the at least one battery, provided with a connector compatible with the charging connector of the actuator, said actuator also comprising a torque support and a longitudinal axis casing housing the electric motor, the reducer, the battery and at least part of the control circuit, in which the actuator and the charging connector are configured to support an energy supply technology according to at least a first power profile and a second power profile during a charging phase,the first power profile and the second power profile being distinct by at least one power profile parameter value, such that the power supply device supplies the voltage and the current according to the first power profile and the second power profile. The actuator comprises means for detecting and informing a user configured to inform the user that a phase of recharging the battery by the power supply device is taking place according to at least one of the first and second power profiles.

[0023] The invention also relates to a device for supplying at least one battery of an actuator for driving a solar protection screen or between several positions, said power supply device being provided with a connector compatible with a charging connector of the actuator, said actuator comprising an electric motor, a reducer, at least one battery powering the electric motor, a control circuit, said actuator also comprising a torque support and a longitudinal axis casing housing the electric motor, the reducer, the battery and at least part of the control circuit, the actuator and its charging connector being configured to support an energy supply technology according to at least a first power profile and a second power profile during a charging phase, the first power profile and the second power profile being distinct by at least one power profile parameter value,such that the power supply device supplies the voltage and the current according to the first power supply profile and the second power supply profile. The power supply device comprises means for detecting and informing a user configured to inform the user that a phase of recharging the battery by the power supply device is taking place according to at least one of the first and second power supply profiles. Brief description of the drawings

[0024] The present application will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows and the attached drawings in which: - [Fig.lA] is a side view of an example of an actuator for driving a sun protection or blackout screen of the system, - [Fig.lB] is a detail view of the actuator head of [Fig.lA], - [Fig.lC] is an exploded view of the actuator of [Fig.lA], - [Fig.2A] is a perspective view of an example of a charging connector adapted to the invention, - [Fig.2B] is a perspective view of a connector of the power supply device and the charging connector of [Fig.2A], - [Fig.2C] is a perspective view of an example of an assembly of a magnetic charging connector and a connector of the power supply device, - [Fig.3] represents a functional diagram of the connection between the actuator and a system power supply device, - [Fig.4] is a representation of an electrical circuit of the information means implemented according to an example of the invention, - [Fig.5] is a representation of electrical circuits of the information means implemented according to another exemplary embodiment, - [Fig.6] is a flowchart of an example of a method of operating the system according to the invention, - [Fig.7] is a front view of an example of a second card that can be implemented in the actuator of [Fig.1A], - [Fig.8] is a perspective view of the second map of [Fig.7], - [Fig.9] is a side view of a torque support incorporating the second card of [Fig.7], - [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of another example of an actuator torque support embodied in the present invention, - [Fig.l 1] is a top view of the torque support of [Fig.10]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The invention relates to a system comprising an actuator for driving a solar protection or occultation screen between several positions and a power supply device intended to recharge at least one battery of the actuator.

[0026] The invention also relates to a single actuator intended to be recharged by a power supply device, and the invention also relates to a single power supply device intended to charge an actuator.

[0027] In [Fig. 1A], one can see a schematic representation of an example of a system according to the invention comprising an actuator A1 for driving between several positions a solar protection or occultation screen (not shown), such as a blind, shutter or other, and a power supply device 20 of at least one battery of the actuator.

[0028] In Figures 1A to 1C, a schematic representation of the actuator AL can be seen.

[0029] The actuator Al has a general cylindrical shape of revolution of axis X. The actuator Al comprises a torque head or support 1, a casing 2 of axis X, an electric motor 4 of axis X, a reducer 6, and an electric battery 8. The reducer 6 is extended by an output shaft 10 extending along the axis X intended to drive in rotation an element (not shown) belonging to the screen or a winding tube on which the screen is mounted.

[0030] The electric battery 8 can be composed of several electric batteries connected in parallel or in series.

[0031] The electric battery 8 is intended to provide the electric power to the electric motor useful for its rotation.

[0032] The actuator A1 further comprises a control circuit 12 of the electric motor formed by one or more circuit boards. This circuit 12 is connected to the motor 4 and to the battery 8. The electric battery is also intended to provide power to the control circuit 12. The control circuit comprises in particular a first circuit board 13 which, in the example shown, is arranged parallel to the axis X. The control circuit also comprises a second circuit board 15 which, in the example shown in figures 1A to 1C, is located at a longitudinal end of the casing in the torque support 1 and is arranged orthogonally to the X axis.

[0033] The control circuit comprises an external communication unit enabling a communication link with an external device, in particular communication by radiofrequency waves. The communication unit may be carried by one or more of the circuit boards of the control circuit.

[0034] The external communication unit comprises in particular a radiofrequency transceiver (via which screen movement orders can be transmitted from a radio remote control not shown) and physical communication elements for a user, such as a programming button and / or one or more indicator lights which will be described below.

[0035] In the example shown, the second circuit board 15 supports a battery charging connector 16. The charging connector 16 allows the actuator to be connected to an external power supply device, such as an external device connected to a mains socket, a photovoltaic panel or an external battery.

[0036] The torque support 1 has a window 18 through which the charging connector is accessible.

[0037] the charging connector 16 is a standard connector intended to cooperate with a corresponding standard connector of the power supply device 20.

[0038] In the present application, the term "standard connector" means a connector that is commonly used in other applications, in particular for recharging batteries, for example in electronic and / or computer applications. For example, the connector is a universal serial bus or USB connector (Universal Serial Bus in English terminology), a connector for transferring high-definition audio and video multimedia content, designated an HDMI cable (High Definition Multimedia Interface in English terminology) or an 8-pin Lightning-type connector developed by Apple.

[0039] Particularly advantageously, the charging connector 16 is a female USB type C or USB-C® connector shown alone in [Fig.2A]. This connector has the advantage of having two orthogonal planes of symmetry, it is reversible and non-polarized, which allows it to be easily connected in any direction, which facilitates connection to a charging source.

[0040] In this example, the female charging connector comprises a body 30 extending along a Y axis and having an oblong cross-section. The connector comprises an opening end 32 allowing the insertion of a corresponding male charging connector. The body 30 comprises fixing tabs 34 extending laterally on either side of the X axis. The tabs are intended to pass through the card and to be soldered on the opposite face.

[0041] The charging connector 16 is intended to cooperate with a charging connector of the power supply device 20 (shown schematically in [Fig.2B]) that is compatible. In this example, the power supply device comprises a male USB-C® connector 37 corresponding to the charging connector 16 of the actuator.

[0042] In a very advantageous example shown in [Fig.2C], the charging connector of the power supply device 37' is itself connected to a magnetic adapter 35, which allows for easier connection, for example "blind", in particular for a difficult-to-access actuator. The connector 37' of the power supply device 20 is also magnetic to connect to the adapter.

[0043] The magnetic securing means can be implemented with the various standard connectors mentioned above.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the invention the actuator is configured to support a power supply technology according to at least a first power supply profile and a second power supply profile distinct from the first power supply profile by at least one parameter value of this profile, for example by at least one delivered power supply voltage value. The power supply device can be adapted to allow charging according to the two power supply profiles, i.e. it can be capable of providing the highest power supply power of the two profiles.

[0045] In particular, the second power supply profile may correspond to a fast power supply profile, as supported by PD technology, for Power Delivery in English terminology or Energy Supply.

[0046] PD power delivery technology allows for more power to be delivered to the battery and for faster charging. Very advantageously, the charging connector is a USB-C® connector that is compatible with PD technology and allows for faster charging than with a connector that is not compatible with this technology.

[0047] The PD energy supply technology is such that it is based on an exchange between the actuator and the power supply device, so that the power supply device provides the voltage and current adapted to the needs of the actuator according to the power supply profile, which makes it possible to reduce the charging time and to take into account, for example, the temperature rise of the actuator during charging.

[0048] Thanks to the PD power supply technology, more power is delivered to the battery, which allows faster charging than with a connector not compatible with this technology. In addition, the control circuit comprises means for transmitting, to the power supply device, a request for a power profile comprising at least a fixed voltage and a maximum current.

[0049] The actuator is adapted to be powered according to one of a first and a second power supply profile, during a recharging phase. A first power supply profile corresponds to a power supply of the actuator batteries according to a first set of power supply parameter values, such as current, voltage, time. Preferably, the first power supply profile is also called "basic profile", insofar as the parameter values ​​are adapted to suit a majority of actuators. A second power supply profile corresponds to a power supply negotiated between the power supply device on the basis of the capacities of the power supply device and the needs of the actuators. The second power supply profile may include in particular a given voltage value, called fixed voltage, and a maximum current value.It is understood that the voltage of the second load profile actually supplied by the power supply device can vary significantly from the fixed voltage required by the actuator, while remaining in the same order of magnitude.

[0050] The actuator can be powered by the power supply device successively according to the first power supply profile then the second power supply profile.

[0051] Thus, when the second power supply profile is established between the actuator and the power supply device, it can be concluded that the recharging phase is optimized.

[0052] The charging connector 16 comprises dedicated pins to allow this exchange between the actuator, more particularly the control circuit and the power supply device.

[0053] The connector pins will be briefly described below using [Fig.3]. It has 16 or 24 pins.

[0054] Among these pins, the ground terminals GND, Vbus power supply and CCI and CC2 data terminals are used.

[0055] The VBUS pins are used to power the actuator. Very advantageously, the same VBUS pins are used regardless of the power supply device, whether it is a device connected to the mains or a photovoltaic panel.

[0056] The CCI and CC2 pins are used for the dialogue on the power supply parameters (voltage, current) between the power supply device and the actuator, in particular for the implementation of the second power supply profile. Very advantageously, the same CCI and CC2 pins are used for exchanges with a power supply device connected to the mains and with a photovoltaic panel.

[0057] It can be provided that the same pins are used during a recharging phase regardless of the power supply device. By using the same pins, the number of electrical connections to be made between each of the connectors and the control circuit is limited.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, an Rx pin and a Tx pin are used for controlling and configuring the actuator in the factory or at the installation site. Thus, the charging connector can be used both for recharging the battery(ies) and for controlling and configuring the actuator. To do this, through the connection of the charging connector 16, connection or pairing and adjustment information can be implemented from an adjustment tool such as a personal computer or a specific installation tool, provided with an output port comprising a standard connector compatible with the charging connector of the actuator.Advantageously, the adjustment tool also comprises means for providing a power supply for recharging the actuator battery and human-machine interface means allowing an installer to enter data to be transmitted to the actuator control circuit.

[0059] Certain pins of the charging connector can thus be used to provide the actuator with adjustment data and / or to retrieve from the actuator data useful for a diagnosis. The use of these pins for data transmission is independent of the presence or absence of a current or a supply voltage for recharging the battery: the adjustment steps can therefore take place simultaneously with a step of recharging the actuator battery.

[0060] The invention comprises detection and information means MS for informing the user that the batteries of the actuator are being recharged according to the first profile and / or the second power supply profile.

[0061] In this example, it is the actuator which comprises the MS means.

[0062] The user may be the occupant of the building equipped with the blinds or blackout elements which recharges the actuator or an installer or a person in charge of the installation and / or maintenance of the actuators.

[0063] For example, the first power profile provides a base voltage and the second power profile a negotiated voltage at a voltage higher than the base voltage. The MS means comprise means for detecting that the batteries are being recharged at a voltage higher than the base voltage of the power supply device, and means for informing the user when the batteries are being recharged at a voltage higher than the base voltage of the power supply device.

[0064] The power supply device is for example a device connected directly to the mains or a photovoltaic panel arranged near the actuator, for example on the casing of the occulting element, and provided with a connector for connection to the charging connector of the actuator.

[0065] Preferably, the detection means comprise a Zener diode DZ arranged in series with a light-emitting diode or LED (Light Emitting Diode in English terminology), hereinafter referred to as LED, intended to inform the user that charging is taking place according to at least one of the first and second power supply profiles. A protective ohmic resistor R is also provided in series. Alternatively, the detection means emit an audible signal, or even an audible signal and a light signal.

[0066] The detection means are connected in parallel to the power supply connector so as to be powered by the voltage supplied by the power supply device.

[0067] The voltage designated Vbus applied by the power supply device applies to the terminals of the detection means MS.

[0068] In [Fig.4], we can see a schematic representation of an electrical circuit of the detection means.

[0069] The Zener diode is arranged upstream of the LED with respect to the VBUS pin for connection to the power supply device. The threshold voltage of the Zener diode is higher than the base voltage supplied by the power supply device and associated with the first power supply profile, typically 5 volts, and lower than the optimal recharge voltage, for example 15V, associated with the second power supply profile. The optimal recharge voltage has a value of the same order of magnitude as the power supply voltage of the motor, i.e. of the same order of magnitude as the voltage of the battery(ies) together.

[0070] The threshold voltage is for example equal to 12V for an optimal voltage value substantially equal to 15V. The threshold voltage is for example equal to 18V for an optimal voltage substantially equal to 20V. Thus, in general, the threshold voltage of the Zener diode is chosen to be a few volts lower than the optimal threshold voltage.

[0071] In the case where the detection means are carried by the actuator, the Zener diode is advantageously mounted on the second electronic circuit. The size is then not increased as much as only one LED is used, which is particularly advantageous since the space available on the head of the actuator is generally reduced.

[0072] This all-or-nothing embodiment: LED off / LED on has the advantage of not having to implement software control to manage the lighting of the LED, only the Zener diode intervenes.

[0073] In another exemplary embodiment, the MS means comprise, instead of the Zener diode, an electronic assembly comprising a voltage comparator, but this has a larger footprint.

[0074] An example of the progress of a feeding process will now be described using [Fig.6].

[0075] The actuator is first connected to a power supply device by the charging connector 16. It is considered that the power supply device is compatible with at least the first power supply profile. Preferably, the power supply device is compatible with the first power supply profile and the second power supply profile, which may optionally be implemented successively. According to the first power supply profile, a base voltage delivered by the power supply device is then applied to the actuator; this voltage being lower than the threshold voltage of the Zener diode, the LED does not light up.

[0076] In the case where the power supply device is compatible with the first and second power supply profiles, exchanges of information between the actuator and the power supply device are set up.

[0077] During a capacity request step 100, the actuator requests the power supply device for its charging capacities. These may be different if it is a power supply device connected to the mains or a photovoltaic panel. Indeed, for example, the power delivered by the power supply device on the mains is different from that delivered by the photovoltaic panel.

[0078] During a step 200, the power supply device responds to the actuator by providing information on its capabilities, during a response step.

[0079] During an optional evaluation step 300, the actuator evaluates the battery recharging needs, in other words the power supply parameters adapted to the battery situation.

[0080] During a selection step 400 and in the case where the power supply device has provided information on its capabilities, the actuator chooses a power supply profile adapted to the capabilities of the power supply device and to its own needs, in particular to the battery recharging needs. The second power supply profile is advantageously selected from several profiles corresponding to the capabilities of the power supply device and possibly according to the information relating to the power supply parameters evaluated. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator selects from the profiles proposed by the power supply device, the one which best corresponds to its needs. In another exemplary embodiment, the actuator also comprises several power supply profiles with different current / voltage pairs which can be chosen to best correspond to the capabilities of the power supply device.

[0081] During a transmission step 500, the actuator informs the power supply device of the selected profile by means of a power supply profile request.

[0082] During a step 600, when the selected profile is compatible with a voltage higher than the base voltage of the first power supply profile, the power supply device triggers a supply of the power supply voltage corresponding to the optimal voltage of the second power profile. This voltage is higher than the threshold voltage (Zener voltage) of the Zener diode, as a result the diode becomes conductive and the LED is powered, it lights up. This informs the user that the actuator is being charged according to the second power profile. He can deduce that recharging will be relatively fast.

[0083] If the power supply device, for example a photovoltaic panel, is not capable of providing a voltage higher than the threshold voltage, the recharging of the actuator continues but the LED does not light up, and the user is thus also informed that the recharging is not taking place optimally. He can deduce from this that the charging will last a certain time and make arrangements.

[0084] In another exemplary embodiment, the detection means are such that for a voltage lower than the threshold voltage, i.e. the base voltage, the LED flashes and for a voltage higher than the threshold voltage, i.e. the optimal voltage, the LED is lit continuously. This exemplary embodiment has the advantage of informing that a recharge is actually taking place (flashing LED), even if the recharge phase is not optimal. However, in order to control this change of state of the LED as a function of the supply voltage, a software command is integrated into the second printed circuit, into an additional printed circuit or into a microprocessor on the second card.

[0085] In another exemplary embodiment, the detection means MS' comprise two light-emitting diodes of different colors, each integrated into a power supply circuit shown schematically in [Fig.5].

[0086] One of the light-emitting diodes, for example a red light-emitting diode, designated LED R, is integrated into a circuit comprising a Zener diode as already described above and intended to light up for a voltage greater than a threshold voltage. A green light-emitting diode, designated LED G, is integrated into a circuit comprising only the green light-emitting diode LED G and an ohmic resistor R'. The green light-emitting diode LED G lights up as soon as a supply voltage is applied. In this exemplary embodiment, the user is informed as soon as a recharge according to the first supply profile is applied to the actuator by the illumination of the green light-emitting diode LED G and then, that the recharge is optimal by the illumination of the red light-emitting diode LED R as soon as the second supply profile is set up. During optimal recharge, the two LEDs are lit.

[0087] Alternatively, both LEDs are the same color and the fact that both LEDs are lit informs the user of optimal charging.

[0088] The actuator motor can advantageously rotate during the recharging phase.

[0089] In another example, it is the power supply device MS which comprises the MS means. The MS means can then detect the implementation of the provision of the second power supply profile or when the power supply device switches from the first power supply profile to the second power supply profile, and inform the user thereof.

[0090] For example, the MS means are connected in parallel with the connector of the power supply device. Thus they see the voltage supplied by the power supply device to the actuator. All the examples of MS means described which are integrated into the actuator apply to the power supply device. In particular, the Zener diode is mounted on a third electronic circuit arranged in the connector of the power supply device and the size is not increased as much as only one LED is used.

[0091] In the example described above, the voltage is the parameter which varies between the two power supply profiles; in the case where it is another parameter, such as the current and / or time or several parameters, the MS means comprise an electronic circuit adapted to detect the passage from one profile to the other on the basis of this or these parameters and to emit a signal.

[0092] In another exemplary embodiment, it is both the actuator and the power supply device which comprise the MS means, thus depending on the visibility of the actuator and the power supply device, the user is always informed of the progress of the recharging.

[0093] In the particular example described, the user is informed when the charging is taking place according to the second profile or according to the first profile and then the second profile. It could be provided that a signal is emitted when the charging is taking place according to the first profile and that the emission of the signal stops when the charging is taking place according to the second profile.

[0094] Very advantageously, a power supply method according to the invention is provided that can also be used in the case where the battery is completely discharged. This mode is called “dead battery” mode in English terminology. In this case of a discharged battery, the power supply method comprises a step of sending, by the power supply device, a low voltage to initiate communication with the actuator. For example, the minimum voltage to initiate communication is of the order of 5V. In particular, this sending step follows a predefined period following a connection between the actuator and the power supply device, during which, the actuator no longer being sufficiently charged to require a power supply profile, no information is received by the power supply device. This mode may have a longer duration than the simple exchange of information to determine the chosen power supply profile.

[0095] In this case, the step of sending a minimum voltage allows the actuator to provide a supply voltage for a minimum duration, making it possible to implement the step of transmitting requests in accordance with the supply method.

[0096] In Figures 7 to 9, we can see an advantageous example of the installation of the charging connector on the second card.

[0097] The second circuit board 15 is intended to be arranged at a longitudinal end of the actuator perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, so that the Y axis of the connector is orthogonal to the X axis. In particular, the second board is mounted in the torque support 1 of the actuator, at least partly outside the diameter of the casing of the actuator.

[0098] The second circuit board 15 is in the form of a printed circuit board having a general half-moon shape configured to fit into the cross-section of the torque support 1.

[0099] The charging connector 16 is mounted through the second circuit board 15 which has a cutout 38 opening into a rounded edge of the board 15. In this example, the connector 16 is oriented radially so that its open end is oriented towards the outside of the board. The second circuit board 15 has through passages (not visible) for the insertion of fixing tabs 34 which are then folded and / or soldered onto the opposite face of the second circuit board. The detection and information means MS comprising the light-emitting diode LED are shown in [Fig.9].

[0100] In the example shown, the second circuit board 15 comprises two connectors 40 on its opposite face which are connected to the connector and are oriented perpendicular to the plane of the second board, so that their open end is oriented in the longitudinal axis of the actuator. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the ribbon cable(s) 42 connecting the connector to the first circuit board 13 ([Fig.lA]) to be plugged into the connector in the axis of the actuator, without being folded.

[0101] The implementation of two smaller connectors allows easier integration than the implementation of a single large connector. Preferably, the two connectors 40 have a different number of pins which ensures a keying function during assembly.

[0102] It will be understood that a second circuit board 15 comprising a single connector 40 does not depart from the scope of the present invention.

[0103] A cover 39 covers the longitudinal end of the torque support. It has a circular shape provided with a bottom 39.1 and a rim 39.2. A window 41 is made in the rim 39.2 of the cover 39, giving access to the open end of the charging connector ([Fig.9]).

[0104] This embodiment has the advantage of having a torque support whose radial size is limited.

[0105] In Figures 10 and 11, another example of a second circuit board and another example of a torque support 1' are shown. The detection and information means MS comprising the light-emitting diode LED are shown schematically in Figures 10 and 11. In this example, the light-emitting diode is located inside the actuator, light guide type means are advantageously provided so that the light emitted by the light-emitting diode is clearly visible to the user.

[0106] In this example, the second circuit board 15' comprises a part 15.1' in the form of a portion of a disc corresponding to the general section of the torque support of the actuator and a part 15.2' of substantially rectangular shape projecting from the outer periphery of the disc. The dimension d of the part 15.2' in the radial direction is sufficient so that a large part of the body 30 of the charging connector in the radial direction is located mainly outside the diameter of the circular section of the casing of the actuator. This arrangement makes it possible to free the central zone of the second circuit board 15' in the extension of the casing of the actuator and also the central zone of the torque support to possibly house larger electronic components.

[0107] The central area of ​​the card 15' being almost entirely available, it is possible to provide a cutout capable of accommodating different forms of force-recovery support and thus making the actuator compatible with a large number of support devices for solar screen or occultation devices.

[0108] The actuator housing has a circular cross-section. The torque support may have a cross-section on its larger diameter portion in the form of a disc, provided with a substantially rectangular projection. The cover has a suitable shape. Its side wall has a window for access to the connector.

[0109] The torque support 1' is shaped to surround the second card 15' with its projection.

[0110] In the example shown, the charging connector of the actuator is a female connector. Alternatively, the actuator comprises a male charging connector, compatible with a power supply device provided with a female connector.

[0111] An actuator in which the charging connector is external to the actuator and is connected to the control circuit by a cable does not depart from the scope of the present application. An actuator in which the charging connector would be arranged so that it is parallel to the X axis or inclined relative to the X axis does not depart from the scope of the present application.

Claims

Claims

1. System for driving a sun protection or occultation screen between several positions, comprising an actuator for driving said screen and a device for supplying at least one battery of said actuator, said actuator comprising an electric motor (4), a reducer (6), at least one battery (8) supplying the electric motor, a control circuit (12), a charging connector (16) configured to allow the connection of the actuator to the power supply device, said actuator also comprising a torque support and a casing (2) with a longitudinal axis (X) housing the electric motor, the reducer, the battery and at least part of the control circuit, the power supply device being provided with a connector compatible with the charging connector of the actuator,wherein at least the actuator and its charging connector are configured to support an energy supply technology according to at least a first power profile and a second power profile during a charging phase, the first power profile and the second power profile being distinct by at least one power profile parameter value, so that the power supply device supplies the voltage and the current according to the first power profile and the second power profile, wherein the actuator comprises means for detecting and informing a user configured to inform the user that a phase of recharging the battery by the power supply device is taking place according to at least one of the first and second power profiles and wherein, during a charging phase, the system is configured so that the actuator is powered by the power supply device,successively according to the first power profile and according to the second power profile.,

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the detection and information means are connected in parallel with the power connector of the actuator or in parallel with the connector of the power supply device.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, in which the detection and information means comprise at least a first electrical circuit comprising at least a first indicator light (LED), advantageously a light-emitting diode, intended to light up when the recharging phase takes place according to at least one of the first and second power supply profiles.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first electrical circuit comprises at least one Zener diode in series with the indicator light (LED), and wherein the threshold voltage of the Zener diode is greater than a voltage value associated with the first power supply profile.

5. The system of claim 5 or 6, wherein the first indicator light turns on when the recharging phase is taking place according to the second power profile and remains off when the recharging phase is taking place according to the first power profile.

6. System according to claim 3, 4 or 5, in which the information means comprise a second electrical circuit comprising a second indicator light and an ohmic resistance in series, the first and second electrical circuits being connected so that the second indicator light lights up as soon as the actuator is powered according to the first power supply profile by the power supply device and the first indicator light lights up when the recharging phase takes place according to the second power supply profile.

7. System according to claim 3 or 4, in which the control circuit is configured so that the first indicator light flashes as soon as a voltage is supplied by the power supply device according to the first power supply profile and the first indicator light lights up permanently as soon as the actuator is supplied according to the second power supply profile.

8. System according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the actuator is configured to support a configurable type power supply technology, for example according to a Power Delivery technology, in which the charging connector of the actuator is a USB-C® connector and the connector of the power supply device is configured to cooperate with the connector of the actuator.

9. System according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the charging connector (16) comprises magnetic securing means cooperating with a charging connector of the power supply device.

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