Electromechanical actuator and occultation device comprising such an actuator

Abstract

Electromechanical actuator and occultation device comprising such an actuator The present invention relates to an electromechanical actuator (10) of a occultation device (3), this actuator comprising at least one electric motor (12) configured to drive an output shaft (42) of the actuator in rotation about an axis of rotation (X10), an actuator head (38) forming a fixed point for the electric motor, a wireless remote communication module (24), an antenna cable (302, 304, 306) electrically connected to the communication module, a cover (50) attached to the actuator head (38), this cover defining a first face, facing the actuator head (38), and a second face (50B), opposite the first face. The cover defines, on its second face (50B), a housing (L50) for receiving a portion (302) of the antenna wire (30). Figure for abstract: Fig 2

Description

Title of the invention: Electromechanical actuator and occultation device comprising such an actuator

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromechanical actuator of a concealment device, as well as a concealment device comprising such an actuator.

[0002] The technical field of the present invention is that of occultation devices which comprise a motorized drive device setting a screen in motion, between at least a first position and at least a second position.

[0003] In this type of device, it is known to transmit to an electromechanical actuator, belonging to the screen drive device, orders to move the screen by radio. In this case, an antenna wire can be connected to a communication module of the electric actuator, in order to receive radio signals relating to the operation of the electromechanical actuator.

[0004] Such an antenna wire sometimes protrudes from a head of the actuator and remains visible, even after the occulting device has been put into service. This degrades the aesthetics of this occulting device, which risks being perceived as an apparent quality defect. In addition, by protruding outside the head of the motor, the antenna wire risks, if it is not correctly installed and immobilized, being caught by the screen of the occulting device, during winding or unwinding, and being torn off.

[0005] It is known from EP2991201A2 to provide in a mounting flange of an actuator, arranged within a motorized maneuvering device, a guide path for an antenna cable, to keep this antenna cable stored during transport of the motorized maneuvering device. In this equipment, the volume occupied by the antenna cable is limited to the volume of the flange, this volume itself being closed by a cover whose sole function is to allow access to this volume. The reception of control commands intended for the actuator during operation, once the motorized maneuvering device is installed after its transport, can be disturbed by the tight nature of the antenna cable within the flange. Furthermore, the flange is part of the head of the actuator, the latter closing a hollow casing of the actuator.

[0006] On the other hand, WO2020 / 142807A1 discloses an actuator head which comprises a peripheral recess intended to receive a wire antenna and around which is mounted a cover in the shape of a portion of a circle. The positioning of the antenna in the recess defined on the periphery of the actuator head means that this antenna must also open out of the actuator on this periphery. This complicates the design of the actuator, since the thickness of the head must be kept as thin as possible. Placing the cover in the shape of a portion of a circle may displace or damage the antenna.

[0007] It is these drawbacks that the invention more particularly intends to remedy by proposing a new actuator for a concealment device in which an antenna cable can be received in a housing, with a configuration which avoids the risks of this antenna wire being torn off and which facilitates the installation of the antenna wire in the housing, as well as securing the reception of radio signals by this antenna wire.

[0008] For this purpose, the invention relates to an electromechanical actuator of a concealment device, this actuator comprising at least one electric motor configured to drive an output shaft of the actuator in rotation about an axis of rotation, an actuator head forming a fixed point for the electric motor, a wireless remote communication module, an antenna cable electrically connected to the communication module and a cover attached to the actuator head. This cover defines a first face facing the actuator head and a second face, opposite the first face. According to the invention, the cover defines, on its second face, a housing for receiving a portion of the antenna wire.

[0009] Thanks to the invention, the housing for receiving the antenna wire defined by the cover is not constrained by the dimensions and other functions of the actuator head. This housing can therefore be configured to ensure efficient positioning of the antenna wire, in particular in terms of reception of radio waves and in terms of ease of assembly and / or disassembly. In addition, since the housing for receiving the antenna wire is provided on the second face of the cover, it faces away from the screen of the occulting device, which reduces the risks of the antenna being caught and torn off by the winding of the screen. Furthermore, the antenna is also kept away from the metal parts of the actuator housing or the winding tube of the occulting device, which facilitates the reception of radio signals by the antenna wire, by reducing the risk of electromagnetic interference linked to these metal parts.

[0010] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such an electromechanical actuator may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically admissible combination:

[0011] - The housing is cylindrical.

[0012] - The housing comprises at least two cylindrical parts, preferably concentric.

[0013] - The cylindrical part or at least one of the cylindrical parts has a diameter greater than a maximum dimension of the actuator head, radial to the axis of rotation.

[0014] - The cover comprises a notch which extends in a direction radial to the axis rotation and which connects a central opening of the cover to the housing.

[0015] - The cover has reliefs for retaining the part of the antenna wire in the accommodation.

[0016] - The cover comprises a main veil which defines the first and second faces, the housing extends in a hollow, relative to the main web seen from the side of its second face and the wedging reliefs extend in the extension of the main web, on at least one edge of the housing.

[0017] - The cover comprises an external peripheral skirt and in that the housing is at least partly delimited by the external peripheral skirt.

[0018] - The cover is made of a material permeable to radio waves.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a concealment device which comprises a screen, movable between at least a first position and at least a second position, as well as a motorized drive device for this screen between its first and second positions, this motorized drive device comprising at least one actuator as mentioned above.

[0020] The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of two embodiments of an electromechanical actuator and of a concealment device in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which: - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic perspective view of a concealment device according to the invention incorporating an actuator according to the invention; - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partial section along plane II in [Fig.l]; - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an exploded perspective view on a larger scale, corresponding to box III in [Fig.l]; - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents, on two inserts A) and B) a cover of the electromechanical actuator of the device of figures 1 to 3, respectively in front view and in perspective according to a viewing angle different from that of [Fig.3]; and - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents, on two inserts A) and B), a cover belonging to an electromechanical actuator according to a second embodiment of the invention, in perspective from two different viewing angles.

[0021] First of all, with reference to [Fig.l], an installation 1 comprising a closing, concealing or solar protection device 3 according to a first embodiment of the invention is described. This installation 1 is implemented in a building represented by one of its walls M which has an opening O in which a window or a door, not shown, is arranged. This installation 1 is equipped with a screen 2 which belongs to the closing, concealing or solar protection device 3, which constitutes, for example, a motorized blind.

[0022] The screen 2 is configured to obscure, at least partially, the opening O provided in the wall M, by being moved between positions selected by a user, between an upper end-of-travel position and a lower end-of-travel position.

[0023] The closing, concealing or solar protection device 3 is hereinafter referred to as the “concealing device” and comprises the screen 2. The expression “concealing device” therefore covers the closing or solar protection devices.

[0024] Here, the screen 2 can be formed from a canvas, woven or not, and comprises a load bar 4 which ensures tension of a part of the unrolled screen 2 relative to a winding tube 6, movable in rotation around a winding axis X6 which is horizontal in the assembled configuration of the installation 1.

[0025] Depending on the rotation of the winding tube 6 around the winding axis X6, a greater or lesser portion of the screen 2 is unwound and suspended below the winding tube 6 and the load bar 4 is moved vertically, in the direction of the double arrow F1 in [Fig.l].

[0026] An electromechanical actuator 10 is arranged in the winding tube 6 and comprises an electric motor 12 which is represented by its outer casing in [Fig. 2]. Advantageously, the electric motor 12 comprises a rotor and a stator not shown, which are positioned coaxially around an axis of rotation X10 of the electromechanical actuator 10.

[0027] The axes X6 and X10 are merged in the mounted configuration of the occultation device 3 within the installation 1.

[0028] Advantageously, the electric motor 12 is of the brushless type with electronic commutation, also called “BLDC” or “synchronous with permanent magnets”. Alternatively, the electric motor 12 may be direct current or asynchronous, powered by alternating current.

[0029] The electromechanical actuator 10 also comprises a control unit electronics 14 configured to control the electric motor 12 from control orders received from a control unit 16, which may be a local or central control unit, fixed or mobile.

[0030] Advantageously, the control unit 16 is equipped with at least one selection element 18 and at least one display element 20. The control unit 16 also includes a first remote communication module 22 capable of transmitting, and possibly receiving, radio signals S to or from the electronic control unit 14.

[0031] In this regard, the electronic control unit 14 is equipped with a second communication module 24 capable of receiving the radio signals S and, possibly, of transmitting return signals to the control unit 16, in the case of bidirectional communication between the electronic control unit 14 and the control unit 16.

[0032] In order to be able to communicate effectively with the communication module 22, the communication module 24 is connected to an antenna formed by an antenna wire 30 which extends at least partly outside the winding tube 6.

[0033] The electromechanical actuator 10 also comprises a reducer 32 and a brake 34, which are represented by their outer casings in [Fig.2].

[0034] The reducer 32 comprises at least one reduction stage, for example of the epicyclic type, or even of another type. The brake 34 makes it possible to control the speed of rotation of the winding tube 6 around the winding axis X5.

[0035] Here, the brake is positioned, along the axis X10, between the electric motor 12 and the reducer 32. In a variant of the invention not shown, the reducer 32 can be positioned, along the axis X10, between the electric motor 12 and the brake 34. According to another variant not shown, the brake is positioned, along the axis X10, between two stages of the reducer 32.

[0036] The actuator 10 also comprises a housing 36 in which the elements 12, 14, 32 and 34 are arranged and which extends between a first axial end 362 and a second axial end 364, these ends being opposite each other along the axis X10. The axial end 362 of the housing 36 is oriented on the same side as an axial end 62 of the winding tube 6 visible in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0037] The housing 36 is cylindrical in shape. It can be made of metal or plastic material.

[0038] The antenna wire 30 extends from the electronic control unit 14 to the outside of the housing 36.

[0039] A bearing crown 37 is disposed around the end 362 of the housing 36 and supports the end 62 of the winding tube

[0040] A head 38 also belongs to the actuator 10 and makes it possible to maintain the latter in the engaged position inside the winding shaft 6. This actuator head 38 is preferably made of a synthetic material.

[0041] The actuator head 38 makes it possible in particular to hang the actuator 10 on a support 40 which can be mounted on the wall M or on a flange of a box which surrounds the winding tube 6. For this purpose, the actuator head 38 is provided with a housing central 382 configured to receive a centering pin 402 carried by the support 40. The actuator head therefore provides in particular a mechanical support function for the electromechanical actuator 10. In addition, the actuator head constitutes a fixed point, or reference point, for the electric motor 12.

[0042] For clarity of the drawing, the support 40 and its pin 402 are only shown in [Fig.2], in dot-and-dash lines.

[0043] An output shaft 42 of the electromechanical actuator 10 projects from the housing 36, opposite the actuator head 38, i.e. on the side of the end 364 of this housing. This output shaft 42 is equipped with a wheel 44 integral in rotation, around the winding axis X6, with the winding tube 6.

[0044] A rotation of the output shaft 42 around the rotation axis X10, which results from the operation of the electric motor 12, has the effect of rotating the winding tube 6 around the winding axis X6, in two opposite directions of rotation, and of unwinding or winding the screen 2 around the winding tube 6, by moving the load bar 4 in one of the directions represented by the double arrow F1.

[0045] Thus, the winding tube 6 and the electromechanical actuator 10 belong to a motorized drive device 8, which makes it possible to selectively move the screen 2 between positions chosen by the user of the occulting device 3.

[0046] A cover 50, which is part of the electromechanical actuator 10, is attached, preferably removably, to the actuator head 38, on the side of this head opposite the housing 36.

[0047] In practice, the antenna wire 30 is permanently connected to the electronic control unit 14 and passes through the central housing. It can be mounted on the cover 50 before or after the latter is attached to the actuator head, at the choice of the designer of the electromechanical actuator 10 and / or the installer.

[0048] 38A denotes a front face of the actuator head 38 opposite the actuator 10. This front face is visible from the outside of the winding tube 6. The cover makes it possible to mask reliefs 384 visible on the front face 38A of the actuator head 38 and thus contributes to the overall aesthetics of the electromechanical actuator.

[0049] This cover 50 is a single-piece piece preferably made of a synthetic material permeable, preferably transparent, to radio waves, such as a plastic material.

[0050] The cover 50 is a part of cylindrical external shape defined by a circular peripheral skirt 502 centered on a central axis X50 of the cover 50, which coincides with the axis of rotation X10 in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 10. The cover 50 also comprises a main web 504 which covers the actuator head 38 over most of its front face 38A visible in [Fig.3], while the skirt 502 surrounds a peripheral collar 386 of the actuator head 38, which protrudes beyond the winding tube 6.

[0051] D386 is an external diameter of the collar 386, measured radially to the axis of rotation X10. This diameter is the maximum dimension of the actuator head 3, radial to the axis of rotation X10.

[0052] A first dorsal face 50A of the cover 50 is turned towards the actuator head 38 in the mounted configuration of the cover 50 on the actuator head 38. This dorsal face 50A comes to bear against the front face 38A of the actuator head 38.

[0053] A second front face 50B of the cover 50 is opposite the first back face 50A and oriented opposite the actuator head 38 in the mounted configuration of the cover 50 on the actuator head 38.

[0054] The two opposite dorsal and frontal faces 50A and 50B are arranged on either side of the main web 504.

[0055] In the mounted configuration of the cover 50 on the actuator head 38, the front faces 38A and 50B are oriented in the same direction, along the axis of rotation X10.

[0056] The first dorsal face 50A of the cover 50 is visible on the insert B) of [Fig.4], while its second frontal face 50B is visible in [Fig.3] and on the insert A) of [Fig.4],

[0057] A housing L50 is defined by the cover 50 at the periphery of its second front face 50B. The housing L50 extends in a hollow, relative to the main web 504, seen from the side of the second front face 50B.

[0058] Advantageously, the peripheral skirt 502 has a thickness, radial to the central axis X50, which makes it possible to define the housing L50 within the peripheral skirt 502. Preferably, the skirt 502 has a U-shaped internal section and comprises an external radial wall 502A, an internal radial wall 502B and a bottom 502C which together define the housing L50. Thus, the housing L50 is cylindrical, with a circular section centered on the central axis X50.

[0059] Alternatively, the housing L50 may be cylindrical, with a section other than circular.

[0060] We note d50 the average diameter of the housing L50. This diameter is measured at the level of the bottom 502C, halfway between the radial walls 502A and 502B.

[0061] The main web 504 is pierced with a central opening 506 centered on the central axis X50 and which communicates with the housing L50 by means of a notch 508 also formed in the main web. The notch 508 extends partly in a radial direction to the central axis X50, therefore to the axis of rotation X10, between the central opening 506 and the housing L50.

[0062] In the mounted configuration of the electromechanical actuator 10, a first terminal portion 302 of the antenna wire 30 is arranged in the housing L50, such that this first terminal portion 302 adopts a generally circular configuration imposed by the geometry of the housing L50. A second intermediate portion 304 of the antenna wire 30 is arranged on the front face 38A of the actuator head 38, opposite the notch 508. Finally, a third initial portion 306 of the antenna wire 30 extends longitudinally through the actuator head 38 and the housing 36, to the second control module 24 to which it is connected.

[0063] The positioning of the housing L50 on the second face 50B of the cover 50 allows the first terminal part 302 of the antenna wire 30 to be positioned facing the external environment of the winding tube 6, while being mechanically protected from the risks of catching by the screen 2 and without disturbing the aesthetics of the actuator 10 and the concealment device 3, in their part visible to a user.

[0064] In order to be able to be mounted around the collar 386, the internal radial wall 502B has an internal diameter d502 greater than or equal to the external diameter D386 of the collar 386.

[0065] This has the consequence that the average diameter d50 of the housing L50 is strictly greater than the maximum diameter D386 of the actuator head 38.

[0066] Thus, mounting the first terminal portion 302 of the antenna wire 30 in the housing L50 makes it possible to shape this portion 302 with a diameter, generally equal to the diameter d50, which is greater than the maximum radial dimension D386 of the actuator head 38. In other words, the first terminal portion 302 of the antenna wire 30 can be developed over a circumference greater than what would be the case if the antenna wire were mounted on the actuator head 38. This improves the quality of reception of the signals S by the antenna wire 30 and, where appropriate, the quality of transmission of radio signals by this same antenna wire.

[0067] At the periphery of the main web 504, several projections 505 are provided which extend outwards relative to the web 504, each in a radial direction to the central axis X50, and which locally narrow the opening of the housing L50 outwards, opposite the bottom 502C. Preferably, the projections 505 are coplanar with the main web 504 which is flat. The projections 505 extend in the radial extension of the main web, in a radial and centrifugal direction relative to the central axis X50. In addition, the projections 505 are advantageously arranged along an external radial edge 507 of the main web, which constitutes an internal radial edge of the housing L50, at the level of its opening on the second face 50B.

[0068] The projections 505 are configured to wedge the first terminal portion 302 of the antenna wire 30 in the housing L50 and constitute, as such, retaining reliefs of the first terminal part 302 of the antenna wire 30 in the housing L50. These reliefs 505 contribute to maintaining the antenna wire 30 in position relative to the rest of the electromechanical actuator 10.

[0069] In the second embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig. 5], elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear the same reference. If a reference is mentioned in the remainder of this description without being shown in [Fig. 5], or if a reference is shown in [Fig. 5] without being mentioned in the remainder of the description, it relates to the same element as that bearing the same reference in the first embodiment. In the following, we mainly describe what distinguishes this second embodiment from the first embodiment.

[0070] This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the housing L50 comprises two cylindrical parts L502 and L504, advantageously concentric. The cylindrical part L502 surrounds the cylindrical part L504 radially to the central axis X50.

[0071] Advantageously, the parts L502 and L504 have a circular section, as shown in the figures. Alternatively, they have a non-circular section.

[0072] The two parts L502 and L504 of the housing L50 make it possible to develop the part 302 of the antenna cable 30 over almost two turns, which further improves the quality of reception and, possibly, of transmission of radio signals by means of the antenna wire 30.

[0073] Here the peripheral skirt comprises not only an outer radial wall 502A, an inner radial wall 502B and a bottom 502C but in addition an intermediate radial wall 502D which separates the two parts L502 and L504 of the housing L50.

[0074] The two parts L502 and L504 of the housing L50 are connected by an opening 509 formed in the intermediate radial wall 502D and which allows the portion of antenna wire 302, defined as in the first embodiment, to extend into these two parts.

[0075] Furthermore, the average diameter d50' of the part L502 of the housing L50, measured at the mid-distance of the radial walls 502A and 502D, is larger than the diameter d50 of the first embodiment, which also contributes to the good positioning or geometric development, therefore to the good functioning, of the antenna wire 30.

[0076] In the second embodiment, the two parts L502 and L504 of the housing L50 have diameters greater than the maximum radial dimension D386 of the actuator head 38.

[0077] For the rest, the cover 50 of the second embodiment provides advantages comparable to those of the first embodiment.

[0078] According to a non-shown variant of the invention, the housing L50 may comprise three or more cylindrical parts comparable to the parts L502 and L504 of the second embodiment. In this case, several cylindrical parts with circular section may have a diameter greater than the maximum radial dimension D386 of the actuator head 38.

[0079] Whatever the embodiment, the housing L50 of the cover 50 is used to hold the antenna wire 30 in position both during transport of the actuator 10 and after putting this actuator into service, when it is operating, within the drive device 8 of the occulting device 3, to drive the screen 2 in movement.

[0080] Whatever the embodiment, the fact that the housing L50 is provided on the second face 50B of the cover 50 facilitates the installation of the antenna wire 30 in this housing because it is easily accessible from outside the motorized drive device 8. The operations of mounting and maintenance of the occulting device 10 are facilitated.

[0081] Whatever the embodiment, the cover 50 on the actuator head 38 is preferably attached to the head of the electromechanical actuator 10 in place of an initial cover without antenna housing, in particular by screwing, clipping, friction or cooperation of shapes, in particular with reliefs 520 arranged on the dorsal face 50 of the cover 50 and inserted into corresponding recesses 386 of the head 38. This makes it possible to modulate the electromechanical actuator 10 according to the cases of use or installation thereof.

[0082] Here, the reliefs 520 and the recesses 388 are three in number and parallelepiped in shape. Alternatively, these reliefs and recesses are different in number and / or of different shape.

[0083] Advantageously, the cover 50 is made of a material of predetermined color, in particular of a color different from that of the actuator head 38, which makes it possible to improve the aesthetics of the part of the actuator visible from the outside of the winding tube 6, in particular by matching it to the dominant color of the environment of the occulting device.

[0084] Additionally or alternatively, the color of the cover 50 may be chosen to have a technical significance. For example, a cover color may be assigned to each power range of the electromechanical actuator 10, allowing a user to recognize the exact type of the electromechanical actuator without having to remove it from the winding tube. For example, a cover color may be assigned to a radio technology or protocol used by the actuator, allowing a user to recognize this technology without needing to have access to a label on which the characteristics of the actuator are noted.

[0085] According to a variant of the invention not shown, the centering pin 402 and the central housing 382 may have a cross-shaped section, as described in WO2022 / 117679A2. In this case, the shape of the central opening 506 of the cover 50 is advantageously adapted according to the section of the centering pin 402. The embodiments and variants envisaged above may be combined, provided that this is technically possible.

Claims

Claims

1. Motorized drive device (8) for a concealment device (3), this motorized drive device comprising - a winding tube (6) - an electromechanical actuator (10) arranged in the winding tube (6) and comprising at least • a housing (36); • an electric motor (12) arranged in the housing and configured to drive an output shaft (42) of the actuator in rotation about an axis of rotation (X10); • an actuator head (38) forming a fixed point for the electric motor, comprising a front face (38A) visible from the outside of the winding tube (6); • a remote communication module (24) by wireless means; • an antenna wire (30) electrically connected to the communication module;• a cover (50) attached to the actuator head (38), this cover defining a first face (50A), facing the actuator head, and a second face (50B), opposite the first face, characterized in that the cover (50) is attached to the side of the actuator head (38) opposite the housing (36), in that the cover (50) comprises a main web (504) which covers the actuator head (38) over most of its front face (38A) and a skirt (502) which surrounds a peripheral collar (386) of the actuator head, which protrudes beyond the winding tube (6) and in that the cover (50) defines, on its second face (50B), a housing (L50) for receiving a part (302) of the antenna wire (30).;

2. Motorized drive device (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (L50) is cylindrical.

3. Motorized drive device (8) according to claim 2, characterized in that the housing (L50) comprises at least two cylindrical parts (L502, L504), preferably concentric.

4. Motorized drive device (8) according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the cylindrical part (L50) or at least one of the cylindrical parts (L502) has a diameter (d50, d50') greater than a maximum dimension (D386) of the actuator head (38), radial to the axis of rotation (X10).

5. Motorized drive device (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (50) comprises a notch (508) which extends in a direction radial to the axis of rotation (X10) and which connects a central opening (506) of the cover (50) to the housing (L50).

6. Motorized drive device (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (50) carries reliefs (505) for retaining the part (302) of the antenna wire (30) in the housing (L50).

7. Motorized drive device (8) according to claim 6, characterized in that the cover (50) comprises a main web (504) which defines the first and second faces (50A, 50B), in that the housing (L50) extends in a hollow, relative to the main web seen from the side of its second face (50B), and in that the retaining reliefs (505) extend in the extension of the main web, on at least one edge (507) of the housing.

8. Motorized drive device (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (L50) is at least partly delimited by the external peripheral skirt.

9. Motorized drive device (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (50) is made of a material permeable to radio waves.

10. A screening device (3) comprising - a screen (2) movable between at least a first position and at least a second position; - a motorized drive device (8) for driving the screen between its first and second positions, wherein the motorized drive device (8) is according to one of the preceding claims.

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