ACTUATOR FOR DRIVING A SCREEN

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuator for driving a solar protection or occultation screen between several positions, comprising an electric motor (4), at least one battery (8) powering the electric motor, a control circuit (12) provided with at least one microcontroller, a charging connector (16) configured to allow the connection of the actuator to a photovoltaic panel, said connector being a standardized connector intended to cooperate with a standardized connector of the photovoltaic panel, said actuator comprising an electronic circuit between the microcontroller (14) and the standardized connector (16) is configured to cooperate with an electronic circuit (C2) of the photovoltaic panel so as to form a voltage divider bridge when the standardized connectors are connected, said actuator comprising means for applying an input voltage (V_in) to the voltage divider bridge,means for detecting the photovoltaic panel and means for measuring the output voltage (V_detect) of the voltage divider bridge. [Fig. 3],

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, and to a photovoltaic panel configured to operate with said actuator. Such a solar protection screen is for example used to partially or completely obscure a window in a building.

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

[0003] An actuator for roller shutters or blinds may 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.

[0004] The electrical recharging of the battery(ies) can be carried out by means of a power supply device such as a photovoltaic panel, for example fixed to the window adjacent to the solar protection or blackout screen or to the box of the blind or shutter and is connected to the actuator by a cable.

[0005] A connector is therefore provided on the actuator to ensure the electrical connection with the photovoltaic panel.

[0006] These installations are satisfactory. However, it may be desirable to be able to detect the connection of the actuator to a photovoltaic panel and identify the photovoltaic panel in order to ensure that it is actually compatible with the actuator.

[0007] Furthermore, in particular to facilitate the connection, it is envisaged to use standardized connectors, for example of the USB type (Universal Serial Bus in English terminology) meaning universal bus connector, in particular USB serial connectors of type C or USB-C®. Indeed, this USB-C® connector is symmetrical, it is reversible, which allows it to be easily connected in any direction, which facilitates the connection to a charging source. In addition, this type of connector allows both power supply and data transfer.

[0008] It is also possible to use this data transfer, in particular when it is bidirectional, to ensure this detection and this identification, however the exploitation of the data involves a significant number of electronic components and significant software development which are difficult to reconcile with the cost and size constraints of the actuators. Statement of the invention

[0009] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an actuator for driving a solar protection or occultation screen between several positions, said actuator comprising at least one rechargeable battery, said battery being recharged by a photovoltaic panel, allowing detection and identification of the photovoltaic panel, and a corresponding photovoltaic panel.

[0010] The aim stated above is achieved by an actuator for driving a sun protection or occultation screen between several positions, the actuator comprising an electric motor, 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 standardized charging connector for connection to a power supply device. Said actuator comprises an electronic circuit configured to cooperate with an electronic circuit of the power supply device, so as to form a voltage divider bridge, the electronic circuit of the power supply device comprising at least one electrical resistor, the actuator comprising means for applying an input voltage to the voltage divider bridge and means for measuring the output voltage of the voltage divider.

[0011] Thanks to the invention, the detection of the connection to the power supply device and the determination thereof is carried out by a simple electronic circuit: a voltage divider bridge using at least two electrical resistors in series to which a voltage is applied and at the terminals of one of which an output voltage is measured. The implementation is simple, robust and of a cost price adapted to the actuators for driving a solar protection or occultation screen.

[0012] The power supply device may be a charger connected to the mains or preferably a photovoltaic panel.

[0013] On the one hand, the detection of the presence of the power supply device uses the constitution of the bridge.

[0014] On the other hand, measuring the output voltage and comparing it to a predetermined voltage makes it possible to identify it.

[0015] Furthermore, thanks to the invention, the voltage used for detection is supplied by the actuator and not by the power supply device, which guarantees that a stable and known voltage is applied and avoids the risk of applying a voltage that could damage the actuator, this being all the more advantageous in the case of a photovoltaic panel because, thanks to the invention, detection is possible regardless of the brightness applied to the panel.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator comprises means for preventing the actuator is powered by the power supply device if the output voltage value differs too much from the expected value. The actuator is thus protected.

[0017] In other words, the inventor thought of making a secure direct connection between the power supply device and the actuator, which avoids having to resort to complex PD technology, this secure direct connection implementing simple electronic circuits.

[0018] The invention then relates to an actuator for driving a sun protection or occultation screen between several positions, comprising an electric motor, at least one battery powering the electric motor, a control circuit provided with at least one microcontroller, a charging connector configured to allow the connection of the actuator to a power supply device, said connector being a standardized connector intended to cooperate with a standardized connector of the power supply device, said actuator comprising an electronic circuit between the microcontroller and the charging connector configured to cooperate with an electronic circuit of the power supply device so as to form a voltage divider bridge when the standardized connectors are connected, said actuator comprising means for applying an input voltage to the voltage divider bridge,means for detecting the connection of the power supply device to the actuator and means for measuring the output voltage of the voltage divider bridge.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the microcontroller comprises a first general purpose input / output port configured as an output intended to be connected to series resistors of the voltage divider bridge and to apply the input voltage to the voltage divider bridge.

[0020] Preferably, the actuator comprises a resistor at the output of the first general purpose input / output port configured as output.

[0021] Advantageously, the microcontroller comprises a second general purpose input-output port configured as an input and the microcontroller is configured to detect the electrical connection between the first port and the second port.

[0022] Preferably, the actuator comprises an electrical resistor connected between the second general purpose input-output port and ground.

[0023] The actuator advantageously comprises means for comparing the output voltage of the voltage divider bridge to a target voltage.

[0024] In one example, the measuring means comprise an analog / digital converter. The actuator may comprise means for interrupting the measurement of the analog / digital converter after the measurement of the output voltage.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a photovoltaic panel configured to charge the actuator according to the invention, comprising a standardized connector intended to be connected to the standardized connector of the actuator and an electrical circuit electronics configured to form a voltage divider bridge with the actuator when the standardized connector of the photovoltaic panel is connected to the standardized connector (16) of the actuator.

[0026] In a preferred example, the electronic circuit comprises two resistors in series.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a method of operating an installation comprising an actuator according to the invention and a photovoltaic panel according to the invention, comprising: - Connection of the standardized connector of the actuator and the standardized connector of the photovoltaic panel and the formation of a voltage divider bridge, - Detection of said connection, - Application of an input voltage by the actuator to the voltage divider bridge, - Measurement of the output voltage, - Determining the compatibility of the photovoltaic panel with the actuator by comparing said output voltage value with a target value, - If the photovoltaic panel is considered compatible, battery charging is authorized, otherwise battery charging is prohibited.

[0028] The operating method advantageously further comprises a step of stopping the output voltage measurement. Brief description of the drawings

[0029] 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.2] is a schematic representation of the standardized USB-C® type connectors of the actuator and the photovoltaic panel, - [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, - [Fig.4] is a flowchart of the different steps of an example of an operating method of the invention, - [Fig.5] is a flowchart of the different steps of another example of an operating method of the invention implementing steps of verifying the connection, to the actuator, of a photovoltaic panel or another device, - [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the invention, - [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of another variant embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The power supply device may be, without limitation, a photovoltaic panel, a charger connected to the mains or an external battery such as a power bank.

[0033] In the description which follows, the power supply device considered will be a photovoltaic panel.

[0034] 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 device for supplying at least one battery of the actuator, for example a photovoltaic panel P.

[0035] In Figures 1A to 1C, a schematic representation of the actuator AL can be seen.

[0036] In this embodiment, the actuator A1 has a generally cylindrical shape of revolution of axis X. The actuator A1 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.

[0037] The electric battery 8 can be composed of several electric batteries connected in parallel or in series.

[0038] The electric battery 8 is intended to provide the electric power to the electric motor useful for its rotation.

[0039] 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 supply the power supply to the control circuit 12. In this example, 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 FIGS. 1A to 1C, is located at a longitudinal end of the casing in the torque support 1 and is arranged orthogonally to the axis X.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] In the example shown, the second circuit board 15 supports a battery charging connector 16. The charging connector 16 allows the photovoltaic panel P to be connected to the actuator.

[0043] The torque support 1 has a window 18 through which the charging connector is accessible.

[0044] In the example shown, the charging connector 16 is a standardized receptacle connector, for example USB-C® type 3.0 and following, intended to cooperate with a standardized plug connector, for example USB-C type 3.0 and following, of the power supply device 20.

[0045] The UBS-C® 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 the photovoltaic panel.

[0046] It will be understood that the receptacle USB-C® connector may be carried by the photovoltaic panel and the plug USB-C® connector may be carried by the actuator.

[0047] The actuator comprises an electronic circuit C1 between the microcontroller and the connector 16 and the photovoltaic panel comprises an electronic circuit C2 upstream of the connector 20. The circuits C1 and C2 are such that when the connectors 16 and 20 cooperate, they form a voltage divider bridge.

[0048] In a very advantageous example, the UBS-C® plug and receptacle connectors are configured to be secured by magnetic means, which allows for easier connection, for example “blind”, in particular for a difficult-to-access actuator.

[0049] Examples of pins of the plug and receptacle connectors will be briefly described below using [Fig.2]. The connectors have 16 or 24 pins.

[0050] On the charging connector 16, among these pins, in particular the ground pins GND, power supply Vbus and the interface pins A6, A7 or B6, B7 depending on the connection direction are used.

[0051] The CCI and CC2 pins are used for detecting the orientation of the connector plug into the receptacle connector.

[0052] The VBUS pins are used for powering the actuator.

[0053] The electronic circuit Cl is included between a microcontroller of the control circuit 12 and the pins A6, A7.

[0054] The connector 20 of the power supply device generally has interface pins designated in a standard manner A6, A7. Subsequently, they will be designated A6', A7' in order to avoid any confusion with the pins A6, A7 of the charging connector 16. The CC pin is used for detecting the orientation of the plug connector in the receptacle connector.

[0055] When connecting the USB-C® plug connector 20 and the USB-C® receptacle connector 16, the pins A6', A7' are in contact either with the pins A6, A7 respectively, or with the pins B6, B7 respectively depending on the orientation of the two connectors.

[0056] The microcontroller 14 comprises at least a first general purpose input / output port or GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output in English terminology) configured as an output, this port is designated GPIO_Out. It is connected to pins A7, B7 and configured to apply an input voltage V_in to the voltage divider bridge. The microcontroller 14 also comprises a second general purpose input / output port, configured as an input and designated GPIO_In. It is connected to pins A6, B6 and configured to detect the connection of the two connectors 16, 20.

[0057] In the example shown in [Fig.3], pin B6 of the actuator is connected to pin A6' of the panel and pin B7 is connected to pin A7' of the panel.

[0058] When the charging connector 16 is connected to the connector 20, the connection between the GPIO_Out and GPIO_In ports is then closed, this closure is generally called an “interruption”. Such an interruption is detected by the microcontroller, which makes it possible to detect the connection between the actuator and the photovoltaic panel.

[0059] According to the invention, the input voltage V_in is provided by the microcontroller or by another device of the actuator control circuit. Preferably, the input voltage is a very low voltage, of the order of 3.3V or in other words less than a few volts in order to limit the electrical consumption associated with this interruption detection.

[0060] The microcontroller, and therefore the first GPIO_Out port, are constantly supplied with a stable voltage, generally of the order of 3.3V. This voltage can then advantageously be used as the input voltage V_in applied to the voltage divider bridge.

[0061] Thus the input voltage, which is used to measure the output voltage of the voltage divider bridge, is independent of the voltage delivered by the photovoltaic panel. Since the input voltage is stable, the measurement chain is controlled. On the contrary, the voltage supplied by the panel varies depending on the sunlight and the exposure of the panel. In addition, by using a voltage supplied by the microcontroller, the actuator is protected against excessively high voltage which could be applied by the photovoltaic panel.

[0062] In this example, the microcontroller 14 also comprises an analog / digital converter (ADC) or ADC (Analog / Digital Converter in English terminology), designated ADC, configured to read the output voltage V_detect of the voltage divider bridge.

[0063] Preferably, means are provided so that, as soon as the analog / digital converter has provided the measurement of V_detect, the measurement is interrupted, which makes it possible to reduce the electrical consumption.

[0064] The electronic circuit C1 comprises an electrical resistor RI between the first GPIO_Out port and pin B7. The resistor RI makes it possible to protect the first GPIO_Out port by preventing it from going to the low state (0), in particular when pins A7 and B7 are connected to ground. Indeed, in this case, in the absence of a resistor a voltage of 3.3 V would be applied to the first GPIO_Out port, which could damage it.

[0065] Circuit C2 includes an electrical resistor R3 installed so that, when connecting pins A7 and B7, resistors RI and R3 are in series. The voltage V_detect, read by the ADC, is taken across resistor R3.

[0066] Preferably, the resistor R3 has as high a value as possible to reduce the standby current consumption, for example in cases where the photovoltaic panel is connected, but without light input (at night, in winter or on gray days). Preferably, the value R3 is less than 1 MQ to prevent the circuit from behaving as an open circuit.

[0067] Advantageously, circuit C2 comprises a second resistor R2 in series with resistor R3, which is arranged between pin A7 and resistor R3.

[0068] The reading of the V_detect voltage depends in fact on the resistor R3 but also on the resistance value of the resistor R2. Thus, the combination of the two resistors makes it possible to create a recognizable signature associated with the photovoltaic panel.

[0069] The ADC converter is connected to the voltage divider bridge between resistors R2 and R3 to measure the output voltage V_detect across resistor R3.

[0070] V_detect is written:

[0071] [Math 1]

[0072] V_detect = V_inxReq / (Rl+R2+Req)

[0073] [Math 2]

[0074] With Req = R3xR4 / (R3+R4)

[0075] We obtain:

[0076] [Math.3] #,¾ y — V *.................. 'detect - V IN (I)

[0077] When the panel is connected to the actuator, an interrupt is triggered. Preferably, the value of the resistor RI is low so that the value of V_detect is greater than a given value V1H which is a minimum voltage to detect this interrupt by the GPIO_In port of the microcontroller.

[0078] Since the value of the resistor R2 is only in the denominator in the V_detect calculation formula, its value has a significant influence on the value of V_detect. Thus, if the value of R2 in the panel is too far from the expected value, the value of V_detect will be significantly modified. Adding the resistor R2 therefore makes the identification of the panel more robust.

[0079] In this example as shown in [Fig.3] and advantageously, the second GPIO_In port and the ADC converter are connected to the same pin B6, which reduces the number of pins to be used and therefore the manufacturing cost and the space requirement on the printed circuit.

[0080] Also advantageously, the circuit C1 comprises a resistor R4 between the GPIO_In port and the ground GND, for example, forming a pull-down resistor forcing the second GPIO_In port to go to the low state (0), when the pin B6 is not connected. The resistor R4 ensures closure of the circuit, which protects the circuit from electromagnetic disturbances.

[0081] Preferably, the resistor R4 is of high value, which reduces the electrical consumption, when the photovoltaic panel is connected but does not deliver current, in the same way as the resistor R3.

[0082] The actuator also very advantageously comprises means for identifying the photovoltaic panel. For this, the means use the value of V_detect as an identifier.

[0083] Preferably, it may be provided either to authorize the recharging of the battery by the panel, or to prohibit it. If the measured value of V_detect is that expected by the actuator, this implies that the values of the resistors R2 and R3 are of the order of the expected values: the panel is then considered compatible and the charging circuit (not shown) between the panel and the battery is closed allowing the recharging of the battery. Conversely, the measured value of V_detect is not that expected, this implies that the values of resistors R2 and R3 are not of the order of magnitude of those expected, the photovoltaic panel is then not validated. The charging circuit is not closed, and recharging is prohibited.

[0084] Such means make it possible to avoid recharging the actuator battery using non-compatible photovoltaic panels, which are likely to damage the actuator.

[0085] Thanks to the invention, the actuator is protected.

[0086] [Fig.4] shows the different steps of an example of an operating method of the invention.

[0087] In step 100, the stable voltage V_in is supplied to the first port GPIO_Out.

[0088] In the following step 200, the photovoltaic panel is connected to the actuator by the connectors 16 and 20, for example by an installer. This connection triggers an interrupt which is detected by the microcontroller 14, through the input / output port GPIO_In.

[0089] In step 300, the analog / digital converter ADC is then powered to measure the voltage V_detect on the voltage divider bridge.

[0090] During step 400, the compatibility identification of the panel takes place on the basis of the comparison of the measured value V_detect with an expected or target voltage value V_target.

[0091] Indeed V_target is calculated from formula (I) with the given values R2 and R3. If V_detect is different from V_target (to within the voltage dispersion value, due to the tolerances of the resistors used in the bridge, for example of the order of 5%), this means that R2 and / or R3 do not have the given values or are too far from these values and therefore the panel is not the one expected.

[0092] If the photovoltaic panel is considered compatible, the charging circuit is closed (step 500), otherwise it remains open (step 600).

[0093] Preferably, the measurement carried out by the ADC converter is interrupted (step 700). This stoppage can take place before, after or simultaneously with the closing of the power supply circuit in the case where the photovoltaic panel is deemed compatible.

[0094] Any disconnection of the panel causes an opening of the circuit and the detection of this opening by the GPIO_In port (step 800)

[0095] Any new panel connection is then subject to new detection and identification (step 100).

[0096] [Fig.5] represents a flowchart of an example of an advantageous operating method further strengthening the identification security. The microcontroller is configured to check whether the connected device provides a voltage in GPIO_In, if this is the case it can be considered that it is not a photovoltaic panel or a power supply device that is considered compatible for recharge the actuator. Indeed, some of these power supply devices providing a voltage on pins A6 and A7 to be detected would not be considered compatible.

[0097] The operating method is as follows.

[0098] In step 1100, a device is connected to the actuator by the connectors 16 and 20. This connection triggers an interrupt which is detected by the microcontroller 14, through the input / output port GPIO_In.

[0099] At step 1200, no voltage is supplied to the first GPIO_Out port.

[0100] In step 1300, it is checked whether there is a voltage applied to GPIO_In. If so, it is not a compatible power supply device (step 1400). The method according to the invention then stops and the behavior of the actuator takes this information into account for its recharging by authorizing or not.

[0101] If the voltage applied to GPIO_in is zero, then the power supply device is identified as potentially being a compatible power supply device, for example it is a photovoltaic panel. The operating method then continues to identify whether the panel is compatible with the actuator and whether or not it is authorized to recharge it.

[0102] Steps 1500 to 2000 are similar to steps 100, 300 to 800 respectively of [Fig.4],

[0103] [Fig.6] shows an alternative embodiment in which the circuit Cl' does not include a GPIO_In. The circuit Cl' uses the ADC converter to detect the connection of the panel and to measure the voltage V_detect. The circuit C2' is similar to the circuit C2. This alternative is simpler, however it consumes energy because the continuous detection of the connection of the panel requires the measurement to be maintained by the ADC converter.

[0104] According to another variant, the microcontroller is configured to operate the ADC converter either as an analog / digital converter or as a general purpose input / output port configured as an input so as to be able to perform either the measurement of the voltage V_detect or the detection of the connection of the panel.

[0105] In [Fig.7], we can see another variant of embodiment close to the example of embodiment of [Fig. 3], in which three pins of connectors 16, 20 are used instead of two. In this variant, the ADC converter of circuit C1” is connected to circuit C2' ' by a pin separate from that of GPIO_Out.

[0106] The above description has concerned an actuator of cylindrical shape, but it will be understood that the present invention applies to actuators of any shape, in particular to shapes allowing the insertion of the actuator into a rail of square or rectangular section.

[0107] Thanks to the invention, it is possible in a relatively simple and robust manner to detect the connection of the photovoltaic panel to the actuator, check the compatibility of the power supply device with the actuator and authorize or not, if necessary, the recharging of the battery by the electrical energy supplied by the power supply device.

Claims

Claims

1. Actuator for driving a sun protection or occultation screen between several positions, comprising an electric motor (4), at least one battery (8) powering the electric motor, a control circuit (12) provided with at least one microcontroller, a charging connector (16) configured to allow the connection of the actuator to a power supply device, said connector being a standardized connector intended to cooperate with a standardized connector of the power supply device, said actuator comprising an electronic circuit between the microcontroller (14) and the charging connector (16) configured to cooperate with an electronic circuit (C2) of the power supply device so as to form a voltage divider bridge when the standardized connectors are connected, said actuator comprising means for applying an input voltage (V_in) to the voltage divider bridge,means for detecting the connection of the power supply device to the actuator and means for measuring the output voltage (V_detect) of the voltage divider bridge.,

2. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (14) comprises a first general purpose input / output port configured as output (GPIO_Out) for being connected to series resistors of the voltage divider bridge and for applying the input voltage (V_in) to the voltage divider bridge.

3. Actuator according to claim 2, comprising a resistor (RI) at the output of the first general purpose input / output port configured as output (GPIO_Out).

4. An actuator according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the microcontroller comprises a second general purpose input-output port configured as an input (GPIO_In) and wherein the microcontroller is configured to detect the electrical connection between the first port (GPIO_Out) and the second port (GPIO_In).

5. Actuator according to claim 4, comprising an electrical resistor (R4) connected between the second general purpose input-output gate (GPIO_In) and ground (GND).

6. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising means for comparing the output voltage (V_detect) of the voltage divider bridge with a target voltage (V_target).

7. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the means measuring devices include an analog / digital converter.

8. Actuator according to claim 7, comprising means for interrupting the measurement of the analog / digital converter after the measurement of the output voltage (V_detect).

9. Photovoltaic panel configured to charge the actuator according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a standardized connector intended to be connected to the standardized connector of the actuator and an electronic circuit (C2) configured to form a voltage divider bridge with the actuator when the standardized connector (20) of the photovoltaic panel is connected to the standardized connector (16) of the actuator.

10. Photovoltaic panel according to claim 9, in which the electronic circuit (C2) comprises two resistors in series (R2, R3).

11. Method of operating an installation comprising an actuator according to one of claims 1 to 8 and a photovoltaic panel according to claim 9 or 10, comprising: - Connecting the standardized connector of the actuator and the standardized connector of the photovoltaic panel and forming a voltage divider bridge, - Detecting said connection, - Applying an input voltage (V_In) by the actuator to the voltage divider bridge, - Measuring the output voltage (V_detect), - Determining the compatibility of the photovoltaic panel with the actuator by comparing said output voltage value (V_detect) with a target value (V_target), - If the photovoltaic panel is considered compatible, charging the battery is authorized, otherwise charging the battery is prohibited.

12. Operating method according to the preceding claim, further comprising a step of stopping the output voltage measurement (V_detect).

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