Method of operating an electromechanical actuator of a closing, occultation or solar protection installation.

Abstract

Method for operating an electromechanical actuator of a closing, occultation or solar protection installation. Method for operating an electromechanical actuator (11) for a occultation device (3), the electromechanical actuator (11) comprising:- an electric motor (16), and- an electronic control unit (15), the electronic control unit (15) being electrically powered by a phase conductor (ACP) and a neutral conductor (ACN) of an alternating current electrical network (170) and selectively controlled by switching the phase conductor (ACP):- either on a first phase terminal (P1) of the electronic control unit (15) to electrically power the electric motor (16) so that it rotates in a first direction (DIR1),- either on a second phase terminal (P2) of the electronic control unit (15) to electrically power the electric motor (16) so that it rotates in a second direction (DIR2) opposite to the first direction (DIR1), the operating method comprising a cut-off of the electrical power supply to the electronic control unit (15) following detection of a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor (16) must be cut while the phase conductor (ACP) remains switched to one or other of the first phase terminal (P1) and second phase terminal (P2). Figure for the abstract: 4,

Description

Title of the invention: Method of operating an electromechanical actuator of a closing, concealment or solar protection installation.

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of operating an electromechanical actuator for a concealment device of a closing, concealment or solar protection installation, as well as an electromechanical actuator configured to implement this method of operation.

[0002] The invention also relates to a motorized drive device comprising such an electromechanical actuator. The invention also relates to a closing, occultation or solar protection installation comprising such a motorized drive device or such an electromechanical actuator.

[0003] Generally, the present invention relates to the field of occultation devices comprising a motorized drive device configured to move a screen between an open position and a closed position.

[0004] A motorized drive device comprises an electromechanical actuator of a movable closing, concealing or sun protection element, such as a shutter, a door, a grille, a blind or any other equivalent material, hereinafter called a screen.

[0005] In the case where the motorized drive device is connected via conductive wires to an alternating current electrical network, in particular to the commercial alternating current network commonly called "mains", it is known that switches operable by users can be provided on the conductive wires in order to control the power supply and therefore the activations of the electromechanical actuator.In such a structure, in particular if stable multi-position switches operable by a user are used to switch a phase of the AC network and constitute a control point for controlling the winding of the screen, the unwinding of the screen or the stopping of the screen, it is usual to provide other switches internal to the electromechanical actuator so as to cut off the electrical supply to an electric motor of the electromechanical actuator when the screen comes up against an obstacle or reaches the end of its travel, while a switch operable by a user remains in a stable position for supplying electrical power to the electromechanical actuator.

[0006] To ensure this function of cutting off the power supply to the electric motor, one solution consists of using electronic switches associated with: - a mechanical torque sensor for driving the screen in order to open these switches electronic switches when a screen drive torque threshold is crossed, or - a position sensor, or - a timing circuit.

[0007] This solution makes it possible to improve the reliability and repeatability of the detection of the different situations where the electrical power supply to the electromechanical actuator must be interrupted while a multistable switch remains in the position supplying electrical power to the electromechanical actuator. However, in this solution the electronic switches are located in an electronic control unit which must be permanently electrically powered. This solution therefore requires providing a line to permanently power the device. Furthermore, the solution involves a permanent electrical energy consumption which is problematic. Indeed, the electronic control unit consumes a quantity of electrical energy from the mains to power the components and / or module of the electronic control unit (sensors, meters, etc.) in a normal mode of use of the electronic control unit.

[0008] It is also known that the electronic control unit implements a power consumption reduction mode (commonly called standby mode) after stopping the electric motor following a screen end-of-travel detection. However, the standby mode still consumes a quantity of electrical energy (between 0.3W and 0.5W) from the mains, even if this is less than the quantity of electrical energy consumed in normal use mode.

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose an operating method improving the situation. In particular, the invention proposes an operating method which makes it possible to limit the electrical energy consumption of a motorized drive device using an electronic control unit making it possible to detect situations in which the electrical power supply to the electric motor must be cut off.

[0010] According to the invention, the method governs the operation of an electromechanical actuator for a blackout device, the electromechanical actuator comprising: - an electric motor, and - an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is electrically powered by a phase conductor and a neutral conductor of an alternating current network and selectively controlled by switching the phase conductor: - either on a first phase terminal of the electronic control unit to electrically supply the electric motor so that it rotates in a first sense, - either on a second phase terminal of the electronic control unit to electrically supply the electric motor so that it rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The method of operation comprises cutting off the power supply to the electronic control unit following detection of a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor must be cut off while the phase conductor remains switched to one or other of the first phase terminal and the second phase terminal.

[0011] The electromechanical actuator may comprise a module for controlling the power supply of the electromechanical actuator, via a controlled switch, and an application module including a microcontroller and the cutting of the electrical power supply of the electronic control unit may comprise the opening of the controlled switch at the end of a time delay.

[0012] The electromechanical actuator may comprise a module for controlling the power supply of the electromechanical actuator, via a controlled switch, and an application module including a microcontroller and the cutting of the electrical power supply of the electronic control unit may comprise the opening of the controlled switch as a result of an order issued by the microcontroller.

[0013] The operating method may comprise maintaining the power supply cutoff of the electronic control unit until a new control order of the electromechanical actuator is detected.

[0014] The operating method may comprise a new electrical supply to the electronic control unit as soon as a new command to activate the electromechanical actuator is again detected, due to a new connection of the electromechanical actuator to the alternating electrical network.

[0015] The operating method may comprise a cutoff of the electrical power supply to the electronic control unit as soon as a command to stop the electromechanical actuator is detected due to a disconnection of the electromechanical actuator from the alternating electrical network.

[0016] The cutting of the electrical power supply to the electronic control unit following the detection of a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor must be cut may comprise a command from a microprocessor of the electronic control unit causing the blocking of a first transistor cutting the electrical power supply to the electronic control unit.

[0017] The cutting of the electrical power supply to the electronic control unit following the detection of a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor must be cut may comprise a command from a microprocessor of an electronic module electronics of the electronic control unit causing the activation of a second transistor allowing a capacitor to be discharged.

[0018] The new power supply of an electronic module as soon as a new control order of the electromechanical actuator is again detected may comprise a charge of a capacitor allowing the activation of a third transistor ensuring a power supply of a microprocessor.

[0019] Detecting a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor must be cut off can be: - detection of an excess of a mechanical torque supplied by the electric motor, and / or - detection of a position reached by a screen driven by the electric motor, and / or - a deadline for a time delay.

[0020] According to the invention, an electromechanical actuator for a concealment device of a closing, concealment or solar protection installation, comprises hardware and / or software elements implementing the method defined previously, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the method defined previously.

[0021] The hardware elements may comprise an electronic module comprising: - a power supply detector, - a module for connecting and disconnecting the power supply to the electronic module, and - a voltage regulator.

[0022] The electronic module may further comprise a voltage rectifier.

[0023] According to the invention, the computer program product comprises program code instructions recorded on a computer-readable medium for implementing the steps of the method defined above when said program operates on a computer.

[0024] According to the invention, the computer program product downloadable from a communications network and / or recorded on a data medium readable by a computer and / or executable by a computer, is characterized in that it comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by the computer, lead the latter to implement the method defined previously.

[0025] According to the invention, the data recording medium, readable by a computer, on which is recorded a computer program comprising program code instructions for implementing the method defined previously.

[0026] According to the invention, the computer-readable recording medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the latter to implement the process defined previously.

[0027] The invention also relates to a signal of a data medium, carrying the computer program product defined previously.

[0028] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description, given with reference to the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples and in which: [Fig.l] is a schematic cross-sectional view of an installation according to one embodiment of the invention; [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of the installation illustrated in [Fig.l]; [Fig. 3] is a schematic view in axial and partial section of the installation illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, showing an electromechanical actuator of the installation; [Fig.4] is a functional diagram of a first embodiment of a motorized drive device for a concealing device of a closing, concealing or solar protection installation; [Fig. 5] is a functional diagram of a second embodiment of a motorized drive device for a concealment device of a closing, concealment or solar protection installation; [Fig.6] is a detailed electrical diagram of an exemplary electronic module used in the embodiments described in Figures 4 and 5.

[0029] First of all, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, an installation 100 comprising a closing, concealing or solar protection device 3 according to an embodiment of the invention is described. This installation 100, installed in a building, not shown, comprises an opening 1, in which a window 40 or a door, not shown, is arranged. This installation 100 is equipped with a screen 2 belonging to the closing, concealing or solar protection device 3, in particular a motorized roller shutter.

[0030] Here, the installation 100 comprises the window 40.

[0031] The window 40 comprises at least one fixed frame 41 and at least one pane 42. The pane 42 is arranged inside the fixed frame 41, in particular in an assembled configuration of the window 40.

[0032] Advantageously, the window 40 may, in addition, comprise at least one opening, not shown.

[0033] Advantageously, the window 42 can either be mounted in the fixed frame 41, in the case where it is fixed relative to the fixed frame 41, or mounted in a frame of the opening, in the case where it is movable relative to the fixed frame 41, in particular according to a rotational movement, in particular in the case of an oscillating or swinging window, or according to a translational movement, in particular in the case of a sliding window in a horizontal or vertical direction, or in two rotational movements, particularly in the case of a tilt-and-turn window.

[0034] The closing, concealing or sun protection device 3 is hereinafter called “concealing device”. The concealing device 3 comprises the screen 2.

[0035] The occultation device 3 may be a roller shutter, a canvas blind or one with adjustable slats, a rolling gate, a grille, a door or even a hinged shutter. The present invention applies to all types of occultation device.

[0036] Here, the installation 100 comprises the occultation device 3.

[0037] A roller shutter according to one embodiment of the invention is described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0038] The occulting device 3 comprises a motorized drive device 5. The motorized drive device 5 comprises at least one electromechanical actuator 11 illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0039] Advantageously, the occulting device 3 further comprises a winding tube 4. The screen 2 can be wound on the winding tube 4. Furthermore, the winding tube 4 is arranged so as to be driven in rotation by the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0040] Thus, the screen 2 of the occulting device 3 is wound onto the winding tube 4 or unwound around it, the winding tube 4 being driven by the motorized drive device 5, in particular by the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0041] In this way, the screen 2 is movable between a rolled-up position, in particular high, and an unrolled position, in particular low, and vice versa.

[0042] The screen 2 of the occultation device 3 is a closing, occultation and / or solar protection screen, winding and unwinding around the winding tube 4, the internal diameter of which is greater than the external diameter of the electromechanical actuator 11, so that the electromechanical actuator 11 can be inserted into the winding tube 4, during the assembly of the occultation device 3.

[0043] The electromechanical actuator 11, in particular of the tubular type, makes it possible to rotate the winding tube 4 around an axis of rotation X, so as to move, in particular unwind or wind, the screen 2 of the occulting device 3.

[0044] In a mounted state of the occulting device 3, the electromechanical actuator 11 is inserted into the winding tube 4.

[0045] In a known manner, the roller shutter, which forms the concealment device 3, comprises an apron comprising horizontal slats articulated to each other, forming the screen 2 of the roller shutter 3, and guided by two lateral slides 6. These slats are joined when the apron 2 of the roller shutter 3 reaches its lower unrolled position.

[0046] In the case of a roller shutter, the high rolled-up position corresponds to the support of a final end blade 8, for example L-shaped, of the apron 2 of the shutter. rolling 3 against an edge of a box 9 of the rolling shutter 3 or to the stopping of the final end blade 8 in a programmed upper end-of-travel position. In addition, the lower unrolled position corresponds to the support of the final end blade 8 of the apron 2 of the rolling shutter 3 against a threshold 7 of the opening 1 or to the stopping of the final end blade 8 in a programmed lower end-of-travel position.

[0047] Here, the screen 2 is configured to be moved, by means of the motorized drive device 5, in particular the electromechanical actuator 11, between an open position, corresponding to the rolled-up position and which can also be called the first end-of-travel position or the upper end-of-travel position FdCH, and a closed position, corresponding to the unrolled position and which can also be called the second end-of-travel position or the lower end-of-travel position FdCB.

[0048] Thus, the electromechanical actuator 11 is configured to drive, in other words causes, the screen 2 to move, between the first end-of-travel position FdCH and the second end-of-travel position FdCB, and vice versa, opposite the window 40, in particular the glass 42.

[0049] Here, screen 2 is arranged outside the building.

[0050] Alternatively, the screen 2 is arranged inside the building.

[0051] The first blade of the roller shutter 3, opposite the final end blade 8, is connected to the winding tube 4 by means of at least one articulation 10, in particular a band-shaped attachment piece.

[0052] The winding tube 4 is arranged inside the box 9 of the roller shutter 3. The apron 2 of the roller shutter 3 winds and unwinds around the winding tube 4 and is housed at least partly inside the box 9.

[0053] Generally, the trunk 9 is arranged above the opening 1, or in the upper part of the opening 1.

[0054] Advantageously, the motorized drive device 5 further comprises a control unit 12 configured to control the electromechanical actuator 11. The control unit 12 is connected, by wired connection 18, to an electronic control unit 15 of the electromechanical actuator 11. Furthermore, the control unit 12 is also connected to a mains electricity supply network 170, in particular the commercial AC network. Thus, the electromechanical actuator 11 is supplied with electrical energy from the mains electricity supply network 170, in particular from the commercial AC network. The control unit 12 is electrically connected to the mains 170 via at least one phase conductor ACP and one neutral conductor ACN. The wired connection 18 comprises at least a first electrical conductor 181, a second electrical conductor 182, and a third electrical conductor 183.The neutral conductor ACN is electrically connected to the first electrical conductor 181, and the control unit 12 is . configured to selectively connect the phase conductor ACP either to the second electrical conductor 182 to electrically power the electric motor 16 so that it rotates in a first direction DIR1, or to the third electrical conductor 183 to electrically power the electric motor 16 so that it rotates in a second direction DIR2, the second direction DIR2 being opposite to the first direction DIR1.Alternatively, the phase conductor ACP is electrically connected to the first electrical conductor 181 and the control unit 12 is configured to selectively connect the neutral conductor ACN either to the second electrical conductor 182 to electrically power the electric motor 16 in a first direction DIR1, or to the third electrical conductor 183 to electrically power the electric motor 16 in a second direction DIR2, the second direction DIR2 being opposite to the first direction DIRE. Thus, the electric motor 16 and / or the electronic control unit 15 are selectively controlled by switching a conductor of the alternating current network 170, in particular the phase conductor: . - either on a first phase terminal PI of the electronic control unit 15 to electrically supply the electric motor 16 so that it rotates in the first direction DIR1, - either on a second phase terminal P2 of the electronic control unit 15 to electrically supply the electric motor 16 so that it rotates in the second direction DIR2.

[0055] The electromechanical actuator 11 is preferably configured to execute the commands for unrolling or rolling up the screen 2 of the occulting device 3, issued by the control unit 12.

[0056] The installation 100 comprises the control unit 12.

[0057] The electromechanical actuator 11, belonging to the installation 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2, will now be described in more detail and with reference to [Fig. 3].

[0058] The electromechanical actuator 11 comprises at least one electric motor 16.

[0059] Advantageously, the electric motor 16 comprises a rotor and a stator, not shown and positioned coaxially around the axis of rotation X of the winding tube 4 in the mounted configuration of the motorized drive device 5.

[0060] The electric motor 16 may be of the brushless type with electronic commutation, also called a “BLDC” (acronym for the English term “BrushLess Direct Current”) or “synchronous with permanent magnets” electric motor, or of the direct current type with direct or indirect induction, also called a “DC” (acronym for the English term “Direct Current”) electric motor, or of the universal, synchronous, asynchronous, or self-synchronous alternating current type.

[0061] Means for controlling the electromechanical actuator 11, allowing the movement of the screen 2 of the occulting device 3, comprise at least the unit electronic control unit 15. This electronic control unit 15 is capable of operating the electric motor 16 of the electromechanical actuator 11 and, in particular, of enabling the electric motor 16 to be supplied with electrical energy.

[0062] Thus, the electronic control unit 15 controls the electric motor 16 so as to move the screen 2 between an open position and a closed position, as described previously.

[0063] The control means of the electromechanical actuator 11 comprise hardware and / or software means.

[0064] By way of non-limiting example, the hardware means may comprise at least one microcontroller 31.

[0065] Here, the electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises the electronic control unit 15.

[0066] The electronic control unit 15 is controlled from the control unit 12. The control unit 12, represented in Figures 4 and 5 by two bistable switches 121, 122, is a tristable switch comprising three distinct stable control states: - a first closed state in which the first switch 121 is closed and the second switch 122 is open, and - a second closed state in which the first switch 121 is open and the second switch 122 is closed, and - an open state in which the two switches 121, 122 are open. Advantageously, the tristable switch is configured such that the switching from the first closed state to the second closed state is necessarily carried out via the open state, thus requiring by design to create a mechanical cut-off of the electrical power supply to the electromechanical actuator 11 between the first closed state and the second closed state.

[0067] Advantageously, the control unit 12 comprises a third element 123 allowing, by its manipulation, to deactivate the first switch 121 and the second switch 122. The first switch 121 is electrically connected to the second electrical conductor 182 to electrically power the electric motor 16 so that it rotates in the first direction DIR1, for example to control an activation of the electromechanical actuator 11 rolling up the screen. The second switch 122 is electrically connected to the third electrical conductor 183 to electrically power the electric motor 16 so that it rotates in the second direction DIR2, the second direction DIR2 being opposite to the first direction DIR1, for example to control an activation of the electromechanical actuator 11 rolling up the screen.

[0068] The control unit 12 is a fixed control point. The control unit 12 may comprise a control box intended to be fixed on a facade of a wall of the building or on a face of the fixed frame 41 of the window 40 or of a door.

[0069] The electronic control unit 15 is configured to execute movement control orders, in particular closing and opening, of the screen 2 of the concealment device 3. These control orders are issued by the control unit 12.

[0070] The electromechanical actuator 11 is intended to be controlled by a user, for example by receiving a control order corresponding to pressing the or one of the elements 121, 122, 123 of the control unit 12.

[0071] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a casing 17, in particular a tubular casing. The electric motor 16 is mounted inside the casing 17, in particular in an assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0072] The casing 17 is hollow. The casing 17 comprises a first end 17a and a second end 17b. The second end 17b is opposite the first end 17a.

[0073] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a crown 30.

[0074] The crown 30 is arranged, in other words is configured to be arranged, in the vicinity of the first end 17a of the casing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0075] Here, the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is cylindrical in shape, in particular of revolution around the axis of rotation X, and is open at each of its ends 17a, 17b.

[0076] Advantageously, the casing 17 is a tube having a circular section.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, the casing 17 is made of a metallic material.

[0078] The material of the housing of the electromechanical actuator is not limiting and can be different. This may be, in particular, a plastic material.

[0079] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises an output shaft 20.

[0080] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a reducer 19.

[0081] Advantageously, the reducer 19 comprises at least one reduction stage. The reduction stage may be an epicyclic type gear train.

[0082] The type and number of reduction stages of the reducer are not limiting.

[0083] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a brake 29.

[0084] By way of non-limiting examples, the brake 29 may be a spring brake, a cam brake, magnetic brake or electromagnetic brake.

[0085] Here and as visible in [Fig.3], in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11, the brake 29 is configured to be arranged, in other words is arranged, between the electric motor 16 and the reducer 19, that is to say at the output of the electric motor 16.

[0086] As a variant, not shown, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11, the brake 29 is configured to be arranged, in other words is arranged: - between the electronic control unit 15 and the electric motor 16, in other words at the input of the electric motor 16, or - between the reducer 19 and the output shaft 20, in other words at the output of the reducer 19, or - between two reduction stages of the reducer 19.

[0087] Advantageously, the reducer 19 and, possibly, the brake 29 are mounted inside the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0088] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 and, more particularly, the electronic control unit 15 further comprises a device 151 for electronic detection of situations in which the screen must be stopped in its movement between an open position and a closed position or between a closed position and an open position. This electronic detection device 151 may in particular be or include: - a torque detector to detect obstacles and end of travel, and / or - a screen position detector, in particular a detector including a comparator and a counter whose value is incremented when the screen is moved in the first direction and decremented when the screen is moved in the second direction.

[0089] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 15 includes a microprocessor 31.

[0090] The winding tube 4 is rotated about the axis of rotation X and the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 while being supported by means of two pivot connections. The first pivot connection is made at a first end of the winding tube 4 by means of the crown 30. The crown 30 thus makes it possible to produce a bearing. The second pivot connection, not shown, is made at a second end of the winding tube 4, opposite the first end.

[0091] The crown 30 forms, in other words is configured to form or constitute, a bearing for guiding the rotation of the winding tube 4, around the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular in an assembled configuration of the motorized drive device 5 and, consequently, of the occulting device 3.

[0092] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a torque support 21, which may also be called “actuator head” or “fixed point”.

[0093] Here, the torque support 21 is arranged at the first end 17a of the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0094] The torque support 21 makes it possible to take up the forces exerted by the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular the torque exerted by the electromechanical actuator 11, relative to the structure of the building. The torque support 21 advantageously makes it possible to take up, in addition, forces exerted by the winding tube 4, in particular the weight of the winding tube 4, of the electromechanical actuator 11 and of the screen 2, and to ensure the take-up of these forces by the structure of the building.

[0095] Thus, the torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 11 makes it possible to fix the electromechanical actuator 11 to a frame 23, in particular to a cheek of the trunk 9.

[0096] Advantageously, the torque support 21 projects at the level of the first end 17a of the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0097] Advantageously, the torque support 21 closes, in other words is configured to close, the first end 17a of the casing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0098] Furthermore, the torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 11 can make it possible to support at least part of the electronic control unit 15.

[0099] Advantageously, the torque support 21 is fixed to the casing 17 by means of one or more fixing elements, not shown, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11. The fixing element(s) may be, in particular, bosses, fixing screws, elastic snap-fastening fixing elements, grooves fitted into notches or a combination of these different fixing elements.

[0100] Here and as illustrated in [Fig.3], the crown 30 is arranged or inserted, in other words is configured to be arranged or inserted, around a part of the casing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11. In this case, the crown 30 is mounted to rotate freely around the casing 17.

[0101] As a variant, not shown, the crown 30 is arranged or inserted, in other words is configured to be arranged or inserted, around the torque support 21, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11. In this case, the crown 30 is mounted to rotate freely around the torque support 21.

[0102] In another variant, not shown, the crown 30 is arranged or inserted, in other words is configured to be arranged or inserted, on the one hand, around the torque support 21 and, on the other hand, around a part of the casing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11. In such a case, the crown 30 can be mounted free to rotate, on the one hand, around the torque support 21 and, on the other hand, around the casing 17.

[0103] The electronic control unit 15 can be supplied with electrical energy by means of the wired connection 18.

[0104] Here and as illustrated in [Fig.3], the electronic control unit 15 is thus arranged, in other words is integrated, inside the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0105] As a variant, not shown, the electronic control unit 15 is arranged outside the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 and, in particular, mounted on the box 9 or in the torque support 21.

[0106] Advantageously, the torque support 21 may comprise at least one display device, not shown, so as to allow a visual indication of an operating parameter of the motorized drive device 5.

[0107] Advantageously, the display device comprises at least one lighting source, not shown, in particular a light-emitting diode.

[0108] This or these lighting sources are mounted on an electronic card of the electronic control unit 15 and, possibly, a transparent or translucent cover and / or a light guide, to allow the passage of the light emitted by the or each of the lighting sources.

[0109] Advantageously, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is arranged inside the winding tube 4 and at least partly outside the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0110] Here, one end of the output shaft 20 projects relative to the casing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular relative to the second end 17b of the casing 17 opposite the first end 17a.

[0111] Advantageously, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is configured to drive a connecting element 22 in rotation. This connecting element 22 is connected to the winding tube 4, in particular in the assembled configuration of the occulting device 3. The connecting element is produced in the form of a wheel.

[0112] When the electromechanical actuator 11 is operated, the electric motor 16 and the reducer 19 rotate the output shaft 20. In addition, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 rotates the winding tube 4 via the connecting element 22.

[0113] Thus, the winding tube 4 rotates the screen 2 of the occulting device 3, so as to open or close the opening 1.

[0114] The motorized drive device 5 comprises the hardware and / or software elements necessary for implementing the operating method which is the subject of the invention, as described hereinafter. The elements may include software modules.

[0115] A first embodiment of the installation 100 is described below with reference to [Fig. 4]. In this figure, the installation 100 comprises a first embodiment of the motorized drive device 5, the motorized drive device 5 comprising the electromechanical actuator 11 and the control unit 12, the electromechanical actuator 11 being electrically connected to the control unit 12 by the wired connection 18, the control unit 12 being electrically connected to the mains 170.

[0116] The electromechanical actuator 11 comprises an electric motor 16 of the asynchronous alternating current type, hereinafter called an asynchronous motor. The electromechanical actuator 11 comprises an electronic control unit 15 controlling the power supply of the asynchronous motor 16, in particular controlling controlled switches 161, such as relays or transistors, controlling the power supply of the asynchronous motor 16.

[0117] The electronic control unit 15 comprises: - a 159 series impedance circuit, - a rectifier 153, in particular a diode bridge, - a voltage detector 154, - a module 155 for controlling the power supply of the electronic control unit 15, - a controlled switch 157 for supplying power to the electronic control unit 15, - a voltage regulator 156, and - one or more application modules 160 controlling in particular the engine 16.

[0118] The series impedance circuit 159 is configured to present a series impedance between the sector 170 and the rectifier 153 so as to lower the voltage, the series impedance being able to be of the resistive or capacitive type between a phase conductor ACP (or a neutral conductor ACN) connected to the input of the series impedance circuit and the input of the rectifier 153.

[0119] By way of non-limiting example, in the case where the electric motor 16 is of the BLDC type, the series impedance of the series impedance circuit 159 is of the resistive type, and in the case where the electric motor 16 is of the asynchronous alternating current type, the series impedance of the series impedance circuit 159 is of the capacitive type.

[0120] The rectifier 153 makes it possible to transform the mains signal at the input into a full-wave rectified signal at the output when one or other of the switches 121 and 122 is closed. Alternatively, the rectifier may be a full-wave rectifier.

[0121] The voltage detector 154 makes it possible to detect a voltage at the output of the rectifier 153. Such a presence of voltage means that one or other of the switches 121 and 122 is closed.

[0122] The information provided by the voltage detector makes it possible to control the closing of the controlled switch 157 which, when closed, provides the electrical power supply to the control module 155 and the voltage regulator 156 with the full-wave (or single-wave) rectified signal present at the output of the rectifier 153.

[0123] The control module 155 controls the controlled switch 157: - by keeping it in its closed state as long as necessary, that is to say as long as the electric motor is powered to drive the screen, and - by controlling its opening when the electrical power supply to the electronic control unit 15, in particular when the electrical power supply to the control module 155 and the voltage regulator 156 is no longer necessary, i.e. as long as the electric motor is no longer powered to drive the screen.

[0124] In particular, the control module 155 controls the opening of the controlled switch 157 either by the microcontroller 31 according to a computer program recorded in a memory of the microcontroller 31, or by an automatic timing circuit, composed for example of discrete electronic components.

[0125] According to a first example of operation, the control module 155 is primed for a predetermined time delay, and the automatic maintenance of the power supply to the control module 155 is ensured by the microcontroller 31. If the microcontroller 31 does not intervene before the end of the predetermined time delay, the control module 155 automatically controls the opening of the controlled switch 157. In an example where a screen is operated for a maximum of 20 seconds to go from one end of travel to another, a time delay of 30 seconds can for example be chosen. After 30 seconds, it can be estimated that the motor no longer needs to be powered or is no longer powered and the controlled switch 157 can then be opened.

[0126] According to a second operating example, the control module 155 is booted and the electrical power supply to the control module 155 is maintained by the circuit (and not by the microcontroller 31). To open the controlled switch 157, the microcontroller 31 must intervene and send an order to open the controlled switch 157.

[0127] The voltage regulator 156 makes it possible to transform the double-alternation (or single-alternation) rectified signal present at the output of the rectifier 153 into a continuous signal supplying the motor control module(s). It is, in fact, more precisely this or these modules 160 which control the power supply of the asynchronous motor 16, in particular which control the controlled switches 161 controlling the power supply of the asynchronous motor 16 from the electrical conductors of the connection 18.

[0128] A second embodiment of the installation is described below with reference to the [Fig. 5]. In this figure, the installation 100 comprises a second embodiment of the motorized drive device 5, the motorized drive device 5 comprising an electromechanical actuator 11 and a control unit 12 connected by electrical supply wires 18.

[0129] The motorized drive device 5 comprises an electronic control unit 15 configured to control the power supply of a BLDC motor 16, in particular controlling, through a galvanic isolation 162, controlled switches of a circuit 163 for controlling the phases of the motor 16. The circuit 163 uses as an energy source a voltage signal rectified through a rectifier 164 and smoothed. The input of the rectifier is connected to the conductive wires 18.

[0130] For the remainder, the second embodiment of the installation may be identical to the first embodiment.

[0131] Whatever the embodiment or variant, the electronic torque detection device 151 advantageously forms part of the application module(s) 160.

[0132] Alternatively or additionally, whatever the embodiment or variant, the microprocessor 31 advantageously forms part of the control module(s) 160.

[0133] An example of the electronic structure of the electronic control unit 15 is detailed in the diagram of [Fig.6]. This structure may be the same for the first and second embodiments of the installation.

[0134] A method of executing a method of operating the motorized drive device 5 for the occultation device 3 of the closing, occultation or solar protection installation 100 according to the invention and shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 is now described.

[0135] We first consider a first initial state of the installation where the switches 121 and 122 are open and where the installation 100 is therefore not electrically powered.

[0136] A user now acts on a switch 121, 122 and closes for example the switch 121. The rectifier 153 is then powered and at its output we find a full-wave rectified signal. This signal is detected by the voltage detector 154. Indeed, the presence of the full-wave rectified signal produces a reverse flow of current in a Zener diode D2 which charges a capacitor C3 and creates at the terminals of the Zener diode D2 a voltage of for example 18 V. Self-priming then occurs thanks to the current which passes through a resistor R8 and a capacitor C3 and which allows the conduction of a transistor M1 while a capacitor CL is being charged. The modules 155, 156 and 160 are then powered. The microprocessor 31 can then take over to control the closing of the controlled switch 157, that is to say to close or turn on the transistor M5. This makes it possible to perpetuate the power supply of the modules 155, 156 and 160. As a result of the closing of the switch 121, the application control module 160, via one of the switches 161 or via the module 163, the power supply of the motor 16 which then drives the screen 2 in movement.

[0137] It is now assumed that, without the user acting on the switches 121 and 122, when moving the screen, it encounters an obstacle or reaches the end of its travel. The detection device 151 then detects that a drive torque threshold of the electromechanical actuator 11 is reached. It then controls the stopping of the power supply to the motor 16 via one of the switches 161 or via the module 163. The microprocessor 31 then also controls the opening of the controlled switch 157, in particular the opening of the transistor M5, the power supply to the modules 155, 156 and 160 is then cut off and the installation 100 no longer consumes electrical energy although the switch 121 remains closed.

[0138] Preferably, the microprocessor 31 also controls the closing of a transistor M2 to ensure the correct discharge of the capacitor C1 which will allow self-priming during a subsequent closing of one of the switches 121, 122. Thus, in other words, the operating method comprises a cut-off of the electrical power supply to the electronic control unit 15 following detection of a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor 16 must be cut while the phase conductor ACP remains switched to one or other of the first phase terminal PI (as represented by the state of the switch 121 in FIGS. 4 and 5) and second phase terminal P2. The installation is then in a stable state.

[0139] For example, a detection of a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor 16 must be cut off is: - detection of an excess of a mechanical torque supplied by the electric motor 16, and / or - detection of a position reached by a screen 2 driven by the electric motor 16, and / or - a time delay, in particular a time delay suggesting that the screen must have reached a given position (for example a time delay of a duration greater than the screen travel time between these two end points).

[0140] Thus, a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor 16 must be cut off may correspond to a movement of the electric motor supplied with electrical energy followed by a cutoff of the electrical power supply to the electric motor because a stopping condition of the electric motor is met. This stopping condition may consist of: - the fact that the driven screen has reached a desired position (actually or assumedly), or - the fact that the screen has encountered an obstacle in the direction of this desired position.

[0141] This stop condition follows a command for a movement of the motor.

[0142] In a subsequent step, the user acts on the element 123 to cause the opening of the switch 121. We thus return to the initial state previously described. In other words, the method therefore comprises maintaining the cut-off of the electrical power supply to the electronic control unit 15 as long as a new control order for the electromechanical actuator 11 is not detected.

[0143] If a user now acts again on a switch 121, 122 and closes for example the switch 121. The rectifier 153 is then powered and at its output we find a full-wave rectified signal. This signal is detected by the voltage detector 154. Indeed, the presence of the full-wave rectified signal produces a reverse flow of current in a Zener diode D2 which charges a capacitor C3 and creates at the terminals of the Zener diode D2 a voltage of for example 18 V. Self-priming then occurs thanks to the current which passes through a resistor R8 and a capacitor C3 and which allows the conduction of a transistor M1 while a capacitor Cl is being charged. The modules 155, 156 and 160 are then powered. The microprocessor 31 can then take over to control the closing of the controlled switch 157, that is to say to close or turn on the transistor M5.This makes it possible to maintain the power supply to the modules 155, 156 and 160. As a result of the closing of the switch 121, the application module 160 controls, via one of the switches 161 or via the module 163, the power supply to the motor 16 which then drives the screen 2 in movement. The method therefore comprises a new power supply to the electronic control unit 15 as soon as a new command to activate the electromechanical actuator 11 is again detected.

[0144] While the electromechanical actuator 11 and in particular the motor 16 is powered to move the screen 2, a user can of course act on the control unit 12, in particular on the element 123, to open the switch 121 or 122 which is closed. In such a case, the electrical power supply to the electromechanical actuator 11 is cut off. The electrical power supply to the modules 155, 156 and 160 is then also cut off and the installation 100 no longer consumes electrical energy. The method comprises cutting off the electrical power supply to the electronic control unit 15 as soon as a command to stop the electromechanical actuator 11 is given.

[0145] An automatic power supply control structure has been described in detail with reference to [Fig. 6]. However, different structures with other arrangements of components, including diodes, capacitors, resistors and transistors, may be envisaged in order to achieve the same functions described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0146] The solutions described above make it possible to cancel the standby electrical consumption of the installations, that is to say when the electromechanical actuators of such installations are not activated to move screens. The functions of the electronic control unit 15 used to control the electric motor are then no longer active. The modules (typically the application modules 160) providing these functions are no longer powered at all. Only a minimal circuit remains powered in order to maintain the controlled switch 157 in its open state and a minimal circuit remains powered in order to detect a possible new switching of the phase to power the electric motor 16 again. This makes it possible to achieve a consumption of less than 1 pW, typically of the order of 500 nW.

Claims

Claims

1. A method of operating an electromechanical actuator (11) for a blackout device (3), the electromechanical actuator (11) comprising: - an electric motor (16), and - an electronic control unit (15), the electronic control unit (15) being electrically powered by a phase conductor (ACP) and a neutral conductor (ACN) of an AC electrical network (170) and selectively controlled by switching the phase conductor (ACP): - either on a first phase terminal (PI) of the electronic control unit (15) to electrically power the electric motor (16) so that it rotates in a first direction (DIR1), - or on a second phase terminal (P2) of the electronic control unit (15) to electrically power the electric motor (16) so that it rotates in a second direction (DIR2) opposite to the first direction (DIR1),the operating method comprising a cut-off of the electrical power supply to the electronic control unit (15) following detection of a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor (16) must be cut while the phase conductor (ACP) remains switched to one or other of the first phase terminal (PI) and second phase terminal (P2).,

2. Operating method according to claim 1, characterized in that the electromechanical actuator (11) comprises a module (155) for controlling the power supply of the electromechanical actuator, via a controlled switch (157), and an application module (160) including a microcontroller (31) and in that the cutting of the electrical power supply of the electronic control unit (15) comprises the opening of the controlled switch (157) at the end of a time delay.

3. Operating method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electromechanical actuator (11) comprises a module (155) for controlling the power supply of the electromechanical actuator, via a controlled switch (157), and an application module (160) including a microcontroller (31) and in that the cutting of the electrical power supply of the electronic control unit (15) comprises the opening of the controlled switch (157) as a result of an order issued by the microcontroller (31).

4. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises maintaining the cut-off of the electrical power supply to the electronic control unit (15) as long as a new control order for the electromechanical actuator (11) is not detected.

5. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a new electrical supply to the electronic control unit (15) as soon as a new activation control order for the electromechanical actuator (11) is again detected, due to a new connection of the electromechanical actuator to the alternating electrical network.

6. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a cut-off of the electrical power supply to the electronic control unit (15) as soon as a command to stop the electromechanical actuator (11) is detected due to a disconnection of the electromechanical actuator from the alternating electrical network.

7. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting of the electrical power supply to the electronic control unit (15) following the detection of a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor must be cut off comprises a command from a microprocessor (31) of the electronic control unit (15) causing the blocking of a first transistor (M5) cutting the electrical power supply to the electronic control unit (15).

8. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting of the electrical power supply to the electronic control unit (15) following the detection of a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor must be cut comprises a command from a microprocessor (31) of an electronic module (152) of the electronic control unit (15) causing the activation of a second transistor (M2) making it possible to discharge a capacitor (Cl).

9. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the new power supply of an electronic module (152) as soon as a new control order of the electromechanical actuator (11) is again detected comprises a charge of a capacitor (Cl) allowing the activation of a third transistor (Ml) providing power to a microprocessor (31).

10. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a detection of a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor (16) must be cut off is: - a detection of an exceeding of a mechanical torque supplied by the electric motor (16), and / or - a detection of a position reached by a screen (2) driven by the electric motor (16), and / or - an expiry of a time delay.

11. Electromechanical actuator (11) for a concealing device (3) of a closing, concealing or solar protection installation (100), comprising hardware and / or software elements (15, 16, 152) implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 10, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the method according to one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Electromechanical actuator (11) according to claim 11, characterized in that the hardware elements comprise an electronic module (152) comprising: - a power supply detector (154), - a module (155) for connecting and disconnecting the power supply of the electronic module (152), and - a voltage regulator (156).

13. Electromechanical actuator (11) according to claim 12, characterized in that the electronic module (152) further comprises a voltage rectifier (153).

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