Operating method of an electromechanical actuator of a closing, shading or solar protection system.
The method addresses energy inefficiencies in electromechanical actuators by using AC network conductors to power the control unit and a microcontroller to manage power supply, reducing energy consumption by cutting off power when conditions are met.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing electromechanical actuators for blackout and solar protection systems with electronic control units consume continuous power, leading to unnecessary energy consumption even when not in use, and require a dedicated power supply line.
An operating method that powers the electronic control unit using phase conductors from an AC electrical network, selectively controlling power supply to the electric motor, and includes a microcontroller to cut off power to the control unit upon detecting specific conditions, such as torque overshoot or position reach, using transistors and capacitors to manage power supply.
Reduces energy consumption by cutting off power to the electronic control unit when not needed, eliminating continuous power draw and minimizing standby energy use.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Method of operating an electromechanical actuator of a closing, shading or solar protection installation.
[0001] The present invention relates to a method of operating an electromechanical actuator for a blackout device of a closure, blackout or solar protection installation, as well as an electromechanical actuator configured to implement this method of operation.
[0002] The invention further relates to a motorized drive device comprising such an electromechanical actuator. The invention also relates to a closing, shading, or sun protection system comprising such a motorized drive device or such an electromechanical actuator.
[0003] In general, the present invention relates to the field of blackout devices comprising a motorized drive device configured to move a screen, between an open position and a closed position.
[0004] A motorized drive device includes an electromechanical actuator of a movable closing, obscuring or sun protection element, such as a shutter, a door, a grille, a blind or any other equivalent material, hereinafter referred to as 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 supply and thus the activations of the electromechanical actuator.In such a structure, particularly if multi-position stable switches operable by a user are used to switch one phase of the AC network and constitute a control point for controlling the winding, unwinding or stopping of the screen, it is common to provide other internal switches within the electromechanical actuator so as to cut off the power supply to an electric motor of the electromechanical actuator when the screen hits an obstacle or reaches a limit switch, while a user-operable switch remains in a stable power supply position to the electromechanical actuator.
[0006] To ensure this function of cutting off the power supply to the electric motor, one solution is to use electronic switches associated with: - a mechanical torque sensor for the screen drive in order to open these switches electronic cut-off switches activate when a screen drive torque threshold is exceeded, or - a position sensor, or - a timing circuit.
[0007] This solution improves the reliability and repeatability of detecting various situations where the power supply to the electromechanical actuator must be interrupted while a multistable switch remains in the power supply position. However, in this solution, the electronic switches are located in an electronic control unit that requires a continuous power supply. This solution therefore necessitates a dedicated line to provide a continuous power supply to the device. Furthermore, the solution involves a continuous power consumption, which is problematic. Indeed, the electronic control unit consumes a quantity of electrical energy from the mains to power its components and / or modules (sensors, counters, etc.) during normal operation.
[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 limit switch detection of the screen. However, standby mode still consumes a certain amount of electrical energy (between 0.3W and 0.5W) from the mains, although this is less than the amount of electrical energy consumed in normal operating mode.
[0009] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide an operating method that improves the situation. In particular, the invention provides an operating method that makes it possible to limit the electrical energy consumption of a motorized drive device using an electronic control unit that detects situations in which the 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 from an alternating current electrical network and is 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 operating method includes cutting off the 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 off while the phase conductor remains switched on either the first phase terminal or the second phase terminal.
[0011] The electromechanical actuator may include a control module for the power supply of the electromechanical actuator, via a controlled switch, and an application module including a microcontroller and the interruption of the power supply of the electronic control unit may include the opening of the controlled switch at the expiry of a time delay.
[0012] The electromechanical actuator may include a control module for the power supply of the electromechanical actuator, via a controlled switch, and an application module including a microcontroller and the interruption of the power supply of the electronic control unit may include the opening of the controlled switch as a consequence of a command issued by the microcontroller.
[0013] The operating method may include maintaining the power supply cut-off of the electronic control unit until a new command order to the electromechanical actuator is detected.
[0014] The operating method may include a new power 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 include cutting off the power supply to the electronic control unit as soon as a stop command order for the electromechanical actuator is detected due to a disconnection of the electromechanical actuator from the AC electrical network.
[0016] The interruption of the power supply to the electronic control unit following the detection of a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor must be interrupted may include a command from a microprocessor of the electronic control unit causing the blocking of a first transistor cutting off the power supply to the electronic control unit.
[0017] The interruption of the power supply to the electronic control unit following the detection of a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor must be interrupted may include a command from a microprocessor of an electronic module electronic control unit triggers the activation of a second transistor, which discharges a capacitor.
[0018] The new power supply of an electronic module as soon as a new command order of the electromechanical actuator is again detected may include a charge of a capacitor allowing the activation of a third transistor providing a power supply to a microprocessor.
[0019] The detection of a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor must be cut off can be: - detection of an overshoot of the 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 blackout device of a closure, blackout or solar protection installation, comprises hardware and / or software elements implementing the method defined above, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the method defined above.
[0021] The hardware components may include 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 include a voltage rectifier.
[0023] According to the invention, the computer program product comprises program code instructions recorded on a computer-readable medium to implement the steps of the process defined above when said program runs on a computer.
[0024] According to the invention, the computer program product downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a data medium readable by a computer and / or executable by a computer, is characterized in that it includes instructions which, when the program is executed by the computer, lead the latter to implement the process defined above.
[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 above.
[0026] According to the invention, the computer-readable recording medium comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the process defined previously.
[0027] The invention also relates to a signal from a data carrier, carrying the computer program product defined above.
[0028] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples and in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an installation according to an embodiment of the invention; [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of the installation illustrated in [Fig.1]; [Fig.3] is a schematic axial and partial cross-sectional view 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 blackout device of a closure, blackout or solar protection installation; [Fig.5] is a functional diagram of a second embodiment of a motorized drive device for a blackout device of a closure, blackout or solar protection installation; [Fig.6] is a detailed electrical diagram of an example of an electronic module used in the embodiments described in Figures 4 and 5.
[0029] First, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, an installation 100 comprising a closing, shading, or solar protection device 3 according to an embodiment of the invention is described. This installation 100, installed in a building (not shown), has an opening 1 in which a window 40 or a door (not shown) is located. This installation 100 is equipped with a screen 2 belonging to the closing, shading, or solar protection device 3, in particular a motorized roller shutter.
[0030] Here, installation 100 includes window 40.
[0031] The window 40 comprises at least one fixed frame 41 and at least one pane of glass 42. The pane of glass 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, include at least one opening, not shown.
[0033] Advantageously, the glass pane 42 can be either 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, notably in the case of a tilting or casement window, or according to a translational movement, notably in the case of 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, shading or sun protection device 3 is hereinafter referred to as the "shading device". The shading device 3 comprises the screen 2.
[0035] The shading device 3 can be a roller shutter, a fabric blind or a blind with adjustable slats, a rolling gate, a grille, a door, or a hinged shutter. The present invention applies to all types of shading devices.
[0036] Here, the installation 100 includes the occulting device 3.
[0037] A roller shutter conforming to an embodiment of the invention is described with reference to figures 1 and 2.
[0038] The occulting device 3 includes a motorized drive device 5. The motorized drive device 5 includes at least one electromechanical actuator 11 illustrated in [Fig.3].
[0039] Advantageously, the obscuring device 3 further comprises a winding tube 4. The screen 2 is windable onto the winding tube 4. In addition, 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 on 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 mobile between a rolled-up position, in particular high, and an unrolled position, in particular low, and vice versa.
[0042] The screen 2 of the shading device 3 is a closing, shading and / or sun protection screen, rolling and unrolling around the winding tube 4, the inner diameter of which is greater than the outer diameter of the electromechanical actuator 11, so that the electromechanical actuator 11 can be inserted into the winding tube 4, when assembling the shading device 3.
[0043] The electromechanical actuator 11, in particular of tubular type, allows the winding tube 4 to be rotated 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 an assembled 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 blackout device 3, comprises a curtain including 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 curtain 2 of the roller shutter 3 reaches its lower unrolled position.
[0046] In the case of a roller shutter, the raised, rolled-up position corresponds to the contact of an end slat 8, for example L-shaped, of the shutter curtain 2 roller shutter 3 against an edge of a housing 9 of the roller shutter 3 or the end slat 8 stops in a programmed upper limit position. In addition, the lower unrolled position corresponds to the end slat 8 of the curtain 2 of the roller shutter 3 resting against a threshold 7 of the opening 1 or to the end slat 8 stopping in a programmed lower limit 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 wound-up position and which can also be called the first end-of-stroke position or upper end-of-stroke position FdCH, and a closed position, corresponding to the unwound position and which can also be called the second end-of-stroke position or lower end-of-stroke position FdCB.
[0048] Thus, the electromechanical actuator 11 is configured to drive, in other words drives, in movement the screen 2, between the first end position FdCH and the second end position FdCB, and vice versa, opposite the window 40, in particular the glass 42.
[0049] Here, screen 2 is positioned outside the building.
[0050] Alternatively, screen 2 is arranged inside the building.
[0051] The first slat of the roller shutter 3, opposite the final end slat 8, is connected to the winding tube 4 by means of at least one joint 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 curtain 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 chest 9 is positioned 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, via a wired connection 18, to an electronic control unit 15 of the electromechanical actuator 11. Moreover, the control unit 12 is also connected to a mains power supply network 170, in particular the commercial AC network. Thus, the electromechanical actuator 11 is supplied with electrical energy from the mains power supply network 170, in particular from the commercial AC network. The control unit 12 is electrically connected to the mains supply 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 supply the electric motor 16 so that it rotates in a first direction DIR1, or to the third electrical conductor 183 to electrically supply 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 supply the electric motor 16 in a first direction DIR1, or to the third electrical conductor 183 to electrically supply 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 electrical 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 to unwind or rewind the screen 2 of the occulting device 3, issued by the control unit 12.
[0056] Installation 100 includes control unit 12.
[0057] We now describe in more detail and with reference to [Fig.3] the electromechanical actuator 11, belonging to the installation 100 of figures 1 and 2.
[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 can be of the electronically commutated brushless type, also called an "BLDC" electric motor (acronym for the Anglo-Saxon term "Brushless Direct Current") or "permanent magnet synchronous" type, or of the direct or indirect induction direct current type, also called an "DC" electric motor (acronym for the Anglo-Saxon term "Direct Current"), or of the universal alternating current type, synchronous, asynchronous, or self-synchronous.
[0061] Control means for the electromechanical actuator 11, enabling the movement of the screen 2 of the obscuring device 3, comprise at least the unit control electronics 15. This electronic control unit 15 is capable of starting the electric motor 16 of the electromechanical actuator 11 and, in particular, enabling the supply of electrical energy to the electric motor 16.
[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 for the electromechanical actuator 11 include hardware and / or software means.
[0064] By way of non-limiting example, the material means may include 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 both switches 121, 122 are open. Advantageously, the tristable switch is configured so that the switch from the first closed state to the second closed state is necessarily carried out via the open state, thus requiring by design the creation of a mechanical break in the power supply of the electromechanical actuator 11 between the first closed state and the second closed state.
[0067] Advantageously, the control unit 12 includes a third element 123 which, by its manipulation, allows the first switch 121 and the second switch 122 to be deactivated. The first switch 121 is electrically connected to the second electrical conductor 182 to supply power to the electric motor 16 so that it rotates in the first direction DIR1, for example, to activate the electromechanical actuator 11 that rolls up the screen. The second switch 122 is electrically connected to the third electrical conductor 183 to supply power to 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 activate the electromechanical actuator 11 that unrolls the screen.
[0068] The control unit 12 is a fixed control point. The control unit 12 may include a control box intended to be fixed to a facade of a wall of the building or to 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 commands, including closing and opening, of the screen 2 of the occulting device 3. These commands 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 command order corresponding to a press on the or one of the elements 121, 122, 123 of the control unit 12.
[0071] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a housing 17, in particular a tubular housing. The electric motor 16 is mounted inside the housing 17, particularly in an assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.
[0072] The housing 17 is hollow. The housing 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 disposed, in other words is configured to be disposed, in the vicinity of the first end 17a of the housing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.
[0075] Here, the housing 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 housing 17 is a tube having a circular cross-section.
[0077] In one embodiment, the housing 17 is made of a metallic material.
[0078] The material of the electromechanical actuator housing is not limiting and may be different. It could 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 gear train.
[0082] The type and number of reduction stages of the reducer are not limiting.
[0083] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 further includes 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 can be seen in [Fig.3], in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11, the brake 29 is configured to be disposed, in other words is disposed, between the electric motor 16 and the reducer 19, that is to say at the output of the electric motor 16.
[0086] Alternatively, not shown, particularly 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 reducer 19.
[0087] Advantageously, the reducer 19 and, optionally, the brake 29 are mounted inside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, particularly 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 an electronic detection device 151 for 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 limit switches, 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 driven in rotation around the axis of rotation X and the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 by means of two pivot joints. The first pivot joint is formed at one end of the winding tube 4 by means of the ring 30. The ring 30 thus provides a bearing. The second pivot joint, not shown, is formed 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 the rotational guidance of the winding tube 4, around the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, particularly in an assembled configuration of the motorized drive device 5 and, consequently, of the obscuring device 3.
[0092] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a torque support 21, which may also be called an "actuator head" or "fixed point".
[0093] Here, the torque support 21 is arranged at the first end 17a of the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, particularly in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.
[0094] The torque support 21 allows the forces exerted by the electromechanical actuator 11 to be absorbed, in particular the torque exerted by the electromechanical actuator 11, with respect to the building structure. Advantageously, the torque support 21 also allows the forces exerted by the winding tube 4 to be absorbed, in particular the weight of the winding tube 4, the electromechanical actuator 11, and the screen 2, and ensures that these forces are absorbed by the building structure.
[0095] Thus, the torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 11 allows the electromechanical actuator 11 to be fixed on a frame 23, in particular to a side of the box 9.
[0096] Advantageously, the torque support 21 is projecting at the first end 17a of the housing 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 housing 17, particularly in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.
[0098] Furthermore, the torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 11 can support at least part of the electronic control unit 15.
[0099] Advantageously, the torque support 21 is fixed to the housing 17 by means of one or more fasteners, not shown, particularly in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11. The fastener(s) may be, in particular, bosses, fixing screws, elastic snap-fit fasteners, grooves fitted into notches or a combination of these different fasteners.
[0100] Here and as illustrated in [Fig.3], the ring 30 is disposed or inserted, in other words is configured to be disposed or inserted, around a part of the housing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11. In this case, the ring 30 is mounted freely to rotate around the housing 17.
[0101] In an alternative, not shown, the ring 30 is disposed or inserted, in other words is configured to be disposed or inserted, around the torque support 21, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11. In this case, the ring 30 is mounted freely to rotate around the torque support 21.
[0102] In another variant, not shown, the ring 30 is disposed or inserted, in other words is configured to be disposed or inserted, on the one hand, around the torque support 21 and, on the other hand, around a part of the housing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11. In such a case, the ring 30 can be mounted freely in rotation, on the one hand, around the torque support 21 and, on the other hand, around the housing 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 housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.
[0105] Alternatively, not shown, the electronic control unit 15 is located outside the housing 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 include 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 includes at least one light source, not shown, in particular a light-emitting diode.
[0108] This or these light sources are mounted on an electronic board of the electronic control unit 15 and, optionally, a transparent or translucent cover and / or a light guide, to allow the passage of the light emitted by the or each of the light sources.
[0109] Advantageously, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is disposed inside the winding tube 4 and at least partly outside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.
[0110] Here, one end of the output shaft 20 protrudes from the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular from the second end 17b of the housing 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 made in the form of a wheel.
[0112] When the electromechanical actuator 11 is switched on, the electric motor 16 and the reducer 19 drive the output shaft 20 in rotation. In addition, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 drives the winding tube 4 in rotation via the connecting element 22.
[0113] Thus, the winding tube 4 causes the screen 2 of the occulting device 3 to rotate, so as to open or close the opening 1.
[0114] The motorized drive device 5 includes the hardware and / or software elements necessary for the implementation of the operating method which is the subject of The invention, as described below. 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 asynchronous AC electric motor 16, hereinafter referred to as an asynchronous motor. The electromechanical actuator 11 includes an electronic control unit 15 that controls the power supply to the asynchronous motor 16, in particular controlling controlled switches 161, such as relays or transistors, which control the power supply to the asynchronous motor 16.
[0117] The electronic control unit 15 comprises: - a series impedance circuit 159, - a rectifier 153, specifically 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 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 mains 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 at 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 AC type, the series impedance of the series impedance circuit 159 is of the capacitive type.
[0120] The rectifier 153 transforms the input mains signal into a full-wave rectified output signal when either switch 121 or 122 is closed. Alternatively, the rectifier can be a half-wave rectifier.
[0121] The voltage detector 154 allows the detection of a voltage at the output of the rectifier 153. Such a voltage presence means that one or the other of the switches 121 and 122 is closed.
[0122] The information provided by the voltage detector allows the closing of the controlled switch 157 to be controlled, which, when closed, provides the power supply to the control module 155 and the voltage regulator 156 with the full-wave rectified signal (or half-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 for as long as necessary, that is, as long as the electric motor is powered to drive the screen, and - by controlling its opening when the power supply to the electronic control unit 15, in particular when the power supply to the control module 155 and the voltage regulator 156 is no longer required, 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 stored 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 activated for a predetermined time period, 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 period, the control module 155 automatically controls the opening of the controlled switch 157. In an example where a screen is moved for a maximum of 20 seconds to go from one limit switch to another, a time period of 30 seconds can be chosen, for example. After 30 seconds, it can be assumed 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 example of operation, the control module 155 is activated and the 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 a command to open the controlled switch 157.
[0127] The voltage regulator 156 transforms the full-wave (or half-wave) rectified signal present at the output of the rectifier 153 into a direct current signal that powers the motor control module(s). More precisely, it is this module(s) 160 that control the power supply to the asynchronous motor 16, and in particular that control the controlled switches 161 which supply power to 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 includes 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 includes an electronic control unit 15 configured to control the power supply of a BLDC motor 16, in particular controlling, through galvanic isolation 162, controlled switches of a circuit 163 for controlling the phases of the motor 16. The circuit 163 uses as its power source a voltage signal rectified through a rectifier 164 and smoothed. The input of the rectifier is connected to the conductor wires 18.
[0130] For the remainder, the second embodiment of the installation can be identical to the first embodiment.
[0131] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the electronic torque detection device 151 advantageously forms part of the application module(s) 160.
[0132] Alternatively or complementarily, 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 in [Fig.6]. This structure can be the same for the first and second embodiments of the installation.
[0134] We now describe an embodiment of an operating method of the motorized drive device 5 for the shading device 3 of the installation 100 for closing, shading or solar protection according to the invention and represented in figures 1 to 6.
[0135] We first consider a first initial state of the installation where switches 121 and 122 are open and where the installation 100 is therefore not electrically powered.
[0136] A user now operates a switch 121, 122 and closes, for example, switch 121. The rectifier 153 is then powered, and a full-wave rectified signal is found at its output. This signal is detected by the voltage detector 154. Indeed, the presence of the full-wave rectified signal produces a reverse current flow in a Zener diode D2, which charges a capacitor C3 and creates a voltage across the Zener diode D2 of, for example, 18 V. This results in self-excitation thanks to the current flowing through a resistor R8 and a capacitor C3, which allows the conduction of a transistor M1 while a capacitor CL is being charged. 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 close or turn on the transistor M5. This ensures continuity. the power supply of modules 155, 156 and 160. As a result of the closing of switch 121, the application control module 160, via one of the switches 161 or via module 163, the power supply of motor 16 which then drives the screen 2 in motion.
[0137] It is now assumed that, without the user acting on switches 121 and 122, during the movement of 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 has been reached. It then commands the power supply to the motor 16 to be cut off via one of the switches 161 or via the module 163. The microprocessor 31 then also commands the opening of the controlled switch 157, in particular the opening of transistor M5; the power supply to modules 155, 156, and 160 is then cut off, and the installation 100 no longer consumes electrical energy, even though 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 Cl, which will allow self-excitation upon subsequent closure of one of the switches 121, 122. Thus, in other words, the operating method includes cutting off the power supply to the electronic control unit 15 following the detection of a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor 16 must be cut off while the phase conductor ACP remains switched to either the first phase terminal PI (as represented by the state of switch 121 in Figures 4 and 5) or the second phase terminal P2. The installation is then in a stable state.
[0139] For example, detection of a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor 16 must be cut off is: - detection of an overshoot of the 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 limit, in particular a time limit suggesting that the screen must have reached a given position (for example, a time limit of a duration greater than the travel time of the screen 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 electrically powered electric motor followed by a cut-off of the electric motor's power supply because a stopping condition for the electric motor is met. This stopping condition may consist of: - the fact that the driven screen has reached a desired position (actually or presumably), or - the fact that the screen encountered an obstacle in the direction of this desired position.
[0141] This stopping condition follows a command to move the motor.
[0142] In a subsequent step, the user acts on element 123 to open switch 121. This returns the system to the initial state described previously. In other words, the method therefore includes maintaining the power supply interruption to the electronic control unit 15 until a new command to the electromechanical actuator 11 is detected.
[0143] If a user now operates a switch 121 or 122 again, for example, and closes switch 121, the rectifier 153 is then powered, and a full-wave rectified signal is present at its output. This signal is detected by the voltage detector 154. Indeed, the presence of the full-wave rectified signal produces a reverse current flow in a Zener diode D2, which charges a capacitor C3 and creates a voltage across the Zener diode D2 of, for example, 18 V. This results in self-excitation due to the current flowing through a resistor R8 and a capacitor C3, which allows the conduction of a transistor M1 while a capacitor C1 is being charged. 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 close or turn on transistor M5.This ensures a continuous power supply to modules 155, 156, and 160. As a result of the closure of switch 121, application module 160, via one of switches 161 or via module 163, controls the power supply to motor 16, which then drives the screen 2. The process therefore includes re-powering the electronic control unit 15 as soon as a new command to activate the electromechanical actuator 11 is 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, operate the control unit 12, specifically the element 123, to open the closed switch 121 or 122. In such a case, the power supply to the electromechanical actuator 11 is cut off. The power supply to modules 155, 156, and 160 is then also cut off, and the installation 100 no longer consumes electrical energy. The method includes cutting off the 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 component arrangements, including diodes, capacitors, resistors and transistors, can be considered in order to achieve the same functions described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.
[0146] The solutions described above make it possible to eliminate the standby power consumption of the installations, i.e., 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 to maintain the controlled switch 157 in its open state, and a minimal circuit remains powered to detect any new phase switching in order to re-energize the electric motor 16. This makes it possible to achieve a power consumption of less than 1 pW, typically on the order of 500 nW.
Claims
Demands
1. Method of operating an electromechanical actuator (11) for a shading device (3), the electromechanical actuator (11) comprising: - an electric motor (16), and - an electronic control unit (15), the electronic control unit (15) being electrically supplied 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 (PI) of the electronic control unit (15) to electrically supply 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 supply the electric motor (16) so that it rotates in a second direction (DIR2) opposite to the first direction (DIR1),the operating method comprising cutting off the power supply to the electronic control unit (15) following the detection of a situation in which the power supply to the electric motor (16) must be cut off while the phase conductor (ACP) remains switched to either of the first phase terminal (PI) and second phase terminal (P2).
2. A method of operation 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 interruption of the power supply of the electronic control unit (15) includes the opening of the controlled switch (157) at the expiry of a time delay.
3. A method of operation 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 interruption of the power supply to the electronic control unit (15) comprises the opening of the controlled switch (157) as a consequence of a command issued by the microcontroller (31).
4. A method of operation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes maintaining the power supply cut-off of the electronic control unit (15) until a new command order to the electromechanical actuator (11) is detected.
5. A method of operation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it 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, due to a new connection of the electromechanical actuator to the AC electrical network.
6. A method of operation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes cutting off the power supply to the electronic control unit (15) as soon as a stop command order to the electromechanical actuator (11) is detected due to a disconnection of the electromechanical actuator from the AC power grid.
7. A method of operation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interruption of the 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 interrupted comprises a control of a microprocessor (31) of the electronic control unit (15) causing the blocking of a first transistor (M5) cutting off the power supply to the electronic control unit (15).
8. A method of operation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interruption of the 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 interrupted comprises a control of a microprocessor (31) of an electronic module (152) of the electronic control unit (15) causing the activation of a second transistor (M2) allowing a capacitor (Cl) to be discharged.
9. A method of operation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the new power supply to an electronic module (152) as soon as a new command to the electromechanical actuator (11) is again detected comprises a charge of capacitor (Cl) enabling the activation of a third transistor (Ml) providing a power supply to a microprocessor (31).
10. A method of operation according to any 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 exceedance 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 shading device (3) of a closing, shading or solar protection installation (100), comprising hardware and / or software elements (15, 16, 152) implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. Electromechanical actuator (11) according to claim 11, characterized in that the material 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).