Method for controlling an electromechanical actuator for a blackout device and associated electromechanical actuator

Abstract

Method of controlling an electromechanical actuator for a blackout device and associated electromechanical actuator. This method of controlling an electromechanical actuator comprising an electronic control unit (15) and a battery (18), the electronic control unit comprising a controller (31), connected to a charger (44) and to a charging circuit (32) of the battery (18), includes: - the detection of a connection from the charger to the electromechanical actuator, - when a connection is detected, the determination of a supply profile having a threshold value of intensity, - the control of the charger, to supply the charging circuit with the supply profile.It also includes a first control step, to charge the battery with a charging current equal to a first current value, and a second control step, to charge the battery with a charging current equal to a second current value, strictly greater than the first current value and less than or equal to the current threshold value. See Figure 4 for the abbreviation.

Description

Title of the invention: Method for controlling an electromechanical actuator for a blackout device and associated electromechanical actuator

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of controlling an electromechanical actuator for a blackout device, as well as an associated electromechanical actuator.

[0002] An electromechanical actuator for a closing, shading, or sun protection device comprises an electronic control unit, a rechargeable battery, and an electric motor. The electric motor is powered by the rechargeable battery to drive a screen of the closing, shading, or sun protection device. The electronic control unit includes a controller embedded in the electromechanical actuator adapted to be connected to an external smart charger via a communication bus, and a rechargeable battery charging circuit adapted to be connected to the smart charger via a power bus.When the rechargeable battery is being charged by the smart charger, the charging circuit is powered by the smart charger via the power bus to charge the rechargeable battery, and the onboard controller communicates with the smart charger via the communication bus to exchange data. However, if data exchange occurs simultaneously with charging the rechargeable battery, it is disrupted, notably by interference caused by electromagnetic disturbances, which leads to a decrease in the quality of the exchanged data, or even renders it unreadable by the onboard controller and the smart charger. This effect is particularly pronounced when the current flowing through the power bus to charge the rechargeable battery is high, and / or the communication speed for exchanging data across the communication bus is high.

[0003] The aim of the invention is therefore to allow the exchange of data while minimizing disturbances, without interrupting the charging of the rechargeable battery.

[0004] To this end, the invention relates to a method for controlling an electromechanical actuator for a blackout device, the electromechanical actuator comprising at least: - an electronic control unit, and - a rechargeable battery,

[0005] the electronic control unit comprising at least: - a controller, the controller being connected to a charger via a communication bus, the charger being external to the electromechanical actuator, and - a charging circuit, the charging circuit being, on the one hand, connected to the rechargeable battery and the controller, and, on the other hand, connected to the charger via a power bus,

[0006] the process being implemented by the electronic control unit, the process comprising at least: - a step to detect a connection between the charger and the electromechanical actuator, - when a connection from the charger to the electromechanical actuator is detected, a step of determining a power profile that can be supplied by the charger, the power profile being characterized by a voltage threshold value associated with a current threshold value, and - a charger control step, so that the charger supplies the charging circuit with the determined power profile.

[0007] According to the invention, the method further comprises at least: - a first stage of controlling the charging circuit, such that the charging circuit charges the rechargeable battery with a charging current equal to a first current value for a predetermined duration, the first current value being strictly less than the threshold current value, and - when the predetermined time has elapsed, a second stage of control of the charging circuit, so that the charging circuit charges the rechargeable battery with a value of intensity of the charging current equal to a second value of intensity, the second value of intensity being strictly greater than the first value of intensity and less than or equal to the threshold value of intensity.

[0008] Thanks to the invention, the embedded controller and the smart charger can exchange data with each other even while the rechargeable battery is being charged. Indeed, during the predetermined period, the charging current is equal to the first intensity level and sufficiently low to limit interference with data exchange. Communication takes place during the predetermined period in order to limit the time during which the rechargeable battery is charged by a charging current equal to the first intensity level, which results in slower charging than when the rechargeable battery is charged by a charging current equal to the second intensity level. Thus, the Communication between the on-board controller and the smart charger is possible while limiting the increase in charging time.

[0009] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the method comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0010] The method further includes a communication step with the charger via the communication bus, so as to implement a data exchange between the controller and the charger, the communication step being implemented for the predetermined duration.

[0011] The communication bus is a high-speed communication bus, the exchange of data being implemented at a speed within a range extending between 200 kHz and 400 kHz, in particular at a speed of 300 kHz.

[0012] The data exchanged between the controller and the charger, during the communication step, are PowerDelivery type data of the USB PowerDelivery standard.

[0013] The detection step includes at least: - a sub-step for monitoring the presence of a power signal on the power bus, - during the monitoring sub-step, a first sub-step of detecting the presence of the power signal on the power bus, - in response to the detection of the presence of the power supply signal, a first sub-step of communication from the load circuit to the controller of at least one piece of information indicating the presence of the power supply signal, and - in response to receiving information indicating the presence of the power signal, a second sub-step of detection, by the controller, of the presence of a resistance value on the communication bus,

[0014] the monitoring substep and first detection substep being implemented by the charging circuit, and the second detection substep being implemented by the controller.

[0015] The step of determining the feed profile further includes, at least: - a sub-step of receiving a list of power profiles, the list of power profiles being issued by the loader; and - a sub-step for selecting the power profile from the list of power profiles,

[0016] the reception and selection sub-steps being implemented by the controller.

[0017] When the charger is connected to the electromechanical actuator, the charger automatically powers the charging circuit with a minimum power profile, the minimum feed profile being distinct from and strictly lower than the feed profile determined during the determination step,

[0018] and, when the detection and determination steps are implemented, the charging circuit is not commanded to charge the rechargeable battery.

[0019] The invention also relates to an electromechanical actuator for a blackout device; the electromechanical actuator comprises at least: - an electronic control unit, and - a rechargeable battery,

[0020] the electronic control unit comprising at least: - a controller, the controller being adapted to be connected to a charger via a communication bus, the charger being external to the electromechanical actuator, and - a charging circuit, the charging circuit being connected on one side to the rechargeable battery and the controller, and on the other side adapted to be connected to the charger via a power bus.

[0021] According to the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to implement the steps of the process.

[0022] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the electromechanical actuator comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0023] The electromechanical actuator further comprises a connector, and the connector comprises at least: - a communication pin, the communication pin being connected to the controller via the communication bus, and - a power supply pin, the power supply pin being connected to the charging circuit via the power supply bus.

[0024] The connector is a universal serial bus connector type C.

[0025] The electromechanical actuator further comprises an electric motor, the electric motor being electrically connected to the rechargeable battery so as to be powered in operation by the rechargeable battery.

[0026] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which: - [Fig.1] [Fig.1] is a view of an occultation device according to one embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view of an electromechanical actuator according to a method of implementing the invention; - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a view of a torque support of an electromechanical actuator according to an embodiment of the invention; - [Fig. 4] [Fig. 4] is an electrical diagram of the electromechanical actuator according to one embodiment of the invention; and - [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a logic diagram of a method for controlling an electromechanical actuator according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] First, with reference to [Fig. 1], a sunshade or shading device 3 is described. The sunshade or shading device is hereafter referred to as the "shading device".

[0028] The blackout device 3 may be a blind, in particular a blind comprising a roller fabric, or a pleated or honeycomb fabric, or a blind with adjustable slats. The present invention applies to all types of blackout devices.

[0029] The shading device 3 includes a motorized drive device 5 for a screen 2, the motorized drive device 5 being positioned at an opening in a building B to move the screen 2 relative to the opening in the building B. The shading device 3 includes the screen 2.

[0030] The screen 2 is for example formed of a rollable fabric, or of a pleated or honeycomb fabric, or even formed from adjustable blades.

[0031] The motorized drive device 5 further includes an electromechanical actuator 11, illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0032] The occultation 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The screen 2 of the shading device 3 is a 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.

[0036] The shading device 3 further comprises a load bar 8 for exerting tension on the screen 2. A first end of the screen 2, in particular the upper end of the screen 2, in an assembled configuration of the shading device 3, is fixed to the winding tube 4. Furthermore, a second end of the screen 2, in particular the lower end of the screen 2, in the assembled configuration of the occulting device 3, is fixed to the load bar 8.

[0037] 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.

[0038] In an assembled state of the occulting device 3, the electromechanical actuator 11 is inserted into the winding tube 4.

[0039] The shading device 3 includes a retaining device 23. The retaining device 23 may include two supports. The supports are arranged at each end of the winding tube 4, particularly in the assembled configuration of the shading device 3. Thus, the winding tube 4 is held in place by the supports. The supports allow the shading device 3 to be mechanically connected to the structure of building B, in particular to a wall of building B.

[0040] The electromechanical actuator 11 is now described with reference to figures 2 to 4.

[0041] The electromechanical actuator 11 comprises an electronic control unit 15, an electric motor 16, and a rechargeable battery 18. The electronic control unit 15 is connected, on the one hand, to the rechargeable battery 18, and, on the other hand, to the electric motor 16.

[0042] The electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a housing 17, in particular tubular and hollow. The electric motor 16 is mounted inside the housing 17, particularly in an assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0043] The rechargeable battery 18 is mounted inside the housing 17, particularly in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0044] Alternatively, and not shown in the figures, the rechargeable battery 18 is external to the electromechanical actuator 11, the rechargeable battery 18 being connected to the electronic control unit 15 via a power cable. The housing 17 comprises a first end 17a and a second end 17b. The second end 17b is opposite the first end 17a. Here, the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is cylindrical, in particular of revolution about the axis of rotation X, and is open at each of its ends 17a, 17b.

[0045] The electromechanical actuator 11 further includes an output shaft 20. The output shaft 20 is disposed, in other words is configured to be disposed, on the side of the second end 17b of the housing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0046] The electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a reduction gear. The reduction gear is coupled, or rather configured to be coupled, with the electric motor 16 in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0047] The electromechanical actuator 11 further includes a brake. The brake is configured to brake and / or block the rotation of the output shaft 20, so as to regulate the rotational speed of the winding tube 4, during movement of the screen 2, and to keep the winding tube 4 blocked, when the electric motor 16 is electrically deactivated.

[0048] The reducer and, optionally, the brake are mounted inside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0049] The electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a ring, i.e. a sleeve. The ring is configured to be disposed, i.e. is disposed, at the first end 17a of the housing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0050] The crown 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, in particular in an assembled configuration of the motorized drive device 5, and, consequently, of the occulting device 3.

[0051] 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 made at one end of the winding tube 4 by means of the ring disposed around the first end 17a of the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11. The ring thus provides a bearing. The second pivot joint is made at a second end of the winding tube 4 opposite the first end.

[0052] The electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a torque support 21, which may also be called an "actuator head" or "fixed point". An embodiment of the torque support 21 is illustrated in [Fig. 3].

[0053] Here, the torque support 21 is disposed at the first end 17a of the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0054] The torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is configured to fix the electromechanical actuator 11 on the holding device 23, in particular on one of the supports.

[0055] Thus, 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 structure of building B. The torque support 21 advantageously allows, in addition, to take up forces exerted by the winding tube 4, in particular the weight of the winding tube 4, the electromechanical actuator 11 and the screen 2, and to ensure that these forces are taken up by the structure of building B.

[0056] The torque support 21 protrudes at the first end 17a of the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0057] Thus, a first part of the torque support 21 is disposed inside the housing 17 and a second part of the torque support 21 is disposed outside the housing 17.

[0058] The torque support 21 closes, in other words is configured to close, the first end 17a of the housing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0059] Furthermore, the torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 11 can support at least part of the electronic control unit 15.

[0060] The torque support 21 is configured to be fixed, in other words is fixed, to the housing 17 by means of one or more fixing elements, not shown, particularly in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11. The fixing element(s) may be, in particular, bosses, fixing screws, elastic snap-fit ​​fixing elements, ribs fitted into notches or a combination of these different fixing elements.

[0061] In a first embodiment, not shown, the ring is disposed, in other words is configured to be disposed, around a part of the housing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11. In this case, the ring is mounted freely to rotate around the housing 17.

[0062] In an alternative, not shown, the ring is disposed, in other words is configured to be disposed, around the torque support 21, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11. In this case, the ring is mounted freely to rotate around the torque support 21.

[0063] In another variant, not shown, the ring is arranged, in other words is configured to be arranged, 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 can be mounted freely in rotation, on the one hand, around the torque support 21 and, on the other hand, around the housing 17.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Advantageously, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is configured to drive, or in other words, rotates, a connecting element, also called a "wheel". This connecting element is linked to the winding tube 4, particularly in the assembled configuration of the shading device 3.

[0067] When the electromechanical actuator 11 is activated, the electric motor 16 and the gearbox rotate the output shaft 20. Furthermore, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 rotates the winding tube 4 via the connecting element. Thus, the winding tube 4 rotates the screen 2 of the shading device 3, thereby covering or uncovering the opening of building B.

[0068] The electronic control unit 15 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is now described with reference to [Fig.4].

[0069] The electronic control unit 15 is disposed, in other words is integrated, inside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0070] The electronic control unit 15 includes a controller 31 embedded in the electromechanical actuator 11, and a charging circuit 32 for the rechargeable battery 18.

[0071] The charging circuit 32 is connected on one side to the controller 31, and on the other side to the rechargeable battery 18.

[0072] The electronic control unit 15 includes at least one electronic board on which the charging circuit 32 and the controller 31 are assembled, the electronic board being arranged, in other words integrated, inside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11 in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0073] The rechargeable battery 18 is configured to supply, in other words provides, electrical energy to the electromechanical actuator 11, in particular the electronic control unit 15 and the electric motor 16.

[0074] Advantageously, the rechargeable battery 18 is of the Ni-MH type, or of the Lithium-ion type.

[0075] The controller 31 is, for example, a microcontroller. Here, and by way of non-limiting example, the controller 31 is an STM32G0B1CE microcontroller.

[0076] In one embodiment of the motorized drive device 5, the controller 31 contains in particular a combination of software components, commonly called "stack" (translated from the Anglo-Saxon term "stack") USB Power Delivery, also called USB-PD stack.

[0077] The electromechanical actuator 11 advantageously includes a management module 26 for the rechargeable battery 18, connected between the rechargeable battery 18 and the charging circuit 32.

[0078] The electromechanical actuator 11 advantageously includes a connector 28. The connector 28 includes a power supply pin 33, connected to the charging circuit 32 by a power supply bus 34, and a communication pin 35 connected to the controller 31 by a communication bus 36, as shown in [Fig. 4]. The connector 28 is advantageously a universal serial bus connector, or USB (Universal Serial Bus) type C connector, also known as USB-C.

[0079] Advantageously, the power supply bus 34 and the communication bus 36 are included in the same flexible flat cable bundle, also known as an FFC bundle, from the English "Flexible Fiat Cable". The FFC bundle is, for example, at least 1 cm long, and the cables included in the FFC bundle are unshielded.

[0080] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 also includes a protection module 40. In the example of [Fig. 4], the protection module 40 is connected in parallel with a switch 42 located on the power supply bus 34. The protection module 40 is configured to control the switch 42. When the switch 42 is opened, the connection between the power supply pin 33 and the load circuit 32 is interrupted.

[0081] A smart charger 44, shown in [Fig.4], is configured to be connected to the electromechanical actuator 11. The smart charger 44 is external to the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0082] The smart charger 44 is for example a smart charger connected to an electrical power supply source, for example to the mains, or is an auxiliary power unit, for example another external battery to the electromechanical actuator 11 allowing to recharge electronic devices without using an electrical outlet, the auxiliary power unit in this case commonly being called a "Power Bank".

[0083] The intelligent charger 44 includes hardware and software elements adapted to communicate with the controller 31 of the electromechanical actuator 11 via the communication bus 36.

[0084] Generally, the smart charger 44 is configured by default to supply the power bus 34 with a minimum power profile PD0_min. The smart charger 44 is also capable of providing, or is configured to provide, a list of power profiles PDO_N via the communication bus 36. The smart charger 44 is further configured to negotiate with the controller 31, via the communication bus 36, a PDO power profile from the list of PDO_N power profiles. In other words, the intelligent charger 44 is configured to provide, on command from the controller 31, a PDO power profile selected by the controller 31 from the list of PDO_N power profiles.

[0085] In general and for the purposes of the invention, a power supply profile is characterized by a threshold voltage value U associated with a threshold current intensity value I. The power supply profile is commonly denoted U / I, for example 5V / 500mA, 6V / 2A, 15V / 1A, etc.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the smart charger 44, the smart charger 44 includes hardware and software elements compatible with, in other words configured to implement, the "USB Power Delivery" standard also known as "USB-PD", in particular the "USB Power Delivery 3.0" standard, also known as "USB-PD 3.0".

[0087] According to one embodiment of the smart charger 44, the smart charger 44 is an intelligent charging station configured to charge the rechargeable battery 18 of the electromechanical actuator 11, and to configure the electromechanical actuator 11, or update software elements of the electronic control unit 15 of the electromechanical actuator 11, or configure the electromechanical actuator 11 and update software elements of the electronic control unit 15 of the electromechanical actuator 11.In this embodiment, the intelligent charging station includes hardware and software elements adapted to communicate to the controller 31, via the communication bus 36, configuration data of the electromechanical actuator, or update data of the software elements of the electronic control unit 15, or configuration data of the electromechanical actuator 11 and update data of the software elements of the electronic control unit 15.

[0088] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 11 is configured to be connected to the smart charger 44 via the connector 28. In the case where the connector 28 is a USB-C connector, the smart charger 44 is a USB-C charger equipped with the "Power Delivery" functionality.

[0089] The controller 31 is configured to control the charging circuit 32, and to charge the rechargeable battery 18 from the intelligent charger 44.

[0090] A method for controlling the electromechanical actuator 11 is now described with reference to [Fig.5]. The method is implemented by the electronic control unit 15, with at least some of the steps of the method being implemented by the controller 31.

[0091] The control method includes a detection step 102 of a connection of the smart charger 44 to the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0092] Advantageously, the detection of the connection of the smart charger 44 to the electromechanical actuator 11 is carried out by detecting the connection of the smart charger 44 to the connector 28.

[0093] Advantageously, when the smart charger 44 is connected to the electromechanical actuator 11, the smart charger 44 automatically supplies the charging circuit 32, via the power bus 34, with a minimum power profile PD0_min. In other words, the smart charger 44 provides, by default, or is configured to provide by default, a minimum power profile PD0_min via the power bus 34.

[0094] The minimum power supply profile PD0_min is characterized by a minimum voltage threshold value U_min associated with a minimum current threshold value I_min. In one embodiment of the smart charger 44, the minimum power supply profile PD0_min is characterized by a minimum voltage threshold value U_min of 5 volts associated with a minimum current threshold value I_min of 500 milliamperes, the minimum power supply profile PD0_min being in this case denoted 5V / 500mA.

[0095] Advantageously, detection step 102 comprises at least: - a monitoring substep 1021 for the presence of a VBUS power signal on the power bus 34, - during the monitoring substep 1021, a first detection substep 1022 of the presence of the VBUS power signal on the power bus 34, - in response to the detection of the presence of the VBUS power signal, a first communication substep 1023 from the load circuit 32 to the controller 31 of at least one piece of information indicating the presence of the VBUS power signal, and - in response to the reception of information indicating the presence of the VBUS power signal, a second detection sub-step 1024, by the controller 31, of the presence of a resistance value on the communication bus 36.

[0096] The monitoring substage 1021 and the first detection substage 1022 are implemented by the load circuit 32, and the second detection substage 1024 is implemented by the controller 31.

[0097] Advantageously, during the implementation of the detection step 102, the VBUS power supply signal is formed by the intelligent charger 44 from the minimum power supply profile PD0_min.

[0098] Thus, the detection step 102 allows the controller 31 to be informed, via the load circuit 32, of the presence of the VBUS power supply signal on the power supply bus 34, and in response to detect the presence of the resistance value on the communication bus 36, the presence of the resistance value indicating to the controller 31 the possibility of exchanging messages with the intelligent charger 44 via the communication bus 36.

[0099] When a connection of the smart charger 44 to the electromechanical actuator 11 is detected, the control method further includes a step of determining 104 a power supply profile PDO capable of being supplied by the smart charger 44. The power supply profile PDO is characterized by a threshold voltage value U_N associated with a threshold current value I_N, and is denoted U_N / I_N.

[0100] Advantageously, the minimum supply profile PD0_min is distinct and strictly less than the supply profile PDO determined during the determination step 104. In other words, the value of the minimum voltage threshold U_min is distinct and strictly less than the value of the voltage threshold U_N determined during the determination step 104, and the value of the minimum current threshold I_min is distinct and strictly less than the value of the current threshold I_N determined during the determination step 104.

[0101] Advantageously, determination step 104 further comprises at least: - a reception sub-step 106, by the controller 31, of a list of PDO_N power profiles, the list of PDO_N power profiles being issued by the intelligent charger 44, and - a selection substep 108, by the controller 31, of the PDO power profile from the list of PDO_N power profiles.

[0102] Here, and as described previously, the PDO_N power profile list includes a plurality of PDO1, PDO2, ..., PDON power profiles capable of being supplied by the intelligent charger 44. Such a list includes, for example, the following power profiles: 5V / 500mA, 6V / 2A, 15V / 1A, and may include additional or different profiles.

[0103] Advantageously, the profile selected during the selection substep 108 is suitable for charging the rechargeable battery 18 via the charging circuit 20.

[0104] Advantageously, the PDO_N power profile list is transmitted by the intelligent charger 44 to the controller 31 via the communication pin 35 and the communication bus 36.

[0105] Advantageously, the PDO power profile selected during the selection substep 108 is selected relative to a predetermined power profile, the predetermined power profile being stored in a memory of the controller 31. The predetermined power profile is, for example, chosen by a manufacturer of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0106] Advantageously, the PDO power profile selected during selection step 108 is equal to 15V / 1A, this power profile allowing efficient charging of the rechargeable battery 18 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0107] Alternatively, the PDO power profile selected in the selection substep 108 is chosen from the PDO_N power profile list by comparison with a predetermined power profile stored in a memory of the controller 31, so as to exhibit the greatest similarity to the predetermined power profile. For example, the selected power profile is the one whose voltage is closest to the voltage of the predetermined power profile, or whose current is closest to the predetermined power profile. In another example, the similarity between the power profiles in the PDO_N power profile list and the predetermined power profile is calculated based on both the voltage threshold value and the current threshold value of the power profiles.

[0108] Alternatively, a list of authorized power profiles, ranked in order of priority, is recorded beforehand in a memory of the controller 31, for example during the manufacture of the electromechanical actuator 11, and the controller 31 selects from the list of PDO_N power profiles provided by the intelligent charger 44 a PDO power profile with the highest priority.

[0109] Advantageously, when the detection steps 102 and determination 104 are implemented, the charging circuit 32 is not commanded to charge the rechargeable battery 18. Thus, the rechargeable battery 18 is not charged by the charging circuit 20 until the controller 31 has selected a suitable power profile to charge the rechargeable battery 18.

[0110] The control method further includes a control step 110 of the smart charger 44, such that the smart charger 44 supplies the charging circuit 32 with the PDO power profile determined during the determination step 104, for example with the 15V / 1A power profile. During the control step 110, the controller 31 communicates the determined PDO power profile to the smart charger 44 via the communication bus 36 and the communication pin 35.

[0111] Once the control step 110 is executed, in other words, once the controller 31a has commanded the intelligent charger 44 to supply the charging circuit 20 with the determined PDO power profile, the controller 31 implements a first control step 112 of the charging circuit 32, so that the charging circuit 32 charges the rechargeable battery 18 with a charging current equal to a first current value I_1 for a predetermined duration Tcom, the first current value I_1 being strictly less than the threshold current value I_N. Thus, the charging circuit 32 charges the rechargeable battery 18 during the predetermined duration Tcom with a current intensity lower than the current intensity value of the PDO power profile commanded to the intelligent charger 44 by the controller 31 during the control step 110. In this way, the current through the power bus 34 during the predetermined duration Tcom is minimized, without being zero, thus minimizing electromagnetic interference between the power bus 34 and the communication bus 36 while starting to slowly charge the rechargeable battery 18. For example, the first current intensity value I_1 is equal to 100mA.

[0112] Advantageously, the predetermined duration Tcom is calculated from the moment the charging circuit 32 is powered by the intelligent charger 44 with the PDO power profile in reaction to the control step 110 of the intelligent charger 44. The predetermined duration Tcom is advantageously on the order of a few minutes, for example two minutes.

[0113] Advantageously, the control method further includes a communication step 114, for the predetermined duration Tcom, with the smart charger 44 via the communication bus 36, so as to allow data exchange between the controller 31 and the smart charger 44.

[0114] Advantageously, the communication bus 36 is a high-speed communication bus, with data exchange being implemented at a speed within a range of 200 kHz to 400 kHz, in particular at a speed of 300 kHz.

[0115] Advantageously, the data are "PowerDelivery" type data of the "USB Power Delivery" standard, also called "USB-PD", in particular of the "USB Power Delivery 3.0" standard, also called "USB-PD 3.0".

[0116] Alternatively, the data exchanged are configuration data of the electromechanical actuator 11, or update data of the software elements of the electronic control unit 15, or configuration data of the electromechanical actuator 11 and update of the software elements of the electronic control unit 15.

[0117] When the predetermined time Tcom has elapsed, the controller 31 implements a second control step 116 of the charging circuit 32, so that the charging circuit 32 charges the rechargeable battery 18 with an intensity value of a charging current equal to a second intensity value I_2, the second intensity value I_2 being strictly greater than the first intensity value I_1.

[0118] Advantageously, the second current value I_2 is equal to the current threshold value I_N of the determined PDO supply profile. For example, the second current value I_2 is equal to 1.5A when the PDO supply profile determined by determination step 104 is the 15V / 1.5A supply profile.

[0119] During the second control step 116, the charging circuit 32 is always connected to the intelligent charger 44 and powered by the intelligent charger 44 with the PDO power profile determined during the determination step 104. Thus, the rechargeable battery 18 is charged faster than during the predetermined time Tcom, because the charging circuit 32 charges the rechargeable battery 18 with an intensity value strictly greater than the intensity value charging the rechargeable battery during the predetermined time Tcom.

[0120] Advantageously, the second control step 116 further includes a stop substep 1161 for charging the rechargeable battery 18, the stop step 1161 being implemented by the charging circuit 32 so that the charging circuit 32 stops charging the rechargeable battery 18 with the second intensity value I_2 when a value of a charge level of the rechargeable battery 18 reaches or exceeds a charge threshold value.

[0121] Advantageously, the second control step 116 further includes a monitoring substep 1162, the monitoring substep 1162 being implemented by the charging circuit 32 following the stopping substep 1161, so that the charging circuit 32 monitors the value of the charge level of the rechargeable battery 18, and if the value of the charge level is strictly less than the charge threshold value, the charging circuit 32 recharges the rechargeable battery 18 with the second current value I_2.

[0122] Advantageously, the control method further includes a second detection step 118 of a disconnection of the intelligent charger 44 from the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0123] Advantageously, the second detection step 118 comprises at least: - a substep 1181 for monitoring the presence of a VBUS power signal on the power bus 34, - during the monitoring substep 1181, a detection substep 1182 of the absence of the VBUS power signal on the power bus 34, - in response to the detection of the absence of the VBUS power signal, a communication substep 1183 from the load circuit 32 to the controller 31 of at least one piece of information indicating the absence of the VBUS power signal, and - in response to receiving information indicating the absence of the VBUS power signal, a control substep 1184 of the charging circuit 32 so that the charging circuit 32 stops charging the rechargeable battery 18.

[0124] The monitoring substep 1181 and the detection substep 1182 are implemented by the load circuit 32, and the control substep 1184 is implemented by the controller 31.

[0125] The method is advantageously implemented whenever a connection of the smart charger 44 to the electromechanical actuator 11 via the connector 28 is detected by the controller 31.

[0126] Advantageously, in the event of an electrical fault between the smart charger 44 and the charging circuit 32, for example in the event of a short circuit or overcurrent, the protection module 40 controls the opening of the switch 42, in order to protect the charging circuit 32.

[0127] Advantageously, in the event of an electrical fault, or malfunction of the rechargeable battery 18, for example, in the event of an excessively high temperature of the rechargeable battery 18, the management module 26 of the rechargeable battery 18 interrupts the connection between the charging circuit 32 and the rechargeable battery 18, to avoid damaging the rechargeable battery 18.

[0128] Advantageously, the controller 31 further includes suitable hardware and software means for controlling the electric motor 16.

[0129] Advantageously, the controller 31 further includes a command receiving module, the command receiving module being able to be wired or wireless. The movement command comes, for example, from a remote control that a user manipulates to move the screen 2.

[0130] Waiting for a predetermined time during which the rechargeable battery 18 is charged by a charging current of the first intensity level allows the communication step 114 to take place without risking that the signals exchanged on the communication bus 36 are disrupted or even rendered unreadable, making communication on the communication bus 36 impossible. This also allows the use of an unshielded FFC cable between the connector 28, the charging circuit 32, and the controller 31, which reduces the cost of the electromechanical actuator 11 without diminishing the quality of communication and without completely interrupting the charging of the rechargeable battery 18 during the predetermined time Tcom.

[0131] Any feature described for an embodiment or variant in the foregoing may be implemented for the other embodiments and variants described above, provided that it is technically feasible.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for controlling an electromechanical actuator (11) for a blackout device (3), the electromechanical actuator (11) comprising at least: - an electronic control unit (15), and - a rechargeable battery (18), the electronic control unit (15) comprising at least: - a controller (31), the controller (31) being connected to a charger (44) via a communication bus (36), the charger (44) being external to the electromechanical actuator (11), and - a charging circuit (32), the charging circuit (32) being, on the one hand, connected to the rechargeable battery (18) and to the controller (31), and, on the other hand, connected to the charger (44) via a power bus (34), the process being implemented by the electronic control unit (15), the process comprising at least: - a detection step (102) of a connection from the charger (44) to the electromechanical actuator (11), - when a connection of the charger (44) to the electromechanical actuator (11) is detected, a determination step (104) of a power supply profile (PDO) capable of being supplied by the charger (44), the power supply profile (PDO) being characterized by a threshold voltage value (U_N) associated with a threshold current value (I_N), and - a control step (110) of the charger (44), so that the charger (44) supplies the charging circuit (32) with the determined power profile (PDO), characterized in that the process further comprises at least: - a first control step (112) of the charging circuit (32), such that the charging circuit (32) charges the rechargeable battery (18) with a charging current intensity value equal to a first intensity value for a predetermined duration (Tcom), the first intensity value being strictly less than the intensity threshold value (I_N), and - when the predetermined time (Tcom) has elapsed, a second control step (116) of the charging circuit (32), so that the charging circuit (32) charges the rechargeable battery (18) with an intensity value of the charging current equal to a second intensity value, the second intensity value being strictly greater than the first intensity value and less than or equal to the intensity threshold value (I_N).

2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising a communication step (114) with the charger (44) via the communication bus (36), so as to implement a data exchange between the controller (31) and the charger (44), the communication step (114) being implemented for the predetermined duration (Tcom).

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein, the communication bus (36) being a high-speed communication bus, the data exchange being implemented at a speed within a range of 200 kHz to 400 kHz, in particular at a speed of 300 kHz.

4. A method according to claim 2 or according to claim 3, wherein the data exchanged between the controller (31) and the charger (44), during the communication step (114), are PowerDelivery type data of the USB PowerDelivery standard.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection step (102) comprises at least: - a monitoring substep (1021) for the presence of a power supply signal (VBUS) on the power supply bus (34), - during the monitoring substep (1021), a first detection substep (1022) for the presence of the power supply signal (VBUS) on the power supply bus (34), - in response to the detection of the presence of the power supply signal (VBUS), a first communication substep (1023) of the load circuit (32) to controller (31) of at least one information indicating the presence of the power supply signal (VBUS), and - in response to the reception of the information indicating the presence of the power supply signal (VBUS), a second detection substep (1024), by the controller (31), of the presence of a resistance value on the communication bus (36), the monitoring substep (1021) and first detection substep (1022) being implemented by the load circuit (32), and the second detection substep (1024) being implemented by the controller (31).

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the feed profile determination step (104) further comprises at least: - a substep of receiving (106) a list of feed profiles (PDO_N), the list of feed profiles (PDO_N) being issued by the loader (44); and - a substep of selecting (108) the feed profile (PDO) from the list of feed profiles (PDO_N), the receiving (106) and selection (108) substeps being implemented by the controller (31).

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the charger (44) is connected to the electromechanical actuator (11), the charger (44) automatically supplies the charging circuit (32) with a minimum supply profile, the minimum supply profile being distinct from and strictly lower than the supply profile (PDO) determined during the determination step (104), and wherein, when the detection (102) and determination (104) steps are implemented, the charging circuit (32) is not commanded to charge the rechargeable battery (18).

8. Electromechanical actuator (11) for a blackout device (3), the electromechanical actuator (11) comprising at least: - an electronic control unit (15), and - a rechargeable battery (18), the electronic control unit (15) comprising at least: - a controller (31), the controller (31) being adapted to be connected to a charger (44) via a communication bus (36), the charger (44) being external to the electromechanical actuator (11), and - a charging circuit (32), the charging circuit (32) being connected on the one hand to the rechargeable battery (18) and to the controller (31), and on the other hand adapted to be connected to the charger (44) via a power supply bus (34), characterized in that the electronic control unit (15) is configured to implement the steps of the process according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Electromechanical actuator (11) according to claim 8, further comprising a connector (28), the connector (28) comprising at least: - a communication pin (35), the communication pin (35) being connected to the controller (31) via the communication bus (36), and - a power supply pin (33), the power supply pin (33) being connected to the load circuit (32) via the power supply bus (34).

10. Electromechanical actuator (11) according to claim 9, wherein the connector (28) is a type C universal serial bus connector.

11. Electromechanical actuator (11) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, the electromechanical actuator (11) further comprising an electric motor (16), the electric motor (16) being electrically connected to the rechargeable battery (18) so as to be powered in operation by the rechargeable battery (18).

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