DRIVE DEVICE FOR A WINDING DEVICE FOR A SHADING INSTALLATION

Abstract

Winding device for a roll-up screen of a shading installation comprising a longitudinal axis winding assembly (X) and a drive device for rotating the winding assembly about its longitudinal axis (X), said drive device comprising a tubular housing in which are disposed an electric motor, one or more power batteries, a control circuit and a human-machine interface (16) accessible through a side wall of the housing, in which the winding assembly (6) comprises a winding tube and a ring (28), in which said ring (28) is mounted at a longitudinal end of the winding tube (and has an outside diameter equal to that of the winding tube) and in which the ring (28) has in its side wall an access area (26) for the human-machine interface. [Fig. 3A]

Description

Title of the invention: DRIVE DEVICE FOR A WINDING DEVICE OF A SHADING INSTALLATION TECHNICAL FIELD AND PREVIOUS ART

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device for a winding device of a blackout installation.

[0002] A shading system includes a motorized drive device that rotates a winding tube around which a screen is wound and unwound. The screen may be a shutter or a solar protection screen.

[0003] The drive device comprises an electromechanical actuator, generally cylindrical in shape, partially inserted into the winding tube. The electromechanical actuator includes a torque support and a housing containing an electric motor, one or more rechargeable power batteries, and a control circuit for the electromechanical actuator.

[0004] The torque support comprises a first part, called the head, and a body. The head includes a human-machine interface to allow the user, for example, to program the electromechanical actuator or to recharge the battery or batteries. The human-machine interface includes, for example, a connector for connecting a charging cable or a cable connected to an external programming tool for programming the electromechanical actuator, one or more buttons, or an indicator light.

[0005] Traditionally, the head of the electromechanical actuator is partly located outside the body of the electromechanical actuator, in particular partly located outside the winding tube to allow easy access to the human-machine interface by the user.

[0006] In [Fig. 1], we can see a prior art occultation installation 4' mounted above an opening O. The screen 2' is partially unrolled.

[0007] The shading device is fixed by its longitudinal ends 4.1', 4.2' above the opening O to be shading by means of brackets 6.1', 6.2' fixed to the wall. Mounting is achieved, for example, by a mounting accessory connected to the bracket 6.2' at one end and by the torque support of the electromechanical actuator 8' at the other end. The winding tube is mounted freely for rotation on one side on the mounting accessory, which acts as a bearing, and on the other side on a ring mounted freely for rotation on the housing of the electromechanical actuator. This mounting generally results in a gap between each lateral edge of the screen and a corresponding edge. of the opening. This gap, called "light gap" in Anglo-Saxon terminology, allows light to pass through. The aim is to reduce this gap, or even eliminate it. Furthermore, it results from the presence of the torque support and, primarily, the protruding head 8' of the electromechanical actuator on the roller tube, resulting in a non-centered position of the blackout screen 2' relative to the opening and therefore a different gap on either side of the blind.

[0008] Thus, it is desirable to improve the visual aesthetics of the shading system, particularly by minimizing light play, but it is important to maintain access to the human-machine interface. An existing shading installation can therefore be improved. Description of the invention

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present application to provide a drive device for a screen winding device which does not have the above disadvantages, in particular making it possible to reduce the light gap while retaining the functionalities of the drive device made available to a user or installer.

[0010] The stated purpose is achieved by a drive device for a winding device for a sunshade or shading screen, the drive device being designed to rotate the winding tube around its axis, the drive device comprising a torque support and a tubular housing in which an electric motor is housed, the drive device also comprising one or more power batteries, a control circuit, and a human-machine interface accessible at a longitudinal portion of the side wall of the motorized drive device. Said longitudinal portion has an outside diameter equal to or substantially equal to that of the housing, forming an extension of the housing.

[0011] The drive device is intended to be housed at least partially in a winding tube in a winding assembly of a winding device, the winding assembly comprising the winding tube and a ring of which a first longitudinal part is mounted in a longitudinal end of the winding tube and a second longitudinal part protrudes from the winding tube as an extension thereof and whose outside diameter is substantially equal to the inside diameter of the winding tube, said second longitudinal part of the ring comprising an access zone to the human-machine interface.

[0012] The crown extends the winding tube and forms a fully-fledged end of the winding tube around which the screen will be wound. The human-machine interface accessible at a side wall of the motorized drive device is It is then accessible through the access area of ​​the crown. It can thus be relocated to a tubular section internal to the winding assembly, thereby avoiding its integration into the head section of the torque support. The thickness considered in the axial direction of the winding device of the head section of the torque support can thus be reduced, or even eliminated. Thanks to the invention, the drive device can then be entirely housed within the winding assembly formed by the tube and the crown.

[0013] This blackout system allows the use of conventional winding tubes, without any special cutting other than cutting to length.

[0014] The reduced or eliminated thickness of the head part of the torque support, external to the winding assembly, thus makes it possible to reduce the light gap.

[0015] Thanks to the invention, the blackout device comprising the winding device and the screen, can be mounted centered above the opening.

[0016] Access to the human-machine interface occurs when the screen is fully or almost fully unrolled. The winding device is then advantageously configured so that, in this state, the human-machine interface of the drive device is aligned with the access area of ​​the ring. The initial mounting position thus provides that the human-machine interface of the drive device is aligned with the access area of ​​the ring.

[0017] Preferably, the crown is axially fixed to the drive device and rotationally fixed to the winding tube. In one embodiment, the crown is axially fixed to the drive device by means of tabs that clip onto the housing or torque support of the drive device.

[0018] The invention makes it possible to retain the existing winding tubes and adapt them to a headless electromechanical actuator.

[0019] The present invention then relates to a device for rotating a winding assembly around a longitudinal axis, said drive device comprising a torque support and a tubular housing in which an electric motor is housed, the drive device also comprising one or more power batteries, a control circuit and a human-machine interface accessible at the level of a side wall of a longitudinal part of the drive device, said longitudinal part having an outside diameter equal to that of the tubular housing.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a winding device for a retractable screen of a blackout installation comprising a drive device according to the invention and a longitudinal axis winding assembly, said drive device being at least partially housed in the winding tube, the winding assembly comprising a winding tube and a spool, said spool comprising a first longitudinal portion mounted in a longitudinal end of the winding tube and a second longitudinal part projecting from the winding tube as an extension thereof and having an outside diameter equal to that of the winding tube, said crown comprising, in a lateral wall of the second longitudinal part, an access zone to the human-machine interface.

[0021] Preferably, the human-machine interface includes at least one charging connector and the access area includes an opening to allow access to the charging connector.

[0022] The winding device advantageously includes means for rotationally securing the crown to the winding tube. The winding device may include means for axially securing the crown to the drive device. For example, the securing means include a groove in the drive device and elements projecting radially inward from the second longitudinal portion of the crown, configured to be housed in said groove.

[0023] In an advantageous example, the winding tube is made of metallic material and the ring is made of a material permeable to electromagnetic waves. The drive device may then include a module for receiving commands in the form of electromagnetic waves, comprising at least one antenna, the antenna being housed in the winding assembly axially opposite the ring, in particular opposite the second longitudinal part of the ring.

[0024] The torque support of the drive device can advantageously be made of a material permeable to electromagnetic waves and in which the antenna is housed.

[0025] Advantageously, the winding device includes alignment means for aligning the access zone and the human-machine interface. The alignment means include, for example, detection means for determining the angular position of the winding coil relative to the drive device. The control circuit can be configured to move the winding assembly to an angular position in which the human-machine interface is accessible through the access zone. The control circuit is advantageously configured to move the winding assembly to an angular position in which the human-machine interface is accessible through the access zone when the charge level of the battery or batteries is below a given threshold.

[0026] The present invention also relates to a blackout installation comprising a winding device according to the invention and a screen fixed to the winding assembly by an upper edge, along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuation assembly, but offset on the circumference of the assembly winding approximately at an angle between 90° and 270° relative to the angular position of the access zone of the crown.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a method for recharging a winding device according to the invention, comprising: a) Measurement of the charge level of the power supply battery(ies), b) Detection of a charge level below a given threshold, c) Issuance of a warning signal, d) Activation of the winding device so as to make the human-machine interface accessible through the access area, e)Recharging the battery(ies) by connecting a charging device to the connector of the human-machine interface.

[0028] The emission of the warning signal is advantageously prior to the activation of the drive device so as to warn a user that the battery or batteries need recharging and the activation of the drive device is controlled by the user.

[0029] For example, the activation of the drive device is automatically controlled by the control circuit. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] This application will be better understood with the aid of the following description and the attached drawings, in which: - [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of an opening equipped with a state-of-the-art blackout device, - [Fig.2] is a front view of a blackout installation according to an embodiment of the invention fixed to the ceiling, - [Fig. 3A] is a perspective view of an example of the occultation installation of [Fig.2], with the screen fully extended and the human-machine interface accessible, - [Fig.3B] is a view similar to that of [Fig.3A], with a charging cable connected to the charging connector of the human-machine interface, - [Fig.4] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the winding device of [Fig.3A], - [Fig.5] is a detailed view of [Fig.4] at the connection between the winding tube and the crown, - [Fig.6] is a detailed view of [Fig.4] at the human-machine interface level, - [Fig.7] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the winding device of [Fig.3A] in a plane orthogonal to the cross-sectional plane of [Fig.4], - [Fig.8] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a winding device according to another embodiment, - [Fig.9] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a winding device according to another embodiment, - [Fig.10] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a winding device according to another embodiment, - [Fig.11] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a winding device according to another embodiment, - [Fig. 12] represents a flowchart of an example of a method for activating the winding device according to the invention in a mode of access to the human-machine interface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0031] In [Fig.2], we can see a representation of an example of the realization of a blackout installation SI according to the invention fixed to a ceiling P in an unrolled state.

[0032] Figures 3A and 3B show a detailed view of the installation of [Fig.2]. In [Fig.3B], the installation is, for example, in the charging phase.

[0033] The shading system SI comprises a winding device DI for a screen and a screen 4. The screen 4 is, for example, a shading screen, such as a roller shutter, or a sunshade mounted in front of an opening O (in dotted line). A load bar 5 is mounted along the lower edge of the screen 4.

[0034] The winding device DI extends along a longitudinal axis X and comprises a winding assembly 6 with axis X around which the screen 4 is intended to wind and unwind between a fully wound upper position and a fully unwound lower position. The winding assembly is hollow. The screen 4 is fixed by an edge to the winding assembly 6.

[0035] Figures 4 to 7 show cross-sectional views of the winding device DI of figures 3A and 3B.

[0036] The winding device DI also includes a drive device 7 rotating around the axis X of the winding assembly 6 visible in figures 4 to 6.

[0037] The drive device 7 is configured to be housed entirely within the winding assembly 6.

[0038] In figures 4 to 7, one can see part of the drive device 7. This device comprises a tubular housing 8 and, housed within the housing 8, an electromechanical actuator 7.1 including an electric motor 10, a gearbox 11, one or more power supply batteries 12, and a control circuit (not shown) for the electromechanical actuator 7.1. The electronic control circuit is mounted on an electronic board 15, such as a printed circuit board. In this example, the tubular housing 8 is a single piece ([Fig. 6]).

[0039] The reducer 11 extends by means of an output shaft 7.2 extending along the X axis and engaging with the winding assembly 6, in particular by means of a coupling accessory (not shown), also called a drive wheel.

[0040] The drive device, in particular the electromechanical actuator 7.1, includes a torque support 34 intended to be fixed to a wall mounting bracket or to a window frame to take up the torque of the electric motor 10. The torque support 34 closes one end of the housing of the electromechanical actuator 7.1.

[0041] The control circuit includes a command reception module, in particular for radio commands emitted by a command transmitter, for example a remote control. Alternatively or in addition, the command transmitter is a centralized control unit that controls, for example, all the blinds and shades in a dwelling according to predetermined scenarios.

[0042] The command receiving module includes an antenna 17 enabling the reception of radio commands.

[0043] The drive device also includes a human-machine interface 16 allowing a user to interact with the drive device. The human-machine interface 16 is connected to the electronic board. In Figures 6 and 7, the human-machine interface 16 is supported by the electronic board 15. Alternatively, several electronic boards are implemented, one comprising the control circuit and another the human-machine interface. The human-machine interface 16 is accessible through at least one window formed in a side wall of the electromechanical actuator 7.1, in particular a side wall of the housing 8 in the example shown in Figures 4 to 6.

[0044] The human-machine interface 16 comprises, but is not limited to, at least one charging connector 20 and / or at least one button, and / or a digital display and / or at least one indicator light such as a light-emitting diode. The button(s) may, for example, have a programming function.

[0045] In figures 3A to 7, the human-machine interface 16 includes a charging connector 20, a button 22 and an indicator light 23. The tubular housing includes a window 18.1 for accessing the connector 20, a window 18.2 for accessing the button 22 and a window 18.3 for viewing the indicator light 23.

[0046] In this example, window 18.1 is oblong and extends perpendicularly to the axis of the device, and windows 18.2 and 18.3 are circular. It will be understood that these shapes are in no way limiting. Furthermore, it will also be understood that one or two windows may be provided to access all the elements of the human-machine interface. Moreover, transparent or opaque covers may be provided to close the windows, for example, temporarily.

[0047] In [Fig. 3B], a battery charging cable C is connected to the charging connector 20. In a preferred embodiment in which the power supply batteries are rechargeable, the charging connector 20 has at least one function for connecting a cable C of a device for charging the power supply battery(ies). Optionally, the connector 20 can be connected by a cable to a programming tool.

[0048] The charging device can be the electrical network; in this case, cable C has a connector Cl at one end that plugs into the connector of the human-machine interface 16 and a plug (not shown) at the other end that plugs into a wall socket. Alternatively, the charging device is a fast-charging device such as a power bank.

[0049] In one embodiment, the connector 20 has the additional function of connecting a programming device, for example a laptop or tablet.

[0050] The connector is a standard connector, advantageously of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) type, most advantageously of the USB-C® type, version 3.0 or higher. Alternatively, the connector is of the inductive type.

[0051] Particularly advantageously, magnetic fastening means between the connector of the human-machine interface and the connector of the charging device cable allow for easy connection, especially due to the high position of the blackout installation.

[0052] The winding assembly includes a side wall 24 provided with an access area 26 to the human-machine interface 16.

[0053] Preferably, and as shown in [Fig. 2] and in Figures 3A and 3B, the winding device 7 is mounted above the opening O and oriented angularly such that the human-machine interface is oriented substantially horizontally or downwards, opposite the opening O that the screen must cover when it is in its fully extended lower position. This makes the human-machine interface more accessible to an installer or user. Preferably, marking means are provided on the winding device to indicate the orientation of the human-machine interface and thus mount the winding device in the desired position.

[0054] The winding assembly 6 comprises a winding tube 25 with axis X and a ring 28 mounted at a longitudinal end of the winding tube and extending it.

[0055] Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the crown assembly in the winding tube.

[0056] The ring 28 comprises a first longitudinal portion 28.1 mounted inside the winding tube 25 and a second longitudinal portion 28.2 outside the winding tube 25. The first longitudinal portion 28.1 has an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the winding tube 25. The second longitudinal portion 28.2 has an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the winding tube, thus forming a tubular element with a substantially constant outer diameter along its entire length. The first longitudinal portion 28.1 and the second longitudinal portion 28.2 have an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the housing 8. The ring 28 forms a bearing for the rotation of the winding assembly relative to the drive device, as will be described below.

[0057] The first longitudinal part 28.1 and the second longitudinal part 28.2 preferably have a sleeve shape connecting by a shoulder 30 against which an end face of the winding tube can rest.

[0058] Preferably, the winding device includes means for rotationally locking the ring 28 relative to the winding tube 25. For example, the outside diameter of the first longitudinal portion 28.1 is such that it ensures a friction-retained mounting of the ring 28 in the winding tube and rotationally immobilizes the ring 28 relative to the winding tube. Alternatively, rotational immobilization of the ring 28 relative to the winding tube 25 is achieved by combining shapes. For example, the inner cross-section of the winding tube 25 may be hexagonal, or have a rib or groove, and the first longitudinal portion 28.1 of the ring 28 may have a complementary external profile.

[0059] The translational immobilization of the crown 28 relative to the winding tube 25 is achieved by friction, clipping, or any other suitable means (screw, rivet, etc.). There are few axial forces applied to the winding assembly 6. In particular, the winding device 6 advantageously includes means for axially securing the crown 28 to the drive device 25. Furthermore, the winding tube 25 is axially and rotationally fixed to the output shaft of the electromechanical actuator 7.1. Consequently, the crown 28 and the winding tube 25 are axially fixed to each other to the electromechanical actuator 7.1 and thus axially fixed relative to each other.

[0060] The translational immobilization between the winding assembly and the drive device can be achieved in different ways.

[0061] In the schematic example of [Fig. 8], the crown 28 has on its inner surface elements 31 projecting radially inwards, for example fingers or a ring, and the electromechanical actuator, in particular the support of The torque support 34 of the electromechanical actuator 7.1 is shaped to form an axial stop for the protruding elements. In this example, the electromechanical actuator has a groove 32 at its longitudinal end, surrounded by the ring 28. This groove can be formed at the junction between the torque support 34 and the tubular housing 8. The elements 31 are housed in this groove 32; these elements are attached to the end of the housing 8 and prevent translation when the torque support 34 is attached to the housing 8. The elements 31 can be mounted with clearance in the groove 32.

[0062] In another embodiment shown schematically in [Fig. 9], the ring 28 has on its inner surface elastic elements 37 projecting radially inwards, for example fingers or a ring, and the electromechanical actuator has a groove 38, formed integrally in the housing or the torque support 34. The mounting of the elements 37 in the groove 38 is achieved by elastic deformation of the elements 37.

[0063] The torque support 34 may include a hood-forming element, as described in document WO2022117679. Advantageously, this hood-forming element has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the ring 28.

[0064] Figures 3A, 3B, and 7 show an example of an access zone 26 formed in the side wall of the second part 28.2 of the ring 28. In this example, the access zone 26 has three openings 40.1, 40.2, and 40.3 to allow a user or installer to access the human-machine interface of the electromechanical actuator 7.1, particularly when the openings 40.1, 40.2, and 40.3 are opposite the windows 18.1, 18.2, and 18.3, respectively, and the fabric is unrolled. In one embodiment, one or more removable covers (not shown) may be provided to cover the window 18 and / or the opening 40 when it is not in use.

[0065] Furthermore, the access area 26 may include a transparent element for viewing the screen and / or indicator lights, the transparent material advantageously forming a light guide over at least part of its surface. Alternatively, the shutter element is partly flexible to allow the buttons to be operated through it. Alternatively still, the shutter element is flexible and transparent.

[0066] In one embodiment, the crown is made entirely of transparent material.

[0067] The crown 28 comprises a main rigid portion. If the access area includes a flexible portion, the crown can be made of two materials, for example, by co-injection. Alternatively, the flexible portion is attached to the rigid portion.

[0068] The winding tube is significantly longer than the crown and transmits most of the mechanical forces, particularly those applied by the electric motor and the screen. Indeed, the The motor is connected to the winding tube via the gearbox, output shaft, and drive wheel. Therefore, the design of the access area in the crown has little or no effect on the mechanical strength of the winding assembly.

[0069] Internal zones 28.3 forming a bearing between the ring 28 and the drive device can be made along the length of the ring 28, for example by making the internal diameter of the ring 28, along the length of the second longitudinal part 28.2 or only on several point portions of the second longitudinal part 28.2.

[0070] In [Fig. 2] it can be seen that, thanks to the invention, the winding device has a symmetrical position with respect to the vertical edges of the opening, which significantly improves the visual appearance. Furthermore, the invention facilitates the installation of the blackout device.

[0071] The screen is attached to the winding tube 25 and optionally to the ring 28 by any suitable means. In the simplest way, an upper edge of the screen is attached by gluing to the winding tube, for example using double-sided adhesive. Alternatively, a groove provided in the winding tube 25 accommodates a corresponding bead provided at the end of the screen.

[0072] Preferably, the screen is fixed along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuation assembly, but offset on the circumference of the winding assembly by an angle between 90° and 270° with respect to the angular position of the access zone 26 of the ring 28. In particular, an offset of 90° makes it possible to ensure that, when the fabric is fully unrolled, the access zone is opposite the installer or the user, regardless of the direction of winding of the fabric.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the winding tube 25 is made of metal, for example, bent and welded sheet metal, enabling it to bear most of the loads, such as the weight of the fabric and the forces transmitted by the electric motor 10, and the spool 28 is made of plastic material, for example, unfilled polyamide 6-6 (PA 66) or any other plastic material without metallic components. Making the spool 28 out of plastic material makes it possible, on the one hand, to lighten the winding assembly and therefore the winding device and, on the other hand, to facilitate its manufacture, in particular the two longitudinal parts 28.1 and 28.2 and the construction of the access area in the second part 28.2.

[0074] Preferably, a material permeable to electromagnetic waves is chosen for the ring 28, and the antenna 17 of the drive device 7 is positioned so that it is surrounded by the ring 28 and not by the casing 8, which is metallic. The antenna 17 is kept inside the winding assembly, improving the aesthetic appearance of the installation and limiting the risk of damage to the antenna 17. In one embodiment, the antenna 17 is external to the drive device and internal to the winding assembly 6.

[0075] In another embodiment shown in [Fig. 11], the torque support 34' has a sufficiently long axial length and a hollow profile to accommodate at least part of the control circuit 14, in particular part of the electronic board and the antenna 17. The torque support 34' comprises a first part 34.1' forming the head and a second longitudinal part 34.2' arranged within the winding assembly and with an outside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of the tubular housing. The human-machine interface 16 is housed in the second longitudinal part 34.2' and is accessible through a window formed in a side wall of the second longitudinal part.The torque support 34' is also advantageously made of a material permeable to electromagnetic waves, for example plastic, and the antenna 17 is placed inside this torque support 34', outside the housing 8 of the electromechanical actuator 7.1 and outside the winding tube 25. In another example, the antenna 17 extends outside the winding device.

[0076] The winding assembly and therefore the access area are mobile in rotation relative to the drive device and therefore to the human-machine interface.

[0077] Furthermore, access to the human-machine interface is possible when the screen is fully or almost fully unrolled and exposes the access area 26 of the winding assembly.

[0078] The winding device is configured to ensure the alignment of the access zone 26 and the man-machine interface 16 in a position in which the access zone 26 is accessible.

[0079] In one embodiment, an installer adjusts the angular position of the electromechanical actuator 7.1 and the winding assembly 6 so that, in the fully or almost fully unwound position, the access area and the human-machine interface are aligned, i.e., angularly positioned opposite each other. This preferred position can be stored in the control circuit 14 as a reference position.

[0080] In another embodiment not shown, the winding device includes sensing means for detecting the position of the access zone relative to the human-machine interface. For example, the sensing means include at least one magnetized area on the ring 28 and a sensing device, such as a Hall effect sensor positioned in the electromechanical actuator, in particular belonging to the control circuit 14, such that the magnetized area of ​​the ring 28 passes at least once per revolution opposite the sensing device. This position is then a reference position. The angular position in which the access area and the human-machine interface are aligned can then be located relative to this reference position.

[0081] The control card 14 is programmed for example to take into account the detection of the magnetic area by the detection device only under certain conditions.

[0082] Advantageously, a specific control command is programmed such that the response to this command consists of moving the screen to an angular position such that the human-machine interface and the access area are facing each other and are not obscured by a section of the rolled-up screen. This specific control command corresponds to a "human-machine interface access" mode of the winding device. The specific angular position reached in this mode is called the human-machine interface access position.

[0083] As explained above, in this "human-machine interface access" mode, the screen is unrolled sufficiently to give access to the access area and the human-machine interface and the access area are facing each other.

[0084] Regardless of the initial setting method for this particular angular position, whether manually by the installer or through detection means, the "human-machine interface access" mode can be implemented.

[0085] Some winding devices have a "screen replacement" mode, for example, when the screen is damaged. This mode consists of unwinding the screen and making the connection area between the screen and the winding tube accessible. Document FR3125081 describes such a device. It can be provided that the specific angular position reached in the human-machine interface access mode corresponds to that of the screen replacement.

[0086] This mode can be activated by pressing a combination of keys on the remote control to allow voluntary access to the human-machine interface, or by any other means. Voluntary activation of this mode may occur to reprogram the device and / or when a signal has been emitted indicating that the batteries need to be recharged or replaced.

[0087] Alternatively, the access mode is activated automatically, for example, when the control unit detects a need to recharge or replace the power supply batteries. For example, when the battery charge level falls below a given threshold, the winding device switches to interface access mode. Optionally, a signal is emitted to alert the user that the batteries need recharging. The given charge threshold is set so that the winding device has sufficient power to unwind the screen far enough to expose the access area.

[0088] Figure 12 shows a flowchart of an example of an activation process of the interface access mode. During step 100, the battery charge level (CH) is checked. At step 200, the charge level is compared to a given threshold (S). If the charge level (CH) is above the given threshold (S), no action is taken. If the charge level (CH) is below the threshold (S), the "human-machine interface access" mode is activated. To do this, at step 300, the control circuit sends an instruction to the drive device to unroll the screen until the access area is accessible and positioned opposite the human-machine interface. At step 400, a signal is emitted to warn the user that the batteries need recharging. Step 400 can occur simultaneously with step 300. Step 400 can also occur before step 300 so that the user is not surprised by the screen unrolling.

[0089] The signal can be of any type, for example an audible and / or visual signal, a message sent on a smartphone, on an email or on a terminal.

[0090] Figure 10 shows another example of the embodiment of a device The drive according to the invention comprises several parts joined together. In [Fig. 10], the housing includes a first part 108.1 and a second part 108.2 assembled by rivets 119. The human-machine interface is housed in the first part 108.1 and includes the opening(s). This example has the advantage of simplifying the implementation of the device since only the first part 108.1 is manipulated to create the windows, compared to the entire housing.

Claims

Demands

1. A drive device for rotating a winding assembly about a longitudinal axis (X), said drive device comprising a torque support (34) and a tubular housing (8) in which an electric motor (10) is housed, the drive device also comprising one or more power batteries (12), a control circuit (14) and a human-machine interface (16) accessible at a side wall of a longitudinal part of the drive device, said longitudinal part having an outside diameter equal to that of the tubular housing (8).

2. Winding device for a roll-up screen of a blackout installation comprising a drive device according to claim 1 and a winding assembly with longitudinal axis (X), the winding assembly (6) comprising a winding tube (25) and a crown (28), said drive device being at least partially housed in the winding tube, said crown (28) comprising a first longitudinal part (28.1) mounted in a longitudinal end of the winding tube (25) and a second longitudinal part (28.2) projecting from the winding tube as an extension thereof and having an outside diameter equal to that of the winding tube (25), said crown (28) comprising, in a side wall of the second longitudinal part (28.2), an access zone (26) for the human-machine interface.

3. Winding device according to claim 2, wherein the human-machine interface includes at least one charging connector and wherein the access area includes an opening to allow access to the charging connector.

4. Winding device according to claim 2 or 3, comprising means for rotationally securing the crown (28) with respect to the winding tube (25).

5. Winding device according to claim 4, comprising means for axially securing the crown to the drive device.

6. Winding device according to claim 5, wherein the fastening means comprise a groove in the drive device and elements projecting radially inwards of the second longitudinal part (28.2) of the crown (28) configured to be housed in said groove.

7. Winding device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the winding tube (25) is made of metallic material and the crown (28) is made of material permeable to electromagnetic waves.

8. Winding device according to the preceding claim, wherein the drive device comprises a command receiving module in the form of electromagnetic waves, including at least one antenna (17), the antenna (17) being housed in the winding assembly axially opposite the ring (28), in particular opposite the second longitudinal part (28.2) of the ring (28).

9. Winding device according to the preceding claim, in which the torque support (34) of the drive device is made of a material permeable to electromagnetic waves and in which the antenna (17) is housed.

10. Winding device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, comprising alignment means for aligning the access area and the human-machine interface.

11. Winding device according to claim 10, wherein the alignment means comprise detection means for locating the angular position of the crown (28) relative to the drive device.

12. Winding device according to the preceding claim, wherein the control circuit is configured to move the winding assembly into an angular position in which the human-machine interface (16) is accessible through the access area.

13. Winding device according to the preceding claim, wherein the control circuit is configured to move the winding assembly into an angular position in which the human-machine interface (16) is accessible through the access area, when the charge level of the battery or batteries is below a given threshold.

14. A blackout installation comprising a winding device according to any one of claims 2 to 13 and a screen fixed to the winding assembly by an upper edge, along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuation assembly, but offset on the circumference of the winding assembly substantially by an angle between 90° and 270° relative to the angular position of the access zone (26) of the crown (28).

15. Method of recharging a winding device according to any one of claims 2 to 13, comprising: a) Measuring the charge level of the supply battery or batteries, b) Detecting a charge level below a given threshold, c) Emitting a warning signal, d) Activating the winding device so as to make the human-machine interface accessible through the access zone, e) Recharging the battery or batteries by connecting a charging device to the connector of the human-machine interface.

16. A charging method according to the preceding claim, wherein the emission of the warning signal is prior to the activation of the drive device so as to warn a user that the battery or batteries need to be recharged and wherein the activation of the drive device is controlled by the user.

17. A charging method according to claim 15, wherein the activation of the drive device is automatically controlled by the control circuit (14).

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