ELECTROMECHANICAL ACTUATOR FOR A SHADING DEVICE

Abstract

Electromechanical actuator for a shading device, the electromechanical actuator comprising: – an electric motor (16) - an electronic control unit (15), - a rechargeable battery (18), and - a connector (28) to a photovoltaic solar panel (37) or to a charger (44), the electronic control unit (15) comprising: - a charging circuit (32) connected to the rechargeable battery (18) and electrically connected to the connector (28) via a power bus (34), - a controller (31), and - means for detecting (39) a connection of the photovoltaic solar panel (37) to the connector (28), - a first switch (38), the first switch (38) being connected to the connector (28) via the power bus (34) and to the rechargeable battery (18).The controller (31) commands the first switch (38) to close when a connection of a photovoltaic solar panel (37) to the connector (28) is detected, so as to electrically connect the power bus (34) to the connection means to the rechargeable battery (18). [Fig.4].

Description

Title of the invention: ELECTROMECHANICAL ACTUATOR FOR A SHUTTERING DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromechanical actuator for a blackout device. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] An electromechanical actuator for a shading device installed at a building opening comprises an electronic control unit and a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery powers the electronic control unit and the electric motor of the electromechanical actuator during operation.

[0003] It is known, in a first charging mode of the rechargeable battery, to charge the rechargeable battery with the electrical energy produced by a photovoltaic solar panel external to the electromechanical actuator, the photovoltaic solar panel being connected to the electromechanical actuator via a connector, and arranged at the opening of the building in such a way that the photovoltaic solar panel produces electrical energy when it is exposed to solar radiation.

[0004] It is also known, in a second charging method for the rechargeable battery, to charge the rechargeable battery with electrical energy from an external charger connected to the electromechanical actuator, the charger being connected to the electromechanical actuator via a power connector. In this case, the electronic control unit includes a rechargeable battery charging circuit electrically connected to the power connector via a power bus, the charging circuit being further connected to the rechargeable battery to charge it using the energy present on the power bus.

[0005] When an electromechanical actuator integrates these two charging modes of the rechargeable battery, and in the first charging mode the rechargeable battery is charged with the electrical energy produced by the photovoltaic solar panel via the charging circuit, a disadvantage is that the efficiency of the charging circuit is degraded compared to the second charging mode of the rechargeable battery, thus increasing the overall consumption of the electromechanical actuator when it is connected to the photovoltaic solar panel.

[0006] There is therefore a need to minimize the overall consumption of an electromechanical actuator in a first charging mode when it is connected to a photovoltaic solar panel to charge the rechargeable battery of the electromechanical actuator, while retaining the possibility of charging the rechargeable battery with electrical energy from a charger via a charging circuit. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention relates to an electromechanical actuator for a blackout device, the electromechanical actuator comprising at least: - an electric motor, - an electronic control unit, - means of connection to at least one rechargeable battery, and - a connector, the connector being intended to be connected to a photovoltaic solar panel or a charger, the electronic control unit comprising at least: - a charging circuit, the charging circuit being, on the one hand, connected to the connection means to at least one rechargeable battery, and, on the other hand, electrically connected to the connector via a power bus, - a controller, and - means of detecting a connection between the photovoltaic solar panel and the connector, the electronic control unit comprising, in addition, at least: - a first switch, the first switch being connected, on the one hand, to the connector via the power bus, and, on the other hand, to the means of connection to at least one rechargeable battery, and the controller being configured to control the first switch in a closed state by a first controllable output of the controller when a connection of a photovoltaic solar panel to the connector is detected, so as to electrically connect the power bus to the connection means to at least one rechargeable battery.

[0008] In an advantageous example, the first switch is connected in parallel with the load circuit such that the first switch short-circuits the load circuit when the first switch is controlled by the first controllable output of the controller.

[0009] The power consumption of the electromechanical actuator is improved since it no longer uses, or at least only very partially uses, the charging circuit whose The efficiency would be poor if it had to transform the current from the photovoltaic solar panel.

[0010] According to an additional feature, the first output electrically connects the power bus to the connection means to at least one rechargeable battery via a diode such that a current from the rechargeable battery is blocked to the power bus.

[0011] Thanks to the implementation of a diode, a current from the rechargeable battery is blocked to the power bus and the risks of damage are reduced.

[0012] Advantageously, the connector is a USB Type-C connector, the controller is a USB Type-C controller, and the USB Type-C controller is connected to at least one communication pin of the Type-C universal serial bus connector via a communication bus.

[0013] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the electronic control unit further comprises at least: - a protection circuit, the protection circuit being connected to the connector via a communication bus, and comprising a voltage input, the voltage input being connected to the power supply bus via a resistor bridge, and - a second switch, the second switch being connected, on the one hand, to the power supply bus, and, on the other hand, to the load circuit, the second switch being controlled in an open state by the protection circuit when the protection circuit detects an overvoltage on the voltage input, the controller further comprising a second controllable output electrically connected to the voltage input, and the controller is configured to control the second controllable output when the connection of the photovoltaic solar panel to the connector is detected, so as to simulate an overvoltage on the voltage input.

[0014] Implementing a protection circuit in conjunction with a second switch allows for the detection of an overvoltage on the power bus and, in response, the interruption of current flow on the power bus between the connector and the charging circuit to protect the charging circuit from this overvoltage. The invention advantageously uses the protection circuit to isolate the charging circuit by opening the second switch.

[0015] According to an additional feature, the second controllable output is connected to the voltage input via a resistor and a Zener diode connected together in series.

[0016] The connector is advantageously a USB Type-C connector, the controller is a USB Type-C controller, and the protection circuit is a USB Type-C port protection circuit.

[0017] The implementation of a USB type-C connector allows both battery charging and data exchange between the charging device and the actuator.

[0018] The present invention also relates to a blackout device comprising at least one winding tube, a screen that can be rolled up on the winding tube, an electromechanical actuator configured according to the invention, the electromechanical actuator being further configured to drive the winding tube in rotation, the electromechanical actuator further comprising a torque support, the torque support comprising the connector.

[0019] The connector placed on the torque support is easily accessible.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a method for loading at least one rechargeable battery configured to power an electromechanical actuator for a blackout device, the electromechanical actuator being configured according to the invention, the method being implemented by the electronic control unit, and comprising at least: - a step to detect a connection between the photovoltaic solar panel and the connector, - when a connection of the photovoltaic solar panel to the connector is detected, a control step of the first switch in a closed state, so as to electrically connect the power bus to the connection means to T at least one rechargeable battery.

[0021] The present invention also relates to a method for charging at least one rechargeable battery configured to power an electromechanical actuator for a blackout device, the electromechanical actuator being configured according to the invention, the method being implemented by the electronic control unit, and comprising at least: - a step to detect a connection between the photovoltaic solar panel and the connector, - when a connection of the photovoltaic solar panel to the connector is detected, a first control step of the first switch in a closed state, so as to electrically connect the power bus to the connection means to at least one rechargeable battery, and - when a connection of the photovoltaic solar panel to the connector is detected, a control step of the second controllable output so as to simulate an overvoltage on the voltage input causing the second switch to open.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a power supply module for a rechargeable battery comprising: an electronic control unit, means of connection to a rechargeable battery, and a connector intended to be connected to a photovoltaic solar panel or charger, the electronic control unit comprising at least: a charging circuit, the charging circuit being, on the one hand, connected to the means of connection to the rechargeable battery and, on the other hand, electrically connected to the connector via a power bus, and a controller, methods for detecting a connection between the photovoltaic solar panel and the connector, the electronic control unit including, in addition, at least: a first switch, the first switch being connected, on the one hand, to the connector via the power bus, and, on the other hand, to the means of connection to the rechargeable battery, and the controller being configured to control the first switch in a closed state by a first controllable output of the controller when a connection of a photovoltaic solar panel to the connector is detected, so as to electrically connect the power bus to the means of connection to the rechargeable battery.

[0023] In an advantageous example, the electronic control unit of the power supply module further comprises at least: a protection circuit, the protection circuit being connected to the connector via a communication bus, and comprising a voltage input, the voltage input being connected to the power supply bus via a resistor bridge, and a second switch, the second switch being connected, on the one hand, to the power bus, and, on the other hand, to the load circuit, the second switch is controlled in an open state by the protection circuit when the protection circuit detects an overvoltage on the voltage input, and the controller further comprising a second controllable output electrically connected to the voltage input, and the controller being configured to control the second controllable output when the connection of the photovoltaic solar panel to the power connector is detected, so as to simulate an overvoltage on the voltage input.

[0024] The power supply module can equip any device powered by at least one rechargeable battery capable of being recharged either by a photovoltaic solar panel or by a charger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description and the accompanying drawings in which: [Fig. 1] is a side view of an example embodiment of a blackout device to which the invention applies, [Fig.2] is a front view of an example of an electromechanical actuator according to the invention, [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a detail of the electromechanical actuator at the torque support level, [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of an electronic control unit according to a first embodiment of the invention, [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of an electronic control unit according to a second embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In this application, "connect" means directly linking two electrical and / or electronic elements, and "link electrically" means establishing an electrical connection between two electrical and / or electronic elements, with other functional elements interposed between them. Functional elements are electrical and / or electronic elements other than electrical conductors such as wires or conductive tracks.

[0027] First, with reference to [Fig.1], we describe an example of a sunshade or solar protection device 3. The sunshade or solar protection device is subsequently referred to as a "sunshade 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 shading device 3 further comprises a winding tube 4. The screen 2 is windable onto the winding tube 4. Furthermore, the winding tube 4 is arranged so as to be driven in rotation by the electromechanical actuator IL

[0033] Thus, the screen 2 of the shading device 3 is wound onto or unwound around the winding tube 4, the winding tube 4 being driven by the motorized drive device 5, in particular by the electromechanical actuator IL

[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 includes 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. In addition, a second end of the screen 2, in particular the lower end of the screen 2, in the assembled configuration of the shading 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 according to a non-limiting example of embodiment.

[0041] The electromechanical actuator 11 comprises an electronic control unit 15, an electric motor 16, and means 19 for connecting to at least one rechargeable battery 18. The electronic control unit 15 is connected, on the one hand, to the rechargeable battery 18 via the connection means 19, 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] Advantageously, at least one rechargeable battery 18 is mounted inside the housing 17, particularly in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 11, the electromechanical actuator 11 here comprising at least one rechargeable battery 18.

[0044] Alternatively, the at least one rechargeable battery 18 is external to the electromechanical actuator 11, the connection means 19 extending in this case through the torque support 21, the connection means 19 comprising for example a dedicated power connector disposed at the torque support 21 and a power cable connecting the at least one rechargeable battery 18 to the electronic control unit 15 via the dedicated power connector.

[0045] 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 shape, in particular of revolution about the axis of rotation X, and is open at each of its ends 17a, 17b.

[0046] The electromechanical actuator 11 further includes an output shaft 20. The output shaft 20 is disposed, that is to say, 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The electromechanical actuator 11 further includes a brake. The brake is configured to brake and / or to lock the output shaft 20 in rotation, 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 locked, when the electric motor 16 is electrically deactivated.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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].

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 the building B. The torque support 21 advantageously allows, in addition, the 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 ensures that these forces are absorbed by the structure of the building B.

[0057] The torque support 21 protrudes at the first end 17a of the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Furthermore, the torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 11 can support at least part of the electronic control unit 15.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] When the electromechanical actuator 11 is switched on, the electric motor 16 and the gearbox rotate the output shaft 20. In addition, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 11 rotates the winding tube 4 via the connecting element. Thus, the winding tube 4 rotates the screen 2 of the shading device 3, so as to cover or uncover the opening of building B.

[0069] The electronic control unit 15 of the electromechanical actuator 11 is now described with reference to [Fig.4].

[0070] The electronic control unit 15 is disposed, in other words is integrated, inside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0071] 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.

[0072] The charging circuit 32 is connected to the rechargeable battery 18. The charging circuit 32 is specifically configured to charge the rechargeable battery 18 with electrical energy from a charger 44 electrically connected to the charging circuit 32 via the power bus 34.

[0073] Advantageously, the charging circuit 32 is a Buck Boost type charging circuit (translated from the Anglo-Saxon term "Buck Boost Charger").

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Advantageously, the rechargeable battery 18 is of the Ni-MH type, or of the Lithium-ion type.

[0077] The controller 31 is, for example, a microcontroller. Here, and by way of non-limiting example, the controller 31 is an STM32G0B1CE microcontroller.

[0078] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 15 further includes a rechargeable battery management module 26 for the rechargeable battery 18, connected between the rechargeable battery 18 and the charging circuit 32. In the event of an electrical fault, or malfunction of the rechargeable battery 18, for example, in the event of excessive temperature of the rechargeable battery 18, the rechargeable battery management module 26 interrupts, in other words is configured to interrupt, the connection between the charging circuit 32 and the rechargeable battery 18, to avoid damaging the rechargeable battery 18.

[0079] The electromechanical actuator 11 includes a connector 28. The connector 28 includes at least one power supply pin 33, connected to the charging circuit 32 by a power supply bus 34. In an advantageous embodiment and as shown in [Fig.3], the connector 28 is located at the torque support 21, making it easily accessible to a user to connect either a photovoltaic solar panel 37 or a charger 44.

[0080] Advantageously, the connector 28 further comprises at least one communication pin 35 connected to the controller 31 by a communication bus 36.

[0081] Advantageously, the power supply bus 34 and the communication bus 36 are included separately, respectively, in a first flexible flat cable bundle, also called an FFC bundle, from the English "Flexible Fiat Cable," and in a second FFC bundle, the first FFC bundle being separate from the second FFC bundle. Each FFC bundle is, for example, at least 1 cm long, and the cables included in each FFC bundle are unshielded.

[0082] Alternatively, the power supply bus 34 and the communication bus 36 are included in the same FFC ribbon cable. The FFC ribbon cable is, for example, at least 1 cm long, and the cables included in the FFC ribbon cable are unshielded.

[0083] A photovoltaic solar panel 37, not shown in the figures, is configured to be connected to the electromechanical actuator 11. The photovoltaic solar panel 37 is external to the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0084] The electronic control unit 15 further includes detection means 39, i.e., detection elements 39, for detecting a connection of a photovoltaic solar panel 37 to the connector 28. The detection means 39 cooperate, i.e., are configured to cooperate, with the controller 31, such that the controller 31 detects, i.e., is configured to detect, a connection of the photovoltaic solar panel 37 to the connector 28. By way of non-limiting example, these detection means 39 may include a voltage divider bridge to which an input voltage supplied by the electronic control unit 15 through the connector 28 is applied, the electronic control unit 15 being configured to measure an output voltage of the voltage divider bridge in order to compare it to a target voltage value, and thereby deduce the connection of the photovoltaic solar panel 37 to the connector 28.Alternatively, other more sophisticated, and therefore more expensive, means of detection can be envisaged, implementing for example communication between the electromechanical actuator 11 and the photovoltaic solar panel 37 via the connector 28, the photovoltaic solar panel 37 being in this case equipped with means of communication adapted to communicate with the electronic control unit 15 of the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0085] A charger 44, not shown in the figures, is configured to be connected to the electromechanical actuator 11. The charger 44 is external to the electromechanical actuator 11.

[0086] Advantageously, the charger 44 is an intelligent charger connected to an electrical power supply, for example to the mains, or is an auxiliary power unit, for example another external battery to the electromechanical actuator 11 allowing electronic devices to be recharged without using electrical outlet, the auxiliary power unit in this case commonly being called a "Power Bank".

[0087] Advantageously, 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.

[0088] According to a first embodiment of the electromechanical actuator 11, shown in [Fig.4], the electronic control unit 15 further comprises a first switch 38, the first switch being disposed on the power supply bus 34 between the power supply pin 33 of the connector 28 and the connection means 19 to the rechargeable battery 18. In other words, the first switch 38 is connected, on the one hand, to the connector 28 via the power supply bus 34, and, on the other hand, to the connection means 19 to the rechargeable battery 18.

[0089] The first switch 38 is connected in parallel with the charging circuit 32.

[0090] By way of non-limiting example, the first switch 38 may comprise one or more N-MOSFETs. However, other embodiments may be considered.

[0091] The controller 31 includes a first controllable output OUT1 which cooperates, in other words is configured to cooperate, with the first switch 38. The first switch 38 is arranged on the power bus 34 such that the first switch 38 allows current to flow on the power bus 34 between the power pin 33 of the connector 28 and the rechargeable battery 18 when the first switch 38 is controlled in a closed state, and interrupts the flow of current on the power bus 34 between the power pin 33 of the connector 28 and the rechargeable battery 18 when the second switch 42 is controlled in an open state.

[0092] The first switch 38 is controlled in a closed state by the first controllable output OUT1 of the controller 31 when a connection of a photovoltaic solar panel 37 to the connector 28 is detected, so as to electrically connect the power bus 34 to the rechargeable battery 18. In this way, the controller 31 allows the flow of a current between the photovoltaic solar panel 37 and the rechargeable battery 18 when it detects the connection of the photovoltaic solar panel 37 to the connector 28, thus allowing a majority of the current produced by the photovoltaic solar panel 37 to be directed directly to the rechargeable battery 18, while avoiding directing this majority of the current to the charging circuit 32.Indeed, the efficiency of the charging circuit 32 would be poor if it had to convert the current from the photovoltaic solar panel 37, this current being on average much lower than that of a charger for which the charging circuit 32 is specifically configured. The consumption of the electromechanical actuator. 11 is thus improved. In other words, the electronic control unit 15 includes means 38 configured to short-circuit, in other words, means 38 short-circuiting the charging circuit 32, when a connection of a photovoltaic solar panel 37 to the connector 28 is detected.

[0093] Advantageously, the first output OUT1 electrically connects the power bus 34 to the connection means 19 to the rechargeable battery 18 via a diode such that a current from the rechargeable battery 18 is blocked to the power bus 34.

[0094] According to a second advantageous embodiment of the electromechanical actuator 11, shown in [Fig. 5], the electromechanical actuator 11 further comprises a protection circuit 40, in particular an overvoltage protection circuit. The protection circuit 40 cooperates, or is configured to cooperate, with a second switch 42 external to the protection circuit 40. The second switch 42 is arranged on the power supply bus 34 such that the second switch 42 allows current to flow on the power supply bus 34 between the power supply pin 33 of the connector 28 and the load circuit 32 when the second switch 42 is in a closed state, and interrupts current flow on the power supply bus 34 between the power supply pin 33 of the connector 28 and the load circuit 32 when the second switch 42 is in an open state.

[0095] The first switch 38 is connected in parallel with the second switch 42 and the load circuit 32.

[0096] Advantageously, the protection circuit 40 includes a voltage input VBUS_CTRL connected to the power supply bus 34 via a resistor bridge 41, in particular configured to constitute a voltage divider bridge. The resistor bridge 41 is configured to adapt the voltage of the power supply bus 34 to the voltage input VBUS_CTRL, such that a nominal and / or maximum value of the voltage of the power supply bus 34 can be detected by the protection circuit 40, and also that an overvoltage of the voltage of the power supply bus 34 can be detected by the protection circuit 40. In particular, the resistor bridge 41 is configured to reduce the voltage of the power supply bus 34 to the voltage input VBUS_CTRL.By way of non-limiting example, the nominal and / or maximum value of the supply bus voltage 34 detected by the protection circuit 40 via the resistor bridge 41 is strictly less than 1.2 Volts, and an overvoltage value of the supply bus voltage 34 detected by the protection circuit 40 via the resistor bridge 41 is greater than or equal to 1.2 Volts.

[0097] Advantageously, the second switch 42 is controlled in an open state by the protection circuit 40 when the protection circuit 40 detects an overvoltage on the VBUS_CTRL voltage input. Thus configured, the protection circuit 40, cooperating with the second switch 42, makes it possible to detect an overvoltage on the power bus 34, and, in reaction, to interrupt the flow of current on the power bus 34 between the power pin 33 of the connector 28 and the load circuit 32 in order to protect the load circuit 32 from this overvoltage.

[0098] Advantageously, the controller 31 further includes a second controllable output OUT2 which cooperates, or is configured to cooperate, with the voltage input VBUS_CTRL of the protection circuit 40. The second controllable output OUT2 is electrically connected to the voltage input VBUS_CTRL. When a connection of the photovoltaic solar panel 37 to the power connector 28 is detected, the controller 31 controls, or is configured to control, the second controllable output OUT2, so as to simulate an overvoltage on the voltage input VBUS_CTRL, for example greater than or equal to 1.2 Volts.This configuration of the electronic control unit 15 allows the controller 31 to simulate an overvoltage on the voltage input VBUS_CTRL when it detects the connection of a photovoltaic solar panel 37 to the connector 28, automatically causing the opening of the second switch 42 by the protection circuit 40, and thus interrupting the flow of current on the power bus 34 between the connector 28 and the load circuit 32.

[0099] Furthermore, the first switch 38 is controlled in a closed state by the first controllable output OUT1 of the controller 31 when the connection of the photovoltaic solar panel 37 to the connector 28 is detected, so as to electrically connect the power bus 34 to the rechargeable battery 18. The controller 31 thus allows the direct flow of current between the photovoltaic solar panel 37 and the rechargeable battery 18, thereby directing a majority of the current produced by the photovoltaic solar panel 37 directly to the rechargeable battery 18, while avoiding directing this majority of the current to the charging circuit 32.

[0100] For example, the second switch 42 opens and then the first switch 38 closes. This order is in no way limiting. Indeed, in another example, the first switch 38 closes and then the second switch 42 opens, or in yet another example, the opening of the second switch 42 and the closing of the first switch 38 are simultaneous.

[0101] In this way, the charging circuit 32 does not consume current when a photovoltaic solar panel 37 is connected to the connector 28, thus reducing the consumption of the electromechanical actuator 11 when a photovoltaic solar panel 37 is connected to the connector 28.

[0102] Advantageously, the second controllable output OUT2 is electrically connected to the voltage input VBUS_CTRL via a resistor and a Zener diode connected in series. In this way, the Zener diode and the resistor cooperate with the resistor bridge 41 such that, when the second controllable output OUT2 is activated, a voltage value corresponding to an overvoltage, for example 1.2 Volts, is applied to the voltage input of the VBUS_CTRL of the protection circuit 40, thus simulating an overvoltage on the voltage input of the VBUS_CTRL of the protection circuit 40, causing the second switch 42 to open.

[0103] According to the first and second embodiments, the connector 28 is advantageously a universal serial bus connector, or USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C connector, also called USB-C or USB Type-C. According to this embodiment, the USB Type-C connector includes a VBUS power pin and two CCI, CC2 communication pins dedicated to USB Power Delivery signal communication. Also according to this embodiment, the controller 31 is a USB Type-C controller that contains a combination of software components, commonly called a USB Power Delivery "stack," also called a USB-PD stack.

[0104] In the case of the second embodiment, the protection circuit 40 is a USB Type-C port protection circuit (translated from the Anglo-Saxon term "USB Type-C Port Protection").

[0105] For safe and reliable implementation of USB Type-C, the USB Type-C port protection circuit provides overvoltage protection on the CCI and CC2 communication pins when these pins are subjected to a short circuit on the VBUS power pin, which can occur when removing a USB Type-C cable from connector 28. The USB Type-C port protection circuit controls the second switch 42, for example of the N-MOSFET type, when a faulty power supply applies a voltage greater than a predetermined threshold, here a voltage greater than 1.2 Volts.

[0106] Advantageously, and in combination with this embodiment of the electromechanical actuator 11, the smart charger 44 includes hardware and software elements compatible with, in other words configured to implement, the "USB Power Delivery" standard also called "USB-PD", in particular the "USB Power Delivery 3.0" standard, also called "USB-PD 3.0".

Claims

Demands

1. Electromechanical actuator (11) for a shading device (3), the electromechanical actuator (11) comprising at least: an electric motor (16), an electronic control unit (15), means for connecting (19) to at least one rechargeable battery (18), and a connector (28), the connector (28) being intended to be connected to a photovoltaic solar panel (37) or to a charger (44), the electronic control unit (15) comprising at least: a charging circuit (32), the charging circuit (32) being, on the one hand, connected to the means for connecting (19) to at least one rechargeable battery (18), and, on the other hand, electrically connected to the connector (28) via a power bus (34), a controller (31), and means for detecting (39) a connection of the photovoltaic solar panel (37) to the connector (28), characterized in that the electronic unit control (15) further includes at least: a first switch (38),the first switch (38) being connected, on the one hand, to the connector (28) via the power bus (34), and, on the other hand, to the connection means (19) to at least one rechargeable battery (18), and in that the controller (31) is configured to control the first switch (38) in a closed state by a first controllable output (0UT1) of the controller (31) when a connection of a photovoltaic solar panel (37) to the connector (28) is detected, so as to electrically connect the power bus (34) to the connection means (19) to at least one rechargeable battery (18).

2. Electromechanical actuator (11) according to claim 1, wherein the first switch (38) is connected in parallel with the load circuit (32) such that the first switch (38) short-circuits the load circuit (32) when the first switch (38) is controlled by the first controllable output (0UT1) of the controller (31).

3. Electromechanical actuator (11) according to claim 1 or according to claim 2, characterized in that the first output (0UT1) electrically connects the power bus (34) to the connection means (19) to at least one rechargeable battery (18) via a diode such that a current from the rechargeable battery (18) is blocked to the power bus (34).

4. Electromechanical actuator (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connector (28) is a USB Type-C connector, in that the controller (31) is a USB Type-C controller, and in that the USB Type-C controller is connected to at least one communication pin (35) of the Type-C universal serial bus connector via a communication bus (36).

5. Electromechanical actuator (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electronic control unit (15) further comprises at least: a protection circuit (40), the protection circuit (40) being connected to the connector (28) via a communication bus (36), and comprising a voltage input (VBUS_CTRL), the voltage input (VBUS_CTRL) being connected to the power supply bus (34) via a resistor bridge (41), and a second switch (42), the second switch (42) being connected, on the one hand, to the power supply bus (34), and, on the other hand, to the load circuit (32), the second switch (42) being controlled in an open state by the protection circuit (40) when the protection circuit (40) detects an overvoltage on the voltage input (VBUS_CTRL), in that the controller (31) includes, in addition,a second controllable output (OUT2) electrically connected to the voltage input (VBUS_CTRL), and in that the controller (31) is configured to control the second controllable output (OUT2) when the connection of the photovoltaic solar panel (37) to the connector (28) is detected, so as to simulate an overvoltage on the voltage input (VBUS_CTRL).

6. Electromechanical actuator (11) according to claim 5, characterized in that the second controllable output (OUT2) is connected to the voltage input (VBUS_CTRL) via a resistor and a Zener diode connected together in series.

7. Electromechanical actuator (11) according to claim 5 or according to claim 6, characterized in that the connector (28) is a USB Type-C connector, in that the controller (31) is a USB Type-C controller, and in that the protection circuit (40) is a USB Type-C port protection circuit.

8. A blackout device (3) comprising at least one winding tube (4), a screen (2) rollable onto the winding tube (4), an electromechanical actuator (11) configured according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the electromechanical actuator (11) being further configured to drive the winding tube (4) in rotation, the electromechanical actuator (11) further comprising a torque support (21), the torque support (21) comprising the connector (28).

9. Method of charging at least one rechargeable battery (18) configured to power an electromechanical actuator (11) for a shading device (3), the electromechanical actuator (11) being configured according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the method being implemented by the electronic control unit (15), and comprising at least: a step of detecting a connection of the photovoltaic solar panel (37) to the connector (28), when a connection of the photovoltaic solar panel (37) to the connector (28) is detected, a step of controlling the first switch (38) in a closed state, so as to electrically connect the power bus (34) to the connection means (19) to the at least one rechargeable battery (18).

10. A method for charging at least one rechargeable battery (18) configured to power an electromechanical actuator (11) for a shading device (3), the electromechanical actuator (11) being configured according to any one of claims 5 to 7, the method being implemented by the electronic control unit (15), and comprising at least: a step of detecting a connection of the photovoltaic solar panel (37) to the connector (28), when a connection of the photovoltaic solar panel (37) to the connector (28) is detected, a first control step of the first switch (38) in a closed state, so as to electrically connect the power bus (34) to the connection means (19) to at least one rechargeable battery (18), and when a connection of the photovoltaic solar panel (37) to the connector (28) is detected, a control step of the second controllable output (OUT2) so as to simulate an overvoltage on the voltage input (VBUS_CTRL) causing the second switch (42) to go to the open state.