Method for controlling a ventilation system, ventilation system and associated ventilation installation

Abstract

Method for controlling a ventilation system, ventilation system, and associated ventilation installation. This method for controlling a ventilation system includes a remote control and a ventilation grille, which includes battery-powered receiving means. Cyclically, the ventilation grille switches between a sleep phase (ΔTs), during which the receiving means are off, and a wake-up phase (ΔTr), during which the receiving means are on and ready to receive a control signal sent by the remote control. The control method also includes actuation of the remote control by a user, so as to send a control signal for a transmission time (ΔTt) that is longer than the sleep time (ΔTs). Figure for the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Method for controlling a ventilation system, ventilation system and associated ventilation installation

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a ventilation system, a ventilation system and an associated ventilation installation.

[0002] We are interested in ventilation systems comprising a ventilation grille and a remote control. Ventilation grilles are designed to renew the air inside rooms, particularly rooms intended to receive people. Ventilation grilles include air inlets, supply grilles, and exhaust grilles. The ventilation grille is designed to be controlled by a user using the remote control. The ventilation grille includes an actuation device, generally electromechanical, which is configured to modify the airflow rate. According to one example of use, such a ventilation grille is installed in a bathroom, and the user can thus, after a shower, increase the ventilation rate to remove the humidity generated during the shower.The ventilation outlet is advantageously equipped with a timer and, after a predetermined period, the ventilation outlet returns to its nominal configuration, in which the airflow is maintained at a nominal value, defined in particular by the applicable regulations. For example, in France, the NF DTU 68.3 standard of April 2017, derived from the decree of March 1982, applies to self-regulating systems, while for humidity-controlled systems, the decree of October 1983, associated with documents CPT3828 and 3827 - version 6 of July 2024, applies. In the case of humidity-controlled systems, the nominal airflow is variable, depending on the humidity level of the air.

[0003] Prior art exists battery-operated ventilation grilles equipped with a control cord or button. This requires the user to approach the ventilation grille in the immediate vicinity to change the airflow.

[0004] Ventilation vents controlled by a radio frequency remote control are also known. The ventilation vent thus includes a radio frequency module, which is relatively bulky and energy-intensive. Using a battery would require changing it too frequently, for example every two months, which is impractical. Furthermore, such a ventilation vent requires connection to an electrical power source via a wired connection, which is inconvenient, particularly during renovations.

[0005] It is these problems that the invention intends to remedy in particular, by proposing a ventilation system that is simpler to install and use.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a method for controlling a ventilation system, the control method comprising: - the supply of a ventilation system including a ventilation outlet, which allows for airflow and which includes: • an actuating element, which is movable between several positions, each corresponding to an obstruction of the air passage, each position of the actuating element corresponding to an operating state of the ventilation outlet, • a control unit, with receiving means, the control unit being configured to switch the receiving means between a sleep phase and a wake-up phase, • a battery compartment, configured to receive a power supply battery for the control unit and the actuation element,

[0007] the ventilation system also comprising a remote control, which includes transmission means capable of communicating with the receiving means of the ventilation outlet, so as to send to the ventilation outlet a control signal relating to the operating states of the ventilation outlet,

[0008] in which the control method comprises: - cyclically, and by means of the control unit, the switching of the receiving means between a sleep phase, during which the receiving means are switched off, and a wake-up phase, during which the receiving means are switched on and able to receive the control signal sent by the remote control, the sleep phase lasting for a predetermined sleep time, while the wake-up phase lasts for a predetermined wake-up time, - the activation, by a user, of the remote control, so as to send a control signal to the control unit, by means of transmission, the transmission of the control signal taking place during a transmission time, which is greater than the sleep time, - the reception, by the receiving means and during the wake-up phase, of the transmitted control signal.

[0009] Thanks to the invention, the receiving means are put into sleep mode during part of their operating time, saving energy. The autonomy of the ventilation outlet is thus increased, which reduces the frequency of battery replacement. The use of the ventilation outlet is therefore facilitated. Furthermore, since the outlet is battery-powered, its installation is also This is made easier because it is not necessary to run a dedicated power line. The ventilation system of the invention is therefore particularly suitable for the renovation of premises, especially residential buildings.

[0010] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a piloting method may incorporate one or more of the following features taken individually or in any technically permissible combination: - Sleep time is greater than wake time, preferably more than 5 times wake time, preferably more than 10 times wake time. - The sum of sleep time and wake time is between 0.5 and 10 seconds, preferably greater than 1 s and / or less than 5 s. - The sum of sleep time and wake time is equal to one operating period of the control unit, while the transmission time is greater than 100% of the operating period, preferably greater than 120%.

[0011] The invention also relates to a ventilation system, which is configured to implement the control method as defined above, the ventilation system comprising a ventilation outlet, which provides an air passage and which includes: - an actuating element, which is movable between several positions, each corresponding to a closure of the air passage, - a control unit, with receiving means, the control unit being configured to switch the receiving means between a sleep phase and a wake-up phase, - a battery compartment, configured to receive an electric battery for powering the control utility and the actuation member,

[0012] the ventilation system also includes a remote control, which includes transmission means capable of communicating with the receiving means of the control unit, so as to send to the control unit commands relating to the operating states of the ventilation outlet.

[0013] This ventilation system induces the same advantages as those mentioned above regarding the control method of the invention.

[0014] Advantageously: - The means of transmission are multidirectional. - The receiving and transmitting means operate according to a Bluetooth protocol, defined by the IEEE 802.15.1:2005 standard, and in particular a Bluetooth Low Emission protocol, defined by the IEEE 802.15.4:2020 standard. - The remote control is a smartphone, which includes the means of transmission. - The ventilation outlet is an extraction outlet or an insufflation outlet.

[0015] The invention finally relates to a ventilation installation, comprising the ventilation system as defined above, the ventilation outlet being fixed to an opening leading into the room.

[0016] The invention will be better understood, and other advantages thereof will become more apparent in the light of the following description of an embodiment of a method for controlling a ventilation system, of a ventilation system and of a ventilation installation, in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] - [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] represents respectively, on two inserts a) and b), a ventilation installation according to the invention, the ventilation installation comprising a ventilation system, also according to the invention, and a remote control belonging to the ventilation system, and

[0018] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents respectively, on two insets a) and b), two graphs illustrating the principle of a piloting method according to the invention.

[0019] A ventilation system 20, according to the invention, is schematically represented in [Fig. 1] a). The ventilation system 20, also referred to simply as "system 20" hereafter, comprises a room, which here consists of a single room 22. Room 22 is, for example, a bathroom. Depending on the case, room 22 is designed to accommodate one or more people.

[0020] The part 22 includes at least two openings 24, which are provided for air circulation. In the illustrated example, the installation 20 includes an air inlet 30, which is connected to one of the openings 24, and an exhaust vent 40, which is connected to the other opening 24. The air inlet 30 provides an air passage 32, which is configured to allow an incoming airflow F30 to pass through the air inlet 30. Similarly, the exhaust vent 40 provides an air passage 42, which is configured to allow an exhaust airflow F40 to pass through the exhaust vent 40.

[0021] In the illustrated example, the extraction vent 40 is fluidically connected to a ventilation unit 50, which is configured to extract the exhaust air flow F40 from room 22 and discharge this exhaust air flow F40 outside room 22. By negative pressure in room 22, the incoming air flow F30 is introduced into room 22 through the air inlet 30. The installation 20 is thus a so-called "single-flow" installation. The incoming air flow F30 is considered to be equal to the exhaust air flow F40, neglecting any potential leaks. In a variant not shown, the air inlet 30 and the opening 24 The corresponding elements are absent, the incoming airflow F30 passing, for example, under a door of the room, or through a ventilation grille, etc. According to another variant not illustrated, the principles of the invention are also applicable to a dual-flow system. In this case, the air inlet 30 is replaced by a supply vent, which is fluidically connected to a ventilation unit.

[0022] The extraction vent 40 also includes an actuation member 44, here a pivoting flap, which is movable between several positions, so as to more or less close the air passage 42 of the extraction vent 40, thus influencing the flow rate of the extracted airflow F40 through the air passage 42 when the ventilation system 20 is in operation.

[0023] The extraction vent 40 is a first example of a ventilation vent of the ventilation installation 20. More generally, the actuation member 44 is switchable between several configurations, so as to influence the airflow through the air passage 42 associated with the ventilation vent, here the extraction vent 40, each configuration of the actuation member 44 being associated with an operating state of the ventilation vent.

[0024] As described below, the extraction vent 40 can be remotely controlled by means of a remote control 100, so as to adjust the position of the actuating member 44, in other words, to select the operating state of the ventilation vent. The extraction vent 40 and the remote control 100 together form a ventilation system.

[0025] The extraction vent 40 includes a control unit 46, which includes receiving means 47, which are configured to receive a control signal F124 emitted by the remote control 100. For example, the control unit 46 includes an electronic board with a microprocessor and an antenna, which form the receiving means.

[0026] The extraction mouth 40 also includes a battery compartment, which is configured to receive one or more electric batteries to power the control utility 46 and the actuation member 44. The battery compartment and the battery or batteries are not shown.

[0027] The remote control 100 includes transmission means 124, which are here schematically represented by an electronic component mounted on an electronic board 125. The transmission means 124 are capable of communicating with the receiving means 47 of the control unit, so as to send to the ventilation outlet 40 a control signal F124 relating to the operating states of the ventilation outlet 40.

[0028] The remote control 100 includes a control element, here a button 110, which is configured to be actuated by a user so as to trigger the sending from a control signal F124 to the ventilation outlet 40. Button 110 here is a physical button, specifically a push button.

[0029] An example of use of the ventilation system and a method of controlling the ventilation system are now described, with reference to [Fig.2].

[0030] Initially, the piloting method includes the provision of a sample of the ventilation system. In general, the ventilation system is part of the ventilation installation 20.

[0031] Fig. 2#a) is a graph 201 illustrating the evolution of the means of reception 47 over time, between the sleep phases, logically represented by the value 0 - zero - on the ordinate axis, and the wakefulness phases, represented by the value 1 on the ordinate axis.

[0032] Fig. 2#b) is a graph 202 illustrating the evolution of the transmission means 124 over time, between waiting phases, during which no control signal is transmitted, and the transmission phase. Each waiting phase is logically represented by the value 0 - zero - on the y-axis, while the transmission phase is represented by the value 1 on the y-axis.

[0033] In the illustrated example, room 22 is a bathroom. In the absence of a specific control, the extraction vent 40 allows an extracted airflow F40 to pass through, corresponding for example to a minimum flow, which is generally defined by building ventilation standards.

[0034] After a shower, the bathroom air is humid, so the user wishes to control the exhaust vent 40 to temporarily increase the extracted airflow F40. The user then presses button 110 on the remote control 100 to send the corresponding control signal F124 to the exhaust vent 40 at a time TL. The transmission of the control signal is considered to begin at time TL.

[0035] In order for the control signal F124 to be effectively received by the extraction vent 40, the receiving means 47 must be in a wake-up phase, i.e. supplied with electrical energy and in a configuration such that the control signal F124 sent by the remote control 100 is effectively read and understood by the control unit 46.

[0036] However, compared to the power consumption of each of the other elements of the extraction mouth 40, the electrical consumption of the receiving means 47 is the highest. Thus, when the receiving means 47 are in the wake-up phase, they consume electricity, reducing the remaining battery life.

[0037] One of the principles of the invention is to switch, by means of the control unit 46, the receiving means 47 between the wake-up phase and a sleep phase, during of which the receiving means 47 are switched off, i.e. not supplied with electrical energy and do not reduce the residual capacity of the battery.

[0038] Thus, according to an example of a method for controlling the ventilation system, cyclically, and by means of the control unit, the receiving means are switched between the sleep phase, during which the receiving means are off, and the wake-up phase, during which the receiving means are on and able to receive the control signal sent by the remote control.

[0039] During each cycle, the sleep phase lasts for a predetermined time called "sleep time" ATs, while the wakefulness phase lasts for a predetermined time called "wakefulness time" ATr. The sum of the duration of the sleep phase and the duration of the wakefulness phase, in other words the sum of the sleep time ATs and the wakefulness time ATr, is equal to one operating period Tf of the control unit 46.

[0040] During the transmission of the control signal, the receiving elements 47 must be in the wake-up phase at least once. In other words, when the user activates the remote control 100, so as to send a control signal F124 to the control unit via the transmission means 124, the transmission of the control signal occurs for a transmission time ATt, which is greater than the sleep time ATs. As a result, the control method includes the reception, by the receiving means 47 and during the wake-up phase, of the transmitted control signal F124.

[0041] Preferably, the transmission time ATt is greater than 100% of the operating period Tf, preferably greater than 120%. This ensures that the receiving means 47 are in the wake-up phase concurrently with the sending of the control signal, at least for the entire wake-up duration ATr of a wake-up phase.

[0042] The shorter the wakefulness period ATr is compared to the sleep phase ATs, the more energy-efficient the extraction vent 40 is. Thus, the duration of the sleep phase ATs is greater than the duration of the wakefulness phase ATr, preferably more than 5 times the duration of the wakefulness phase, and preferably more than 10 times the duration of the wakefulness phase.

[0043] By way of schematic example, when the receiving means 47 are continuously in the wake-up phase, a battery typically lasts two months. When the wake-up time ATr is 0.5 s, with a sleep time of 4.5 s, the receiving means are in sleep 90% of the time, and the same battery then lasts 20 months. According to this same example, the transmission time ATt is greater than 4.5 seconds, preferably greater than 5 s, and preferably even greater than 6 seconds. Preferably, the operating period Tf of the control unit is between 0.5 and 10 seconds, preferably even greater than 1 s and / or less than 5 s.

[0044] According to a preferred example, the wake-up time ATr is between 15 ms and 20 ms, while the sleep time ATs is between 1 and 1.5 seconds. According to a particularly preferred example, the wake-up time ATr is approximately 18 ms, while the sleep time ATs is approximately 1.3 s. Preferably, the transmission time ATt is 5 s. Thus, several wake-up phases are included within the same transmission phase.

[0045] During the transmission period, the control signal is advantageously sent several times, at short intervals. For example, each control signal has a duration of approximately 0.5 ms, and is sent at regular or irregular intervals, on the order of 10 ms on average.

[0046] Preferably, the transmission means 124 are multidirectional. Thus, when the user presses button 110, the user does not need to keep the remote control pointed towards the extraction vent 40 for the entire duration of the transmission time ATt, which is approximately 5 seconds in the previous example. This facilitates the use of the ventilation system.

[0047] Preferably, once the user presses button 110, even for a duration shorter than the transmission time ATt, the control signal is transmitted for the entire duration of the transmission time ATt. This facilitates the use of the ventilation system.

[0048] Preferably, the receiving means 47 and the transmitting means 124 operate according to a Bluetooth protocol, in particular a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol. The Bluetooth protocol is defined by the IEEE 802.15.1:2005 standard and its subsequent revisions, with Bluetooth Low Energy being integrated into the Bluetooth specifications since version v4.0 published in 2010. Alternatively, the receiving means 47 and the transmitting means 124 communicate with each other according to a WiFi protocol, defined by the IEEE 802.11:2016 standard and its subsequent revisions or evolutions. Preferably, the remote control 100 and the ventilation grille 40 are paired with each other, so that the ventilation grille 40 only responds to commands sent by the remote control 100 with which it is previously paired.For example, when installing the ventilation system, the installer follows a predetermined sequence, including switching on the remote control, one or more presses - possibly prolonged - on button 110, in order to pair the remote control 100 with the ventilation outlet 40.

[0049] As an alternative not shown, the remote control 100 is formed by a device comprising a touch screen and an antenna suitable for use as a transmission means, preferably a smartphone, or alternatively a tablet. Whereas in the example In [Fig.1], the button is a physical button; in the case where the remote control is a smartphone, the control button is then a portion of the touch screen.

[0050] In the case where the remote control is a smartphone, the extraction vent 40 is advantageously equipped with a unique identifier, for example a QR code, or an RFID chip, in particular an NFC chip, or equivalent, which is intended to pair the smartphone with the extraction vent 40. It is then possible to control the extraction vent 40 simply by installing an application on the user's smartphone, which is particularly economical as it avoids the cost of a specific remote control.

[0051] When the remote control is a smartphone, which is required to be recharged regularly, it is possible to extend the ATt transmission time without worrying about the remote control's energy consumption, and as a corollary to extend the ATs sleep time of each cycle, which further extends the battery life of the extraction mouth.

[0052] In the preferred example shown, the ventilation system includes the exhaust vent 40 and the remote control 100, while the air inlet 30 is said to be "passive" and includes neither an actuation device nor a control unit. The exhaust vent 40 is, for example, installed in a bathroom, a toilet, or a kitchen, so that the user can temporarily increase the extracted airflow following activities that cause a degradation of air quality.

[0053] According to a mirror embodiment, not shown, the air inlet is said to be "active" and comprises an actuating element, similar to the actuating element 44, and a control unit similar to the control unit 46 described previously with reference to the exhaust vent 40, so that the incoming air flow rate F30 is adjustable by means of the remote control 100, while the exhaust vent is passive. In other words, the ventilation vent is formed by the air inlet 30, the principles of the invention being applicable to this embodiment. According to another embodiment, not shown, the ventilation vent is a supply vent.

[0054] The embodiments and variants mentioned above can be combined with each other to generate new embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. Demands Method for controlling a ventilation system, the control method comprising: • the supply of a ventilation system comprising a ventilation outlet (40), which provides an air passage (42) and which includes: • an actuating member (44), which is movable between several positions each corresponding to an occlusion of the air passage (42), each position of the actuating member (44) corresponding to an operating state of the ventilation outlet (40), • a control unit (46), with receiving means (47), the control unit (46) being configured to switch the receiving means (47) between a sleep phase and a wake-up phase, • a battery compartment, configured to receive a power supply battery for the control unit (46) and the actuation member (44), the ventilation system also including a remote control (100), which includes transmission means (124) capable of communicating with the receiving means (47) of the ventilation outlet (40), so as to send to the ventilation outlet (40) a control signal (F 124) relating to the operating states of the ventilation outlet (40), in which the piloting process includes: • cyclically, and by means of the control unit (46), the switching of the receiving means (47) between a sleep phase, during which the receiving means (47) are switched off, and a wake-up phase, during which the receiving means (47) are switched on and ready to receive the control signal (F 124) sent by the remote control (100), the or the sleep phase for a predetermined sleep time (ATs), while the wake-up phase lasts for a predetermined wake-up time (ATr), • the actuation, by a user, of the remote control (100), so as to send a control signal (F124) to the control unit (46), by the transmission means (124), the transmission of the control signal (F124) taking place during a transmission time (ATt), which is greater than the sleep time (ATs), • the reception, by the receiving means (47) and during the wake-up phase, of the transmitted control signal (F124).

2. A control method according to claim 1, wherein: • sleep time (ATs) is greater than wake time (ATr), preferably greater than 5 times wake time (ATr), preferably greater than 10 times wake time (ATr).

3. A piloting method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: • the sum of sleep time (ATs) and wake-up time (ATr) is between 0.5 and 10 seconds, preferably greater than 1 s and / or less than 5 s.

4. A control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: • the sum of the sleep time (ATs) and the wake-up time (ATr) is equal to one operating period (Tf) of the control unit (46), • the transmission time (ATt) is greater than 100% of the operating period (Tf), preferably greater than 120%.

5. Ventilation system, wherein: • the ventilation system is configured to implement the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, • the ventilation system includes a ventilation outlet (40), which provides an air passage (42) and which includes: • an actuation member (44), which is movable between several positions each corresponding to an occlusion of the air passage (42), • a control unit (46), with receiving means (47), the control unit (46) being configured to switch the receiving means (47) between a sleep phase and a wake-up phase, • a battery compartment, configured to receive an electric battery for powering the control utility and the actuation member (44), • the ventilation system also includes a remote control (100), which includes transmission means (124) capable of communicating with the receiving means (47) of the control unit (46), so as to send to the control unit (46) commands relating to the operating states of the ventilation outlet (40).

6. Ventilation system according to claim 5, wherein: • the transmission means (124) are multidirectional.

7. Ventilation system according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein: • the receiving means (47) and the transmitting means (124) operate according to a Bluetooth protocol, defined by the IEEE 802.15.1:2005 standard, and in particular a Bluetooth Low Emission protocol, defined by the IEEE 802.15.4:2020 standard.

8. Ventilation system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: • the remote control (100) is a smartphone, which includes the transmission means (124).

9. Ventilation system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein: • the ventilation outlet (40) is an extraction outlet or an insufflation outlet.

10. Ventilation installation, comprising: • the ventilation system according to any one of claims 5 to 9, in which the ventilation outlet (40) is fixed to an opening (24) leading into the room (22).

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