Battery pack management system for powering an actuator in standby mode

Abstract

Assembly (S1) comprising an actuator (A1) for driving between several positions of a sun protection or blackout screen comprising a first power supply mode and a second power supply mode and an electric motor as well as a communication unit and an energy storage element (150), the assembly comprising a battery pack (81) and a battery pack management system (82) configured to power the actuator and an energy storage element (11) from the battery pack (81), and the assembly comprising power supply mode switching means configured to activate the battery pack management system so that the actuator is powered by the battery pack management system defining the first power supply mode of the actuator, and to deactivate the battery pack management system so that the actuator is powered by the energy storage element defining the second power supply mode of the actuator.[Fig. 2].

Description

Title of the invention: BATTERY PACK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR POWER SUPPLY FROM AN ACTUATOR IN STANDBY MODE TECHNICAL FIELD AND PREVIOUS ART

[0001] The present invention relates to the power supply of an actuator for driving between several positions of a sun protection or blackout screen, such as a shutter.

[0002] Such actuators for shutters or roller blinds comprise a tubular housing containing an electric motor, a gearbox, an energy storage unit, for example in the form of one or more power batteries, and at least partially, a control circuit. The actuator is powered by an energy storage unit that provides it with operating autonomy, for example, for eighteen to twenty-four months, and which may be, in particular, a rechargeable energy storage unit, for example via a solar panel or by regular recharging through connection to the mains power supply. The actuator's autonomy depends, in particular, on the maximum capacity of the energy storage unit when it is fully charged or on the remaining charge level of the energy storage unit.Currently, only the charge level of the energy reserve is estimated from measurements of its charging parameters, such as the voltage across its terminals. However, the estimated charge may differ from the actual charge, making it impossible to accurately determine the actuator's autonomy based solely on this estimated charge. In this regard, an energy reserve exists in the form of a battery pack comprising one or more power batteries and a battery management system (BMS). The battery pack powers devices and includes monitoring and protection functions. Such a system notably has functions to determine the state of charge and the health of the power battery(ies) within the battery pack.

[0003] The state of charge, commonly referred to as "State of Charge" or more briefly "SoC" in English, can be defined as the remaining available capacity of the battery pack at the moment it is measured relative to its maximum capacity.

[0004] The state of health, commonly referred to as "State of Health" or more briefly "SoH" in English, can be defined by the maximum capacity of the battery pack at the moment it is measured relative to its original maximum capacity.

[0005] The state of charge and the state of health correspond to advanced battery pack management functions, which go beyond the basic monitoring and protection functions of the management system.

[0006] The battery pack management system, particularly when advanced functions are implemented, exhibits a significant power consumption that is incompatible with the actuator's autonomy objectives. Indeed, the battery pack's charge is not adequate to continuously power both the actuator for its operation and its management system. Description of the invention

[0007] There is therefore a need to find a solution that allows the functions of the management system of a battery pack to be used to power an actuator for driving a sun protection or blackout screen between several positions while respecting the autonomy requirements of the actuator.

[0008] The purpose of this application is to provide an assembly comprising a battery pack and an actuator for driving between several positions of a sun protection or blackout screen, the actuator comprising an energy storage element, such as a capacitive element and having a standby mode during which the energy storage element powers the actuator when the battery pack management system is deactivated.

[0009] According to one aspect, an assembly is proposed comprising an actuator for driving between several positions of a sun protection or blackout screen comprising a first power supply mode and a second power supply mode and comprising an electric motor as well as a communication unit and the energy storage element, the assembly comprising a battery pack and a battery pack management system configured to power the actuator and the energy storage element from the battery pack, for example a capacitive element of the actuator.

[0010] The assembly also includes means for switching the power supply mode configured to activate the battery pack management system so that the actuator is powered by the battery pack management system corresponding to the first power supply mode of the actuator, and to deactivate the battery pack management system so that the actuator is powered by the energy storage element corresponding to the second power supply mode of the actuator.

[0011] In other words, the battery pack management system is intermittently deactivated to limit its energy consumption and, in the absence of power to the actuator from the battery pack management system, a power source Additional resources are provided to ensure the operation of the actuator in standby mode.

[0012] The battery pack may comprise several cells connected in series, delivering a nominal voltage of 10.9 volts and a maximum voltage of 12.6 volts, for example. The energy storage element is a separate component of the battery pack that allows for the temporary storage of energy to power actuator circuits, such as an actuator communication unit, for example.

[0013] The battery pack management system is typically configured to implement secure power supply functions, such as overvoltage protection, and / or to monitor the status of the battery pack cells based on power supply parameter measurements and / or battery pack cell parameterization functions. To this end, it includes a processing unit comprising means for monitoring the battery pack status and means for protecting the battery pack, such as a switch, preventing it from operating outside its permissible operating range. Furthermore, the battery pack management system may also implement functions for determining the state of charge and the health status of the battery pack.

[0014] The actuator power switching means allow the actuator to switch between the first power supply mode, in which the battery pack management system functions are used, and the second power supply mode, in which the battery pack management system is deactivated and thus consumes little or no energy, resulting in a favorable energy balance for the actuator and battery pack assembly. Switching between these two power supply modes allows for significant energy savings, particularly when the actuator is in its second power supply mode.

[0015] Advantageously, the battery pack management system includes a processing unit comprising means for monitoring the state of the battery pack and means for protecting the battery pack, such as a switch, preventing it from operating outside its permitted operating range.

[0016] Furthermore, said energy storage element is a capacitive element which is advantageously configured to power at least in part the communication unit and / or at least in part an actuator control unit.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the switchover between the first power supply mode and the second power supply mode is carried out periodically.

[0018] In this regard, the switching means are configured to deactivate and activate the battery pack management system periodically according to a first periodicity, thus allowing the energy storage element to be powered by the battery pack management system in the first power mode and power the actuator in the second power mode.

[0019] Alternatively or in combination with this embodiment, switching between the first power supply mode and the second power supply mode is carried out on demand.

[0020] In an advantageous example, the communication unit of the actuator, in the second power supply mode, is capable of alternating sequentially between a first state and a second state according to a second periodicity, the first state corresponding to a state of reduced consumption or rest state and the second state corresponding to a listening state, the communication unit being configured to receive a start or stop control signal from the electric motor when it is in the second state.

[0021] When the communication unit alternates from the first state to the second state, it enters a "radio wake-up phase." More specifically, the control unit can only receive the control signal during these "radio wake-up phases," and then commands the starting or stopping of the electric motor. The energy storage element is adapted to supply sufficient energy to the communication unit for a plurality of radio wake-up phases. In the first state, the communication unit consumes less energy than during the radio wake-up phases, i.e., in the second state.

[0022] The energy storage element therefore makes it possible to provide an amount of energy suitable for the actuator and in particular for the control circuit, at least when the actuator is in its second power supply mode.

[0023] From the moment a control signal is received, requiring the operation of the electric motor, the actuator switches to its first power supply mode.

[0024] According to another advantageous example, said actuator power switching means include first control means configured to control an activation of the battery pack management system when the amount of energy by the energy storage element is less than a first threshold and to control a deactivation of the battery pack management system when the amount of energy of the energy storage element is greater than a second threshold.

[0025] The first control means thus ensure a punctual supply of the energy storage element so that it has a sufficient quantity of energy to power the actuator in the second power supply mode.

[0026] According to another advantageous example, the switching means include second control means configured to control an activation of the battery pack management system when the control signal received by the communication unit is an electric motor start control signal.

[0027] Thus, the battery pack management system is activated when energy demands exceed what the energy storage element can supply to power the electric motor. Simultaneously, activation of the battery pack management system allows the energy storage element to be recharged.

[0028] Periodic switching between these two power supply modes advantageously reduces the overall energy consumption of the system by periodically deactivating the battery pack management system. Such switching also allows the battery pack management system functions to be available when it is activated.

[0029] Furthermore, the "radio wake-up phases" of the communication unit can be used to detect when the amount of energy in the energy storage element is too low in order to switch back to the first power supply mode in which the energy storage element is powered by the battery pack management system.

[0030] To this end, the communication unit includes measuring means configured to determine the amount of energy stored by the energy storage element. In particular, the measuring means are configured to perform a reading of the amount of energy stored by the energy storage element at a third periodicity.

[0031] The actuator also includes third control means configured to perform a reading of the amount of energy stored by the energy storage element by the measuring means according to a third periodicity

[0032] Thus, the reading of the amount of energy stored by the energy storage element and / or the power supply to the energy storage element can be carried out during these "radio wake-up phases".

[0033] Thus, the third periodicity is equal to the second periodicity.

[0034] Alternatively, the third periodicity may be equal to the first periodicity.

[0035] Furthermore, the assembly advantageously includes communication means configured to transmit monitoring data between the battery pack management system and the communication unit. The battery pack management system includes a processing unit configured to determine the state of charge and the health status of the battery pack from monitoring data. In particular, this monitoring data is retrieved when the battery pack management system is active. The monitoring data can be detected by the management system at the battery pack level or detected and transmitted by the actuator to the battery pack management system.

[0036] The communication means enable the exchange of monitoring data between the battery pack management system and the actuator so that the battery pack management system can provide the actuator with the state of charge and the health status of the battery pack. It is also possible that these communication means may allow the exchange of other types of data so that the battery pack management system or the actuator can perform other functions.

[0037] According to another aspect, a method for switching the power supply mode of an actuator for driving between several positions of a sun protection or blackout screen is proposed, the actuator comprising a first power supply mode and a second power supply mode, the method comprising: - an activation of a battery pack management system so that the actuator and an energy storage element are powered by the battery pack management system in the first power supply mode, - a deactivation of the battery pack management system so that the actuator is powered by the energy storage element in the second power supply mode.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the process, said activation and deactivation of the battery pack management system are carried out periodically according to a first periodicity.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the process, the process comprises: - powering the energy storage element via the battery pack management system in the first power supply mode, - a power supply to a communication unit of the actuator by the energy storage element in the second power supply mode until the control signal is received, the communication unit being able to alternate sequentially between a first state and in a second state according to a second periodicity, the first state corresponding to a state of reduced consumption, - a reception of a control signal for the start or stop of an electric motor of the actuator by the communication unit when it is in the second state.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the method, the method includes determining the amount of energy stored by the energy storage element and reading the amount of energy stored by the energy storage element according to a third periodicity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0041] The following description will be better understood with the aid of the attached drawings, in which: [Fig.1A] is a side view of an example assembly including the actuator for driving a sun protection or blackout screen according to the invention and, [Fig.1B] is an exploded view of the entire [Fig.1A], [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the assembly according to one embodiment, [Fig.3] is a detailed schematic representation of the entire [Fig.2], in which the actuator is in the first power supply mode, [Fig.4] is a detailed schematic representation of the entire [Fig.2], in which the actuator is in the second power supply mode, [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of an example of a power supply mode switching process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCTION METHODS

[0042] Figures IA and IB schematically illustrate an assembly SI comprising an actuator for driving between several positions a sun protection or blackout screen (not shown), such as a blind, shutter or other.

[0043] The actuator Al comprises a torque head or support 1, a tubular housing 2 with axis of revolution X, an electric motor 4, and a gearbox 6. The gearbox 6 extends into an output shaft 10 along the X axis, designed to drive in rotation an element (not shown) belonging to the screen or a winding tube on which the screen is mounted. The actuator further includes a control circuit 12 for the electric motor, consisting of one or more circuit boards. This circuit 12 is connected to the motor 4.

[0044] The control circuit includes in particular a first circuit board 12a which, in the example shown, is arranged parallel to the X axis. The control circuit also includes a second circuit board 12b which, in the example shown in figures IA and IB, is located at a longitudinal end of the housing in the torque support 1 and is arranged orthogonally to the X axis.

[0045] The control circuit includes a communication unit 13 enabling communication with an external device, in particular radio frequency communication. The communication unit may be carried by one or more of the circuit boards of the control circuit.

[0046] The communication unit 13 includes in particular a radio frequency transceiver (through which screen movement commands can be transmitted, for example in the form of a control signal, from a radio remote control not shown) and physical communication elements for a user, such as a light diode or LED and / or a programming button.

[0047] The SI assembly also includes a battery pack 81 which typically includes several cells, such as lithium-ion batteries. These cells are connected The cells are connected to each other and encapsulated in a protective film, such as a backing film. This film maintains contact between the cells, including galvanic contact, and also protects one or more electrical wires (not shown) connecting the output terminal of one cell to the input terminal of the other cell. The film also provides flexural rigidity to the battery pack.

[0048] The SI assembly includes a battery pack management system 82 configured to power the actuator AL. The battery pack management system 82 (usually referred to by the Anglo-Saxon terms "Batteries Management System") typically enables the implementation of secure power supply functions, such as protection against overvoltages, for example when charging the cells by an external power source, and / or monitoring the state of the cells of the battery pack 81 from measurements of power supply parameters and / or parameterization functions of the cells of the battery pack 81.

[0049] The battery pack management system is also configured to monitor battery pack data such as the maximum charging current (CCA for "Cold Cranking Amps" in Anglo-Saxon terminology), the maximum discharge current (DCL for "Discharge Current Limit" in Anglo-Saxon terminology), the energy supplied since the last charge or the last charge cycle, the total energy used since the first use, the total operating time since the first use.

[0050] In addition, the battery pack management system 82 is configured to determine the state of charge and the state of health of the battery pack.

[0051] The state of charge, commonly referred to as "State of Charge" or more briefly "SoC" in English, can be defined as the remaining available capacity of the battery pack at the moment it is measured relative to its maximum capacity.

[0052] The state of health, commonly referred to as "State of Health" or more briefly "SoH" in English, can be defined by the maximum capacity of the battery pack at the moment it is measured relative to its original maximum capacity.

[0053] The casing also encapsulates an electronic circuit forming the battery pack management system, as well as the electrical connections between this circuit and the cells.

[0054] The battery pack has a generally cylindrical shape along its entire length or only a portion thereof. The cylinder includes, in particular, a raised section at the point where the electrical wire passes through and at the point where the electronic circuit forms the battery pack management system. The battery pack also includes electrical connectors (not shown), in connection with the electrical wires connected to the input terminal and the output terminal.

[0055] The battery pack management system 82 is intended to provide the electrical power to the electric motor useful for its rotation as well as to the control circuit 12 of the actuator Al and more particularly to the first card and the second card of the control circuit 12.

[0056] The actuator Al includes a first power supply mode in which the electric motor 4 and the control circuit 12 have a relatively high energy consumption, for example, on the order of tens of watts. More specifically, their consumption is on the order of 10 W to raise the protective screen and approximately 1 W to lower the protective screen. The first power supply mode corresponds in particular to powering the actuator Al, enabling it to operate and move the screen.

[0057] The actuator Al includes a second power supply mode in which only the control circuit 12 is powered, in particular the communication unit 13, and has a relatively low power consumption, for example on the order of 1 mW.

[0058] The second power supply mode corresponds in particular to a power supply for the actuator Al allowing it to be powered in a standby state. The standby state of the actuator corresponds to a state in which the communication unit is waiting for a command, i.e., some of the actuator's functions are deactivated, such as the control functions of the electric motor 4.

[0059] Fig. 2 schematically represents the SI assembly as described above in relation to figures IA and IB according to one embodiment, in the form of a functional diagram.

[0060] In one embodiment, the battery pack 81 includes the battery pack management system 82, for example when the battery pack management system is a circuit of the battery pack 81.

[0061] The assembly SI further includes an energy storage element 11 such as a capacitive element. According to another embodiment, the energy storage element is an external battery, for example, a battery that can be connected to the control circuit 12 of the actuator AL. The energy storage element 11 is configured to power the actuator Al when the battery pack management system 82 is deactivated, and to be powered by the battery pack management system 82 when the battery pack management system 82 is activated. The energy storage element 11 is adapted to provide power to the circuits of the actuator Al, in particular to the communication unit 13 at least when the actuator Al is in its second power mode. The energy storage element represents a This power source supplements the battery pack management system 82 and allows the communication unit 13 to be powered even when the battery pack management system is deactivated. More specifically, the energy storage element provides a temporary and sufficient energy storage means that can be powered by the battery pack management system 82 and is therefore not integrated into the battery pack 81.

[0062] Furthermore, the SI assembly includes means for switching the power supply mode to define the first power supply mode and the second power supply mode of the actuator Al. These means are configured to generate an activation or deactivation signal of the battery pack management system so as to switch the assembly from one power supply mode to the other.

[0063] The switching can be carried out periodically so as to ensure that the energy storage element 11 has a sufficient amount of energy to power the actuator Al in standby.

[0064] In this regard, according to a first embodiment, the switching means are configured to activate or deactivate the battery pack management system 82 periodically according to a first periodicity so that the energy storage element 11 is powered by the battery pack management system 82 in the first power supply mode and powers the actuator Al in the second power supply mode.

[0065] The activation and deactivation times may take into account the characteristics of the storage element 11 and the battery pack management system 82 so as to prevent total discharge of the energy storage element 11 when the battery pack management system 82 is deactivated. For example, the battery pack management system is activated for a period on the order of a few milliseconds and deactivated for a period on the order of ten seconds. Those skilled in the art will be able to determine these times based on an estimate of the discharge of the energy storage element that takes into account, in particular, the overconsumption induced by the circuits of the actuator AL.

[0066] According to a second embodiment, the switching means comprise first control means 17, such as a comparator circuit, configured to control activation of the battery pack management system 82 when the energy content of the energy storage element 11 is below a first threshold and deactivation of the battery pack management system when the energy content of the energy storage element 11 is above a second threshold. The activation command for the battery pack management system 82 can be transmitted directly from the first control means 17 to the battery pack management system. battery 82 as shown in figures 3 and 4, or be carried out through communication unit 13 and means of communication 16.

[0067] Thus, the first control means ensure a supply on demand to the energy storage element 11, so that it always has a sufficient amount of energy to supply the circuits of the actuator Al in the second supply mode.

[0068] By "on-demand power supply", it is understood that the power supply to the energy storage element 11 is automatically switched on during an event which may be a decrease in the amount of energy in the energy storage element below a threshold or the reception of a control signal.

[0069] Of course, a person skilled in the art will be able to define the first threshold and the second threshold according to the quantities used to determine the minimum amount of energy required from the energy storage element 11.

[0070] The switch between the first power supply mode and the second power supply mode can therefore be carried out periodically and / or on demand.

[0071] Figures 3 and 4 show in detail the entire [Fig.2] enabling the actuator to be supplied according to the first supply mode and the second supply mode respectively. The battery pack 81 and the battery pack management system 82 are inserted into the tubular housing of the actuator AL

[0072] . Furthermore, the energy storage element is, according to one embodiment, a capacitive element 150 of the control unit 15. The capacitive element 150 is advantageously configured to power at least part of the communication circuit 13, which includes, for example, the microcontroller 130, the receiver 132, and / or at least part of the control unit 15, which includes, for example, a memory 151. Such an embodiment has the advantage of using a capacitive element 150 already present in the control unit, which serves, for example, to power the memory storing the data when the actuator AL is in standby mode.For the sake of simplicity, only the capacitive element 150 will be referred to hereafter.

[0073] Therefore, this example makes it possible to reduce the size of the control circuit while simplifying and making its design less expensive.

[0074] The power mode switching means are configured to activate the battery pack management system 82, so that the actuator Al is powered by the battery pack management system 82 defining the first power mode of the actuator.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the battery pack management system 82 comprises a processing unit, such as a processor 820 configured to implement the functions of secure power supply, state of charge determination and state battery pack health 81. In another embodiment, the functions of determining the state of charge and the state of health of the battery pack 81 are carried out by the control circuit 12 of the actuator Al and the functions of secure supply are carried out by the battery pack management system 82.

[0076] In the first power supply mode, a receiver 132 of the communication unit 13 can receive a control signal from an external transmitter 133, such as a remote control or a smartphone, containing instructions on how to control the electric motor 4, such as starting or stopping it. Upon receiving a start command signal, for example, the communication unit 13 activates the battery pack management system and, via the second circuit board 15, commands the electric motor 4 to start in order to move the protective screen. The battery pack management system 82 then powers the electric motor 4 during its operation while monitoring the state of charge and the health status of the battery pack 81.The battery pack management system 82 can manage the parameters of the cells of the battery pack 81 during the power supply of the actuator Al in its first power supply mode and alert when the battery pack 81 needs to be recharged.

[0077] The SI assembly advantageously includes communication means 16 configured to transmit monitoring data between the battery pack management system 82 and the communication unit 13, as well as control data between the communication unit 13 and the battery pack management system 82.

[0078] The means of communication are, for example, a data bus 16, such as an "I2C" (Inter-Integrated Circuit) bus, which allows the transmission of monitoring data between the 820 processor and the 130 processor via electrical connections. Of course, other types of buses conforming to other communication standards can be provided to ensure the transmission of this monitoring data, by adapting the number of electrical connections between the 820 and 130 processors.

[0079] In addition, the communication means 16 include power supply connections to enable the battery pack management system to power the control circuit 12, including the communication unit 13 and the energy storage element 150, and a power connection configured to transmit the activation or deactivation command of the battery pack management system, for example, the command of the comparator circuit 17 to the processor 820. An additional wire (not shown) can connect the battery pack 81 to the control unit 150 for the transmission of monitoring data. Such monitoring data enables the control unit 15 to perform the determination functions. of the state of charge and the state of health of the battery pack independently of the battery pack management system 82.

[0080] The processor 820 is configured to determine the state of charge and the health status of the battery pack 81 from monitoring data. The monitoring data includes information on the cells of the battery pack 81 and on the actuator Al, such as voltage, instantaneous current, maximum current, number of recharges, and minimum and maximum temperatures of the battery pack 81, for example.

[0081] Reference is made hereafter to [Fig.4].

[0082] The power supply mode switching means are configured to disable the battery pack management system 82 so that the actuator is powered by the capacitive element 150, thus defining the second power supply mode of the actuator AL

[0083] The means for switching the power supply of the actuator Al allow for significant energy savings, particularly when the actuator Al is in standby mode.

[0084] The capacitive element 150 allows in particular to power the communication unit 13 when the actuator is in its second power supply mode, also called standby mode, so as to allow the communication unit 13 to receive a control signal emitted by the transmitter 133.

[0085] The communication unit 13 comprises an alternation between a first state and a second state according to a second periodicity when the actuator Al is in standby mode. The first state corresponds in particular to a state of reduced consumption compared to the second state.

[0086] In its low-power state, certain functions of the communication unit 13 are deactivated, such as the reception of control signals. The capacitive element 150 is configured to power the communication unit 13 in its first and second states. In particular, the communication unit is configured to enter the second state periodically, for example, after a period of approximately ten seconds. Advantageously, the switching means activate the battery pack management system when the communication unit enters the second state, even in the absence of a control signal.

[0087] Thus, the capacitive element is powered periodically by the battery pack management system according to the second periodicity. The duration for which the actuator Al is in the first power supply mode is at least equal to the duration for which the communication unit is in the second state, which may be a few milliseconds, for example. This duration is preferably sufficient to allow the capacitive element to recharge so that it is able to power the The circuits of actuator Al are activated for at least ten seconds. The transition from the first state to the second state is subsequently referred to as the "radio wake-up phase".

[0088] The communication unit 13 further includes second control means 130 configured to control an activation of the battery pack management system 82 when the control signal received by the communication unit is a start control signal for the electric motor 4.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the second control means are a processor 130 of the communication unit.

[0090] Activation of the battery pack management system 82 also causes the capacitive element 150 to be powered, which is therefore advantageously carried out by the battery pack management system 82 during each phase of the electric motor 4's operation.

[0091] The communication unit also includes measuring means 131 and third control means. The measuring means 131 are configured to determine the amount of energy stored by the capacitive element 150. In particular, the measuring means are configured to take a reading of the amount of energy stored by the energy storage element at a third interval. The third control means are configured to activate the battery pack management system 82 so as to supply power to the capacitive element 150 when the measured amount of energy is below a third threshold, and to deactivate it when the measured amount of energy is above a fourth threshold.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the measuring means 131 include a voltage divider bridge which a person skilled in the art will be able to design so that the voltage value of the capacitive element 150 can be read by the processor 130, and the third control means are the processor 130 of the communication unit.

[0093] The voltage divider 131 allows the processor 130 to adjust the voltage level of the capacitive element 150 so that the processor 130 can read the voltage value of the capacitive element 150 and can trigger activation of the battery pack management system when this voltage is below the third threshold. The activation and deactivation command is transmitted via the communication means 16 to the processor 820, which activates or deactivates the battery pack management system.

[0094] The second control means and the third control means may be identical or distinct and managed by the same processor.

[0095] The third periodicity is for example equal to the second periodicity, that is to say that the reading of the quantity of energy may or may not be carried out during each radio wake-up phase of the communication unit.

[0096] The processor 130 of the communication unit is also configured to transmit the activation and deactivation signal to the processor 820 of the battery pack management system according to the second periodicity and / or the third periodicity.

[0097] Upon receiving the activation signal, the processor 820 controls the activation or deactivation of the actuator Al's power supply, notably by means of decoupling the battery pack 81 and the actuator Al (not shown). By deactivating the actuator Al's power supply, the processor 820 also deactivates the functions implemented by the battery pack management system 82, such as the safe power supply functions, the determination of the state of charge, and the health status of the battery pack 81.

[0098] Alternatively or in combination, the processor 130 is configured to transmit the activation or deactivation signal to the processor 820 of the battery pack management system 82 periodically according to the first periodicity so that the latter commands an activation or deactivation of the power supply to the actuator Al.

[0099] Thus, the third periodicity can also be equal to the first periodicity.

[0100] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an example of a method for switching the power supply mode of an actuator such as the actuator Al described previously in relation to Figures 1 to 4.

[0101] The method includes a step 100 of activating the battery pack management system corresponding to an activation of the power supply of the actuator Al in the first power supply mode.

[0102] The battery pack management system 82 is activated during step 100 and supplies the energy storage element 11 as well as the actuator AL. Monitoring data are retrieved for use in monitoring the nominal operation of the battery pack as well as for determining the state of charge and the state of health of the battery pack.

[0103] According to one embodiment of the method, step 100 of activation of the battery pack management system 82 is carried out during the initialization of the actuator Al when the electric motor 4 is stopped and not powered.

[0104] The method then includes a step 101 of controlling the electric motor 4. Following the reception of a control signal, the communication unit 13 commands a start or a stop of the electric motor 4.

[0105] The electric motor 4 can thus be started following step 100 according to the command transmitted by the communication unit 13 and be powered by the battery pack management system 82 once it is activated.

[0106] The battery pack management system 82 also powers the communication unit 13, which is in the second state, corresponding to a standby state. of a control, in particular a control to stop the electric motor of transmitter 133.

[0107] Step 101 continues until the electric motor stops, either upon receipt of a stop command from the transmitter 133, or because the motor has reached the end of its predefined stroke. After a period of inactivity, particularly if no further control signal is received by the communication unit 13, the actuator switches to its second power supply mode.

[0108] The method includes a step 200 corresponding to powering the actuator Al according to the second power supply mode. The battery management system is deactivated during step 200, when the actuator Al enters its standby mode.

[0109] During step 200, the actuator Al is powered by the energy storage element, such as the capacitive element 150. More particularly, the communication unit 13, in the first state or in the second state, is powered by the capacitive element 150 in the second power supply mode.

[0110] The process advantageously includes a step 201 of periodically feeding the capacitive element.

[0111] Step 201 includes periodic activation and deactivation according to the first periodicity of the battery pack management system 82 so that the capacitive element 150 is powered by the battery pack management system 82 in the first power supply mode and powers the actuator Al in the second power supply mode.

[0112] According to one embodiment of the method, step 201 is a step for supplying the capacitive element 150 on demand. This step, according to this embodiment, can in particular be implemented if the second supply mode of the actuator Al continues beyond a certain duration and / or if the energy reserve in the energy storage element decreases below a certain threshold.

[0113] According to one embodiment, step 201 includes supplying the communication unit of the actuator, which is capable of alternating sequentially between a first state and a second state according to the second periodicity, by the capacitive element 150 until the control signal is received.

[0114] According to one embodiment, step 201 includes a comparison of the amount of energy of the capacitive element 150 with the first threshold and the second threshold so as to activate the battery pack management system 82 when this amount of energy is less than the first threshold and to deactivate the battery pack management system 82 when this amount of energy is greater than the second threshold.

[0115] According to yet another embodiment, step 201 includes a reading of the quantity of energy of the capacitive element carried out by the third means of control according to the third periodicity. Step 201 also includes, according to this implementation, a comparison of the energy quantity of the capacitive element with a third threshold and a fourth threshold so as to activate the battery pack management system 82 when the energy quantity is below the third threshold and to deactivate the battery pack management system when the energy quantity of the energy storage element is above the fourth threshold. Activation of the battery pack management system can correspond to activation of step 100.

[0116] For each activation of the battery pack management system, monitoring data is retrieved for use in monitoring the nominal operation of the battery pack as well as for determining the state of charge and the state of health of the battery pack.

[0117] The method includes a step 202 of receiving the control signal by the communication unit when the communication unit is in the second state. The battery pack management system is then activated, for example during step 101, when the received control signal is a start signal for the electric motor 4.

Claims

Demands

1. Assembly (SI) comprising an actuator (Al) for driving between several positions a sunshade or shading screen comprising a first power supply mode and a second power supply mode and comprising an electric motor (4) as well as a communication unit (13) and an energy storage element (150), the assembly comprising a battery pack (81), a battery pack management system (82), configured to power the actuator and the energy storage element (150) from the battery pack (81), the assembly comprising power supply mode switching means configured to activate the battery pack management system so that the actuator is powered by the battery pack management system, defining the first power supply mode of the actuator, and to deactivate the battery pack management system so that the actuator is powered by the energy storage element,defining the second power supply mode for the actuator.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack (81) management system (82) comprises a processing unit including means for monitoring the state of the battery pack and means for protecting the battery pack, such as a switch, preventing it from operating outside its permitted operating range.

3. Assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching means are configured to deactivate and activate the battery pack management system periodically according to a first periodicity.

4. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit (13) of the actuator (Al), in the second power supply mode, is capable of sequentially alternating between a first state and a second state according to a second periodicity, the first state corresponding to a state of reduced consumption, the communication unit being configured to receive a start or stop control signal from the electric motor when it is in the second state.

5. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means for switching the power supply mode include first control means (17) configured to control an activation of the battery pack management system when the amount of energy by the energy storage element is less than a first threshold and a deactivation when the amount of energy of the energy storage element is greater than a second threshold.

6. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching means include second control means (130) configured to command an activation of the battery pack management system when a control signal received by the communication unit is an electric motor start control signal.

7. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit includes measuring means (131) configured to determine the amount of energy stored by the energy storage element, and the actuator includes third control means (130) configured to perform a reading of the amount of energy stored by the energy storage element by the measuring means at a third periodicity.

8. Together according to the preceding claim in combination with one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the third periodicity is equal to the first or second periodicity.

9. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy storage element is a capacitive element (150), said energy storage element advantageously also being configured to power at least in part the communication unit and / or at least in part a control unit (15).

10. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising communication means (16) configured to transmit monitoring data between the battery pack (81) management system (82) and the communication unit (13), the battery pack (81) management system (82) comprising a processing unit (820) configured to determine the state of charge and the state of health of the battery pack (81) from monitoring data.

11. Method of switching the power supply mode of an actuator for driving between several positions of a sun protection or blackout screen, the actuator comprising a first power supply mode and a second power supply mode, the method comprising: - an activation of a battery pack management system so that the actuator and an energy storage element are powered by the battery pack management system in the first power supply mode, - a deactivation of the battery pack management system so that the actuator is powered by the energy storage element in the second power supply mode.

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein said activation and deactivation of the battery pack management system are carried out periodically according to a first periodicity.

13. A method according to claim 11 or claim 12, comprising: - supplying the energy storage element by the battery pack management system in the first supply mode, - supplying a communication unit of the actuator by the energy storage element in the second supply mode until a control signal is received, - the communication unit being capable of sequentially alternating between a first state and a second state according to a second periodicity, the first state corresponding to a state of reduced consumption, - receiving a control signal to start or stop an electric motor of the actuator by the communication unit when it is in the second state.

14. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising a determination of the amount of energy stored by the energy storage element and a reading of the amount of energy stored by the energy storage element according to a third periodicity.

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