Power supply circuit, drive device, home automation system and associated control process

Abstract

Power supply circuit, drive device, home automation system and associated control method. The present invention relates to a power supply circuit (30) for an electromechanical actuator, the electromechanical actuator being configured to be controlled in an active state and in a standby state. The power supply circuit comprises a switched-mode power supply (38), configured to provide an auxiliary voltage (Vaux) as its output; and a regulation module (39), configured to regulate the auxiliary voltage (Vaux) to a regulated voltage (VR). The power supply circuit further comprises a monitoring module (40), configured to, when the electromechanical actuator is in the standby state, control the switched-mode power supply to an operating state when a value of the auxiliary voltage becomes less than or equal to a minimum threshold; and to a stop state when the value of the auxiliary voltage becomes greater than or equal to a maximum threshold.The operating frequency of the switched-mode power supply (38) is equal to a predetermined operating frequency. See Figure 2 for abbreviations.

Description

Title of the invention: Power supply circuit, drive device, home automation system and associated control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply circuit, a drive device, a home automation installation and an associated control method.

[0002] In the field of home automation, for example for residential, commercial, or industrial buildings, there are home automation systems that include a shading screen, such as a blind or roller shutter. The shading screen is generally moved by an electromechanical actuator that is electrically powered and included in a drive unit. Loads of the electromechanical actuator, such as sensors, control modules, etc., are also continuously powered, generally with relatively low voltages, for example, less than 6V.

[0003] To ensure the power supply to the loads, and to the actuator in general, it is known to use power supply devices comprising a converter, for example, a switched-mode power supply. These converters are designed to operate at maximum efficiency when the electromechanical actuator is in operation. However, these converters have poor efficiency when they have to supply low voltages, for example, corresponding to the voltages required when the home automation system is in standby mode, i.e., when the electromechanical actuator is not operating and only the loads need to be powered. Thus, when the home automation system is in standby mode and only the loads are powered, the converter's efficiency is not optimized.

[0004] However, in the field of actuators adapted to the movement of blackout screens, standby time typically represents a large proportion compared to the operating time over a day.

[0005] The aim of the invention is therefore to propose a power supply circuit allowing the electromechanical actuator and its power supply to be adapted, while limiting the power consumed by the drive device.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a power supply circuit for an electromechanical actuator comprising an electric motor, the power supply circuit comprising: - a switched-mode power supply, configured to provide an auxiliary DC output voltage, the electromechanical actuator being configured to be controlled in an active state, in which the electric motor is electrically powered by the switched-mode power supply, and in a standby state, in which the motor is not electrically powered; and - a regulation module, connected at the input to the switching power supply, the regulation module being configured to be connected at the output to loads, and to regulate the auxiliary voltage into a regulated voltage, in order to supply the loads with the regulated voltage.

[0007] According to the invention, the power supply circuit further comprises a monitoring module, connected to the switching power supply and configured to control the switching power supply when the electromechanical actuator is in standby mode: - in an operating state when an auxiliary voltage value becomes less than or equal to a minimum threshold for increasing the auxiliary voltage value; and - in a standstill state when the value of the auxiliary voltage becomes greater than or equal to a maximum threshold, to decrease the value of the auxiliary voltage.

[0008] Also according to the invention, when the switching power supply is in the operating state, an operating frequency of the switching power supply is equal to a predetermined operating frequency.

[0009] Thanks to the invention, the switched-mode power supply, when in operation, has a fixed operating frequency. This makes it possible, in particular, to select an operating frequency that ensures maximum efficiency of the switched-mode power supply. Thus, the switched-mode power supply always operates at its maximum efficiency. Furthermore, controlling the switched-mode power supply based on maximum and minimum voltage thresholds ensures that the voltage supplied by the switched-mode power supply remains within a given range of values, regardless of the number or type of loads consuming the auxiliary voltage, once regulated by the regulation module. Thus, the power supply circuit operates identically regardless of the type of load.

[0010] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the power supply circuit comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination: - The switched-mode power supply includes: - an optocoupler comprising a receiver; and - a switch, configured to be controlled by switching at the frequency predetermined by the receiver.

[0011] and in which the monitoring module is configured to place the receiver in a passing configuration in order to control the switch in switching and control the switching power supply in the operating state. - The switching power supply is a series chopper, including a charging capacitor, the auxiliary voltage being the voltage across the terminals of the charging capacitor. - The regulation module is a low voltage drop regulator. - The maximum threshold is between 10 and 15V, preferably equal to 12V, and the minimum threshold is between 1 and 8V, preferably equal to 6V. - A regulated current at the output of the regulation module is less than 5 mA, preferably less than 3.5 mA, preferably even less than or equal to 2 mA; - The invention also relates to a training device comprising: - an electromechanical actuator, configured to be coupled to a blackout screen and to be controlled in an active state, in which an electric motor of the electromechanical actuator is electrically powered, and in a standby state, in which the motor is not electrically powered, the electromechanical actuator comprising: • charges; and • a power supply circuit as described previously, the switching power supply being adapted to provide a DC auxiliary output voltage, the regulation module being connected at the output to the loads.

[0012] The invention also relates to a home automation installation comprising a blackout screen and the drive device, in which the electromechanical actuator is mechanically coupled to the blackout screen to move the blackout screen.

[0013] The invention also relates to a method for controlling a motorized drive device comprising: - an electromechanical actuator configured to be coupled to a blackout screen and to be controlled in an active state, in which a motor of the electromechanical actuator is electrically powered, and in a standby state, in which the motor is not electrically powered, the electromechanical actuator comprising loads, and a power supply circuit comprising: • a switched-mode power supply, configured to provide a DC auxiliary output voltage; • a regulation module, connected at the input to the switching power supply to receive the auxiliary voltage and at the output to the loads; and • a monitoring module, connected to the switched-mode power supply;

[0014] the method being implemented by the power supply circuit and comprising at least the following steps: - regulation, by the regulation module, of the auxiliary voltage to provide a regulated voltage to the loads; - with the electromechanical actuator in standby mode, when an auxiliary voltage value falls below or equal to a minimum threshold, the monitoring module commands the switching power supply to enter an operating state to increase the auxiliary voltage value; and - with the electromechanical actuator in standby mode, when an auxiliary voltage value becomes greater than or equal to a maximum threshold, the monitoring module commands the switched-mode power supply to switch off, in order to decrease the auxiliary voltage value.

[0015] an operating frequency of the converter being equal to a predetermined frequency when the converter is in the operating state.

[0016] Advantageously, when the electromechanical actuator is controlled in the standby state, the monitoring module receives an activation signal in a low state and, when the monitoring module receives the activation signal in a high state, the monitoring module controls the switching power supply in the operating state, regardless of the value of the auxiliary voltage;

[0017] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0018] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a diagram of a home automation installation according to the invention;

[0019] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an electrical diagram of a power supply circuit of the installation home automation of the [Fig.1], also according to the invention;

[0020] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a logic diagram of a method for controlling a device training, also according to the invention; and

[0021] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents the evolution of quantities of the power supply circuit of the [Fig.2], depending on time.

[0022] In the rest of the description, by equal to a value means equal to that value plus or minus 10%.

[0023] Figure 1 shows a home automation system 2, which is, for example, a blind, shutter, or sun protection device. The home automation system 2 includes a privacy screen 4, also called a screen, which is, for example, a blind, curtain, roller shutter, hinged shutter, or any other equivalent material. The privacy screen 4 is used, for example, to protect all or part of a building from solar radiation or inclement weather. The screen is, for example, intended to protect an opening, a balcony, or a terrace.

[0024] Alternatively, the privacy screen 4 is intended to protect an opening in a building or property, such as a building entrance, a window, or a garage entrance, in order to restrict access to it. In this case, the privacy screen 4 is a door, a grille, a gate, or a motorized window, for example sliding or tilt-and-turn.

[0025] The blackout screen 4 is reversibly movable between at least one first end position and at least one second end position. The first end position corresponds, for example, to an open position or a position in which the blackout screen 4 is fully rolled up. Similarly, the second end position corresponds, for example, to a closed position or a position in which the blackout screen 4 is fully unrolled. Advantageously, the blackout screen 4 can also be moved and held in intermediate positions between the first and second end positions.

[0026] The home automation installation 2 also includes a motorized drive device 6 arranged to move the blackout screen 4. The drive device 6 includes an electromechanical actuator 10, mechanically coupled to the blackout screen 4 to move the blackout screen 4, in particular between its different positions.

[0027] For this purpose, the electromechanical actuator 10 includes an electric motor 12. Advantageously, the drive device 6 includes a mechanical coupling member 14 mechanically connected between an output shaft not shown of the electric motor 12 and the screen 4, so as to transmit to the screen 4 a movement generated by the motor 12, or, alternatively or in addition, other supplementary accessories.

[0028] In other words, a movement of the electric motor 12 causes a corresponding movement of the screen 4 in one direction or the other, towards the first position or the second position.

[0029] The electric motor 12 thus provides a rotational movement which is transmitted and / or converted by the coupling member 14 or another dedicated member, into a suitable movement to move the screen 4, this movement being chosen according to the nature and the way in which the screen 4 is arranged and / or installed.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the electric motor 12 is a direct current motor. According to another variant, the electric motor is an alternating current motor.

[0031] According to non-exhaustive examples, the mechanical coupling member 14 includes a reducer, a lever, a rotating shaft, a rack, a cardan, or more generally an appropriate transmission device depending on the nature of the blackout screen 4 and the motor 12 in order to move the blackout screen 4.

[0032] The electromechanical actuator 10 also includes a switching element 16. In the example of [Fig. 1], the switching element 16 includes at least one electromechanical relay, comprising movable contacts 18 and coils 19. In the example in the figures, the switching element 16 includes two movable contacts 18 and two coils 19. Alternatively, the number of movable contacts 18 and coils 19 may be different.

[0033] Each of the coils 19 is associated with a moving contact 18 and configured to switch the moving contact 18 to which it is associated in an open or closed configuration, depending on whether the associated coil 19 is energized or not. For example, when the coils 19 are energized, they switch the moving contact 18 in the closed configuration.

[0034] Alternatively, the switching element 16 comprises at least one power transistor or triac controllable by means of a control electrode, for example, when the electric motor 12 is an induction AC type. The switching element 16 may be an inverter if the electric motor 12 is a brushless type with permanent magnets.

[0035] The switching unit 16 is connected to the electric motor 12 and to an electrical power supply 21 via a power supply line 23.

[0036] The power supply 21 is for example a domestic electrical distribution network and delivers an alternating voltage called input voltage Ue.

[0037] In an alternative not shown, the power supply 21 is a battery and delivers a direct current voltage.

[0038] Thus, when a moving contact 18 is in the closed position, the switching element 16 is said to be in a conducting position and the motor 12 is supplied with electricity from the power supply 21. When the moving contacts 18 are in an open position, the switching element 16 is said to be in a blocked position and the motor 12 is not supplied with electricity. More generally, the state of the switching element 16 determines the power supply to the electric motor 12.

[0039] The electromechanical actuator 10 also includes an electrical power supply circuit 30, also simply called the power supply circuit, configured to be electrically connected to the power supply 21, advantageously via electrical conductors 25 and 27.

[0040] The electrical conductor 25 is, for example, a phase conductor, and the electrical conductor 27 is, for example, a neutral conductor. Advantageously, the supply line 23 is connected to the phase conductor 25 in order to supply the electric motor 12.

[0041] Loads 28 can also be powered through the power supply circuit 30. The loads 28 include, for example, sensors 28a, a control unit 28b for the device 2, and radio frequency receivers 28c. Advantageously, the loads 28 are low-power loads and are configured to operate when powered with a voltage below 6V, for example, 3.3V. Advantageously, the loads 28 are components of the electromechanical actuator 10, in particular enabling the operation of the electric motor 12. In other words, the electromechanical actuator 10 includes the loads 28.

[0042] In the following description, the power supply 21 defines the upstream of the power supply circuit and the electric motor 12 and the loads 28 define the downstream of the power supply circuit.

[0043] Advantageously, the power supply circuit 30 includes power supply terminals 32 and 34, which are respectively connected to conductors 25 and 27, in order to supply the power supply circuit 30 with electricity. Thus, the input voltage Ue is applied to the input of the power supply circuit 30, via the power supply terminals 32 and 34.

[0044] The power supply circuit 30 advantageously includes a rectifier module 36. The power supply circuit further includes a switching power supply 38, connected to the rectifier module 36, a regulation module 39 connected at the input to the switching power supply 38, and at the output to the loads 28, and a monitoring module 40, connected to the switching power supply 38.

[0045] The rectifier module 36 advantageously includes an overvoltage protection element P, for example a spark gap or a varistor, connected between terminals 32 and 34. In the example of [Fig. 1], the rectifier module 36 is a half-wave rectifier and further includes a diode D1, resistors RI and R2 connected in series downstream of diode D1, and filter capacitors C1 and C2, connected respectively downstream of resistors RI and R2 and to a potential reference, for example, ground or earth. The rectifier module 36 is configured to rectify the input voltage Ue.

[0046] According to illustrative examples, the value of the capacitance of the capacitors Cl, C2 is less than or equal to 5pF, for example equal to 4.7pF.

[0047] Alternatively, the rectifier module 36 comprises more or less than two capacitors.

[0048] In an alternative not shown, the rectifier module 36 is a full-wave rectifier and therefore comprises a plurality of diodes.

[0049] In the case where the power supply 21 delivers a direct current voltage, the power supply circuit 30 does not include a rectifier module 36.

[0050] The switched-mode power supply 38, as shown in [Fig. 2], is a series chopper and comprises a switching element 42, connected in series with an inductor L1, and capacitors C3 and C4, connected downstream of the inductor L1 and connected to ground. Capacitor C3 is also called a load capacitor, and capacitor C4 is a filter capacitor, which limits noise at the output of the switched-mode power supply 38.

[0051] A capacitance of capacitor C3 is, for example, on the order of 100pF and a capacitance of capacitor C4 is, for example, on the order of 300nF.

[0052] The switching power supply 38 is configured to convert the rectified input voltage into a DC auxiliary voltage Vaux. In other words, the switching power supply 38 is configured to provide the DC auxiliary voltage Vaux at its output. The auxiliary voltage Vaux is the voltage across the charging capacitor C3.

[0053] The switch element 42 comprises a control unit 43 and a semiconductor switch 44. The switch 44 is, for example, a transistor, or alternatively, an assembly of transistors connected together in series and / or in parallel. It is configured to be controlled between a closed configuration, in which the switch 44 conducts current, and an open configuration, in which the switch 44 is electrically insulating.

[0054] The control unit 43 is electrically powered via a branch 45, which includes a diode D2 and a resistor R3.

[0055] The switched-mode power supply 38 advantageously includes an optocoupler 48. The optocoupler 48 includes a receiver 52 and an emitter 54. The receiver 52 is connected between a voltage divider bridge, formed by three resistors R4, R5, and R6, and a freewheeling diode D3. The emitter 54 is connected to the monitoring module 40. Advantageously, a diode D4 is connected in series with the resistor R4. The receiver 52 is, for example, a phototransistor, and the emitter 54 is, for example, a light-emitting diode emitting infrared light.

[0056] The switching power supply 38 also includes capacitors C5 and C6, respectively connected between branch 45 and an output of the switch element 42 for capacitor C5 and in parallel with resistors R4 and R5 for capacitor C6. Capacitors C5 and C6 smooth the voltage flowing through the switching power supply 38, to avoid voltage or current spikes.

[0057] The switching power supply 38 is further configured to be in a stop state and in an operating state.

[0058] When the switching power supply 38 is in the off state, the switch 44 is in the open position. Current does not flow to the charging capacitor C3. Since the loads 28 are supplied from capacitor C3, the latter discharges gradually. The voltage Vaux gradually decreases.

[0059] When the switching power supply 38 is in its operating state, the switch 44 is controlled to switch, that is, between the closed and open configurations at a frequency called the switching frequency. The value of the auxiliary voltage Vaux at the output of the switching power supply 38 depends on the switching frequency of the switch 44, also more generally called the operating frequency of the switching power supply 38.

[0060] When the switching power supply 38 is in operation, its operating frequency is constant and equal to a predetermined frequency F. The switching power supply 38 is configured such that its maximum efficiency is achieved when its operating frequency is equal to the predetermined frequency F. When the switching power supply 38 operates at the predetermined frequency F, the charging capacitor C3 is charged, and the auxiliary voltage Vaux is constant and equal to a maximum threshold Vmax. The maximum threshold Vmax is advantageously between 10 and 15V, preferably equal to 12V.

[0061] In the event that, following a shutdown of the switching power supply 38, the auxiliary voltage Vaux has dropped and fallen below the maximum threshold Vmax, when the switching power supply 38 is switched on at the predetermined frequency F, the auxiliary voltage Vaux increases, in other words, the charging capacitor C3 charges, until it reaches the maximum threshold Vmax. As soon as the auxiliary voltage Vaux reaches the maximum threshold Vmax, the auxiliary voltage Vaux remains constant at the maximum threshold V'max*.

[0062] In an alternative not shown, the switching power supply 38 is of the fly-back type.

[0063] The control module 39 is connected at its input to the switching power supply 38 and at its output to the loads 28. The control module 39 is configured to regulate the auxiliary voltage Vaux to a regulated voltage VR. Thus, the loads 28 are supplied by the regulated voltage VR. The regulated voltage VR is advantageously less than 6V, for example equal to 3.3V.

[0064] The regulation module 39 is also configured to provide an output regulated IR current, less than 5 mA, preferably less than 3.5 mA, preferably even less than or equal to 2 mA.

[0065] Advantageously, the regulation module 39 is a low-dropout regulator, that is to say, a difference between the auxiliary voltage Vaux, at the input of the regulation module 39 and the regulated voltage VR at the output of regulation module 39 is on the order of a few volts, preferably less than or equal to 3V.

[0066] In the example of [Fig.2], the monitoring module 40 includes a Schmidt trigger, also called a Schmidt trigger, and is formed of an operational amplifier 58 of which an inverting terminal is connected to the output of the switching power supply 38, and a non-inverting terminal is connected to the output of the regulation module 39.

[0067] More specifically, the inverting terminal of the operational amplifier 58 is connected to the output of the switching power supply 38 via a voltage divider bridge, formed of two resistors R7, R8, and the non-inverting terminal is connected to the output of the regulation module 39 and to an output of the operational amplifier 58 via a voltage divider bridge, formed of three resistors R9, RIO, RI1. Thus, a voltage V- at the inverting terminal and a voltage V+ at the non-inverting terminal are respectively images of the auxiliary voltage Vaux and regulated voltage VR.

[0068] The output of the operational amplifier 58 is further connected to a switch 60, in order to control it in an open or closed configuration. In the example of [Fig. 2], the switch 60 is a transistor and the output of the operational amplifier 58 is connected to the gate of the transistor in order to make it conduct or block it to control the switch 60 in the closed or open configuration, respectively.

[0069] The switch 60 is connected in series with a resistor R12 and with the emitter 54 of the optocoupler 48. When the switch 60 is in the closed configuration, in other words when the switch 60 conducts current, current flows in the emitter 54, and when the switch 60 is in the open configuration, no current flows in the emitter 54.

[0070] Advantageously, the monitoring module 40 includes a filter capacitor C7, connected between resistors R7 and R8 and the inverting terminal of the operational amplifier 58.

[0071] The operational amplifier 58 is configured to output a CMD control signal, which has two states: a high state, for example IV, and a low state, for example 0V. When the value of the voltage V- received at the inverting input is less than or equal to the voltage V+ received at the non-inverting input, the CMD control signal is high. When the value of the voltage V- received at the inverting input is greater than or equal to the voltage V+ received at the non-inverting input, the CMD control signal is low.

[0072] The monitoring module 40 is configured to control the receiver 52 in the forward-biased configuration. This allows the switch 44 to be controlled by switching at the predetermined frequency F, in other words, to control the switch 44 between The closed and open configurations at the predetermined frequency F control the switching power supply 38 in its operating state. Details of the operation of the monitoring module 40 are described below.

[0073] Alternatively, the monitoring module 40 is implemented in the form of a control unit, realized in the form of a programmable logic component, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an integrated circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specified Integrated Circuit).

[0074] The electromechanical actuator 10 is configured to be controlled, or, in other words, placed, in an active state and in a standby state. In the active state, the moving contacts 18 are in the closed position. The electric motor 12 is electrically powered and moves the blackout screen 4. A value of the auxiliary voltage Vaux is then equal to the maximum threshold Vmax.

[0075] In the standby state, the movable contacts 18 are in the open configuration and the electric motor 12 is not electrically powered. The blackout screen 4 is then stationary.

[0076] A method for controlling the drive device 6 is now described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0077] Regardless of whether the electromechanical actuator 10 is active or standby, the loads 28 are continuously powered via the power supply circuit 30. In particular, the control module 39 regulates the auxiliary voltage Vaux to provide the regulated voltage VR to the loads 28 during a control step S100. The regulated voltage VR is continuous and constant as long as the value of the auxiliary voltage Vaux is within an operating range of the control module 39. By way of non-limiting example, the operating range is between 15V and 5V.

[0078] The S100 regulation step is advantageously carried out continuously, and is advantageously carried out at the same time as the other steps of the process which will be described in the rest of the description.

[0079] Advantageously, the regulated voltage VR is equal to 3.3V, as previously mentioned.

[0080] When the electromechanical actuator 10 is in the active state, the switching power supply 38 operates at the predetermined frequency F and the value of the auxiliary voltage Vaux is equal to the maximum threshold Vmax, as shown in phase A of [Fig. 4]. The control unit 28b advantageously outputs a high-state activation signal PWR_D, which deactivates the monitoring module 40.

[0081] In practice, when the monitoring module 40 receives the PWR_D activation signal in a high state, which corresponds for example to a value of 3V, the value of The voltage V+ received at the non-inverting input is equal to a saturated value V+sat, such that the value of the voltage V- received at the inverting input is always less than the voltage V+ received at the non-inverting input. Thus, regardless of the value of the auxiliary voltage Vaux, the value of the voltage V- received at the inverting input is always less than the voltage V+ received at the non-inverting input.

[0082] The operational amplifier 58 then outputs the CMD control signal in a high state, in order to control the switch 60 in the closed position. With the switch 60 in the closed position, a current flows through the emitter 54 and the receiver 52 becomes conducting. Resistor R6 is connected in parallel with resistor R5, and a voltage V43 received by the control unit 43 is high. The control unit 43 then controls the switching power supply 38 in the operating state by switching the switch 44 at the predetermined frequency F during a step S102. Thus, the receiver 52 controls the switch 44, switching at the predetermined frequency F. The switching power supply 38 then operates at its maximum efficiency, and the value of the auxiliary voltage Vaux is equal to the maximum threshold Vmax.

[0083] Thus, when the PWR_D activation signal is in the high state, the monitoring module 40 commands the switching power supply 38 into the operating state, regardless of the value of the auxiliary voltage Vaux.

[0084] It is assumed that a user commands the motor 12 to stop, in other words, commands the switching element 16 to the open position. The electromechanical actuator 10 is then placed in a standby state at time B. For example, once the blackout screen 4 has reached a desired position, the user may wish to immobilize the blackout screen 4. To do this, the user activates a transmitter (not shown), for example, a radio frequency remote control, to send a stop command. The command, transmitted in the form of radio frequencies, is received by the radio frequency receivers 28c included in the loads 28, and then executed, which causes the motor 12 to stop. The electromechanical actuator 10 is then placed in a standby state.

[0085] Alternatively, the control unit 28b autonomously controls the electromechanical actuator 10 in the standby state. For example, if a limit switch or an obstacle is detected by the sensors 28a, the control unit 28b stops the motor 12 by switching the switching element 16 in the open position. The control unit 28b then places the electromechanical actuator 10 in the standby state.

[0086] In both cases, the control unit 28b then outputs the PWR_D activation signal in a low state, for example equal to 0V. The PWR_D activation signal is received by the monitoring module 40. The latter is then put into operation, that is to say it then monitors the value of the auxiliary voltage Vaux.

[0087] In practice, when the activation signal PWR_D is received in the low state by the monitoring module 40, the value of the voltage V+ received on the non-inverting input becomes equal to a first reference value, also called high value V+H, as seen at time C on the [Fig.4].

[0088] The value of the auxiliary voltage Vaux is equal to Vmax. Thus, a voltage V- received at the inverting input is greater than or equal to the voltage V+ received at the non-inverting input, now equal to the upper value V+H-

[0089] The CMD control signal emitted by the operational amplifier 58 is then pulled low. The switch 60 is opened. The emitter 54 is not energized. The transistor 52 is cut off. Resistor R6 is disconnected from resistor R5, and the voltage V43 received by the control unit 43 is low. The control unit 43 then opens the switch 44. Thus, the switching power supply 38 is in the off state, i.e., switched off. The value of the auxiliary voltage Vaux decreases as a function of the current consumed by the regulator module 39 and the loads 28, as can be seen between times C and D in [Fig. 4].

[0090] In this configuration, the coils 19 no longer receive sufficient voltage to be excited, the electric motor 12 cannot be started.

[0091] Since the CMD control signal is in the low state, the value of the voltage V+ received on the non-inverting input is equal to a second reference voltage, lower than the first reference voltage and also called the low value V+B, as seen between times C and D on [Fig.4].

[0092] As long as a value of the auxiliary voltage Vaux is strictly greater than the minimum threshold Vmin, that is to say as long as the voltage V- at the inverting terminal of the operational amplifier 58 is strictly greater than the value V+B, in other words, than the voltage V+ at the non-inverting terminal, the control signal CMD continues to be emitted in the low state, and an iterative operation is then implemented.

[0093] The minimum threshold Vmin is for example between 1 and 8V, preferably equal to 6V.

[0094] When the auxiliary voltage Vaux becomes less than or equal to a minimum threshold Vmin, the monitoring module 40 performs step S102 and commands the switching power supply 38 into the operating state to increase the value of the auxiliary voltage Vaux.

[0095] This is the case at time D in [Fig. 4]. Indeed, at time D, the auxiliary voltage Vaux has become equal to the minimum threshold Vmin, and therefore the voltage V- at the terminal The inverting voltage of operational amplifier 58 becomes equal to the voltage V+, whose value is equal to the low value V+B. The control signal CMD emitted by operational amplifier 58 is then set high, in order to control switch 60 in the closed position. A current then flows through the emitter 54 and the receiver 52 becomes conducting. Resistor R6 is connected in parallel with resistor R5 and the voltage V43 received by the control unit 43 is high. The control unit 43 then controls the switching power supply 38 in the operating state by switching switch 44 at the predetermined frequency F. The switching power supply 38 thus operates at its maximum efficiency. The auxiliary voltage Vaux increases from the minimum threshold Vmin to the maximum threshold Vmax, as seen between times D and E in [Fig. 4].

[0096] With the CMD control signal in a high state, the value of the voltage V+ received at the non-inverting input becomes equal to the high value V+H. The operational amplifier 58 thus compares the value of the voltage V- to the value V+H.

[0097] As long as a value of the auxiliary voltage Vaux is strictly less than the maximum threshold Vmax, that is to say as long as the voltage V- at the inverting terminal of the operational amplifier 58 is strictly less than the value V+H, in other words, the voltage V+ at the non-inverting terminal, the control signal CMD continues to be emitted in the high state, and an iterative operation is then implemented.

[0098] When a value of the auxiliary voltage Vaux becomes greater than or equal to the maximum threshold Vmax, the electromechanical actuator being in the standby state, the monitoring module 40 commands the switching power supply 38 to the stop state during a step S104, to decrease the value of the auxiliary voltage Vaux.

[0099] The control step of the switching power supply 38 in the standby state S104 is implemented in particular at time E in [Fig. 4]. Indeed, at time E, the auxiliary voltage Vaux becomes greater than or equal to the maximum threshold Vmax. The voltage V- at the inverting terminal of the operational amplifier 58 is then greater than or equal to the value V+H, in other words, to the voltage V+ at the non-inverting terminal of the operational amplifier 58.

[0100] The CMD control signal is then pulled low. Switch 60 is opened. Transistor 52 is blocked. Resistor R6 is disconnected from resistor R5, and the voltage V43 received by control unit 43 is low. Control unit 43 then opens switch 44. Thus, the switching power supply 38 is switched off. Capacitor C3 discharges, and the auxiliary voltage Vaux decreases, as can be seen after time E in [Fig. 4].

[0101] The S104 control step of the switched-mode power supply 38 in the off state takes place over a short period, for example less than a millisecond. The coils 19 have not received the voltage Vaux at a sufficient value for a sufficiently long time to be energized, which prevents the electric motor 12 from being accidentally energized.

[0102] Once steps S102 or S104 have been carried out, the regulation step S100 is carried out again and an iterative process is implemented.

[0103] When a user wants the blackout screen 4 to move, the user activates a transmitter (not shown), for example, a radio frequency remote control, to activate the electromechanical actuator 10. The command, transmitted as a radio frequency, is received by the radio frequency receivers included in the loads 28. The control unit included in the loads 28 then transmits the activation signal PWR_D high, and the monitoring module is deactivated. The switching power supply 38 is activated, and the auxiliary voltage Vaux becomes equal to the maximum threshold Vmax and then remains constant at the maximum threshold Vmax. The value of the auxiliary voltage Vaux is sufficiently high for a sufficient duration to energize the coils 19 and activate the switching element 16 in the closed position.The electric motor 12 is then powered via the conductor 23 and the electromechanical actuator switches to the active state.

[0104] In the example of [Fig.4], the voltage V43 varies between the low state with a value of 6V and the high state with a value of 12V. In this case, the voltage V43 constitutes a voltage setpoint.

[0105] Alternatively, the voltage V43 is used by the control unit 43 as an on / off signal, and not as a voltage setpoint. The high and low states of the voltage V43 can then have values ​​other than 12V and 6V, for example IV and 0V.

[0106] Thus, the power supply circuit 30 allows the switched-mode power supply to operate at its maximum efficiency, and therefore optimizes the operation of the power supply circuit 30 while limiting the power consumed by the control module 38 and the loads 28. Indeed, when the electromechanical actuator 10 is in standby mode, only the loads 28 are electrically powered. It is therefore not necessary for the auxiliary voltage Vaux to remain equal to the maximum threshold Vmax, as this would require the control module 39 to consume more power to maintain the regulated voltage VR at 3.3V and the regulated current IR below 5mA. In particular, a variation in the auxiliary voltage between the maximum threshold Vmax and the minimum threshold Vmin is acceptable and allows the regulated voltage VR to remain at 3.3V and the regulated current IR below 5mA, while limiting the average voltage, and therefore the average power supplied by the switching power supply 38, which is consumed by the drive device 6 when it is in standby mode.

[0107] Any feature described for an embodiment or variant in the foregoing may be implemented for the other embodiments and variants described above, provided that it is technically feasible.

Claims

1. Demands Power supply circuit (30) for an electromechanical actuator (10) comprising an electric motor (12), the power supply circuit (30) comprising: - a switched-mode power supply (38), configured to provide an auxiliary DC output voltage (Vaux), the electromechanical actuator (10) being configured to be controlled in an active state, in which the electric motor (12) is electrically powered by the switched-mode power supply (38), and in a standby state, in which the motor (12) is not electrically powered; and - a regulation module (39), connected at the input to the switching power supply (38), the regulation module (39) being configured to be connected at the output to loads (28), and to regulate the auxiliary voltage (Vaux) into a regulated voltage (VR), in order to supply the loads (28) with the regulated voltage (VR); characterized in that the power supply circuit (30) further comprises a monitoring module (40), connected to the switching power supply (38) and configured to, when the electromechanical actuator (10) is in the standby state, control the switching power supply (38): - in an operating state when a value of the auxiliary voltage (Vaux) becomes less than or equal to a minimum threshold (Vmin) to increase the value of the auxiliary voltage (Vaux); and - in a standstill state when the value of the auxiliary voltage (Vaux) becomes greater than or equal to a maximum threshold (Vmax), to decrease the value of the auxiliary voltage (Vaux), and in that, when the switching power supply (38) is in the operating state, an operating frequency of the switching power supply (38) is equal to a predetermined operating frequency (F).

2. Power supply circuit (30) according to claim 1, wherein the switching power supply (38) comprises: - an optocoupler (48) including a receiver (52); and - a switch (44), configured to be controlled in switching at the predetermined frequency (F) by the receiver (52), and wherein the monitoring module (40) is configured to place the receiver (52) in a passing configuration in order to control the switch (44) in switching and control the switching power supply (38) in the operating state.

3. Power supply circuit (30) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the switching power supply (38) is a series chopper, comprising a load capacitor (C3), the auxiliary voltage (Vaux) being the voltage across the load capacitor (C3).

4. Power supply circuit (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the regulation module (39) is a low voltage drop regulator.

5. Power supply circuit (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the maximum threshold (Vmax) is between 10 and 15V, preferably equal to 12V, and the minimum threshold (Vmin) is between 1 and 8V, preferably equal to 6V.

6. Power supply circuit (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a regulated current (IR) at the output of the regulating module (39) is less than 5 mA, preferably less than 3.5 mA, preferably even less than or equal to 2 mA.

7. A drive device (6) comprising: - an electromechanical actuator (10), configured to be coupled to a blackout screen (4) and to be controlled in an active state, in which an electric motor (12) of the electromechanical actuator (10) is electrically powered, and in a standby state, in which the motor (12) is not electrically powered, the electromechanical actuator (10) comprising: • loads (28); and • a power supply circuit (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the switching power supply (38) being adapted to provide at output a continuous auxiliary voltage (Vaux), the regulation module (39) being connected at output to the loads (28).

8. Home automation installation (2) comprising a blackout screen (4) and the drive device (6) according to claim 7, wherein the electromechanical actuator (10) is mechanically coupled to the blackout screen (4) to move the blackout screen (4).

9. A method for controlling a motorized drive device (6) comprising: - an electromechanical actuator (10) configured to be coupled to a blackout screen (4) and to be controlled in an active state, in which a motor (12) of the electromechanical actuator (10) is electrically powered, and in a standby state, in which the motor (12) is not electrically powered, the electromechanical actuator (10) comprising loads (28), and a power supply circuit (30) comprising: • a switched-mode power supply (38), configured to provide a DC auxiliary voltage (Vaux) at its output; • a control module (39), connected as input to the switched-mode power supply (38) to receive the auxiliary voltage (Vaux) and as output to the loads (28); and • a monitoring module (40), connected to the switched-mode power supply (38);the process being implemented by the power supply circuit (30) and comprising at least the following steps: - regulation (S 100), by the regulation module (39), of the auxiliary voltage (Vaux) to provide a regulated voltage (VR) to the loads (28); - the electromechanical actuator (10) being in the standby state, when a value of the auxiliary voltage; (Vaux) becomes less than or equal to a minimum threshold (Vmin), control, by the monitoring module (40), of the switching power supply (38) in an operating state (S 102) to increase the value of the auxiliary voltage (Vaux); and - the electromechanical actuator (10) being in the standby state, when a value of the auxiliary voltage (Vaux) becomes greater than or equal to a maximum threshold (Vmax), control, by the monitoring module (40), of the switching power supply (38) in a stop state (S 104), to decrease the value of the auxiliary voltage (Vaux), an operating frequency of the converter being equal to a predetermined frequency (F) when the converter is in the operating state.

10. A control method according to claim 9, wherein when the electromechanical actuator (10) is controlled in the standby state, the monitoring module (40) receives an activation signal (PWR_D) in a low state and, when the monitoring module (40) receives the activation signal (PWR_D) in a high state, the monitoring module (40) controls the switching power supply (38) in the operating state, independently of the value of the auxiliary voltage (Vaux).