Drive wheel for a closure, covering or solar protection device and associated closure, covering or solar protection device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drive wheel (22) for a closure, covering or solar protection device, the drive wheel comprising: a central opening (40) having splines (42, 44) cooperating with an output shaft (20) of an electromechanical actuator (5), so that the drive wheel is rotated about an axis of rotation (X22) by the electromechanical actuator; and an external groove (46), provided on an external surface (22c) of the drive wheel (22) and cooperating with an internal projection (4c) of a winding tube (4), such that the drive wheel rotates the winding tube. According to the invention, the drive wheel comprises a slot (48) which opens both into the central opening and onto the outer surface, preferably into the external groove, the slot passing all the way through the drive wheel along the axis of rotation (X22) of the drive wheel.

Description

[0001] TITLE: Drive wheel for closing, blackout or sun protection device and associated closing, blackout or sun protection device

[0002] The present invention relates to a drive wheel for a closing, blackout or sun protection device and to a closing, blackout or sun protection device comprising such a drive wheel.

[0003] In general, the present invention relates to the field of closing, obscuring or solar protection devices comprising an electromechanical actuator moving a movable closing, obscuring or solar protection element, such as a shutter, a door, a grille, a blind or any other equivalent material, hereafter referred to as a screen, between at least a first position and at least a second position.

[0004] A shutter, shading, or sun protection device comprises a winding tube onto which the screen is wound, and an electromechanical actuator with an output shaft for moving the winding tube and thus the screen. The electromechanical actuator is housed within the winding tube. To rotate the winding tube from the output shaft, the shutter, shading, or sun protection device includes a drive wheel, which engages with both the output shaft and the winding tube by complementary shapes. This drive wheel is housed within the winding tube and has a central opening, generally with splines, for engaging with the output shaft of the electromechanical actuator, and an external groove for engaging with an internal projection of the winding tube.

[0005] A known problem with such a shutter, blind, or sunshade device is that the drive wheel tends to deteriorate due to the significant torque transmitted to the winding tube. A common form of deterioration is the appearance of cracks, which can eventually lead to breakage of the drive wheel. Even when they don't cause the drive wheel to break, such cracks are unsightly and detract from the perceived quality of the drive wheel.

[0006] Another known problem is that the drive wheel rubs against the roller tube when inserted, damaging it and potentially causing play between the drive wheel and the tube. Additionally, the drive wheel sometimes has ribs on its outer edge to ensure contact between the drive wheel and the inside of the roller tube. Some installers cut away these ribs to facilitate insertion, increasing the mechanical play between the drive wheel and the tube and causing instability in the blind, shade, or sun protection device during operation.

[0007] The invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing an improved drive wheel for a closing, blackout or sun protection device.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a drive wheel for a closing, shading, or sun protection device, the drive wheel comprising: a central opening, passing through the drive wheel completely and extending along an axis of rotation of the drive wheel, the central opening having splines, the splines being configured to cooperate with an output shaft of an electromechanical actuator of the closing, shading, or sun protection device, so that the drive wheel is configured to be driven in rotation about the axis of rotation by the electromechanical actuator; an external groove, formed on an external face of the drive wheel and passing through the drive wheel completely and extending along the axis of rotation, the external groove being configured to cooperate with an internal projection of a winding tube of the closing device.for blackout or sun protection, so that the drive wheel is configured to rotate the winding tube around the axis of rotation.

[0009] According to the invention, the drive wheel comprises a slot opening on one side into the central opening and on the other side into the external face, preferably into the external groove, the slot passing through the drive wheel from one side to the other along the axis of rotation of the drive wheel.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, and more specifically thanks to the slot, the drive wheel is more flexible and can therefore vary its diameter according to the applied stresses. This flexibility prevents damage that usually occurs during the use of the drive wheel, and also facilitates its insertion into a winding tube by reducing friction against the tube during insertion.

[0011] According to other advantageous but non-mandatory aspects of the invention, the drive wheel comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0012] - The slot opens on one side into a first spline and on the other side into the external groove. - The external groove and the first spline are aligned in a radial direction to the axis of rotation of the drive wheel.

[0013] - The slot extends in a slot plane passing through the axis of rotation of the drive wheel.

[0014] - The grooves and the external groove are arranged symmetrically with respect to the slot plane.

[0015] - A width of the slit, measured in a direction orthoradial to the axis of rotation, is greater than 1 mm.

[0016] - The drive wheel is a single piece.

[0017] - The drive wheel is made of plastic.

[0018] - The drive wheel includes at least two ribs extending from the outer face of the drive wheel parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive wheel.

[0019] - The drive wheel has five splines.

[0020] The invention also relates to a closing, shading or sun protection device comprising: an electromechanical actuator having an output shaft, a winding tube having an internal projection, and a drive wheel as described above.

[0021] In addition, the splines of the drive wheel cooperate with the output shaft of the electromechanical actuator by complementary shapes and the external groove of the drive wheel cooperates with the internal protrusion of the winding tube by complementary shapes.

[0022] This closing, obscuring or sun protection device induces the same advantages as those mentioned above regarding the drive wheel of the invention.

[0023] 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:

[0024] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closure, shading or sun protection device according to the invention.

[0025] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a schematic axial and partial cross-sectional view of the device in Figure 1.

[0026] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a winding tube, an output shaft, and a drive wheel of the device of Figures 1 and 2, the drive wheel conforming to one embodiment of the invention. [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a front view of a portion of the winding tube, output shaft, and drive wheel of Figure 3.

[0027] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the drive wheel of the device in Figures 1 and 2.

[0028] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a front view of the drive wheel of Figure 5.

[0029] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a front view of a drive wheel according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0030] First, with reference to figures 1 and 2, a closing, obscuring or solar protection device 3, conforming to an embodiment of the invention, is described.

[0031] The shutter, shading, or sun protection device 3 is hereafter referred to as the "shading device." The shading device 3 comprises a screen 2, designed to shade, or close, an opening 1 in a building (not shown). The shading device 3 also includes a roller tube 4, onto which the screen 2 can be rolled.

[0032] Screen 2 can be a roller shutter, a fabric blind or a blind with adjustable slats, a rolling gate, or even a grille. In the example, screen 2 has a curtain with several horizontal slats 8 hinged to each other. The present invention applies to all types of screens that roll up onto a roller tube.

[0033] The shading device 3 includes an electromechanical actuator 5, located inside the winding tube 4. Advantageously, the winding tube 4 and the electromechanical actuator 5 are located inside a housing 9 of the shading device 3. In addition, when the screen 3 is wound around the winding tube 4, it is also housed, at least in part, inside the housing 9. Generally, the housing 9 is located above the opening 1, or in the upper part of the opening 1.

[0034] The winding tube 4 is arranged so as to be driven in rotation by the electromechanical actuator 5. Thus, the screen 2 of the occulting device 3 is wound on the winding tube 4 or unwound around it, the winding tube 4 being driven by the electromechanical actuator 5. In this way, the screen 2 is mobile between a wound position, in particular high, and an unwound position, in particular low, and vice versa.

[0035] The screen 2 of the shading device 3 is a closing, shading, and / or solar protection screen that rolls up and down around the winding tube 4, the inner diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the electromechanical actuator 5, so that the electromechanical actuator 5 can be inserted into the winding tube 4 during the assembly of the shading device 3. The winding tube 4 has a first end 4a and a second end 4b. As shown in Figure 2, the electromechanical actuator 5 extends into the winding tube 4 from its first end 4a.

[0036] The electromechanical actuator 5, in particular of tubular type, allows the winding tube 4 to be rotated around an axis of rotation X, so as to move, in particular unwind or wind, the screen 2.

[0037] The electromechanical actuator 5 includes an electric motor 16.

[0038] The electric motor 16 is represented by its casing in figure 2, without details on its internal constituent elements.

[0039] Advantageously, the electric motor 16 comprises a rotor and a stator, not shown and positioned coaxially around the axis of rotation X, which is also the axis of rotation of the winding tube 4 in the mounted configuration of the occulting device 3.

[0040] Here, the electric motor 16 can be of the electronically commutated brushless type, also called "BLDC" (acronym for the Anglo-Saxon term BrushLess Direct Current) or "permanent magnet synchronous", or of the direct current type.

[0041] Control means for the electromechanical actuator 5, enabling the movement of the screen 2 of the occulting device 3, include at least one electronic control unit 15. This electronic control unit 15 is capable of activating the electric motor 16 of the electromechanical actuator 5 and, in particular, enabling the supply of electrical energy to the electric motor 16.

[0042] Thus, the electronic control unit 15 commands the electromechanical actuator 5 to open or close the screen 2, as described previously.

[0043] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 15 receives operating commands, for example, issued by a local control unit or a central control unit (not shown). The shading device can be controlled by a user or automatically, for example, by receiving a command corresponding to at least one signal from at least one sensor (not shown) and / or a signal from a clock (not shown).

[0044] Here and as illustrated in figure 2, the electronic control unit 15 is arranged, in other words is integrated, inside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 5.

[0045] Alternatively, and not shown, the electronic control unit 15 is located outside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 5 and, in particular, mounted on the housing 9 or in the torque support 21. Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 5 further comprises a housing 17, in particular a tubular housing. The electric motor 16 is mounted inside the housing 17, particularly in an assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 5.

[0046] Here, the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 5 is cylindrical in shape, specifically rotating about the axis of rotation X. Advantageously, the housing 17 is a tube. Here, the tube forming the housing 17 has a circular cross-section.

[0047] In one embodiment, the housing 17 is made of a metallic material. The material of the electromechanical actuator housing is not limited and may be different. In particular, it may be a plastic material.

[0048] The housing 17 is hollow. The housing 17 comprises a first end 17a and a second end 17b. The second end 17b is opposite the first end 17a. The housing 17 is open at each of its ends 17a and 17b. The first end 17a of the housing 17 is located at the level of the first end 4a of the winding tube, along the axis of rotation X. The second end 17b of the housing 17 is located within the winding tube 4, at a distance from the first and second ends 4a and 4b of the winding tube, along the axis of rotation X.

[0049] The electromechanical actuator 5 further includes an output shaft 20. The output shaft 20 is disposed, or rather configured to be disposed, at the second end 17b of the housing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 5. Thus, the output shaft 20 is disposed inside the winding tube 4, at a distance from the first and second ends 4a, 4b of the winding tube.

[0050] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 5 includes a reducer 19, represented by its casing in Figure 2, without details of its internal components. Advantageously, the reducer 19 includes at least one reduction stage. The reduction stage may be an epicyclic gear train.

[0051] The reducer 19 is coupled, in other words is configured to be coupled, with the electric motor 16, in particular with the rotor of the electric motor 16, in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 5.

[0052] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 5 includes a brake 29. By way of non-limiting examples, the brake 29 may be a spring brake, a cam brake, a magnetic brake or an electromagnetic brake.

[0053] Here and as seen in Figure 2, particularly in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 5, the brake 29 is configured to be disposed, in other words is disposed, between the electric motor 16 and the reducer 19, i.e. at the output of the electric motor 16. Alternatively, not shown, the brake 29 is configured to be disposed, in other words is disposed, particularly in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 5, between the electronic control unit 15 and the electric motor 16, i.e. at the input of the electric motor 16, between the reducer 19 and the output shaft 20, i.e. at the output of the reducer 19, or between two reduction stages of the reducer 19.

[0054] Advantageously, the reducer 19 and, optionally, the brake 29 are arranged inside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 5, particularly in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 5.

[0055] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 5 further comprises a ring 30. The ring 30 is disposed, or is configured to be disposed, at the first end 17a of the housing 17, particularly in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 5. The ring 30 constitutes, or is configured to constitute, a rotational guide bearing for the winding tube 4, particularly in an assembled configuration of the shading device 3.

[0056] The winding tube 4 is driven in rotation around the axis of rotation X and around the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 5, supported by two pivot joints. The first pivot joint is formed at the first end 4a of the winding tube 4 by means of the ring 30 inserted around the first end 17a of the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 5. The ring 30 thus provides a bearing. The second pivot joint, not shown in Figure 2, is formed at the second end 4b of the winding tube 4.

[0057] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 5 further includes a torque support 21, which can also be called an "actuator head" or "fixed point".

[0058] The torque support 21 obture, in other words is configured to obture, the first end 17a of the housing 17, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 5.

[0059] Thus, the torque support 21 is disposed, or rather configured to be disposed, at the first end 17a of the housing 17. Advantageously, the torque support 21 protrudes from the first end 17a of the housing 17, in particular the end 17a of the housing 17 receiving the ring 30. Thus, a first part of the torque support 21 is disposed inside the housing 17 and a second part of the torque support 21 is disposed outside the housing 17.

[0060] Advantageously, the torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 5 is configured to fix the electromechanical actuator 5 to a frame 23, in particular to a side panel of the housing 9. Thus, the torque support 21 allows the forces exerted by the electromechanical actuator 5, in particular the torque exerted by the electromechanical actuator 5, to be absorbed by the building structure. The torque support 21 also advantageously allows the forces exerted by the winding tube 4, in particular the weight of the winding tube 4, the electromechanical actuator 5, and the screen 2, to be absorbed by the building structure.

[0061] The torque support 21 is fixed, or rather configured to be fixed, to the housing 17 by means of one or more fixing elements, in particular in the assembled configuration of the electromechanical actuator 5. The fixing element(s) may be, in particular, bosses, fixing screws, elastic snap-fit ​​fixing elements, ribs fitted into notches or a combination of these different fixing elements.

[0062] Furthermore, the torque support 21 of the electromechanical actuator 5 can support at least part of the electronic control unit 15.

[0063] Advantageously, the electromechanical actuator 5 can be supplied with electrical energy by means of an electrical power cable 18. In an alternative not shown, the electromechanical actuator 5 is supplied with electrical energy by means of a battery, preferably located inside the housing 17.

[0064] Advantageously, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 5 is disposed inside the winding tube 4 and at least partly outside the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 5.

[0065] Here, one end of the output shaft 20 protrudes from the housing 17 of the electromechanical actuator 5, in particular from the second end 17b of the housing 17 opposite the first end 17a.

[0066] The output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 5 is configured to drive a drive wheel 22 in rotation.

[0067] In figures 3 and 4, the output shaft 20, the drive wheel 22 and part of the winding tube 4, i.e. the section of the winding tube located at the drive wheel and the output shaft, are shown alone.

[0068] This drive wheel 22 is connected to the winding tube 4, particularly in the assembled configuration of the shading device 3, as described below. Along the axis of rotation X, the output shaft 20 and the drive wheel 22 are aligned with each other and are projecting from the second end 17b of the housing 17; that is, they are located close to the second end 17b of the housing 17.

[0069] When the electromechanical actuator 5 is switched on, the electric motor 16 and the gearbox 19 rotate the output shaft 20. In addition, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 5 rotates the winding tube 4 via the drive wheel 22. Specifically, the winding tube 4 has an internal projection 4c, visible in Figures 2 to 4, which extends inside the winding tube 4 parallel to the axis of rotation X. The internal projection 4c extends at least from the second end 4b of the winding tube 4 to the second end 17b of the housing 17. In the example in Figure 2, the internal projection 4c extends from the second end 4b of the winding tube 4 to the ring 30. In an alternative (not shown) In the invention, the internal projection 4c extends from the second end 4b of the winding tube 4 to the first end 4a of the winding tube.

[0070] Preferably, the winding tube 4 and the internal projection 4c are obtained by bending or rolling a flat sheet.

[0071] Thus, the winding tube 4 causes the screen 2 of the occulting device 3 to rotate, so as to open or close the opening 1.

[0072] As is known per se, the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 5 has reliefs 20a, or branches 20a, enabling the output shaft 20 to drive the drive wheel 22. These branches are not shown in Figure 2 but are visible in Figures 3 and 4. For example, the output shaft has five branches 20a distributed around the circumference of the output shaft.

[0073] We now describe in more detail, with reference to figures 3 to 6, a first embodiment of the drive wheel 22.

[0074] The drive wheel 22 is generally cylindrical in shape and extends along an axis of rotation X22. In the assembled configuration of the shading device 3, the axis of rotation X22 of the drive wheel 22 coincides with the axis of rotation X of the electromechanical actuator 5 and the winding tube 4. Advantageously, a first end 22a and a second end 22b of the drive wheel 22 are distinguished along the axis of rotation X22. An external face 22c of the drive wheel 22 is also distinguished, extending between the first end 22a and the second end 22b of the drive wheel. The external face 22c thus defines a contour of the drive wheel 22 perpendicular to the axis of rotation X22. Advantageously, the external face 22C is substantially cylindrical, that is to say, it extends along a right circular cylinder.

[0075] A diameter D22 of the drive wheel 22, corresponding to a diameter of the external face 22c, measured perpendicular to the axis of rotation X22, is for example equal to 50 mm.

[0076] The drive wheel 22 has a central opening 40, which passes completely through the drive wheel, extending along the axis of rotation X22. In other words, the central opening 40 extends from the first end 22a to the second end 22b of the drive wheel. The central opening 40 is centered on the axis of rotation X22.

[0077] The central opening 40 has a main groove 42 and secondary grooves 44, in the example four secondary grooves 44. Thus, in the example, the central opening 40 has a total of five grooves.

[0078] We denote e22 the thickness of the drive wheel 22, measured between the ends 22a and 22b, parallel to the axis of rotation X22.

[0079] In the example, and as can be seen in Figure 5, the main groove 42 and the secondary grooves 44 are provided on only part of the thickness e22 of the drive wheel 22, and thus extend from the second end 22b to an internal axial face 22d of the drive wheel 22 disposed between the first end 22a and the second end 22b.

[0080] In an unrepresented variant of the invention, the main groove 42 and the secondary grooves 44 extend from the first end 22a to the second end 22b, or from the first end 22a to an internal axial face of the drive wheel disposed between the first end 22a and the second end 22b.

[0081] The main spline 42 and the secondary splines 44 are configured to cooperate, in other words, cooperate with the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 5 of the occulting device 3, so that the drive wheel 40 is configured to be driven in rotation around the axis of rotation X by the electromechanical actuator 5. Thus, any rotation of the output shaft 20 of the electromechanical actuator 5 around the axis of rotation X causes a rotation of the drive wheel 22 around the axis of rotation X22 coinciding with the axis of rotation X.

[0082] In particular, the main groove 42 and the secondary grooves 44 cooperate with the output shaft 20 by complementary shapes, the shape of the main groove and the secondary grooves being designed to complement the shape of the branches of the output shaft 20.

[0083] In addition, in the example, the main spline 42 and the secondary splines 44 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the central opening 40 of the drive wheel 22.

[0084] Alternatively, the output shaft 20 may have a different geometry and the drive wheel 22 may have a number of secondary splines 44 other than four, i.e. a number of splines other than five, the number, distribution and geometry of the splines being adapted to match the geometry of the output shaft 20.

[0085] The drive wheel 22 further comprises a single external groove 46, formed on the external face 22c of the drive wheel. The external groove 46 passes completely through the drive wheel 22, extending along the axis of rotation X22, that is to say, it extends from the first end 22a to the second end 22b of the drive wheel 22.

[0086] The external groove 46 is configured to cooperate, or rather cooperates, with the internal projection 4c of the winding tube 4, so that the drive wheel 22 is configured to drive the winding tube in rotation around the axis of rotation X. Thus, any rotation of the drive wheel 22 around the axis of rotation X22 causes a rotation of the winding tube 4 around the axis of rotation X coinciding with the axis of rotation X22.

[0087] In particular, the external groove 46 cooperates with the internal projection 4c of the winding tube 4 by complementary shapes, the shape of the external groove 46 being designed to complement the shape of the internal projection 4c.

[0088] In a non-represented variant of the invention, the shape of the external groove 46 does not complement the shape of the internal projection 4c and the occulting device 3 includes an adapter which is interposed between the external groove 46 and the internal projection 4c, so that the assembly formed by the external groove, the adapter and the internal projection ensures cooperation between the external groove 46 and the winding tube 4. Thus, the drive wheel 22 drives the winding tube 4 in rotation around the axis of rotation X via the adapter.

[0089] Thus, thanks to the drive wheel 22, the drive tube 4 is driven in rotation around the axis of rotation X by the electromechanical actuator 5.

[0090] Advantageously, the external groove 46 is aligned with the main spline 42, in a radial direction to the axis of rotation X22 of the drive wheel 22.

[0091] The drive wheel 22 further comprises a slot 48 which opens, on one side, into the main spline 42 and, on the other side, into the external groove 46. Moreover, the slot 48 passes completely through the drive wheel along the axis of rotation X22 of the drive wheel 22. In other words, the slot 48 extends from the first end 22a to the second end 22b of the drive wheel 22. Furthermore, the slot 48 divides the main spline 42 into a first part 42a and a second part 42b. Similarly, the slot 48 divides the external groove 46 into a first part 46a and a second part 46b. The first parts 42a, 46a of the main groove 42 and of the external groove 46 are located on the same side of the slot 48. Similarly, the second parts 42b, 46b of the main groove 42 and of the external groove 46 are located on the same side of the slot 48.

[0092] Thus, the slot 48 gives the drive wheel 22 a C-shaped cross-section, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation X22, that is, a cross-section in the shape of an open circle. In other words, the outer face 22c of the drive wheel 22 is open at the slot 48. The drive wheel 22 is thus distinguished from drive wheels known in the prior art, which have a closed outer face, that is, an O-shaped cross-section, or a closed circle.

[0093] We can then distinguish a first slot wall 48e and a second slot wall 48b of the drive wheel 22, which delimit the slot 48 in an orthoradial direction to the axis of rotation X22. The first and second slot walls 48a, 48b thus extend from the main spline 42 to the external groove 46, in a radial direction to the axis of rotation X22, and from the first end 22a to the second end 22b of the drive wheel 22, along the axis of rotation X22.

[0094] Preferably, the first slot wall 48a is parallel to the second slot wall 48b, and L48 is the distance separating the first slot wall 48a from the second slot wall 48b, without any external force exerted on the drive wheel 22. The distance L48 thus corresponds to the width of the slot 48 at rest. The distance L48 is measured in a direction orthoradial to the axis of rotation X22. Advantageously, the width L48 of the slot 48 is greater than 1 mm. In the example shown in Figures 3 to 6, the slot width L48 is equal to 6 mm.

[0095] In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the first slot wall 48a and the second slot wall 48b are not parallel to each other. For example, in such an embodiment, each of the first and second slot walls 48a, 48b extends in a plane passing through the axis of rotation X22. The width L48 of the slot 48 then corresponds to the smallest distance separating the first slot wall 48a from the second slot wall 48b.

[0096] Advantageously, the slot 48 extends along a slot plane P48 which passes through the axis of rotation X22 of the drive wheel 22 and is equidistant from the slot walls 48a, 48b. Furthermore, the slot 48 is preferably symmetrical with respect to the slot plane 48, that is, the first and second slot walls 48a, 48b are symmetrical with respect to the slot plane 48. This arrangement is facilitated by the fact that the external groove 46 is aligned with the main spline 42, in a direction radial to the axis of rotation X22 of the drive wheel 22.

[0097] Advantageously, the main spline 42, the secondary splines 44, and the external groove 46 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the slot plane P48. The drive wheel 22 thus has no preferred mounting direction. Even more advantageously, the entire drive wheel 22 assembly is symmetrical with respect to the slot plane P48.

[0098] Thanks to the slot 48, the drive wheel 22 is more flexible than known drive wheels, as its diameter D22 can vary according to the stresses it experiences. In particular, the first and second slot walls 48a, 48b can move closer together or further apart under the force exerted on the drive wheel, thus varying the diameter D22. This flexibility prevents the damage that usually occurs during the use of known drive wheels, such as cracking and breakage.

[0099] Furthermore, the flexibility of the drive wheel 22 allows for a reduction in its diameter D22 during insertion into the winding tube 4, particularly from its second end 4b to the output shaft 20. This facilitates insertion by reducing friction against the winding tube. This reduction in diameter D22 is achieved by bringing the first and second slot walls 48a, 48b closer together, i.e., by reducing the width L48 of the slot 48. Damage to the drive wheel 22 during its insertion into the winding tube 4 is thus prevented.

[0100] Furthermore, the drive wheel 22 adapts to variations in the inner diameter of the winding tube 4 thanks to the flexibility provided by the slot 48. Indeed, the diameter of the winding tubes 4 of different blackout devices 3 can vary, due to the manufacturing tolerances of the winding tubes 4.

[0101] When the obscuring device 3 is in operation, i.e. when the electromechanical actuator 5 is in operation and drives the drive wheel 22 and the winding tube 4 in rotation, the output shaft 20 exerts a torque on one or the other of the first and second parts 42a, 42b of the main groove 42, depending on the direction of rotation of the electric motor 16, and this torque is transmitted by the drive wheel 22 to the internal projection 4c of the winding tube 4 by one or the other of the first and second parts 46a, 46b of the external groove 46.

[0102] For example, when the electromechanical actuator 5 winds the screen 2, the output shaft 20 exerts a torque on the first part 42a of the main spline 42, and this torque is transmitted to the internal projection 4c by the second part 46b of the external groove 46. Similarly, when the electromechanical actuator unwinds the screen 2, the output shaft exerts a torque on the second part 42b of the main spline, and this torque is transmitted to the internal projection 4c by the first part 46a of the external groove. It is particularly advantageous for the drive wheel 22 to be symmetrical with respect to the slot plane P48, since this ensures identical operation of the drive wheel during the winding and unwinding of the screen 2 onto the winding tube 4.

[0103] When the electromechanical actuator 5 is in operation, the drive wheel 22 undergoes a spreading movement around the slot 48, which tends to move the first and second slot walls 48a, 48b further apart, i.e., to increase the width L48 of the slot 48. Consequently, this spreading movement tends to increase the diameter D22 of the drive wheel. This spreading is, however, contained by the inner surface of the winding tube 4 against which the outer face 22c bears.

[0104] In other words, thanks to the flexibility provided by the slot 48, the drive wheel 22 deforms under the force of the torque exerted by the output shaft 20 and moves away, i.e. its diameter increases, thus enclosing the inside of the winding tube 4. Thus, during the operation of the electromechanical actuator 5, the drive wheel 22 is pressed against the winding tube 4, improving the adhesion between the drive wheel and the winding tube, thus promoting the operation of the shading device 3.

[0105] Thanks to the flexibility of the drive wheel 22 provided by the slot 48, the drive wheel is more robust than known drive wheels. In particular, in the example, the drive wheel 22 is able to transmit a torque equivalent to three times the nominal torque supplied by the electromechanical actuator 5 at its output shaft 20 without suffering any degradation, for example, a torque of 210 Nm for a nominal torque of 70 Nm.

[0106] Preferably, the drive wheel 22 is a single piece, meaning it is formed from a single component. For example, the drive wheel is produced by additive manufacturing or injection molding. This makes the drive wheel simple and inexpensive to manufacture, which is particularly advantageous for reducing the cost of the shading device 3. Furthermore, the fact that the drive wheel 22 is a single piece facilitates its deformation.

[0107] Preferably, the drive wheel 22 is made of plastic, preferably thermoplastic. Examples of suitable materials for manufacturing the drive wheel 22 include polyamide, for example Nylon 12 (or PA 12), or polybutylene terephthalate. Such materials are particularly well-suited for manufacturing the drive wheel by additive manufacturing or injection molding. Furthermore, the fact that the drive wheel 22 is a single piece made of one of these materials has the advantage of giving the drive wheel 22 sufficient flexibility to allow for deformation during use. For example, the Young's modulus of the material used to manufacture the drive wheel 22 is between 1500 GPa and 1900 GPa. In practice, other materials are also possible, with the shape of the drive wheel then adapted to give it adequate flexibility and strength.

[0108] Advantageously, the drive wheel 22 comprises at least two ribs 50, extending from the outer face 22c of the drive wheel 22 parallel to the axis of rotation X22 of the drive wheel. In the example, the drive wheel comprises six ribs 50. The ribs 50 facilitate the insertion of the drive wheel 22 into the winding tube 4. In particular, the ribs 50 ensure controlled sliding of the drive wheel 22 within the winding tube 4, preventing friction between the outer face 22c of the drive wheel and the winding tube. The ribs 50 thus prevent damage to the drive wheel 22 during its insertion into the winding tube 4 from its second end 4b to the level of the output shaft 20. It is then understood that, due to the presence of the ribs 50, the external face 22c of the drive wheel is not in contact with the internal surface of the winding tube 4.In the example, the diameter D22 of the drive wheel is measured between the ribs 50, so the thickness of these ribs is not taken into account in the diameter D22.

[0109] Advantageously, the drive wheel 22 has a chamfer 52 at its first end 22a, at the junction between the first end 22a and the outer face 22c. The chamfer 52 is particularly advantageous for facilitating the insertion of the drive wheel 22 into the winding tube 4. In the example, the chamfer 52 extends over a major part of the circumference of the drive wheel 22. Alternatively, the chamfer 52 extends over only a part of the circumference of the drive wheel 22, for example, less than half of the circumference.

[0110] Advantageously, the body of the drive wheel 22 is not solid, but has several recesses 54. These recesses 54 reduce the weight of the drive wheel 22 and the amount of material required for its manufacture. The cost of the drive wheel 22 is thus reduced. The recesses 54 are advantageously positioned and sized to maximize the strength of the drive wheel while minimizing its weight. Thus, the recesses 54 allow the drive wheel 22 to achieve the appropriate strength while resulting in a drive wheel that is lighter than a solid wheel. Alternatively, the drive wheel 22 may have no recesses 54 or may have a different number and arrangement of recesses 54. It is noted that two of the recesses 54 open onto the external face 22c of the drive wheel 22, so that the chamfer 52 is interrupted at the level of these recesses.Preferably, in the absence of such recesses opening onto the external face 22c of the drive wheel 22, the chamfer 52 extends over the entire circumference of the drive wheel.

[0111] In a non-represented variant of the invention, the drive wheel 22 has at least one secondary external groove, formed on an external face of the drive wheel and functioning in the same way as the external groove 46, i.e. configured to cooperate with the internal projection 4c of the winding tube 4. In such a variant, the drive wheel 22 has a single slot, formed at the level of the external groove 46.

[0112] A second embodiment of the drive wheel 22 is shown in Figure 7. In this second embodiment, the elements analogous to those of the first embodiment of the drive wheel have the same reference numerals and function in the same way. The following primarily describes the differences between the first and second embodiments of the drive wheel 22. Furthermore, if a component is mentioned in the description of the second embodiment but is not shown in Figure 7, it corresponds to the same element shown in Figures 3 to 6 for the first embodiment of the drive wheel 22.

[0113] The second embodiment of the drive wheel 22 differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the slot 48 has a narrower width L48 than the slot in the first embodiment. Indeed, in the example of the second embodiment, the width L48 of the slot 48 is equal to 2 mm.

[0114] In practice, the width L48 of the slot 48 is chosen in particular according to the geometry of the winding tube 4 and the internal projection 4c.

[0115] The width L48 of the slot 48 therefore varies according to the specific requirements of different shading devices 3. In any case, a width L48 of at least 1 mm provides the drive wheel 22 with sufficient flexibility to ensure its proper operation. In practice, the width L48 of the slot 48 can be close to, or even equal to, the width of the external groove 46.

[0116] In practice, the choice of the width L48 of the slot 48 is made in particular according to the material used to make the drive wheel 22, the geometry of the winding tube and the design of the drive wheel, in particular the arrangement of the recesses 54.

[0117] Thus, it is noted that the drive wheel 22 according to the second embodiment has a different number and arrangement of recesses 54 than the drive wheel according to the first embodiment. Any feature described for one embodiment or variant above can be implemented for the other embodiments and variants described above, provided it is technically feasible.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Drive wheel (22) for a closing, blocking, or sun protection device (3), the drive wheel (22) comprising: a central opening (40) passing completely through the drive wheel (22) and extending along an axis of rotation (X22) of the drive wheel, the central opening (40) having splines (42, 44), the splines being configured to cooperate with an output shaft (20) of an electromechanical actuator (5) of the closing, blocking, or sun protection device (3), such that the drive wheel (22) is configured to be driven in rotation about the axis of rotation by the electromechanical actuator; an external groove (46) formed on an external face (22c) of the drive wheel (22) and passing completely through the drive wheel and extending along the axis of rotation. (X22)the external groove (46) being configured to cooperate with an internal projection (4c) of a winding tube (4) of the closing, shading or sun protection device (3), so that the drive wheel (22) is configured to drive the winding tube in rotation about the axis of rotation, characterized in that the drive wheel (22) comprises a slot (48) opening on one side into the central opening (40) and on the other side onto the external face (22c), preferably into the external groove (46), the slot (48) passing through the drive wheel (22) completely along the axis of rotation (X22) of the drive wheel.

2. Drive wheel (22) according to claim 1, in which the slot (48) opens on one side into a first groove (42) and on the other side into the external groove (46).

3. Drive wheel (22) according to claim 2, wherein the external groove (46) and the first spline (42) are aligned in a radial direction to the axis of rotation (X22) of the drive wheel (22).

4. Drive wheel (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the slot (48) extends in a slot plane (P48) passing through the axis of rotation (X22) of the drive wheel (22).

5. Drive wheel (22) according to claim 4, in which the splines (42, 44) and the external groove (46) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the slot plane (P48).

6. Drive wheel (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a width (L48) of the slot (48), measured in an orthoradial direction to the axis of rotation (X22), is greater than 1 mm.

7. Drive wheel (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the drive wheel (22) is monobloc.

8. Drive wheel (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the drive wheel (22) comprises at least two ribs (50) extending from the outer face (22c) of the drive wheel (22) parallel to the axis of rotation (X22) of the drive wheel.

9. Drive wheel (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the drive wheel (22) comprises five splines (42, 44).

10. A closing, shading or sun protection device (3) comprising: an electromechanical actuator (5) having an output shaft (20), a winding tube (4) having an internal projection (4c), and a drive wheel (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the splines (42, 44) of the drive wheel (22) cooperate with the output shaft (20) of the electromechanical actuator (5) by complementary shapes, and wherein the external groove (48) of the drive wheel (22) cooperates with the internal projection (4c) of the winding tube (4) by complementary shapes.

Images