Portable remote control unit and method of operating such a control unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable remote control unit (10) which comprises an electric energy harvesting device (60). Said device, in turn, comprises a renewable electric energy source (28) and an electric energy storage device (30), said storage device (30) being configured to be charged with electric energy produced by the renewable electric energy source (28) to which it is connected. In accordance with the invention, the electric energy storage device (30) comprises a first electric energy storage element (30A), with a first storage capacity (Ca), and a second electric energy storage element (30B), with a second storage capacity (Cb), wherein the first storage capacity (Ca) is less than the second storage capacity (Cb). The first electric energy storage element (30A) and the second electric energy storage element (30B) are configured to be connected in parallel to the renewable electric energy source (28). The electric energy harvesting device (60) comprises a management unit (50) for selectively switching the electric energy flow produced by the electric energy source (28) to the second electric energy storage element (30B) when the first electric energy storage element (30A) has reached a nominal maximum voltage value (Vamax). The present invention also relates to a method of managing such a portable remote control unit (10).

Description

[0001] “Portable remote control unit and method of operating such a control unit

[0002] ★ ★★★★

[0003] Field of application

[0004] The present invention relates to a portable remote control unit.

[0005] Such a unit is preferably used for controlling home automation components, for example devices for operating movable barriers, such as roller shutters, blinds, curtains, heavy-duty shutters, doors or gates, small electric household appliances, lighting devices, alarm systems, irrigation systems or air-conditioning devices, etc.

[0006] The present invention also relates to a method of managing such a portable remote control unit.

[0007] Prior art

[0008] Electronic control devices in general and in particular home automation components of the type described above are becoming more complex every day.

[0009] As illustrated for example in FR3001098, which describes a portable remote control unit for controlling a movable barrier, the latest generation remote control units not only are required to provide quick and efficient operation of the devices connected to them, but must also be equipped with intuitive interfaces, for example displays, so as to provide the user also with a series of additional information regarding operation of said device.

[0010] Furthermore, the possibility of connecting the remote control unit to smartphones or other portable devices, as well as to a local network or to an external cloud, is becoming increasingly necessary.

[0011] The need to manage these additional functions results in a greater consumption of electrical energy with obvious consequences as regards the size of the battery of portable remote control unit. These batteries, in fact, are designed with dimensions able to ensure a suitable range of the radio signal and an acceptable working life, without the need for frequent replacement thereof or the need to remove them from their housing in order to charge them using an external battery charger.

[0012] Differently from smartphones or tablets, the batteries in normal remote control units cannot in fact be recharged whilst they are still inside the unit.

[0013] In order to meet these needs, larger size batteries are therefore required, but this obviously also results in an increase in the dimensions of the remote control unit, which thus becomes bulky and impractical to use.

[0014] An increase in the size of the battery furthermore also results in an increase in the size of the seat inside which the battery is inserted and of the connections by means of which the battery is connected to the electronic board.

[0015] Recently, in order to power small electronic devices, as an alternative to the usual batteries, it has become customary to use so-called “energy harvesting” technology. By means of this technology, the energy which is present in the environment, for example in the form of light, vibrations or thermal gradients, is stored in special storage elements and then made available to the source to be powered, when there exists the need.

[0016] This technology is particularly advantageous since, in addition to the undoubted environmental benefits, it also allows the size of the batteries to be reduced.

[0017] However, the problem exists that energy recovery sources are discontinuous, i.e. are not always available. Moreover, the devices which use energy harvesting have a low power density compared to normal batteries, i.e. for the same volume they produce a smaller quantity of energy.

[0018] This means that a remote control unit powered, for example, by means of a photovoltaic electrical energy source may not only become discharged when it is not exposed to the sunlight, but also takes a long time in order to recover all its functions when it is exposed to the sunlight again.

[0019] Said functions relate, as mentioned above, not only to the commands for opening and closing a barrier, but may also involve a connection to an external cloud or to a smartphone or the activation of a display in order to provide users with additional information and allow them to program if need be the portable unit.

[0020] The use therefore of an energy harvesting device results in the risk that a remote control unit may be subject to relatively long periods of inactivity during which it is in fact unusable.

[0021] These problems are therefore discouraging the use of such energy harvesting devices, in particular in portable remote control units, such as those intended, for example, to control home automation components.

[0022] Presentation of the invention

[0023] The main object of the present invention is to provide a portable remote control unit which is able to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0024] In particular, a task of the present invention is to provide a portable remote control unit which may use a renewable energy source, reducing to a minimum the periods during which it remains inoperative.

[0025] Another task of the present invention is to provide a portable remote control unit which may use a renewable energy source and which, once discharged, is able to recover a minimum amount of operability quickly.

[0026] A further task of the present invention is to provide a portable remote control unit provided with a renewable energy source, which is safe and easy to use.

[0027] The object and the main tasks described above are achieved with a portable remote control unit according to Claim 1 and a method of managing such a portable remote control unit according to Claim 11 .

[0028] Brief description of the drawings

[0029] In order to illustrate more clearly the innovative principles of the present invention and its advantages compared to the prior art, a possible example of embodiment of a portable remote control unit applying these principles will be described below with the aid of the attached figures. In particular:

[0030] - Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a portable remote control unit according to the present invention, in combination with a home automation component which can be associated with it;

[0031] - Figure 1A shows a connection diagram for the various components of a unit for controlling a home automation component, operation of which can be controlled by means of the portable remote control unit according to the present invention;

[0032] - Figure 2 shows a perspective front view of a second embodiment of the portable remote control unit according to the present invention;

[0033] - Figure 3 shows a perspective rear view of a further embodiment of the portable remote control unit according to the present invention;

[0034] - Figure 4 shows a view, similar to that of Figure 2, in which the cover of the portable remote control unit has been partially removed so as to allow the internal components to be viewed;

[0035] - Figure 5 shows a connection diagram for the various components of the portable remote control unit according to the present invention;

[0036] - Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a power supply circuit of the portable remote control unit according to the present invention;

[0037] - Figures 7 and 8 show the power supply circuit according to Figure 6 in two further operational configurations.

[0038] Detailed description

[0039] The present invention relates to a portable remote control unit 10.

[0040] Advantageously, such a unit 10 allows the control of home automation components.

[0041] By way of a non-limiting example, the portable remote control unit 10 allows the control of movable barriers, such as roller shutters, blinds, curtains, sectional shutters, doors or gates. Advantageously, the portable remote control unit 10, referred to below for the sake of simpler description as “control unit”, may be used to open or close a door, a main entrance door or a window, or to operate a lighting device or system or an irrigation system.

[0042] Finally, the control unit 10 may also be used to manage a heating or air-conditioning plant or a generic electrical control system.

[0043] As shown for example in Figure 1 , the control unit 10 may be preset to control the opening or closing of a gate 11 with two leaves 12.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , each leaf 12 is configured to be operated by a drive unit 13.

[0045] In a known manner, each drive unit 13 may comprise an electric motor intended to operate a reduction gear. By means of this reduction gear it is possible to rotate an operating screw configured to transmit the movement to the leaf 12 connected to it.

[0046] A command unit 14 may be fixed to one of the supports 15 on which the leaves 12 are hinged.

[0047] Said command unit 14 is connected to the drive units 13 so as to perform operation thereof. Moreover, the command unit 14 may be connected to a pair of photocells 16, intended to indicate the presence of objects or persons within the movement range P of the leaves 12, and to a signalling lamp 17. Therefore, as well as the motors 13, the photocells 16 and the flashing lamp 17 may also be controlled by means of the command unit 14.

[0048] Advantageously, as schematically shown in Figure 1A, the command unit 14 may comprise an electronic board 14A connected to a radio-receiver section 18 for receiving an actuating radio signal. Said radio-receiver section 18 is preferably provided with a receiving antenna 19 and a corresponding reception circuit. Said circuit will not be described in detail since it is well-known to a person skilled in the art.

[0049] Advantageously, the electronic board 14A may also be provided with a low-power radio transmitter 20.

[0050] The command unit 14 may also comprise a non-volatile memory unit 21 for storing identification certificates and / or recognition codes both of the gate 11 and of the portable remote control units 10 by means of which the gate 11 may be remotely operated.

[0051] With reference now to Figures 1 , 2, 3 and 4, the portable remote control unit 10 according to the present invention, by means of which a gate of the type shown in Figure 1 may for example be remotely controlled, comprises a casing 22.

[0052] The casing 22 contains a wireless communication unit 24 with an associated antenna 26 configured to send command signals to a device to be operated, for example a home automation component 11.

[0053] With reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the wireless communication unit 24 may be configured to send command signals to the command unit 14 of the gate 11.

[0054] The casing 22 also contains:

[0055] - an electric energy harvesting device 60 comprising a renewable electric energy source 28 and an electric energy storage device 30, said storage device 30 being configured to be charged with the electric energy produced by the renewable electric energy source 28 to which it is connected;

[0056] - at least one non-volatile memory unit 32;

[0057] - a processing unit 34 powered by the electric energy harvesting device 60 and configured to control the wireless communication unit 24 by means of execution of a series of instructions stored in said at least one non-volatile memory unit 32;

[0058] - a command input interface 36 connected to the processing unit 34 and configured to transfer, during use, to said processing unit 34 at least one command imparted by a user.

[0059] In accordance with the invention, with reference to Figures 6-8, said electric energy storage device 30 comprises a first electric energy storage element 30A, having a first storage capacity Ca, and a second electric energy storage element 30B, having a second storage capacity Cb, wherein said first storage capacity Ca is smaller than said second storage capacity Cb.

[0060] In particular, the first electric energy storage element 30A and the second electric energy storage element 30B are configured to be connected in parallel to the renewable electric energy source 28.

[0061] In detail, the electric energy harvesting device 60 comprises a management unit 50 for selectively switching the flow of electric energy produced by the renewable electric energy source 28 to the second storage element 30B, when the first storage element 30A has reached a maximum nominal voltage value Vamax-

[0062] As will become clear from the description below, the parallel arrangement of two separate storage elements 30A, 30B with different storage capacities Ca, Cb and the possibility of charging the second storage element 30B, which has a storage capacity greater than that of the first storage element 30A, only when the first storage element 30A has reached its maximum nominal voltage Vamax, allows rapid recharging of the first storage element 30A.

[0063] This recharging operation takes place rapidly because all the flow of electric energy produced by the renewable source 28 is directed towards the first storage element 30A and because this first storage element 30A has a limited storage capacity Ca. In this way it is possible to rapidly avoid a situation in which the renewable energy source 28 has been inactive for a long period of time resulting in the discharging of both the storage elements 30A, 30B.

[0064] Even though not being able to restore all the functions of the control unit 10, owing its limited storage capacity Ca, the first storage element 30A in any case allows powering of the processing unit 34 such that it is able to operate at least in a low power mode where, for example, at least one function may be performed, such as transmission of a command signal to the command unit 14 to be controlled.

[0065] As mentioned, the storage capacity Ca of the first storage element 30A is smaller than the storage capacity Cb of the second storage element 30B.

[0066] Advantageously, the first storage capacity Ca is much smaller than the second storage capacity Cb so as to reduce to a minimum the time required for recharging of the first storage element 30A.

[0067] Preferably, said first storage capacity Ca is between 0.5% and 5% of the second storage capacity Cb.

[0068] By way of example, if the storage capacity Cb of the second storage element 30B is equal to 330 mF, the storage capacity Ca of the first storage element 30A may be advantageously within the range of 1 .65 mF to 16.5 mF.

[0069] Advantageously, the first storage element 30A and / or the second storage element 30B may comprise a supercapacitor.

[0070] In this case, the storage capacity of the first storage element 30A and of the second storage element 30B will be proportionally greater than the values indicated above.

[0071] With reference to Figures 4 and 6 to 8, the management unit 50 may comprise a PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit). Preferably, said unit 50 consists of an integrated circuit designed to control the flow and the direction of the electric energy produced by the renewable electric energy source 28 and directed towards the first storage element 30A and / or the second storage element 30B.

[0072] As shown in detail in Figure 6, the electric energy harvesting device 60 may comprise a first switch 64A, associated with the first storage element 30A, and a second switch 64B, associated with the second storage element 30B.

[0073] Advantageously, the first switch 64A and the second switch 64B are controlled by the management unit 50.

[0074] Preferably, the first switch 64A is positioned between the first storage element 30A and the processing unit 34.

[0075] Advantageously, the second switch 64B is positioned between the electric energy source 28 and the second storage element 30B.

[0076] The first switch 64A may move between a closed position, in which the current flow is permitted from the first storage element 30A to the processing unit 34 (see Figure 7) and an open position, in which the current flow is prevented from the first storage element 30A to the processing unit 34 (see Figures 6 and 8).

[0077] Similarly, the second switch 64B may move between a closed position, in which the current flow is allowed from the electric energy source 28 to the second storage element 30B (see Figures 7 and 8) and an open position, in which the current flow is prevented from the electric energy source 28 to the second storage element 30B (see Figure 6).

[0078] On the basis of the above explanation, the second switch 64B will be advantageously in the closed position only when the first storage element 30A has reached its nominal maximum voltage value Vamax-

[0079] Advantageously, the management unit 50 is configured to detect the voltage or difference in potential Va at the terminals of the first storage element 30A and the voltage or difference in potential Vb at the terminals of the second storage element 30B.

[0080] Preferably, the management unit 50 moves the first switch 64A and the second switch 64B between the respective closed position and the respective open position depending on the difference in potential Va, Vb detected at the terminals of the first storage element 30A and the second storage element 30B.

[0081] As shown in Figures 6-8, the electric energy harvesting device 60 may comprise a first diode 62A associated with the first storage element 30A, and a second diode 62B, associated with the second storage element 30B.

[0082] Advantageously, the first diode 62A is positioned between the renewable electric energy source 28 and the first storage element 30A, while the second diode 62B is positioned between the second storage element 30B and the processing unit 34.

[0083] The first diode 62A allows the flow of electric current between the renewable electric energy source 28 and the first storage element 30A and blocks the flow of electric current in the opposite direction.

[0084] The second diode 62B allows the flow of electric current between the second storage element 30B and the processing unit 34 and blocks the flow of electric current in the opposite direction.

[0085] The function of the two diodes 62A, 62B is to prevent the first storage element 30A, since it is connected in parallel with the second storage element 30B, from becoming discharged via the second storage element 30B.

[0086] As mentioned, the various elements of the control unit 10 are housed inside a casing 22.

[0087] Preferably, the casing 22 is composed of two half-shells 22A, 22B joined together in an inseparable manner.

[0088] Advantageously, said half-shells 22A, 22B are joined together along a perimetral joining surface 38 (see Figure 1 ).

[0089] Preferably, the two half-shells 22A, 22B are joined together hermetically so as not to allow fluids or dust to pass inside the casing 22.

[0090] Advantageously, the two half-shells 22A, 22B are made of polymer material of biological origin with a high biodegradability.

[0091] The wireless communication unit 24, in turn, preferably comprises a communication module using Bluetooth technology, preferably Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology.

[0092] The wireless communication unit 24 therefore operates in a frequency range of 2.400 - 2.4835 GHz so as to transmit via the antenna 26 a radio command signal to the component 11 associated with the control unit 10. This radio signal will be transmitted in a dedicated band to the component controlled by the control unit 10.

[0093] In particular, the wireless communication unit 24 may use 40 channels and, inside each channel, the data forming the signal may be transmitted using MSK (Minimum Shift Keying) digital modulation with a Gaussian filter at the input having a bit rate of 2Mbit / s.

[0094] Advantageously, by using the Bluetooth Low Energy Protocol it is possible to obtain a radius of action for the control unit 10 of more than 200 metres in the open field, with a low energy consumption.

[0095] As shown schematically in Figure 4, the wireless communication unit 24 may be mounted on an electronic board 40, for example a PCB (Printed Circuit Board).

[0096] In a known manner, the wireless communication unit 24 is connected to the processing unit 34 by means of a track of the electronic board 40 or by means of a cable.

[0097] Advantageously, with reference again to Figure 4, the antenna 26 may consist of one or more tracks of the electronic board 40, so as to reduce the thickness of the casing 22.

[0098] The renewable electric energy source 28 is also housed inside the casing 22.

[0099] Preferably, this renewable electric energy source 28 comprises one or more photovoltaic cells 29 positioned on an external surface of the casing 22.

[0100] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the photovoltaic cells 29 may be positioned in the front part of the casing 22.

[0101] In addition or alternatively, photovoltaic cells 29 may also be provided in the rear part of the casing 22 (see Figure 3).

[0102] Additional photovoltaic cells may also be provided on the side surfaces of the casing 22.

[0103] In this case, the entire casing 22 is substantially equipped to recover solar energy.

[0104] Preferably, the photovoltaic cells 29 are organic photoelectrochemical cells, for example of the Gratzel type.

[0105] These cells consist of two conductive glass electrodes separated by a layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2), an active material and an electrolytic solution.

[0106] The active material preferably consists of a photosensitive organic dye which transfers electrons to the titanium dioxide following the absorption of photons. Advantageously, these photovoltaic cells 29 allow the recovery of energy also in the case of low light emission, for example inside a house, where the light is provided mainly by artificial light sources, such as LED lamps.

[0107] As an alternative or in addition to the photovoltaic cells 29 described above, the renewable electric energy source 28 may comprise a piezoelectric transducer, for example arranged at the command input interface 36.

[0108] Said transducer, if subjected to mechanical deformation forces following compression of the commands 36, may generate an electric potential able to power the processing unit 34.

[0109] Alternatively, or in addition to the above-described types of electric energy sources, the electric energy source 28 may comprise a thermoelectric generator able to make use of the temperature difference between the surface of the user’s hand and the external surface of the casing 22 in order to produce, for example by means of the Seeback effect, electric energy sufficient to power the processing unit 34.

[0110] As already mentioned, the casing 22 of the control unit 10 contains at least one nonvolatile memory unit 32.

[0111] The instructions which can be carried out by the processing unit 34 are stored in said memory 32.

[0112] In addition, the memory 32 may store an identification certificate and / or a code for recognizing the control unit 10 by means of which it is possible to identify in a unique manner the control unit 10.

[0113] Said certificate and / or code preferably consists of a numerical code which is stored in the memory 32 of the control unit 10 at the time of manufacture.

[0114] The identification certificate and / or the recognition code of the control unit 10 may advantageously be inserted in the command signal sent from the wireless communication unit 34 to the component to be operated.

[0115] For example, only if the identification certificate and / or the recognition code received coincides(s) with the identification certificate or the recognition code stored in the command unit 14 of the component 11 to be remotely operated, will the operation requested by the control unit 10 be authorized.

[0116] Advantageously, identification certificates and / or recognition codes of other control units 10 which have been previously authorized to operate the component 11 may also be stored in the memory 32.

[0117] These codes, as well as the identification codes received by the component 11 to be operated, may be received from the control unit 10 via a receiver 52, also equipped with an antenna 53, and connected to the processing unit 34 (see Figure 5).

[0118] Alternatively, the wireless communication unit 34 may act as a transceiver.

[0119] The certificates and / or identification codes of the control unit 10 and of component 11 to be operated may be encrypted in different ways known to a person skilled in the art.

[0120] The processing unit 34, in turn, may advantageously be a DSP (digital signal processor), a CPU (central processing unit), GPU (graphic processing unit) or any other electronic processing component for processing algorithms on the basis of the input data received.

[0121] Finally, the command input interface 36 may comprise one or more pushbuttons 37 connected to the electronic board 40. These pushbuttons are arranged so as to project from the electronic board 40.

[0122] Advantageously, the pushbuttons 37 may comprise a switch 39 provided with a MEMS (micro electromechanical system) or a NEMS (nano electromechanical system). The MEMS or NEMS switches have advantageously small dimensions and a low weight and have a lower energy consumption.

[0123] The interface 36 may comprise MEMS or NEMS switches 39 of the inertial type, able to detect accelerations and variations in inclination of the control unit 10.

[0124] By means of this type of switch it is therefore possible to detect any movements imparted by the user to the control unit 10.

[0125] For example, in the case where the component 11 to be operated is a curtain, the user may give the input command to move the curtain from left to right by moving the control unit from left to right.

[0126] At the same time, the user may adjust the opening speed of a gate, for example, by shaking the control unit 10.

[0127] In an alternative embodiment, the interface 36 may comprise pushbuttons 37 of the touch screen type by means of which it is possible to impart command signals to the device 11 (for example opening direction and speed) with the movements of a finger by the user.

[0128] In a further embodiment, the interface 36 may comprise in combination or alternatively a biometric data detector, by means of which the user may be identified, or a microphone for voice commands.

[0129] In a further embodiment, the control unit 10 may be provided with a display 54 on which information relating to the operation of the control unit 10 or the component 11 associated with it may be displayed.

[0130] As already mentioned, the present invention also relates to a method of managing the control unit 10.

[0131] In particular, the present invention relates to a method for selectively controlling the flow of electric energy produced by the renewable electric energy source 28 towards the processing unit 34.

[0132] The method comprises a step of measuring the voltage Va at the terminals of the first storage element 30A and the voltage Vb at the terminals of the second storage element 30B.

[0133] In accordance with the invention the method comprises moreover:

[0134] - a first recharging step in which, if the voltage value Va measured at the terminals of the first storage element 30A is less than a maximum nominal voltage value Vamax of the first storage element 30A, the electric energy produced by the renewable electric energy source 28 is directed by the management unit 50 solely towards the first storage element 30A;

[0135] - a second recharging step in which, if the voltage value Va measured at the terminals of the first storage element 30A is equal to the maximum nominal voltage value Vamax, the electric energy produced by the renewable electric energy source 28 is directed by the management unit 50 also towards the second storage element 30B.

[0136] The underlying idea of the invention is to keep the first storage element 30A always charged since, in view of its limited storage capacity, it may be rapidly recharged and may therefore rapidly provide electric current, albeit of a lesser intensity, to the processing unit 34.

[0137] In this way, if the control unit 10 is, for example, equipped with photovoltaic cells and remains in a dark environment for a long time, as soon as the control unit 10 is exposed again to light, the first storage element 30A, if discharged, may be quickly recharged and will be at least able to power the processing unit 34 with a quantity of electric energy sufficient to perform a first function, such as the opening or closing of a gate, pending the recharging also of the second storage element 30B. In this way, the period of time during which the control unit 10 remains inoperative is advantageously reduced.

[0138] Advantageously, the switching over from the first recharging step to the second recharging step is managed by the management unit 50 by moving the second switch 64B from the open position into the closed position.

[0139] Preferably, the first recharging step is carried out if the voltage value Va measured at the terminals of the first storage element 30A is less than the maximum nominal voltage Vamaxand if the voltage value Vb measured at the terminals of the second storage element 30B does not exceed a minimum operating value Vbmin- The method according to the present invention may also comprise: iii) a first step of supplying power to the processing unit 34 in which, if the voltage value Vb measured at the terminals of the second storage element 30B does not exceed a minimum operating value Vbmin, the management unit 50 is configured to supply the processing unit 34 with a flow of electric energy from the first storage element 30A and from the second storage element 30B; iv) a second step of supplying power in which, if the voltage value Vb measured at the terminals of the second storage element 30B reaches or exceeds said minimum operating value Vbmin, the management unit 50 is configured to supply the processing unit 34 solely with a flow of electric energy from the second storage element 30B.

[0140] Said minimum value Vbmin will be set so as to guarantee the processing unit 34 a current flow which allows it to manage all its own operating functions, i.e. ensure that the portable unit 10 functions at its maximum level, being able to carry out all the commands given by the user.

[0141] Advantageously, the switch-over between the first power supply step and the second power supply step is managed by the management unit 50 by moving the switch 64A from the closed position into the open position.

[0142] During the second power supply step the charge of the first storage element 30A is in fact preserved.

[0143] Basically, the management unit 50 keeps the second switch 64B in the open position so as to completely charge the first storage element 30A, before performing recharging of the second storage element 30B.

[0144] At the same time, when the second storage element 30B is charged, the management unit moves the first switch 64A into the open position so as to preserve the charge of the first storage element 30A.

[0145] Advantageously, the first power supply step starts when the voltage value Va measured at the terminals of the first storage element 30A reaches the maximum nominal voltage value Vamax-

[0146] Preferably, when the first storage element 30A is completely charged, the management unit 50 moves the first switch 64A from the open position into the closed position, so as to allow the flow of electric energy from the first storage element 30A to the processing unit 34.

[0147] At the same time, advantageously during the first recharging step the first storage element 30A and the second storage element 30B are disconnected from the processing unit 34 so as to optimize the process for charging the first storage element 30A. Preferably, during this first recharging step, the management unit 50 keeps both the first switch 64A and the second switch 64B in the open position.

[0148] Reference will now be made to Figures 6-8 in order to explain the mode of operation of a control unit 10, the renewable electric energy source 28 of which comprises one or more photovoltaic cells 29. The comments below are also applicable in the case where the renewable electric energy source 28 is of a different type.

[0149] An initial situation is assumed where both the first storage element 30A and the second storage element 30B are completely discharged.

[0150] This situation may occur when the control unit 10 has been for a long time in dark conditions.

[0151] During this step, the management unit 50 keeps the second switch 64B in the open position such that all the electric energy produced by the source 28, as soon as the unit 10 is exposed to the light again, is directed towards the first storage element 30A.

[0152] In this initial situation the first recharging step essentially takes place.

[0153] At the same time, the management unit 50 may also keep the first switch 64A in the open position (see Figure 6). In other words, no electric current flows from the first and second storage elements 30A, 30B towards the processing unit 34.

[0154] When the voltage Va measured at the terminals of the first storage element 30A reaches the maximum nominal voltage value Vamax, for example 4.5 V, the management unit 50 moves the first switch 64A into the closed position and moves the second switch 64B into the closed position.

[0155] The first power supply step is therefore performed, whereby the processing unit 34 is supplied with a flow of energy both from the first storage element 30A and from the second storage element 30B (See Figure 7).

[0156] The switch-over to the second power supply step takes place when the voltage value Vb measured at the terminals of the second storage element 30B reaches the minimum operating value Vbmjn(for example 3.6 V).

[0157] In this case, the management unit 50 moves the second switch 64B into the open position so as to preserve the charge of the first storage element 30A in the event of need (see Figure 8).

[0158] Intermediate situations may arise.

[0159] In the case where, during the first power supply step, the first storage element 30A is discharged and the second storage element 30B has not reached during the second recharging step the minimum operating value Vbmjn, the management unit 50 will move the first switch 64A and the second switch 64B into the open position, so as to return to the first recharging step.

[0160] Basically, if during use of the control unit 10, the first storage element 30A becomes discharged, the recharging of said first storage element 30A occurs before recharging of the second storage element 30B.

[0161] Obviously the first recharging step is performed again, also when both the first storage element 30A and the second storage element 30B are completely discharged.

[0162] From the above description it is now clear how the control unit 10 according to the present invention and the associated control method are able to achieve advantageously the predefined objects.

[0163] In particular, since the control unit 10 is provided with two separate storage elements 30A, 30B, one of which - with a smaller storage capacity 30A - is able to be quickly recharged, it is advantageously possible to use a renewable energy source 28, reducing to a minimum the period of time for which the unit remains inoperative.

[0164] Owing to the possibility of quickly recharging a storage element with a small storage capacity it is possible to rapidly restore at least some of the functions of the control unit 10, pending the recharging also of the storage element 30B which has a larger storage capacity. The management of the charging flow is performed automatically by the management unit 50 and this ensures that use of the control unit 10 is made easier, without overcomplicating the structure of the control unit 10.

[0165] Obviously, the above description of embodiments applying the innovative principles of the present invention is provided by way of example of these innovative principles and must therefore not be regarded as limiting the scope of the rights claimed herein.

Claims

Claims1. Portable remote control unit (10), preferably for home automation components, said portable remote control unit (10) comprising:- a casing (22) which contains:- a wireless communication unit (24) with an associated antenna (26), configured to send command signals to a device (11) to be operated;- an electric energy harvesting device (60), comprising a renewable electric energy source (28) and an electric energy storage device (30), said storage device (30) being configured to be charged with electric energy produced by the renewable electric energy source (28) to which it is connected;- at least one non-volatile memory unit (32);- a processing unit (34) powered by the electric energy harvesting device (60) and configured to control the wireless communication unit (24) by means of execution of a series of instructions stored in said at least one non-volatile memory unit (32);- a command input interface (36) connected to the processing unit (34) and configured to transfer, during use, to said processing unit (34) at least one command imparted by a user; characterized in that said electric energy storage device (30) comprises a first electric energy storage element (30A) having a first storage capacity (Ca), and a second electric energy storage element (30B) having a second storage capacity (Cb), wherein said first storage capacity (Ca) is smaller than said second storage capacity (Cb); said first electric energy storage element (30A) and said second electric energy storage element (30B) being configured to be connected in parallel to the renewable electric energy source (28);said electric energy harvesting device (60) comprising a management unit (50) for selectively switching the electric energy flow produced by the renewable electric energy source (28) towards the second electric energy storage element (30B) when the first electric energy storage element (30A) has reached a nominal maximum voltage value (Vamax)-2. Portable remote control unit (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that said electric energy harvesting device (60) comprises a first switch (64A), associated with the first electric energy storage element (30A), and a second switch (64B), associated with the second electric energy storage element (30B), said first switch (64A) and said second switch (64B) being controlled by the management unit (50).

3. Portable remote control unit (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that said first switch (64A) is positioned between said first electric energy storage element (30A) and the processing unit (34) and said second switch (64B) is positioned between the renewable electric energy source (28) and the second electric energy storage element (30B).

4. Portable remote control unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the management unit (50) is configured to detect the voltage (Va) at the terminals of the first electric energy storage element (30A) and the voltage (Vb) at the terminals of the second electric energy storage element (30B); said management unit (50) being able to move said first switch (64A) and said second switch (64B) between a respective closed position and a respective open position depending on the voltages (Va, Vb) detected at the terminals of the first electric energy storage element (30A) and of the second electric energy storage element (30B).

5. Portable remote control unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,characterized in that said electric energy harvesting device (60) comprises a first diode (62A), associated with the first electric energy storage element (30A), and a second diode (62B), associated with the second electric energy storage element(30B), wherein said first diode (62A) is positioned between the renewable electric energy source (28) and the first electric energy storage element (30A) and said second diode (62B) is positioned between the second electric energy storage element (30B) and the processing unit (34).

6. Portable remote control unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said renewable electric energy source (28) comprises one or more photovoltaic cells (29), said photovoltaic cells (29) being positioned on an external surface of said casing (22).

7. Portable remote control unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said renewable electric energy source (28) comprises a piezoelectric transducer arranged at the command input interface (36) or in that said renewable electric energy source (28) comprises a thermoelectric generator which produces electric energy by making use of a difference in temperature between a surface of the user’s hand and an external surface of the casing (22).

8. Portable remote control unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said wireless communication unit (24) comprises a communication module using Bluetooth technology, preferably BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) technology.

9. Portable remote control unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first electric energy storage element (30A) and / or said second electric energy storage element (30B) comprise(s) a supercapacitor.

10. Portable remote control unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,characterized in that said first storage capacity (Ca) is between 0.5% and 5% of said second storage capacity (Cb).1 1 . Management method for the selective control of the electric energy flow produced by a renewable electric energy source (28) towards a processing unit (34) of a portable remote control unit (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, said method comprising:- a step of measuring the voltage (Va) at the terminals of the first electric energy storage element (30A) and the voltage (Vb) at the terminals of the second electric energy storage element (30B) and being characterized in that it comprises: i) a first recharging step in which, if the voltage value (Va) measured at the terminals of the first electric energy storage element (30A) is less than the maximum nominal voltage value (Vamax) of the first electric energy storage element (30A), the electric energy produced by the renewable electric energy source (28) is directed by the management unit (50) solely towards the first electric energy storage element (30A); and ii) a second recharging step in which, if the voltage value (Va) measured at the terminals of the first electric energy storage element (30A) is equal to the maximum nominal voltage value (Vamax), the electric energy produced by the renewable electric energy source (28) is directed by the management unit (50) also towards the second electric energy storage element (30B).

12. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises: iii) a first power supply step in which, if the voltage value (Vb) measured at the terminals of the second electric energy storage element (30b) does not exceed a minimum operating value (Vbmjn), the management unit (50) is configured to supply the processing unit (34) with an electric energy flow from the first electric energystorage element (30A) and from the second electric energy storage element (30B); iv) a second power supply step in which, if the voltage value (Vb) measured at the terminals of the second storage element (30B) reaches or exceeds said minimum operating value (Vbmjn), the management unit (50) is configured to supply the processing unit (34) solely with a flow of electric energy from the second storage element (30B).

13. Method according to either one of Claims 11 and 12, characterized in that said first recharging step is carried out if the voltage value (Va) measured at the terminals of the first electric energy storage element (30A) is less than the maximum nominal voltage value (Vamax) and if the voltage value (Vb) measured at the terminals of the second electric energy storage element (30B) does not exceed a minimum operating value (Vbmin).

14. Method according to any one of the preceding Claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the first power supply step starts when the voltage value (Va) measured at the terminals of the first electric energy storage element (30A) reaches the maximum nominal voltage value (Vamax).

15. Method according to any one of Claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, during the first recharging step, the first electric energy storage element (30A) and the second electric energy storage element (30B) are disconnected from the processing unit (34).

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