System for managing a battery pack for supplying power to an actuator on standby

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (S1) comprising an actuator (A1) for driving a sun-protection or privacy screen between multiple positions, comprising a first power-supply mode and a second power-supply mode and an electric motor and also a communication unit and an energy storage element (150), the assembly comprising a battery pack (81) and a battery-pack management system (82) configured to supply power to the actuator and an energy storage element (11) from the battery pack (81), and the assembly comprising power-supply-mode switching means configured to activate the battery-pack management system such that the actuator is supplied with power by the battery-pack management system, defining the first mode of supplying power to the actuator, and to deactivate the battery-pack management system such that the actuator is supplied with power by the energy storage element, defining the second mode of supplying power to the actuator.

Description

BATTERY PACK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR POWERING AN ACTUATOR IN STANDBY MODE TECHNICAL FIELD AND PREVIOUS ART

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

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

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

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

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

[0006] The battery pack management system, particularly when advanced functions are implemented, exhibits significant power consumption that is incompatible with the actuator's autonomy requirements. Indeed, the battery pack's charge level is insufficient to continuously power both the actuator for its operation and its management system.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0021] When the communication unit alternates between the first and second states, it enters a "radio wake-up phase." Specifically, the control unit can only receive the control signal during these "radio wake-up phases" to then command the electric motor to start or stop. The energy storage element is designed to supply sufficient energy to the communication unit for multiple radio wake-up phases. In the first state, the communication unit consumes less energy than during the radio wake-up phases, i.e., in the second state.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0028] Periodically switching between these two power modes effectively reduces overall energy consumption by periodically deactivating the battery pack management system. This switching also allows the battery pack management system's functions to remain available when it is activated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0041] The following description will be better understood with the aid of the drawings in the annexes on which: La is a side view of an example assembly including the actuator for driving a sun protection or blackout screen according to the invention and, La is an exploded view of the assembly, La is a schematic representation of the assembly according to one embodiment, La is a detailed schematic representation of the assembly, in which the actuator is in the first power supply mode, La is a detailed schematic representation of the assembly, in which the actuator is in the second power supply mode, La is a schematic representation of an example of a method for switching power supply modes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCTION METHODS

[0042] Figures 1A and 1B schematically illustrate an assembly S1 comprising an actuator for driving between several positions a sun protection or blackout screen (not shown), such as a blind, shutter or other.

[0043] The actuator A1 comprises a torque head or support 1, a tubular housing 2 with axis of revolution X, an electric motor 4, and a gearbox 6. The gearbox 6 extends into an output shaft 10 along the X-axis, designed to rotate an element (not shown) belonging to the screen or a winding tube on which the screen is mounted. The actuator further includes a control circuit 12 for the electric motor, consisting of one or more circuit boards. This circuit 12 is connected to the motor 4.

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

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

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

[0047] The S1 assembly also includes a battery pack 81, which typically comprises several cells, such as lithium-ion batteries. These cells are interconnected and encapsulated in a protective film, such as a backing film. The casing, for example, maintains contact between the individual cells, including galvanic contact, and protects one or more electrical wires (not shown) connecting the output terminal of the cell at one end to the input terminal of the cell at the other end. The casing can also provide flexural rigidity to the battery pack.

[0048] The S1 assembly includes a battery pack management system 82 configured to power the actuator A1. The battery pack management system 82 (usually referred to by the Anglo-Saxon terms "Batteries Management System") typically enables the implementation of secure power supply functions, such as overvoltage protection for example when charging the cells by an external power source, and / or monitoring the state of the cells of the battery pack 81 from measurements of power supply parameters and / or parameterization functions of the cells of the battery pack 81.

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

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

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

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

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

[0054] The battery pack has a generally cylindrical shape along its entire length or a portion thereof. The cylinder includes a raised section where the electrical wire passes through and where the electronic circuitry forms the battery pack management system. The battery pack also includes electrical connectors (not shown) connected to the wires leading to the input and output terminals.

[0055] The battery pack management system 82 is intended to provide the electrical power to the electric motor needed for its rotation as well as to the control circuit 12 of the actuator A1 and more particularly to the first and second boards of the control circuit 12.

[0056] Actuator A1 includes a first power supply mode in which the electric motor 4 and the control circuit 12 have a relatively high energy consumption, for example, on the order of tens of watts. More specifically, their consumption is around 10 W to raise the protective screen and approximately 1 W to lower it. This first power supply mode corresponds, in particular, to powering actuator A1, enabling it to operate and move the screen.

[0057] The actuator A1 includes a second power supply mode in which only the control circuit 12 is powered, in particular the communication unit 13, and has a relatively low power consumption, for example on the order of 1 mW.

[0058] The second power supply mode corresponds in particular to a power supply for actuator A1, allowing it to be powered in a standby state. The standby state of the actuator corresponds to a state in which the communication unit is waiting for a command signal; that is to say, some of the actuator's functions are deactivated, such as the control functions of the electric motor 4.

[0059] Lare represents schematically the set S1 as described previously in relation to figures 1A and 1B according to one embodiment, in the form of a functional diagram.

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

[0061] The assembly S1 further includes an energy storage element 11, such as a capacitive element. In another embodiment, the energy storage element is an external battery, for example, a battery that can be connected to the control circuit 12 of the actuator A1. The energy storage element 11 is configured to power the actuator A1 when the battery pack management system 82 is deactivated, and to be powered by the battery pack management system 82 when the battery pack management system 82 is activated. The energy storage element 11 is adapted to provide power to the circuits of the actuator A1, in particular to the communication unit 13 at least when the actuator A1 is in its second power-on mode.The energy storage element provides a supplementary power source to the battery pack management system 82 and allows the communication unit 13 to be powered even when the battery pack management system is deactivated. More specifically, the energy storage element constitutes a temporary and sufficient energy storage means that can be powered by the battery pack management system 82 and is therefore not integrated into the battery pack 81.

[0062] Furthermore, the S1 assembly includes means for switching the power supply mode to define the first and second power supply modes of the actuator A1. These means are configured to generate an activation or deactivation signal for the battery pack management system in order to switch the assembly from one power supply mode to the other.

[0063] The switching can be done periodically so as to ensure that the energy storage element 11 has a sufficient amount of energy to power the actuator A1 in standby mode.

[0064] In this regard, according to a first example of embodiment, the switching means are configured to activate or deactivate the battery pack management system 82 periodically according to a first periodicity so that the energy storage element 11 is supplied by the battery pack management system 82 in the first supply mode and supplies the actuator A1 in the second supply mode.

[0065] The activation and deactivation times can take into account the characteristics of the energy storage element 11 and the battery pack management system 82 in order to prevent total discharge of the energy storage element 11 when the battery pack management system 82 is deactivated. For example, the battery pack management system is activated for a period on the order of a few milliseconds and deactivated for a period on the order of ten seconds. Those skilled in the art will be able to determine these times based on an estimate of the discharge of the energy storage element, which takes into account, in particular, the overconsumption induced by the circuits of actuator A1.

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

[0067] Thus, the first control means ensure a supply on demand to the energy storage element 11, so that it always has a sufficient amount of energy to supply the circuits of the actuator A1 in the second supply mode.

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

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

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

[0071] Figures 3 and 4 show in detail the assembly enabling the actuator to be powered according to the first and second power supply modes, respectively. The battery pack 81 and the battery pack management system 82 are inserted into the tubular housing of the actuator A1.

[0072] Furthermore, the energy storage element is, in one embodiment, a capacitive element 150 of the control unit 15. The capacitive element 150 is advantageously configured to supply at least part of the communication circuit 13, which includes, for example, the microcontroller 130, the receiver 132, and / or at least part of the control unit 15, which includes, for example, a memory 151. Such an embodiment has the advantage of using a capacitive element 150 already present in the control unit, which serves, for example, to supply power to the memory storing data when the actuator A1 is in standby mode. For the sake of simplicity, only the capacitive element 150 will be referred to hereafter.

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

[0074] The power mode switching means are configured to activate the battery pack management system 82, so that actuator A1 is powered by the battery pack management system 82 defining the first power mode of the actuator.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the battery pack management system 82 includes a processing unit, such as a processor 820 configured to implement the functions of secure power supply, state of charge determination and health status of the battery pack 81. In another embodiment, the functions of determining the state of charge and health status of the battery pack 81 are performed by the control circuit 12 of the actuator A1 and the secure power supply functions are performed by the battery pack management system 82.

[0076] In the first power supply mode, a receiver 132 of the communication unit 13 can receive a control signal from an external transmitter 133, such as a remote control or a smartphone, containing instructions for controlling the electric motor 4, such as starting or stopping it. Upon receiving a start command signal, for example, the communication unit 13 activates the battery pack management system and, via the second circuit board 15, commands the electric motor 4 to start in order to move the protective screen. The battery pack management system 82 then powers the electric motor 4 during its operation while monitoring the state of charge and the health status of the battery pack 81.The battery pack management system 82 can manage the parameters of the cells of the battery pack 81 during the power supply of the actuator A1 in its first power supply mode and alert when the battery pack 81 needs to be recharged.

[0077] The S1 assembly advantageously includes communication means 16 configured to transmit monitoring data between the battery pack management system 82 and the communication unit 13, as well as control data between the communication unit 13 and the battery pack management system 82.

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

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

[0080] The 820 processor is configured to determine the state of charge and health of the battery pack 81 from monitoring data. This monitoring data includes information about the cells of the battery pack 81 and the actuator A1, such as voltage, instantaneous current, maximum current, number of recharges, and minimum and maximum temperatures of the battery pack 81, for example.

[0081] We will subsequently refer to the.

[0082] The power mode switching means are configured to disable the battery pack management system 82 so that the actuator is powered by the capacitive element 150, thus defining the second power mode of actuator A1.

[0083] The means of switching the power supply of actuator A1 allow for significant energy savings, particularly when actuator A1 is in standby mode.

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

[0085] The communication unit 13 includes an alternation between a first state and a second state according to a second periodicity when the actuator A1 is in standby mode. The first state corresponds in particular to a state of reduced power consumption compared to the second state.

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

[0087] Thus, the capacitive element is periodically powered by the battery pack management system according to the second periodicity. The duration for which actuator A1 is in the first power-up mode is at least equal to the duration for which the communication unit is in the second state, which could be, for example, a few milliseconds. This duration is preferably sufficient to allow the capacitive element to recharge so that it is capable of powering the circuits of actuator A1 for at least ten seconds. The transition from the first state to the second state is subsequently referred to as the "radio wake-up phase."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0097] Upon receiving the activation signal, the processor 820 commands the activation or deactivation of the power supply to actuator A1, notably via means decoupling the battery pack 81 and actuator A1 (not shown). By deactivating the power supply to actuator A1, the processor 820 also disables the functions implemented by the battery pack management system 82, such as the functions of secure power supply, state of charge determination, and battery pack health status monitoring.

[0098] Alternatively or in combination, the processor 130 is configured to transmit the activation or deactivation signal to the processor 820 of the battery pack management system 82 periodically according to the first periodicity so that the latter commands an activation or deactivation of the power supply to the actuator A1.

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

[0100] The diagram schematically illustrates an example of a method for switching the power supply mode of an actuator such as actuator A1 described previously in relation to figures 1 to 4.

[0101] The process includes a step 100 of activation of the battery pack management system corresponding to an activation of the power supply of actuator A1 in the first power supply mode.

[0102] The battery pack management system 82 is activated during step 100 and supplies the energy storage element 11 as well as the actuator A1. Monitoring data is retrieved for use in monitoring the nominal operation of the battery pack as well as for determining the state of charge and the health status of the battery pack.

[0103] According to one implementation of the process, step 100 of activation of the battery pack management system 82 is carried out during the initialization of actuator A1 when the electric motor 4 is stopped and not powered.

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

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

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

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

[0108] The process includes a step 200 corresponding to powering actuator A1 according to the second power supply mode. The battery management system is deactivated during step 200, when actuator A1 enters its standby mode.

[0109] During step 200, actuator A1 is powered by the energy storage element, such as capacitive element 150. More specifically, communication unit 13, in the first state or in the second state, is powered by capacitive element 150 in the second power supply mode.

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

[0111] Step 201 includes periodic activation and deactivation according to the first periodicity of the battery pack management system 82 so that the capacitive element 150 is powered by the battery pack management system 82 in the first power mode and powers actuator A1 in the second power mode.

[0112] According to one variant of the process, step 201 is a step for supplying the capacitive element 150 on demand. This step, according to this variant, can be implemented in particular if the second supply mode of actuator A1 continues beyond a certain duration and / or if the energy reserve in the energy storage element decreases below a certain threshold.

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

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

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

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

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

Claims

Assembly (S1) comprising an actuator (A1) for driving between several positions of a sunshade or shading screen comprising a first power supply mode and a second power supply mode and comprising an electric motor (4) as well as a communication unit (13) and an energy storage element (150), the assembly comprising a battery pack (81), a battery pack management system (82), configured to power the actuator and the energy storage element (150) from the battery pack (81), the assembly comprising power supply mode switching means configured to activate the battery pack management system so that the actuator is powered by the battery pack management system, defining the first power supply mode of the actuator, and to deactivate the battery pack management system so that the actuator is powered by the energy storage element,defining the second power supply mode for the actuator. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack (81) management system (82) comprises a processing unit including means for monitoring the state of the battery pack and means for protecting the battery pack, such as a switch, preventing it from operating outside its permitted operating range. Assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching means are configured to deactivate and activate the battery pack management system periodically according to a first periodicity. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit (13) of the actuator (A1), in the second power supply mode, is capable of sequentially alternating between a first state and a second state according to a second periodicity, the first state corresponding to a state of reduced consumption, the communication unit being configured to receive a start or stop control signal from the electric motor when it is in the second state. Together according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said power mode switching means comprise first control means (17) configured to control activation of the battery pack management system when the amount of energy by the energy storage element is less than a first threshold and deactivation when the amount of energy of the energy storage element is greater than a second threshold. Together according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching means include second control means (130) configured to command an activation of the battery pack management system when a control signal received by the communication unit is an electric motor start control signal. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit includes measuring means (131) configured to determine the amount of energy stored by the energy storage element, and the actuator includes third control means (130) configured to perform a reading of the amount of energy stored by the energy storage element by the measuring means at a third periodicity. Together according to the preceding claim in combination with one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the third periodicity is equal to the first or second periodicity. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy storage element is a capacitive element (150), said energy storage element advantageously also being configured to power at least in part the communication unit and / or at least in part a control unit (15). Together according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising communication means (16) configured to transmit monitoring data between the battery pack (81) management system (82) and the communication unit (13), the battery pack (81) management system (82) comprising a processing unit (820) configured to determine the state of charge and the state of health of the battery pack (81) from monitoring data. Method for switching the power supply mode of an actuator for driving between several positions of a sun protection or blackout screen, the actuator comprising a first power supply mode and a second power supply mode, the method comprising: - an activation of a battery pack management system so that the actuator and an energy storage element are powered by the battery pack management system in the first power supply mode, - a deactivation of the battery pack management system so that the actuator is powered by the energy storage element in the second power supply mode. Method according to claim 11, wherein said activation and deactivation of the battery pack management system are carried out periodically according to a first periodicity. A method according to claim 11 or claim 12, comprising: - supplying the energy storage element by the battery pack management system in the first supply mode, - supplying a communication unit of the actuator by the energy storage element in the second supply mode until a control signal is received, - the communication unit being capable of alternating sequentially between a first state and a second state according to a second periodicity, the first state corresponding to a state of reduced consumption, - receiving a control signal to start or stop an electric motor of the actuator by the communication unit when it is in the second state. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising determining the amount of energy stored by the energy storage element and reading the amount of energy stored by the energy storage element at a third periodicity.

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