Electromechanical actuator and blackout device comprising such an actuator

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electromechanical actuator of a blackout device, comprising a tubular casing, an electric motor configured to rotate an output shaft about an axis of rotation (X10), and an electronic unit (14) for controlling the electric motor, which unit includes at least one non-wired remote communication module (24). The electromechanical actuator also comprises an actuator head (38) mounted at the end of the casing, partially housed therein and forming a fixed point for the electric motor, and an antenna (30) electrically connected to the communication module. The antenna (30) is a dipole antenna and comprises an antenna cable (302) which extends at least between the communication module (24) and the actuator head (38) and two antenna strands (304, 306) arranged in the actuator head, along diverging directions with respect to a connection point (308) between the two antenna strands (304, 306) and the antenna cable (302).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Electromechanical actuator and shading device comprising such an actuator

[0003] The present invention relates to an electromechanical actuator of a blackout device, as well as a blackout device comprising such an actuator.

[0004] The technical field of the present invention is that of blackout devices which include a motorized drive device which moves a screen between a first position and at least a second position.

[0005] In this type of device, it is known to transmit commands to an electromechanical actuator, part of the screen drive system, to move the screen via radio. In this case, an antenna wire can be connected to a communication module of the electromechanical actuator in order to receive radio signals related to the operation of this actuator.

[0006] Such an antenna wire sometimes protrudes from the head of the electromechanical actuator and remains visible, even after the shading device is in operation. This can be perceived as a visible quality defect, to the point that some installers tend to cut off the protruding section of the antenna wire because it is considered unsightly. Furthermore, if the section of antenna wire protruding from the actuator head is not properly installed and secured, it can be caught by the shading device's screen during winding or unwinding, potentially leading to its being torn off. All of this disrupts the transmission of radio signals.

[0007] On the other hand, in blackout devices where the electromechanical actuator is powered from a battery, it is not possible to use a mains power cable as an antenna cable.

[0008] EP2991201A2 is known to provide, within an actuator mounting flange, a guideway for an antenna cable, thus keeping the antenna neatly arranged, particularly during transport. CN209608494U is also known to connect an antenna to a printed circuit board housed in an actuator head; the antenna may be formed by ceramic components or a printed section.

[0009] One problem with this known equipment is that positioning an antenna in a confined space, within an actuator head, induces disturbances in the transmission or reception of radio signals, due to the presence of a printed circuit board, a mounting plate, a metal support for the winding tube and / or the housing that surrounds the winding tube and which may be, at least in part, metallic.

[0010] It is these drawbacks that the invention intends to remedy in particular by proposing a new electromechanical actuator for a blackout device in which an antenna is efficiently deployed to communicate with the environment of the actuator, without risk of it being damaged by parts located outside the head of the actuator or by weather conditions, and with minimized risks of disruption of the transmission of electromagnetic signals by this antenna.

[0011] Accordingly to a first aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an electromechanical actuator of a blackout device, this actuator comprising at least a tubular housing; an electric motor housed in the housing and configured to drive an output shaft of the actuator in rotation about an axis of rotation; an electronic control unit for the electric motor, also housed in the housing, which includes at least one wireless remote communication module; an actuator head mounted at the end of the housing, partially housed therein and which forms a fixed point for the electric motor and an antenna electrically connected to the communication module.According to the invention, the antenna is a dipole antenna and comprises an antenna cable extending at least between the communication module and the actuator head and two antenna elements arranged in the actuator head, in directions diverging from a connection point between the two antenna elements and the antenna cable.

[0012] Thanks to the invention, the integration of a dipole antenna within the actuator head allows this antenna to fully perform its function of receiving and / or transmitting electromagnetic signals, particularly radio signals, with minimal risk of interference, while mechanically protecting the antenna from external mechanical damage. Specifically, the antenna does not need to protrude from the actuator head or be located outside the electromechanical actuator to be effective in both receiving and transmitting signals.

[0013] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such an actuator may incorporate one or more of the following features:

[0014] - The antenna cable is a coaxial cable. A first antenna element is electrically connected to a central core of the coaxial cable and a second antenna element is electrically connected to a shield of the coaxial cable.

[0015] - The actuator head is provided with reliefs for guiding and positioning the antenna elements within the actuator head. - The actuator head has a generally circular shape centered on a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation, in which each antenna element extends in a direction that is generally ortho-radial to the longitudinal axis and in which the ortho-radial directions in which the two antenna elements extend are opposite to each other.

[0016] - Each antenna element has a developed length greater than or equal to 20 mm, preferably equal to 23 mm.

[0017] - The actuator head is fixed to a metal support plate and in which the antenna elements are offset, at least along a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation, relative to the metal plate.

[0018] - The actuator head is equipped with a secondary electronic unit, in which the antenna is not electrically connected to the secondary electronic unit and in which the antenna elements are arranged, in the actuator head, opposite the secondary electronic unit with respect to a longitudinal axis of the actuator head.

[0019] - The actuator head is equipped with a secondary electronic unit, in which the antenna is electrically connected to the secondary electronic unit and in which the antenna elements extend in directions diverging from each other, in the actuator head, opposite the secondary electronic unit with respect to a longitudinal axis of the actuator head.

[0020] - An electrical connection point between the antenna cable and the two antenna elements is located, in the actuator head, in the vicinity of an external peripheral edge of the actuator head.

[0021] - An electrical connection point between the antenna cable and the two antenna elements is located near an entry point of the coaxial cable into the actuator head. Portions of the two antenna elements extend parallel to each other from the connection point towards an external peripheral wall of the actuator head, over a length of less than 8 mm and preferably, a separating wall formed by the actuator head is disposed between the portions of the two antenna elements that extend parallel to each other from the connection point towards the external peripheral wall.

[0022] - Each antenna element is formed by a section of electrically conductive cable.

[0023] - Each antenna element is formed by a conductive trace printed on a printed circuit board.

[0024] - The printed circuit board is flexible. - The printed circuit board is positioned along an internal radial surface of an external peripheral wall of the actuator head.

[0025] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a blackout device comprising a screen, movable between at least a first position and at least a second position, and a motorized drive device for the screen between its first and second positions, in which the motorized drive device comprises at least one electromechanical actuator as described above.

[0026] Such a concealment device is more reliable than those of the prior art.

[0027] The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will become more apparent from the following description of three embodiments of an electromechanical actuator and a blocking device conforming to its principle, given solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0028] - [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a partial schematic perspective view of a blackout device according to the invention, incorporating an electromechanical actuator according to the invention;

[0029] - [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a partial section along plane II in Figure 1;

[0030] - [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a larger scale exploded perspective view of part of the actuator shown in Figures 1 and 2;

[0031] - [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a front view of the actuator head of figures 1 to 3 and an associated antenna;

[0032] - [Fig. 5] Figure 5 represents, on two inserts A) and B) a perspective view without antenna and a front view with antenna of an actuator head belonging to an actuator according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0033] - [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a view analogous to Figure 5, with two inserts A) and B) of the same type, for an actuator according to a third embodiment of the invention; and

[0034] - [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a view analogous to Figure 3 for an actuator according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0035] First, with reference to Figure 1, we describe an installation 1 comprising a closing, shading, or solar protection device 3 according to a first embodiment of the invention. This installation 1 is implemented in a building represented by one of its walls M, which has an opening O containing a window or door (not shown). This installation 1 is equipped with a screen 2 belonging to the closing, shading, or solar protection device 3, which may be, for example, a motorized blind. The screen 2 is configured to at least partially obscure the opening O in the wall M, by being in positions selected by a user, between an upper limit position and a lower limit position.

[0036] The closing, shading or sun protection device 3 is hereafter referred to as the "shading device" and includes the screen 2. The expression "shading device" therefore covers closing or sun protection devices.

[0037] Here, the screen 2 can be formed of a fabric, woven or not, and includes a load bar 4 which ensures tension of a part of the screen 2 unrolled relative to a winding tube 6, movable in rotation around a winding axis X6 which is horizontal in the mounted configuration of the installation 1.

[0038] Depending on the rotation of the winding tube 6 around the winding axis X6, a greater or lesser part of the screen 2 is unrolled and suspended below the winding tube 6 and the load bar 4 is moved vertically, in the direction of the double arrow F1 in figure 1.

[0039] An electromechanical actuator 10 is disposed in the winding tube 6 and includes an electric motor 12 which is represented by its outer casing in Figure 2. Advantageously, the electric motor 12 includes a rotor and a stator not shown, which are positioned coaxially around an axis of rotation X10 of the electromechanical actuator 10.

[0040] The X6 and X10 axes are coincident in the mounted configuration of the occultation device 3 within the installation 1.

[0041] Advantageously, the electric motor 12 is a brushless, electronically commutated type, also called "BLDC" or "permanent magnet synchronous". Alternatively, the electric motor 12 can be direct current or asynchronous, powered by alternating current.

[0042] The electromechanical actuator 10 also includes an electronic control unit 14 configured to drive the electric motor 12 based on control commands received from a control unit 16, which may be a local or central, fixed or mobile control unit. Preferably, the electronic control unit 14 is formed by an electronic board equipped with electronic components, including a microprocessor 15.

[0043] Advantageously, the control unit 16 is equipped with at least one selection element 18 and at least one display element 20. The control unit 16 also includes a first remote communication module 22 capable of transmitting, and optionally receiving, electromagnetic signals S, in particular radio signals, to or from the electronic control unit 14. In this respect, the electronic control unit 14 is equipped with a second communication module 24 capable of receiving electromagnetic signals S, in particular radio signals, and optionally transmitting return signals to the control unit 16, in the case of bidirectional communication between the electronic control unit 14 and the control unit 16.

[0044] In order to communicate effectively with the communication module 22, the communication module 24 is connected to an antenna 30 which extends partly inside the winding tube 6 and partly outside the winding tube.

[0045] The electromechanical actuator 10 also includes a reducer 32, a battery pack 33 and a brake 34, which are represented by their respective outer casings in Figure 2.

[0046] The reducer 32 includes at least one reduction stage, for example of the epicyclic type, or even of another type. The brake 34 allows the rotational speed of the winding tube 6 around the winding axis X6 to be controlled or the rotation of this tube to be blocked.

[0047] Here, the battery assembly 33 is positioned along the X10 axis, between the electric motor 12 and the brake 34. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, not shown, the battery assembly 33 can be positioned along the X10 axis, between the electric motor 12 and the electronic control unit 14. According to another alternative embodiment, not shown, the battery assembly 33 is positioned along the X10 axis, opposite the electric motor 12 with respect to the electronic control unit 14.

[0048] Here, the brake 34 is positioned along the X10 axis between the electric motor 12 and the reducer 32. In an alternative embodiment of the invention not shown, the reducer 32 can be positioned along the X10 axis between the electric motor 12 and the brake 34. According to another alternative embodiment not shown, the brake is positioned along the X10 axis between two stages of the reducer 32.

[0049] The actuator 10 also includes a housing 36 in which the elements 12, 14, 32, 33 and 34 are arranged and which extends between a first axial end 362, visible on the right of Figure 2, and a second axial end 364 opposite the first axial end along the axis X10. The axial end 362 of the housing 36 is oriented on the same side as an axial end 62 of the winding tube 6 visible in Figure 2.

[0050] The housing 36 is cylindrical in shape. It can be made of metal or plastic. The external diameter 036 of the housing 36 is strictly smaller than the internal diameter 06 of the winding tube.

[0051] In the example shown in the figures, the external diameter 036 is 25 mm. This gives the electromagnetic actuator 10 good radial compactness, compatible with winding tubes 6 of relatively small internal diameter 06, specifically 28 mm. The antenna 30 extends from the electronic control unit 14, within the housing 36, to the outside of the housing 36.

[0052] A bearing ring 37 is arranged around the end 362 of the housing 36 and inside the end 62 of the winding tube 6 which it supports, with the possibility of rotation of the winding tube 6 around the axis X10, relative to the housing 36.

[0053] An actuator head 38 also belongs to the actuator 10 and helps to keep it in position inside the winding shaft 6. The actuator head 38 is engaged in the housing 36, on the side of its first end 362.

[0054] This actuator head 38 is preferably made of a synthetic material permeable to electromagnetic waves, preferably transparent, such as a plastic material. This material can be, for example, PA6 GF30 (polyamide reinforced with 30% glass fibers).

[0055] X38 is a longitudinal axis of the actuator head 38. In the mounted configuration of the occulting device 3, the axis X38 is parallel to, and preferably coincident with, the axes X6 and X10.

[0056] An output shaft 42 of the electromechanical actuator 10 protrudes from the housing 36, opposite the actuator head 38, that is, on the side of the second end 364 of this housing. This output shaft 42 is equipped with a wheel 44 fixed to the winding tube 6 for rotation around the winding axis X6.

[0057] A rotation of the output shaft 42 around the axis of rotation X10, resulting from the operation of the electric motor 12, causes the winding tube 6 to rotate around the winding axis X6 via the wheel 44, in one of two opposite directions of rotation, and to unwind or wind the screen 2 around the winding tube 6, by moving the load bar 4 in one of the directions represented by the double arrow F1. Thus, the winding tube 6 and the electromechanical actuator 10 belong to a motorized drive device 8, which allows the screen 2 to be selectively moved between user-selected positions of the shading device 3.

[0058] The actuator head 38 allows the actuator 10 to be attached to a bracket 40, which can be mounted on the wall M, on a flange of a housing surrounding the winding tube 6, or on a support bracket, itself mounted on the wall or suspended from a ceiling. For this purpose, the actuator head 38 is provided with a housing 382 configured to receive a centering pin 402 carried by the bracket 40. The actuator head 38 thus provides, in particular, mechanical support and load transfer for the electromechanical actuator 10. Furthermore, the actuator head constitutes a fixed point, or reference point, for the electric motor 12. For clarity, the bracket 40 and its pin 402 are shown only in Figure 2, using dashed lines.

[0059] Advantageously, the actuator head 38 carries a metal support plate 39 which is secured to the actuator head 38 by two screws 41 that pass through two bores 399 in the metal plate and are screwed into bushings 381, provided for this purpose on the actuator head 38 and integral with it. The metal support plate 39 is shown only in Figure 2. It is provided with a central opening 392 for the passage of the pin 402.

[0060] The metal plate 39 constitutes a ferromagnetic mass, capable of interfering with the reception and, possibly, the transmission of electromagnetic signals by the antenna 30.

[0061] Advantageously, the actuator head 38 includes ribs 389 for supporting the metal plate 39, which define between themselves a central part 382A of the housing 382 and, around them, peripheral parts 382B, 382C and 382D of the housing 382, ​​as seen in figure 4.

[0062] A secondary electronic control unit 14', preferably formed by an electronic board, is mounted in the actuator head 38, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X38 of the actuator head 38, and carries electronic components 43. The secondary electronic control unit 14' constitutes a potential source of interference with the reception and, possibly, the transmission of electromagnetic signals by the antenna 30.

[0063] For clarity, in Figure 4, the secondary electronic control unit 14' is represented by a center line corresponding to its outline in the plane of that figure. It is visible in Figure 3 but not shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0064] A front face of the actuator head 38 opposite the actuator 10 is noted as 38A. This front face is visible from outside the winding tube 6. It is also visible in Figure 4.

[0065] In practice, the antenna 30 is permanently connected to the electronic control unit 14, in particular to the second communication module 24, and passes through the housing 382, ​​more particularly its peripheral part 382C to emerge on the side of its front face 38A.

[0066] The barrels 381 and the ribs 389 are monobloc with the actuator head 38 and extend in projection from the front face 38A.

[0067] A peripheral edge of the actuator head 38 is denoted 38B. Advantageously, the peripheral edge is circular or generally circular and centered on the longitudinal axis X38. An outer diameter of the actuator head 38 is denoted 038, which is the diameter of the peripheral edge 38B. Given the diameter values <t>6 and 036, this diameter 038 is relatively small, on the order of 38 mm.

[0068] Coupling shafts 385, also monobloc with the actuator head 38 and projecting from its front face 38A, extend in the vicinity of the shafts 381 and are not covered by the plate 39 when it is in contact with the ribs 389. These shafts 385 receive screws or pins (not shown) from the support 40, so as to ensure a mechanical support and force transfer function for the electromechanical actuator 10, as an alternative to the centering pin 402.

[0069] Advantageously, the actuator head 38 includes an external peripheral wall 383 which follows the edge 38B and which extends in projection relative to the front face 38A, on the same side as the ribs 389 and the shafts 381 and 385.

[0070] A cover 50, which forms part of the electromechanical actuator 10, is attached, preferably removably, to the actuator head 38, on the side of this head opposite the housing 36. This cover 50 is a single piece made, preferably, of a synthetic material permeable, preferably transparent, to electromagnetic waves, such as a plastic. For clarity, the cover 50 is shown only in Figures 2 and 3.

[0071] X50 denotes a longitudinal axis of the cover. In the mounted configuration of the cover on the actuator head 38, the axis X50 is parallel to the axes X6, X10, and X38, preferably coinciding with these axes. Advantageously, a peripheral edge 50B of the cover is circular or generally circular and centered on the longitudinal axis X50. Preferably, in the mounted configuration of the cover 50 on the actuator head, the edge 50B surrounds the edge 38B. When attached to the actuator head 38, the cover, together with the front face and the external peripheral wall 383, defines an internal space within the actuator head 38, in which are housed, among other things, the secondary electronic unit 14', as well as the aforementioned ribs 389 and shafts 381 and 385.

[0072] The antenna 30 comprises an antenna cable 302 which is preferably formed by a coaxial cable with an electrically conductive central core 302A, an electrically insulating sheath 302B and an electrically conductive peripheral shield 302C. The portions 302A and 302B of the coaxial cable 302 are shown, by partial tear-off, in Figure 3.

[0073] Antenna 30 also includes two antenna elements 304 and 306. Thus, antenna 30 is a dipole antenna. Advantageously, the first antenna element 304 is electrically connected to the center conductor 302A of the coaxial cable 302, while the second antenna element 306 is electrically connected to the shield 302C of the coaxial cable 302.

[0074] In Figure 4, only the outer sheaths of the coaxial cable 302 and the two antenna elements 304 and 306 are shown, without the corresponding electrical connections. A connection point 308 is designated as an electrical connection point between the coaxial cable 302 and the antenna elements 304 and 306. Here, the term "connection point" encompasses the area where both the connection between parts 302A and 304 and between parts 302C and 306 take place.

[0075] In the plane of Figure 4, that is, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X38, viewed along a direction parallel to this axis and oriented towards the housing 36, the first antenna element 304 extends clockwise around the longitudinal axis X38, in a direction that is generally ortho-radial to this axis and mainly along one inner side of the outer peripheral wall 383, facing the longitudinal axis X38. On the other hand, in this same plane, the second antenna element 306 extends in a counterclockwise or trigonometric direction, also around the longitudinal axis X38, in a direction that is generally ortho-radial to this axis and mainly along the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 383. Overall, the antenna elements 304 and 306 extend parallel to the edge 38B.Thus, the two antenna elements 304 and 306 extend in opposite directions, i.e. divergent, relative to the antenna cable 302, from the connection point 308, at a distance from the ground planes formed by the electronic board 14' and the metal plate 39, which allows them to receive, without significant interference, the electromagnetic signals S emitted by the first remote communication module 22 of the control unit 16. In addition, if the communication between the remote communication modules 22 and 24 is bidirectional, the antenna elements 304 and 306 also allow the transmission of signals to the remote communication module 22, without significant interference.

[0076] In this respect, the positioning of the two antenna elements of the dipole antenna within the actuator head 38 provides mechanical protection for the antenna 30, particularly against the risk of detachment and weathering. Furthermore, this positioning ensures uninterrupted operation of the motorized drive unit 8, despite the relatively small diameter 038 of the actuator head 38.

[0077] In this embodiment, the connection point 308 is located in the vicinity of the external peripheral wall 383 and the edge 38B.

[0078] The first antenna element 304 extends from the connection point 308 to a free end 304A, while the second antenna element 306 extends from the connection point 308 to a free end 306A.

[0079] Let L304 be the developed length of the antenna element 304, between the connection point 308 and the end 304A. Let L306 be the developed length of the second antenna element 306, between the connection point 308 and the end 306A. The developed length of an antenna element is the length of that element when it is taut, in a straight configuration.

[0080] The developed lengths L304 and L306 are chosen according to the frequency range of the electromagnetic signals S. These lengths are preferably equal to each other.

[0081] For electromagnetic signals S in a frequency range centered on 2.4 gigahertz (GHz), lengths L304 and L306 are chosen to be greater than 20 mm, preferably in the order of 23 mm.

[0082] For other frequency ranges, the lengths of the first and second antenna elements could be adapted.

[0083] Given the value of the developed lengths L304 and L306, the outer peripheral wall 383 is locally interrupted, at the level of two openings 383A, which allows, if necessary, the distal parts of the antenna elements 304 and 306, furthest from the connection point 308, to bypass the shafts 385.

[0084] The portion of the coaxial cable 302 that runs along the front face 38A, between the peripheral part 382C of the housing 382 and the connection point 308, is advantageously housed between two ribs 387, which are integral with the actuator head and project from its front face 38A, thus creating raised sections on the front face 38A. The ribs 387 define a path for the coaxial cable 382 along this front face 38A. Thus, the connection point 308, located near the outer peripheral wall 383 and the edge 38B, lies in a space between the free end of the ribs 387 and the peripheral edge 38B.

[0085] Advantageously, features such as ribs 384 and / or studs 386, which are also integral with the actuator head 38 and projecting from its front face 38A, allow the antenna elements to be guided between the connection point 308 and the openings 383A. Preferably, the features 384 and 386 allow the antenna elements 304 and 306 to be pressed against the front face 38A, which induces a longitudinal offset along the X38 axis between, on the one hand, the antenna elements 304 and 306 and, on the other hand, the metal plate 39 which rests on the ribs 389.

[0086] Advantageously, a longitudinal offset between, on the one hand, a central axis of one of the strands 304 and 306 and, on the other hand, an average median plane of the metal plate 39 is between 4 and 6 mm.

[0087] On the other hand, the reliefs 384 and 386 also have the effect of guiding the antenna elements 304 and 306 near the peripheral edge 38B, at a distance from the metal plate 39 in directions radial to the longitudinal axis X38, that is to say in a plane parallel to that of the figure 4. Advantageously, a transverse offset, measured parallel to the front face 38A, between, on the one hand, a central axis of one of the elements 304 and 306 and, on the other hand, the edge closest to the metal plate 39 is between 1.5 and 4 mm.

[0088] The offset, advantageously both axial and radial, between, on the one hand, the antenna elements 304 and 306 and, on the other hand, the metal plate 39, makes it possible to minimize the disturbance induced by the metal plate on the operation of the antenna 30.

[0089] Similarly, the electronic board of the second electronic control unit 14' is arranged, with respect to the longitudinal axis X38, opposite the antenna elements 304 and 30 with respect to the longitudinal axis X38. This arrangement reduces the disturbances induced on the operation of the antenna 30 by the secondary control unit 14'.

[0090] In this embodiment, the antenna 30 is not connected to the secondary electronic control unit 14'.

[0091] According to an alternative configuration not shown, the antenna 30 is connected to the secondary electronic control unit 14'. In this case, and by way of non-limiting example, the antenna 30 comprises a coaxial cable, of the type of coaxial cable 302, extending between the electronic control units 14 and 14', and strands, comparable to strands 304 and 306. The connection point 308 between the coaxial cable 302 and strands 304 and 306 is located in the secondary electronic control unit 14'. Strands 304 and 306 extend in directions diverging from each other, in the actuator head, opposite the electronic control unit 14' with respect to the longitudinal axis X38 of the actuator head 38.

[0092] In the second, third, and fourth embodiments shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7 respectively, elements analogous to those in the first embodiment bear the same reference numerals. If a reference numeral is mentioned later in the description but not shown in any of Figures 5 to 7, or if it is shown in any of these figures but not mentioned in the description, it designates the same element as the one bearing the same reference numeral in the first embodiment.

[0093] The following mainly describes what distinguishes the second, third and fourth embodiments from the first embodiment.

[0094] In the second embodiment, the electrical connection point 308 between the coaxial cable 302 and the first and second antenna elements 304 and 306 is located in the vicinity of the peripheral part 382C which constitutes the entry zone of the coaxial cable into the internal space of the actuator head 38 delimited by the front face 38A, the external peripheral wall 383 and the cover 50, that is to say closer to the longitudinal axis X38 than in the first embodiment. This allows each of the antenna elements 304 and 306 to have a developed length L304 or L306 greater than or equal to 20 mm, preferably equal to 23 mm or to one of the values ​​of developed length mentioned above, without having to extend beyond the outer peripheral wall 383 through the openings 383A since the developed lengths L304 and L306 are counted from the connection point 308.

[0095] In this regard, according to an unrepresented variant of the invention, the external peripheral wall 383 may in this case be devoid of openings such as the openings 383A, in particular since the strands 304 and 306 do not have to go around the shafts 385.

[0096] The portions of the antenna elements 304 and 306, respectively, extending from the connection point 308 towards the wall 383, are designated 304B and 306B. These portions extend parallel to a radius R38 of the actuator head 38. They are parallel to each other and positioned between two ribs 387 of the actuator head 38. Their length L305, which is common and measured parallel to the radius R38, is chosen to be small, in particular less than 8 mm, and preferably less than 6 mm. This prevents magnetic coupling between these portions 304B and 306B from significantly interfering with the reception or transmission of electromagnetic signals S via the antenna 30.

[0097] In the third embodiment, a relief, such as an intermediate rib 387', integral with the rest of the actuator head 38, projects from its front face 38A and from the outer peripheral wall 383 in the direction of the longitudinal axis X38, preferably parallel to a radius R38 defined as in the second embodiment. The function of this intermediate rib 387' is to separate the portions 304B and 306B of the antenna elements 304 and 306, which extend parallel to each other on either side of the intermediate rib 387', thereby reducing, or even eliminating, any potential magnetic coupling between these two portions 304B and 306B. It is thus also referred to as a separating wall.

[0098] In all cases, the ribs 384, 387 and possibly 387' and the studs 386 define the routing of the coaxial cable 302 and the antenna elements 304 and 306 in the actuator head 38, along its front face 38A. This makes it possible in particular to position the antenna elements 304 and 306 with respect to the potential sources of interference which are, on the one hand, the metal plate 39 and, on the other hand, the secondary control unit 14'.

[0099] In the second and third embodiments, the two antenna elements 304 and 306 extend, in the actuator head 38, in directions diverging from the connection point 308, between their portions 304B and 306B and their ends 304A and 306A. In the first, second and third embodiments, each element 304 or 306 is formed by a section of electrically conductive cable, preferably with an electrically conductive core surrounded by an insulating sheath.

[0100] For example, the conductive core of a 304 or 306 strand can be between copper or aluminum.

[0101] In the fourth embodiment, the two antenna elements 304 and 306 are formed by electrically conductive tracks printed on a flexible printed circuit board 303. The two conductive tracks extend, on the flexible printed circuit board 303, in two divergent, in particular opposite, directions from a connection point 308 of the antenna cable 302 which is also provided on the flexible printed circuit board 303.

[0102] For example, a conductive track forming a 304 or 306 strand can be made of copper.

[0103] Advantageously, in the mounted configuration of the shading device 3 within the installation 1, the printed circuit board 303 is arranged along an internal radial surface S383 of the outer peripheral wall 383 of the actuator head 38. Thus, each antenna element 304, 306 extends in a generally ortho-radial direction to the longitudinal axis X38 of the actuator head 38, the ortho-radial directions in which the two antenna elements extend being opposite to each other. Alternatively, the printed circuit board 303 is arranged in the actuator head elsewhere than along the outer peripheral wall 383.

[0104] According to an unshown embodiment of the invention, the ribs and studs 384 and 386 define a meandering path for the antenna elements 304 and 306 in the portion of the actuator head 38 opposite the secondary electronic control unit 14'. By "meandering," it is understood that the path of the antenna elements 304 and 306 follows meanders, that is, successive turns, between the connection point 308 and the ends 304A and 306A. These meanders make it possible to reduce the required orthoradial length between the connection point 308 and the ends 304A and 306A, without reducing the developed lengths L304 and L306 of the antenna elements 304 and 306.

[0105] Regardless of the embodiment, the antenna elements 304 and 306 are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to a radius such as the radius R38 mentioned above. This symmetry of the antenna elements 304 and 306 improves the performance of the antenna 30.

[0106] Any feature described above for one embodiment or variant is applicable to other embodiments and variants, insofar as this is technically possible.< / t>

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Electromechanical actuator (10) of a blackout device (3), this actuator comprising at least: a tubular housing (36); an electric motor (12) housed in the housing and configured to drive an output shaft (42) of the actuator in rotation about an axis of rotation (X10); an electronic control unit (14) for the electric motor, also housed in the housing, which includes at least one wireless remote communication module (24); an actuator head (38) mounted at the end of the housing, partially housed therein and which forms a fixed point for the electric motor; an antenna (30) electrically connected to the communication module (24);characterized in that the antenna (30) is a dipole antenna and comprises an antenna cable (302) which extends at least between the communication module (24) and the actuator head (38) and two antenna elements (304, 306) arranged in the actuator head, in directions diverging with respect to a connection point (308) between the two antenna elements (304, 306) and the antenna cable (302).

2. Electromechanical actuator according to claim 1, wherein the antenna cable (302) is a coaxial cable, a first antenna element (304) is electrically connected to a central core (302A) of the coaxial cable; and a second antenna element (306) is electrically connected to a shield (302C) of the coaxial cable.

3. Electromechanical actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator head (38) is provided with reliefs (384, 386, 387, 387') for guiding and positioning the antenna strands (304, 306) in the actuator head.

4. Electromechanical actuator according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuator head (38) has a generally circular shape centered on a longitudinal axis (X38) parallel to the axis of rotation (X10), wherein each antenna strand (304, 306) extends in a generally ortho-radial direction to the longitudinal axis and wherein the ortho-radial directions in which the two antenna strands extend are opposite to each other.

5. Electromechanical actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each antenna strand (304, 306) has a developed length (L304, L306) greater than or equal to 20 mm, preferably equal to 23 mm.

6. Electromechanical actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator head (38) is integral with a metal support plate (39) and wherein the antenna elements (304, 306) are offset, at least along a longitudinal axis (X38) parallel to the axis of rotation (X10), relative to the metal plate.

7. Electromechanical actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator head (38) is equipped with a secondary electronic unit (14'), wherein the antenna (30) is not electrically connected to the secondary electronic unit and wherein the antenna elements (304, 306) are arranged, in the actuator head, opposite the secondary electronic unit (14') with respect to a longitudinal axis (X38) of the actuator head.

8. Electromechanical actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the actuator head (38) is equipped with a secondary electronic unit (14'), wherein the antenna (30) is electrically connected to the secondary electronic unit and wherein the antenna elements (304, 306) extend in directions diverging from each other, in the actuator head, opposite the secondary electronic unit (14') with respect to a longitudinal axis (X38) of the actuator head.

9. Electromechanical actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an electrical connection point (308) between the antenna cable (302) and the two antenna elements (304, 306) is located, in the actuator head (308), in the vicinity of an external peripheral edge (308B) of the actuator head.

10. Electromechanical actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an electrical connection point (308) between the antenna cable (302) and the two antenna elements (304, 306) is located in the vicinity of an entry zone (382C) of the coaxial cable (302) into the actuator head (38); portions (304B, 306B) of the two antenna elements (304, 306) extend parallel to each other from the connection point (308) and towards an external peripheral wall (383) of the actuator head, over a length (L305) of less than 8 mm and preferably, a separating wall (387') formed by the actuator head (38) is disposed between the portions (304B, 306B) of the two antenna elements (304, 306) which extend parallel to each other from the connection point (308) and towards the external peripheral wall (383). 17 11. Electromechanical actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each antenna strand (304, 306) is formed by a section of electrically conductive cable.

12. Electromechanical actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each antenna strand (304, 306) is formed by a conductive track printed on a printed circuit board (303).

13. Electromechanical actuator according to claim 12, wherein the printed circuit board (303) is flexible.

14. Electromechanical actuator according to any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein the printed circuit board (303) is disposed along an internal radial surface (S383) of an external peripheral wall (383) of the actuator head (38).

15. A blackout device (3) comprising a screen (2) movable between at least one first position and at least one second position; a motorized drive device (8) for the screen between its first and second positions, wherein the motorized drive device (8) comprises at least one electromechanical actuator (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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