ELECTROMECHANICAL ACTUATOR FOR ORIENTING A BLIND AND RANGE OF ELECTROMECHANICAL ACTUATORS

Abstract

An electromechanical orientation actuator (10) for orientating a sunscreen (SCR) with orientable blades (B1, B2, B3; B′1, B′2, B′3) comprises, in series, a motor (11), at least one first speed reduction module (21), a second speed reduction module (31) and a rocker (4) for orienting the blades (B1, B2, B3; B′1, B′2, B′3). The actuator (10) further comprises at least a third speed reduction module (43) in series between the second speed reduction module (31) and the orientation rocker (4). The actuator preferably belongs to a range of actuators further comprising an electromechanical movement actuator (110) for moving a sunscreen (SCR2) that can be moved between a raised position and a lowered position, comprising, in series, a motor (111), at least a first speed reduction module (121) and at least a winder (140) for a suspension cord (L3) of the first screen (SCR2) or for the first screen (SCR2). Notably, the two actuators have a speed reduction module of the same model. For preference, the motor of the first actuator and the motor (11) of the second actuator (10) have identical voltage/current characteristics.

Claims

1. An electromechanical orientation actuator for orienting a sunscreen with orientable slats, comprising, in series: a motor, at least one first speed reduction module, a second speed reduction module, and a rocker for orienting the slats, wherein the actuator includes at least one third speed reduction module, in series, between the second speed reduction module and the orientation rocker, and wherein the first speed reduction module and the second speed reduction module or the second speed reduction module and the third speed reduction module differ in terms of the type of teeth and/or the model of the reduction module.

2. The electromechanical orientation actuator according to claim 1, wherein the model of the first speed module, the model of the second speed module, and/or the model of the third speed module are selected from a group consisting of the following different models: parallel teeth with straight pinions, conical gears, wheel and worm screw, planetary gears with single teeth, planetary gears with tumbler gears having double teeth and a sun gear, magnetic reduction gear, belt reduction gear, and combinations of the above models.

3. The electromechanical actuator according to claim 1, wherein the type of teeth is selected from the group consisting of: Straight teeth, Helical teeth, and Herringbone teeth.

4. The electromechanical actuator according to claim 1, wherein the orientation rocker rotates around a rotation axis that is not coaxial with a rotation axis of the motor.

5. The electromechanical actuator according to claim 4, wherein the rotation axis of the rocker is parallel to the rotation axis of the motor.

6. The electromechanical actuator according to claim 4, wherein the rotation axis of the rocker is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the motor.

7. The electromechanical actuator according to claim 1, further comprising: a box in which the motor and the speed reduction modules are housed.

8. The electromechanical actuator according to claim 7, further comprising: an electronic control unit inside the box, and wherein the electronic control unit comprises an electronic circuit extending along a direction parallel or perpendicular to a rotation axis of the motor.

9. The electromechanical orientation actuator according to claim 7, wherein the box comprises an opening for receiving a driveshaft, wherein the third speed reduction module comprising an interface part configured to be connected to the driveshaft, and wherein the interface part is housed inside a housing of the actuator without protruding outside the actuator housing.

10. A line of electromechanical actuators for sunscreens, comprising: a first electromechanical actuator for moving a first sunscreen, movable between a high position and a low position, comprising, in series: a motor, at least one first speed reduction module, and at least one winder for a suspension cord of the first screen or for the first screen; a second electromechanical orientation actuator for a second sunscreen with orientable slats, according to claim 1; wherein the first speed reduction module of the first actuator and one of the speed reduction modules of the second actuator have a same model and identical transmission ratios.

11. The line of actuators according to claim 10, wherein the motor of the first actuator and the motor of the second actuator have identical current/voltage characteristics.

12. The electromechanical orientation actuator according to claim 8, wherein the box comprises an opening for receiving a driveshaft, wherein the third speed reduction module comprising an interface part configured to be connected to the driveshaft, and wherein the interface part is housed inside a housing of the actuator without protruding outside the actuator housing.

13. The electromechanical actuator according to claim 2, wherein the orientation rocker rotates around a rotation axis that is not coaxial with a rotation axis of the motor.

14. The electromechanical actuator according to claim 3, wherein the orientation rocker rotates around a rotation axis that is not coaxial with a rotation axis of the motor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0058] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the following description, in reference to the appended figures, which illustrate:

[0059] FIG. 1, a diagram of sunscreen equipment according to the invention;

[0060] FIG. 2, an orientation actuator according to a first embodiment of the invention, mounted in a blind rail;

[0061] FIG. 3, an orientation actuator according to a second embodiment of the invention, mounted in a blind rail;

[0062] FIG. 4, an orientation actuator according to a third embodiment of the invention, mounted in a blind rail;

[0063] FIG. 5, a movement actuator belonging to a line of actuators with one of the preceding orientation actuators.

[0064] For greater clarity, identical elements are identified using identical reference signs in all of the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows home automation equipment 1 for a motorized screen according to the invention. The equipment 1 comprises a sunscreen SCR made up of horizontal slats B1, B2, B3 (or B′1, B′2, B′3) whose orientation is guided by cords in the form of ladders L1 and L2 connected to an electromechanical actuator 10 provided with a motor 11.

[0066] The screen SCR is arranged behind a façade window pane GLZ, on a site situated inside a building. Alternatively, the screen may be arranged in front of the window pane, outside the building, or between two window panes.

[0067] The figure partially shows the screen in two different orientations, obtained by the action of the actuator 10. The orientation of the slats can be obtained manually, according to an order given by a user bearing a remote control RCU or automatically, for example based on an incidence angle ASUN1 or ASUN2 of the direct solar radiation.

[0068] At the very bottom of the screen, a slat is shown with any incline. The upper part of the screen shows three slats B1-B3, with a first incline. The lower part of the screen next shows three slats B′1-B′3, with a second particular incline. The three slats B′1-B′3 are for example the preceding slats B1-B3, shown in a different angular position.

[0069] The direct solar radiation reaches the upper faces of the slats or portions of the upper faces of the slats. Depending on the surface condition of the slat, the incline thereof and the incidence zone, the radiation is reflected toward the window pane, the inside of the room or the upper slat. The reflected rays are not shown in the figures.

[0070] In order to orient the slats, the installation additionally comprises an electronic control unit CPU, a remote control unit RCU, able to be activated by the user occupying the premises. The order received by the electronic control unit CPU is processed and makes it possible to activate the orientation motor 11 of the slats in one direction or the other. The detail of the kinematic chain is shown in the following figures. The control unit comprises software means for governing the operation of the installation. In particular, these software means comprise computer programs.

[0071] Furthermore, the equipment may comprise a sensor SR, connected to the control unit by a wired or wireless link SRL. The information provided by the sensor SR makes it possible to develop at least two pieces of information in the control unit CPU on the state of the solar radiation. A first piece of information PSUN translates the presence of direct solar radiation on the window pane GLZ. A second piece of information ASUN translates a primary incidence direction (or height) of this direct solar radiation.

[0072] Through the remote control unit, the sensor SR and an astronomical clock CLK, the control unit CPU can thus control the positioning, in particular the orientation, of the slats to satisfy an automatic and/or manual operation.

[0073] The electromechanical actuator 10 making it possible to perform the mechanical orientation of the slats of the blind must interface with a rotational drive shaft 3 on which rockers 4 are mounted driving the cords L1 and L2. In particular, the output of the actuator is formed by a hole whose section corresponds to that of the driveshaft of the blind, and making it possible to accommodate a section or an end of the driveshaft. The driveshaft 3 and the rockers 4 are mounted in a rail 2 that is part of a box through supports 5, 6.

[0074] The actuator 10 must also, like the driveshaft and the rockers, preferably be housed inside the rail 2, so as to be invisible from the outside. The rails for blinds with horizontal slats also are U-shaped with a flat bottom, the free ends of the U being curved on themselves to stiffen the rail. For aesthetic reasons, these rails are as small as possible, which raises integration constraints for the actuator.

[0075] According to a first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the actuator 10 extends primarily parallel to the driveshaft 3. Along a first rotation axis 12 of the motor, one successively finds the motor 11, a first epicyclic speed reduction module 21, a second epicyclic speed reduction module 31 and a first gear wheel 41. Along a second so-called driving axis 13, there is a second gear wheel 42, with a different diameter and number of teeth from the first gear wheel 41. The first 41 and second 42 gear wheels cooperate to form a transmission module 43 with a dual objective: changing axis and reduction stage. The second axis 13 is aligned with the driveshaft 3.

[0076] Thus, the actuator 10 according to this first embodiment partially assumes a primarily elongated form with a reduced section, which makes it possible to house it parallel to the driveshaft 3 at the center of the device between the rockers 4.

[0077] According to a second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the total length of the actuator 10 is as small as possible. To address the same speed constraints as the first embodiment, the motor 11 and the reduction module 21, 31 are the same, but arranged differently. Thus, along a first axis 12, one successively finds the motor 11, the first epicyclic speed reduction module 21, and the first gear wheel 41. Along a second axis 13, one successively finds the second gear wheel 42 forming, with the first gear wheel 41, the axis-changing speed reduction module 43, and the second epicyclic speed reduction module 31.

[0078] The actuator 10 according to this second embodiment has a more collected shape, but it can be housed partly parallel to the drive shaft 13 and interface directly with a free end of the driveshaft 3. It is arranged outside the rockers 4, between a cover 7 closing the box 2 mounted at the rail end and the adjacent rocker 4.

[0079] A third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 differs from the first two by the motor 11 and certain speed reduction modules. The motor is installed along a first axis 12, perpendicular to the driving axis 13. The motor 11 can be similar to that of the preceding embodiments, but the arrangement of the motor 11 perpendicular to the rail imposes a new length constraint. If needed, another type of motor may be chosen. The motor 11 and a worm screw 51 therefore follow one another along this first axis 12. Along a fourth axis, or intermediate axis 14, one successively finds a third gear wheel 52, the second epicyclic speed reduction module 31, and the first gear wheel 41. Along a second axis 13, parallel to the fourth axis, is the second gear wheel 42, with a different diameter and number of teeth from the first gear wheel 41. The first and second gear wheels cooperate to form a transmission device 43 or axis-changing and reduction stage device. The worm screw 51 and the second gear wheel 52 also cooperate to form a so-called “worm screw” speed reduction module 53 serving a dual purpose: angle (or axis-changing) transmission and speed reduction stage.

[0080] In this speed reduction mode, the motor 11 can also be mounted obliquely (not parallel to the bottom of the box). This makes it possible to free space below part of the motor to slide the electronic board CPU therein and/or optionally to save several millimeters in motor size.

[0081] In each of these embodiments, the interest lies in using a motor working between 5,000 and 12,000 revolutions/minute, or more than 15,000 RPM, which are the most common on the market and therefore make it possible to save on costs, particularly inasmuch as they are also used in other types of actuators, for example to motorize Venetian blinds with moving slats, Roman blinds, pleated blinds, or honeycomb blinds with driving of the raising cords, roller blinds (a canvas winding around a winding tube rotated by the actuator).

[0082] The motors having such output speeds must be coupled with reduction modules making it possible to obtain very low speeds as output, of about 15 revolutions/minute.

[0083] An epicyclic speed reduction module may comprise one or several reduction stages. Each stage may be of type I (single-toothing tumbler gear) or II (double-toothing tumbler gear).

[0084] FIG. 5 shows an electromechanical movement actuator 110 completing the line of actuators. This actuator 110, intended to drive a sunscreen SCR2 movable between a high position and a low position, includes, in series, a motor 111, at least one first speed reduction module 121 and at least one winder 140 for a suspension cord L3 of the screen SCR2 fastened to a lower slat making up the load bar. The speed reduction module 121 is of the same model as one of the speed reduction modules 21, 31, 43 of one of the preceding orientation actuators and preferably has a transmission ratio identical to at least one of the speed reduction modules 21, 41, 43. If applicable, the motor 111 can also be identical to the motor 1 of one of the preceding orientation actuators, and in particular have a current/voltage characteristic identical to that of one of the orientation actuators.

[0085] Of course, various alternatives are possible, as discussed in the description of the invention.