EP2733300B1 - Transmission return for a double-output motor for operating a blind - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a drive actuator of a blind, with two output shafts, able to drive a blind by two drive shafts arranged in a horizontal box, on either side of the actuator. It also relates to a sun protection device comprising a blind actuated by such an actuator. Finally, it relates to a method for operating a blind.

Such blinds are for example slatted blinds, or Venetian blinds, arranged inside or outside buildings, for sun protection, or are for example indoor blinds pleated or bubbled type.

The actuator has two output shafts driven synchronously by a motor. Each output shaft of the actuator is connected to a drive shaft on which are generally arranged several belt or cord reels. A load bar is attached to the free ends of the strips or cords and the winding of these causes the rise of the load bar and the folding of the sun protection.

Such a device is described in the patent DE 1,077,104 . A motor causes the rotation of a lateral shaft by means of a transmission device. The lateral shaft in turn enables the rotation of each output shaft by means of a gearbox connected to each output shaft. In addition to mounting difficulties for the installer, a problem posed by this configuration is that it imposes a double return angle, performed each time by means of a wheel and worm assembly. However, it is known that such transmissions have a low efficiency, which explains why they are irreversible. In addition, axial forces resulting from each meshing require the presence of bearings or thrust bearings. The solution proposed in the prior art is therefore neither simple, nor economic in parts, nor energy efficient.

Thus, there is a need for another solution for an actuator with two output shafts, which does not have the drawbacks of the state of the art.

More specifically, a first object of the invention consists of an actuator with two simplified output shafts.

A second object of the invention consists of an actuator with two output trees energy saving.

According to the invention, the actuator is defined by claim 1.

Different embodiments of the actuator according to the invention are defined by claims 2 to 6.

• La figure 1 représente schématiquement en vue de face un actionneur selon un premier mode d'exécution de l'invention.
• La figure 2 représente schématiquement en vue de côté l'actionneur selon le premier mode d'exécution de l'invention.
• La figure 3 représente schématiquement et partiellement en vue de face un deuxième mode d'exécution d'un actionneur selon l'invention.
• La figure 4 représente en coupe un premier moyen d'engrènement du deuxième mode d'exécution de l'actionneur.
• La figure 5 représente partiellement en perspective un troisième mode d'exécution d'un actionneur selon l'invention.
• La figure 6 représente en coupe le premier moyen d'engrènement un troisième mode d'exécution de l'actionneur selon l'invention.
• La figure 7 représente en perspective éclatée un quatrième mode d'exécution d'un actionneur selon l'invention.

These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in detail in the following description of four embodiments made in a non-limiting manner in relation to the appended figures among which:

• The figure 1 schematically shows in front view an actuator according to a first embodiment of the invention.
• The figure 2 schematically shows in side view the actuator according to the first embodiment of the invention.
• The figure 3 shows schematically and partially in front view a second embodiment of an actuator according to the invention.
• The figure 4 represents in section a first meshing means of the second embodiment of the actuator.
• The figure 5 partially shows in perspective a third embodiment of an actuator according to the invention.
• The figure 6 represents in section the first meshing means a third embodiment of the actuator according to the invention.
• The figure 7 represents in exploded perspective a fourth embodiment of an actuator according to the invention.

A first embodiment of actuator 10 comprises a housing 1, for example a sealed housing, from which a first output shaft 2 emerges on a first lateral face 1a and a second output shaft 3 on a second lateral face 1b. , these being coaxial along a main axis XX '. The output shafts 2, 3 are guided respectively through the first lateral face 1a by a first guide means 2a and through the second lateral face 1b by a second guide means 3a. The guide means are for example bearings or sealed bearings. The output shafts 2, 3 are suitable for connection with driving shafts for driving a blind to form a sun protection device.

The actuator comprises an electric motor 4 fixed to the sealed housing 1 by at least one fastening means 4a, supplied with electricity by a not shown electrical power cable, and a driving shaft 4b of which is connected to the first output shaft 2 by 8. The electric motor is preferably a geared motor of the tubular type, comprising one or more reduction stages planetary type planetary gear, this type of reducer having a high efficiency. An immobilizing brake is advantageously contained in the geared motor to ensure the locking of the motor shaft when the engine is not powered. The motor shaft rotates in a direction parallel to the main axis XX 'and may even be coaxial therewith.

The connecting means 8 preferably forms an additional reducing stage. This additional reduction stage then has a fixed reference 8a, linked to the sealed housing, preferably connected to the first side face 1a. The gear stage comprises a first gear on the drive shaft 4b and a second gear on the first output shaft 2. The motor shaft and the output shaft are offset, while remaining parallel. Alternatively, the reducing stage could include any other configuration, including more than two gears. The connection means also comprises an immobilizing brake when it is not included in the engine.

According to an alternative embodiment, the connection means 8 is a simple sleeve and the motor shaft 4b is aligned with the output shafts 2, 3. In this case, there is no fixed reference 8a.

A lateral shaft 5 is disposed in the actuator 10, parallel to the output shafts 2, 3 and as far away as possible from them in order to have a maximum of room for housing the electric motor 4. Preferably, this lateral shaft 5 is guided by a third guide means 5a disposed on the first lateral face 1a and by a fourth guide means 5b disposed on the second side face 1b. The guide means may also be located elsewhere on the sealed housing. The lateral shaft thus extends over the entire length of the actuator 10, at the edge of the sealed housing 1. In a variant, it may not extend over the entire length, but at least protrude from other motor 4 to allow its connection with each of the output axes. As a remark, this lateral shaft 5 is distinct from the connection means 8.

A first meshing means 6 connects the first output shaft 2 to the lateral shaft 5. In engine operation, it is therefore the rotation of the first output shaft 2, driven directly by the motor 4 via the means 8, which ensures the rotation of the lateral shaft 5 via the first meshing means 6. The first meshing means may consist of a gear wheel mounted on the first output shaft and a toothed wheel mounted on the lateral shaft.

A second meshing means 7 connects the second output shaft 3 to the lateral shaft 5. In engine operation, it is therefore the rotation of the lateral shaft 5 which causes the rotation of the second output shaft 3. The second meshing means may consist of a toothed wheel mounted on the second output shaft and a toothed wheel mounted on the lateral shaft.

The meshing means 6, 7 may also have respectively an intermediate gear wheel between the toothed wheels mounted on the output shafts and the toothed wheels mounted on the lateral shaft. In this case, a fifth guide means 6a and a sixth guide means 7a, preferably connected to the first side face 1a and the second side face 1b guide the intermediate gear wheels.

On the figure 1 each meshing means 6, 7 is represented by a solid arrow indicating the direction of transfer of the mechanical power during engine operation.

Preferably, the first meshing means 6 has a speed multiplier effect, while the second meshing means 7 has a speed reducing effect, in the same proportion. Thus the transmission force in the lateral shaft 5 is optimized by the use of a speed faster than that of the output shafts. The efficiency of meshing means without return angle is thus optimized. In addition, the use of only two meshing means related to the lateral shaft makes it possible to achieve a simple and economical realization.

The first output shaft 2 is advantageously decomposed into a first output shaft portion 2b, connected to the connecting means 8 and the first meshing means 6, and to a second output shaft portion 2d separated from the first output shaft portion 2b. part by a voluntary game 2c, represented in dashed line on the figure 1 . This voluntary game makes it possible to balance the involuntary game caused, on the second output shaft 3, by the first meshing 6 and the second meshing 7. For this purpose, the game value is equal to the cumulative angular clearance of the first means of meshing and the second meshing means.

Alternatively, the first means and the second meshing means are provided with devices for catching up game, known to the man of the job. These devices are simple to size and inexpensive because the problem of play catching is generally manifested only in the orientation movements of a blind slats. However, when such a blind lamella is deployed, the torque to provide is very low because the weight of the slats and the load bar of the blind is supported by cords shaped ladders. As a result, the elastic force necessary for a catch-up is very small.

In this preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. figure 2 in side view, the actuator has a first lateral face 1a delimited by a lateral contour C0, inscribed in a first contour C1 substantially square, or even rectangle. It is the same for the second side face 1b. D denotes a diagonal, M a mediator and C2 an inscribed circle of the first contour C1.

The output shaft 2 is in the center of the lateral face 1a and the axis of the drive shaft 4b passes through the lateral face 1a according to a first point P4 situated between the diagonal D and the mediator M, this point being included in a third contour C3, deduced from the first contour C1 by 1/4 ratio homothety and center, the intersection of the diagonal D and the mediator M. In other words, the motor is eccentric within the housing relative to the axis of the first output shaft.

The axis of the lateral shaft 5 crosses the lateral face according to a second point P5 situated opposite the first point P4, also between the diagonal D and the perpendicular bisector M, and substantially halfway between the inscribed circle C2 and a circle C4 representing the projection of the engine on the lateral face. In other words, the lateral shaft is eccentric within the housing relative to the axis of the first output shaft.

The lateral face may have a volume form, especially because of pronounced holidays. In this case, all the contours described apply to the projection of this lateral face on a plane perpendicular to the output shafts.

The preferred embodiment described above has the advantage of a distribution of different trees that allows an optimization of the volume occupied by the various elements and thus to achieve a compact solution. In addition, this distribution of trees promotes the transmission of mechanical powers between them.

In the preferred embodiment, with a planetary type gearbox in the motor, all rotating parts transmitting mechanical power in the actuator (shafts, reduction stages and meshing means) have a rotation axis parallel to the axis of the motor shaft.

Naturally, the concept of the invention can be implemented by other configurations. For example, the vertical mediator was used in the preferred embodiment, but a configuration with interesting results could be obtained from the other horizontal mediator. Similarly, the other diagonal could have been chosen to obtain an equivalent symmetrical result. It remains advantageous to have the projected axis P5 of the lateral shaft 5 and the projected axis P4 of the engine positioned in opposite angular sectors. In addition, the projected point P5 of the lateral shaft 5 will be towards the periphery of the inscribed circle C2, at a distance from the center of this circle greater than half of its radius, whereas the projected point P4 of the motor will be rather close to the center of this inscribed circle C2, preferably at a distance of less than a quarter of its radius.

Finally, the volume released along the motor between the lateral shaft, the housing and the motor, thanks to the eccentricity of the motor within the sealed housing, is advantageously used to house electrical components of the actuator, in particular a capacitor permanent phase shift if the motor is single-phase induction type and requires such a capacitor.

The figure 3 shows schematically and partially in front view a second embodiment of actuator 20 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention relating to the connection of a drive shaft 49 to the actuator. References to those of the figure 1 can be deduced by adding the number 20.

It is known for actuators with two output shafts to use on each shaft a hollow outlet sleeve, whose hollow portion is shaped so as to adapt from a first side to the output shaft and a second side to the drive shaft. The latter generally have various shapes (square, hexagonal). Depending on the drive shaft used, the installer chooses the appropriate output sleeve. This sleeve is then immobilized on the output shaft by screwing, therein, an axial screw.

According to the variant of the figure 3 , an outlet sleeve 50 is directly inserted into an output shaft 23 of the actuator. The output shaft 23 has a large diameter, is guided by a guide means 23a adapted to this large diameter, and comprises a first recess 23x, for example of hexagonal shape. The first hollow can be through. The outlet sleeve 50 comprises a projection 50a complementary to the first recess 23x and a second recess 50b whose shape is adapted to that of a drive shaft 49. Thus, once the parts fitted into each recess, a bare minimum space is lost between the actuator and the drive shaft. This is all the more advantageous that it is sometimes necessary to insert a winding device on the drive shaft closer to the actuator.

In the variant of the figure 3 , the output shaft 23 also serves as part meshing means with a lateral shaft 25. A pinion 27b is fitted on the lateral shaft 25 and cooperates with an external toothing 27c of the output shaft. The combination of several functions on the same part enhances the compact and economic nature of the actuator.

The alternative embodiment of the invention of the figure 3 represents in particular the second meshing means 27. It likewise applies to a first meshing means 26.

The figure 4 represents in section the first meshing means 26 of the actuator 20. The section is made in a plane simultaneously containing the main axis XX 'and the axis of the lateral shaft 25.

As before, an output shaft 22 also serves as part of meshing means with the lateral shaft 25, by means of a pinion 26b fitted on the lateral shaft.

The lateral shaft is guided by a bearing 25a connected to a first lateral face, not shown.

A toothing 26i of the pinion 26b cooperates with an external toothing 26c of the output shaft 22.

The output shaft is guided by a guide means 22a, for example a plain bearing. This guide means also serves to guide the first meshing means 6. The output shaft comprises an external hollow 22x identical to the hollow of the figure 3 .

The gears 26b and 27b are identical and likewise the external teeth 26c and 27c are identical.

Advantageously, the output shaft also comprises an internal hollow 22y provided with an internal toothing 26m. This internal toothing cooperates with a toothing 26k of a drive pinion 26j fitted on a first output shaft portion 22b.

Thus, the rotational movement of the geared motor unit is transmitted with speed reduction to the output shaft 22 and speed multiplication to the lateral shaft 25.

The figure 5 partially shows in perspective an alternative embodiment of the first meshing means, applied to a third embodiment of actuator 30. References to those of the figure 1 can be deduced by adding the number 30. As in the case of the figure 4 a first output shaft portion 32b and a drive gear 36j (both masked in the figure) rotate an output shaft 32, in turn transmitting a rotational movement to a side shaft 35 to the using an external toothing 36c cooperating with a pinion 36b fitted on the lateral shaft.

This variant makes it possible to improve the second embodiment by using guiding means 36 in the form of a first guide. additional 36a, a second additional guide 36a 'and a third additional guide 36a "Each additional guide is provided by a pinion mounted in free rotation on a guide shaft, for example, the first additional guide 36a is formed by a pinion 36f in free rotation on a guide shaft 36g The guide shaft is fitted on the first lateral face Alternatively, the guide shafts are placed in bearings connected to the first lateral face.

Thus, it is no longer necessary to use a long guide as guide means of the output shaft. The bearing 22a of the figure 4 is useless otherwise to provide a sealing function. It can then be considerably shortened while having a better transmission efficiency for the actuator.

The figure 6 represents in section the first meshing means according to the variant embodiment. The cutting plane is parallel to the average plane of the teeth of the figure 5 and chosen as it also cuts the drive sprocket 36j. For simplicity, the teeth are represented without play.

The additional guides 36a, 36a 'and 36a "are preferably made using gears, but one could likewise use simple rollers in contact with one or two smooth bearings machined on the output shaft, on the one hand and on the other. other of the external toothing.

The pinion 36b of the lateral shaft participates in guiding the output shaft. The latter is thus guided by four guiding elements, preferably arranged at 90 relative to each other. Alternatively, it would be possible to simply use two additional guides only, placing them preferably at 120 ° with respect to the pinion of the lateral shaft.

The figure 7 is partially exploded perspective and on a smaller scale than in the previous figures a fourth actuator embodiment 40 in which an output shaft 42 is decomposed into three Oldham seal outlet pieces.

A first output piece 42p is locked in translation by an integral output bearing of a not shown housing. This ring-shaped piece includes a recess 42x similar to the recesses 22x and 32x. The first exit piece also includes an Oldham notch.

A second exit piece 42q includes an Oldham cross.

A third output piece 42r comprises an Oldham rail and comprises an external toothing 46c fulfilling the same functions as the external teeth 36c and 26c.

The second output piece slides in both the first output piece and the third output piece.

Preferably, each output shaft of the actuator 40 thus comprises an Oldham seal, which allows any disengagement of the drive shafts with respect to the main axis XX ', the latter being then defined by the centers of each third exit room.

In the embodiments described, the actuator comprises meshing means. It is clear that one and / or the other of these meshing means can be replaced by any transmission means, such as in particular a belt or chain transmission means or a friction transmission means.

In another aspect, a blind drive actuator includes an electric motor driving a first output shaft and a second output shaft synchronously. These output shafts are coaxial along a main axis. The actuator comprises a lateral shaft of axis of rotation parallel to the main axis. The lateral shaft is connected by a second transmission means to the second output shaft so as to drive it in rotation. At least a portion of the first output shaft is connected by a first transmission means to the side shaft through which it drives the rotating side shaft when the engine is running.

• le moyen de raccordement peut former un étage réducteur, l'axe de l'arbre du moteur n'étant pas aligné avec l'axe principal, ou
• le moyen de raccordement peut être un simple manchon, l'axe de l'arbre du moteur étant aligné avec l'axe principal.

The first output shaft may be connected by means of connection to a motor shaft so as to be rotated by the electric motor. The axis of the motor shaft can be parallel to the main axis,

• the connecting means may form a reducing stage, the axis of the motor shaft not being aligned with the main axis, or
• the connecting means may be a simple sleeve, the axis of the motor shaft being aligned with the main axis.

The motor, the lateral shaft and the transmission means may be disposed within the same sealed housing of the actuator, at least one side face is perpendicular to the main axis.

At least one side face can support guide means of the output shafts and / or can support guide means of the transmission means and / or can support means for guiding the lateral shaft.

The lateral face may have a first substantially square contour in which the first output shaft is centered.

The first output shaft may comprise a first portion connected to the first transmission means and a second portion, these two portions being separated by an angular clearance whose play value is equal to a cumulative angular clearance of the first and second transmission means.

The first transmission means and the second transmission means may be provided with play-catch devices.

The first transmission means may have a speed multiplier effect, while the second transmission means may have a speed reducing effect in the same proportion.

The first transmission means may comprise an external toothing and an internal toothing provided on the output shaft coaxially with the main axis, the external toothing cooperating with a pinion integral with the lateral shaft and the internal toothing cooperating with a pinion gear. drive disposed on a first output shaft portion driven by the electric motor.

The external toothing can cooperate with pinions mounted idly in rotation along an axis parallel to the main axis and / or bearing surfaces on either side of the external toothing can cooperate with free rollers rotating along an axis parallel to the main axis.

The motor may be eccentric within a housing relative to the axis of the first output shaft.

The output shafts may have a recess adapted to cooperate with a protrusion of an outlet sleeve.

All rotating parts transmitting mechanical power in the actuator can have as a rotation axis a direction parallel to the axis of the motor shaft.

The volume located along the motor between the housing, the side shaft and the motor can be used to house electrical components of the actuator, including a capacitor.

At least one of the output shafts may comprise two portions coupled by an Oldham seal.

Claims (6)

1. Actuator (10; 20; 30; 40) for driving a blind, having a first (2; 22; 32) and a second (3; 23) output shaft, which is capable of driving the blind via the two driveshafts (2; 22; 32, 3; 23) arranged, in a horizontal box (1), one on each side of the actuator, the two output shafts being driven synchronously by a motor (4), all the mechanical-power-transmitting rotating parts in the actuator having as axis of rotation a direction parallel to the axis (XX') of the shaft of the motor (4b).
2. Actuator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that reduction gearing of the planetary type is included in the motor.
3. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the motor is off-centred within the box with respect to the axis of the first output shaft.
4. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a volume left free along the motor between a lateral shaft (5), the box and the motor.
5. Actuator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that electrical components of the actuator are housed in the volume.
6. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second meshing means (7) connects the second output shaft (3) to the lateral shaft (5), the second meshing means (7) having a speed-reducing effect.

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