CA2852205A1

CA2852205A1 - Blind motor control

Info

Publication number: CA2852205A1
Application number: CA2852205A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Norbert Marocco
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-21
Filing date: 2014-05-21
Publication date: 2015-11-21
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-21
Also published as: CA2852205C

Abstract

An electrically operated window covering system, having at least one moveable window covering, an electric motor for operating the moveable window covering, a remotely operable switch for switching the motor on and of, an electrical connection for the switch, a surface mountable low voltage wire with a single insulation body, a flat planar surface on the insulation body, with adhesive on the flat surface, for adhering to a building surface, two wire conductors in the insulation body, a connecting plug on an end of the body, connecting to the wires, for connection to a source of low voltage electricity and a wireless remote controller, for operating the remote operable switch.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to window coverings where the window coverings may be either raised or lowered, or drawn to one side, and in which the operation of the window covering is controlled by an electric motor, or motors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Window coverings are well known which can be operated by manual cords, and others can be operated by electric motors. While manual cords are satisfactory for many purposes, they may for some people be a nuisance, and in some locations it may be difficult to reach the cords. In addition there have been some instances where manual cords have been regarded as hazardous, especially for young children. Electric motor operated blinds which do not require manual cords, are of course more costly, but are regarded as being more aesthetically pleasing and safer by many customers. In addition, electrical motor operated blinds offer the possibility of being controlled by remote wireless type controllers, or timers.
However, the installation of electrically operated blinds is in most cases dependent on the availability of a power supply near the window. If the power supply outlet is at any distance from the window then the electrical motors must be connected by extension cords trailing along the wall or floor. This is regarded as unaesthetic and also possibly hazardous. As a result the use of electrically operated blinds has, in many cases, been restricted. Clearly it is desirable to provide an electrically operated blind system in which the motors can be connected to a power supply in an aesthetically pleasing manner, or alternatively in which the motors can be battery operated, by means of rechargeable batteries.
In addition to these problems, the customer demand for blinds is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Customers are now requiring blinds which provide both for privacy, with some light during the day, and blackout at night thus requiring the provision of blinds providing both functions. Complete light exclusion is recognized as a factor in improved sleep, and greater health. In these cases window coverings which are now becoming available, provide two separate window coverings in a single head rail. The one window covering is a day time sheer covering which allows some light to enter the building but which provides privacy, and the other window covering is an opaque panel which is effectively a black out, preventing any light from entering the building.
These blinds, if operated manually, require two completely separate sets of manual cords which are sometimes difficult to incorporate in the head rail, and are regarded as undesirable by customers. Another important factor especially in the case of double blinds where the front blind is a sheer and the rear blind is a black out, arises in the case of manually operated blinds. Where there are double blinds there will be multiple cords and chains hanging down from the head rail. These cords tend to interfere with the adjacent side edges of the two blinds. The side edges of the blind can become worn and damaged. Alternatively, if the side edges of the blinds do not completely fit across the window opening, then some light will be able to filter around the edge. This will interfere with the black out effect of the black out blind when it is in use. For all these reasons, it is desirable to provide for operation of the blinds by means of remote control, through electric motors and remote controllers. This will then do away with the need for multiple cords and chains hanging down, and permit the edges of the blind to

2 fit snuggly against the window opening.
The provision of two separate electrical motors operating such blinds, provides a solution for these blinds, but also requires the solution of the problem of supplying power to two separate electrical motors.
Blinds of this type are preferably installed as close as possible to the actual window.
Normally, a window will be located within a recessed window opening.
Preferably the blind will be installed within the opening close to the window.
Installing the blind on the surface of the building away from the window leaves openings around the blind through which light can pass, and which may also interfere with the use of the building space.
For these reasons, the provision of a double blind of the type described, operated by two separate motors, presents a problem. The two blinds, the head rail enclosing them, and the motors, must all be designed to fit within the window opening in the building.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
With a view to overcoming these various problems, the invention provides an electrically operated window covering system, having at least one moveable blind, and an electric motor for operating the moveable blind, and a remotely operable switch for switching the motor on and off, and an electrical connection for the switch, and having two wire conductors in a single surface mountable insulation body, a flat planar surface on the insulation body, with adhesive on the flat surface, for adhering to a building surface, and a connecting plug on an end of the body, connecting to the wires, for connection to a source of low voltage electricity.
Preferably the invention provides such a window covering wherein there are two window

3 covering panels, namely a first panel on a first panel support, providing for light transmission and privacy, and a second panel on a second panel support, providing for a blackout covering, and two said electrical motors for respective said window covering supports and two remote switches for operating respective said motors and wherein said electrical wires in the insulating body are connected to both the remote switches.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a rechargeable battery power supply, and a connection for the power supply whereby the same can be connected to a source of electrical power for recharging.
More particularly, the invention provides such an electrical operated window covering system wherein the electrical power is supplied first of all through a transformer to reduce the voltage, and then via a pair of conductors, located side by side within a single continuous insulation body, and wherein the insulation body is comprised of a flat surface on one side, an adhesive on the flat surface, and a convex contour of generally semi-cylindrical shape on the opposite side, extending from said transformer to the remote switches, and including a first pair of conductors connected to the wires, and connecting to a first remote switch and a second pair of conductors connected to the wires and connecting to the second remote sensitive switch.
More particularly the invention provides such an electrically operated window covering system wherein the window coverings comprise a first window covering of light transmission material and a second window covering of blackout material, and including a first roller supporting the first window covering and a second roller supporting the second window covering, the first and second rollers being contained within a single head rail, with the second window covering roller located in a upper region of the head

4 rail and the first window covering roller located in a lower region of the head rail, and first and second motors for respective first and second rollers and first and second remote sensitive switches being located within the head rail, whereby the first and second window coverings may be fitted to a window to provide complete coverage from side to side of the window.
More particularly, the invention provides such an electrically operated window covering system wherein the blind rollers and the head rail and the motors and the switches may all be incorporated within the window opening defined around the window.
Preferably, the blind rollers on which the two window coverings are supported will extend the full width of the window, and the electrical motors and switches will be located inside the blind rollers.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with more particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.
For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.
IN THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a general perspective illustration showing a window covering with motor controls, illustrating the invention;
Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective, partially cut away of the low voltage insulation body and wires;
Figure 3 is a section along the line 3-3 of Figure 2;

5 Figure 4 is a lower perspective, partially cut away of the insulation body and wires of Figures 2 and 3;
Figure 5 is a schematic illustration showing the connection of the two wires to their respective motors; and, Figure 6 is a schematic partial illustration of an alternative embodiment showing battery operation.
DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT
In referring first of all to Figure 1, it will be seen that this shows in general, a window illustrated by the window frames (10) and (10). Typically the window frames (10, 10), will be located within a recessed rectangular opening space illustrated generally as building fabric B. It will be appreciated that this is merely an illustration of a typical building in a typical home with a typical window opening. However the invention is not restricted solely to such a window opening in a building.
The invention is illustrated as a first blind covering (12) and a second blind covering (14). First blind (12) is mounted on a roller (16) and second blind (14) is mounted on a roller (18). The rollers (16) and (18) are enclosed within a head rail (20).
Head rail (20) is typically shaped to provide a pleasing enclosure for the blind mechanism.
The entire assembly consisting of the head rail (20) and the first and second rollers and their blinds are all designed and dimensioned to fit within the window opening B, as close as possible to the actual window so as to provide for privacy during the day and blackout at night.
It will be seen that the first blind (12) is a panel of sheer material and that the second blind (14) is a panel of black out material. The first blind roller (16) is located in a lower

6 = CA 02852205 2014-05-21 region of the head rail and the second blind roller (18) is mounted above roller (16). In this way, the head rail can accommodate and enclose the two rollers and still have a slim aesthetic appearance.
Roller (16) is operated by means of a first electric motor (22) and roller (18) is operated by a second electric motor (24). Motor (22) is operated by means of a remote sensitive switch (26). Motor (24) is operated through a remote sensitive switch (28) all being enclosed and concealed.
While for the sake of simplicity and illustration the motors and switches are shown spaced apart it will be appreciated that in a typical commercial installation, the motors and switches will be incorporated together.
The wireless remote controller is shown as (29).
The remote controller will have two separate up and down switches (30, 30) and a channel changing switch (31). In this way the remote can be used to control either the switch (26) or the switch (28) thereby operating either motor (22 or 24).
Preferably the channel switch (31) will have a further control whereby both motors (22, 24) can be operated simultaneously.
Motors (22) and (24) are of known design and operated on a low voltage.
The switches (26) and (28) are of known design and can be operated by the remote controller (29) so as to rotate either of the motors (22) and (24) in both directions, as required for either lowering or raising the blinds.
In order to accommodate all of these components within the restricted space of the head rail, the motors and switches will be located within their respective rollers (16, 18).
The rollers (16, 18) have hollow extensions (16a and 18a) so as to provide support for

7 = CA 02852205 2014-05-21 their respective window coverings. The respective electric motors and switches will be located within the hollow interior of the rollers.
Power is supplied to the remote switches (26) and (28) by means of a low voltage cable (32), and a transformer (34). The transformer (34) is of known design and can be plugged in to a typical household receptacle (36).
In order to supply low voltage power from the transformer (34) to the switches (26) and (28), the low voltage cable (32) is provided as illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4.
It will be seen that the low voltage cable consists of a single continuous insulation body (40), typically formed of thermo plastic, in known manner. The body (40) encloses two separate electrical wires (42) and (44).
The body (40) defines a first surface (46) which is flat, and has an adhesive coating (48). The adhesive coating is protected by a removable strip (50).
On the opposite side, the body (40) is formed in a generally semi cylindrical or arcuate contour (52).
Within the head rail (20), the conductors (42, 44) in the low voltage cable (32), are both connected to respective switches (26) and (28) as shown in Figure 5.
Branch wire connections are illustrated as (54) and (56) respectively.
In order to facilitate the installation of the blind, by the occupier or home owner, the branch wire connections (54, 56) may be provided with suitable connecting plugs (57) which will allow the branch wire connections to be connected to their respective conductors (42,44) and concealed within the head rail without the use of any special tools or equipment.
It will be noted that both window coverings (12) and (14) extend the full width of the

8 window from one frame (10) to the other frame (10) thereby providing either complete privacy or complete blackout without any gaps down either side. The absence of any typical window covering control cords or chains, is made possible by the operation of the motors (22) and (24), all located within the head rail, and more importantly located within the hollow interior of their respective blind rollers, and the remote control (29) which do away with the need for hanging cords or chains controlling the window coverings.
In operation, the blinds may be installed by a professional service man, or in many cases by the occupier of the building. The head rail will be erected and supported by suitable building fastenings ( not shown) which are well known in the art. The low voltage cable (32) will then be installed by removing the cover (50) and then simply pressing the adhesive side (48) on to the wall adjacent to the blind, with the exterior semi-cylindrical contour (52) showing outwardly. The two wires (42,44) will then be connected to the wiring harnesses (54, 56) by suitable plugs (57). The cable (32) will then be connected to the transformer (34) in known manner, and the transformer (34) can simply be inserted in a suitable receptacle. If the receptacle is at any distance from the window, then the conductor (32) can simply by extended to reach the receptacle (36). Once this has all been connected, then the occupier of the building can use the remote (29) to lower the first window covering (12) while leaving the black out covering (14) raised. In this condition, light will pass through the window and partially through the window covering (12), but still providing privacy.
When complete light exclusion is required, then the occupier can simply use the remote (29) to lower blackout window covering (14).

9 The remote (29) will be suitably programmed so that it will separate controls on the remote (29) and will provide control for either switch (26) or (28).
In another alternate embodiment, for example, where a suitable household receptacle is not available within a reasonable distance, provision may be made for operation of the motors, (22) and (24) by means of a rechargeable battery. This is illustrated in Figure 6.
The rechargeable battery is shown as (60). It will have a suitable external plug (62) by means of an extension cord, (not shown). The rechargeable battery can be connected to a receptacle at a greater distance through a suitable transformer, such as that already disclosed. The rechargeable battery, when fully recharged, can then be disconnected.
It will be understood that Figure 6 is simply a schematic illustration, in fact the battery (60) can be located within the motor, so that the motor and its switch and the battery can all be incorporated in a single unit within the head rail.
By means of this system, either power operated, or battery operated, a household is able to have window coverings installed which do not require any hanging cords or chains for their operation thereby avoiding any hazzards which may result from such hanging devices. At the same time, the household is provided with window coverings which extend fully from one frame to the other of the window, providing for complete privacy or complete light exclusion.
The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is given here by way of example only. The invention is not to be taken as limited to any of the specific features as described, but comprehends all such variations thereof as come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS;

1. An electrically operated window covering system, comprising;
at least one moveable window covering enclosed in a head rail;
an electric motor within said head rail, for operating the said moveable window covering;
a remotely operable switch within said head rail, for switching said motor on and off;
an electrical connection for said switch;
a surface mountable low voltage single insulation body extending from said switch, a flat planar surface on said insulation body;
adhesive on said flat surface, for adhering to a building surface;
two electrical wires in said insulation body;
a connecting plug on an end of said body, connecting to said wires, for connection to a source of low voltage electricity; and, a wireless remote controller, for operating said remotely operable switch.

2. An electrically operated window covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein there are two window covering panels, namely a first panel on a first support within said head rail, providing for partial light transmission and privacy, and a second panel on a second panel support within said head rail, providing for a blackout covering;
two said electrical motors within said head rail, for respective said window covering supports;
two remote switches within said head rail, for operating respective said motors and wherein said electrical wires in said insulation body are connected to both said remote switches.

3. An electrically operated window covering as claimed in claim 1 including a rechargeable battery power supply, and a connection for said power supply whereby the same can be connected to a source of electrical power for recharging

4. An electrically operated window covering system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the electrical power is supplied first of all through a transformer to reduce the voltage, and then via said pair of wires, located side by side within said single continuous insulation body, and wherein the insulation body is comprised on one side, of a flat surface, with said adhesive on said flat surface and a protective removable strip covering said adhesive, and said insulation body defining on the opposite side a convex contour of generally semi-cylindrical shape, said insulation body extending from said transformer to said remote switches, and including a first pair of conductors within said head rail, connected to said wires, and connecting to a first said remote switch and a second pair or conductors within said head rail, connected to said wires and connecting to said second remote switch

5. An electrically operated window covering system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the window coverings comprise a first window covering of light transmission material and a second window covering of blackout material, and including a first roller within said head rail, supporting said first window covering and a second roller within said head rail, supporting said second window covering, said first and second rollers being contained within a single head rail, with said second window covering roller located in a upper region of said head rail and said first window covering roller located in a lower region of said head rail, and first and second motors for rotating respective first and second rollers, and first and second remote sensitive switches all being located within said head rail, whereby said first and second window coverings may be fitted to a window to provide complete coverage from side to side of said window.