JP6728126B2 - Operating system for coverings for building openings - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates generally to coverings for building openings, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for operating coverings for building openings.

For example, coverings for architectural openings such as windows, doorways, archways, etc. have taken many forms over the years. Some conventional covers include retractable shades that are moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the shade portion of the cover can be positioned over the opening. In the retracted position, the shade portion of the cover can be positioned adjacent to one or more sides of the opening.

To move the shade portion of the cover between the extended position and the retracted position, some covers include rollers that are rotatable with respect to the fixed end rails of the cover. Rotation of the roller in a first direction retracts the shade portion of the cover into a position adjacent one or more sides of the opening, and rotation of the roller in a second, opposite direction causes the shade portion to extend across the opening. Extend. The roller typically extends between two opposite end caps and the shade of the cover may wrap around the roller or may be collected or stacked adjacent to the roller. For example, some retractable covers include a flexible shade or shade material suspended from rollers. The shade material may be drawn in and wrapped around the roller, or it may be stretched and unwound from the roller. As another example, some retractable covers, such as Venetian blinds, include multiple vanes that rise or descend when the lift cord is wrapped around or unwound from a rotatable roller. .. Regardless of the retractable cover configuration, the rotation of the rollers typically causes the shade portion of the cover to move. An operating system may be operably coupled to the roller for moving the roller, and thus the shade portion of the cover.

Embodiments of the disclosure can include a covering for a building opening. In one example, the cover may include rollers, shades and operating systems. The roller may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis in the extension and retraction directions. The shade may be associated with the roller. The operating system may be operably associated with the roller. The operating system indirectly sets the base, the drive associated with the base to provide the input torque, the transmission associated with the drive to selectively transfer the input torque to the rollers, and the direction of rotation of the rollers. An actuator arm operably associated with the base may thus be included. The actuator arm may be movable about a first axis generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the roller.

The cover may further include an engagement arm operably associated with the base and movable about the second axis. The second axis may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roller. The second axis may be substantially transverse to the first axis. The engagement arm can selectively engage the transmission to set the direction of rotation of the rollers. The transmission may include a ring gear and the engagement arm can selectively engage the ring gear to set the direction of rotation of the rollers. The operating system can further include a biasing element configured to bias the engagement arm to engage the transmission. To set the direction of rotation of the roller in the extension direction, the actuator arm can contact the engagement arm to release the engagement arm from the transmission. The engagement arm can include a detent configured to hold the actuator arm in a position relative to the extension direction. The drive mechanism may include a single operating element. A single operating element can be operably associated with the actuator arm to move the actuator arm by selective movement of the single operating element. The shade may be capable of wrapping around the roller. The drive mechanism may be electric. When the actuator arm indirectly sets the direction of rotation of the roller to the extension direction, the shade can automatically extend under the influence of gravity without further action by the operator.

In another example, the cover can include a rotatable roller, a shade associated with the roller, and an operating system operably associated with the roller. The operating system includes a base, a drive associated with the base to provide the input torque, a transmission associated with the drive to selectively transfer the input torque to the roller, a moveable relative to the base, and An engagement arm selectively engageable with the transmission to set a direction of rotation, and an actuator arm operatively associated with the base and the engagement arm to move the engagement arm relative to the transmission. it can. The actuator arm may be movable about a first axis and the engagement arm may be movable about a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis.

The roller may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The first axis may be substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the roller. The second axis may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roller. The actuator arm may be positioned relative to the transmission such that the actuator arm does not engage the transmission. When the engagement arm sets the direction of rotation of the roller in the extension direction, the shade can be automatically extended under the influence of gravity without further action by the operator.

In another example, an operating system for a building cover is provided. The operating system is movable with respect to the base, a drive mechanism operatively associated with the base to provide input torque, a transmission operably associated with the drive mechanism to selectively transmit the input torque, And an engagement arm engageable with the transmission and an actuator arm operatively associated with the base and the engagement arm for moving the engagement arm relative to the transmission. The actuator arm may be movable about the first axis. The engagement arm may be movable about a second axis that is generally transverse to the first axis. The actuator arm may be positioned relative to the transmission such that the actuator arm does not engage the transmission.

This summary of the disclosure is provided to aid understanding, and one of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may be used to advantage in some instances, as well as others. It will be appreciated that it may be combined with other aspects and features of the disclosure in cases. Thus, while this disclosure is presented with reference to examples, it should be appreciated that individual aspects of any example can be claimed either alone or in combination with aspects and features of that example or any other example. Is.

This summary is not intended or should be construed as representing the full breadth and scope of the present disclosure. This disclosure is set forth at varying levels of detail in this application and is not intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of claimed subject matter, whether or not including elements, components, etc. in this summary. Furthermore, references made herein to the "invention" or aspects thereof are understood to mean the particular embodiments of the disclosure, and all embodiments are not necessarily limited to the particular description. Should not be interpreted.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the summary given above and the detailed description given below, illustrate the principles of these embodiments. Serve to explain.

1A-1F are isometric views of a mechanically operated shroud with shades in various positions, and FIG. 1G is an isometric view of a motorized shroud. 1A-1F are isometric views of a mechanically operated shroud with shades in various positions, and FIG. 1G is an isometric view of a motorized shroud. 1A-1F are isometric views of a mechanically operated shroud with shades in various positions, and FIG. 1G is an isometric view of a motorized shroud. 1A-1F are isometric views of a mechanically operated shroud with shades in various positions, and FIG. 1G is an isometric view of a motorized shroud. 1A-1F are isometric views of a mechanically operated shroud with shades in various positions, and FIG. 1G is an isometric view of a motorized shroud. 1A-1F are isometric views of a mechanically operated shroud with shades in various positions, and FIG. 1G is an isometric view of a motorized shroud. 1A-1F are isometric views of a mechanically operated shroud with shades in various positions, and FIG. 1G is an isometric view of a motorized shroud. 2A and 2B are taken along line 2A-2A shown in FIG. 1A and line 2B-2B shown in FIG. 1D of one embodiment of the roller, where the shade material has been unwound from and wrapped around the roller. FIG. 2A and 2B are taken along line 2A-2A shown in FIG. 1A and line 2B-2B shown in FIG. 1D of one embodiment of the roller, where the shade material has been unwound from and wrapped around the roller. FIG. 3A, 3B, and 3C are a distal isometric view, a distal front view, and a side view, respectively, of one embodiment of an operating system. 3A, 3B, and 3C are a distal isometric view, a distal front view, and a side view, respectively, of one embodiment of an operating system. 3A, 3B, and 3C are a distal isometric view, a distal front view, and a side view, respectively, of one embodiment of an operating system. 4A and 4B are a exploded distal isometric view and a exploded proximal isometric view of the operating system shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, respectively. 4A and 4B are a exploded distal isometric view and a exploded proximal isometric view of the operating system shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, respectively. 5A, 5B and 5C show a distal front view of the base shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a cross-sectional view taken along line 5B-5B shown in FIG. 5A, and a cross-section taken along line 5C-5C shown in FIG. 5A, respectively. It is a figure. 5A, 5B and 5C show a distal front view of the base shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a cross-sectional view taken along line 5B-5B shown in FIG. 5A, and a cross-section taken along line 5C-5C shown in FIG. 5A, respectively. It is a figure. 5A, 5B and 5C show a distal front view of the base shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a cross-sectional view taken along line 5B-5B shown in FIG. 5A, and a cross-section taken along line 5C-5C shown in FIG. 5A, respectively. It is a figure. 6 and 6B are a exploded distal isometric view and a exploded proximal isometric view of the drive mechanism shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively. 6 and 6B are a exploded distal isometric view and a exploded proximal isometric view of the drive mechanism shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively. FIG. 7 is a proximal front view of the spool spring shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. 8A, 8B and 8C are a proximal front view, a distal front view and a side view of the spool shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively. 8A, 8B and 8C are a proximal front view, a distal front view and a side view of the spool shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively. 8A, 8B and 8C are a proximal front view, a distal front view and a side view of the spool shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively. 9A and 9B are a disassembled distal isometric view and a disassembled proximal isometric view of the transmission shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively. 9A and 9B are a disassembled distal isometric view and a disassembled proximal isometric view of the transmission shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively. FIG. 9B is a distal front view of the clutch element shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. 11A and 11B are side and proximal isometric views, respectively, of the axle shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. 11A and 11B are side and proximal isometric views, respectively, of the axle shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. 12A and 12B are a distal isometric view and a distal front view of one of the wrap springs shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, respectively. 12A and 12B are a distal isometric view and a distal front view of one of the wrap springs shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, respectively. 13A and 13B are a side view and a proximal cross-section isometric view of the sun gear shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, respectively. 13A and 13B are a side view and a proximal cross-section isometric view of the sun gear shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, respectively. 14A and 14B are a side view and a proximal cross-section isometric view of the planetary gear carrier shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, respectively. 14A and 14B are a side view and a proximal cross-section isometric view of the planetary gear carrier shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, respectively. 15A and 15B are a proximal front view and a side view of the ring gear shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, respectively. 15A and 15B are a proximal front view and a side view of the ring gear shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, respectively. 16A and 16B are side views of the actuator assembly shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B in retracted and extended modes, respectively. 16A and 16B are side views of the actuator assembly shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B in retracted and extended modes, respectively. 17A-17F are a distal front view, a proximal front view, a side view, another side view, yet another side view, and a further side view of the locking arm shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, respectively. 17A-17F are a distal front view, a proximal front view, a side view, another side view, yet another side view, and a further side view of the locking arm shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, respectively. 17A-17F are a distal front view, a proximal front view, a side view, another side view, yet another side view, and a further side view of the locking arm shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, respectively. 17A-17F are a distal front view, a proximal front view, a side view, another side view, yet another side view, and a further side view of the locking arm shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, respectively. 17A-17F are a distal front view, a proximal front view, a side view, another side view, yet another side view, and a further side view of the locking arm shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, respectively. 17A-17F are a distal front view, a proximal front view, a side view, another side view, yet another side view, and a further side view of the locking arm shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, respectively. 18A-18E are a distal front view, a proximal front view, a side view, another side view, and yet another side view of the shift arm shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. 18A-18E are a distal front view, a proximal front view, a side view, another side view, and yet another side view of the shift arm shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. 18A-18E are a distal front view, a proximal front view, a side view, another side view, and yet another side view of the shift arm shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. 18A-18E are a distal front view, a proximal front view, a side view, another side view, and yet another side view of the shift arm shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. 18A-18E are a distal front view, a proximal front view, a side view, another side view, and yet another side view of the shift arm shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. FIG. 16B is an isometric view of the cross pin shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. 20A and 20B are a distal isometric view and a front front view of one embodiment of the end cap assembly, spool assembly, clutch element, and actuator assembly of the operating system shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively. .. 20A and 20B are a distal isometric view and a front front view of one embodiment of the end cap assembly, spool assembly, clutch element, and actuator assembly of the operating system shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively. .. FIG. 20C illustrates the assembly of FIG. 20B with an electrically controllable actuator mechanism. FIG. 5 is a proximal isometric view of the transmission and actuator assembly shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B positioned in a retracted mode. 21B and 21C are proximal front views of the transmission and actuator assembly shown in FIG. 21A, respectively, with the clutch elements in a disengaged position and an engaged position. 21B and 21C are proximal front views of the transmission and actuator assembly shown in FIG. 21A, respectively, with the clutch elements in a disengaged position and an engaged position. FIG. 5 is a proximal isometric view of the transmission and actuator assembly of the operating system shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B positioned in the extended mode. 22A and 22B are distal isometric and front elevational views of the assembled base, drive mechanism, clutch element, axle, brake mechanism, and actuator assembly of the operating system shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively. .. 22A and 22B are distal isometric and front elevational views of the assembled base, drive mechanism, clutch element, axle, brake mechanism, and actuator assembly of the operating system shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively. .. FIG. 5 is a proximal front view of the transmission and actuator assembly with the axle removed to illustrate the interaction between the wrap spring and the sun gear. 24A and 24B are cross-sectional views of the operating system of FIGS. 3A-4B taken along lines 24A, B-24A, B shown in FIG. 3B. 24A and 24B are cross-sectional views of the operating system of FIGS. 3A-4B taken along lines 24A, B-24A, B shown in FIG. 3B. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another example of an operating system. 26A and 26B are distal front views of the operating system of FIG. 25 in an extended mode and a retracted mode, respectively. 26A and 26B are distal front views of the operating system of FIG. 25 in an extended mode and a retracted mode, respectively.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In some cases, details that are not necessarily an understanding of the present disclosure, or that make other details difficult to understand, may be omitted. In the accompanying drawings, similar components and/or features may have the same reference labels. Further, different components of the same type may be distinguished by the symbol that follows the reference label, which distinguishes similar components. Where only the first reference label is used herein, the description also applies to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label regardless of the second reference label. obtain. It should be understood that claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments or arrangements illustrated herein.

The present disclosure provides an operating system for a covering for a building opening. The operating system may be a fully housed module attached to the ends of the headrails of the cover and capable of supporting the ends of the associated rollers. The operating system can include a pull mode and a decompress mode. When in the retracted mode, the operating system is operable to raise or retract the shade portion of the shroud. When in the extend mode, the operating system is operable to lower or extend the shade portion of the cover.

The operating system may use a single operating element such as a cord or ball chain to switch the operating system between retracted and extended modes, and when retracted, retract or lift the shade portion of the cover. it can. The operator can move the operating element in a preset direction to switch between modes. In one implementation, a downward movement shifts the operating system to a retracted mode, while a lateral movement shifts the operating system to an expanded mode.

Once in the retracted mode, in one implementation, a single retractable operating element can be operated by the operator in a vertical reciprocating stroke movement to retract or lift the shade portion of the shroud. The braking element or mechanism may prevent or prevent the shade portion of the shroud from extending or lowering over the building opening during retraction. To shift the operating system to the stretch mode, the operator may move the operating element transversely to the stretch or retract direction of the shade.

Once in the decompression mode, the shade portion can be decompressed without further action by the operator. In one implementation, when the operating system is shifted to the stretch mode, the shade portion of the shroud can automatically descend under the influence of gravity. The operating system may include a speed governing device for controlling or adjusting the extension or descent rate of the shade portion of the cover.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1F, a retractable covering 10 for a building opening is provided. The retractable cover 10 includes a head rail 14, a bottom rail 18, and a shade portion extending between the head rail 14 and the bottom rail 18, for example, a flexible shade 22. The headrail 14 includes two opposite end caps 26A, 26B, which can surround the ends of the headrail 14 to provide a finished appearance. The bottom rail 18 may extend horizontally along the lower edge of the shade material 22 to keep the shade 22 taut and to function as a ballast to assist gravity-assisted extension of the shade 22.

The shade 22 may include vertically suspended front and back sheets 30 of flexible material, such as thin fibers, and a plurality of horizontally extending, vertically spaced flexible vanes 38. The vanes 38 may be fixed to the front and back sheets 30, 34 along the front and back edges along horizontal attachment lines. The sheets 30, 34 and vanes 38 can form a plurality of elongated, vertically aligned, laterally extending, laterally collapsible compartment units. They characterize, for example, a vertical stack of sub-units that may be attached to adjacent sub-units and fixed in the machine direction and referred to as a sub-panel. The sheets 30, 34 and/or vanes 38 may be constructed from a material that is unbroken in its overall length, or may have edges joined together or joined, overlapped, or any other suitable relationship. It may be composed of strips.

The shade 22 can be composed of virtually any type of material. For example, the shade 22 may be constructed of natural and/or synthetic materials including fibers, polymers and/or other suitable materials. The fibrous material can include knitted, non-woven or other suitable types of fibers. The shade 22 can have any suitable level of light transmission. For example, the shade 22 including the sheets 30, 34 and/or the vanes 38 can be composed of transparent, translucent and/or opaque materials that provide the desired atmosphere or decoration within the associated room. In one embodiment, the sheets 30, 34 are transparent and/or translucent and the vanes 38 are translucent and/or opaque.

The shade 22 may be operatively associated with the roller 42 such that rotational movement of the roller 42 about a longitudinally extending axis causes the shade 22 to move between the extended position and the retracted position. For example, rotation of roller 42 in a first direction pulls shade 22 into position adjacent to one or more sides of the associated building opening, and rotation of roller 42 in a second, opposite direction. , The shade 22 can extend over the opening. 2A and 2B, the shade 22 is coupled to and wraps around the roller 42 such that rotation of the roller 42 causes the shade 22 to wrap around or unroll the roller 42 depending on the direction of rotation. It may be possible. This is generally referred to as the roller shade. Alternatively, the shade 22 may be stackable or collectable adjacent to or beneath the roller 42. For example, the cover 10 includes a lift element, such as a lift cord, which can wrap around the rollers 42 and extend between the head rail 14 and the bottom rail 18. As the roller 42 rotates, the lift element wraps or unwraps around the roller 42 to stretch or retract the shade 22.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1F, the shade 22 of the cover 10 is shown in various positions. FIG. 1A depicts the shade 22 in a fully extended position, in which rotation of the roller 42 causes the front and back sheets 30, 34 to move vertically (relative to each other) and the vane 38 material to an open position. And between closed positions. In the open or deployed position, the front and back sheets 30, 34 are horizontally spaced with vanes 38 extending substantially horizontally therebetween. 1B-1F depict the shade 22 with the shade 22 in a closed position and a portion in an extended or retracted position. When in the closed or folded position, the front and back sheets 30, 34 are relatively close together and the vanes 38 extend generally vertically, generally coplanar, in close proximity to the front and back sheets 30, 34. is there.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-1F, shroud 10 includes an operating system that allows an operator of shroud 10 to lift or lower bottom rail 18 between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position. The operating system can include a drive mechanism configured to provide an input torque to the operating system. The drive mechanism may include a crank, an electric motor, a spring, an operating element 46 operably coupled to the pulley system, or any other suitable drive element or mechanism. Operating element 46 may be a cord, ball chain, or other suitable device. The operating element 46 may have a beam receiver 50 coupled to the free end of the operating element 46.

The operating system can operate mechanically and/or electrically. For purposes of illustration, the shroud 10 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1F is mechanically operated by an operating element 46. As shown in FIG. 1G, the cover 10 is electrically connected by a transmitter such as a motor 43, a transceiver 44 operably coupled to the motor 43, and a remote control device 45 operably coupled to the transceiver 44. Can work.

To retract or lift the shade 22 from the fully extended position shown in FIG. 1A, the operator can pull the operating element 46 downward in approximately vertical, reciprocating or repeating strokes. As shown in FIG. 1B, downward movement of operating element 46 (shown by arrow 54A) causes shade material 22 to be retracted (shown by arrow 58A) from the fully extended position of FIG. 1A. Ascend or lift. When the lower stroke of the operating element 46 reaches the bottom, the operator may release or resistively raise the operating element 46, and the operating system will cause the operating element 46 (as indicated by arrow 54B) for repetitive actuation. Automatically retract or reel 46.

As shown in FIG. 1C, when the operating element 46 is retracted, the operating system maintains or holds the shade 22 in its new elevated state. Once the operating system has retracted the operating element 46 a distance above the bottom of the stroke, the operator pulls the operating element 46 downward in the second stroke, further retracting the shade 22 as depicted in FIG. 1D. be able to. This reciprocating process is repeated until the shade 22 is retracted to the desired position. The vertical stroke of operating element 46 may vary in different implementations of the operating system. In one implementation, operating element 46 has a total length of about 48 inches. The ratio of retraction of the shade 22 to the stroke of the operating element 46 may also vary depending on the particular implementation of the operating system. In one implementation, the ratio of retraction of shade 22 to extension of operating element 46 is approximately 0.4.

To extend or lower the shade 22 from the fully or partially retracted or lifted position, the operator may cross the front of the shade 22 diagonally or laterally, as indicated by arrow 54C in FIG. 1E. The operating element 46 may be subtracted. Diagonal or lateral movement of the operating element 46 can shift the operating system into an extended mode in which the shade 22 can be automatically extended or lowered by gravity. Therefore, in one implementation, after transitioning the operating system to the stretch mode, the operator releases the operating element 46 and the shade 22 stretches or lowers without operator intervention, as indicated by arrow 58B in FIG. 1F. However, in the meantime, it is possible to leave the cover 10. After the shade 22 has been extended to the desired position, the operator may prevent further extension and, if necessary, pull the operating element 46 vertically downward to shift the operating system to the retracted mode by pulling the operating element 46 vertically downward. 22 can be retracted or raised. In this retracted mode, the shade 22 can be retracted in response to a reciprocating process, as described above and shown in FIGS. 1A-1D. In addition, the operating system can include a braking element or mechanism to prevent undesired extension or lowering of the shade 22 when the operating system is in the retracted mode.

2A and 2B, a longitudinal cross section of the roller 42 is shown. 2A is a cross-section taken along line 2A-2A of FIG. 1A, illustrating roller 42 when shade 22 is in the extended position. 2B is a cross-section taken along line 2B-2B of FIG. 1D and illustrates roller 42 with a portion of shade material 22 that may be hidden within headrail 14 wrapped around roller 42. Rollers 42 can be formed in a variety of shapes, including generally cylindrical tubes as shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

The roller 42 depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B extends between two opposite end caps 26A, 26B and is rotatable about the head rail 14 to retract or extend the shade 22 depending on the direction of rotation of the roller 42. Connected to. In one implementation, the shade 22 wraps around or is unwrapped from the back side of the roller 42, the back side of the roller 42 being the front side of the roller 42 and the side facing the associated building opening. Positioned in the middle. To move the roller 42, and thus the shade 22 of the cover 10, the operating system is operatively associated with the ends 66A, 66B of the roller 42 and serves as one of the end caps 26A, 26B. be able to.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, one example of an operating system 70 is provided. The operating system 70 may be assembled as a single modular unit that connects to one end of the headrail 14 and supports the associated end 66A of the roller 42. The operating system 70 may be pre-assembled, thus simplifying the assembly of the cover 10 in the field. Operating system 70 may be referred to as an operating module or unit.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, operating system 70 is shown as an exploded view of the subassembly. The operating system 70 can include a base 74, a drive mechanism 78, a transmission 82, and an actuator or shift mechanism 86. The base 74, drive mechanism 78 and transmission 82 may be aligned along a common axis that may be coaxial with the central axis of the roller 42. The actuator mechanism 86 may be laterally offset from the common axis and may be coupled to the base 74 proximate the outer circumference of the transmission 82. The actuator mechanism 86 can shift the operating system 70 between retracted and extended modes. In one implementation, the actuator mechanism 86 selectively interacts with the transmission 82 to transition the operating system between modes.

With reference to FIGS. 3A-5C, the operating system 70 includes a base 74 configured to act as the end cap 26A of the headrail 14 and provide a base for the remaining components of the operating system 70. You can The base 74 can have a proximal surface 90 and a distal surface 94. The proximal surface 90 may be exposed when attached to the headrail 14 and the distal surface 94 may face the drive mechanism 78, the transmission 82 and the actuator mechanism 86.

To attach the base 74 to the headrail 14, the base 74 can include a peripherally extending peripheral flange 98. Flange 98 can characterize female receptacle 102 (see FIG. 5A) configured to closely receive a corresponding male feature of headrail 14. As seen in the distal surface 94 of the base 74 (see FIG. 5A), the flange 98 is inserted from the right or front edge 106 of the base 74 to provide lateral space for the ends of the headrails 14. And may occupy space in a relationship adjacent to the outer front surface 110 of the flange 98. The insertion distance may be designed to create a coplanar or seamless transition between the edge 106 of the base 74 and the outer front surface of the headrail 14.

To attach the base 74 to the drive mechanism 78 and transmission 82, the base 74 may include a post 114 that extends centrifugally from the distal surface 94 of the base 74, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 5A and 5B. .. The post 114 can include a proximal flat portion 118 and a distal spline portion 122. That is, the flat portion 118 may be located intermediate the distal surface 94 and the spline portion 122. The outer diameter of the spline portion 122 may be shorter than that of the flat portion 118. Therefore, a transition step 126 positioned between the flat portion 118 and the spline portion 122 of the post 114 is characterized. The post 114 may be hollow and may have an inner wall 130 that features an axially extending bore 134. The portion of the wall 130 that corresponds to the spline portion 122 may be threaded.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4A, 5A and 5B, the base 74 may also include a spool spring anchor 138. It may extend distally from the distal surface 94 of the base 74 and be positioned radially outward from the post 114. The anchor 138 may form a substantially circular arc. However, other configurations are also considered. If arcuate in shape, the anchors 138 may extend about the central axis of the post 114 at any suitable angle. For example, the arc-shaped anchor 138 depicted in FIG. 5A extends around the central axis of the post 114 at about 45 degrees. However, other angles greater or less than 45 degrees are also contemplated.

The base 74 may further include an inner annular rim 142 and an outer annular rim 146, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 5A and 5B. Both of these may extend distally from the distal surface 94 of the base 74. The inner annular rim 142 is positioned radially outward of the post 114 and the anchor 138. The inner annular rim 142 may form a substantially continuous ring around the post 114 to characterize a radially positioned space 148 between the inner annular rim 142 and the post 114. The space 148 can be configured to receive the drive mechanism 78. When the drive mechanism 78 is secured within the space 148, the distal surface of the drive mechanism 78 may be substantially coplanar with or coincident with the distal surface 150 of the inner annular rim 142.

Still referring to FIGS. 4A, 5A and 5B, an outer annular rim 146 is spaced radially outward from the inner annular rim 142 and is distal to the distal surface 150 of the inner annular rim 142 for centrifugation. Extend. That is, the distal surface 154 of the outer annular rim 146 is positioned distal of the distal surface 150 of the inner annular rim 142. Therefore, the outer annular rim 146 is positioned distally and features an interior space proximate to the space characterized by the inner annular rim 142. A portion of the inner space of the outer annular rim 146 extends radially outward of the inner annular rim 142 and receives the proximal portion of the transmission 82. The base 74 may include radially extending spokes 158 extending between the inner annular rim 142 and the outer annular rim 146. Spokes 158 may coincide distally with distal surface 150 of inner annular rim 142.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 5A, the base 74 may further feature an operating element conduit 162 extending through the inner annular rim 142 and the outer annular rim 146. The conduit 162 can be configured to accommodate a passageway for an operating element 46, such as a cord or ball chain. As such, the operating element 46 is positioned such that a portion of the operating element 46 is positioned inside the inner rim 142, such that the operator can use the operating element 46 (see, for example, FIGS. 1A-1F), and The conduit 162 can be passed through so that another portion of the element 46 is positioned outside the outer rim 146.

4A, 5A and 5B, the outer annular rim 146 can form a discontinuous ring around the inner annular rim 142 such that a portion of the inner annular rim 142 is not surrounded by the outer annular rim 146. A locking component of the actuator mechanism 86 is operably coupled to the base 74 radially outward and adjacent an unenclosed portion of the inner annular rim 142, which may also be described as a missing portion or clearance in the outer rim 146. You may. In one implementation, the locking component of the actuator mechanism 86 causes the operating system 70 to shift into a retracted mode proximate the inner annular rim 142 and away from the inner annular rim 142 to shift the operating system 70 into an extended mode. Positioned selectively.

With reference to FIG. 5A, the base 74 can include a boss 166 that extends distally from the distal surface 94 of the base 74 adjacent the upper end of the unenclosed portion of the inner annular rim 142. The boss 166 can feature a substantially cylindrical pivot aperture 170 configured to pivotally secure a locking component of the actuator mechanism 86. The boss 166 can include a recess 174 that defines the pivotable range of the locking component of the actuator mechanism 86. The base 74 can include a locating tab 178 adjacent the boss 166 and radially outward from the lacking portion or gap of the outer rim 146. The locating tab 178 can project from the inner wall of the flange 98 to characterize a pedestal for a biasing element such as a spring.

With reference to FIGS. 4A and 5A, the outer annular rim 146 may be positioned radially inward of the flange 98 in an overlapping relationship adjacent the operating element conduit 162. Outer annular rim 146 and flange 98 may each include opposed guide rails 182A, 182B that extend toward each other and characterize the gap therebetween. The shifting component of actuator mechanism 86 may be positioned between opposing guide rails 182A, 182B.

Below the guide rails 182A, 182B, the base 74 may include a pair of spaced apart projections 186A, 186B extending laterally between the outer annular rim 146 and the flange 98. The protrusions 186A, 186B may project distally from the distal surface 94 of the base 74, each of the protrusions including opposing arcuate or curved surfaces that characterize a pedestal for the cross pin 190 (see FIG. 19). be able to. Proximal to the distal ends of the protrusions 186A, 186B, the flange 98 and the outer annular rim 146 each have a recess or opening for receiving the end of the cross pin 190, eg, an aperture 192 formed in the flange 98. Can be included.

4A, 4B and 6A-8C, a drive mechanism 78 for an embodiment of the operating system 70 is provided. The depicted drive mechanism 78 comprises a spool assembly having a spool 194 biased by a power spring or spool spring 198. As mentioned above, the operating system may be electrically operated.

As shown in FIG. 8C, the spool 194 can include a proximal surface 210, a distal surface 214 and a circumferential groove 218 formed between the proximal surface 210 and the distal surface 214. As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 6A, 6B, 8A, and 8B, the spool 194 receives the flat portion 118 of the post 114 of the base 74, which is characterized by a substantially cylindrical wall 222. A central aperture 226 sized may also be included. In operation, the wall 222 of the spool 194 can rotatably support the flat portion 118 of the post 114.

With reference to FIGS. 6B and 8A, the proximal surface 210 of the spool 194 has a proximal abutment surface 230 located proximally and radially outward from the internal cavity 234. A spool spring anchor 238 may be positioned within the cavity 234. The anchor 238 may form a substantially arc. However, other configurations are also considered. The arc-shaped anchor 238 may extend around the central axis of the aperture 226 at any suitable angle. For example, the arc-shaped anchor 238 depicted in FIG. 5A extends about 60 degrees around the central axis of aperture 226. However, other angles greater or less than 60 degrees are also contemplated. When the operating system 70 is assembled, the proximal abutment surface 230 of the spool 194 bears against the distal surface 94 of the base 74, the outer circumference of the spool 194 is positioned radially inward of the inner annular rim 142, and distal of the spool 194. The surface 214 may be substantially coplanar with the distal surface 150 of the inner annular rim 142.

As shown in FIGS. 6A-7, spool spring 198 may be configured to provide a retraction force for spool 194 and may be housed within inner cavity 234 of spool 194. Spool spring 198 can include a number of windings extending between inner end 202 and outer end 206. Inner end 202 and outer end 206 may each be folded to form respective inner and outer hooks. With this configuration, when the operating system 70 is assembled, the inner end 202 engages the anchor 138 of the base 74 and the outer end 206 engages the anchor 238 of the spool 194. In this configuration, when viewed from the distal surface 94 of the base 74, the clockwise rotation of the spool 194 relative to the base 74 causes the windings of the spool spring 198 to radially contract, counterclockwise biasing force. Produce. As a result, a pulling force of the spool is generated.

With reference to FIGS. 6A, 8B and 8C, the distal surface 214 of the spool 194 includes an embossing ring 240 surrounding a central aperture 226 and a pair of diametrically opposed clutches positioned along a radially outer portion of the ring 240. Tabs 242 can be included. Each of the clutch tabs 242 may be formed in an apostrophe or comma shape with a radially thicker clockwise trailing edge 246 and a radially thinner clockwise tip edge 250. Each of the tabs 242 can also include a curved inner surface or wall 254 extending between the trailing and leading edges 246, 250. Additionally, each of the tabs 242 can include a ramp or cam surface 256 that slopes outwardly from the leading edge 250 toward the trailing edge 246. In other words, the cam surface 256 may be angled counterclockwise from the leading edge 250 of each of the tabs 242. Near the trailing edge 246 of each of the tabs 242, the ramp or cam surface 256 may terminate in a stop step 258.

Referring to FIG. 8C, spool 194 includes a circumferential groove 218 formed between proximal surface 210 and distal surface 214. Although not depicted in FIG. 8C, operating element 46 may be wrapped around spool 194 and disposed within groove 218. This groove 218 can be formed to receive operating elements 46 of varying lengths. For example, in one implementation, about 48 inches of operating element 48 may be wrapped and positioned within groove 218. One end of operating element 48 may be fed through slot 262A or 262B (see FIG. 8A) to connect operating element 48 to spool 194. This slot is formed in the proximal side wall 266A of the groove 218 and is seated within the inner cavity 234 of the spool 194 and is tied, secured or otherwise the end of the operating element 46 is displaced from the cavity 234. Is configured to prevent. After being wrapped around the groove 218, the other end of the operating element 46 may be fed through the slot 270. This slot is formed in the distal side wall 266B of the groove 218 (see FIG. 8C) and is temporarily secured to the distal side wall 266B centrifuge until the spool assembly is operably coupled to the base 74.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, an exemplary transmission 82 of operating system 70 is shown in exploded form below. The transmission 82 includes a clutch element 274, an axle 278, at least one wrap spring 282, a sun gear 286, a plurality of planet gears 290, an annulus or ring gear 294, a planet carrier 298, and a fastener 302. Once assembled, the components of transmission 82 may be coaxially aligned with posts 114 of base 74. During retraction of the shade 22, the transmission 82 typically receives input torque from the drive mechanism 78 and provides output torque to the rollers 42. The transmission 82 may provide gear reduction, for example by the example planetary gear system, to reduce the amount of input torque required to retract the shade 22. During extension of the shade 22, the transmission 82 may be released from other components of the operating system 70 so that the rollers 42 can be extended or lowered by gravity.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-10, the clutch element 274 transmits torque from the spool 194 to the sun gear 286 during extension of the operating element 46, but relative to the sun gear 286 during retracting of the operating element 46. The 194 can function as a one-way clutch that freely rotates. Referring to FIG. 10, the clutch element 274 can include a body 306 having two resilient arms 310A, 310B, each having a connecting end 314 and a free end 318. The body 306 may also include an inner bearing surface 330 and opposing outer bearing surfaces 334A, 334B each extending between the proximal surface 322 and the distal surface 326 of the clutch element 274. The outer bearing surfaces 334A, 334B may each terminate in a step, that is, a clockwise rotational step 338 and a counterclockwise rotational step 342, respectively.

Resilient arms 310A, 310B respectively surround bearing surfaces 334A, B in a radially spaced relationship and in a counterclockwise direction. Each resilient arm 310, in combination with a corresponding bearing surface 334, features a gap 346 closed at one end by a clockwise rotation step 338 and open at the other inlet end. The free end 318 of each of the arms 310 includes an outward facing barb 350. When the operating system 70 is assembled, the inner surface 330 of the body 306 rotatably supports the flat portion 118 of the post 114 of the base 74 and the proximal surface 322 of the body 306 abuts the ring 240 of the spool 194.

As shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the clutch element 274 may be axially positioned on the flat portion 118 of the post 114 of the base 74. As the operating element 46 extends (see FIGS. 1A and 1D), the spool 194 rotates in the shade retract direction around the post 114 (indicated by arrow A in FIG. 20B). Rotation of the spool 194 causes the clockwise distal edge 250 of each of the clutch tabs 242 to move radially between the resilient arm 310 and the body 306 of the clutch element and be positioned at the intersection of the arm 310 and the body 306. It moves toward the designated clockwise rotation step portion 338. As the leading edge 250 of the clutch tab 242 moves to the step 338, the resilient arm 310 slides up on the cam surface 256 of the clutch tab 242 and expands radially outward thereby increasing the effective outer diameter of the clutch element 274. .. When the stop step 258 of the clutch tab 242 contacts the free end 318 of the resilient arm 310, the clutch tab 242 drives the arm 310 and thus the clutch element 274 in a clockwise direction.

During retraction of the operating element 46 (see FIG. 1C), the spool 194 rotates in the shade extension direction around the post 114 (indicated by arrow B in FIG. 20B). Shade extension rotation of the spool 194 causes each clockwise trailing edge 246 of the clutch tab 242 to move toward the counterclockwise rotational step 342. As the trailing edge 246 of the clutch tab 242 moves to the step 342, the resilient arm 310 lowers the cam surface 256 of the clutch tab 242 and contracts radially inward into a non-deformed state. As a result, the effective outer diameter of clutch element 274 is reduced. When the trailing edge 246 of the clutch tab 242 contacts the step 342, the clutch tab 242 drives the clutch element 274 in the shade extension direction. However, as described below, as the effective outer diameter of the clutch element 274 decreases, rotation of the spool 194 separates from the transmission 82. As a result, the operating element 46 can be retracted without affecting the position of the shade 22.

With reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 11A and 11B, an example of an axle 278 of operating system 70 is provided. When operating system 70 is assembled, axle 278 locks base 74 to prevent rotation of axle 278 relative to base 74. That is, the axle 278 is non-rotatably connected to the base 74. With reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the example axle 278 includes an inner wall 352 and an outer wall 354. Inner wall 352 may feature a bore 358 extending longitudinally within axle 278. The proximal portion of the inner wall 352 can include a cylindrical cross section 362, a spline cross section 366, and a transition cross section 370 positioned intermediate the cylindrical cross section 362 and the spline cross section 366. The cylindrical cross section 362 may have a larger diameter than the spline cross section 366 that includes alternating ribs and grooves. The transition cross section 370 may be arcuate, curved or chamfered. The distal portion of the inner wall 352 may be substantially flat and cylindrical. When the operating system 70 is assembled, the cylindrical cross section 362 abuts the flat portion 118 of the post 114 of the base 74, the spline cross section 366 matingly engages the spline section 122 of the post 114, and is proximal to the step of the spline cross section 366. The face may be adjacent the distal face of post 114.

Outer wall 354 of axle 278 can include a radially extending flange 374, a tapered distal surface 378, and a cylindrical surface 382 positioned intermediate flange 374 and tapered surface 378. A step 386 may be formed between the larger diameter cylindrical surface 382 and the smaller diameter tapered surface 378. Axle 278 may also include a proximal surface 390 and a distal surface 394. When the operating system 70 is assembled, the proximal surface 390 may abut the distal surface 326 of the clutch element 274 and the distal surface 394 may support the bottom surface of the head of the threaded fastener 302.

Referring to Figures 9A, 9B, 12A and 12B, a braking element or mechanism is provided. The example braking element includes two identical lap springs 282. When the operating system 70 is assembled, the wrap spring 282 provides an interference fit in the cylindrical cross section 362 of the axle 278, as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B. As such, the lap spring 282 acts as a one-way brake, rotationally slips around the axle 278 in the shade retract direction (shown by arrow A in FIG. 22B), and extends shade (shown by arrow B in FIG. 22B). Configured to clamp or lock the axle 278 in the direction. Therefore, in one implementation, as the operating element 46 extends from the spool 194, the spool 194 rotates and the wrap spring 282 rotationally slips around the axle 282 to raise or retract the shade 22. However, when the operating element 46 is reeled to the spool 194, the wrap spring 282 locks around the axle 278 to prevent unintentional extension or lowering of the shade 22.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, each wrap spring 282 includes end segments 398, 402 that are spatially separated by a number of windings. One end segment 398 can be oriented slightly outward to prevent accidental catching, plunging or scratching of the cylindrical cross section 362 of the axle 278. The other end segment 402 may extend radially outward to form a protrusion. Two wrap springs 282 are provided for purposes of illustration, but other configurations are also contemplated. Any number of lap springs 282 can be used, such as one, two, three or more. Further, when using multiple wrap springs 282, the wrap springs 282 may be different from each other.

With reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 13A and 13B, an example sun gear 286 of the transmission 82 is provided. The sun gear 286 may include external gear teeth 404 and a hollow interior. Sun gear 286 may also include inner surfaces that characterize proximal clutch portion 406 and distal brake portion 410. Clutch portion 406 may include circumferentially spaced, radially inwardly directed ridges 414. Ridge 414 characterizes recess 418 between ridges 414. The clutch portion 406 can receive a clutch element 274, as shown in FIGS. 21A-21D.

As shown in FIG. 21B, when the elastic arm 310 of the clutch element 274 is in the non-deformed state, the effective outer diameter of the clutch element 274 becomes smaller than the inner diameter of the ridge 414 of the sun gear 286. As previously mentioned, the clutch element 274 may be in a non-deformed state, and thus may rotate within the sun gear 286 without interfering with it as the spool 194 rotates in the shade extension direction. As such, during retraction of operating element 46, clutch element 274 can rotatably separate sun gear 286 from spool 194 or any other suitable drive mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 21C, when the elastic arm 310 of the clutch element 274 is in the deformed state, the radially expanded barb 350 of the elastic arm 310 is positioned within the opposing recess 418 and engages the opposing ridge 414. The rotation of the spool 194 is transmitted to the sun gear 286. As previously mentioned, the clutch element 274 may be in a radially expanded condition, thus allowing the sun gear 286 to be rotatably coupled to the spool 194 as the spool 194 rotates in the shade retract direction. As such, during extension of operating element 46, clutch element 274 may rotatably couple sun gear 286 (as shown in FIG. 21C) to spool 194 or any other suitable drive mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 13B, the brake portion 410 of the sun gear 286 may extend centrifugally from the clutch portion 406. The brake portion 410 can include a counterbore portion 422, a radially inverted lip 426, and at least one slot 430 extending longitudinally between the proximal counterbore portion 422 and the distal lip 426. .. Counterbore portion 422 can be configured to secure flange 374 of axle 278. Once assembled, the proximal surface 390 of the axle 278 (as shown in FIG. 25B) may be substantially flush with or coincident with the distal proximal edge of the brake portion 410. When assembled, the radially inwardly-applied lip 426 rotatably supports the distal portion of the cylindrical surface 382 of the axle 278 and may be in centrifugal alignment with the step 386 of the axle 278 (FIG. 25B). reference). The radially-inverted lip 426 can also axially retain the wrap spring 282 about the cylindrical surface 382 of the axle 278.

At least one slot 430 of the brake portion 410 of the sun gear 286 can be configured to receive the protrusion 402 of the wrap spring 282 and rotatably lock the wrap spring 282 and the sun gear 286 depending on the direction of rotation. Two lap springs 282 are coaxially positioned within the sun gear 286, as shown in FIG. 23 (with axle 278 removed for simplicity). The protrusions 402 of each wrap spring 282 extend into one of the four circumferentially spaced slots 430, which rotatably links the rotation of the sun gear to each wrap spring 282. ..

With continued reference to FIG. 23, as the operating element 46 extends (see FIGS. 1B and 1D), the spool 194 rotates in the shade retract direction (indicated by arrow A in FIG. 23) and the clutch tab 242 causes the elastic arm 310 to move. Are deployed in the radial direction and the barbs 350 engage the ridges 414 of the clutch portion 406 of the sun gear 286 to transfer spool 194 torque to the sun gear 286. As the sun gear 286 rotates in the shade retraction direction, the walls of the slot 430 contact the protrusions 402 of the wrap spring 282 and radially deploy the windings of at least one wrap spring 282. The radial unfolding of the windings allows the wrap spring 282 to rotate and slip about the stationary axle 278 in the shade retraction direction.

When the operating element 46 is retracted (see FIG. 1C), the spool 194 rotates in the shade extension direction (indicated by arrow B in FIG. 23), the clutch tab 242 contacts the counterclockwise rotary step 342, and the spool 194. The clutch element 274 is free to rotate within the clutch portion 406 of the sun gear 286 without transmitting torque to the sun gear 286. Therefore, torque from spool 194 is not transmitted to sun gear 286 in the shade extension direction.

In addition to the clutch element 274 not transmitting torque in the shade extension direction from the spool 194 to the sun gear 286, the wrap spring 282 causes the sun gear 286 to move due to the weight of the shade 22 transmitting the shade extension torque to the rollers 42. It is possible to prevent rotation in the shade extension direction. As the sun gear 286 rotates in the shade extension direction, the wall of the slot 430 contacts the protrusion 402 of the wrap spring 282 and radially contracts the winding around the cylindrical surface 382 of the axle 278. The radial contraction of the windings prevents sun gear 286 from rotating about stationary axle 278 in the shade extension direction. As such, the wrap spring 282 functions as a braking mechanism that locks or maintains the desired position of the shade 22 relative to the building opening.

9A, 9B, 14A and 14B, an example planetary gear carrier 298 of the transmission 82 is provided. The planet gear carrier 298 may include a carrier portion 434 and a bearing portion 438. The carrier portion 434 can include a flange 442 that extends radially with the proximal surface 446. The carrier portion 434 can also include a plurality of pins 450 extending proximally from the proximal surface 446. Each of the pins 450 can support a planet gear 290 (shown in Figures 9A and 9B). The carrier portion 434 can include any suitable number of pins 450. In one implementation, the carrier portion 434 includes at least three pins 450. In the depicted implementation, the carrier portion 434 includes six pins 450.

The bearing portion 438 of the gear carrier 298 may be adapted to fit the end of the roller 42 and transfer motion between the gear carrier 298 and the roller 42. The bearing portion 438 can include a plurality of ribs 454 extending distally from the flange 442 and radially outward from the stepped wall 458. The rib 454 may be configured to rotatably connect the gear carrier 298 and the roller 42. For example, the ribs 454 may frictionally engage the inner portion of the roller 42 and lock corresponding internal features of the roller, or otherwise connect the components together. Bearing portion 438 can include any suitable number of ribs 454. In one implementation, the plug portion 438 includes at least three ribs 454. In the depicted implementation, the plug portion 438 includes six ribs 454 (see FIG. 9A).

The stepped wall 458 of the gear carrier 298 can feature a larger diameter proximal cavity 462 and a smaller diameter distal cavity 466. Proximal cavity 462 can be configured to house sun gear 286 (excluding external gear teeth 404). The distal cavity 466 can be configured to receive the taper surface 378 of the axle 278 and be radially adjacent thereto. Although depicted as a complete unit, the carrier portion 434 and bearing portion 438 of the gear carrier 298 may be individual components coupled together.

9A, 9B, 15A and 15B, an annulus or ring gear 294 of an embodiment of the transmission 82 is provided. The ring gear 294 has an inward gear tooth 470, an outward tooth 474 positioned radially outward from the gear tooth 470, and a radius between the inward gear tooth 470 and the outward tooth 474. A series of bridges 478 extending in a direction may be included. The bridges 478 may be spaced from each other to reduce the amount of material and hence the weight of the ring gear 294. In some implementations, the ring gear 294 can be constructed of plastic if the space between the bridges 478 can warp, sink and/or reduce voids. The ring gear 294 may include a circumferential flange or cap 482 extending radially outwardly and centrifugally from the outwardly facing teeth 474.

21A-21D and 23, when the operating system 70 is assembled, the planet gears 290 mesh with them between the sun gear 286 and the ring gear 294. The sun gear 286, the planet gears 290, the ring gear 294 and the planet carrier 298 collectively form a planetary gear set or gear reduction unit to reduce the amount of force required to retract or raise the shade 22. .. In one implementation, the gear ratio of the planetary gear set is 2.5.

As described above, during extension of operating element 46 (see FIGS. 1B and 1D), sun gear 286 rotates in the shade retraction direction relative to stationary axle 278. When the ring gear 294 is rotatably locked during rotation of the sun gear 286, the planet gears 290 rotate about their respective pins 450 and orbit the sun gear 286. The orbiting movement of the planet gears 290 causes the planet carrier 298 to rotate, which causes the roller 42 to rotate in the shade retraction direction.

During retraction of the operating element 46 (see FIG. 1C), the sun gear 286 rotatably separates from the spool 294 and therefore does not rotate the planet carrier 298. Furthermore, during retraction of the operating element 46, the weight of the shade 22 suspended from one edge of the roller 42 allows torque in the shade extension direction to be transmitted to the roller. This torque may be transmitted to the planet gears 290 through the planet carrier 298. As described above, the wrap spring 282 can prevent the sun gear 286 from rotating in the shade extending direction. Therefore, when the sun gear 286 and the ring gear 294 are rotatably locked, the movement of the planetary gear 290 is prevented. This keeps the shade 22 in its current position. Alternatively, if the ring gear 294 is not rotatably locked, the planet gears 290 can extend around the sun gear 286 in the shade extension direction to extend the shade 22 across the building opening.

4A, 4B and 16A-19, an actuator or shift mechanism 86 for an embodiment of operating system 70 is provided. Actuator mechanism 86 selectively engages transmission 82 to transition operating system 70 between a retracted mode and an extended mode. Although the discussion below describes an actuator mechanism 86 that is mechanically shifted by the operating element 46, the actuator mechanism 86 may be mechanically and/or electrically actuated. For example, as shown in FIG. 20C, an electrically controlled actuator 484 can be attached to the base 74 and positioned to selectively shift the actuator mechanism 86 between retracted and extended modes. .. The actuator 484 can interact with and move the actuator mechanism 86 in any of a variety of electromagnetic manners. The actuator 484 may be electrically coupled to a transceiver that receives signals from a remote transmitter, such as the remote control device 45 (see FIG. 1G), and is operable to communicate the signals to the remote receiver. Electrically controlled linear and/or rotary actuators may be used.

In one implementation, the operator shifts the actuator mechanism 86 between modes by manipulating the operating element 46 in a predetermined direction. For example, an operator can shift the actuator mechanism 86 into shade extension mode by pulling the operating element 46 in a diagonal or lateral movement (eg, arrow 54C in FIG. 1E) across the front of the shade 22. This allows the shade 22 to be automatically extended or lowered, for example by gravity. Once in the shade extend mode, the operator can shift the actuator mechanism 86 to the shade retract mode (which stops extension) by pulling the operating element 46 vertically downward or in the opposite direction as shown in FIG. 1E.

With reference to FIGS. 16A, 16B, 21A and 21D, the actuator mechanism 86 can include an engagement or lock arm 490 and an actuator or shift arm 486. The lock arm 490 may be pivotable with respect to the base 74 of the operating system 70. In one implementation, the lock arm 490 has a preset pivotable range. At one end of the swivel range, lock arm 490 engages transmission 82 to substantially prevent rotation of roller 42 in the shade extension direction. This can be considered a shade pull-in mode. At the other end of the swivel range, the lock arm 490 is released from the transmission 82 to allow the roller 42 to rotate in the shade extension direction. This can be considered a shade stretch mode. The lock arm 490 may be biased towards the shade retract mode by a biasing element such as a spring.

An example lock arm 490 is provided in Figures 17A-17F. The locking arm 490 is positioned at a post 494 configured to rotatably secure within the pivot aperture 170 of the base 74, a notch 498 configured to receive a portion of the boss 166, and a centroid of the notch 498. , An overpass 502 configured to lock within the recess 174 of the boss 166 to limit the pivoting range of the lock arm 490. The post 494, the boss 166, or both may include a clasp or clamp feature that axially engages the post 494 within the pivot aperture 170 while allowing rotation of the locking arm 490 relative to the base 74. A biasing element, such as a torsion spring, may be associated with the post 494 and boss 166 to rotationally bias the lock arm 490 into a shade retract mode, for example. The pivot axis of lock arm 490 may be substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of transmission 82. When assembled, the posts 494 may extend proximally toward the base 74 and away from the rollers 42.

Lock arm 490 may also include engagement teeth 518 configured to engage transmission 82 when actuator mechanism 86 is in the shade retract mode. When the actuator mechanism 86 is in the shade retract mode, the engagement teeth 518 of the lock arm 490 are mated or meshed with the outward teeth 474 of the ring gear 294, as shown in FIGS. 21A-21C. The rotation of the ring gear 294 can be substantially prevented. When the actuator mechanism 86 is in the shade extension mode, the lock arm 490 pivots away from the transmission 82, thereby spatially separating the engaging tooth 518 from the outward tooth 474 of the ring gear 294, and the ring gear 294. Can be rotated. Tooth 518 can include buttresses or ribs 520 extending proximally from tooth 518 to provide additional rigidity to tooth 518. The distal surface 526 of the locking arm 490, including the engaging teeth 518, may be substantially planar and may be configured to abut the circumferential flange of the ring gear 294 or the proximal surface of the cap 482.

As mentioned above, the actuator mechanism 86 may be biased towards the shade retract mode. In the implementation depicted in FIGS. 17A-17F, the lock arm 490 includes a mandrel 522 configured to secure one end of the compression spring 524 (shown in FIGS. 20B and 22B) and the other end of the compression spring 524. The section is secured within a locating tab 178 (see FIG. 5A) that projects from the flange 98 of the base 74. In this implementation, the compression spring 524 pivots the lock arm 490 into the shade retract mode, which causes the engagement teeth 518 to engage the outward teeth 474 of the ring gear 294 and prevent rotation of the ring gear 294. Mandrel 522 may be conical, cylindrical or any other suitable shape.

With continued reference to FIGS. 17A-17F, the lock arm 490 further includes a biasing or contact surface 506, a retaining surface 510, and a detent 514 positioned intermediate the contact surface 506 and the retaining surface 510. be able to. The contact surface 506 may extend distally from the detent 514 at an oblique angle to the longitudinal section. Retaining surface 510 may extend proximally from detent 514 in a side-by-side relationship with the longitudinal section. In other words, the biasing or contact surface 506 may be oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the retaining surface 510. Detents 514 may project outwardly from locking arm 490 relative to contact surface 506 and retaining surface 510, both of which may be substantially planar. Contact surface 506, retaining surface 510 and/or detent 514 may be formed from a wear resistant material that may be the same as lock arm 490. In one implementation, contact surface 506, retaining surface 510 and/or detent 514 may be abrasion resistant by plating, treatment, or otherwise bonding with nickel or any other suitable material. ..

To transition the actuator mechanism 86 between modes, the actuator mechanism 86 may include a shift arm 486 configured to manipulate the position of the lock arm 490 relative to the transmission 82. The shift arm 486 may be rotatably coupled to the base 74 of the operating system 70 and have a preset rotatable range. At one end of the rotatable range, the shift arm 486 releases the lock arm 490 from the transmission 82, allowing the roller 42 to rotate in the shade extension direction. This is usually considered a shade stretch mode (see Figures 16B and 21D). At the other end of the rotatable range, the shift arm 486 does not prevent the lock arm 490 and the transmission 82 from engaging with each other. This is usually considered the shade stretch mode (see Figures 16A and 21A-21C). When the operating system 70 is in the shade extension mode, the shift arm 486 holds the lock arm 490 in a released position relative to the transmission 82 until an external force causes the shift arm 486 to pivot or rotate about the cross pin 190, The lower part of the shift arm 486 is moved to the base 74, and the upper part of the shift arm 486 is separated from the base 74. As a result, operating system 70 can be shifted to shade pull-in mode. The axis of rotation of shift arm 486 may be substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis of lock arm 490.

An example shift arm 486 is provided in Figures 18A-18E. The shift arm 486 can include a pin housing 530 configured to receive the cross pin 190 (shown in FIG. 19). As such, the cross pin 190, the pin housing 530, or both can serve as a pivot or fulcrum for the shift arm 486. Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5C, the pin housing 530 may be rotatably secured between the protrusions 186A, 186B and the ends of the cross pins 190 may have opposite recesses or openings in the rim 146 and the flange 98. For example, it may be rotatably fixed in the aperture 192 formed in the flange 98.

At one end of the rotatable range of the shift arm 486, engagement of the shift arm 486 with the lock arm 490 releases the lock arm 490 from the outwardly facing teeth 474 of the ring gear 294. This is usually considered the shade stretch mode. In this mode (see FIGS. 16B and 21D), the lock arm 490 allows the ring gear 294 to rotate, thereby allowing the shade 22 to be stretched, which may have been affected by gravity. At the other end of the rotatable range of the shift arm 486, the shift arm 486 does not move the lock arm 490, and the lock arm 490 is spring-loaded and can engage with the ring gear 294. This is usually considered the shade pull-in mode. In this mode (see FIGS. 16A and 21A to 21C), the lock arm 490 prevents the ring gear 294 from rotating, thereby preventing the shade 22 from extending and allowing the shade 22 to be retracted.

Referring again to FIGS. 18A-18E, shift arm 486 also includes first and second lever portions or arms 534, 538 that extend away from pin housing 530 in different directions, which may be opposite. be able to. The first lever arm 534 can include an eyelet 542 configured to receive the passage of the operating element 46. The eyelet 542 may be closed or open as shown in Figure 18D. As shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, when the shift arm 486 is coupled to the base 74, the eyelet 542 is generally perpendicular to the operating element conduit 162 extending through the inner and outer annular rims 142, 146 of the base 74. May be aligned with. In this arrangement, vertical movement of the operating element 46 (see FIGS. 1B-1D) does not cause the shift arm 486 to pivot or rotate about the cross pin 190, but to the side of the operating element 46 transverse to the axis of rotation of the shift arm 486. The movement (see FIG. 1E) allows the shift arm 486 to pivot or rotate about the cross pin 190. As shown in FIG. 18C, the first lever arm 534 can also include a guide or path 546 to facilitate advancement of the operating element 46 through the eyelet 542. The eyelet 542 may be open over the angled bottom surface 548 of the shift arm 486.

With continued reference to FIGS. 18A-18E, a second lever arm 538 includes a biasing front surface or surface 550 positioned proximally of the arm 538 and a retention step positioned distally of the arm 538. 554 may be included. Both of these may be associated with the distal end 558 of the second lever arm 538. The biasing front surface 550 may be rounded to facilitate a smooth engagement and therefore a shift of the lock arm 490. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, when the shift arm 486 rotates in the first direction indicated by arrow 562, the biasing front surface 550 contacts the biasing surface 506 of the lock arm 490, centering on the post 494. To rotate the lock arm 490. As a result, the engaging teeth 518 can be released from the outer teeth 474 of the ring gear 294, and the shade 22 can be extended. When the biasing front surface 550 crosses the detent 514, the locking step 554 engages the detent 514 and the lock arm 490 is moved to the shade extension mode until lateral force is exerted on the first lever arm 534. Hold on. Lateral force can be generated by the operating element 46 extending through the eyelet 542, which force overcomes the detent 514 and causes the shift arm 486 to move toward the arrow 566 to release the lock arm 490 from the extended mode. It can swivel or rotate in the second direction shown. As mentioned above, the lock arm 490 is biased towards the engaged position or into the shade retract mode, and thus when the lock arm 490 is released from engagement with the shift arm 486, the lock arm 490 is released. , Can automatically pivot to engage external teeth 474 of ring gear 294.

Referring now to FIGS. 24A and 24B, a cross section of an assembled operating system 70 of one embodiment is depicted. The operating system 70 may be a self-contained modular unit that can be inserted into the end of the roller 42 and can function as the end cap 26 of the headrail 14. In one implementation, the operating system 70 thins the gap between the end of the roller 42 and the end of the associated headrail 14 so that the shade 22 is in the extended position over the opening. Minimize the light leakage gap between the building and the building opening. In one particular implementation, the distance between the end of roller 42 and the end of head rail 14 is approximately 0.44 inches.

24A and 24B, fastener 302 may secure operating system 70 together. The fasteners 302 may extend along the central longitudinal axis 570 of the drive mechanism 78 and the transmission 82. The fastener 302 may be screwed to the inner wall of the post 114 of the base 74, as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B. Additionally or alternatively, a nut, such as a lock nut, may screw the fastener. It may be housed within the hollow post 114 of the base 74 of the operating system 70.

In operation, operating system 70 can selectively switch to a retracted or extended mode by manipulating the position of actuator mechanism 86. In one implementation, a user may use operating element 46 to switch operating system 70 from a retracted mode to a decompressed mode. Referring to FIG. 21A, the lock arm 490 is engaged with the ring gear 294 (retracting mode). To release the lock arm 490 from the ring gear 294, and thus change the direction of rotation of the roller 42, the user moves from a point proximate the associated end of the roller 42 to the opposite end of the roller 42. The operating element 46 may be pulled in a direction generally along the longitudinal axis of the roller 42. This transverse movement of the operating element 46 causes the shift arm 486 to pivot or rotate about the pivot pin 190 in the first direction 562, axially and away the first or lower lever arm 534 away from the base 74. The secondary or upper lever arm 538 is moved axially towards the base 74 (see FIGS. 16A, 16B, 20A, 20B and 21A). During rotation of shift arm 486 in first direction 562 (see FIG. 16A), front surface 550 of second lever arm 538 contacts surface 506 of lock arm 490. As a result, the lock arm 490 is pivoted radially away from the ring gear 294, disengaging the teeth 518 of the lock arm 490 from the outward teeth 474 of the ring gear 294.

In one implementation, a user may use operating element 46 to switch operating system 70 from expanded mode to retracted mode. Referring to FIG. 21D, the lock arm 490 is released from the ring gear 294 (extension mode). To engage the lock arm 490 with the ring gear 294 and thus change the direction of rotation of the roller 42, the user may pull the operating element 46 in a vertically downward direction. In the vertical downward movement of the operating element 46, the operating element 46 is moved downward from the operating element conduit 162 of the base 74 through the eyelet 542 of the shift arm 486 (see FIGS. 20A and 20B), so that the operating element 46 is moved relative to the conduit 162. A slight axial offset causes the operating element 46 to move the first or lower lever arm 534 toward the base 74. Along with this, the second or upper lever arm 538 moves away from the base 74, and the lock arm 490 pivots radially (in the retracting mode) to the engagement position toward the ring gear 294. More specifically, the downward movement of the operating element 46 causes the shift arm 486 to pivot or rotate about the pivot pin 190 in a second direction 566, directing the first or lower lever arm 534 toward the base 74. Axially and axially move the second or upper lever arm 538 away from the base 74 (see FIGS. 16A, 16B, 20A, 20B and 21A). During rotation of shift arm 486 in second direction 566 (see FIG. 16B), retention step 554 and front surface 550 of second lever arm 538 pass detent 514 of lock arm 490. As a result, the lock arm 490 pivots in the radial direction toward the ring gear 294 under the influence of the compression spring 524 (see FIG. 20C), so that the teeth 518 of the lock arm 490 move to the outward teeth 474 of the ring gear 294. Engage (retract mode, see FIG. 21A).

When the lock arm 490 engages the ring gear 294 (retracted mode), the operating system 70 can raise or retract the shade 22. To raise or retract the shade 22, the operator may pull the operating element 46 downward. During pulling downwards, movement of operating element 46 causes spool 194 to rotate, which in turn causes spool spring 198 to become more tensioned. Further, when the clutch element 274 engages the sun gear 286, the sun gear 286 rotates with the spool 194. When the sun gear 286 rotates, the engagement of the lock arm 490 with the outward teeth 474 of the ring gear 294 prevents rotation of the ring gear 294. When the ring gear 294 is locked, the planetary gear 290 rotates around the sun gear 286, which causes the planetary carrier 298 to rotate. When planet carrier 298 is coupled to roller 42, rotation of planet carrier 298 causes roller 42 to rotate and shade material 22 to be drawn.

At the end of the downward stroke, the operator releases or resistively raises the operating element 46, correspondingly causing the spool spring 198 to reel the operating element 46 around the groove 218 of the spool 194. When the operating element 46 is retracted, the clutch element separates the sun gear 286 from rotation of the spool 194. In addition, the operating system 70 maintains the position of the shade 22 relative to the building opening during intermittent retraction of the operating element 46 by preventing rotation of the roller 42 in the shade extension direction. In one implementation, the sun gear 286 is rotatably locked to the stationary axle 278 in the shade extension direction by at least one wrap spring 282 and the ring gear 294 is rotatably locked by the actuator mechanism 86. Therefore, in this implementation, the sun gear 286 and the ring gear 294 prevent the planet gears 298 from rotating around the sun gear 286, thereby shade material across the opening when the operating system 70 is in the retracted mode. 22 to prevent extension. Thus, the operating system 70 holds the shade 22 in place, even if the spool 194 can rotate to reel the operating element 46. In this method, the operator reciprocates spool 194 back and forth to advance sun gear 286 stepwise in the winding direction to periodically pull down shade material 22 and thus desired shade material 22. You can pull in the cord as many times as you need to raise or retract.

To switch the operating system 70 to the stretch mode and extend or lower the shade 22, the operator can move the operating element 46 laterally to extend the operating element 46 at an angle. This lateral movement may be movement toward the center of the shade 22. Lateral movement of operating element 46 pivots or rotates shift arm 486, which moves first or lower lever arm 534 away from base 74 and second or upper lever arm 538. Move towards the base 74. This may be the end cap as described above. The biasing front surface 550 of the shift arm 486 contacts the biasing surface 506 of the lock arm 490, which causes the lock arm 490 to pivot away to release the ring gear 294. During this operation, the operator feels that the ring gear 294 has been released, which may correspond to the biasing front surface 550 and/or the distal end 558 of the shift arm 486 crossing the detent 514 on the lock arm 490 and/or. Or you can hear the click. The movement amount of the operating element 46 required for switching the mode of the operating system 70 may be ignored.

When the lock arm 490 is released from the ring gear 294, the fixed orientation of the roller 42 is released and the shade material 22 is wrapped around, for example by gravity or any other downward biasing element (e.g., an attached spring). Can be unraveled and descend. A detent 514 associated with the contact surface of the shift arm 486 and the lock arm 490 keeps the actuator mechanism 86 in the shade extension mode, which allows the operator to release the operating element 46 and the shade 22 down cover 10. May no longer be monitored. Normally, the shade 22 descends regardless of subtle differences in the operation of the operating element 46 by the operator, such as holding or releasing the operating element 46. To stop the extension or lowering of the shade 22, the operator can shift the operating system 70 into the retracted mode, for example by pulling the operating element 46 vertically downwards. With reference to FIG. 16B, the downward movement of the operating element 46, which causes the operating element 46 to be routed through the operating element conduit 162, causes the shift arm 486 (see FIG. 4A), which is substantially in the same vertical plane as the pivot pin 190, to cross pin. Swirl or rotate in a second direction 566 about 190. Rollers 42 or operating system 70 may include any suitable governor for adjusting the rate of descent of shade 22.

25, 26A and 26B, another example operating system 1070 is provided. Operating system 1070 generally has the same features and operates in the same manner as operating system 70 described above, but with a different clutch element 274 and actuator mechanism 86. Accordingly, previous discussion of the features and operation of operating system 70 as depicted in FIGS. 1-24, except for the discussion below regarding wrap spring 1282 and actuator mechanism 1086, is referred to in FIGS. 25, 26A. And the operating system 1070 depicted in FIG. 26B should be considered equally applicable. The reference numbers used in FIGS. 25, 26A, and 26B correspond to the reference numbers used in FIGS. 1 through 24, except that the reference numbers have been increased by one thousand. Indicates a component.

As shown in FIGS. 25-26B, the operating system 1070 can include a transmission 1082 having a sun gear 1286, a plurality of planet gears 1290 and an annulus or ring gear 1294. Similar to operating system 70 described above, operating system 1070 includes wrap spring 1282A, which is coupled to sun gear 1286 and has an interference fit between the inner diameter of wrap spring 1282A and the outer diameter of stationary axle 1278. Have. The wrap spring 1282A rotationally slips around the axle 1278 in one direction to allow retraction of the shade, but in the opposite direction locks around the axle 1278 to prevent unwarranted extension of the shade. In contrast to operating system 70, operating system 1070 replaces clutch element 274 with a second lap spring 1282B having an interference fit between the outer diameter of lap spring 1282B and the inner diameter of sun gear 1286. To do. The second wrap spring 1282B includes a protrusion 1402 coupled to the spool 1194, which transmits rotation of the spool 1194 in the first shade retraction direction to the sun gear 1286, and Rotation of the spool 1194 in the shade extension direction does not transfer to the sun gear 1286. Therefore, similar to operating system 70 described above, operating system 1070 selectively transmits torque from the drive mechanism to the transmission in the first direction of retracting the shade and in the second direction of extending the shade. Do not communicate. In addition, the operating system 1070 includes a braking element that holds the shade in the desired position until the operator shifts the operating system 1070 to the extended mode. As shown in FIG. 25, the operating system 1070 can include an optional cover 1602, which may be snap-fit, proximal of the base 1074.

26A and 26B, operating system 1070 also includes an actuator or shift mechanism 1086. The actuator mechanism 1086 shown in FIG. 26A is in the extend mode, where the shift arm 1486 pivots the lock arm 1490 to disengage the outer teeth 1474 of the ring gear 1294 to extend the shade across the associated building opening. Can be made. A detent 1514 located on the lock arm 1490 holds the shift arm 1486 in the extended mode until, for example, a lateral force is applied to the shift arm 1486 through the eyelets. The actuator mechanism 1086 shown in FIG. 26B is in the retracted mode, with the engagement teeth 1518 of the lock arm 1490 engaging the outer teeth 1474 of the ring gear 1294 to rotate the ring gear 1294 relative to the base 1074, and Prevents shade extension. Similar to actuator mechanism 86 described above, lock arm 1490 is biased into the engaged position or retracted mode by a biasing element. However, the actuator mechanism 1086 may use a tension spring 1524 instead of the compression spring 524 described with respect to the actuator mechanism 86. As will be appreciated, any suitable type of biasing element may be used in each example operating system. The shapes of shift arm 1486 and lock arm 1490 may differ from shift arm 486 and lock arm 490 described above, although shift arm 1486 and lock arm 1490 typically have similar features and characteristics as shift arm 486 and lock arm 490. Including features.

The preceding description has wide applicability. For example, although the provided embodiments include a transmission having a planetary gear set, it is recognized that the concepts disclosed herein are equally applicable to transmissions of all types, whether or not the transmission includes gear reduction. Should be. For example, some transmissions used by operating systems may not include the planetary gear set used to cover small size windows, for example. Therefore, it should be appreciated that the actuator mechanism can engage any type of transmission device. Furthermore, the input and output components of the planetary gear set can be changed depending on the application of the window covering. Also, although lap springs and one type of clutch element have been described, other suitable brake and/or clutch elements may be used. In addition, the example operating system can be used with any type of shade, including, but not limited to, rollers and stackable shades. Moreover, the example operating module or system may be used in conjunction with either end of the headrail. For example, the illustrated operating module may be associated with the right side of the cover, but may be provided with an operating module associated with the left side of the cover, which may be a mirror image of the illustrated module. Accordingly, the description of any embodiment is meant merely as an illustration and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples. In other words, although illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail herein, the concepts of the present invention may be otherwise embodied and used in various ways, and the appended claims are: It should be understood that it is intended to be construed as including such changes, except as limited by the prior art.

The preceding description is presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, various features of the disclosure are grouped as one or more aspects, embodiments or configurations to streamline the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of the particular aspects, embodiments or configurations of the disclosure can be combined with alternative aspects, embodiments or configurations. Furthermore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this detailed description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this disclosure.

As used herein, the phrases "at least one", "one or more" and "and/or" are both open-ended and conjunctive in its operation and are open-ended expressions. For example, "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C", "one or more of A, B and C", "one or more of A, B or C", And each phrase "A, B and/or C" means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C.

The term "a" or "an" component, as used herein, refers to one or more of that component. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.

The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Thus, the terms "comprising", "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof are open-ended and can be used interchangeably herein.

References in all directions (eg, proximal, distal, upper, lower, upper, lower, left, right, horizontal, vertical, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, Radial, axial, clockwise and counterclockwise) are used for identification purposes only to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure and are not particularly limited with respect to position, orientation or use of the present disclosure. References to connections (eg, mounting, coupling, connecting, and joining) should be construed broadly and, unless otherwise indicated, could include intermediate members between groups of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, references to connections do not necessarily imply that the two elements are directly connected and fixed to each other. References to identification (eg, primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to imply importance or priority, and may imply certain features. Used to distinguish it from other features. The drawings are for illustration purposes only, and the dimensions, locations, sequences and relative sizes shown in the drawings accompanying this document may vary.

Claims (17)

A cover for a building opening, the cover comprising a roller, a shade, and an operating system,
The roller is rotatable about a longitudinal axis in the extension and retraction directions,
The shade is connectable to the roller and is wrappable around the roller;
The operating system is operatively associated with the roller, the operating system having a retract mode and an extend mode;
In the retraction mode, the operating system is operable to raise the shade in the retraction direction so that the shade wraps around the roller, and in the decompression mode, the operating system extends the shade. It can be operated in such a manner that the shade is unwound from the roller by descending in the direction of
The operating system is
An operating element, a transmission and a drive mechanism, the operating element providing an input torque for selectively rotating the roller in the retracting direction, the transmission operably associated with the operating element. Selectively transmitting the input torque to the rollers, the drive mechanism being operably associated with the operating element and the transmission, the drive mechanism extending between a first position and a second position. Move
Movement of the drive mechanism between the first position and the second position switches the operating system between the retracted mode and the extended mode, and in the extended mode, the shade causes an additional movement by an operator. Without being able to move automatically in the direction of extension under the influence of gravity,
The drive mechanism further comprises a lock arm, the lock arm selectively engaging the transmission to set the roller in a predetermined rotational direction.
The cover further comprises a shift arm, the shift arm operatively associated with the lock arm for moving the lock arm to engage and disengage the transmission,
The shift arm is movable about a first axis substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the roller, and the lock arm is centered on a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis. Can be moved,
Cover. By the movement of the operating element in a predetermined direction, the drive mechanism moves between the first position and the second position,
The cover according to claim 1. Downward movement of the operating element causes the drive mechanism to move to the first position,
The cover according to claim 2. Lateral movement of the operating element causes the drive mechanism to move to the second position,
The cover according to claim 2. In the retraction mode, the operating element is movable by the series of reciprocating strokes of the operator so that the shade rises in the retraction direction.
The cover according to claim 1. The cover further comprises a braking mechanism, and in the retracting mode, the braking mechanism prevents the shade from lowering in the extension direction,
The cover according to claim 5. The cover further comprises a biasing member, the biasing member connecting with the drive mechanism to bias the drive mechanism to the first position;
The cover according to claim 1. In order to set the rotation direction of the roller to the extension direction, the shift arm moves the lock arm, and the lock arm releases from the transmission,
The cover according to claim 1 . A method for moving a shade of a cover between an extended position and a retracted position, the shade being coupled to a roller and wrapping around the roller, the method comprising:
Moving the cover associated operating element to a first position to raise the shade toward the retracted position to cause the shade to wrap around the roller, and the shade associated therewith. Moving the operating element from the first position to the second position to unwind the shade from the roller to switch the operating system from retracted mode to extended mode;
Including
Moving the operating system to the extended mode causes the shade to automatically move toward an extended position under the influence of gravity without additional movement by an operator.
The drive mechanism further comprises a lock arm, the lock arm selectively engaging the transmission to set the roller in a predetermined rotational direction.
The cover further comprises a shift arm, the shift arm operatively associated with the lock arm for moving the lock arm to engage and disengage the transmission,
The shift arm is movable about a first axis substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the roller, and the lock arm is centered on a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis. Can be moved,
Method. Moving the operating element to raise the shade toward the retracted position when the operating system is in the retracted mode,
The method according to claim 9 . Moving the operating element causes the shade to rotate about a roller connected to the shade .
The method according to claim 10. Wherein the movement of the operating element comprises a series of reciprocating strokes when the operating system is in the retracted mode.
The method according to claim 10 . Releasing the operating element during one reciprocating stroke of the series of reciprocating strokes such that the operating element automatically retracts for repetitive actuation.
The method according to claim 12 . When in the retracted mode, the shade maintains its current position by releasing the operating element.
The method of claim 13 . The shade is further retracted toward the retracted position by the movement of two reciprocating strokes of the series of reciprocating strokes.
The method of claim 13 . Moving the operating element from the first position to the second position comprises traversing the operating element in a direction of movement of the shade ,
The method according to claim 9 . When the shade reaches a predetermined position, movement of the operating element to the first position prevents further movement of the shade in the extended position,
The method according to claim 9 .

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