US2120175A

US2120175A - Power unit

Info

Publication number: US2120175A
Application number: US102212A
Authority: US
Inventors: Otto A Fritz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1936-09-23
Filing date: 1936-09-23
Publication date: 1938-06-07
Anticipated expiration: 1955-06-07

Description

`o. A. FRITZ June 7, 1938.

POWER UNIT 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed sept. 25, 193e nl W,

June 7, 1938. o. A. FRITZ POWER UNIT Filed sept. 23, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 O. A. FRlTZ June 7, 1.938'

POWER UNIT Filed Sept. 23, 1936 `3 Sheets-Sheet 3 s/ Il lllllllllllllllllllllllil.lwlllllllll Patented June 7, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 7 Claims.

This invention relates to a power unit designed primarily for use in connection with window shade rollers, but it is to be understood that a power unit, in accordance with this invention, is to be employed for driving any object for which it may be found applicable. The invention aims to'provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a power unit for attaching to a tubular member, to form in connection with the latter, a window shade or winding roller drivennfrom the unit; for obtaining a smoother action of a winding roller with respect to the action of window shade or winding rollers now generally used;Y for preventing a window shade from flying back when released to wind on its roller; capable of being attached to a tubular member of any suitable length to form a winding roller of the desired length for window shades of different widths; for overcoming the necessity of employing pivot pins for the latching dogs or pawls employed in units of the class to which this invention belongs; and for positioning the latching dogs orY pawls within and flush with the side faces of the body of'a carrier, as well as forming the dogs and carrier with coacting inherent parts to provide for the freely fulcruming of the dogs to and from roller latching position.

The invention further aims to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a power unit designed primarily for window shade rollers and which is simple in its construction and arrangement,V strong, durable, compact, thoroughly efficient in its use, forming a part of and adapted to be connected to the remaining part of a winding roller, readily assembled, and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

With the foregoing and other objects in view the invention consists of the novel construction,

combination and arrangement of parts as will be more specifically described and are as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein is shown embodiments of the invention, but it to be understood that changes, variations and modications may be resorted to which fall within the scope ofthe invention as claimed.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevation of a shade roller having the power unit installed therewith,

Figure 2 isa longitudinal sectional View of the power unit when installed relatively to the shade roller,

Figure 3 is an exploded view in elevation and perspective of the elements of the power unit other than the housing or casing for said runt,

Figure 4 is an elevation of a blank from which (Cl. 156-36)V is formed the coupling element for one end of the outer power transmitting `spring,

Figure 5 is' a longitudinal sectional View of a modified form of power unit in accordance with this invention showing the same installed with re- 5 spect to the roller, t

Figure 6 is an elevationof the elements of the power unit of the modified form shown in Figure 5 with the omission of the housing or casing for the elements, y ,10

Figure is an elevation of aA vshade roller including a power unit in accordance with this invention land'provided with means for attaching the shade tothe periphery thereof, and Figure 8 is a f'ra'gr'nentary view in perspective 515 illustrating windowrsha'de and themeans on the roller for attaching the shade to the latter.

' `Figure"9 is a longitudinal sectionalview of still another modified form, and

FigurelO is a disassembled view of the elements .H520 of the 'modified-form shown in Figure 9 with the exception of the outer power transmitting spring.

Referring to YFigure y1 of the drawings a winding rollerv is illustrated and formed from a pair of tubular inter-engaging sections I, 2. The section 25 I is of materially l'essllength than section 2 and constitutesthe casing or'housing of a power unit in accordancew'ith-this invention. 'I'he section 2 at its outer end `is providedvwith a rotatable pint-le 3 for mounting lin a bracket not shown. Af30 The sections I, `2'fri ct`ii nally revolve together and section I has'a reduced inner end' terminal portion 4 forming afperlpheial shoulder`5. The end terminal portion extends Ainto the inner end of the section 2. The innerend edge of the latter "35 abut-s the shoulder 5." 'The portion 4 frictionally engages witlifthe 'inner face of section 2. The section -I is capableof being detachably connected to a section'2 vof any desired length and whereby vsuch'arrangement permits window shades of dif- 140 ferent widths to be attached tothe roller.

With reference tol Figures 2 and`3, they illustrate a power-unit in accordance with this invention and as aforestated, the section I forms the casing vor housingrfor the yelements of the ":45 said power unit. The reduced endterminal portion vil of the section I is of materially less length than the'remainingportio'n S of such section. The reduced terminal portion 4 is inset with respect to the portion 6 of section I thereby prove150 viding'. the section 5 at its inner end with an internal shoulder l. vThe unit includes a stationary shaft 8 having attached with its outer end a's'quare pintle I9 for mounting in a suitable bracket not shown.' The-inner end terminal por- 55 tion I8 of shaft 8 is formed with a diametrically extending groove I2 and a diametrically extending opening I3 disposed at right angles to and intersected by the groove I2. The opening I3 is arranged in proximity to the base wall I5 of the groove I2. The shaft 8 has mounted on its outer end a cylindrical socket forming member I6 consisting of a body part |11 having integral with its outer end I8 the pintle 9. The shaft 8 extends into the inner end of the member I6 and the latter is anchored to shaft 8 by the pin I9 passing through registering openings (Figure 2) disposed diametrically of the body part I1 of member I5 and the shaft 8. The openings in said body part I1 are indicated at I9ab and the opening in shaft 8 at I9b. The pin I8 has its ends extend from the outer ends of the openings I9b for a purpose to be referred to. The body I1 is of circular cross section and is provided between its transverse median and outer end with an outwardly directed annular flange 28. The body I1 outwardly adjacent the flange 28 is formed in its periphery with a pair of diametrically pposed depressions 2|, 22. The depressions 2|, 22 are positioned in proximity to the end I8. It is to be understood that the shaft 8 and member I6 may be set up from a single length of suitable material. That portion of the outer periphery of the body I1 arranged outwardly with respect to the flange 20 constitutes a bearing surface 23.

Mounted on the surface 23 is a carrier 24 in the form of an annulus of greater diameter than the flange 2|). The carrier 24 is revolubly mounted on the surface 23 and bears against the flange 28. The body of the carrier 24 is of a desired thickness and is indicated at 25. The inner and outer edges of body 25 are designated 26, 21 respectively. The body 25 is formed with a. pair of diametrically opposed and oppositely disposed cutouts 28, 29 of like form and which open at the inner edge 26 of body 25. Each of said cutouts consists of a circular portion 38, a segmental wall 3| arranged eccentrically to the edge 21, an inclined wall 32, and an inclined wall 33. The circular portion 38 is arranged at one end of the wall 32 and the latter merges into the inner end of said circular portion and into the edge 26. The

walls

32, 33 are oppositely outwardly inclined. The wall 33 merges at one end into the edge 26 and at its other endl into one end of the wall 3|. The wall 3| at its other end merges into the outer end of a circular portion 30. The circular portions 38 of the said cutouts constitute fulcrums.

Mounted in the cutouts 28, 29 are a pair of oppositely disposed latching dogs or pawls of like contour and which operate through the openings 34 provided by the cutouts. The dogs are of less thickness than that of the body of the carrer 24. Each dog consists of a circular end portion 35, a shank 36 which is integral at one end with the end portion 35 and is formed adjacent its other end with a substantially triangular-shaped nose 31a. That end of the shank of the dog which is integral with the end portion 35 of the dog is eccentrically disposed with respect to such portion 35. The end portions 35 of the dogs are mounted in the circular portions 30 of the cutouts and the said portions 35 are capable of shifting in the portions 30. The side faces of the dogs are flush with the side faces of the body 25 of the carrier 24. On the revolving of the carrier 24 the noses of the dogs ride on the bearing surface 23. The noses of the dogs are capable of engaging with the depressions 2| and 22 for latching the carrier 24 from movement. The noses of the dogs are diametrically disposed with respect to the carrier 24.

Encompassing the carrier 24 and bodily moving therewith is an annular coupling member 31 formed of an outer end part 38, an inwardly extending intermediate part 39, a rearwardly extending partY 46 and inwardly extending inner parts 4I. Formed integral with the part 40 at diametrically opposite points of the latter and between the ends of the parts 4| is a pair of rearwardly extending

parallel arms

42, 43 of like form and each has its end terminal portion formed with a plurality of slits. The portions of the material freed by the slits in the

arm

42 or 43 are oppositely disposed as indicated at 44, 45 to provide a coupler of split loop-like form at the rear end of the arm. The part 38 is positioned against the edge 21 of the carrier 24; the part 39 is positioned against the inner face of the carrier 24; the part 4I! is positioned against the edge of the flange 28; the part 4I is positioned against the rear face of the flange 20 and seats on the body I1.

Mounted within the section I at the outer end thereof, suitably connected therewith for the purpose of revolving therewith, bearing against the outer face of carrier 24, seated on the part 38 of member 31 and engaging the rear face of the part 39 of member 31 is a combined coupling and cap member 46. The member 46 has an axial opening 41 for the passage of the pintle 9 and an inturned flange 41a at itsinner end. The member 46 couples carrier 24 and member 31 together. The member 46, carrier 24 and member 31 bodily revolve together with the section I which constitutes the housing or casing of the elements of the unit.

The unit shown in Figures l to 4 includes an inner and an outer power transmitting spring indicated at 48, 49 respectively. 'I'he springs are wound in a like direction to increase the tension thereof and expand in a like direction when winding the roller.

The spring 48 encompasses shaft 8. Mounted on the rear portion of the body I1 of member I6 and extending rearwardly from the latter is a sleeve 50 which surrounds the spring 48. The sleeve at its outer end abuts the parts 4| of the member 31 and at its rear end abuts a washer mounted on shaft 8. The sleeve 56 in proximity to its forward end is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed openings 5l)a which register with the openings I9a and receive the extended ends of the pin I9 (Figure 2) whereby the shaft 8, member I6 and sleeve 58 are coupled together. Extending through `the opening I3 of shaft 8 is a pin 52 which prevents the rearward movement of the washer 5|. The rear end of the spring 48 is extended through the groove I2 whereby shaft 8 and said springs are connected together. The sleeve 5I] at its forward end is slitted for a length greater than that portion of body I1 on which sleeve 50 is mounted. 'Ihe material freed by the slits in the forward end of sleeve 50 provides a resilient tongue 54 formed adjacent member I6 with a transverse inset part 55 through which passes the forward end terminal portion of the spring 48 whereby the tongue in connection with the inner face of sleeve 58 provides for connecting spring 48 and sleeve 58 together. Spring 49 encompasses sleeve 5D and has its rear end extending through a slit 56 and an opening 51 formed in the sleeve 50 whereby the latter and spring 49 are connected together. The forward end of the spring 49 is passed through the couplers "formed on the free ends of the arms 42 Awhereby spring 48 and member 31 are connected together.

The mounting of the

springs

48, 49 in a manner as stated provides for the winding together in one direction and the unwinding or expansion thereof in the opposite direction.

With reference to Figure 4, it discloses a blank indicated at 58 from which member 31 is formed. The blank 58 is of cap-like form provided with a pair of oppositely disposed, segmental-shaped cutouts 59, a pair of slits 60, a pair of slits 6|, a slit 63 and another pair of slits 64. The material freed by the slits 60, 6|, 62 and cutouts 59 is bent outwardly to provide the arms 42 of the member 31. The material freed by the

slits

63, 64 is bent in a manner as indicated at 44, 45 (Figure 2)` to provide the couplers for the outer end of spring 49. The pair of slits 60, the pair of slits 6| and the cutouts 5S coact to provide as a part of the blank a pair of oppositely disposed segmental portions 64a, 64b arranged in endwise spaced relation and which constitute the parts 4| of member 31.

With reference to Figures 5 and 6, they illustrate a modified form of a power unit in which a single power transmitting spring is employed. The power unit shown in Figures 5 and 6 is generally indicated at 64 and it does not include a spring 49, the sleeve 50, the washer 5| and pin 52. The stationary shaft of the unit 64 is indicated at and is of the same form as the shaft 8 with this exception, that shaft 65 is not provided with an opening |3. The power transmitting spring of the unit 64 is indicated at 69 which has its rear end extending through groove 69a in shaft 65 whereby the latter and spring 69 areconnected together. The forward end of the spring 69 is coupled to the arms 42 of the member 31. Otherwise than that as stated, the form shown in Figures 5 and 6 will be the same as that shown in Figures l to 4.

With reference to Figures '1 and 8, the sections of the shade or winding roller are indicated at 10, 1|. Section 19 corresponds to section. of the power unit. Section 1| corresponds to section 2 referred to. Section 10 is provided with a pair of spaced Yfastener members 12 for attachin g the shade 13 thereto. The section 1| is provided with two spaced pairs of fastener members 14 for attaching shade 13 thereto. The fastener membersv are of like construction and are provided from inherent parts of the sections 10. 1|. The said sections 10, 1| are slitted and the material freed by each slit forms a fastener member. Each fastener member comprises a body part 15 formed with a bendable barb 16. Shade 13 is inserted under the body 15 of the fastener members vand the barbs 16 are bent iny a manner to extend through the shade 13. The fastener members are then pressed inwardly not only to bind butto connect the shade 13 with the shade or winding roller.

With reference to Figure 3, there is shown interengaging means to provide for the bodily revolving of the carrier 24, coupler member 31 and cap member 46.' The said means consists of a pair of edge grooves 11 in the carrier 24, a pair of inset portions 18 on member 31 which engage in the grooves 11 and a pair of inset portions 19 on member 46 which engage Vin grooves formed in member 31.

With reference to Figures 9 and l0, they ininclude a pair of

tubular interengaging sections

80, 8| of the same construction and arrangement as the tubular sections 2.

The power transmitting unit shown in Figures 9 and 10 includes a stationary shaft `82 formed with a reduced outer end terminal portion 83, a socket 84 in the latter, an opening 85 intersecting the socket, a shoulder 86 at the inner end of portion 83, a groove 81 lengthwise thereof at its inner end and an opening 88 intersecting the groove. Encompassing the shaft 82 is an inner power transmitting spring 89 having the inner end terminal portion 90 thereof bent to extend through the groove 81 whereby one end of spring 89 is anchored to shaft 82. Positioned on the latter in proximity to its inner end is a washer 9| which is retained on the shaft 82 by a pin 92 extending through opening 88.

The power transmitting unit shown in Figures 9 and 10 includes a revoluble coupling member 98, stationary washers 94, preferably of fibrous material, a stationary head member 96, a stationary pintle forming member 91, a revoluble carrier 98, a pair of oppositely disposed pawls or dogs 99, |00, a revoluble cap member |0|, a securingpin |00, a sleeve |02 and an outer power transmitting spring |03 which encompasses the sleeve |02. The latter surrounds the spring 89.

1e coupling member 93 consists of an annulus HiT-3a formed at diametrically opposed pointsl of its outer edge with a pair of rearwardly extending oppositely disposedV arms |84, |05 provided at their rear ends with outwardly directed anges |06, |01 respectively. The annulus |033a is also provided at diametrical points on its outer edge with forwardly directed segmental shaped oppositely disposed flanges |08, |09, each arranged between the arms |04, |05 respectively. Each forwardly directed flange extends from one sideedge of the arm |04 to one side edge of the arm |05.

faces.

The head member 96 comprises a tubular body part |I| formed with a closure I2 at'its outer end provided with an axial opening AH3. The inner portion of the body part has pairs lof lengthwise slits ||4 terminating at one end at the inner edge ||5 thereof. The material freed by the slits |54 is bent outwardly substantially at right angles to the non-slitted portion of body part and provides a series of spaced radially disposed .wings I6. The non-slitted portion of body part outwardly adjacent the wings H6 is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed openings |1, A| I8.

The pintle forming member 91 comprises a rectangular head 9 having extending rearwardly therefrom a tapered shank |20 formed with an opening 12|. The shank |20 at its forward end is integral with the rear end-of head H9. The forward end of shank |20 is arranged inwardly of the side faces of head I9 thereby providing a shoulder |22.

I'he carrier 98 is in the form of an annulus r|23 of the desired thickness and constructed in the same manner as the carrier 2t. The pawls or dogs 99, |00 are constructed in the same manner as the pawls 36, 31. The p-awls 99, |00 are arranged in the annulus |23 in the same manner as the pawls 86, 31 are arranged in the carrier 24 and for the same purpose as pawls 36, 31. The outer edge of annulus |23 isA formed with a pair of Adiametrically opposed grooves |24.

The cap member |0|` is arranged relative Vto 'Ihe flanges |08, |09 are trans- -versely grooved, as at H9 in their outer side section 8i! in the same manner as cap member @f5 46 is arranged relative to section l. The cap member |0| is similar in construction to that of cap member 46. The inwardly opposed extending diametrically opposed protuberances or inset parts on the rim of the flange of cap member |91 are indicated at |24a and they function for the same purpose as the parts 19 of cap member 46. The cap member |0| is suitably secured to and within section 80.

When the unit shown in Figures 9 and 10 is set up, the coupling member 93 is arranged on the head member 96 rearwardly of the wings ||6. Interposed between member 93 and the wings H6 is the washer 94. The forward end portion of sleeve |02 is mounted upon the rear portion of head member 96 and abuts the annulus |03a of member 93. The washer `95 is -arranged on member 96 forwardly of wings H6. The reduced part 83 of shaft 82 extends into member 96. The shoulders 86 abut the inner ends of a pair of wings ||6. 'I'he carrier 98 with the pawls 99, |00 arranged therein is mounted on member 96 outwardly relative to washer 95. The member 93 is arranged on member 96 outwardly relative to` carrier 98 and encompasses carrier 98 and ilanges |08, |09 of member 93, as well as overlapping the outer edge of the body part of member 93. The shank |29 of member 91 is extended through members 96, |0| into the socket 84 of shaft 22. The shoulder |22 of member 91 abuts the end ||2 of member 96. The shank |20 is anchored to shaft 82 by pin |00au mounted in openings 85, |2|. When the unit is assembled the parts |24a of cap member |0| are seated both in the grooves H6 of member 93 and the grooves |24 of carrier 98 whereby member 93, carrier 98 and member |0| will bodily revolve in unison about member 96. It is to be understood that other suitable means may be employed for bodily revolving the members 83, |0| and carrier 98. The pawls or dogs 99, |09 coact with the openings ||1, ||8 in member 96 fory latching the unit when occasion requires.

What I claim is:

1. In a power unit for the purpose set forth, a stationary shaft element including a squared pintle at one end, an annular ange in proximity to the inner end of the pintle and a circular part between the pintleand the flange, said part being of less diameter than that of the flange and having its periphery formed with diametrically disposed depressions, a structure surrounding said shaft and revoluble in opposite directions relative to said shaft and including a carrier in the form of an annulus encompassing said part of said element and a pair of oppositely disposed dogs for engaging in said depressions for latching said structure from movement, said dogs being housed by said carrier, said carrier and dogs having inherent coacting parts to provide for the fulcruming of the dogs in and on the carrier, and a spring means connected with said shaft and structure to provide for the revolving of the latter in one direction when the dogs are free of latching position, said dogs when in nonlatching position and during the revolving of said structure riding on the periphery of said part of said element between said depressions.

2. In a power unit for the purpose set forth, a revoluble cylinder adapted to form one of the sections of the body of a shade roller, a stationary shaft'elernent mounted in said cylinder, a structure revoluble about the outer end of said element connected to and bodily moving with said cylinder, an inner power transmitting spring encompassing said element and connected to the inner end of the latter, a sleeve encompassing said spring, said sleeve having means for connecting the outer end of said sleeve thereto, an outer pow-er transmitting spring encompassing said sleeve, said sleeve having its inner end provided with means for connecting one end of said outer spring, said structure including means for connecting the outer end of said outer spring thereto, and said structure including oppositely disposed dogs fulcruming therein and engagable in said element for latching said structure from movement.

3. In a power unit a revoluble cylinder, a stationary shaft arranged within said cylinder, an inner power transmitting spring encompassing and having its inner end connected to said shaft, a socket forming member mounted on and secured to the outer end of said shaft, said member provided intermediate its ends with an annular flange and with peripheral spaced depressions in proximity to and outwardly of said flange, an annulus revoluble about said depressions and formed with a pair of oppositely disposed cutouts opening at the inner edge of the annulus, oppositely disposed latching dogs arranged in said cutouts for engaging in said depressions for latching the cylinder from movement, said cutouts having edge portions, said dogs having means fulcruming on said edge portions, means arranged within and xed to said cylinder, encompassing said annulus and ange and formed with inwardly extending arms provided on their free ends with couplers, a sleeve mounted on said spring and provided with means for connecting the outer end of said spring thereto, and an outer spring encompassing said sleeve and having its inner end extending through the body of the sleeve for connecting the latter and outer spring together, said outer spring having its outer end extending through said couplers.

4. In a power unit a revoluble cylinder, astationary shaft element mounted therein and extending outwardly therefrom, an annulus revoluble on said element and being formed with a pair of oppositely disposed cutouts opening at the inner edge of the annulus, a coupling member fixed to and surrounding the annulus, revoluble about said element and formed with inwardly extending arms provided with couplers, oppositely disposed dogs arranged within said cutouts, fulcruming on the edge portion of the cutouts and engageable in said element for latching the cylinder from movement, a power transmitting spring within said cylinder and having its outer end anchored to said couplers and its inner end anchored to the inner portion of the shaft element, a cap within and fixed to one end of said cylinder for revolving the latter, said cap being revoluble on the shaft element, said member having a part encompassing said annulus, said cap encompassing said part, and said cap, part and annulus having coacting interengaging means for connecting them together for bodily revolving in unison.

5. In a power unit a revoluble cylinder, a stationary shaft element arranged within the cylinder, an inner power transmitting spring encompassing said shaft and having its inner end anchored to the inner end of the shaft, a sleeve mounted on said spring, said spring having its outer end anchored to said sleeve, an annulus revolubly mounted on said element being formed with a pair of oppositely disposed cutout portions opening at its inner edge, a coupling member encompassing and xed to the annulus and revoluble about said element being formed with inwardly extending arms provided with couplers, a cap fixedly secured with said cylinder and member, encompassing the latter and concealing the outer face of said annulus, a pair of oppositely disposed dogs arranged in said cutouts and being formed with noses for engagement in said element to arrest the revolving of the cylinder, said dogs having parts co-acting with the edge portions of said cutouts to provide for the dogs fulcruming within the annulus, and an outer transmitting spring binding said sleeve and having its inner end anchored to the body of the sleeve, said outer spring having its outer end extending through said couplers whereby said outer spring is connected with the cylinder.

6. In a power unit, a bodily revoluble structure, a stationary support for the structure, a power transmiting spring for revolving said structure and having one end anchored to said support, said structure revolubly mounted on said support and formed of a cap member including an axially apertured disc provided at its outer edge with a rearwardly extending annular flange of angle-shape cross section, an annulus positioned against the inner face of the disc formed with a pair of oppositely disposed cutout openings at the inner edge thereof, said flange being disposed in overlapping relation with respect to the outer edge of the annulus, a coupling member having a part interposed between said flange and annulus, said member abutting the rear face of the annulus and including rearwardly extending arms formed with couplers for connecting thereto the other end of said spring a pair of oppositely disposed latching dogs mounted in said cutouts for engaging into said support to latch the said structure from movement, said dogs and the walls of the cutouts having coacting means to provide for the dogs fulcruming on parts of said walls, and said part, ange and outer edge of the annulus having coacting means for connecting them together.

7. In a power unit, a power transmitting means for operating a revoluble element, said means including a revoluble coupling member, inner and outer concentrically arranged power springs, a sleeve interposed between said springs, a revoluble latching member for said coupling element, a revoluble cap member fixed to and for revolving said element, a stationary supporting structure common to said members, sleeve and springs and upon which said members revolve, said inner spring having one end connected to said structure and its other end to said sleeve, said outer spring having one end connected to said sleeve and its other connected to said coupling member, said outer spring having coil thereof extending through the body of said sleeve, said latching member and structure having coacting parts for latching said coupling member, the said members having coacting interengaging parts to provide for the bodily revolving thereof in unison.

O'I'IO A. FRITZ.