Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
  • E05F11/00—Man-operated mechanisms for operating wings, including those which also operate the fastening
  • E05F11/38—Man-operated mechanisms for operating wings, including those which also operate the fastening for sliding windows, e.g. vehicle windows, to be opened or closed by vertical movement
  • E05F11/50—Crank gear with clutches or retaining brakes, for operating window mechanisms
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
  • E06B9/26—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds
  • E06B9/28—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with horizontal lamellae, e.g. non-liftable
  • E06B9/30—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with horizontal lamellae, e.g. non-liftable liftable
  • E06B9/32—Operating, guiding, or securing devices therefor
  • E06B9/322—Details of operating devices, e.g. pulleys, brakes, spring drums, drives
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
  • E06B9/80—Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening; Braking or immobilising devices; Devices for limiting unrolling
  • E06B9/82—Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening; Braking or immobilising devices; Devices for limiting unrolling automatic
  • E06B9/90—Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening; Braking or immobilising devices; Devices for limiting unrolling automatic for immobilising the closure member in various chosen positions
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/20—Brakes; Disengaging means; Holders; Stops; Valves; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/21—Brakes
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/20—Brakes; Disengaging means; Holders; Stops; Valves; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/23—Actuation thereof
  • E05Y2201/232—Actuation thereof by automatically acting means
  • E05Y2201/234—Actuation thereof by automatically acting means direction dependent
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/20—Brakes; Disengaging means; Holders; Stops; Valves; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/252—Type of friction
  • E05Y2201/254—Fluid or viscous friction
  • E05Y2201/256—Fluid or viscous friction with pistons or vanes
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/20—Brakes; Disengaging means; Holders; Stops; Valves; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/252—Type of friction
  • E05Y2201/26—Mechanical friction
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/20—Brakes; Disengaging means; Holders; Stops; Valves; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/262—Type of motion, e.g. braking
  • E05Y2201/266—Type of motion, e.g. braking rotary
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
  • E05Y2900/10—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof
  • E05Y2900/106—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof for garages
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
  • E05Y2900/10—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof
  • E05Y2900/13—Type of wing
  • E05Y2900/146—Shutters
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
  • E06B9/26—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds
  • E06B9/28—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with horizontal lamellae, e.g. non-liftable
  • E06B9/30—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with horizontal lamellae, e.g. non-liftable liftable
  • E06B9/32—Operating, guiding, or securing devices therefor
  • E06B9/322—Details of operating devices, e.g. pulleys, brakes, spring drums, drives
  • E06B2009/3222—Cordless, i.e. user interface without cords
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
  • E06B9/80—Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening; Braking or immobilising devices; Devices for limiting unrolling
  • E06B9/82—Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening; Braking or immobilising devices; Devices for limiting unrolling automatic
  • E06B9/90—Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening; Braking or immobilising devices; Devices for limiting unrolling automatic for immobilising the closure member in various chosen positions
  • E06B2009/905—Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening; Braking or immobilising devices; Devices for limiting unrolling automatic for immobilising the closure member in various chosen positions using wrap spring clutches
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
  • E06B9/26—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds
  • E06B9/262—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with flexibly-interconnected horizontal or vertical strips; Concertina blinds, i.e. upwardly folding flexible screens

Definitions

• This invention relates to an improved control mechanism for window coverings.
• this invention relates to a control mechanism including a clutch module and a cushioning mechanism for window coverings to provide improvements in window covering operations.
• Window coverings come in a variety of styles and sizes. Examples of such window coverings may include Roman shades, Venetian blinds and cellular shades.
• One feature common to many window coverings is the ability of the shade element to be deployed in a number of different operating positions either fully or partly covering a window opening.
• the shade elements are typically suspended by way of cords from a head rail and are retracted by winding the cords on a winding drum or roller, which may be mounted on a drive axle. Winding of the cords is accomplished by causing the cords to be wound on the winding drum or roller, and thereby raising the shade element. More particularly, th6 suspension cords are connected to a bottom rail or bottom member, and raising of the bottom member raises the shade element.
• the shade element is deployed by rotating the roller in an opposite direction so as to unwind increasing amounts of the shade element with each counter rotation.
• a control mechanism is typically provided to control operation of the window covering.
• a drive unit such as a spring motor
• a coil spring is charged either initially, prior to operation, or as the shade element is pulled free of the roller causing the roller to rotate in a counter direction.
• a problem often encountered with self-raising window coverings relates to the controlled operation of the vertical position of the window covering.
• the force exerted by the spring motor on the winding drum may not be properly balanced with the suspended weight of the shade element. Such imbalances may result in unintended drift, either upwards or downwards, of the window shade element.
• the present invention relates to a control mechanism for a cordless window covering.
• the present invention provides novel and improved control mechanisms for window coverings that minimize the disadvantages associated with the prior art devices and provides advantages in construction, mode of operation and use.
• window coverings are installed within architectural openings by way of a top member, such as a head rail mounted to the top portion of the architectural opening.
• a top member such as a head rail mounted to the top portion of the architectural opening.
• the head rail may be eliminated and control elements may be attached directly to the top portion of the opening.
• the present invention will be described with an embodiment utilizing a head rail.
• a shade element such as an expandable cellular panel, a plurality of Venetian blind slats, or a Roman shading element, is suspended from the head rail by way of one or more suspension cords.
• the head rail defines a central axis that extends across the width of the architectural opening.
• a rotatable drive axle mounted parallel to the central axis within the head rail.
• one or more winding drums are mounted to the drive axle so as to rotate along with the drive axle.
• First ends of the suspension cords are connected to the winding drums, and second ends of the cords are connected to a bottom member or bottom rail.
• one raises the shade element by rotating the drive axle in a first direction so as to cause the suspension cords to be wound on the winding drums.
• the bottom member or bottom rail is raised and the shade element is gathered on the bottom member or bottom rail, thereby opening the window covering.
• the suspension cords are unwound such that the bottom rail is lowered and the shade element is extended.
• the present invention relates particularly to an improved control module for the window covering which provides for more robust and secure locking of the window covering in a desired position.
• the control module is preferably provided for mounting within the head rail about the drive shaft.
• a spring drive element may be included to cause rotation of the drive axle in the first direction, although other means for rotating the drive axle may be used.
• the control module includes a housing that may have a generally rectangular shape for convenient assembly in the head rail.
• the housing includes a key or protrusion associated therewith, as well as a sidewall.
• the sidewall includes a gripping structure, such as cogs.
• a coupling element is provided for circumferentially mounting about the drive axle, and a reciprocator is circumferentially mounted about the coupling element.
• the coupling element is configured to move axially relative to the drive axle, and includes a second gripping structure that enables selective engagement with the sidewall of the housing, thereby restricting rotation of the drive axle in the first direction. Disengagement of the coupling element from the sidewall allows the drive axle to rotate in both the first and second directions. The operation of a preferred embodiment of the control module will be discussed later.
• an adapter sleeve may be mounted directly to the drive axle, such that the coupling element and reciprocator are mounted about the adapter sleeve.
• a locking member such as a coil spring, may be circumferentially mounted between the coupling element and the reciprocator.
• the adapter sleeve may be available in various configurations such that similarly configured control modules may be mounted on drive shafts of different configurations.
• the coupling element is preferably carried by the sleeve for rotation therewith and for axial translation back and forth relative to the drive shaft.
• the reciprocator element is disposed about the coupling element.
• the reciprocator element defines a guide track for receiving and engaging the key and maintaining engagement with the key as the reciprocator element selectively moves with respect to the key.
• the reciprocator element is limited by the interaction between the guide track and the key to a specific range of movement, both rotationally and axially, which selectively causes the second gripping surface of the coupling element to engage the first gripping surface of the housing.
• the locking member is provided between the reciprocator element and the coupling element to selectively lock the reciprocator element with the coupling element for common rotational movement therewith, and to unlock the reciprocator element for independent rotational movement with respect to the coupling element. While the coupling element and the reciprocator are selectively enabled to rotate relative to each other, they do not change axial positions relative to each other for reasons that will be discussed below with respect to the preferred embodiments of the invention.
• the present invention also provides a cushioning mechanism that operates to provide a unidirectional rotational dampening of an adjacent module, such as one containing the control mechanism referred to immediately above.
• the cushion mechanism includes a rotor containing an impeller with directional arms, and a body coupled to the drive shaft of the adjacent module.
• the cushioning mechanism provides for smoother raising of the window covering.
• the cushioning mechanism also assist in avoiding uncontrolled raising of the window covering, which could otherwise result in damage to the control mechanism.
• FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a control module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGURE 2 is an exploded perspective view of the control module of FIGURE 1 ;
• FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the reciprocator element thereof, taken on an enlarged scale;
• FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of a guide track of the reciprocator element
• FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the control module with the housing shown in phantom;
• FIGURE 6 is an inside perspective view of the housing end plate
• FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIGURE 5;
• FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIGURE 2;
• FIGURE 9 is cross-sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIGURE 1 ;
• FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIGURE 9 but showing the control module in a different operating configuration
• FIGURES 1 1 A-15A are top plan views of the control mechanism according to the present invention, shown in different operating configurations;
• FIGURES 1 1B-15B show the guide elements of FIGURES 1 1 A- 15 A, respectively;
• FIGURES 16A-20A are perspective views of another embodiment of a control mechanism according to the present invention, shown in different operating configurations;
• FIGURES 16B-20B are cross-sectional views taken through FIGURES 16A-20A, respectively;
• FIGURE 21 is a perspective view of a cushioning control device according to the present invention.
• FIGURE 22 is an exploded perspective view thereof
• FIGURE 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 23-23 of FIGURE 21 ;
• FIGURE 24 is an end view of the spring element of FIGURE 22;
• FIGURE 25 is a perspective view of a multifunction control mechanism according to the present invention.
• FIGURE 26 is an exploded perspective view thereof
• FIGURE 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 27-27 of FIGURE 25; and FIGURE 28 is a perspective view of a window covering according to the present invention.
• control mechanisms for window coverings embodying the present invention is described herein below in their usual assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings, and terms such as upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal, clockwise, counter clockwise, etc., may be used herein without reference to this usual position.
• control mechanisms may be manufactured, transported, sold or used in orientations other than and described and shown herein.
• An apparatus embodying the present invention provides control mechanisms for controlling operation of window coverings having a variety of shade elements, such as Roman shades, Venetian blinds and cellular shades.
• the shade elements are operated between a retracted, storage position and an extended position at least partly covering a window opening.
• the mechanism for operating the shade element includes a drive shaft that is driven in opposite rotational directions.
• the control mechanisms of the present invention in one aspect, provide a clutch module to control operation of the drive shaft to which a shade element is coupled through a winding drum for retracting or extending one or more raising cords.
• the control mechanisms according to the present invention provide control over operation of the drive shaft to control retraction or extension of the shade element to either open or block a window opening.
• control mechanisms selectively permit or block rotation of the drive axle shaft in both a first and second direction, thereby controlling the position of the shade element.
• control mechanisms according to the present invention may also include a cushioning component along with the clutch module to provide smoother acting positive operation of the window covering.
• the present invention provides improved control mechanisms for self-raising window coverings which operate according to a reciprocator element.
• Fig. 1 shows a clutch module 12 disposed within a housing 14.
• the clutch module 12 is comprised of various parts, which are described in detail below.
• Fig. 5 shows the clutch module 12 with housing 14 drawn in phantom.
• the clutch module 12 is mounted on a drive axle 20 that extends along a longitudinal drive axis 22. While in this embodiment, the drive axle 20 is coaxial with the drive axis 22, this is not required.
• the clutch module 12 can selectively engage with a sidewall 32 portion of housing 14 to selectively block or unblock rotation of drive shaft 20.
• the shade element is extended or retracted in response to rotation of drive shaft 20 in opposite directions. The manner in which the shade element is extended or retracted is controlled by the clutch module 12 according to the present invention.
• housing 14 includes a hollow body 28 having a top wall 30, and a sidewall 32.
• housing 14 is made of molded plastic or other suitable material whereas drive axle 20 is preferably made of a metal material to resist deformation, although other materials such as plastic composites could be used as well.
• Housing 14 is preferably sized to fit within the channel of a head rail (not shown).
• Sidewall 32 forms a wall of the housing.
• sidewall 32 has an inner surface 66 that faces the interior of the housing 14.
• the inner surface 66 includes first gripping structure, which in this preferred embodiment comprises a circular array of protruding cogs 68 disposed around the central opening 40.
• first gripping structure which in this preferred embodiment comprises a circular array of protruding cogs 68 disposed around the central opening 40.
• a second gripping surface, such as cogs 64, of coupling element 50 can engage with cogs 68 of the sidewall 32 for blocking rotation of drive shaft 20
• the clutch module 12 (Fig. 1), which include an adapter sleeve 36, a coupler element 50, a locking arrangement, such as coil spring 56A, and a reciprocator 74.
• the interior of adapter sleeve 36 is configured to snugly fit about the drive axle 20 (Fig. 5), which is typically of a square or rectangular cross-section.
• the interior of adapter sleeve 36 is configured so as to prevent relative rotational movement between the drive axle 20 and the sleeve 36.
• Formed on the exterior of the adapter sleeve is a plurality of radial ribs 44 to provide keyed engagement for mounting a coupling element 50.
• Sleeve 36 is snugly mounted to drive axle 20, it will rotate together with the drive axle 20.
• Sleeve 36 includes a free end 38 that can be freely passed through a central opening 40 of end plate 32. While the sleeve 36 and drive axle are preferably independently formed, it is contemplated that the adapter sleeve could be integral or unitary with the drive axle.
• Coupling element 50 includes a cylindrical body portion 52 about which the locking arrangement 56, such as coil spring 56A, is tightly mounted.
• Coupling element 50 further includes a plate 60 having a generally disc-like shape and connected with an end of the body portion 52.
• a central bore is formed through the coupling element 50 with longitudinal recesses for receiving radial ribs 44 of sleeve 36 when sleeve 36 is assembled through the coupling element 50.
• coupling element 50 is rotationally locked with sleeve 36 (and hence drive shaft 20) around drive axis 22, but is free to slide axially along the length of sleeve 36.
• Plate 60 preferably has an outer diameter greater than that of body 52 for providing axial confinement for coil spring 56A and reciprocator element 74.
• a plurality of cogs 64 protrude outwardly from an outer surface of plate 60 and project toward an inner surface 66 of sidewall 32 that is visible in Fig. 6.
• the locking arrangement can include a coil spring 56A configured to fit about the cylindrical body portion 52 of the coupling element 50. In a neutral state, the coil spring 56A is configured to lock with body portion 52. Coil spring 56A further includes a pair of out-turned lugs 70 which, when pushed toward each other, operate to expand the coils of the coil spring 56A to relax engagement of the coil spring 56A around body portion 52 of coupling element 50.
• the locking arrangement may take other forms, such as a sleeve frictionally engaged with the coupling element.
• the reciprocator may be configured to fit about the coupling element in frictional engagement therewith. In these embodiments, sufficient force will overcome the static friction and allow relative rotational movement.
• reciprocator element 74 when assembled, reciprocator element 74 is mounted about coil spring 56 A.
• reciprocator element 74 can be in the form of a generally cylindrical part that includes an outer surface 74A and two coaxial shaft hole sections of different diameters communicating with each other. More specifically, a first shaft hole section 75A has a first diameter greater than the diameter of the first body portion 52 of coupling element 50 plus the thickness of the coil spring 56A, whereas a second shaft hole section 75B has a smaller second diameter that is approximately equal or slightly greater than second body portion 54 of coupling element 50.
• a sidewall of the first shaft hole section 75A includes a radial slot 76 that has a width greater than the distance between the two lugs 70 of the coil spring 56A.
• FIGs. 9 and 10 show a cross-sectional view of control mechanism 10 in two different stages of operation.
• housing 14 is comprised of hollow body 28, sidewall 32 and a sidewall portion 1 12 of hollow body 28.
• Sleeve 36 extends between sidewall 32 and sidewall 1 12 and is journaled for rotation as drive shaft 20 is rotated in opposite directions. In effect, sleeve 36 forms an axial track within housing 14 about which components may slide or reciprocate back and forth in directions parallel to the axis of drive shaft 20.
• a coupling block assembly 120 comprised of coupling element 50, coil spring 56A and reciprocator element 74.
• the coupling block assembly 120 is moved to the right hand direction, toward sidewall 1 12.
• cogs 64 of coupling element 50 are spaced, i.e. disengaged or decoupled from cogs 68 of sidewall 32.
• the coupling block assembly 120 has been moved to the left as indicated by arrow 1 16, to bring the cogs 64, 68 of the coupling element 50 and sidewall 32 into engagement with one another, thus blocking the coupling element 50, sleeve 36 and drive shaft 20 from rotation in either direction.
• rotation of the coupling element 50 driven by the drive axle 20 can be transmitted to the reciprocator element 74 via either of the two lugs 70 of the coil spring 56A contacting with a corresponding sidewall of the radial slot 76.
• the reciprocator element 74 and coupling element 50 can slide synchronously as a unitary member block relative to the sleeve 36 along the drive axis 22, either toward or away from the sidewall 32.
• Rotation of the coupling element 50 and reciprocator element 74 can also be converted into a sliding movement thereof through the interaction between a guide track 80 provided on the outer surface 74 A of the reciprocator element 74 and a fixed key or protrusion 86 projecting inward from top wall 30 of housing 14.
• the protrusion or key 86 fixedly projects inward from a top wall 30 of housing 14 toward the interior of the housing 14, preferably along a radial direction relative to the rotation axis 22.
• the key 86 can extend within the guide track 80 of the reciprocator element 74.
• the guide track 80 is formed on the outer surface 74A of the reciprocator element 74.
• the guide track 80 may be a recessed surface formed with the reciprocator element 74 by plastic molding.
• the guide track 80 may also be machined on the outer surface 74A of the reciprocator element 74.
• the guide track 80 is formed as a closed loop delimited between an inner sidewall 92 and outer sidewall 94.
• the outer sidewall 94 forms an outer contour of the guide track 80 having a foot-like or heart-like elongated shape.
• the inner sidewall 92 defines the contour of a protruding stud 93 surrounded by the outer sidewall 94.
• the guide track 80 is oriented in a direction that is transversal to the rotation axis 22, the inner and outer sidewalls 92 and 94 having a profile adapted to guide reciprocating movements of the reciprocator element 74 parallel with the rotation axis 22 and along the adapter sleeve 36.
• the guide track 80 also includes a plurality of turn regions 102, 104, 106 and 108 that can be reached by the key 86 for stopping the reciprocator element 74 at different positions relative to the drive axle 20.
• Each of the turn regions 102, 104, 106 and 108 can be respectively defined by a pocket or concavity in the inner and outer sidewalls 92, 94.
• the turn region 102 can be formed in the stud 93 to define a first end point of a displacement of the reciprocator element 74 in a first or anti-clockwise direction relative to the rotation axis 22.
• the turn region 104 in the upper left hand portion of guide track 80 defines a second end point of a displacement of the reciprocator element 74 in a second or clockwise direction relative to the rotation axis 22.
• the turn region 108 is formed in the outer sidewall 94 at a lower right hand portion of guide track 80 to define a third end point of a displacement of the reciprocator element 74 in the first direction relative to the rotation axis 22.
• the turn region 106 in a upper central portion of the guide track 80 is formed to define a fourth end point of a displacement of the reciprocator element 74 in the clockwise direction relative to the rotation axis 22.
• Rotation of the reciprocator element 74 causes a sliding movement of the reciprocator element 74 relative to the rotation axis 22 owing to interaction between the fixed key 86 and guide track 80.
• the guide track 80 will cause the reciprocator to slide axially as it is rotated.
• This movement of the reciprocator element 74 relative to the key 86 is stopped when the key 86 reaches one of the turn regions 102, 104, 106 and 108, which respectively correspond to different states of the clutch module 12.
• reverse rotation of the drive axle 20 is required.
• a detailed explanation of the sequential movement of the reciprocator 74 will be set forth hereafter.
• a passage 88 communicating with the guide track 80 can also be formed in the outer surface 74A of the reciprocator element 74 to facilitate the placement of the key 86 in the guide track 80 when the reciprocator element 74 is put in place in the housing 14.
• Figs. 1 1-15 operation of the control module will be described with reference to a shade element. It should be understood, that the control module could be readily employed with many types of shade elements and is not limited to any particular shade element.
• the suffix "A” indicates a top plan view of the control module, while the suffix "B” shows the corresponding guide track in full, for descriptive purposes. Often times, the corresponding guide track is shown in a rotated position from that of the top plan view.
• the coil spring 56A is loosened, thereby allowing for rotation of the coupling element 50 and drive axle 20 relative to the reciprocator 74.
• the drive axle 20 thus can thereby continue to rotate and further wind the cord around the cord winding unit (not shown). Unless a user stops the raising of the bottom rail (as described below), this rotation will continue to lift the bottom rail until all of the shade element is stacked upward against the head rail.
• Figs. 12A and 12B rotation of the drive axle 20 (e.g., by the user pulling downward the bottom rail) in the anti-clockwise or second direction counteracts the force exerted by the spring drive that pressed the lug 70 on the sidewall of the radial slot 76 (Fig. 7). Therefore, the coil spring 56A re-engages the coupling element 50 such that rotation of the drive axle 20 is transmitted to the reciprocator 74. Owing to the interaction between the key 86 and guide track 80, the reciprocator 74 is caused to move away from the sidewall 32 of the housing 14 until the key 86 is received in the turn region 104 in the upper left portion of the guide track 80 to stop the reciprocator 74.
• the clutch module 12 is switched from the lift-enabled state to a lowering-enabled state. If the drive axle 20 is further rotated in the same direction, lug 70 of the coil spring 56A is pressed against the sidewall 132 of the radial slot 76 (Fig. 7), such that coil spring 56A is loosened to permit rotation of the drive axle 20 and coupling element 50 relative to the blocked reciprocator 74 for lowering the bottom rail.
• the reciprocator 74 is caused to move axially toward the sidewall 32 of the housing 14 until the cogs 64 provided on plate 60 of the coupling element 50 engage cogs 68 provided on the sidewall 32 of the housing 14 (see Figs. 5 and 6).
• the engagement of cogs 64 and 68 approximately corresponds to the placement of the key 86 in the turn region 108.
• the clutch module 12 is thereby switched to a lift-locked state, in which rotation of the drive axle induced by the spring torque is effectively blocked.
• the user can release the bottom rail, such that the spring drive unit causes the drive axle 20, coupling element 50 and reciprocator 74 to rotate in the first or clockwise direction until the key 86 is positioned in the turn region 102 again, thereby allowing the shade element to be raised.
• control mechanism 212 differs in its configuration of reciprocator element 274. A second difference is that operating mechanism 212 relies upon different components to lock drive shaft 20 from rotating, other than the inter-engaging cogs employed in operating mechanism 12.
• the suffix "A” indicates a perspective view of the control mechanism 212 whereas the suffix "B” indicates a cross-sectional view corresponding to the same operating position.
• 16A, 16B are taken with the control mechanism corresponding to a fully retracted shade element.
• Spring 56A is in a relaxed condition with a lug 240 with a protrusion 242 formed in the interior of housing 14. Spring 56A thereby tightens on coupling element 50 with drive force being transmitted to reciprocator element 274.
• Figs. 18 A, 18B operating mechanism 212 is shown at a point in time when a user releases pulling force on the shade element, allowing the shade element to assume a fully or partly extended position.
• coil spring 56A tightens on coupling element 50 and the drive axle 20 is urged by the drive unit (not shown) to rotate reciprocator element 274 in a counterclockwise direction (with frame of reference taken from the left hand end of Fig. 18A) until the reciprocator element 274 reaches the locking position as shown, with key 86 engaging turn region 102 of reciprocator element 274.
• the coil spring 56A tightens to stop rotation of drive axle 20 against force exerted on the drive shaft by the drive unit (not shown).
• coil spring 56A tightens in a resulting clockwise rotation of drive axle 20 and coupling element 50 causes the reciprocator element 274 to disengage from the locking position at turn region 102 to a release position at turn region 104.
• the spring drive unit (not shown) causes drive axle 20 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction (with reference to the left hand end of Fig. 20A) to bring lug 240 of spring 56A into engagement with housing protrusion 242, thereby loosening spring 56A, unlocking drive axle 20, permitting the drive axle to continue to rotate and move the shade element to a fully retracted position.
• a control mechanism in the form of a cushioning module is generally indicated at 312. Included is a housing 314 and a cushioning mechanism generally indicated at 316. With reference to Figs. 22 and 23, a rotor 318 includes a hub or shaft portion 320 and blade portions 322. A lid 324 and a casing 326 are provided to complete the housing 314. Blades 322 are lodged in a hollow cavity 348 between rib 324 and casing 326, and is sealed by sealing rings 328, 330. The hollow cavity is filled with a cushion medium such as a viscous fluid, gel or a granular composition.
• a cushion medium such as a viscous fluid, gel or a granular composition.
• the blades 322 extend generally radial from the shaft portion 320.
• the shaft portion 320 is indirectly connected to the drive shaft through intervening components.
• the cushion medium acts upon the blades 322 of rotor 318 to provide a one-way or unidirectional cushioning that cushions rotation of drive shaft 320.
• Lid 324 and casing 326 are held together in secure engagement by fastener claws 324A provided on lid 324 which engage flanges 336 of casing 326.
• a coil spring 338 with a protruding tip or lug 340.
• the spring 338 comprises a locking member between the hub and the drive shaft to selectively lock the shaft portion 320 in the first rotational direction for common movement with the drive shaft and to selectively unlock the shaft portion 320 in an opposite rotational direction for independent movement with the drive shaft.
• Assembly of cushioning device 316 is completed with a sleeve 342 that is rotationally fixed to the drive shaft and includes a slot 344 formed at one end, for receiving spring lug 340.
• Spring 338 is tightly fitted about drive shaft 320 of the rotor, with the lug 340 engaging sleeve 342.
• the hollow cavity between rotor 318 and casing 326 is indicated by reference numeral 348.
• the hollow cavity is filled with a cushion medium such as viscous oil.
• Shaft portion 320 of the rotor 318 protrudes beyond lid 324 and receives spring 338.
• rotor 318 is coupled or selectively locked to an adjacent device such as drive shaft 20 of one of the aforementioned control mechanisms such as clutch module.
• the adjacent module is generally indicated by reference numeral 352.
• numeral 352 of Fig. 23 will comprise the end plate 32 of control module 10.
• shaft portion 320 and spring 338 are fitted within sleeve 342, with lug 340 of spring 338 fitted within the slot 344.
• a drive unit such as a spring motor is employed to rotate drive shaft 20 in a direction so as to retract the shade element (assumed to be a counterclockwise direction taken from the right hand end of Figs. 22 and 23).
• Sleeve 342, being rotationally fixed to drive shaft 20, rotates in the same direction as the drive shaft thus applying a force to lug 340 (e.g., toward the right side on Fig. 24), thereby tightening the coils of spring 338 so as to engage or lock shaft portion 320 with sleeve 342.
• Rotation of the drive shaft 20 can thereby drive rotation of rotor 318 and its blades 322.
• blades 322 are immersed in the cushion medium filling cavity 348, which cause resistance to the rotation of rotor 318 in the counterclockwise direction of arrow 354 of Fig. 23.
• Rotation of the drive shaft 20 in the counterclockwise direction can be therefore cushioned by the interaction between the blades 322 with the cushion medium.
• the cushion medium in cavity 348 presents a lesser resistance when the rotor 318 rotates in one direction.
• blades 322 extend radially outwardly from shaft portion 320 and then curve in a counterclockwise direction (taken from the point of reference of the right hand end of Fig.
• the present invention provides a rotational dampening, deceleration or resistance which is unidirectional.
• the present invention provides further features to eliminate virtually all resistance in the opposite direction of rotation, that direction preferably incurred when the shade element is extended with rotation in a direction opposite to that of arrow 354 of Fig. 23.
• sleeve 342 is again rotated along with the drive shaft 20 and operates to apply a force to lug 340 in a direction (e.g., toward the right side of Fig. 24) that expands the coils of spring 338, which accordingly loosens its grip on the shaft portion 320 and unlocks the rotational coupling between shaft portion 320 and sleeve 342.
• the rotor 318 remains stationary, decoupled from sleeve 342 so that sleeve 342 is free to rotate along with drive shaft 20 in the clockwise direction for lowering the shade element.
• cushioning action can be effectively disabled when the drive shaft 20 rotates in the clockwise direction for lowering the shade element.
• spring 338 is shown with an enlarged scale from a point of reference at the right hand end of Fig. 23.
• lug 340 is acted upon by slot 344 of sleeve 342.
• the coils of spring 338 are tightened, locking its grip on rotor 318 and thereby locking rotor 318 for rotation with sleeve 342.
• the coils of spring 338 are loosened, allowing shaft 320 of rotor 318 to rotate within the spring.
• a multifunction control mechanism generally indicated at 400 comprises a combination of control module 10 (employed to control the transmission of forces within the module, including locking and unlocking the drive shaft from rotation, during various phases of operation), and control module 312 (that unidirectional ly cushions rotation of drive shaft 20).
• Fig. 26 is an exploded perspective view of control module 400, omitting drive axle 20 which is visible in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 27.
• Fig. 28 shows a multifunction control mechanism 400 incorporated in a window covering 500 similar to the window covering 10 of commonly assigned U.S. Patent No.
• the window covering 500 includes a shade element 504 in the form of a Venetian blind disposed between a head rail 506 and a bottom rail 508.
• a pull cord 510 is used to lower the shade element.
• Drive shaft 20 extends along the multifunction control mechanism 400 and a pair of drive units or spring drives 514.
• the retraction of the shade element is cushioned by the cushioning portion of control mechanism 400.
• Retraction and extension of the shade element is automatic, or hands-free, owing to the transmission control portion of control mechanism 400.
• the other control mechanisms herein may be substituted for the control mechanism 400.

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• Operating, Guiding And Securing Of Roll- Type Closing Members (AREA)
• Blinds (AREA)

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• 2010
  • 2010-02-26 WO PCT/US2010/000573 patent/WO2011105984A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2010-02-26 JP JP2012554965A patent/JP5826193B2/ja active Active
  • 2010-02-26 EP EP10846747.3A patent/EP2539526B1/en active Active

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