Classifications

• • 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
  • E06B9/68—Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive
  • E06B9/72—Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive comprising an electric motor positioned inside the roller
• • 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
  • E06B9/40—Roller blinds
  • E06B9/42—Parts or details of roller blinds, e.g. suspension devices, blind boxes
• • 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
  • E06B9/40—Roller blinds
  • E06B9/42—Parts or details of roller blinds, e.g. suspension devices, blind boxes
  • E06B9/50—Bearings specially adapted therefor
• • 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
• • 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
  • E06B9/68—Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive
  • E06B2009/6809—Control
  • E06B2009/6872—Control using counters to determine shutter position
  • E06B2009/6881—Mechanical counters
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
  • Y02B80/00—Architectural or constructional elements improving the thermal performance of buildings

Definitions

• Roller blinds provide shading and privacy.
• Such coverings typically include a motorized roller tube connected to covering fabric, which may be slatted or louvered.
• the fabric can be fitted with a bottom rail and optionally run through a pair of opposing vertical frame or track members, one for each side edge of the fabric, so that the fabric raises and falls in a designated path and is not subjected to motion from, for example, blowing wind.
• Figure 1 illustrates a prior art motor
• Figure 2 illustrates another prior art motor
• Figure 3A illustrates a configuration for limiting the retraction of a roller type architectural opening covering
• Figure 3B illustrates a configuration for limiting the drop of a roller type architectural opening covering
• Figure 3C illustrates another configuration for
• Figure 3D illustrates another configuration for
• Figure 3E illustrates another configuration for limiting the drop of a roller type architectural opening covering
• Figure 4 illustrates a torque limiting motor
• Figure 5 illustrates a torque limiting motor coupling
• Figure 6 illustrates the prior art motor of Figure 1 fitted with the torque limiting motor coupling of
• Figure 7 illustrates another torque limiting motor
• Figure 8 illustrates the prior art motor of Figure 2 fitted with the torque limiting motor configuration of Figure 7;
• Figure 9 is an exploded view of a covering assembly configuration which includes the torque limiting motor coupling of Figure 5 and a quick-release slip-ring;
• Figure 10a is an elevational view of the proximate
• Figure 10b is a cross sectional plan view of the
• Figure 10c is a plan view of the of the assembly of
• Figure lOd is a cross sectional view of the axial
• Figure 11 is a magnified cross sectional view of the proximate end of the assembly as illustrated in Figure 10b;
• Figure 12 is a magnified version of Figure lOd
• Figure 13 illustrates the motor of Figure 9 powered by batteries rather than through the quick-release slip- ring;
• Figure 14 is a magnified cross sectional view of the distal end of the assembly as illustrated in Figure 10c, which illustrates the quick-release slip-ring;
• Figure 15 illustrates a prior art window treatment
• Figure 16 is a magnified view of the motor and torque limiting motor coupling illustrated in Figure 15.
• Figures 17-20 are flowcharts illustrating example methods to control operation of a roller type architectural opening covering.
• the weight of the rail is sufficient to draw the fabric from a roller tube. Accordingly, the motor torque used to unwind the covering is utilized to prevent this weight from unwinding the covering at an
• Typical motors employed in architectural opening coverings are capable of applying motor torque in the unwind direction. This can result in problems if an obstruction is encountered. Examples of problems in a typical outdoor blind include accumulated debris in the blind head-rail, such as ice, leaves, a bird's nest, etc., which prevent unwinding of the blind at the source.
• Coverings in a track can present other obstacles, such as an obstruction in the track path.
• obstructions can be any of those mentioned or can be, e.g., permanent obstructions in an outdoor blind such as a window mounted air conditioner, etc. Faced with such obstructions, a bottom rail would come to rest on the obstruction while the weight of the covering fabric would cause it to bunch up in the tracks.
• some examples disclosed herein provide a roller motor configuration which is unable to apply torque in the unwinding direction. Without the application of torque in the unwinding direction, the fabric, with its weight supported by an obstruction, will not continue to unwind from the roller tube.
• Roller motors are also faced with challenges when winding a covering. During the winding process, if an
• some examples disclosed herein provide a roller motor configuration that slips against a roller tube upon being subjected to a threshold level of opposing torque during a winding operation.
• FIG. 1 One type of prior art motor for powering a roller blind is motor 10, illustrated in Figure 1.
• the motor components will be referenced in polar coordinates.
• the axial coordinate runs along the longitudinal axis of the motor 10, the radial coordinate runs perpendicularly thereto and the circumferential coordinate runs in a circular direction in an end view of the motor 10.
• axial proximate or “proximate” means closer to the right side of the figure.
• axial distal or “distal” means further from the right side of the figure.
• the motor 10 includes a housing 12 with proximate 14 and distal 16 axial ends. Within the housing is a stationary motor 18. Connected to a distal end 20 of the motor is a proximate end 22 of a gearbox 24. Connected to a distal end 26 of the gearbox 24 is a proximate end 28 of a drive shaft 30.
• a distal end 32 of the drive shaft 30 is connected to a crown coupling 34, which is connected at its radial outer surface 35 with the internal surface 36 of a roller tube 38 for a covering.
• a radial outer surface 40 of a passive ring 42 also connects with the inner surface 36 of the roller tube 38. This configuration provides a balancing support for the roller tube 38.
• some examples disclosed herein provide a roller blind motor configuration which is insertable into and removable from an architectural opening without
• Limiter systems in the prior art roller blind motors can also create a challenge.
• Two types of limiter systems are common: a mechanical limiter system and an electronically programmable limiter system.
• a mechanical limiter system 46 is provided for tracking the wind state of fabric during winding and unwinding operations.
• the mechanical limiter system 46 includes the passive ring 42 which drives a gear 48, which in-turn drives a screw or worm 50.
• the action of the screw 50 axially advances or retracts a screw follower or worm gear 52 until one of a pair of switches 54, 56, are actuated, which disengages the motor 18.
• the spacing of the switches 54, 56 and, thus, the vertical span for winding/unwinding the blind is mechanically set by, for example, a pair of push buttons (not illustrated) located on the proximate end of the motor housing 14.
• the buttons are located so that they are exposed and can be actuated after the roller tube 38 and motor housing 12 are connected.
• An electronically programmed limiter system 58 utilized by a prior art motor is, illustrated in Figure 2.
• the passive ring 42 in this instance, is not connected to a gear but serves as an additional support for the roller tube 38.
• a limiting system 60 includes a printed circuit board 62 and opposing electronic sensors 64, 66, one attached to the
• the sensor 64 connected to the motor 18 revolves with the motor shaft 30.
• resetting the mechanical and electronic limiting systems can be an arduous task for the installer and impractical option for the homeowner.
• resetting is often required during the life of a covering for various reasons.
• resetting the limiter systems is required when a permanent obstruction is introduced, like a window mounted air-conditioner for an outdoor installation.
• a resetting process is required each time the covering is reinstalled in an architectural opening. Reinstallation is required when, for example, the covering is periodically removed for cleaning and/or service. During such process, it is not likely that the person removing the covering will reinstall the covering with the fabric in exactly the same wound or unwound state as when it was removed. If the wound state differs by any measurable amount, the motor operation will be out of sync with the covering. As a result, the motor will not wind/unwind the fabric completely or will over wind/unwind the covering.
• FIG. 3A This figure illustrates a roller tube 38 to which fabric 74 and a weighted bottom rail 76 are
• a pair of end brackets 71 support the roller tube 38 and a pair of stops 73 extend from opposing ends of the rail 76.
• the roller tube 38 is encased in a head-rail 75, which is illustrated as having a circular cross section and having a circumferential slot-type opening 77.
• the opening 77, through which the fabric 74 extends, is circumferentially smaller than the size of the bottom rail 76.
• An out-of-synch motor creates different problems in the unwinding operation of the motor. Some problems are
• FIGS. 3B-3E illustrate several restraining means 79 for restraining excess fabric 74 against the roller tube 38.
• Such restraining means 79 are desirable to set the drop height of a standard length covering without requiring additional cutting and tailoring of the fabric 74.
• the restraining means 79 include tape 79C.
• clear packing tape may be wrapped around excess fabric and a topmost louver 79D in a louvered blind.
• the louvers are soft and/or have a profile curve enabling the louvers to substantially fit against the curve of the wound blind.
• the louvers are also illustrated as being glued 79E to the blind.
• a circumferential spring clip 79F extending axially along the full length of the fabric 74, forms the restraining means 79.
• a cavity 791 with an axial slot 79G is formed in the roller tube 38 in which an end portion of the fabric 74 wraps around an axially extending constraining member 79H.
• some examples disclosed herein provide a motor which does not require a limiter system for accurately winding and unwinding the covering.
• the example motor is configured to slip against a roller tube upon being subjected to an opposing torque at a threshold level during a winding
• the example motor is insertable into and removable from an architectural opening without requiring hard wiring of the motor to the architectural opening. In some such implementations the example motor does not require a limiter system for accurately winding and
• Figure 4 illustrates an example torque limiting motor coupling 68 that prevents a motor from applying torque to a roller tube 38 in an unwinding direction.
• Figure 4 includes, for example, a motor output shaft coupling 70 positioned on a motor shaft (not labeled) .
• a roller tube 38 is illustrated as an outer diameter of the system, which is connected to the fabric 74 and, in turn, the weighted rail 76.
• a track 78 is also illustrated which guides the fabric 74 during winding and unwinding operations.
• the motor output shaft coupling 70 functions as a ratchet crank, where ratchet gear teeth 80 are part of the inner diameter 36 of the roller tube 38 or are fitted thereto by an additional adaptor (not illustrated) .
• a pawl 82 is connected to the motor output shaft coupling 70 by a pivot 84 and a
• FIG. 5 illustrates an example implementation of a torque limiting motor coupling 88, which will now be discussed.
• the torque limiting motor coupling 88 is unable to apply torque in the unwinding direction. Furthermore, the torque limiting motor coupling 88 also slips against a roller tube upon being
• FIGs 6-8 illustrate example applications of the torque limiting motor coupling 88, wherein the torque limiting motor coupling 88 is retrofitted to the motor 10 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. This discussion illustrates an example
• the motor coupling 88 includes an adaptor shaft 90, which is a keyed cylinder, adapted to fit outside of the distal end 32 of the shaft 30 of, for example, the motor 18.
• an adaptor shaft 90 Surrounding the adaptor shaft 90, centered between opposing proximate end 91 and distal end, 93 of the adaptor shaft 90, is a one-way bearing 92.
• the one-way bearing 92 is analogous to the ratchet-pawl configuration of the torque limiting motor coupling 68. That is, due to the one-way rolling of the outer bearing race with respect to the adaptor shaft 90 (and thus with respect to the shaft 30), the motor 18 is unable to apply torque in the unwinding direction.
• a difference between the torque limiting motor coupling 88 and the ratchet-pawl configuration 68 is, for example, the bearing is quieter than a ratchet-pawl configuration.
• the torque limiting motor coupling is analogous to the ratchet-pawl configuration of the torque limiting motor coupling 68. That is, due to the one-way rolling of the outer bearing race with respect to the adaptor shaft 90 (and thus with respect to the shaft 30), the motor 18 is unable to apply torque in the unwinding direction.
• a difference between the torque limiting motor coupling 88 and the ratchet-pawl configuration 68 is, for example, the bearing is quieter than a ratchet-
• the slip-clutch 96 is provided.
• the slip-clutch 96 is designed to slip against the bearing 92. Holding the slip-clutch 96 in place, on its radial outer surface 98, is a spring 100.
• the selection of the spring 100 (e.g., the spring force of the spring) defines the threshold torque required to slip the slip-clutch 96 against the bearing 92.
• the slip-clutch 96 is not illustrated in Figure 4 ; however, it can be integrated into that configuration as well.
• the bearing 92, the slip-clutch 96 and the spring 100 are axially centered relative to each other and have substantially the same axial dimension.
• the axial buffer zone on both sides of the torque limiting motor coupling 88 enables reversing the torque limiting motor coupling 88 depending on whether a motor is placed on the left or right hand side within a roller tube, due to, for example, the location of available wiring. Reversing the torque limiting motor coupling 88 is achieved by sliding the adaptor shaft 90 off of the motor shaft 30 and reinstalling the adaptor shaft 90 so that the distal end 93 of the adaptor shaft 90, rather than the proximate end 91, faces the distal end 20 of the motor 18.
• An example cavity 102 is defined between opposing, circumferentially spaced edges 104, 106 of the slip-clutch 96 and edges 108, 110 of the spring 100, rendering the slip-clutch
• a base 112 of the cavity 102 is the outer race 94 of the bearing 92.
• a second side 116 of the cavity 102 is defined by aligned edges 106, 110 of the slip- clutch 96 and the spring 100.
• the example cavity 102 may be mated with a tang manufactured in a modified crown coupling 118.
• An example tang 213 is illustrated in Figure 11, and discussed below.
• the example tang 213 of Figure 11 has a radial inner surface 214 which does not reach the bearing 92, as well as opposing
• modified crown coupling 118 is capable of rotating with the motor shaft 30.
• the bearing 92 will either roll or lock. If locked, the slip-clutch 96 will slip when torque at the threshold limit is applied. Accordingly, if a covering is obstructed during a winding operation, the slip-clutch 96 slips when the torque of the motor 18 reaches the threshold limit. The shaft 30 then spins, without spinning the roller tube 38 as long as torque above this threshold limit is maintained, preventing
• the slip-clutch 96 configuration should be selected so that slip occurs at a greater torque than required to wind the fabric.
• the configuration should be selected so that slip occurs at a lower torque than required to strain the motor 18.
• the motor 18 can be equipped with an overload system including one or more sensors.
• a mechanical torque based sensor and/or an electrical current (e.g., amperage) based sensor may be used. This type of system would shut off the motor 18 after mechanically sensing torque which exceeds a threshold and/or sensing a current draw which exceeds a
• the torque limiting motor coupling 88 is suitable for implementation with the motor 18 of Figure 1 but not in the motor 18 of Figure 2.
• the torque limiting motor coupling 88 will not affect the relationship between the mechanical limiter system 46 and the actual wind state of the covering in the motor 10 of Figure 1, but will affect the relationship between the limiting system 60 and the actual wind state of the covering in the motor 58 of Figure 2.
• Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a torque limiting motor configuration 120 that may be used with the motor 58 of Figure 2.
• This configuration 120 as with the torque limiting motor coupling 88, does not apply torque in the
• the configuration 120 includes an alternative crown coupling 122, which is connected to the inner surface 72 (shown in Figure 8) of the roller tube 38.
• the crown coupling 122 of the illustrated example is a solid disk with, for example, a cavity 124 defined by a fifteen degree cut-out 129.
• the cavity 124 of the illustrated example has first and second sides 126, 128 and a base 130.
• a motor shaft coupling 132 is connected to the distal end 32 of the shaft 30 and axially aligned with the crown coupling 122.
• the motor shaft coupling 132 of the illustrated example is an elongated rectangular shaped member, connected at one end to the shaft 30.
• the motor shaft coupling 132 has opposing sides 134, 136 which can toggle between the opposing sides 126, 128 of the crown coupling 122 when the motor 18 changes rotational directions. The approximately fifteen degree angle between opposing sides 126, 128 allows the motor shaft coupling 132 to pivot from one side of the cavity 124 to the other.
• top and bottom edges 138, 140 of the motor shaft coupling 132 are sized to ensure that the motor shaft coupling 132 can pivot from one side of the cavity 124 to the other .
• the motor controller electronics 62 transmits to the motor controller electronics 62 by, for example, one or more sensors 142, 144, which may be mechanical, magnetic, electromechanical, etc.
• the electronics 62 stops the motor 18 and, therefore, prevents the motor 18 from applying torque in the unwinding direction, which would unroll the fabric from the roller tube 38 while the fabric is not falling due to the obstruction.
• an obstruction could be identified in the winding direction by configuring the pairs of sensors
• 142, 144 and 146, 148 to sense different levels of applied force between contacting surfaces 126, 134 and 128, 136.
• a determination could be made that an obstruction is present on the take-up cycle, and the motor 18 could be disengaged.
• an electronic torque sensor, motor amperage sensor, etc. could disengage the motor 18 upon sensing the effects of an obstruction in the winding operation.
• the example rotary motor 156 is powered by a timed-pulse of current.
• the bearing 92 and the slip-clutch 96 of the torque limiting motor coupling 88 enable the use of the rotary motor 156 with a timer (not illustrated) rather than using a stationary motor with a limiter system.
• the timer electronics are separate from the rotary motor 156, the rotary motor 156 can be much smaller and lighter than stationary motors equipped with limiting systems.
• the example rotary motor 156 includes a drive shaft that remains stationary while the body (i.e., the casing, which is often labeled the stator) of the motor rotates to drive rotation of a roller tube.
• a buffer is added to the timer period.
• the example buffer ensures that, barring an obstruction, there will be a period of time after the completed winding/unwinding in which the motor keeps running.
• the buffer can be, for example, ten percent of the predicted wind time.
• the example timed motor 156 is self-regulating .
• the motor 156 when a full winding/unwinding operation is successful, the motor 156 keeps running during the buffer period when the blind has come to rest. Before the motor 156 times out, if winding, the torque of the motor 156 reaches the threshold level, causing the slip- clutch 96 to slip against the bearing 92, avoiding the problems associated with the discussion of Figure 3A. Similarly, if unwinding, the outer bearing race rolls with respect to the adaptor shaft 90 (and, thus, with respect to the drive shaft of the motor 156) after the bottom rail of the covering comes to rest or an obstruction is encountered, avoiding the problems associated with the discussion of Figures 3B-3E. After timing out, the motor 156 is ready for running in the reverse direction in the next operation.
• the example motor 156 instead of deactivating due to limiter switches, will time out. In other words, when an obstruction is encountered, the example motor 156 will continue to run while the covering is stationary until the timer stops the motor 156.
• An additional benefit of some example implementations of the torque limiting motor coupling 88 with a timed motor 156 is realized following a partially successful unwinding/winding operation, (e.g., obstructed winding/unwinding operation).
• a partially successful unwinding/winding operation e.g., obstructed winding/unwinding operation.
• neither timer electronics nor the motor 156 is aware of the state of the roller fabric 74. For example, an obstruction in a track may allow the fabric 74 to unwind or wind by only fifty percent before the timer stops the motor 156.
• the motor 156 will continue to run after the blind comes to rest because the blind will have a shorter distance to travel to be fully wound/unwound. Thereafter, when the motor 156 times-out, the motor 156 is correctly synchronized, (i.e., self-regulated), for further winding and unwinding operations. In other words, the covering will be fully wound or unwound and the timer period will be appropriate for fully unwinding or winding the blind, respectively .
• a remote control or wall switch which is programmed for "up” and “down” commands if used to control the covering.
• no electronics need to account for the wound state of the covering.
• Figures 9-12 an example implementation of the rotary motor 156 and the torque limiting coupling 88 will be discussed.
• the orientation of the example motor 156 in Figures 9-12 is reversed as compared with the orientation of the motor 18 in Figures 1 and 2, in that the motor shaft 160 in the example configuration of Figures 9-12 is on the right side of the motor 156 rather than the left side.
• the "distal" and “proximate” monikers have the same meaning here as before. That is, with the motor 156 in a plan view, "axial proximate” or “proximate” means closer to the right side of the figure. On the other hand, “axial distal” or “distal” means further from the right side of the figure.
• a roller tube 150 having a proximate end 152 and a distal end 154 encloses the motor 156 and the additional components.
• the torque limiting motor coupling 88 of the illustrated example is fitted on the
• proximate end 158 of the motor 156 (e.g., on the motor drive shaft 160), so that the distal end of the adaptor shaft 93 of the torque limiting motor coupling 88 is positioned against a distal end 162 of the drive shaft 160 of the motor 156.
• the end cap 164 forms an axially extending cup-type cavity having a distal base portion 168, and which opens on its proximate end 170.
• the cap base portion 168 defines a radially central opening 172 which is large enough for the adaptor shaft 90 of the torque limiting motor coupling 88 to pass through.
• the cap base portion 168 is axially between the proximate end 158 of the motor 156 and the distal end 174 of the bearing 92, slip-clutch 96 and spring 100 of the torque limiting motor coupling 88.
• This configuration enables removal of the torque limiting motor coupling 88 without disassembling the end cap 164 and the motor 156 from each other and from the roller tube 150.
• the rolling direction of the roller bearing 92 with respect to the motor shaft 160 can be reversed without extensive handling of the system to enable operation of the motor 156 in either a left-handed or right-handed assembly.
• a small amount of axial play 175 is provided between the cap base portion 168 and the distal end 174 of the bearing 92, clutch 96 and spring 100 of the torque limiting motor coupling 88. This configuration prevents binding of these components during operation.
• the cap base portion 168 is axially thick enough to seat and physically isolate motor mounts 178 from the torque limiting motor coupling 88.
• the motor mounts 178 include a plurality of circumferentially spaced rubber bushings 180, serving as vibration isolators, in which standoff mounts 182 and screws 184 are inserted for connecting the end cap 164 to the motor 156.
• the example bushings 180 also axially space the end cap 164 from the motor 156, to further isolate vibrations of the motor 156.
• the opened proximate end 170 of the end cap 164 includes a radially outward extending lip 186. The lip 186 seats against a proximate end 188 of the roller tube 150.
• the assembly is provided with a stationary wall bracket 44 and screws 190.
• the wall bracket 44 of the illustrated example can slidably receive a stationary tube bracket 192.
• the tube bracket 192 is removable and
• a clip 198 of the illustrated example securely connects the tube bracket 192 with the wall bracket 44 and can be released by flexing the grip portion 196.
• the proximate end 200 of a drive ring 201 is fixedly connected to the distal side 199 of the stationary tube bracket 192. These components are connected via, for example, circumferentially spaced screws 202.
• the drive ring 201 of the illustrated example is an axially
• a radially inward step 205 at the drive ring base 203 is adapted for being releasably gripped by
• circumferentially spaced flexible gripping members 206 formed at the end cap lip 186.
• the drive ring base 203 of the illustrated example is axially thick enough to seat and encase the screws 202 in countersunk openings 208.
• the drive ring 201 is configured such that when it is inserted into and encased by the end cap 164, a distal surface 209 of the drive ring base 203 sits against the proximate end 210 of the bearing 92, slip-clutch 96 and/or spring 100 of the torque limiting motor coupling 88.
• the drive ring base 203 of the illustrated example includes an adaptor shaft support cavity 211.
• the cavity 211 which is an axially extending cup-type cavity formed in the radial center of the drive ring base 203.
• the cavity 211 opens into the drive ring 201.
• the support cavity 211 is large enough to seat the proximate portion 91 of the adaptor shaft 90.
• the shaft 90 extends axially past the proximate end 210 of the bearing 92, clutch 96 and spring 100 components of the torque limiting motor coupling 88.
• the length of the distal portion 93 of the adaptor shaft 90 is the same or substantially the same as that of the proximate portion 91 of the adaptor shaft 90. This enables fitting the distal portion 93 in the support cavity 211 for reversing the torque limiting motor coupling 88 about the motor shaft 160, depending on whether the covering is a left-handed or right-handed
• the above mentioned tang 213 is provided between the distal end of the drive ring base 209 and the distal end of the drive ring 204.
• the distal end of the tang 213 of the illustrated example which defines the distal end of the drive ring 204, is axially flush or substantially flush with the distal end of the bearing 92, clutch 96 and/or spring 174.
• This geometry provides a solid connection between the tang 213 and the cavity 102 in the torque limiting motor coupling 88.
• the tube bracket 192 of the illustrated example is formed with an axially extending cup-type cavity 212.
• the cup- type cavity 212 open on the distal end 199 of the tube bracket 192 for receiving the drive ring support cavity 211.
• the tube bracket cavity 212 of the illustrated example is sized to seat and encase the screws 202 connecting the tube bracket 192 to the drive ring 201.
• the above motor configuration provides a rotary drive motor 156 for the covering.
• This configuration differs from previous drive systems for coverings in which the motor is stationary. It also differs from previous systems in that the limiter system is replaced by electronics providing a timed- pulse of power combined with the torque limiting motor coupling 88. With these components, the rotary motor 156 is self- regulating when subjected to obstructions during a
• the configuration 2228 to power the motor 156, batteries 230, which also spin within the roller tube 38, are provided.
• the configuration 228 includes a remote control switching device 232, which also spins within the roller tube 38 (i.e., rotates with the motor 156) .
• a quick-release slip-ring 234 is utilized to carry power to the spinning motor 156.
• Such a slip-ring 234 serves as an
• the electrical connection is provided between a rotating slip- ring housing 236, at its distal end 238, and a stationary slip- ring housing 240, which is attached to an architectural opening (not illustrated) via, for example, screws 241.
• One of these contacts 242, 244 is a hot contact and the other is a neutral contact.
• These contacts 242, 244 are positioned within a cavity 246 in the stationary bracket 240, similar in type to the cavity 211 in the tube bracket 174.
• a spring mounted pin 248 e.g., a brass pin
• an associated compression spring 250 and spring seat 251 fixed at an axially intermediate location on the pin 248.
• An opening 252 in the proximate side of the housing 236 is large enough to allow a proximate end 254 of the pin 248 to pass, but not the spring
• An insulating sleeve 256 fixed at the distal end of the housing 236 has a proximate edge 258 against which the spring seat 251 comes to rest, thereby restraining the pin 248 within the sleeve 256 and the housing 236.
• the spring 250 forces the distal end 258 of the pin against the flat contact 244.
• the spring contact 242 of the illustrated example comprises two contacts 260, 262, each extending axially from the cavity 246 and each bent radially inward to press against an exposed portion of a brass sleeve 264 on the outside of the insulating sleeve 256. Wires 266, 268 are soldered to
• the solder point 270 on the brass sleeve 264 is positioned far enough towards the proximate end of the sleeve 264 to not obstruct axial motion of the contacts 260, 262 against the sleeve 264, as discussed below.
• the rotatable housing 236 of the illustrated example includes a distal end lip 274, serving the same purpose of the proximate end lip in the end cap 164.
• the cavity 276 of the illustrated example is axially deep enough to allow for axial play 278 between the rotatable housing 236 and the stationary bracket 240 to account for variations in bracket spacing, which is a function of the size of the architectural opening.
• the axial length of the exposed portion of the brass sleeve 264 of the illustrated example, distal from the solder point 270 for the wire 268, matches that of the depth of the cavity 276.
• the above disclosed examples provide quick-release slip-ring 234 which is capable of powering the motor 156 without permanently wiring the motor 156 to wires at an architectural opening. This configuration enables installing and removing motorized coverings much more quickly and easily than with typical connections.
• a hard-wired slip-ring (not illustrated) could be
• the motor 156 could be operated in a same fashion even with a hard-wired slip-ring.
• Examples disclosed herein provide a roller motor configuration which does not apply torque in the unwinding direction. Some such example motors are configured to slip when encountering a torque above a threshold during a winding
• Some such example motors are also insertable into and removable from an architectural opening without requiring permanent wiring of the motor to the architectural opening.
• Some example motors do not require a limiter system for stopping the covering at the top and bottom of the stroke.
• FIG. 15 and 16 there is illustrated another application of the torque limiting motor coupling 88 of Figure 5.
• An example architectural opening treatment 278 is known in the industry as Duette by Hunter Douglas, of 2 Park Way, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 07458, in the United
• This treatment 278 includes a head-rail 280, a pleated fabric 282 and a bottom rail 284.
• a pair of lift spools 286, 288 are spaced within the head-rail 280, each having lift cords 290, 292 extending through the fabric 282.
• the lift spools 286, 288 are mounted to a single driven shaft 294 and controlled in unison by a motor 296.
• the prior Duette motor can be fitted with the torque limiting motor coupling 88
• the window treatment 278 exhibits described torque limiting characteristics as explained above. That is, the motor in the Duette shade would not apply torque in the unwinding direction and would slip with respect to lift spools 286, 288 when encountering more than the threshold torque when winding.
• Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example method to control operation of an architectural opening
• controller receives an instruction to wind the roller tube 150
• the controller may receive an instruction from a wireless remote control via a wireless receiver included with the controller, from a wired or wireless remote control, from a button on a control panel, etc.
• the controller operates the motor 156 in a winding direction (e.g., to raise a covering material attached to the roller tube 150) (block 1704) .
• the torque limiting motor coupling 88 prevents rotation of the output shaft of the motor 156. Accordingly, the radial body of the motor 156 and the roller tube 150 are
• the controller determines if the torque on the motor exceeds a winding torque threshold (block 1706) . For example, when a covering is wound to its upper-most limit, a bottom bar or weight attached to the covering material will reach a frame of the covering and prevent rotation of the roller tube 150 around which the covering material is wrapped. This stoppage will cause the torque on the motor to increase beyond a winding torque threshold (block 1706) .
• the threshold can be selected so that normal winding (e.g., when no obstruction is present) does not exceed the torque threshold, but winding against a frame or obstruction will cause the threshold to be passed.
• the motor 156 continues to operate until the threshold is exceeded. If the winding torque threshold has been exceeded (block 1706), the motor is stopped (block 1708). For example, when the covering is fully wound or an obstruction preventing winding is encountered, the motor 150 will be
• the example method of Figure 18 begins when the controller receives an instruction to unwind the roller tube 150
• the controller operates the motor 156 in an unwinding direction (e.g., to lower covering material attached to the roller tube 150) (block 1804) .
• the torque limiting motor coupling 88 prevents rotation of the output shaft of the motor 156.
• the controller determines if the torque on the motor exceeds an unwinding torque threshold (block 1806) .
• the covering material may begin to wind on the roller
• the threshold can be selected so that normal unwinding does not exceed the torque threshold, but winding the covering material
• the winding threshold exceeds the unwinding threshold so that end-of-material winding can be detected.
• the motor 156 continues to operate until the threshold is exceeded. If the unwinding torque threshold has been exceeded (block 1806), the motor is stopped (block 1808) . For example, when the covering is fully unwound and starts to wind, the motor 156 will be stopped. The method of Figure 18 then ends until a new instruction is received at the controller .
• Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example method to control operation of an architectural opening
• controller receives an instruction to wind the roller tube 150 (block 1902) .
• the controller may receive an instruction from a wireless remote control via a wireless receiver included in the controller, from a wired or wireless remote control, from a button on a control panel, etc.
• the controller starts a timer
• the timer may be set for a duration that is long enough for a covering on the roller tube 150 to be wound from its lower-most position to its upper-most position.
• the timer may additionally include an additional time to account for short delays in winding (e.g., a short amount of time during which the covering is obstructed) . Then, the controller
• a torque limiting motor control 88 prevents rotation of the drive shaft of the motor 156.
• the controller determines if the winding timer has expired (i.e., the winding time limit has been reached)
• the covering may have been wound from its lower-most position to its upper-most position.
• the covering may have been wound from an
• the motor 156 would continue to run when the covering reaches its upper most position while the torque limiting motor coupling 88 slipped to prevent excessive torque from being applied to the roller tube 150 until the timer expired.
• the covering may encounter an obstruction that prevents fully winding the covering material. In such an operation, the motor 156 would continue to run while the torque limiting motor coupling 88 slipped to prevent excessive torque from being applied to the roller tube 150 until the timer expired .
• Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example method to control operation of an architectural opening
• controller receives an instruction to unwind the roller tube 150
• the controller may receive an instruction from a wireless remote control via a wireless receiver included in the controller, from a wired or wireless remote control, from a button on a control panel, etc. In response to the instruction, the controller starts a timer
• the timer may be set for a duration that is long enough for the covering to be unwound from its upper-most position to its lower-most position.
• the timer may additionally include an additional time to account for short delays in unwinding (e.g., a short amount of time during which the covering is obstructed) .
• the controller operates the motor 1808 in an unwinding direction (e.g., to lower covering material attached to the roller tube 150) (block 2006) .
• the torque limiting motor coupling e.g., to lower covering material attached to the roller tube 150
• the casing of the motor 156 and the roller tube 150 are rotated because the motor 156 no longer opposes unwinding of the covering (e.g., where a weight attached to covering material of the covering creates a torque to pull the covering material) .
• the controller determines if the unwinding timer has expired (i.e., the unwinding time limit has been reached)
• the covering may have been unwound from its upper-most position to its lower-most position.
• the covering may have been unwound from an intermediate position to its lower-most position.
• the motor 156 would continue to run when the covering reaches its lower-most position while the torque limiting motor coupling 88 prevented torque from being applied to the roller tube 150 until the timer expired.
• the covering may encounter an obstruction that prevents fully unwinding the covering material. In such an operation, the motor 156 would continue to run while the torque limiting motor coupling 88 slipped to prevent excessive torque from being applied to the roller tube 150 until the timer expired.
• Figure 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example method to switch a motor control of an architectural opening covering from a right-handed operation to a left-handed
• example method may be used with any other covering.
• the example method of Figure 21 begins with removing the drive ring 201 from the end cap 164 installed in the roller tube 150 (block 2102) . Then, the torque limiting motor coupling
• the torque limiting motor coupling 88 is removed from the motor shaft 160 (block 2104) .
• the torque limiting motor coupling 88 is then reinstalled on the motor shaft 160 in an axially reversed configuration (block 2106) .
• the torque limiting motor coupling 88 is
• the drive ring 201 is then positioned within the end cap 164 (block 2108) .
• the roller tube 150 is then ready to be installed to operate in opposite
• a controller for the motor 150 can be instructed of the change to operate winding and unwinding of the motor 156 in the appropriate directions

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Architecture (AREA)
• Civil Engineering (AREA)
• Operating, Guiding And Securing Of Roll- Type Closing Members (AREA)
• Power-Operated Mechanisms For Wings (AREA)

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• 2011
  • 2011-05-28 JP JP2013512066A patent/JP6109735B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2011-05-28 DK DK11787553.4T patent/DK2575558T3/en active
  • 2011-05-28 CA CA2800662A patent/CA2800662C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2011-05-28 EP EP11787553.4A patent/EP2575558B1/en not_active Not-in-force
  • 2011-05-28 CN CN201180029203.8A patent/CN102946767B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
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  • 2011-05-28 WO PCT/US2011/038469 patent/WO2011150412A1/en not_active Ceased
• 2017
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