WO2017210721A1

WO2017210721A1 - Cover for a tubular motor

Info

Publication number: WO2017210721A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/050494
Authority: WO
Inventors: Govindan Pramod Tharol; Alirio E GUERRA
Original assignee: Rollease Acmeda Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-06-07
Filing date: 2017-05-26
Publication date: 2017-12-14

Abstract

A cover for a motorized winder of a blind system, the motorized winder including a winder motor having an axially extending drive spindle and a head which at least partially encloses the winder motor and/or drive spindle, the cover comprising, (a) a first resilient radially extending circumferential wall adapted to partially encircle the head; (b) a second resilient circumferential wall adapted to partially encircle the head; and (c) a third resilient radially extending circumferential wall adapted to partially encircle the head, the third circumferential wall is connected to the second circumferential wall and spaced from the first circumferential wall to define a generally U shaped cross-section.

Description

COVER FOR A TUBULAR MOTOR

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a cover for at least a portion of a winder assembly of a blind system. More particularly the invention relates to a cover for at least a portion of a motorized winder in that assembly.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In this specification where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of the common general knowledge; or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

[0003] A winder assembly refers to a blind component (or fitting) that is rotatable to, for example, extend and retract a window covering such as a window blind. Such assemblies may typically have a motorized winder including a winder motor with a drive spindle which is adapted to cause a blind to rotate. The motorized winder also has a head.

[0004] Typically, the winder motor is externally powered (typically by an electrical lead) and has control circuitry to determine when the motor is stopped or started as well as the direction of rotation of the winder. That circuitry is typically activated with a programming button on the motorized winder. Conventionally, an aerial is also associated with the winder motor to permit such actuation by a remote control device.

[0005] Conventionally, after installation, it is possible to still see the parts of a motorized winder and in particular the electrical lead and/or aerial. Similarly the programming button. This can look unsightly and detract from the overall appearance of the winder assembly and blind. To date little has been done to improve the neatness and appearance of such winder motors and associated wiring. SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a cover for a motorized winder of a blind system, the motorized winder including a winder motor having an axially extending drive spindle and a head, the cover comprising:

(a) a first resilient radially extending circumferential wall adapted to partially encircle the head;

(b) a second resilient circumferential wall adapted to partially encircle the head; and

(c) a third resilient radially extending circumferential wall adapted to partially encircle the head or motor head adaptor, the third circumferential wall is connected to the second circumferential wall and spaced from the first circumferential wall to define a generally U shaped cross-section.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the invention, at least a part of the third

circumferential wall extends further inwardly than the first circumferential wall and in use locates over at least a part of a side of the head. For example, in a blind system, the winder motor may be connected to a motor head adaptor which has a diameter less than the head which therefore defines an opening into which a part of the third circumferential wall may locate. This improves the retention of the cover.

[0008] Typically, the cover defines an arc of more than 180°, or more than 200°, or more than 220°, or more than 240°. However, it will be understood that the cover will preferably be generally C shaped and adapted to snap fit onto the head and/or motor head adaptor.

[0009] The cover may be fabricated of any material which will exhibit the necessary resiliency to permit the cover to be located on the head of the winder motor and be removable from the head. Plastics materials are especially preferred to make the cover as they can be metallised or painted to match the colour of other components in the blind system eg the mounting brackets. [0010] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a blind system comprising:

(a) a motorized winder including (i) a winder motor having an axially extending drive spindle, (ii) a head, (iii) a lead adapted to be connected to a remote power source, and (iv) an aerial, and

(b) a cover as defined in the first and second aspects of the invention, wherein the cover is located on the head and rotatable to a position where the lead and/or the aerial is at least partially located inside the cover.

[0011] Accordingly, it is possible to access the lead and aerial at any time by merely rotating or completely removing the cover. Thereafter the cover may be rotated to cover most or all of the lead and aerial. This means the cover provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance to an otherwise somewhat messy appearance. It is also possible to colour match the cover to the mounting brackets or other components of the blind system to further enhance the appearance.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the motorized winder may include a programming button and the cover is rotatable to a position where the programming button is at least partially located inside the cover. Accordingly, it is possible to access the programming button by merely rotating the cover to expose it. Thereafter the cover may be rotated to cover that button.

[0013] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below, along with accompanying figures that illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

[0014] For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The present invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purposes of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the present invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

[0015] For the purposes of providing a clear description of the present invention, terms such as "up", "down", "left" and "right" are used in the below descriptions. This terminology will be understood to be for illustrative purposes only, and does not limit the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Various embodiments/aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings in which:

[0017] Figure 1 depicts a cover with various views A-J according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 depicts an alternate cover with various views A-J according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0019] Figure 3 depicts a further alternate cover with various views A-J according to an embodiment of the invention

[0020] Figure 4 is a left end perspective view of a winder assembly, partially disassembled depicting the cover according to embodiments of the invention.

[0021] Figure 5 is a right end perspective view of a winder assembly, partially

disassembled depicting the cover according to embodiments of the invention.

[0022] Figure 6 depicts a motorized winder with various views A-J with an installed cover according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Figure 7 depicts the motorized winder of Figure 6 with various views A-C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Figure 1 depicts a cover 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The cover 100 is generally C shaped 101 and as will be discussed has an internal diameter slightly less than the diameter of the motor head (see Figure 7). It is typically fabricated of material such as plastics and will exhibit the necessary resiliency to permit the cover 100 to be located on the head of the winder motor and removed from the head as a snap on fit. Plastics materials are especially preferred to make the covers as they can be metallised or painted to match the colour of other components in the blind system eg brackets.

[0025] Cover 100 is comprised of three circumferential walls. Walls 102 and 103 extend radially and are each connected to wall 104 which extends therebetween. A generally U shape cross-section results. As will be apparent from Figure IE, wall 102 has a larger internal diameter than wall 103. This permits wall 103 (at location 105) to be located and securely retained in a recess (not shown but which will be described in relation to Figure 7).

[0026] Wall 102 has a curved portion passing into wall 104 to provide a soft aesthetically pleasing appearance. In contrast, there is no curved portion bridging between wall 103 and 104. This permits wall 103 to be located flat against an adjacent mounting bracket (not shown) but which will be described in relation to Figures 6 and 7.

[0027] Figure 2 depicts a cover 200 which is like cover 100. It is generally C shaped 201 and also has an internal diameter same as the diameter of the motor head (see Figure 7).

[0028] Cover 200 is also comprised of three circumferential walls. Walls 202 and 203 extend radially and are each connected to wall 204 which extends therebetween. A generally U shape results. In contrast to cover 100, as will be apparent from Figure 2A, wall 202 has an internal diameter which is similar to the diameter of wall 203 (see Figure 2E) but has three regularly spaced inward projections 205. This permits wall 203 (at projections 205) to be located into a recess (not shown but which will be described in relation to Figure 7).

[0029] Wall 202 also has a curved portion passing into wall 204 to provide a soft aesthetically pleasing appearance. There is a smaller curved portion bridging between wall 203 and 204 to provide a soft aesthetically pleasing appearance but not as pronounced as the portion between wall 202 and 204 . This permits wall 203 to be located flat against an adjacent mounting bracket (not shown) but which will be described in relation to Figures 6 and 7.

[0030] Figure 3 depicts a cover 300 which is extremely similar to cover 100. It is generally C shaped 301 and also has an internal diameter slightly less than the diameter of the motor head (see Figure 7).

[0031] Cover 300 is comprised of three circumferential walls. Walls 302 and 303 extend radially and are each connected to wall 304 which extends therebetween. A generally U shape cross-section results. Like cover 100, as will be apparent from Figure 3E, wall 302 has an internal diameter slightly less that the diameter of wall 303. This permits wall 303 (at location 305) to be located into a recess (not shown) but which will be described in relation to Figure 7.

[0032] Like in covers 100 and 200, wall 302 has a curved portion passing into wall 304 to provide a soft aesthetically pleasing appearance. There is a smaller curved portion bridging between wall 303 and 304 to provide a soft aesthetically pleasing appearance but not as pronounced as the portion between wall 302 and 304. This permits wall 303 to also be located flat against an adjacent mounting bracket (not shown) but which will be described in relation to Figures 6 and 7.

[0033] Figures 4 and 5 depict left and right perspective views of a winder assembly 400 Assembly 400 includes a drive spindle 402 which is usually connected to a blind and shade (not shown). Rotation of the drive spindle 402 will cause any attached shade or blind to either extend or retract.

[0034] The motor head 404 is attached to the motor body 401 The motor head 404 includes a crown, an electrical lead 405 which can be connected to a remote power source and an aerial 406 to permit remote operation. The motorized winder 403 also has associated programming circuitry (not shown) which may be controlled by a programming button (not shown).

[0035] There is also a motor head adaptor 407 which may be secured to motor head 404 with screws 408. This motor head adaptor 407 has a configuration which facilitates the mounting of motor head 404 to the wall bracket 409. [0036] As also seen in Figures 4 and 5, cover 410 is aligned with motor head 404. Cover 410 is made of resilient material and is locatable around motor head 404 as a snap fit. Cover 410 is normally fitted last after the blind installation has been completed. The covers shown in Figures 1-3 are all suitable for this application. In this respect, as shown in those figures, each of covers 100, 200 and 300 additionally have a small recess (106, 206 and 306) at each end of wall (104, 204 and 304) to assist in locating any lead 405 and/or aerial 406.

[0037] Figure 6 shows a variety of views of the motorized winder 403 of Figures 4 and 5. In each case the motorized winder 403 has been assembled, mounted in position and is operational. Cover 410 is shown in the installed position.

[0038] Cover 410 has been snap fitted about motor head 404. In its initial installed position, the cover 410 either has the lead 405 and aerial 406 partially contained in the U shaped cross-section of the cover 410 or not located therein at all. Cover 410 may be rotated about the motor head 404 in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction. If it is rotated in the clockwise direction as depicted in Figure 6A, such rotation encases a significant part of the lead 405 and aerial 406 beneath the cover 410. As seen in Figure 6D, to the user, the motor head 404 and substantially all the lead 405 and aerial 406 are no longer visible and present a clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0039] To access the partially concealed lead 405 and aerial 406 (eg for maintenance or disassembly) all that is necessary is to rotate the cover 410 in the anticlockwise direction. This uncovers one or both of these elements. Full access may be achieved by pulling the cover off.

[0040] As mentioned previously there may also be a programming button associated with the motor head 404. The cover 410 may be rotated to cover that button, and the same procedure may be followed to uncover that button to allow access for reprogramming.

[0041] Figure 7 depicts the motorized winder 403 of Figure 6 with various views A-C.

[0042] Figure 7A shows the position of cover 410 (though covers 100, 200 and 300 could be alternatives with minor adjustment) after it has been rotated in a clockwise direction so that the lead 405 and the aerial 406 are essential covered from view from the right side of that figure. [0043] Figures 7B and 7C show cross-sectional views of the motorized winder 403.

Bracket 409 is designed to mount one end of the assembly to wall or pelmet (not shown). The motor head adaptor 407 has a configuration which facilitates the mounting of the motor head 404 to the wall bracket 409.

[0044] As shown and consistent with the other covers described, cover 410 is comprised of three circumferential walls. Walls 411 and 412 extend radially and are each connected to wall 413 which extends therebetween. A generally U shape cross-section results. Wall 412 has an internal diameter slightly less that the diameter of wall 411. This permits wall 412 to be located into a recess 414 formed between the motor head 404 and the bracket 409 as the motor head adaptor 407 located therebetween has a diameter which is less than motor head 404 and a similar diameter to motor head adaptor 407 for a good fit. This allows the cover 410 to be more securely located about the motor head 404.

[0045] It will be understood that Figures 4 to 7 relate to a right hand installation. That is an installation where the cover 410 is rotated clockwise in situ to hide the lead 405 and aerial 406. If the installation is left hand, the opposite rotation of the cover 410 would apply to hide the lead 405 and aerial 406. Likewise, the position and direction of the lead and aerial exiting from the motor head may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer and so the position and direction shown in these Figures is purely illustrative.

[0046] The covers according to the invention permit conventional motorized winders to be given an improved appearance whilst not detracting for the functionality of their components and need for maintenance.

[0047] Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.

[0048] The word 'comprising' and forms of the word 'comprising' as used in this description and in the claims does not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions.

Claims

1 A cover for a motorized winder of a blind system, the motorized winder including: a winder motor having an axially extending drive spindle; and a head which at least partially encloses the winder motor and/or drive spindle; the cover comprising,

(c) a third resilient radially extending circumferential wall adapted to partially encircle the head, the third circumferential wall is connected to the second

circumferential wall and spaced from the first circumferential wall to define a generally U shaped cross-section.

2 A cover according to claim 1 wherein at least a part of the third circumferential wall extends further inwardly than the first circumferential wall and in use locates over at least a part of a side of the head and/or any motor head adaptor.

3 A cover according to either claim 1 or 2 wherein the cover defines an arc of more than 180°, or more than 200°, or more than 220°, or more than 240°.

4 A cover according to anyone of claims 1-3 wherein the cover is generally C shaped and adapted to snap fit onto the head and/or a motor head adaptor associated therewith.

5 A blind system comprising:

(a) a motorized winder including (i) a winder motor having an axially extending drive spindle, (ii) a head, (iii) a lead adapted to be connected to a remote power source, and (iv) an aerial, and (b) a cover according to anyone of claims 1-4 , wherein the cover is located on the head and rotatable to a position where the lead and/or the aerial is at least partially located inside the cover.

6 A blind system according to claim 5 wherein the motorized winder further includes a programming button and the cover is rotatable to a position where the programming button is at least partially located inside the cover.