Electrical power-drive device for a movable window covering

Technical field [0001] The invention relates generally to driven window blinds.

2. Background Art [0002] The current patent holder has provided numerous systems for lowering or raising the window curtain or moving the window curtain strips between an open and closed position, under the control of a manual remote control or other control device. Systems include a motor that is connected via gears to a window curtain actuating mechanism. When the engine is powered in response to a control signal sent with the participation of the user, the mechanism moves the window curtain.

[0003] According to current knowledge, it is desirable to reduce the noise generated by such systems during their operation. According to further insight, most of the noise is caused by the vibration of the head rail, caused by vibration of the engine inside the head rail.

[0004] An electrically driven device is known from US Patent 5,671,387. This device comprises a motor and gear train assembly connected to a rotatable winding tube and to a fixed suspension, via flexible coupling means. Such a device does not allow good soundproofing.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide that enables the abovementioned drawbacks to be eliminated and which is an improvement with respect to devices known in the art. In particular, the invention makes it possible to reduce the noise produced by the device during engine power. The invention also relates to a powered assembly including such a device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] This object is achieved by an electrically driven device formed according to claim 1.

[0007] Various embodiments are given in dependent claims 2 to 8.

[0008] The driven assembly includes an object, such as a window curtain, that can be moved between an open position and a closed position, and preferably a battery-powered motor that is connected via a gearing to the drive element to move the object when the engine is powered. For applications with higher power consumption, the motor can be powered from the AC network. At least one soundproof clutch is placed between the gearing and the driving element, for transmitting the rotational movement of the gearing to the driving element or the coupling, it is placed between the motor and the fixed front rail plate to connect the motor to the plate.

[0009] The soundproofing clutch may be a metal or plastic cylinder with slots formed therein so that it is flexible about its longitudinal axis, but is sufficiently resistant to twisting under the influence of torque about its longitudinal axis.

[0010] The sound-deadening clutch may be a rotary sound-deadening clutch that connects the gearing to the drive element coupler, and the assembly may also include at least one non-rotary sound-deadening clutch that connects the motor to the front rail plate. A non-rotating soundproofing clutch may surround a rotary soundproofing clutch or the motor may be placed between a non-rotating soundproofing clutch and a rotary soundproofing clutch. In addition, a second rotary soundproofing clutch rotating together with rotary soundproofing clutches can be arranged between the rotary soundproofing clutch and the drive element.

[0011] In one preferred, non-limiting embodiment, a metal tube surrounding the motor and gearing may be placed inside the front rail, but not surrounding the second soundproofing clutch. In this embodiment, a second non-rotatable soundproofing clutch may be placed between the head rail plate and the motor.

[0012] In another aspect, a drive assembly for a window curtain that includes a drive element in a front rail includes an electrically driven drive structure coupled to the drive element to move the window curtain when the drive structure is powered. At least one soundproof clutch is connected to the drive structure and is also connected to the drive element to connect the drive structure to the drive element, with soundproofing of transmission of vibrations from the drive structure to the head rail, and / or to the head rail plate, for connecting the drive structure to head rails.

[0013] In another aspect, a window covering drive assembly having a drive element in a front rail includes an electrically driven drive structure coupled to the drive element to move the window curtain when the drive structure is powered. The means connect the drive structure to the drive element and / or to the head rail, while damping the transmission of vibration from the drive structure to the head rail.

[0014] The details of the present invention, both in construction and operation, will be best understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar parts have been designated with similar reference numbers, and in which:

Short description of the figures

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the window covering driving element, shown in the envisaged environment, with parts of the front rail in partial section;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the first embodiment of the internally suspended engine with parts of a stationary pipe that forms one version of a non-rotatable soundproofing clutch in partial cross-section for clarity;

Fig. 3 is one isometric view of one preferred non-limiting soundproofing clutch;

Fig. 4 is a side view of a second embodiment of the internally suspended engine and head rail, with the sides of the steel pipe removed for clarity, and the first non-rotating soundproofing clutch;

Fig. 5 is a side view of a third embodiment of an internally suspended engine, showing the head rail, with the sides of the steel pipe and the head rail removed for clarity;

Fig. 6 is a side view of the fourth embodiment of the internally suspended engine; and Fig. 7 is a side view of an example of the arrangement used in the curtain.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment [0016] Turning initially to Fig. 1, a motor-driven window curtain, generally designated 10, is shown, in which there is a drive element 12, such as a rotatable pivot rod or tubular wheel of the window curtain 14, such as but without restrictions, the curtain assembly having a raised (by rolling up) and lowered (by rolling down or unfolding) curtain 16. As shown, the drive element 12 is pivotally mounted by means of a plate 18 in the upper hollow housing of the window curtain 14, e.g. but not limited to the front rail 20.

[0017] Although the rolling up curtain is shown, it should be understood that these principles apply to a wide range of window curtains and other objects to be moved by electric motors. For example, the invention relates to raised and lowered folding curtains and cellular curtains, as well as projector screens, security screens, awnings, shutter doors, etc., which can be raised and lowered from an upper enclosed hollow chamber. In addition, the invention may also relate to tilting slat systems, as in horizontal blinds. Thus, for example, the rod 12 may be a curl rod up in a curtain, awning or projector screen or a pivot rod of a horizontal (or vertical) shutter or other similar operating element. It should further be understood that the principles of the present invention relate to a wide range of window curtains and other items including, but not limited to: vertical blinds, folding pleated curtains, upward curling curtains, cellular curtains, skylight covers, etc. The driven versions of such curtains are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,433,498, incorporated herein by reference.

[0018] In a non-limiting illustrative embodiment, the window curtain 14 is mounted in the window frame 22 to cover the window 24, and the rod 12 rotates about its longitudinal axis. The rod 12 may be connected to a rod moved by the user (not shown). When the rod 12 is rotated about its longitudinal axis, the curtain 16 rises or lowers between the open and closed positions.

[0019] Fig. 1 shows the use in the window curtain 10 of a control signal receiver, preferably a signal sensor 26, for receiving a user-activated control signal. Preferably, the user-enabled control signal is generated in a hand-held control signal generator 28, which may be a remote control operating in the infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) range. The user-enabled control signal may also be generated by any other communication means well known in the art, such as manually operated switches 29. User control signals may include opening, closing, raising, lowering, and the like.

[0020] The front rail 20 may contain an electronic circuit board 30, attached to the front rail 20, for example with screws (not shown) or in another well known manner. A preferred electronic circuit board 30 includes a microprocessor for processing control signals.

[0021] Fig. 1 also shows that in the front rail 20 there is arranged a sound-insulated motor and gear transmission assembly, generally designated 34, preferably comprising a small light DC or AC electric motor that is connected to the gear transmission as further described below . The soundproof motor and gear assembly 34 is connected to the drive element 12 so that when the engine described below is powered, the drive element 12 is rotated. The assembly 34 may be mounted on a circuit board 30 or other suitable location on the head rail. Assembly 34 may be conceived of as a mechanical subassembly.

[0022] It should be understood that the motor described below in the soundproofed motor and gear train assembly 34 is electrically connected to the printed circuit board 30. To power the motor, one or more (four in Fig. 1) batteries 36, for example AA alkaline or lithium batteries, which are connected to the circuit board 30 can be mounted in the front rail 20. Preferably, the batteries 36 may be the sole power source for the engine, although the present invention may also be applied to driven curtains and other objects that are fed from the AC network.

[0023] As stated in the US Patent cited above, the user can use the generator 28 to generate a signal, received by the signal sensor 26, sent to the signal processing circuit on the printed circuit board 30. In turn, the electric circuit between the batteries 34 and the motor is closed to power the motor and move the window curtain to open or close, according to the signal generated by the signal generator 28, under the control of the processor on the electronic circuit board 30.

[0024] Turning now to the non-limiting illustrative embodiment in Fig. 2, a non-limiting embodiment of the assembly 34 is shown. As shown, the through tube 38 of metal or plastic is fixed at one end to the post or plate 40, it is understood that the plate 40 is attached to the interior of the front rail 20 as shown in Fig. 1. A plurality of slots 42 have been made in the pipe 38 to form a non-rotating soundproof clutch according to the principles explained below.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 2, a 12 volt DC motor 44 is preferably arranged in the tube 38. It should be understood that the motor 44 is electrically connected to the batteries 36 shown in Fig. 1, for example, by electric wires 46 or for larger applications, to the electrical network. A soundproofing element 48 of soft neoprene is placed between the motor 44 and the pipe 38, which firmly holds the motor housing inside the pipe. A sound-insulating plug 49 can also be placed in the pipe 38 between the motor 44 and the end of the pipe 38, which is attached to the head rail 20, as shown.

[0026] Fig. 2 also shows a gear housing 50 located inside the pipe 38. The gear housing 50 has gears that are connected to the motor 44 and have an output gear (not shown) which, as a result of the gear ratio, rotates at a lower speed than the motor rotor 44.

[0027] In accordance with the present invention, the rotary sound-deadening clutch 52 is attached, for example, keyed, by gluing or otherwise to the output gear wheel located inside the gear housing 50. As a result, the rotary sound-deadening clutch 52 rotates with the output gear. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the rotary sound-deadening clutch 52 is a hollow cylindrical element of metal or plastic in which multiple slots 54 are made to absorb the vibration of the motor 44, according to the principles set out below.

[0028] A connector 56 is attached to the rotary sound-deadening clutch 52 adapted to be connected to the drive element 12 shown in Fig. 1, whereby the rotational movement of the motor rotor 44 is reduced by a gear transmission and is transmitted through the rotary sound-dead coupling and the connector 56 to the drive element 12. The drive element 12 may enter the connector 56 as shown in FIG. 1, and in this case the inner passage of the connector 56 is shaped to complement the shape of the drive element 12, or the connector 56 can enter the drive element 12 when the drive element 12 is, for example, a rotatable roll-up curtain tube. The connector 56 can also be connected in another way to the driving element 12.

[0029] As can be seen in Fig. 2, the motor 44, gearing, clutch 52 and drive element 12 can be arranged coaxially with each other, and this axis will be horizontal when the motorized window curtain 10 is mounted in the intended manner. Furthermore, it can be seen that the weight of the mechanical sub-assembly formed at least partly by the engine and transmission can be at least partly distributed between two soundproofing clutches, i.e. between two flexible coupling devices.

[0030] The details of one embodiment of the rotary noise reduction coupling 52 are shown in Fig. 3, it is understood that the same principles apply to the non-rotating noise reduction coupling formed by the slots 42 in the pipe 38. Fig. 3 shows that the coupling 52 can be rigid , a hard plastic cylinder in which the slots 54 were made during molding or after molding by cutting or machining the slots 54 in the coupling 52. Each slot 54 completely passes through the wall of the cylindrical clutch body 52, i.e. from the outer surface of the clutch to the inner surface as shown. The slots are also perpendicular to the coupling axis as shown.

[0031] Two slots 54 are preferably made in the same axial location of the coupling, radially opposite each other, each steam gap passes around the circumference of the coupling in an arc of about 150 degrees. As a result, the slots 54 in pair are separated by a pair of ridges 56, as shown in the isometric view in Fig. 3, where the ridges 56 associated with a single pair of slots 54, as well as the slots themselves, lie opposite each other at 180 degrees. In addition, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 successive pairs of slots 54 (and hence another pair of associated ridges 56) are preferably arranged radially relative to each other at 90 degrees. In this design, the sound-deadening clutch according to the present invention is somewhat flexible around its longitudinal axis, but is essentially resistant to torsion under the influence of torque about its longitudinal axis. Significantly, the current soundproofing clutch absorbs vibration to reduce the transmission of vibration from the motor 44 to the front rail 20 and thus reduce the noise that this system produces during operation. The current clutch can be considered as a flexible coupling device.

[0032] Other well known elastic couplings may be used, allowing even limited torsion at rated torque conditions. For example, a torsion of 15 to 45 may be allowed at the rated torque. This can be achieved with metal springs, such as a spiral spring or with viscoelastic couplings.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the soundproofed motor and gear assembly, generally designated 34a, which provides two pairs of soundproofing couplings instead of the single pair of Fig. 2. As shown, the soundproofed motor and gear assembly 34a 4 includes a motor 44a connected to a gearing in a housing 50a, whose output gear is connected to a rotary soundproofing clutch 52a. The components 34a, 44a, 50a, 52a described in Fig. 4 are, in all material respects, identical to the corresponding components 34, 44, 50, 52a described in Fig. 2, except that the rotary sound-deadening clutch 52a shown in Fig. .4 has a single, spirally shaped gap extending continuously around the perimeter of the clutch near one end of the clutch 52a near the opposite end of the clutch 52a at multiple revolutions as shown. Like the damping clutch shown in Fig. 3, the damping clutch 52a shown in Fig. 4 is somewhat flexible around its longitudinal axis, but is essentially resistant to twisting under the influence of torque about its longitudinal axis.

[0034] Unlike the soundproofed motor and gear assembly 34 shown in Fig. 2, in assembly 34a shown in Fig. 4 the motor 44a, gear housing 50a and rotary damping clutch 52a are located in a relatively heavy, preferably steel or cast iron pipe 58 to further reduce the loudness of this system. One end of the non-rotatable pipe 58 is plugged (except for the holes for the electric wires) with a soundproofing plug 60, and the first non-rotatable soundproofing coupling 62 is attached to the end of the pipe 58. Also the first non-rotatable soundproofing coupling 62 is attached to the plate 40a, which in turn is attached to the inside of the rail 20 shown in Fig. 1.

[0035] Further, in contrast to the soundproofed motor and gear assembly 34 shown in Figure 2, in the assembly 34a shown in Figure 4 the rotary soundproofing clutch 52a is the first rotary soundproofing clutch, and is fixed by means of a shaft 64 which extends via bearing 66 to a second rotary sound-deadening clutch 68. Bearing 66 is located at the end of tube 58 opposite to plate 40a. The second rotary noise dampening clutch 68 can be made substantially identically to the rotary noise dampening clutch 52 shown in Fig. 2 as shown, although it should be understood that it may have a spiral shaped groove, if desired, as the first rotary noise coupling 52a shown in Fig. 4. In any case, the second rotary sound-deadening clutch 68 is connected to the connector 56a, which is in every respect identical to the connector 56 shown in Fig. 2. The soundproofing efficiency in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is due to the internal suspension of the gear motor within a rigid structure comprising mainly a non-rotatable pipe 58.

[0036] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the non-rotatable soundproofing clutch 62 is the first non-rotary soundproofing clutch and the second non-rotary soundproofing clutch 70 surrounds the first rotary soundproofing clutch 52a and rests on bearing 66. Accordingly, when motor 44a is powered, the first non-rotating soundproofing clutch 52a rotates inside the second soundproofing clutch 70. The second silencing clutch 70 may be made with a single helical gap or with multiple helical slots as shown in Fig. 3.

[0037] In an embodiment of this embodiment, a second internal flexible coupling 70 is inserted between the motor housing and rigid non-rotatable pipe 58 and blocks free rotation of the motor housing, allowing small movements around the equilibrium position. In any case, the movement of the mechanical subassembly is limited by special parts (e.g. heavy tube 58) or by the outer tube / front rail, which prevents damage due to impacts or large moments during installation.

[0038] Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment of a soundproofed engine and gear assembly, generally designated 34b, which, like the assembly 34a shown in Figure 4, includes two pairs of soundproofing couplings instead of the single pair shown in Figure 2. As shown, soundproofed the motor and gear assembly 34b in Fig. 5 includes a motor 44b connected to a gear in housing 50b, with an output gear connected to a rotary soundproofing clutch 52b. Elements 34b, 44b, 50b, 52b, previously described in Fig. 5, are in all essential respects identical to the corresponding elements 34, 44, 50, 52 described in Fig. 2, except that the rotary sound-deadening clutch 52b shown in Fig. 5 may have one helical gap as shown.

[0039] Also as in assembly 34a shown in Fig. 4, in assembly 34b in Fig. 5 the motor 44b, gear housing 50b and rotary soundproof clutch 52b are housed in a relatively heavy, preferably steel or cast iron non-rotating pipe 58b, which has a blank a sound-deadening plug 60b at one end (leaving a passage for the electric wires) and that the first non-rotating sound-deadening coupling 62b is attached to this end of the pipe 58b. Also, the first non-rotary sound-deadening clutch 62b is attached to the plate 40b, which in turn is attached to the interior of the front rail 20 shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, in the assembly 34b shown in Fig. 5, the rotary sound-deadening clutch 52b is the first rotary sound-deadening clutch and is connected, via a shaft 64b passing through the bearing 66b, to a second rotary soundproofing clutch 68b. A second rotary sound-deadening clutch 68b is connected to the connector 56b, which is in every essential respect identical to the connector 56 shown in Fig. 2.

[0040] Due to the high rigidity of the non-rotatable pipe 58b, both internal flexible couplings 52b and 70b are used very effectively.

[0041] Until now, the assembly 34b shown in Fig. 5 was substantially identical to the assembly shown in Fig. 4. In addition, since the non-rotatable soundproofing clutch 62b is the first non-rotary soundproofing clutch, the second non-rotary soundproofing clutch 70b is located in the heavy pipe 58b between the engine 44b and the first non-rotating sound-deadening clutch 62b, which is located outside the heavy pipe 58b and is attached to one end thereof. Corresponding, the first non-rotary sound-deadening clutch 62b connects the heavy pipe 58b to the head rail plate 40b, while the second non-rotary sound-deadening clutch 70b connects the motor 44b to the soundproofing plug 60b inside the heavy-duty pipe 58b, creating yet another soundproofing of the motor 44b.

[0042] Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of a soundproofed motor and gear assembly, generally designated 34c, which has only one pair of internal soundproofing couplings for suspending a mechanical subassembly containing the motor inside a rigid non-rotatable tube 59. As shown, the soundproofed motor assembly 34c and toothed gear in fig. 6 includes a 44c engine connected to a gear transmission in a 50c housing, with a output wheel connected to a 52c rotary sound deadening clutch. The clutch 52c is, in turn, connected to the output rod or tubular wheel or output shaft 53c.

Elements 34c, 44c, 50c, 52c previously described in Figure 6 are identical in all respects with the corresponding elements

34, 44, 50, 52 described in Fig. 2.

[0043] Also in assembly 34c in Fig. 6 the motor 44c and gear housing 50c (but not the rotary soundproof clutch 52c) are located in preferably a steel or cast iron pipe 58c that has one end plug 60c blanked (except for cable passage electrical), and which has a first non-rotating sound-deadening coupling 62c attached to this end of pipe 58c. Also, the first non-rotating sound-deadening clutch 62c is attached to the fixed plate 40c, which in turn is attached inside the outer tubular sheath 59 of the element having, for example, such a sheath.

[0044] In one non-limiting embodiment, the tubular sheath 59 may be cylindrical for high rigidity and may be made of steel or cast iron with a wall thickness of 1 mm to 2 mm. If desired, a bearing 63 can be connected between the output shaft 53 and the tubular sheath 59.

[0045] The motor-driven device shown in Fig. 6 is then secured by an outer cover 59. It will be understood that the cover 59 forms a natural boundary for the displacement of the suspended mechanical subassembly in the event of impacts during transport or installation. That is, the advantage of the outer tubular sheath 59 in Fig. 6 is that the pipe and even more the cylinder have inherently high rigidity. The mechanical subassembly including the motor and gearing is suspended inside a pipe that acts as a very rigid support member and which is very stable, thus preventing the occurrence of clutch resonance frequencies that would otherwise compromise the efficiency of flexible couplings if the supporting member alone did not have sufficient weight and / or stiffness. The same remark applies to the non-rotatable rigid pipe 58 in Fig. 4 and the non-rotatable rigid pipe 58b in Fig. 5.

[0046] In these figures, couplings enabling the flexible suspension of the sub-assembly including the engine inside pipes 58 and 58b are often considered as "main couplings".

[0047] In addition, in some non-limiting embodiments, substantial benefits can be obtained when the assembly includes a rotatable pipe on which a screen, awning or even a blind curtain is rolled up.

[0048] More specifically, referring to Fig. 7, the sound-deadened motor and gear assembly, generally designated 34d, is located inside the rotary tube 12d. It should be understood that the assembly 34d includes a motor and a gear that are suspended within the housing of the assembly 34d on one or more of the couplings described above, for example the assembly 34d with the motor carrier 40d may be formed by the assembly 34c / element 40c shown in Fig. 6 or through assembly 34 with the element 40 shown in Fig. 1.

[0049] The rotatable tube 12d extends between the opposite side walls of the window frame 22d, as shown. The pipe 12d can be mounted to the window frame 22d by connecting a fixed plate (or equivalent engine mount) 40d to the first support 73, with the first support in turn attached to the window frame 22d near the top of the window frame. Alternatively, a bearing 71 may be directly mounted between the rotary tube 12d and the first support 73, if desired, but it is usually preferred to use the bearing function as part of a motor-driven device 34d. Also, the second support 74 is located inside the tube 12 and is attached to the window frame 22d, opposite the first support 73. Plate 40d is surrounded by a first bearing 71 that rotates with tube 12d, while the second support 74 is surrounded by a second bearing 72 that also rotates with tube 12d. As the tube 12d rotates, the bearings 71, 72 move on the plate / support 40d, 74 respectively.

[0050] As mentioned above, the assembly 34d includes a suspended (on one or more of the present couplings) engine and gear assembly having an output shaft as previously described and a connector 56d, which in all important respects may be identical to the connector 56 shown in Fig. .2, connected to the output shaft, unit 34d. A wheel with 75 is connected to the connector 56d. According to the embodiment according to fig. 7, wheel 75 is also connected to the rotary pipe 12d, whereby the pipe 12 rotates when the assembly 34d is powered.

[0051] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, bearings 71, 72 and wheel 75 are preferably made of hard materials. There is no engine suspension and gearing inside the assembly 34d as shown, otherwise the damped vibrations could transfer from the assembly 34 motor to the rotary tube 12d, which in turn could undesirably propagate the vibrations. Previous solutions to the loudness problem have included the use of soft materials for bearings 71, 72 and wheel 75 or even supports 73, 74, but it is understood that the use of soft materials is less than optimal, because these materials must support the full weight of the window curtain and must be fairly low elasticity. The non-limiting advantage of the invention according to fig. 7 is that only the mechanical sub-assembly including the motor and gearing needs suspension on flexible parts. Thus, the rigidity of flexible couplings can be much smaller, which significantly improves soundproofing efficiency

SOMFY SAS

PROXY:

79P25846PL00

EP 1 903 176 B1