A motor drive system for operating a mechanism for raising and lowering window coverings includes a motor operating under electrical power and an electrically powered drive system. The motor drive system advances a continuous cord loop in response to positional commands from a controller. An input-output device includes a capacitive touch strip that receives user inputs along an input axis, and an LEDs strip aligned with the input axis. A group mode module communicates the positional commands to other motor drive systems within an identified group to operate respective other mechanisms of the other motor drive systems. A set control module enables user calibration of a top position and a bottom position of travel of the window covering. The inputoutput device extends vertically on the exterior of a housing for the motor drive system, and the housing supports input buttons of the group mode module and the set control module.
A drive system for raising and lowering a window covering using a continuous cord loop that includes a motor with an associated encoder, device controller for the motor, a speed sensor, and proportional-integral-derivative (PID) layer. The device controller stores or receives a desired motor speed and generates a speed command signal to the motor. A closed-loop system applies a PID speed control algorithm to an error representing a difference between actual motor speed and desired motor speed. The PID layer uses the error to calculate a new output via PID control terms to automatically correct signals to the motor to achieve desired motor speed. A hembar alignment function automates positional control of a plurality of motor drive systems to synchronize raising or lowering of window covering shades with the shades in positional alignment. A system controller includes a time-counter indexed to a position scale to synchronize hembar alignment positional commands.
A device for opening and closing a curtain on a rod or rail includes a driven wheel coupled to a motor within a housing. The driven wheel protrudes from the housing in frictional engagement with the rod or rail. The device further includes a suspension assembly including a support member and one or more linkages. The support member is in sliding or rolling contact with the rod or rail. The linkages extend along an independent suspension axis and connect the support member to the housing to suspend the housing from the support member, allowing the device to traverse bumps in the rod or rail. The driven wheel is rotated by the motor to advance the device along the rod or rail for opening and closing the curtain. A curtain opening system may further include one or more sensor targets disposed on the rod or rail, and an encoder and a sensor operatively connected to a controller of the device for auto-calibration of position tracking.
A device for opening and closing a curtain on a rod or rail includes a driven wheel coupled to a motor within a housing. The driven wheel protrudes from the housing in frictional engagement with the rod or rail. The device further includes a suspension assembly including a support member and one or more linkages. The support member is in sliding or rolling contact with the rod or rail. The linkages extend along an independent suspension axis and connect the support member to the housing to suspend the housing from the support member, allowing the device to traverse bumps in the rod or rail. The driven wheel is rotated by the motor to advance the device along the rod or rail for opening and closing the curtain. A curtain opening system may further include one or more sensor targets disposed on the rod or rail, and an encoder and a sensor operatively connected to a controller of the device for auto-calibration of position tracking.
A drive system for raising and lowering a window covering includes a motor, a driven wheel configured to engage a continuous cord loop, a controller for the motor, a sensor, and a housing. The continuous cord loop includes an endless loop of flexible material and one or more sensor targets disposed on the endless loop of flexible material. The housing supports a guide rail adjacent the driven wheel. The sensor is mounted to the guide rail and is configured to generate a signal indicating presence of each sensor target when the target is located in proximity to or in contact with the sensor. The controller is calibrated to store an initial position of each sensor target along the continuous cord loop, and is configured to receive the signal indicating presence of the sensor target and to identify a drift from the initial position during continuing operation of the drive system.
A motor-operated drive system for a window covering system including a headrail, a mechanism associated with the headrail to spread and retract the window covering, and a continuous cord loop extending below the headrail for actuating the mechanism to spread and retract the window covering. The drive system includes a motor, a driven wheel that engages and advances the continuous cord loop, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the driven wheel to a rotating output shaft of the motor for rotation of the driven wheel. The drive system includes a channel system for redirecting the continuous cord loop engaged by the driven wheel, or other mechanism for configuring the drive system so that continuous cord loop extends in a substantially vertical orientation. The coupling mechanism includes an engaged configuration in which rotation of the output shaft of the motor causes rotation of the driven wheel, and a disengaged configuration.
A drive system for raising and lowering a window covering using a continuous cord loop that includes a motor with an associated encoder, device controller for the motor, a speed sensor, and proportional-integral-derivative (PID) layer. The device controller stores or receives a desired motor speed and generates a speed command signal to the motor. A closed-loop system applies a PID speed control algorithm to an error representing a difference between actual motor speed and desired motor speed. The PID layer uses the error to calculate a new output via PID control terms to automatically correct signals to the motor to achieve desired motor speed. A hembar alignment function automates positional control of a plurality of motor drive systems to synchronize raising or lowering of window covering shades with the shades in positional alignment. A system controller includes a time-counter indexed to a position scale to synchronize hembar alignment positional commands.
A drive system for raising and lowering a window covering includes a motor, a driven wheel configured to engage a continuous cord loop, a controller for the motor, a sensor, and a housing. The continuous cord loop includes an endless loop of flexible material and one or more sensor targets disposed on the endless loop of flexible material. The housing supports a guide rail adjacent the driven wheel. The sensor is mounted to the guide rail and is configured to generate a signal indicating presence of each sensor target when the target is located in proximity to or in contact with the sensor. The controller is calibrated to store an initial position of each sensor target along the continuous cord loop, and is configured to receive the signal indicating presence of the sensor target and to identify a drift from the initial position during continuing operation of the drive system.
A drive system for raising and lowering a window covering includes a motor, a driven wheel configured to engage a continuous cord loop, a controller for the motor, a sensor, and a housing. The continuous cord loop includes an endless loop of flexible material and one or more sensor targets disposed on the endless loop of flexible material. The housing supports a guide rail adjacent the driven wheel. The sensor is mounted to the guide rail and is configured to generate a signal indicating presence of each sensor target when the target is located in proximity to or in contact with the sensor. The controller is calibrated to store an initial position of each sensor target along the continuous cord loop, and is configured to receive the signal indicating presence of the sensor target and to identify a drift from the initial position during continuing operation of the drive system.
A drive system for raising and lowering a window covering includes a motor, a driven wheel configured to engage a continuous cord loop, a controller for the motor, a sensor, and a housing. The continuous cord loop includes an endless loop of flexible material and one or more sensor targets disposed on the endless loop of flexible material. The housing supports a guide rail adjacent the driven wheel. The sensor is mounted to the guide rail and is configured to generate a signal indicating presence of each sensor target when the target is located in proximity to or in contact with the sensor. The controller is calibrated to store an initial position of each sensor target along the continuous cord loop, and is configured to receive the signal indicating presence of the sensor target and to identify a drift from the initial position during continuing operation of the drive system.
A motor driven system for raising and lowering a window covering executes motor ramp trajectory speed control. The motor ramp trajectory limits acceleration of an external motor from the idle (stationary) state to full operating speed, and limits deceleration of the motor from full operating speed back to the idle state. This function reduces stresses on a continuous cord loop drive mechanism. A control system manages solar heating effects in response to sunlight entrance conditions such as system sensor outputs, external weather forecasts, and other data sources. The system automatically opens or close the window covering to increase or decrease admitted sunlight under appropriate conditions. The input interface of the control system includes a visual display and input axis, which are aligned vertically if the window covering mechanism raises and lowers the window covering, and are aligned horizontally if the window covering mechanism laterally opens and closes the window covering.
A47H 5/032 - Devices with guiding means and draw cords
E06B 9/322 - Details of operating devices, e.g. pulleys, brakes, spring drums, drives
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
H02P 1/16 - Arrangements for starting electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting dynamo-electric motors or dynamo-electric converters
E06B 9/74 - Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive adapted for selective electrical or manual operation
E06B 9/70 - Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive comprising an electric motor positioned outside the roller
E06B 9/36 - Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with vertical lamellae
E06B 9/326 - Details of cords, e.g. buckles, drawing knobs
E06B 9/68 - Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive
F16H 19/06 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion comprising an endless flexible member
E06B 9/262 - Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with flexibly-interconnected horizontal or vertical stripsConcertina blinds
14.
External motor drive system for window covering system with continuous cord loop
A motor driven system for raising and lowering a window covering executes motor ramp trajectory speed control. The motor ramp trajectory limits acceleration of an external motor from the idle (stationary) state to full operating speed, and limits deceleration of the motor from full operating speed back to the idle state. This function reduces stresses on a continuous cord loop drive mechanism. A control system manages solar heating effects in response to sunlight entrance conditions such as system sensor outputs, external weather forecasts, and other data sources. The system automatically opens or close the window covering to increase or decrease admitted sunlight under appropriate conditions. The input interface of the control system includes a visual display and input axis, which are aligned vertically if the window covering mechanism raises and lowers the window covering, and are aligned horizontally if the window covering mechanism laterally opens and closes the window covering.
A47H 5/032 - Devices with guiding means and draw cords
E06B 9/322 - Details of operating devices, e.g. pulleys, brakes, spring drums, drives
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
H02P 1/16 - Arrangements for starting electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting dynamo-electric motors or dynamo-electric converters
E06B 9/74 - Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive adapted for selective electrical or manual operation
E06B 9/70 - Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive comprising an electric motor positioned outside the roller
E06B 9/36 - Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with vertical lamellae
E06B 9/326 - Details of cords, e.g. buckles, drawing knobs
E06B 9/68 - Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive
F16H 19/06 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion comprising an endless flexible member
E06B 9/262 - Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with flexibly-interconnected horizontal or vertical stripsConcertina blinds
15.
EXTERNAL MOTOR DRIVE SYSTEM FOR WINDOW COVERING SYSTEM WITH CONTINUOUS CORD LOOP
A motor driven system for raising and lowering a window covering executes motor ramp trajectory speed control. The motor ramp trajectory limits acceleration of an external motor from the idle (stationary) state to full operating speed, and limits deceleration of the motor from full operating speed back to the idle state. This function reduces stresses on a continuous cord loop drive mechanism. A control system manages solar heating effects in response to sunlight entrance conditions such as system sensor outputs, external weather forecasts, and other data sources. The system automatically opens or close the window covering to increase or decrease admitted sunlight under appropriate conditions. The input interface of the control system includes a visual display and input axis, which are aligned vertically if the window covering mechanism raises and lowers the window covering, and are aligned horizontally if the window covering mechanism laterally opens and closes the window covering.
A motor-operated drive system for a window covering system including a headrail, a mechanism associated with the headrail to spread and retract the window covering, and a continuous cord loop extending below the headrail for actuating the mechanism to spread and retract the window covering. The drive system includes a motor, a driven wheel that engages and advances the continuous cord loop, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the driven wheel to a rotating output shaft of the motor for rotation of the driven wheel. The drive system includes a channel system for redirecting the continuous cord loop engaged by the driven wheel, or other mechanism for configuring the drive system so that continuous cord loop extends in a substantially vertical orientation. The coupling mechanism includes an engaged configuration in which rotation of the output shaft of the motor causes rotation of the driven wheel, and a disengaged configuration.
A motor drive system for operating a mechanism for raising and lowering window coverings includes a motor operating under electrical power and an electrically powered drive system. The motor drive system advances a continuous cord loop in response to positional commands from a controller. An input-output device includes a capacitive touch strip that receives user inputs along an input axis, and an LEDs strip aligned with the input axis. A group mode module communicates the positional commands to other motor drive systems within an identified group to operate respective other mechanisms of the other motor drive systems. A set control module enables user calibration of a top position and a bottom position of travel of the window covering. The input-output device extends vertically on the exterior of a housing for the motor drive system, and the housing supports input buttons of the group mode module and the set control module.
A47H 5/032 - Devices with guiding means and draw cords
E06B 9/78 - Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closuresSpring drumsTape drumsCounterweighting arrangements therefor for direct manual operation, e.g. by tassels, by handles
E06B 9/326 - Details of cords, e.g. buckles, drawing knobs
E06B 9/24 - Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshineSimilar screens for privacy or appearance
E06B 9/322 - Details of operating devices, e.g. pulleys, brakes, spring drums, drives
E06B 9/70 - Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive comprising an electric motor positioned outside the roller
E06B 9/74 - Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive adapted for selective electrical or manual operation
H02P 1/16 - Arrangements for starting electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting dynamo-electric motors or dynamo-electric converters
E06B 9/68 - Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive
F16H 19/06 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion comprising an endless flexible member
19.
Adjustable mounting system for window blinds and shades
A mounting system for a roller blind includes a tension bar for mounting under pressure between first and second sides of a windows frame. The tension bar may provide both long and short adjustment of mounting system width. The tension bar extends through a hollow roller tube of the roller blind, and through a clutch mechanism of the roller blind, and is coupled to end mounting fixtures. The length of the tension bar may be adjusted as a long adjustment of mounting width. Various mechanisms may be associated with one or both of the end mounting fixtures for short adjustment of mounting width, such as a latch mechanism, wedge mechanism, spring-loaded mechanism, or turn-buckle system. End pads at the ends of the blind provide friction and absorb excess pressure. The mounting mechanism serves as a universal window blind bracket and support rod, which requires no screws or nails to install.
A motor drive system for operating a mechanism for raising and lowering window coverings includes a motor operating under electrical power and an electrically powered drive system. The motor drive system advances a continuous cord loop in response to positional commands from a controller. An input-output device includes a capacitive touch strip that receives user inputs along an input axis, and an LEDs strip aligned with the input axis. A group mode module communicates the positional commands to other motor drive systems within an identified group to operate respective other mechanisms of the other motor drive systems. A set control module enables user calibration of a top position and a bottom position of travel of the window covering. The input-output device extends vertically on the exterior of a housing for the motor drive system, and the housing supports input buttons of the group mode module and the set control module.
A motor-operated drive system for a window covering system including a headrail, a mechanism associated with the headrail to spread and retract the window covering, and a continuous cord loop extending below the headrail for actuating the mechanism to spread and retract the window covering. The drive system includes a motor, a driven wheel that engages and advances the continuous cord loop, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the driven wheel to a rotating output shaft of the motor for rotation of the driven wheel. The drive system includes a channel system for redirecting the continuous cord loop engaged by the driven wheel, or other mechanism for configuring the drive system so that continuous cord loop extends in a substantially vertical orientation. The coupling mechanism includes an engaged configuration in which rotation of the output shaft of the motor causes rotation of the driven wheel, and a disengaged configuration.
A motor-operated drive system for a window covering system including a headrail, a mechanism associated with the headrail to spread and retract the window covering, and a continuous cord loop extending below the headrail for actuating the mechanism to spread and retract the window covering. The drive system includes a motor, a driven wheel that engages and advances the continuous cord loop, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the driven wheel to a rotating output shaft of the motor for rotation of the driven wheel. The drive system includes a channel system for redirecting the continuous cord loop engaged by the driven wheel, or other mechanism for configuring the drive system so that continuous cord loop extends in a substantially vertical orientation. The coupling mechanism includes an engaged configuration in which rotation of the output shaft of the motor causes rotation of the driven wheel, and a disengaged configuration.
