Rotatable drive element for moving a window covering

A motorized drapery system, comprising:

• a drive element;
• the drive element extending a length between opposing ends;
• the drive element having a sidewall;
• the drive element having an exterior surface;
• the drive element having a hollow interior;
• wherein the hollow interior extends the length of the drive element between the opposing ends;
• a helical guide structure positioned in the exterior surface of the drive element;
• wherein the helical guide structure is formed of one or more grooves in the exterior surface of the drive element;
• a plurality of idler rings positioned around the drive element;
• at least one driver ring positioned around the drive element;
• wherein the plurality of idler rings and the first driver ring are positioned directly on the drive element;
• the at least one driver ring in engagement with the helical guide structure;
• a curtain operatively connected to the plurality of idler rings and the at least one driver ring;
• a motor;
• the motor operatively connected to the drive element such that operation of the motor causes the drive element to rotate;
• a receiver;
• a remote control device;
• the remote control device configured to transmit wireless control signals;
• the receiver configured to receive wireless control signals transmitted from the remote control device;
• the receiver operatively connected to the motor;
• wherein when remote control signals are transmitted by the remote control, the remote control signals are received by the receiver and the receiver controls operation of the motor;
• wherein when the motor operates the drive element is rotated and curtain is opened or closed;
• wherein the motor is positioned within the hollow interior of the drive element;
• wherein the drive element is a hollow tube and wherein the one or more grooves of the helical guide structure are positioned in the exterior surface of the sidewall of the hollow tube while the motor is positioned within the hollow interior of the hollow tube.

A motorized drapery system, comprising:

• a drive element;
• the drive element extending a length between opposing ends;
• the drive element having a side wall;
• the drive element having an exterior surface;
• the drive element having an axis of rotation;
• the drive element having a hollow interior;
• wherein the hollow interior extends the length of the drive element between the opposing ends;
• a helical guide structure positioned in the exterior surface of the drive element;
• wherein the helical guide structure is formed of one or more grooves in the exterior surface of the drive element;
• a motor;
• the motor operatively connected to the drive element such that operation of the motor causes the drive element to rotate;
• at least one battery;
• the at least one battery electrically connected to the motor and configured to provide power to the motor;
• a group of idler rings positioned around the drive element;
• a driver ring positioned around the drive element;
• wherein the group of idler rings and the first driver ring are positioned directly on the drive element;
• the driver ring having a structure that is in communication with the helical guide structure of the drive element;
• a curtain operatively connected to the driver ring and the group of idler rings;
• wherein when the drive element is rotated, the curtain is moved along a length of the drive element thereby opening or closing the curtain;
• wherein the motor is positioned within the hollow interior of the drive element;
• wherein the drive element is a hollow tube and wherein the one or more grooves of the helical guide structure are positioned in the exterior surface of the sidewall of the hollow tube while the motor is positioned within the hollow interior of the hollow tube.

A motorized drapery system, comprising:

• a drive element;
• the drive element extending a length between opposing ends;
• the drive element having a side wall;
• the drive element having an exterior surface;
• the drive element having a hollow interior;
• wherein the hollow interior extends the length of the drive element between the opposing ends;
• the drive element having an axis of rotation;
• a helical guide structure positioned in the exterior surface of the drive element;
• wherein the helical guide structure is formed of one or more grooves in the exterior surface of the drive element;
• a motor;
• the motor having a motor output shaft and an axis of rotation;
• the motor operatively connected to the drive element such that operation of the motor causes the drive element to rotate;
• a first group of idler rings positioned around the drive element;
• a first driver ring positioned around the drive element;
• wherein the first group of idler rings and the first driver ring are positioned directly on the drive element;
• the first driver ring having a structure that is in communication with the helical guide structure of the drive element;
• a first curtain operatively connected to the first driver ring and the first group of idler rings;
• wherein when the drive element is rotated, the first curtain is moved along a length of the drive element thereby opening or closing the first curtain;
• wherein the axis of rotation of the motor is aligned with the axis of rotation of the drive element;
• wherein the motor is positioned within the hollow interior of the drive element;
• wherein the drive element is a hollow tube and wherein the one or more grooves of the helical guide structure are positioned in the exterior surface of the sidewall of the hollow tube while the motor is positioned within the hollow interior of the hollow tube;
• wherein the first group of idler rings and the first driver ring are in direct engagement with the exterior surface of the drive element.