US 2011/0209836 A1 · Window covering with improved controls

Abstract

A window covering with improved controls enhances several aspects of window covering operation. A control mechanism provides a clutch module for selective locking and unlocking of a drive shaft used to retract and extend the shade element between storage and extended positions. The clutch module includes a reciprocator element that engages a key extending from an outer surrounding housing. A locking member between the reciprocator element and a coupling element carried by the drive shaft selectively locks and unlocks rotational coupling between the reciprocator element and the coupling element, thus selectively locking and unlocking the drive shaft. In a cushioning mechanism, a unidirectional dampening or frictional deceleration is provided for the drive shaft. The cushioning mechanism includes an impeller or rotor immersed in a cushion medium that impedes rotation of the rotor, and hence the drive shaft to which the rotor is coupled. A combination of the clutch module and cushioning mechanism is also disclosed as are window coverings containing one or more of the control mechanisms.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A control mechanism adapted for mounting with a drive axle of a window covering, the control mechanism comprising:

a housing including a sidewall and a key member, the side wall including a first gripping structure;
a clutch module assembled within the housing and engaged with the key member, wherein the clutch module comprises a second gripping structure rotationally dependent of the drive axle, the clutch module further being movable along the drive axle between a first position and a second position driven by the rotation of the drive axle, wherein the first and second gripping structures are spaced apart from each other and rotation of the drive axle is permitted when the clutch module is in the first position, and the first and second gripping structures are engaged with each other and rotation of the drive axle is blocked when the clutch module is in the second position;
and
a reciprocator disposed about the clutch module, the reciprocator defining a guide track engaged with the key member, wherein rotation of the reciprocator causes relative movement of the key member in the guide track so as to cause axial movement of the clutch module with respect to the drive axle between the first and second positions.

1 more element

A window covering comprising:

a head rail having a drive axle disposed along a longitudinal rotation axis;
a bottom member suspended from the head rail via a cord element;
a shade element suspended between the head rail and the bottom member;
a cord winding module operable to wind and unwind the cord element for respectively raising and lowering the bottom member;
a spring drive unit adapted to rotate the drive axle in a first direction for raising the bottom member;
and
a clutch module mounted in a housing fixedly secured in the head rail, wherein the housing includes a first gripping structure, and the clutch module comprises a coupling element locked with the drive axle in rotation and movable along the drive axle, the coupling element including a second gripping structure;
wherein the clutch module is movable toward the first gripping structure on the housing when the drive axle rotates in the first direction, until the second gripping structure engages with the first gripping structure for blocking rotation of the drive axle in the first direction, and
the clutch module is movable to disengage the second gripping structure from the first gripping structure when the drive axle rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Window covering with improved controls

Life of this patent

Window covering with improved controls

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20