Door glass assembly with powered blind

Abstract

A self-contained, electrically powered door glass unit including a glass assembly, a window covering within the glass assembly, an electric motor driving the window covering, a battery pack powering the motor, and a frame adapted to support the unit within a door. The frame includes first and second frame halves, and the battery pack is supported by only one of the frame halves.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to door glass and window assemblies, and more particularly to door glass and window assemblies that include integral blinds. [0002] The incorporation of blinds into door glass and other window assemblies and has gained widespread acceptance. Typically, such assemblies include an insulated glass (IG) defining an enclosed space between two panels. The blind is positioned between the two panels, and actuators are provided outside of the glass to operate the blind (e.g. tilt and / or to raise / lower). [0003] As an option, the blind can be “powered,” including an electric motor. A powered blind can be tilted and / or raised / lowered in response to the actuation of one or more electric switches, or a remote control. However, the incorporation of a powered blind into insulated glass presents a challenge. Specifically, electrical power must be provided to the electric motor. This is particularly challenging in the environment of doo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] The aforementioned problems are overcome in the present invention in which a door glass or other window assembly includes an improved powered blind having a clutch between the electric motor and the blind. The clutch permits the motor to continue rotating even after a physical limit or stop on the blind is reached. This construction prevents motor burn out and therefore enhances the life of the powered blind. The door glass assembly includes a pair of frame halves and a power pack secured between the frame halves. The power pack is secured to only one of the two frame halves. Consequently, the frame halves may be separated without fear of the power pack coming loose and / or falling out of the assembly. In a preferred aspect, the one frame half includes a battery compartment door to permit access to replaceable batteries in the battery pack. The invention has applicability beyond the disclosed powered blinds and can be used in conjunction with any electrically powered device or option in a door glass or other window assembly.

Problems solved by technology

However, the incorporation of a powered blind into insulated glass presents a challenge.

This is particularly challenging in the environment of door glass and other window assemblies where electrical power typically is not readily available.

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