Window covering motorized lift and control operating system

Abstract

A window covering includes a movable window covering material, cords for moving the window covering material, and a motorized lift assembly. The motorized lift assembly includes a motor assembly including a motor, a gear train driven by the motor for adjusting positions of the cords, and an operating and control device mounted to a portion of the window covering for operating the motor in response to user input.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a national stage entry of International Patent Application Number PCT / US2014 / 028234, filed Mar. 14, 2014, which claims the benefits of, and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 792,226, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to window coverings, and, more specifically, to motorized window coverings and the operating systems provided therefor.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Motorized operating systems have been provided for window coverings of various types. Often the systems have been expensive and somewhat difficult to install, prepare for use and operate. Known systems have been noisy and large in physical size. Many are relatively inflexible, being factory programmed for specific operations and performance, while enabling little, if any user input, adjustment or alter...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]The window covering motorized lift and control system disclosed herein provides a low-cost, yet efficient and reliable motorized operating system for window coverings of many different types, styles and sizes. Plastic gears are used for the cost and noise benefits gained there with. For increased strength, helical plastic gears and gear train components are used, and the structural arrangements and configurations of the components overcome thrust loading and other forces that have made the use of small plastic helical gears unsuccessful in the past. A high speed motor is used with multiple planetary gear stages for speed reduction. The drive assembly and drive shaft are arranged side-by-side for a compact assembly. A magnetic encoder also provides magnetic braking A variety of sensors can be incorporated into the bottom rail of the window covering and / or into a hand held user input device to improve performance and reliability.

Problems solved by technology

For increased strength, helical plastic gears and gear train components are used, and the structural arrangements and configurations of the components overcome thrust loading and other forces that have made the use of small plastic helical gears unsuccessful in the past.

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