Slat angle adjustment mechanism for a blind

Abstract

An apparatus for adjusting the tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a louver is disclosed. The louver includes a top rail having a shaft disposed therein that rotates in response to rotation of an externally accessible angle adjustment lever. The apparatus includes a pulley coupled with the shaft and the slats. The pulley causes adjustment of the tilt angle of the slats in response to rotation of the shaft, provides a first torque at a first position corresponding to an open position of the slats, and provides a second torque at a second position corresponding to an approximately closed position of the slats, wherein the second torque is greater than the first torque.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on December 27, 2018, with application number 201811609442.0, entitled "Slat Angle Adjustment Mechanism for Venetian Blinds". Background Technology

[0002] Traditional horizontal louvers typically utilize a rod connected to a worm gear for slat angle adjustment. The worm gear is essential because the final amount of rotation required to fully close the slats demands considerable torque, and the weight of the slats causes a "back drive," which causes them to rotate downwards, preventing them from fully closing. The worm gear provides the necessary torque to fully close the slats and also has relatively high friction, which counteracts the back drive. However, due to their relatively large gear ratio, worm gears require many turns to close the slats, making them slow and inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed embodiments below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a device for adjusting the tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a venetian blind, the venetian blind including a top guide rail for a shaft, the shaft causing adjustment of the tilt angle of the slats when rotated. The device includes a rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted to be connected to the rod. The device also includes a first bevel gear connected to the rod and a second bevel gear mechanically communicated with the first bevel gear and connected to the shaft. Rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft to adjust the tilt angle of the slats.

[0005] A device for adjusting the tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a venetian blind. The venetian blind includes a top guide rail in which a shaft is disposed, the shaft rotating in response to rotation of an externally accessible angle adjustment lever. The device includes pulleys coupled to the shaft and the slats. The pulleys, in response to rotation of the shaft causing adjustment of the tilt angle of the slats, provide a first torque at a first position corresponding to an open position of the slats and a second torque at a second position corresponding to a near-closed position of the slats, wherein the second torque is greater than the first torque.

[0006] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a device for adjusting the tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a veil, the veil including a top guide rail in which a shaft is disposed. The device includes a gear assembly adapted for coupling with a rod and a shaft. The gear assembly includes one or more bevel gears, wherein rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft. The gear assembly also includes pulleys coupled to the shaft and the slats, wherein the pulleys, in response to rotation of the shaft, cause adjustment of the tilt angle of the slats, providing a first torque at a first position corresponding to an open position of the slats and a second torque at a second position corresponding to a near-closed position of the slats, wherein the second torque is greater than the first torque.

[0007] A device for adjusting the tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a venetian blind, the venetian blind including a top guide rail in which a shaft is disposed. The device includes a gear assembly comprising a rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is adapted to be engaged with the rod. The gear assembly also includes a first bevel gear engaged with the rod and a second bevel gear mechanically communicated with the first bevel gear and engaged with the shaft. Rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft. The device also includes a pulley engaged with the shaft. The pulley includes a first arcuate portion adapted to be engaged with a first rope, the first rope being engaged with a first edge of a slat; and a second arcuate portion axially aligned with and offset from the first arcuate portion. The second arcuate portion is adapted to be engaged with a second rope, the second rope being engaged with a second edge of the slat opposite to the first edge. In response to the rotation of the shaft causing adjustment of the tilt angle of the slats, the pulley provides a first torque at a first position corresponding to an open position of the slats and a second torque at a second position corresponding to an approximately closed position of the slats, wherein the second torque is greater than the first torque. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of these embodiments:

[0009] Figure 1 Venetian blinds according to various embodiments of the present invention are shown;

[0010] Figure 2 Gear assemblies according to various embodiments of the present invention are shown;

[0011] Figure 3 According to various embodiments of the present invention Figure 2 Exploded view of the gear assembly;

[0012] Figure 4 Pulley assemblies according to various embodiments of the present invention are shown;

[0013] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of a pulley assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of the pulley according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 7A The baseline zero-degree position of pulley 210 according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0016] Figure 7B Various embodiments according to the present invention are shown. Figure 7A The pulley rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise; and

[0017] Figure 7C Various embodiments according to the present invention are shown. Figure 7A The pulley rotates 180 degrees counterclockwise. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover substitutions, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth in the detailed description of the invention to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention.

[0019] Various embodiments overcome the drawbacks of conventional worm gear-based slat adjustment mechanisms in louvers by providing an improved, variable-speed, and variable-torque slat adjustment mechanism. This improved, variable-speed, and variable-torque slat adjustment mechanism provides higher slat rotation speeds when lower torque is required and higher torque when greater torque is required (e.g., when the slats are fully closed). Various embodiments include one or more bevel gears having a lower gear ratio than conventional worm gears and thus providing faster rotation. Various embodiments also include pulleys with varying radial profiles that at least partially increase the slat adjustment torque (and thus decrease the slat adjustment speed) as the slats adjust from an open position to a closed position.

[0020] Figure 1A venetian blind 10 according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown. The venetian blind 10 includes a top rail 20 and a plurality of slats 50 suspended below it. The venetian blind 10 also includes a rod 40 that cooperates with a slat angle adjustment mechanism to adjust the angle of the slats 50. The slat angle adjustment mechanism may, for example, include a gear assembly 100, one or more pulley assemblies 200, and a shaft 30 connecting the gear assembly 100 to the pulley assemblies 200. The gear assembly 100 may include attachment points 122, such as eyelets, for attachment to the rod 40. The gear assembly 100 may further convert rotational movement of the rod 40 into rotational movement of the shaft 30, which in turn may cause rotational movement within the pulley assembly 200.

[0021] Figure 2 Gear assembly 100 according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown. Gear assembly 100 includes a housing 110 that can be secured together by one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts 140), or alternatively, the housing 110 can be snapped together. Gear assembly 100 includes a rod 120 that can partially extend out of housing 110. Rod 120 includes attachment points 122 for a lever 40. In the illustrated embodiment, attachment point 122 is an eyelet; however, it should be understood that hooks, loops, or any other suitable attachment means can be used alternatively. Gear assembly 100 may also include an aperture 136 that is sized and shaped to receive a shaft 30.

[0022] Figure 3 According to various embodiments of the present invention Figure 2 An exploded view of the gear assembly 100 is shown. As illustrated, the gear assembly housing 110 may be a two-piece construction, comprising a first housing member 111 and a second housing member 112, which can be connected using bolts 140. The gear assembly 100 also includes a rod 120 with two ends. One end of the rod 120 includes an attachment point 122 for the lever 40. Similarly, although the illustrated embodiment depicts an eyelet, any other suitable attachment device may alternatively be used for the attachment point 122.

[0023] The gear assembly 100 may also include one or more bevel gears. In the illustrated embodiment, the gear assembly includes a first bevel gear 130 and a second bevel gear 135 mechanically connected to each other. The first bevel gear 130 includes a first orifice (not shown) axially passing through it, which is sized and shaped to receive a rod 120. When the rod 120 is secured in the first orifice of the first bevel gear 130, the first bevel gear 130 will rotate with the rod 120. Similarly, the second bevel gear 135 includes a second orifice 136 axially passing through it, which is sized and shaped to receive a shaft 30. When the shaft 30 is secured in the second orifice 136 of the second bevel gear 135, the shaft 30 will rotate with the second bevel gear 135. Therefore, due to the mechanical connection between the first bevel gear 130 and the second bevel gear 135, rotation of the rod 40 will cause a corresponding rotation of the shaft 30. Because the gear assembly 100 uses bevel gears, the gear ratio of the gear assembly 100 is relatively low, which in turn results in faster and more sensitive adjustment of the slat 50. For example, the gear ratio of a conventional venetian blind worm gear is typically between 5:1 and 10:1, while in some embodiments the gear ratio can be about 1:1 or less. Therefore, the slat angle adjustment mechanism according to various embodiments can adjust the slat angle 5-10 times faster than a conventional worm gear.

[0024] Figure 4 A pulley assembly 200 according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown. The blinds according to various embodiments may have one or more such pulley assemblies 200 spaced apart along the length of the top guide rail 20. As shown, the pulley assembly includes a pulley 210 and a bracket 220 for supporting the pulley 210. The pulley 210 includes a hole 214, which is sized and shaped to receive a shaft 30. Thus, the pulley 210 can rotate together with the shaft 30.

[0025] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of a pulley assembly 200 according to various embodiments of the present invention. The pulley 210 includes an axle 213 and a plurality of arcuate portions 216, 218. The arcuate portions 216, 218 guide corresponding ropes 60, 65 and are attached at corresponding attachment points 217. Figure 6 As shown in the diagram), the arcuate portions 216 and 218 are attached to ropes 60 and 65 at locations 219 and 219. In various embodiments, the arcuate portions 216 and 218 each have a variable radial profile (see below). Figure 6 (Discussed in more detail in 7), which in turn provides variable torque depending on the rotational position of pulley 210. In some embodiments, pulley 210 provides lower torque (and higher speed) at rotational positions generally corresponding to the open position of slat 50, and increased torque (and decreased speed) at rotational positions corresponding to the closed position or near the closed position of slat 50.

[0026] The pulley assembly 200 also includes a resisting mechanism that resists reverse drive on the pulley when the slat 50 is in the closed position. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 220 includes a pawl 222, and the pulley includes a corresponding protrusion 212 (e.g., on the axle 213). Thus, when the protrusions 212 are seated in the pawl 222, they cooperate to resist and / or counteract reverse drive caused by the weight of the slat 50 when the slat 50 is in the closed position. When the protrusions 212 are seated in the pawl 222, the relative positions of the protrusions 212 on the axle 213 approximately correspond to the closed position of the slat 50.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a further enlarged view of the pulley 210 according to various embodiments of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the arcuate portions 216, 218 have variable radial profiles (e.g., relative to the axis passing through the axle 213), wherein each arcuate portion 216, 218 has a generally semi-circular shape. Thus, the radial profile of each of the arcuate portions transitions from a larger radius to a smaller radius at the nodes (e.g., corners) of the respective arc. Although this is an abrupt transition in the example with the semi-circular arcuate portions, other shapes can provide a more gradual transition. For example, the arcuate portions 216, 218 may alternatively have a cam shape, a helical shape, etc. Additionally, in some embodiments, the arcuate portions 216, 218 may be axially and radially offset to provide independent, complementary radial profiles and torque curves for the ropes 60, 65. For example, the arcuate portions may be radially offset from each other by 180 degrees.

[0028] Figure 6 An exemplary first attachment point 217 for the first rope 60 is also shown, which is a notch in the illustrated embodiment into which the first rope 60 can be laterally inserted. The portion of the first rope 60 to be placed behind the first attachment point 217 will be knotted or otherwise have a collar that prevents the first rope 60 from being pulled longitudinally through the first attachment point 217, after which the first rope 60 will be covered over the first arcuate portion 216. Although not shown in... Figure 6 It is shown in (but in Figure 5 (Partially shown in the middle), but the second arcuate portion 218 includes a similar second attachment point 219. In the example shown, the second attachment point 219 of the second arcuate portion 218 is also located on the rear side of the second arcuate portion 218, and... Figure 6 In terms of orientation, it is exactly below the upper corner of the second arc section 218.

[0029] Figure 7A -C shows a series of images of the pulley 210 and the connected slats 50 at various stages of rotation according to various embodiments of the present invention. (It should be understood that, for illustrative purposes, Figure 7A-C is not drawn to scale and only depicts a single slat (50). Specifically, Figure 7A The baseline zero-degree position of pulley 210 is shown, which corresponds to the open (e.g., approximately horizontal) position of slat 50. Figure 7B This shows a 90-degree counterclockwise rotation of pulley 210, which corresponds to approximately a 45-degree counterclockwise rotation of slat 50. Figure 7C The pulley 210 is shown rotating 180 degrees counterclockwise, which corresponds to the closed (e.g., approximately vertical) position of the slat 50.

[0030] like Figures 7A-7C As shown, the first arc-shaped portion 216 is connected to the first rope 60, which in turn is connected to the front edge of the slat 50. The second arc-shaped portion 218 is connected to the second rope 65, which in turn is connected to the rear edge of the slat 50. Therefore, the counter-clockwise rotation of the pulley 210 causes the first arc-shaped portion to pull into the first rope 60 and the second arc-shaped portion to release the second rope 65, thereby causing the slat 50 to rotate counter-clockwise. Conversely, the clockwise rotation of the pulley 210 causes the first arc-shaped portion 216 to release the first rope 60 and the second arc-shaped portion 218 to pull into the second rope 65, thereby causing the slat 50 to rotate clockwise.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, when pulley 210 moves from... Figure 7A Rotate the position to Figure 7B When positioned, the curved surfaces of the arc-shaped portions 216 and 218 typically hold the ropes 60 and 65 at a constant distance from the axis of the pulley 210, thereby maintaining a relatively constant speed and torque. However, from Figure 7B Starting from the position, and continuing to Figure 7C As the rope 60 moves closer to the pulley 210, the distance between their axes gradually decreases, resulting in a gradual increase in torque and a decrease in speed. Therefore, during the closing of the slat, the angle adjustment mechanism of the illustrated embodiment provides relatively high speed and low torque when the slat 50 is between its open position and approximately 45 degrees of rotation, and relatively low speed and higher torque when the slat 50 is between approximately 45 degrees and its closed position. More specifically, the torque of the slat angle adjustment mechanism increases such that maximum torque is provided as the slat 50 approaches the closed position.

[0032] Therefore, various embodiments provide slat angle adjustment mechanisms for venetian blinds, which are typically high-speed but also reduce speed and provide increased torque when the blinds need to be fully closed. The mechanism also resists reverse drive to keep the blinds closed. This embodiment offers significant improvements in speed and ease of use compared to conventional worm gear-based mechanisms, which can be up to 5-10 times slower and therefore require significantly more rotation of the adjusting rod to open or close the blinds.

[0033] Therefore, in a first aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting the tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a veil, the veil including a top guide rail in which a shaft is provided, the shaft causing the tilt angle of the slats to be adjusted when rotated, the apparatus comprising: a rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted to be connected to the rod; a first bevel gear connected to the rod; and a second bevel gear mechanically connected to the first bevel gear and connected to the shaft, wherein rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft to adjust the tilt angle of the slats.

[0034] In a second aspect of the invention, the device according to the first aspect of the invention is characterized in that rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the bar.

[0035] In a third aspect of the invention, the device according to the first or second aspect of the invention is characterized in that: rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the first bevel gear.

[0036] In a fourth aspect of the invention, the device according to any one of the first to third aspects of the invention is characterized in that: rotation of the first bevel gear causes a corresponding rotation of the second bevel gear.

[0037] In a fifth aspect of the invention, the device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention is characterized in that: the rotation of the second bevel gear causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft.

[0038] In a sixth aspect of the invention, the device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the invention is characterized in that the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear are arranged at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to each other.

[0039] In a seventh aspect of the invention, the device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the invention is characterized in that: the first end of the rod includes an eyelet for attachment to the rod.

[0040] In an eighth aspect of the invention, the device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the invention is characterized in that: a first bevel gear includes a first orifice axially passing through it, the first orifice being sized and shaped to receive a second end of a rod, wherein the first bevel gear rotates together with the rod; and a second bevel gear includes a second orifice axially passing through it, the second orifice being sized and shaped to receive a shaft, wherein the shaft rotates together with the second bevel gear.

[0041] In a ninth aspect of the invention, the device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects of the invention is characterized in that: the first bevel gear includes a first tooth, the second bevel gear includes a second tooth, and the first tooth and the second tooth are in mechanical communication.

[0042] In a tenth aspect of the invention, the device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects of the invention is characterized in that the transmission ratio of the second gear to the first gear is equal to or less than 1:1.

[0043] In an eleventh aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to a device for adjusting the tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a veil, the veil including a top guide rail in which a shaft is disposed, the shaft rotating in response to rotation of an externally accessible angle adjustment lever, the device including: a pulley connected to the shaft and the slats, wherein the pulley causes adjustment of the tilt angle of the slats in response to rotation of the shaft, wherein the pulley provides a first torque at a first position corresponding to an open position of the slats, wherein the pulley provides a second torque at a second position corresponding to an approximately closed position of the slats, and wherein the second torque is greater than the first torque.

[0044] In a twelfth aspect of the invention, the device according to an eleventh aspect of the invention is characterized in that: the pulley includes a first arcuate portion and a second arcuate portion, the second arcuate portion being axially aligned with the first arcuate portion and offset from the first arcuate portion.

[0045] In a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the device according to the twelfth aspect of the invention is characterized in that: a first arcuate portion is adapted to be connected to a first rope, the first rope being connected to a first edge of a slat; a second arcuate portion is adapted to be connected to a second rope, the second rope being connected to a second edge of a slat; and the second edge is opposite to the first edge.

[0046] In a fourteenth aspect of the invention, the device according to a thirteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that: rotation of the pulley in a first direction causes a first arcuate portion to pull into the first rope and a second arcuate portion to release the second rope, and wherein rotation of the pulley in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes the first arcuate portion to release the first rope and the second arcuate portion to pull into the second rope.

[0047] In a fifteenth aspect of the invention, the device according to a thirteenth or fourteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that: when the pulley is in a first position, the first rope is at a first distance from the axis of the pulley, and when the pulley is in a second position, the first rope is at a second distance from the axis of the pulley, the second distance being shorter than the first distance.

[0048] In a sixteenth aspect of the invention, the device according to any of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects of the invention is characterized in that: the first arcuate portion includes a first end; a second end; and an attachment point near the first end for a first rope, and a second position corresponding to the second end of the first arcuate portion is oriented away from the slats.

[0049] In the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the device according to any one of the eleventh to sixteenth aspects of the invention is characterized in that: the pulley includes a third orifice axially passing through it, the third orifice being sized and shaped as a receiving shaft, wherein the pulley rotates together with the shaft.

[0050] In the eighteenth aspect of the invention, the device according to any one of the eleventh to seventeenth aspects of the invention further includes a bracket that supports a pulley within a top guide rail and allows the pulley to rotate.

[0051] In a nineteenth aspect of the invention, the device according to the eighteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that one of the bracket and the pulley includes a pawl, and the other of the bracket and the pulley includes a protrusion that matches the pawl to resist rotation of the pulley when the pulley is in a second position.

[0052] In a twentieth aspect of the invention, the device according to the nineteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that: the support includes a pawl, and the pulley includes a protrusion.

[0053] In a twenty-first aspect of the invention, the device according to any one of the eleventh to twentieth aspects of the invention is characterized in that: between a first position and a third position rotatably between the first and second positions, the pulley provides a first torque.

[0054] In a twenty-second aspect of the invention, the device according to any one of the eleventh to twenty-first aspects of the invention is characterized in that: between a second position and a third position rotatable between a first position and a second position, a pulley provides a torque that gradually increases from a first torque at the third position to a second torque at the second position.

[0055] In the twenty-third aspect of the invention, the device according to the twenty-second aspect of the invention is characterized in that the torque increases non-linearly from a first torque to a second torque.

[0056] In a twenty-fourth aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to a device for adjusting the tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a veil, the veil including a top guide rail in which a shaft is disposed, the device comprising: a gear assembly adapted to be coupled to a rod and a shaft, the gear assembly including one or more bevel gears, wherein rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft; and a pulley coupled to the shaft and the slats, wherein the pulley causes adjustment of the tilt angle of the slats in response to rotation of the shaft, wherein the pulley provides a first torque at a first position corresponding to an open position of the slats, wherein the pulley provides a second torque at a second position corresponding to an approximately closed position of the slats, and wherein the second torque is greater than the first torque.

[0057] In a twenty-fifth aspect of the invention, the device according to a twenty-fourth aspect of the invention is characterized in that: the gear assembly includes a rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted to be connected to the rod; a first bevel gear connected to the rod; and a second bevel gear mechanically connected to the first bevel gear and connected to a shaft.

[0058] In a twenty-sixth aspect of the invention, the device according to a twenty-fifth aspect of the invention is characterized in that: the first end of the rod includes an eyelet for attachment to the rod.

[0059] In a twenty-seventh aspect of the invention, the device according to a twenty-fifth or twenty-sixth aspect of the invention is characterized in that: a first bevel gear includes a first orifice axially passing through it, the first orifice being sized and shaped to receive a second end of a rod, wherein the first bevel gear rotates together with the rod; and a second bevel gear includes a second orifice axially passing through it, the second orifice being sized and shaped to receive a shaft, wherein the shaft rotates together with the second bevel gear.

[0060] In a twenty-eighth aspect of the invention, the device according to any of the twenty-fifth to twenty-seventh aspects of the invention is characterized in that: the first bevel gear includes a first tooth; the second bevel gear includes a second tooth; and the first tooth and the second tooth are in mechanical communication.

[0061] In the twenty-ninth aspect of the invention, the device according to any of the twenty-fourth to twenty-eighth aspects of the invention is characterized in that: rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the bar.

[0062] In a thirtieth aspect of the invention, the device according to any of the twenty-fourth to twenty-ninth aspects of the invention is characterized in that: the rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the first bevel gear.

[0063] In the thirty-first aspect of the invention, the device according to any of the twenty-fourth to thirtieth aspects of the invention is characterized in that: the rotation of the first bevel gear causes a corresponding rotation of the second bevel gear.

[0064] In the thirty-second aspect of the invention, the device according to any one of the twenty-fourth to thirty-first aspects of the invention is characterized in that the rotation of the second bevel gear causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft.

[0065] In the thirty-third aspect of the invention, the device according to any of the twenty-fourth to thirty-second aspects of the invention is characterized in that the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear are arranged at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to each other.

[0066] In the thirty-fourth aspect of the invention, the device according to any of the twenty-fourth to thirty-third aspects of the invention is characterized in that: the pulley includes a first arcuate portion and a second arcuate portion, the second arcuate portion being axially aligned with and offset from the first arcuate portion.

[0067] In the thirty-fifth aspect of the invention, the device according to the thirty-fourth aspect of the invention is characterized in that: a first arcuate portion is adapted to be connected to a first rope, the first rope being connected to a first edge of a slat; a second arcuate portion is adapted to be connected to a second rope, the second rope being connected to a second edge of a slat; and the second edge is opposite to the first edge.

[0068] In the thirty-sixth aspect of the invention, the device according to the thirty-fifth aspect of the invention is characterized in that: rotation of the pulley in a first direction causes a first arcuate portion to pull into a first rope and a second arcuate portion to release a second rope, and wherein rotation of the pulley in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes the first arcuate portion to release the first rope and the second arcuate portion to pull into the second rope.

[0069] In the thirty-seventh aspect of the invention, the device according to the thirty-fifth or thirty-sixth aspect of the invention is characterized in that: when the pulley is in a first position, the first rope is at a first distance from the axis of the pulley, and when the pulley is in a second position, the first rope is at a second distance from the axis of the pulley, the second distance being shorter than the first distance.

[0070] In the thirty-eighth aspect of the invention, the device according to any of the twenty-fourth to thirty-seventh aspects of the invention is characterized in that: the pulley includes a third orifice axially passing through it, the third orifice being sized and shaped as a receiving shaft, wherein the pulley rotates together with the shaft.

[0071] In the thirty-ninth aspect of the invention, the device according to any of the twenty-fourth to thirty-eighth aspects of the invention further includes a bracket that supports a pulley within a top guide rail and allows the pulley to rotate.

[0072] In the fortieth aspect of the invention, the device according to the thirty-ninth aspect of the invention is characterized in that one of the bracket and the pulley includes a pawl, and the other of the bracket and the pulley includes a protrusion that matches the pawl to resist rotation of the pulley when the pulley is in the second position.

[0073] In the forty-first aspect of the invention, the device according to the forty-tenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that: the support includes a pawl, and the pulley includes a protrusion.

[0074] In a forty-second aspect of the invention, the device according to any of the twenty-fourth to forty-first aspects of the invention is characterized in that: between a first position and a third position rotatable between the first and second positions, the pulley provides a first torque.

[0075] In the forty-third aspect of the invention, the device according to any of the twenty-fourth to forty-second aspects of the invention is characterized in that: between a second position and a third position rotatably between the first and second positions, a pulley provides a torque that gradually increases from a first torque at the third position to a second torque at the second position.

[0076] In the forty-fourth aspect of the invention, the device according to the forty-third aspect of the invention is characterized in that the torque increases non-linearly from a first torque to a second torque.

[0077] In a forty-fifth aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to a device for adjusting the tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a venetian blind, the venetian blind including a top guide rail in which an axle is disposed, the device including a gear assembly comprising a rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted to be engaged with the rod; a first bevel gear engaged with the rod; and a second bevel gear mechanically communicated with the first bevel gear and engaged with the axle, wherein rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the axle; and a pulley engaged with the axle, the pulley including: a first arcuate portion adapted to be engaged with a first rope, the first rope being engaged with a first edge of the slats; and a second arcuate portion axially aligned with and offset from the first arcuate portion, the second arcuate portion being adapted to be engaged with a second rope, the second rope being engaged with a second edge of the slats opposite to the first edge, wherein the pulley, in response to rotation of the axle, causes adjustment of the tilt angle of the slats, wherein the pulley provides a first torque at a first position corresponding to an open position of the slats, wherein the pulley provides a second torque at a second position corresponding to an approximately closed position of the slats, and wherein the second torque is greater than the first torque.

[0078] In a forty-sixth aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting the tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a venetian blind, the venetian blind including a top guide rail in which a shaft is disposed, the shaft causing the tilt angle of the slats to be adjusted when the shaft is rotated, the apparatus comprising: a rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted to be connected to the rod; a first bevel gear connected to the rod; and a second bevel gear mechanically connected to the first bevel gear and connected to the shaft, wherein rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft to adjust the tilt angle of the slats.

[0079] In the forty-seventh aspect of the invention, the device according to the forty-sixth aspect of the invention is characterized in that: rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the bar.

[0080] In the forty-eighth aspect of the invention, the device according to the forty-sixth or forty-seventh aspect of the invention is characterized in that: the rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the first bevel gear.

[0081] In the forty-ninth aspect of the invention, the device according to any of the forty-sixth to forty-eighth aspects of the invention is characterized in that: rotation of the first bevel gear causes a corresponding rotation of the second bevel gear.

[0082] In a fiftieth aspect of the invention, the device according to any of the forty-sixth to forty-nine aspects of the invention is characterized in that: rotation of the second bevel gear causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft.

[0083] In the fifty-first aspect of the invention, the device according to any of the forty-sixth to fiftieth aspects of the invention is characterized in that the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear are arranged at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to each other.

[0084] In the fifty-second aspect of the invention, the device according to any one of the forty-sixth to fifty-first aspects of the invention is characterized in that: the first end of the rod includes an eyelet for attachment to the rod.

[0085] In a fifty-third aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to a device for adjusting the tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a venetian blind, the venetian blind including a top guide rail in which an axle is disposed, the axle rotating in response to rotation of an externally accessible angle adjustment lever, the device including: a pulley connected to the axle and the slats, wherein the pulley causes adjustment of the tilt angle of the slats in response to rotation of the axle, wherein the pulley provides a first torque at a first position corresponding to an open position of the slats, wherein the pulley provides a second torque at a second position corresponding to an approximately closed position of the slats, and wherein the second torque is greater than the first torque.

[0086] In a fifty-fourth aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to a device for adjusting the tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a veil, the veil including a top guide rail in which a shaft is disposed, the device comprising: a gear assembly adapted to be coupled to a rod and the shaft, the gear assembly including one or more bevel gears, wherein rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft; and a pulley coupled to the shaft and the slats, wherein the pulley, in response to rotation of the shaft, causes adjustment of the tilt angle of the slats, wherein the pulley provides a first torque at a first position corresponding to an open position of the slats, wherein the pulley provides a second torque at a second position corresponding to an approximately closed position of the slats, and wherein the second torque is greater than the first torque.

[0087] In a fifty-fifth aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to a device for adjusting the tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a veil, the veil including a top guide rail in which an axle is disposed, the device comprising: a gear assembly including: a rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted to be connected to the rod; a first bevel gear connected to the rod; and a second bevel gear mechanically communicating with the first bevel gear and connected to the axle, wherein rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the axle; and a pulley connected to the axle, the pulley including: a first arcuate portion adapted to be connected to a first rope, the first rope being connected to the slats The slat has a first edge connection; and a second arcuate portion axially aligned with and offset from the first arcuate portion, the second arcuate portion being adapted to be connected to a second rope, the second rope being connected to a second edge of the slat opposite to the first edge, wherein the pulley responds to rotation of the shaft to cause adjustment of the tilt angle of the slat, wherein the pulley provides a first torque at a first position corresponding to an open position of the slat, wherein the pulley provides a second torque at a second position corresponding to an approximately closed position of the slat, and wherein the second torque is greater than the first torque.

[0088] The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is consistent with the widest scope of the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A device for adjusting the tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a venetian blind, the venetian blind including a top guide rail in which a shaft is disposed, wherein when the shaft rotates, the shaft causes the tilt angle of the slats to be adjusted, the device comprising: A rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted to be connected to a rod; A first bevel gear is connected to the rod; as well as The second bevel gear is mechanically connected to the first bevel gear and is connected to the shaft; The pulley is connected to the shaft and the slats. A bracket that supports the pulley within the top guide rail and allows the pulley to rotate, wherein the bracket includes a pawl. The pulleys mentioned above include: A first arc-shaped portion is adapted to be connected to a first rope, the first rope being connected to a first edge of the slat; A protrusion, which engages with the pawl, resists rotation of the pulley toward a position corresponding to the open position of the slat when the pulley is in the closed position corresponding to the slat. The rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft and the pulley, thereby adjusting the tilt angle of the slats. Wherein, the pulley provides a first torque at a first position corresponding to the open position of the slat, wherein the pulley provides a second torque at a second position corresponding to the approximately closed position of the slat, and wherein the second torque is greater than the first torque.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the bar.

3. The device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the first bevel gear.

4. The device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The rotation of the first bevel gear causes a corresponding rotation of the second bevel gear.

5. The device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The rotation of the second bevel gear causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft.

6. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first bevel gear and the second bevel gear are positioned at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to each other.

7. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first end of the rod includes an eyelet for attaching to the rod.

8. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first bevel gear includes a first orifice axially passing through it, the first orifice being sized and shaped to receive the second end of the rod, wherein the first bevel gear rotates together with the rod; and The second bevel gear includes a second orifice axially passing through it, the second orifice being sized and shaped to receive the shaft, wherein the shaft rotates together with the second bevel gear.

9. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first bevel gear includes a first tooth. The second bevel gear includes a second tooth, and The first tooth and the second tooth are mechanically connected.

10. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The transmission ratio of the second bevel gear to the first bevel gear is equal to or less than 1:

1.

11. A device for adjusting the tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a louver, the louver including a top guide rail in which an axis is disposed, the device comprising: A gear assembly adapted to be coupled to a rod and the shaft, the gear assembly comprising one or more bevel gears, wherein rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft; A pulley, connected to the shaft and the slat, wherein the pulley, in response to rotation of the shaft, causes adjustment of the tilt angle of the slat, wherein the pulley provides a first torque at a first position corresponding to an open position of the slat, wherein the pulley provides a second torque at a second position corresponding to an approximately closed position of the slat, and wherein the second torque is greater than the first torque; and A bracket supports the pulley within the top guide rail and allows the pulley to rotate. The bracket includes a pawl, and the pulley includes a protrusion that mates with the pawl to resist rotation of the pulley when it is in the second position. The pulley includes a first arc-shaped portion adapted to be connected to a first rope, the first rope being connected to a first edge of the slat; and a second arc-shaped portion connected to a second rope, the second rope being connected to a second edge of the slat, the second edge being opposite to the first edge.

12. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The gear assembly includes A rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted to be connected to the rod; A first bevel gear, which is connected to the rod; and The second bevel gear is mechanically connected to the first bevel gear and is coupled to the shaft.

13. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The first end of the rod includes an eyelet for attaching to the rod.

14. The device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein, The first bevel gear includes a first orifice axially passing through it, the first orifice being sized and shaped to receive the second end of the rod, wherein the first bevel gear rotates together with the rod; and The second bevel gear includes a second orifice axially passing through it, the second orifice being sized and shaped to receive the shaft, wherein the shaft rotates together with the second bevel gear.

15. The device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein, The first bevel gear includes a first tooth; The second bevel gear includes a second tooth; and The first tooth and the second tooth are mechanically connected.

16. The device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein, The rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the bar.

17. The device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein, The rotation of the rod causes a corresponding rotation of the first bevel gear.

18. The device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein, The rotation of the first bevel gear causes a corresponding rotation of the second bevel gear.

19. The device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein, The rotation of the second bevel gear causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft.

20. The device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein, The first bevel gear and the second bevel gear are positioned at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to each other.

21. The device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The pulley includes a first arc-shaped portion and a second arc-shaped portion, wherein the second arc-shaped portion is axially aligned with the first arc-shaped portion and offset from the first arc-shaped portion.

22. The device as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The first arcuate portion is adapted to be connected to a first rope, the first rope being connected to a first edge of the slat; The second arcuate portion is adapted to be connected to a second rope, the second rope being connected to a second edge of the slat; and The second edge is opposite to the first edge.

23. The device as claimed in claim 22, wherein, The rotation of the pulley in a first direction causes the first arc-shaped portion to pull into the first rope and the second arc-shaped portion to release the second rope, wherein the rotation of the pulley in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes the first arc-shaped portion to release the first rope and the second arc-shaped portion to pull into the second rope.

24. The device as claimed in claim 22, wherein, When the pulley is in the first position, the first rope is at a first distance from the axis of the pulley, and when the pulley is in the second position, the first rope is at a second distance from the axis of the pulley, the second distance being shorter than the first distance.

25. The device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The pulley includes a third orifice extending axially therethrough, the third orifice being sized and shaped to receive the shaft, wherein the pulley rotates together with the shaft.

26. The device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The pulley provides the first torque between the first position and the third position, which is rotated between the first position and the second position.

27. The device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, Between the second position and a third position where the rotation is between the first and second positions, the pulley provides a torque that gradually increases from the first torque at the third position to the second torque at the second position.

28. The device as claimed in claim 27, wherein, The torque increases non-linearly from the first torque to the second torque.

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