Power window article system

Abstract

A motorized window treatment system includes: a reel tube having a smooth inner surface; the driving assembly is used for rotating the reel pipe, and at least part of the driving assembly is contained in the reel pipe; and a coupler disposed between the reel tube and the drive assembly to transmit rotational motion of the drive assembly to the reel tube. The coupler includes: a central bore extending through the coupler along an axis of rotation; a ring portion having a first diameter and having a plurality of notches for engaging the drive assembly; an outer flange portion having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the outer flange defining a cavity recessed from the outer surface, the outer flange further including a retainer extending into the cavity; and a spring clip removably retained in the cavity, the spring clip including a base disposed in the cavity, and first and second compliant members extending from the base at respective angles to engage an inner surface of the reelpipe to prevent relative rotation of the coupler relative to the reelpipe.

Description

[0001] Divisional application

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with application number 201780083668.9, the application date of which is December 15, 2017, and the name of the invention is "Connecting mechanism for use with a roller tube of window products and electric window products". Background Art

[0003] Window treatments may be installed in front of one or more windows, for example to prevent sunlight from entering a space and / or to provide privacy. Window treatments may include, for example, roller blinds, Roman blinds, venetian blinds, or draperies. Roller blinds typically include a flexible shade fabric wound onto a longitudinal roller tube. Such roller blinds may include a weighted hembar at the lower end of the shade fabric. The hembar may allow the shade fabric to be suspended in front of one or more windows in front of which the roller blind is installed.

[0004] Advances in window construction technology have made it possible to manufacture windows in ever-increasing sizes, such as windows that may be 8 feet or more inches wide. Such large windows may require similarly large window treatments. For example, a roller blind constructed to cover such a wide window may require an exceptionally long roller tube.

[0005] Traditionally, roller tubes are made of metal. Roller tubes can be made of other materials. For example, roller tubes can be made of composite materials such as carbon fiber. The inner surface of the roller tube of the roller blind may include splines, which are configured to interface with a drive assembly so that the roller tube can be driven by the drive assembly. Alternatively, the inner surface of the composite roller tube can be smooth (i.e., without splines). Roller tubes with smooth inner surfaces can reduce manufacturing complexity. However, drive assembly components may be configured to snap into the inner surface of the roller tube in the form of splines. Moreover, the drive assembly components may not be able to rotate a roller tube with a smooth inner surface. Summary of the invention

[0006] As described herein, a coupling assembly can be configured for use with a window treatment (e.g., a power window treatment) that includes a covering material attached to a roller tube. The coupling assembly can be driven by a drive assembly of the power window treatment. The coupling assembly can operably engage the roller tube of the power window treatment so that rotation of the coupling assembly rotates the roller tube and moves the covering material of the power window treatment between a first position (e.g., an open position) and a second position (e.g., a closed position).

[0007] The coupling assembly may be housed within the reel tube. The coupling assembly may include a plurality of compliant members. The plurality of compliant members may protrude from an outer surface of the coupling assembly. Distal ends of the plurality of compliant members may define a tip configured to abut an inner surface of the reel tube. The tip of the compliant member may apply a compressive force to the inner surface of the reel tube, thereby preventing relative rotation of the coupling assembly relative to the reel tube. The use of the compliant member may allow for a rigid (e.g., clutchless) coupling of the coupling assembly to a smooth reel tube surface without the use of fasteners.

[0008] The plurality of compliant members of the coupling assembly may be U-shaped spring clips. The spring clips may define a base and one or more compliant members extending from the base. The spring clip may include two compliant members extending inwardly from the base at an angle of inclination relative to each other. For example, the angles of inclination may be complementary. The coupling assembly may define a plurality of cavities configured to receive the spring clips. The coupling assembly may include a plurality of spring clip retainers and / or one or more retaining tabs configured to retain the plurality of spring clips within their respective cavities. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1A is an exploded view of an exemplary battery powered roller shade for use in oversized openings including an exemplary low deflection roller tube.

[0010] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A perspective view of an exemplary battery-powered roller blind depicted in FIG. 1 , wherein the roller blind is in a raised position.

[0011] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A perspective view of an exemplary battery-powered roller blind depicted in FIG. 1 , wherein the roller blind is in a lowered position.

[0012] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary drive assembly.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of an exemplary drive assembly is depicted in FIG.

[0014] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a perspective view of an exemplary coupling assembly.

[0015] Figure 4C and Figure 4D yes Figure 4A and Figure 4B An exploded view of an exemplary coupling assembly is depicted in FIG.

[0016] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C Depicted 4A to 4D A projection view of an exemplary coupling assembly depicted in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Figures 1A to 1C An exemplary window treatment in the form of an electric roller blind 100 is depicted, which can be installed in front of a large opening (e.g., one or more windows having a width of 8 feet or more) to prevent sunlight from entering the space and / or to provide privacy. The electric roller blind 100 can be mounted to a structure adjacent to the opening, such as a window frame, a wall, or other structure. As shown, the electric roller blind 100 includes a shade assembly 110, a battery box 130, and a housing 140, which can be configured to support the shade assembly 110 and the battery box 130. The housing 140 can be configured as a mounting structure and / or support structure for one or more components of the electric roller blind 100.

[0018] As shown, the housing 140 includes a rail 142, a first housing bracket 150, and a second housing bracket 160. The rail 142 shown is longitudinally elongated between a first end 141 and an opposite second end 143. The rail 142, the first housing bracket 150, and the second housing bracket 160 can be configured to be attached to each other in an assembled configuration. For example, the first housing bracket 150 can be configured to be attached to the first end 141 of the rail 142, and the second housing bracket 160 can be configured to be attached to the second end 143 of the rail 142. As shown, the first housing bracket 150 defines an attachment member 152, which is configured to engage the first end 141 of the rail 142, and the second housing bracket 160 defines an attachment member 162, which is configured to engage the second end 143 of the rail 142. It should be understood that the rail 142, the first housing bracket 150, and the second housing bracket 160 are not limited to the attachment members shown.

[0019] One or more of the guide rail 142, the first housing bracket 150, or the second housing bracket 160 may be sized for mounting to a structure. For example, the guide rail 142 may be sized so that, with the first housing bracket 150 and the second housing bracket 160 attached to the guide rail 142, the guide rail 142 may be mounted to a structure in the opening (e.g., a window frame). In such an exemplary configuration, the guide rail 142 may define a length, such as defined by the first end 141 and the second end 143, so that the housing 140 may fit tightly in the window frame (e.g., there is little gap between the first housing bracket 150 and the second housing bracket 160 and the adjacent window frame structure). This configuration may be referred to as an internal mounting configuration. In another example, the guide rail 142 may be sized so that, with the first housing bracket 150 and the second housing bracket 160 attached to the guide rail 142, the guide rail 142 may be mounted to a structure above the opening (e.g., a surface above a window). In such an exemplary configuration, the guide rail 142 may define a length substantially equal to (e.g., slightly longer than) the width of the window opening. In yet another example, one or more of the guide rail 142, the first housing bracket 150, or the second housing bracket 160 can be sized so that the motorized roller shade 100 can be mounted within a cavity defined by a window treatment pocket that can be mounted to a structure (e.g., a structure surrounding a window). However, it should be understood that the motorized roller shade 100 is not limited to these exemplary mounting configurations.

[0020] The guide rail 142 can define any suitable shape. As shown, the guide rail 142 includes a rear wall 144 and an upper wall 146, which extends outward from the upper edge of the rear wall 144 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rear wall 144. One or both of the rear wall 144 and the upper wall 146 can be configured to be mounted to a certain structure. When in an assembled configuration, the guide rail 142, the first housing bracket 150 and the second housing bracket 160 can define a cavity. The shading assembly 110 and the battery box 130 can be arranged in the cavity, for example, when the electric roller blind 100 is in an assembled configuration (for example, as Figure 1B and Figure 1C ). When the electric roller shade 100 is in an assembled configuration, the housing 140 may be open at the front and bottom, exposing the shade assembly 110 and the battery compartment 130. Optionally, the electric roller shade 100 may include a panel (not shown) configured to conceal one or more components of the electric roller shade 100, such as portions of the shade assembly 110 and the battery compartment 130.

[0021] As shown, the shade assembly 110 includes a roller tube 112, a motor drive unit 118, an idler 120, a cover material 122 (e.g., shade fabric), and a side bar 126. The roller tube 112 can have a tube body 114 that is elongated along a longitudinal direction L from a first end 113 to an opposite second end 115. The tube body 114 can define any shape, such as a cylindrical shape as shown. As shown, the roller tube 112 is hollow and open at the first end 113 and the second end 115. The roller tube 112 can be configured to at least partially accommodate the motor drive unit 118, and to at least partially accommodate the idler 120. As shown, the roller tube 112 is configured so that a portion of the motor drive unit 118 can be disposed in the first end 113, and so that a portion of the idler 120 can be disposed in the second end 115.

[0022] The body 114 can define an inner surface 116 that is configured to operably engage with the motor drive unit 118. For example, as shown, the body 114 defines a plurality of splines 117 that extend radially inward from the inner surface 116. The roller tube 112 can be configured to operably engage with the motor drive unit 118 via the plurality of splines 117. For example, the splines 117 can be configured to operably engage with a component of the motor drive unit 118 so that rotational torque can be transferred from the motor drive unit 118 to the roller tube 112, thereby rotating the roller tube 112 about the rotation axis AR. The rotation axis AR of the roller tube 112 can also be referred to as the central axis of the roller tube 112.

[0023] As shown, the splines 117 extend parallel to the longitudinal direction L and are evenly spaced from each other along the circumference of the inner surface 116 of the roller tube 112. Each of the illustrated splines 117 extends from the first end 113 to the second end 115 of the tube body 114. It should be understood that the roller tube 112 is not limited to the configuration and / or geometry of the splines 117 illustrated. It should also be understood that the roller tube 112 can alternatively be configured to operably engage with the motor drive unit 118. For example, according to an alternative configuration of the roller tube 112, the tube body 114 can define a smooth inner surface 116 and can define an opening that extends through the tube body 114 at a certain location so that the roller tube 112 can be operably coupled to the motor drive unit 118 via one or more fasteners (e.g., such as screws, pins, clips, etc.), which can be arranged into the opening and can engage the motor drive unit 118.

[0024] The illustrated motor drive unit 118 may be configured to be disposed into the first end 113 of the roller tube 112. One or more components of the motor drive unit 118 may be configured to engage the plurality of splines 117 of the roller tube 112. As shown, the motor drive unit includes a drive hub 119 defining a plurality of grooves configured to operably engage corresponding ones of the splines 117, such that operation of the motor drive unit 118 may cause the roller tube 112 to rotate. The motor drive unit 118 may also include an integrated idler 121 defining a plurality of grooves configured to engage corresponding ones of the splines 117. The idler 120 may similarly define a plurality of grooves configured to engage corresponding ones of the splines 117.

[0025] The covering material 122 can define an upper end (not shown) configured to be operably attached to the roller tube 112 and an opposite lower end 124 configured as a free end. Rotation of the roller tube 112 about the rotation axis AR (e.g., caused by the motor drive unit 118) can cause the covering material 122 to be wound onto or unwound from the roller tube 112. In this regard, the motor drive unit 118 can, for example, be configured to be respectively Figure 1B and Figure 1C The cover material 122 is shown adjusting the cover material 122 between a raised position and a lowered position.

[0026] Rotation of the roller tube 112 about the rotation axis AR in a first direction may cause the covering material 122 to unwind from the roller tube 112 , such as when the covering material 122 is manipulated into a lowered position relative to an opening (eg, a window). Figure 1C The motorized roller blind 100 is depicted with the covering material 122 in a lowered position. Rotation of the roller tube 112 about the rotation axis AR in a second direction opposite to the first direction can cause the covering material 122 to be wound onto the roller tube 112, such as when the covering material 122 is manipulated to a raised position relative to the opening. Figure 1B The motorized roller shade 100 is depicted with the cover material 122 in a raised position.

[0027] The covering material 122 can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the covering material 122 can be made of one or more of a "scrim", a woven cloth, a non-woven material, a light control film, a screen, or a mesh. A side bar 126 can be attached to the lower end 124 of the covering material 122 and can be weighted so that the side bar 126 allows the covering material 122 to be suspended (e.g., vertically) in front of one or more windows.

[0028] The motor drive unit 118 can be configured so that, for example, the rotation of the roller tube 112 can be controlled by a user of the motorized roller shade 100. For example, the user of the motorized roller shade 100 can control the motor drive unit 118 so that the covering material 122 moves to a desired position. The motor drive unit 118 may include a sensor that monitors the position of the roller tube 112. This may enable the motor drive unit 118 to track the position of the covering material 122 relative to the corresponding upper and lower limits of the covering material 122. The upper and lower limits may be specified by the operator of the motorized roller shade 100 and may correspond to a raised position and a lowered position of the covering material 122, respectively.

[0029] The motor drive unit 118 may be manually controlled (eg, by actuating one or more buttons) and / or wirelessly controlled (eg, using an infrared (TR) or radio frequency (RF) remote control unit). Examples of motor drive units for motorized roller shades are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 6,983,783, entitled “Motorized Shade Control System,” issued on January 10, 2006, U.S. Patent No. 7,839,109, entitled “Method Of Controlling A Motorized Window Treatment,” issued on November 23, 2010, U.S. Patent No. 8,950,461, entitled “Motorized Window Treatment,” issued on January 21, 2015, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0153162, entitled “Battery-Powered Motorized Window Treatment Having A Service Position,” published on June 20, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, it should be understood that any motor drive unit or motor drive system may be used to control the roller tube 112 .

[0030] The motorized roller blind 100 may include an antenna (not shown) configured to receive wireless signals (e.g., RF signals from a remote control device). The antenna may be electrically connected to the motor drive unit 118 (e.g., via a control circuit or PCB) so that one or more wireless signals received from the remote control unit may cause the motor drive unit 118 to move the covering material 122 (e.g., between a lowered position and a raised position). The antenna may be integrated with one or more of the shade assembly 110, the battery compartment 130, the housing 140, or their respective components (e.g., passing through the one or more, being enclosed within the one or more, and / or mounted to the one or more).

[0031] The battery box 130 can be configured to hold one or more batteries 132. The battery 132 shown can be, for example, a D-unit (e.g., IEC R20) battery. One or more components of the electric roller blind 100 (e.g., the motor drive unit 118) can be powered by the one or more batteries 132. However, it should be understood that the electric roller blind 100 is not limited to the battery-powered configuration shown. For example, the electric roller blind 100 can be alternatively configured so that one or more components thereof (e.g., the motor drive unit 118) can be powered by an alternating current (AC) power source, a direct current (DC) power source, or a combination of any power sources.

[0032] The battery compartment 130 can be configured to be operable between an open position and a closed position such that one or more batteries 132 are accessible when the battery compartment 130 is in the open position. Examples of battery compartments for motorized roller shades are described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0305602, entitled “Integrated Accessible Battery Compartment For Motorized Window Treatment,” published on October 16, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0033] The housing 140 may be configured to support one or both of the shade assembly 110 and the battery box 130. For example, the first housing bracket 150 and the second housing bracket 160 may be configured to support the shade assembly 110 and / or the battery box 130. As shown, the first housing bracket 150 and the second housing bracket 160 are configured to support the shade assembly 110 and the battery box 130 so that: when the electric roller blind 100 is mounted to a certain structure, the battery box 130 is located (e.g., oriented) above the shade assembly 110. It should be understood that the electric roller blind 100 is not limited to the illustrated orientation of the shade assembly 110 and the battery box 130. For example, the housing 140 may alternatively be configured to support the shade assembly 110 and the battery box 130 relative to each other in other ways (e.g., so that the battery box 130 is located below the shade assembly 110).

[0034] As shown, the first housing bracket 150 defines an upper portion 151 and a lower portion 153, and the second housing bracket 160 defines an upper portion 161 and a lower portion 163. The upper portion 151 of the first housing bracket 150 can be configured to support a first end of the battery box 130, and the upper portion 161 of the second housing bracket 160 can be configured to support a second end of the battery box 130. The upper portions 151, 161 of the first housing bracket 150 and the second housing bracket 160, respectively, can be configured to operably support the battery box 130, so that when the motorized roller shade 100 is mounted to a structure, the battery box 130 can be operated to provide access to one or more batteries 132.

[0035] The lower portion 153 of the first housing bracket 150 can be configured to support the idler wheel 121, and thus support the first end 113 of the tube body 114 of the roller tube 112. The lower portion 163 of the second housing bracket 160 can be configured to support the idler wheel 120, and thus support the second end 115 of the tube body 114 of the roller tube 112. The lower portions 153, 163 of the first housing bracket 150 and the second housing bracket 160 can be configured to support the shade assembly 110 in an operative manner, so that the covering material 122 can be moved (e.g., between a lowered position and a raised position). Because the roller tube 112 is supported at the first end 113 and the second end 115 of the tube body 114, it can be said that the shade assembly 110 is only supported by the housing 140, and therefore the roller tube 112 is only supported by the housing 140.

[0036] The housing 140 can be configured to be mounted to a structure using one or more fasteners (e.g., one or more screws). For example, one or more of the rails 142, the first housing bracket 150, or the second housing bracket 160 can define one or more corresponding apertures configured to receive fasteners.

[0037] The components of the housing 140 can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the rail 142 can be made of metal, and the first housing bracket 150 and the second housing bracket 160 can be made of plastic. Although the housing 140 shown includes separate components, it should be understood that the housing 140 can be constructed in other ways. For example, the rail 142, the first housing bracket 150 and the second housing bracket 160 can be integral. In another example, the rail can include a first rail section and a second rail section, which can be configured to be attached to each other. In such an exemplary configuration, the first rail section can include an integrated first housing bracket, and the second rail section can include an integrated second housing bracket. One or more components of the housing 140 (e.g., one or more of the rail 142, the first housing bracket 150 or the second housing bracket 160) can be wrapped in a material (e.g., fabric) to, for example, enhance the aesthetics of the housing 140.

[0038] The motorized roller shade 100 can be configured to cover unusually large openings, such as windows or groups of windows, that are greater than 8 feet wide and up to about 15 feet wide, such as about 12 feet wide. In such applications, the roller tube 112 may be susceptible to a certain amount of tube sag, which may negatively affect the aesthetics of the cover material 122 and / or the functionality of the motorized roller shade (e.g., raising or lowering the cover material 122). One or more components of the motorized roller shade 100 can be configured to mitigate the occurrence of tube sag. For example, the roller tube 112 can be configured as a low deflection roller tube.

[0039] Figure 2 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary drive assembly 200. The exemplary drive assembly 200 may include a motor drive unit (e.g., such as in Figure 1A ), a shaft (not shown), a torsion spring 210, a spindle (not shown), an idler pulley 220 (e.g. Figure 1A 120, 121), and / or a drive hub 230 (e.g., such as Figure 1A119 depicted in FIG. 11 ). A torsion spring 210 can be wound around the spindle. For example, the torsion spring 210 can be wound around the spindle from the idler gear 220 to the drive hub 230. The distal end of the torsion spring 210 can be fastened to the idler gear 220 and / or the drive hub 230. The housing of the motor drive unit can be configured to serve as a spindle for the torsion spring 210. The spindle can define a contact surface on which the torsion spring 210 rides when the drive hub 230 rotates. When the drive hub 230 rotates in a first rotational direction, the torsion spring 210 can apply a first friction force to the spindle, and when the drive hub 230 rotates in a second rotational direction, the torsion spring 210 can apply a second friction force to the spindle that is less than the first friction force.

[0040] The idler 220 may include a plurality of splines extending along the longitudinal direction L. The idler 220 may include an attachment member 240. The attachment member 240 may be configured to be removably attached to a housing bracket (not shown). For example, the attachment member 240 may receive the housing bracket. The attachment member 240 and the housing bracket may be configured to support the exemplary drive assembly 200 and / or a reel (not shown).

[0041] The exemplary drive assembly 200 may be used in a motorized window treatment (e.g., such as the motorized roller blind 100). For example, the exemplary drive assembly 200 may be received by a roller tube of the motorized window treatment (e.g., the roller tube 114 of the motorized roller blind 100). The exemplary drive assembly 200 may operate the motorized window treatment by rotating the roller tube of the motorized window treatment. For example, the exemplary drive assembly 200 may receive one or more couplers 250. The one or more couplers 250 may be configured to engage an inner surface of the roller tube such that the exemplary drive assembly 200 is coupled to the roller tube. The one or more couplers 250 may engage one or more components of the exemplary drive assembly 200.

[0042] Figure 3 is an exemplary drive assembly 300 (e.g., such as Figure 2 200). An exemplary drive assembly 300 may include a motor drive unit (e.g., such as Figure 1A), a drive shaft 314, a spindle 312, a torsion spring 310, an idler 320, a drive hub 330, a coupler 360, and / or a retaining collar 370. The torsion spring 310 can be wound around the spindle 312. The spindle 312 can house the drive shaft 314. The drive shaft can engage the idler 320, the drive hub 330, and / or the coupler 360. The exemplary drive assembly 300 can be used in an electric window treatment. The exemplary drive assembly 300 can include one or more couplers 350. For example, as shown, the drive assembly 300 can include a first coupler 350a and a second coupler 350b. The rotation of the exemplary drive assembly 300 can be transmitted to the roller tube of the electric window treatment via the first coupler 350a and the second coupler 350b. The retaining collar 370 can prevent components of the drive assembly from slipping off the drive shaft 314.

[0043] The idler 320 may include a plurality of splines extending along the longitudinal direction L. The idler 320 may include an attachment member 340. The attachment member 340 may be configured to be removably attached to a housing bracket (e.g., one or both of the housing brackets 150, 160). For example, the attachment member 340 may receive the housing bracket. The attachment member 340 and the housing bracket may be configured to support the exemplary drive assembly 300 and / or the reel tube (e.g., the reel tube 114).

[0044] The drive hub 330 may include a threaded portion 332 extending from one side of the drive hub 330. The threaded portion 332 of the drive hub 330 may include a thread pattern configured to receive the torsion spring 310. The drive hub 330 may define a hub cavity 334 that extends around the rotation axis AR and extends through the threaded member 332 in the longitudinal direction L. The hub cavity 334 may accommodate the drive shaft 314 and / or the spindle 312. The drive hub 330 may be configured to engage one of the couplers 350. For example, the drive hub 330 may be operably coupled to the first coupler 350a.

[0045] The coupling 360 may include a threaded portion 362. The threaded portion 362 of the coupling 360 may receive the torsion spring 310. For example, the torsion spring 310 may be wound around the threaded portion 362 of the coupling 360. The threaded portion 362 of the coupling 360 and the threaded portion 332 of the drive hub 330 may hold the end of the torsion spring 310.

[0046] Each coupling 350 (e.g., couplings 350a and 350b) may include a body 357. The body 357 may define any suitable shape, such as the cylindrical body 357 shown. As shown, the body 357 may define a hole 358 extending through the body 357 along the rotation axis AR. The body 357 of the coupling 350 may define an outer surface 355. The coupling 350 may be configured to receive the drive shaft 314. For example, the coupling 350 may be configured to receive the drive shaft 314 through the rotation axis AR via the hole 358. As shown, the coupling 350a may be configured to engage the drive hub 330, and the coupling 350b may be configured to engage the idler 320. For example, the coupling 350 may include a ring 352 having a plurality of notches. The ring 352 may extend from the first side 351 of the body 357. The ring 352 may have an outer diameter smaller than the outer surface 355 of the coupling 350. The drive hub 330 can receive the ring 352 so that the drive hub 330 and the coupling 350a are operably coupled together. The plurality of notches of the ring 352 can engage the plurality of splines of the drive hub 330. The idler 320 can receive the ring 352. The plurality of notches of the ring 352 can engage the plurality of splines of the idler 320.

[0047] The drive shaft 314 may be driven by a motor (not shown) of a motor drive unit. The drive shaft 314 may rotate about a rotation axis AR. The drive shaft 314 may have a polygonal cross section. For example, the drive shaft 314 may have a hexagonal cross section.

[0048] The exemplary drive assembly 300 can be operably coupled to a roller tube (e.g., roller tube 114) so ​​that rotation of the drive assembly 300 causes the roller tube to rotate and move the covering material of the electric window treatment (e.g., covering material 122 of the electric roller blind 100) between a first position (e.g., an open position, such as a fully open position) and a second position (e.g., a closed position, such as a fully closed position). The couplers 350 (e.g., a first coupler 350a and a second coupler 350b) of the drive assembly 300 can be coupled to the roller tube of the electric window treatment. Each coupler 350 can include one or more compliant members 354, 356. The one or more compliant members 354, 356 can be configured to engage a smooth inner surface of the roller tube. For example, the one or more compliant members 354, 356 can extend beyond an outer surface 355 of a body 357 of the coupler 350. The one or more compliant members 354, 356 can protrude from the outer surface 355 along a direction that is not perpendicular to the outer surface 355. In other words, the one or more compliant members 354, 356 can protrude outwardly from the outer surface 355 at an oblique angle. For example, the one or more compliant members 354, 356 can protrude from the outer surface 355 in an inwardly inclined manner toward each other. The angles of inclination can be complementary. The one or more compliant members 354, 356 can be configured to abut the inner surface of the roller tube. The one or more compliant members 354, 356 can apply a compressive force to the inner surface of the roller tube so that friction prevents the coupling 350 from rotating relative to the roller tube. In other words, the compliant members 354, 356 can be configured to allow the roller tube and the coupling 350 to rotate together. For example, the engagement of the compliant members 354, 356 can functionally establish a rigid connection between the coupling 350 and the roller tube without the use of fasteners. The compliant members (e.g., such as compliant members 354, 356) can be flexible components that are configured to deflect when engaged with the inner surface of the roller tube. The tip of the compliant member may deflect relative to a flexural pivot point.

[0049] 4A to 4D An exemplary coupling assembly 400 (eg, such as, respectively, Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). The exemplary coupling assembly 400 may be used with a roller tube of a power window treatment. For example, the coupling assembly 400 may be configured to be received within a power window treatment (e.g., such as Figures 1A to 1C ) of a roll tube (e.g., such as Figures 1A to 1C The roller tube 112 shown in FIG.

[0050] Figure 4Ais a front perspective view of an exemplary coupling assembly 400, and Figure 4B This is a rear perspective view. Figure 4C is a front exploded view of an exemplary coupling assembly 400, and Figure 4D 4 is a subsequent exploded view. The exemplary coupling assembly 400 may include a body 410 and a plurality of spring clips 420 (eg, Figure 4C 4). The body 410 may define any suitable shape, such as the cylindrical body 410 shown. The body 410 may define an outer flange 440. The outer flange 440 may define an outer surface 442. As shown, the plurality of spring clips 420 may be evenly spaced around the circumference of the outer flange 440 of the body 410. The exemplary coupling assembly 400 is not limited to the number and / or orientation of the plurality of spring clips 420 shown. For example, the exemplary coupling assembly 400 may include any suitable number of plurality of spring clips 420, which may be arranged at various positions around the circumference of the outer flange 440. Each of the plurality of spring clips 420 may include one or more compliant members 422, 424.

[0051] The body 410 may be configured to operably engage with a drive assembly of a power window treatment (e.g., such as a Figure 2 and Figure 3 The body 410 may define a hole 430 extending through the body 410 along the rotation axis AR of the exemplary coupling assembly 400. The hole 430 may be configured to receive a shaft of the drive assembly (e.g., such as at Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). The body 410 can be made of any material. For example, the body 410 can be metal, plastic, and / or a composite material.

[0052] The outer flange 440 can extend around the periphery of the body 410. The outer flange 440 can be configured to be received within a roller tube of a power window treatment. The body 410 can include a ring 450. The ring 450 can protrude from a front surface 412 of the body 410. The ring 450 can protrude along the rotation axis AR. The front surface 412 of the body 410 can be perpendicular to the rotation axis AR. The ring 450 can include a plurality of notches 452. The plurality of notches 452 can include gaps in the ring 450 that are configured to engage the coupling assembly 400 with one or more components of the power window treatment. For example, the plurality of notches 452 can be configured to receive an idler wheel (e.g., such as Figure 3 ) and / or a drive hub (e.g., such as an idler wheel 320 shown in FIG. Figure 3 Multiple splines of the drive hub 330) shown in FIG.

[0053] The plurality of spring clips 420 may be removably attached to the body 410. For example, the plurality of spring clips 420 may be received by the outer flange 440 of the body 410. The plurality of spring clips 420 may be attached to the outer flange 440 so that the plurality of spring clips 420 may be removed. Each of the plurality of spring clips 420 may be made of any material. For example, each of the plurality of spring clips 420 may be metal, plastic, and / or a composite material. Each of the plurality of spring clips 420 may be U-shaped. For example, each of the plurality of spring clips 420 may include a base 421 and one or more compliant members (e.g., engagement members) extending from the base 421. For example, each spring clip 420 may include a first compliant member 422 and a second compliant member 424. The first compliant member 422 and the second compliant member 424 may extend inwardly from the base 421 at an inclination angle relative to each other. In other words, the first compliant member 422 and the second compliant member 424 of each spring clip 420 can extend more toward each other as the distance from the base 421 increases. For example, the relative angles of inclination can be complementary. When the spring clip 420 is removably attached to the outer flange 440 of the body 410, the first compliant member 422 and the second compliant member 424 can extend from the outer flange 440 of the body 410 in a cantilevered manner. The plurality of spring clips 420 are not limited to the geometric shapes shown, and the spring clips 420 can define any suitable shape by any suitable number of compliant members. Although the figures show separate, attachable spring clips 420, the compliant members can be integral with the body (e.g., an integral coupling assembly).

[0054] The outer flange 440 of the body 410 can define one or more cavities 460. The one or more cavities can be evenly spaced around the circumference of the outer flange 440. Each of the one or more cavities 460 can be configured to accommodate a spring clip 420. The outer flange 440 can define a spring clip holder 470 at each of the one or more cavities 460. The spring clip holder 470 can include an arm 472 and a curved plate 474. The curved plate 474 can be in the form of a cantilever within the cavity 460. The arm 472 can structurally support the curved plate 474 within the cavity 460. The arm 472 can be attached to the curved plate 474. The spring clip holder 470 can be configured to hold the spring clip 420 within the cavity 460. For example, the distal end of the curved plate 474 can abut the compliant members 422, 424 of the spring clip 420. As another example, the distal end of the curved plate 474 can engage the base 421 of the spring clip 420. As another example, the distal end of the bent plate 474 can engage the base 421 and the compliant members 422, 424 of the spring clip 420. The outer flange 440 can define a plurality of retaining tabs 476. The plurality of retaining tabs 476 can extend into the plurality of cavities 460 at the rear surface 414 of the body 410. For example, each of the plurality of cavities 460 can include two retaining tabs 476. Each of the plurality of retaining tabs 476 can be configured to engage the first compliant member 422 or the second compliant member 424 of one of the spring clips 420 to prevent the spring clip 420 from being removed. The first compliant member 422 and the second compliant member 424 can be configured to bend inwardly to allow the spring clip 420 to be installed in the cavity 460.

[0055] The outer flange 440 may include a plurality of slots 416. Each of the plurality of slots 416 may be defined in and thus correspond to a corresponding one of the plurality of cavities 460. Each of the plurality of slots 416 may be configured to receive a spring clip 420 (e.g., a component having one or more compliant members). For example, each of the plurality of slots 416 may be defined by one of the curved plates 474 and the rear surface 414 of the exemplary coupling assembly 400. The slot 416 may receive a base 421 of one of the spring clips 420 and / or one or more compliant members 422, 424. For example, the slot 416 may be defined such that the curved plates 474 engage the spring clip 420 at or near the flexure pivot of the compliant members 422, 424. For example, the slot 466 may be open on the rear surface 414 of the coupling assembly 400 and closed on the front side of the body 410 of the exemplary coupling assembly 400 such that the spring clip 420 can be installed via the rear surface 414 of the body 410 of the exemplary coupling assembly 400 .

[0056] The first compliant member 422 of the exemplary coupling assembly 400 may include a first end 423. The second compliant member 424 of the exemplary coupling assembly 400 may include a second end 425. The first end 423 and the second end 425 may be outer edges of the first compliant member 422 and the second compliant member 424, respectively. For example, the first end 423 may be defined by the distal end of the first compliant member 422, and the second end 425 may be defined by the distal end of the second compliant member 424. The first end 423 and the second end 425 may be configured to engage the inner surface of the roller tube. For example, the first end 423 and the second end 425 may be configured to bite into the smooth inner surface of the roller tube made of carbon fiber. The first end 423 and the second end 425 may engage the inner surface of the roller tube so that: when the roller tube rotates, the radial position of the coupling assembly 400 is fixed relative to the roller tube. For example, the first end 423 of the first compliant member 422 may be configured to abut the inner surface of the roller tube and apply a compressive force to the inner surface of the roller tube. The first end 423 abutting the inner surface of the roller tube can prevent the coupling assembly 400 from rotating clockwise relative to the roller tube. The second end 425 of the second compliant member 424 can be configured to abut the inner surface of the roller tube and apply a compressive force to the inner surface of the roller tube. The second end 425 abutting the inner surface of the roller tube can prevent the coupling assembly 400 from rotating counterclockwise relative to the roller tube. In other words, the first end 423 and the second end 425 can be configured so that the roller tube and the coupling assembly 400 rotate together. For example, the engagement of the first end 423 and the second end 425 of the compliant members 422, 424 can functionally establish a rigid connection between the coupling assembly 400 and the roller tube without the use of fasteners. The compliant members (e.g., such as the compliant members 422, 424) can be flexible members configured to deflect when engaged with the inner surface of the roller tube. For example, the ends of the compliant members (e.g., such as the first end 423 and the second end 425) can deflect while the flexural pivot of the compliant members remains fixed. The end may be the distal end of the compliant member. The intersection of the base 421 and the compliant member may define the flexure pivot. Each spring clip 420 may include two flexure pivots at the intersection of each compliant member 422, 424 with the base 421.

[0057] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C is an exemplary coupling assembly 500 (e.g., such as Figure 4A and Figure 4B 4. The exemplary coupling assembly 500 may include a body 510 (eg, such as 4A to 4D4). The body 510 may define any suitable shape, such as the cylindrical body 510 shown. The body 510 may be referred to as a "body". The exemplary coupling assembly 500 may include a plurality of spring clips 520 (e.g., such as 4A to 4D 4 ). The plurality of spring clips 520 may be removably attached to an outer flange 540 (e.g., an outer surface) of the body 510. For example, the outer flange 540 may house the spring clips 520. The outer flange 540 of the body 510 may include a plurality of cavities 560. The plurality of cavities 560 may be evenly spaced around the circumference of the outer flange 540. Each of the plurality of cavities 560 may be configured to house the spring clip 520. The outer flange 540 may define a plurality of protrusions 580 (e.g., such as the plurality of retaining tabs 476 shown in FIG. 4 ). Each of the plurality of protrusions 580 may extend into a corresponding one of the plurality of cavities 550. The plurality of protrusions 580 may be configured to hold the plurality of spring clips 520 within the body 510. For example, the cavity 550 may include two protrusions 580 where the outer flange 540 meets the cavity 550.

[0058] Each of the plurality of spring clips 520 may include a base 521, a first compliant member 522, and a second compliant member 524. The first compliant member 522 and the second compliant member 524 may extend inwardly from the base 521 at relative angles of inclination relative to each other. The first compliant member 522 and the second compliant member 524 may extend (e.g., at relative angles of inclination) beyond the outer flange 540 of the exemplary coupling assembly 500. The relative angles of inclination may be complementary. For example, the first compliant member 522 and the second compliant member 524 may extend in a cantilevered manner from the outer flange 540. The first compliant member 522 may include a first end 523 defined by a distal end of the first compliant member 522. The second compliant member 524 may include a second end 525 defined by a distal end of the second compliant member 524. The first end 523 and the second end 525 may extend beyond the outer flange to a distance D1. The distance D1 may be configured such that the first end 523 and the second end 525 engage a smooth inner surface of a roller tube (not shown). For example, the first end 523 can be configured to abut the inner surface of the roller tube and apply a compressive force to the inner surface of the roller tube, thereby preventing the exemplary coupling assembly 500 from rotating clockwise relative to the roller tube. The second end 525 can be configured to abut the inner surface of the roller tube and apply a compressive force to the inner surface of the roller tube, thereby preventing the exemplary coupling assembly 500 from rotating counterclockwise relative to the roller tube. In other words, the first end 523 and the second end 525 can be configured to cause the roller tube and the exemplary coupling assembly 500 to rotate together.

[0059] The outer flange 540 can be tapered from the rear side 572 of the exemplary coupling assembly 500 toward the front side 570 of the exemplary coupling assembly 500. For example, the outer flange 540 of the exemplary coupling assembly can have a first radius R1 at the rear side 572 of the exemplary coupling assembly 500 and a second radius R2 at the front side 570 of the exemplary coupling assembly 500. The first radius R1 and the second radius R2 can be measured from the rotation axis AR. The first radius R1 can be greater than the second radius R2.

[0060] The exemplary coupling assembly 500 may include a ring 552 having a plurality of notches. The ring 552 may extend from the front side 570 of the exemplary coupling assembly 500. The ring 552 may have a smaller diameter than the outer flange 540. For example, the ring 552 may have a first outer diameter D2. The outer flange 540 may have a second outer diameter D3. The second outer diameter D3 may be greater than the first outer diameter D2. One or more drive assembly components may receive the ring 552 so that the one or more drive assembly components and the coupling assembly 550 are operably coupled.

[0061] It should be understood that the exemplary motorized roller shade 100 shown and described herein is not limited to use as a window treatment, and the motorized roller shade 100 may be implemented for uses other than covering an opening (e.g., a window). For example, the exemplary motorized roller shade 100 having a low deflection carbon fiber roller tube may alternatively be configured for use as a motorized projection screen (e.g., by replacing the covering material with a projection screen material).

Claims

1. An electric window treatment system, comprising: A coiled tube having a smooth inner surface; a drive assembly for rotating the reel, wherein the drive assembly is at least partially received in the reel; as well as A coupling, the coupling being arranged between the roller tube and the drive assembly and being used for transmitting the rotational motion of the drive assembly to the roller tube, the coupling comprising: a central bore extending through the coupler along the axis of rotation; a ring portion having a first diameter, the ring portion having a plurality of notches for engaging the drive assembly; an outer flange portion having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the outer flange defining a cavity recessed from an outer surface of the outer flange, wherein the outer flange further includes a retainer extending into the cavity; and A spring clip is removably retained in the cavity, the spring clip comprising a base disposed in the cavity and first and second compliant members extending from the base at respective angles to engage an inner surface of the roller tube to prevent relative rotation of the coupler relative to the roller tube.

2. The electric window treatment system according to claim 1, wherein: The coupler includes a plurality of cavities for removably retaining a corresponding plurality of spring clips.

3. The electric window treatment system according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of cavities are evenly spaced around the circumference of the outer flange.

4. The electric window treatment system according to claim 1, wherein: The first and second compliant members are configured to enable a rigid connection between the coupler and the roller tube without fasteners.

5. The electric window treatment system according to claim 1, wherein: The retainer includes a pair of retention tabs extending into the cavity to engage the first and second compliant members to prevent removal of the spring clip.

6. The electric window treatment system according to claim 1, wherein: The retainer includes a bent plate structurally supported by the arms and cantilevered within the cavity, wherein portions of the bent plate engage the first and second compliant members to retain the spring clip.

7. The electric window treatment system according to claim 1, wherein: The retainer comprises: a pair of retention tabs extending from a first direction into the cavity to engage first portions of the first and second compliant members to prevent removal of the spring clip; and A flex plate is cantilevered within the cavity from a second direction to engage second portions of the first and second compliant members to retain the spring clip.

8. The electric window treatment system of claim 1, wherein: The drive assembly includes a motor drive unit, an idler gear, and a drive hub.

9. The electric window treatment system according to claim 8, wherein: The splines of the idler gear or the splines of the drive hub engage with the recesses of the ring portion.

10. The motorized window treatment system of claim 8, further comprising an antenna in electrical communication with the motor drive unit for receiving a wireless signal from a remote control unit to rotate the motor drive unit.

11. The electric window treatment system according to claim 8, wherein: The drive assembly also includes a drive shaft extending along the rotational axis and disposed in the central bore of the coupler.

12. The power window treatment system of claim 8 further comprising a second coupler substantially similar to the coupler, wherein the coupler is disposed at a first end of the roller tube and the second coupler is disposed at a second end of the roller tube, wherein the splines of the idler gear engage the notches of the ring portion of the coupler and the splines of the drive hub engage the notches of the ring portion of the second coupler.

13. The power window treatment system of claim 1 further comprising a covering material attached to an outer surface of the roller tube, the covering material moving between a raised position and a lowered position as the roller tube is rotated by the drive assembly.

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