Electric window treatment lift assist system and method

Abstract

An electric window treatment system includes a motor drive unit physically coupled to a lift assist subsystem. The lift assist subsystem provides variable lift assist to the motor drive unit to raise and lower a cover material. The lift assist subsystem includes a gradient spring that travels between a drive drum coupled to the motor drive unit and a storage drum disposed in a housing. The gradient spring travels between the drive drum and the storage drum to provide lift assist and reduce input power requirements of the motor drive unit. The housing includes a plurality of spring guide features disposed on an inner surface of the housing.

Description

[0001] Cross-citation of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 620,979, filed January 15, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if reproduced in its entirety herein.

[0003] Description of existing technology Summary of the Invention

[0004] As described herein, a motor drive unit for a window handling system can be configured to perform a test procedure to determine whether the window handling system is properly spring-balanced. The window handling system may include a first and second bracket for mounting the window handling system to a structure, and a cover material suspension member adjacent to the structure and adjustable between a fully lowered position and a fully raised position. The window handling system may also include: a lifting assist spring configured to provide variable lifting assistance to the motor drive unit; and a battery holder configured to receive at least one battery to power the motor drive unit. During the test procedure, the motor drive unit may be configured to: control the position of the cover material between the fully lowered position and the fully raised position; and determine the magnitude of the input power consumed by the motor drive unit from the battery during the movement of the cover material between the fully lowered position and the fully raised position. When the magnitude of the input power during the movement of the cover material between the fully lowered position and the fully raised position exceeds a threshold, the motor drive unit may convey an indication that the magnitude of the input power exceeds the threshold.

[0005] During the testing process, the motor drive unit can be configured to control the covering material from the fully lowered position to the fully raised position, and also to control the covering material from the fully raised position to the fully lowered position. When the magnitude of the input power exceeds the threshold during the movement of the covering material from the fully lowered position to the fully raised position, the motor drive unit can convey an indication that the window handling system requires more lift assist springs. When the magnitude of the input power exceeds the lowering movement threshold during the movement of the covering material from the fully raised position to the fully lowered position, the motor drive unit can convey an indication that the window handling system requires fewer lift assist springs.

[0006] The motor drive unit can be configured to execute the test process in response to receiving input. For example, the motor drive unit can be configured to execute the test process in response to receiving a message. The motor drive unit can be configured to pair with a remote control device and execute the test process in response to receiving the message from the remote control device via one or more wireless signals. The motor drive unit can also be configured to execute the test process in response to receiving the message using a short-range wireless communication protocol. Additionally, the motor drive unit can be configured to execute the test process in response to activation by a button on the motor drive unit.

[0007] Additionally, the motor drive unit can be configured to convey the results of the test process. For example, the motor drive unit can be configured to convey an indication that the window handling system requires more lift assist springs and / or that the window handling system requires fewer lift assist springs. For example, the motor drive unit can be configured to convey the indication of the results of the test process by flashing a visible indicator of the motor drive unit in a unique flashing pattern. Alternatively, the motor drive unit can be configured to convey the indication of the results of the test process by transmitting a message containing the indication of the results of the test process.

[0008] As described herein, the electric window handling device further includes a lift assist subsystem to reduce the torque of the drive system used to raise or lower the window handling device to a retracted or raised position, and thus reduce its power consumption. The lift assist spring may include a gradient spring that travels counter-currently between a drive roller and a storage roller, operatively and physically coupled to a drive shaft of the motor drive unit, as the motor drive unit raises and lowers the window handling device. The drive roller and the storage roller may be housed in a housing containing one or more internal cushioning elements to guide the lift assist spring as it travels counter-currently between the drive roller and the storage roller. The motor drive unit shaft may be operatively coupled to the drive roller and extends at least partially through an opening formed in the housing. Advantageously, the amount of lift assist provided by the lift assist subsystem can be customized to specific application requirements. For example, multiple lift assist subsystems may be operatively coupled to the shaft of the motor drive unit when a larger window handling device and / or heavier fabric is required. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a frontal perspective view of the Roman blind system in its fully lowered position.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1Rear perspective view of the Roman blind system in the lowered position.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A frontal perspective view of a Roman blind system in its fully raised position.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an example head rail assembly of a Roman blind system, wherein the Roman blind system includes a single lifting ring for each cord.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the head rail assembly, in which the Roman blind system includes a pair of lifting rings for each rope.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the head rail assembly, wherein the Roman blind system includes a pair of lifting rings for attaching the strip to the head rail assembly.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 Front view of the head rail assembly.

[0016] Figure 8A When the lifting assist subsystem of the head rail assembly includes a single lifting assist spring. Figure 4 An exploded view of the head rail assembly.

[0017] Figure 8B When the lifting assist subsystem of the head rail assembly includes multiple lifting assist springs Figure 4 A partial exploded view of the head rail assembly.

[0018] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of an exemplary motor drive unit of the head rail assembly.

[0019] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 The left perspective view of the head rail assembly with the bracket removed.

[0020] Figure 11 yes Figure 4 The right perspective view of the head rail assembly with the bracket removed.

[0021] Figure 12 This is included when the Roman blind system is in the front control configuration. Figures 4 to 11 Right side view of the Roman blind system with head rail assembly.

[0022] Figure 13 This is included when the Roman blind system is in the back control configuration. Figures 4 to 11 Right side view of the Roman blind system with head rail assembly.

[0023] Figure 14 yes Figures 4 to 11 A partial exploded view of the head rail assembly, which shows in more detail the support, lifting auxiliary subsystem, and gear assembly of the head rail assembly.

[0024] Figure 15 It is used to build window processing systems (such as...) Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary manufacturing process for a Roman blind system.

[0025] Figure 16 This is a block diagram of the motor drive unit of the electric window handling device in a window handling system.

[0026] Figure 17 This is a flowchart of an exemplary test procedure used to verify proper spring balance in a window handling system.

[0027] Figure 18A It is an exploded view of the graphical lifting auxiliary subsystem.

[0028] Figure 18B yes Figure 18A The diagram depicts a cross-sectional view of the lifting auxiliary subsystem.

[0029] Figure 19A This is an exploded view of another illustrated lifting auxiliary subsystem.

[0030] Figure 19B yes Figure 19A The diagram depicts a cross-sectional view of the lifting auxiliary subsystem.

[0031] Figure 19C Is with Figure 19A The elevation view of the outer shell section used in conjunction with the illustrative lifting auxiliary subsystem is shown in the figure.

[0032] Figure 19D yes Figure 19A Another cross-sectional view of the illustrative lifting auxiliary subsystem depicted in the figure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 It is a frontal perspective view of a window handling system (such as Roman blind system 100) in a fully lowered position (e.g., closed position and / or fully closed position), and Figure 2 It is a rear perspective view. Figure 3This is a front perspective view of the Roman blind system 100 in its fully raised position (e.g., open position and / or fully open position). The Roman blind system 100 may include a covering material, such as curtain fabric 102. Curtain fabric 102 may have different sizes, materials, and / or styles (e.g., such as...). Figures 1 to 3 (The binding fabric shown). Variations in the size, material, and / or style of the curtain fabric 102 of the Roman blind system 100 can cause variations in the weight of the curtain fabric 102 from one installation to the next.

[0034] When the curtain fabric 102 is as follows Figures 1 to 3 When the Roman blind system 100 is open, the fabric 102, as shown in the diagram, can be adapted to fold into a plurality of pleats 104 (e.g., horizontal pleats). The pleats 104 can be formed by rigid strips 105 (e.g., tenons) sewn into the fabric 102 and extending horizontally across the width of the fabric. The Roman blind system 100 may include two or more strips 106 that extend along the length of the back surface 108 of the fabric 102 and are attached to the back surface 108 of the fabric 102 at slats. Therefore, when the Roman blind system 100 is in a closed-loop configuration, the fabric 102 can be folded into a plurality of pleats 104 (e.g., horizontal pleats). Figure 1 and 2 In the fully lowered position shown, the curtain fabric 102 (e.g., a binding curtain fabric) may have multiple folds suspended. The Roman blind system 100 may include one or more flexible components, such as ropes 112, that allow the curtain fabric 102 to be raised and lowered. Figure 2 (Three ropes are shown). Rope 112 may be attached to the lowest slat 105a of the slats and passes through a plurality of eyelets 114 (e.g., attachment points) coupled to the rear surface 108 of the curtain fabric 102. The eyelets 114 may be coupled to the slats. Although three ropes 112 are shown, it should be understood that fewer (e.g., one or two) or more ropes may be used.

[0035] Roman blind system 100 may include features that can be located within housing 119 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 2 The head rail assembly 120 (shown in the figure) is a head rail assembly. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the head rail assembly 120. The head rail assembly 120 may include components configurable around a first axis 116 ( Figure 7 A rotating reel 122, wherein the first axis can be the longitudinal axis of the reel 122. The reel 122 can extend from a first end 121 to a second end 123. Figures 1 to 3As shown, the curtain fabric 102 (e.g., the top end 102a of the curtain fabric 102) can be attached (e.g., fixedly attached) to the housing 119 surrounding the head rail assembly 120 and can be configured to hang on the housing 119 (e.g., for covering an opening, such as a window). A cord 112 can be coupled to a reel 122 of the head rail assembly 120. The cord 112 can be configured to wind around the reel 122, and the bottom end 102b of the curtain fabric 102 can be configured to move as the reel 122 rotates. The housing 119 can conceal the head rail assembly 120 from view. Although... Figures 1 to 3 A Roman blind system 100 is shown with a head rail assembly 120 located in a housing 119, but the head rail assembly 120 may also be not installed in the housing 119, and the top end of the curtain fabric 102 may be attached to a part of the building structure surrounding the head rail assembly 120.

[0036] The Roman blind system 100 may include one or more lift rings 110 (e.g., rope guides and / or loops) coupled to a roller tube 122 to guide the ropes 112 as they are wound around and unwound from the roller tube. Each lift ring 110 may extend around the roller tube 122. For example, the Roman blind system 100 may include one lift ring 110 (e.g., a single lift ring) for each of the ropes 112 of the Roman blind system 100. Each rope 112 may be attached to a corresponding lift ring 110 (e.g., on the inside of the left lift ring 110 near the roller tube 122) and may extend from the lift ring 110 such that as the roller tube 122 rotates, the rope 112 wraps around the roller tube 122 on the side adjacent to the corresponding lift ring 110. Although Figure 4 Two lifting rings 110 are shown, but the Roman blind system 100 may include more than two lifting rings 110 around the roller tube 122, depending on the number of cords 112 required for the blind fabric 102 (e.g., one lifting ring 110 for each cord 112).

[0037] Additionally, the Roman blind system 100 may include a pair of lifting rings 110 for each of the cords 112 in the Roman blind system 100, for example, as Figure 5 As shown. The lifting rings 110 in each pair of lifting rings 110 may be spaced apart from each other along the reel 122. Each rope 112 may be attached to one of the lifting rings 110 in each pair of lifting rings 110 and may extend from the lifting ring 110 such that, as the reel 122 rotates, the rope 112 may be wound around the reel 122 between the pair of lifting rings 110. Although Figure 5 Two pairs of lifting rings 110 are shown, but the Roman blind system 100 may include more than two pairs of lifting rings 110 around the roller tube 126, depending on the number of cords 112 required for the blind fabric 102 (e.g., one pair of lifting rings 110 for each cord 112).

[0038] In addition, the Roman blind system 100 may also include one or more flexible components, such as Figure 6 The illustrated strip 111 (e.g., a tie) is used instead of a rope 112. For example, the strip 111 may have a narrow width (e.g., approximately ¼ inch or less). Each strip 111 may be wound around a roller tube 122 between adjacent lifting rings 110 in each pair of lifting rings 110. The Roman blind system 100 may include a pair of lifting rings 110 for each of the strips 111 in the Roman blind system 100. Each strip 111 may be attached at one end to a pin 113 (e.g., a rod). The pin 113 may be configured to be received in a corresponding channel 115 in a lifting ring 110 of each pair of lifting rings 110. The lifting rings 110 (in each pair of lifting rings 110) may be spaced apart from each other along the roller tube 122 such that the pin 113 extends between adjacent lifting rings 110, and the strip 111 is wound around the roller tube 122 between the lifting rings 110 as the roller tube 122 rotates. Although Figure 6 Two strips 111 and two pairs of lifting rings 110 are shown, but the Roman blind system 100 may include more than two strips 111 and corresponding pairs of lifting rings 110 around the roller tube 126, depending on the number of strips 111 required for the blind fabric 102 (e.g., one pair of lifting rings 110 for each strip 111).

[0039] Figure 7 This is a front view of the head rail assembly 120. Figures 8 and 9 are exploded views of the head rail assembly 120. The reel 122 may be hollow, such that the reel 122 defines an internal cavity 125, the size and configuration of which are designed to receive a motor drive unit 160 (e.g., a motor drive assembly), as... Figure 7 As shown. For example, the position of the motor drive unit 160 in the reel 122 can be... Figure 7 The figure is shown in dashed lines. The motor drive unit 160 may be received in the first end 121 of the reel 122. An example of a motor drive unit entitled "Motorized Shade Control System" is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,983,783, issued January 10, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0040] Figure 9This is a perspective view of the motor drive unit 160 removed from the roller tube 122. The motor drive unit 160 may include an internal motor (not shown) coupled via a drive shaft 164 to a drive coupler 162 to rotatably drive the drive coupler 162. The drive coupler 162 may have a notch around its outer periphery to facilitate engagement between the drive coupler 162 and the inner surface of the receiving motor drive unit 160 of the roller tube 122. The motor drive unit 160 may further include an end portion 165 having a connector 166 (such as a male or female connector) to connect the motor drive unit 160 to a power source, such as one or more batteries 154 (e.g., described in more detail below). The end portion 165 may also have at least one button 167 for receiving user input and a visible indicator (not shown) that can be illuminated to provide feedback to the user of the Roman blind system 100. The motor drive unit 160 may include a bearing assembly 168, which may be rotatably coupled to the reel 122 at a second end 123 of the reel 120. The second end 123 of the reel 120 may receive an idler assembly 170. Figure 8A The idler assembly may be rotatably coupled to the roller tube 120 at a second end 123 of the roller tube 120. The motor drive unit 160 may be configured to transmit and / or receive messages (e.g., digital messages) via signals (e.g., wireless signals, such as radio frequency signals), such that the motor drive unit 160 may be configured to rotate the roller tube 122 in response to the received messages to raise and / or lower the curtain fabric 102.

[0041] The head rail assembly 120 may also include a first bracket 130a and a second bracket 130b for mounting the Roman blind system 100 to a structure (e.g., a wall, ceiling, window frame, or other structure to which the Roman blind system is to be coupled). For example, brackets 130a and 130b may each include a flange 132 defining a hole 134. The size and configuration of the hole 134 may be designed to receive fasteners (e.g., screws) to couple brackets 130a and 130b to the structure. The first bracket 130a and the second bracket 130b may be configured to support (e.g., rotatably support) the roller tube 122 (e.g., via a bearing assembly of the motor drive unit 160 and an idler assembly 170). The first bracket 130a may be coupled to an end portion 165 of the motor drive unit 160, and the second bracket 130b may be coupled to the idler assembly 170 to support (e.g., rotatably support) the roller tube 122. The first bracket 130a and the second bracket 130b may include corresponding attachment structures for attaching to the end portion 165 of the motor drive unit assembly 160 and the idler wheel assembly 170, respectively. For example, the second bracket 130b may include a configuration for attaching to and supporting the idler wheel assembly 170 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 8AThe attachment structure 135 (shown) may include a corresponding attachment structure (not shown) configured to attach to and support the end portion 165 of the motor drive unit 160.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a left perspective view of the head rail assembly 120 with brackets 130a and 130b removed. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of its right side. The head rail assembly 120 may further include a housing 140 (e.g., an elongated housing or body) extending from a first end 142 to a second end 144 (e.g., extending the length of the reel 122). The housing 140 may include sidewalls 146 extending the length of the housing 140 from the first end 142 to the second end 144. The housing 140 may define an elongated slot 145 extending the length of the housing 140 from the first end 142 to the second end 144 (e.g., between the sidewalls 146 in the bottom of the housing 140). The first bracket 130a and the second bracket 130b may also be configured to support (e.g., fixate on) the housing 140. For example, the first bracket 130a and the second bracket 130b may also include coupling devices such as holes, recesses, pawls, protrusions, and / or other physical structures that facilitate direct or indirect coupling of the first bracket 130a and the second bracket 130b to the housing 140. A first bracket 130a may be coupled to a first end 142 of the housing 140, and a second bracket 130b may be coupled to a second end 144 of the housing 140. The first bracket 130a and the second bracket 130b may include walls 136 aligned with sidewalls 146 of the housing 140. The housing 140 may be coupled to the first bracket 130a and the second bracket 130b via fasteners 147 (e.g., screws) received in openings 138 in the first bracket 130a and the second bracket 130b and in the openings 148 in the sidewalls 146 of the housing 140.

[0043] like Figure 8A As shown, the head rail assembly 120 may further include a top cover 126 configured to cover the top of the head rail assembly 120 and a bottom cover 128 configured to cover the bottom of the head rail assembly 120. The top cover 126 may extend the length of the head rail assembly 120 (e.g., the length of the reel 122) between the first mounting bracket 130a and the second mounting bracket 130b. The bottom cover 128 may extend the length of the head rail assembly 120 (e.g., the length of the housing 140) and may cover the elongated slot 145 in the housing 140. The top cover 126 and the bottom cover 128 may be configured to be attached to the head rail assembly 120 (e.g., to the first mounting bracket 130a and the second mounting bracket 130b) via one or more attachment mechanisms (such as snaps and / or fasteners (e.g., screws)).

[0044] The housing 140 may house a battery holder 150 that defines a battery compartment 152, the battery compartment being sized and configured to receive one or more batteries 154 to power the motor drive unit 160. For example, the housing 140 may define an inner compartment 149, the inner compartment being sized and configured to receive the battery holder 150. The battery holder 150 may include a cable 156 (e.g., electrical wiring) with a plug 155 at its end. The cable 156 may be electrically connected to the battery 154 in the battery holder 150. The plug 155 may be configured to be electrically connected and mechanically connected to a connector 166 of the motor drive unit 160 to power the motor drive unit 160. The cable 156 may extend from the battery holder 150 to the motor drive unit 160 adjacent to the first support 130a. The battery holder 150 may include springs (not shown) to push the batteries 154 together and house them in the battery compartment 152 of the battery holder 150 when the Roman blind system 100 is installed. The number and type of batteries 154 that can be accommodated in the battery compartment 152 of the battery holder 150 may be based on the type of window handling system to be supported. In some examples, the size and configuration of the battery compartment 152 of the battery holder 150 may accommodate five D-type batteries, but those skilled in the art will understand that different numbers and types (e.g., size and / or capacity) of batteries may be used depending on the power requirements of a particular system. For example, while five D-type batteries are mentioned, those skilled in the art will understand that fewer (e.g., 1 to 4) or more batteries may be used. Alternatively or alternatively, other types of batteries (e.g., A, AA, AAA and / or lithium-ion batteries) may be used instead of D-type batteries. In some examples, the motor drive unit 160 may be powered from an external power source such as alternating current (AC) power and / or direct current (DC) power and / or from an energy harvesting power source such as a photovoltaic cell (e.g., a solar cell).

[0045] like Figure 8A As shown, the battery holder 150 may be disposed at or adjacent to the first end 142 of the housing 140. Positioning the motor drive unit 160 in the first end 121 of the reel 122 and positioning the battery holder 150 adjacent to the first end 142 of the housing 140 allows the plug 155 of the battery holder 150 to be electrically connected to the connector 166 of the motor drive unit 160 and allows the cable 156 to be as short as possible. Additionally, the internal compartment 149 of the housing 140 housing the battery holder 150 may be located below the reel 122, which allows easy access to the battery 154 in the battery holder 150 when the roller shutter system 100 is installed in the structure. For example, the battery holder 150 may include a gap 158 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 11As shown, the battery 154 can be removed and replaced through the gap to allow replacement via the elongated slot 145 in the housing 140. Since the battery 154 can be received through the gap 158 in the battery holder 150 and the elongated slot 145 in the housing 140, the battery 154 can be replaced without removing the head rail assembly 120 from the structure.

[0046] The head rail assembly 120 may also include a lifting assist subsystem 180 that can be housed and / or supported by the housing 140. For example, the size and configuration of the internal compartment 149 of the housing 140 may also be designed to receive and support the lifting assist subsystem 180, such that both the battery housing 150 and the lifting assist subsystem 180 can be located within the internal compartment 149 of the housing 140. The lifting assist subsystem 180 may be configured to assist the motor drive unit 160 in adjusting the curtain fabric 102 within the cavity 125 of the reel 122 between a first position and a second position (e.g., a fully raised position and a fully lowered position, or a position in between). In some examples, such as when the curtain fabric 102 is Roman blind fabric, the lifting assist subsystem 180 may include a lifting assist spring 182. The lifting assist spring 182 may include a spring member (not shown) housed within the housing 183. For example, the spring member of the lifting assist spring 182 may be a variable force spring, such as a negative gradient spring, which may have a negative gradient force curve (e.g., a decreasing load as deflection increases). Compared to when the curtain fabric 102 is near the fully lowered position, when the curtain fabric 102 is near the fully raised position, the negative gradient spring of the lifting assist spring 182 can provide greater assistance (e.g., greater force). (For example, because less torque is required to move the roller tube 122 when the curtain fabric 102 is near the fully lowered position compared to when the curtain fabric 102 is near the fully raised position.) For example, the lifting assist subsystem 180 may include, for example, Figure 8A The single lifting auxiliary spring 182 shown, or as... Figure 8B The multiple lifting auxiliary springs 182 shown are illustrated.

[0047] The lifting auxiliary subsystem 180 may include a shaft 184, which may be configured to rotate about a second axis 118. Figure 7A shaft 184 may extend through a channel 185 (e.g., a keyed channel) in the housing 183 of the lifting assist spring 182. The channel 185 may extend all the way through the housing 183 of the lifting assist spring 182. The channel 185 may be keyed to engage with the shaft 184 (e.g., the channel 185 may have a cross-sectional area substantially matching the cross-sectional area of ​​the shaft 184). When the shaft 184 rotates about a second axis 118 in a first angular direction and a second angular direction, the spring member in the housing 183 of the lifting assist spring 182 may respectively tighten and loosen. The channel 185 may be rotatable such that rotation of the shaft 184 (e.g., when received in the channel 185) causes the channel 185 to rotate, which in turn causes the spring member of the lifting assist spring 182 to expand and contract. For example, the length of the shaft 184 may vary depending on the number of lifting assist springs 182 in the lifting assist subsystem 180 (e.g., as shown in the previous section). Figure 8B As shown, where shaft 184 is broken. In some examples, the lifting assist spring 182 may include an integral shaft extending from the housing 183, and the shafts adjacent to the lifting assist spring may be coupled together.

[0048] The head rail assembly 120 may include a clamp 181, which may be received in an internal cavity 149 of the housing 140 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 10 The clamp 181 is shown to span an elongated slot 145. The clamp 181 can be tightened to be properly positioned within the internal cavity 149 of the housing 140, where it abuts against the lifting assist spring 182 of the lifting assist subsystem 180 (e.g., to accommodate the lifting assist spring 182 against the second bracket 130b). The position of the clamp 181 can be adjusted depending on the number of lifting assist springs 182 in the lifting assist subsystem 180.

[0049] The reel 122 can be coupled to the shaft 184 of the lifting auxiliary subsystem 180 via the gear assembly 190. Figures 12 to 13 This is a right-side view of the Roman blind system 100 (e.g., where the right-side bracket 130b of the head rail assembly 120 is not shown, so as to illustrate the gear assembly 190 in more detail). Figure 12 A Roman blind system 100 is shown with a front control configuration (e.g., a rear fabric configuration), and Figure 13 A Roman blind system 100 with a rear control configuration (e.g., a front fabric configuration) is shown. Figure 14 This is a partial exploded view of the head rail assembly 120, which shows the second bracket 130b, the light-assisted subsystem 180, and the gear assembly 190 in more detail. The gear assembly 190 may be supported by the second bracket 130b and may be configured to mechanically couple the reel 122 to the lifting assist spring 182 of the lifting assist subsystem 180 (e.g., as will be described in more detail below).

[0050] exist Figure 12 In the front control configuration shown, the head rail assembly 120 can be positioned toward the room where the Roman blind system 100 is installed, and the curtain fabric 102 can be positioned toward the window to which the Roman blind system 100 is suitable for coverage (e.g., as shown). Figure 12 As shown, the window can be located to the right of the curtain fabric 102. A rope 112 extends from the roller tube 122 through an opening 115 in the curtain fabric 102 toward the lowermost slat of the slats 105 between the curtain fabric 102 and the window. In a front-controlled configuration, the curtain fabric 102 can be suspended on the window side of the housing 119, and can be... Figure 12 As shown, it is wrapped around the housing 119 to provide the housing 119 with an aesthetic appearance.

[0051] exist Figure 13 In the rear control configuration shown, the head rail assembly 120 can be positioned toward the window to which the Roman blind system 100 is adapted to be covered, and the curtain fabric 102 can be positioned toward the room in which the Roman blind system 100 is installed (e.g., as shown in the diagram). Figure 13 As shown, the window can be located to the right of the curtain fabric 102. The rope 112 extends from the roller tube 122 toward the lowermost slat of the slats 105 between the curtain fabric 102 and the window. In a rear-controlled configuration, the curtain fabric 102 can be suspended on the room side of the housing 119, and can be... Figure 13 The material shown is at least partially wrapped around the housing 119 to provide an aesthetic appearance for the housing 119.

[0052] Gear assembly 190 may include a first gear 192, which may be coupled (e.g., fixedly coupled) to reel 210 (e.g., the second end 214 of reel 122) and may be configured to rotate about a first axis 116. For example, idler assembly 170 may include a stationary portion 172. Figure 12 and 13 The stationary portion is configured to be attached (e.g., fixedly attached) to the attachment structure 135 of the second bracket 130b. Figure 14The idler assembly 170 may further include a rotatable portion 174 configured to be received in and attached (e.g., fixedly attached) to the second end 123 of the reel 122. For example, the rotatable portion 174 may include a notch 176 configured to receive ribs (not shown) on the inner surface of the reel to securely attach the rotatable portion 174 to the reel 122. For example, the rotatable portion 174 may be configured to rotate about a stationary portion 172 when the motor drive unit 160 rotates the reel 122. For example, the stationary portion 172 and the rotatable portion 174 may meet at a bearing surface (not shown). A first gear 192 may be connected to the rotatable portion 174 of the idler assembly 170 (e.g., formed as part thereof) such that the first gear 192 rotates as the reel 122 rotates.

[0053] The gear assembly 190 may further include a second gear 194, which is coupled (e.g., fixedly coupled) to a shaft 184 of the lifting assist subsystem 180 and is configured to rotate about a second axis 118. The second gear 194 may include an opening 198 configured to receive and attach to the shaft 184 of the lifting assist subsystem 180. The second gear 194 may also include a roller 199 (e.g., a cylindrical roller) configured to be received (e.g., rotatably received) within an opening 139 (e.g., a cylindrical opening) in the second bracket 130b. The gear assembly 190 may include a third gear 196 located between the first gear 192 and the second gear 194 and configured to mechanically couple the first gear 192 to the second gear 194. The second bracket 130b may support the first gear 192, the second gear 194, and the third gear 196 of the gear assembly 190. The engagement between the first gear 192, the second gear 194 and the third gear 196 of the gear assembly 190 provides a connection through which the lifting auxiliary subsystem 180 provides assistance to the motor of the motor drive unit 160 when moving the curtain fabric 102.

[0054] In operation, the motor of the motor drive unit 160 can cause the roller tube 122 to rotate in a first angular direction (e.g., clockwise) or a second angular direction (e.g., counterclockwise), depending on whether the curtain fabric 102 is to move toward a fully lowered position or a fully raised position. As the roller tube 122 rotates, the rope 112 may, for example, be wound around the roller tube 122 (e.g., guided by the lifting ring 110) or unwound from the roller tube 122, depending on the direction of rotation. When the rope 112 is wound around the roller tube 122, the rope 112 can be pulled on the slats 105 to cause the curtain fabric 102 to rise and fold. For example, if starting from the fully lowered position, the rotation of the roller tube 122 may cause the rope 112 to be wound around the roller tube 122, which may cause the lowest slat of the slats 105 (e.g., together with the curtain fabric 102) to be pulled in an upward direction. When the lowest slat of slat 105 contacts the next highest slat, both the lowest slat of slat 105 and the next highest slat of slat 105 can move together in the upward direction. When the curtain fabric 102 is lowered, all slats 105 can move together until the pleats are fully unfolded, at which point the highest slat can stop moving (e.g., due to its engagement with the curtain fabric 102), and the remaining portions of the lower slats 105 can continue to move in the downward direction until all slats 105 reach their lowest positions.

[0055] Because the size, material, and / or style of the curtain fabric 122 may vary from one installation to the next in the roller blind system 100 (e.g., and therefore the weight will also differ from one installation to the next), the lifting assist subsystem 180 can be reconfigured so that the motor drive unit 160 can be assembled to raise and lower a specific weight of curtain fabric. For example, the lifting assist subsystem 180 of the head rail assembly 120 can be configured to include a plurality of lifting assist springs (e.g., each of which may be identical to lifting assist spring 182), such as Figure 8B As shown. The number of lifting auxiliary springs mounted in the head rail assembly 120 may depend on the weight of the curtain fabric 102. For example, when the lifting auxiliary subsystem 180 includes multiple lifting auxiliary springs 182, the shaft 184 of the lifting auxiliary subsystem 180 may extend through corresponding openings 185 in the multiple lifting auxiliary springs 182, and thus engage with the multiple lifting auxiliary springs 182 when the shaft 184 rotates (e.g., to provide additional assistance to the motor drive unit 160). The size and configuration of the internal cavity 149 of the housing 140 may be designed to receive and support the multiple lifting auxiliary springs 182.

[0056] When the lifting assist subsystem 180 includes multiple lifting assist springs 182, the lifting assist springs 182 can be arranged together along the shaft 184 so that the lifting assist springs 182 are in contact with each other. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the housing 183 of each lifting assist spring 182 may include a group (e.g., a pair) of alignment members, such as protrusions 186 and recesses 187, located on each side of the housing 183 of the lifting assist spring 182. Although in Figure 14 Only one group (e.g., a pair) of alignment members can be seen in the housing 183, but the lifting auxiliary spring 182 may include a second pair of alignment members located on opposite sides of the housing 183. Additionally, each group of alignment members may have more or less one pair (e.g., more or less two) of alignment members. When two of the lifting auxiliary springs 182 are aligned together along the shaft 184, a protrusion 186 on the first lifting auxiliary spring 182 may be received in a recess 187 on the second lifting auxiliary spring 182, and a protrusion 186 on the second lifting auxiliary spring 182 may be accommodated in a recess 187 on the first lifting auxiliary spring 182. Furthermore, the housing 183 of each of the lifting auxiliary springs 182 may include a snap-fit ​​188 configured to couple to a protrusion 189 on an adjacent lifting auxiliary spring 182. In this way, the lifting auxiliary springs 182 are securely connected and aligned, and can be inserted as a unit.

[0057] When the number of lifting assist springs 182 in the lifting assist subsystem 180 is too large or too small, the roller blind system 100 may not be properly spring balanced. When the roller blind system 100 is not properly spring balanced, the load on the motor drive unit 160 may increase when raising or lowering the curtain fabric 102. This may increase the amount of battery current drawn from the battery 154, and thus increase the power consumed by the motor drive unit 160 (e.g., the power consumed from the battery 154), which may result in a shortened battery life. After the curtain fabric 102 is mounted on the head rail assembly 120, the motor drive unit 160 may be configured to perform a test process (e.g., a spring balance verification process) to confirm that the appropriate number of lifting assist springs 182 is installed (e.g., the number of lifting assist springs 182 that optimizes the power consumed from the battery 154) and / or determine whether the lifting assist subsystem 180 requires more or fewer lifting assist springs 182.

[0058] Figure 15 It is used to build and / or configure window processing systems (e.g., Figures 1 to 3A flowchart illustrating an exemplary fabrication process 200 for the Roman blind system 100 shown. Fabrication process 200 can be performed by a technician (e.g., a manufacturing technician). Fabrication process 200 can be performed at a manufacturing plant, the installation site of the window treatment system, and / or other locations. Fabrication process 200 can begin at 210. At 212, a technician may, for example, attach a covering material (e.g., curtain fabric 102) to the head rail assembly (e.g., head rail assembly 120) of the window treatment system. For example, the covering material may be a fabric type and size specified by the customer. Additionally, at 212, a technician may attach one or more cords (e.g., cord 112) and / or strips (e.g., strip 111) to the roller tube (e.g., roller tube 122) of the head rail assembly.

[0059] At 214, a technician can determine the quantity (e.g., initial quantity) of the lifting assist springs (e.g., lifting assist spring 182) installed in the head rail assembly. For example, the technician can determine the initial quantity of lifting assist springs based on the size, material, style, and / or weight of the cover material. The technician can refer to a reference guide (e.g., a table) to determine the initial quantity of lifting assist springs based on the size, material, style, and / or weight of the cover material. Alternatively, the technician can use a program running on a computing device (e.g., a computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) to determine the initial quantity of lifting assist springs after the size, material, style, and / or weight of the cover material is entered into the program. At 216, the technician can install the initial quantity of lifting assist springs in the head rail assembly. For example, the technician can connect the housings of the lifting assist springs together and insert the lifting assist springs into the internal cavity of the head rail assembly housing (e.g., internal cavity 149 of housing 140) such that a shaft (e.g., shaft 184) is received through a channel in the lifting assist spring. Additionally, at 216, a technician can mount a bracket (e.g., second bracket 130b) on one end of the housing and position a clamp 181 within the internal cavity of the housing to hold the lifting auxiliary spring against the bracket. At 218, a technician can install one or more batteries (e.g., battery 154) in a battery holder (e.g., battery holder 150), insert the battery holder into the internal cavity of the housing, and mount a bracket (e.g., first bracket 130a) on the other end of the housing.

[0060] At point 220, a technician can install the head rail assembly onto the test mounting structure, allowing the motor drive unit of the window handling system (e.g., motor drive unit 160) to fully raise and lower the covering material. At point 222, the technician can cause the motor drive unit of the window handling system to perform a test procedure (e.g., a spring balance verification procedure). For example, the technician can activate a button on the motor drive unit to cause it to perform the test procedure. For example, the motor drive unit can be configured to perform the test procedure in response to receiving a message from an external device. For example, the technician can associate (e.g., pair) a remote control device (e.g., a wireless remote control device) with the motor drive unit and activate a button on the remote control device to cause it to transmit a message to the motor drive unit (e.g., via one or more wireless signals), thereby causing the motor drive unit to perform the test procedure. Alternatively or concurrently, the technician can use a computing device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet) to transmit messages to the motor drive unit via a wired or wireless communication link. For example, a computing device may be configured to transmit messages to a motor drive unit using standard wireless communication protocols (e.g., such as Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth protocols) so that the motor drive unit performs a test process.

[0061] Once the testing process has begun, the motor drive unit can be configured to rotate the reel so that the window handling system moves the cover material while monitoring the input power of the motor drive unit. For example, the motor drive unit can be configured to move the cover material by fully raising (e.g., from a fully lowered position to a fully raised position) and fully lowering (e.g., from a fully raised position to a fully lowered position). While the motor drive unit is moving the cover material by fully raising and fully lowering movements, the motor drive unit can be configured to monitor (e.g., periodically monitor) the input power P of the motor drive unit. IN The size (e.g., the power consumed from the battery).

[0062] The motor drive unit can be configured to input power P while the motor drive unit is moving the cover material during the test process. IN The magnitude of the power input P is compared with one or more power thresholds to determine the result of the test process. The motor drive unit can be configured such that when the input power P of the motor drive unit... IN The lifting movement power threshold P is exceeded when the motor drive unit is lifting the covering material during full lifting movement. TH-RAISE At that time, it was determined that the window handling system required at least one additional lifting auxiliary spring. The motor drive unit can be configured such that when the input power P of the motor drive unit... IN The drop movement power threshold P is exceeded when the motor drive unit is lowering the cover material during full drop movement. TH-LOWERAt that time, it was determined that the window handling system required at least one less lifting auxiliary spring. The motor drive unit can be configured such that when the input power P of the motor drive unit... IN The size does not exceed the lifting movement power threshold P when the motor drive unit is lifting the covering material during full lifting movement. TH-RAISE When, and / or when the input power P of the motor drive unit IN The size does not exceed the descent movement power threshold P when the motor drive unit is lowering the cover material during full descent movement. TH-LOWER At that time, it is determined that the window handling system is properly spring-balanced. For example, the lifting movement power threshold P. TH-RAISE This is equivalent to lowering the mobile power threshold P. TH-LOWER In some examples, the mobile power threshold P is raised. TH-RAISE This is different from lowering the mobile power threshold P. TH-LOWER .

[0063] The motor drive unit can be configured to convey indications of the test process results (e.g., an indication that the window handling system is properly spring-balanced, that the window handling system requires more lift assist springs, or that the window handling system requires fewer lift assist springs). For example, the indication of the test process results could be the input power P when the motor drive unit moves the covering material during the test process. IN The size exceeds the lift-up mobile power threshold P TH-RAISE Or lower the mobile power threshold P TH-LOWER One of the indicators. The motor drive unit may be configured to provide an indication of the result of the test process by illuminating a visible indicator (e.g., a visible indicator on the end portion 165 of the motor drive unit 160, such as a light-emitting diode). For example, the motor drive unit may be configured to flash the visible indicator in a unique flashing sequence (e.g., a pattern) to indicate each of the different results of the test process (e.g., the window handling system is properly spring balanced, more lift assist springs are needed, or fewer lift assist springs are needed). A technician can view and interpret the unique flashing sequence to determine the result of the test process. The motor drive unit may be configured to flash the visible indicator in a unique flashing sequence to indicate the result of the test process at the end of the test process (e.g., after a full raise movement and / or a full lower movement). For example, the motor drive unit may be configured to flash the visible indicator multiple times in a unique flashing sequence to ensure that a technician can view and interpret the unique flashing sequence. In some examples, the motor drive unit may be configured to, when the input power P of the motor drive unit... IN The magnitude exceeds the lift-up power threshold P during and / or after full lift-up movement. TH-RAISE When, and when the input power P of the motor drive unit INThe magnitude exceeds the drop-down power threshold P during and / or after full drop-down movement. TH-LOWER At that time, the visible indicator blinks with a unique blinking sequence. Although the motor drive unit is described as having a single visible indicator, the motor drive unit may alternatively include more than one visible indicator and / or more complex visible indicators, such as a visible display.

[0064] Alternatively, the motor drive unit may be configured to convey an indication of the test process result by transmitting a message via a signal (e.g., a wireless signal, such as a radio frequency signal). For example, the motor drive unit may be configured to transmit a message containing an indication of the test process result to a computing device (e.g., a personal computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) used by a technician. The computing device may be configured to display the indication of the test process result on a visible display of the computing device. For example, the motor drive unit may be configured to transmit a message containing an indication of the test process result to the computing device at the end of the test process (e.g., after a full rise movement and / or a full fall movement).

[0065] After the motor drive unit conveys an indication of the test process results (e.g., test process complete), the technician can respond to the test results. If the test results indicate that the window handling system requires more lift assist springs at point 224, the technician can add one lift assist spring to the head rail assembly of the window handling system at point 226, and then test the operation of the window handling system again at point 222. If the test results indicate that the window handling system does not require more lift assist springs at point 224 but requires fewer lift assist springs at point 228, the technician can remove one lift assist spring from the head rail assembly of the window handling system at point 230, and then test the operation of the window handling system again at point 222. If the test results indicate that the window handling system does not require more lift assist springs at point 224 and does not require fewer lift assist springs at point 228 (e.g., the window handling system is properly spring balanced), the manufacturing process 200 can end at point 232.

[0066] While the manufacturing process 200 has been described as the motor drive unit providing a unique flashing sequence (e.g., a pattern) to indicate each of the different outcomes of the testing process (e.g., the window handling system is properly spring-balanced, requires more or fewer lift assist springs), in some examples, the motor drive unit may not be configured to provide a unique flashing sequence when the window handling system is properly spring-balanced (e.g., no response), but may only provide a unique flashing sequence when the window handling system requires more or fewer lift assist springs. Additionally, in some examples, the motor drive unit may be configured to provide a single flashing sequence when the window handling system is improperly spring-balanced (e.g., the motor drive unit may not provide a unique flashing sequence when the window handling system requires more lift assist springs compared to when the window handling system requires fewer lift assist springs). In such examples, a technician can determine whether a single flashing sequence is provided when the motor drive unit moves by fully raising or fully lowering movements to determine, respectively, when the window handling system requires more or fewer lift assist springs.

[0067] Additionally, while fabrication process 200 is described as the motor drive unit moving at 222 during the test process via full-rise and full-lower movements, fabrication process 200 can also be implemented such that the motor drive unit moves the cover material only via one of the movements (e.g., full-rise movement). For example, a technician may not need to determine the initial number of lifting assist springs installed in the head rail assembly at 214 (e.g., 214 can be omitted from fabrication process 200), but a single lifting assist spring can simply be installed in the head rail assembly at 216. At 222, the motor drive unit can perform the test process and move the cover material only via full-rise movement during the test process. The motor drive unit can be configured to convey an indication that the window handling system requires more lifting assist springs during and / or after the full-rise movement. The technician can repeat the test process until the correct number of lifting assist springs are added and / or installed in the head rail assembly. Furthermore, the manufacturing process 200 can be implemented such that technicians initially install the maximum number of lifting auxiliary springs in the head rail assembly, and during the testing process, move the covering material only by fully lowering the movement to determine whether fewer lifting auxiliary springs are needed.

[0068] While this document describes fabrication process 200, in which a technician determines whether to install more or fewer of the same type of lift assist springs in a window treatment system, fabrication process 200 can also be used to determine whether to install lift assist springs with different forces and / or force gradients (e.g., lift assist springs providing more or less force) to replace existing lift assist springs. For example, a technician may install a lift assist spring providing greater force at 226 and / or a lift assist spring providing less force at 230. Additionally, fabrication process 200 can be used to determine whether to install lift assist springs with different forces and / or force gradients in a single window treatment system.

[0069] Figure 16 This is a block diagram of a motor drive unit 300 (e.g., motor drive unit 160) for a window handling system (e.g., Roman blind system 100). The motor drive unit 300 may include a motor 310 (e.g., a DC motor) coupled to a roller tube (e.g., roller tube 122) of an electric window handling device to rotate the roller tube. Rotation of the roller tube may be configured to raise and lower the covering material (e.g., curtain fabric 102). The motor drive unit 300 may include a compartment 332 configured to receive DC power (e.g., it may be...). Figure 4 Example of a battery housing 150 for the head rail assembly 120 shown in Figure 8. For example, the DC power supply can be one or more batteries 330. In this example, the housing 332 can be configured to receive one or more batteries 330 (e.g., four "D" batteries), such as... Figure 4 The battery 154 has a capacity of up to 8. Battery 330 can supply battery voltage V to the motor drive unit 300. BATT Additionally, alternative DC power sources (such as solar cells (e.g., photovoltaic cells), ultrasonic energy sources, and / or radio frequency (RF) energy sources) may be coupled in parallel with one or more batteries 330, or in some examples, may be used as alternatives to batteries 330. Furthermore, external DC power supplies may be configured to be coupled in parallel with one or more batteries 330. Alternative DC power sources and / or external DC power supplies can be used to perform the same and / or similar functions as one or more batteries 330.

[0070] The motor drive unit 300 may include a motor drive circuit 312 (e.g., an H-bridge drive circuit) that receives a battery voltage V. BATT It can also generate a pulse-width modulated (PWM) voltage V for driving the motor 310. PWM .Although Figure 16 Not shown, but the motor drive unit 300 may include a power converter circuit (e.g., a boost converter circuit) coupled between the battery 330 and the motor drive circuit 312 for receiving the battery voltage V. BATTIt also generates a boosted voltage that can be received by the motor drive unit 312 for driving the motor 312. The motor drive unit 300 may also include a power supply 314, which is shown to receive a battery voltage V. BATT And generate supply voltage V CC The low-voltage circuit system of the motor drive unit 300 is powered.

[0071] The motor drive unit 300 may include control circuitry 320 for controlling the operation of the motor 210. Control circuitry 320 may include, for example, a microprocessor, programmable logic device (PLD), microcontroller, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other suitable processing device or control circuitry. Control circuitry 320 may be configured to generate one or more drive signals V for controlling the motor drive circuitry 312. DR One or more drive signals V DR It can be configured to control the rotational speed and / or direction of rotation of the motor 310. For example, as Figure 16 As shown, the motor drive circuit 312 and the control circuit 320 can conduct battery current I from the battery 330. BATT The control circuit 320 can be configured to control the motor drive circuit 312 to rotate the motor 310 in the fully raised position P. RAISED With the position of complete descent P LOWERED Adjust the current position P of the covering material PRES .

[0072] The motor drive unit 300 may include a rotational position sensing circuit 322, such as a Hall effect sensor (HES) circuit, which may be configured to generate a first rotational position sensing signal V. S1 Second rotational position sensing signal V S2 First rotational position sensing signal V S1 Second rotational position sensing signal V S2 The rotational speed and / or direction of the motor 310 can be indicated to the control circuit 320. The rotational position sensing circuit 322 may include other suitable position sensors, such as, for example, magnetic sensors, optical sensors, and / or resistive sensors. The control circuit 320 can be configured to respond to a first rotational position sensing signal V generated by the rotational position sensing circuit 322. S1 Second rotational position sensing signal V S2The rotational position of motor 310 is determined. Control circuitry 320 can be configured to determine the current position of covering material in response to the rotational position of motor 310. The operation of the motor drive circuitry and rotational position sensing circuitry of the exemplary motor drive unit is described in more detail in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,848,634, entitled “Motorized Windscreen System,” issued December 15, 1998, and in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 7,839,109, entitled “Method of Controlling a Motorized Windscreen Treatment,” issued November 23, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0073] The motor drive unit 300 may include a memory 324 configured to store operational characteristics, such as the current position of the cover material and / or limitations for controlling the position of the cover material (e.g., the fully raised position P). RAISED and / or completely lower position P LOWERED Memory 324 may be implemented as an external integrated circuit (IC) or as internal circuitry of control circuitry 320. Memory 324 may include a computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium that maintains computer-executable instructions to perform one or more programs and / or functions as described herein. For example, memory 324 may include computer-executable or machine-readable instructions that, when executed by control circuitry, configure control circuitry to provide the programs described herein (e.g., such as...). Figure 17 The test process 400 shown may be one or more parts. Control circuitry 320 may access instructions from memory 324 for execution, causing control circuitry 320 to operate as described herein or to operate one or more other devices as described herein. Memory 324 may include computer-executable instructions for executing configuration software. For example, operating characteristics and / or associated information stored in memory 324 may be configured in the configuration program of sensor device 300.

[0074] The motor drive unit 300 may include communication circuitry 325, which allows the control circuitry 320 to transmit and receive signals, such as wired and / or wireless signals, including radio frequency (RF) signals. The control circuitry 320 may be configured to control the movement of the covering material by controlling the motor 310 in response to a curtain movement command received from a remote control device via the communication circuitry 325. During a configuration process (e.g., an association process), the motor drive unit 300 may be associated with the remote control device such that the motor drive unit 300 is responsive to messages transmitted by the remote control device (e.g., via wireless signals).

[0075] The motor drive unit 300 may include actuator circuitry 326 configured to receive user input. Actuator circuitry 326 may include one or more switching devices, such as mechanical tactile switches, configured to activate in response to the actuation of one or more corresponding buttons on the motor drive unit 300 (e.g., buttons on end portion 165 of the motor drive unit 160). Control circuitry 320 may activate in response to the actuation of the switching devices in actuator circuitry 326. For example, control circuitry 320 may be configured to enter a configuration process (e.g., for association with a remote control device) in response to the actuation of one of the buttons on the motor drive unit 300.

[0076] The motor drive unit 300 may include a light source 328, which may be illuminated by control circuitry 320 to provide feedback to a user of the electric window handling device. For example, control circuitry 320 may be configured to illuminate the light source 328 to provide feedback to the user during a configuration mode, indicating that the motor drive unit is in a configuration mode. For example, the light source 328 may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0077] The motor drive unit 300 may include a battery voltage sensing circuit 334, which may be electrically coupled in parallel with the battery 330 to receive the battery voltage V. BATT And it generates an indicator of battery voltage V. BATT The size of the battery voltage sensing signal V V-BATT For example, the battery voltage sensing circuit 334 may include a resistor divider circuit with two resistors coupled in series, wherein the series combination of resistors is coupled in parallel with the battery 330. A battery voltage sensing signal V can be generated at the junction of the resistors. V-BATT This causes the battery voltage sensing signal V to... V-BATT Size and battery voltage V BATT The sizes are proportional.

[0078] The motor drive unit 300 may include a battery current sensing circuit 336, which may be electrically coupled in parallel with the battery 330 to conduct battery current I. BATTAnd it generates an indicator of battery current I. BATT The size of the battery current sensing signal V I-BATT For example, the battery current sensing circuit 336 may include a sensing resistor circuit (e.g., to conduct battery current I) coupled in series with the battery 330. BATT A battery current sensing signal V can be generated across the resistor. I-BATT This causes the battery current sensing signal V to... I-BATT The magnitude of the battery current I BATT The sizes are proportional.

[0079] Control circuit 320 can receive battery voltage sensing signal V from battery voltage sensing circuit 334 V-BATT And receive the battery current sensing signal V from the battery current sensing circuit 336. I-BATT For example, control circuitry 320 may include one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) to process the battery voltage sensing signal V. V-BATT and battery current sensing signal V I-BATT Sampling is performed. The control circuit 320 can be configured to monitor the input power P of the motor drive unit 300. IN The magnitude of the voltage (e.g., the power consumed from battery 330). Control circuitry 320 can be configured to base its signal on the battery voltage sensing signal V. V-BATT Size and battery current sensing signal V I-BATT The magnitude of the input power P of the motor drive unit 300 is determined by the size of the input power P. IN The size. For example, control circuit 320 can be configured to control the battery voltage V. BATT The size (e.g., determined by the battery voltage sensing signal V) V-BATT (The magnitude is expressed as) multiplied by the battery current I BATT The size (e.g., determined by the battery current sensing signal V) I-BATT The magnitude of the input power P is used to calculate the input power P. IN The size. In some examples, the control circuit may be based on (e.g., solely on) the battery current sensing signal V. I-BATT To determine the input power P of the motor drive unit 300 IN The magnitude of the voltage (e.g., the power consumed from the battery) (e.g., the motor drive unit 300 may not include battery voltage sensing circuitry 334). For example, the control circuitry may assume a battery voltage V. BATT The magnitude is a predetermined constant value, and is determined by the battery voltage V. BATT The predetermined constant value multiplied by the battery current I BATT The size (e.g., the battery current sensing signal V) I-BATT The input power P is calculated using the magnitude indicated by the input power. IN Size.

[0080] The lifespan of battery 330 may depend on the input power P of motor drive unit 300 during each movement of the covering material. IN (For example, the power consumed by battery 330). Control circuit 320 can be configured to monitor input power P while controlling motor drive circuit 312 to rotate motor 310. IN The size, so that in the fully raised position P RAISED With the position of complete descent P LOWERED Adjust the current position P of the covering material PRES The control circuit 320 can be configured to, when the input power P IN When the magnitude exceeds one or more power thresholds, the input power P of the motor drive unit 300 is determined. IN The size (e.g., the power consumed from battery 330) is too large. When the window handling system is improperly spring balanced, the input power P of the motor drive unit 300 is excessive. IN The size may be too large.

[0081] Control circuit 320 can be configured to perform a test procedure (e.g., a test procedure performed at 222 of manufacturing process 200) to determine whether the window handling system is properly spring-balanced. Control circuit 320 can be configured to perform the test procedure in response to activation of one of the buttons on motor drive unit 300 detected by actuator circuit 326. Additionally, control circuit 320 can be configured to perform the test procedure in response to receiving a message via communication circuit 325. During the test procedure, control circuit 320 can be configured to control motor drive circuit 312 to rotate motor 310 to the fully raised position P. RAISED With the position of complete descent P RAISED Adjust the current position P of the covering material PRES For example, control circuit 320 can be configured to move by fully raising (e.g., from fully lowered position P). LOWERED To the fully raised position P RAISED ) and full descent movement (e.g., from the fully raised position P) RAISED To the fully descended position P LOWERED To move the current position P of the covering material. PRES The control circuit 320 can be configured to adjust the current position P of the covering material by moving it fully raised and fully lowered. PRES Simultaneously monitor the input power P of the motor drive unit 300 IN Size.

[0082] Control circuit 320 can be configured to adjust the current position P of the cover material during the test process while controlling motor drive circuit 312. PRES At the same time, by input power P INThe magnitude of the power input P is compared with one or more power thresholds to determine the result of the test process. The control circuit 320 can be configured to, when the input power P of the motor drive unit... IN The lifting movement power threshold P is exceeded when the control circuit 320 is controlling the motor drive circuit 312 to lift the covering material during full lifting movement. TH-RAISE At that time, it was determined that the window handling system required at least one additional lifting auxiliary spring. Control circuit 320 can be configured to, when the input power P of the motor drive unit... IN The drop movement power threshold P is exceeded when the control circuit is controlling the motor drive circuit 312 to drop the cover material during full drop movement. TH-LOWER At that time, it was determined that the window handling system required at least one less lifting auxiliary spring. Control circuit 320 can be configured such that when the input power P of the motor drive unit... IN The size does not exceed the lifting movement power threshold P when the control circuit is controlling the motor drive unit 312 to lift the covering material during full lifting movement. TH-RAISE When, and / or when the input power P of the motor drive unit IN The size does not exceed the descent movement power threshold P when the control circuit 312 is controlling the motor drive circuit 312 to lower the covering material during full descent movement. TH-LOWER At that time, it is determined that the window handling system is properly spring-balanced. For example, the lifting movement power threshold P. TH-RAISE This is equivalent to lowering the mobile power threshold P. TH-LOWER .

[0083] Control circuit 320 may be configured to convey indications of the results of the test process (e.g., indications that the window handling system is properly spring-balanced, the window handling system requires more or fewer lift assist springs). Control circuit 320 may be configured to provide indications of the test process results by illuminating light source 328. For example, control circuit 320 may be configured to flash light source 328 in a unique flashing sequence (e.g., pattern) to indicate each of the different results of the test process (e.g., the window handling system is properly spring-balanced, requires more or fewer lift assist springs). Alternatively or additionally, control circuit 320 may be configured to convey indications of the test process results by transmitting a message (containing indications of the test process results) via communication circuit 325. Furthermore, control circuit 320 may be configured to convey indications of the test process results by stopping the movement of the window handling system's covering material and / or swinging the covering material (e.g., rapidly raising and lowering the covering material between two positions).

[0084] Figure 17 It is used to verify window handling systems (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The flowchart illustrates an exemplary test process 400 in which the Roman blind system 100 is properly spring-balanced. Test process 400 may be performed by a motor drive unit (e.g., motor drive unit 160, 300) and its control circuitry (e.g., control circuitry 320). The motor drive unit may include a motor (e.g., motor 310) configured to rotate the roller of the window handling system (e.g., roller 122) to the fully lowered position P. LOWERED With the fully raised position P RAISED Adjust the current position P of the covering material (e.g., curtain fabric 102). PRES The motor drive unit may be powered by one or more batteries (e.g., batteries 154, 360). The window treatment system may include a lift assist subsystem (e.g., lift assist subsystem 180) having one or more lift assist springs (e.g., lift assist spring 182) for assisting the motor drive unit in raising and lowering the covering material. Test process 400 may be performed by control circuitry during the fabrication process of the window treatment system (e.g., at 222 of fabrication process 200). Test process 400 may be initiated by a technician (e.g., the technician performing fabrication process 200). Alternatively, test process 400 may be performed by control circuitry after the window treatment system is installed in its final installation position, and / or periodically as a maintenance procedure, to determine whether the spring balance of the window treatment system has changed over time.

[0085] The control circuit can initiate the test process 400 at 410 in response to receiving input from a technician. For example, the control circuit can initiate the test process 400 at 410 in response to detecting the activation of a button on the motor drive unit (e.g., a button on the end portion 165 of the motor drive unit 160 and / or a button to activate the switching device of the actuator circuit 326). Additionally, the control circuit can initiate the test process 400 at 410 in response to receiving a message (e.g., one or more wireless signals, such as radio frequency signals) via a communication circuit (e.g., communication circuit 325).

[0086] At 412, the control circuit can control the motor drive circuit to drive the motor (e.g., motor 310) to cover the current position P of the material. PRES Adjust to lower position P LOWERED For example, the control circuit can be configured to cover the current position P of the material after the start of the test process 400. PRES Automatically adjust to the fully lowered position P LOWERED In some examples, the technician can place the current location P of the covering material before the test process 400 begins. PRES Manually adjust to the lowered position P LOWERED(For example, the adjustment of the covering material at 412 can be omitted from the test process 400).

[0087] At 414, the control circuit can begin moving the covering material (e.g., automatically initiating movement) to the fully raised position P. RAISED (For example, to begin a full lifting movement of the covering material). For example, at 414, the control circuit can target position P. DEST Set to equal to the fully raised position P RAISED At 416, the control circuit can sample one or more sensing signals from the motor drive unit during movement, for example, using one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). For example, at 416, the control circuit can sample the battery voltage sensing signal V. V-BATT Sampling is performed, and the battery voltage sensing signal can indicate the battery voltage V generated by the battery. BATT Size to generate battery voltage sample S V-BATT Additionally, at position 416, the control circuit can sense the battery current signal V. I-BATT Sampling is performed, and the battery current sensing signal can indicate the battery current I conducted through the battery. BATT Size to generate battery current sample S I-BATT .

[0088] At 418, the control circuit can be based on the battery voltage sensing signal V. V-BATT and battery current sensing signal V I-BATT To determine the input power P of the motor drive unit IN (For example, the magnitude of the power consumed by the battery). For example, the control circuit can be configured to measure the battery voltage sample S. V-BATT Multiplied by the battery current sensing signal S I-BATT To calculate the input power P IN The size, for example, P IN = (α · S V-BATT ) · (β · S I-BATT ), where α and β are coefficients whose values ​​depend on the values ​​of the components used to generate the battery voltage sensing signal V. V-BATT and battery current sensing signal V I-BATT The circuit system. In some examples, the control circuit may be based on (e.g., solely on) the battery current sensing signal V. I-BATT (For example, not based on the battery voltage sensing signal V) V-BATT To determine the input power P of the motor drive unit IN (For example, the magnitude of the power consumed by the battery). For example, the control circuit may assume the battery voltage V. BATT The magnitude is a predetermined constant value, and is determined by the battery voltage V. BATTThe predetermined constant value multiplied by the battery current sensing signal S I-BATT The magnitude of the input power P is used to calculate the input power P. IN Size.

[0089] At 420, the control circuit can determine that while the control circuit is moving the covering material (e.g., the covering material begins to rise at 414), the input power P... IN Is the magnitude greater than or equal to the power threshold P? TH For example, when the control circuit is raising the covering material during a full-rise movement, the control circuit can set a power threshold P. TH Set to equal to the raised mobile power threshold P TH-RAISE When the control circuit is lowering the covering material during full descent movement, the power threshold can be set to be equal to the descent movement power threshold P. TH-LOWER For example, raising the mobile power threshold P TH-RAISE This is equivalent to lowering the mobile power threshold P. TH-LOWER In some examples, the control circuit can control the battery current I. BATT Size (e.g., battery current sample S) I-BATT The signal is compared with a current threshold (e.g., if the control circuit is not configured to receive the battery voltage sensing signal V). V-BATT ).

[0090] When the input power P is at 420 IN The magnitude is not greater than or equal to the power threshold P TH At that time, the control circuit can determine at point 422 whether the covering material is located at the target position P. DEST Location (e.g., as set at location 414). For example, if the current location P of the material is covered at location 422. PRES Equal to target position P DEST Then the control circuit can determine that the covering material is located at the target position P. DEST At point 422, the covering material is not in the target location P. DEST At this point, the control circuit can continue to monitor the battery voltage sensing signal V at point 416. V-BATT and battery current sensing signal V I-BATT Sampling is performed, and the input power P of the motor drive unit is calculated at position 418. IN .

[0091] When the input power P is at 420 IN The magnitude is greater than or equal to the power threshold P TH (For example, raising the mobile power threshold P) TH-RAISE Furthermore, while the control circuit at 424 is currently raising the cover material, the control circuit at 426 can input power P during the test process 400. INThe size exceeds the power threshold P TH An indication (e.g., the window handling system is not spring balanced) is stored in a memory (e.g., memory 324). For example, at 426, the control circuit may store an indication that there are too few lift assist springs installed in the window handling system at 426 in the memory. Additionally, at 426, the control circuit may communicate an indication that there are too few installed lift assist springs. For example, the control circuit may illuminate a visible indicator (e.g., by illuminating light source 328) to cause the visible indicator to flash in a unique flashing sequence, indicating that there are too few installed lift assist springs. Alternatively, the control circuit may transmit a message containing an indication that there are too few installed lift assist springs at 426 (e.g., via communication circuit 325). After storing the indication that there are too few installed lift assist springs in the memory at 426, the control circuit may again detect the battery voltage sensing signal V at 416. V-BATT and battery current sensing signal V I-BATT Sampling is performed, and the input power P of the motor drive unit is calculated at position 418. IN .

[0092] When the covering material at 422 is located at the target position P DEST At point 430, the control circuit can determine whether it has completed the movement of test process 400 (e.g., whether the control circuit has moved the cover material by full-rise and full-lower movements during test process 400). If the control circuit has not completed the movement at point 430 (e.g., if the control circuit has only moved the cover material by full-rise movement), then at point 432, the control circuit can begin moving the cover material to the fully lowered position P. LOWERED (For example, to begin the complete descent movement of the covering material). For example, at 432, the control circuit can target position P. DEST Set to equal the descending position P LOWERED During the full descent, the control circuit can sense the battery voltage signal V at point 416. V-BATT and battery current sensing signal V I-BATT Sampling is performed, and the input power P of the motor drive unit is calculated at position 418. IN .

[0093] When the input power P is at 420 IN The magnitude is greater than or equal to the power threshold P TH Furthermore, while the control circuit at 424 is currently lowering the cover material, the control circuit at 428 can store an indication in memory that too many installed lift assist springs are present (e.g., the window handling system is not spring-balanced). Additionally, the control circuit can convey an indication at 428 that too many installed lift assist springs are present (e.g., during test procedure 400, when input power P...).IN The size exceeds the power threshold P TH (Indication). For example, the control circuitry can use a unique flashing sequence to make a visible indicator flash to indicate that the window handling system needs fewer lift assist springs. Alternatively, the control circuitry can transmit a message containing an indication that too few lift assist springs are installed at 428 (e.g., via communication circuitry 325). After storing the indication that too many lift assist springs are installed in memory at 428, the control circuitry can again check the battery voltage sensing signal V at 416. V-BATT and battery current sensing signal V I-BATT Sampling is performed, and the input power P of the motor drive unit is calculated at position 418. IN .

[0094] When the covering material at 422 is located at the target position P DEST (For example, fully lower position P) LOWERED At 430, when the control circuit completes the movement, at 434, the control circuit can determine whether an indication that too few lift assist springs are installed in the window handling system is stored in memory. When an indication that too few lift assist springs are installed exists at 434, at 444, before the end of test process 400, the control circuit can convey the indication that too few lift assist springs are installed in the window handling system at 436 (e.g., input power P during the full lift movement of test process 400). IN The size exceeds the power threshold P TH (Indication). For example, at 436, the control circuit can cause a visual indicator to flash with a unique flashing sequence to indicate that too few lifting assist springs are installed. Alternatively, the control circuit can transmit a message containing an indication that too few lifting assist springs are installed at 436 (e.g., via communication circuit 325).

[0095] When there is no indication at 434 that too few lifting assist springs are installed, but there is an indication at 438 that too many lifting assist springs are installed, the control circuit can convey the indication of too many lifting assist springs installed at 440 before the end of test process 400 (e.g., during the full lowering movement of test process 400, the input power P). IN The size exceeds the power threshold P TH(Indication). For example, at 440, the control circuitry can cause a visual indicator to flash with a unique flashing sequence to indicate that too many lift assist springs are installed. When there is no indication of too few lift assist springs installed at 434 or no indication of too many lift assist springs installed at 438, the control circuitry can convey an indication that the window handling system is spring-balanced at 442 before the end of test procedure 400 (e.g., by causing the visual indicator to flash with a unique flashing sequence and / or transmitting a message). In some examples, when there is no indication of too few lift assist springs installed at 434 or no indication of too many lift assist springs installed at 438 (e.g., the control circuitry may not convey an indication that the window handling system is spring-balanced at 442), test procedure 400 can simply end at 444.

[0096] Although test procedure 400 has been described as the control circuit automatically controlling the covering material at position 414 from the fully lowered position P LOWERED Reaching the fully raised position P RAISED And at 432, the covering material is automatically controlled to rise from the fully raised position P. RAISED Reaching the fully descended position P LOWERED However, the test process 400 can also be achieved by a technician manually causing the motor drive unit to move the covering material at points 414 and 432. For example, the technician can cause the motor drive unit to begin the test process at point 410 (e.g., enter test mode) by activating a button on the remote control and activating other buttons on the remote control, so that the motor drive unit moves by moving by fully raising and / or fully lowering.

[0097] Figure 18A and 18B A schematic depiction of a lifting assist subsystem 1800 according to one or more embodiments described herein, such as those described above. Figure 14 The lifting assist subsystem 180 is depicted in the figure. The lifting assist subsystem 1800 may include one or more lifting assist springs 1802 (one shown). Figure 18AThis is an exploded view of an illustrative lifting assist subsystem 1800 including a lifting assist spring 1802 that reversibly travels between a flanged drive roller 1804 and a flanged storage roller 1806. The flanged drive roller 1804 and the flanged storage roller 1806 are housed in a housing comprising a first housing portion 1810A configured to couple to a second housing portion 1810B. Although the flanges are depicted along both side edges of the flanged drive roller 1804 and the flanged storage roller 1806, in some implementations, the flanged drive roller 1804 and / or the flanged storage roller 1806 may contain only a single flange disposed on one side edge. In one embodiment, one or more locking features 1860 disposed on the first housing portion 1810A engage with one or more corresponding complementary recesses 1862 formed in the second housing portion 1810B. Figure 18A As shown, in at least some instances, the first housing portion 1810A and the second housing portion 1810B are identical. In other instances, there may be differences between the first housing portion 1810A and the second housing portion 1810A. The lifting auxiliary subsystem 1800 may include a shaft 1808. The shaft 1808 is operatively coupled to a flanged drive roller 1804 and extends at least partially through an aperture formed in the first housing portion 1810A. The second housing portion 1810B also includes an aperture formed therein, which allows access to the aperture in the flanged drive roller 1804. In implementations, multiple lifting assist subsystems 1800 can be “stacked” and operatively coupled together. In such instances, the flanged drive roller of the second lifting assist subsystem receives the insertion of a shaft 1808 through an opening 1828 formed in the second housing portion 1810B of the adjacent first lifting assist subsystem 1800 via an orifice formed in the flanged drive roller of the second lifting assist subsystem, thereby mechanically and operatively coupling the first and second lifting assist subsystems 1800 together to provide additional lifting capacity for larger window handling devices and / or window handling devices using heavier fabrics or materials. In such instances, one or more multi-unit locking members 1850 disposed on the outer surface of the housing 1810 engage one or more complementary recesses 1852 disposed on the outer surface of adjacent lifting assist subsystems. As the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 travels between the rollers, the flange 1834 on the flanged drive roller 1804 and the flange 1836 on the flanged storage roller 1806 are aligned with the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 on each roller.

[0098] The lifting auxiliary spring 1802 comprises a prestressed flat strip of material forming a coil of nearly constant radius around itself. In one embodiment, the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 is attached or otherwise secured to a flanged drive roller 1804. In another embodiment, the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 is attached or otherwise secured to a flanged storage roller 1806. In yet another embodiment, the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 is attached or otherwise secured to both the flanged drive roller 1804 and the flanged storage roller 1806, thereby forming an "S" pattern between the drive roller 1804 and the storage roller 1806. In one embodiment, the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 may be secured to the flanged drive roller 1804 and the flanged storage roller 1806 using mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or mechanical interference fits (e.g., disposed in slots formed in the roller core). The lifting auxiliary spring 1802 is wound around and travels between the flanged drive roller 1804 and the flanged storage roller 1806. The lifting assist spring travels along an "S"-shaped path between the rollers. The lifting assist spring 1802 reduces the electrical power required to raise the power window handling unit from the lowered position to the raised position. When the power window handling system is in the raised position, the lifting assist spring 1802 is wound around the flanged storage roller 1806. To lower the power window handling unit, a motor or other actuator causes the flanged drive roller 1804 to rotate in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise). Rotation of the flanged drive roller 1804 in the first direction causes the lifting assist spring 1808 to unwind from the flanged storage roller 1806 and wind around the flanged drive roller 1804. To raise the power window handling unit, the motor causes the flanged drive roller 1804 to rotate in a second direction (e.g., clockwise). When the lifting auxiliary spring 1808 unfolds from the flanged drive roller 1804 and winds around the flanged storage roller 1806, the flanged drive roller 1804 rotates in the second direction, causing the spring to apply rotational force to the flanged drive roller 1804. Therefore, the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 provides a net reduction in the overall power input requirement of the motor for raising the electric window handling device. For example, the reduction in power input requirement due to the use of the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 advantageously improves the battery life of battery-powered electric window handling devices. The flanges on the flanged drive roller 1804 and the flanged storage roller 1808 contact the opposite edges of the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 at 1840 and 1842, thereby aligning the springs as they wind around the respective rollers. In this type of installation, although the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 advantageously reduces the power input requirement of the motor, the contact between the edge of the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 and the flanges on the flanged drive roller 1804 and the flanged storage roller 1806 increases the power input requirement provided by the motor to overcome the friction between the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 and the flanged drive roller 1804 and the flanged storage roller 1808.

[0099] Figure 18B yes Figure 18A The illustrated assembled lifting auxiliary subsystem 1800 is depicted along section line BB (reference). Figure 18A A cross-sectional view of ( ). For example... Figure 18B As depicted, the axial support portion 1814 of the flanged drive roller 1804 is supported by a bearing surface 1824 formed by the assembled first housing portion 1810A and second housing portion 1810B. Similarly, the axial support portion 1816 of the flanged storage roller 1806 is supported by a bearing surface 1826 formed by the assembled first housing portion 1810A and second housing portion 1810B. The assembly of the first housing portion 1810A and the second housing portion 1810B confines the flanged drive roller 1804, the flanged storage roller 1806, and the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 within a housing 1810 formed by connecting the first housing portion 1810A and the second housing portion 1810B.

[0100] In operation, the inherent winding nature of the lifting assist spring 1802 causes the spring to wind around the flanged storage roller 1806 without any external torque applied to the flanged drive roller 1804. Applying a rotational force to the flanged drive roller 1804 in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise to lower the power window handling device) causes the lifting assist spring 1802 to travel from the flanged storage roller 1806 to the flanged drive roller 1804 (i.e., unwinding from the flanged storage roller 1806 and winding around the flanged drive roller 1804). Applying a rotational force to the flanged drive roller 1804 in a second direction (e.g., clockwise to raise the power window handling device) causes the lifting assist spring 1802 to travel from the flanged drive roller 1804 to the flanged storage roller 1806 (i.e., unwinding from the flanged storage roller 1806 and winding around the flanged drive roller 1804).

[0101] In motorized window handling applications such as Roman blinds, where the weight of the fabric increases as the blind is raised, a negative gradient lifting assist spring is used for the lifting assist spring 1802. When the lifting assist spring 1802 unfolds from the flanged drive roller 1802, the torque applied to the flanged drive roller 1804 by the negative gradient lifting spring increases, thereby reducing the power input required to raise the Roman blind from the motor drive unit. This is particularly advantageous because the weight of the Roman blind increases when raised.

[0102] Although the flange 1834 on the flanged drive roller 1804 and the flange 1836 on the flanged storage roller 1806 advantageously maintain the alignment of the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 on each roller, it has been found that the presence of the flanges 1834 and 1836 on the drive roller 1804 and storage roller 1806 results in an unpleasant noise level as the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 travels between the rollers when the electric window handling device is raised or lowered.

[0103] Figure 19A This is an exploded view of another illustrated lifting assist subsystem 1900, which may include a negative gradient lifting assist spring 1902 that reversibly travels between a drive roller 1904 and a flanged storage roller 1906, similar to the description of the lifting assist subsystem 1800. The flangeless drive roller 1902 and the flanged storage roller 1904 are housed in a housing 1910 formed by physically coupling a first housing portion 1910A to a second housing portion 1910B. As used herein, the term "flangeless" refers to a roller lacking an extension perpendicular to at least one side edge of the surface of the roller carrying the lifting assist spring. Figure 19A As shown, in at least some implementations, the first housing portion 1910A is identical to the second housing portion 1910B. Figure 19A In the depicted implementation, the interior or inner surface of the first housing portion 1910A and the inner surface of the second housing portion 1910B each include a plurality of buffers 1920A to 1920n (collectively referred to as "buffers 1920"). Figure 19A (Depicting the two buffers 1920A, 1920B in each outer shell section 1910) Figure 19A(A buffer 1920A of the housing 1910B is not shown). In one embodiment, the buffer 1920 may be disposed on both the first housing portion 1910A and the second housing portion 1910B. In other embodiments, the buffer may be disposed on only one housing portion (i.e., on either the first housing portion 1910A or the second housing portion 1910B). The buffer 1920 guides the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 when it is wound around and / or unwound from the drive roller 1904. As the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 travels between the rollers, the buffer 1920 on the housing 1910 cooperates with flanges 1916A and 1916B on the flanged storage roller 1906 to align the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 with the drive roller 1904 and the storage roller 1906. The first end of the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 is physically coupled to the flanged storage roller 1906, and the second end of the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 is physically coupled to the drive roller 1904, so that the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 will not "unfold" or be physically decoupled from the drive roller 1904 or the flanged storage roller 1906.

[0104] exist Figure 19A In the depicted embodiments, each side of the flanged storage roller 1906 includes flanges 1916A, 1916B (collectively referred to as "flanges 1916") located on opposite sides of the roller. In embodiments, flanges 1916 are integrally formed with the flanged storage roller 1906, for example via injection molding. Flanges 1916A, 1916B may have the same or different heights measured relative to the surface of the flanged storage roller 1906. In at least some implementations, when wound around the flanged storage roller 1906 (i.e., when the length of the lifting auxiliary spring 1920 on the drive roller 1904 is minimized), the height of flanges 1916 is greater than the depth of the lifting auxiliary spring 1902.

[0105] like Figure 19A As depicted, each of the housing portions 1910A and 1910B includes a plurality of buffers 1920 disposed around an opening 1912, into which a flangeless drive roller 1902 is inserted. Figure 19A In the depicted embodiment, two buffers 1920A and 1920B are disposed in each of the corresponding housing portions 1910A and 1910B. Similarly... Figure 19AAs depicted, in at least some instances, the buffer 1920 is integrally formed with the housing portion 1910 and is therefore made of the same material as the housing portion. In other instances, the buffer 1920 may be formed separately from the housing portion 1910 and attached or otherwise secured to the inner surface of the housing portion 1910. In instances where the buffer 1920 is formed separately from the housing portion 1910, the buffer 1920 may be made of the same material as the housing portion 1910 or of a different material. The drive roller 1904 includes a collar 1942 projecting from each side of the drive roller 1904 and parallel to the axial centerline of the drive roller 1904. The collar 1942 is fitted into and supported by orifices 1828 formed in the first housing portion 1910A and the second housing portion 1910B. Similarly, the flanged storage cylinder 1906 includes a short shaft 1944 that projects from each side of the flanged storage cylinder 1906 and is parallel to the axial centerline of the flanged storage cylinder 1906. The short shaft is fitted into and supported by apertures 1946 formed in the first housing portion 1910A and the second housing portion 1910B.

[0106] Figure 19B yes Figure 19A The illustrated lifting auxiliary subsystem 180 is depicted in a cross-sectional view along section line BB. Figure 19B The buffers 1920A and 1920B in each housing portion 1910A and 1910B, which maintain the alignment of the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 on the drive roller 1904, are depicted more clearly. The physical coupling of the first housing portion 1910A and the second housing portion 1910B confines the drive roller 1904, the flanged storage roller 1906, and the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 within the housing 1910. When physically coupled, a gap 1930 exists between the edge 1952 of the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 and each of the buffers 1920A and 1920B, such that when the lifting auxiliary spring is centered on the drive roller 1904, the edge of the lifting auxiliary spring does not contact either of the buffers 1920A or 1920B. The gap 1930 between the edge of the lifting assist spring 1902 and each of the buffers 1920A, 1920B is: about 0.010 inches or less; about 0.020 inches or less; about 0.030 inches or less; about 0.040 inches or less; or about 0.050 inches or less. In at least one embodiment, the gap 1930 between the edge of the lifting assist spring 1902 and each of the buffers 1920A, 1920B is about 0.040 inches. As used herein, the term "about" includes a range of values ​​extending from 80% of the value to +120% of the value.

[0107] In such Figure 19BIn the depicted embodiment, the drive roller 1904 may be a flangeless drive roller, which does not include flanges on either side of the drive roller 1904. In other embodiments, the drive roller 1904 may include only partial flanges on one or both sides of the drive roller. When the length of the lifting auxiliary spring 1920 on the flanged storage roller 1906 is minimized and / or the length of the lifting auxiliary spring 1920 on the drive roller is maximized, the flange height of the partial flange is less than the depth of the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 on the drive roller. For example, in an embodiment, the drive roller 1904 may include a partial flange with a height of: about 10% or less; about 25% or less; about 50% or less; about 75% or less; or about 90% or less of the depth of the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 on the drive roller when the length of the lifting auxiliary spring 1920 on the flanged storage roller 1906 is minimized.

[0108] Figure 19C This is a front view of the illustrative housing portion 1910, in which the lifting auxiliary spring 1902, drive roller 1904, and flanged storage roller 1906 have been removed to better show the cushioning elements 1920A, 1920B disposed on, formed, or otherwise connected to the inner surface of the housing portion 1910. Figure 19C In the depicted embodiment, the first buffer 1920A is positioned at approximately +120° or approximately 4 o'clock relative to the drive roller 1904, and the second buffer 1920B is positioned at approximately -120° (i.e., "8 o'clock") relative to the longitudinal axis 1940 of the housing portion 1910. Although in Figure 19C Only two buffers 1920A and 1920B are depicted in this paper, but in other embodiments, each of the housing portions 1910A and 1910B may contain fewer or more buffers 1920A to 1920n and / or different buffer locations.

[0109] like Figure 19CAs shown, each of the buffers 1920A and 1920B may include a generally trapezoidal raised portion of the housing portion 1910. Each buffer 1920 extends radially outward from a location near an opening 1912 formed in the first housing portion 1910A and the second housing portion 1910B. Lateral deviation of the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 on the drive roller 1904 is limited by the buffer 1920. In other words, the buffer 1920 maintains the lateral alignment of the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 relative to the drive roller 1904. In operation, if the lifting auxiliary spring remains aligned with the drive roller 1904, the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 will not contact the buffers 1920A and 1920B. If the alignment of the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 deviates relative to the drive roller 1904, the edge of the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 will contact only one of the buffers, either 1920A or 1920B, depending on the direction of the deviation. In either case (no deviation / no buffer contact, deviation / contact with one buffer), the lifting auxiliary spring contacts the outer surface only on one edge. Conversely, if a flanged drive roller 1904 is used, both edges of the lifting auxiliary spring 1902 can contact the flange, increasing the operating noise compared to the operating noise of the flangeless drive roller 1904. Figures 19A to 19D The description.

[0110] Figure 19D yes Figure 19A The illustrated lifting auxiliary subsystem 1900 is shown in cross-sectional view along section line DD. The position of the buffer 1910, housed in the housing portion 1906, relative to the drive roller 1904 is shown. Figure 19D As depicted, the first buffer 1920A is located at approximately -120° relative to the longitudinal centerline 1940 of the outer casing 1910 (i.e., the "8 o'clock" position). Similarly, as... Figure 19D As depicted, the second buffer 1920B is located at approximately +120° relative to the longitudinal centerline 1940 of the housing 1910 (i.e., the "4 o'clock" position). Any number of buffers 1920 may be formed on, attached to, coupled to, or otherwise disposed on the inner surface of one or both of the housing portions 1910A and 1910B. Similarly, the buffers 1920 may be uniformly or non-uniformly distributed around the circumference or periphery of the drive roller 1902 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figures 19A to 19D(As depicted). For example, in different embodiments, buffers 1920A and 1920B may be positioned at a 90-degree angle relative to the longitudinal centerline 1940 of the housing 1910 (i.e., the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions). While buffer 1920 may be positioned at any angular orientation relative to the longitudinal centerline 1940 of the housing 1910, it has been found that positioning the buffers at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions provides a satisfactory reduction in power input requirements and a satisfactory reduction in operating noise compared to a lifting auxiliary subsystem 1800 having a flanged drive roller 1804 and a flanged storage roller 1806.

[0111] Although Figure 18A and 18B The flanges on the flanged drive roller 1804 and flanged storage roller 1806 advantageously maintain the alignment of the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 on each roller. However, it has been found that the presence of the flanges on the drive roller 1804 and storage roller 1806 adversely increases the friction between the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 and each roller as the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 travels between the rollers during normal operation. Furthermore, it has been found that the friction between the lifting auxiliary spring 1802 and the flanges on the drive roller 1804 and storage roller 1806 produces a level of noticeable and unpleasant operating noise. The increased friction caused by the flanged drive roller 1804 and flanged storage roller 1804 increases the power input required to raise and lower the operably coupled window handling device. In battery-powered electric handling devices, such increased power input requirements have been found to significantly impact battery life, leading to more frequent battery replacements.

[0112] In an alternative implementation, there is a possibility of using an electric window handling lift-up assist subsystem 180, which includes a flanged drive roller and a storage roller with minimal or no flanges. This system would use a similar... Figures 19A to 19D The buffer 1920 depicted in the image is located near the storage drum rather than... Figures 19A to 19D Positioned according to the drive roller depicted. For example, the buffer 1920 in the lifting auxiliary subsystem 180 using a flanged drive roller and a storage roller can be positioned at an angle of approximately -60° (i.e., 10 o'clock position) and +60° (i.e., 2 o'clock position) relative to the longitudinal centerline 1940 of the housing 1910. It has been found that the lifting auxiliary subsystem using a flanged drive roller and a storage roller advantageously provides reduced power input requirements and reduced operating noise compared to a lifting auxiliary subsystem using a flanged drive roller and a flanged storage roller. However, when compared with Figures 19A to 19DCompared to the drive systems described in the text, the reduction in input power requirements and operating noise provided by the flanged drive roller and the flangeless storage roller system is less than the reduction in input power and operating noise.

[0113] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific examples, many other variations, modifications, and uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, while kits, systems, and methods have been described in conjunction with Roman blinds, it should be understood that these concepts can be applied to other types of window treatment devices, such as Venetian blinds and honeycomb blinds, to name just a few possibilities.

Claims

1. A window handling system, comprising: A motor drive unit, operatively coupled to the covering material to adjust the covering material between a fully lowered position and a fully raised position; A lifting assistance subsystem, coupled to the motor drive unit, configured to provide variable lifting assistance to the motor drive unit, the lifting assistance subsystem comprising: A lifting auxiliary spring, which has a first end and a second end; A drive roller, which is coupled to the first end of the lifting auxiliary spring; A storage roller, which is coupled to the other end of the lifting auxiliary spring; A housing disposed around the lifting auxiliary spring, the drive roller, and the storage roller, the housing comprising: A plurality of buffers are disposed near at least one side of at least one of the drive roller or the storage roller, each of the plurality of buffers being positioned to align the lifting auxiliary spring with at least one of the drive roller or the storage roller.

2. The window handling system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of buffers is integrally formed with the housing.

3. The window handling system according to claim 1, wherein the lifting auxiliary spring includes a lifting auxiliary gradient spring.

4. The window handling system according to claim 3, wherein the lifting auxiliary gradient spring includes a lifting auxiliary negative gradient spring.

5. The window handling system of claim 1, wherein the storage roller includes a flange having a first height disposed on at least one side of the storage roller, and the drive roller includes a flange having a second height less than the first height.

6. The window handling system of claim 1, wherein the storage roller includes a flange having a first height disposed on at least one side of the storage roller, and the drive roller includes a flangeless drive roller.

7. The window handling system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of buffers comprises: A first buffer element is positioned close to the drive roller and at an angle of approximately -120° relative to the longitudinal centerline of the housing; and The second buffer is positioned close to the drive roller at an angle of approximately +120° relative to the longitudinal centerline of the housing.

8. The window handling system of claim 1, wherein the storage roller includes a flange having a first height disposed on at least one side of the storage roller, and the drive roller includes a flange having a second height greater than the first height.

9. The window handling system of claim 1, wherein the drive roller includes a flange having a first height disposed on at least one side of the drive roller; The storage drum includes a drum lacking an extension perpendicular to at least one side edge of the surface of the storage drum that carries the lifting auxiliary spring.

10. The window handling system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of buffers comprises: A first buffer element is positioned close to the storage drum and at an angle of approximately -60° relative to the longitudinal centerline of the housing; and The second buffer is positioned at an angle of approximately +60° relative to the longitudinal centerline of the housing, close to the storage drum.

11. A lifting and lowering auxiliary method for an electric window handling system, comprising: In response to an input to the power window lowering device, a motor is caused to rotate a drive roller in a first direction to transfer at least a portion of the gradient spring from the storage roller to the drive roller; The storage roller and the drive roller are housed within the housing; The gradient spring is guided by a plurality of buffers disposed on the inner surface of the housing during the transfer from the storage drum to the drive drum. In response to an input to the motor window raising device, the motor is caused to rotate the drive roller in a second direction to return the gradient spring to the storage roller; and The gradient spring is guided by a plurality of buffers disposed on the inner surface of the housing during the return from the drive roller to the storage roller.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising using the plurality of buffers disposed on the inner surface of the housing to guide the gradient spring during transfer from the storage drum to the drive drum, wherein: The gradient spring is guided by the plurality of buffers disposed on the inner surface of the housing during the transfer from the storage drum to the drive drum, each of the plurality of buffers being integrally formed with the housing.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising using the plurality of buffers disposed on the inner surface of the housing to guide the gradient spring during transfer from the storage drum to the drive drum, wherein: The plurality of buffers are used to guide the gradient spring during transfer from the storage drum to the drive drum, the plurality of buffers comprising: The first buffer element is integrally formed with the housing and is positioned close to the drive roller at an angle of approximately -120° relative to the longitudinal centerline of the housing. and The second buffer is integrally formed with the housing and is positioned close to the drive roller at an angle of approximately +120° relative to the longitudinal centerline of the housing.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein causing the motor to rotate the drive roller in the first direction to transfer at least said portion of the gradient spring from the storage roller to the drive roller further comprises: This causes the motor to rotate the flangeless drive roller in the first direction to transfer at least a portion of the gradient spring from the flanged storage roller to the flangeless drive roller; The flangeless drive roller includes a roller lacking an extension of at least one side edge perpendicular to the surface of the drive roller that carries the lifting auxiliary spring.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein guiding the gradient spring using the plurality of buffers disposed on the inner surface of the lifting auxiliary subsystem housing during transfer from the storage drum to the drive drum further comprises: The plurality of buffers are used to guide the gradient spring during transfer from the storage drum to the drive drum, the plurality of buffers comprising: The first buffer element is integrally formed with the housing and is positioned close to the storage drum at an angle of approximately -60° relative to the longitudinal centerline of the housing. and The second buffer is integrally formed with the housing and positioned close to the storage drum at an angle of approximately +60° relative to the longitudinal centerline of the housing.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein causing the motor to rotate the drive roller in the first direction to transfer at least said portion of the gradient spring from the storage roller to the drive roller further comprises: This causes the motor to rotate the flanged drive roller in a first direction to transfer at least said portion of the gradient spring from the flangeless storage roller to the flanged drive roller; The flangeless storage roller includes a roller lacking an extension of at least one side edge perpendicular to the surface of the storage roller that carries the lifting auxiliary spring.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein causing the motor to rotate the drive roller in the first direction to transfer at least said portion of the gradient spring from the storage roller to the drive roller further comprises: This causes the motor to rotate the drive roller in the first direction, so as to transfer at least a portion of the negative gradient spring from the storage roller to the drive roller.

18. An electric window handling lifting auxiliary subsystem, comprising: A lifting auxiliary spring, which has a first end and a second end; A drive roller, which is coupled to the first end of the lifting auxiliary spring; A storage roller, which is coupled to the other end of the lifting auxiliary spring; A housing disposed around the lifting auxiliary spring, the drive roller, and the storage roller, the housing comprising: One or more buffers are disposed near at least one side of at least one of the drive roller or the storage roller, each of the one or more buffers being positioned such that the lifting auxiliary spring is aligned with a corresponding one of the drive roller or the storage roller.

19. The electric window handling lifting auxiliary subsystem of claim 18, wherein each of the one or more buffers is integrally formed on the inner surface of the housing.

20. The electric window handling lifting auxiliary subsystem of claim 18, wherein the one or more buffers comprise a plurality of buffers integrally formed on the inner surface of the housing.

21. The electric window handling lifting assist subsystem according to claim 18, wherein the lifting assist spring includes a lifting assist gradient spring.

22. The electric window handling lifting assist subsystem according to claim 21, wherein the lifting assist gradient spring includes a lifting assist negative gradient spring.

23. The electric window handling lifting auxiliary subsystem of claim 18, wherein the storage roller includes a flange having a first height disposed on at least one side of the storage roller, and the drive roller includes a flange having a second height less than the first height.

24. The electric window handling lifting auxiliary subsystem of claim 18, wherein the storage roller includes a flange having a first height disposed on at least one side of the storage roller, and the drive roller includes a flangeless drive roller; The flangeless drive roller includes a roller lacking an extension of at least one side edge perpendicular to the surface of the drive roller that carries the lifting auxiliary spring.

25. The electric window handling lifting auxiliary subsystem of claim 24, wherein the one or more buffers comprise: A first buffer element is positioned close to the drive roller and at an angle of approximately -120° relative to the longitudinal centerline of the housing; and The second buffer is positioned close to the drive roller at an angle of approximately +120° relative to the longitudinal centerline of the housing.

26. The electric window handling lifting auxiliary subsystem of claim 18, wherein the storage roller includes a flange having a first height disposed on at least one side of the storage roller, and the drive roller includes a flange having a second height greater than the first height.

27. The electric window handling lifting auxiliary subsystem of claim 18, wherein the drive roller includes a flange having a first height disposed on at least one side of the drive roller, and the storage roller includes a flangeless storage roller; The flangeless storage roller includes a roller lacking an extension of at least one side edge perpendicular to the surface of the storage roller that carries the lifting auxiliary spring.

28. The electric window handling lifting auxiliary subsystem of claim 27, wherein the one or more buffers comprise: A first buffer element is positioned close to the storage drum and at an angle of approximately -60° relative to the longitudinal centerline of the housing; and The second buffer is positioned at an angle of approximately +60° relative to the longitudinal centerline of the housing, close to the storage drum.

29. The electric window handling lifting auxiliary subsystem according to claim 18: The housing includes an opening to accommodate a channel coupled to a drive shaft of a motor drive unit; and The drive roller includes an aperture to physically couple the drive roller to the drive shaft member coupled to the motor drive unit.

30. The electric window handling lifting auxiliary subsystem according to claim 18, wherein the housing comprises: A first housing portion, which can be physically coupled to a second housing portion; The first housing portion includes one or more locking members to physically engage complementary recesses on the second housing portion; and The first housing portion includes one or more recesses to physically engage complementary locking members on the second housing portion.

31. The electric window handling lifting auxiliary subsystem according to claim 30, wherein the housing further comprises: At least one multi-unit locking member extends from the outer surface of the housing to engage at least one recess on the outer surface of the second housing; and At least one recess is disposed on the surface of the housing to engage at least one multi-unit locking member disposed on the outer surface of the second housing.

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