Pulley module for a curtain actuation system

Abstract

The present invention is related to a pulley module for a curtain system, comprising a housing, a rotatable pulley received in the housing for receiving and actuating a belt and a guiding body for guiding the belt of the curtain system. The guiding body has multiple belt channels. The housing comprises a first and second connection position for connection with the rod of the curtain system. The guiding body provides a first, second and / or third belt channel portion. The first belt channel portion is configured to guide the belt between the first connection position and the rotatable pulley. The second belt channel portion is configured to guide the belt between the second connection position and the rotatable pulley. Finally, the third belt channel portion is configured to guide the belt between the first connection position and the second connection position, without passing through the rotatable pulley.

Description

PULLEY MODULE FOR A CURTAIN ACTUATION SYSTEMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to curtain suspension and actuation. More specifically, but not exclusively, it relates to a pulley module used for actuating a belt of a curtain system.BACKGROUND

[0002] Belt-driven curtain systems are generally known in the art. These curtain systems enable actuation of a curtain using the belt that is coupled to the curtain that is suspended from a rail. Furthermore, they enable actuation of multiple curtains simultaneously using one or more belts.

[0003] The belt is often driven by a rotatable pulley which forms part of a pulley module. The pulley can be driven manually or automatically, for example by a motor. The motor can be remotely controlled.

[0004] EP 2 250 949 A2 discloses a pulley module as shown in FIGS. 1 A-1D of the present application. The belt is connected to the pulley within the housing at a 45-degree angle with respect to the elongated straight rail of the curtain system. The 45-degree angle allows positioning the pulley motor behind the hanging curtain, making it less visible for the user. The pulley module is connected to a rail of the curtain system. This pulley module is only useable at one particular side of the curtain system. If the design of a room would necessitate positioning a pulley module at the other end of the rail of the curtain system, a pulley module would be required where the belt is connected to the pulley at a minus 45-degree angle.

[0005] Furthermore, the 45-degree design takes up an unnecessary amount of space in the direction in which the curtain opens (curtain in extended state) and closes (curtain in a compact state), sometimes hampering the aesthetics of a curtain which is fully opened. This is because the folds or pleats in the curtain are most aesthetically pleasing when these are formed equidistant from each other, also in the compact state.

[0006] Some conventional pulley module designs solve these problems by placing the pulley module at the end of the curtain rail, with a motor hanging next to the curtain, either in full view or by disrupting the aesthetics of the curtain when the curtain is in an open position.

[0007] Other conventional pulley modules require the usage of extra belt guide components at the ends of the curtain rail, in order to guide the belt. This can indeed sometimes be necessary, but it limits the freedom of design of the curtain system and always necessitates the usage of these extra components leading to a more complicated system which is more difficult to construct and maintain.

[0008] In US 4,492,262 a pulley module is disclosed that can be connected to an end of a curtain rod. To guide the belt, two wheels are provided, allowing the belt to be guided around an actuated wheel. Walls are provided in the housing around the path of the belt towards the actuated wheel. The pulley module has a single connection point for connecting the pulley module to a curtain rod. The walls in the pulley module are positioned such that only a single path is provided from that single connection point around the actuated wheel.

[0009] CN 115 299 761 and DE 20 2020 101428 disclose pulley modules.SUMMARY

[0010] To address the above discussed drawbacks of the prior art, there is proposed, according to a first aspect of the disclosure, a pulley module according to claim 1.

[0011] Embodiment of the pulley module are provided in claims 2-11.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, a curtain system according to claim 12 is provided. Embodiments of a curtain system are provided in claims 13-22.

[0013] According to further aspects a pulley module is provided for a curtain system. The curtain system comprises rods that can be connected to form a rail from which a curtain can be suspended. In embodiments carriers are guided by a rail in the rod and the curtain is connected to the carriers. A master carrier can be connected to a belt that is driven by a pulley.

[0014] In embodiments the pulley module arranged to move a curtain along a rod of the curtain system by actuating a belt. The pulley module can comprise, a housing, a rotatable pulley received in the housing for receiving and actuating the belt and a guiding body for guiding the belt of the curtain system. Parts of the guiding body form belt channels for guiding the belt in the housing.

[0015] In embodiments the housing comprises a first and second connection position, e.g. on opposite sides of the housing. This allows connecting the pulley module to rods. Each of the connection positions can be connectable to a rod or a part of the curtain system. Theguiding body provides belt channel paths between the connection positions and the pulley to guide the belt from the connection position along the pulley and back to a connection position.

[0016] A belt channel part guides the belt between the first connection position to and along the rotatable pulley and back to the first connection position. The path forms a loop from and to the first connection opening via the rotatable pulley.

[0017] A belt channel part guides the belt between the second connection position to and along the rotatable pulley and back to the second connection position. The path forms a loop from and to the second connection position via the rotatable pulley.

[0018] A belt channel part guides the belt between the first connection position to and along the rotatable pulley and to the second connection position. The path allows the belt to run from the first connection opening via the rotatable pulley to the second connection position.

[0019] A belt channel part guides the belt between the first connection position and to the second connection position without being guided along the pulley. The path allows the belt to run from the first connection opening to the second connection position without being driven by the pulley.

[0020] In embodiments, a belt channel is provided from a connection position of the housing that splits into a belt channel part from that connection position to the pulley and into a belt channel part from that connection point to the other connection position, without passing the pulley. In embodiments, a belt channel is provided that splits into a belt channel part from the pulley to the first connection position and into a belt channel part from the pulley to the other connection position.

[0021] With such combinations of belt channel parts in the guiding body of the housing of the pulley modules provide a pulley housing that can be used to overcome problems of the prior art.

[0022] The pulley module can also be operable in different connection states, wherein in the first connection state, the belt is guided from the first connection position to the rotatable pulley and back to the first connection position using the first belt channel path, in a second connection state, wherein the belt is guided from the second connection position to the rotatable pulley and back to the second connection position using the second belt channel path, and in a third connection state, wherein in the third connection state, the belt is guided between the first connection position along the rotatable pulley to the second connectionposition, and wherein the belt is simultaneously guided between the second connection position and the first connection position using the belt channel in pulley module without passing along the rotatable pulley.

[0023] To provide a passive pulley module with a combination of different first, second and / or third belt channel paths the housing can be comprise one or multiple belt guide elements, guide rails and / or a three-way splitter element.

[0024] In embodiments, the distance along the axis spanning between the first and second connection position is at most 30% larger than the width of the housing perpendicular to the axis, preferably at most 20% larger, more preferably at most 10% larger, most preferably 5% larger, most preferably wherein they have substantially the same width. This results in a more compact housing. A pulley module with such limited dimensions can be positioned behind the curtain of the curtain system.

[0025] In embodiments a curtain system for closing and opening a curtain is provided, comprising a rod, a belt, and a pulley module according to any embodiments disclosed herein. The curtain can be movable along the rod. The rod can have at least a first and second rod belt channel. That belt channel can connect to the belt channel of the pulley module. The belt is placed in the first and second rod belt channels, which is used to move the curtain along the rod. The belt can be connected to a master carrier.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0027] FIGS. 1 A-1D schematically respectively show a side, top, front and a sectional view of a curtain system with pulley module as known from the prior art.

[0028] FIG. 2A schematically shows a pulley module according to the invention, which is connectable to a rod.

[0029] FIG. 2B schematically shows a sectional view of the rod's profile.

[0030] FIGS. 3A-3B schematically respectively show a perspective view and a side view of a pulley module according to the invention.

[0031] FIG. 4 schematically shows an exploded view of a pulley module according to the invention.

[0032] FIGS. 5A-5B schematically respectively show a sectional view and a perspective view of the housing and the guiding body of a pulley module according to the invention.

[0033] FIGS. 6A-6C schematically respectively show a sectional view of a pulley module according to the invention arranged to actuate a belt in a first, second and third connection state.

[0034] FIGS. 7A-7C schematically respectively show a sectional view of a curtain system including a pulley module according to the invention connected to a rod and arranged to actuate a belt in a first, a second and a third connection state.

[0035] FIGS. 8A-8C schematically show a curtain system including a pulley module according to the invention, connected to a rod along which a curtain moves, and a motor which actuates the pulley module.

[0036] FIGS. 9A-9B schematically respectively show a top view and a side view of curtain system including a a pulley module according to the invention connected to a rod along which a curtain moves, according to a second connection state.

[0037] FIGS. 10A-10B schematically respectively show a top view and a side view of a curtain system including a pulley module according to the invention connected to two rods on both sides of the pulley module along which a curtain moves, according to a third connection state.

[0038] FIGS. 11 A-l IB schematically show two examples of a belt to which a belt connector element is fastened and a master carrier, that is configured to be fastened to a curtain that can be used in curtain systems according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0039] The figures are meant for illustrative purposes only, and do not serve as restriction of the scope or the protection as laid down by the claims.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Hereinafter, certain embodiments will be described in further detail. It should be appreciated, however, that these embodiments may not be construed as limiting the scope of protection for the present disclosure.

[0041] FIGS. 1A-1D schematically respectively show a side, top, front and a sectional view of a pulley module 101 as known from the prior art.

[0042] The pulley module 101 is part of a curtain system 100 and connected to the end piece 102 of a rod 103. A curtain can be hung from carriers, in particular a fixed end carrier106 and multiple movable carriers 107. The movable carriers 107 can slide in a curtain rail of the rod 103. The (generally) frontmost carrier of the curtain system is called the master carrier 111, which is connected to a belt 109 in belt channels 110 of the rod 103, which is actuated by a pulley 108 inside the pulley module 101. The belt is a closed loop guided over the pulley 108 at one end and, e.g., over a pulley (not shown) at the rod end distal from the pulley. By actuating the belt 109, the master carrier 111 is actuated, thereby opening or closing the curtain. As can be seen in FIGS. IB and ID, the pulley module 101 is positioned at a 45-degree angle from the direction in which a curtain can move along the rod 103.

[0043] The pulley module 101 of Figs 1A-1D is only useable at one end of a rod in curtain system 100, i.e., by functioning as either a right-side end piece 102 of the rod 103, or a leftside end piece 102 of the rod 103. This is because the end piece 102 with the pulley module 101 cannot simply be rotated to use it on the other side of the rod 103; the pulley module 101 would stick out in front of the curtain. This is not aesthetically pleasing and therefore undesired.

[0044] If the design of a room would necessitate positioning a pulley module 101 at the other side of the curtain system 100, a pulley module that is mirrored with respect to pulley module 101 would be required where the belt is connected to the pulley at a minus 45-degree angle. In other words, to obtain the necessary freedom in the design of curtain systems 100, the use of this pulley module 101 would require the fabrication of two different pulley modules 101 which are in essence mirror images of each other, thus complicating the production process.

[0045] Furthermore, the 45-degree design takes up an unnecessary amount of space in the direction in which the curtain opens and closes, sometimes hampering the aesthetics of a curtain which is fully opened, i.e., when the master carrier I l l is closest to the pulley module 101. This is because the 45-degree design means that the distance in the direction perpendicular to the rod and the distance in the direction parallel to the rod that the pulley module 101 sticks out from its attachment to the end piece 102 are equal. Since a motor would be connected to the pulley module 101 to actuate the pulley 108, and since this motor generally is formed downwards, perpendicular to the pulley module 101, the motor has to stay clear of the folds or pleats of the curtain. This is because the folds or pleats in the curtain are most aesthetically pleasing when these are formed equidistant from each other, and if themotor would deform the curtain, the folds or pleats in the curtain will no longer be formed equidistant from each other.

[0046] Since the distance to the parallel wall formed parallel to the rod 103, and the distance to the perpendicular wall formed perpendicular to the rod 103 at the side of the end piece 102 are often constrained (the curtain system 100 only has limited room for its placement), ensuring that the motor can be hanged far enough away in the direction perpendicular to the rod 103 can be difficult. Since the pulley module 101 is at a 45-degree angle, this means that the pulley module 101 will have to be formed further away from the perpendicular wall. This might mean that the curtain cannot open far enough or can give other aesthetically displeasing results.

[0047] FIGS. 2A-2B schematically respectively show a pulley module 200 according to the invention, which is connectable to a rod 205, and a sectional view of the rod's profile. The pulley module 200 can be part of a curtain system.

[0048] FIG. 2 A shows a pulley module 200 arranged to drive a belt 230 to move a curtain along a rod 205 of the curtain system. The pulley module 200 comprises a housing 201 A,201B and a rotatable pulley 214 received in the housing for receiving and actuating the belt 230.

[0049] The housing of the pulley module 200 may comprise a pulley housing 201 A and a rod-connectable housing portion 20 IB formed by two separate housing parts or by an integral part as shown in FIG. 2A. The pulley housing 201 A comprises a seat for the pulley to rotate in. Furthermore, the pulley housing 201 A may comprise belt channels and belt guiding elements which will be specified below. These channels and elements can be internal in the housing, e.g., covered. The pulley housing can have a connection system 202 for fixing a drive unit. The pulley housing can have a connection system for fixing the pulley module to a wall of a room, e.g., next to a window of that room.

[0050] The rod connectable housing portion 20 IB can have an opening that can be connected to a rod 205 at a first connection side. A second opening can be formed at a second connection side on the opposite side of the housing.

[0051] The first opening can be formed with a similar profile as the rod 205 to which the pulley module 200 is connected, to have a seamless connection between the rod and the pulley module for a person looking at the curtain system from the front. Connection pins 204A and 204B can formed on the rod connectable housing part 20 IB near the openings inthe housing. The connection pins 204A and 204B are arranged to allow connection to a rod or other parts of a curtain system. The rod connectable portion 20 IB can further comprise belt channels, belt guiding elements, and a carrier rail. It is not necessary for the rod connectable portion 20 IB to have a similar (or partly similar) shape as the rod.

[0052] The pulley housing 201 A and the rod connectable housing portion 201B can be separate parts connectable so as to form the housing of the pulley module 200. Another option is that these are parts are integral with one another, so as to form a single monolithic housing piece. In that case, the pulley housing and the rod connectable housing portion indicate general regions in the housing of the pulley module 200. For ease of reference, this nomenclature is used.

[0053] In the below, the rod connectable housing portion 20 IB can be referred to as the front part of the pulley module 200. The pully housing 201 A, with pulley and motor, forms the back part. Figure 2A generally shows the front, top and side part of the pully module 200. From above, the pulley module is generally rectangularly formed with two side parts extending between the front side and the back side.

[0054] The housing may optionally further comprise a drive connection element 202, which can be made integral with, or otherwise connected using fastening means with, the housing, in particular the pulley housing 201 A. The drive connection element 202 can provide the structural and functional connection between the pulley housing 201 A and the optional motor 238, whereby the motor 238 is connected to the rotatable pulley 214. For example, the drive connection element 202 can provide drive train functionality and / or hang the weight of the motor on the pulley module 200. FIG. 8a illustrates a motor 238 hanging from / connected to the pulley module 200.

[0055] The drive connection element 202 can also function as a cover. By fixing the drive connection element 202, the pulley and belt that is guided along the pulley can be locked and loaded in the operational state as configured by the person installing the curtain system.

[0056] Depending on the connection orientation of the motor to the housing, the drive connection element 202 can also be positioned using a different rotation, e.g., rotated by 180 degrees. This may be necessary if for example the motor or the connection between the motor and the drive connection element is not symmetric and its orientation needs to be changed depending on the connection state of the pulley module. For example, the motor can have connection points to which the curtain can be suspended at the side of the pulley housing notfacing the rod. In this way, the motor can be out of sight when the curtain is in position on the curtain rail.

[0057] The rod connectable housing portion 20 IB of the pulley module 200 may comprise a first and / or second connection position, wherein the housing is connectable at the first and / or second connection position with the rod 205, or a different part, of the curtain system. The housing may have both a first and second connection position. Namely, at either side part of the rod connectable housing portion, a rod 205 can be connected to the pulley module 200 at the first and second position respectively.

[0058] To allow connecting a rod to a first connection position, that first connection position can comprise one or two connection pins 204A, and a second connection position can comprise one or two connection pins 204B. A rod 205 can have connection receiving portions 207 for receiving the connection pins 204A,204B. The connection pins may also be formed on the rod, and the connection receiving portions may be formed in the housing, in particular the rod connectable portion 201B. The rod and the housing may also each comprise one of the connection pins and one connection receiving portion.

[0059] Additionally fastening means 203 can be provided which fasten the rod 205 to the pulley module 200. In embodiments, the rod 205 has a cavity 206, near a top side, that can receive the fastening means 203. The pulley module can comprise a protrusion with bolts which can slide into a fastening receiving portion 206 and of which the bolts can be screwed into the rod 205. Other fastening and connection means can also readily be used.

[0060] FIG. 2B shows a sectional view of an example of a profile of a rod suitable to be coupled with the pulley module. As mentioned, the rod 205 is has extrusion profile and is formed by extrusion using aluminium. The profile comprises cavities. The rod 205 may optionally comprise one or more cavities or connection receiving portions 207 and one or more fastening receiving portions 206. The fastening receiving portion 206 can also be used to support the rod using a connector that is connected to the wall. Of course, other supporting means can also readily be used.

[0061] In embodiments, a rod is used with a different profile. E.g. channels 208 are not separated by a wall. In an embodiment, connection receiving portions are not separated from channels 208. In an embodiment, belt channels are positioned vertically above each other instead of horizontally adjacent. The pulley module can be suitable guiding elements to guide the belts to and from such belt channels. In an embodiment, the profile of the rod isrectangular in cross-section. The skilled man will understand that the housing of the pulley module, and especially the two or more connection positions of the housing, can be suitable arranged to be coupled with a specific profile of the rod and with specific channels in the rod for guiding the belt and / or for guiding carriers, especially when carriers are guided in and through the housing of the pulley.

[0062] The rod has a curtain rail over which carriers 237 (see FIG. 8 A) move. Carriers 237 are received in the cavity 209. Wheels of the carriers 237 can ride over the profile rails formed on adjacent side of the bottom opening of the C-shaped cavity 209. From the carrier 237 a connector extends downward through the opening of cavity 209 to which the curtain is connected.

[0063] The rod 205 further comprises one or more belt channels 208 that guide a belt through the belt channels. In this way, the belt can move through the rod, and since at least the master carrier 250 is connected to the belt, moving the belt actuates the curtain 233. Since at least the master carrier 250 is connected to the belt, an opening can be made from one or more of the belt channels 208 to the curtain rail 209 over which the carriers 237 move.

[0064] Because multiple belt channels can be used at the same time by multiple master carriers 250 - e.g., when moving multiple curtains in the same rod, using the same or a different belt system - there can be an opening from multiple belt channels 208 to the curtain rail 209. In this way, multiple master carriers 250 can be supported by the curtain rail 209 and be actuated by the belt in a belt channel 208. Each belt system may utilize a separate belt and may be actuated by a same or different pulley.

[0065] FIG. 3 A schematically shows a bottom side of the pulley module according to the invention. Parts which have already been explained will not be repeated.

[0066] The pulley module 200 may comprise a drive pin 210, which is connected to the pulley 214 that is received in the housing 201 A. The drive pin 210 and pulley can be driven either manually or automatically, e.g., by a motor. The drive pin 210 can be connected to the pulley 214 via a hole in the drive connection element 202. In some embodiments, the motor is directly connected to the pulley 214, without a drive pin 210.

[0067] The pulley module 200 may further comprise a cover element 213, which closes off the inside of the housing and protects the inside of the housing from dust. A pulley module 200 with cover element 213 allows providing a housing that can be opened for having access to the internal housing with belt guiding parts. During installation, the belt and pulley can beinstalled in the open housing and, once in position, the belt can be held in the respective belt guiding part that is closed off by the cover element. To change the state or position of the belt from one belt guiding part to another, the cover element can be removed and the housing opened. The belt can then be repositioned and closed off again in the desired different belt channel.

[0068] The sectional profile of the housing, in particular the rod connectable portion 20 IB, at a first connection side comprises one or more belt channels, such that the sectional profiles of the rod 205 and the pulley module 200 are compatible when connecting them. This means that the one or more belt channels can be correctly connected and the one or mor belts present in the one or more belt channels can be passed on between the pulley module 200 and the rod 205.

[0069] Furthermore, the housing, in particular the rod connectable housing portion 20 IB, may comprise a curtain rail 211 such that the carriers 237 can move between the curtain rail 209 of the rod 205 and the curtain rail 211 of the pulley module 200. Note that there does not need to be an opening between the belt channel and the curtain rail inside the housing of the pulley module 200, since the curtain system can be designed such that the master carrier 250 does not need to travel into the pulley module 200. Of course, it is possible to design the curtain 211 such that there is an opening between one or more belt channels and the curtain rail inside the housing of the pulley module 200, e.g., when the master carrier 250 needs to pass all the way through the pulley module 200 when travelling from a first rod 205 to a second rod 205 as will be explained further below.

[0070] FIG. 3B shows a side view of the pulley module 200. Belt channels 212 can be seen and are accessible for positioning a belt. The belt can be position in the pulley module as a loop. A belt part of the same belt can enter into the pulley module via one the belt channels and a different part of the same belt can exit from the other belt channel. The belt channels 212 are internally guided towards and around the pulley. Once installed, belt channels 212 generally align with a rod that can be connected to the connection pins 204A. The belt is then looped around the pulley for driving the belt and the belt with opposite moving parts is inserted in the belt channels of the rod for connecting to the master pulley for driving the suspended curtain.

[0071] In FIG. 3a, the belt channels to and from the pulley are covered by cover element213. The belt channels 219 are visible in the FIG. 4 in which the cover element 213 is removed.

[0072] FIG. 4 schematically shows an exploded view of a pulley module according to the invention. Parts which have already been explained will not be repeated.

[0073] The pulley 214 can be a toothed wheel or gear when e.g., a toothed belt is used. The pulley can also be a smooth wheel, and can use friction to actuate the belt. Other driving means than a pulley 214 can also be used to actuate the belt.

[0074] The pulley 214 can be placed in a seat of the housing, in particular the pulley housing 201 A, using a bearing 218. If a drive pin 210 is used to drive the pulley 214, the drive pin can make contact with the pulley 214. The drive pin 210 and the pulley 214 can be integral with respect to each other. A bearing 217 is used to place the drive pin 210 in the drive connection element 202 if present. The drive connection element 202 is fastened to the housing via fastening means such as e.g., screws 216. This covers the housing and the pulley214.

[0075] The curtain rail 211, in this example having a C-shaped profile, is a separate element, which can be placed in the rod connectable housing part 20 IB spaced next to the one or more belt channels. The curtain rail 211 can guide carriers from which curtain is suspended. The curtain rail 211 will in the shown example guide the carriers in a direction that extends the rods. This will result in the carriers moving along a path as if they are still in a rod, allowing the curtain to move aesthetically in front of the pulley module.

[0076] As mentioned above, the curtain rail and the belt channel may have an opening formed therebetween so as to allow a master carrier 250 to pass at least partly through the pulley module 200. FIG. 4 shows a detail of the C-shaped profile in cross-section of the curtain rail 211.

[0077] However, as shown in the figure, it may also be that the curtain rail 211 of the pulley module does not have an opening formed therein to the one or more belt channels. In that case, the master carrier 250, or any other part that needs both access to a belt channel and the curtain rail cannot enter the curtain rail 211 of the pulley module 200. The movable carriers 237 can in this case enter the curtain rail 211 of the pulley module 200, since these are not configured to also need access to one or more of the belt channels. The master carrier 250 canessentially push the movable carriers into the curtain rail 211 of the pulley module 250 in that case, and they can be pulled out of the pulley module by the movement of the curtain 233.

[0078] FIGS. 5A-5B schematically respectively show a sectional view and a perspective view of the housing and the guiding body of a pulley module according to the invention. Parts which have already been explained will not be repeated.

[0079] The housing may comprise fastening means, such as receiving holes 226 for screws 216 with which components can be fastened to the housing. For example, the drive connection element 202 may be fastened to the housing in this manner. The drive connection element 202 may as indicated above be positionable in multiple orientations, e.g., so as to ascertain that the motor can be connected correctly to the pulley module 200.

[0080] The pulley (not shown) is installed in the pulley cavity 220. A pin can penetrate through pulley opening 221 for connecting to and driving the pulley by the motor.

[0081] A guiding body for guiding the belt 230 of the curtain system in the pulley module 200 is comprised or received in the pulley module 200. The guiding body may have multiple belt channels 225 for guiding the belt in the housing.

[0082] The belt channels 225 may be formed by one or more belt guide elements, such as a guide rail and / or a three-way splitter element.

[0083] The guide walls 222A,222B are walls, which are used to guide the belt 230 to go around a corner. The guide wall 222A,222B can also just be used to make sure that two belt portions do not touch. The guide wall may be an integral part of the pulley housing 201 A and / or the rod connectable housing part 20 IB and may be functionally connectable to the one or more belt channels in the rod 205.

[0084] The three-way splitter element 223,224 in this example is a substantially triangularly shaped element which can be used in different manners depending on the connection state of the pulley module. The connection state of the pulley module can determine how the belt 230 is connected inside the pulley module 200 to different components or regions. The three-way splitter 223,224 is configured to be able to guide the belt in the correct manner whichever connection state the pulley module 200 is used in. In a particular connection state of the pulley module for example, two out three surfaces of the three-way splitter element 223,224 may be used to guide the belt through the pulley module 200.

[0085] Other possibilities for the belt guide elements are also possible, like a rotatable wheel or another mechanical element which guides the belt 230 inside the pulley module 200.

[0086] The guide walls 222A / 222B and the three-way splitter 224 form belt gutters or belt channels. The belt channels 225A-225G allow guiding the belt to and from an opening of the housing that is connected to a rod as well as to and from the pulley 221. In embodiments the belt channels are formed as U-shaped gutters. Walls of the belt channels can guide a moving belt, reducing friction and for creating a direction change of the belt.

[0087] The guide walls 222A / B are positioned at a distance from a curved inner walls 222C / 222D of the housing / guiding body. The curved inner walls 222C / D are arranged to guide a belt from the side openings to the pulley cavity 220. In operation states of the pulley module 200, the belt can be guided from one opening (top or bottom side in FIG. 5a) in the belt channel portions 225C / 225A formed between guide walls 222A / B and curved inner walls 222C / D to the pulley wheel 214.

[0088] The belt will be guided in respective belt channel portions in the housing, those portions forming a loop around the pulley wheel. The belt will enter at one of the connection openings and exit at one of the connection openings. A different belt channel portion will guide the belt away from the pulley. Different combinations are possible. Combinations of belt channel parts forming a path from connection opening to connection opening are:- Belt in channel 225A, via and around pulley in cavity 220 to channel 225C, together with a belt received in channel 225B via channel 225F to channel 225D;- Belt in channel 225A, via and around pulley in cavity 220, to channel 225G and 225B; and / orBelt in channel 225C, via and around pulley in cavity 220, to channel 225E and 225D Belt in channel 225B, via belt channel 225F, to channel 225D.

[0089] According to embodiments, two of the three combinations listed above are present in the pulley module. In embodiments, a basic pulley module can comprise only one of the paths. Still, the invention according to some embodiments can be worded without reference to the belt channel parts and / or paths and / or loops. A belt channel that forms a loop is a belt channel that starts and ends at the same connection position and that runs via the pulley.

[0090] In embodiments of the invention, the guiding body of the housing provides at least for one belt channel path 225B + 225F + 225D that extends from one opening on one side of the housing to the other opening on the other side of the housing of the pulley module, without guiding the belt along the pulley or pulley cavity 220. The housing also provides a belt channel path 225A + 220 + 225C that allows guiding the belt around the pulley betweenthe two openings. These combined paths allow the pulley module to be positioned more in the middle of a curtain rail system, with rods connected to the first and second connection sides.

[0091] In embodiments, the belt channel allows looping the belt channel along the pulley, that same belt entering and exiting at one and the same connection opening. In embodiments, the pulley housing allows arranging a loop of the belt around the pulley from and to both respective openings. This allows connecting the same pulley at or close to a rod end on the left-hand side or on the right-hand side.

[0092] In embodiments, the housing provides a channel 225B starting at the opening in the house that splits as a result of the presence of the three-way splitter 224. The three-way splitter 224 is positioned at the position where the belt channel 225B splits in channels 225G and 225F. As a result, the housing provides a belt channel 225B that starts at the opening and that extends either to the pulley cavity 220 or to the other opening. This allows multiple states for installing the pulley module and for operating the belt.

[0093] The above arrangement of belt channel parts allows multiple guiding paths for the belt between three points: the two openings and the pulley. In the current embodiment, the three points are positioned according to a T. The two openings form the top of the T, whereas the cavity 220 is at the foot of the T. The pulley module with the housing arrangement allows multiple paths for loops of the belt or for guiding the belt from opening to opening.

[0094] In the preferred embodiment illustrated here, the housing with walls and splitter is a passive housing that is set-up so that multiple belt receiving states are possible without having to change anything in the set-up. In other embodiments, the change between set-up states can be actively switched.

[0095] In embodiments, the belt channel is always open between the three points (two openings and pulley cavity). In other embodiments, the belt channel can be opened and closed off. With the belt channel that can connect three points, it is possible to operate the pulley module in a first state with the belt entering and exiting at one side with the belt guided around the pulley and in a second state wherein the belt is guided through the housing, from one opening to the other opening.

[0096] In embodiments of the invention, the guiding body of the housing provides two belt channels on one side of the housing, preferably one opening or connection position, wherein both belt channels extend to the pulley and the guiding body also provides two belt channelsfrom the other side, preferably the other opening, of the housing, wherein both belt channels extend to the pulley. This guiding body allows operating in a first state, wherein the belt enters and exits the pulley module from one side of the pulley module and a second state, wherein the belt enters and exits the pulley module from other side of the pulley module. The pulley module according to the invention can be connected to a rod at the first side of the housing or / and at the other side of the housing. This overcomes the necessity of having mirrored pulley modules according to the prior art.

[0097] In embodiments, the housing has a belt channel 225B running from the first connection point that splits into a belt channel 225G towards the pulley and a belt channel 225F and 225D towards the second connection point.

[0098] In embodiments, the housing has a belt channel 225D running from the second connection point that splits into a belt channel 225E towards the pulley and a belt channel 225F and 225B towards the second connection point.

[0099] In embodiments, the housing has a belt channel running from the pulley cavity 220 and splitting into a belt channel 225G and 225E to the first connection opening and into a belt channel 225E and 225D to the second connection opening.

[0100] The guiding body provides a first, second and third belt channel portion. The first belt channel portion is configured to guide the belt between the first connection position and the rotatable pulley, the second belt channel portion is configured to guide the belt between the second connection position and the rotatable pulley and the third belt channel portion is configured to guide the belt between the first connection position and the second connection position, without passing through the rotatable pulley. The belt channel portions can be used to operate the pulley module in one of three connection states as will be explained further below.

[0101] The first, second and / or third belt channel portion each can comprise one or multiple belt guide elements as explained above, preferably a guide rail and / or a three-way splitter element, to achieve guiding the belt between the correct elements or parts of the pulley module 200.

[0102] The rotatable pulley is positioned off-axis from the axis spanning between the first and second connection position. The at least two of the first, second and / or third belt channel portion can be positioned along a T- or V-shape. The first belt channel portion can be used to guide the belt from the first connection side to (and around) the pulley and back to the firstconnection side. The second belt channel portion can be used to guide the belt from the second connection side to and around the pulley and back to the second connection side. The first belt channel portion can be combined with the second belt channel portion to guide the belt from the first connection side to and around the pulley and towards the second connection side, or vice versa. The third belt channel can simultaneously to this latter option be used to guide the belt from the second connection side to the first connection side, or vice versa, without passing through the pulley.

[0103] FIGS. 6A-6C schematically respectively show sectional views of the pulley module according to the invention arranged to actuate a belt in a first, second and third connection state.

[0104] In FIG. 6A, the pulley module 200 is configured to be operable in a first connection state. In the first connection state, the belt 230 is guided from the first connection position to the rotatable pulley 214 and back to the first connection position using the first belt channel portion. In practise, this means that the rod 205 can be connected to the first connection position of the pulley module 200, and the belt 230 present in the rod 205 can be actuated by the pulley module 200 from this side.

[0105] In FIG. 6B, the pulley module 200 is configured to be operable in a second connection state. In the second connection state, the belt 230 is guided from the second connection position to the rotatable pulley 214 and back to the second connection position using the second belt channel portion. In practise, this means that the rod 205 can be connected to the second connection position of the pulley module 200, and the belt 230 present in the rod 205 can be actuated by the pulley module 200 from this side.

[0106] Hence, since the pulley module 200 is symmetric in terms of its operating functionality, a rod can be connected to the pulley module on either side of its housing. Connection means on the other side can be left unused, left out, or an end piece 231 can be connected to the end of the pulley module where no connection is made.

[0107] If the design of a room would necessitate positioning a pulley module 200 at the other side of the curtain system, the same pulley module 200 can be used. In other words, one can achieve a freedom in design using the same pulley module 200, without the requirement for any additional pulley modules. This greatly simplifies and improves the production process of curtain systems.

[0108] Additionally, the pulley module, and in particular the guiding body for guiding the belts, allows operation in a third connection state as illustrated in FIG. 6C. In the third connection state, the belt is guided between the first connection position and the rotatable pulley using the first belt channel portion and between the rotatable pulley and the second connection position using the second belt channel portion. Simultaneously, the belt is guided between the second connection position and the first connection position using the third belt channel portion and without passing through the rotatable pulley.

[0109] In this way, two rods 205 can be connected to the pulley module, one to each side of the pulley module. This allows for greater flexibility in design. For example, when two windows formed in a wall, and the windows are separated by a wall section of the wall in which the windows are formed, this design can actuate the one or more curtains for each window from the same pulley module 200.

[0110] FIGS. 7A-7C schematically respectively show a sectional view of a pully module 200 according to the invention connected to a rod and arranged to actuate a belt in a first, a second and a third connection state.

[0111] All three figures show a curtain system with a pulley module connected to at least one rod. Along the rod a curtain is movable, said rod comprising one or more belt channels. One or more belts are placed in one or more belt channels. As explained above, the belt is used to move the curtain along the at least one rod. The pulley module 200 is the same as explained above, and connected in a first, second or third connection state respectively.

[0112] Furthermore, a rod belt guide element 232 can be placed at the end of a belt channel of the rod, and which is configured to receive and guide the belt between a first rod belt channel and a second rod belt channel. For example, the rod belt guide element 232 can be a rotatable pulley, preferably a toothed wheel. Other means of guiding the belt from a first belt channel to a second belt channel can also be used.

[0113] When the pulley module is in the first or second connection state, the pulley module in principle fulfils also the function of the rod belt guide element 232. Hence, extra belt guide components at the ends of the curtain rail in order to guide the belt are no longer always necessary. Hence the design freedom is greatly improved using the present curtain system. This leads to a simplified design which is easier to construct and maintain.

[0114] In FIG. 7A, the rod is connected to the first connection position and the pulley module is in the first connection state. The belt is connected between the first rod beltchannel and the second belt channel at the first connection position using the first belt channel portion and the rotatable pulley.

[0115] In FIG. 7B, the rod is connected to the second connection position and the pulley module is in the second connection state. The belt is connected between the first rod belt channel and the second belt channel at the second connection position using the second belt channel portion and the rotatable pulley.

[0116] In both FIGS. 7A-7B, the pulley module is connected to an end piece 231 at the other side of the connection side to which the rod is connected, so as to close of the pulley module on that side as well. The end piece 231 is optional, and the pulley module can be left open or can be closed off by other means. For example, the pulley module 200 can be made to be asymmetric so as to have only one particular opening side.

[0117] In FIG. 7C, a rod 205 is connected to the first connection position and a second rod 205 is connected to the second connection position, and the pulley module is in the third connection state. The belt is connected between the first rod belt channel of the rod at the first connection position and the first rod belt channel of the second rod at the second connection position using the first belt channel portion, the rotatable pulley and the second belt channel portion. The belt is simultaneously connected between the second rod belt channel of the rod at the first connection position and the second rod belt channel of the second rod at the second position using the third belt channel portion and without passing through the rotatable pulley.

[0118] An end portion can also be connectable to a rod to close off the rod at a particular side. The end portion 231 may comprise the rod belt guide element 232.

[0119] The end portion 231 may be connected to the pulley module or the rod and comprise an end portion curtain rail, wherein the end portion curtain rail is configured to support a carrier of the curtain that is moveable via the rod curtain rail and / or the curtain rail of the pulley module to the end portion curtain rail. Preferably, the end portion 231 additionally or alternatively comprises rod belt guide element.

[0120] FIGS. 8A-8C schematically show a pulley module 200 according to the invention, connected to a rod 205 along which a curtain 233 moves, and a motor 238 which actuates the pulley module.

[0121] The curtain 233 comprises at regular intervals one-way slide tracks 234 with a suspender 235 slidably connected thereto. Each suspender 235 is connectable to a carrier 236,237. The end carrier 236 can be fixed as mentioned above.

[0122] The curtain system can be hung to a wall 240, as can be gathered from FIG. 8B. The pulley module 200 is placed such that the curtain 233 can move underneath the pulley module when the curtain system is in operation. The motor hangs between the curtain 233 and the wall 240, so as not to deform the curtain when e.g., in an open position. In this way, the folds or pleats in the curtain are most aesthetically pleasing, since they can be formed equidistant from each other. To this end, a suspension element 241 supports either the pulley module, the rod, an end piece or some other element connected to the curtain system so as to fasten the curtain system to the wall and suspend the curtain.

[0123] Since the pulley module is formed in a direction perpendicular to the rod, it takes up less direction in the direction of the rod. Thus, only the necessary amount of space is used to place the pulley module. This makes for more freedom of design when placing the curtain system in e.g., a room.

[0124] FIGS. 9A-9B schematically respectively show a top view and a side view of a pulley module according to the invention connected to a rod along which a curtain moves, according to a second connection state.

[0125] As can be seen, from the front the pulley module 200 and the optional motor are not visible. The curtain can open and close in the direction of the rod 205 by means of actuation of the belt.

[0126] FIGS. 10A-10B schematically respectively show a top view and a side view of a pulley module according to the invention connected to two rods on both sides of the pulley module along which a curtain moves, according to a third connection state.

[0127] In this case, two curtains 233 are connected to the curtain system, on either side of the pulley module. In the figures, both curtains are shown in an open position. The leftmost curtain comprises a master carrier 250 on the left side, which can move to the left , and the rightmost curtain has a master carrier 250 on the right side, which can move to the right. Using this movement, both curtains can be closed at the same time. In this way, the motor hanging in between the two curtains always stays covered by the curtains for someone who is standing in front of the curtain system. The simultaneous opening of the two curtains in opposite directions can be performed by connecting the master carrier 250 of each curtain toa belt portion which move simultaneously in opposite directions along a separate belt channel connected curtain rail via an opening.

[0128] In all connection states of the pulley module, a connected rod can comprise a rod curtain rail, wherein the rod curtain rail is used for supporting a carrier of the curtain movable along the rod via the rod curtain rail. The carrier is actuated by the belt in a rod belt channel. Preferably, the rod curtain rail is positioned below the rod belt channel.

[0129] Additionally, the rod curtain rail may be used to drive two master carriers with a single belt. By supporting a master second carrier, a second curtain can move along the rod in the same rod curtain rail. The belt parts in a rod move in the opposite directions. The second master carrier is actuated by the belt in another rod belt channel wherein the belt moves in the opposite direction. Preferably, the rod curtain rail is also positioned below the second rod belt channel.

[0130] Each rod can also comprise a second rod curtain rail. The second rod curtain rail may be used for supporting a carrier of a curtain movable along the rod in the second rod curtain rail. This carrier may be actuated by the same belt as a curtain moving along the first rod curtain rail. In this case, it may be actuated by the belt in the second rod belt channel. Preferably the second rod curtain rail is positioned below the second rod belt channel.

[0131] The carrier may also be actuated by a different belt as the curtain moving along the first rod curtain rail. In that case, two actuation systems may be employed, which act in unison or act separately. Furthermore, they can be driven together (e.g., by the same motor or by the same pulley) or separately. Two or more belt systems, each with their own belt, can thus simultaneously be used by the present invention. This allows separate control of different curtains of the curtain system.

[0132] FIGS. 11 A-l IB schematically show two examples of a belt to which a belt connector element 304 is fastened and a master carrier 305, that is configured to be fastened to a curtain.

[0133] On the lefthand side of the figure, a profile 300 is shown of e.g., a rod or pulley module 200, comprising a curtain rail 303 and two belt channels 302. A belt 301 is positioned in the belt channels 301. The master carrier 305 connected to the belt 301 is shown. The master carrier 305 is connected to the belt 301 via the belt connector element 304. The belt connector element 304 may further be configured to connect two ends of the belt 301 together so as to form a single belt 301 that moves along the belt channels. The belt connectorelement and the master carrier may be an integral piece, or these elements may be two separate connectable elements. The belt connector element 304 may for example have two protrusions which can be connected to the master carrier 305. The belt connector element 304 is thus connected to the belt and may move simultaneously through the curtain rail, or only the master carrier 305 may move through the curtain rail. In this way, the master carrier 305 moves the curtain through the rod, but is also supported by the rod.

[0134] The belt connector element 304 may comprise out of two sections, each section being connectable to a different end of the belt 301. The two sections may be connected in the middle, so that the belt connector element 304 connects the two belt ends. The belt connector element 304 may be flexible such as to curve along with the belt if necessary. The sections of the belt connector element 304 may be connected to the belt via e.g., a clipping system, with screws, or any other fastening method. The belt may also comprise its own connection element integral with the belt, which can be joined to another connection element of the belt.

[0135] The master carrier 305 comprises a curtain connection element 306. The curtain connection element 306 has as one of its functions to be connectable to e.g., one or more suspenders 235 of the curtain 233 as mentioned above. Depending on the orientation of the frontmost fold of the curtain, the curtain connection element 306 can be oriented in the direction of the belt (shown in FIG. 11 A) or at an angle, preferably perpendicular (shown in FIG. 1 IB). The curtain connection element 306 can be an integral part of the master carrier 305, or be a separate element which is fastened to the master carrier 305, e.g., by using screws.

[0136] Two or more of the above embodiments may be combined in any appropriate manner. According to further aspects of this disclosure a pulley module for a curtain system is provided, wherein the pulley module arranged to move a curtain along a rod of the curtain system by actuating a belt, the pulley module comprising: a housing, a rotatable pulley received in the housing for receiving and actuating the belt, a guiding body for guiding the belt of the curtain system, wherein the guiding body is received in the housing, wherein the guiding body has multiple belt channels for guiding the belt in the housing,wherein the housing comprises a first and second connection position, and wherein the housing is connectable at each of the first and second connection position with the rod of the curtain system, wherein the pulley module is configured to be operable in a third connection state, in which the belt is guided between the first connection position along the rotatable pulley to the second connection position, and wherein the belt is simultaneously guided between the second connection position and the first connection position using the belt channel in pulley module without passing along the rotatable pulley. The pulley module of this aspect can be combined with any of the features disclosed herein and can be used in a system disclosed herein.

[0137] According to yet a further aspect of the disclosure a pulley module for a curtain system is provided, wherein the pulley module arranged to move a curtain along a rod of the curtain system by actuating a belt, the pulley module comprising: a housing; a rotatable pulley received in the housing for receiving and actuating the belt; a guiding body for guiding the belt of the curtain system, wherein the guiding body is received in the housing, wherein the guiding body has multiple belt channels for guiding the belt in the housing; wherein the housing comprises a first and second connection position, and wherein the housing is connectable at each of the first and second connection position with the rod of the curtain system and wherein the housing further comprises a curtain rail for supporting a carrier of the curtain, preferably from the first connection position to the second connection position. Preferably the curtain rail has belt channels and an opening is formed in the belt channel such that the carrier is connectable to the belt in the particular belt channel and simultaneously supportable by the curtain rail, preferably along the entire length of the curtain rail. The pulley module of this aspect can be combined with any of the features disclosed herein and can be used in a system disclosed herein.

[0138] According to yet further aspects of this disclosure, a curtain system for closing and opening a curtain is provided, wherein the curtain system comprises: a rod along which the curtain is movable, said rod comprising at least a rod belt channel for a first and second belt portion;a belt having a first and second belt portion that in operation will move in generally opposite directions, the first and second belt portions placed in the rod belt channel, which belt is used to move the curtain along the rod; a pulley module comprising: o a housing; o a rotatable pulley received in the housing for receiving and actuating the belt; o a guiding body for guiding the belt of the curtain system, wherein the guiding body is received in the housing, wherein the guiding body has multiple belt channels for guiding the belt in the housing; o and, in embodiments, in combination with any of features of the pulley module disclosed in the claims and / or in this description wherein the pulley module arranged to move the curtain along the rod by actuating the belt using the rotatable pulley, wherein the rod is connected to the first or second connection position, and a rod belt guide element which is configured to receive and guide the belt between the first rod belt channel and the second rod belt channel. The system of this aspect can be combined with any of the features disclosed herein.

[0139] Although the disclosure provides specific, preferred, embodiments, it will be clear that features of different embodiments can be combined. Features of embodiments, and combinations of features, are only essential if they are indicated as being essential.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pulley module for a curtain system, the pulley module arranged to move a curtain along a rod of the curtain system by actuating a belt, the pulley module comprising: a housing; a rotatable pulley received in the housing for receiving and actuating the belt; a guiding body for guiding the belt of the curtain system, wherein the guiding body is received in the housing, wherein the guiding body has multiple belt channels for guiding the belt in the housing; wherein the housing comprises a first and second connection position, and wherein the housing is connectable at each of the first and second connection position with the rod of the curtain system; wherein the guiding body provides at least two of a first, second and / or third belt channel paths, wherein:- the first belt channel path (225A,221,225G,225B) is configured to guide and loop the belt between the first connection position and the rotatable pulley;- the second belt channel path (225C,221,225E,225D) is configured to guide and loop the belt between the second connection position and the rotatable pulley; the third belt channel path (225A,221,225C; 225B,225F,225D) is configured to guide the belt between the first connection position and the second connection position.

2. The pulley module of claim 1, wherein the pulley module is configured to be operable in a first connection state; wherein in the first connection state, the belt is guided from the first connection position to the rotatable pulley and back to the first connection position using the first belt channel path.

3. The pulley module of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pulley module is configured to be operable in a second connection state;wherein in the second connection state, the belt is guided from the second connection position to the rotatable pulley and back to the second connection position using the second belt channel path.

4. The pulley module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pulley module is configured to be operable in a third connection state; wherein in the third connection state, the belt is guided between the first connection position along the rotatable pulley to the second connection position, and wherein the belt is simultaneously guided between the second connection position and the first connection position using the belt channel in pulley module without passing along the rotatable pulley.

5. The pulley module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first, second and / or third belt channel path comprises one or multiple belt guide elements, preferably a guide rail and / or a three-way splitter element.

6. The pulley module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing further comprises a curtain rail for supporting a carrier of the curtain, preferably from the first connection position to the second connection position.

7. The pulley module of claim 6, wherein the curtain rail has belt channels and an opening is formed in the belt channel such that the carrier is connectable to the belt in the particular belt channel and simultaneously supportable by the curtain rail, preferably along the entire length of the curtain rail.

8. The pulley module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotatable pulley is a toothed wheel and / or wherein the rotatable pulley is drivable by a motor, preferably wherein the pulley module comprises connection means for connecting the rotatable pulley directly or indirectly to the motor.

9. The pulley module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second connection position comprises a connector element which can be connected to the rod,preferably wherein the connector element forms a bolted connection and / or a slidable friction connection.

10. The pulley module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance along the axis spanning between the first and second connection position is at most 30% larger than the width of the housing in the direction of the axis, preferably at most 20% larger, more preferably at most 10% larger, most preferably 5% larger, most preferably wherein they have substantially the same width.

11. The pulley module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein- the housing and the guiding body form a single integral element; and / or- the axis of the rotatable pulley is positioned off-axis from the axis spanning between the first and second connection position, preferably wherein the at least two of the first, second and / or the pulley are positioned a=according to a T- or V-shape; and / or- the housing has a belt channel path running from the first or second connection point that splits into a belt channel path towards the pulley and a belt channel path toward the other (second or first) connection point;- the housing has a belt channel path running from the pulley and splitting into a belt channel path to the first connection opening and into a belt channel path to the second connection opening.

12. A curtain system for closing and opening a curtain, comprising: a rod along which the curtain is movable, said rod comprising at least a first and second rod belt channel; a belt, placed in the first and second rod belt channels, which is used to move the curtain along the rod; a pulley module according to any one of the previous claims, the pulley module arranged to move the curtain along the rod by actuating the belt using the rotatable pulley, wherein the rod is connected to the first or second connection position; a rod belt guide element which is configured to receive and guide the belt between the first rod belt channel and the second rod belt channel.

13. The curtain system of claim 12, wherein the rod belt guide element is a rotatable pulley, preferably a toothed wheel.

14. The curtain system of claims 12 or 13, wherein the rod is connected to the first connection position and the pulley module is at least according to claim 2; wherein the belt is looped in the pulley module between the first rod belt channel and the second belt channel at the first connection position, wherein the belt is received the first belt channel path and guided around the rotatable pulley.

15. The curtain system of claims 12 or 13, wherein the rod is connected to the second connection position and the pulley module is at least according to claim 3; wherein the belt is looped in the pulley module between the first rod belt channel and the second belt channel at the second connection position, wherein the belt is received the second belt channel path and guided around the rotatable pulley.

16. The curtain system of claims 12 or 13, wherein the rod is connected to the first connection position and a second rod is connected to the second connection position, and the pulley module is at least according to claim 4; wherein the belt in the pulley module runs between the first rod belt channel of the rod at the first connection position and the first rod belt channel of the second rod at the second connection position and is looped around the rotatable pulley; and wherein the belt in the pulley module simultaneously runs between the second rod belt channel of the rod at the first connection position and the second rod belt channel of the second rod at the second position received in the belt channel path in the pulley module without looping around the rotatable pulley.

17. The curtain system of any one of claims 12-16, wherein the rod comprises a first rod curtain rail, wherein the first rod curtain rail is used for supporting a first carrier of the curtain movable along the rod in the first rod curtain rail and which is actuated by the belt in the first rod belt channel, preferably wherein the first rod curtain rail is positioned below the first rod belt channel.

18. The curtain system of claim 17, wherein the first rod curtain rail is used for supporting a second carrier of a second curtain movable along the rod in the first rod curtain rail and which is actuated by the belt in the second rod belt channel, preferably wherein the first rod curtain rail is positioned below the second rod belt channel.

19. The curtain system of claim 17, wherein the rod comprises a second rod curtain rail, wherein the second rod curtain rail is used for supporting a second carrier of a second curtain movable along the rod in the second rod curtain rail and which is actuated by the belt in the second rod belt channel, preferably wherein the second rod curtain rail is positioned below the second rod belt channel.

20. The curtain system of any one of claims 12-19, further comprising an end portion connectable to the rod and / or the pulley module to close off the rod or pulley module at a particular side, preferably wherein the end portion comprises rod belt guide element.

21. The curtain system of claim 20, wherein the end portion is connected to the pulley module and comprises an end portion curtain rail, wherein the end portion curtain rail is configured to support a carrier of the curtain that is moveable via the rod curtain rail and the curtain rail of the pulley module to the end portion curtain rail.

22. The curtain system of any one of claims 12-21, further comprising a motor and motor connection means for driving the rotatable pulley of the pulley module.

23. The curtain system of any one of claims 12-22, wherein the pulley module is placed such that the curtain can move underneath the pulley module when the curtain system is in operation.

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