Safety arrangement for built-in window blind pull chords, a method of operating the safety arrangement and use of the safety arrangement

Abstract

A safety arrangement (1) adapted for connection to pull chords (14) of a built-in window blind (15), wherein said built-in window blind (15) is arranged in a hollow space between two opposing window panes (18) fitted into a window frame (19), and said pull chords (14) are arranged in connection with said window blind (15) and extend from inside said hollow space to an outside of the window frame (19) through at least one opening in said window frame (19), and wherein the safety arrangement (1) comprises a motor assembly (2) adapted to be fitted onto the window frame, and wherein said motor assembly (2) comprises a motor (3) having a rotatable axis (4) provided with a bobbin (5), which bobbin (5) is adapted to receive and retain said pull-chords (14).

Description

[0001] SAFETY ARRANGEMENT FOR BUILT-IN WINDOW BLIND PULL CHORDS, A METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAFETY ARRANGEMENT AND USE OF THE SAFETY ARRANGEMENT

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The disclosure relates generally to a safety arrangement, including a motor assembly adapted to be fitted onto a window frame and connected to 5 pull chords of a built-in window blind.

[0004] Background

[0005] Conventional built-in window blinds are situated between two pairs of window panes, and have pull chords attached in order to be able to raise and 10 lower the blind in the hollow space between the window panes.

[0006] Usually the pull chords are brought from hollow inside the window to the outside of the frame, through a hole in the window frame, and the window blind is manually raised and lowered by a user pulling on the chord from the outside.

[0007] 15 When the window blind is in an uppermost position the pull chord usually hangs down on the outside of the window, or could temporarily be fastened by a holder or lock mounted on a long side of the window frame.

[0008] In some environments, such as schools, kindergartens, day care or other similar enterprises the pull chord could be a potential hazard, and must never 20 be left hanging freely. Quite often, this leads to the window blind being left in a lowermost position and that the pull chord is either permanently cut off or left or locked in an upper position, which means that the window blind cannot be raised.

[0009] There is thus a need for an improved safety arrangement for window blind 25 pull chords.

[0010] Summary

[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure, to provide an improved safety arrangement for a window blind pull chord. The arrangement includes a motor assembly adapted to be fitted onto a frame of a window and be connected to the pull chords.

[0012] The invention is defined by the appended independent claims. Embodiments are set forth in the appended dependent claims and in the following description.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the disclosure there is provided a safety arrangement adapted for connection to pull chords of a built-in window blind , wherein said built-in window blind is arranged in a hollow space between two opposing window panes fitted into a window frame, and said pull chords are arranged in connection with said window blind and extend from inside said hollow space to an outside of the window frame through at least one opening in said window frame, and wherein the safety arrangement comprises a motor assembly adapted to be fitted onto the window frame, and wherein said motor assembly comprises a motor having a rotatable axis provided with a bobbin, which bobbin is adapted to receive and retain said pull-chords.

[0014] This safety arrangement allows for and is thus particularly adapted for retro-fitting onto a window or window frame with an existing built-in window blind, and an easy connection of the existing pull chords to the safety arrangement or device. This means that the pull chords can be safely installed in the arrangement, and that the built-in window blind can be easily raised or lowered by operating the motor assembly. This easy and cost effective retro-fitting, reduces the need for changing the entire window to a solution with a built in motor. By built-in window blind is thus meant a window blind which is not exposed on an outside of a window pane, and which requires that pull-chords are drwn from the inside of the window frame to the outside for manual operation.

[0015] The motor assembly may further comprise a plate adapted to carry a circuit board, which is adapted to control said motor, a power arrangement, and said motor.

[0016] The plate may be easily attached to the window frame, and allows for an easy attachment or connection of the pull chords to the bobbin of the safety device.

[0017] The power arrangement may be a re-chargeable battery. The battery may for instance be an lithium-ion battery which can be charged through a charging socket or inlet, or removed temporarily and charged. This reduces the need for installation of electricity to the safety arrangement, and further simplifies its use an ease of installation.

[0018] The rotatable axis may be controllable by said circuit board, to be rotatable in a forwards and / or backwards direction. This allows for the window blind to be lowered or raised respectively.

[0019] The bobbin may be adapted to receive and retain at least two pull chords, or at least three pull chords or at least four pull chords. The safety device can thus easily be configured to accommodate the number of pull chords present in the window blind.

[0020] The bobbin may be divided into separate sections and adapted to receive and retain said multiple pull chords separately. This decreases the risk of the pull chords becoming tangled, and ensures a safe operation of the arrangement.

[0021] In one example, the bobbin may be provided with individual fastening arrangements for each separate pull chord, and said fastening arrangement may comprises a through hole adapted to receive a pull chord and a clamp or clamping device adapted to hold or retain said pull chord. The bobbin may further be provided with multiple radially protruding ridges, in order to properly separate the pull chords from each other.

[0022] The motor assembly may be adapted to be remotely operated. This may be advantageous to reduce the need for physically being able to reach the safety device, which can be difficult when it is installed at an upper portion of the window or window frame.

[0023] In one example, the plate may be adapted to fit onto a window frame. By adapted to fit is meant that it may be formed or sized to fit to a specific frame, depending on the needs and requirements. In one example, the plate may also be provided with a number of through holes (corresponding to the number of pull chords of the built-in window blind. The plate may also comprise more or fewer openings.

[0024] In one example, the safety arrangement further comprises a detachable or closeable housing. This further improves the safety aspect of the present disclosure as it prevents access to the moving portions of the safety device. The housing may be detachable to allow for e.g. the battery to be temporarily removed and charged. Further to this it allows for an easy installation of the safety arrangement and connection to the pull chords.

[0025] According to a second aspect there is provided a method of operating the safety arrangement according to the first aspect, wherein said safety arrangement comprises a motor assembly comprising motor having a rotatable axis provided with a bobbin, and having a plate carrying a circuit board adapted to control said motor, a power arrangement, and said motor, wherein said bobbin is adapted to receive and retain pull-chords of a window blind; the method comprising: mounting said plate onto a window frame, connecting said pull chords to said bobbin, by securing said pull chords separately into said bobbin; providing a housing in connection with said plate; controlling said rotatable axis to rotate forward or backward, by said circuit board.

[0026] According to third aspect there is provided a use of the safety arrangement according to the first aspect, for retro-fit mounting onto a window frame of a window having a built-in window blind and for connection to pull chords of said built-in window blind. The safety arrangement according to the present disclosure thus provides for a way of securing the pull chords, while allowing for the built-in window blind to continue to be used.

[0027] The above aspects, accompanying claims, and / or examples disclosed herein above and later below may be suitably combined with each other as would be apparent to anyone of ordinary skill in the art. Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims, and drawings, and in part will be readily apparent therefrom to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure as described herein.

[0028] Brief description of drawings

[0029] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of aspects of the disclosure cited as examples

[0030] Fig. 1 is an exemplary safety arrangement according to one example.

[0031] Fig. 2 is an exemplary safety device arranged on a window frame.

[0032] Fig. 3 is an exemplary safety device provided with a housing.

[0033] Description of Embodiments

[0034] Fig 1 illustrates a safety arrangement 1 comprising a motor assembly 2. The motor assembly 2 comprises a substantially rectangular plate 6 onto which several motor assembly components have been mounted. The plate may for instance be formed from a rigid, or semi-rigid plastics material.

[0035] The motor assembly components may comprise a motor 3, having a rotating or rotatable axis 4 connected thereto, and a power source 8. The power source 8 may be a battery, such as a re-chargeable battery. The power source 8 or battery may be housed in a battery holder 17. The re-chargeable battery may, in one example, be charged through a charging socket 16.

[0036] The re-chargeable battery may for instance be any one of Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries or Lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries, or any other conventionally used type of re-chargeable battery.

[0037] The power source may also be a non-rechargeable battery.

[0038] The motor may, in another example, be connected to an external power source, such a conventional electrical chord.

[0039] A bobbin 5 is provided on the rotatable axis 4. The bobbin, or winder 5 is adapted to receive a number of pull chords 14 of a built in window blind (not shown in Fig. 1 ). The bobbin 5 may be divided into separate sections 9, corresponding to the number of pull chords 14 of the built-in window blind. Each section 9 may be separated by a radially extending ridge 12. The ridge 12 may further be adapted to hold the pull chord 14 in its position when wound up onto the bobbin 5. The bobbin 5 may further be provided with a fastening arrangement 10, adapted to receive and retain the pull chord 14. The fastening arrangement 10 may comprise a through hole 11 and a clamping arrangement (not shown) to hold the pull chord 14 in place in the bobbin 5.

[0040] The rotatable axis 4 may be controlled to rotate in a forward direction FD or a backwards direction BD depending on whether the pull chord is to be wound up on the bobbin (i.e. window blind raised) or released from the bobbin (i.e. window blind lowered).

[0041] The plate 6 is further provided with a control circuit or circuit board 7. The control circuit or processing circuit is in communication with the motor assembly or motor 2, and is configured to control the rotation of the rotatable axis, such that may be rotated in a forward or backward direction. The control circuit may also be configured to be programmable for specific position of the window blind, and / or maximum positions, such as maximum lowered position and a maximum raised position of the window blind.

[0042] The plate 6 may be further provided with number of through holes or openings 13 a corresponding to the number of pull chords 14 to be introduced into the safety arrangement.

[0043] As illustrated in Fig. 2 the plate 6 may be adapted in size to fit onto a window frame 19. This further allows for a easy way of retro-fitting a window having an existing built-in window-blind. In a preferred embodiment the plate 6 may be attached to an upper portion of the window, i.e. at or on an upper bar 21 of the window frame. As illustrated in Fig. 1 the plate 6 may be provided with through holes or openings to allow for the pull chords to be inserted into the safety arrangement 1. In one example, during installation of the safety arrangement 1 , through holes may be drilled or otherwise formed in the window frame 19, corresponding to those in the plate 6, to allow for the pull chords 14 from the built in window blind 15 to be brought from the inside of the inside of the window to the outside. This further increases the safety of the arrangement as the individual pull-chords can be drawn directly from the inside of the window frame and into the safety arrangement. The built-in window blind 15 is arranged between two opposing window panes 18, 18’ forming a hollow space between the window panes 18. The pull chord 14, or multiple pull chords 1 , is arranged in connection with the window blind 15 such that by pulling or extending the chord the blind may be raised or lowered. As illustrated in Fig. 2 the plate 6 holding the motor components of the safety arrangement 1 , may be placed at a position at the upper bar 21 of the window frame 19, the pull chords 14 may be drawn on the inside of the window to the position of the plate and brought from the inside of the window to the outside of the frame 19 and then through the openings of the plate 6 to the bobbin 5, where each pull chord 14 may be fastened at its respective position at the bobbin 5.

[0044] In one example the number of pull-chords is at least two. In one example the number of pull-chords is at least three. In one example the number of pullchords is at least four.

[0045] The plate 6 may be fastened to the frame 19 by any conventional fastening arrangements or devices, such as by adhesives, or a nail or screw.

[0046] As illustrated in Fig. 3 the safety device may further comprise a housing 20, which may be detachably attached to the plate 6 when the pull chords 14 have been secured to the bobbin 5.

[0047] The housing 20 may also comprise a manual or remote maneuver panel (not illustrated) for controlling the movement of the rotatable axis 4.

[0048] In one example the safety arrangement 1 can be controlled remotely, for instance by RF (Radio Frequency) remote control, IR (Infrared) remote control, Bluetooth, WiFi, Cellular network or Zigbee. These are just a few examples of the many ways that the motor device can be remotely controlled. The choice of method depends on the desired level of control, and other factors such as cost, reliability, and ease of use.

[0049] The remote control function may be connected to the process circuit or circuit board.

[0050] Aspects set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure.

[0051] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0052] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0055] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the inventive concepts being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A safety arrangement (1 ) adapted for connection to pull chords (14) of a built-in window blind (15), wherein said built-in window blind (15) is arranged in a hollow space between two opposing window panes (18) fitted into a window frame (19), and said pull chords (14) are arranged in connection with said window blind (15) and extend from inside said hollow space to an outside of the window frame (19) through at least one opening in said window frame (19), and wherein the safety arrangement (1 ) comprises a motor assembly (2) adapted to be fitted onto the window frame, and wherein said motor assembly (2) comprises a motor (3) having a rotatable axis (4) provided with a bobbin (5), which bobbin (5) is adapted to receive and retain said pullchords (14).

2. The safety arrangement (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said motor assembly (2) further comprises a plate (6) adapted to carry a circuit board (7) adapted to control said motor (3), a power arrangement (8), and said motor (3).

3. The safety arrangement (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein said power arrangement (8) is a re-chargeable battery.

4. The safety arrangement (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rotatable axis (4) is controllable by said circuit board (7), to be rotatable in a forwards and / or backwards direction.

5. The safety arrangement (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bobbin (5) is adapted to receive and retain at least two pull chords, or at least three pull chords or at least four pull chords.

6. The safety arrangement (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein said bobbin (5) is divided into separate sections (9) and adapted to receive and retain said multiple pull chords separately.

7. The safety arrangement (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bobbin (5) is provided with individual fastening arrangements (10) for each separate pull chord.

8. The safety arrangement (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein said fastening arrangement (10) comprises a through hole (11 ) adapted to receive a pull chord and a clamp adapted to hold said pull chord.

9. The safety arrangement (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bobbin (5) is provided with multiple radially protruding ridges (12).

10. The safety arrangement (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said motor assembly (2) is adapted to be remotely operated.11 . The safety arrangement (1 ) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein said plate (6) is adapted to fit onto a window frame.

12. The safety arrangement (1 ) according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein said plate (6) is provided with a number of through holes (13) corresponding to the number of pull chords (14) of the built-in window blind.

13. The safety arrangement (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprises a closeable housing (20).

14. The safety arrangement (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said arrangement is adapted to be retro-fitted onto a window frame.

15. A method of operating the safety arrangement (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said safety arrangement (1 ) comprises a motor assembly (2) comprising motor (3) having a rotatable axis (4) provided with a bobbin (5), and having a plate (6) carrying a circuit board (7) adapted to control said motor, a power arrangement (8), and said motor (3), wherein said bobbin (5) is adapted to receive and retain pull-chords (14) of a built-in window blind (15); the method comprising: mounting said plate (6) onto a window frame (19, 21 ), connecting said pull chords(14) to said bobbin (5), by securing said pull chords (14) separately into said bobbin (5); providing a housing (20) in connection with said plate (6); controlling said rotatable axis (4) to rotate forward or backward, by said circuit board (7).

16. Use of the safety arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 14, for retro-fit mounting onto a window frame of a window having a built-in window blind and for connection to pull chords (14) of said built- in window blind.

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