Actuator

Abstract

The actuator assembly includes a pivot bracket configured for mounting to a surface, an actuator base configured for pivotal engagement with the pivot bracket, an actuator cover configured for coupling to the actuator base, and an end cap configured for coupling the actuator base to the pivot bracket via a friction fit or a threaded connection.A sash bracket for the actuator, the sash bracket including a clip configured for attachment to a chain of the actuator, a body configured for attachment to a window sash, and a pin configured for releasably coupling the clip to the body.A chain guide for the actuator, the chain guide including a rail that mates with an elongated recess in the chain.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to one or more of an actuator, an actuator assembly, a sash bracket for an actuator, and a chain guide for an actuator. [Background technology]

[0002] Actuators are available in the market and are used for opening and closing panels of windows, doors etc. The actuators are assembled to the frame and may stretch and retract a chain attached to the sash to open and close the sash. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one example, an actuator assembly is provided that includes a pivot bracket configured for mounting to a surface, an actuator base configured for pivotal engagement with the pivot bracket, an actuator cover configured to couple to the actuator base, and an end cap configured to couple the actuator base to the pivot bracket via a friction fit.

[0004] According to a second example, there is provided a sash bracket for an actuator comprising a clip configured to attach to a chain of the actuator, a body configured to attach to a window sash, and a pin configured to releasably connect the clip to the body.

[0005] According to a third example, a chain guide for an actuator is provided, the chain guide comprising a rail dimensioned to fit between opposite sides of an elongated recess extending along the length of a chain of the actuator.

[0006] According to a fourth example, an actuator assembly is provided comprising: a pivot bracket configured for mounting to a surface; an actuator base configured for pivotal engagement with the pivot bracket, the actuator base having a threaded protrusion; an actuator cover configured to connect to the actuator base, the actuator cover having a threaded protrusion; and a fastener having a threaded hole, the fastener configured to thread onto the protrusion to connect the actuator base to the pivot bracket.

[0007] According to a fifth example, there is provided an actuator comprising the actuator assembly of the first example or the fourth example, a chain configured to be attached to a window sash, and a motor configured to drive movement of the chain.

[0008] Embodiments may be implemented according to any one of the dependent claims 2 to 11, 13 to 20, 22 to 28 or 31 to 36.

[0009] Short Description The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an actuator in accordance with an example. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the actuator of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the actuator of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the actuator of FIG. 1. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example sash bracket. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is another isometric view of the sash bracket of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A]FIG. 13 is an isometric view of another example sash bracket. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is another isometric view of the sash bracket of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of another example sash bracket. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is another isometric view of the sash bracket of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of another example sash bracket. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is another isometric view of the sash bracket of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates a partial exploded view of a chain drive according to an example. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a clutch assembly according to an example. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a section of a chain in accordance with an example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of a section of the chain of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a front view of the section of chain of FIG. 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] An embodiment of the actuator will be described in the context of a powered window. The actuator is mounted on a window frame and connected to the window sash by a sash bracket. However, in other implementations, the actuator may be used to actuate other building elements. For example, the actuator may be mounted on a door frame to open and close a door. In other examples, the actuator may be used to actuate a skylight, a storm shutter, or an air damper. The mounting arrangement may be reversed in some applications, with the actuator mounted on a moving member, such as a window, and connected to a fixed member, such as a frame, by a sash bracket.

[0012] For convenience, the actuator will also be described with reference to the orientation shown in Figure 1, with Figure 2 being a top view. The designations "top", "side", etc. are relative to the actuator itself, rather than to an external reference frame. The actuator can be mounted and used in a variety of orientations depending on the application, and is not limited to use in any particular orientation or set of orientations.

[0013] 1-3 show an actuator according to one example. The actuator includes a base 10, a cover 11, a pivot bracket 3, and an end cap 12. The base 10, cover 11, pivot bracket 3, and end cap 12 together form an assembly that can be used to assemble the actuator 1 to a surface. This assembly can also house the actuator components such as the chain and chain drive components, and is referred to herein as the body of the actuator.

[0014] The base 10 is pivotally connected to the pivot bracket 3 such that the base can pivot as the window is opened and closed through a series of angles. A cover 11 is coupled to the actuator base 10. The cover, in this example, is releasably coupled to the base such that the cover can be fully or partially removed to access the components within the actuator. As will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4, the base 10 is coupled to the pivot bracket 3 via a friction fit. In this example, the end cap 12 is snap-fit ​​onto the base 10 and cover 11. In an alternative example, the end cap may be threaded onto the base by a screw.

[0015] End cap 12 also covers the engagement point between pivot bracket 3 and base 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, end cap 12 is visible on the side and pivot bracket 3 extends below end cap 12 to the point where pivot bracket 3 connects to base 10. In some applications it may be preferable that the point where the pivot bracket connects to the base is not visible.

[0016] Because end cap 12 extends further out than pivot bracket 3 to the side of actuator 1 (i.e., end cap 12 "covers" the pivot bracket on the side), end cap 12 also hides pivot bracket 3 from view when viewed from the opposite side, or top, of the frame to which the actuator is assembled. As shown in the top view of Figure 2, the pivot bracket is not visible below end cap 12. In some applications it may be preferable for the pivot bracket not to be visible when actuator 1 is viewed from this side.

[0017] Base 10 has a rounded profile 13 that allows the base to be positioned closer to the frame during installation without interfering with the pivoting of the base on pivot bracket 3. As shown in the example of Figure 1, the underside of base 10 is rounded in a plane perpendicular to the axis about which base 10 pivots on pivot bracket 3. Cover 11 and / or end caps 12 may also have rounded profiles to provide a consistent appearance with base 10.

[0018] The actuator 1 has a chain 5 which transmits force to the window via the sash bracket 4. The portion of the chain 5 which extends from the actuator body is relatively strong in compression and tension so as to push the window towards the open position and pull the window towards the closed position. However, the chain 5 may be folded up within the actuator body as will be described in further detail with reference to Figures 4 and 11 to 13.

[0019] 1-3 is a cross-shaped opening 6 in the cover 11. This opening 6 is used to access and operate the clutch to separate the chain 5 from the chain drive, allowing the chain 5 to be manually stretched out from or retracted into the body of the actuator 1 without operating the chain drive.

[0020] An opening 8 is also provided in the body of the actuator 1 to allow access to internal components (such as the printed circuit board assembly 23 in FIG. 4) after the actuator 1 is assembled. Power and / or data wires may enter the actuator body through this opening. For example, a wiring harness with terminal plugs may be inserted through the opening and plugged into the circuit board 23. A cover (not shown) may also be provided to cover the opening 8.

[0021] The exploded view of Figure 4 shows the components of actuator 1 in greater detail. In particular, the connection details between base 10, cover 11, pivot bracket 3 and end cap 12 are visible, as well as the chain drive 22 (including motor 40 and gear box 43), chain guide 21 and circuit board assembly 23.

[0022] The pivot bracket 3 can be a single bracket that assembles the main body of the actuator 1 at both ends of the actuator, rather than two separate brackets. The pivot bracket has an elongated central part with an assembly part at each end. In use, the elongated central part is attached to a surface (e.g. a window frame) and the assembly part projects away from the surface, for example at about 90°. This form of bracket can be particularly easy and quick to install. The elongated central part can be easily aligned parallel to the edge of a surface (e.g. a window frame) by eye, without the need to carefully measure and position two separate assembly parts. This visual alignment is not practically achievable using other bracket designs that use two separate assembly parts. Connecting the two assembly parts to each other in a single bracket also means that the relative orientation of the two assembly parts is fixed by the structure of the bracket. This means that when assembling the actuator, the pivot axes at both ends of the actuator are naturally aligned, without the need to carefully control the relative orientation of the two separate assembly parts. When the pivot is aligned, it reduces the force on the mounting components such as post 7. This may reduce wear on the components and extend the life of the actuator. The bracket can also be left on a surface during assembly and disassembly.

[0023] The base 10 and cover 11 each have a receptacle portion (14 and 29, respectively) at each end that receives a portion of the pivot bracket 3 and end cap 12. A partial post 7b is also provided on each end of the base 10. The partial post 7b on the base 10 and the partial post 7a on the cover 11 together form a cylindrical post 7 that fits into a high friction body 28 between the base 10 and the end cap 12. Alternatively, a single post may be provided only on the base 10. The high friction body 28 extends through a notch 17 in the pivot bracket 3 and into a recess 15 in the end cap 12 when the actuator is assembled. The base 10 and cover 11 also have recesses 37 that receive the projections 26 of each end cap 12. The projections and recesses form a snap-fit ​​connection that allows the end cap 12 to be snap-fitted into the body of the actuator 1.

[0024] In other examples, one or more high friction bodies may be attached to one or more of the end of base 10, the end of cover 11, or the end cap 12. In other examples, the high friction bodies may be one or more blocks, bumps, or patches of high friction material. In some examples, recesses 15 may be formed in the end of base 10, and possibly also in the end of cover 11, and posts similar to those formed by 7a and 7b are formed on end cap 12.

[0025] In other instances, the high friction body may be omitted. For example, a friction fit or bearing may be formed by a surface of the pivot bracket 3 with which one or both of the base 10 and end cap 12 are in direct contact.

[0026] The cover 11 is placed onto the base 10 when assembled. The base 10 and cover 11 may provide the housing for the actuator. The pivot bracket 3 is aligned with the base 10 and cover 11 with the notches 17 in the spigots 14 and 29. A high friction washer 28 is placed onto the post (formed by 7a and 7b) and extends through the notch 17. The end cap 12 is placed onto this assembly with the high friction washer 28 in the recess 15 and the end cap 12 snaps into place.

[0027] The high friction washer 28 fits closely over the post 7 (formed by 7a and 7b) forming a friction fit. The high friction washer 28 may also fit closely within the notch 17 providing additional friction. This allows the actuator base 10 to be supported on the pivot bracket 3 with a friction bearing. The cover 11 is supported on the base 10. The exact diameters of the post 7 and washer 28 (and possibly the exact diameter of the notch 17) will depend on the level of friction desired for the friction fit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the tightness of the friction fit will depend on the amount by which the diameter of the post 7 is smaller than the inner diameter of the friction washer 28 (and optionally also the amount by which the diameter of the notch 17 is larger than the outer diameter of the high friction washer 28). Because the actuator 1 is intended to pivot on the pivot bracket 3 in use, the friction bearing is designed to allow some rotational sliding.

[0028] In alternative examples, the friction washer(s) may be replaced by threaded fastener(s). The threaded fastener(s) each have a threaded hole. In these examples, the corresponding post(s) have a threaded outer surface that is complementary to the threads of the threaded fastener(s) so that the threaded fastener(s) may be screwed onto the post. In particular, the partial posts 7a, 7b on the base 10 and cover 11 may each have partial threads on their rounded surfaces to form a continuous thread when the partial posts 7a, 7b are brought together. The threaded fasteners may have a rounded periphery and may be round nuts. The threaded fasteners may thereby connect the base 10 to the cover 11.

[0029] Also provided on end cap 12 are protrusions 19 and 27. Upper protrusion 19 extends into notch 17 in pivot bracket 3 when assembled. Lower protrusion 27 extends into slot 16 in pivot bracket 3 when assembled. Protrusions 19 and 27 move within notch 17 and slot 16 as the actuator pivots on the pivot bracket until one or more of the protrusions are stopped by a side of notch 17 or an end of slot 16.

[0030] This connection configuration described above eliminates the need to have fixing screws or the like that pass through the cover. For example, some actuators have a cover that screws onto the base of the actuator. These screws may be located on the "top" of the actuator (in the orientation of FIG. 1) and are visible to someone standing near the window. In some applications, it may be preferable to not have any visible fixing screws or the like in the top of the actuator.

[0031] The connection arrangement described above may also provide a quick and simple way to remove or open the cover 11, for example, for maintenance, repair or servicing of the actuator 1. The upper projections 26 of the end cap 12 may be freely removed from the recesses 37 in the cover 11, allowing the cover 11 to be removed or opened. The lower projections 26 may also be released from the base 10, allowing the end cap 12 to be removed. This may allow the actuator body to be easily removed from the pivot bracket 3, if required.

[0032] In this example, the projections 26 that allow the end cap 12 to snap onto the cover 11 are located on the end cap 12 and corresponding recesses 37 are formed in the cover 11. In an alternative configuration, one or all of the projections can be on the cover 11 and a corresponding recess can be on the end cap 12. Similarly, one or all of the projections 26 that allow the end cap 12 to snap onto the base 10 can be on the base 10 and a corresponding recess 37 can be on the end cap 12.

[0033] In one alternative, rather than snap-fitting using projections 26 and recesses 37, end caps 12 may be slid into place onto base 10 and cover 11. In these examples, complementary elongated projections and recesses may be provided on end caps 12 and base 10 and cover 11. End caps 12 may be slid vertically down onto base 10 and cover 11.

[0034] In this example, there are two end caps 12, providing friction bearings at both ends of the actuator 1, connecting the cover 11 to the base 10 at both ends of the actuator 1. In the alternative, there may be a single such end cap at one end of the actuator. The support at the other end may be a low friction bearing, as the friction provided at one end may be sufficient. The cover may be connected to the base at this end by another means, such as a hinge, allowing the cover to be hingedly openable when released by the end cap at the end opposite the hinge.

[0035] The pivot bracket 3 has mounting holes 24 along its length. In this example there are four such holes 24. This allows the pivot bracket to be mounted to a surface in four different locations. In other examples there may be two, three, five or more holes 24 that provide mounting at two, three, five or more fixed points, respectively, along the length of the pivot bracket. This helps to spread the actuator load along the frame and prevents the pivot bracket from rotating within the plane of the surface to which it is assembled.

[0036] The chain drive 22 is housed in the base 10 and the cover 11 when the base 10 and the cover 11 are assembled. The chain drive 22 drives the chain 5 to extend from the body of the actuator 1 and retract into the body of the actuator 1. The chain drive 22 includes a motor 40 and a gear box 43. In FIG. 4, the upper end of the clutch spindle 65 protruding from the top of the gear box 43 is visible. The clutch spindle 65 is accessible through an opening 6 when assembled, and allows a user to insert a tool through the opening 6 and press the clutch spindle 65 to operate the clutch.

[0037] The motor 40 is electrically connected to the printed circuit board assembly 23, which allows the motor 40 to receive power from the printed circuit board assembly 23. The printed circuit board assembly 23 may also be used to communicate data signals between the motor 40 and the printed circuit board assembly 23. For example, the circuit board assembly may receive a signal indicative of the back EMF in the electric motor of the chain drive 22 so as to monitor the motor speed.

[0038] The actuator 1 may also include an electronic limiter that stops driving the chain when the chain reaches the desired range. In one example, an encoder is provided on the motor to measure the amount of motor rotation that correlates to the range of the chain. When the motor rotates in the opening direction an amount that corresponds to the desired range, this rotation may be detected by a processing circuit on the PCB assembly. The processing circuit then stops driving the motor. The desired range may be adjustable. For example, a switch may be provided on the actuator to select between various range limits such as 100mm, 150mm, or 200mm.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, a portion of the chain 5 is folded within the body of the actuator 1. This allows a relatively long length of chain 5 to fit within a relatively small actuator body. The chain 5 is guided around the interior of the actuator 1 by a chain guide 21. A following wheel 44 is also provided to guide the chain 5. The chain guide 21 includes a long rail 25 that forms an inner projection of the chain guide 21. The rail 25 is sized to fit within a recessed central portion of the chain 5 (labeled 64 in FIG. 13) that extends along the length of the rail 25. This may help to keep the chain 5 within the plane of the rail 25 (i.e., limiting "vertical" derailment of the chain 5).

[0040] The chain guide 21 can be made from relatively little material. The chain guide 21 can be moulded. This makes the manufacture of the chain guide 21 particularly simple and cost-effective. As the chain is supported and guided by the rails 25, it does not have to rest on a plate or housing (or between two such plate or housing parts). This can reduce friction between the chain and the chain guide, resulting in smoother operation. The chain guide is placed on the outside of the folded chain. This makes the chain particularly robust against jamming during use. The end of the chain 5 can be attached to the gear box 43, allowing a length of chain 5 to move on and off the guide, preventing the chain from being completely free of the actuator.

[0041] Four exemplary sash brackets 4', 4'', 4''' and 4'''' are shown in Figures 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B. Each sash bracket includes a body 30', 30'', 30''' or 30'''', a clip 31', 31'', 31'''' or 31'''', and a pin (not visible in these figures, location indicated by arrow(s) 32', 32'', 32'''' or 32''''). Sash bracket 4'''' of Figures 8A and 8B includes two such pins 32''''. The pin(s) may allow pivoting of the body relative to the clip (and thus the chain) when opening and closing the window. The clip is provided for attachment to the chain of an actuator. The pin(s) are configured to releasably couple the clip to the body. A releasable attachment may make servicing, installation or replacement of the actuator simpler, quicker and easier. For example, the chain (and clip) may be detachable from the body, allowing the body to be replaced or moved to a different location on the sash without having to remove the actuator from the frame. Furthermore, this may allow the window sash to be removed from the frame for repair or reglazing without having to remove the actuator from the frame.

[0042] The pins may take a variety of forms. In the exemplary sash brackets 4', 4'' and 4''', the pins comprise threads. The pins in these examples are inserted at 32', 32'', 33''', pass through clips 31', 31'', 31''' and are threaded into body 30', 30'', 30'''' at the end beyond the clip. In this example, the distal end of the pin comprises the threads. The pins may also have a flat (non-threaded) shank that rests within the clip.

[0043] In some example brackets, the pin may be spring loaded into the clip. In these examples, a spring is provided in the clip to bias the pin "outward" toward a position where it engages the body. Pressing the pin "inward" against the bias of the spring causes the pin to retract into the clip, allowing the clip to be released. In addition to springs, the bias may be provided by other biasing means, such as a gas spring or elastic block. In these examples, there may be two pins, one extending out from each side of the clip into a respective portion of the body. To release the clip in such examples, the user presses both pins "inward."

[0044] In the exemplary bracket 4'''', there are two pins that are both spring loaded within the body 30''''. The pins may be spring loaded by a single spring placed between the two pins. Two tabs 36'''' are also provided that release the pins from the clip 31''''. The tabs 36'''' are coupled to the pins, for example by being integrally formed with the pins, directly connected to the pins, or in contact with the pins, and transfer a force from the tabs to the pins. When the tabs are squeezed together, the pins retract from the clip into the body, allowing the clip to be released. As with the brackets described above, other biasing means other than springs may be used.

[0045] The sash brackets may be designed such that the clip can be released from the body only by using a special tool, by applying a large amount of force, or by further operating a safety lock. This may prevent or deter a child or unauthorized person from removing the sash bracket from the chain. This may help prevent the sash bracket from being released from the chain unexpectedly. This may also ensure compliance with local regulations. For example, the threaded pins of sash brackets 4', 4'' and 4'''' may have a special "tamper-resistant" head, such as the head of a tamper-resistant screw. Alternatively, the head of each pin may be connected to the shaft via a clutch plate and a pressure plate, which the user must push firmly in the longitudinal direction to transfer rotation from the head to the screw when removing the pin. In another example, the spring-loaded pins of sash bracket 4'''' may have a fairly rigid biasing element, requiring a fairly strong twist with a clamping tool or by hand to release the clip. In another example, a lock may be provided on the sash bracket 4', 4'', 4''' or 4'''' that allows movement of the pin only when unlocked with the correct key.

[0046] In use, the body is attached to the sash by screws passing through threaded holes 34', 34'', 34''' or 34''''. For stability, one threaded hole is provided on each side of the point where the clip is connected to the body. The clip is connected to a chain by a chain pin passing through holes 33', 33'', 33''' or 33''''.

[0047] The end 35', 35'', 35''', or 35'''' of the clip closest to the body is radiused in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pin(s). This ensures that the clip does not interfere with the body as it pivots about the pin(s).

[0048] 9 and 10 show the chain drive 22 in more detail. An electric motor 40 drives a worm 41. In this example, the motor 40 is a DC motor, although other motors may be used. The motor 40 engages with and drives a worm gear 45a formed on the upper half of a compound gear 45. The compound gear 45 includes a smaller gear 45b on its lower half which engages with and drives a larger gear 46a on the lower half of the compound gear 46. The smaller gear 46b on the upper half of the compound gear 46 drives a gear 51 (labeled in FIG. 10) of a clutch assembly 50.

[0049] As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 10, the clutch assembly 50 includes a gear 51, a sprocket 52, and a clutch shaft 53. The sprocket 52 engages and drives the chain. The gear 51 releasably engages the sprocket 52 via the clutch shaft 53. The clutch shaft 53 includes a lower spline 54 that is vertically disposed within a socket 56 of the gear 51 and engages a complementary spline (not visible in FIG. 10) in the socket 56 to transfer rotation from the gear 51 to the clutch shaft 53. The clutch shaft 53 also includes an upper spline 55 that is vertically disposed within a socket 58 of the sprocket 52 and engages a complementary spline in the socket 58 to transfer rotation from the clutch shaft 53 to the sprocket 52. A spring 67 (shown in FIG. 9) is provided between the bottom of the clutch shaft 53 and the gear box cover 49 (shown in FIG. 9) to bias the clutch shaft 53 into its raised engaged position. A bushing 57 is also provided on top of the socket 58. The bushing 57 has a hole through which the spindle 65 of the clutch shaft 53 passes. The upper end of the spindle 65 rests in a hole 59 in the gear box support block 42 when assembled, and the upper end of the spindle 65 is accessible through the hole 59. The gear box cover 49 is attached to the bottom of the support block 42 using screws 48 to house and hold the gear and clutch assembly in place.

[0050] The upper end of spindle 65, when assembled, rests in a hole 59 in the gear box support block 42 and the upper end of spindle 65 is accessible through aperture 6 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4. A bushing 57 provides a bearing surface for the underside of block 42.

[0051] As explained above, in its raised position, the clutch shaft 53 is positioned vertically and engages with the gear 51 and sprocket 52. In this raised position, the splines 54 and 55 engage with the splines in the gear 51 and sprocket 52. This means that the rotation of the gear 51 is transmitted to the sprocket 52 to drive the chain and vice versa. When a user inserts a tool through the opening 6 to lower the clutch shaft 53, the splines 54 disengage from the splines in the gear 51 and move downward, separating the gear 51 from the sprocket 52. The chain may then be stretched and retracted while the sprocket 52 and the clutch shaft 53 are free to rotate.

[0052] Three views of the chain 5 are shown in Figures 11-13. The chain 5 is comprised of an outer link 61, an inner link 60, and a pin 62 that connects the outer links 61 and the inner links 60 together in an alternating sequence. The pin may allow rotation about a pin axis 63, allowing the chain 5 to rotate through multiple angles and fold into the actuator body. However, the portion of the chain 5 that extends from the actuator body to engage the window remains relatively rigid and does not flex excessively under compression. This type of chain is known as a rigid chain, and the actuator is known as a rigid chain actuator.

[0053] As shown in Figure 13, a recess 64 is formed in the middle of the chain 5 and extends along the length of the chain 5. The rail 25 of Figure 4 is sized to fit within this recess 64 and assist in guiding the chain within the actuator body. In particular, the rail may fit between sides 64a and 64b of the recess, although a portion of the rail may be outside of the recess 64. Other suitable chain designs may be used.

[0054] interpretation The term "comprises" and other grammatical forms are intended to have an inclusive meaning unless otherwise indicated, that is, the term "comprises" and other grammatical forms should be interpreted to mean the inclusion of the recited components, and possibly other unspecified components or elements.

[0055] Although the present invention has been described by way of illustration of particular embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and may be modified without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An actuator assembly, wherein the actuator assembly comprises: A pivot bracket configured to be assembled to a surface; An actuator base configured to pivotally engage with the pivot bracket; An actuator cover configured to be connected to the actuator base; An end cap configured to connect the actuator base to the pivot bracket via friction fitting The actuator assembly comprising the above components.

2. The actuator assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a high friction body between the end cap and the actuator base.

3. One or more protrusions are provided on one of the end cap and the actuator base and engage with one or more complementary recesses on the other of the end cap and the actuator base. One or more protrusions are provided on one of the end cap and the actuator cover and engage with one or more complementary recesses on the other of the end cap and the actuator cover. The actuator assembly according to claim 1.

4. The actuator assembly according to claim 1, wherein the end cap covers the engagement point between the actuator base and the pivot bracket.

5. The actuator assembly according to claim 1, wherein the pivot bracket is hidden from view when viewed from the side of the housing opposite to the side configured to assemble the pivot bracket to the surface.

6. The actuator assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pivot bracket is configured to be attached to the surface at a plurality of fixed points spaced along the length of the pivot bracket.

7. The actuator assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pivot bracket is configured to pivotally engage with the actuator base at both ends of the actuator base.

8. A sash bracket for an actuator, wherein the sash bracket comprises: A clip configured to be attached to a chain of the actuator; A body configured to be attached to a window sash; A first pin configured to releasably connect the clip to the body; A second pin configured to releasably connect the clip to the body; Two tabs each connected to one of the first pin and the second pin a biasing portion configured to bias the first pin and the second pin away from each other toward respective connection positions where the first pin and the second pin connect the clip to the main body; the two tabs are clamped together against the bias to move the first pin and the second pin toward each other toward respective release positions where the first pin and the second pin do not connect the clip to the main body; the first pin and the second pin define a pivot axis, and the clip is configured to pivot about the pivot axis, a sash bracket.

9. The sash bracket according to claim 8, wherein an end of the clip closest to the main body is rounded in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pin.

10. The sash bracket according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the main body is configured to be attached to the window sash by screws, and at least one screw is located on each side of the connection point between the clip and the main body.

11. A chain assembly for an actuator, the chain assembly comprising a foldable chain; an elongate rail disposed between sides of an elongate recess formed in the center of the chain and extending along the length of the chain, and a chain guide comprising a slave wheel that engages the chain at a U-shaped bend and guides the chain when the chain is folded; A chain assembly comprising.

12. The chain assembly according to claim 11, wherein the rail is substantially in a chain guide plane, and the rail is configured to limit movement of the chain out of the chain guide plane.

13. The chain assembly according to claim 11, wherein the chain guide is configured to prevent contact between the chain and a housing of the actuator.

14. The chain assembly according to claim 11, wherein a proximal end of the chain is attached to a gear box.

15. The chain assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the rail is configured to enter the elongate recess from a side of the chain that is radially outward when the chain is folded within the actuator.

16. An actuator assembly, the actuator assembly comprising A pivot bracket configured to be assembled on a surface, An actuator base configured to pivotally engage with the pivot bracket, the actuator base having a threaded protrusion, An actuator cover configured to be connected to the actuator base, the actuator cover having a threaded protrusion, A fastener having a threaded hole An actuator assembly, wherein the fastener is configured to be screwed onto the protrusion to connect the actuator base to the pivot bracket.

17. An actuator, wherein the actuator The actuator assembly according to claim 16, A chain configured to be attached to a window sash, A motor configured to drive and move the chain An actuator comprising.

18. An actuator, wherein the actuator The actuator assembly according to claim 1, A chain configured to be attached to a window sash, A motor configured to drive and move the chain An actuator comprising.

19. The actuator according to claim 18, further comprising an electronic limiter configured to stop the driving movement of the chain beyond the set range of the chain for the motor.

20. The actuator according to claim 19, wherein the set range is adjustable and the electronic limiter has a switch for setting the range.

21. The actuator according to any one of claims 19 to 20, further comprising an encoder associated with the motor and configured to output a signal indicating the amount of rotation of the motor, wherein the electronic limiter is configured to stop the driving movement of the chain based on a comparison between the signal output by the encoder and the set range.

Images