Window shade and its operating system

Abstract

An actuation system for a window shade includes a control module operable to adjust a shading configuration of the window shade. The control module includes a wand having a hollow interior, a flexible operating element extending outside the wand at a first end of the wand, a handle coupled to the operating element and disposed at a second end of the wand, the handle operable to pull the operating element to actuate the control module, and an elongated anti-wrap guard. The operating element, handle, and anti-wrap guard are movable together relative to the wand. The anti-wrap guard is configured to extend outside the wand between the handle and the second end of the wand when the handle is moved away from the second end of the wand.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to window shades and actuation systems for use with window shades.

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 325,896, filed March 31, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Some window shades use an operating cord to raise a bottom portion of the window shade and a wand to lower the bottom portion. More specifically, the operating cord may be pulled to rotate a rotating portion, which may be transmitted to a drive shaft that may rotate to wind a hanging cord connected to the bottom portion. When a user rotates the wand, an arrester connected to the wand may release the drive shaft, which may rotate in response as the bottom portion descends under the action of gravity. Because a length of the operating cord is exposed when the operating cord is pulled to raise the bottom portion, such window shades may not meet safety requirements that dictate that the cord not be exposed to prevent injury from accidental coiling of the cord around a child's neck. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application describes a window shade, and an actuation system for use with a window shade, that can address the aforementioned problems.

[0005] According to an embodiment, an actuation system for a window shade includes a control module adapted to couple to a transmission shaft and operable to rotate the transmission shaft to adjust a shading structure of the window shade; the control module includes a wand having a hollow interior extending between a first end and a second end of the wand; a flexible operating element extending outside the wand at the first end of the wand; a handle coupled to the operating element and disposed at the second end of the wand, the handle operable to pull the operating element to actuate the control module; and an elongated anti-wrap guard; the operating element, handle, and anti-wrap guard are movable together relative to the wand, and the anti-wrap guard is configured to extend outside the wand between the handle and the second end of the wand when the handle is moved away from the second end of the wand.

[0006] Additionally, the present application provides a window shade incorporating an actuation system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a window shade having an actuation system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a window shade having a bottom portion lowered from a head rail. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary operation of a control module of an actuation system for unfolding a shading structure of a window shade. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary operation of a control module of an actuation system for unfolding a shading structure of a window shade. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary operation of a control module of an actuation system for unfolding a shading structure of a window shade. [Figure 6] 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary operation of a control module for folding a shading structure of a window shade. [Figure 7] 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary operation of a control module for folding a shading structure of a window shade. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is an exploded view showing additional structural details of the control module. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the handle of the control module in a first position adjacent to the wand of the control module. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a side view showing the handle in a second position displaced from the wand. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an anti-wrap guard fixedly connected to a handle, the anti-wrap guard including a tube fixedly connected to the handle, with a flexible operating element of a control module threaded through the tube and anchored to the handle. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an anti-wrap guard fixedly connected to a handle, the anti-wrap guard including a tube fixedly connected to the handle, with a flexible operating element threaded through the tube and anchored to the anti-wrap guard. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an anti-wrap guard fixedly connected to a handle, the anti-wrap guard including a solid rod fixedly connected to the handle, and a flexible operating element anchored to the anti-wrap guard. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an anti-wrap guard including a tube attached to a flexible operating element positioned away from a handle, the handle being connected to the anti-wrap guard via a flexible link. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an anti-wrap guard including a solid rod attached to a flexible operating element positioned away from a handle, the handle being connected to the anti-wrap guard via a flexible link. [Figure 16] 11A-11C are schematic diagrams illustrating various configurations of the anti-wrap guard when the handle is displaced to a position corresponding to the maximum extension of the flexible operating element. [Figure 17]11A-11C are schematic diagrams illustrating various configurations of the anti-wrap guard when the handle is displaced to a position corresponding to the maximum extension of the flexible operating element. [Figure 18] 11A-11C are schematic diagrams illustrating various configurations of the anti-wrap guard when the handle is displaced to a position corresponding to the maximum extension of the flexible operating element. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a modified example in which the wand does not have a sleeve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] 1 and 2 are two perspective views, each showing different aspects of an embodiment of a window shade 100. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the window shade 100 may include a head rail 102, a base 104, a shading structure 106, and an actuation system 108.

[0009] The headrail 102 may be secured to the top of a window frame and may have any desired shape. According to one example construction, the headrail 102 may have an elongated shape that includes a cavity for at least partially receiving the actuation system 108 of the window shade 100.

[0010] The base 104 may be suspended from the headrail 102 with a number of hanging elements 110 (shown in phantom in FIG. 2). According to one example construction, the base 104 may be an elongated rail having channels adapted to receive the attachment of the shading structures 106. Examples of the hanging elements 110 may include, but are not limited to, cords, strips, bands, and the like.

[0011] Additionally, the shading structure 106 may be suspended from the headrail 102. The shading structure 106 may illustratively have a cellular structure, including, but not limited to, a honeycomb structure. However, it is understood that the shading structure 106 may have any suitable structure that is expandable and collapsible between the bottom portion 104 and the headrail 102. The shading structure 106 may be disposed between the headrail 102 and the bottom portion 104, and may have two opposing ends attached to the headrail 102 and the bottom portion 104, respectively.

[0012] 1 and 2, the base 104 is vertically movable relative to the headrail 102 to set the window shade 100 in a desired configuration. For example, the base 104 can be raised toward the headrail 102 to collapse the shading structure 106, as shown in FIG 1, or lowered away from the headrail 102 to unfold the shading structure 106, as shown in FIG 2. The vertical position of the base 104 relative to the headrail 102 can be controlled by an actuation system 108.

[0013] 1 and 2, an actuation system 108 is mounted to the head rail 102 and is operable to displace the bottom portion 104 relative to the head rail 102 for adjustment. The actuation system 108 may include a transmission shaft 112, a number of take-up units 114 rotatably coupled to the transmission shaft 112, and a control module 116 coupled to the transmission shaft 112.

[0014] 1 and 2, the transmission shaft 112 is disposed inside the head rail 102. Each of the transmission shafts 112 is coupled to a winding unit 114 and can rotate about a pivot axis P. Each of the winding units 114 is connected to the bottom 104 via at least one hanging element 110 and can be operated to wind the hanging element 110 to raise the bottom 104 and can be operated to unwind the hanging element 110 to lower the bottom 104. For example, the winding unit 114 can include a rotating drum (not shown) that is rotatably connected to the transmission shaft 112 and connected to one end of the hanging element 110. Another end of the hanging element 110 can be connected to the bottom 104, such that the rotating drum can rotate with the transmission shaft 112 to wind or unwind the hanging element 110. The winding units 114 are commonly connected to the transmission shaft 112 so that the winding units 114 can operate simultaneously to wind and unwind the hanging element 110 .

[0015] The control module 116 is mounted to the head rail 102. The control module 116 is adapted to couple to the transmission shaft 112 and is operable to rotate the transmission shaft 112 about a pivot axis P to adjust the shading structure 106. More specifically, the control module 116 may include a wand 118, a flexible operating element 120 (shown in phantom in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and a handle 122 coupled to one another. The wand 118 and the handle 122 are independently operable to adjust the shading structure 106.

[0016] The wand 118 may have an elongated shape extending along a longitudinal axis L of the wand 118 between two opposite ends 118A and 118B thereof and may have a hollow interior extending between the two ends 118A and 118B. Examples of materials from which the wand 118 is manufactured may include, but are not limited to, plastic materials. The end 118A of the wand 118 may be pivotally connected to the head rail 102 via an articulation 126. The articulation 126 may be configured to allow rotation of the wand 118 about the longitudinal axis L and tilting of the wand 118 at different inclinations relative to the head rail 102. The wand 118 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis L to actuate the control module 116.

[0017] The operating element 120 may include any flexible and linear component. Examples for making the operating element 120 may include, but are not limited to, a cord, a strip, a cable, and the like. The operating element 120 may have an end that extends outside the wand 118 at an end 118A and is connected to a rotating drum 128 (shown in phantom in FIGS. 3-7) of the control module 116. The rotating drum 128 is rotatable to wind and unwind the operating element 120. Additionally, the operating element 120 may be threaded through the articulation 126 and the end 118A of the wand 118 and may extend along a longitudinal axis L within the hollow interior of the wand 118.

[0018] The handle 122 is disposed at the end 118B of the wand 118 and is coupled to the operating element 120. The handle 122 may have any suitable shape that can be manually grasped by a user for operation. In the illustrated example, the handle 122 may have an opening 130 to facilitate manually holding the handle 122 during operation. However, it is understood that the handle 122 is not limited to the illustrated example and may have other configurations. The handle 122 is operable to actuate the control module 116 by pulling the operating element 120, which encourages the rotating drum 128 to rotate in the unwinding direction. More specifically, the handle 122 is movable relative to the wand 118 between a first position in which the handle 122 is located adjacent the end 118B of the wand 118 and a second position in which the handle 122 is displaced away from the end 118B of the wand 118. The handle 122 can be pulled away from the end 118B of the wand 118 to urge the rotating drum 128 into rotation, whereby the control module 116 is actuated to adjust the light blocking structure 106.

[0019] 1 and 2, the wand 118 may have a sleeve 132 fixedly connected thereto at end 118B, the sleeve 132 having a cross-section larger than a cross-section of the wand 118. The handle 122 may, in the first position, lie adjacent to and be at least partially received within the sleeve 132. The sleeve 132 may facilitate positioning of the handle 122 in the first position.

[0020] 1 and 2, Figures 3-5 are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary operation of the control module 116 to unfold the shading structure 106. Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary operation of the control module 116 to collapse the shading structure 106. The control module 116 may be configured such that the handle 122 is operable to pull the operating element 120 to vertically displace the shading structure 106. More specifically, the control module 116 may be configured such that the handle 122 is operable to pull the operating element 120 to collapse the shading structure 106, and the wand 118 is rotatable about its longitudinal axis L to unfold the shading structure 106.

[0021] 3-5, the wand 118 can be rotated about the longitudinal axis L in a first direction R1 to lower the base 104 to unfold the light blocking structure 106. This angular displacement of the wand 118 can be performed while the handle 122 remains in a first position adjacent the end 118B of the wand 118. When the base 104 reaches the desired lowered position, the wand 118 can be rotated about the longitudinal axis L in a second direction R2 opposite the first direction R1 to restore the initial position, thereby stopping the base 104 in the desired position.

[0022] 6 and 7, the base 104 can be raised a distance by displacing the handle 122 from the end 118B of the wand 118, which pulls the operating element 120 and causes the rotating drum 128 to rotate in a direction that at least partially unwinds the operating element 120. While the base 104 is moving upward, the user may release the handle 122 at any time, such as when the base 104 reaches a desired height or when the operating element 120 is completely unwound from the rotating drum 128. When the handle 122 is released, the rotating drum 128 can rotate in a reverse direction that at least partially winds the operating element 120, thereby moving the handle 122 to its first position adjacent the end 118B of the wand 118. The base 104 remains in position relative to the head rail 102 while the handle 122 moves toward the end 118B of the wand 118. The above sequence of pulling and releasing the handle 122 may be repeated multiple times until the light-blocking structure 106 is fully collapsed.

[0023] The control module 116 may have any suitable structure for performing the above-mentioned operations. For example, the control module 116 may include one or more clutch elements (not shown) coupled to the rotating drum 128 and one or more brake springs (not shown) coupled to the wand 118. Rotation of the rotating drum 128 in a direction to unwind the operating element 120 allows the one or more clutch elements to couple the rotating drum 128 to the transmission shaft 112. The transmission shaft 112 then rotates with the rotating drum 128 to raise the bottom part 104. Rotation of the rotating drum 128 in a direction to wind the operating element 120 allows the one or more clutch elements to decouple the rotating drum 128 from the transmission shaft 112. The transmission shaft 112 is then locked by the one or more brake springs to hold the bottom part 104 in position. Angular displacement of the wand 118, shown in Figure 4, can stimulate one or more damping springs to release the transmission shaft 112, which can rotate to lower the bottom 104 by gravity action. Various structures of the control module are known in the prior art, including the aforementioned clutch elements and damping springs, but are not illustrated herein for clarity.

[0024] In conjunction with FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing additional structural details of the control module 116. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 8, the control module 116 further includes an anti-wrap guard 134. The anti-wrap guard 134 has an elongated shape extending between two opposing ends 134A, 134B of the anti-wrap guard 134 and has a rigidity capable of preventing coil wrapping of the anti-wrap guard 134. Examples of materials suitable for manufacturing the anti-wrap guard 134 may include, but are not limited to, plastic materials, metal materials, and the like. In some examples of construction, the rigidity of the anti-wrap guard 134 may be such that the anti-wrap guard 134 can undergo a degree of bending without forming loops, thereby providing an anti-wrap function. The anti-wrap guard 134 is coupled to the operating element 120 and the handle 122 and is configured to extend outside the wand 118 between the handle 122 and the end 118B of the wand 118 when the handle 122 is moved away from the end 118B of the wand 118. More specifically, the anti-wrap guard 134 is dimensioned to be positionable within the hollow interior of the wand 118 through its end 118B and is coupled to the operating element 120 and the handle 122 such that the operating element 120, the handle 122 and the anti-wrap guard 134 are movable as a unit relative to the wand 118. During operation, the anti-wrap guard 134 is thus movable into and out of the wand 118 through the end 118B.

[0025] 1 to 8, FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating the handle 122 in a first position adjacent the end 118B of the wand 118. FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating the handle 122 in a second position displaced away from the end 118B of the wand 118. The second position of the handle 122 in FIG. 10 can, for example, illustrate a maximum displacement of the handle 122 away from the end 118B of the wand 118. This may correspond to a maximum extension of the operating element 120 from the rotating drum 128. The anti-wrap guard 134 is dimensioned such that when the handle 122 is in the second position corresponding to a maximum extension of the operating element 120 from the rotating drum 128, the anti-wrap guard 134 is exposed and can occupy a substantial (substantial) portion of the distance between the end 118B of the wand 118 and the handle 122. According to one example construction, the anti-wrap guard 134 may occupy at least half of the distance between the end 118B of the wand 118 and the handle 122 while the handle 122 is in the second position. According to one example construction, the anti-wrap guard 134 may occupy at least two-thirds of the distance between the end 118B of the wand 118 and the handle 122 while the handle 122 is in the second position. According to one example construction, the anti-wrap guard 134 may occupy at least three-quarters of the distance between the end 118B of the wand 118 and the handle 122 while the handle 122 is in the second position. According to one example construction, the anti-wrap guard 134 may occupy the entire distance between the end 118B of the wand 118 and the handle 122 while the handle 122 is in the second position. Thus, the anti-wrap guard 134 may be configured to be substantially or entirely exposed outside the wand 118 when the handle 122 is in the second position.

[0026] When the control module 116 is actuated by displacing the handle 122 from the end 118B of the wand 118, the extension of the anti-wrap guard 134 on the outside of the wand 118 can prevent substantial exposure of the operating element 120 between the end 118B of the wand 118 and the handle 122. As a result, injury from accidental coiling of the operating element 120 around a child's neck can be prevented. Due to its anti-wrap properties, the exposed anti-wrap guard 134 cannot wrap around a child's neck and therefore there is no risk of harm.

[0027] When the handle 122 is in a first position adjacent the end 118B of the wand 118, the anti-wrap guard 134 can be substantially or entirely received within the hollow interior of the wand 118, thus providing a compact arrangement. While the anti-wrap guard 134 is retracted within the wand 118, the wand 118 can be rotated about the longitudinal axis L to lower the base 104.

[0028] The operating element 120, the handle 122, and the anti-wrap guard 134 may be coupled to one another by a variety of structures. For example, the anti-wrap guard 134 may be fixedly connected to the handle 122 or may be located remote from the handle 122 and attached to the operating element 120.

[0029] 8-10, Figures 11-13 are cross-sectional views illustrating several examples in which the anti-wrap guard 134 is fixedly connected to the handle 122. With reference to Figures 11-13, the anti-wrap guard 134 may be fixedly connected to the handle 122. The operating element 120 may have an end 136 that is anchored to the handle 122 or the anti-wrap guard 134.

[0030] 11, the anti-wrap guard 134 includes a tube 138 fixedly connected to the handle 122, with the operating element 120 threaded through a hollow interior of the tube 138 and an end 136 of the operating element 120 anchored to the handle 122. The tube 138 may be provided as a separate part fastened at one end to the handle 122 or may be integrally formed with the handle 122. The end 136 of the operating element 120 may be fixedly connected to the handle 122 by any suitable technique. For example, the end 136 of the operating element 120 may be engaged with a retaining structure provided on the handle 122.

[0031] 12, the tube 138 is similarly fixedly connected at one end to the handle 122, and the end 136 of the manipulating element 120 is anchored to the tube 138. For example, the end 136 of the manipulating element 120 may be engaged with a retention structure provided on the end of the tube 138 opposite the handle 122.

[0032] 13, the anti-wrap guard 134 includes a solid rod 140 with no hollow interior. The rod 140 is fixedly connected to the handle 122, and the operating element 120 is anchored to the rod 140. The rod 140 may be provided as a separate piece with one end fastened to the handle 122, or may be formed integrally with the handle 122. Suitable techniques for anchoring the operating element 120 to the handle 122 may include, but are not limited to, gluing, tying, or fastening an end of the operating element 120 to the rod 140.

[0033] 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views showing some examples in which the anti-wrap guard 134 is positioned away from the handle 122 and attached to the operating element 120, and the handle 122 is connected to the anti-wrap guard 134 via a flexible link 142.

[0034] 14, the anti-wrap guard 134 includes a tube 144 having two opposing ends 144A and 144B. The flexible link 142 may include, but is not limited to, a cord, a cable, a strip, or the like. The operating element 120 may be anchored to the anti-wrap guard 134, and the flexible link 142 may be anchored to the handle 122 and the anti-wrap guard 134. For example, the operating element 120 may be anchored to the end 144A of the tube 144, and the flexible link 142 may have two opposing ends 142A and 142B anchored to the handle 122 and the end 144B of the tube 144, respectively.

[0035] 15, the anti-wrap guard 134 includes a solid rod 146 having two opposing ends 146A and 146B. The operating element 120 may be anchored to the end 146A of the rod 146, and the flexible link 142 may be anchored to the handle 122 and the end 146B of the rod 146, respectively.

[0036] In conjunction with Figures 6 and 10 to 15, Figures 16 to 18 are schematic diagrams showing various configurations of the anti-wrap guard 134 when the handle 122 is displaced from the rotating drum 128 to a second position corresponding to the maximum extension of the operating element 120.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 10, the anti-wrap guard 134 may be fixedly connected to the handle 122 and occupy the entire distance between the end 118 B of the wand 118 and the handle 122 .

[0038] 16, the anti-wrap guard 134 is fixedly connected to the handle 122 and occupies a substantial portion of the distance between the end 118B of the wand 118 and the handle 122. The operating element 120 may be slightly exposed between the end 118B of the wand 118 and the anti-wrap guard 134.

[0039] 17, the anti-wrap guard 134 is positioned away from the handle 122 and attached to the operating element 120. The operating element 120 is slightly exposed between the end 118B of the wand 118 and the anti-wrap guard 134, and the flexible link 142 is exposed between the handle 122 and the anti-wrap guard 134.

[0040] 18, the anti-wrap guard 134 is located away from the handle 122 and attached to the operating element 120. The anti-wrap guard 134 has a portion that remains inside the wand 118, with the flexible link 142 exposed between the handle 122 and the anti-wrap guard 134.

[0041] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing an alternative construction in which the wand 118 does not have the sleeve 132 (shown in Figures 9 and 10) at the end 118B. The anti-wrap guard 134 is fixedly connected to the handle 122. The anti-wrap guard 134 is movable into and out of the wand 118 as the handle 122 moves towards and away from the end 118B of the wand 118.

[0042] Advantages of the construction described herein include the ability to provide a window shade with an operable actuation system to lower and raise the bottom of the window shade in a convenient manner, effectively preventing injury caused by the flexible operating element accidentally coiling around a child's neck.

[0043] Structural implementations are described only in the context of specific embodiments. These embodiments are exemplary and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Thus, components described herein as a single instance may be provided with multiple instances. Structures and functions presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may be included within the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. An actuation system for a window shade, comprising: a control module adapted to be coupled to the transmission shaft, the control module operable to rotate the transmission shaft to adjust the shading configuration of the window shade; The control module includes: a wand having a hollow interior extending between a first end and a second end of the wand; a flexible operating element extending outside the wand at the first end of the wand; a handle coupled to the operating element and disposed at the second end of the wand, the handle operable to pull the operating element to actuate the control module; and an elongated anti-winding guard; An actuation system, wherein the operating element, the handle and the anti-wrap guard are movable together relative to the wand, and the anti-wrap guard is configured to extend outside the wand between the handle and the second end of the wand when the handle is moved away from the second end of the wand.

2. The actuation system of claim 1 , wherein the anti-wrap guard is dimensioned to be positionable within the hollow interior of the wand.

3. The actuation system of claim 1 , wherein the anti-wrap guard is movable into and out of the wand through the second end.

4. the handle is movable between a first position adjacent the second end of the wand and a second position distal to the second end of the wand; The actuation system of claim 1 , wherein when the handle is in the second position, the anti-wrap guard is exposed and occupies a substantial portion of the distance between the second end of the wand and the handle.

5. when the handle is in the second position, the anti-wrap guard is substantially or entirely exposed outside the wand; The actuation system of claim 4 , wherein substantial exposure of the operating element is prevented between the second end of the wand and the handle when the handle is moved away from the second end of the wand.

6. 5. The actuation system of claim 4, wherein the anti-wrap guard occupies at least half, or at least two-thirds, of the distance between the second end of the wand and the handle when the handle is in the second position.

7. The actuation system of claim 4 , wherein the anti-wrap guard is substantially or entirely received within the hollow interior of the wand when the handle is in the first position.

8. 5. The actuation system of claim 4, wherein the wand is fixedly connected to a sleeve at the second end, the sleeve having a cross-section larger than a cross-section of the wand, and the handle lies adjacent to the sleeve in the first position.

9. The actuation system of claim 4 , wherein the second position corresponds to a maximum displacement of the handle away from the second end of the wand.

10. 10. The actuation system of claim 1, wherein the anti-wrap guard is fixedly connected to the handle or is located remote from the handle and attached to the operating element.

11. The actuation system of claim 10 , wherein the anti-wrap guard is fixedly connected to the handle and the operating element has an end anchored to the anti-wrap guard or the handle.

12. The actuation system of claim 10 , wherein the anti-wrap guard is positioned remotely from the handle and attached to the operating element, the handle being connected to the anti-wrap guard via a flexible link.

13. 10. The actuation system of claim 1, wherein the anti-wrap guard comprises a tube having a hollow interior or a solid rod with no hollow interior.

14. 10. The actuation system of claim 1, wherein the anti-wrap guard comprises a tube, the operating element being threaded through a hollow interior of the tube.

15. The actuation system of claim 14 , wherein the tube is fixedly connected to the handle and an end of the operating element is anchored to the handle.

16. 10. The actuation system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the handle is operable to pull the operating element to vertically displace a blocking structure of a window shade.

17. 17. The actuation system of claim 16, wherein the handle is operable to pull the operating element to collapse the shading structure of the window shade, and the wand is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the wand to unfold the shading structure of the window shade.

18. A head rail having a transmission shaft; a light blocking structure and a bottom suspended from the head rail; and an actuation system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The control module is mounted to the head rail and the wand is pivotally connected to the head rail. Window shades.

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