Window shades and their operating systems

Abstract

An operating system for a window shade comprises a transmission shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis; a speed stabilizer; the speed stabilizer comprises a housing having an inner wall; and a rotating plate disposed within the housing and configured to be rotatably coupled with the transmission shaft, the rotating plate supporting a plurality of friction elements angularly spaced relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the transmission shaft, and a rotating plate rotatable with the transmission shaft with friction elements rubbing against the inner wall of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to window shades, particularly to an operating system for window shades.

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 525,530, filed on July 7, 2023. The disclosure thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0003] Some window shades employ a structure where an operating cord raises the bottom and a wand lowers the bottom. Specifically, when the operating cord is pulled, a rotating part is driven, and its rotation is transmitted to a transmission shaft. As a result, the transmission shaft rotates and winds up a suspension cord connected to the bottom. When the user rotates the wand, an arrester coupled to the wand releases the transmission shaft, and the transmission shaft rotates freely as the bottom descends under the action of gravity. This free fall of the bottom may accidentally collide with the user or damage the components of the window shade.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application describes an operating system for a window shade that can address at least some of the aforementioned problems.

[0005] According to one aspect, an operating system for a window shade includes [[ID=2-eight]] a transmission shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a speed stabilizing device, where the speed stabilizing device includes a housing having an inner wall, and a rotating plate disposed within the housing and configured to be rotationally coupled to the transmission shaft. The rotating plate supports a plurality of friction elements that are angularly spaced from each other about the longitudinal axis of the transmission shaft and is rotatable with the transmission shaft with friction elements rubbing against the inner wall of the housing.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present application provides a window shade equipped with the aforementioned operating system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing embodiments of window shades in different configurations. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing embodiments of window shades in different configurations. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the window shade shown. [Figure 4] This is an exploded view of the speed stabilizer installed in the operating system of a window shade. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is an exploded view showing the speed stabilizer from a different angle. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the speed stabilizer. [Figure 7] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the speed stabilizer. [Figure 8] This is an exploded view showing a modified embodiment of a speed stabilizer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views showing embodiments of the window shade 100 in different states, and Figure 3 is an exploded view of the window shade 100. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the window shade 100 may include a head rail 102, a movable rail 104, a light-blocking structure 106, and an operating system 108. In Figure 1, the window shade 100 is shown in a folded or raised state, and in Figure 2, it is shown in an extended or lowered state.

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

[0010] The movable rail 104 can be suspended from the head rail 102 using a plurality of suspension members 110 (shown as dashed lines in Figure 2). In one example, the movable rail 104 may be an elongated rail having a channel 104A adapted to receive the mounting of a light-shielding structure 106. The channels 104A of the movable rail 104 may be closed at both ends by two end caps 112. Examples of suspension members 110 are not limited to but may include cords, strips, bands, etc. Each suspension member 110 may be connected to the movable rail 104 via fasteners 114. In one example, the movable rail 104 may be the bottom rail of a window shade 100. A weighting element (measuring element) 116 may be placed in the channel 104A to provide stability to the movable rail 104 during use.

[0011] The light-shielding structure 106 may have any suitable structure that can be extended and retracted between the head rail 102 and the movable rail 104. According to one example of the structure, the light-shielding structure 106 may have a cellular structure, which may include, but is not limited to, a honeycomb structure. In one embodiment where the light-shielding structure 106 has a cellular structure, two reinforcing strips 118A and 118B are attached to the upper and lower ends of the cellular structure, respectively, to facilitate assembly to the head rail 102 and the movable rail 104. When in use, the light-shielding structure 106 and the movable rail 104 may be suspended from the head rail 102. The light-shielding structure 106 can be extended or retracted by displacing the movable rail 104 in a direction away from or closer to the head rail 102.

[0012] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the movable rail 104 is movable perpendicular to the head rail 102, thereby setting the window shade 100 to a desired configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the movable rail 104 may be raised toward the head rail 102 to fold the shading structure 106, or as shown in Figure 2, it may be lowered away from the head rail 102 to unfold the shading structure 106. The vertical position of the movable rail 104 relative to the head rail 102 may be controlled by the actuation system 108.

[0013] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the actuation system 108 is mounted on the head rail 102 and is operable to displace the movable rail 104 relative to the head rail 102, thereby extending and folding the light-shielding structure 106. The actuation system 108 may comprise a transmission shaft 120, at least one winding unit 122 rotatably coupled to the transmission shaft 120, and a control module 124 connected to the transmission shaft 120.

[0014] The transmission shaft 120 and the winding unit 122 can be assembled to the head rail 102. The transmission shaft 120 is coupled to the winding unit 122 and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis 126 of the transmission shaft 120. The winding unit 122 is connected to the movable rail 104 via one or more suspension members 110 and is operable to wind up the suspension members 110 to raise the movable rail 104 and unwind the suspension members 110 to lower the movable rail 104. For example, the winding unit 122 may include a rotating drum (not shown) that is rotatably coupled to the transmission shaft 120 and connected to one end of each of two suspension members 110. The other ends of each of the two suspension members 110 may also be connected to the movable rail 104. This allows the rotating drum to rotate with the transmission shaft 120 to wind up or unwind the suspension members 110.

[0015] The control module 124 is connected to one end of the transmission shaft 120 and is operable to rotate the transmission shaft 120 in either direction around the longitudinal axis 126 in order to extend or fold the light-shielding structure 106.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the control module 124 may include a wand 128 and a coupled operating element 130 and handle 132. The wand 128 and handle 132 are independently operable to adjust the light-shielding structure 106. For example, either the wand 128 or the handle 132 can extend the light-shielding structure 106 by lowering the movable rail 104, while the other wand 128 or handle 132 can fold the light-shielding structure 106 by raising the movable rail 104. The control module 124 can be attached to one end of the head rail 102, and the other end of the head rail 102 may be closed with an end cap 134.

[0017] The wand 128 has an elongated shape and includes a hollow internal space. The internal space may extend along the longitudinal axis L of the wand 128 between the two opposite ends 128A and 128B of the wand 128. Examples of materials for making the wand 128 may include, but are not limited to, plastic materials. The end 128A of the wand 128 may be pivotally connected to the head rail 102 via an articulation 136. The articulation 136 may be configured to allow the wand 128 to rotate about the longitudinal axis L and to tilt with respect to the head rail 102 at different inclinations. The wand 128 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis L in order to actuate the control module 124.

[0018] The operating element 130 may include any flexible linear component. Examples of components comprising the operating element 130 include, but are not limited to, cords, strips, cables, etc. The operating element 130 may have an end that extends outward from the wand 128 at end 128A and is connected to a rotating drum (not shown) of the control module 124. This rotating drum is rotatable to wind up and unwind the operating element 130. Furthermore, the operating element 130 may pass through the joint 136 and the end 128A of the wand 128 and extend along the longitudinal axis L in the hollow internal space of the wand 128.

[0019] The handle 132 is disposed at the end 128B of the wand 128 and is coupled to the operating element 130. The handle 132 may have any suitable shape that can be held by hand by the user for operation. The handle 132 is operable to pull the operating element 130 to activate the control module 124, and biases a rotating drum (not shown) inside the control module 124 to rotate in the winding and unwinding directions. More specifically, the handle 132 is movable relative to the wand 128 between a first position adjacent to the end 128B of the wand 128 and a second position displaced from the end 128B of the wand 128. The handle 132 can be pulled away from the end 128B of the wand 128 to activate the control module 124 to adjust the light shielding structure 106.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the wand 128 may have a sleeve 138 fixedly connected to its end 128B, and the sleeve 138 has a cross-section larger than the cross-section of the wand 128. The handle 132 may be disposed adjacent to the sleeve 138 and at least partially received within the sleeve 138 in the first position. The sleeve 138 facilitates placing the handle 132 in the first position.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the control module 124 may be configured such that the handle 132 is operable to pull the operating element 130 to fold the light shielding structure 106. The wand 128 is rotatable about its longitudinal axis L, thereby expanding the light shielding structure 106. For example, by rotating the wand 128 about the longitudinal axis L in a first direction, the movable rail 104 can be lowered and the light shielding structure 106 can be expanded. This angular displacement of the wand 128 can be performed while the handle 132 remains in the first position adjacent to the end 128B of the wand 128. When the movable rail 104 reaches the desired lowered position, the wand 128 can be rotated about the longitudinal axis L in a second direction opposite to the first direction to return to the initial position. Thereby, the movable rail 104 stops at the desired position.

[0022] The movable rail 104 can be lifted to a predetermined distance by displacing the handle 132 in a direction away from the end 128B of the wand 128. While the movable rail 104 is rising, the user may release the handle 132 at any time. For example, when the movable rail 104 reaches a predetermined height, or when the operating element 130 is completely unwound from the rotating drum inside the control module 124. When the handle 132 is released, the rotating drum in the control module 124 may rotate in the reverse direction of winding up the operating element 130 at least partially. As a result, the handle 132 moves to the first position adjacent to the end 128B of the wand 128. While the handle 132 moves towards the end 128B of the wand 128, the movable rail 104 holds its position with respect to the head rail 102. The above-described sequence of pulling out and releasing the handle 132 may be repeated multiple times until the light-shielding structure 106 is completely folded.

[0023] The control module 124 may have any suitable configuration for performing the above-described operations. For example, the control module 124 may include one or more clutch elements (not shown) coupled to a rotating drum inside the control module 124 and one or more braking springs (not shown) coupled to the wand 128. When the rotating drum in the control module 124 rotates to unwind the operating element 130, the one or more clutch elements couple the rotating drum to the transmission shaft 120, and the transmission shaft 120 rotates with the rotating drum to raise the movable rail 104. Also, due to the rotation of the rotating drum for winding up the operating element 130, the one or more clutch elements decouple the rotating drum from the transmission shaft 120, and the transmission shaft 120 is locked by the one or more braking springs to hold the movable rail 104 in a predetermined position. The angular displacement with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the wand 128 can bias the one or more braking springs to release the transmission shaft 120, whereby the transmission shaft 120 can rotate and lower the movable rail 104 under the action of gravity. Various configurations of the control module including the above-described clutch elements and braking springs are known in the background art and are not shown here for the sake of clarity.

[0024] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the actuation system 108 further includes a speed stabilizer 140 connected to the transmission shaft 120. The speed stabilizer 140 is configured to reduce and stabilize the rotational speed of the transmission shaft 120. According to one example of assembly, the speed stabilizer 140 may be provided as an independent module located along the transmission shaft 120, away from the control module 124. This allows for easy installation and removal of the speed stabilizer 140 as needed.

[0025] Referring to Figure 3, Figures 4 and 5 are exploded views showing the speed stabilizer 140. Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the speed stabilizer 140 includes a housing 142 and a rotating plate 144 that supports a plurality of friction elements 146.

[0026] The housing 142 has an inner wall 148, which at least partially defines an inner cavity 150 in which the rotating plate 144 and friction element 146 are located. According to the structural example, the housing 142 includes a casing 152A and a lid 152B, which are fastened together to at least partially define an inner cavity 150 in which the rotating plate 144 and friction element 146 are located. The inner wall 148 may be provided in the casing 152A. The transmission shaft 120 may be positioned to penetrate the casing 152A and the lid 152B.

[0027] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the rotating plate 144 is positioned within the housing 142 and configured to be rotatably coupled to the transmission shaft 120. This allows the transmission shaft 120 and the rotating plate 144 to rotate integrally with respect to the housing 142. According to one structural example, the rotating plate 144 may be pivotally connected to the housing 142. For example, the rotating plate 144 may have a disc shape with two shaft portions 154A and 154B projecting to opposite sides along the longitudinal axis 126. The casing 152A and the lid 152B may have openings 156A and 156B, respectively, through which the two shaft portions 154A and 154B are pivotally connected to the housing 142. The rotating plate 144 further has a hole 158 through which the two shaft portions 154A and 154B pass, and the transmission shaft 120 may be fitted into the hole 158. The transmission shaft 120 and the hole 158 may have shapes that are compatible with each other, and the rotating plate 144 is rotationally coupled to the transmission shaft 120.

[0028] The friction element 146 is supported together with the rotating plate 144, spaced angularly from each other around the longitudinal axis 126 of the transmission shaft 120, and is movable together with the rotating plate 144 as the transmission shaft 120 and the rotating plate 144 rotate integrally around the longitudinal axis 126. The arrangement of the friction element 146 on the rotating plate 144 allows the rotating plate 144 to rotate with the transmission shaft 120 relative to the housing 142, and the friction element 146 to rub against the inner wall 148 of the housing 142.

[0029] Each friction element 146 is formed integrally as a single body and may have any suitable shape. According to one structural example, each friction element 146 may be at least partially cylindrical. According to another structural example, each friction element 146 may be at least partially spherical. Examples of materials suitable for the manufacture of the friction element 146 include, but are not limited to, oil-resistant rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, and silicone rubber.

[0030] The friction between the friction element 146 and the inner wall 148 of the housing 142 generates friction that tends to reduce and stabilize the rotational speed of the transmission shaft 120. According to the embodiment, the friction element 146 may be in lubricating contact with the inner wall 148 of the housing 142. Any suitable lubricant may be applied. Lubricating contact can reduce noise and wear.

[0031] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the friction element 146 may be fixedly connected to a plurality of support arms 160 coupled to the rotating plate 144. Each support arm 160 and the friction element 146 fixedly connected to it may be configured to move freely relative to the rotating plate 144. According to one structural example, the support arms 160 may be movably connected to the rotating plate 144 and may be biased to displace the friction element 146 toward the inner wall 148 of the housing 142 as the transmission shaft 120 and the rotating plate 144 rotate integrally around the longitudinal axis 126. Examples of movable connections between the rotating plate 144 and the support arms 160 include, but are not limited to, pivot connections and / or sliding connections. The connection between the rotating plate 144 and the support arms 160 allows the support arms 160 to move freely relative to the rotating plate 144.

[0032] Each support arm 160 may be configured to move freely as a single unit with respect to the rotating plate 144. According to one structural example, each support arm 160 may have a connecting end 160A and an end portion 160B, and may be pivotally connected to the rotating plate 144 at the connecting end 160A. For example, the connecting end 160A of the support arm 160 may have a hole 162, and the rotating plate 144 may have a pivot pin 164 passing through this hole 162, thereby allowing the support arm 160 to rotate relative to the rotating plate 144 around the pivot pin 164. Each support arm 160 may be pivotally connected to the rotating plate 144 in a similar manner.

[0033] Each support arm 160 can hold at least one friction element 146. For example, the support arm 160 may include an outer edge with a notch 166, and the friction element 146 may be partially received by the notch 166 and fixedly attached. The friction element 146 may be positioned at any suitable location on the support arm 160. According to the structural example, one or more friction elements 146 may be fixedly connected to the support arm 160 at a position closer to its coupling end 160A than to the end portion 160B of the support arm 160. As the support arm 160 moves relative to the rotating plate 144, the friction element 146 coupled thereto may be biased to move and protrude outward from the outer edge 144A of the rotating plate 144.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, two support arms 160 are provided to hold two friction elements 146 in correspondence. Each support arm 160 may have an arc shape, and the two support arms 160 may be arranged to substantially surround the shaft portion 154B of the rotating plate 144. Each of the two support arms 160 may be pivotally connected to the rotating plate 144 around two pivot pins 164 located at two positions away from the longitudinal axis 126, for example, at two diametrically opposite positions. Each of the two support arms 160 may be pivotally connected to the rotating plate 144 at its coupling end 160A, with the coupling end 160A of one of the two support arms 160 adjacent to the end portion 160B of the other support arm 160.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the two support arms 160 is provided with a pair of two friction elements 146. However, it should be understood that the rotating plate 144 may be provided with any appropriate number of friction elements 146 and support arms 160. For example, the rotating plate 144 may be provided with one, two, three, or four friction elements 146 / support arms 160. Furthermore, the number of friction elements 146 coupled to each support arm 160 may vary. For example, one support arm 160 may be coupled with one, two, or three friction elements 146.

[0036] Figures 3 to 5, and Figures 6 and 7, are cross-sectional views showing examples of the operation of the speed stabilizer 140. As the transmission shaft 120 and the rotating plate 144 rotate integrally with respect to the housing 142 around the longitudinal axis 126, the support arm 160 is biased by the centrifugal force F, pressing the friction element 146 against the inner wall 148 of the housing 142. When the movable rail 104 descends due to gravity, the speed stabilizer 140 generates friction that acts in a direction that reduces the rotational speed of the transmission shaft 120, thereby enabling smooth displacement of the movable rail 104.

[0037] In the embodiments of Figures 4 and 5, two support arms 160 are provided, but the number of support arms 160 may vary as needed. Figure 8 is an exploded view showing a modified embodiment of the speed stabilizer 140 including four support arms 160. Referring to Figure 8, the rotating plate 144 may have two pivot pins 164 for assembling the four support arms 160. As in the previous embodiments, the two pivot pins 164 may be positioned on the rotating plate 144 at two positions opposite each other in the diametrically with respect to the longitudinal axis 126. In the embodiment of Figure 8, each pivot pin 164 may have an axial length longer than the axial length of the pivot pin 164 in the previous embodiments and may be pivotally connected to two of the four support arms 160. Accordingly, two of the four support arms 160 are positioned adjacent to each other and rotatable around the same pivot pin 164 relative to the rotating plate 144, and the other two support arms 160 are positioned adjacent to each other and rotatable around the other pivot pin 164 relative to the rotating plate 144. It is understood that if the number of support arms 160 provided increases, more than two support arms 160 may be pivotally connected around the same pivot pin 164. As in the previous embodiment, each support arm 160 may hold at least one friction element 146. As the rotating plate 144 rotates around the longitudinal axis 126 relative to the housing 142, the support arms 160 are similarly biased by centrifugal force, allowing the friction element 146 to press against the inner wall 148 of the housing 142.

[0038] The advantages of the structure described herein include its simple structure, ease of integration into the operating system, and the ability to provide a speed stabilizer that assists in the smooth adjustment of window shades.

[0039] The realization of the structure is described only in the context of specific embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Accordingly, multiple examples may be provided for components described as a single example herein. Structures and functionalities presented as individual components in exemplary configurations may be implemented as an integrated structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may be included in the scope of the claims described later.

Claims

1. An operating system for window shades, A transmission shaft that is rotatable around its longitudinal axis, Equipped with a speed stabilizer, The aforementioned speed stabilizer is A housing with an interior wall, A rotating plate disposed within the housing and configured to be rotationally coupled to the transmission shaft, the rotating plate supporting a plurality of friction elements spaced angularly apart from each other around the longitudinal axis of the transmission shaft, and a rotating plate rotatable with the transmission shaft with respect to the friction elements rubbing against the inner wall of the housing, An operating system for window shades.

2. The operating system according to claim 1, wherein the friction element is in lubricating contact with the inner wall of the housing.

3. The friction element is fixedly connected to a plurality of support arms coupled to the rotating plate. The operating system according to claim 1, wherein as the transmission shaft and the rotating plate rotate integrally around the longitudinal axis, the support arm is biased to displace the friction element toward the inner wall of the housing.

4. The operating system according to claim 3, wherein the support arm is biased by centrifugal force, and as the transmission shaft and the rotating plate rotate integrally around the longitudinal axis, the friction element presses against the inner wall of the housing.

5. The operating system according to claim 3, wherein each support arm is pivotally connected to the rotating plate.

6. The operating system according to claim 5, wherein the rotating plate has a pivot pin, and a plurality of the support arms are pivotally connected around the pivot pin.

7. The operating system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the support arm includes two support arms that are pivotally connected to the rotating plate at two positions away from the longitudinal axis.

8. The operating system according to claim 7, wherein each of the two support arms is pivotally connected to the rotating plate at two positions opposite each other in the diametrical direction.

9. Each of the two support arms has a connecting end and an end, and each of the two support arms is pivotally connected to the rotating plate at the connecting end. The operating system according to claim 7, wherein the coupling end of one of the two support arms is positioned adjacent to the other end of the two support arms.

10. The operating system according to claim 9, wherein each of the two support arms holds at least one of the friction elements at a position closer to the coupling end than to the end portion.

11. The operating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each friction element is at least partially cylindrical in shape.

12. The operating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the friction element is formed from a material comprising oil-resistant rubber, fluororubber, and silicone rubber.

13. The housing includes a casing and a lid, the casing and the lid being fastened together such that they define at least partially an inner cavity in which the rotating plate and the friction element are located. The actuation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transmission shaft extends through the casing and the lid.

14. Furthermore, it includes a control module connected to the transmission shaft, The operating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control module is operable to rotate the transmission shaft to extend or fold the light-shielding structure, and the speed stabilizer is positioned along the transmission shaft away from the control module.

15. Headrail and, A light-shielding structure suspended from the aforementioned headrail, An operating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising an operating system attached to the head rail and operable to extend and fold the light-shielding structure, Window shades.

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