Window shades and panel assemblies

Abstract

To provide a panel assembly the structure of which is simple and easy to manufacture.SOLUTION: A panel assembly for a window shade includes first and second elongated strips adjacent to each other that are joined to a multilayer structure support sheet. Each elongated strip includes first and second opposite end sections and a main strip section between the first and second margins, where the first and second margins are adjacent to the main strip section along first and second folding lines, respectively, the first margin extends between the first folding line and the first end section, the second margin extends between the second folding line and the second end section, and the second margin includes a third folding line substantially parallel to the second folding line. The first margin is joined to the support sheet, and the second margin is joined to the support sheet or the second elongated strip at a marginal part between the third folding line and the second end section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 105493, filed October 26, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to window shades and panel assemblies for window shades. [Background technology]

[0003] Some conventional window shades use panels made up of multiple cells to cover the window opening. Good deal For example, some approaches propose attaching multiple horizontal strips to one another to form cells, with each horizontal strip positioned to alternately form the front and back of adjacent cells. These approaches are complex to construct and not cost-effective to manufacture. Furthermore, the cells may not fold or unfold as intended during use, which can affect the appearance of the panel and the ability of the cells to provide thermal insulation.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for improved window shades that are easier to manufacture and that address the above challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application describes a window shade and panel assembly that is relatively simple in construction and that can address the above challenges.

[0006] According to one aspect, a panel assembly for a window shade includes a support sheet and a plurality of elongated strips joined to the support sheet, the support sheet and the elongated strips forming a plurality of cells, the elongated strips including at least first and second adjacent elongated strips, each having opposite first and second ends and a main strip portion located between the first and second edges, the first edge adjacent the main strip portion along a first fold line and extending between the first fold line and the first end, and the second edge adjacent the main strip portion along a second fold line and extending between the second fold line and the second end; No. The second edge includes a third fold line substantially parallel to the second fold line, the first edge is joined to the support sheet, and the second edge is joined to the support sheet or the second elongated strip at a first edge between the third fold line and the second end, and is not joined to the support sheet or the second elongated strip at a second edge between the second fold line and the third fold line.

[0007] Additionally, the present application provides a window shade incorporating the panel assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a window shade. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the window shade of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the window shade of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the window shade shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the connection of two adjacent elongated strips to form a panel assembly of a window shade. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a portion of one elongated strip. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a portion of one elongated strip having folds formed therein. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view showing an alternative method of joining elongated strips to form a panel assembly. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view showing another alternative method of joining elongated strips to form a panel assembly. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the layer structure of a support sheet used in a panel assembly. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the layer structure of a support sheet used in a panel assembly. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the layer structure of a support sheet used in a panel assembly. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the layer structure of the elongated strips used in the panel assembly. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the layer structure of the elongated strips used in the panel assembly. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the layer structure of the elongated strips used in the panel assembly. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an elongated strip having different layer structures in and around the main strip portion. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an elongated strip having different layer structures in and around the main strip portion. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an elongated strip having different layer structures in and around the main strip portion. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing some structural details provided at the bottom end of the panel assembly. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the rail connections at the bottom end of the panel assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a window shade 100, Figures 2 and 3 are front and side views, respectively, of the window shade 100, and Figure 4 is an exploded view showing some structural details of the window shade 100. Referring to Figures 1-4, the window shade 100 may include a head frame 102, a panel assembly 104, and an actuation system assembled with the head frame 102 for controlling movement of the panel assembly 104.

[0010] The actuation system may include a roller 106 and a control device 108 having an operating member 110. The roller 106 is connected to an end 104A of the panel assembly 104 and pivotally connected to the head frame 102. According to one example configuration, the roller 106 may be connected to the panel assembly 104 by inserting an anchor strip 112 coupled to the end 104A of the panel assembly 104 into a slot in the roller 106. The head frame 102 may include two side brackets 102A and 102B attached to an elongated rail 102C, with the roller 106 having one end pivotally connected about a fixed axle 114 fixedly connected to the side bracket 102A. The control device 108 is coupled to the other end of the roller 106 and is attached to the side bracket 102B with the operating member 110 extending outside the head frame 102. Examples of the operating member 110 include, but are not limited to, a closed-loop element such as a bead chain. With this configuration, the roller 106 is rotatable to wind and unwind the panel assembly 104, and the operating member 110 is operable to drive the roller 106 in either direction.

[0011] 1-4 , the panel assembly 104 includes a support sheet 120 and a plurality of elongated strips 122 joined to the support sheet 120. The support sheet 120 has a length L along a first direction and a width W along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The elongated strips 122 are joined to the support sheet 120 adjacent to one another along the length L, and the length is substantially equal to the width W of the support sheet 120. The support sheet 120 and the elongated strips 122 can form a plurality of cells 124 distributed adjacent to one another along the length L, each cell 124 having a hollow interior. The elongated strips 122 can be pressed against the support sheet 120 to fold the cells 124, or can be moved away from the support sheet 120 to expand the cells 124. When the panel assembly 104 is unfolded, the cells 124 expand to provide thermal insulation.

[0012] The elongated strips 122 have similar constructions and are attached along the length L of the support sheet 120 in a similar manner to form the panel assembly 104. The connection of the elongated strips 122 can be better understood in light of FIGS. 5 and 6, where FIG. 5 is a side view showing the connection of two adjacent elongated strips 122 (designated as adjacent elongated strips 122A and 122B) and FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a portion of one of the elongated strips 122. With reference to FIGS. 1-6, each of the elongated strips 122 has two opposite ends 130 and 132, two opposite strip faces 134 and 136, and a main strip portion 138 located between two edges 140 and 142. The edge 140 is adjacent to the main strip portion 138 along a fold line 144 and extends between the fold line 144 and the end 130. Edge 142 is adjacent to main strip portion 138 along another fold line 146 and extends between fold line 146 and end 132. Fold lines 144 and 146 are substantially parallel to each other and extend along the length of elongate strip 122 (i.e., corresponding to width W of support sheet 120). Edge 142 further includes a fold line 148 that is substantially parallel to fold line 146 and is located between fold line 146 and end 132. Edge 142 thereby has edge 150A extending between end 132 and fold line 148, and edge 150B extending between the two fold lines 146 and 148. In each of the elongated strips 122 , two strip faces 134 and 136 each extend from end 130 to end 132 across a main strip portion 138 and two edges 140 and 142 .

[0013] Various methods can be applied to form the fold lines 144, 146, and 148 in each elongated strip 122. In the example shown in Figure 6, each of the fold lines 144, 146, and 148 is formed by a perforation 152. The perforation 152 includes a plurality of perforations spaced apart from one another and penetrating one or both of the two strip faces 134 and 136. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example in which each of the fold lines 144, 146, and 148 can be formed by a crease 154. The crease 154 is formed, for example, using a rolling blade pressed against the strip face 134 and / or the strip face 136. The method applied to form the fold lines 144, 146, and 148 can be selected depending on the thickness of the elongated strip 122 and / or the material of the elongated strip 122. Fold lines 144, 146 and 148 on each of the elongated strips 122 can facilitate the folding and unfolding of the cells 124 during use.

[0014] To form the panel assembly 104, elongated strips 122 Edge 140 of elongate strip 122A is bonded to support sheet 120 at a position spaced apart from edge 140 of elongate strip 122B along length L of support sheet 120. The other edge 142 of elongate strip 122A can be bonded to support sheet 120 or to elongate strip 122B at edge 150A, and unbonded to support sheet 120 and elongate strip 122B at edge 150B. Similarly, edge 142 of elongate strip 122B can be bonded to support sheet 120 or to another adjacent elongate strip (not shown) at edge 150A, and unbonded to support sheet 120 and another adjacent elongate strip at edge 150B. Examples of techniques that can be used to bond elongate strips 122 (including elongate strips 122A and 122B) include, but are not limited to, adhesive bonding and ultrasonic bonding.

[0015] 5, edge 140 of elongate strip 122A can be joined to support sheet 120 on strip surface 134, and edge 150A of elongate strip 122A can be joined to elongate strip 122B on the same strip surface 134. For example, edge 140 of elongate strip 122A can have a first layer of adhesive applied to its strip surface 134, and edge 150A of elongate strip 122A can have a second layer of adhesive applied to its strip surface 134. Elongate strip 122A can then be positioned such that edge 140 of elongate strip 122A is joined to support sheet 120 by the first layer of adhesive, and edge A of elongate strip 122A is joined by the second layer of adhesive to strip surface 134 of main strip portion 138 of elongate strip 122B adjacent to fold line 144 of elongate strip 122B. Each elongated strip 122 can be joined in turn to form the panel assembly 104 as previously described, with the support sheet 120 and the attached elongated strips 122 forming a plurality of adjacent cells 124 along the length L of the support sheet 120. do In each elongated strip 122, fold lines 144, 146 and 148 facilitate movement of main strip portion 138 toward and away from support sheet 120 to fold and unfold cells 124.

[0016] Apart from the joining method of FIG. 5, other variations can be applied to join the elongated strips 122, as shown in FIGS.

[0017] 8, edge 140 of elongate strip 122A can be joined to support sheet 120 at strip surface 136, and edge 150A of elongate strip 122A can be joined to elongate strip 122B at strip surface 134. For example, edge 140 of elongate strip 122A can have a first layer of adhesive applied to its strip surface 136, and edge 150A of elongate strip 122A can have a second layer of adhesive applied to its strip surface 134. Elongate strip 122A can be positioned such that edge 140 of elongate strip 122A is joined to support sheet 120 by the first layer of adhesive, and edge A of elongate strip 122A is joined to strip surface 134 of main strip portion 138 of elongate strip 122B by the second layer of adhesive, adjacent to fold line 144 of elongate strip 122B. Each of the elongated strips 122 can be joined in turn as previously described to form the panel assembly 104 .

[0018] 9, edge 140 of elongate strip 122A can be joined to support sheet 120 at strip surface 134, and edge portion A of elongate strip 122A can be joined to support sheet 120 at the same strip surface 134. For example, edge 140 of elongate strip 122A can have a first layer of adhesive applied to its strip surface 136, and edge 150A of elongate strip 122A can have a second layer of adhesive applied to the same strip surface 134. Elongate strip 122A can be positioned such that edge 140 of elongate strip 122A is joined to support sheet 120 by the first layer of adhesive, and edge A of elongate strip 122A is joined by the second layer of adhesive to strip surface 134 of main strip portion 138 of elongate strip 122B adjacent to fold line 144 of elongate strip 122B. Each of the elongated strips 122 can be joined in turn as previously described to form the panel assembly 104 .

[0019] 8, edge 140 of elongate strip 122A can be joined to support sheet 120 on strip surface 136, and edge 140A of elongate strip 122A can be joined on strip surface 134 to edge 140 of elongate strip 122B adjacent fold line 144 of elongate strip 122B and / or to support sheet 120, such that edge 140 of elongate strip 122B is joined to support sheet 120 like edge 140 of elongate strip 122A. For example, edge 140 of elongate strip 122A can have a first layer of adhesive applied to its strip surface 136, and edge 150A of elongate strip 122A can have a second layer of adhesive applied to its strip surface 134. Elongated strip 122A can then be positioned such that edge 140 of elongated strip 122A is joined to support sheet 120 with a first layer of adhesive, and edge A of elongated strip 122A is joined to edge 140 of elongated strip 122B and / or support sheet 120 adjacent fold line 144 of elongated strip 122B with a second layer of adhesive. Each of elongated strips 122 can be joined in turn as previously described to form panel assembly 104.

[0020] 1 to 9, the support sheet 120 may be a single layer or a multi-layer structure, and may be selected according to the desired shading effect. For example, the support sheet 120 may be a single layer, two layers, three layers, or more. The material used to make the support sheet 120 may be selected according to the desired properties of the support sheet 120, such as the desired light transmittance, appearance, mechanical properties, etc. Examples of suitable materials for the support sheet 120 include, but are not limited to, opaque materials, translucent materials such as woven or nonwoven fabrics, and mesh fabrics.

[0021] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example where a support sheet 120 has a single layer 160, which may be, for example, a nonwoven fabric. The single layer structure of FIG. 10 may be illustratively adapted to create a translucent support sheet 120.

[0022] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which support sheet 120 has two material layers 160A and 160B bonded together. Material layer 160A can be made of an opaque polyester material (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate, PET), and layer 160B can be a woven or nonwoven fabric. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing another possible example in which support sheet 120 has three material layers 160A, 160B, and 160C bonded together. Material layer 160A sandwiched between two material layers 160B and 160C can be made of an opaque polyester material (e.g., PET), and each of the two material layers 160B and 160C can be a woven or nonwoven fabric. Support sheet 120 having either of the layer structures shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 can substantially block the passage of light.

[0023] 1-9, each of the elongated strips 122 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. For example, each elongated strip 122 may have a single layer, two layers, three layers, or more. The material used to make the elongated strips 122 may be selected according to the desired properties of the elongated sheet 122, such as the desired light transmittance, appearance, mechanical properties, etc. Examples of suitable materials for the elongated sheet 122 include, but are not limited to, opaque materials, translucent materials such as woven or nonwoven fabrics, and mesh fabrics.

[0024] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example where an elongated strip 122 has a single layer 162 made of woven or nonwoven fabric. The single layer structure of FIG. 13 can be illustratively adapted to make a translucent elongated strip 122.

[0025] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which the elongated strip 122 has two material layers 162A and 162B bonded together. Material layer 162A can be made of a transparent or opaque polyester material (e.g., PET), and material layer 162B can be a woven or nonwoven fabric. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing another possible example in which the elongated strip 122 has three material layers 162A, 162B, and 162C bonded together. Material layer 162A sandwiched between two material layers 162B and 162C can be made of a transparent or opaque polyester material (e.g., PET), and each of the two material layers 162B and 162C can be a woven or nonwoven fabric. In the layered structure of Figures 14 and 15, material layer 162A can add a degree of rigidity so that the cells 124 formed from the elongated strip 122 can maintain a desired curved shape during use.

[0026] Any of the material layer structures of the support sheet 120 shown in FIGS. 10-12 can be combined with any of the layer structures of the elongated strips 122 shown in FIGS. 13-15 to form the panel assembly 104. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the support sheet 120 is a single layer and the elongated strips 122A and 122B each have a multi-layer structure. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the support sheet 120 has a multi-layer structure and the elongated strips 122A and 122B each have a multi-layer structure. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the support sheet 120 is a single layer and the elongated strips 122A and 122B each have a single layer. FIGS. 10-12 show examples in which the support sheet 120 can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure and the elongated strips 122A and 122B each have a single layer. It will be understood that these examples are not limiting, and the support sheet 120 and the elongated strips 122 can be configured to have any suitable layer structure as needed.

[0027] In some applications, it may be desirable for each of the elongated strips 122 to have optical and / or mechanical properties at the edges 140 and / or 142 that differ from the optical and / or mechanical properties of the main strip portion 138. For example, each of the elongated strips 122 may be configured to have a different light transmittance and / or a different stiffness between the main strip portion 138 and the edge 142. Figures 16-18 are schematic diagrams illustrating various examples in which the elongated strips 122 are configured to have a lower light transmittance at the main strip portion 138 than at the edge 142, where the main strip portion 138 includes at least a layer of opaque or dark material and the edge 142 has a single layer of translucent fabric (e.g., woven or nonwoven) or mesh fabric.

[0028] In the example of Figure 16, the main strip portion 138 and edge 140 of the elongated strip 122 have a single layer 170 made of an opaque or dark material (e.g., made of a polyester material such as PET), and the edge 142 has a single layer 172 connected to layer 170 and made of a translucent fabric (e.g., woven or non-woven) or mesh fabric.

[0029] 17, the main strip portion 138 and the edge 140 of the elongated strip 122 have two layers 170A and 170B joined together, and the edge 142 has a single layer 172 connected to the multi-layer structure of the main strip portion 138 (e.g., connected to layer 170A). Layer 170A is an opaque or dark material layer (e.g., made of a polyester material), and layer 170B may be made of a translucent fabric (e.g., woven or nonwoven) or a mesh fabric. Layer 172 is made of a translucent fabric (e.g., woven or nonwoven) or a mesh fabric.

[0030] 18, the main strip portion 138 and edge 140 of the elongated strip 122 have three layers 170A, 170B, and 170C joined together, and edge 142 has a single layer 172 connected to the multi-layer structure of the main strip portion 138 (e.g., connected to layer 170C). Layer 170A, sandwiched between layers 170B and 170C, is an opaque or dark material layer (e.g., made of a polyester material), and each of layers 170B and 170C may be made of a translucent fabric (e.g., a woven or nonwoven fabric) or a mesh fabric. Layer 172 is made of a translucent fabric (e.g., a woven or nonwoven fabric) or a mesh fabric.

[0031] As described above, a panel assembly 104 including elongate strips 122 with different light transmittances generally blocks light in the main strip portion 138 of the elongate strip 122 and allows light to pass locally in regions corresponding to the edges 142 of the elongate strip 122. Furthermore, providing a different number of layers in the main strip portion 138 and the edges 142 of the elongate strip 122 results in different mechanical properties in these regions of the elongate strip 122. For example, providing more layers in the main strip portion 138 than in the edges 142 of the elongate strip 122 can make the main strip portion 138 stiffer or more rigid than the edges 142, particularly when the main strip portion 138 includes at least one layer of polyester material and the edges 142 are a single layer of woven or nonwoven fabric or mesh fabric. In this way, the cells 124 formed from the elongate strips 122 can retain a desired shape during use, while the edges 142 are more flexible than the main strip portion 138, facilitating the folding and unfolding of the cells 124.

[0032] 1-4, the panel assembly 104 may further include a rail 180 connected to the support sheet 120. The rail 180 extends along the width W of the support sheet 120 and functions as a weighting element that can help spread and stabilize the panel assembly 104 during use. In conjunction with FIGS. 1-4, FIGS. 19 and 20 are schematic diagrams showing further details of a configuration for attaching the rail 180 to the support sheet 120. With reference to FIGS. 1-4, 19, and 20, the rail 180 may have a hollow interior connected to an opening 180A, with a retaining structure 182 provided within the hollow interior of the rail 180. The support sheet 120 may have a lower end that is attached to an anchor strip 184. To attach the rail 180 to the support sheet 120, the anchor strip 184 is positioned inside the rail 180, and the support sheet 120 extends outside the rail 180 through the opening 180A. The anchor strips 184 remain inside the rails 180, while the support sheet 120 wraps around the rails 180, and the limiting portion 186 can be attached to the retaining structure 182 such that a portion of the support sheet 120 is held between the retaining structure 182 and the limiting portion 186. For example, the retaining structure 182 can have a C-shape, and the limiting portion 186 can be a rod that can be positioned within the C-shape of the retaining structure 182. This allows the support sheet 120 to be attached to the rails 180, and the rails to move up and down during adjustment of the panel assembly 104.

[0033] Advantages of the structures described herein include the ability to provide a relatively simple panel assembly, including a support sheet and a plurality of elongated strips joined to the support sheet to form a plurality of cells. Each of the elongated strips can have a single or multi-layer construction and a plurality of perforations or creases to facilitate folding and unfolding of the cells. The panel assembly configurations described herein can be easily adapted according to needs and manufactured in a cost-effective manner.

[0034] Structural implementations have been described only in the context of specific embodiments. These embodiments are exemplary and not intended to be limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A panel assembly for a window shade, comprising: A support sheet having a multilayer structure; a plurality of elongated strips joined to the support sheet, the support sheet and the elongated strips forming a plurality of cells, the elongated strips including at least a first elongated strip and a second elongated strip adjacent to each other, each of the first elongated strip and the second elongated strip being made of a single layer of material; Including, each of the first and second elongated strips having opposite first and second ends and a main strip portion located between the first and second edges, the first edge adjacent the main strip portion along a first fold line and extending between the first fold line and the first end; the second edge adjacent the main strip portion along a second fold line and extending between the second fold line and the second end; and the second edge including a third fold line substantially parallel to the second fold line; a first edge of each of the first elongated strip and the second elongated strip is joined to the support sheet, and a second edge of the first elongated strip is joined to the second elongated strip at a first edge between the third fold line and a second end of the first elongated strip, and is not joined to the second elongated strip at a second edge between the second fold line and a third fold line of the first elongated strip.

2. 2. The panel assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first elongated strip and the second elongated strip extends from the first end to the second end and has opposite first and second strip faces that extend across the main strip portion and the first and second edges, and wherein the first edges of each of the first and second elongated strips are joined to the support sheet on the first or second strip face.

3. 3. The panel assembly of claim 2, wherein a first edge of each of the first elongated strip and the second elongated strip is joined to the support sheet on the first strip side, and a first edge of a second edge of the first elongated strip is joined to the second elongated strip on the first strip side.

4. 4. The panel assembly of claim 3, wherein a first edge of the second edge of the first elongated strip is joined to a main strip portion of the second elongated strip with a second end of the first elongated strip positioned adjacent to the support sheet.

5. 3. The panel assembly of claim 2, wherein a first edge of each of the first elongated strip and the second elongated strip is joined to the support sheet on the second strip side, and a first edge of a second edge of the first elongated strip is joined to the second elongated strip on the first strip side.

6. 6. The panel assembly of claim 5, wherein a first edge of the second edge of the first elongated strip is joined to a main strip portion of the second elongated strip with a second end of the first elongated strip positioned adjacent to a first fold line of the second elongated strip.

7. 7. The panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the multi-layer structure of the support sheet includes at least one layer made of an opaque material.

8. 8. The panel assembly of claim 7, wherein the multi-layer structure of the support sheet includes a woven or nonwoven fabric layer bonded to the layer of opaque material.

9. 7. The panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the multi-layer structure of the support sheet includes at least one layer made of an opaque material, and each of the first elongated strip and the second elongated strip includes a single layer of woven or nonwoven fabric.

10. 10. The panel assembly of claim 9, wherein the multi-layer structure of the support sheet includes a fabric layer made of woven or nonwoven fabric bonded to the layer of opaque material, and each of the first elongated strip and the second elongated strip is bonded to the fabric layer of the support sheet.

11. 11. The panel assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one layer of the multi-layer structure of the support sheet is made of polyester.

12. 12. The panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the first fold line, the second fold line, and the third fold line are formed by perforations or creases.

13. a head frame having rollers; A panel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12; A window shade comprising: The panel assembly is connected to the roller, and the roller is rotatable to wind and unwind the panel assembly.

Images