Assembly for raising and lowering a covering for an architectural opening

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an assembly for raising and lowering a cover for an architectural opening, the assembly comprising: a shaft configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis, the shaft being configured to receive a drive shaft; a cord spool configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis, wherein the cord spool surrounds at least part of the shaft; and a component positioned between the shaft and the cord spool, wherein the component and the cord spool rotate together about the longitudinal axis at all times in use.

Description

[0001] ASSEMBLY FOR RAISING AND LOWERING A COVERING FOR AN ARCHITECTURAL OPENING

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an assembly for raising and lowering a cover for an architectural opening, and a covering for an architectural opening.

[0004] Background

[0005] Many different types of architectural structure covering are known. Architectural structure coverings can be used with any type of architectural structure, such as openings including windows, doors, and skylights. In general, architectural structure coverings provide a cover (such as a blind material, curtain or screen) which is extended across an architectural structure, such as an opening, and retracted when not in use.

[0006] There are a number of different types of retractable coverings. These include roller blinds, pleated blinds, Duette blinds, cellular blinds, and Roman blinds, to name a few examples. Retractable coverings have a mechanism for retracting and extending a cover. In some coverings, a cover extends between two rails (i.e. bars) such that the cover can be extended or retracted by moving one or both of the rails. In some coverings, a cover extends between a headrail and a lower rail such that the cover can be extended or retracted by moving the lower rail away from or towards the headrail.

[0007] An assembly can be used for raising and lowering a cover over an architectural opening. The position of the cover may be controlled by at least one cord. The cord may be attached to a rail so that when the cord is moved upwards, the cover is raised, and when the cord is moved downward, the cover is lowered. The assembly can be operated manually (e.g. chain-operated) or automatically (e.g. motor-operated). The assembly may be part of a sun protection system.

[0008] A cord spool (which may be referred to as a cord winding spool) can be used in such an assembly. The cord can be attached to the cord spool. The cord spool can be provided within a housing, wherein the cord wraps around the cord spool within the housing and is released from the housing. The cord spool is driven by a drive shaft and can pick up the cord in one direction of rotation (i.e. to raise the cover) or release it in the other direction of rotation (i.e. to release the cover). The cord winding spool can be actively driven by virtue of being mounted on a driven drive shaft. The drive shaft can be connected to either a manual operating system (bead chain, pull cord) or a motor for instance. During normal operation, the cord wraps around the cord spool within the housing. When turning downwards during normal operation, the cord is pulled off the cord spool because the cord is loaded with the weight of the cover (as well as other parts which might be present, e.g. the rails). However, if an obstacle prevents the cover from lowering, the cord will not be pulled off the cord spool and the cord may not be pulled out of the housing. This can be problematic as the cord then tends to get tangled up. In further detail, if the cord is not pulled out of the housing as the cord spool is rotated, the cord may lift up and / or away from the cord spool, such that the cord is no longer tightly wound around the cord spool. Due to the housing, there may not be space for the cord to unwind or move away from the cord spool. When the blind is then lowered again, the cord tends to retighten around the cord spool, but no longer in a neat way (i.e. no longer with the cord neatly wrapped around the cord spool next to itself). This can lead to the cord no longer being picked up and released from the cord spool as it should, and in the worst case, blocks rotation of the cord spool. Even if the housing were not provided, the cord may become entangled with other components as it moves away from the cord spool. This would prevent the cord from wrapping around the cord spool properly when the blind is then lowered again. Either way, it may no longer be possible to operate the assembly without repairing the tangled cord.

[0009] Known mechanisms which try to prevent the cord being tangled can have issues of their own. For example, JP 4,777,231 discloses a mechanism which stops rotation of the drive shaft when lowering of the cover is prevented due to an obstacle. Even when the obstacle is removed in JP 4,777,231, the blocking mechanism prevents the cover from lowering further. In order to lower the cover after the obstacle is removed, it is necessary to operate the drive shaft in the ascending direction until the operation unit allows further lowering of the cover.

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a way of avoiding or reducing the likelihood of the cord becoming tangled when lowering of the cover is prevented by an obstacle. The present invention aims to provide a way of avoiding or reducing the likelihood of the cord becoming tangled, whilst also allowing a user to more easily lower the cover manually after the lowering of the cover has been prevented by an obstacle.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly for raising and lowering a cover for an architectural opening, the assembly comprising: a shaft configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis, the shaft being configured to receive a drive shaft; a cord spool configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis, wherein the cord spool surrounds at least part of the shaft; and a component positioned between the shaft and the cord spool, wherein the component and the cord spool rotate together about the longitudinal axis at all times in use.

[0013] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a covering for an architectural opening comprising the assembly and a cover.

[0014] Brief introduction to the drawings

[0015] Embodiments of the invention will be more clearly understood from the following description, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of the assembly;

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the assembly of figure 1;

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the assembly of figure 2, with a top part of a housing removed;

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a cross-section through figure 3;

[0020] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a part of the housing and a drive shaft;

[0021] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a part of the housing, the drive shaft and a shaft;

[0022] Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a part of the housing, a drive shaft, the shaft, a cord spool (in cross-section), and a threaded nut;

[0023] Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of an isometric view of figure 7;

[0024] Figure 9 is an illustration of a covering when a lower rail is lowered without obstruction;

[0025] Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of one of the assemblies of the covering as shown in figure 9;

[0026] Figure 11 is an illustration of the covering of figure 9 when lowering of the lower rail is obstructed;

[0027] Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of one of the assemblies of the covering as shown in figure 11;

[0028] Figure 13 is an illustration of the covering of figure 9 when lowering of an upper rail is obstructed; and

[0029] Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of one of the assemblies of the covering as shown in figure 13.

[0030] Similar features in the figures have the same reference numerals. It will be noted that some of the figures only include some, and not all, features to more easily describe certain features. In some figures, only some reference signs have been included. Detailed description

[0031] An embodiment of the invention provides an assembly for raising and lowering a cover (which may also be referred to as a shade or shade material or a blind) for an architectural opening. Architectural structure coverings in general provide a shade (such as a blind material or screen) which is extended across an architectural opening (which may also be referred to as an architectural structure) and retracted when not in use. In the present disclosure, an architectural opening may be a window, a door, an archway, or any other architectural feature to which a covering may be mounted. The architectural structure (such as a window or doorway) occupies an area or plane generally defined by a height and width. For example, a window or doorway may occupy an area defined by the height and width of the window or doorway.

[0032] The assembly comprises a shaft, a cord spool, and a threaded nut, all of which are shown in the exploded view in figure 1. As described further below, the threaded nut is one example of a component, although other types of component may be used. The assembly may also comprise a cord as shown in figure 1. The cord 100 may be attached to the cord spool 30.

[0033] The assembly 1 in figure 1 shows two mechanisms, each comprising a shaft 10, a cord spool 30, and a threaded nut 50. The assembly shown comprising two mechanisms is just an example. An assembly may be provided with a single mechanism (i.e. with a single shaft, a single cord spool and a single threaded nut 50 and preferably, a corresponding housing for the single cord spool) which works in the same manner. The description below generally describes the mechanism on the right hand side of the assembly shown in figure 1. Thus, when directions are referred to, these are in relation to the right hand mechanism of figure 1 unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0034] Each mechanism may be configured to wind or release a respective cord 100 independently. Two mechanisms may be provided within one housing, as is shown for example in figures 1-4, or alternatively in separate housings. For background, such an assembly comprising two mechanisms can be used for instance with top down-bottom up (TDBU) blinds, i.e. with two movable rails. Each mechanism can be used to operate a separate rail.

[0035] The shaft 10 is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis X. As described below, the shaft 10 can be driven (i.e. rotated) in use by a drive shaft 5. The drive shaft 5 may be driven manually or automatically. For example, the drive shaft may be driven manually by a user pulling a bead chain, or a user raising or lowering a pull cord. Additionally or alternatively, the drive shaft may be driven automatically, e.g. by a motor (e.g. as shown in figures 9, 11 and 13). The cord spool 30 is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis X (i.e. the same axis of rotation as the shaft 10). The cord spool 30 is suitable for carrying wound cord 100. In other words, the cord spool 30 may be positioned in the assembly 1 such that the cord 100 can be wound around a surface of the cord spool 30. When the cord spool 30 is rotated the cord 100 (when attached) can be wound around, or released from, the cord spool 30 depending on the direction of rotation of the cord spool 30 about the longitudinal axis X.

[0036] The shaft 10, cord spool 30 and threaded nut 50 can be assembled within a housing 70, as shown in figure 2. When the cord 100 is wound around the cord spool 30, the part of the cord 100 that is wound may be within the housing 70 also. The housing 70 may be used to support various parts of the assembly 1 whilst allowing them to move relative to each other in certain directions (e.g. axially and / or rotationally). The housing 70 may be provided in any number of appropriate parts which can be attached together. The housing 70 can be a two part housing, e.g. with a top part 71 and bottom part 72 as shown in the figures. The housing parts can be connected together in any appropriate manner, such as with fasteners, at least one snap / click connection, and / or even hinged together. As shown in figure 3 (in which the top 71 of the housing 70 is not shown), the housing 70 can support the shaft 10 and cord spool 30 and may be beneficial in keeping the parts of the assembly 1 in position within the housing 70.

[0037] The shaft 10 is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis X. The shaft 10 may be of a generally cylindrical shape. The shaft 10 may have a main body 11 (i.e. which has the generally cylindrical shape). The shaft 10 is configured to receive a drive shaft 5. The drive shaft 5 is configured to be driven, when in use, about the longitudinal axis X. In other words, the drive shaft 5 is rotated about the longitudinal axis X in use. The shaft 10 comprises an opening for receiving the drive shaft 5. For example, the shaft 10 may be hollow to allow for insertion of the drive shaft 5 through the inside of the shaft 10. The shaft 10 can be engaged on the drive shaft 5. The shaft 10 is configured to be driven by the drive shaft 5. This can be seen in figure 4, which provides a cross-section through the assembly 1 as shown in figure 3. Thus, when in use, the drive shaft 5 can be rotated to drive the shaft 10 to rotate about the longitudinal axis X.

[0038] The opening 12 through the shaft 10 (which may otherwise be referred to as the passage or aperture through the shaft) may have a non-circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, as can be seen in figure 4. For example, the drive shaft 5 and the shaft 10 may have mating parts. The shape of the drive shaft 5 cross-section may match the shape of the opening 12 in the shaft 10 so that the drive shaft 5 and the shaft 10 are configured to rotate integrally. In other words, the shaft 10 and drive shaft 5 are configured to rotate together about the longitudinal axis X. This means that when the drive shaft 5 is rotated (either manually or automatically), rotation of the drive shaft 5 is transmitted to rotation of the shaft 10. The drive shaft 5 and shaft 10 will thus have the same rotational speed.

[0039] The cord spool 30 may be of a generally hollow cylindrical shape. The cord spool 30 surrounds at least part of the shaft. In other words, at least part of the shaft 10 is positioned within the cord spool 30. The cord spool 30 is positioned radially outwards of the shaft 10. The cord spool 30 and shaft 10 can be positioned inside the housing 70. The cord spool 30 may have a spool main body 31 (i.e. which has the generally cylindrical shape). The cord 100 can be wrapped around an outer surface of the cord spool 30. The cord spool 30 may comprise a notch 32 configured to hold the cord 100 in place on the cord spool 30. The notch 32 may be in the main body 31 as shown in figure 1. The notch 31 may be shaped to hold the cord 100. The cord 100 may be knotted so that when the cord 100 is passed through the notch 31, the knot of the cord 100 is positioned within the cord spool 30 and keeps the cord 100 attached to the cord spool 30. Thus, the cord 100 may be removably attachable to the cord spool. The cord may be fixedly attached (i.e. instead of removably attached). The cord 100 could be attached to the cord spool 30 in any appropriate way, e.g. by use of adhesive, instead of or in addition to the use of the notch 32.

[0040] The threaded nut 50 is positioned between the shaft 10 and the cord spool 30. The threaded nut 50 is positioned within the cord spool 30. There may be a direct contact between the cord spool 30 and the threaded nut 50. The threaded nut 50 may be mounted on the shaft 10. There may be a direct contact between the threaded nut 50 and the shaft 10. Thus, the threaded nut may be in direct contact with the shaft 10 and the cord spool 30. The threaded nut 50 may translate rotation of the shaft 10 to the cord spool 30 (in some instances). The cord spool 30 and the shaft 10 are not directly connected (i.e. in direct contact with each other). The cord spool 30 and the shaft 10 may be connected by the threaded nut 50. The threaded nut 50 may be the only contact between the inside of the cord spool 30 and the outside of the shaft 10. The threaded nut 50 may be the only contact between the cord spool 30 and the shaft 10. Thus, there may be a space (i.e. a gap) between the cord spool 30 and the threaded shaft 10. The space may be maintained by supporting the cord spool 30 and shaft 10 so that they can rotated relative to each other without contacting each other. The cord spool 30 and the shaft 10 may be supported by the housing 70.

[0041] The threaded nut 50 and the cord spool 30 are configured to rotate together about the longitudinal axis at all times in use. In other words, there is no relative rotation between the threaded nut 50 and the cord spool 30 about the longitudinal axis X. Relative rotation between the threaded nut 50 and the cord spool 30 about the longitudinal axis X is prevented. In other words, the threaded nut 50 and the cord spool 30 are configured to rotate integrally (i.e. together) relative to the longitudinal axis X. This means that when the threaded nut 50 is rotated about the longitudinal axis X, rotation of the threaded nut 50 is transmitted to rotation of the cord spool 30. Similarly, when the threaded nut 50 nut is not rotated, the cord spool 30 is not rotated. The threaded nut 50 and cord spool 30 will have the same rotational speed about the longitudinal axis X.

[0042] Generally, the threaded nut 50 and the cord spool 30 may be interlocking so that the threaded nut 50 and cord spool 30 rotate together relative to the longitudinal axis X. In other words, the threaded nut 50 and the cord spool 30 may be interlocking to prevent rotational movement between the threaded nut 50 and the cord spool 30 relative to the longitudinal axis X. However, the interlocking may allow movement between the threaded nut 50 and the cord spool 30 in the axial direction (i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis X). Thus, the threaded nut 50 may move relative to the cord spool 30 in the axial direction (in some instances) along the shaft 10, i.e. along the longitudinal axis X.

[0043] The interlocking may be due to the threaded nut 50 and the cord spool 30 having corresponding surfaces. More particularly, the threaded nut 50 may have a recess 52 configured to receive a protrusion 35 of the cord spool 30, for example as shown in figure 4. The protrusion 35 of the cord spool 30 may be a linear projection from the inner surface 36 of the cord spool 30, i.e. the protrusion may be a substantially straight line on the inside of the cord spool 30. The protrusion 35 may be formed as a ridge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The recess 52 on the threaded nut 50 may have a matching shape to the protrusion 35 of the cord spool 30. In other words, the protrusion 35 of the cord spool 30 may fit within the recess 52 of the threaded nut 50 and limit relative movement between these parts, specifically limit rotation of one part relative to the other about the longitudinal axis X. The threaded nut 50 may still move in the axial direction relative to the cord spool 30 due to the linear shape of the protrusion 35 along the length of the cord spool 30.

[0044] There may be no direct contact between the cord spool 30 and the shaft 10. Thus, the cord spool 30 and the shaft may not be touching. As will be understood from the operation below, this is beneficial in that rotational movement of the cord spool 30 and the shaft 10 about the longitudinal axis X can be separated. Thus, rotation of the cord spool 30 will not necessarily result in rotation of the shaft 10 and vice versa. Additionally, without direct contact between the cord spool 30 and the shaft 10, frictional forces between these components can be avoided. Rotation of the shaft 10 about the longitudinal axis X can be transmitted (i.e. translated) to rotation of the cord spool 30 about the longitudinal axis X via the threaded nut 50. As described in further detail below, rotation of the shaft 10 is only transmitted to rotation of the cord spool 30 in some instances. In these instances, rotation of the shaft 10 results in corresponding rotation of the threaded nut 50 which results in corresponding rotation of the cord spool 30. Thus, in this instance, the shaft 10, cord spool 30, and threaded nut 50 can be configured to rotated together.

[0045] The housing 70 may be provided around the cord spool 30 and the cord 100 may be wrapped around the cord spool 30 in a space (i.e. a gap) between the cord spool 30 and the housing 70. The space between the housing 70 and the cord spool 30 may be small, and may be of the order of several millimetres or less. Having a small space (i.e. of the order of several millimetres or less) between the cord spool 30 and the housing 70 is beneficial in reducing the likelihood of the cord becoming tangled. The housing may be used to support the shaft 10. The housing may be used to support the cord spool 30.

[0046] The housing 70 may comprise a top part 71 and a bottom part 72. The top part 71 and the bottom part 72 may be fastened together using any appropriate means. For example, the top part 71 and the bottom part 72 may have corresponding mating parts 73 (shown in figure 1) which keep the top part 71 and the bottom part 72 attached, but which allows for separation of the top part 71 and the bottom part 72 if needed. The mating parts 73 may be in the form of at least one clip or other fastening means.

[0047] The housing 70 may provide a hole 75, for example as shown in figure 5, through which the cord 100 can be released and picked up. The hole 75 may act as a guide to keep the cord 100 in position within the housing 70. The cord 100 outside the housing 70 may be attached to a cover of some sort. When the cover hangs on the cord 100, tension is applied to the cord 100 due to the weight of the material forming the cover and any rails which may be part of the cover. The tension on the cord 100 applies a torque to the cord spool 30.

[0048] The cord spool 30 may comprise the main cylindrical body 31 and a slip ring 33. The slip ring 33 may be provided on one end of the cord spool 30. The slip ring 33 may be positioned at an end of the main cylindrical body 31. The slip ring 33 may have a generally annular shape. The slip ring 33 may be shaped to fit onto the end of the cord spool main body 31.

[0049] The slip ring 33 may be useful for providing an end of the cord spool 30 whilst allowing other parts of the assembly 1 (e.g. the threaded nut) to be inserted within the cord spool 30, i.e. for ease of assembly. Thus, the use of the slip ring 33 means that parts can be inserted into the cord spool 30 before the slip ring 33 is provided on an end of the cord spool 30. The slip ring 33 could be integral with the main cylindrical body 31 of the cord spool 30 and could function in the same way as described. However, this would likely make manufacture of various parts of the assembly more difficult.

[0050] The cord spool 30 may have bearing surfaces which are supported by the housing 70. The bearing surface of the cord spool 30 may be towards the ends of the cord spool 30. At one end of the cord spool 30, the bearing surface may be provided by the slip ring 33. The housing 70 may support the cord spool 30 by contacting the main body 31 of the cord spool 30 at one end and the slip ring 33 on the other end of the cord spool 30. The bearing surfaces of the cord spool 30 may be the main portion (or the only parts) of the cord spool 30 which contact the housing 70. In particular, the bearing surfaces of the cord spool 30 may be the only portion of the circumferential outer surface of the cord spool 30 which contacts the housing 70. This may be beneficial in allowing the cord spool 30 to rotate about the longitudinal axis X without much friction from the housing 70.

[0051] As at least part of the shaft 10 is positioned within the cord spool 30, at least part of the shaft 10 has a smaller diameter than the cord spool 30. The shaft 10 does not directly contact the cord spool 30. A small gap is provided between the cord spool 30 and the shaft 10. This means that rotation of the shaft 10 or the cord spool 30 will not directly result in rotation of the other of the cord spool 30 or the shaft 10.

[0052] The shaft 10 may comprise an end member 13 configured to be attached towards an end of the shaft main body 11, for example as shown in figures 6 and 7. The end member 13 may be configured to fit onto an end of the shaft main body 11. The end member 13 can be attached to the shaft main body 11 . For example, the end member 13 may be hollow to allow for insertion of the shaft main body 11 through an aperture 14 on the inside of the end member 13. The aperture 14 through the end member 13 may have a non-circular cross-section (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). The shape of the shaft main body 11 cross-section may match the shape of the aperture 14 in the end member 13 so that the shaft main body 11 and the end member 13 are configured to rotate integrally. In other words, the shaft main body 11 and end member 13 are configured to rotate together. For example, as shown in figure 1, an end portion 15 of the shaft main body 11 may have a hexagonal cross section and the aperture 14 of the end member 13 may have a hexagonally shaped cross-section (although other shapes may be used). More generally, a portion of the main body 11 and the end member 13 may have matching shapes so that the end member 13 can be fixed to move with, and specifically to rotate with, the shaft main body 11 integrally. The end member 13 may be atached to the shaft main body 11 by mating parts of the end member 13 and the shaft main body 11. For example, the end member 13 may have at least one elastic arm 16. Each elastic arm 16 may be connected at one end to a main body 17 of the end member 13 and may have a protruding portion 18 at the other end. The protruding portion 18 may extend radially inwards of other parts of an internal surface of the end member 13. The protruding portion 18 may fit into a matching recess 19 in the shaft main body 11. When placing the end member 13 on the shaft main body 11, the end member 13 may be moved in an axial direction, i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis X, relative to the shaft main body 11. The elastic arm 16 may be elastically displaced in the radial direction by the surface of the shaft main body 11. The shaft main body 11 can be inserted into the end member 13 until the protruding portion 18 matches up with the corresponding recess 19 on the shaft main body 11. At this point, the elastic arm 16 moves radially inward into the recess 19 and returns to its original position. The protruding portion 18 may reduce or prevent removal of the end member 13 from the shaft main body 11. The end member 13 may have multiple elastic arms 16, which are preferably spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Although it is described above and shown in the figures that the end member 13 is atached to the shaft 10 by at least one elastic arm 16, alternatively or additionally, other forms of atachment could be used. For example, the shaft 10 and the end member 13 could be welded or glued together or have some other form of mating, e.g. snap fit, parts.

[0053] The end member 13 may be useful for providing an end of the shaft 10 whilst allowing other parts of the assembly 1 (e.g. the threaded nut) to be mounted on the shaft 10, i.e. for ease of assembly. Thus, the use of the end member 13 means that parts can be positioned on the shaft 10 before the end member 13 is provided on an end of the shaft 10. The end member 13 could be integral with the main body 11 of the shaft 10 and could function in the same way as described. However, this would likely make manufacture of various parts of the assembly more difficult.

[0054] The ends of the shaft 10 may extend from the from the ends of the cord spool 30, as shown in figure 7. The ends of the shaft 10 may provide bearing surfaces of the shaft 10 which are supported by the housing 70. In other words, the housing 70 may support the shaft 10 by contacting the bearing surfaces of the shaft 10. The bearing surfaces of the shaft 10 may be the only part of the shaft 10 which contacts the housing 70. This may be beneficial in allowing the shaft 10 to rotate about the longitudinal axis X without much friction from the housing 70. The bearing surfaces of the shaft 10 may be provided by the shaft main body 11 towards one end of the shaft 10 and by the end member 13 towards the other end of the shaft. The housing 70 may comprise several bearing surfaces. The bearing surfaces may be provided in pairs. The housing 70 may comprise a pair of shaft bearings for the shaft, i.e. a pair of shaft bearing surfaces, e.g. at least one bearing surface towards either end of the shaft. The shaft bearings may be configured to support the shaft 10 whilst allowing for rotation of the shaft 10 about the longitudinal axis X. Preferably the shaft bearings are configured to support either end of the shaft 10 without contacting other parts of the shaft 10 such that the shaft is isolated from other parts of the assembly 1.

[0055] The housing 70 may comprise a pair of cord spool bearings for the cord spool 30, i.e. a pair of cord spool bearing surfaces, e.g. at least one bearing surface towards either end of the cord spool 30. The cord spool bearings may be configured to support the cord spool 30 whilst allowing for rotation of the cord spool 30 about the longitudinal axis X. Preferably the cord spool bearings are configured to support either end of the cord spool 30 without contacting other parts of the cord spool 30 such that the cord spool 30 is isolated from other parts of the assembly 1.

[0056] Each at least one bearing surface may be configured to match the corresponding part of the assembly it is supporting. For example, the at least one bearing surface for the cord spool 30 may be of a similar shape to the part of the cord spool 30 being supported by the bearing surface. If multiple mechanisms are provided in the housing 70 as shown in the figures, the housing may comprise a pair of shaft bearings for each shaft and / or a pair of cord spool bearings for each cord spool.

[0057] As shown in figure 7, the cord spool 30 may extend radially outwards portion 34 towards one end. The housing 70 may have a corresponding recess 74 to house the radially outwards portion 34 and may match the shape of the recess 74 in the housing 70 so as to prevent substantial movement of the cord spool in the axial direction (i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis X).

[0058] The shaft 10 may have a threaded outer portion 20. Thus, the shaft may be a threaded shaft. The threaded outer portion 20 may be formed along much of the length of the shaft 10. In particular, the threaded outer portion 20 may be formed on an outer surface of the main body 11 of the shaft 10.

[0059] The threaded nut 50 may have an internal threaded surface 51, which may include at least one ring or protrusion. The threaded nut 50 may be positioned on the threaded outer portion 20 of the shaft 10. The internal threaded surface 51 of the threaded nut 50 may be shaped to engage with to the threaded outer portion 20 of the shaft 10. Thus, the threaded nut 50 may be configured to move relative to the shaft 10 by rotating about the longitudinal axis X. As the threaded nut 50 rotates about the shaft 10, the threaded nut 50 moves along the longitudinal axis X. Rotation of the shaft 10 can also move the threaded nut 50 along the longitudinal axis X when the threaded nut 50 is not rotated.

[0060] Movement of the threaded nut 50 relative to the shaft 10 may be limited when the threaded nut 50 is engaged with the shaft 10. In this case, the shaft 10 (or a part attached to the shaft) may be configured to engage the threaded nut 50 to maintain the position of the threaded nut 50 relative to the shaft 10. When the threaded nut 50 is in the engaged position and the cord applies a torque on the cord spool, the threaded nut 50 nut is engaged so that both the shaft and the threaded nut 50 rotate (as well as the cord spool 30 which rotates with the threaded nut 50). Only when the threaded nut 50 is engaged in this way do all three parts (threaded nut 50, shaft 10, cord spool 30) rotate together. As described in further detail below, the threaded nut 50 can be engaged in this instance by an end stop 21, which is described in further detail below. In summary, when the threaded nut 50 is engaged by the end stop (i.e. when the threaded nut is in the engaged position and the cord applies a torque on the cord spool), the shaft 10 and threaded nut 50 (and cord spool 30) are configured to rotate integrally about the longitudinal axis X, i.e. at the same rotational speed relative to the longitudinal axis X. The engaged position is a predetermined location of the threaded nut 50 relative to shaft 10. The engaged position is the position of the threaded nut 50 when it is rotated with the shaft 10, as described further below.

[0061] The shaft 10 and the threaded nut 50 may have corresponding mating parts. The shaft 10 and the threaded nut 50 may have corresponding projections which are configured to engage with each other. For example, the threaded nut 50 may have a projection 53 which is extends in the axial direction (i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis X). The projection 53 on the threaded nut 50 may have an engaging surface 54. The engaging surface 54 may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0062] The assembly 1 may comprise the end stop 21 configured to engage with the threaded nut 50 when the cord 100 applies a torque on the cord spool 30 and the threaded nut 50 is in the engaged position. The end stop 21 may be connected to the shaft 10 so that the end stop 21 and the shaft 10 move together (i.e. rotationally and axially). The end stop 21 may be formed on, or part of (e.g. integral with) the main body 11 of the shaft 10. The end stop 21 may be attached to the main body 11 of the shaft 10, e.g. by adhesive or welding or some other form of attachment etc.. The end stop 21 is configured to interact with the threaded nut 50, and in particular the engaging surface 54, when the threaded nut 50 is towards the end of the shaft 10. Thus, the end stop 21 and the threaded nut 50 may have corresponding mating parts. The end stop 21 may be a projection which extends in the axial direction (i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis X). The end stop 21 on the shaft 10 may have an engaging surface 22. The engaging surface 22 may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The end stop 21 on the shaft 10 may be configured to interact with the projection 53 on the threaded nut 50. The end stop 21 may extend inwards, i.e. towards other components of the assembly 1, and in particular towards the threaded nut 50. The end stop 21 may be provided towards one end of the shaft.

[0063] The projection 53 on the threaded nut 50 may have an angled surface 55. The angled surface 55 may be at an acute angle to the surface of the threaded nut 50. The angled surface 55 may be at an acute angle to the direction of rotation of the threaded nut about the longitudinal axis X. The end stop 21 may have an angled surface 23. The angled surface 23 may be at an acute angle to the direction of rotation of the shaft 10 about the longitudinal axis X. The projections may also have a flat portion, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, as shown in figures 7 and 8 for example. However, only one of the projections or neither of the projections may include this. The projections are both shown as generally saw tooth shape in the figures, however, other shapes may be used. For example, one of the projections may be substantially square or rectangular, without any angled surface.

[0064] In use, the shaft 10 may be rotated in a first rotational direction, i.e. by rotation of the drive shaft 5 in the first rotational direction. The end stop 21 is configured to rotate the threaded nut 50 about the longitudinal axis X when the shaft 10 is rotated in a first rotational direction (when the threaded nut 50 is in the engaged position and the cord 100 applies a torque on the cord spool 30). The first rotational direction corresponds to the direction of the shaft 10 towards the corresponding projection 53 of the threaded nut 50. For example, in the configuration shown in figure 1 (relating to the mechanism on the right hand side), the end stop 21 is configured to rotate the threaded nut 50 about the longitudinal axis X when the shaft 10 is rotated in the clockwise direction. The corresponding projections may be configured so that the shaft 10 and the threaded nut 50 rotate together about the longitudinal axis X when the shaft 10 rotates in the first direction. The corresponding projections may be configured allow rotation of the shaft 10 and the threaded nut 50 relative to each other about the longitudinal axis X when the shaft 10 rotates in a second direction (opposite to the first direction), i.e. when the shaft 10 is rotated anti-clockwise in figure 1.

[0065] For example, when the shaft 10 is rotated clockwise in figure 1 e.g. in a first direction (relating to the mechanism on the right hand side of figure 1), when the engaging surface 22 of the end stop 21 on the shaft 10 abuts the engaging surface 54 of the projection 53 of the threaded nut 50, contact of these surfaces mean that the threaded nut 50 will be rotated with the shaft 10. The engaging surfaces of the end stop 21 and the projection 53 may form the mating parts.

[0066] When the shaft is rotated anti -clockwise in figure 1 e.g. in a second direction (relating to the mechanism on the right hand side of figure 1), the shape of the end stop 21 and the projection 53 on the threaded nut allow the end stop 21 and projection 53 to move rotationally relative to each other about the longitudinal axis X. In this instance, as the shaft 10 is not engaged with the threaded nut 50, rotation of the shaft 10 would not result in rotation of the threaded nut 50.

[0067] The shaft 10 may also include an annular ring 24. The annular ring 24 may be provided around the circumference of the shaft 10. The end stop 21 may extend from the annular ring 24 in the axial direction. The end stop 21 and the annular ring 24 may be integral. The annular ring 24 may provide an obstacle to prevent the threaded nut 50 from continuing to travel in the axial direction towards the end of the shaft 10. In other words, when the threaded nut 50 reaches the end of the shaft, the projection 53 may come into contact with the annular ring 24, which may prevent the threaded nut 50 from moving further along the shaft 10 towards the end of the shaft 10.

[0068] Towards the other end of the shaft, a further end stop 25 may be provided (i.e. the assembly may comprise two end stops). As shown in figure 1, the end member 13 may comprise the further end stop 25. The end member 13 may also comprise a further annular ring 26. The further end stop 25 and the further annular ring 26 may be shaped in a similar way to the end stop 21 and the annular ring 24 described above. However, the further end stop 25 may be configured to stop relative rotation of the threaded nut 50 when rotating in the opposite direction. Thus, the further end stop 25 may be the same as the end stop 21 except for facing an opposite rotational direction. In other words, the end stop 21 may be configured to engage with the threaded nut 50 when the shaft 10 is rotated in the first rotational direction and the threaded nut 50 is in the engagement position and the further end stop 25 may be configured to engage with the threaded nut 50 when the shaft 10 is rotated in a second rotational direction about the longitudinal axis X (i.e. opposite the first rotational direction) and the threaded nut 50 may be in a second engagement position. The second engagement position may be at the other end of the shaft 10 to the first engagement position. The advantage of providing two end stops which allow for the threaded nut 50 to be positioned in an engagement position at either end of the shaft 10 is that there is more flexibility. In particular, this means that the cord 100 can be wound around the cord spool 30 clockwise or counter-clockwise and the threaded nut 50 will have a corresponding engagement position either way. Although having an end stop at either end is therefore beneficial, it is not a necessity and only a single end stop may be provided. The threaded nut 50 may have a further projection 56 configured to engage with the end stop 25 on the end member 13. Thus, the threaded nut 50 may have a projection on opposing surfaces of the threaded nut 50. The further projection 56 may be the same as the projection 53 except for facing an opposite rotational direction. If the mechanism only has a single end stop, then only the projection 53 on one side of the threaded nut 50 may be provided.

[0069] Preferably, the cord 100 which is unwound from the cord spool 30 is substantially straight, i.e. without deflection. For example, as shown in figure 1, the cord 100 on the right-hand mechanism is substantially straight down from the edge of the cord spool 30 (when there is tension on the cord 100). Preferably, the unwound cord 100 suspended from the cord spool 30 is substantially straight from the point at which the cord 100 leaves the surface of the cord spool 30 to the point at which it is connected to and / or supports part of the cover (when there is no obstruction). Preferably, the housing 70 is configured so as to avoid introducing deflection in the cord 100 which is unwound from the cord spool 30. For example, the hole 75 of the housing is preferably positioned so as to allow the cord to hang substantially straight from the cord spool 30 when supporting the cover. For example, the hole 75 may be provided towards the end of the housing 70, and particularly, towards the end of the cord spool 30. Additionally, the cord may be wound in a direction around the cord spool 30 so that the cord 100 coming off the cord spool 30 is substantially aligned with an opening (e.g. hole 75) in the housing 70. For example, as shown in figure 1, as the cord 100 of the right-hand mechanism is wound around the cord spool 30 in an anticlockwise direction, the cord 100 leaves the surface of the cord spool 30 substantially above one of the holes 75 and there is substantially no deflection of the cord 100 leaving the housing 70. Similarly, as the cord of the left-hand mechanism in figure 1 is wound around the respective cord spool in a clockwise direction, the cord leaves the surface of the cord spool above another one of the holes and there is substantially no deflection of the cord of the left-hand mechanism leaving the housing. It is beneficial to avoid the cord 100 being deflected by the housing 70 (between leaving the cord spool 30 and being attached to the cover), because a deflection in the cord 100 introduced by the housing would increase friction which would be damaging in terms of wear of the cord, and may affect the torque applied to the cord spool 30. Thus, such deflection is preferably avoided as shown in figure 1.

[0070] The operation of the assembly based on the above-described features is included below. The way in which the features interact with each other is based on the above description.

[0071] When a cover is attached to the cord 100 and is hanging freely (e.g. without being supported by an obstacle), there is tension on the cord 100. When the tension acts on the cord 100, this applies a torque to the cord spool 30. For example as shown by the mechanism on the right hand side in figure 1, the cord 100 applies a torque on the cord spool 30 which pulls the cord spool 30 in an anti-clockwise direction.

[0072] The torque on the cord spool 30 applies a force to the threaded nut 50 in the same direction, as there is no relative rotation between the threaded nut 50 and the cord spool 30 about the longitudinal direction due to the interaction between the cord spool 30 and the threaded nut 50. Therefore, a force is applied on the threaded nut 50 in the anti-clockwise direction also (i.e. the same rotational direction).

[0073] If the projection 53 of the threaded nut 50 abuts the annular ring 24, but is not abutting the end stop 21, e.g. when a tension is first applied to the cord 100, the threaded nut 50 (and therefore, also the cord spool 30) rotates around the shaft 10 in the anti -clockwise direction until the projection 53 engages the end stop 21. At this point, the threaded nut 50 in in the engaged position. The threaded nut 50 is in the engaged position when the engaging surface 54 (of the projection 53) is in contact with the engaging surface 22 of the end stop 21 of the shaft 10.

[0074] The cover may be released (i.e. lowered), for example when the covering is in a generally closed position (i.e. when the cover is fully raised), by rotating the drive shaft 5 (either manually or automatically). Based on the mechanism in the right hand side of figure 1, to release the cover, the drive shaft 5 would be rotated in the anti -clockwise direction about the longitudinal axis X. When the cover is released, assuming that the cover hangs freely e.g. does not hit an obstacle, tension applied to the cord 100 by the cover will mean that the threaded nut 50 remains engaged with the shaft 10. In further detail, tension applied to the cord 100 by the cover will result in torque applied to the cord spool 30 (effectively due to the weight of the cover). The torque applied to the cord spool 30 is transmitted to the threaded nut 50 such that the projection 53 of the threaded nut 50 engages the end stop 21. In this case, as the cover is lowered (without obstruction), the projection 53 of the threaded nut 50 pushes the end stop 21.

[0075] In this case, rotation of the shaft 10 will rotate the threaded nut 50 about the longitudinal axis X. Thus, when the cord 100 applies torque on the cord spool 30 and the threaded nut 50 is in the engaged position, the shaft 10, threaded nut 50 and cord spool 30 are configured to rotate together. In other words, the shaft 10, threaded nut 50 and cord spool 30 are configured to rotate integrally about the longitudinal axis.

[0076] Thus, as the drive shaft 5 is rotated, the shaft 10, threaded nut 50 and cord spool 30 are rotated in the same rotational direction, and the cord 100 is unwound from the surface of the cord spool 30 and the cover is lowered / released. The assembly 1 may work in a similar way to raise / pick up the cover. When the covering is in a generally open position, the cover may be raised by rotating the drive shaft 5 (either manually or automatically). Assuming the cover has been hanging freely, the threaded nut 50 will be in the engaged position. This means that as the drive shaft 5 is rotated, e.g. in the clockwise direction in the right-hand mechanism in figure 1, the end stop 21 pushes the projection 53 of the threaded nut 50. This means that as the drive shaft 5 is rotated, e.g. in the clockwise direction in the right-hand mechanism in figure 1, the shaft 10, threaded nut 50 and the cord spool 30 will be rotated at the same speed as the drive shaft 5. The cord 100 will be wound onto the surface of the cord spool 30 and the cover is raised.

[0077] Thus, when the cover hangs freely and applies a tension to the cord 100, the assembly functions such that the drive shaft 5, shaft 10, threaded nut 50, and cord spool 30 rotate together to lower and raise the cover.

[0078] If the cover hits an obstacle whilst the drive shaft is being rotated to release the cover, the assembly 1 functions in a different way.

[0079] When the cover (and / or a rail if provided) hits an obstacle when the cover is being lowered, the cover may not hang freely on the cord 100 as the cover may be supported by the obstacle. In this case, there may be substantially no tension on the cord 100, and as a result, the cord 100 applies substantially no torque on the cord spool 30. When substantially no torque is applied to the cord spool 30 by the cord 100, there is substantially no rotational force acting on the cord spool 30. Thus, there is no rotational force acting on the threaded nut 50 via the cord spool 30. Therefore, the cord spool 30 and the threaded nut 50 are substantially stationary. In this case, the cord spool 30 is substantially stationary and rotation of the shaft 10 is configured to move the threaded nut 50 in a first axial direction away from the engaged position. In other words, rotation of the shaft 10 results in movement of the threaded nut 50 in the axial direction and does not result in rotation of the cord spool 30. The first axial direction may be a direction along the longitudinal axis X away from the end stop 21.

[0080] When the drive shaft 5 is rotated to release the cover, e.g. in the anti -clockwise direction as shown in figure 1, the shaft 10 is rotated. As the shaft 10 is rotated, as there is no rotational force keeping the threaded nut 50 in the engaged position, the end stop 21 will rotate away from the projection 53 of the threaded nut 50. Thus, the threaded nut 50 is no longer in the engaged position.

[0081] The threaded surface 20 of the shaft 10 interacts with the inner surface 51 of the threaded nut 50. Rotation of the shaft 10, e.g. in the anti -clockwise direction as shown in figure 1, results in movement of the threaded nut 50 in the axial direction away from the end stop 21. Thus, the threaded nut 50 moves in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis X away from the engaged position. As the threaded nut 50 is no longer in contact with the end stop 21, and is therefore not rotated by the end stop 21, the threaded nut 50 moves in the axial direction only (i.e. there is no rotation of the threaded nut 50) and the cord spool 30 is substantially stationary. This is beneficial in that the drive shaft 5 may continue to rotate the shaft 10, however, the cord 100 is not released from the cord spool 30 when the cover hits an obstacle. This avoids (or at least greatly reduces the likelihood) of the cord 100 becoming tangled.

[0082] There may be a small amount of friction between the shaft 10 and the threaded nut 50. There may also be a small amount of friction between the cord spool 30 and the housing 70. Thus, as the shaft 10 is rotated, rotation of the threaded nut 50 should be prevented due to engagement between the threaded nut 50 and the cord spool 30.

[0083] Movement of the threaded nut 50 in the first axial direction may be proportional to the rotation of the shaft 10 (and / or drive shaft 5). Thus, as the shaft 10 is rotated, the threaded nut 50 continues to move in the first axial direction. This is beneficial in that the position of the threaded nut 50 effectively keeps track of how released the cord 100 should be. For example, if the user tries to fully release a cover, but the cover hits an obstacle at some point when being lowered, the shaft 10 continues to rotate until the drive shaft stops 5 and the threaded nut 50 will be moved to a position corresponding to the fully released position of the cord 100. The position of the threaded nut 50 effectively keeps track of how released the cord 100 should be to correspond to the same length of cord which is released from any other cords spools on the same drive shaft. As the cord spool 30 is not rotated, the cord 100 is not actually released and this prevents the cord 100 being tangled whilst allowing the assembly 1 to track the intended position of the cover.

[0084] When the cover is being lowered, if one side of the cover hits an obstacle, the drive shaft 5 may continue to be rotated. In particular, this may occur if the rotation of the drive shaft 5 is automatic and the drive shaft 5 is rotated to lower the cover to a certain position. Alternatively, the cover may be manually lowered, despite the obstacle, as one side of the cover may be lowered even though the other side of the cover is obstructed. In this case, although the cord spool 30 is not rotated, the threaded nut 50 is moved to a position which corresponds to the desired position of the cover.

[0085] If the cord 100 then applies torque on the cord spool 30, rotation of the cord spool 30 is configured to move the threaded nut 50 in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction, towards the engaged position, i.e. towards the end stop 21 . This is beneficial because the assembly 1 allows the cover to be pulled down to the desired position.

[0086] In further detail, following the cover hitting an obstacle, the threaded nut 50 is positioned along the longitudinal axis X away from the engaged position. The actual position of the threaded nut 50 depends on how much the drive shaft 5 has been rotated after the cover hits the obstacle (i.e. after tension is no longer applied to the cord 100 and the cord spool 30 stops rotating).

[0087] If a user then pulls on the cover, a tension is applied to the cord 100. This may be when the drive shaft 5 is no longer rotating (although this is not a necessity). In this instance, the tension on the cord 100 applies a torque on the cord spool 30. The torque on the cord spool 30 results in rotation of the cord spool 30. As the threaded nut 50 is configured to rotate with the cord spool 30 about the longitudinal axis X, the threaded nut 50 will rotate integrally with the cord spool 30. Engagement between the threaded nut 50 and shaft 10 means that the threaded nut 30 rotates around the shaft 10 and thus, moves in a second axial direction (opposite to the first axial direction) towards the engaged position. The second axial direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis X. Movement of the threaded nut 50 in the second axial direction is proportional to rotation of the cord spool 30.

[0088] Movement of the threaded nut 50 in the second axial direction allows the cover to be pulled down to the position corresponding to the desired position (i.e. depending on how much the drive shaft was rotated after the cover hit the obstacle). In other words, if the drive shaft 5 is rotated to fully lower the cover the threaded nut 50 would move in the first axial direction a corresponding distance, and afterward the obstruction is removed or the cover is pulled down or away from an obstacle, movement of the threaded nut 50 in the second axial direction would allow the cover to be pulled down to fully lower the cover.

[0089] This is beneficial in that not only does the assembly 1 prevent, or reduce the likelihood, of the cord 100 being tangled in the assembly 1 when the cover is obstructed, but also the assembly 1 allows the cover to be pulled down to the desired position when the obstruction is removed or no longer blocking lowering of the cover.

[0090] Although the operation of the assembly is described above in relation to the right-hand mechanism shown in figure 1, it would be understood that the left-hand mechanism would work in a similar way, albeit in an opposite direction given that the cord is wound about the cord spool in the clockwise direction. As the left hand mechanism functions in the same way as the right-hand mechanism, but in an opposite direction, the threaded nut 50 would abut the further annular ring 26 when a tension is first applied to the cord 100, and the threaded nut 50 of the left-hand mechanism would be in an engaged position when the further projection 56 engages the further end stop 25.

[0091] The assembly 1 described above may be part of a covering 200 for an architectural opening, for example as shown in figure 9. The covering 200 may comprise the cover 250. The covering 200 may comprise an upper bar 210 and a bottom bar 220, for example, as shown in figure 9. The cover 250 may be attached to the upper bar 210 and the bottom bar 220. The position of the cover 250 may be controlled by moving the upper bar 210 and the bottom bar 220 up and down. The upper bar 210 and the bottom bar 220 may be moved independently of each other. The covering 200 may comprise a headrail (not shown) which could be in addition to, or instead of, the upper bar 210. In figure 9, a headrail could be provided to house the assemblies 1A and IB.

[0092] As shown in figure 9, the covering may comprise two assemblies 1A and IB. A first assembly 1 A for the left hand side of the cover 250 and a second assembly IB for the right hand side of the cover 250. Each assembly comprises two mechanisms. Each mechanism can be used to raise and lower a single cord. Providing two mechanisms in one housing 70 is beneficial in that it may provide a more economic use of space. The two mechanisms can be used to independently control their corresponding cords 100. For example, as shown in figure 9, a mechanism in each assembly may be used to raise and lower one side of an upper bar 210 and another mechanism in each assembly may be used to raise and lower one side of a lower bar 220. In other words, one mechanism in each assembly may be connected to the upper bar 210, e.g. towards either end of the bar, and can be used to raise and lower the upper bar 210, and one mechanism in each assembly may be connected to the lower bar 220, e.g. towards either end of the bar, and can be user to raise and lower the lower bar 220.

[0093] As shown in figure 9, the first assembly 1A comprises a first mechanism 2A and a second mechanism 2B. The first mechanism 1A is connected to the upper bar 210. The second mechanism 2B is connected to the lower bar 220. The second assembly IB comprises a third mechanism 2C and a fourth mechanism 2D. The third mechanism 2C is connected to the upper bar 210. The fourth mechanism 2D is connected to the lower bar 220. The first mechanism 1A and the third mechanism 1C (i.e. the mechanisms being used to control the position of the same one of the upper or lower bar) may be driven by the same drive shaft 5A. The second mechanism 2B and fourth mechanism 2D (i.e. the mechanisms being used to control the position of the other one of the upper or lower bar) may be driven by the same drive shaft 5B. In figure 4, the motor controller 230 may be used to rotate the drive shafts 5A and 5B. Thus, the motor controller 230 may provide the operating mechanism. The motor controller 230 may have predetermined settings or may rotate the drive shafts 5A and 5B based on user input. Manual operation of the covering 200 may be provided in addition or alternatively.

[0094] In each mechanism, one end of the cord 100 may be attached to the respective cord spool 30 (as described above) and another end of the cord 100 may be connected to the relevant bar. The mechanisms can be used to control the position of the cover 250, including how open the cover is.

[0095] Figure 9 shows the covering 200 before the cover 250 hits an obstacle. At this point, the cover 200 is hanging freely from each cord (albeit via the upper or lower bars) and is providing tension on the cords 100 of each of the mechanisms. As shown in figure 9, the threaded nut of each mechanism is in the engaged position. The first assembly 1A is shown in detail in figure 10 where it can be seen that the threaded nut 50A, 50B of each of the mechanisms 2A, 2B is in the engaged position.

[0096] The assemblies may be used to raise or lower each of the upper bar 210 and the lower bar 220. As the cover 250 is hanging freely, the threaded nuts of each mechanism will remain in the engaged position and the mechanisms will each raise and lower the cords corresponding to that mechanism to raise and lower the upper and / or lower bar as normal.

[0097] As shown in figure 11, as the lower bar 220 is lowered, the left hand side of the lower bar 220 hits an obstacle. As described above, when the lower bar 220 hits the obstacle, the cover 250 and lower bar 220 apply substantially no tension on the cord 100 of the first mechanism 2A. This means that the cord applies substantially no torque on the cord spool 30, the cord spool 30 is substantially stationary. As the drive shaft 5 A continues to rotate, the shaft 10A will be rotated. Rotation of the shaft 10A moves the threaded nut 50A in a first axial direction DI (parallel to the longitudinal axis XA) away from the engaged position. This can be seen in detail in figure 12. As the cover 250 still hangs freely on the other cords, the tension nut remains in the engaged position for the other mechanisms.

[0098] As shown in figure 13, if the upper bar 210 were to be lowered also, the left hand side of the upper bar 210 would also be impeded by the obstacle. In this case, the cover 250 and upper bar 210 apply substantially no tension on the cord 100 of the second mechanism 2B. This means that the cord 100 applies substantially no torque on the cord spool 30, the cord spool 30 is substantially stationary for that mechanism. As the drive shaft 5B continues to rotate, the shaft 10B will be rotated. Rotation of the shaft 10B moves the threaded nut 50B in a first axial direction D2 away from the engaged position. It will be noted that the first axial direction is the direction along the longitudinal axis X away from the engaged position. This can be seen in detail in figure 14, where both threaded nuts 50A and 50B have moved away from their respective engaged positions. As the cover 250 still hangs freely on the other cords on the right hand side of the cover, the threaded nuts remain in the engaged position for the mechanisms in the other assembly IB, as shown in figure 13.

[0099] The cord spools 30 being stationary when the upper bar 210 and / or lower bar 220 hit the obstacle is beneficial in avoiding the cord 100 becoming tangled in the respective assembly. Additionally, it means that the shaft 10 can still rotate with the drive shaft 5 so that the other side of the cover can reach the desired position. Additionally, if a user were to pull down the left hand side of the upper bar 210 and / or lower bar 220 in figure 13 or remove the obstacle from beneath the cover 250, this would reapply tension to the cord 100. If the cord 100 applies torque on the cord spool 30 (i.e. reapplies torque after the threaded nut has moved away from the engaged position), rotation of the cord spool 30 moves the threaded nut 50 in an axial direction towards the engaged position (i.e. a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction). Thus, the upper bar 120 and / or lower bar 220 can be lowered so that each bar is at the same level as the right hand side of that respective bar without having to use the operating mechanism.

[0100] Although it is described above that one end of the cord 100 is connected to a relevant bar, the covering could be provided without the upper bar 210 and / or lower bar 200. The end of the cord 100 may be directly connected to the cover 250, e.g. may be tied to a part of the cover 250, or a knot of the cord 100 may be held in place through an eyelet in the cover.

[0101] Although the figures show two mechanisms in each housing, this is not a requirement. Each assembly 1 may only comprise one mechanism. In other words, the assembly 1 may comprise only a single shaft 10, cord spool 30, and threaded nut 50 for a corresponding cord 100 (e.g. the right hand features shown in figure 1), and optionally the drive shaft 5. The housing 70 may be shaped accordingly.

[0102] The covering may comprise a single assembly, rather than two assemblies as shown in the figures. For example, two assemblies may be provided, each with a single mechanism. In this instance, the cover is connected to the lower bar and the mechanism of one assembly is connected towards one end of the lower bar and the mechanism of another assembly is connected towards another end of the lower bar.

[0103] Although the figures show two assemblies, this is also not a requirement, and only a single assembly could be provided. For example, a single assembly may be provided with a dual mechanism. In this instance, the cover is connected to the lower bar and one mechanism is connected towards one end of the lower bar and one mechanism is connected towards another end of the lower bar.

[0104] The assembly 1 may be provided with or without the drive shaft 5. Although the drive shaft 5 may be used to rotate the shaft 10. The assembly 1 may be provided and retrofitted to a pre-existing covering already comprising a drive shaft 5. The drive shaft 5 may be connected to an operating mechanism configured to rotate the drive shaft 5. The operating mechanism could be manual (e.g. comprising a pull cord which the user can pull on to raise or lower the cover 250) or automatic (e.g. comprising a motor and a processor configured to drive the motor, e.g. based on predetermined settings or user input). The drive shaft 5 A and / or operating mechanism may be part of the covering 200.

[0105] Although it is described above that the threaded nut 50 has a recess and the inner surface of the cord spool 30 has a protrusion 35, this could be inverted. Thus, the inner surface of the cord spool 30 could comprise a recess configured to receive at least part of the threaded nut 50. For example, the inner surface of the cord spool 30 may have a linear recess (instead of linear protrusion 35) and the threaded nut 50 could have a corresponding protrusion on an outer surface of the threaded nut 50 which fits within the recess and prevents relative rotation about the longitudinal axis X.

[0106] Although it is described above that the shaft main body 11 comprises a first end stop 21 and the end member 13 comprises a second end stop 25, there are other variations. Alternatively, two end members may be provided, one on each end of the shaft main body 11, and each end member may comprise an end stop and an annular ring. The main body 11 of the shaft could comprise an end stop and annular ring towards either end, however, this would likely mean that manufacture of the other parts, e.g. the threaded nut 50, are more complicated. Alternatively, the assembly 1 may only comprise one end stop. The end stop may be provided on the shaft main body 11 or the end member 13.

[0107] Although the housing 70 is shown as a fully surrounding the other parts of the assembly 1 in the figures, other configurations may be used. For example, the housing may be a structure which only partially surrounds other components so as to provide the relevant bearing supports for the rotating components.

[0108] In the above embodiment, a threaded nut 50 is provided between the shaft 10 and the cord spool 30. However, in an alternative embodiment, another component may be provided instead of the threaded nut 50. For example, a ball could be provided instead of the threaded nut 50 and the surface of the shaft 10 may comprise a groove instead of the threaded surface. The groove on the surface of the shaft 10 may define a path of movement of the ball relative to the shaft 10. Thus, the ball may rotate around the longitudinal axis X as it travels along the groove in the shaft surface. There is no relative rotation between the ball and the cord spool about the longitudinal axis X. Rotation of the ball about the longitudinal axis X can be fixed relative to the cord spool 30 as described in one of the variations described above for the threaded nut. In particular, the ball may sit within a recess of the inner surface of the cord spool 30. Thus, the recess on the inner surface of the cord spool is configured to receive at least part of the ball. The recess on the inner surface of the cord spool 30 can be shaped to interlock the ball and the cord spool to prevent relative rotational movement about the longitudinal axis. In other words, the recess can restrict relative rotation about the longitudinal axis X between the ball and the cord spool 30. A linear recess will still allow the ball to travel in the longitudinal direction. The ball may be in an engagement position when in contact with one of the end stops. Other variations described in relation to the above embodiment may also apply to the ball and groove embodiment.

[0109] The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in this application and no limitation as to the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by either the inclusion or noninclusion of elements, components, or the like in the summary. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood that the claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments or arrangements illustrated herein.

[0110] The accompanying drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only, and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary. The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, with reference made in detail to embodiments of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present subject matter, not limitation of the present subject matter. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the present subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0111] In the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and / or”, as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.

Claims

Claims1. An assembly for raising and lowering a cover for an architectural opening, the assembly comprising: a shaft configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis, the shaft being configured to receive a drive shaft; a cord spool configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis, wherein the cord spool surrounds at least part of the shaft; and a component positioned between the shaft and the cord spool, wherein the component and the cord spool rotate together about the longitudinal axis at all times in use.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein rotation of the shaft about the longitudinal axis can be transmitted to rotation of the cord spool about the longitudinal axis via the component.

3. The assembly of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein there is no direct contact between the cord spool and the shaft.

4. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein there is a direct contact between the cord spool and the component, and a direct contact between the component and the shaft.

5. The assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising a cord, wherein the cord is attachable to the cord spool, and wherein the cord is configured to be wound around, or released from, the cord spool depending on the direction of rotation of the cord spool about the longitudinal axis.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein when the cord applies torque on the cord spool and the component is in an engaged position, the shaft, component and cord spool are configured to rotate together.

7. The assembly of either of claims 5 or 6, wherein when the cord applies substantially no torque on the cord spool, the cord spool is substantially stationary and rotation of the shaft is configured to move the component in a first axial direction away from the engaged position.

8. The assembly of either of claim 7, wherein if the cord then applies torque on the cord spool, rotation of the cord spool is configured to move the component in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction, towards the engaged position.

9. The assembly of any preceding claim, comprising an end stop connected to the shaft, the end stop being configured to engage with the component when the cord applies a torque on the cord spool and the component is in an engaged position so that the shaft and component rotate together.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the end stop is configured to rotate the component about the longitudinal axis when the shaft is rotated in a first rotational direction.

11. The assembly of either of claims 9 or 10, wherein the end stop and the component have corresponding mating parts.

12. The assembly of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the shaft comprises the end stop.

13. The assembly of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the shaft comprises a main body and an end member configured to be attached towards an end of the main body, wherein the main body or the end member comprises the end stop.

14. The assembly of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the assembly comprises two end stops, wherein a first one of the end stops is configured to engage with the component when the shaft is rotated in a first rotational direction and the component is in a first engagement position and a second one of the end stops is configured to engage with the component when the shaft is rotated in a second rotational direction and the component is in a second engagement position.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein:(i) the shaft main body comprises an end stop towards either end; or(i) the shaft comprises a main body and an end member configured to be attached towards an end of the main body, and the shaft main body comprises the first one of the end stops and the end member comprises the second one of the end stops;(ii) the shaft comprises a main body and two end members, each end member being configured to be attached to each end of the main body, each end member comprising one of the end stops.TJ16. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the shaft is a threaded shaft and the component is a threaded nut and the threaded nut is provided on the threaded shaft.

17. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the component is a ball and the surface of the shaft comprises a groove which defines a path of movement of the ball relative to the shaft.

18. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the component and the cord spool are interlocking so that the component and cord spool rotate together relative to the longitudinal axis.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the component has a recess configured to receive a protrusion of the cord spool.

20. The assembly of claim 18, wherein an inner surface of the cord spool comprises a recess configured to receive at least part of the component.

21. The assembly of any preceding claims, the cord spool comprising a main cylindrical body and a slip ring configured to be positioned at an end the main cylindrical body.

22. The assembly of any preceding claim, comprising housing for supporting the shaft and cord spool.

23. The assembly of claim 22, wherein the housing comprises a pair of shaft bearings configured to support the shaft whilst allowing for rotation of the shaft about the longitudinal axis, preferably the shaft bearings are configured to support either end of the shaft without contacting other parts of the shaft such that the shaft is isolated from other parts of the assembly.

24. The assembly of claims 22 or 23, wherein the housing comprises a pair of cord spool bearings configured to support the cord spool whilst allowing for rotation of the cord spool about the longitudinal axis, preferably the cord spool bearings are configured to support either end of the cord spool without contacting other parts of the cord spool such that the cord spool is isolated from other parts of the assembly.

25. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the assembly comprises two mechanisms, with each mechanism comprising a corresponding shaft, cord, cord spool and component, wherein each mechanism is configured to wind or release the cord independently.

26. The assembly of claim 25, further comprising housing comprising:i) a pair of shaft bearings for each shaft, each pair of shaft bearings configured to support the respective shaft whilst allowing for rotation of the shaft about the longitudinal axis, preferably each pair of shaft bearings being configured to support either end of the respective shaft without contacting other parts of the shaft such that the shaft is isolated from other parts of the assembly; and / or ii) a pair of cord spool bearings for each cord spool, each pair of cord spool bearings configured to support the respective cord spool whilst allowing for rotation of the cord spool about the longitudinal axis, preferably each pair of cord spool bearings are configured to support either end of the respective cord spool without contacting other parts of the cord spool such that the cord spool is isolated from other parts of the assembly.

27. The assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising the drive shaft and when in use, the drive shaft is driven about the longitudinal axis.28 The assembly of claim 27, further comprising an operating mechanism configured to rotate the drive shaft.

29. A covering for an architectural opening comprising the assembly of any one of the preceding claims and a cover.

30. The covering of claim 29, comprising a single assembly and a lower bar, wherein the cover is connected to the lower bar, wherein the assembly comprises two mechanisms, with each mechanism comprising a corresponding shaft, cord spool and component, wherein one mechanism is connected towards one end of the lower bar and one mechanism is connected towards another end of the lower bar.

31. The covering of claim 29, comprising a two assemblies and a lower bar, wherein the cover is connected to the lower bar, wherein each assembly comprises a single mechanisms, with each mechanism comprising a corresponding shaft, cord spool and component, wherein the mechanism of one assembly being connected towards one end of the lower bar and the mechanism of the other assembly being connected towards another end of the lower bar.

32. The covering of claim 29, comprising two assemblies, an upper bar and a lower bar, wherein the cover is provided between the upper bar and the lower bar, wherein each assembly comprises two mechanisms, with each mechanism comprising a corresponding shaft, cord spool and component, wherein one mechanism in each assembly is connected to the upper bar and one mechanism in each assembly is connected to the lower bar.

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