Electric motor assemblies and operating systems for coverings for architectural structures and related rail assemblies and coverings

Abstract

Various embodiments of electric motor assemblies and operating systems configured for use with coverings for architectural structures are described herein. Additionally, the present subject matter is also directed to rail assemblies and / or coverings that incorporate one or more embodiments of the electric motor assemblies and / or operating systems described herein.

Description

ELECTRIC MOTOR ASSEMBLIES AND OPERATING SYSTEMS FOR COVERINGS FOR ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES AND RELATED RAIL ASSEMBLIES AND COVERINGSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is based upon and claims the right of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 775,775, filed March 21, 2025, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes..FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present subject matter relates generally to coverings for architectural structures and, more particularly, to electric motor assemblies and associated operating systems (e.g., lift systems and / or tilt systems) for coverings and related rail assemblies (e.g., headrail assemblies and / or bottom rail assemblies) and coverings including the same.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Coverings, such as honzontal / Venetian blinds and other similar slat-based coverings, typically include a headrail, a bottom rail, and a plurality of horizontally oriented slats configured to be supported between the headrail and the bottom rail via two or more ladder tape assemblies. A tilt system is provided to allow the slats to be tilted between an opened position and a closed position. Additionally, one or more lift cords of an associated lift system typically extend between the headrail and the bottom rail for adjusting the position of the bottom rail relative to the headrail.

[0004] Various improvements have been made to slat-based coverings in the past to provide for efficient and effective operation thereof. For instance, examples of such improvements are disclosed in US 2024 / 0110439, filed September 29, 2023 and entitled “Operating Systems and Rail Assemblies for Covering for Architectural Structures and Related Coverings”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. However, further refinements and advancements are needed, for example, to facilitate more efficient and / or effective operation of a slat-based covering. In addition, further refinements and advancements are needed, for example, to provide enhanced configurations and / or arrangements for one or more components of a slat-based covering.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Aspects and advantages of the present subject matter will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the present subject matter.

[0006] In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a covering for an architectural structure configured in accordance with one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0007] In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to an operating system (e.g., a tilt system and / or a lift system) for a covering for an architectural structure configured in accordance with one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0008] In a further aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a headrail assembly for a covering for an architectural structure configured in accordance with one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0009] In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to an electric motor assembly for a covering for an architectural structure configured in accordance with one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0010] Additionally, in one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to an operating system for a covering for an architectural structure. The operating system includes a lift rod rotatable about a drive axis of the operating system, and a motor assembly including an electric motor. The electric motor has an output shaft rotatable about an output axis of the electric motor, with the output axis of the electric motor being offset from and oriented parallel to the drive axis of the operating system. The output shaft is coupled to the lift rod such that rotation of the output shaft about the output axis results in rotation of the lift rod about the drive axis.

[0011] In one embodiment, the operating system further includes a transmission coupling the output shaft of the electric motor to the lift rod.

[0012] In one embodiment, the transmission includes first and second gears. The first gear is coupled to the output shaft for rotation with the output shaft about the output axis, and the second gear is coupled to the lift rod for rotation with the lift rod about the drive axis.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first and second gears are configured to mesh with each other to transfer rotational motion of the output shaft to the lift rod.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first gear and the output shaft are coaxially aligned with the output axis and the second gear and the lift rod are coaxially aligned with the drive axis.

[0015] In one embodiment, the lift rod extends axially along the drive axis between a first end and a second end of the lift rod, and the electric motor is positioned axially relative to the lift rod at a location between the first and second ends of the lift rod.

[0016] In one embodiment, an axial portion of the lift rod extending between the first and second ends of the lift rod is provided in a side-by-side arrangement with the electric motor.

[0017] In one embodiment, the electric motor is configured to be positioned at any location between the first and second ends of the lift rod.

[0018] In one embodiment, the electric motor includes an outer housing extending between a first end and a second end of the outer housing. Additionally, the electric motor assembly further comprises first and second end supports configured to support the first and second ends of the outer housing, respectively.

[0019] In one embodiment, each of the first and second end supports defines a pass-through opening configured to receive the lift rod.

[0020] In one embodiment, an axial portion of the lift rod extends along the drive axis between the first and second end supports.

[0021] In one embodiment, the axial portion of the lift rod extends along the drive axis in a side-by-side arrangement with the electric motor.

[0022] In one embodiment, the electric motor assembly further comprises a motor carriage coupled to the first and second end supports.

[0023] In one embodiment, the motor carriage is coupled to the first and second end supports via vibration isolators to reduce or prevent a transmission of vibrations from the first and second end supports to the motor carriage.

[0024] In one embodiment, the output shaft extends axially from the second end of the outer housing of the electric motor, and the electric motor assembly further comprises a transmission coupling the output shaft of the electric motor to the lift rod, with the transmission being housed within a portion of the second end support.

[0025] In one embodiment, the operating system further comprises first and second lift spools coupled to the lift rod, and first and second lift cords coupled to the first and second lift spools, respectively. The lift rod is configured to rotationally drive the first and second lift spools to cause the first and second lift cords to wind around or unwind from the first and second lift spools, respectively.

[0026] Moreover, in one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to an electric motor assembly for a covering for an architectural structure. The electric motor assemblyincludes an electric motor have an output shaft rotatable about an output axis. The electric motor assembly also includes a transmission operably coupled to the output shaft. The transmission includes first and second gears, with the first gear being coupled to the output shaft for rotation with the output shaft about the output axis and the second gear being configured to mesh with the first gear such that rotation of the first gear about the output axis results in rotation of the second gear about a drive axis.

[0027] In one embodiment, the drive axis is offset from and oriented parallel to the output axis.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first gear and the output shaft are coaxially aligned with the output axis and the second gear is coaxially aligned with the drive axis.

[0029] In one embodiment, the electric motor includes an outer housing extending between a first end and a second end of the outer housing. In addition, the electric motor assembly further comprises first and second end supports configured to support the first and second ends of the outer housing, respectively, with one of the first end support or the second end support being configured to house the transmission.

[0030] In one embodiment, the output shaft extends axially from the second end of the outer housing, and the transmission is housed within a portion of the second end support.

[0031] In one embodiment, the second end support defines a transmission cavity configured to receive the first and second gears of the transmission.

[0032] In one embodiment, the electric motor assembly further comprises a cover configured to be coupled to the second end support to enclose the first and second gears within the transmission cavity.

[0033] In one embodiment, the electric motor further comprises a motor carriage coupled to the first and second end supports.

[0034] In one embodiment, the motor carriage is coupled to the first and second end supports via vibration isolators to reduce or prevent a transmission of vibrations from the first and second end supports to the motor carriage.

[0035] In one embodiment, each of the first and second end supports defines a pass-through opening coaxially aligned with the drive axis.

[0036] In one embodiment, the pass-through openings are configured to receive a rod of an operating system of the covering extending along the drive axis.

[0037] In one embodiment, the second gear is configured to be coupled to a rod of an operating system of the covering.

[0038] Further, in one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a headrail assembly configured for use with a covering for an architectural structure. The headrail assembly includes a tilt system including a tilt rail, with the tilt rail configured to be rotated about a tilt axis to effectuate tilting of a plurality of slats. The headrail assembly also includes a lift system including an electric motor assembly configured to raise and lower the plurality of slats. The electric motor assembly is provided in operative association with the tilt rail such that the electric motor assembly rotates with the tilt rail about the tilt axis.

[0039] In one embodiment, the lift system further comprises a lift rod rotatable about a drive axis of the operating system. Additionally, the electric motor assembly includes an electric motor. The electric motor has an output shaft rotatable about an output axis of the electric motor, with the output axis of the electric motor being offset from and oriented parallel to the drive axis of the operating system.

[0040] In one embodiment, the output shaft is coupled to the lift rod such that rotation of the output shaft about the output axis results in rotation of the lift rod about the drive axis.

[0041] In one embodiment, the electric motor assembly further comprises a transmission coupling the output shaft of the electric motor to the lift rod.

[0042] In one embodiment, the transmission includes first and second gears, with the first gear being coupled to the output shaft for rotation with the output shaft about the output axis, and the second gear being coupled to the lift rod for rotation with the lift rod about the drive axis.

[0043] In one embodiment, the lift rod extends axially along the drive axis between a first end and a second end of the lift rod, and the electric motor is positioned axially relative to the lift rod at a location between the first and second ends of the lift rod.

[0044] In one embodiment, an axial portion of the lift rod extending between the first and second ends of the lift rod is provided in a side-by-side arrangement with the electric motor.

[0045] In one embodiment, the electric motor is configured to be positioned at any location between the first and second ends of the lift rod.

[0046] In one embodiment, the electric motor includes an outer housing extending between a first end and a second end of the outer housing, and the electric motor assembly further comprises first and second end supports configured to support the first and second ends of the outer housing, respectively.

[0047] In one embodiment, each of the first and second end supports defines a pass-through opening configured to receive the lift rod.

[0048] In one embodiment, an axial portion of the lift rod extends along the drive axis between the first and second end supports.

[0049] In one embodiment, the axial portion of the lift rod extends along the drive axis in a side-by-side arrangement with the electric motor.

[0050] Additionally, in one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a covering for an architectural structure. The covering includes a headrail assembly, a bottom rail assembly supported relative to headrail assembly, and a plurality of slats supported between the headrail assembly and the bottom rail assembly. The covering further includes a tilt system forming part of the headrail assembly, with the tilt system including a tilt rail configured to rotate about a tilt axis to effectuate tilting of the plurality of slats. The covering also includes a lift system forming part of the headrail assembly, with the lift system including an electric motor assembly configured to raise and lower the bottom rail assembly relative to the headrail assembly. The electric motor assembly is provided in operative association with the tilt rail such that the electric motor assembly rotates with the tilt rail about the tilt axis.

[0051] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present subject matter will become better understood with reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present subject matter and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present subject matter.

[0052] This Brief Description is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Brief Description is not intended to identity' key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a covering in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective, assembled view of one embodiment of a headrail assembly (with a tilt wand of the headrail assembly removed for purposes of illustration) in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

[0056] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective, partially exploded view of the headrail assembly shown in FIG. 2;

[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective, assembled view of various components of a tilt system in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

[0058] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective, partially exploded view of the various tilt system components shown in FIG. 4 to allow' various lift system components of the associated covering to be viewed in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

[0059] FIG. 6 illustrates another perspective, partially exploded view similar to that shown in FIG. 5 with an electric motor assembly and a lift rod of the lift system being additionally exploded away to illustrate such components in accordance w ith aspects of the present subject matter;

[0060] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a tilt rail and a rail cover of the tilt system shown in FIG. 4 taken about line 7-7;

[0061] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrates various end view s of the tilt rail and rail cover shown in FIG. 7 oriented at different positions corresponding to different tilt positions of the slats of the associated covering in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

[0062] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective, assembled view of one embodiment of an electric motor assembly suitable for use within one or more embodiments of a lift system in accordance w ith aspects of the present subject matter;

[0063] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective, exploded view' of the electric motor assembly shown in FIG. 9;

[0064] FIG. 11 illustrates an opposed perspective, exploded view of the electric motor assembly shown in FIG. 10;

[0065] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view' of the motor assembly 206 shown in FIG. 9 taken about line 12-12; and

[0066] FIG. 13 a illustrates a similar view of the tilt rail shown in FIG. 7, particularly illustrating a motor carriage of the disclosed electric motor assembly installed w ithin the tilt rail in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] In general, the present subject matter is directed to electric motor assemblies, operating systems, rail assemblies and related assemblies and sub-assemblies for a slatbased covering for an architectural feature or structure (referred to herein simply as an architectural “structure” for the sake of convenience and without intent to limit). As will be described below, the disclosed to electric motor assemblies, operating systems, rail assemblies, and other assemblies and / or sub-assemblies generally provide for enhanced operation of a slat-based covering and / or improved configurations / arrangements for a slatbased covering, such as by allowing for automated raising and lowering of the covering, by allowing for automated tilting of the slats of the covering, by providing a motor assembly that can arranged at any suitable location along a lift rod of the lift system, and / or the like.

[0068] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a covering 50 for an architectural structure (not shown) in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the covering 50 is configured to be installed relative to a window, door, or any other suitable architectural structure as may be desired. In one embodiment, the covering 50 may be configured to be mounted relative to an architectural structure to allow the covering 50 to be suspended or supported relative to the architectural structure. It should be understood that the covering 50 is not limited in its particular use as a window or door shade, and may be used in any application as a covering, partition, shade, and / or the like, relative to and / or within any type of architectural structure.

[0069] In several embodiments, the covering 50 may be configured as a slatted blind, such as a “privacy” Venetian-blind-type extendable / retractable covering. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the covering 50 includes a headrail assembly 52, a bottom rail assembly 54, and a plurality of horizontally disposed, parallel slats 56 configured to be supported between the headrail and bottom rail assemblies 52, 54 via two or more ladder tape assemblies 58 (e.g., a pair of ladder tape assemblies 58). In several embodiments, the slats 56 are rotatable or tiltable about their longitudinal axes by manipulating the ladder tape assemblies 58 to allow the slats 56 to be tilted between a horizontal or open position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) for permitting light to pass between the slats 56 and a closed position (not shown - either a closed-down position or a closed-up position depending on whether the front edges of the slats 56 are tilted downw ardly or upwardly, respectively), wherein the slats 56 are substantially vertically oriented in an overlapping manner to occlude or block the passage of light through the covering 50.

[0070] In several embodiments, the slats 56 may be configured as cellular slats. For example, in one embodiment, each slat 56 may include an outer sock (not shown) forming an outer cellular structure of the slat 56 and an inner core (not shown) positioned within the outer sock that forms an inner cellular structure of the slat 56. For instance, the outer sock of each slat 56 may be formed from a flexible material (e.g., a fabric material) and may have a tube-like or looped configuration that generally forms a closed-perimeter cell that functions to constrain and / or envelop the inner core positioned therein. The inner core of each slat 56 may be formed from a strip of thin-walled material (e.g., a film material) that has been arranged (e.g., folded) to form an inner cellular structure within the interior of the sock that provides stiffness and rigidity to the otherwise flexible sock. An example of suitable cellular slats that may be used within the disclosed covering 50 is disclosed in WO 2022 / 086834, filed October 18, 2021 and entitled “Cellular Slats for a Covering for an Architectural Structure”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. Another example of suitable cellular slats that may be used within the disclosed covering 50 is disclosed in WO 2024 / 072652. filed September 18, 2023 and entitled “Cellular Slats for a Covering for an Architectural Structure with Improved Light Control and Related Coverings”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. Alternatively, the slats 56 may be configured as conventional, non-cellular slats.

[0071] It should be appreciated that the ladder tape assemblies 58 may be manipulated to allow for the slats 56 to be tilted betw een their open and closed positions using, for example, a suitable tilt w and 110 or any other suitable control device forming part of a tilt system 100 (FIG. 3) provided in operative association with the covering 50. For example, as will be described below with reference to FIG. 3, the covering 50 may include one or more components of the tilt system 100 provided in operative association with the headrail assembly 52, such as atilt drive assembly 170 and associated tilt rail 130 of the system 100. In such an embodiment, the tilt wand 110 may be manipulated by the user (e.g., by the pulling a portion of the wand 110 down or by raising such portion of the wand 110), which may. in turn, allow the tilt drive assembly 170 to rotationally drive the tilt rail 130. Such rotation of the tilt rail 130 may cause front and rear ladder runs 60, 62 (FIG. 4) of each ladder tape assembly 58 depending from the tilt rail 130 to be raised or lowered relative to each other to adjust the tilt angle of the slats 56. As an alternative to the tilt wand 110 (e.g., as will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6). the tilt system 100may include an electric motor assembly for allowing the tilt drive assembly 170 to be automatically driven via operation of the motor.

[0072] Moreover, as shown FIG. 1, the covering 50 also includes two or more pairs of lift cords 64, 66 forming part of a lift system 200 (FIG. 3) for moving the covering 50 between a lowered or extended position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) and a raised or retracted position (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the covering 50 includes two pairs of lift cords 64, 66 extending between the headrail assembly 52 and the bottom rail assembly 54. Each lift cord pair in FIG. 1 includes a front lift cord 64 extending along a front side 68F of the covering 50, and a rear lift cord 66 extending along a rear side 68R of the covering 50. Specifically, each front lift cord 64 is configured to extend between the headrail assembly 52 and the bottom rail assembly 54 along a front edge of each slat 56, while each rear lift cord 66 is configured to extend between the headrail assembly 52 and the bottom rail assembly 54 along an opposed rear edge of each slat 56. As will be described below, each pair of lift cords 64, 66 may be configured to extend to a corresponding lift system component provided in operative association with the headrail assembly 52.

[0073] It should be appreciated that the configuration of the covering 50 described above and shown in FIG. 1 is provided only to place the present subject matter in an exemplary field of use. Thus, it should be apparent that the present subject matter may be readily adaptable to any suitable manner of covering configuration.

[0074] Referring now' to FIGS. 2 and 3, perspective views of one embodiment of a headrail assembly (e.g., headrail assembly 52) are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective, assembled view' of the headrail assembly 52 (with the tilt wand 110 removed) and FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective, partially exploded view of the headrail assembly 52 shown in FIG. 2.

[0075] In general, the headrail assembly 52 is configured to extend in a lateral direction (indicated by arrow L in FIGS. 2 and 3) between a first assembly end 70 (FIG. 2) and a second assembly end 72 (FIG. 2). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. the headrail assembly 52 includes a first endcap 74 positioned at the first assembly end 70, a second endcap 76 positioned at the second assembly end 72, and a valance 78 extending in the lateral direction L between the first and second endcaps 74, 76. In general, the valance 78 may be configured to extend betw een the endcaps 74, 76 to at least partially cover or conceal one or more of the internal components of the headrail assembly 52 (e.g.. one or more components of the tilt system 100 and / or lift system 200) when the associated assembly 52 is view edfrom its front side. In one embodiment, the valance 78 may be designed or configured to have the same shape, profile, dimensions, etc. as the slats 56 used in the associated covering 50. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the valance 78 corresponds to one of the slats 56 shown in FIG. 1 such that the valance 78 is interchangeable with the each of the slats 56 and vice versa.

[0076] As indicated above, in several embodiments, the headrail assembly 52 may be configured to include or be associated with various components of both the tilt system 100 and the lift system 200. For instance, as particularly shown in FIG. 3, various tilt-related components of the tilt system 100 may be positioned or supported between the first and second endcaps 74, 76. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the tilt system 100 includes a tilt rail 130 extending laterally between a first or drive end 132 of the tilt rail 130 positioned adjacent to the first assembly end 70 (FIG. 2) of the headrail assembly 52 and a second or idle end 134 of the tilt rail 130 positioned adjacent to the second assembly end 72 (FIG. 2) of the headrail assembly 52. Additionally, the tilt system 100 includes a tilt drive assembly 170 coupled to the drive end 132 of the tilt rail 130 and an idle end plate 180 coupled to the idle end 134 of the tilt rail 130. For instance, as shown in FIG. 3, the tilt drive assembly 170 is configured to be coupled between the first endcap 74 and the drive end 132 of the tilt rail 130 adjacent to the first assembly end 70 (FIG. 2) of the headrail assembly 52 and the idle end plate 180 is configured to be coupled between the second endcap 76 and the idle end 134 of the tilt rail 130 adjacent to the second assembly end 72 (FIG. 2) of the headrail assembly 52. In general, the tilt drive assembly 170 may be configured to rotationally drive the tilt rail 130 such that the rail 130 rotates about a tilt axis 102 (FIG. 3) across an angular tilt range (e.g., approximately 180 degrees) to allow the slats 56 of the associated covering 50 to be tilted from a first closed position (e.g.. a closed-down position) through a fully opened position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) to a second closed position (e.g., a closed-up position).

[0077] It should be appreciated that, in general, the tilt drive assembly 170 may have any suitable configuration that allows it to function as described herein (e.g., to rotationally drive the tilt rail 130 in a manner that causes the rail 130 rotate or tilt about the tilt axis 102). Examples of suitable tilt drive assemblies that may be used within the disclosed tilt system 100 are disclosed in US 2024 / 0110439, filed September 29, 2023 and entitled “Operating Systems and Rail Assemblies for Covering for Architectural Structures and Related Coverings”, the disclosure of which was previously incorporated by reference herein.

[0078] Additionally, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, one or more components of the lift system 200 (indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 3) may be supported by the tilt rail 130. As a result, the various lift system components supported by the tilt rail 130 may be configured to rotate with the tilt rail 130 about the tilt axis 102 as the slats 56 are being tilted. Such rotation of the lift system components may allow the front and rear lift cords 64, 66 (FIG. 1) to be shifted slightly in opposite directions together with the front and rear runs 60. 62 (FIG. 1) of the ladder tape assemblies 58 as the slats 56 are being tilted, thereby assisting the slats 56 in being moved to one of the closed positions while maintaining the bottom rail assembly 54 at the desired orientation.

[0079] It should be appreciated that the headrail assembly 52 may also include one or more components for mounting the assembly 52 relative to an adjacent architectural structure. For instance, as particularly shown in FIG. 3, the headrail assembly 52 includes a mounting rail 80 for allowing the assembly 52 to be coupled to an adjacent architectural structure via corresponding mounting brackets (not shown). The mounting rail 80, in turn, may be configured to be coupled to one or more components of the headrail assembly 52 to support such assembly 52 relative to the mounting brackets and the adjacent architectural structure. For instance, in one embodiment, opposed first and second lateral ends 80A, 80B of the mounting rail 80 may be configured to be coupled to corresponding fixed or stationary components of the tilt system 100, such as by coupling the first lateral end 80A of the mounting rail 80 to a component of the tilt drive assembly 170 positioned adjacent to the first assembly end 70 of the headrail assembly 52 and by coupling the second lateral end 80B of the mounting rail 80 to the opposed idle end plate 180 positioned adjacent to the second assembly end 72 of the headrail assembly 52. By coupling the mounting rail 80 to the tilt system components in this manner, the mounting rail 80 may be configured to support not only the tilt system components (and the lift system components associated therewith) relative to the adjacent architectural structure, but also the various other assembly components coupled to the tilt system components (e.g., the endcaps 74, 76, valance 78, etc.).

[0080] Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, differing views of one embodiment of various components of the tilt and lift systems 100, 200 described above are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective, assembled view of various components of the tilt system 100, while FIG. 5 illustrates the perspective view of the tilt system components shown in FIG. 4 with a rail cover 131 for the tilt rail 130 being exploded away to allow the various components of thelift system 200 supported by the rail 130 to be visible. Additionally, FIG. 6 illustrates a similar perspective view as that shown in FIG. 5 with an electric motor assembly 206 and lift rod 208 of the lift system 200 being exploded away from the various other components of the lift system supported by the rail 130. FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tilt rail 130 and associated rail cover 131 shown in FIG. 4 taken about line 7-7 and with all the various other tilt / lift system components being removed for purposes of illustration. Additionally, FIG. 4 also illustrates the various cords / runs that depend or extend from the tilt rail 130, such as the lift cords 64, 66 (shown as dashed lines for purposes of illustration) and the front and rear ladder runs 60, 62 of the ladder tape assemblies 58.

[0081] As indicated above, the tilt rail 130 may be configured to extend laterally between a drive end 132 configured to be coupled to the tilt drive assembly 170 and an idle end 134 configured to be coupled to the opposed idle end plate 180 (FIG. 3) of the tilt system 100, with the tilt drive assembly 170 being configured to cause the tilt rail 130 to be rotated about a tilt axis 102 of the tilt system 100. The idle end 134 of the tilt rail 130 may generally be configured to be coupled to the idle end plate 180 (FIG. 3) in a manner that supports the tilt rail 130 for rotation about the tilt axis 102 (FIG. 3) relative to the idle end plate 180.

[0082] As particularly shown in FIG. 7, the tilt rail 130 may generally include a bottom wall 140 (e.g., a curved or arced bottom wall) extending in a front-to-rear or crosswise direction (indicated by arrow CW in FIG. 7) between a front edge wall 142 and a rear edge wall 144. In several embodiments, each edge wall 142, 144 may be configured as a radiused or curved wall having a first wall portion 146 extending between the bottom wall 140 and an apex point 148 for the radiused edge wall 142, 144 and a second w all portion 150 extending from the apex point 148 to a distal end 152 of the edge wall 142, 144. In one embodiment, a center of mass of the tilt rail (indicated by point 154) may generally be positioned equidistant from the apex points 148 along a reference line (indicated by dashed line 155) extending directly betw een the apex points 148. The center of mass 154 of the tilt rail 130 may, in one embodiment, be offset from the tilt axis 102 of the tilt system 100 by a given distance 156.

[0083] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7, the tilt rail 130 further includes opposed internal sidewalls 158 extending between the distal end 152 of each radiused edge w all 142, 144 and the bottom wall 140 of the tilt rail 130. As show n in the illustrated embodiment, the internal sidewalls 158, along with the bottom wall 140. generally define an upward-facing, open-ended mounting channel 160. As will be described below, various componentsof the lift system 200 may be installed within the open-ended mounting channel 160 to allow such lift system components to be supported by the tilt rail 130 for rotation therewith about the tilt axis 102. Additionally, as particularly shown in FIG. 7, the internal sidewalls 158 of the tilt rail 130 may be configured to define mounting slots 1 2 along each side of the mounting channel 160. Such mounting slots 162 may allow for the various lift system components to be coupled to the tilt rail 130, such as by configuring such components to include corresponding mounting tabs or similar structure extending outwardly therefrom that is configured to be received within the opposed mounting slots 162.

[0084] Additionally, as show n in FIGS. 4-7, the tilt system 100 may also include a rail cover 131 configured to be positioned over and cover the upward-facing open-ended mounting channel 160 of the rail 130. In several embodiments, the tilt rail 130 and rail cover 131 (along with the tilt drive assembly 170 and idle end plate 180 at the opposed ends 132, 134 of the rail 130) may generally define a tubular enclosure or chamber 164 (FIG. 7) for housing the components of the lift system 200. For instance, as indicated above and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, various lift system components may be installed within the upward-facing, open-ended mounting channel 160 defined by the tilt rail 130. In such an embodiment, when the rail cover 131 is positioned relative to the tilt rail 130 to cover the upward-facing, open end of the mounting channel 160 (and the tilt drive assembly 170 and idle end plate 180 are installed relative to the respective ends 132, 134 of the tilt rail 130), a tubular enclosure 164 (FIG. 7) is formed within which the lift system components are encapsulated or housed.

[0085] As particularly shown in FIG. 7, the rail cover 131 generally includes an arcuate or curved cover wall 133 extending circumferentially between a front edge portion 135 and a rear edge portion 137 of the rail cover 131. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7, the rail cover 131 includes opposed support flanges 139 extending inwardly from the cover wall 133 adjacent to the front and rear edge portions 135, 137 of the rail cover 131. In several embodiments, the rail cover 131 may generally be configured to be installed relative to the tilt rail 130 such that the support flanges 139 generally extend adjacent to the top portions of the edge walls 142, 144 of the tilt rail 130 (e.g., the second wall portions 150 of the edge walls 142, 144) at respective support interfaces defined betw een the rail / cover, with the front and rear edge portions 135, 137 of the cover wall 133 extending downw ardly from such interfaces towards the apex points 148 of the front and rear edge walls 142, 144 of the tilt rail 130, respectively. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, the tilt rail 130 and rail cover 131 may be configured such that front and rear cord reveals or '‘cord gaps" 143F, 143R aredefined at the support interfaces between such components when the rail cover 131 is installed relative to the tilt rail 130. In general, the cord gaps 143F, 143R may allow the front and rear runs 60, 62 of each ladder tape assembly 58 and lift cords 64, 66 to pass between the tilt rail 130 and rail cover 131 at the support interfaces from the interior of the enclosure or chamber 164 (FIG. 7) defined by such components and subsequently extend downwardly or depend from the front and rear edge walls 142. 144 of the tilt rail 130. For instance, the front runs 60 of each ladder tape assembly 58 and the front lift cords 64 may extend through the front cord gap 143F and subsequently hang or depend from the front edge wall 142 of the tilt rail 130. Similarly, the rear runs 62 of each ladder tape assembly 58 and the rear lift cords 66 may extend through the rear cord cap 143R and subsequent hang or depend from the rear edge wall 144 of the tilt rail 130.

[0086] Referring still to FIGS.4-7, the lift system 200 may generally include any suitable components provided in operative association with the tilt rail 130 that allows such components to function to raise and lower the bottom rail assembly 54 relative to the headrail assembly 52 of the associated covering 50. For instance, in several embodiments, the lift system 200 may include two or more lift stations 202 installed within the mounting channel 160 of the tilt rail 130. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lift system 200 includes a respective lift station 202 for each pair of lift cords 64, 66 (FIG. 4) of the associated covering 50 (e.g., first and second lift stations 202 when the covering 50 includes first and second pairs of lift cords 64. 66), with each lift station 202 including a pair of lift spools 204 for winding and unwinding the respective front and rear lift cords 64, 66 of the corresponding pair of cords. Thus, as the bottom rail assembly 54 is being raised relative to the headrail assembly 52, each lift cord 64, 66 may be wound around its respective lift spool 204. Similarly, as the bottom rail assembly 54 is being lowered relative to the headrail assembly 52, each lift cord 64, 66 is unwound from its respective lift spool 204.

[0087] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 the lift system 200 may also include an electric motor assembly 206 and a lift rod 208 installed relative to the mounting channel 160 of the tilt rail 130 to allow for automatic raising / lowering of the associated covering 50 via operation of the motor assembly 206. As is generally understood, the lift rod 208 may be configured to operatively couple the lift stations 202 to the motor assembly 206. As a result, the motor assembly 206 may be configured to rotationally drive the lift spools 204 of the lift stations 202 via the lift rod 208. For instance, an output shaft 241 (FIGS. 10-12) of the electric motor assembly 206 may be rotated in a first or lowering direction to rotationally drive the lift spools 204 in a manner that causes the bottom rail assembly 54 to be loweredrelative to the headrail rail assembly 52. Similarly, the output shaft 241 of the electric motor assembly 206 may be rotated in an opposite or second raising direction to rotationally drive the lift spools 204 in a manner that cause the bottom rail assembly 54 to be raised relative to the headrail assembly 52. As particularly shown in FIG. 6, the lift rod 208 generally extends lengthwise or axially between a first rod end 208A and a second rod end 208B. As will be described below, the electric motor assembly 206 may be adapted to be installed relative to the lift rod 208 at any suitable location between its opposed ends 208A, 208B, thereby providing flexibility in positioning the electric motor assembly 206 within the tilt rail 130 (and relative to the various other components of the lift system 200 and / or tilt system 100).

[0088] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the electric motor assembly 206 may be configured to rotationally drive its output shaft 241 (FIGS. 10-12) about an output axis 207 of the motor assembly 206 that is offset from and oriented parallel to a drive axis 209 of the lift system 200 about which the lift rod 208 is rotationally driven. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the output axis 207 of the motor assembly 206 is oriented parallel to the drive axis 209 of the lift system 200, with such axes 207, 209 being offset from each other in the front-to-rear or crosswise direction CW by a given axis spacing distance 211. As will be described in greater detail below his offset axis arrangement may be achieved, in several embodiments, by utilizing a transmission (e.g., geartrain) between the output shaft 241 of the motor assembly 206 and the lift rod 208.

[0089] It should be appreciated that, in addition to the lift system 200, the tilt system 100 may, in several embodiments, be similarly motorized to allow for automatic tilting of the slats 56 of the associated covering 50 via operation of an associated motor assembly. For instance, as particularly shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. the tilt system 100 may include an electric motor assembly 190 installed within the mounting channel 160 relative to the tilt drive assembly 170. In such an embodiment, an output shaft of the motor assembly 190 may be coupled to an input mechanism of the tilt drive assembly 170 to allow the motor assembly 190 to rotationally drive the tilt drive assembly 170 in a manner that causes the tilt rail 130 to be rotated about the tilt axis 102 (FIG. 3), thereby allowing the slats 56 to be automatically tilted between their opened / closed positions. For instance, with reference to the tilt drive assembly described in FIGS. 51-67 of US 2024 / 0110439, filed September 29, 2023 and entitled “Operating Systems and Rail Assemblies for Covering for Architectural Structures and Related Coverings”, the disclosure of which was previously incorporated by reference herein, the output shaft of the motor assembly 190 may be coupled to the gear post451* of such tilt drive assembly so that the motor assembly 190 can rotationally drive the gear post 451* as it meshes with the gear portion 415* of the tilt rail cap 401*, thereby causing the tilt rail to rotation about the tilt axis.

[0090] Additionally, it should be appreciated that, in embodiments in which the covering 50 includes an electric motor assembly (e.g., the electric motor assemblies 206, 190 of the lift / tilt systems 200, 100), the motor assembly may be powered via any suitable power source. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in several embodiments, a batten' pack 230 (e.g., including one or more batteries) may be housed within the mounting channel 160 of the tilt rail 130 to serve as a power source for the electric motor assemblies 206, 190. In such embodiments, the battery pack 230 may be electrically coupled to each motor assembly 206. 190 via suitable cables or wires. In one embodiment, the battery pack 230 may serve as the sole source of electrical power for the electric motor assemblies 206, 190. Alternatively, the electric motor assemblies 206, 190 may be configured to be coupled to more than one power source (e.g., by being electrically connected to both the batte ' pack 230 and a separate power source, in which case the battery pack 230 may, for example, serve as a back-up source of electrical power for the electric motor assemblies 206, 190 when the separate power source is not available).

[0091] As should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the ladder tape assemblies 58 may depend from the tilt rail 130 such that rotation of the tilt rail 130 about the tilt axis 102 results in the front and rear ladder runs 60. 62 of the ladder tape assemblies 58 being raised / lowered in opposite directions to effectuate tilting of the slats 56.Specifically, in several embodiments, an end of each ladder run 60, 62 (e.g., a grommeted or knotted end) may be coupled to an interior portion of the tilt rail 130 or to a component installed within the tilt rail 130 (e.g., a housing of the adjacent tilt station 202) to secure the ladder tape assembly 58 relative to the tilt rail 130. Additionally, as indicated above, each ladder run 60, 62 may extend from such interior connection point through the cord gap 143F, 143R (FIG. 7) defined between the tilt rail 130 and the rail cover 131 and at least partially wrap around the adjacent radiused edge wall 142, 144 of the tilt rail 130 prior to extending downwardly from the tilt rail 130 towards the bottom rail assembly 54 of the associated covering 50. In this regard, as the tilt rail 130 is rotated in a first or closed-down rotational direction about the tilt axis 102 (e.g., as indicated by arrow CD in FIG. 7) to tilt the front edges of the slats 56 downwards towards the closed-down position, the front ladder run 60 will be shifted downward as the front edge wall 142 of the tilt rail 130 pivots downwardly and the rear ladder run 62 will be shifted upward as the rear edge wall 144 ofthe tilt rail 130 pivots upwardly. Similarly, as the tilt rail 130 is rotated in an opposed second or closed-up rotational direction about the tilt axis 102 (e.g., as indicated by arrow CU in FIG. 7) to tilt the front edges of the slats 56 upwards towards the closed-up position, the front ladder run 60 will be shifted upward as the front edge wall 142 of the tilt rail 130 pivots upwardly and the rear ladder run 62 will be shifted downw ardly as the rear edge wall 144 of the tilt rail 130 pivots upwardly.

[0092] For example, FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate various end views of the tilt rail 130 and rail cover 131 (as assembled) oriented at different positions corresponding to different tilt positions of the slats 56 of the associated covering 50. FIGS. 8A-8C further show a pair of front and rear ladder runs 60, 62 of a ladder tape assembly 58 and pair of front and rear lift cords 64, 66 depending from the tilt rail 130 (with the front runs / cords being shown as a single line 60, 64 and the rear runs / cords being shown as a single line 62, 66 for ease of illustration), particularly illustrating how such cords / runs 60, 62, 64, 66 wrap around or engage the tilt rail 130 as it is being tilted to adjust the tilt position of the slats 56.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 8A, when the slats 56 of the associated covering 50 are at the fully opened position (e.g., the position shown in FIG. 1), the tilt rail 130 is disposed at a substantially horizontal orientation. At such orientation, the ladder runs 60, 62 and lift cords 64, 66 generally depend from the tilt rail 130 at the apex points 148 (FIG. 7) of the front and rear edge walls 142. 144 of the rail 130. To transition the slats 56 from the fully opened position to the closed-down position, the tilt rail 130 is rotated about the tilt axis 102 in the closed-down direction (indicated by arrow CD in FIG. 8A) from the substantially horizontal orientation shown in FIG. 8A to the substantially vertical orientation shown in FIG. 8B, at which point the front edge wall 142 of the tilt rail 130 generally faces downward and the rear edge wall 144 of the tilt rail 130 generally faces upward. Such rotation of the tilt rail 130 results in tilting of the slats 56 to the closed-down position as the front ladder run 60 is lowered simultaneously with the rear ladder run 62 being raised. For instance, as shown in FIG. 8B, in addition to the difference in height betw een the front and rear edge walls 142, 144 of the tilt rail 130, rotation of the tilt rail 130 to the position shown in FIG. 8B results in the front ladder run 60 depending directly from the cord gap I43F defined between tilt rail 130 and rail cover 131 (as opposed to the apex point of the front edge wall 142 as shown in FIG. 8 A) and the rear ladder run 62 partially wrapping around the tilt rail 130 (e.g., around the rear edge wall 144 and potentially a portion of the bottom wall 140 of the tilt rail 130), thereby effectively lowering the front ladder run 60 and raising the rear ladder run 62.

[0094] Similarly, to transition the slats 56 from the fully opened position to the closed-down position, the tilt rail 130 is rotated about the tilt axis 102 in the closed-up direction (indicated by arrow CU in FIG. 8A) from the substantially horizontal orientation shown in FIG. 8A to the substantially vertical orientation shown in FIG. 8C, at which point the rear edge wall 144 of the tilt rail 130 generally faces downward and the front edge wall 142of the tilt rail 130 generally faces upward. Such rotation of the tilt rail 130 results in tilting of the slats 56 to the closed-up position as the rear ladder run 62 is lowered simultaneously with the front ladder run 60 being raised. For instance, as shown in FIG. 8C, in addition to the difference in height between the front and rear edge walls 142, 144 of the tilt rail 130, rotation of the tilt rail 130 to the position shown in FIG. 8C results in the rear ladder run 62 depending directly from the cord gap 143R defined between tilt rail 130 and rail cover 131 (as opposed to the apex point of the rear edge wall 144 as shown in FIG. 10A) and the front ladder run 60 partially wrapping around the tilt rail 130 (e.g., around the front edge wall 142 and potentially a portion of the bottom wall 140 of the tilt rail 130), thereby effectively lowering the rear ladder run 62 and raising the front ladder run 60.

[0095] Referring now to FIGS. 9-12, various views of one embodiment of an electric motor assembly (e g., electric motor assembly 206) suitable for use within one or more embodiments of a lift system (e.g., lift system 200) are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective, assembled view of the motor assembly 206, while FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate opposed perspective, exploded view's of the motor assembly 206 shown in FIG. 9. Additionally, FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view7of the motor assembly 206 shown in FIG. 9 taken about line 12-12 (i.e., about a plane extending through the output axis 207 of the motor assembly 206). For purposes of illustrating the installed position of the lift rod 208 relative to the motor assembly 206, FIG. 9 also illustrates the lift rod 208 (i.e., in phantom lines) extending axially through portions of the motor assembly 206. Moreover, to simplify the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 12, it should be appreciated that various internal components of an electric motor 240 of the motor assembly 206 have been shown in dashed lines.

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 9-12, the motor assembly 206 generally includes an electric motor 240 and a motor controller 250 for controlling the operation of the electric motor 240. In addition, the motor assembly206 includes corresponding support structure for supporting the electric motor 240 and controller 250 within (and / or relative to) the tilt rail 130 of the tilt system 100. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the motor assembly 206 includes a motor carriage 260 and first and second motor end supports 270, 280 configured to supportthe electric motor 240 and controller 250 relative to the carriage 260. Moreover, the motor assembly 206 also includes a transmission 290 for transferring rotational motion of the output shaft 241 of the electric motor 240 to the lift rod 208, thereby allowing the motor assembly 206 to rotationally drive the lift rod 208 via the transmission 290. For instance, as will be described below, the transmission 290 is generally implemented as a gear train including side-by-side or parallel meshing gears to allow the lift rod 208 to be rotationally driven about the drive axis 209 of the lift system 200 extending parallel to (and offset from) the output axis 207 of the electric motor 240. Such a configuration allows for the lift rod 208 and the electric motor 240 to be positioned in a side-by-side or generally parallel arrangement in which an axial portion of the lift rod 208 extends adjacent or alongside the electric motor 240 when such components are installed relative to each other. As a result, the electric motor assembly 206 may generally be positioned at any suitable location within the tilt rail 130 between the opposed ends 208 A, 208B (FIG. 6) of the lift rod 208, thereby providing design flexibility when arranging the various lift system components within the tilt rail 130.

[0097] The motor 240 may generally correspond to any suitable electric motor, such as a DC motor or an AC motor. In several embodiments, the motor may generally include a stationary, outer housing 242 (FIGS. 10-12) configured to house or enclose various suitable components or features for producing a rotational output or torque at the output shaft 241, such as a stator (which may from part of the outer housing 242). rotor, armature, commutator (if brushed), clutch, and / or the like. As particularly shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the outer housing 242 of the motor 240 may generally extend lengthwise between a first housing end 242 A and a second housing end 242B, with the output shaft 241 extending outwardly from the housing 242 at its second end 242B. Additionally, as shown in FIGS.10-12, in one embodiment, a motor encoder 243 may also be included or associated with the motor 240 to track or monitor the rotations of the motor 240, thereby allowing the corresponding position of the covering 50 to be determined. In this illustrated embodiment, the motor encoder 243 is positioned at or adjacent to the first end 242A of the housing 242. In one embodiment, the motor encoder 243 may be a Hall effect sensor that detects the rotation of a magnet coupled to the rotor of the motor 240. Alternatively, the encoder 243 may correspond to any other suitable device capable of detecting the rotational output of the motor 240, such as a rotary encoder, gravitational sensor, and / or the like.

[0098] The motor controller 250 may generally have any suitable configuration that allows the controller 250 to control the operation of the electric motor 240. For instance, inone embodiment, the motor controller 250 may be configured as (or may include) one or more printed circuit boards 251 for operatively controlling the electric motor 240. The circuit board(s) 251 may include, for example, any suitable electrical components for controlling the operation of the motor 240, including, but not limited to, components for monitoring the operation of the motor 240, components for communicating with the motor 240 via a wired or wireless connection, and / or components for communicating with a separate controller (e.g., a remote controller) via a wired or wireless connection. For instance, the circuit board(s) 251 may include a sensor interface for receiving signals or data from the motor encoder 243. Additionally, the circuit board(s) 251 may include a communications device (e.g., a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, and / or any other suitable interface) to facilitate the exchange of data with a separate device, such as a remote controller. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a power / data connector 252 may also be coupled to or included as part of the circuit board(s) 251 to allow such board(s) 251 to be connected to a power source (e.g., the battery pack 230) and / or a data / signal source.

[0099] Referring still to FIGS. 9-12, the motor end supports 270, 280 of the electric motor assembly 206 may generally be configured to support the electric motor 240 (and the motor controller 250) relative to the motor carriage 260 (and, thus, relative to the tilt rail 130 when the motor assembly 206 is installed therein). As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the first motor end support 270 defines a motor cavity or through-hole 271 coaxially aligned with the output axis 207 of the motor 240 that is configured to receive the first end 242A of the outer motor housing 242. Specifically, as shown in FIG 12, the dimensions of the motor through-hole 271 may be selected such that the first end 242A of the motor housing 242 can be received within the through-hole 271 in a tight-fitting or snug arrangement, thereby allowing the first motor end support 270 to fixedly support such end 242A of the motor housing 242 relative to the motor carriage 260. Any additional components included or related to the electric motor 240 that extend outwardly relative to the first end 242A of the motor housing 242 may also be configured to be received within and / or extend through the motor through-hole 271 of the first motor end support 270. For instance, as shown in FIG.12, the motor encoder 243 may be received within and / or extend through the through-hole 271 of the first motor end support 270. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first motor end support 270 may also define a controller tray 272 configured to receive an adjacent portion or end of the circuit board(s) 251 of the motor controller 250. In such an embodiment, the adjacent end of the circuit board(s) 251 may be secured within thecontroller tray 272 (e.g., via a fastener 253) to couple the circuit board(s) 251 to first motor end support 270.

[0100] Similarly, the second motor end support 280 may generally be configured to support the opposed end of the electric motor 240. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the second motor end support 280 may define a support ledge 281 configured to vertically support the adjacent, second end 242B of the motor housing 242. Specifically, as shown in FIG 12, the bottom portion of the second end 242B of the motor housing 242 may be configured to rest against or otherwise contact the support ledge 281 when the elector motor 240 and second motor end support 280 are installed relative to each other. The second motor end support 280 may also be configured to be rigidly or fixedly coupled to the motor housing 242. For instance, as shown in FIG. 11, the second motor end support 280 may define fastener openings 282 (only one of three being labeled in FIG. 11) for receiving suitable fasteners 244 (e.g., screws) for coupling the second motor end support 280 to the adjacent second end 242B of the motor housing 242. Additionally, the second motor end support 280 may be configured to define an output shaft opening 283 aligned coaxially with the output axis 207 of the electric motor 240 for receiving the output shaft 241. For instance, as shown in FIG. 12, when electric motor 240 is assembled relative to the second motor end support 280, the output shaft 241 may extend through the output shaft opening 283 defined by the second motor end support 280. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the second motor end support 280 may also define a controller tray 284 configured to receive and / or support an adjacent portion or end of the circuit board(s) 251.

[0101] Each motor end support 270, 280 may, in turn, be configured to be coupled to the motor carriage 260 to allow the end supports 270, 280 (and electric motor / controller 240, 250 coupled thereto) to be supported relative to the tilt rail 130 via the carriage 260.Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 (see also FIG. 13 described below), the motor carriage 260 may generally include a “U-shaped” carriage body 261 configured to extend underneath and partially wrap around the underside of the electric motor 240 (without contacting the motor 240). As will be described below with reference to FIG. 13, the carriage body 261 may include mounting tabs 262 extending outwardly from its opposed sides (i.e., one along each side) to allow the motor carriage 260 to be coupled to the tilt rail 130. In addition, the carriage body 261 includes a pair of carriage arms 263, 264 extending outwardly from each longitudinal end of the carriage body 261. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the carriage 260 includes a first pair of carriage arms 263 extending from a first longitudinal end 261 A of the carriage body 261 and a second pair of carriage arms 264extending from a second longitudinal end 26 IB of the carriage body 261. Each pair of carriage arms 263, 264 may generally function to allow a respective motor end support 270, 270 to be coupled to the carriage 260. For instance, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, each carriage arm 263, 264 is configured as a hook-shaped member defining an arcuate opening 265 for receiving an annular vibration isolator 266 (e.g., two of which are exploded away from the carriage 260 in each of FIGS. 10 and 11), such as a rubber damper or gasket. Each vibration isolator 266 may, in turn, be configured to receive a corresponding mounting post of the respective motor end support 270, 280. Specifically, the first motor end support 270 may include a pair of mounting posts 273 extending outwardly from the opposed sides of the end support 270, with such mounting posts 273 configured to be inserted through the vibration isolators 266 installed within the first pair of carriage arms 263 to couple the first motor end support 270 to the carriage 260. Similarly, the second motor end support 280 may include a pair of mounting posts 285 extending outwardly from the opposed sides of the end support 280, with such mounting posts 285 configured to be inserted through the vibration isolators 266 installed within the second pair of carriage arms 264 to couple the second motor end support 280 to the carriage 260. In doing so, the vibration isolators 266 may generally function to substantially vibrationally isolate the end supports 270, 280 (and the electric motor 240 coupled thereto) from the carriage 260, which, in turn, prevents (or substantially dampens) the transmission of vibrations from the electric motor 240 to the tilt rail 130 (and / or any other components of the headrail assembly 52) to effectuate noise reduction.

[0102] Referring briefly to FIG. 13, a similar end view of the tilt rail 130 described above with reference to FIG. 7 is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, particularly illustrating the motor carriage 260 of the electric motor assembly 206 as installed within the tilt rail 130. FIG. 13 also illustrates the general positions of the electric motor (e.g., as indicated by dashed circle 240) and parallel axes (i.e., the output axis 207 of the motor 240 and the drive axis 209 of the lift system 200) relative to the motor carriage 260 and tilt rail 130, as well as the relative position of the tilt axis 102 of the tilt rail 130 relative to such components / axes / features. As shown in FIG. 13, when installed within the tilt rail 130, the mounting tabs 262 of the motor carriage 260 may be configured to be received within the mounting slots 162 of the tilt rail 130, thereby coupling the carriage 260 (and, thus, the electric motor assembly 206) to the rail 130. As such, the electric motor assembly 206 (along with the other components of the lift system 100 installed within thetilt rail 130) may be configured to tilt with the tilt rail 130 about the tilt axis 102 (e.g., across the range of positions shown in FIGS. 8A-8C) as the slats 56 being tilted.

[0103] Additionally, as shown in FIG 13, the “U-shaped’’ carriage body 261 of the motor carriage 260 may generally be curved or shaped to match the general shape of the bottom wall 140 of the tilt rail 130. This may allow the carriage body 261 to extend adjacent to the bottom wall 140 in a complementary arrangement without contacting the wall 140. As such, when the electric motor assembly 206 is installed within the tilt rail 130, the only points of contract between the motor assembly 206 and the tilt rail 130 may correspond to any contact made between the mounting tabs 262 of the carriage 260 and the structure defining the mounting slots 162 of the tilt rail 130 along with any contact made between the vibration isolators 266 and the bottom wall 140 of the tilt rail 130. For instance, as shown in FIG. 13, a lower portion of each vibration isolator 266 extending dow nw ardly from the hooked or arcuate openings 265 (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the carriage arms 263, 264 may be compressed into or otherwise contact the bottom wall 140 when the motor assembly 206 is installed within the tilt rail 130, thereby providing a damping connection betw een the motor assembly 206 and the tilt rail 130 to reduce / prevent vibration transmission and effectuate noise reduction when operating the motor assembly 206.

[0104] Referring back to FIGS. 9-12, the transmission 290 of the electric motor assembly 206 may generally be configured to be coupled between the output shaft 241 of the electric motor 240 and the lift rod 208 to allow the rotational output of the motor 240 to be transferred to the lift rod 208 for rotationally driving the lift spools 204 (FIGS. 5 and 6) to raise and low er the bottom rail assembly 54 relative to the headrail assembly 52. As indicated above, in several embodiments, the transmission 290 may be implemented as a gear train including side-by-side or parallel meshing gears. For instance, as shown in FIGS.10 and 11, the transmission 290 includes first and second meshing gears 291, 292, with the first gear 291 (e.g., a pinion gear) configured to be coupled to the output shaft 241 of the electric motor 240 and the second gear 292 (e.g., a spur gear) configured to be coupled to the lift rod 208. Specifically, the first gear 291 is coupled to the output shaft 241 for rotation about the output axis 207 of the motor 240, while the second gear 292 is coupled to the lift rod 208 for rotation about the drive axis 209 of the lift system 200. In such an embodiment, it should be appreciated that the spatial offset or axis spacing distance 211 (FIG. 9) defined between the output axis 207 of the motor 240 and the drive axis 209 of the lift system 200 may generally be equal to the summation of the radii of the gears 291. 292. The output shaft 241 of the motor 240 may generally be configured to be coupled to the firstgear 291 via any suitable connection, such as a press-fit connection. Additionally, in several embodiments, the lift rod 208 may generally be configured to be coupled to the second gear 292 via a keyed connection (e.g., V-shaped key) to allow the motor assembly 206 to be translated axially along the length of the lift rod 208 (or to allow the lift rod 208 to be slid axially through the motor assembly 206) to properly position the motor assembly 206 at the desired location between the opposed ends 208A, 208B of the lift rod 208.

[0105] It should be appreciated that the transmission 290 may generally be configured to provide any suitable gear ratio. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, a one-to-one (1:1) ratio is provided between the first and second gears 291, 292. In other embodiments, it may be desirable to provide a gear reduction between the first and second gears 291, 292 depending on the output of the electric motor 240 and / or the configuration of the lift system 200.

[0106] In several embodiments, the transmission 290 may be configured to be housed within a portion of the second motor end support 280. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the second motor end support 280 defines a transmission cavity 286 configured to receive the first and second gears 291, 292 in a manner that allows such gears 291, 22 to be supported therein for rotation relative to the motor end support 280. Additionally, a suitable cover 298 may be configured to be secured to the second motor end support 290 (e.g., via a fastener 299) to encase and retain the gears 291, 292 within the transmission cavity 286. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12, with the second motor end support 280 assembled relative to the electric motor 240, the output shaft 241 may extend through the output shaft opening 283 and into the transmission cavity 286 defined by the second motor end support 280 to allow the shaft 241 to be received within and rotationally engaged with the first gear 291.

[0107] Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the second motor end support 280 and the associated cover 298 may each define a pass-through opening 287 aligned coaxially with the drive axis 209 of the lift system 200 for receiving the lift rod 208. Similarly, the first motor end support 270 may also be configured to define a pass-through opening 274 that is coaxially aligned with the drive axis 209 of the lift system 200. Thus, as shown in FIG. 9, with the lift rod 208 installed relative to the motor assembly 206, the rod 208 may extend along the drive axis 209 through the aligned pass-through openings 274, 287 defined by the first and second end supports 270, 280 and the cover 298, as well as through the second gear 292 housed within the transmission cavity 286 of the second motor end support 280. As such, an axial portion 213 of the lift rod 208 (e.g., the portion of the lift rod 208 extendingbetween the first and second motor end supports 270, 280) may generally be arranged in a side-by-side configuration with the electric motor 240, with the lift rod 208 configured to be rotationally driven about the drive axis 209 oriented parallel to (and offset from) the output axis 207 of the motor 240. As indicated above, with such a configuration, the electric motor assembly 206 may generally be configured to be positioned at any suitable location between the opposed ends 208 A. 208B of the lift rod 208. Accordingly, the axial portion 213 of the lift rod 208 extending between the first and second motor end supports 270, 280 may generally correspond to any suitable axial portion of the lift rod 208 defined between the first and second ends 208A, 208B of the rod 208, depending on the desired axial positioning of the motor assembly 206 along the length of the rod 208.

[0108] While the foregoing Detailed Description and drawings represent various embodiments, it will be understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter. Each example is provided by way of explanation w ithout intent to limit the broad concepts of the present subject matter. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that principles of the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. 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. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the disclosure, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements show n as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, the size or dimensions of the elements may be varied. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the present subject matter being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description.

[0109] In the foregoing Detailed 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” element, as used herein.refers to one or more of that element. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, cross-wise, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, and / or the like) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader’s understanding of the present subject matter, and / or serve to distinguish regions of the associated elements from one another, and do not limit the associated element, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the present subject matter. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, secured, mounted and / or the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members betw een a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another.[00110J All apparatuses and methods disclosed herein are examples of apparatuses and / or methods implemented in accordance with one or more principles of the present subject matter. These examples are not the only way to implement these principles but are merely examples. Thus, references to elements or structures or features in the drawings must be appreciated as references to examples of embodiments of the present subject matter, and should not be understood as limiting the disclosure to the specific elements, structures, or features illustrated. Other examples of manners of implementing the disclosed principles will occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure.

[0111] This written description uses examples to disclose the present subject matter, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the present subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

[0112] The following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In the claims, the term "comprises / comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by, e.g., a single unit or processor.Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. The terms "a". "an". “first”, “second”, etc., do not preclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An operating system for a covering for an architectural structure, the operating system comprising:a lift rod rotatable about a drive axis of the operating system; anda motor assembly including an electric motor, the electric motor having an output shaft rotatable about an output axis of the electric motor, the output axis of the electric motor being offset from and oriented parallel to the drive axis of the operating system, wherein the output shaft is coupled to the lift rod such that rotation of the output shaft about the output axis results in rotation of the lift rod about the drive axis.

2. The operating system of claim 1, further comprising a transmission coupling the output shaft of the electric motor to the lift rod.

3. The operating system of claim 2, wherein:the transmission includes first and second gears;the first gear is coupled to the output shaft for rotation with the output shaft about the output axis; andthe second gear is coupled to the lift rod for rotation with the lift rod about the drive axis.

4. The operating system of claim 3, wherein the first and second gears are configured to mesh with each other to transfer rotational motion of the output shaft to the lift rod.

5. The operating system of claim 3, wherein the first gear and the output shaft are coaxially aligned with the output axis and the second gear and the lift rod are coaxially aligned with the drive axis.

6. The operating system of claim 1, wherein;the lift rod extends axially along the drive axis between a first end and a second end of the lift rod; andthe electric motor is positioned axially relative to the lift rod at a location between the first and second ends of the lift rod.

7. The operating system of claim 6, wherein an axial portion of the lift rod extending between the first and second ends of the lift rod is provided in a side-by-side arrangement with the electric motor.

8. The operating system of claim 6, wherein the electric motor is configured to be positioned at any location between the first and second ends of the lift rod.

9. The operating system of claim 1, wherein:the electric motor includes an outer housing extending between a first end and a second end of the outer housing; andthe electnc motor assembly further comprises first and second end supports configured to support the first and second ends of the outer housing, respectively.

10. The operating system of claim 9, wherein each of the first and second end supports defines a pass-through opening configured to receive the lift rod.

11. The operating system of claim 9, wherein an axial portion of the lift rod extends along the drive axis between the first and second end supports.

12. The operating system of claim 11, wherein the axial portion of the lift rod extends along the drive axis in a side-by-side arrangement with the electric motor.

13. The operating system of claim 9, further comprising a motor carriage coupled to the first and second end supports.

14. The operating system of claim 13, wherein the motor carriage is coupled to the first and second end supports via vibration isolators to reduce or prevent a transmission of vibrations from the first and second end supports to the motor carriage.

15. The operating system of claim 9, wherein:the output shaft extends axially from the second end of the outer housing of the electric motor;the electric motor assembly further comprises a transmission coupling the output shaft of the electric motor to the lift rod; andthe transmission is housed within a portion of the second end support.

16. The operating system of claim 1, further comprising:first and second lift spools coupled to the lift rod; andfirst and second lift cords coupled to the first and second lift spools, respectively; wherein the lift rod is configured to rotationally drive the first and second lift spools to cause the first and second lift cords to wind around or unwind from the first and second lift spools, respectively.

17. A covering for an architectural structure, the covering comprising the operating system of claim 1, the covering further comprising a headrail assembly and a bottom rail assembly supported relative to the headrail assembly, wherein the output shaft is coupled to the lift rod such that rotation of the output shaft about the output axisresults in rotation of the lift rod about the drive axis to effectuate raise or lowering of the bottom rail assembly relative to the headrail assembly.

18. An electric motor assembly for a covering for an architectural structure, the electric motor assembly comprising:an electric motor including an output shaft rotatable about an output axis; and a transmission operably coupled to the output shaft, the transmission including first and second gears, the first gear being coupled to the output shaft for rotation with the output shaft about the output axis, the second gear being configured to mesh with the first gear such that rotation of the first gear about the output axis results in rotation of the second gear about a drive axis,wherein the drive axis is offset from and oriented parallel to the output axis.

19. The electric motor assembly of claim 18, wherein the first gear and the output shaft are coaxially aligned with the output axis and the second gear is coaxially aligned with the drive axis.

20. The electric motor assembly of claim 18, wherein:the electric motor includes an outer housing extending between a first end and a second end of the outer housing;the electric motor assembly further comprising first and second end supports configured to support the first and second ends of the outer housing, respectively; and one of the first end support or the second end support is configured to house the transmission.

21. The electric motor assembly of claim 20, wherein:the output shaft extends axially from the second end of the outer housing; and the transmission is housed within a portion of the second end support.

22. The electric motor assembly of claim 21, wherein the second end support defines a transmission cavity configured to receive the first and second gears of the transmission.

23. The electric motor assembly of claim 22, further comprising a cover configured to be coupled to the second end support to enclose the first and second gears within the transmission cavity.

24. The electric motor assembly of claim 20, further comprising a motor carriage coupled to the first and second end supports.

25. The electric motor assembly of claim 24, wherein the motor carriage is coupled to the first and second end supports via vibration isolators to reduce or prevent a transmission of vibrations from the first and second end supports to the motor camage.

26. The electric motor assembly of claim 20, wherein each of the first and second end supports defines a pass-through opening coaxially aligned with the drive axis.

27. The electric motor assembly of claim 26, wherein the pass-through openings are configured to receive a rod of an operating system of the covering extending along the drive axis.

28. The electric motor assembly of claim 18, wherein the second gear is configured to be coupled to a rod of an operating system of the covering.

29. An operating system for a covering for an architectural structure, the operating system comprising the electric motor assembly of claim 18, the operating system further comprising a lift rod configured to be coupled to the second gear such that the lift rod is rotatable about the drive axis with rotation of the output shaft about the output axis.

30. The operating system of claim 29, further comprising:first and second lift spools coupled to the lift rod; andfirst and second lift cords coupled to the first and second lift spools, respectively; wherein the lift rod is configured to rotationally drive the first and second lift spools to cause the first and second lift cords to wind around or unwind from the first and second lift spools, respectively.

31. A headrail assembly configured for use with a covering for an architectural structure, the headrail assembly comprising:a tilt system including a tilt rail, the tilt rail configured to be rotated about a tilt axis to effectuate tilting of a plurality of slats; anda lift system including an electric motor assembly configured to raise and lower the plurality of slats;wherein the electric motor assembly is provided in operative association with the tilt rail such that the electric motor assembly rotates with the tilt rail about the tilt axis.

32. The headrail assembly of claim 31, wherein:the lift system further comprises a lift rod rotatable about a drive axis of the lift system; andthe electnc motor assembly includes an electric motor, the electric motor having an output shaft rotatable about an output axis of the electric motor, the output axis of the electric motor being offset from and oriented parallel to the drive axis of the operating system,wherein the output shaft is coupled to the lift rod such that rotation of the output shaft about the output axis results in rotation of the lift rod about the drive axis.

33. The headrail assembly claim 32, further comprising a transmission coupling the output shaft of the electric motor to the lift rod.

34. The headrail assembly claim 33, wherein:the transmission includes first and second gears;the first gear is coupled to the output shaft for rotation with the output shaft about the output axis; andthe second gear is coupled to the lift rod for rotation with the lift rod about the drive axis.

35. The headrail assembly claim 32, wherein;the lift rod extends axially along the drive axis between a first end and a second end of the lift rod; andthe electric motor is positioned axially relative to the lift rod at a location between the first and second ends of the lift rod.

36. The headrail assembly claim 35, wherein an axial portion of the lift rod extending between the first and second ends of the lift rod is provided in a side-by-side arrangement with the electric motor.

37. The headrail assembly claim 35, wherein the electric motor is configured to be positioned at any location between the first and second ends of the lift rod.

38. The headrail assembly claim 32, wherein:the electric motor includes an outer housing extending between a first end and a second end of the outer housing; andthe electric motor assembly further comprises first and second end supports configured to support the first and second ends of the outer housing, respectively.

39. The headrail assembly claim 38, wherein each of the first and second end supports defines a pass-through opening configured to receive the lift rod.

40. The headrail assembly claim 38, wherein an axial portion of the lift rod extends along the drive axis betw een the first and second end supports.

41. The headrail assembly claim 40, wherein the axial portion of the lift rod extends along the drive axis in a side-by-side arrangement with the electric motor.

42. A covering for an architectural structure, the covering comprising the headrail assembly of claim 31, the covering further comprising a bottom rail assembly supported relative to the headrail assembly, wherein the electric motor assembly is configured to effectuate raise or low ering of the bottom rail assembly relative to the headrail assembly.

43. A covering for an architectural structure, the covering comprising: a headrail assembly;a bottom rail assembly supported relative to headrail assembly;a plurality of slats supported between the headrail assembly and the bottom rail assembly;a tilt system forming part of the headrail assembly, the tilt system including a tilt rail configured to rotate about a tilt axis to effectuate tilting of the plurality of slats; and a lift system forming part of the headrail assembly, the lift system including an electric motor assembly configured to raise and lower the bottom rail assembly relative to the headrail assembly;wherein the electric motor assembly is provided in operative association with the tilt rail such that the electric motor assembly rotates with the tilt rail about the tilt axis.

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