Docket : HZ-129 . 00-353
`
`CONTROL OF ARCHITECTURAL OPEN I NG COVERINGS
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0001]
`
`Architect ura l ope ning coveri ngs such as roller blinds
`
`prov i de s hading and pr ivacy .
`
`Such cover ings typ ically i nclude a
`
`manually operated cord, cha i n or pull tube or a motor i zed roller
`
`tube connected to covering fabric , which ma y be s l atted or
`
`l ouvered . The fa b ric can be fitted with a bottom r ail and
`
`optional l y run through a pair of opposing v e rt i cal frame or
`
`trac k members , o ne f or each side e dge of the fabric , so t hat the
`
`fabric raises a nd falls in a d esignated pat h and is not
`
`sub j ected to mot i on from, for exampl e, b l owing wind .
`
`BRIEF DESCRI PTION OF THE DRAWI NGS
`
`[000 2 ]
`
`Examp le implementations of a r chi tect u r al opening
`
`cover i ngs will be descr i bed t h r o ugh t he use o f the accompa nyi ng
`
`draw i ngs, wh ich are not t o be considered as limiting, a nd in
`
`whi ch :
`
`[0003]
`
`Figur e 1 i l lustrate s an example imp l eme ntat i o n of a
`
`ro lle r type architect u r al opening covering wi t h a
`
`manual cont ro l ; a nd
`
`[000 4 ]
`
`Figur e 2 illus tr ates an example i mpl eme nt at i o n of a
`
`ro lle r type architectural open ing covering with a one(cid:173)
`
`way sl ip cl utch to provide a
`
`t o rque limi ti ng motor
`
`coupl ing.
`
`-1-
`
`Lutron Electronics Co. EX1009
`U.S. Patent No. 10,294,717
`
`
`
`CONTROL OF ARCHITECTURAL OPEN I NG COVERINGS
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0001]
`
`Architect ura l ope ning coveri ngs such as roller blinds
`
`prov i de s hading and pr ivacy .
`
`Such cover ings typ ically i nclude a
`
`manually operated cord, cha i n or pull tube or a motor i zed roller
`
`tube connected to covering fabric , which ma y be s l atted or
`
`l ouvered . The fa b ric can be fitted with a bottom r ail and
`
`optional l y run through a pair of opposing v e rt i cal frame or
`
`trac k members , o ne f or each side e dge of the fabric , so t hat the
`
`fabric raises a nd falls in a d esignated pat h and is not
`
`sub j ected to mot i on from, for exampl e, b l owing wind .
`
`BRIEF DESCRI PTION OF THE DRAWI NGS
`
`[000 2 ]
`
`Examp le implementations of a r chi tect u r al opening
`
`cover i ngs will be descr i bed t h r o ugh t he use o f the accompa nyi ng
`
`draw i ngs, wh ich are not t o be considered as limiting, a nd in
`
`whi ch :
`
`[0003]
`
`Figur e 1 i l lustrate s an example imp l eme ntat i o n of a
`
`ro lle r type architect u r al opening covering wi t h a
`
`manual cont ro l ; a nd
`
`[000 4 ]
`
`Figur e 2 illus tr ates an example i mpl eme nt at i o n of a
`
`ro lle r type architectural open ing covering with a one(cid:173)
`
`way sl ip cl utch to provide a
`
`t o rque limi ti ng motor
`
`coupl ing.
`
`-1-
`
`Lutron Electronics Co. EX1009
`U.S. Patent No. 10,294,717
`
`
`
`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
`
`[0005]
`
`Figures 3-6 are flowcharts illustrating example
`
`methods to control operation of a roller type
`
`architectural opening covering.
`
`[0006]
`
`Figure 7 illustrates a torque limiting motor
`
`configuration.
`
`[0007]
`
`Figure 8 illustrates a torque limiting motor coupling.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0008]
`
`To lower a roller type architectural opening covering
`
`such as a blind with a weighted rail a manual control is
`
`provided.
`
`In some examples, the architectural opening covering
`
`with the manual control may also be motorized.
`
`In some
`
`implementations that include a motor, the manual control does
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`not cause the covering to be about of synchronization with any
`
`components for limiting the travel of the covering (e.g.,
`
`mechanical or electronic limit switches). Accordingly, in such
`
`implementations, operation of the manual control does not
`
`necessitate recalibration or resetting of the components for
`
`limiting the travel of the covering.
`
`[0009]
`
`The components of the architectural opening covering
`
`will be referenced in polar coordinates. For example, the axial
`
`coordinate runs along the longitudinal axis of the covering, the
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`radial coordinate runs perpendicularly thereto and the
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`circumferential coordinate runs in a circular direction in an
`
`end view of the covering. With the covering in a plan view,
`
`uaxial proximate" or uproximate" means closer to the right side
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`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
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`of the figure. On the other hand, uaxial distal" or udistal"
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`means further from the right side of the figure.
`
`[0010]
`
`Figure 1 illustrates an example covering 100 that
`
`includes a shaft connector 102 and a manual control 104. The
`
`shaft connector 102 may be a one-way slipping bearing as
`
`described in FIGS. 7 and 8. As will be explained in further
`
`detail, the manual control 104 enables manual operation of the
`
`covering 100 by a person (e.g., when motorized control is not
`
`available or desirable to the person) .
`
`[0011]
`
`The roller blind 100 of the illustrated example
`
`includes the one-way slipping bearing 102, the manual control
`
`104, the motor 106, a gearbox 108, a control board 110, a roller
`
`tube 112, a slip-ring connector 114, and a clutch/mount 116.
`
`In
`
`the illustrated example, the motor 106 and the manual control
`
`104 are located nearest the proximate side of the covering 100.
`
`Alternatively, components of the covering 100 could be reversed
`
`so that the motor 106 and the manual control 104 are located
`
`nearest the distal side of the covering 100.
`
`[0012]
`
`The slip-ring connector 114 of the illustrated example
`
`is insertable in a mating connector 118 for mounting the
`
`covering 100 in or adjacent to an architectural opening and for
`
`electrically connecting the covering 100 to electrical power.
`
`The example slip-ring connector 114 includes a frame 120 having
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`first and second edges 121, 122 defining an opening 123 into
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`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
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`which an axially extending protrusion 115 of the slip-ring
`
`connector 114 is inserted when the covering 100 is mounted in or
`
`adjacent to the architectural opening. An outer radial surface
`
`127 of the frame 114 receives an inner radial surface of a
`
`bracket 134 of the slip-ring connector 114.
`
`[0013]
`
`Disposed inside frame 120 are first contacts 124, 125
`
`and second contact 126. The first contacts 124, 125 of the
`
`illustrated example comprise two metal flanges bent over to form
`
`a deformable metal contact. The first contacts 124, 125 are
`
`electrically connected to supply wires 130 that supply
`
`electrical power to the mating connector 118. When the covering
`
`100 is mounted in the mating connector 118, the first contacts
`
`124, 125 rest upon a radial ring 136 of the axially extending
`
`protrusion 115. When the covering 100 rotates, the first
`
`contacts 124, 125 maintain an electrical connection with the
`
`radial ring 136. Accordingly, the covering can rotate with
`
`respect to the mating connector 118 while an electrical
`
`connection is maintained. While two first contacts 124, 125 are
`
`included in the illustrated example, any number of contact(s)
`
`(e.g., 1, 3, 4, etc.) may alternatively be used.
`
`[0014]
`
`The second contact 126 of the illustrated example
`
`comprises a metal flange upon which rests a pin 138 that extends
`
`beyond a distal end of the axially extending protrusion 115.
`
`The second contact 126 is electrically connected to the supply
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`-4-
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`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
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`wires 130. While the covering 100 rotates, the second contact
`
`126 maintains the electrical connection with the pin 138 to
`
`provide electrical power to the covering 100.
`
`[0015]
`
`The example frame 120 of Figure 1 is fixed to a
`
`bracket 128 that is fixed in or adjacent to an architectural
`
`opening using a mechanical fastener such as a screw 132.
`
`In the
`
`illustrated example, the supply wires 130 pass through openings
`
`(not illustrated) in the bracket 128 and the frame 130.
`
`[0016]
`
`While an example mating connector 118 is disclosed
`
`herein, other arrangements may be used. For example, other
`
`configurations of slip-ring connectors may be used.
`
`[0017]
`
`Returning to the example covering 100, the bracket 134
`
`is disposed inside of, and is fixed to, the roller tube 112.
`
`The pin 138 is disposed in a sleeve formed inside the connector.
`
`A washer 142 is mounted to the pin 138. A spring 140 is seated
`
`between the fixed washer 142 and an inner surface of the bracket
`
`134. The force of the spring 140 biases the pin 138 in the
`
`distal direction and into engagement with the second contact 126
`
`when the covering 100 is inserted in the mating connector 118.
`
`[0018]
`
`Wires 143 electrically connect the pin 138 and the
`
`radial ring 136, respectively, to the control board 110.
`
`Accordingly, electrical power is supplied to the control board
`
`110 when the covering 100 is mounted in the mating bracket 118
`
`and electrical power is supplied to the supply wires 130.
`
`In
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`-5-
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`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
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`other examples, batteries may provide power to the control board
`
`110 and the corresponding wired electrical elements may be
`
`eliminated.
`
`In such examples, the slip-ring connector 114 may
`
`not include components for electrical connection, but will
`
`provide mounting support for the roller blind 100.
`
`[0019]
`
`The control board 110 of the illustrated example
`
`controls the operation of the covering 100.
`
`In particular, the
`
`example control board 110 includes a wireless receiver and a
`
`torque sensing control. The wireless receiver is responsive to
`
`commands from a wireless remote control to direct the operation
`
`of the covering 100. The torque sensing control operates to
`
`stop the motor 106 whenever a torque overload is detected (e.g.,
`
`when the covering 100 is fully wound, when the covering 100 is
`
`fully unwound, or when an obstruction prevents winding/unwinding
`
`of the covering 100). The example torque sensing control of the
`
`illustrated example includes a winding threshold and an
`
`unwinding threshold such that the winding threshold is greater
`
`than the unwinding threshold due to the additional torque
`
`encountered when winding the covering 100. Alternatively, a
`
`single threshold may be used. The control board 110 may include
`
`additional circuitry or electronics for the covering 100 such
`
`as, for example, a motor controller.
`
`[0020]
`
`Other methods for stopping the motor 106 may be used
`
`such as, for example, a mechanical or electrical limiter
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`-6-
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`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
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`switch/control (e.g., limiter switches/controls disclosed
`
`herein) may be used. Alternatively, a one-way slipping bearing
`
`may be used as described in Figure 2.
`
`In some such examples, no
`
`torque sensing control or limiter switches/controls will be
`
`used.
`
`In some such examples, the control board 110 includes a
`
`timer control to stop the motor 106 after an amount of time
`
`sufficient to fully wind or fully unwind the roller blind 100.
`
`[0021]
`
`The control board 110 of the illustrated example is
`
`electrically connected to the motor 106 via wires 145. The
`
`motor 106 of the illustrated example is an electric motor having
`
`an output shaft. The output shaft of the motor 106 is disposed
`
`on the proximate side while the radial body (e.g., shell or
`
`casing) of the motor 106 is disposed on the distal side of the
`
`motor 106. However, this orientation may be reversed. The
`
`radial body of the motor 106 as illustrated in Figure 1 is
`
`fixedly attached to a radial casing of the gearbox 108 while the
`
`output shaft of the motor 106 is connected to the internal
`
`components of the gearbox 108. The radial casing of the gearbox
`
`108 is fixedly attached to a radial frame 147 using mechanical
`
`fixtures such as screws 148, 149. The radial frame 147 is fixed
`
`to the interior radial surface of the roller tube 112.
`
`[0022]
`
`The gearbox 108 of the illustrated example includes an
`
`output shaft 152 that is driven by the output shaft of the motor
`
`106 via the gears of the gearbox 108.
`
`The gears of the gearbox
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`-7-
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`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
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`provide the appropriate revolution ratio between the shaft of
`
`the motor 106 and the shaft 152 is attached to the shaft
`
`coupling 102, which is attached to an output of the clutch/mount
`
`116. The clutch/mount 116 is coupled with the manual control
`
`104.
`
`[0023]
`
`The example clutch/mount 116 of Figure 1 includes
`
`hooks 162, 164 that are insertable into openings 156, 158 of a
`
`bracket 154. The hooks 162, 164 enable the covering 100 to be
`
`secured to the bracket 154 via the openings 156, 158. The
`
`bracket 154 of the illustrated example is secured in or adjacent
`
`to an architectural opening using a mechanical fixture such as a
`
`screw 160. The hook and bracket mounting is provided by way of
`
`example and other systems for mounting the roller blind 100 may
`
`be used.
`
`[0024]
`
`When the motor 106 of the illustrated example is
`
`operated and the manual control 104 is not operated, the
`
`clutch/mount 116 holds the shaft coupling 102, the output shaft
`
`152 of the gearbox 108, and, thereby, the output shaft of the
`
`motor 106 stationary with respect to the bracket 154.
`
`Accordingly, the radial body of the motor 106 rotates with
`
`respect to the bracket 154 when the motor 106 is operated. The
`
`rotation of the radial body of the motor 106 causes the gearbox
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`108, the frame 147, and the roller tube 112 to rotate.
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`-8-
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`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
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`Accordingly, the roller tube 112 will wind or unwind the
`
`covering material when the motor 106 is operated.
`
`[0025]
`
`When the manual control 104 of the illustrated
`
`example is operated and the motor 106 is not operated, the
`
`output shaft of the motor 106 is prevented from rotating by a
`
`brake included in the motor 106. Alternatively, the gearbox 108
`
`may include a brake or other components may be provided to
`
`prevent the output shaft of the motor 106 from rotating with
`
`respect to the radial body of the motor 106. The operation of
`
`the manual control 104 (e.g., by pulling a continuous cord loop)
`
`causes the clutch/mount 116 to impart rotation on the shaft
`
`coupling 102. The rotation of the shaft coupling 102 causes the
`
`output shaft 152 of the gearbox 108 to rotate. Because the
`
`output shaft of the motor 106 is fixed with respect to the
`
`radial body of the motor 106, the rotation of the output shaft
`
`152 of the gearbox 108 causes the radial casing of the gearbox
`
`108 and the radial body of the motor 106 to rotate. The
`
`rotation of the radial body of the motor 106 causes the frame
`
`147 and the roller tube 112 to rotate. Accordingly, the roller
`
`tube 112 will wind or unwind the covering material when the
`
`manual control 210 is operated.
`
`[0026]
`
`When the manual control 104 and the motor 106 are
`
`operated simultaneously, their operation is additive. When both
`
`the manual control 104 and the motor 106 are operated to wind
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`-9-
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`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
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`the roller blind 100, the roller blind 100 is wound at an
`
`increased rate. When both the manual control 104 and the motor
`
`106 are operated to unwind the roller blind 100, the roller
`
`blind 100 is unwound at an increased rate. When the manual
`
`control 104 and the motor 106 are operated in opposite
`
`directions, the roller blind 100 is more slowly wound or unwound
`
`depending on the relative movement of the manual control 104 and
`
`the motor 106.
`
`[0027]
`
`Because the example motor uses torque detection to
`
`determine when the winding or unwinding limits have been
`
`reached, operation of the manual control 104 does not interfere
`
`with the motorized control of the roller blind 100.
`
`In other
`
`words, according to the illustrated example, calibration or
`
`resetting of limit positions is not necessary after operation of
`
`the manual control 104.
`
`In implementations where mechanical or
`
`electronic limiter switches are used in place of the torque
`
`detection, the limiter switches may not need to be calibrated or
`
`reset after operation of the manual control 104 where the
`
`operation of the operation of the manual control 104 is detected
`
`by the limiter switches. For example, when a screw (e.g., the
`
`screw of a mechanical limiter switch system is advanced when the
`
`manual control 104 is operated, the limiter switch system will
`
`not need to be calibrated after operation by the manual control
`
`104.
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`-10-
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`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
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`[0028]
`
`In the illustrated example of Figure 1, the body of
`
`the motor 106 rotates while the output shaft of the motor 106 is
`
`stationary. The body of the motor 106 of the illustrated
`
`example includes winding coils (typically called the stator)
`
`while the output shaft includes a rod and magnet(s) (typically
`
`known as the rotor) . Other types of motors may be used.
`
`[0029]
`
`Figure 2 illustrates an example covering 200 that
`
`includes a roller tube 201 containing a grooved hub 202, a one(cid:173)
`
`way slip clutch 204, a gearbox 206, and a motor 208. As will be
`
`explained in further detail, the one-way slip clutch 204 is a
`
`torque limiting motor coupling that enables the covering 200 to
`
`be operated without the need for electronic or mechanical
`
`limiter switches. The covering 200 can be mounted with a manual
`
`control 210 that allows for manual winding or unwinding of
`
`covering material (not illustrated) attached to the roller tube
`
`201. Alternatively, the covering 200 is mounted with a
`
`stationary connector 212.
`
`[0030]
`
`The grooved hub 202 includes grooves to receive
`
`splines of a radial protrusion 214 of the manual control 210 or
`
`splines of a radial protrusion 216 of the stationary connector
`
`212. A distal side of the grooved hub 202 is fixed to the
`
`rotation of the one-way slip clutch 204 by a tang. Accordingly,
`
`rotation of the grooved hub 202 applies rotational torque to the
`
`one-way slip clutch 204.
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`-11-
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`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
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`[0031]
`
`The one-way slip clutch 204 of the illustrated example
`
`includes an adapter shaft to receive a drive shaft 218 of the
`
`gearbox 206. The adapter shaft is similar to the adapter shaft
`
`90 described in conjunction with Figure 5. A proximate end of
`
`the casing of the gearbox 206 is fixed to a frame 220 that is
`
`fixed to an interior surface of the roller tube 201.
`
`Accordingly, when the casing of the gearbox 206 is rotated, the
`
`frame 220 causes rotation of the roller tube 201.
`
`[0032]
`
`A distal end of the casing of the gearbox is fixed to
`
`a casing of the motor 208. The gearbox of the illustrated
`
`example includes an adapter shaft to receive a drive shaft of
`
`the motor 208. The drive shaft of motor 208 rotatably drives
`
`gears of the gearbox 206 to, in turn, rotatably drive the drive
`
`shaft 218 of the gearbox 206.
`
`[0033]
`
`The one-way slip clutch 204 prevents torque from being
`
`applied to the roller tube 201 of the illustrated example in the
`
`unwinding direction. Additionally, the one-way slip clutch 204
`
`prevents torque exceeding a threshold from being applied to the
`
`roller tube 201 in the winding direction.
`
`[0034]
`
`The covering 200 includes wires 208 having a proximate
`
`end fixed to a distal end of the motor 208. A distal end of the
`
`wires 208 are fixed to a slip-ring connector 222. The slip-ring
`
`connector 222 of the illustrated example includes a first
`
`contact 224 and a second contact 226. The slip-ring connector
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`-12-
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`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
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`222 receives an adapter 228 having a post 230 that includes a
`
`first conductive ring 232 and a second conductive ring 234. The
`
`adapter 228 includes wires 236 including one or more plug(s)
`
`238. The adapter 228 (e.g., a conical cover, an end cap, a
`
`plug, etc.) can be releasably mounted in a cavity 242 formed by
`
`a first edge 244 and a second edge 246 of a bracket 240. The
`
`bracket 240 can be secured in and or adjacent to an
`
`architectural opening. Supply wires 248 are connected to an
`
`electrical supply (e.g., a source of commercial power) and
`
`include one or more receptacle(s) 250 to receive the one or more
`
`plug(s) 238. The supply wires 248, wires 236, and wires 221 may
`
`be replaced by a combination of wires and one or more batteries
`
`to provide electrical power to the roller blind 200.
`
`[0035]
`
`When the roller tube 201 is rotated, the slip-ring
`
`connector 222 including the first contact 224 and the second
`
`contact 226 is rotated. The first contact 224 and the second
`
`contact 226 are deformable to allow the first contact 224 to
`
`remain in contact with the first conductive ring 232 and the
`
`second contact 226 to remain in contact with the second
`
`conductive ring 234. The adapter 228 remains stationary in the
`
`bracket 240 when the roller tube 201 is rotated. Any other type
`
`of slip-ring or other type of connection may alternatively be
`
`used.
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`-13-
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`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
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`[0036]
`
`The manual control 210 and the stationary connector
`
`212 of the illustrated example include hooks 252, 254 that are
`
`receivable by cavities 258, 260 of a bracket 256 to mount the
`
`manual control 210 and/or the stationary connector 212 in and/or
`
`adjacent to an architectural opening to which the bracket 256 is
`
`secured.
`
`[0037]
`
`The manual control 210 of the illustrated example
`
`includes a beaded chain 262 to drive a pulley 264. The pulley
`
`264 is attached to the radial protrusion 214 via a clutch. The
`
`clutch prevents the radial protrusion from rotating when the
`
`pulley 264 is not being rotated by the beaded chain 262. Other
`
`types of manual controls may be used such as, for example, a
`
`rope and pulley, a worm gear control, etc. Any type of
`
`mechanical or electronic clutch may be used.
`
`[0038]
`
`Turning to the operation of the covering 200, when the
`
`motor 208 is operated and the manual control 210 is not
`
`operated, the clutch of the manual control 210 holds the radial
`
`protrusion 214, the grooved hub 202, the drive shaft 218 of the
`
`gearbox 206, and, thereby, the output shaft of the motor 208
`
`stationary with respect to the bracket 256. Accordingly, the
`
`casing of the motor 208 rotates with respect to the bracket 256
`
`when the motor 208 is operated. The rotation of the casing of
`
`the motor 208 causes the casing of the gearbox 206, the frame
`
`220, and the roller tube 201 to rotate. Accordingly, the roller
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`-14-
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`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
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`tube 201 will wind or unwind covering material when the motor
`
`208 is operated.
`
`[0039]
`
`When the manual control 210 is operated and the motor
`
`208 is not operated, the output shaft of the motor 208 is
`
`prevented from rotating by a brake included in the motor 208.
`
`Alternatively, the gearbox 206 may include a brake or other
`
`components may be provided to prevent the output shaft of the
`
`motor 208 from rotating with respect to the casing of the motor
`
`208 when the manual control 210 is operated. The operation of
`
`the manual control 210 (e.g., by pulling the beaded chain 262)
`
`causes the pulley 264 to impart rotation on the radial
`
`protrusion 214. The rotation of the radial protrusion 214
`
`causes the grooved hub 202, the drive shaft 218 of the gearbox
`
`206, and the drive shaft of the motor 208 to rotate. Because
`
`the drive shaft of the motor 208 is fixed with respect to the
`
`casing of the motor 208, the rotation of the drive shaft 218 of
`
`the gearbox 206 causes the casing of the gearbox 206 and the
`
`casing of the motor 208 to rotate. The rotation of the casing
`
`of the gearbox 206 causes the frame 220 and the roller tube 201
`
`to rotate. Accordingly, the roller tube 201 will wind or unwind
`
`covering material when the manual control 210 is operated.
`
`[0040]
`
`When the manual control 210 and the motor 208 are
`
`operated simultaneously, their operation is additive. When both
`
`the manual control 210 and the motor 208 are operated to wind
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`-15-
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`Doc ket : HZ-129 . 00-353
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`the cove ring 200 ,
`
`t he mate rial a round the r o lle r tube 2 0 1 is
`
`wound at an increased r a te . When both t he manua l c o nt r o l 2 10
`
`and the moto r 208 are op er at ed to u n wind the covering 2 0 0 , the
`
`mate r ial aro und t he r oller t ube 201 is u nwou nd at an i ncre ased
`
`rate . When the manual cont r ol 210 a nd t he motor 208 a r e
`
`o pe r ated i n o p posi t e dir ection s ,
`
`t he cover i ng 200 i s more s l ow l y
`
`wo und o r unwo und .
`
`[0041]
`
`In the e xample o f Figu r e 2 , the cas i ng of the motor
`
`208 rotates while t he d rive s haft of the mo t or 208 is
`
`statio na r y . The cas i ng of t he mot o r 2 08 of the i llu s t r ated
`
`e xample includ e s winding coils ( typically calle d
`
`t he sta t or)
`
`while the o u t p ut s haft includes a rod and mag net ( s)
`
`(typically
`
`known as the r otor) . Othe r
`
`t y pe s of motor s may be use d .
`
`[0042]
`
`Figure 3
`
`i s a flowchart illus trati ng an exa mple method
`
`t o con t rol operation o f a roller type archi t ectural o p e n ing
`
`cove r i ng . The e xampl e method of Figur e 3
`
`i s descr i bed i n
`
`con j u nct i on with t he c o veri ng 100 o f Figure 1 . However , the
`
`example method may be u sed with any other cover i ng
`
`(e . g ., the
`
`cove r i ng 200 of Fig u r e 2 ) .
`
`[0043]
`
`The example me t hod o f Fig u re 3 b e gins whe n the cont r o l
`
`b oard 110 rece i ves an i n st r uction t o wind
`
`t he ro l ler tube 112
`
`(block 302 ) . For e xample, the control board 1 10 may r ece ive an
`
`inst r uct i on f rom a wir eless r emote cont r o l via a wire l ess
`
`receiver included in t h e control b oard 110 , from a wi red remote
`
`-16-
`
`
`
`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
`
`control, from a button on a control panel, etc.
`
`In response to
`
`the instruction, the control board 110 operates the motor 106 in
`
`a winding direction (e.g., to raise covering material attached
`
`to the roller tube 112) (block 304). As previously described,
`
`the clutch/mount 116 prevents rotation of the output shaft of
`
`the motor 106. Accordingly, the radial body of the motor 106,
`
`the radial casing of the gearbox 108, the frame 147, and the
`
`roller tube 112 are rotated. The control board 110 determines
`
`if the torque on the motor exceeds a winding torque threshold
`
`(block 306). For example, when the covering 100 is wound to its
`
`upper-most limit, a bottom bar or weight attached to the
`
`covering material will reach a frame of the covering 100 and
`
`prevent rotation of the roller tube 100 around which the
`
`covering material is wrapped. This stoppage will cause the
`
`torque on the motor to increase beyond a threshold. The
`
`threshold can be selected so that normal winding (e.g., when no
`
`obstruction is present) does not exceed the torque threshold,
`
`but winding against a frame or obstruction will cause the
`
`threshold to be passed.
`
`[0044]
`
`If the winding torque threshold has not been exceeded
`
`(block 306), the motor 106 continues to operate until the
`
`threshold is exceeded.
`
`If the winding torque threshold has been
`
`exceeded (block 306), the motor is stopped (block 308). For
`
`example, when the covering 100 is fully wound or an obstruction
`
`-17-
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`
`
`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
`
`preventing winding is encountered, the motor 100 will be
`
`stopped. The method of Figure 3 then ends until a new
`
`instruction is received at the control board 110.
`
`[0045]
`
`The example method of Figure 4 begins when the control
`
`board 110 receives an instruction to unwind the roller tube 112
`
`(block 402).
`
`In response to the instruction, the control board
`
`110 operates the motor 106 in an unwinding direction (e.g., to
`
`lower covering material attached to the roller tube 112)
`
`(block
`
`404). As previously described, the clutch/mount 116 prevents
`
`rotation of the output shaft of the motor 106. Accordingly, the
`
`radial body of the motor 106, the radial casing of the gearbox
`
`108, the frame 147, and the roller tube 112 are rotated. The
`
`control board 110 determines if the torque on the motor exceeds
`
`an unwinding torque threshold (block 406). For example, when
`
`the covering 100 is unwound to its lower-most limit, the
`
`covering material may begin to wind on the roller (e.g., raising
`
`the covering material). This winding will increase the torque
`
`on the motor (e.g., to levels similar to the levels found when
`
`operating the covering 100 in winding) . Thus, the threshold can
`
`be selected so that normal unwinding does not exceed the torque
`
`threshold, but winding the covering material (e.g., after fully
`
`unwinding the covering material) will cause the threshold to be
`
`passed. According to the illustrated example, the winding
`
`-18-
`
`
`
`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
`
`threshold exceeds the unwinding threshold so that end-of(cid:173)
`
`material winding can be detected.
`
`[0046]
`
`If the unwinding torque threshold has not been
`
`exceeded (block 406), the motor 106 continues to operate until
`
`the threshold is exceeded.
`
`If the unwinding torque threshold
`
`has been exceeded (block 406), the motor is stopped (block 408)
`
`For example, when the covering 100 is fully unwound and starts
`
`to wind, the motor 100 will be stopped. The method of Figure 4
`
`then ends until a new instruction is received at the control
`
`board 110.
`
`[0047]
`
`Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example method
`
`to control operation of a roller type architectural opening
`
`covering. The example method of Figure 5 is described in
`
`conjunction with the covering 200 of Figure 2. However, the
`
`example method may be used with any other covering (e.g., the
`
`covering 100 of Figure 1).
`
`[0048]
`
`The example method of Figure 5 begins when a
`
`controller (not illustrated) receives an instruction to wind the
`
`roller tube 201 (block 502). For example, the controller may
`
`receive an instruction from a wireless remote control via a
`
`wireless receiver included in the controller, from a wired
`
`remote control, from a button on a control panel, etc.
`
`In
`
`response to the instruction, the controller starts a timer
`
`(block 504). For example, the timer may be set for a duration
`
`-19-
`
`
`
`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
`
`that is long enough for the covering 200 to be wound from its
`
`lower-most position to its upper-most position. The timer may
`
`additionally include an additional time to account for short
`
`delays in winding (e.g., a short amount of time during which the
`
`covering 200 is obstructed). Then, the controller operates the
`
`motor 208 in a winding direction (e.g., to raise covering
`
`material attached to the roller tube 201)
`
`(block 506). As
`
`previously described, a clutch of the manual control 210 or the
`
`stationary connector 212 prevents rotation of the drive shaft of
`
`the motor 208. Accordingly, the casing of the motor 208, the
`
`casing of the gearbox 206, the frame 220, and the roller tube
`
`201 are rotated.
`
`[0049]
`
`The controller then determines if the winding timer
`
`has expired (i.e., the winding time limit has been reached)
`
`(block 508). For example, the covering 200 may have been wound
`
`from its lower-most position to its upper-most position.
`
`Alternatively, the covering 200 may have been wound from an
`
`intermediate position to its upper-most position.
`
`In such an
`
`operation, the motor 208 would continue to run when the covering
`
`200 reaches its upper most position while the one-way slip
`
`clutch 204 slipped to prevent excessive torque from being
`
`applied to the roller tube 201 until the timer expired.
`
`In
`
`another instance, the covering 200 may encounter an obstruction
`
`that prevents fully winding the covering material.
`
`In such an
`
`-20-
`
`
`
`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
`
`operation, the motor 208 would continue to run while the one-way
`
`slip clutch 204 slipped to prevent excessive torque from being
`
`applied to the roller tube 201 until the timer expired.
`
`[0050]
`
`If the winding timer has not expired (block 508), the
`
`motor 208 continues to operate until the timer expires.
`
`If the
`
`winding timer has expired (block 508), the motor is stopped
`
`(block 510). The method of Figure 5 then ends until a new
`
`instruction is received at the controller.
`
`[0051]
`
`Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method
`
`to control operation of a roller type architectural opening
`
`covering. The example method of Figure 6 is described in
`
`conjunction with the covering 200 of Figure 2. However, the
`
`example method may be used with any other covering (e.g., the
`
`covering 100 of Figure 1).
`
`[0052]
`
`The example method of Figure 6 begins when a
`
`controller (not illustrated) receives an instruction to unwind
`
`the roller tube 201 (block 602). For example, the controller
`
`may receive an instruction from a wireless remote control via a
`
`wireless receiver included in the controller, from a wired
`
`remote control, from a button on a control panel, etc.
`
`In
`
`response to the instruction, the controller starts a timer
`
`(block 604). For example, the timer may be set for a duration
`
`that is long enough for the covering 200 to be unwound from its
`
`upper-most position to its lower-most position.
`
`The timer may
`
`-21-
`
`
`
`Docket: HZ-129.00-353
`
`additionally include an additional time to account for short
`
`delays in unwinding (e.g., a short amount of time during which
`
`the covering 200 is obstructed) . Then, the controller operates
`
`the motor 208 in an unwinding direction (e.g., to lower covering
`
`material attached to the roller tube 201)
`
`(block 606). As
`
`previously described, a clutch of the manual control 210 or the
`
`stationary connector 212 prevents rotation of the drive shaft of
`
`the motor 208. Accordingly, the casing of the motor 208, the
`
`casing of the gearbox 206, the frame 220, and the roller tube
`
`201 are rotated because the motor 208 no longer opposes
`
`unwinding of the covering 200 (e.g., where a weight attached to
`
`covering material of the covering 200 creates a torque to pull
`
`the covering material).
`
`[0053]
`
`The controller then determines if the unwinding timer
`
`has expired (i.e., the unwinding time limit has been reached)
`
`(block 608). For example, the covering 200 may have been
`
`unwound from its upper-most position to its lower-most position.
`
`Alternatively, the covering 200 may have been unwound from an
`
`intermediate position to its lower-most position.
`
`In such an
`
`operation, the motor 208 would continue to run when the covering
`
`200 reaches its lower-most position while the o
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