Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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HEAD RAIL-MOUNTED MINI-BLIND ACTUATOR
FOR VERTICAL BLINDS AND PLEATED SHADES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to window covering peripherals
and more particularly to remotely-controlled mini-blind actuators.
BACKGROUND
Louvered blinds, such as LevellorR mini-blinds, are used as window
coverings in a vast number of business buildings and dwellings. The typical
blind has
a number of horizontal elongated parallelpiped-shaped louvers, i.e.,
rotationally-movable
slats, which are collectively oriented with their major surfaces parallel to
the ground
("open") to permit light to pass between adjacent slats, or with their major
surfaces
perpendicular to the ground ("closed"), to block light from passing between
adjacent
slats, or any inter mediate position between open and closed. Stated
differently, the slats
can be rotated about their respective longitudinal axes, i.e. about respective
lines which
are parallel to the ground, to open or close the blind. Alternatively, the
slats may be
oriented vertically for rotation about their respective longitudinal axes
(i.e., for rotation
about respective lines that are perpendicular to the ground), for opening and
closing the
blind.
Ordinarily, to provide for movement of the slats of a blind between the
open and closed positions, an elongated actuating baton is coupled to
structure on the
blind such that when the baton is manually rotated about its longitudinal
axis, the slats
move in unison between the open and closed positions. It will accordingly be
appreciated that by proper manual operation of the baton, blinds can be used
to
effectively regulate the amount of light which passes into the room in which
the blind is
located. Thus, blinds can be opened during the day to permit sunlight to
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enter the room, or closed during particularly warm days to prevent overheating
of the room.
Likewise, blinds can be closed at night for security purposes, and to prevent
heat within the
room from dissipating through the window into the cool evening air. ,
While most existing manually-operated blinds accordingly provide an effective
means for
regulating the amount of light propagating into or out of a room, it is often
advantageous to
provide for remote or automatic positioning of the blinds. For example, it
would be
advantageous to provide for the automatic nighttime closing of blinds in a
business premises,
for both security reasons and energy conservation, rather than to rely on
personnel to remember
to manually close all blinds before vacating the premises for the evening.
Also, remote
operation of blinds would enable many invalid persons to regulate the amount
of light entering
their rooms, without requiring the persons to manually operate the actuating
baton.
Not surprisingly, several systems have been introduced for either lowering and
raising
the slats of a blind, or for moving the slats between the open and closed
positions. For
example, U.S. Patent No. 4,644,990 to Webb, Sr. et al. teaches a system for
automatically
moving a set of venetian-type window blinds in response to sensing a
predetermined level of
sunlight. Likewise, U.S. Patent No. 3,860,055 to Wild teaches a system for
automatically
raising or lowering a shutter upon sensing a predetermined level of sunlight.
Also, U.S. Patent
No. 4,096,903 to Ringle, III discloses a system for opening a blind, wherein
the Ringle, III
system is mounted in the head rail of the blind and operates the blind in
response to an
electromagnetic control signal.
Unfortunately, the systems mentioned above, like many, if not most, automatic
blind
control systems, are somewhat complicated in operation and cumbersome and
bulky in
installation, and consequently are relatively expensive. For example, the
Webb, Sr. et al.
system requires that a housing be mated with the blind structure for holding
the various
components of the patented system, which includes, inter alia, ratchets,
pawls, gears, clutches,
levers, and springs. In a similar vein, the Wild invention requires the use
of, among other
components, a rather bulky gas-driven piston-and-cylinder to raise and lower
the shutter.
Precisely how the piston-and-cylinder is mounted on an existing shutter
assembly is not
discussed by Wild. The Ringle, III device consumes a relatively large amount
of power to sense
its control signal, and thus exhausts its battery quickly, in part because of
its relatively
complicated limit switch mechanism and because Ringle, III does not provide
any electronic
signal processing which would enable the Ringle, III device to sense a control
signal efficiently,
with little power consumption.
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Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
comparatively simple
device for opening and closing mini-blinds. It is another object of the
present invention to
provide a remote control device for opening and closing blinds which is
compact and easy to
install. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device
for remotely and
automatically opening and closing blinds. Still another object of the present
invention is to
provide a device for remotely and automatically opening and closing mini-
blinds which
consumes relatively little power. Further, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a
device for remotely and automatically opening and closing mini-blinds which is
easy to use and
cost-effective to manufacture.
SUM1VIARY OF THE INVENTION
An actuator is disclosed for rotating the actuating baton of a mini-blind to
open or close
the slats of the mini-blind. Typically, the mini-blind is mounted adjacent a
surface, e.g., a
window sill.
The actuator of the present invention includes an electric motor which is
operably
engaged with a coupling, and the coupling is engageable with the baton
substantially anywhere
along the length of the baton. A housing is provided for holding the motor,
and a fastening
element is attached to the housing and is connectable to a nearby surface,
e.g., the window
frame or the head rail of the blind, to prevent relative motion between the
surface and the
housing. At least one direct current (dc) battery is mounted in the housing
and is electrically
connected to the motor for selectively energizing the motor to rotate the
baton.
Preferably, the rotor is connected to a gear assembly, and the gear assembly
in turn is
connected to the coupling. The coupling has a channel configured for closely
receiving the
baton. In the presently preferred embodiment, the gear assembly includes a
plurality of
reduction gears for causing the baton to rotate at a fraction of the angular
velocity of the rotor,
and a rack gear for operating a limit switch to deactivate the motor when the
blind is in a
predetermined configuration.
In one presently preferred embodiment, a power switch is mounted in the
housing and
is electrically connected between the battery and the motor. Preferably, the
power switch is an
electronic circuit for sensing a control signal with comparatively little
expenditure of the battery
energy. As intended by the present invention, the power switch has an open
configuration,
wherein the electrical circuit from the battery to the motor is incomplete,
and a closed
configuration, wherein the electrical circuit from the battery to the motor is
complete.
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To provide for remote operation of the actuator, the power switch is moved
between the
open and closed configurations by a control signal. In one embodiment, this
control signal is
generated by a daylight sensor which is electrically connected to the switch.
The daylight sensor
generates the control signal in response to a predetermined amount of light
impinging on the
daylight sensor.
Additionally, the control signal may be generated by a signal sensor which is
electrically
connected to the power switch. The signal sensor generates the control signal
in response to
a user command signal. To this end, a hand-held user command signal generator
is provided
which emits an optical user command signal.
In another aspect of the present invention, a device is disclosed for moving
the operator
of a window covering having slats to open or close the slats. The device
includes an actuator
that has an electric motor and a coupling operably engaged with the motor. The
coupling
contacts the operator to prevent rotational relative motion between the
coupling and the operator.
A portable source of electrical power is included, and a control signal
generator is provided for
generating a control signal to cause the source of electrical power to be
electrically connected
with the actuator for energizing the motor to move the operator.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method is disclosed for
moving the slats
of a mini-blind by rotating the actuating baton of the mini-blind. The method
of the present
invention includes the steps of providing a motor, a do battery, and a housing
for holding the
battery and the motor, and then coupling the rotor of a motor with the baton.
Next, the housing
is fastened to a nearby surface, e.g., a window sill or the head rail of the
blind. Then, a
predetermined electromagnetic signal is sensed to cause the battery to
energize the motor and
thereby rotate the baton.
In still another aspect of the present invention, a device is disclosed for
rotating the
operating baton of a blind to open and close the blind. As contemplated by the
present
invention, the device includes an electric motor having a rotor and a direct
current battery. A
coupling is operably engaged with the motor and is also coupled to the baton
for transferring
rotational motion of the rotor to the baton. A light sensor generates a signal
to complete an '
electrical circuit between the battery and the motor when light having a
predetermined intensity
impinges on the sensor. In accordance with the present invention, the light
sensor has a dark
current equal to or less than about 10-5 amperes.
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In an alternate embodiment, an actuator is provided for rotating the tilt rod
of a blind
having a head rail. The actuator includes a coupling which is engageable with
the tilt rod such
that movement of the coupling causes rotation of the tilt rod. A reversible
electric direct current
(dc) motor is operably engaged with the coupling to move the coupling, and a
do battery is
electrically connected to the motor to energize the motor. In this alternate
embodiment, a sensor
detects a light signal and generates a control signal in response to the light
signal. The control
signal is sent to an electronic circuit which is electrically connected to the
sensor and the battery
for processing the control signal from the sensor to cause the battery to
energize the motor. The
sensor and circuit are designed to sense the control signal and process the
signal in an energy
efficient manner to activate the motor, thereby conserving battery energy and
maximizing
battery useful life.
Preferably, the sensor is a daylight sensor and the control signal is
generated by the
daylight sensor in response to a predetermined amount of light impinging on
the daylight sensor.
Additionally, a signal sensor can generate the control signal in response to a
user command
signal. To this end, a hand-held user command signal generator can be provided
for selectively
generating the user command signal.
As intended by the preferred embodiment, the electronic circuit has an edge
detector for
delaying energization of the motor for a predetermined time period after
generation of the
control signal by the daylight sensor. In other words, the edge detector
prevents operation of
the blind in the event that a spurious light signal, e.g., from an automobile
headlight,
momentarily impinges upon the daylight sensor at night.
Additionally, a manually manipulable adjuster is engaged with the tilt rod.
The tilt rod
has a closed position, wherein the blind is fully closed, and an open
position, wherein the blind
is open, and the open position is selectively established by manipulating the
adjuster.
In another aspect of the alternate embodiment, a device is disclosed for
opening and
closing the slats of a window covering of the type having a head rail and an
operator disposed
within the head rail. The device of the present invention includes an actuator
which has an
electric motor and a coupling operably engaged with the motor, and the
coupling contacts the
operator to prevent rotational relative motion between the coupling and the
operator. A source
of electrical power and a control signal generator for generating a control
signal are also
provided, and an electronic circuit is electrically connected to the control
signal generator and
the source of electrical power for processing the control signal to cause the
source of electrical
power to energize the motor to move the operator. Preferably, the electronic
circuit includes
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at least one electronic component that is responsive to the control signal for
energizing the
actuator.
In yet another aspect of the alternate embodiment, a method is disclosed for
moving the
slats of a blind by rotating the tilt rod of the blind. In accordance with the
method of the
present invention, a motor, a do battery, and an electronic circuit are
provided for receiving a
control signal and processing the control signal to cause the battery to
energize the motor. With
this purpose in mind, the rotor of the motor is coupled with the tilt rod, and
a predetermined
electromagnetic signal is sensed to generate the control signal and cause the
electrical circuit
between the battery and the motor to be completed to rotate the tilt rod.
In still another aspect of the present invention, an actuator is disclosed
which is couplable
to an operating component of a blind having an open configuration and a closed
configuration.
The actuator includes a sensor for detecting a light signal and generating a
control signal in
response thereto. Also, the actuator includes a coupling that is engageable
with the operating
component of the blind such that movement of the coupling causes the blind to
move toward the
open configuration or toward the closed configuration. A reversible electric
direct current (dc)
motor is operably engaged with the coupling to move the coupling, and a do
battery is provided
for energizing the motor.
Furthermore, an electronic circuit is electrically connected to the light
sensor and to the
battery. As intended by the present invention, the electronic circuit
processes the control signal
from the light sensor to cause the battery to energize the motor. The
electronic circuit
advantageously includes an edge detector for delaying energization of the
motor for a
predetermined time period after generation of the control signal by the
sensor.
In still another alternate embodiment of the present invention, a window blind
actuator
includes a window covering having a head rail, a rod rotatably mounted in the
head rail and
defining a first axis of rotation, and a plurality of slats. Each slat is
connected to the rod and
each slat defines a second axis of rotation oriented substantially
perpendicularly to the first axis
of rotation. Rotation of the rod about the first axis causes rotation of the
slats about the
respective second axes.
A sensor is provided for detecting a light signal and generating a control
signal in
response thereto. Also, a coupling is engageable with the rod such that
movement of the
coupling causes rotation of the rod. Further, a reversible electric direct
current (dc) motor is
operably engaged with the coupling to move the coupling, and a do battery is
electrically
connected to the motor. An electronic circuit is electrically connected to the
light sensor and
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the battery for processing the control signal from the light sensor to cause
the battery to energize
the motor.
Preferably, at least a first travel limiter is positioned in the head rail to
cause the motor
to be deenergized when the rod reaches a predetermined position. Moreover, a
limit switch is
electrically connected to the electronic circuit and is positioned adjacent
the first travel limiter,
so that the first travel limiter can contact the limit switch and thereby
cause the electronic circuit'
to deenergize the motor. Desirably, a second travel limiter is positioned in
the head rail for
contacting the limit switch, so that the second travel limiter can contact the
limit switch and
thereby cause the electronic circuit to deenergize the motor.
In one preferred embodiment, the electronic circuit includes a switch
electrically
connected to the sensor for receiving the control signal and activating the
electronic circuit in
response thereto to permit the circuit to cause the battery to energize the
motor to rotate the rod.
As envisioned by the present invention, the electronic circuit is deactivated
in the absence of the
control signal. The switch can preferentially be an electronic trigger or a
transistor.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a plurality of connectors are
attached to
respective slats. Each connector includes a rod element which is surroundingly
engaged with
the rod, and rotation of the rod causes rotation of the rod element about the
first axis of
rotation. Additionally, a slat element is threadably engaged with the rod
element and is fixedly
attached to the respective slat, such that rotation of the rod element about
the first axis of
rotation causes rotation of the slat element and slat about the second axis of
rotation.
In another aspect of the alternate embodiment just described, a window blind
operating
device includes a window covering of the type having a head rail defining a
long axis, a rod
disposed therein, and a plurality of elongated slats, each slat defining a
long axis, each slat
depending downwardly from the head rail such that the long axis of each slat
is perpendicular
to the long axis of the head rail. Rotation of the rod causes the slats to
rotate.
An actuator includes an electric motor and a coupling operably engaged with
the motor
to engage the motor with the rod for rotating the rod. Also, a source of
electrical power is
provided, and a control signal generator generates a control signal. Moreover,
an electronic
circuit is electrically connected to the control signal generator and to the
source of electrical
power for processing the control signal to cause the source of electrical
power to energize the
motor to move the rod.
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In still another embodiment, a window blind actuator includes a pleated shade
having a
head rail, a rod rotatably mounted in the head rail, and a plurality of
sections including a
bottom-most section distanced from the head rail and connected thereto.
Rotation of the rod
causes translational motion of at least the bottom-most section relative to
the head rail. A sensor
is provided for detecting a light signal and generating a control signal in
response thereto. Also,
a coupling is engageable with the rod such that movement of the coupling
causes rotation of the
rod, and a reversible electric direct current (dc) motor is operably engaged
with the coupling
to move the coupling. A do battery is electrically connected to the motor and
an electronic
circuit is electrically connected to the light sensor and the battery for
processing the control
signal from the light sensor to cause the battery to energize the motor.
In another aspect of the embodiment just described, a shade operating device
includes
a head rail, a rod disposed therein, and an accordion-type window covering
engaged with the
rod for moving the window covering between a raised configuration and a
lowered configuration
when the rod is rotated. An actuator includes an electric motor and a coupling
operably
engaged with the motor to engage the motor with the rod for rotating the rod.
Also, the device
includes a source of electrical power, and a control signal generator for
generating a control
signal. Further, the device includes an electronic circuit electrically
connected to the control
signal generator and the source of electrical power for processing the control
signal to cause the
source of electrical power to energize the motor to move the rod.
The details of the present invention, both as to its construction and
operation, can best
be understood in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like
numerals refer to like
parts, and which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the actuator of the present invention, shown
in one
intended environment;
Figure 2 is another perspective view of the actuator of the present invention,
shown in
one intended environment;
Figure 3 is an exploded view of the actuator of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the gear assembly of the actuator of the
present
invention, with portions broken away;
Figure SA is a perspective view of the main reduction gear of the actuator of
the present
invention;
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Figure SB is a cross-sectional view of-the main reduction gear of the actuator
of the
present invention, as seen along the line SB-SB in Figure SA;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the reed switch of the actuator of the
present invention;
Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry of the actuator of
the present
invention;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the blind
actuator present
invention, with portions of the head rail of the blind cut away for clarity;
Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry of the actuator
shown in
Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of still another alternate
embodiment
of the blind actuator present invention in conjunction with a vertical blind,
with portions of the
head rail of the blind cut away for clarity; and
Figure 11 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the blind
actuator
present invention in conjunction with a pleated shade, with portions of the
head rail of the blind
cut away for clarity.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring initially to Figure l, an actuator is shown, generally designated
10. As shown,
the actuator 10 is in operable engagement with a rotatable operating baton 12
of a mini-blind
14 having a plurality of louvered slats 16.
In the embodiment shown, the mini-blind 14 is a LevellorR-type mini-blind
which is
mounted on a window frame 18 to cover a window 20, and the baton 12 is
rotatable about its
longitudinal axis. When the baton 12 is rotated about its longitudinal axis,
each of the slats 16
is caused to rotate about its respective longitudinal axis to move the mini-
blind 14 between an
open configuration, wherein a light passageway is established between each
pair of adjacent
slats, and a closed configuration, wherein no light passageways are
established between adjacent
slats.
While the embodiment described above discusses a mini-blind, it is to be
understood that
the principles of the present invention apply to a wide range of window
coverings that have
louvered slats.
As can be appreciated in reference to Figure 1, the baton 12 has a hexagonally-
shaped
transverse cross-section, and the baton 12 is slidably engageable with a
channel 22 of the
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actuator 10. Accordingly, the actuator 10 can be slidably engaged with the
baton 12
substantially anywhere along the length of the baton 12.
Figure 2 shows that the actuator 10 includes a fastening element, preferably a
clip 23,
for fastening the actuator 10 to a head rail 24 of the mini-blind 14. In the
embodiment shown,
the clip 23 engages the head rail 24 in a close interference fit to hold the
actuator 10 onto the
head rail 24. A support 25 is connected to or molded integrally with the
actuator 10, and the
support 25 extends below the head rail 24 and above the top slat 16a of the
blind 14 to laterally
support the actuator 10.
Alternatively, the actuator 10 can be fastened to the window frame 18. In such
an
embodiment, a strip of tape (not shown) having adhesive material on both of
its opposed major
surfaces is adhered to a portion of the actuator 10, and when the actuator 10
is gently pressed
against the window frame 18, the tape adheres to the window frame 18 to fasten
the actuator
10 to the window frame 18. It is to be understood that the actuator 10
alternatively may be
attached to the frame 18 by bolts, screws, glue, nails, or other well-known
fasteners.
In cross-reference to Figures 2 and 3, the actuator 10 has a rigid solid
plastic light pipe
26 which, when the actuator 10 is mounted on the window frame 18 as shown,
extends between
the window 20 and the mini-blind 14. Accordingly, a light passageway is
established by the
light pipe 26 from the window 20 to the actuator 10. To facilitate the
transmission of light
through the light pipe 26, the light pipe 26 has an end 27 which has a
relatively rough, e.g.,
thirty micron (30~) finish, while the remainder of the surface of the light
pipe 26 has a three
micron (3~,) finish. It will be appreciated in reference to Figures 1 and 2
that the light pipe 26
also provides lateral support to the actuator 10, in the same manner as
provided by the support
A control signal generator, preferably a daylight sensor 28 (shown in phantom
in Figure
3) is mounted on the actuator 10 by means well-known in the art, e.g., solvent
bonding. In
accordance with the present invention, the daylight sensor 28 is in light
communication with the
light guide 26. Also, the sensor 28 is electrically connected to electronic
components within the
actuator 10 to send a control signal to the components, as more fully
disclosed below. '
Consequently, with the arrangement shown, the daylight sensor 28 can detect
light that
propagates through the window 20, independent of whether the mini-blind 14 is
in the open
configuration or the closed configuration.
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Further, the actuator 10 includes another control signal generator, preferably
a signal
sensor 29, for receiving an optical, preferably visible red modulated user
command signal.
Preferably, the user command signal is generated by a hand-held user command
signal generator
31, which advantageously is a television remote-control unit. In one presently
preferred
embodiment, the generator 31 generates a pulsed optical signal having a pulse
rate of between
about fifteen hundred microseconds and five thousand microseconds (1500~,s-
SOOO~s).
Like the daylight sensor 28, the signal sensor 29 is electrically connected to
electronic
components within the actuator 10. As discussed in greater detail below,
either one of the
daylight sensor 28 and signal sensor 29 can generate an electrical control
signal to activate the
actuator 10 and thereby cause the mini-blind 14 to move toward the open or
closed
configuration, as appropriate.
Preferably, both the daylight sensor 28 and signal sensor 29 are light
detectors which
have low dark currents, to conserve power when the actuator 10 is deactivated.
More
particularly, the sensors 28, 29 have dark currents equal to or less than
about 10-g amperes and
preferably equal to or less than about 2x10-9 amperes. In the presently
preferred embodiment,
the daylight sensor 28 and signal sensor 29 are selected double-end type
phototransistors made
by Sharp Electronics, part no. PT 460.
Referring now to Figure 3, the actuator 10 includes a hollow, generally
parallelepiped-
shaped lightweight metal or molded plastic clamshell housing 30. As shown, the
housing 30
has a first half 32 which is snappingly engageable with a second half 34.
Alternatively, the first
half 32 of the housing 30 can be glued or bolted to the second half 34. Two
openings 36, 38
are formed in the housing 30 to establish the channel 22 shown in Figure 1. As
also shown in
Figures 1 and 3, the housing 30 has a slightly convex front surface 39.
As shown best in Figure 3, a molded plastic battery carriage 40 is positioned
within the
housing 30. Preferably, the battery carriage 40 generally conforms to the
inside contour of the
housing 30, i.e., the housing 30 "captures" the battery carriage 40 and holds
the carriage 40
stationary within the housing 30.
A power supply 42 is mounted in the battery carriage 40. In the preferred
embodiment,
the power supply 42 includes four type AA direct current (dc) alkaline
batteries 44, 46, 48, 50.
The batteries 44, 46, 48, 50 are mounted in the battery carriage 40 in
electrical series with each
other by means well-known in the art. For example, in the embodiment shown,
each of the
batteries 44, 46, 48, 50 is positioned between respective positive and
negative metal clips 45
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to hold the batteries 44, 46, 48, 50 within the carriage 40 and to establish
an electrical path
between the batteries 44, 46, 48, 50 and their respective clips.
Figure 3 further shows that an electronic circuit board 52 is positioned in
the housing
30 adjacent the battery carriage 40. It is to be understood that an electrical
path is established
between the battery clips and the electronic circuit board. Consequently, the
batteries 44, 46,
48, 50 are electrically connected to the electronic circuit board 52. The
electronic components
of the circuit board 52 are discussed in more detail in reference to Figure 7
below.
Still referring to Figure 3, a lightweight metal or molded plastic gear box 56
is attached
to or formed integrally with the battery carriage 40. The gear box 56 is
formed with a gear box
opening 58 for receiving the baton 12 therein.
Figure 3 also shows that a small, lightweight electric motor 60 is attached to
the gear box
56, preferably by bolting the motor 60 to the gear box 56. In the presently
preferred
embodiment, the motor 60 is a direct current (dc) motor, type FC-130-10300,
made by Mabuchi
Motor America Corp. of New York. As more fully disclosed in reference to
Figure 4 below,
the gear box 56 holds a gear assembly which causes the baton 12 to rotate at a
fraction of the
angular velocity of the motor 60. As further discussed below more fully in
reference to Figure
7, the motor 60 can be energized by the power supply 42 through the circuit
board 52.
Now referring to Figures 4, SA, SB, and 6, the details of the gear box 56 can
be seen.
As shown best in Figure 4, the gear box 56 includes a plurality of lightweight
metal or molded
plastic gears, i. e. , a gear assembly, and each gear is rotatably mounted
within the gear box 56.
In the presently preferred embodiment, the gear box 56 is a clamshell
structure which includes
a first half 62 and a second half 64, and the halves 62, 64 of the gear box 56
are snappingly
engageable together by means well-known in the art. For example, in the
embodiment shown,
a post 66 in the second half 64 of the gear box 56 engages a hole 68 in the
first half 62 of the
gear box 56 in an interference fit to hold the halves 62, 64 together.
Each half 62, 64 includes a respective opening 70, 72, and the openings 70, 72
of the
gear box 56 establish the gear box opening 58 (Figure 3) and are coaxial with
the channel 22
of the housing 30 for slidably receiving the baton 12 therethrough.
As shown in Figure 4, a motor gear 74 is connected to the rotor 76 of the
motor 60.
In turn, the motor gear 74 is engaged with a first reduction gear 78, and the
first reduction gear
78 is engaged with a second reduction gear 80.
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As shown in Figure 4, the second reduction gear 80 is engaged with a main
reduction
gear 82. To closely receive a hexagonally-shaped baton, the main reduction
gear 82 has a
hexagonally-shaped channel 84. As intended by the present invention, the
channel 84 of the
main reduction gear 82 is coaxial with the openings 70, 72 (and, thus, with
the gear box
opening 58 of the gear box 56 shown in Figure 3). Consequently, the channel 84
of the main
reduction gear 82 is also coaxial with the channel 22 of the housing 30, for
receiving the baton
12 therethrough.
It can be appreciated in reference to Figure 4 that when the main reduction
gear 82 is
rotated, and the baton 12 is engaged with the channel 84 of the main reduction
gear 82, the
sides of the channel 84 contact the baton 12 to prevent rotational relative
motion between the
baton 12 and the main reduction gear 82. Further, the reduction gears 78, 80,
82 cause the
baton 12 to rotate at a fraction of the angular velocity of the motor 60.
Preferably, the
reduction gears 78, 80, 82 reduce the angular velocity of the motor 60 such
that the baton 12
rotates at about one revolution per second.
It is to be understood that the channel 84 of the main reduction gear 82 can
have other
shapes suitable for conforming to the shape of the particular baton being
used. For example,
for a baton (not shown) having a circular transverse cross-sectional shapes,
the channel 84 will
have a circular cross-section. In such an embodiment, a set screw (not shown)
is threadably
engaged with the main reduction gear 82 for extending into the channel 84 to
abut the baton and
hold the baton stationary within the channel 84. In other words, the gears 74,
78, 80, 82
described above establish a coupling which operably engages the motor 60 with
the baton 12.
In cross-reference to Figures 4, SA, and SB, the main reduction gear 82 is
formed on
a hollow shaft 86, and the shaft 86 is closely received within the opening 70
of the first half 62
of the gear box 56 for rotatable motion therein. Also, a first travel limit
reduction gear 88 is
formed on the shaft 86 of the main reduction gear 82. The first travel limit
reduction gear 88
is engaged with a second travel limit reduction gear 90, and the second travel
limit reduction
gear 90 is in turn engaged with a third travel limit reduction gear 92.
Figure 4 best shows that the third travel limit reduction gear 92 is engaged
with a linear
rack gear 94. Thus, the main reduction gear 82 is coupled to the rack gear 94
through the
travel limit reduction gears 88, 90, 92, and the rotational speed (i.e.,
angular velocity) of the
main reduction gear 82 is reduced through the first, second, and third travel
limit reduction
gears 88, 90, 92. Also, the rotational motion of the main reduction gear 82 is
translated into
linear motion by the operation of the third travel limit reduction gear 92 and
rack gear 94.
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Figure 4 shows that the second reduction gear 80 and second and third travel
limit
reduction gears 90, 92 are rotatably engaged with respective metal post axles
80a, 90a, 92a
which are anchored in the first half 62 of the gear box 56. In contrast, the
first reduction gear
78 is rotatably engaged with a metal post axle 78a which is anchored in the
second half 64 of
the gear box 56.
Still referring to Figure 4, the rack gear 94 is slidably engaged with a
groove 96 that is
formed in the first half 62 of the gear box 56. First and second travel
limiters 98, 100 are
connected to the rack gear 94. In the embodiment shown, the travel limiters
98, 100 are
threaded, and are threadably engaged with the rack gear 94. Alternatively,
travel limiters (not
shown) having smooth surfaces may be slidably engaged with the rack gear 94 in
an interference
fit therewith, and may be manually moved relative to the rack gear 94.
As yet another alternative, travel limiters (not shown) may be provided which
are formed
with respective detents (not shown). In such an embodiment, the rack gear is
formed with a
channel having a series of openings for receiving the detents, and the travel
limiters can be
manipulated to engage their detents with a preselected pair of the openings in
the rack gear
channel. In any case, it will be appreciated that the position of the travel
limiters of the present
invention relative to the rack gear 94 may be manually adjusted.
Figure 4 shows that each travel limiter 98, 100 has a respective abutment
surface 102,
104. In cross-reference to Figures 4 and 6, the abutment surfaces 102, 104 can
contact a reed
switch 106 which is mounted on a base 107. The base 107 is in turn anchored on
the second
half 64 of the gear box 56. As intended by the present invention, the reed
switch 106 includes
electrically conductive, preferably beryllium-copper first and second spring
arms 108, 112 and
an electrically conductive, preferably beryllium-copper center arm 110. As
shown, one end of
each spring arm 108, 112 is attached to the base 107, and the opposite ends of
the spring arms
108, 112 can move relative to the base 107. As also shown, one end of the
center arm 110 is
attached to the base 107.
When the main reduction gear 82 has rotated sufficiently counterclockwise, the
abutment
surface 102 of the first travel limiter 98 contacts the first spring arm 108
of the reed switch 106
to urge the first spring arm 108 against the stationary center arm 110 of the
reed switch 106.
On the other hand, when the main reduction gear 82 has rotated clockwise a
sufficient amount,
the abutment surface 104 of the second travel limner 100 contacts the second
spring arm 112
of the reed switch 106 to urge the second spring arm 112 against the
stationary center arm 110
of the reed switch 106.
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Figure 6 best shows that an electrically conductive, preferably gold-plated
contact 114
is deposited on the first spring arm 108, and electrically conductive,
preferably gold-plated
contacts 116a, 116b are deposited on opposed surfaces of the center arm 110.
Also, an
electrically conductive, preferably gold-plated contact 118 is deposited on
the second spring arm
112.
Thus, when the first spring arm 108 is urged against the center arm 110, the
contact 114
of the first spring arm 108 contacts the contact llda of the center arm 110 to
complete an
electrical circuit. On the other hand, when the second spring arm 112 is urged
against the
center arm 110, the contact 118 of the second spring arm 112 contacts the
contact 116b of the
center arm 110 to complete an electrical circuit. It can be appreciated in
reference to Figure
4 that the reed switch 106 is electrically connected to the circuit board 52
(Figure 3) via an
electrical lead 119.
As more fully disclosed below in reference to Figure 7, the completion of
either one of
the electrical circuits discussed above causes the motor 60 to deenergize and
consequently stops
the rotation of the main reduction gear 82 and, hence, the rotation the baton
12. Stated
differently, the travel limiters 98, 100 may be manually adjusted relative to
the rack gear 94 as
appropriate for limiting the rotation of the baton 12 by the actuator 10.
Referring briefly back to Figure 4, spacers 120, 122 may be molded onto the
halves 62,
64 for structural stability when the halves 62, 64 of the gear box 56 are
snapped together.
Now referring to Figure 7, the details of the electrical circuitry contained
on the circuit
board 52 may be seen. In overview, the electrical circuit board 52 includes a
pulse modulation
detector 130 and a beam and manual direction controller 132 for processing the
user command
signal generated by the user command signal generator 31 and sensed by the
signal sensor 29
(Figure 1) for opening and closing the blind 14. Also, to operate the blind 14
in response to
a predetermined level of sunlight as sensed by the daylight sensor 28 (Figure
3), the circuit
board 52 includes a daylight detector 134, a daylight direction controller
136, and an edge
detector 138. The edge detector 138 prevents operation of the blind 14 in
response to spurious
light signals, e.g., automobile headlights. Additionally, the circuit board 52
has an output
amplifier 140 for powering the motor 60 shown in Figure 3.
For clarity of disclosure, the discussion below focusses on the salient
components of the
electrical circuit board 52. Table 1 below, however, sets forth the values of
all of the resistors
and capacitors of the circuit board 52 of the preferred embodiment.
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Figure 7 shows that the pulse modulation detector 130 includes a switch,
preferably a
first type 4093 Schmidt trigger 142 that is electrically connected to the
signal sensor 29 for
receiving the pulse modulated detection signal therefrom. From the first
trigger 142, the signal ,
is sent to first and second stages 144, 146 of a type 4538 activity sensor,
and from thence to a
first type 4093 NAND gate inverter 148. The NAND gate inverter 148 functions
as an inverter,
generating a FALSE signal output signal from two TRUE input signals and a TRUE
signal
output otherwise. From the NAND gate inverter 148, the signal is sent through
a first type
1N4148 diode 150 to a capacitor C2. Also, from the second stage 146, the
signal is sent
through a second type 1N4148 diode 152 to a capacitor C8.
When the first trigger 142 senses a pulsed optical signal from the signal
sensor 29, the
first trigger 142 generates an output signal having the same pulse rate as the
optical signal from
the signal sensor 29. When the output signal of the trigger 142 has a pulse
rate greater than
SOOO~cs, the output signal of the first stage 144 is FALSE. Consequently, the
output of the
NAND gate inverter 148 is TRUE. A TRUE output signal from the NAND gate
inverter 148
maintains a positive voltage on the capacitor C2. As more fully discussed
below, when a
positive voltage is maintained on the capacitor C2, energization of the motor
60 is prevented.
Additionally, when the output signal of the first trigger 142 has a pulse rate
less than
fifteen thousand microseconds (1500~,s), the output signal of the second stage
146 will be
FALSE. Consequently, the capacitor C8 discharges, which causes the input
signal of the
NAND gate inverter 148 from the second stage 146 to become FALSE. In response,
the output
of the NAND gate inverter 148 is TRUE, which, as discussed above, maintains a
positive
voltage on the capacitor C2 to prevent energization of the motor 60.
In contrast, when the output signal of the first trigger 142 has a pulse rate
between
fifteen hundred microseconds and five thousand microseconds (1500~,s-SOOO~cs)
(indicating
reception by the signal sensor 29 of a proper optical control signal having a
pulse rate of
between 1500~,s-SOOO~,s), the output signals of both the first and second
stages 144, 146 are
TRUE. In turn, the output signal of the first NAND gate inverter 148 is FALSE,
permitting
the capacitor C2 to discharge and thereby permit energization of the motor 60.
The skilled artisan will appreciate that the values of R2 and C2 are selected
to require
that the output signal of the first NAND gate inverter 148 remains FALSE for
at least three
hundred thirty milliseconds (330ms) before the capacitor C2 fully discharges
to enable
energization of the motor 60. The skilled artisan will further appreciate that
when a two-
position switch 154 having an "ON" position and an "OFF" position (Figures 1
and 7) is
CA 02204643 1997-OS-06
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manually moved to the "OFF" position, voltage from the power supply 42 is
conducted to the
capacitor C2 to prevent the automatic energization of the motor 60 described
above. The motor
60 may nevertheless be energized when the two-position switch 154 is in the
"OFF" position,
however, by manually depressing a thumbswitch 156 (Figures 1 and 7), as more
fully disclosed
below.
Figure 7 shows that the beam and manual direction controller 132 includes a
second type
4093 NAND gate inverter 158, the input signal of which is the output signal of
the first NAND
gate inverter 148. Upon receipt of a "FALSE" input signal from the first NAND
gate inverter
148 (indicating reception by the signal sensor 29 of a proper optical control
signal having a
pulse rate of between 1500,us-SOOO~,s for at least 330ms), the second NAND
gate inverter 158
generates an output clocking signal. Also, Figure 7 shows that when the
thumbswitch 156 is
depressed, a "FALSE" input signal is sent to the second NAND gate inverter
158, and an output
clocking signal is consequently generated by the inverter 158.
The output clocking signal of the second NAND gate inverter 158 is sent in
turn to a
type 4013 "D" motor run flip-flop 160. As shown in Figure 7, the flip-flop 160
is in the so-
called "toggle" configuration (i.e., pin 2 of the flip-flop 160 is
electrically connected to its pin
5). Accordingly, the flip-flop 160 changes state each time it receives a
clocking signal.
Figure 7 shows that the motor run flip-flop 160 is electrically connected to a
type 4013
"D" motor direction flip-flop 162. Like the motor run flip-flop 160, the motor
direction flip-
flop 162 is in the "toggle" configuration.
In accordance with the present invention, the motor run flip-flop 160
generates either a
"motor run" or "motor stop" output signal, while the motor direction flip-flop
162 generates
either a "clockwise" or "counterclockwise" output signal. As discussed above,
each time the
motor run flip-flop 160 receives a clocking signal, it changes state. Also,
each time the motor
run flip-flop 160 is reset to a "stop motor" state, it toggles the motor
direction flip-flop 162 via
a line 163 to change state.
Thus, with the motor direction flip-flop 162 initially in the clockwise state,
to cause the
motor run flip-flop 160 to generate a "motor run" output signal, the user
signal generator 31
(Figure 1) is manipulated to generate a first user command signal (or the
thumbswitch 156 is
depressed). Then, to cause the motor run flip-flop 160 to generate a "motor
stop" output signal,
the user signal generator 31 is manipulated to generate a second user command
signal (or the
thumbswitch 156 is again depressed).
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Upon receiving the second clocking signal, the motor run flip-flop 160 toggles
the motor
direction flip-flop 162 to change state (i.e., to counterclockwise). Then,
manipulation of the
user signal generator 31 to generate yet a third user command signal (or again
depressing the
thumbswitch 156) causes the motor run flip-flop to generate a "motor run"
signal. Yet a fourth
signal causes the motor 60 to again stop, and so on.
Additionally, the state of the motor run flip-flop 160 is caused to change
when the motor
60 reaches its predetermined clockwise or counterclockwise limits of travel,
as established by
the positions of the travel limiters 98, 100 relative to the rack gear 94
(Figure 4). This prevents
continued energization of the motor 60 after the motor 60 has reached a travel
limit, as sensed
by the reed switch 106.
In describing this means of changing the state of the motor run flip-flop 160
in response
to travel motion limitations, the motor direction flip-flop 162 generates
either a clockwise
("CW") output signal or a counterclockwise ("CCW") output signal, as mentioned
above and
indicated in Figure 7 by lines CW and CCW. In the presently preferred
embodiment, clockwise
rotation of the motor 60 corresponds to opening the blind 14, while
counterclockwise rotation
of the motor 60 corresponds to closing, i.e., shutting, the blind 14.
In further disclosing the cooperation of the motor direction flip-flop 162
with the motor
run flip-flop 160, the "CW" output signal of the motor direction flip-flop 162
is sent to a first
type 4093 limit switch NAND gate 164, whereas the "CCW" output signal of the
motor
direction flip-flop 162 is sent to a second type 4093 limit switch NAND gate
166. The output
signals of the first and second limit switch NAND gates 164, 166 are sent in
turn to a third type
4093 limit switch NAND gate 168, and the output signal of the third limit
switch NAND gate
168 is sent to the motor run flip-flop 160.
Figure 7 also shows that the first and second limit switch NAND gates 164, 166
receive
respective upper limit reached ("USW") and lower limit reached ("LSW") input
signals. As
shown in Figure 7, the "USW" signal is generated by a type 4093 USW NAND gate
170, and
the "LSW" signal is generated by a type 4093 LSW NAND gate 172.
Both NAND gates 170, 172 receive input signals from a type 4093 direction NAND
gate
174. In turn, the direction NAND gate 174 receives an input signal indicating
the direction of
actual rotation of the motor 60 (i.e., the "motor run CW" signal or the "motor
run CCW"
signal. In Figure 7, the "motor run CW" signal has been designated "DRCW", and
the "motor
run CCW" signal has been designated "DRCCW", and the generation of both the
"DRCW" and
"DRCCW" signals is discussed more fully below.
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The output signal of the direction NAND gate 174 is always "TRUE", unless it
senses
that the motor 60 has been simultaneously given both a "motor run CW" ("DRCW")
signal and
a "motor run CCW" ("DRCCW") signal, in which case the output signal of the
direction NAND
gate is "FALSE". Thus, the "DRCCW" and "DRCW" signals are gated as described
above to
prevent damaging the output amplifier 140 if the motor 60 is erroneously
commanded to
simultaneously rotate in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
Additionally, the USW NAND gate 170 receives an input signal from the reed
switch
106 when the abutment surface 102 of the travel limiter 98 (Figure 4) urges
the first arm 108
against the center arm 110 of the switch 106, indicating that the rack gear 94
(and, hence, the
motor 60) has reached the predetermined upper, i.e., clockwise, limit of
travel. Also, the LSW
NAND gate 172 receives an input signal from the reed switch 106 when the
abutment surface
104 of the travel limiter 100 (Figure 4) urges the second arm 112 against the
center arm 110
of the switch 106, indicating that the rack gear 94 (and, hence, the motor 60)
has reached the
predetermined lower, i.e., counterclockwise, limit of travel.
Accordingly, upon receipt of the appropriate signal from the reed switch 106,
the USW
NAND gate 170 generates the USW signal. Likewise, upon receipt of the
appropriate signal
from the reed switch 106, the LSW NAND gate 172 generates the LSW signal.
Further, independent of the position of the reed switch 106, in the event that
the output
signal of the direction NAND gate 174 is "FALSE", the USW NAND gate 170
generates a
USW signal, and the LSW NAND gate 172 generates a LSW signal. Consequently,
the motor
60 will be caused to stop if the direction NAND gate 174 senses the
simultaneous existence of
both a "motor run CW" (i.e., a "DRCW") signal and a "motor run CCW" (i.e., a
"DRCCW")
signal.
As discussed above, the LSW and USW signals are sent to the first and second
limit
switch NAND gates 164, 166, which generate input signals to the third limit
switch NAND gate
168. In turn, the third limit switch NAND gate 168 sends a clocking signal to
the motor run
flip-flop 160 to cause the motor run flip-flop 160 to change state, i.e., to
the "motor off" state.
Accordingly, when the motor 60 is rotating clockwise and the upper (i.e.,
clockwise)
limit of rotation is reached, the reed switch 106 generates a signal which is
sent via the
following path to change the state of the motor run flip-flop 160 to cause the
motor 60 to stop:
USW NAND gate 170, first limit switch NAND gate 164, third limit switch NAND
gate 168.
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Likewise, when the motor 60 is rotating counterclockwise and the lower (i.e.,
counterclockwise) limit of rotation is reached, the reed switch 106 generates
a signal which is
sent via the following path to change the state of the motor run flip-flop 160
to cause the motor
60 to stop: LSW NAND gate 172, second limit switch NAND gate 166, third limit
switch
NAND gate 168.
Figure 7 additionally shows that the "USW" and "LSW" signals are also sent to
the
motor direction flip-flop 162 via respective resistors R22, R23 to reset the
flip-flop 162 to the
appropriate state. Stated differently, the "USW" signal is sent to the motor
direction flip-flop
162 via resistor R22 to reset the flip-flop 162 to the counterclockwise state,
and the "LSW"
signal is sent to the motor direction flip-flop 162 via resistor R23 to reset
the flip-flop 162 to
the clockwise state, when the appropriate travel limits have been reached.
The output signals of the flip-flops 160, 162 are each gated to type 4093 flip-
flop CW
and CCW NAND gates 176, 178. More specifically, both output signals of the
motor run flip-
flop 160 are gated to the NAND gates 176, 178, whereas only the "CW" output
signal of the
motor direction flip-flop 162 is gated to the CW NAND gate 176, and the "CCW"
signal from
the motor direction flip-flop 162 is gated to the CCW NAND gate 178.
As intended by the present invention, the flip-flop CW NAND gate 176 generates
a
"motor run CW" (i.e., the "DRCW") output signal only when the motor run flip-
flop 160 inputs
a "motor run" signal to the CW NAND gate 176 and the motor direction flip-flop
162 inputs
a "CW" signal to the NAND gate 176. Likewise, the flip-flop CCW NAND gate 178
generates
a "motor run CCW" (i.e., "DRCCW") output signal only when the motor run flip-
flop 160
inputs a "motor run" signal to the CCW NAND gate 178 and the motor direction
flip-flop 162
inputs a "CCW" signal to the NAND gate 178.
Now referring to the daylight detector 134 shown in Figure 7, the purpose of
which is
to energize the motor 60 to open or close the blind 14 upon detection of a
predetermined level
of light that is present at the daylight sensor 28, the daylight sensor 28 is
electrically connected
to a switch, preferably a first type 2N3904 transistor Q2. Accordingly, when
light impinges
upon the daylight sensor 28, the sensor 28 sends a signal to the transistor
Q2.
If desired, energization of the motor 60 in response to signals generated by
the daylight
sensor 28 can be disabled by appropriately manipulating a two-position
daylight disable switch
180. The switch 180 has an "AUTO" position, wherein automatic operation of the
actuator 10
in response to signals from the daylight sensor 28 is enabled, and an "OFF"
position, wherein
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automatic operation of the actuator 10 iri response to signals from the
daylight sensor 28 is
disabled.
After receiving the signal from the daylight sensor 28, the first transistor
Q2 turns on,
and consequently causes a first type 2N3906 transistor Q1 to turn on. The
output signal of the
second transistor Q 1 is sent via a resistor R4 to the base of the first
transistor Q2, to establish
a hysterisis-based electronic signal latch. Also, the output signal of the
second transistor Q1 is
sent to a type 4093 light NAND gate 182. Whenever the light NAND gate 182
receives a signal
from the second transistor Q1, the NAND gate 182 changes state.
Figure 7 shows that the output signal generated by the light NAND gate
inverter 182 is
sent to the so-called "D" input ports of type 4013 first and second stages
184, 186 of the
daylight direction controller 136. The output signals of the stages 184, 186
are "motor run CW
("DRCW") and "motor run CCW" (DRCCW") signals, and are in turn respectively
sent to type
4093 CW and CCW NAND gate motor controllers 188, 190 of the output amplifier
circuitry
=140.
To generate their motor run output signals, the stages 184, 186 of the
daylight direction
controller 136 must also receive input signals from the edge detector 138. As
intended by the
present invention, the edge detector 138 functions to prevent automatic
operation of the blind
14 in the presence of detection signals generated by the daylight detector 136
in response to
spurious light signals, e.g., automobile headlights at night.
Figure 7 shows that the edge detector 138 includes a type 4077 exclusive NOR
gate 194.
As shown, the exclusive NOR gate 194 receives a first input signal directly
from the light
NAND gate 182 and a second input signal which originates at the NAND gate 182
and which
is passed through the network established by a resistor R13 and a capacitor
C4. With this
arrangement, the exclusive NOR gate 194 generates a positive pulse output
signal each time the
light NAND gate 182 changes state.
As further shown in Figure 7, the output signal of the exclusive NOR gate 194
is sent
to a type 4020 fourteen (14) stage binary counter 196. The counter 196 is
associated with an
oscillator 198 that includes a type 4093 NAND gate 199, and the counter is
also associated with
first and second type 4077 exclusive NOR gate inverters 200, 202. The
exclusive NOR gate
inverters 200, 202 cooperate to ensure correct phasing of the oscillator
output clocking signal.
As disclosed above, when a detection signal is received from the light NAND
gate 182
of the daylight detector 134, this signal is sent to the exclusive NOR gate
194 in the edge
detector 138 and to the first and second stages 184, 186 in the daylight
direction controller 136.
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The first and second stages 184, 186, however, do not immediately generate an
output signal
in response.
Instead, the exclusive NOR gate 194 immediately sends an output signal to the
counter
196. In response, the counter 196 enables the oscillator 198 to generate
output clocking signals,
and the counter 196 commences counting the output clocking signals from the
oscillator 198
until the first thirteen (13) stages of the counter have been filled with
clocking signals. Then,
the counter 196 sends an output signal to each of the first and second stages
184, 186 of the
daylight direction controller 136.
In the embodiment shown, the oscillator 198 operates between about five Hertz
and ten
Hertz (SHz-lOHz), and the thirteen (13) stages of counter 196 can store a
total of eight thousand
one hundred ninety two (8192) clocking signals. With this combination of
structure, the counter
196 sends an output signal to the first and second stages 184, 186 of the
daylight direction
controller 136 about fifteen to twenty (15-20) minutes after receiving its
input signal from the
exclusive NOR gate 194.
Figure 7 shows that the first and second stages 184, 186 of the daylight
direction
controller 136 receive both the signal from the counter 196, and the signal
from the light NAND
gate 182. Depending upon whether the blind 14 is to be opened at the onset of
day or vice-
versa, based upon the state of the light amplifier 182 as indicated by whether
its output signal
is "TRUE" or "FALSE", one of the stages 184, 186 will send a motor run signal
to its
associated NAND gate motor controller 188, 190 of the output amplifier
circuitry 140 to cause
the blind 14 to be opened or closed.
In the embodiment shown, the first stage 184 sends an output DRCW signal to
the CW
NAND gate motor controller 188 when the blind 14 is desired to be open. On the
other hand,
the second stage 186 sends an output DRCCW signal to the CCW NAND gate motor
controller
190 when the blind 14 is desired to be shut. In either case, the blind 14 is
operated only after
a predetermined light level has been sensed continuously for 15-20 minutes by
the daylight
sensor 28.
Also, Figure 7 shows that the first stage 184 receives the "USW" signal, while
the
second stage 186 receives the "LSW" signal. Upon receipt of the "USW" signal,
indicating that
the blind 14 is fully open, the first stage 184 stops sending its "motor run"
output signal to the
NAND gate motor controller 188. Likewise, upon receipt of the "LSW" signal,
indicating that
the blind 14 is fully shut, the second stage 186 stops sending its "motor run"
output signal to
the NAND gate motor controller 190.
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The output amplifier 140 includes the two HAND gate motor controllers 188,
190. As
shown in Figure 7, the NAND gate motor controllers 188, 190 each receive
inputs from the
beam and manual detection controller 132, for opening and closing the blind 14
in response to
user-generated signals from either the pushbutton 156 or the user signal
generator 31, and from
the daylight direction controller 136, for opening and closing the blind 14 in
response to
predetermined levels of daylight.
More particularly, the CW NAND gate motor controller 188 receives a DRCW input
signal from the flip-flop CW NAND gate 176 only when the motor run flip-flop
160 inputs a
"motor run" signal to the CW NAND gate 176 and when the motor direction flip-
flop 162 inputs
a "CW" signal to the NAND gate 176. Also, the CW NAND gate motor controller
188 can
receive an input DRCW signal from the first stage 184.
On the other hand, the CCW NAND gate motor controller 190 receives a DRCCW
input
signal from the flip-flop CCW NAND gate 178 only when the motor run flip-flop
160 inputs
a "motor run" signal to the CCW NAND gate 178 and when the motor direction
flip-flop 162
inputs a "CCW" signal to the NAND gate 178. Also, the CCW NAND gate motor
controller
190 can receive an input DRCCW signal from the second stage 186.
Upon receipt of either of its input DRCW signals, the CW NAND gate motor
controller
188 sends the DRCW signal to a type 2N3904 CW gating transistor Q7 to turn on
the gating
transistor Q7, and the gating transistor Q7 then turns on a type 2N4403 CW
power transistor
Q6 and a type 2N4401 CW power transistor Q5. Once energized, the CW power
transistors
Q6, QS complete the electrical path (starting at a terminal 204) from the
power supply 42, to
the motor 60, and to ground (represented at a ground terminal 206) such that
the motor 60 is
caused to rotate clockwise to thereby mwe the blind 14 toward the open
configuration.
In contrast, upon receipt of either of its DRCCW input signals, the CCW NAND
gate
motor controller 190 sends the DRCCW signal to a type 2N3904 CCW gating
transistor Q4 to
turn on the gating transistor Q4. In turn, the gating transistor Q4 turns on a
type 2N4403 CCW
power transistors Q3 and a type 2N4401 CCW power transistor Q8. Once
energized, the CCW
power transistors Q8, Q3 complete the electrical path (starting at a terminal
204) from the power
supply 42, to the motor 60, and to ground (represented at a ground terminal
206) such that the
motor 60 is caused to rotate counterclockwise to thereby move the blind 14
toward the closed
configuration. Thus, the circuitry described above essentially functions as an
electronic power
switch having an open configuration and a closed configuration for selectively
energizing the
motor 60.
CA 02204643 1997-OS-06
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24
To conserve power when it is not desired to move the blind 14, power
conservation
resistors R15, R17, R20, R21 are provided to maintain the transistors Q3, Q5,
Q6, Q8 off in
the absence of a signal from the NAND gate motor controllers 188, 190. ,
The skilled artisan will appreciate that with the combination of structure
disclosed above,
the life of the power supply 42 is prolonged. More particularly, under normal
operating -
conditions, with the use of light sensors 28, 29 that have low dark currents,
and the use of the
power conservation resistors R15, R17, R20, R21, as well as the remainder of
the electronic
circuit, the four batteries 44, 46, 48, 50 can operate the blind 14 for a
relatively prolonged
period because the optical signal is sensed and processed energy-efficiently.
The skilled artisan
will further recognize, however, that the use of a larger power supply in turn
facilitates the use
of light sensors having high dark currents. Also, the use of relatively
sophisticated electronics
(e.g., transistors) in the sensor circuitry further prolongs the life of the
power supply. As will
accordingly be recognized by the skilled artisan, the presently preferred
embodiment achieves
a relatively long life for the inexpensive, simple, and convenient do power
supply 42, with
comparatively simple electronic components.
CA 02204643 1997-OS-06
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TABLE 1
Resistors R18 Value (Ohms) 1.OK
R19 220
Rl R20 3.3M 100K
R2 R21 3.3M 100K
R3 R22 l OM 1. SM
R4 R23 lOM 1.SM
RS R24 l .5M 1.SM
R6 R25 3.3M 470K
R7 R26 lOM 3.3M
R8 R27 lOM 100
R9 R28 1.SM 3.3M
R10 lOM
Rl l lOM
R12 22M
R13 100K
R14 1.OK
R15 100K
Rl6 220
Rl7 100K
CA 02204643 1997-OS-06
WO 96/16466 2 6 PCTJUS95/15194
Capacitors Value (Farads)
0.1~
C1 0. l~u ,
C2 0. l~c
C3 0.01,
C4 3300p
CS 3300p
C6 0.01,
C7 O.Ol~c
C8
CA 02204643 1997-OS-06
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Now referring to Figures 8 and 9, an alternate embodiment of the actuator of
the present
invention is shown, generally designated 300, which is adapted to rotate a
tilt rod 302 that is
rotatably mounted by means of a block 304 in a head rail 306 of a mini-blind
308 to open and
close the blind 308. The mini-blind 308 is in all other essential respects
identical in construction
and operation to the blind 14 shown in Figure 1.
The actuator 300 shown in Figure 8 is essentially identical to the actuator 10
shown in
Figure 1, except that the actuator 300 engages the tilt rod 302 of the blind
308 vice the
operating baton (not shown) of the blind. Accordingly, the actuator 300 has a
gear box 310 that
is in all essential respects identical to the gear box 56 shown in Figure 4,
and a channel 312 of
the gear box 310 engages the tilt rod 302.
A do motor 314 is coupled to the gear box 310, and do batteries 316 are
electrically
connected to the motor 314 through the electronic circuitry of a circuit board
318. It can be
appreciated in reference to Figure 8 that the circuit board 318 can be
fastened to the head rail
306, e. g. , by screws (not shown) or other well-known method, and the motor
314, gear box
310, and batteries 316 mounted on the circuit board 318.
A daylight sensor 320 and a signal sensor 322 are mounted on the circuit board
318 and
electrically connected thereto. The sensors 320, 322 are preferably identical
in construction to
the sensors 28, 29 shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Also, a manually manipulable operating switch 324 is electrically connected to
the circuit
board 318. The switch 324 shown in Figure 8 is substantially similar to the
switch 156 shown
in Figure 1. Further, a three-position mode switch 326 is electrically
connected to the circuit
board 318. The switch 326 has an "off" position, wherein the daylight sensor
320 is not
enabled, a "day open" position, wherein. the blind 308 will be opened by the
actuator 300 in
response to daylight impinging on the sensor 320, and a "day shut" position,
wherein the blind
308 will be shut by the actuator 300 in response to daylight impinging on the
sensor 320.
Figure 8 further shows that a manually manipulable adjuster 328 is rotatably
mounted
on the circuit board 318 by means of a bracket 330. The periphery of the
adjuster 328 extends
beyond the head rail 306, so that a person can turn the adjuster 328.
As intended by the present invention, the adjuster 328 has a metal strip 332
attached
thereto, and the strip 332 on the adjuster 328 can contact a metal tongue 334
which is mounted
on the tilt rod 302 when the tilt rod 302 has rotated in the open direction.
CA 02204643 1997-OS-06
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28
When the strip 332 contacts the tongue 334, electrical contact is made
therebetween to
signal the electrical circuit shown in Figure 9 to deenergize the motor 314.
Accordingly, the
adjuster 328 can be rotationally positioned as appropriate such that the strip
332 contacts the
tongue 334 at a predetermined angular position of the tilt rod 302. Stated
differently, the tilt
rod 302 has a closed position, wherein the blind 308 is fully closed, and an
open position,
wherein the blind 308 is open, and the open position is selectively
established by manipulating
the adjuster 328.
Figure 9 shows that the circuit board 318 of the actuator 300 has an
electrical circuit 336
that, with the following exceptions, is in all essential respects identical to
the circuit shown in
Figure 7, i.e., the electrical circuit 336 facilitates the energy-efficient
detection and processing
of an optical signal.
More particularly, an upper electrical limit switch 338 is closed when the
strip 332
contacts . the tongue 334 (Figure 8), to indicate that the tilt rod 302 has
rotated to the
predetermined open position established by the angular position of the
adjuster 328, and, hence,
that the blind 308 has reached its maximum open position. When this occurs,
the electrical path
between the batteries 316 and the motor 314 is interrupted. As was the case
with the circuit
shown in Figure 7, however, the fully closed position of the blind 308 is
established by an
electrical switch 340 which is in turn closed by a rack gear (not shown) of
the gear box 310,
or by a stop (not shown) that can be fastened to one of the gears within the
gear box 310.
Also, the mode switch 326 has been integrated as shown in two places in the
electrical
circuit 336, designated switch positions 341, 342. When the switch 326 is in
the "day open"
or "day shut" position, the position 341 is open, as shown. Otherwise, the
position 341 is shut.
A ten million ohm resistor R30 and a type 4093 NAND gate 344 are connected as
shown to the
position 341 of the mode switch 326.
When the switch 326 is in the "day open" position, the position 342 is open,
as shown.
Otherwise, the position 342 is shut. A ten million ohm resistor R29 is
connected as shown to
the position 342 of the mode switch 326.
The architecture of the circuit 336 shown in Figure 9 is in all essential
respects identical
to the architecture of the circuit shown in Figure 7, with the following
exceptions. Type 4070
Exclusive OR gates 346, 348, 350, 352 (with appropriate connections to ground
and/or the
battery 316 voltage) have been inserted in the circuit as shown in Figure 9,
in place of the
exclusive NOR gates 194, 202, 200, and NAND gate 182, respectively, shown in
Figure 7.
CA 02204643 1997-OS-06
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2g
Figure 10 shows a mini-blind actuator, generally designated 400, that is used
to rotate
a rod 402 that is rotatably mounted in an elongated head rail 404 of a so-
called vertical blind
406. It is to be understood that the actuator 400 is in all essential respects
identical with the
actuator 300 shown in Figures 8 and 9.
As can be appreciated in reference to Figure 10, the rod 402 defines a first
axis of
rotation 408, and a plurality of elongated slats (only a single slat 410 shown
in Figure 10 for
clarity of disclosure) are connected to the rod 402. As can be further
appreciated in reference
to Figure 10, the slat 410 defines a second axis of rotation 412 which is
oriented substantially
perpendicularly to the first axis of rotation 408. In accordance with the
present invention,
rotation of the rod 402 about the first axis 408 causes rotation of the slat
410 about the second
axis 412.
Stated differently, the head rail 404 and rod 402 define a long axis 408, and
the slat 410
defines a long axis 412, with the slat 410 depending downwardly from the head
rail 404 such
that the long axis 412 of the slat 410 is perpendicular to the long axis 408
of the head rail 404
and rod 402.
Figure 10 shows that the slat 410 is connected to the rod 402 via a connector,
generally
designated 414. As shown, the connector 414 includes a hollow rod element 416
which is
surroundingly engaged with the rod 402 in a close fit therewith, such that the
rod element 416
can slide on the rod 402 but cannot rotate relative to the rod 402.
Consequently, rotation of the
rod 402 causes rotation of the rod element 416 about the first axis of
rotation 408. It is to be
appreciated that to this end, the rod element 416 is formed with a bore which
is configured
substantially identically to the radial cross-sectional configuration, e.g.,
hexagonal as shown,
of the rod 402. Alternatively, rotatio_r. between the rod 402 and rod element
416 can be
prevented by other means, e.g., a set screw (not shown).
Figure 10 shows that the rod element 416 is formed with an outer raised
helical surface
418. As the skilled artisan will appreciate, when the rod element 416 rotates,
the helical surface
418 "travels" longitudinally with respect to the rod 402.
Additionally, the connector 414 includes a slat element 420 that is formed
with a
plurality of channels 422. As shown, each channel 422 is oriented
perpendicularly to the first
axis of rotation 408. As further shown, at least one channel 422 is threadably
engaged with the
helical surface 418 of the rod element 416. Moreover, the slat element 420 is
formed with a
clip segment 424. The clip segment 424 includes left and right co-parallel
parallelepiped-shaped
clip plates 424a, 424b which define a slot 426 therebetween, and the slat 410
is fixedly held
CA 02204643 1997-OS-06
WO 96!16466 PCT/US95I15194
within the slot 426 by, e.g., a close interference fit or a solvent bond.
Consequently, rotation
of the rod element 416 about the first axis of rotation 408 causes rotation of
the slat element 420
and, hence, slat 410, about the second axis of rotation 412.
A disc-shaped collar 428 is formed on the slat element 420. The collar 428
engages a
groove 430 that is formed in a two-piece molded connector housing 432 having
halves 432a,
432b to support the slat element 420 and hold the slat element 420 in
threadable engagement
with the rod element 416. As shown, each half 432a, 432b of the connector
housing 432 is
configured with a hole 433 that slidably engages the rod 402, and the
connector housing 432
encloses and supports the connector 414.
It is to be understood that the blind 406 includes a plurality of slats, each
of which is
substantially identical in configuration and operation with the slat 410 with
connector 414.
It is to be further understood in reference to the operation of the electrical
circuit shown
in Figure 7 that the switch of the present invention, i.e., the first trigger
142 or transistor Q2,
receives a control signal from the sensors 28, 29, respectively, and then
activates the electronic
circuit in response thereto to permit the circuit to cause the power supply 42
to energize the
motor 60. With this arrangement, the electronic circuit is deactivated in the
absence of the
control signal. Likewise, the circuit shown in Figure 9 is deactivated in the
absence of the
control signal.
Figure 11 shows a mini-blind actuator, generally designated 500, that is used
to rotate
a shaft-like rod 502 that is rotatably mounted in an elongated head rail 504
of a so-called pleated
or cellular shade 506. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the shade 506 is
an accordion-
type window covering, i.e., the shade 506 compressively accordions upwardly to
a raised
configuration and expansively accordions downwardly to a lowered
configuration. Accordingly,
in one presently preferred embodiment, the rod 502 is keyed to a capstan 507
for rotating the
capstan 507 while permitting slidable motion of the capstan 507 relative to
the rod 502. U.S.
Patent No. 4,623,012 to Rude et al., incorporated herein by reference,
discloses one acceptable
shaft-capstan arrangement for use with pleated shades.
It is to be understood that the actuator 500 is in all essential respects
identical with the
actuator 300 shown in Figures 8 and 9.
As is well-known in the art, the shade 506 includes a plurality of elongated
sections 508
that are joined at their respective left and right edges 510, 512. As shown,
the sections 508 are
horizontally mounted, i.e., the long axes of the sections 508 are parallel to
the long axis 514
CA 02204643 1997-OS-06
WO 96116466 - PCT/US95/15194
of the head rail 504. A drawstring 516 is partially wound around the capstan
507 and is
engaged by means well-known in the art to at least a bottom-most section 508a.
In accordance with the present invention, the actuator 500 can be actuated to
rotate the
rod 502 and capstan 507 and thereby raise or lower the bottom-most section
508a of the shade
506 relative to the head rail 504. In other words, the rod 502 can be rotated
to cause the
bottom-most section 508a to move translationally relative to the head rail
504, with the bottom-
most section 508a (and, indeed, the remaining sections 508) staying parallel
to the head rail 504
during the raising and lowering process.
As the bottom-most section 508a is raised, the shade 506 compressively
accordions
upwardly. On the other hand, as the bottom-most section 508a is lowered, the
shade 506
expansively accordions downwardly.
While the particular head rail-mounted mini-blind actuator as herein shown and
described
in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described objects of the
invention, it is to be
understood that it is the presently preferred embodiment of the present
invention and is thus
representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the
present invention, that
the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which
may become
obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present
invention is accordingly to
be limited by nothing other than the appended claims.
