Patent Description:
Some window shades may use an operating cord for raising a bottom part of the window shade and a wand for lowering the bottom part. More specifically, the operating cord may be pulled downward to drive a rotary part in rotation, which can be transmitted to a drive axle so that the drive axle can rotate for winding a suspension cord connected with the bottom part. When a user rotates the wand, an arrester coupled to the wand can release the drive axle, which can accordingly rotate as the bottom part lowers under gravity action. <CIT> describes an actuating system for a window shade, comprising an axle coupling part rotatable for raising or lowering a bottom part of a window shade, an arresting part and an arrester coupling part connected with each other. The arresting part (<NUM>) having a braking state and a release state. The actuating system further comprises a clutching part carried with the arrester coupling part and an actuating wheel. The clutching part being movable relative to the arrester coupling part between a retracted state where the clutching part is disengaged from the axle coupling part and an extended state where the clutching part is engaged with the axle coupling part. The actuating wheel is movably linked to the clutching part. The actuating wheel being rotatable in a first direction to urge the clutching part to move from the retracted state to the extended state, and in a second direction opposite to the first direction to urge the clutching part to move from the extended state to the retracted state.

The aforementioned type of window shades requires a user to operate two separate parts for lowering and raising the bottom part, and uses a control system that is relatively complex in construction.

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved actuating system that can be used in window shades and address at least the foregoing issues. This object is solved by the features of claim <NUM>.

The present application describes a window shade and an actuating system for use with the window shade that can address the foregoing issues.

According to an embodiment, an actuating system for a window shade includes an axle coupling part rotatable for raising or lowering a bottom part of a window shade, an arresting part and an arrester coupling part connected with each other, the arresting part having a braking state and a release state, a clutching part carried with the arrester coupling part, the clutching part being movable relative to the arrester coupling part between a retracted state where the clutching part is disengaged from the axle coupling part and an extended state where the clutching part is engaged with the axle coupling part, and an actuating wheel movably linked to the clutching part, the actuating wheel being rotatable in a first direction to urge the clutching part to move from the retracted state to the extended state, and in a second direction opposite to the first direction to urge the clutching part to move from the extended state to the retracted state.

Moreover, the application describes a window shade that incorporates the actuating system.

<FIG> are perspective views illustrating an embodiment of a window shade <NUM> in different states. Referring to <FIG>, the window shade <NUM> can include a head rail <NUM>, a bottom part <NUM>, a shading structure <NUM> and an actuating system <NUM>.

The head rail <NUM> may be affixed at a top of a window frame, and can have any desirable shapes. According to an example of construction, the head rail <NUM> can have an elongate shape including a cavity for at least partially receiving the actuating system <NUM> of the window shade <NUM>.

The bottom part <NUM> can be suspended from the head rail <NUM> with a plurality of suspension elements <NUM> (shown with phantom lines in <FIG> and <FIG>). According to an example of construction, the bottom part <NUM> may be an elongate rail having a channel adapted to receive to the attachment of the shading structure <NUM>. Examples of the suspension elements <NUM> may include, without limitation, cords, strips, bands, and the like.

The shading structure <NUM> may exemplary have a cellular structure, which may include, without limitation, honeycomb structures. However, it will be appreciated that the shading structure <NUM> may have any suitable structure that can be expanded and collapsed between the bottom part <NUM> and the head rail <NUM>. The shading structure <NUM> can be suspended from the head rail <NUM>, and can have two opposite ends respectively attached to the head rail <NUM> and the bottom part <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the bottom part <NUM> is movable vertically relative to the head rail <NUM> for setting the window shade <NUM> to a desirable configuration. For example, the bottom part <NUM> may be raised toward the head rail <NUM> to collapse the shading structure <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or lowered away from the head rail <NUM> to expand the shading structure <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The vertical position of the bottom part <NUM> relative to the head rail <NUM> may be controlled with the actuating system <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the actuating system <NUM> is assembled with the head rail <NUM>, and is operable to displace the bottom part <NUM> relative to the head rail <NUM> for adjustment. The actuating system <NUM> can include a transmission axle <NUM>, a plurality of winding units <NUM> rotationally coupled to the transmission axle <NUM>, and a control module <NUM> coupled to the transmission axle <NUM>.

The transmission axle <NUM> is respectively coupled to the winding units <NUM>, and can rotate about a pivot axis P. Each of the winding units <NUM> is respectively connected with the bottom part <NUM> via one suspension element <NUM>, and is operable to wind the suspension element <NUM> for raising the bottom part <NUM> and to unwind the suspension element <NUM> for lowering the bottom part <NUM>. For example, the winding unit <NUM> may include a rotary drum (not shown) that is rotationally coupled to the transmission axle <NUM> and is connected with one end of the suspension element <NUM>, and another end of the suspension element <NUM> can be connected with the bottom part <NUM>, whereby the rotary drum can rotate along with the transmission axle <NUM> to wind or unwind the suspension element <NUM>. Since the winding units <NUM> are commonly coupled to the transmission axle <NUM>, the winding units <NUM> can operate in a concurrent manner for winding and unwinding the suspension elements <NUM>.

The control module <NUM> is coupled to the transmission axle <NUM>, and is operable to cause the transmission axle <NUM> to rotate in either direction about the pivot axis P for raising or lowering the bottom part <NUM>. In conjunction with <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> are two exploded views illustrating a construction of the control module <NUM> under different angles of view, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the control module <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the control module <NUM> can include a housing <NUM> that can be affixed to the head rail <NUM>. The housing <NUM> can have a cavity 118A adapted to receive at least some component parts of the control module <NUM>, wherein the cavity 118A can be respectively closed at a first side with a bracket 120A and at a second side opposite to the first side with a cover 120B.

Referring to <FIG>, the control module <NUM> can include an axle coupling part <NUM>, an arresting part <NUM>, an arrester coupling part <NUM>, a plurality of clutching parts <NUM>, an actuating wheel <NUM> and an operating element <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the axle coupling part <NUM>, the arresting part <NUM>, the arrester coupling part <NUM> and the actuating wheel <NUM> can be disposed substantially coaxial to the pivot axis P. In conjunction with <FIG>, <FIG> are cross-sectional views of the control module <NUM> taken across different sections perpendicular to the pivot axis P. More specifically, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the control module <NUM> taken across a section that is perpendicular to the pivot axis P and is adjacent to the operating element <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the control module <NUM> taken across a section that is perpendicular to the pivot axis P and includes a connection of the clutching parts <NUM> with the actuating wheel <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the control module <NUM> taken across a section that is perpendicular to the pivot axis P and includes a connection of the clutching parts <NUM> with the arrester coupling part <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the control module <NUM> taken across a section that is perpendicular to the pivot axis P and includes a connection of the arresting part <NUM> with the arrester coupling part <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the axle coupling part <NUM> can be received at least partially inside the cavity 118A of the housing <NUM>, and can extend outward through the cover 120B. The axle coupling part <NUM> is rotationally coupled to the transmission axle <NUM> so that the transmission axle <NUM> and the axle coupling part <NUM> can rotate in unison for raising or lowering the bottom part <NUM>. For example, the transmission axle <NUM> can have an end that is received in an opening 122A provided in the axle coupling part <NUM>, and a fastener (not shown) can be used to attach the transmission axle <NUM> to the axle coupling part <NUM>. The transmission axle <NUM> and the axle coupling part <NUM> can thereby rotate in unison about the pivot axis P for raising or lowering the bottom part <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the arresting part <NUM> is configured to prevent rotation of the axle coupling part <NUM> in a direction that lowers the bottom part <NUM> so that the bottom part <NUM> can be held at any desirable position relative to the head rail <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the arresting part <NUM> and the arrester coupling part <NUM> are connected with each other, and are disposed around the pivot axis P. More specifically, the arresting part <NUM> can be a spring that is disposed inside the housing <NUM> in tight contact with an inner wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and has an end 124A anchored to the arrester coupling part <NUM>. For example, the arrester coupling part <NUM> can have a slot <NUM>, and the end 124A of the arresting part <NUM> can be engaged with the slot <NUM>. The arresting part <NUM> has a braking state where the arresting part <NUM> is expanded so that an outer circumference of the arresting part <NUM> is in frictional contact with the inner wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and a release state where the arresting part <NUM> is contracted so that the frictional contact of the arresting part <NUM> with the inner wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is loosened.

Referring to <FIG>, the arrester coupling part <NUM> is pivotally disposed inside the cavity 118A of the housing <NUM> axially adjacent to the axle coupling part <NUM> and the actuating wheel <NUM>, and extends through the arresting part <NUM>. The arrester coupling part <NUM> is rotatable about the pivot axis P as a single part. More specifically, the arrester coupling part <NUM> can rotate relative to the housing <NUM> to displace the end 124A of the arresting part <NUM> in a direction that contracts the arresting part <NUM> and thereby switches the arresting part <NUM> from the braking state to the release state, or to displace the end 124A in an opposite direction that expands the arresting part <NUM> and thereby switches the arresting part <NUM> from the release state to the braking state.

The clutching parts <NUM> are carried with the arrester coupling part <NUM>, and are movable relative to the arrester coupling part <NUM> between a retracted state where the clutching parts <NUM> are disengaged from the axle coupling part <NUM> and an extended state where the clutching parts <NUM> are engaged with the axle coupling part <NUM>. For example, the clutching parts <NUM> may be connected with the arrester coupling part <NUM> so as to be movable generally orthogonal to the pivot axis P between the retracted state and the extended state.

According to an example of construction, the clutching parts <NUM> can be respectively connected slidably with the arrester coupling part <NUM>, and can be disposed distant from the pivot axis P at different angular positions on the arrester coupling part <NUM>. For example, the arrester coupling part <NUM> can have a plurality of channels <NUM> that are disposed at different angular positions distant from the pivot axis P and are opened on a circumference of the arrester coupling part <NUM>, and the clutching parts <NUM> can be respectively guided for sliding movement in the channels <NUM>. The clutching parts <NUM> can thereby slide relative to the arrester coupling part <NUM> generally orthogonal to the pivot axis P to protrude outward from the circumference of the arrester coupling part <NUM> in the extended state or retract toward the interior of the arrester coupling part <NUM> in the retracted state. Moreover, the clutching parts <NUM> can move along with the arrester coupling part <NUM> around the pivot axis P when the arrester coupling part <NUM> rotates about the pivot axis P.

According to an example of construction, the axle coupling part <NUM> can include a sleeve <NUM> having a plurality of teeth <NUM> protruding inward from an inner wall of the sleeve <NUM>, and the arrester coupling part <NUM> can be at least partially received inside the sleeve <NUM>. The clutching parts <NUM> can respectively engage with the teeth <NUM> in the extended state, and can respectively disengage from the teeth <NUM> in the retracted state.

Referring to <FIG>, the actuating wheel <NUM> can be disposed inside the cavity 118A of the housing <NUM> substantially coaxial to the transmission axle <NUM>. For example, the bracket 120A can have a fixed shaft <NUM>, and the actuating wheel <NUM> can be pivotally connected around the fixed shaft <NUM> so as to be rotatable about the pivot axis P of the transmission axle <NUM>.

The operating element <NUM> is a flexible closed-loop element, and is coupled to the actuating wheel <NUM>. Examples of the operating element <NUM> can include, without limitation, a bead chain or a cord loop. The operating element <NUM> can loop around the actuating wheel <NUM>, and can have two portions 132A and 132B exposed outside the head rail <NUM> for operation by a user. One of the two portions 132A and 132B of the operating element <NUM> can be pulled downward to cause the actuating wheel <NUM> to rotate in one direction, and the other one of the two portions 132A and 132B of the operating element <NUM> can be pulled downward to cause the actuating wheel <NUM> to rotate in another opposite direction.

Referring to <FIG>, the actuating wheel <NUM> is movably linked to the clutching parts <NUM> so that the actuating wheel <NUM> is rotatable to switch the clutching parts <NUM> between the retracted state and the extended state. According to an example of construction, the clutching parts <NUM> can be slidably connected with the actuating wheel <NUM>. For example, the actuating wheel <NUM> can have a plurality of driving portions <NUM> provided at different eccentric locations relative to the pivot axis P, and the clutching parts <NUM> can be respectively connected slidably with the driving portions <NUM>. For facilitating the connection of the clutching parts <NUM> with the actuating wheel <NUM>, the actuating wheel <NUM> can have a coupling portion <NUM> and a wheel portion <NUM> that can be fixedly attached to each other via a fastener <NUM>, the driving portions <NUM> can be provided in the coupling portion <NUM>, and the wheel portion <NUM> can be connected with the operating element <NUM>. The coupling portion <NUM> of the actuating wheel <NUM> can be received at least partially inside the sleeve <NUM> of the axle coupling part <NUM>, and the wheel portion <NUM> can have a shaft 150A that extends through the arrester coupling part <NUM> and is attached to the coupling portion <NUM> with the fastener <NUM>. Each of the driving portions <NUM> can have a guide slot 146A, and each of the clutching parts <NUM> can have a pin 128A that is slidably received in the guide slot 146A of the corresponding driving portion <NUM>. The driving portions <NUM> can be disposed so that the guide slots 146A respectively overlap at least partially with the channels <NUM> of the arrester coupling part <NUM>. Moreover, the mutually-overlapping channel <NUM> and guide slot 146A can extend in different directions so that the rotation of the actuating wheel <NUM> in either direction can urge the clutching parts <NUM> to concurrently slide relative to the arrester coupling part <NUM> for switching between the retracted state and the extended state.

With the aforementioned construction, the actuating wheel <NUM> is rotatable in a first direction to urge the clutching parts <NUM> to move from the retracted state to the extended state, and in a second direction opposite to the first direction to urge the clutching parts <NUM> to move from the extended state to the retracted state. When the clutching parts <NUM> are in the extended state, the braking state of the arresting part <NUM> is applicable to prevent rotation of the axle coupling part <NUM> in a direction that lowers the bottom part <NUM> of the window shade <NUM>. Moreover, the actuating wheel <NUM> is rotatable in the first direction to drive the axle coupling part <NUM> and the arrester coupling part <NUM> to rotate in unison with the clutching parts <NUM> in the extended state for switching the arresting part <NUM> from the braking state to the release state and raising the bottom part <NUM> of the window shade <NUM>. When the clutching parts <NUM> are in the retracted state, the axle coupling part <NUM> is rotationally decoupled from the arrester coupling part <NUM> and the actuating wheel <NUM> and is therefore rotatable along with the transmission axle <NUM> for lowering the bottom part <NUM> owing to gravity action. A user can pull one of the two portions 132A and 132B of the operating element <NUM> (e.g., the portion 132A) downward for rotating the actuating wheel <NUM> in the first direction, and can pull the other one of the two portions 132A and 132B of the operating element <NUM> (e.g., the portion 132B) downward for rotating the actuating wheel <NUM> in the second direction.

In conjunction with <FIG>, <FIG> are schematic views illustrating exemplary operation of the control module <NUM> for lowering the bottom part <NUM> of the window shade <NUM> to a desired lower position, wherein <FIG> are schematic views illustrating exemplary operation of the control module <NUM> for lowering the bottom part <NUM>, and <FIG> are schematic views illustrating exemplary operation of the control module <NUM> for stopping the bottom part <NUM> at the desired lower position. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, suppose that the bottom part <NUM> of the window shade <NUM> is in a stationary position, e.g., the raised position shown in <FIG>. The arresting part <NUM> is in the braking state, and the clutching parts <NUM> are in the extended state. Owing to the engagement of the clutching parts <NUM> with the axle coupling part <NUM>, the transmission axle <NUM> and the axle coupling part <NUM> are rotationally coupled to the arrester coupling part <NUM>, and the arresting part <NUM> can apply a braking force on the arrester coupling part <NUM> that counteracts a torque created by the weight load of the bottom part <NUM>. Accordingly, the bottom part <NUM> can be held in position.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, for lowering the bottom part <NUM>, a user slightly pulls one of the two portions 132A and 132B (e.g., the portion 132B) of the operating element <NUM> downward in a direction B and then release it. As a result, the actuating wheel <NUM> rotates an angle in a direction D2 that causes the clutching parts <NUM> to move from the extended state to the retracted state, which rotationally decouples the transmission axle <NUM> and the axle coupling part <NUM> from the arrester coupling part <NUM> and the actuating wheel <NUM>. This is schematically illustrated in <FIG>. Since the braking force of the arresting part <NUM> no longer applies on the axle coupling part <NUM>, the transmission axle <NUM> and the axle coupling part <NUM> can rotate in unison as the bottom part <NUM> lowers by gravity action. The arresting part <NUM>, the arrester coupling part <NUM>, the clutching parts <NUM> and the actuating wheel <NUM> can remain generally stationary while the transmission axle <NUM> and the axle coupling part <NUM> rotate for lowering the bottom part <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, when the bottom part <NUM> moving downward reaches a desired position, the user slightly pulls the other one of the two portions 132A and 132B (e.g., the portion 132A) of the operating element <NUM> downward in the direction B and then release it. As a result, the actuating wheel <NUM> rotates an angle in a direction D1 opposite to the direction D2 that causes the clutching parts <NUM> to move from the retracted state to the extended state. As the clutching parts <NUM> in the extended state engage with the axle coupling part <NUM>, the transmission axle <NUM> and the axle coupling part <NUM> are rotationally coupled to the arrester coupling part <NUM>, and the braking force applied by the arresting part <NUM> can counteract the torque imparted by the weight load of the bottom part <NUM>. Accordingly, the bottom part <NUM> can be held in the desired position.

For raising the bottom part <NUM>, the user continuously pulls the other one of the two portions 132A and 132B (e.g., the portion 132A) of the operating element <NUM> downward. As a result, the actuating wheel <NUM> continuously rotates in the direction D1 and drives the axle coupling part <NUM> and the arrester coupling part <NUM> to rotate in unison in the same direction with the clutching parts <NUM> in the extended state and engaged with the teeth <NUM> inside the axle coupling part <NUM>, which can switch the arresting part <NUM> from the braking state to the release state and raise the bottom part <NUM>. The arresting part <NUM> can rotate in unison with the arrester coupling part <NUM> and the actuating wheel <NUM> as the bottom part <NUM> rises.

Once the rising bottom part <NUM> reaches a desired position, the user can release the operating element <NUM>. As a result, the arresting part <NUM> switches from the release state to the braking state. Since the clutching parts <NUM> are in the extended state and are engaged with the axle coupling part <NUM>, the transmission axle <NUM> and the axle coupling part <NUM> are rotationally coupled to the arrester coupling part <NUM>, and the braking force applied by the arresting part <NUM> can counteract the torque imparted by the weight load of the bottom part <NUM>. Accordingly, the bottom part <NUM> can be held in the desired position.

<FIG> and <FIG> are two exploded views illustrating a variant construction of the control module <NUM> under different angles of view, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the control module <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the control module <NUM> shown therein is similar to the embodiment described previously and further includes a spring <NUM> connected with the actuating wheel <NUM>, wherein the spring <NUM> can apply a biasing force on the actuating wheel <NUM> in the direction D1 (better show in <FIG>) for assisting in maintaining the clutching parts <NUM> in the extended state. According to an example of construction, the spring <NUM> has one end 160A connected with the actuating wheel <NUM> and another end 160B connected with the arrester coupling part <NUM>. In conjunction with <FIG>, exemplary operation of the control module <NUM> shown in <FIG> is described hereinafter.

For lowering the bottom part <NUM>, a user slightly pulls the portion 132B of the operating element <NUM> downward to a pull position and then maintains it in the pull position. As a result, the actuating wheel <NUM> rotates an angle in the direction D2 against the biasing force of the spring <NUM> so that the clutching parts <NUM> are urged to move from the extended state to the retracted state, like previously described. Since the braking force applied by the arresting part <NUM> no longer applies on the axle coupling part <NUM>, the transmission axle <NUM> and the axle coupling part <NUM> can rotate in unison as the bottom part <NUM> lowers by gravity action. The arresting part <NUM>, the arrester coupling part <NUM>, the clutching parts <NUM> and the actuating wheel <NUM> can remain generally stationary while the transmission axle <NUM> and the axle coupling part <NUM> rotate for lowering the bottom part <NUM>.

When the bottom part <NUM> moving downward reaches a desired position, the user releases the operating element <NUM>. As a result, the actuating wheel <NUM> rotates an angle in the direction D1 owing to the biasing force of the spring <NUM>, which causes the clutching parts <NUM> to move from the retracted state to the extended state. As the clutching parts <NUM> in the extended state engage with the axle coupling part <NUM>, the transmission axle <NUM> and the axle coupling part <NUM> are rotationally coupled to the arrester coupling part <NUM>, and the braking force applied by the arresting part <NUM> can counteract the torque imparted by the weight load of the bottom part <NUM>. Accordingly, the bottom part <NUM> can be held in the desired position.

For raising the bottom part <NUM>, the user continuously pulls the other portion 132A of the operating element <NUM> downward. As a result, the actuating wheel <NUM> continuously rotates in the direction D1 and drives the axle coupling part <NUM> and the arrester coupling part <NUM> to rotate in unison in the same direction with the clutching parts <NUM> in the extended state and engaged with the teeth <NUM> inside the axle coupling part <NUM>, which can switch the arresting part <NUM> from the braking state to the release state and raise the bottom part <NUM>. The arresting part <NUM> and the spring <NUM> can rotate in unison with the arrester coupling part <NUM> and the actuating wheel <NUM> as the bottom part <NUM> rises.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a variant construction in which the operating element <NUM> of the control module <NUM> provided in the window shade <NUM> is a cord loop having no beads. The other components of the control module <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be similar to the constructions described previously.

Advantages of the structures described herein include the ability to provide an actuating system operable to lower and raise a bottom part of the window shade with a single operating element. The actuating system uses a closed-loop operating element, wherein a portion of the operating element can be slightly pulled downward for lowering the bottom part, and another portion of the operating element can be continuously pulled downward for raising the bottom part. Accordingly, the actuating system is convenient to operate, and is relatively simple in construction.

Claim 1:
An actuating system (<NUM>) for a window shade (<NUM>), comprising:
an axle coupling part (<NUM>) rotatable for raising or lowering a bottom part (<NUM>) of a window shade (<NUM>);
an arresting part (<NUM>) and an arrester coupling part (<NUM>) connected with each other, the arresting part (<NUM>) having a braking state and a release state;
a clutching part (<NUM>) carried with the arrester coupling part (<NUM>), the clutching part (<NUM>) being movable relative to the arrester coupling part (<NUM>) between a retracted state where the clutching part (<NUM>) is disengaged from the axle coupling part (<NUM>) and an extended state where the clutching part (<NUM>) is engaged with the axle coupling part (<NUM>); and
an actuating wheel (<NUM>) movably linked to the clutching part (<NUM>), the actuating wheel (<NUM>) being rotatable in a first direction (D1) to urge the clutching part (<NUM>) to move from the retracted state to the extended state, and in a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1) to urge the clutching part (<NUM>) to move from the extended state to the retracted state; characterized in that the arresting part (<NUM>) is a spring that is disposed in tight contact with a housing (<NUM>) and has an end (124A) anchored to the arrester coupling part (<NUM>), the arresting part (<NUM>) being switched from the braking state to the release state by loosening a frictional contact of the spring with the housing (<NUM>).