U.S. patent application number 09/766274 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-09 for window assembly with a motorized window shade mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aerospace Technologies Group, Inc.. Invention is credited to Knowles, Byron R..
Application Number | 20010011580 09/766274 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22967194 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010011580 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Knowles, Byron R. |
August 9, 2001 |
Window assembly with a motorized window shade mechanism
Abstract
A motorized window shade assembly for operating a window shade
having a rail attached to one end of the shade to extend and
compress the shade with movement of the rail. The motorized window
shade assembly includes a shell having two sidewalls, and a rail
extending between the two sidewalls of the shell. The sidewalls
have respective opposed inner surfaces with a channel therein,
shoulders adjacent and perpendicular to the inner surfaces,
respectively, and a traction surface on each of the shoulders. An
axle is rotatingly coupled to the rail and has a traction wheel
coupled to each end thereof. Opposite tips of the axle ride within
the channels in the sidewalls, and the traction wheels engage the
traction surface. A motor is attached to the rail and is drivingly
coupled to the axle.
Inventors: |
Knowles, Byron R.; (Palm
Beach, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FRISHAUF, HOLTZ, GOODMAN, LANGER & CHICK, P.C.
767 Third Avenue - 25th Floor
NewYork
NY
10017-2023
US
|
Assignee: |
Aerospace Technologies Group,
Inc.
Palm Beach
FL
|
Family ID: |
22967194 |
Appl. No.: |
09/766274 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09766274 |
Jan 19, 2001 |
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09255180 |
Feb 22, 1999 |
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6186211 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
160/84.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 9/322 20130101;
E06B 9/302 20130101; B64C 1/1484 20130101; E06B 2009/587 20130101;
E06B 9/327 20130101; B60J 1/2011 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/84.02 |
International
Class: |
E06B 003/48 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A motorized mechanism for operating a window shade having a rail
attached to one end of the shade to extend and compress the shade
with movement of the rail, comprising: a rail; a motor with a drive
wheel coupled thereto; an axle with traction wheels coupled to each
end thereof; wherein said motor is fixed to said rail and said axle
is rotatingly coupled to said rail, said drive wheel being
drivingly coupled to said axle so that motor operation to turn said
drive wheel produces a corresponding rotation of said traction
wheels at both ends of said axle to move said rail.
2. The motorized mechanism of claim 1, wherein said rail includes a
first recess sized to accommodate said motor therein at one end of
said rail, and a second recess extending longitudinally completely
through said rail to rotatingly accommodate said axle therein, said
drive wheel and one of said traction wheels at said one end of the
rail being engaged to couple said motor to said axle.
3. The motorized mechanism of claim 1, wherein said rail includes a
first recess sized to accommodate said motor therein.
4. The motorized mechanism of claim 3, wherein said first recess is
at one end of said rail.
5. The motorized mechanism of claim 4, wherein said drive wheel and
one of said traction wheels at said one end of the rail are engaged
to couple said motor to said axle.
6. The motorized mechanism of claim 5, wherein said rail includes a
second recess extending longitudinally completely through said rail
to rotatingly accommodate said axle therein.
7. The motorized mechanism of claim 1, wherein said rail includes a
recess extending longitudinally completely through said rail to
rotatingly accommodate said axle therein.
8. The motorized mechanism of claim 1, wherein said drive wheel and
one of said traction wheels are engaged to couple said motor to
said axle.
9. The motorized mechanism of claim 1, wherein said rail comprises
a main body and at least one attachment member adapted to snap-fit
onto said main body and thereby secure one end of the shade to said
rail.
10. The motorized mechanism of claim 9, wherein said main body
comprises two opposed sidewalls, and said attachment member
comprises a strip which snaps into said sidewalls.
11. The motorized mechanism of claim 10, wherein said strip
constitutes at least a portion of a top wall of said main body.
12. The motorized mechanism of claim 9, wherein said main body
comprises a top wall and a bottom wall, and said attachment member
comprises an elongated C-shaped clamp which snaps into said top and
bottom walls.
13. The motorized mechanism of claim 2, wherein said first recess
is shaped at least in part to a contour of said motor.
14. The motorized mechanism of claim 3, wherein said first recess
is shaped at least in part to a contour of said motor.
15. The motorized mechanism of claim 2, wherein said first recess
is parallel to said second recess.
16. The motorized mechanism of claim 1, wherein said drive wheel
and said traction wheels are toothed wheels.
17. A motorized window shade assembly for operating a window shade
having a rail attached to one end of the shade to extend and
compress the shade with movement of the rail, comprising: a shell
having two sidewalls; a rail extending between said two sidewalls
of the shell; said sidewalls having respective opposed inner
surfaces with a channel therein, shoulders adjacent and
perpendicular to said inner surfaces, respectively, and a traction
surface on each of said shoulders; an axle rotatingly coupled to
said rail and having a traction wheel coupled to each end thereof,
opposite tips of said axle riding within the channels in said
sidewalls, and said traction wheels engaging said traction surface;
and a motor attached to said rail and drivingly coupled to said
axle.
18. The motorized window shade assembly of claim 17, wherein said
motor is coupled to a drive wheel which is drivingly coupled to
said axle.
19. The motorized window shade assembly of claim 18, wherein said
traction wheels are toothed wheels, and said traction surface is a
rack.
20. The motorized window shade assembly of claim 18, wherein said
rail includes a first recess sized to accommodate said motor
therein at one end of said rail, and a second recess extending
longitudinally completely through said rail to rotatingly
accommodate said axle therein, said drive wheel and one of said
traction wheels at said one end of the rail being engaged to couple
said motor to said axle.
21. The motorized window shade assembly of claim 18, wherein said
rail includes a first recess sized to accommodate said motor
therein.
22. The motorized window shade assembly of claim 21, wherein said
first recess is at one end of said rail.
23. The motorized window shade assembly of claim 22, wherein said
drive wheel and one of said traction wheels at said one end of the
rail are engaged to couple said motor to said axle.
24. The motorized window shade assembly of claim 23, wherein said
rail includes a second recess extending longitudinally completely
through said rail to rotatingly accommodate said axle therein.
25. The motorized window shade assembly of claim 17, wherein said
rail includes a recess extending longitudinally completely through
said rail to rotatingly accommodate said axle therein.
26. The motorized window shade assembly of claim 18, wherein said
drive wheel and one of said traction wheels are engaged to couple
said motor to said axle.
27. The motorized window shade of claim 26, wherein said drive
wheel and said traction wheels are toothed wheels, and said
traction surface is a rack.
28. The motorized window shade assembly of claim 17, wherein said
first recess is shaped at least in part to a contour of said
motor.
29. The motorized window shade of claim 17, wherein said traction
surface is an integral part of said shell.
30. A motor control circuit for a motorized mechanism having two
motors each of which operates one of two shade portions of a window
shade, comprising: sensing means to detect arrival of said shade
portions at an UP position or a DOWN position; manually operable
switch means to designate operation of the window shade in either a
DOWN direction or an UP direction in which the window shade is
extended or compressed, respectively; switch means for
automatically directing power to one of the two motors; and control
means for directing power to one of the motors in response to said
manually operable switch means until the shade portion movable
thereby reaches one of said UP and DOWN positions and, in response
thereto, automatically switching the power to the other motor.
31. The motor control circuit of claim 30, wherein said UP and DOWN
positions are end-of-travel positions in which a shade is either
fully extended or fully compressed.
32. The motor control circuit of claim 30, wherein said switch
means de-energizes said one motor when power is automatically
switched to the other motor.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to a window assembly with
a motorized window shade mechanism and, in particular, to a window
assembly that is adapted for aircraft and that is readily assembled
and installed, and which provides convenient and reliable
operation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A known window shade mechanism specifically adapted for
aircraft windows utilizes cables and pulleys. A slidable actuator
must be manually moved to operate the window shade. See U.S. Pat.
No. 5,082,043. Reliance on manual operation is inconvenient
because, for example, all the window shades on the aircraft cannot
be operated simultaneously by one person. Also, the parts are
particularly vulnerable to malfunction. Moreover, many components
are required, and this reduces reliability while adding to the
cost.
[0003] Another known approach provides a motor which is fixed in
the window and operates the shade with cables and pulleys. See U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,515,898 and 4,998,576. However, this approach also
requires numerous components which can only be manufactured,
assembled and installed at considerable cost. Reliability is also
compromised by the inclusion of so many parts.
[0004] Yet another approach attaches a motor to the lower bar, or
rail, of the shade, and the motor moves along with the shade as it
is extended and compressed. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,686. However,
this approach also utilizes numerous components which raise the
cost of manufacture and lower the reliability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide an
improved window assembly which includes a motorized window shade
mechanism.
[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a
window assembly which utilizes fewer components.
[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide such
a window assembly having readily assemblable components.
[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved motorized window shade mechanism.
[0009] These and other objects are attained in accordance with one
aspect of the present invention which is directed to a motorized
mechanism for operating a window shade having a rail attached to
one end of the shade to extend and compress the shade with movement
of the rail. The mechanism includes a rail, a motor with a drive
wheel coupled thereto, and an axle with traction wheels coupled to
each end thereof. The motor is fixed to the rail and the axle is
rotatingly coupled to the rail. The drive wheel is drivingly
coupled to the axle so that motor operation to turn the drive wheel
produces a corresponding rotation of the traction wheels at both
ends of the axle to move the rail.
[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
motorized window shade assembly for operating a window shade having
a rail attached to one end of the shade to extend and compress the
shade with movement of the rail. The motorized window shade
assembly includes a shell having two sidewalls, and a rail
extending between the two sidewalls of the shell. The sidewalls
have respective opposed inner surfaces with a channel therein,
shoulders adjacent and perpendicular to the inner surfaces,
respectively, and a traction surface on each of the shoulders. An
axle is rotatingly coupled to the rail and having a traction wheel
coupled to each end thereof. Opposite tips of the axle ride within
the channels in the sidewalls, and the traction wheels engage the
traction surface. A motor is attached to the rail and is drivingly
coupled to the axle.
[0011] Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
motor control circuit for a motorized mechanism having two motors
each of which operates one of two shade portions of a window shade.
A sensing means detects arrival of the shade portions at an UP
position or a DOWN position. A manually operable switch means
designates operation of the window shade in either a DOWN direction
or an UP direction in which the window shade is extended or
compressed, respectively. A switch means is provided for
automatically directing power to one of the two motors. A control
means directs power to one of the motors in response to the
manually operable switch means until the shade portion movable
thereby reaches one of the UP and DOWN positions and, in response
thereto, automatically switches the power to the other motor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0012] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a window assembly which
includes a motorized window shade mechanism in accordance with the
invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross section taken along line 2-2 of the window
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross section taken along line 3-3 of the window
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded view corresponding to the window
assembly as shown in FIG. 3.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the right portion
of the window assembly as shown in FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an exploded, perspective view of a rail for the
bottom of the shade shown with a motor, an axle, associated toothed
wheels and rack, in accordance with the invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of one end of the rail of FIG.
6 into which the motor and axle are inserted.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a side view of the assembled rail, as shown in
FIG. 7, and the motorized shade mechanism engaged with the
rack.
[0020] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of one
end of a top strip of the rail as shown in FIG. 6, shown together
with the bottom of the shade to which it is secured.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an end view of the rail.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a top view of the motor assembly.
[0023] FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the motor assembly.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a side view of the motor assembly.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the motor assembly.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of motor control circuit 101
in FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 16 is an elevational view of a second embodiment of the
invention.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of motor control circuit 144
in FIG. 16.
[0029] FIG. 18 is a flow chart for the circuit of FIG. 16.
[0030] FIG. 19 is a second embodiment of the rail.
[0031] FIG. 20 is a third embodiment of the rail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, window assembly 1 ("window" hereinafter)
includes a window shade 3 which is positioned so that it can be
deployed to block passage of at least some light through window 1.
Window shade 3 is made of any known type of pleated material
conventionally used for shades which can be compressed relatively
tightly, to a height of less than one-half inch, for example, so
that it occupies a minimal amount of space at the top of the window
in order to provide an unimpeded view and to allow light to pass
completely unobstructed through window 1. The shade can be extended
to any desired position. When the shade is fully extended, however,
it will obstruct the passage of light through the window either
partially, if the material is sheer, or fully if the material is
opaque.
[0033] Although window 1 can be any type of window set in any
environment, the present invention is disclosed with particular
applicability to an aircraft window. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an
aircraft window is contoured to fit the curvature of the particular
aircraft body into which it will be installed, and has an inner
pane 5 and an outer pane 7. Shade 3 is positioned within the
interior space of the window between panes 5 and 7.
[0034] Window 1 includes a motorized mechanism 4 (see FIGS. 6-8)
for operating window shade 3. The motorized mechanism provides full
and reliable functionality of the window shade while minimizing the
number of required components. In particular, motor 9 has an output
shaft 11 on which a toothed drive wheel 13 is fixedly attached by
press-fitting the drive wheel onto the shaft. A flat 16 on the end
of shaft 11 matches a flat area (not shown) inside drive wheel 13
which prevents rotational motion of the wheel on the shaft. Drive
wheel 13 has a hub 14 which projects axially by a preset distance,
as explained below.
[0035] Motor 9 is sized for being securely inserted into one end of
rail 17, details of which are provided below. Rail 17 is attached,
in a manner to be explained below, to the bottom edge 19 of shade
3, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9. Consequently, as motor 9 is energized
to move rail 17 up and down along window 1, shade 3 is
commensurately compressed and extended.
[0036] Movement of rail 17 corresponding to operation of motor 9 is
accomplished by toothed traction wheels 21 and 23 of the motorized
mechanism 4. These wheels are in operatively meshed engagement with
racks 25 and 27, respectively (see FIGS. 1 and 8). Racks 25 and 27
are positioned laterally at the sides of window 1, as best shown in
FIG. 1. Traction wheels 21 and 23 are attached at opposite ends of
shaft, or axle, 29 which is accommodated within recess 31 in rail
17 (see FIGS. 6 and 10). Axle 29 has a flat spot 30 at both of its
ends which matches a flat area in each of the traction wheels. The
traction wheels are press-fit onto the axle. Traction wheel 21
meshes with drive wheel 13. Consequently, as motor 9 turns drive
wheel 13, rotational torque is applied to traction wheel 21. This
rotates axle 29 which turns traction wheel 23. Wheels 21 and 23
have respective hubs 22 and 24 which project axially by a preset
distance, as explained below. Thus, with the just-described
motorized mechanism 4, even though only one motor is used which
applies direct rotational torque at one end of rail 17, no vertical
twisting or binding of rail 17 occurs because traction wheels 21
and 23 are synchronized by axle 29 to provide smooth motion of rail
17 along racks 25 and 27.
[0037] In accordance with a salient aspect of the present
invention, all the components are designed to facilitate assembly
of the window assembly without reliance on separate fastening
members. More specifically, as seen in the side view, or end-on
view, of rail 17 shown in FIG. 10, rail 17 has a main body 18, and
upper and lower strips 37 and 47. Axial recess 15 extends entirely
through the length of the rail and is defined by sidewalls 33 and
35, and a top wall 38. The bottom of recess 15 is defined by a
transverse member 39 having a flat upper surface. Recess 31
directly below recess 15 is formed as a circular hole which also
extends axially through the entire length of body 18. The end of
rail 17 into which motor 9 is inserted has a cutout 41 formed in
it. More specifically, sidewall 35 is shortened where it terminates
at end wall 36, and top wall 38 correspondingly terminates at
axially facing end wall 43 and laterally facing end wall 45. Recess
15 is in communication with recess 31 via a channel-shaped opening
in transverse member 39. The structure of rail 17 lends itself to
fabrication by the poltrusion process. Rail 17 can be made of
plastic, carbon, or a combination thereof.
[0038] Strip 37 has downwardly projecting arms 51 and 52 with
respective end tabs 53 and 54 which are shaped and sized so as to
snap-fit into notches 55 and 56 of sidewalls 33 and 35,
respectively (see FIGS. 6 and 10). Thus, strip 37 can be snapped
into its fixed position on body 18. If the pleated material at the
bottom edge 19 of shade 3 is positioned under top strip 37, as
shown in FIG. 9, and the strip is then snapped into position on
body 18, bottom edge 19 of shade 3 is securely grasped by the tight
fit of tabs 53, 54 within notches 55, 56 as well as by the abutment
of arms 51, 52 against the sides of top wall 38.
[0039] Bottom strip 47 is formed in the same shape as top strip 37
and, in fact, they are identical. Strip 47 is snap-fit into a
structure at the bottom of body 18 which is identical to that
described in detail above at the top of body 18 for seating top
strip 37 and, thus, a detailed description thereof is not deemed
necessary. Strip 47 is not required for the first embodiment, and
the bottom of rail 17 can be fabricated to have the same or similar
shape which is attained with strip 47 placed in its installed
position. However, strip 47 has several uses. For example, it can
serve as a decorative strip. Also, it is required in connection
with the second embodiment for holding the second, lower shade, as
explained below.
[0040] As best seen in FIG. 10, sidewalls 33 and 35 have opposed
interior surfaces 33a and 35a which are so shaped and so spaced
from each other as to snugly and securely receive the cylindrical
housing of motor 9 and its assembly (as described below)
therebetween. Of course, the motor will undergo rotational reaction
forces while it is energized. However, rotation of motor 9 within
recess 15 is prevented by the cooperating structure of the motor
assembly and rail 17, as explained below.
[0041] In accordance with another salient aspect of the present
invention, window 1 includes a shell 71 which is shown in FIGS.
1-5. Shell 71 includes main body 73, shell sides 75 and 77, top 79
and bottom 81. Body 73 has a porthole 83 surrounded by a flange 85.
The shape of porthole 83 is shown to be oval but, of course, it can
be any selected shape. Outer pane 7 is sized and shaped to match
porthole 83 and slightly overhang flange 85 (see FIG. 5). Sides 75
and 77 have opposed elongated, vertically extending channels 87 and
89 formed respectively therein (see FIGS. 2-5). The length of axle
29 plus hubs 22 and 24 is such that the hubs extend into and ride
within channels 87 and 89, as explained below. Likewise, the length
of drive wheel hub 14 is such that it extends into channel 87 just
above hub 22. Racks 25 and 27 are positioned directly adjacent
channels 87 and 89, respectively (see FIG. 5). With hubs 22 and 24
riding within channels 87 and 89, traction wheels 21 and 23 mesh
with racks 25 and 27, respectively. Since the radius of drive wheel
13 is smaller than for the traction wheels, drive wheel 13 does not
engage rack 25 (see FIG. 8). Shell 71 is made of injection molded
plastic. Racks 25 and 27 are preferably formed as an integral
element of shell 71.
[0042] Bottom 81 of shell 71 has a transverse channel 91 formed
therein, as best shown in FIG. 4. It is sized to securely
accommodate therein the bottom edge of inner pane 5. Top 79 of
shell 71 has a transverse channel 93 formed therein which is sized
to tightly receive therein strip 95. Wedge-shaped leading edge 97
of strip 95 facilitates the full insertion of the strip into
channel 93. Strip 95 is T-shaped so that when it is fully inserted
in channel 93, the lower leg 98 bears against the upper edge of
inner pane 5 so as to keep it in position. Thus, channel 91 in
bottom 81 of shell 71 and strip 95 cooperate to securely retain
inner pane 5 in position on shell 71.
[0043] Printed circuit board 103 is secured to bottom 81 of shell
71. A motor control circuit 101 (see FIG. 15) is formed on board
103. Buttons 107 and 109, which are preferably of the well-known
Mylar.TM. type, are connected to circuit 101 by conductive wires
(not shown).
[0044] FIGS. 11-14 depict details of the motor assembly 58 which,
of course, includes motor 9. Motor 9 is a reversible DC motor which
is mounted to the top of a printed circuit board 60, such as by an
epoxy type of adhesive. Multiple conductive lead lines 62 are
formed on the bottom surface of board 60 to electrically connect
terminals 64 with terminals 65. Projecting upward from board 60 is
connector 66 which has a female plug 67 at its top and a male plug
(not shown) at its bottom. Connector 66 can be of the ZIF (Zero
Insertion Force) type, and it is soldered to board 60 so that the
male plug makes an electrical connection with terminals 65. Motor 9
has multiple power and control leads 68 extending therefrom. The
free ends of leads 68 are soldered to terminals 65 of board 60.
[0045] To energize motor 9, a flexible conductive ribbon 100 of a
well known type, having multiple conductive lines, runs along the
length of side 75 of shell 71. Conductive ribbon 100 has a plug, or
pad, (not shown) at its upper end which is designed to mate with
the top of plug 67 of ZIF connector 66. Ribbon 100 is free to move
with motor 9 as it runs up and down rack 25. This type of
arrangement is well known. The lower end of ribbon 100 is connected
to motor control circuit 101. In fact, printed circuit board 103
and ribbon 100 are preferably combined into an integral unit
available from All Flex Inc. of Northfield, Minn.
[0046] The window 1 with its window shade 3 and motorized window
shade mechanism 4 is assembled as follows. After shell 71 and rail
17 have been fabricated in accordance with their respective
descriptions as provided in detail above, axle 29 is inserted into
recess 31 and traction wheels 21 and 23 are attached to the axle.
Motor assembly 58 is then inserted into recess 15 until connector
66 abuts end 36 of wall 35. Board 60 rests on the top, flat surface
of transverse member 39 and is sized to slidably engage walls 33
and 35 of recess 15. This arrangement of abutting components,
namely board 60 and sidewalls 33 and 35, prevents motor 9 from
rotating within recess 15 when torque is applied. With connector 66
being seated in cutout 41 and motor 9 thusly fully inserted into
the position shown in FIG. 7, drive wheel 13 is meshed with
traction wheel 21. Bottom edge 19 of shade 3 is placed under top
strip 37 which is snapped into position on body 18 to firmly grip
the shade and to secure it to rail 17.
[0047] Rail 17 is introduced into the interior of shell 71 by
passing it through opening 99 in sidewalls 75 and 77 (see FIG. 4)
until hubs 14 and 22 are seated in vertical channel 87 and hub 24
is seated in vertical channel 89. The fully compressed pleated
material of shade 1 is also passed through opening 99 into the
interior of shell 71. However, upper edge 105 of shade 3 remains
behind and is tucked into channel 93 in shell top 79. Printed
circuit board 103 is secured to bottom 81 of shell 71 and ribbon
conductor 100 which extends therefrom is laid upward along side 75
of shell 71. The free end of ribbon 100 is then plugged into ZIF
connector 66, and the wires from actuating buttons 107 and 109 are
connected to circuit 101.
[0048] Inner pane 3 is slipped into lower transverse channel 91 and
then placed in abutment against shell 71. As strip 95 is inserted
into channel 93, top edge 105 of the shade is firmly gripped by
strip 95 and is retained securely in position thereby. Strip 95
also keeps inner pane 5 in position. Outer pane 7 is attached
adhesively to shell 71.
[0049] It should be noted that transverse motion of motor 9 in
shell 71 is prevented due to the following relationship. Hub 14 of
drive wheel 13 abuts the sidewall (or "bottom") of channel 87, and
connector 66 abuts end 36 of sidewall 35. Thus, motor 9 is
prevented from moving to the left (as shown in FIG. 7) by connector
66 and to the right by hub 14.
[0050] Control circuit 101 is shown in FIG. 15. Motor 9 receives
power from power supply 150 via actuating buttons 107, 109 and
reversing switch 152 which can be of the well known bridge type
having solid state relays conventionally used for a DC motor.
Switch 152 can incorporate control circuitry therein for the
relays. When actuating button 107 (the DOWN button) is pressed,
relays in those legs of the bridges are closed (in a well known
manner) which cause the motor to rotate in a direction to extend
shade 3. Likewise, when actuating button 109 (the UP button) is
pressed, relays in the other legs of the bridge are closed, and
those cause the motor to rotate in a direction to compress shade 3.
DOWN and UP sensors 154 are provided to detect when the shade
reaches its end-of-travel positions. In other words, when rail 17
reaches a position where shade 3 is fully extended, a sensor 154
(such as one positioned at the bottom of the window) outputs a DOWN
end-of-travel signal, and when shade 3 is fully compressed, a
sensor 154 (such as one positioned at the top of the window)
outputs an UP end-of-travel signal. The output from sensors 154 is
provided to end-of-travel switch 156 which is normally closed.
Switch 156 opens in response to either of the DOWN and UP
end-of-travel signals to de-energize the motor 9.
[0051] The circuit of FIG. 15 operates as follows. It should be
understood that the "end-of-travel", expression is used
interchangeably hereinbelow in connection with the rail, motor
and/or shade. In actuality, it is related, of course, to the
position reached by the rail. When the shade is fully compressed,
i.e., rail 17 is in its UP-most position, and DOWN button 107 is
pressed, reversing switch 152 will cause current to flow from power
supply 150 through motor 9 in a direction to rotate it so as to
extend the shade. Motor 9 will continue to operate as long as
button 107 remains depressed. Shade 3 can be stopped anywhere along
the window just by releasing button 107 which de-energizes motor 9.
However, if button 107 remains pressed until sensor 154 produces a
DOWN end-of-travel signal, switch 156 will open thereby breaking
the circuit and causing motor 9 to stop. Switch 156 is of the
momentary-open type so that it resets automatically to its normally
closed condition after a predetermined time period, such as 5
seconds. Of course, by the time this predetermined time period
expires, button 107 will have been released so motor 9 remains
de-energized despite closure of switch 156. If, however, the shade
is to be raised, after resetting of-switch 156 this would be
possible by simply pressing UP switch 109.
[0052] Analogously, upward motion of shade 3 continues as long as
button 109 is pressed or until sensor 154 provides an UP
end-of-travel output signal to switch 156.
[0053] Normally-open bypass DOWN switch 158 and normally-open
bypass UP switch 160 can be used for several purposes. For example,
a single bypass DOWN switch 158 can be coupled to all of the
windows so that they all can be operated simultaneously merely by
closing this one switch. The same can be done with bypass UP switch
160. Also, if switches 158 and 160 are connected in circuit to
operate only a single window shade, the bypass switches can be
operated by wired or non-wired remote controls located in the seat
arm rest, for example, to provide added convenience and ease of use
for the passengers.
[0054] With the above-described window assembly being completed,
the entire window 1 is positioned within a suitable opening
prepared in the aircraft body and secured thereto in a well known
manner, such as with ears 111 and 113 (FIG. 2) details of which are
not deemed necessary. Likewise, power from the main power supply
150 is provided to the motor control circuit 101 in each window in
a known manner readily apparent to anyone with ordinary skill in
the art. Power is supplied via wires (not shown) that pass through
the shell and are connected to the motor to energize motor 9 with
operation of the actuating buttons 107 and 109. Thus, as described
above, by pressing actuating button 107, motor 9 will be rotated in
one direction to extend shade 3, whereas pressing actuating button
109 will cause reverse rotation of motor 9 to raise rail 17 and
thereby compress shade 3.
[0055] With this arrangement, a reliable, smooth and effective
operation of shade 3 is attained. As hubs 14, 22 and 24 travel
within the confines of vertical channels 87 and 89, rail 17 is
smoothly guided up and down without any horizontal twisting motion
or spinning around its axis. Likewise, by having traction wheels 21
and 23 driven simultaneously and synchronously by one motor via the
same axle, vertical twisting and binding is prevented.
[0056] The motor assembly 58 is available from API Portescap of
Zurich, Switzerland. Panes 5 and 7 are made of Lexan.TM., a clear
polycarbonate sheet available from DuPont. Wheels 13, 21 and 23 are
made of a plastic compound available under the brand name
Delrin.TM.. Shell 71 is made of reinforced plastic or a resin
composite.
[0057] FIG. 16 depicts a second embodiment of the invention. Parts
in FIG. 11 which are the same as in previous drawings are
identified with the same reference numerals. Thus, it is readily
apparent that FIG. 16 is identical to FIG. 1 with respect to window
shade 3 and the parts associated therewith. However, this
embodiment also includes a second window shade 120. The top of
shade 120 is retained in place by lower strip 47 of rail 17. Shade
120 has a rail 122 which is identical to rail 17. The lower edge of
shade 120 is attached to rail 122 in a similar way as described
above for the attachment of lower edge 19 of shade 3 to rail
17.
[0058] Shade 120 has its own motorized mechanism 124 which includes
motor 126, and toothed drive wheel 128 with axially extending hub
130. Axle 132 has attached at its ends traction wheels 134 and 136
with respective hubs 138 and 140. Drive wheel 128 is operatively
meshed with traction wheel 134, and wheel 134 is meshed with rack
27. Traction wheel 136 is meshed with rack 25. Hubs 130 and 138
ride within vertical channel 89, and hub 140 rides within vertical
channel 87 (reference numerals 87 and 89 are not shown in FIG. 16).
Conductive ribbon 142 runs the length of side 77 from motor control
circuit 144 at shell bottom 81 and is connected to motor 126 so as
to be movable therewith.
[0059] Ribbons 100 and 142 are on opposite sides of shell 71 so as
not to interfere with each other as rails 17 and 122 move along
window 1. Also, whereas rail 17 is oriented so that motor 9 is
positioned above axle 29, rail 122 is "upside down" in that motor
126 is positioned below axle 132. This arrangement makes it
possible to connect ribbon 100 to motor 9 from the top of rail 17,
whereas ribbon 142 is connected to motor 126 from under rail 122.
In this way neither one of ribbons 100 and 142 extends into the
area between rails 17 and 122 where it would be interfered with by
window shade 120.
[0060] Control circuit 144 is shown in FIG. 17. Components in FIG.
17 which are the same or similar to those in FIG. 15 are
identically numbered. FIG. 17 includes the following added
components: motor 126, control switch 162, end-of-travel sensors
155 and end-of-travel switch 164. Sensors 154 in FIG. 15 were
operable with respect to only motor 9 and/or rail 17. Sensors 155
are positioned and arranged to include sensors 154 and, in
addition, other sensors operable with motor 126 and/or rail 122.
The grouping of all these sensors together as "sensors 155" is done
for the sake of brevity, ease of depiction on the drawings, and to
facilitate the explanation and understanding thereof. End-of-travel
switch 156 is in circuit with motor 9, as in FIG. 15, while
end-of-travel switch 164 is in circuit with motor 126.
[0061] The function of control switch 162 is to controllably
alternate the supply of power between motors 9 and 126. Only one of
these motors is energized at any given time.
[0062] Operation of control circuit 144 can be more readily
understood in connection with FIG. 18. When shades 3 and 120 are
both fully compressed, for example, and DOWN button 107 is pressed,
step 170 (DOWN SIGNAL?) produces a YES response and step 172 (DOWN
END-OF-TRAVEL FOR MOTOR 126?) a NO. Consequently, motor 126 will be
activated to extend shade 120 in accordance with step 174 until its
end-of-travel position (DOWN position) at the bottom of the window
is reached. At that point, motor 120 is stopped, i.e.,
de-energized, per step 176 by opening switch 164, as explained
above with respect to switch 156. Then, control switch 162,
responding to a DOWN end-of-travel signal for motor 126 from
sensors 155, switches power over to motor 9 per step 178. Motor 9
is energized as long as button 107 is pressed, and because switch
156 is in its normally closed condition. Current flows through
motor 9 to cause its rotation in a direction to extend shade 3
until step 180 determines that its end-of-travel position (DOWN
position) at the bottom of the window is reached.
[0063] If button 109 is pressed while both shades are fully
extended with rails 17 and 22 being in their DOWN positions, step
170 answers NO (because button 109 outputs an UP signal), step 182
also answers NO, so step 184 activates motor 9 to compress shade 3.
Motor 9 is activated because control switch 162 continues to direct
power to it after step 178 has been performed. When sensors 155
detect the end-of-travel position (UP position) for rail 17 at the
top of the window, per step 182, this causes switch 156 to
de-energize motor 9, per step 188, and control switch 162 to flip
its state to feed power to motor 126, per step 186. When operation
of motor 126 causes shade 120 to be fully compressed at the top of
the window (UP position), step 190 de-energizes motor 126 by
opening switch 164. This description has explained a full cycle of
shade operation starting with both shades 3 and 120 being in the UP
position, to full extension of shade 120 to its DOWN position as
shade 3 remains compressed, then full extension of shade 3 to its
DOWN position, back to fully compressing shade 3 to its UP position
as shade 120 remains fully extended, and finally to full
compression of shade 120 back to its UP position. Of course,
intermediate positions of the shades can be attained by simply
releasing whichever one of buttons 107 and 109 is being depressed
when the desired shade position is reached.
[0064] FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of rail 17. However, other
embodiments are also contemplated. In particular, FIG. 19 shows a
side view of rail 200 which has a main body 218 made of injection
molded plastic, and also includes upper and lower strips 237 and
247. Recess 215 is defined by sidewalls 233 and 235, and a top wall
formed by strip 237. The bottom of recess 215 is formed by a
transverse member 239. Recess 231 is formed as a circular hole
which extends entirely through body 218.
[0065] Strip 237 has downwardly projecting ridges 251 and 252 which
are shaped and sized so as to be forcibly seatable within notches
253 and 254 of sidewalls 233 and 235, respectively. Thus, strip 237
can be snapped into its fixed position on body 218. The projection
of ridge 251 is such that it abuts shoulder 255 of notch 253 just
as overhang 257 of top strip 237 abuts upper end 259 of sidewall
233. The same arrangement is shown for ridge 252. Consequently, if
the pleated material at the bottom edge 19 of shade 3 is positioned
under top strip 237, similarly to the arrangement as shown in FIG.
9 for top strip 37, and strip 237 is then snapped into position on
body 218 to close recess 215, bottom edge 19 of shade 3 is securely
grasped by the tight press-fit of ridges 251, 252 within notches
253, 254 as well as by the abutment of overhangs 257, 258 against
upper ends 259, 260 of sidewalls 233, 235.
[0066] Bottom strip 247 is formed in the same shape as strip 237
and, in fact, they are identical. Strip 247 is press-fit into a
structure at the bottom of body 218 which is identical to that
described in detail above at the top of body 218 for seating strip
237 and, thus, a detailed description thereof is not deemed
necessary.
[0067] Sidewalls 233 and 235 have opposed interior surfaces 233a
and 235a which are circular arcs so shaped and so spaced from each
other as to snugly and securely receive the cylindrical housing of
motor 9 therebetween. Since rail 200 is made of plastic, sidewalls
233 and 235 will have a little "give" in order to enhance the
inwardly directed radial force which they apply to the exterior of
motor 9 so as to firmly keep it in place during motorized shade
operation. This force need not be large because transverse forces
on the motor during such operation are minimal, if any. Of course,
the motor will undergo rotational reaction forces while it is
energized. However, rotation of motor 9 within recess 215 is
prevented by, for example, a projection (not shown) extending
laterally therefrom which mates with a corresponding structure (not
shown) of body 218.
[0068] It is also noted that sidewalls 233 and 235 include
respective lower end portions 233b and 235b which are substantially
vertically straight. The purpose of lower wall portions 233b and
235b is to space motor 9 from axle 29, and the length of these wall
portions is selected based on the specific dimensions chosen for
drive wheel 13 and traction wheel 23 so that their teeth mesh fully
and properly in order to transmit motor torque to the traction
wheels.
[0069] FIG. 20 shows a third embodiment for the rail. Rail 300 is
similar to rail 17 (FIG. 10) in that recesses 315 and 331 are
identical to recesses 15 and 31, respectively. The main distinctive
feature of rail 300 is that it does not have upper and lower
strips. Instead, a C-shaped clamp member 320 runs the entire length
of body 318. Although body 318 is generally similar to body 18, the
exterior shape of body 318 is relatively simpler than that of body
18. Upper wall 322 has a channel 324 notched therein, and lower
wall 332 has a channel 334 notched therein. Clamp 320 is sized to
fit around bottom wall 332, side wall 340 and top wall 322. Arms
344 and 346 of clamp 320 terminate with respective inwardly
projecting edges, or tabs, 350 and 352. Tabs 350 and 352 snap into
notches 324 and 334, respectively.
[0070] The fabric at one end of a shade is secured to rail 300 by
clamp 320 as follows. The end of the fabric is laid on top of wall
322 with the edge of the fabric somewhere between notch 324 and
side wall 340. When clamp 320 is snapped onto body 318, the fabric
is pinched by tabs 350 and 352 within notches 324 and 334. In
addition, arm 344 presses the fabric against top wall 322. The
advantages of rail 300 include fewer parts and simpler shapes which
can result in lower manufacturing costs.
[0071] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been disclosed in detail above, various modifications thereto will
be readily apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art. For
example, window 1 can be flat rather than curved. Outer pane 7 can
be attached to shell 71 with various fastening methods and devices.
Various control functions of the motor control circuit can be
performed by a suitably programmed microprocessor. Sensors 154 and
155 can be fixed on the window and respond to the presence of the
shade or motor in their proximity, or such sensors can be on the
motor and generate a signal in response to motion. Hubs 14 and 130
of drive wheels 13 and 128 need not extend into channels 87 and 89.
A bearing arrangement for axle 29 could be included in recess 31.
The drive wheel on the motor could be coupled to the axle elsewhere
than at the end of the rail. The motor could be attached to the
rail in ways other than being inserted into recess 15. Strips 37,
47 and clamp 320 are all types of attachment members for securing
the shade to the rail. Various other attachment members can be used
which do not require a separate element (e.g., adhesive, special
part) to secure the attachment member to the rail. The drive and
traction wheels need not be gears. Other driving arrangements which
utilize a traction surface other than a rack can also be used. Such
other traction surfaces with cooperating wheel designs are well
known. Instead of having the different shade materials arranged as
shown in FIG. 16 with both moving in the same set of channels 87
and 89, they could be placed one behind the other in two separate
sets of channels to provide greater flexibility of movement and
control of light passing through the window. These and all other
such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the
present invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *