DRIVE UNIT FOR AN ARCHITECTURAL OPENING COVERING

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive unit for an architectural opening covering, in particular a drive unit for mounting to a head rail of an architectural opening covering allowing drive to be transmitted from an elongate continuous looped member to a winding core of the architectural opening covering.

[0002] It is well known to operate window coverings with continuous looped members such as bead chains. Child safety solutions have become increasingly important in this field. A bead chain forms a loop in which a child can become entangled if the chain hangs low enough. Several conventional ways have been proposed to solve this problem. For example, it is possible to secure the loop of the bead chain with a cord cleat against the wall such that a child cannot get between the bead chain loop and the wall and cannot become entangled. Alternatively, a break away can be provided in the bead chain itself so that it will break when a certain force acts upon it. Another option is to provide a loop which is sufficiently short that it hangs out of reach of any child.

[0003] WO 2011/078233 describes an operation device for sunshade equipment. An operation cord extends around and operates a chain wheel for the sunshade equipment. The chain wheel is composed of first and second chain wheel pieces between which the operation cord fits. If an excessive pulling force is applied to the operation cord, then the first and second chain wheel pieces separate from each other, allowing the operation cord to be pulled from between the two pieces of the chain wheel.

[0004] EP 1 319 793 describes a cord-operated blind with a housing. A first drive wheel is coaxial with and drives a member for opening and closing the covering. A second drive wheel is provided below the first drive wheel and engages with the first drive wheel at its periphery so as to drive it. The operating cord loops around the second drive wheel. When the operating cord is pulled with sufficient force, the second drive wheel disconnects from the first drive wheel and the housing.

[0005] EP 2 574 717 describes a braking device for a chain on a screen. The chain engages on to a sprocket which is connected to a first toothed wheel. The sprocket and the first toothed wheel rotate together about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of a second toothed wheel with which the first toothed wheel engages. The second toothed wheel rotates to operate the device. The device comprises a housing formed of first and second housing parts that are detachable. The first housing part supports the first toothed wheel and, when the chain is pulled with sufficient force, the first housing part detaches from the second housing part with the first toothed wheel and the chain.

[0006] US 2011/048657 describes a blind having a roll-up control unit with a coupled wheel for driving the blind. Beneath the coupled wheel and engaging with it is a wheel driven by a cord. That wheel is mounted such that, when the roll-up control unit is subjected to synchronous excessive pulling from two sides of the cord, portions of the unit deform and allow the wheel, about which the cord extends, to detach.

[0007] WO 2010/073515 A describes a blind operating device configured to be easily mounted to and removed from a head box. A pulley is provided with a power transmitting member, which rotates together with the pulley, so as to be exposed to the outside of a pulley case. The power transmitting member is adapted to be removably connected to the input shafts of input bevel gears provided in an exposed manner to the outside of a head box. The configuration allows the pulley and the pulley case, which rotatably contains and supports the pulley, to be collectively removed from the head box side only by removing the power transmitting member from the input shafts of the input bevel gears. A tool and the like are not required.

[0008] With regard to these prior art arrangements, it would be desirable to provide a nondestructive disconnection which can be arranged more compactly with relatively easy reconnection when necessary.

[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided a drive unit for mounting to the head rail of an architectural opening covering as described in appended claim 1.

[0010] In this way, the drive unit, having the drive wheel, may be assuredly driven by a continuous looped member whilst, when necessary, allowing the continuous looped member to become detached from the drive unit. In particular, the continuous looped member may remain engaged with the drive wheel when the drive wheel releases from attachment to the drive unit, by releasing from the operating wheel. The operating wheel need not act with the drive wheel to receive and support the elongate portion of the continuous looped member; the drive wheel may by itself support the continuous looped member. By releasably attaching the drive wheel coaxially with the operating wheel, it is possible to provide secure rotational drive to the operating wheel whilst allowing a compact assembly. Also in this way, when the drive wheel is attached to the operating wheel and transfers a circumferential force in one direction, the first features extend behind the second features and prevent the drive wheel separating axially from the operating wheel. On the other hand, when no load is transferred between the drive wheel and the operating wheel, the first and second features are not driven behind each other. As a result, it becomes possible to pull the drive wheel axially away from the operating wheel so as to release the drive wheel from the operating wheel.

[0011] The attachment arrangement may be distributed between the drive wheel and the operating wheel. It may be configured to transfer a circumferential force in at least one of two opposite directions between the drive wheel and the operating wheel about the coaxial first and second axes. It may also be configured to release the drive wheel from the operating wheel under a radial/axial load (with respect to those axes). In particular, it may be configured to facilitate release under a radial/axial load when transferring substantially no circumferential force.

[0012] In this way, a simple construction may be provided for releasably attaching the drive wheel to the operating wheel, thereby effectively transferring a circumferential force from the drive wheel to the operating wheel. When the continuous looped member is pulled on both sides such that there is substantially no, or at least only a small, circumferential force between the drive wheel and the operating wheel, the arrangement may be configured to allow release.

[0013] The attachment arrangement may include a plurality of third features on the drive wheel configured to engage with a corresponding plurality of fourth features on the operating wheel.

[0014] The third features may extend both axially from the drive wheel towards the operating wheel and circumferentially in the second direction with respect to the drive wheel. Additionally or alternatively, the fourth features may extend both axially from the operating wheel towards the drive wheel and circumferentially in the first direction with respect to the operating wheel. In this way, when the drive wheel is attached to the operating wheel and transfers a circumferential force in an opposite direction to said one direction, the third features extend behind the fourth features and prevent the drive wheel separating axially from the operating wheel. Thus, similarly to as described above, when no circumferential force or load is transferred between the drive wheel and the operating wheel, the third and fourth features are not driven behind one another and it becomes possible to separate the drive wheel axially from the operating wheel.

[0015] The attachment arrangement includes a plurality of drive wheel attachments on the drive wheel and a corresponding plurality of operating attachments on the operating wheel. Each drive wheel attachment may include a first feature and/or a third feature. Each operating attachment may similarly include a second feature and/or a fourth feature.

[0016] The "plurality" as discussed above with regard to the first to fourth features, drive wheel attachments and operating attachments may be an odd number. Alternatively or additionally, it may be at least five.

[0017] The drive wheel attachments may be provided as protrusions on the drive wheel. Where the drive wheel has the form of a toothed wheel for engaging beads of a chain, the protrusions might conveniently align with the teeth of the drive wheel. However, a similar protrusion might extend axially at any appropriate portion of the side surface of the drive wheel.

[0018] The operating attachments may be provided as teeth on the operating wheel. Alternatively, suitable operating attachments may be provided appropriately in an axial side surface of the operating wheel.

[0019] The drive wheel attachments and operating attachments may be provided as appropriately spaced and aligned protrusions and/or recesses which engage with one another.

[0020] The operating attachments of the operating wheel may extend radially. Lateral edges of the operating attachments (extending between axially opposite side surfaces of the wheel) may be angled so that the circumferential width of each operating attachment increases from a side of the operating wheel away from the drive wheel to a side of the operating wheel towards the drive wheel.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, with the drive wheel attached to the operating wheel, the drive wheel attachments (e.g. protrusions) of the drive wheel may extend between respective operating attachments (e.g. teeth) of the operating wheel and (axially extending) lateral edges of the drive wheel attachments may be angled so that the circumferential width of each drive wheel attachment increases from a side of the drive wheel away from the operating wheel to a side of the drive wheel towards the operating wheel.

[0022] By angling one or both of the lateral edges of the operating attachments and the lateral edges of the drive wheel attachments, when a circumferential load is transferred between the drive wheel and the operating wheel, the drive wheel and operating wheel may be securely attached to one another. However, without such a circumferential load, an axial or radial force on the drive wheel will cause the angled lateral edges to produce relative rotation between the drive wheel and the operating wheel so as to allow the drive wheel attachments to disengage from the operating attachments and the drive wheel to release from the operating wheel.

[0023] Radially outer circumferential edges of the operating wheel between respective operating attachments may be inclined from a larger radius at the operating wheel side to a smaller radius at the drive wheel side so as to provide an axial force acting to separate the drive wheel from the operating wheel in response to a radial force on the drive wheel with respect to the operating wheel.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, radially inner circumferential surfaces of the drive wheel attachments extending against the corresponding respective outer edges of the operating wheel may be inclined from a larger radius at the operating wheel side to a smaller radius at the drive wheel side so as to provide an axial force acting to separate the drive wheel from the operating wheel in response to a radial force on the drive wheel with respect to the operating wheel.

[0025] The continuous looped member may extend around substantially half the outer periphery of the drive wheel. It may extend away from the drive wheel at respective diametric opposite sides of the drive wheel. The drive wheel may release from the operating wheel only when the continuous looped member pulls the drive wheel on both diametric sides simultaneously.

[0026] In this way, there need not be any limit to the force which the continuous looped member is able to drive the drive wheel.

[0027] One of the drive wheel and the operating wheel may include a hub having a truncated conical outer surface. The other of the drive wheel and the operating wheel may include a truncated conical cavity. The hub and the cavity may be coaxial with the first and second axes.

[0028] The hub and cavity may assist in locating the drive wheel to the operating wheel. They may also assist in providing a secure engagement between the drive wheel and the operating wheel during operation. Also, by being conical, they may assist in release when appropriate.

[0029] One or both of the drive wheel and the operating wheel may include one or more magnets for attaching the respective drive wheel or operating wheel to the other of the drive wheel and the operating wheel.

[0030] In this way, when reassembling the drive wheel to the operating wheel, such magnets may assist in relocating the drive wheel against the operating wheel.

[0031] According to the present invention, there may also be provided a drive unit including the features described above, together with a continuous looped member having an elongate portion received and supported by the outer periphery of the drive wheel.

[0032] The drive unit may further include a backing plate. A side of the drive wheel, opposite to a side for releasable attachment to the operating wheel, may be mounted to the backing plate for rotation about the first axis. The backing plate, drive wheel and a continuous looped member may be provided as a unit for attachment and detachment from the operating wheel and the head rail to which the operating wheel is mounted.

[0033] The backing plate may be configured to be resiliently engaged within a head rail of an architectural opening covering. The resilience of that engagement may be provided by one or both of the backing plate and the head rail. For example, one or both of the backing plate and the head rail may flex slightly so as to release the engagement and allow the backing plate, together with the rest of the drive unit to disengage from the head rail of the architectural opening covering.

[0034] With this arrangement, it is possible to reduce the risk of the drive wheel inadvertently detaching from the operating wheel when the drive wheel is at rest and not being operated. The arrangement offers some resistance to the drive unit separating from the head rail, but nevertheless allows the drive wheel to releasably detach from the operating wheel and pull away from the head rail in the intended circumstances, for example when a child becomes caught in the continuous looped member extending from the drive wheel. The arrangement is particularly useful for use with long and/or heavy continuous looped members which are otherwise more prone to causing the drive wheel to detach from the operating wheel.

[0035] The backing plate may include at least one of a recess and a protrusion configured to engage resiliently with the head rail. In this respect, the head rail may be provided with a corresponding protrusion configured to engage resiliently either with a recess or a protrusion of the backing plate. Similarly, the head rail may be provided with a recess configured to engage resiliently with a protrusion of the backing plate.

[0036] In some arrangements, the backing plate may be configured to engage with an inherent feature of the head rail. For example, the head rail may include an outer housing and the backing plate may be configured, for instance with a protrusion, to engage with an inner peripheral edge of the housing.

[0037] In an architectural opening covering arranged to guide the continuous loop member from a lower surface and arranged for the backing plate and drive wheel to separate directly from that lower surface, the backing plate may be configured to resiliently engage with the head rail on opposite respective sides of the backing plate. In this way, the backing plate may be pulled away from those opposite sides substantially simultaneously. On the other hand, in arrangements where the continuous looped member is to extend from a side face of the head rail and the backing plate and drive wheel separate from that side face before then being pulled downwardly away from the lower face, it may be preferred to provide only resilient engagement between the backing plate and the head rail towards the top of the head rail such that, when that resilient engagement is released, the backing plate substantially pivots around a lower portion whilst being pulled sideways out of the head rail.

[0038] According to the present invention, there may also be provided an architectural opening covering including a rotatable winding core and a drive unit as described above with the operating wheel of the drive unit configured to rotate the winding core.

[0039] The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1 (a) and 1(b) illustrate an embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with the head rail of an architectural opening covering;

Figures 2(a), (b) and (c) illustrate operation of a drive unit embodying the present invention;

Figures 3(a) and (b) illustrate component parts of the embodiment of Figures 1(a) and (b);

Figures 4(a) and (b) illustrate an alternative embodiment;

Figures 5(a) and (b) illustrate a releasable attachment of the present invention as embodied in the arrangement of Figures 4(a) and (b);

Figure 6 illustrates a cross-section through an arrangement embodying the present invention;

Figure 7 illustrates a cross-section through an arrangement embodying the present invention;

Figures 8(a) and (b) illustrate an alternative embodiment; and

Figures 9(a) and (b) illustrate an alternative embodiment.

[0040] The present invention relates to a means of driving a winding core of an architectural opening covering with a continuous looped member, such as a bead chain. This may be applied to any type of blind, such as a venetian blind, pleated blind, honeycomb blind, roman shade, roller blind, or the like. The driven winding core may for instance include an operating shaft with spools for receiving a lift and/or tilt cord, or a roller for receiving wound layers of blind material, such as a fabric, foil, sheet, tape, or the like.

[0041] Figures 1(a) and (b) illustrate an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the drive unit (2) includes a rotatable drive wheel (4) having an outer periphery which receives and supports the elongate portion of a continuous looped member which, in the illustrated embodiment, comprises a bead chain (6).

[0042] As illustrated, the drive wheel (4) takes the form of a chain wheel. Although not essential to the present invention, in the illustrated embodiment, the drive wheel (4) is attached rotatably to a backing plate (8). The drive wheel (4) rotates about a central axis coaxial with its mounting on the backing plate (8). The drive wheel (4), together with the backing plate (8) when provided, forms a single unit which is easy to assemble and replace when pulled out of a head rail.

[0043] The continuous looped member, formed as the bead chain (6) as illustrated, extends around the periphery of the drive wheel (4). By pulling on one side of the bead chain (6) as it extends away from one diametric side of the drive wheel (4), the drive wheel (4) may be rotated. By pulling on the opposite side of the bead chain (6) extending away from the opposite diametric side of the drive wheel (4), the drive wheel (4) may be rotated in the opposite direction.

[0044] As illustrated in Figure 1(b), the drive unit is also provided with an operating wheel (12), which, in the illustrated embodiment, takes the form of a toothed wheel (12). The operating wheel or toothed wheel (12) is rotatable about a central axis and is configured to rotate and operate some portion of an architectural opening covering with which it is to be used. As illustrated, the operating wheel (12) may be attached to or integral with an axial member (14) having gear teeth (16) around an outer peripheral portion for driving some portion of the architectural opening covering. Irrespective, rotation of the operating wheel or toothed wheel (12) is configured to rotate a winding core of the architectural opening covering.

[0045] In the illustrations provided by Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the drive wheel (4) and operating wheel (12) are separated from one another. However, as will be described in greater detail below, in an assembled state, the drive wheel (4) is releasably attached coaxially to the operating wheel (12). The operating wheel (12) may include operating attachments, which in the illustrated embodiment have the form of teeth (18) which extend radially with respect to the operating wheel (12). The drive wheel (4) include corresponding drive wheel attachments, which in the illustrated embodiment have the form of protrusions (20) (as best seen in figures 5(a) and 5(b)) which, with the drive wheel (4) releasably attached to the operating wheel (12), engage with the operating wheel (12) between the operating attachments, more particularly the teeth (18).

[0046] If a child becomes entangled in a lower loop of the bead chain (6), the unit comprising the drive wheel (4) and the backing plate (8) (where provided) will be released from the operating wheel (12), thereby preventing injury to the child without damaging the blind. The entire unit can thereafter be easily inserted back into position for normal operation to be resumed.

[0047] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) illustrate the various components in conjunction with the end of a head rail (22) of an architectural opening covering. As illustrated, the operating wheel (12) may be rotatably mounted at the far end of the head rail (22) for operating components inside the head rail (22). An end cap (24) may be provided and configured to fit over the very end of the head rail (22) and to cover the operating wheel (12), drive wheel (4) and backing plate (8) where provided. The head rail (22) and end cap (24) may together define an opening (26) from which the two sides of the looped member (6) extend. Indeed, as illustrated, the opening (26) is sufficient to allow passage of the drive wheel (4) (and backing plate (8) where provided) when it becomes detached from the operating wheel (12).

[0048] After the drive wheel (4) has become detached and is pulled away from the head rail (22), it may be possible to insert the drive wheel (4) through the opening (26) and reattach it to the operating wheel (12). However, in some circumstances, it may be preferable to remove the end cap (24) from the head rail (22), for example by sliding the end cap (24) axially away from the head rail (22), so as to facilitate reattachment of the drive wheel (4) onto the operating wheel (12).

[0049] Referring to Figures 2(a), (b) and (c) operation of an embodiment will be described.

[0050] In Figure 2(a) the drive wheel (4) and the operating wheel (12) are in engagement and aligned. This situation remains when the looped member (6) is not pulled or when only one side of the looped member (6) is pulled, for example in order to lower or raise a blind.

[0051] As illustrated in Figure 2(b), when both sides of the looped member (6) are pulled, for example when a child becomes entangled in the looped member (6), the unit formed from the backing plate (8) and drive wheel (4) tilts away from the operating wheel (12) and out of alignment. In the illustrated embodiment, this is possible because there is some free space between the back plate (8) and the inner surface of the end cap (24) of the head rail (22).

[0052] As illustrated in Figure 2(c), as the protrusions (20) of the drive wheel (4) clear the operating wheel (12) and the unit formed of the drive wheel (4) and backing plate (8) tilts out of alignment, that entire unit is released from the head rail of the blind. Subsequently, it is relatively easy for a user to reinsert the unit formed from the drive wheel (4) and backing plate (8) and re-engage the drive wheel (4) on the operating wheel (12). The backing plate (8), although not necessary, may then facilitate handling and (re)positioning/ alignment of the drive wheel (4).

[0053] Figures 3(a) and (b) illustrate the arrangement of Figures 1(a) and (b) removed from the head rail (22). They illustrate an operating unit (28) for use in the head rail of an architectural opening covering, including aforementioned winding core. Figure 3(a) also illustrates an inner surface of the end cap (24) having profiling for guiding the backing plate (8). In the illustrated embodiment, the end wall of the end cap (24) has a reduced thickness corresponding to the shape of the backing plate (8) so that the inner surface forms a recessed section (30) corresponding to the backing plate (8). With the end cap (24) in place, the inner surface of the end cap (24) formed by the recess (30) is preferably in close proximity to the backing plate (8) so as to keep the overall construction as small as possible. However, the arrangement leaves sufficient space between the recessed surface (30) and the backing plate (8) for the drive wheel (4) to move axially away from the operating wheel (12) and become detached.

[0054] The above arrangement is advantageously used with blinds having limited depth, i.e. having a depth that is smaller than the diameter of the drive wheel (4). Such blinds include for instance roller blinds or roman shades where the leading and return portion of the looped member (6) can hang in front and behind respectively the blind without interfering with the blind material.

[0055] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate an alternative front side embodiment which may be more suitable for blinds of larger depth, such as venetian blinds, honeycomb blinds, pleated blinds, or the like. With this arrangement, the looped member (6) can hang in front of the blind material, with some clearance between the two so that the looped member (6) does not interfere with the blind material.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the end cap (24a) defines an opening (26a) at one side. In the illustrated embodiment, to assist with guiding the looped member (6), a backing plate (8a) may additionally be provided with a guide portion (8b) for guiding the two sides of the looped member (6) in and out of the opening (26a). In one arrangement, the guide portion (8b) may be arranged to guide the upper side of the looped member (6) laterally further out than the lower side of the looped member (6).

[0057] Figures 5(a) and (b) illustrate in more detail the drive wheel (4) and operating wheel (12) provided with a backing plate (8a) for use, for example, for providing a looped member outlet directed to the front side.

[0058] Figures 5(a) and (b) illustrate more clearly the interaction between the teeth (18) of the operating wheel (12) with the protrusions (20) of the drive wheel (4).

[0059] By virtue of the operating attachments, such as for instance the illustrated teeth (18) and the drive wheel attachments, such as for instance the illustrated protrusions (20), the drive wheel (4) can be considered to include a plurality of features, more particularly a first and/or third feature which engage with a corresponding plurality of features, more particularly a second and/or fourth feature on the operating wheel (12), as will be explained in further detail below.

[0060] When the drive wheel (4) is rotated by a looped member (6) in the direction as indicated by the arrow in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), one side of the drive wheel attachments, or more particularly the protrusions (20) abuts a facing side of the operating attachments, or more particularly the teeth (18). The facing sides may form the first, respectively second feature as mentioned above. As illustrated and perhaps best seen in Figure 5(b), an abutting side of a protrusion (20) extends not only axially away from the drive wheel (4), but also circumferentially towards the abutting tooth (18) so as to form a first feature. Similarly, the abutting tooth has a profile extending both radially and circumferentially so as to form a second feature. In the illustrated embodiment, the abutting surfaces are a substantially planar but angled surfaces. Other alternative abutting surfaces are possible including curved surfaces and surfaces with discontinuities. Embodiments are also possible with aforementioned first, respectively second feature provided on only one of the drive wheel (4) and the operating wheel (12). Indeed, where these are provided merely on a drive wheel and/or an operating wheel, one or other of the components can merely be provided with apertures, rather than teeth or protrusions. Similarly, the relevant features might be provided alternately around the periphery of the drive wheel and the operating wheel between those two components.

[0061] As will be understood, the purpose of the features extending both axially and circumferentially so as to locate behind the opposite features is to firmly secure the drive wheel (4) to the operating wheel (12) in an axial direction whilst a load is being transmitted in one rotational direction between the drive wheel (4) and operating wheel (12).

[0062] For embodiments where operation requires drive in only one direction, the arrangement as described above is sufficient. However, embodiments, such as that illustrated, may be provided which provide operating drive in either direction whilst securely maintaining the attachment of the drive wheel (4) to the operating wheel (12). In this regard, opposite sides of the protrusions (20) and teeth (18) may be considered to have third and fourth features which engage with one another. Similarly to the first and second features as described above, they extend both axially and circumferentially. The protrusions (20) and teeth (18) are spaced apart by at least the maximum circumferential length of each other so that, with no load being transmitted between the drive wheel (4) and operating wheel (12), they may separate from one another, in axial direction. With the drive wheel (4) rotated in the direction opposite to that illustrated in Figures 5(a) and (b), the sides of the protrusions (20) and teeth (18) opposite to those discussed above abut one another. Those sides thus forming features extending axially and circumferentially behind one another to prevent the drive wheel (4) separating axially from the operating wheel (12).

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, both lateral edges of each respective tooth (18) of the operating wheel (12) and also both lateral edges of the respective protrusions (20) of the drive wheel (4) are angled or "wedge shaped" when viewed from the outside looking radially inward toward the centre. In other words, those top surfaces are substantially trapezoidal. When only one side of the looped member (6) is pulled, for example to raise or lower a corresponding blind, the drive wheel (4) will rotate with respect to the operating wheel (12) until the protrusions (20) abut the teeth (18). Because of the wedge shape of the engaging edges, the drive wheel (4) and operating wheel (12) become interlocked both in circumferential and in axial directions. Indeed, the angled lateral edges act to pull the drive wheel (4) towards the operating wheel (12) under a rotational load. Any rotational load or force is transferred from the drive wheel (4) to the operating wheel (12). As long as only one side of the looped member (6) is pulled, the drive wheel (4) and the operating wheel (12) remain securely engaged and will rotate in unison with the facing wedge shaped edges abutted.

[0064] When both sides of the looped member (6) are pulled simultaneously, there will no longer be a resultant rotational force or load on the drive wheel (4). As a result, the protrusions (20) and teeth (18) are no longer actively pulled against each other. The wedge shaped edges may still abut each other, but they will no longer be actively (in other words forcefully) engaged. The force, therefore, on the drive wheel (4) (acting on both sides of the drive wheel (4)) is able to pull the drive wheel (4) axially away from the operating wheel (12). Noting that the looped member (6) extends around a top surface of the periphery of the drive wheel (4) (or at least a surface opposite to the direction from which the looped member (6) pulls on the drive wheel (4) irrespective of its orientation) and that this is above the axis of the drive wheel (4) (or at least beyond the axis irrespective of orientation) and noting also that the looped member (6) wraps around the periphery of the drive wheel (4) at a portion stepped axially away from the engagement between the protrusions (20) and teeth (18), the force of the looped member (6) acting on the drive wheel (4) will inevitably produce a moment tending to pull the top (opposite) side of the periphery of the drive wheel (4) away from the operating wheel (12).

[0065] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-section through an embodiment including a feature arranged to promote this effect.

[0066] As illustrated, the protrusions (20) of the drive wheel (4) includes an angled radial inner edge. In other words, the edge of the protrusions (20) on the radial inner side of the protrusions (20) are angled (A) outwardly from a smaller diameter towards the drive wheel (4) to a larger diameter away from the drive wheel (4). This angled inner edge is arranged to engage with a radial outer edge of the operating wheel between the teeth (18). The angled inner edge causes a pulling force (from the looped member (6) on the drive wheel (4)) to have a normal component (in other words orthogonal to the angled inner edge) and a lateral component (in other words parallel to the angled inner edges). Without the drive wheel (4) and the operating wheel (12) being kept in engagement by their wedge-shaped edges as explained above, then the lateral force component will allow the drive wheel (4) to become separated from the operating wheel (12). A similar effect may be achieved by, in addition or alternatively, the radial outer edge of the operating wheel between its teeth being angled.

[0067] Figure 6 also illustrates the space provided between the inner surface (30) of the end cap (24) and the backing plate (8). This allows the unit formed by the backing plate (8) and drive wheel (4) to move radially away from the operating wheel (12) until the protrusions (20) are completely disengaged from the operating wheel (12) and the unit falls out from the head rail.

[0068] Figure 7 further illustrates how separation of the drive wheel (4) from the operating wheel (12) is helped by the fact that the work line of the pulling force F is offset from the work line of the reaction forces, i.e. the point where the inner edges of the drive wheel protrusions (20) contact the operating wheel (12). Thus, as described above, the pulling force on the drive wheel (4) exerts a moment on the drive wheel (4) (and the unit it forms with the backing plate (8)) that causes the unit to tilt away. As described above, this may be aided by angled radial inner edges on the protrusions (20) of the drive wheel (4) and/or angled radial outer edges of the operating wheel (12) between its teeth (18).

[0069] Figures 6 and 7 also illustrate an embodiment having a drive wheel (4) with a central hub (40) having a truncated conical outer surface that, in the mounted condition, fits into a truncated conical cavity (42) of the operating wheel (12). As illustrated, the central hub (40) and conical cavity (42) are coaxial with the drive wheel (4) and operating wheel (12).

[0070] As illustrated, the diameter of the hub (40) decreases with distance away from the drive wheel (4). Correspondingly, the conical cavity (42) decreases in diameter inwardly of the operating wheel (12). In this way, the load bearing surfaces of the central hub (40) and conical cavity (42) at the bottom are sloped (B) so as to facilitate disengagement of the drive wheel (4) from the operating wheel (12).

[0071] It will be appreciated that a similar effect can be achieved with a central hub on the operating wheel (12) being inserted into a conical cavity in the drive wheel (4). The load bearing surfaces at the top will then facilitate disengagement.

[0072] The interaction of the central hub and conical cavity is not only helpful to the user for locating the drive wheel (4) onto the operating wheel (12), but it may also be beneficial in the case of larger, heavier blinds or for blinds provided with a heavy looped member, for instance a metal bead chain. It provides a more reliable centering between the drive wheel (4) and the operating wheel (12). In particular, with such blinds, the operating forces on the drive wheel (4) when pulling on the looped member (6) are larger than with other blinds and potentially large enough to cause the drive wheel (4) to lose its centred position with regard to the operating wheel (12).

[0073] In some embodiments, one or more magnets (50) may be provided in one of the drive wheel (4) and the operating wheel (12). A corresponding opposite plurality of magnets or ferrous material may be provided on a facing surface of the other of the drive wheel (4) and operating wheel (12). Such an arrangement will assist with axial engagement between the drive wheel and the operating wheel (12). In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, magnets (50) are provided within the hub (40) of the drive wheel (4) and behind the innermost surface of the conical cavity (42). In this way, the outermost front surface of the hub (40) will engage magnetically with the innermost surface of the cavity (42). With this arrangement, the magnetic attraction/engagement will only occur once with hub (40) moves within the cavity (42). When the drive wheel (4) is released, it can be inserted back into a head rail towards the operating wheel (12) and the magnets (50) help to snap the drive wheel (4) back into its correct position. It is not necessary for the back plate (8) to play any part in securing the unit formed of the back plate (8) and drive wheel (4) to the inside of the head rail.

[0074] In some embodiments, the features formed on the drive wheel and the operating wheel for release of attachment may be provided in an odd number. In other words, there may be provided an odd number of drive wheel attachments, such as the protrusions (20) and an odd number of operating attachments such as the teeth (18). This has an advantage that the attachments are then never directly opposite each other due to their spacing around the circumference of their respective wheels. In this way, there are never forces opposite each other to reduce the effectiveness of releasing the drive wheel.

[0075] Although arrangements are possible with only two attachments on each of the drive wheel and the operating wheel, in order to spread the effectiveness of attachment around the circumference of the drive wheel and the operating wheel and in order to provide a substantially equal releasing effectiveness at any rotational orientation, there are preferably at least five attachments on each of the drive wheel and the operating wheel.

[0076] In order to reduce the likelihood of the drive wheel and associated components falling out of the head rail, even without external forces on the looped member (6), in some arrangements, the backing plate (8) may be configured to be resiliently engaged within the architectural opening covering. It may engage with any part of the head rail (22), for instance the end cap (24). This may be particularly advantageous where the looped member (6) is heavy, for example where the blind is very large and a lot of looped member length is needed to operate it, thereby increasing the weight of the looped member. Similarly, it may be advantageous where the looped member is made of metal, thereby adding to its weight and/or where a cord weight is looped onto the looped member in order to keep it hanging straight down.

[0077] In Figures 8(a) and (b), there is illustrated an example equivalent to that of Figures 3(a) and (b) where the looped member exits from the bottom. This may be used, for example, for a roman shade.

[0078] In this arrangement, the backing plate (8) resiliently engages with the end cap (24) on opposite respective sides. In the illustrated embodiment, backing plate (8) is formed with respective protrusions (108) which are engaged behind (above) ridges or protrusions (124) of the housing formed by the backing plate (24). As illustrated in Figure 8(a), during normal use, the protrusions (108) of the backing plate (8) are held resiliently in recesses behind (above) the protrusions (124) of the end cap (24). The corresponding respective components are shaped such that, with sufficient force acting on the backing plate (8) via the looped member (6) and drive wheel (4), the walls of the end cap (24) flex outwardly so as to allow the protrusions (108) of the backing plate (8) to pass beyond the protrusions (124) of the end cap (24) and so as to allow the backing plate (8), together with the drive wheel (4) and looped member (6), out of the head rail. The resilient interaction/engagement between the backing plate (8) and head rail thus provides an initial threshold. When a force acts on the looped member, that force has to be greater than that initial threshold before the sidewalls of the housing will flex away and allow the backing plate to fall out of the head rail. The threshold may be set to be greater than the weight of the looped member (and a cord weight if provided).

[0079] Figures 9(a) and (b) illustrate an arrangement equivalent to that of Figures 4(a) and (b) where the looped member exits from a side face, for example at the front. This may be useful in arrangements such as with venetian blinds.

[0080] With this arrangement, as illustrated in Figure 9(b), the backing plate (8a, 8b) will tend to pivot sideways out of the housing formed by the end cap (24a). Hence, it is only necessary to provide resilient engagement on one side, namely the upper side, of the backing plate (8a, 8b).

[0081] As with the previous embodiment, a protrusion (108) on the backing plate (8a, 8b) is held resiliently behind a protrusion (124a). However, in the illustrated arrangement, the protrusion (124a) may be provided as an inherent part of the head rail itself. As illustrated, the housing formed by the end cap (24a) forms an inner peripheral edge (124a). the protrusion (108a) of the backing plate (8a,8b) is held behind that edge (124a) until the initial threshold is exceeded where upon the walls of the housing formed by the end cap (24a) may flex so as to release the protrusion (108a) and backing plate (8a,8b) as illustrated in Figure 9(b).

[0082] In the manner described above, the weight of the looped member (and optionally the weight of a cord weight on that looped member) is carried at least partially by the housing of the head rail (optionally the end cap) and not just by the central hub, conical cavity and magnets. In this way, operation is greatly improved.

Claims

1. A drive unit (2) for mounting to the head rail of an architectural opening covering, the drive unit including:

a drive wheel (4) having an outer periphery configured to receive and support an elongate portion of a continuous looped member (6), the drive wheel (4) being configured to rotate about a first axis by longitudinal translation of the continuous looped member with rotation of the outer periphery about the first axis;

an operating wheel (12) configured to rotate about a second axis and to rotate a winding core of the architectural opening covering; and

an attachment arrangement (18,20) configured to releasably attach the drive wheel (4) coaxially to the operating wheel (12), and configured, when the drive wheel (4) is attached to the operating wheel (12), to transfer rotation of the drive wheel (4) to rotation of the operating wheel (12);

characterized in that:

the attachment arrangement includes a plurality of drive wheel attachments (20) on the drive wheel (4) and a corresponding plurality of operating attachments (18) on the operating wheel (12);

each drive wheel attachment (20) includes a first feature configured to engage with a second feature on an operating attachment (18);

the first features extend both axially from the drive wheel (4) towards the operating wheel (12) and circumferentially in a first direction with respect to the drive wheel (4) and the second features extend both axially from the operating wheel (12) towards the drive wheel (4) and circumferentially in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, with respect to the operating wheel (12); and

when the drive wheel (4) is attached to the operating wheel (12) and transfers a circumferential force in one direction, the first features are driven to extend behind the second features and prevent the drive wheel (4) separating axially from the operating wheel (12), and, when no load is transferred between the drive wheel (4) and the operating wheel (12), the first and second features are not driven behind each other such that it becomes possible to pull the drive wheel (4) axially away from the operating wheel (12) so as to release the drive wheel (4) from the operating wheel (12).

2. A drive unit according to claim 1, wherein the attachment arrangement is configured to transfer a circumferential force in at least one of two opposite directions between the drive wheel (4) and the operating wheel (12) about the coaxial first and second axes, and configured to release the drive wheel (4) from the operating wheel (12) under a radial load when transferring substantially no circumferential force.

3. A drive unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each drive wheel attachment (20) includes a third feature configured to engage with a fourth feature on an operating attachment (18).

4. A drive unit according to claim 3 wherein one or both of:

the third features extend both axially from the drive wheel (4) towards the operating wheel (12) and circumferentially in the second direction with respect to the drive wheel (4); and

the fourth features extend both axially from the operating wheel (12) towards the drive wheel (4) and circumferentially in the first direction with respect to the operating wheel (12); and

wherein, when the drive wheel (4) is attached to wheel the operating (12) and transfers a circumferential force in an opposite direction to said one direction, the third features are driven to extend behind the fourth features and prevent the drive wheel (4) separating axially from the operating wheel (12).

5. A drive unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the operating attachments (18) of the operating wheel (12) extend radially and lateral edges of the operating attachments (18) are angled so that the circumferential width of each operating attachment (18) increases from a side of the operating wheel (12) away from the drive wheel (4) to a side of the operating wheel (12) towards the drive wheel (4).

6. A drive unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the drive wheel attachments (20) of the drive wheel (4) extend radially and lateral edges of the drive wheel attachments (20) are angled so that the circumferential width of each drive wheel attachment (20) increases from a side of the drive wheel (4) away from the operating wheel (12) to a side of the drive wheel (4) towards the operating wheel (12).

7. A drive unit according to any preceding claim, wherein one or both of:

1) radially outer circumferential edges of the operating wheel (12) between respective operating attachments (18); and

2) radially inner circumferential surfaces of the drive wheel attachments (20) extending against corresponding respective edges;

are inclined from a larger radius at the operating wheel (12) side to a smaller radius at the drive wheel (12) side so as to provide an axial force acting to separate the drive wheel (4) from the operating wheel (12) in response to a radial force on the drive wheel (4) with respect to the operating wheel (12).

8. A drive unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the continuous looped member (6) extends around substantially half the outer periphery of the drive wheel (4) and extends away from the drive wheel (4) at respective diametric opposite sides of the drive wheel (4), wherein attachment of the drive wheel (4) to the operating wheel (12) is released only when the continuous looped member (6) pulls the drive wheel (4) on both diametric sides simultaneously.

9. A drive unit according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the drive wheel (4) and the operating wheel (12) includes a hub having a truncated conical outer surface configured to fit into a truncated conical cavity provided in the other of the drive wheel (4) and the operating wheel (12), the hub and cavity being coaxial with the first and second axes.

10. A drive unit according to any preceding claim, wherein one or both of the drive wheel (4) and the operating wheel (12) includes one or more magnets for attaching the respective drive wheel (4) or operating wheel (12) to the other of the drive wheel (4) and operating wheel (12).

11. A drive unit according to any preceding claim further including a continuous looped member (6) having an elongate portion received and supported by the outer periphery of the drive wheel (4).

12. A drive unit according to any preceding claim, further including a backing plate (8), wherein a side of the drive wheel (4), opposite to a side for releasable attachment to the operating wheel (12), is mounted to the backing plate (8) for rotation about the first axis, and the backing plate (8), drive wheel (4) and a continuous looped member (6) are provided as a unit for attachment and detachment from the operating wheel (12) and the head rail to which the operating wheel (12) is mounted.

13. A drive unit according to claim 12 wherein the backing plate (8) is configured to be resiliently engaged within a head rail of an architectural opening covering, may include at least one of a recess and a protrusion configured to engage resiliently with the head rail, and may include a protrusion configured to engage with an inner peripheral edge of a housing of the head rail.

14. An architectural opening covering including a drive unit according to claim 13 including a housing configured to resiliently engage with the backing plate (8).

15. An architectural opening covering according to claim 14 wherein the housing includes at least one of: a recess configured to engage resiliently with a protrusion on the backing plate (8); and a protrusion configured to engage resiliently with a recess or protrusion on the backing plate (8).

Ansprüche

1. Antriebseinheit (2) zum Montieren an der Kopfschiene einer architektonischen Öffnungsabdeckung, wobei die Antriebseinheit beinhaltet:

ein Antriebsrad (4) mit einem Außenumfang, der dazu konfiguriert ist, einen länglichen Abschnitt eines kontinuierlichen Schlingenelements (6) aufzunehmen und zu stützen, wobei das Antriebsrad (4) dazu konfiguriert ist, sich um eine erste Achse durch Längstranslation des kontinuierlichen Schlingenelements mit Drehung des Außenumfangs um die erste Achse zu drehen;

ein Betriebsrad (12), das dazu konfiguriert ist, sich um eine zweite Achse zu drehen und einen Wickelkern der architektonischen Öffnungsabdeckung zu drehen; und

eine Befestigungsanordnung (18, 20), die dazu konfiguriert ist, das Antriebsrad (4) koaxial zu dem Betriebsrad (12) lösbar zu befestigen, und dazu konfiguriert ist, wenn das Antriebsrad (4) an dem Betriebsrad (12) befestigt ist, die Drehung des Antriebsrads (4) auf die Drehung des Betriebsrads (12) zu übertragen;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass:

die Befestigungsanordnung eine Mehrzahl von Antriebsradbefestigungen (20) auf dem Antriebsrad (4) und eine entsprechende Mehrzahl von Betriebsbefestigungen (18) auf dem Betriebsrad (12) beinhaltet;

jede Antriebsradbefestigung (20) ein erstes Merkmal beinhaltet, das dazu konfiguriert ist, mit einem zweiten Merkmal auf einer Betätigungsbefestigung (18) einzugreifen;

sich die ersten Merkmale sowohl axial von dem Antriebsrad (4) in Richtung des Betriebsrads (12) als auch in Umfangsrichtung in einer ersten Richtung in Bezug auf das Antriebsrad (4) erstrecken und die zweiten Merkmale sich sowohl axial von dem Betriebsrad (12) in Richtung des Antriebsrads (4) als auch in Umfangsrichtung in einer zweiten Richtung, entgegengesetzt zu der ersten Richtung, in Bezug auf das Betriebsrad (12) erstrecken; und

wenn das Antriebsrad (4) an dem Betriebsrad (12) befestigt ist und eine Umfangskraft in einer Richtung überträgt, die ersten Merkmale angetrieben werden, um sich hinter den zweiten Merkmalen zu erstrecken und zu verhindern, dass sich das Antriebsrad (4) axial von dem Betriebsrad (12) trennt, und, wenn keine Last zwischen dem Antriebsrad (4) und dem Betriebsrad (12) übertragen wird, die ersten und zweiten Merkmale nicht hintereinander angetrieben werden, sodass es möglich wird, das Antriebsrad (4) axial von dem Betriebsrad (12) wegzuziehen, um das Antriebsrad (4) von dem Betriebsrad (12) zu lösen.

2. Antriebseinheit nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Befestigungsanordnung dazu konfiguriert ist, eine Umfangskraft in wenigstens einer von zwei entgegengesetzten Richtungen zwischen dem Antriebsrad (4) und dem Betriebsrad (12) um die koaxiale erste und zweite Achse zu übertragen, und dazu konfiguriert ist, das Antriebsrad (4) von dem Betriebsrad (12) unter einer Radiallast zu lösen, wenn im Wesentlichen keine Umfangskraft übertragen wird.

3. Antriebseinheit nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei jede Antriebsradbefestigung (20) ein drittes Merkmal beinhaltet, das dazu konfiguriert ist, mit einem vierten Merkmal an einer Betriebsbefestigung (18) einzugreifen.

4. Antriebseinheit nach Anspruch 3, wobei eines oder beide zutreffen:

die dritten Merkmale erstrecken sich sowohl axial von dem Antriebsrad (4) in Richtung des Betriebsrads (12) als auch in Umfangsrichtung in der zweiten Richtung in Bezug auf das Antriebsrad (4); und

die vierten Merkmale erstrecken sich sowohl axial von dem Betriebsrad (12) in Richtung des Antriebsrads (4) als auch in Umfangsrichtung in der ersten Richtung in Bezug auf das Betriebsrad (12); und

wobei, wenn das Antriebsrad (4) an dem Betriebsrad (12) befestigt ist und eine Umfangskraft in einer zu der einen Richtung entgegengesetzten Richtung überträgt, die dritten Merkmale angetrieben werden, um sich hinter den vierten Merkmalen zu erstrecken und zu verhindern, dass sich das Antriebsrad (4) axial von dem Betriebsrad (12) trennt.

5. Antriebseinheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei sich die Betriebsbefestigungen (18) des Antriebsrads (12) radial erstrecken und die Seitenkanten der Betriebsbefestigungen (18) abgewinkelt sind, sodass die Umfangsbreite jeder Betriebsbefestigungen (18) von einer dem Antriebsrad (4) abgewandten Seite des Betriebsrads (12) zu einer dem Antriebsrad (4) zugewandten Seite des Betätigungsrades (12) zunimmt.

6. Antriebseinheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei sich die Antriebsradbefestigungen (20) des Antriebsrads (4) radial erstrecken und die Seitenkanten der Antriebsradbefestigungen (20) abgewinkelt sind, sodass die Umfangsbreite jeder Antriebsradbefestigungen (20) von einer dem Betriebsrad (12) abgewandten Seite des Antriebsrades (4) zu einer dem Betriebsrad (12) zugewandten Seite des Antriebsrades (4) zunimmt.

7. Antriebseinheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei eines oder beide zutreffen:

1) radial äußere Umfangskanten des Betriebsrads (12) zwischen jeweiligen Betriebsradbefestigungen (18); und

2) radial innere Umfangsoberflächen der Antriebsradbefestigungen (20), die sich gegen entsprechende jeweilige Kanten erstrecken;

Von einem größeren Radius auf der Seite des Betriebsrads (12) zu einem kleineren Radius auf der Seite des Antriebsrads (12) geneigt sind, um eine axiale Kraft bereitzustellen, die wirkt, um das Antriebsrad (4) von dem Betriebsrad (12) als Reaktion auf eine Radialkraft auf das Antriebsrad (4) in Bezug auf das Betriebsrad (12) zu trennen.

8. Antriebseinheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei sich das durchgehendes Schlingenelement (6) im Wesentlichen um die Hälfte des Außenumfangs des Antriebsrads (4) erstreckt und sich an den jeweiligen diametral gegenüberliegenden Seiten des Antriebsrads (4) von dem Antriebsrad (4) weg erstreckt, wobei die Befestigung des Antriebsrads (4) an dem Betriebsrad (12) nur gelöst wird, wenn das kontinuierliche Schlingenelement (6) das Antriebsrad (4) an beiden diametralen Seiten gleichzeitig zieht.

9. Antriebseinheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei eines von dem Antriebsrad (4) und dem Betriebsrad (12) eine Nabe mit einer kegelstumpfförmigen äußeren Oberfläche beinhaltet, die dazu konfiguriert ist, in einen kegelstumpfförmigen Hohlraum zu passen, der in dem anderen von dem Antriebsrad (4) und dem Betriebsrad (12) bereitgestellt ist, wobei die Nabe und der Hohlraum koaxial mit den ersten und zweiten Achsen sind.

10. Antriebseinheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei eines oder beide von dem Antriebsrad (4) und dem Betriebsrad (12), einen oder mehrere Magneten für die Befestigung des jeweiligen Antriebsrads (4) oder Betriebsrads (12) an dem anderen von Antriebsrad (4) und Betriebsrad (12) beinhalten.

11. Antriebseinheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die ferner ein durchgehendes Schlingenelement (6) mit einem länglichen Abschnitt beinhaltet, der von dem Außenumfang des Antriebsrades (4) aufgenommen und gestützt wird.

12. Antriebseinheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die ferner eine Stützplatte (8) beinhaltet, wobei eine Seite des Antriebsrads (4), die einer Seite für die lösbare Befestigung an dem Betriebsrad (12) gegenüberliegt, für eine Drehung um die erste Achse an der Stützplatte (8) montiert ist, und die Stützplatte (8), das Antriebsrad (4) und ein durchgehendes Schlingenelement (6) als eine Einheit für die Befestigung und das Abnehmen von dem Betriebsrad (12) und der Kopfschiene bereitgestellt sind, an der das Betriebsrad (12) montiert ist.

13. Antriebseinheit nach Anspruch 12, wobei die Stützplatte (8) dazu konfiguriert ist, elastisch in eine Kopfschiene einer architektonischen Öffnungsabdeckung einzugreifen, wenigstens eine/einen einer Aussparung oder eines Vorsprungs beinhalten kann, die/der dazu konfiguriert ist, elastisch in die Kopfschiene einzugreifen, und einen Vorsprung beinhalten kann, der dazu konfiguriert ist, in eine innere Umfangskante eines Gehäuses der Kopfschiene einzugreifen.

14. Architektonische Öffnungsabdeckung, die eine Antriebseinheit nach Anspruch 13 beinhaltet, die ein Gehäuse beinhaltet, das dazu konfiguriert ist, elastisch mit der Stützplatte (8) einzugreifen.

15. Architektonische Öffnungsabdeckung nach Anspruch 14, wobei das Gehäuse wenigstens eines beinhaltet von: einer Aussparung, die dazu konfiguriert ist, elastisch mit einem Vorsprung auf der Stützplatte (8) einzugreifen; und einem Vorsprung, der dazu konfiguriert ist, elastisch mit einer Aussparung oder einem Vorsprung auf der Stützplatte (8) einzugreifen.

Revendications

1. Unité d'entraînement (2) destinée à être montée sur le rail supérieur d'une couverture d'ouverture architecturale, l'unité d'entraînement comprenant :

une roue d'entraînement (4) ayant une périphérie extérieure configurée pour recevoir et supporter une partie allongée d'un élément en boucle continue (6), la roue d'entraînement (4) étant configurée pour tourner autour d'un premier axe par translation longitudinale de l'élément en boucle continue avec rotation de la périphérie extérieure autour du premier axe ;

une roue de commande (12) configurée pour tourner autour d'un deuxième axe et pour faire tourner un noyau d'enroulement de lacouverture d'ouverture architecturale ; et

un agencement de fixation (18, 20) configuré pour fixer de manière amovible la roue d'entraînement (4) coaxialement à la roue de commande (12), et configuré, lorsque la roue d'entraînement (4) est fixée à la roue de commande (12), pour transférer la rotation de la roue d'entraînement (4) à la rotation de la roue de commande (12) ;

caractérisée en ce que :

l'agencement de fixation comprend une pluralité de fixations de roue d'entraînement (20) sur la roue d'entraînement (4) et une pluralité correspondante de fixations de commande (18) sur la roue de commande (12) ;

chaque fixation de roue d'entraînement (20) comprend une première caractéristique configurée pour s'engager avec une deuxième caractéristique sur unefixation de commande (18) ;

les premières caractéristiques s'étendent à la fois axialement de la roue d'entraînement (4) vers la roue de commande (12) et circonférentiellement dans une première direction par rapport à la roue d'entraînement (4) et les deuxièmes caractéristiques s'étendent à la fois axialement de la roue de commande (12) vers la roue d'entraînement (4) et circonférentiellement dans une deuxième direction, opposée à la première direction, par rapport à la roue de commande (12) ; et lorsque la roue d'entraînement (4) est fixée à la roue de commande (12) et transfère une force circonférentielle dans une direction, les premières caractéristiques sont entraînées pour s'étendre derrière les deuxièmes caractéristiques et empêcher la roue d'entraînement (4) de se séparer axialement de la roue de commande (12), et, lorsqu'aucune charge n'est transférée entre la roue d'entraînement (4) et la roue de commande (12), les première et deuxièmecaractéristiques ne sont pas entraînés les unes derrière les autres de sorte qu'il devient possible de tirer la roue d'entraînement (4) pour s'éloigner axialement de la roue de commande (12) de manière à dégager la roue d'entraînement (4) de la roue de commande (12).

2. Unité d'entraînement selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'agencement de fixation est configuré pour transférer une force circonférentielle dans au moins l'une de deux directions opposées entre la roue d'entraînement (4) et la roue de commande (12) autour des premier et deuxième axes coaxiaux, et configuré pour dégager la roue d'entraînement (4) de la roue de commande (12) sous une charge radiale lors du transfert d'une force circonférentielle sensiblement nulle.

3. Unité d'entraînement selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle chaque fixation de roue d'entraînement (20) comprend une troisième caractéristique configurée pour s'engager avec une quatrième caractéristique sur unefixationde commande (18).

4. Unité d'entraînement selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle l'une ou les deux parmi :

les troisièmes caractéristiques s'étendent à la fois axialement de la roue d'entraînement (4) vers la roue de commande (12) et circonférentiellement dans la deuxième direction par rapport à la roue d'entraînement (4) ; et

les quatrièmes caractéristiques s'étendent à la fois axialement de la roue de commande (12) vers la roue d'entraînement (4) et circonférentiellement dans la première direction par rapport à la roue de commande (12) ; et

dans laquelle, lorsque la roue d'entraînement (4) est fixée à la roue de commande (12) et transfère une force circonférentielle dans une direction opposée à ladite première direction, les troisièmes caractéristiques sont entraînées pour s'étendre derrière les quatrièmes caractéristiques et empêcher la roue d'entraînement (4) de se séparer axialement de la roue de commande (12).

5. Unité d'entraînement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle les fixations de commande (18) de la roue de commande (12) s'étendent radialement et les bords latéraux des fixations de commande (18) sont inclinés de sorte que la largeur circonférentielle de chaque fixationde commande (18) augmented'un côté de la roue de commande (12) éloigné de la roue d'entraînement (4) à un côté de la roue de commande (12) vers la roue d'entraînement (4).

6. Unité d'entraînement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle les fixations de roue d'entraînement (20) de la roue d'entraînement (4) s'étendent radialement et les bords latéraux des fixations de roue d'entraînement (20) sont inclinés de sorte que la largeur circonférentielle de chaque fixation de roue d'entraînement ( 20) augmente d'un côté de la roue d'entraînement (4) éloigné de la roue de commande (12) à un côté de la roue d'entraînement (4) vers la roue de commande (12).

7. Unité d'entraînement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'un ou les deux parmi :

1) des bords circonférentiels radialement extérieurs de la roue de commande (12) entre des fixations de commande respectives (18) ; et

2) des surfaces circonférentielles radialement intérieures des fixations de roue d'entraînement (20) s'étendant contre des bords respectifs correspondants ;

sont inclinés d'un rayon plus grand du côté de la roue de commande (12) à un rayon plus petit du côté de la roue d'entraînement (12) de manière à fournir une force axiale agissant pour séparer la roue d'entraînement (4) de la roue de commande (12) en réponse à uneforce radiale sur la roue d'entraînement (4) par rapport à la roue de commande (12).

8. Unité d'entraînement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'élément en boucle continue (6) s'étend autour de sensiblement la moitié de la périphérie extérieure de la roue d'entraînement (4) et s'étend loin de la roue d'entraînement (4) sur des côtés diamétralement opposés respectifs de la roue d'entraînement. (4), dans laquelle la fixation de la roue d'entraînement (4) à la roue de commande (12) n'est dégagée que lorsque l'élément en boucle continue (6) tire la roue d'entraînement (4) sur les deux côtés diamétraux simultanément.

9. Unité d'entraînement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'une de la roue d'entraînement (4) et de la roue de commande (12) comprend un moyeu ayant une surface extérieure conique tronquée configurée pour s'adapter dans une cavité conique tronquée prévue dans l'autre de la roue d'entraînement (4) et de la roue de commande (12), le moyeu et la cavité étant coaxiaux aux premier et deuxième axes.

10. Unité d'entraînement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'une ou les deux de la roue d'entraînement (4) et de la roue de commande (12) comprend un ou plusieurs aimants pour fixer la roue d'entraînement (4) ou la roue de commande (12) respective à l'autrede la roue d'entraînement (4) et de la roue de commande (12).

11. Unité d'entraînement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre un élément en boucle continue (6) ayant une partie allongée reçue et supportée par la périphérie extérieure de la roue d'entraînement (4).

12. Unité d'entraînement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre une plaque d'appui (8), dans laquelle un côté de la roue d'entraînement (4), opposé à un côté pour une fixation amovible à la roue de commande (12), est monté sur la plaque d'appui (8) pour une rotation autour du premier axe, et la plaque d'appui (8), la roue d'entraînement (4) et un élément en boucle continue (6) sont prévus comme une unité pour la fixation et le détachement de la roue de commande (12) et du rail supérieur sur lequel est montée la roue de commande (12).

13. Unité d'entraînement selon la revendication 12, dans laquelle la plaque d'appui (8) est configurée pour être engagée de manière élastique dans un rail supérieur d'unecouverture d'ouverture architecturale, peut comprendre au moins un évidement et une saillie configurés pour s'engager de manière élastique avec le rail supérieur, et peut comprendre une saillie configurée pour s'engager avec un bord périphérique intérieur d'un boîtier du rail supérieur.

14. Couverture d'ouverture architecturale comprenant une unité d'entraînement selon la revendication 13, comprenant un boîtier configuré pour s'engager de manière élastique avec la plaque d'appui (8).

15. Couverture d'ouverture architecturale selon la revendication 14, dans laquelle le boîtier comprend au moins l'un parmi : un évidement configuré pour s'engager de manière élastique avec une saillie sur la plaque d'appui (8) ; et une saillie configurée pour s'engager de manière élastique avec un évidement ou une saillie sur la plaque d'appui (8).

Drawing