• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
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    • 专利摘要:
    An automated louvre window mechanism for moving at least one louvre blade between an open and closed condition and vice versa using an electric motor, the mechanism including a first spur gear driven directly by the electric motor, at least one additional spur gear driven by the first spur gear either directly or indirectly, a pinion gear provided coaxially with at least one of the at least one additional spur gears and at least one operating bar driven by the pinion gear to open and close the at least one louvre blade, the at least one operating bar coplanar with the pinion gear. Figure 1
    公开号:AU2013204630A1
    申请号:U2013204630
    申请日:2013-04-12
    公开日:2014-03-13
    发明作者:Keith James Chaston；Steven Ian Harrison
    申请人:Breezway Australia Holdings Pty Ltd；
    IPC主号:E06B7-096
    专利说明:
    I AUTOMATED LOUVRE WINDOW MECHANISM TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to louvre windows, particularly louvre windows with an electrically powered opening and closing mechanism. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Automated louvre window mechanisms for opening and closing louvre window systems using an electric motor are conventionally available. [0003] One conventionally available mechanism has an overcenter configuration including the linking arm which is mechanically attached to an output shaft of the electric motor and which is also mechanically attached to at least one of the operating bars which due to rotation of the output shaft, causes reciprocal movement of at least one of the operating bars. The overcenter mechanism can cause long-term stress on the louvre operating bars increasing their risk of failure. In particular, the nature of the overcenter action places a lateral load on the operating bar that can weaken the operating bar. [0004] The nature of the overcenter configuration also limits the load that can be placed on the operating bar and more particularly, the linking mechanism between the operating bar and the electric motor. [0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0006] The present invention is directed to an automated louvre window mechanism, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. [00071 With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an automated louvre window mechanism for moving at least one louvre blade between an open and closed condition and vice versa using an electric motor, the mechanism including a first spur gear driven directly by the electric motor, at least one additional spur gear driven by the first spur gear either directly or indirectly, a pinion gear provided coaxially with at least one of the at least one additional spur gears and at least one operating bar driven by the pinion gear to open and close the at least one louvre blade, the at least one operating bar coplanar with the pinion gear. [0008] Louvre windows generally consist of a surround frame formed of upper and lower horizontal frame members (the head and the sill member respectively) and opposed, generally vertical, side frame members (galleries) which are fastened together to form a generally rectangular frame. The frame is typically sized to fit within an opening in a wall and can be assembled into the opening or preassembled and delivered for insertion into the opening. [0009] The frame supports an array of horizontal louvres which pivot about horizontal pivot pins or bearings between louvre open and louvre closed positions. It is known to tip the frame on its side such that the louvres extend vertically, however the invention will be described with respect to horizontally extending louvre blades. [0010] The automated louvre window mechanism of the preferred embodiment includes a motor, preferably an electric motor. Typically, the electric motor is mounted relative to the channel to which the louvre blades are mounted. The preferred electric motor is reversible in direction. Typically, the electric motor has a cyclic operation, cycling between rotation in a first direction and then rotation in a second direction followed again by the first direction etc. [0011] Typically, the electric motor is mounted relative to the channel in a perpendicular orientation. Most preferably, the electric motor is located extending perpendicularly from the channel at either the top or the bottom of the channel in order that the motor be adapted to be received into either the head or the sill of the louvre window system. [0012] Each channel is typically substantially U-shaped in cross-section with a pair of sidewalls extending on either lateral side of an outer wall. Typically, the outer wall has one or more openings therethrough in order to allow a bearing associated with each louvre end clip to extend through the channel. [00131 Normally, at least one, and typically a pair of louvre operating bars are located in the cavity defined by the window opening and the substantially U-shaped channel. Typically, an operating bar is provided on either lateral side of the bearings, that is adjacent each of the side walls of the channel. This provides balance to the bearings. Typically, the louvre operating bars reciprocate substantially vertically when the louvre blades are opened and closed. [0014] Each operating bar preferably has a number of toothed portions or a toothed rack in -Y order to engage with respective bearings and transmit the motion of the electric motor to the bearings in order to open and close the louvre blades. In other words, the toothed rack functions to convert longitudinal motion of the operating bars to rotational motion of the bearings. [0015] Typically, there is a further toothed portion or rack on each operating bar in order to engage with the pinion gear. Normally, only one toothed portion or rack is provided on each operating bar and normally, this toothed rack is provided at the end of the operating bar adjacent the electric motor. [00161 This toothed portion or rack is typically configured differently to the toothed rack for the bearing. Normally, the toothed rack for the bearing is provided with fewer, larger teeth and the toothed rack for the pinion gear is provided with smaller teeth. This will allow the more efficient transmission of torque from the pinion gear to the operating bars. [00171 Further, the pinion gear of the present invention will preferably engage both of the opposed operating bars. This will typically help to balance the rotation of the pinion gear and also spread any load or angular torque which may be applied to the pinion gear and more particularly to the axle about which the pinion gear rotates in order to prevent unnecessary or unbalanced loading of the pinion gear and particular of the axle about which the pinion gear rotates or the operating bars, which may, after repeated uses, weaken these components. [00181 The mechanism of the present invention includes a first spur gear driven directly by the electric motor. In particular, the electric motor typically has an output shaft which is normally, a rotating shaft as this allows the size of the electric motor to be minimized. [0019] Normally, the first spur gear is attached directly to the output shaft of the motor. [0020] Spur gears or straight-cut gears are the simplest type of gear. They generally include a cylinder or disk with the teeth projecting radially, and although they are not straight-sided in form, the edge of each tooth is typically straight and aligned parallel to the axis of rotation. Generally speaking, these gears can be meshed together correctly only if they are fitted to parallel shafts. [0021] According to the preferred embodiment, the first spur gear of the present invention has a collar extending from one side of the cylinder or disk. The collar typically functions as a spacing collar and is typically, although not necessarily, oriented towards the motor. In certain configurations, the spacing collar may be located on the opposite side of the gear to the motor.
    -r [00221 The mechanism of the present invention also includes at least one additional spur gear driven by the first spur gear either directly or indirectly. The configuration of the additional spur gear will typically depend upon the number of additional spur gears provided. [0023] There are two different situations, namely a first situation where only a single additional spur gear is provided alternatively, where a number of additional spur gears are provided in a gear chain. [0024] If more than one additional spur gear is provided, then there will normally be one additional spur gear which is coaxial with the pinion gear and one or more additional spur gears which are mounted between the first spur gear and the additional spur gear which is coaxial with the pinion gear or intermediate additional spur gears. In this circumstance, the additional spur gear which is coaxial with the pinion gear will typically lack a spacing collar whereas any intermediate additional spur gears will typically have a collar extending from one side of the cylinder or disk of the gear. The collar typically functions as a spacing collar and is typically, although not necessarily, oriented towards the motor. In certain configurations, the spacing collar may be located on the opposite side of the gear to the motor. [0025] Typically, the first spur gear and any intervening additional spur gears have the respective collars located on the same lateral side. [0026] If only a single additional spur gear is provided, then the additional spur gear will typically be the additional spur gear which is coaxial with the pinion gear and this gear will typically not have a spacing collar. [00271 As mentioned above, the first spur gear and any additional spur gears provided, are typically provided as a gear train. Normally, adjacent gears in the train mesh with one another in order to transmit torque from the output of the motor to the pinion gear. [0028] Typically, the spur gears including the first spur gear and any additional spur gears are substantially similar in size, particularly the diameter of the disc to the root circle as well as being similar in tooth shape and dimension in order to ensure that the gears mesh correctly. [0029] It is however anticipated that the present invention may include gears of different sizes in order to proportionally increase or decrease the torque transmitted from any one gear to another gear. [0030] As mentioned briefly above, the additional spur gear which is coaxial with the pinion gear will typically differ in configuration to any intermediate additional spur gear. In particular, the spur gear which is coaxial with the pinion gear will typically not be provided with the collar. Instead, this spur gear is spaced by the pinion gear itself. Therefore, the pinion gear will typically be approximately as thick or deep as the collar provided on the additional spur gears. [0031] The additional spur gear which is coaxial with the pinion gear will therefore be a substantially planar disk but otherwise similar to other spur gears provided. [0032] Typically, the additional spur gear which is coaxial with the pinion gear is the last gear provided in a gear train. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, three gears will be provided, namely, one first spur gear, one intermediate additional spur gear and one additional spur gear coaxial with the pinion gear. [0033] The mechanism of the present invention also includes a pinion gear provided coaxially with at least one of the at least one additional spur gears. The pinion gear may be of the same size or dimension as any one of the spur gears or may be larger or smaller. According to a preferred embodiment, the pinion gear is smaller in diameter than the first spur gear or any additional spur gears. [0034] The pinion gear is mounted coaxially with at least one of the additional spur gears and typically, co-rotates with the additional spur gear. [0035] The pinion gear is typically mounted within the channel in a coplanar configuration with the operating bars located in the channel. As a result, the first spur gear and the additional spur gears are typically offset from the operating bars. The spur gears are normally oriented substantially parallel to the operating bars. [0036] All of the gears in the mechanism preferably rotate about an axis which is transverse to the direction of movement of the operating bars. [00371 The mechanism of the present invention includes at least one and normally a pair of opposed operating bars driven by the pinion gear to open and close the at least one louvre blade. The operating bars essentially function as a link between the output of the motor, through the gear train and pinion gear, with the bearings associated with the respective louvre end clips such that rotation of the motor causes longitudinal displacement of the operating bars which in turn causes rotation of the bearing and therefore the louvre end clips. The at least one operating bar is coplanar with the pinion gear.
    V [00381 All of the components in the mechanism of the present invention are typically housed within the louvre channel. The motor is typically mounted relative to the channel as well so that the channel with the motor can be provided as a single unit and can be either sold as a component that can be used in a louvre window system or in an assembled louvre window system. [00391 The motor is typically mounted relative to the channel using a mounting plate which is received at least partially within the channel. Typically, a cover plate is provided between the side walls of the channel and opposed to the mounting plate with the components of the mechanism mounted between the mounting plate and the cover plate [except for the operating bars and the motor]. [0040] Preferably, the axles about which the respective gears rotate are typically mounted between the cover plate and the mounting plate. The cover plate is typically attached to the mounting plate in order to properly locate the components of the mechanism. This can be accomplished using any method but typically, one or more elongate fasteners are provided that extend through the cover plate and at least partially into the mounting plate. [0041] Typically, the mounting plate is provided inside the channel adjacent the outer wall with the operating bars mounted adjacent the mounting plate. The gears of the mechanism are typically provided adjacent the mounting plate and/or operating bars and then the cover plate will typically be inserted between the free ends of the sidewalls of the U-shaped channel and fixed to the mounting plate containing all of the elements of the mechanism within the profile of the U-shaped channel. [0042] In an alternative embodiment, the motor has a driveshaft with an engagement configuration in order to engage the first spur gear. Preferably, the shaft has an external shape which adapted for engagement and particularly preferred is an external shape that includes one or more ridges and valleys spaced radially about the shaft. One or more splines are particularly preferred. [00431 Typically, the free end of the shaft of the motor is received in a shaped depression provided for that purpose on the cover plate. [0044] At least one, and typically a pair of micro switches are provided for the actuation of the motor, one microswitch preferably on either side of the shaft. Each microswitch will typically include a switch actuator and a switch contact. The switch actuator is typically mounted for deflection. Each switch actuator is preferably resiliently mounted and biased into the disengaged position where the actuator is spaced from the switch contact. Each switch actuator is preferably oriented or angled away from the motor in order to enable the actuator to be abutted by portion of the first spur gear or an abutment member mounted relative thereto. Typically, when the switch actuator is depressed into abutment with the switch contact, an electrical circuit is closed and the motor is actuated for rotation in a first direction. Conversely, releasing the switch actuator will cause the circuit to be broken due to the resilient nature of the switch actuator and this will cause the motor to stop. [0045] In an alternative configuration, other actuation and control methods may be provided to control actuation of the motor. For example, one method of controlling the activation and deactivation of the motor to in turn control whether the louvre window system is open or closed or the position of the louvres in the system, is to have a feedback mechanism which measures pressure for example to determine when the louvres are fully open or fully closed (or at another desired position) and therefore deactivate the motor. [00461 Yet another alternative configuration may have a current sensor to sense the degree to which the louvres have been opened or closed based on the load placed on the motor. [00471 Use of either of these methods may be preferred over the use of microswitches particularly because these methods allow for a reduction in the size of the motor to provide a more compact mechanism. [00481 In a preferred embodiment, the first spur gear may be provided with a collar extending therefrom. Typically, the collar is provided with a bore at least partially therethrough. According to a preferred embodiment, an internal surface of the bore preferably has a corresponding configuration to the external shape of the shaft of the motor. For example, where the shaft of the motor is provided with one or more splines, the internal surface of the bore will be configured with splines as well to engage or mate with the splines on the driveshaft of the motor. [0049] The first spur gear of this embodiment is also typically provided with an abutment member located on the collar, and preferably, adjacent the disc of the gear. The abutment member preferably protrudes radially from the collar, further then the free ends of the teeth of the gear. [0050] The abutment member is preferably L-shaped in section having a body portion extending substantially parallel to the disk of the gear and perpendicularly from the axis of the collar and an arm section extending substantially parallel to the axis of the collar and perpendicularly to the disc of the gear. [0051] The abutment member is preferably shaped as a circular sector. Typically, the abutment member is integrally formed with the first spur gear of this embodiment. [0052] The abutment member (and/or first spur gear) is preferably located such that the ends of the sector shaped abutment arm and the ends of the arm of the abutment member in particular, abut the switch actuator of each of the microswitch is to engage the motor in either the open louvre or close louvre conditions. The shape and dimension of the abutment member preferably means that the spur gear can reciprocate radially but the spur gear may alternatively rotate uni-directionally. [00531 Typically, according to this embodiment, the first spur gear is smaller in diameter than the intermediate and second spur gears which are typically substantially similar in size to one another. [0054] According to this embodiment, the pinion gear will typically have fewer teeth provided radially than the other gears in the preferred gear train. [0055] The mounting plate of this embodiment is typically provided with elongate axles in order to mount the gears relative thereto. Typically, the elongate axles each integrally formed with the mounting plate. The elongate axles of the preferred embodiment will typically be shaped as an annular cylinder with an opening therein to, typically centrally. The opening preferably receives a corresponding pin or other shaped portion provided on the cover plate in order to correctly position the cover plate relative to the mounting plate and also to provide stability. [0056] A depression may be provided on the mounting plate about any one or more of the axles in order to provide a track or guide for the rotation of the respective gears. [00571 According to this embodiment, the cover plate will attach to the mounting plate or motor or channel using a snap fit. Typically, one or more arms are provided extending substantially perpendicular to the cover plate with a catch or similar in order to engage with a corresponding portion of the mounting plate, motor or channel. Again, a track or guide may be provided on an inner surface of the cover plate for at least one, and typically all of the gears in the preferred gear train.
    [00581 In use, the cover plate will preferably cover the mechanism to provide protection both to the mechanism and from the mechanism. [0059] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. [00601 The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [00611 Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: [0062] Figure 1 is a rendered isometric view of an automated louvre window mechanism according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention. [00631 Figure 2 is a rendered sectional side view of the automated louvre window mechanism illustrated in Figure 1 along line A-A. [0064] Figure 2A is a detailed view of the portion indicated in Figure 2. [00651 Figure 3 is a rendered view from the rear of the louvre channel of the mechanism illustrated in Figure 1. [00661 Figure 3A is a detailed view of the portion indicated in Figure 3. [00671 Figure 4 is a sectional side view of the automated louvre window mechanism illustrated in Figure 1 along line A-A. [00681 Figure 4A is a detailed view of the portion indicated in Figure 4. [00691 Figure 5 is a view from the rear of the louvre channel of the mechanism illustrated in Figure 1. [00701 Figure 5A is a detailed view of the portion indicated in Figure 5. [00711 Figure 6 is a is a view from the rear of the louvre channel of the mechanism according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
    IU [00721 Figure 6A is a detailed view of the portion indicated in Figure 6. [0073] Figure 7 is a sectional side view of the automated louvre window mechanism illustrated in Figure 6 along line B-B. [0074] Figure 7A is a detailed view of the portion indicated in Figure 7. [00751 Figure 8 is an isometric view of the automated louvre window mechanism illustrated in Figure 6 with the cover plate transparent. [0076] Figure 9 is an exploded isometric view of the automated louvre window mechanism illustrated in Figure 6. [00771 Figure 10 is a detailed isometric view of the automated louvre window mechanism illustrated in Figure 9 with the cover plate transparent with the motor in the actuated condition.
    DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [00781 According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, an automated louvre window mechanism is provided. [0079] One preferred embodiment of automated louvre window mechanism using an electric motor 10 is illustrated in Figures 1 to 5A. The illustrated mechanism includes a first spur gear 11 driven directly by the electric motor 10, an intermediate spur gear 12 driven by the first spur gear 11 directly, a second spur gear 13 driven by the intermediate additional spur gear 12, a pinion gear 14 provided coaxially with the second spur gear 13, and a pair of operating bars 15 driven by the pinion gear 14 to open and close the louvres (not shown), the operating bars 15 being coplanar with the pinion gear 14. [0080] The automated louvre window mechanism of the illustrated embodiment includes an electric motor 10 mounted relative to a louvre channel 16 to which the louvre blades are mounted. The electric motor 10 is reversible in direction and has a cyclic operation, cycling between rotation in a first direction and then rotation in a second direction followed again by the first direction etc. [0081] As illustrated, the electric motor 10 is mounted relative to the louvre channel 16 in a perpendicular orientation from the top of the louvre channel 16 in order that the motor 10 be adapted to be received into the head member of a louvre window system. [0082] As illustrated most clearly in Figures 1, 3 and 5, each louvre channel 16 is substantially U-shaped in cross-section with a pair of sidewalls 17 extending on either lateral side of an outer wall 18. The outer wall 18 has one or more openings therethrough in order to allow a bearing 19 associated with each louvre end clip 20 to extend through the outer wall 18 and into the louvre channel 16. [00831 Normally, a pair of louvre operating bars 15 are located in the cavity defined by the window opening and the substantially U-shaped channel 16 with an operating bar 15 provided on either lateral side of the bearings 19, that is adjacent each of the side walls of the channel. The operating bars illustrated are T-shaped with a web extending substantially parallel to the sidewalls 17 of the channel 16 and a perpendicular portion. This configuration provides balance to the bearings 19. Typically, the louvre operating bars 15 reciprocate substantially vertically when the louvre blades are opened and closed. [0084] Each operating bar 15 has a number of toothed portions 21 in order to engage with I / respective bearings 19 and transmit the motion of the electric motor 10 to the bearings 19 in order to opening close the louvre blades. In other words, the toothed portions function to convert longitudinal motion of the operating bars 15 to rotational motion of the bearings 19. [0085] Typically, there is a further toothed portion 22 on each operating bar 15 in order to engage with the pinion gear 14. Normally, only one of these toothed portions 22 is provided on each operating bar 15 and normally, this toothed portion 22 is provided at the end of the operating bar 15 adjacent the electric motor 10. [0086] This toothed portion 22 is configured differently to the toothed portion 21 for the bearing 19. As illustrated, the toothed portion 21 for the bearing 19 is provided with fewer, larger teeth and the toothed portion 22 for the pinion gear 14 is provided with smaller teeth. Further, the pinion gear 14 engages both of the opposed operating bars 15. [00871 According to the particular embodiment illustrated, the electric motor 10 has an output shaft 23 which is a rotating shaft as this allows the size of the electric motor 10 to the minimized. [0088] The first spur gear 11 is attached directly to the output shaft 23 of the motor 10. [0089] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated, the first spur gear 11 has a collar 24 extending from one side of the gear disc. The collar 24 functions as a spacing collar and is oriented towards the outer wall of the channel 16 in the embodiment illustrated. [0090] The second spur gear 13 is coaxial with the pinion gear 14 and, according to the illustrated embodiment, an intermediate additional spur gear 12 is mounted between the first spur gear 11 and the second spur gear 13 coaxial with the pinion gear 14. In this circumstance, the second spur gear 13 lack a spacing collar 24 whereas the intermediate additional spur gear 12 has a collar 24 extending from one side of the disk of the gear. The collar 24 again functions as a spacing collar and is oriented towards the outer wall of the channel 16. [0091] As mentioned above, the gears of the illustrated embodiment are provided as a gear train with adjacent gears in the train meshing with one another in order to transmit torque from the output shaft 23 of the motor 10 to the pinion gear 14. [0092] As illustrated, the spur gears 11, 12 and 13 are substantially similar in size, particularly the diameter of the disc to the root circle as well as being similar in tooth shape and dimension in order to ensure that the gears mesh correctly.
    I -Y [00931 The second spur gear 13 which is coaxial with the pinion gear 14 is not provided with the collar. Instead, this spur gear 13 is spaced by the pinion gear 14 itself. Therefore, the pinion gear 14 is approximately as thick or deep as the collar 24 provided on the first and intermediate spur gears. [0094] According to the illustrated embodiment, the pinion gear 14 is smaller in diameter than the spur gears 11, 12 and 13. The pinion gear 14 is mounted coaxially with the second spur gear 13 and co-rotates with the second spur gear 13. [0095] The pinion gear 14 is mounted within the channel 16 in a coplanar configuration with the perpendicular portion of the operating bars 15 located in the channel 16. As a result, the first spur gear 11 and the additional spur gears 12 and 13 are offset from the perpendicular portion of the operating bars 15. [0096] As illustrated, all of the gears in the mechanism rotate about an axis which is transverse to the direction of movement of the operating bars 15. [00971 The operating bars 15 essentially function as a link between the output of the motor 10 through the gear train and pinion gear 14 with the bearings 19 associated with the respective louvre end clips 20 such that rotation of the motor output shaft 23 causes longitudinal displacement of the operating bars 15 which in turn causes rotation of the bearings 19 and therefore the louvre end clips 20. [0098] All of the components in the mechanism of the present invention are typically housed within the louvre channel 16. The motor 10 is typically mounted relative to the channel 16 as well so that the channel 16 with the motor 10 can be provided as a single unit and can be either sold as a component that can be used in a louvre window system or in an assembled louvre window system. [0099] The motor 10 of the preferred embodiment illustrated is mounted relative to the channel 16 using a mounting plate 25 which is received at least partially within the channel 16. A cover plate 26 is provided between the side walls 17 of the channel 16 and opposed to the mounting plate 25 with the components of the mechanism mounted between the mounting plate 25 and the cover plate 26 [except for the operating bars which extend below the cover plate 26 and mounting plate 25 and the motor 10]. [00100] The axles 27 about which the respective gears rotate are typically mounted between the cover plate 26 and the mounting plate 25. The cover plate 26 is attached to the mounting plate 25 in order to properly locate the components of the mechanism and although any method can be used, elongate screws 28 are provided in the illustrated embodiment, that extend through the cover plate 26 and at least partially into the mounting plate 25. [00101] As illustrated, the mounting plate 25 is provided inside the channel 16 adjacent the outer wall 18 with the operating bars 15 mounted adjacent the mounting plate 25. The gears of the mechanism are provided adjacent the mounting plate 25 and/or operating bars 15 and then the cover plate 26 is inserted between the free ends of the sidewalls 17 of the U-shaped channel 16 and fixed to the mounting plate 25 containing all of the elements of the mechanism within the profile of the U-shaped channel 16. [00102] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 to 10, many of the features of the louvre gallery and mechanism are similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5A. [0100] According to this embodiment, the cover plate 26 attaches to the housing of the motor 10 using a snap fit rather than the screws of the first embodiment. As illustrated in Figures 6 and 6A but Figure 9 in particular, the cover plate 26 of this embodiment is provided with a pair of arms 31 extending substantially perpendicular to the cover plate 26 with a catch or similar in order to engage with a corresponding portion of the motor housing. [0101] The motor of this embodiment has an output shaft 23 with a set of external splines 32 in order to engage the first spur gear 11. The free end of the output shaft 23 is received in a shaped depression provided for that purpose on the cover plate 26. [0102] A pair of micro switches are provided for the actuation of the motor 10, one microswitch on either side of the output shaft 23. Each microswitch includes a switch actuator 33 and a switch contact 34. The switch actuator 33 is mounted for deflection and is biased into the disengaged position where the actuator 33 is spaced from the switch contact 34. As illustrated, each switch actuator 33 is angled away from the motor 10 in order to enable the actuator 33 to be abutted by portion of the first spur gear 11 or an abutment member 35 mounted relative thereto. When the switch actuator 33 is depressed into abutment with the switch contact 34, an electrical circuit is closed and the motor 10 is actuated for rotation in a first direction. Conversely, releasing the switch actuator 33 will cause the circuit to be broken due to the resilient nature of the switch actuator 33 and this will cause the motor 10 to stop. [01031 In this embodiment, the first spur gear 11 is provided with a collar 36 extending therefrom with a bore 37 at least partially therethrough with a closed end. An internal surface of I -) the bore 37 has a corresponding set of splines to engage or mate with the splines 32 on the output shaft 23 of the motor 10. A button or raised portion is provided on the first spur gear on the opposite side of the spur gear to the collar to be received in a depression on the cover plate. [0104] The first spur gear 11 is also provided with an abutment member 35 located on the collar 36, adjacent the disc of the gear 11. The abutment member 35 protrudes radially from the collar 36, further then the free ends of the teeth of the gear as best illustrated in Figure 9. [0105] The abutment member 35 is L-shaped in section having a body portion extending substantially parallel to the disc of the gear 11 and perpendicularly from the axis of the collar 36 and an arm section extending substantially parallel to the axis of the collar 36 and perpendicularly to the disc of the gear 11. [01061 The illustrate abutment member 35 is shaped as a circular sector and is integrally formed with the first spur gear of this embodiment. [01071 The abutment member 35 (and first spur gear 11) is located such that the end surfaces of the sector shaped abutment member 35 and the ends of the arm of the abutment member 35 in particular, abut the switch actuator 33 of each of the microswitches to engage the motor 10 in either the open louvre or close louvre conditions. This is illustrated most clearly in Figure 10. [01081 According to this embodiment, the first spur gear 11 is smaller in diameter than the intermediate 12 and second spur gears 13 which are substantially similar in size to one another. [0109] According to this embodiment, the pinion gear 14 also has fewer teeth provided radially than the other gears in the gear train. Also, the second spur gear 13 and smaller diameter pinion gear 14 are provided as a single, integral component. [0110] The mounting plate 25 of this embodiment is provided with an elongate axle 37 in order to mount the second spur gear relative thereto. The elongate axle 37 is shaped as an annular cylinder with a central opening thereinto to receive a corresponding pin or other shaped portion provided on the cover plate 26 in order to correctly position the cover plate 26 relative to the mounting plate 25 and also to provide stability. [0111] A mounting boss 39 is provided to mount the intermediate spur gear 12 relative thereto. The mounting boss 39 is shaped as an annular cylinder (although shorter than the axle 37) with a central opening thereinto to receive a corresponding pin or other shaped portion IV provided on the cover plate 26. A free end surface of the mounting boss 39 abuts a surface of the disc of the intermediate spur gear 12 and the intermediate spur gear 12 is mounted for rotation against the free end surface and about the pin. [0112] A depression 38 is provided on the mounting plate about any one or more of the axles in order to provide a track or guide for the rotation of the respective gears. [0113] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [0114] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [0115] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.
    权利要求:
    Claims (21)
    [1] 1. An automated louvre window mechanism for moving at least one louvre blade between an open and closed condition and vice versa using an electric motor, the mechanism including a first spur gear driven directly by the electric motor, at least one additional spur gear driven by the first spur gear either directly or indirectly, a pinion gear provided coaxially with at least one of the at least one additional spur gears and at least one operating bar driven by the pinion gear to open and close the at least one louvre blade, the at least one operating bar coplanar with the pinion gear.
    [2] 2. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the electric motor is mounted relative to a mounting channel to which the louvre blades are mounted.
    [3] 3. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein the electric motor is mounted relative to the mounting channel in a perpendicular orientation.
    [4] 4. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein there is an opposed pair of mounting channels each substantially U-shaped in cross section with a pair of sidewalls extending on either lateral side of an outer wall, the outer wall having one or more openings therethrough in order to allow a bearing associated with a louvre end clip to extend through the mounting channel to mount a louvre blade.
    [5] 5. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein there is a toothed portion on the or each operating bar in order to engage with the pinion gear.
    [6] 6. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a pair of opposed operating bars is provided in a mounting channel and the pinion gear engagee both of the opposed operating bars.
    [7] 7. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the electric motor typically has a rotating output shaft with the first spur gear attached directly to the output shaft of the motor.
    [8] 8. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein more than one additional spur gear is provided in a gear train. 10
    [9] 9. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the additional spur gear which is coaxial with the pinion gear is spaced from the at least one operating bar by the pinion gear itself.
    [10] 10. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the pinion gear is sized to optimise torque versus translation distance of the at least one operating bar.
    [11] 11. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in claim 10 wherein the pinion gear smaller in diameter than the first spur gear or any additional spur gears.
    [12] 12. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the pinion gear is mounted coaxially with at least one of the additional spur gears and co-rotates with that additional spur gear.
    [13] 13. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the pinion gear is mounted within a louvre blade mounting channel in a coplanar configuration with the at least one operating bar located in the louvre blade mounting channel.
    [14] 14. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the motor is typically mounted relative to a louvre blade mounting channel using a mounting plate which is received at least partially within the channel.
    [15] 15. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in claim 14 wherein a cover plate is provided between side walls of the channel and opposed to the mounting plate with components of the mechanism mounted between the mounting plate and the cover plate except for the operating bars and the motor.
    [16] 16. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in claim 15 wherein an axle about which each gear rotate is mounted between the cover plate and the mounting plate.
    [17] 17. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in either one of claims 15 or 16 wherein a free end of a shaft of the motor is received in a shaped depression provided for that purpose on the cover plate.
    [18] 18. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the mounting plate or cover plate is provided with elongate annular cylindrical axles with an opening therein in order to mount the gears relative thereto with the other of the mounting plate or cover plate is provided with a corresponding portion provided to be at least partially received in the opening in the axles upon assembly.
    [19] 19. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the cover plate attaches to the mounting plate or motor or channel using a snap fit.
    [20] 20. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19 wherein a depression is provided on the mounting plate in order to provide a track for the rotation of the respective gears.
    [21] 21. An automated louvre window mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the pinion gear has fewer teeth provided radially than the other gears.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    AU2013204630B2|2014-11-13|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    JP2000170848A|1998-12-01|2000-06-23|Sankyo Seiki Mfg Co Ltd|Plural members drive mechanism|
    JP2002089154A|2000-09-18|2002-03-27|Nippon Sheet Glass Co Ltd|Blind apparatus and double glazing with built-in blind|
    ES2258357A1|2003-04-16|2006-08-16|Miguel Emper Sanchez|Raising and lowering mechanism for blinds and closures, has semi-free wheel dragged and turned by angularly variable intermediate wheel that meshes with lobular wheel retaining extensions at slat ends of blind|
    US6568131B1|2002-03-20|2003-05-27|Seitz Corporation|Motorized shutter assembly|
    法律状态:
    2015-03-12| FGA| Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    AU2012903648A|AU2012903648A0||2012-08-23|Automated Louvre Window Mechanism|
    AU2012903648||2012-08-23||
    AU2013204630A|AU2013204630B2|2012-08-23|2013-04-12|Automated Louvre Window Mechanism|AU2013204630A| AU2013204630B2|2012-08-23|2013-04-12|Automated Louvre Window Mechanism|
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