The presently described subject matter relates to a motorized tilting window operator and a motorized tilting window.
Currently, there exist manual tilting windows installed in various equipment or structures such as recreational vehicles (RVs), trailers, horse trailers, boats, automobiles, trucks, semi trucks, vans, buildings, etc.
These manual tilting windows typically include a manual operator for tilting the window open or closed. For example, the manual operator comprises a hand crank which opens the window when turned one direction (e.g. clockwise) and closed the window when turned in the opposite direction (e.g. counter clockwise).
The presently described subject matter is directed to an improved motorized tilting window operator.
The presently described subject matter is further directed to an add on motorized tilting window operator.
The presently described subject matter is also directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of one or more motorized drive units; and a cover connected to the one or more motorized drive units.
The presently described subject matter is directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of one or more motorized drive units; and a channel-shaped cover connected to the one or more motorized drive units.
The presently described subject matter is directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of one or more motorized drive units, and a cover configured to connect to the one or more motorized drive units and cover at least a portion of a frame of a window.
The presently described subject matter is further directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of a motorized drive unit; and a cover configured to connect to the one or more motorized drive units and cover an entire section of a window frame.
The presently described subject matter is directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of one or more motorized drive units; and a cover configured to connect to the one or more motorized drive units and cover an entire a lower horizontal section of a window frame.
The presently described subject matter is also directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of one or more motorized drive units; and a cover configured to connect to the one or more motorized drive units and cover a horizontal section of a window frame, the cover having a length equal to a width of the window frame.
The presently described subject matter is further directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of one or more motorized drive units configured to connect to a window frame; and a cover configured to connect to the one or more motorized drive units and cover at least a portion of a window frame.
The presently described subject matter is further directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of one or more drive units configured to connect to a window frame; and a cover connected to the one or more drive units and cover a section of the window frame.
The presently described subject matter is directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of one or more motorized drive units; and a cover configured to connect to the one or more motorized drive units and cover a lower horizontal section of a window frame.
The presently described subject matter is directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of one or more motorized drive units each configured to connect to one or more manual tilting window operators; and a cover connected to the one or more motorized drive units and covering the one or more motorized drive units.
The presently described subject matter is also directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of one or more motorized drive units each configured to connect to one or more manual tilting window operators; and a cover connected to the one or more motorized drive units and covering the one or more drive units and at least a portion of a window frame.
The presently described subject matter is directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of one or more motorized drive units each configured to connect to one or more manual tilting window operators; and a cover connected to the one or more drive units and covering the one or more drive units and a section of a window frame.
The presently described subject matter is also directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of one or more motorized drive units each configured to connect to one or more manual tilting window operators, the one or more motorized drive units each comprising a drive unit housing; and a cover connected to and covering the one or more motorized drive unit housings of the one or more motorized drive units.
The presently described subject matter is further directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of one or more motorized drive units each configured to connect to one or more manual tilting window operators, the one or more motorized drive units comprising a drive unit housing; and a cover connected to and covering the one or more motorized drive unit housings of the one or more motorized drive units and a portion of a window frame.
The presently described subject matter is directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of one or more motorized drive units, each motorized drive unit comprising an electric motor and a drive unit, each drive unit comprising a drive unit housing, a drive shaft connected to the electric motor, a worm provided on the drive shaft, and a worm gear cooperating with the worm and configured to connect to a manual drive operator; and a cover connected to the one or more motorized drive units.
The presently described subject matter is directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of one or more motorized drive units, each motorized drive unit comprising an electric motor and a drive unit, each drive unit comprising a drive unit housing, a drive shaft connected to the electric motor and disposed within a close fitting recess provided in the drive unit housing, a worm provided on the drive shaft, and a worm gear cooperating with the worm and configured to connect to a manual drive operator, the worm gear disposed within a close fitting through hole provided in the drive unit housing, the through hole being orient perpendicular relative to the recess in which the drive shaft is disposed; and a cover connected to the one or more motorized drive units.
The presently described subject matter is directed to a motorized tilting window operator comprising or consisting of one or more motorized drive units, each motorized drive unit comprising an electric motor and a drive unit, each drive unit comprising a drive unit housing comprising a top drive unit housing portion and a bottom drive unit housing portion, a drive shaft connected to the electric motor and disposed within a close fitting recess provided in the lower drive unit housing portion, a worm provided on the drive shaft, and a worm gear cooperating with the worm and configured to connect to a manual drive operator, the worm gear disposed within a close fitting through hole provided in the bottom drive unit housing portion, the through hole being orient perpendicular relative to the recess in which the drive shaft is disposed; and a cover connected to the one or more motorized drive units.
The presently described subject matter is further directed to a motorized tilting window, comprising a window frame; one or more tilting window sashes; one or more motorized tilting window operators each connected to the window frame; one or more manual tilting window operators connected to each respective one or more motorized tilting window operators; and a cover connected to the one or more motorized tilting window operators.
The presently described subject matter is further directed to a motorized tilting window, comprising a window frame; one or more tilting window sashes; one or more motorized tilting window operators each comprising a motorized drive unit connected to the window frame; one or more manual tilting window operators connected to each respective one or more motorized tilting window operators; and a cover connected to the one or more motorized tilting window operators.
The presently described subject matter is also directed to a motorized tilting window, comprising a window frame; one or more tilting window sashes; one or more motorized tilting window operators each comprising a motorized drive unit connected to the window frame; one or more manual tilting window operators connected to each respective one or more motorized tilting window operators; and a cover connected to the one or more motorized tilting window operators.
The presently described subject matter is a directed to a motorized tilting window, comprising a window frame; one or more tilting window sashes; one or more motorized tilting window operators each connected to the window frame; one or more manual tilting window operators connected to each respective one or more motorized tilting window operators; a cover connected to the one or more motorized tilting window operators, the cover being the width of the window and covering the lower horizontal window frame; and a window shade associated with the window and cooperating with the cover when the window shade is placed in a lowered position.
The presently described motorized tilting window operator can be an add on product for an existing tilting window fitted with one or more manual tilting window operators, or can be a combined motorized tilting window operator and manual tilting window operator for application to a tilting window. The motorized tilting window can be a tilting window fitted with the motorized tilting window operator and a manual titling window operator.
The presently described motorized tilting window operator can comprise one or more motorized drive units, and a cover connected to the one or more motorized drive units. The cover can be removably attached to the motorized drive units (e.g. snap fit connection). The cover can cover the one or more motorized drive units and can cover at least a portion of the window frame (e.g. the length of the cover can be the width of the window, and can cover, for example, the lower horizontal window frame of the window). The cover can cooperate with a window shade applied to the window so that when the window shade is placed in its lowered position (i.e. fully lowered and extended), a lower portion of the window shade contacts the cover (e.g. upper surface of cover). In this manner, light from outside the window application is prevented from passing through the window, since the window shade and cover block off the passage of light through the window into an interior of the window application.
The cover can be made of plastic (e.g. ABS) or metal (e.g. aluminum). The cover can be made by extruding plastic or metal material, or can be made by stamping, molding, or other forming methods. The cover can be a channel-shaped cover having a particular cross-section profile. For example, the channel-shaped cover can be shaped to match or conform with an outer surface of the one or more motorized drive units (e.g. transverse cross-sectional shape of the one or more motorized drive units nests within the transverse cross-sectional shape of the channel-shaped cover).
The one or more motorized drive units can be configured to connect to the window frame and/or manual tilting window operator. For example, the one or more motorized drive units can be fastened at one or more positions onto the window frame, and can connect to drive shafts of the one or more manual tilting window operators. For example, the outputs of the one or more motorized drive units couple (e.g. removably couple) to the inputs of the one or more manual tilting window operators. For example, a worm gear (i.e. output) of the one or more motorized drive units can be configured (e.g. square-shaped receiver) to accommodate an end of the drive shaft (i.e. input) of the one or more manual tilting window operators.
The one or more motorized drive units can each comprise an electric motor connected to a drive unit housing containing a drive shaft. The drive shaft can be supported on opposite ends by bearings disposed within the drive unit housing. The drive shaft can be fitted with a worm cooperating with the worm gear disposed within the drive unit housing. The drive unit housing can be two or more separate drive unit housings to allow assembling the drive arrangement in one drive unit housing portion, and then assembled together to complete the drive unit. The drive unit housing can be made of nylon material (e.g. 35% fiberglass filled nylon).
A motorized tilting window operator 10 is shown in
The tilting window 12 comprises a window frame 14. The window frame 14 comprises a horizontal window frame section 16 (i.e. horizontal cross-member) and a vertical window frame section 18 (i.e. vertical divider). The tilting window 12 comprises a fixed window pane 20 (i.e. bow window) and two (2) tilting windows 22 each comprising a window sash 24 and a window pane 26.
The motorized tilting window operator 10 comprises a cover 28 provided with two (2) finger operated switches 30 (e.g. toggle switches) for independently operating each tilting window 22. The switches 30 fit into slots 30A (
The cover 28 comprises a center channel-shaped cover section 28A and two (2) end caps 28B, as shown in
The motorized tilting window operator 10 connects to a pair of manual tilting window operators 32, as shown in
The motorized tilting window operator 10 can be a separate add on unit to a tilting window 12 already fitted with manual tilting window operators. Alternatively, the motorized tilting window operator 10 can be combined as a unit with the manual tilting window operators 32 to provide an add on unit to a tilting window 12, not yet fitted with any manual tilting window operators or with the existing manual tilting window operators removed to retro fit and upgrade the tilting window. As a further alternative, the motorized tilting window operator 10 connected to the manual tilting window operators 32 are installed together on a tilting window to provided an assembled tilting window unit ready for installation.
The motorized tilting window operator 10 comprises two (2) motorized drive units 40, as shown in
The motorized drive units 40 each comprise an electric motor 42 fitted with a motor mount plate 44 configured to connect to a respective drive unit 46 (
The drive unit 46 includes a drive unit housing 48, including a top drive unit housing 48A shown in detail in
As shown in
The drive shaft 50 is fitted with a set of flanged bearings 60 spaced apart on the drive shaft 50. The flanged bearings 60 are received within the recesses 52 in the drive unit housing 48.
The drive shaft 50 is oriented along a longitudinal axis of the drive unit housing 48, and located on center, or off center (
The motor mount plate 44 is assembled to the electric motor 42 by screw fasteners 43. The motor mount plate 44 is received within a close fitting recess 64 provided on an end of each drive unit housing 48, as shown in
The drive shaft 50 can be the motor shaft of the electric motor 42 (i.e. one piece construction). Alternatively, the electric motor 42 can be a separate motor shaft connecting to the drive shaft 50 of the drive unit 46, for example, when assembling the electric motor 42 and drive unit 46 together with a coupling arrangement. As an example, the motor shaft is specially shaped (e.g. provided with a keyway, flat segment, or splined) to couple to the end of the drive shaft 50.
The configuration of the close fitting recesses 52 receiving the bearings 60 provided on drive shaft 50 maintains the drive shaft 50 and worm 54 in rotational alignment and prevents deflection during operation. Further, the close fitting through hole 58 receiving the worm gear 56 maintains the worm gear 56 in rotation alignment during operation. This arrangement maintains the worm 54 and worm gear 56 in alignment and engagement during operation. Specifically, the close fitting recesses 52 capturing bearings 60 prevent deflection of the drive shaft 50 by firmly supporting the drive shaft 50 at positions in proximity and located on opposite sides of the worm 54. The close fitting through hole 58 prevents misalignment of the worm gear 56 by closely confining the outer surfaces (dimensions) of the rotating worm gear 56 during operation. Thus, the assembled drive unit housing 48 configuration provides the necessary structural strength and configuration to provide and maintain the operational integrity, coupling, and alignment of the all drive train components, including the electric motor 42, drive shaft 50, worm 54, and worm gear 56 after assembly of each motorized drive unit 40 during operation.
Detailed views of the drive unit housings 48A, 48B are shown in
The top drive unit housing 48A is provided with the close fitting through hole 58 for accommodating the worm gear bearing 57 on the interior side of the top drive unit housing 48A. The through hole 58 also provides access to the worm gear 56 for insert a tool into the splined through hole 90 in the worm gear 56 to manually operate the drive unit 46 in the event of a power shortage (e.g. cover 28 is first removed, and then a tool comprising a splined end is inserted into the through hole 58 located in the top drive unit housing 48A, and then into the splined through hole 90 of the worm gear 56). Further, the top drive unit housing 48A is provided with through holes 66 for accommodating bolt fasteners 68 (
The top drive unit housing 48A is provided with connector portions 76 having flanges 78, connector tabs 80, and square-shaped connector slots 82 for connecting the top drive unit housing 48A to the bottom drive unit housing 48B by a snap fit connection to be described in detail below.
The top drive unit housing 48A is provided with the close fitting recesses 52 (
The bottom drive unit housing 48B is provided with the close fitting through hole 58 for accommodating the worm gear 56 on the interior side of the bottom drive unit housing 48B. Further, the bottom drive unit housing 48B is provided with through holes 66 for accommodating bolt fasteners 68 (
The bottom drive unit housing 48B is provided with connector slots 84 for receiving the connector portions 76 of the top drive unit housing 48A. In addition, the bottom drive unit housing 48A is provided with connector prongs 86 configured to snap fit into the square-shaped connector slots 82 of the top drive unit housing 48A.
The bottom drive unit housing 48B is provided with the close fitting recesses 52 (
The motorized drive units 40 each comprise a worm gear drive 88 comprising the drive shaft 50 fitted with the worm 54 cooperating with the worm gear 56, as shown in
A detailed view of the worm gear drive 88 is shown in
The worm gear 56 is provided with a splined socket 90 (i.e. output) to connect with the splined end 38 of the respective drive shafts 36 (i.e. input) of the each manual tilting window operator 32. Specifically, each motorized drive unit 40 is installed on top of each manual tilting window operator 32 with the splined socket 60 of the worm gear 56 interconnecting with the splined end 38 of the respective manual tilting window operator 32 to provide an operational connection between each motorized drive units 40 and each manual tilting window operator 32.
The top drive unit housing 48A is provided with upper and lower longitudinal grooves 74 (
The motorized tilting window operator 10 can be wired to the power supply or system of the vehicle or structure for operating the electrical motor 42. The electrical motor 42 can be wired and controlled by one of the switches 30. Alternatively, the motorized tilting window operator 10 can be powered independently. Further, a backup battery pack can be added to allow motorized operation during a power outage.
The electric motors 42 are configured to operate in both directions by control of the switches 30 (e.g. switches 30 configured to toggle from a neutral unpowered position to two (2) operational positions, including a forward or a reverse position to open and close the tilting windows 22).
The drive unit housings 48A, 48B are configured and designed to facilitate quick assembly of each drive unit 46 without any tools required for assembly (e.g. the drive unit housings 48A, 48B are configured to snap fit together). Specifically, with the bottom drive unit housing 48B separated from the top drive unit housing 48A, the worm gear 56 and bushing 57 are installed into the through hole 58 provided in the bottom drive unit housing 48B. Then, the drive shaft 50 is installed into the bottom drive unit housing 48 B. Specifically, the bearings 60 of the drive shaft 50 are inserted into the recesses 60 while inserting the motor mounting plate 44 of the electric motor 42 into the recess 64.
The top drive unit housing 48A is then snap fit onto the bottom drive unit housing 48B to complete the assembly.
The motorized drive units 40 are then installed onto both the manual tilting window actuators 32 and window frame by fitting the splined sockets 90 of the worm gears 90 of the motorized drive units 40 over the splined ends 38 of the drive shafts 36 of the manual tilting window operators 32. When the motorized drive units 40 are fully seated over the manual tilting window operators, the motorized drive units 40 are attached to the window frame 14 using bolt fasteners 68 (
The combined motorized/manual tilting window operator 210 is shown in
The motorized tilting window operator 10 and/or tilting window can be provided with a variety of accessories.
A battery pack (e.g. rechargeable battery pack) can be added. For example, a battery pack can be fitted into the cover 28, and access to the battery pack can be provided by removing an end cap 28B. The motorized tilting window operator is normally wired to the power supply or system of the application (e.g. RV, trailer, truck cab). The battery back can provide backup power in the event of power failure of the power supply or system. For example, the battery pack is wired to the motorized tilting window operator in a manner to provide powered operation of the motorized tilting window operator 10 even in the event of a power outage.
A tool (e.g. hand crank with splined end) can be added. For example, the tool is stored inside the cover 28, and access to the tool is provided by removing the cover 28 itself, or removing an end cap 28B. With the cover 28 removed from the motorized drive units 40 (i.e. connected together by snap fit connection), the splined end of the tool can be fitted into the through hole 56 of the top drive unit housing 48A, and then into the splined socket 90 of the worm gear 56. By hand cranking the tool, the motorized drive unit 40 is manually operate to open or close the respective tilting window 22.
A rain/wind detector can be provided on the motorized tilting window operator 10 and/or on the tilting window 12, and/or on the vehicle or structure. The rain/wind detector can be wired or wirelessly linked to the motorized tilting window operator 10 in a manner to close the tilting windows 22 automatically in the event of rain being detected and/or wind detected exceeding a predetermined wind speed.
A low battery voltage detector can be provided on the motorized tilting window operator 10 and/or on the tilting window 12, and/or on the vehicle or structure. The low battery voltage detector can be wired or wirelessly linked to the motorized tilting window operator 10 in a manner to close the tilting windows 22 automatically in the event of low batter voltage detected.
The switches 30 (
The motorized tilting window operator 10 and/or tilting window 12 can be fitted with electroluminescent wire.
The motorized tilting window operator 10 and/or tilting window 12 can be configured to operate using a key fob.
The motorized tilting window operator 10 and/or tilting window 12 can be configured to operate using a cell phone application. A computer server is required to provide this capability.
The window blind 220 (e.g. lower slat) and/or the cover 28 can be fitted with sets of magnets and metal plates (e.g. using adhesive and/or a sticky back adhesive layer with a release liner) so that the window blind 220 and cover 28 removably connect together when fully extended to prevent egress of light between the window blind 220 and cover 28.
A software application can be provided, for example, for a user's smart phone, tablet, or personal computer. The software application is configured to allow the user to operate the motorized tilting window operator 10 and tilting window 12 remotely. A computer operated control unit or module can be added for this purpose.
To operate the motorized tilting window 150 (
Another motorized tilting window 300 and another motorized tilting window operator 310 is shown in
The tilting window 312 comprises a window frame 314. The window frame 314 comprises a horizontal window frame section 316 (i.e. horizontal cross-member) and a vertical window frame section 318 (i.e. vertical divider). The tilting window 312 comprises a window pane 320 (i.e. fixed window or tilting window) and two (2) tilting windows 322 each comprising a window sash 324 and a window pane 326.
The motorized tilting window operator 310 comprises a cover 328 provided with two (2) finger operated switches 330 (e.g. toggle switches) for independently operating each tilting window 322. The switches 330 fit into slots in the cover 328 (
The cover 328 comprises a center channel-shaped cover section 328A and two (2) end caps 328B, as shown in
The motorized tilting window operator 310 connects to a pair of manual tilting window operators 332, as shown in
The motorized tilting window operator 310 can be a separate add on unit to a tilting window 312 already fitted with manual tilting window operators. Alternatively, the motorized tilting window operator 310 can be combined as a unit with the manual tilting window operators 332 to provide an add on unit to a tilting window 312, not yet fitted with any manual tilting window operators or with the existing manual tilting window operators removed to retro fit and upgrade the tilting window. As a further alternative, the motorized tilting window operator 310 connected to the manual tilting window operators 332 are installed together on a tilting window to provided an assembled tilting window unit ready for installation.
The motorized tilting window operator 310 comprises two (2) drive units 346, as shown in
The drive units 346 each connect to an electric motor 342 fitted with a motor mount plate 344 configured to connect to a respective drive unit 346.
The drive unit 346 includes a drive unit housing 348, including a top drive unit housing 348A shown in detail in
As shown in
The drive shaft 350 is fitted with a set of flanged bearings 360 spaced apart on the drive shaft 350. The flanged bearings 360 are received within the recesses 352 in the drive unit housing 348.
The drive shaft 350 is oriented along a longitudinal axis of the drive unit housing 348, and located on center, or off center relative to a height dimension of the drive unit housing 348. The worm gear 356 received within the close fitting through hole 358 is oriented along a width axis (e.g. center, or off center) of the drive unit housing 48. Thus, the axis of rotation of the worm gear 356 is perpendicular relative to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 350 and worm 354.
The motor mount plate 344 is assembled to the electric motor 342 by screw fasteners 343. The motor mount plate 344 is received within a close fitting recess 364 provided on an end of each drive unit housing 348. The motor mount plate 344 is shaped so as to key and lock within the close fitting recess 364 to prevent rotation between the electric motor 342 and drive unit 346 when the motorized drive unit 340 is operated. Further, the motor mounting plate 344 is fitted with a flange bearing 345 for rotatably supporting the drive shaft 350 within the motor mounting plate 344.
The drive shaft 350 can be the motor shaft of the electric motor 342 (i.e. one piece construction). Alternatively, the electric motor 342 can be a separate motor shaft connecting to the drive shaft 350 of the drive unit 346, for example, when assembling the electric motor 342 and drive unit 346 together with a coupling arrangement. As an example, the motor shaft is specially shaped (e.g. provided with a keyway, flat segment, or splined) to couple to the end of the drive shaft 350.
The configuration of the close fitting recesses 352 receiving the bearings 360 provided on drive shaft 350 maintains the drive shaft 350 and worm 354 in rotational alignment and prevents deflection during operation. Further, the close fitting through hole 358 receiving the worm gear 56 maintains the worm gear 356 in rotation alignment during operation. This arrangement maintains the worm 354 and worm gear 356 in alignment and engagement during operation. Specifically, the close fitting recesses 352 capturing bearings 360 prevent deflection of the drive shaft 350 by firmly supporting the drive shaft 350 at positions in proximity and located on opposite sides of the worm 354. The close fitting through hole 358 prevents misalignment of the worm gear 356 by closely confining the outer surfaces (dimensions) of the rotating worm gear 356 during operation. Thus, the assembled drive unit housing 348 configuration provides the necessary structural strength and configuration to provide and maintain the operational integrity, coupling, and alignment of the all drive train components, including the electric motor 342, drive shaft 350, worm 354, and worm gear 356 after assembly of each motorized drive unit 340 during operation.
Detailed views of the drive unit housings 48A, 48B are shown in
The top drive unit housing 348A is provided with the close fitting through hole 358 for accommodating the worm gear bearing 357 on the interior side of the top drive unit housing 348A. The through hole 358 also provides access to the worm gear 356 for insert a tool into the splined through hole 390 in the worm gear 356 to manually operate the drive unit 346 in the event of a power shortage (e.g. cover 328 is first removed, and then a tool comprising a splined end is inserted into the through hole 58 located in the top drive unit housing 348A, and then into the splined through hole 390 of the worm gear 356). Further, the top drive unit housing 348A is provided with through holes 366 for accommodating bolt fasteners 368 for connecting the motorized drive units 340 to the window frame 314. Specifically, the bolt fasters 368 having outer threaded ends fitting into and through the through holes 366 in the top drive unit housing 348A, the through holes 366 in the bottom drive unit housing 348B, and the through holes 370 of the window frame 314 fitted with blind fasteners 372 having inner threaded holes.
The top drive unit housing 348A is provided with connector portions 376 having flanges 378, connector tabs 380, and square-shaped connector slots 382 for connecting the top drive unit housing 348A to the bottom drive unit housing 348B by a snap fit connection to be described in detail below.
The top drive unit housing 348A is provided with the close fitting recesses 352 for accommodating the bearings 360 of the drive shaft 350.
The bottom drive unit housing 348B is provided with the close fitting through hole 358 for accommodating the worm gear 356 on the interior side of the bottom drive unit housing 348B. Further, the bottom drive unit housing 348B is provided with through holes 366 for accommodating bolt fasteners 368 for connecting the motorized drive units 340 onto the window frame 314. The through holes 366 in the bottom drive unit housing 348B align with the through holes 366 in the top drive unit housing 348A.
The bottom drive unit housing 348B is provided with connector slots 384 for receiving the connector portions 376 of the top drive unit housing 348A. In addition, the bottom drive unit housing 348A is provided with connector prongs 386 configured to snap fit into the square-shaped connector slots 382 of the top drive unit housing 348A.
The bottom drive unit housing 348B is provided with the close fitting recesses 352 for accommodating the bearings 360 of the drive shaft 350.
The motorized drive units 340 each comprise a worm gear drive 388 comprising the drive shaft 350 fitted with the worm 354 cooperating with the worm gear 356.
The rotational axis of the drive shaft 350 and worm 354 is perpendicular relative to the axis of rotation of the worm gear 356. Further, the drive shaft 350 is rotatably supported by the set of bearings 360, and worm gear 356 is rotatably supported by the close fitting through hole 356 to maintain the alignment and full engagement of the worm 354 and worm gear 356 of the worm gear drive 388 during operation of the motorized drive unit 340.
The worm gear 356 is provided with a splined socket 390 (i.e. output) to connect with the splined end 338 of the respective drive shafts 336 (i.e. input) of the each manual tilting window operator 332. Specifically, each motorized drive unit 340 is installed on top of each manual tilting window operator 332 with the splined socket 360 of the worm gear 356 interconnecting with the splined end 338 of the respective manual tilting window operator 332 to provide an operational connection between each motorized drive units 340 and each manual tilting window operator 332.
The top drive unit housing 348A is provided with upper and lower longitudinal grooves 374 (
The motorized tilting window operator 310 can be wired to the power supply or system of the vehicle or structure for operating the electrical motor 342. The electrical motor 342 can be wired and controlled by one of the switches 330. Alternatively, the motorized tilting window operator 310 can be powered independently. Further, a backup battery pack can be added to allow motorized operation during a power outage.
The electric motors 342 are configured to operate in both directions by control of the switches 330 (e.g. switches 330 configured to toggle from a neutral unpowered position to two (2) operational positions, including a forward or a reverse position to open and close the tilting windows 322).
The drive unit housings 348A, 348B are configured and designed to facilitate quick assembly of each drive unit 346 without any tools required for assembly (e.g. the drive unit housings 348A, 348B are configured to snap fit together). Specifically, with the bottom drive unit housing 348B separated from the top drive unit housing 348A, the worm gear 356 and bushing 357 are installed into the through hole 358 provided in the bottom drive unit housing 348B. Then, the drive shaft 350 is installed into the bottom drive unit housing 348 B. Specifically, the bearings 360 of the drive shaft 350 are inserted into the recesses 360 while inserting the motor mounting plate 344 of the electric motor 342 into the recess 364.
The top drive unit housing 348A is then snap fit onto the bottom drive unit housing 348B to complete the assembly.
The motorized drive units 340 are then installed onto both the manual tilting window actuators 332 and window frame by fitting the splined sockets 390 of the worm gears 390 of the motorized drive units 340 over the splined ends 338 of the drive shafts 336 of the manual tilting window operators 332. When the motorized drive units 340 are fully seated over the manual tilting window operators, the motorized drive units 340 are attached to the window frame 314 using bolt fasteners 368. Specifically, the bolt fasteners are inserted into and through the through holes 370 provided in the drive unit housings 348A, 348B, and then inserted into through holes 370 provided in the window frame 314. The through holes 370 provided in the window frame 314 are fitted with blind fasteners 372, which have threaded holes for receiving the thread ends of the bolt fasteners 372 for securing the motorized drive units 340 onto the window frame 314.
The combined motorized/manual tilting window operator 310 is shown in
Another combined motorized/manual tilting window operator 410 is shown in
The combined motorized/manual tilting window operator 410 comprises a pair of switches 430 (e.g. toggle switches) positioned on the upper side of the cover 428 instead of being located on a front side of the cover 28 (
Further, the switches 430 are installed through a mounting plate 430A located on the upper side of the cover 428. The switches 430 are mounted on a circuit board 430B reducing the amount of wiring for connecting and controlling the electrical motors 442 of the combined motorized/manual tilting window operator 410.
A further combined motorized/manual tilting window operator 510 is shown in
The combined motorized/manual tilting window operator 510 comprises a pair of switches 530 (e.g. toggle switches) positioned on the front side of the cover 528 instead of being located on the upper side of the cover 328 (
Further, the switches 530 extend through holes in the upper side of the cover 528, and are mounted on a circuit board 530B reducing the amount of wiring for connecting and controlling the electrical motors 542 of the combined motorized/manual tilting window operator 510.
This is a non-provisional application of provisional application No. 62/045,998 filed on Sep. 4, 2014. This non-provisional application claims priority to this provisional application under 35 U.S.C. §119(e).
Number | Date | Country | |
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62045998 | Sep 2014 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14742252 | Jun 2015 | US |
Child | 15415263 | US | |
Parent | 14554854 | Nov 2014 | US |
Child | 14742252 | US |