PUSH BUTTON CONTROL FOR MOTORIZED COVERINGS WITH LIGHT CONTROL

Abstract

An improved system for controlling motorized window coverings with light control includes an improved control system including a switch with an up button, a stop button and down button to activate a motor to control the configuration of the covering, including the extension or retraction of the covering, and the transmissivity of the covering.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary isometric view of the top and front of a retractable covering.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a switch suitable for use with at least one embodiment of the present invention including, without limitation, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the head rail used, for example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, wherein the covering is in its fully retracted configuration.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the head rail used, for example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, wherein the covering is in its fully extended configuration.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the logic used by a control system.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of the logic used by a control system.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the logic used by a control system.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the logic used by a control system.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the logic used by a control system.

Claims

1. A method of using a switch having a plurality of buttons to activate a motor to control the configuration of a window covering, said method comprising: (a) monitoring a signal from a switch for the pressing of a button; (b) monitoring the speed of the covering; (c) upon recognizing the pressing of a button, setting the speed and direction of motor rotation; and (d) upon recognizing that no button is pressed, setting the speed of motor rotation.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the switch comprises an up button and a down button.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the switch comprises an up button, a stop button and a down button.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising monitoring at least one limit stop to set the speed of motor rotation.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising monitoring a timer to set the speed of motor rotation.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the speed of motor rotation comprises a plurality of speeds.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein the speed of motor rotation comprises a first speed, and a second speed that is either faster or slower than the first speed.

8. The method of claim 5 wherein the speed of motor rotation comprises a first speed, a second speed and a third speed.

9. An apparatus for controlling a window treatment for covering an architectural opening comprising: a switch having a plurality of buttons;a motor;control logic operably connected to the switch and the motor and adapted to (a) monitor a signal from the switch to detect the pressing of a button; (b) monitor the speed of the covering, (c) upon detecting the pressing of a button, setting the speed and direction of motor rotation; and (d) upon detecting that no button is pressed, setting the speed of motor rotation.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the control logic is a microprocessor.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a timer operably connected to the microprocessor.

12. A control for activating a motor to adjust a window covering, the control comprising: a switch having a plurality of buttons;a microprocessor adapted to (a) monitor a signal from the switch to detect the pressing of a button; (b) monitor the speed of the covering; (c) upon detecting the pressing of a button, setting the speed and direction of motor rotation; and (d) upon detecting that no button is pressed, setting the speed of motor rotation.

13. The control of claim 12 wherein the microprocessor is further adapted to monitor at least one limit stop to set the speed of the motor.

14. The control of claim 12 wherein the microprocessor is further adapted to monitor a timer to set the speed of the motor.

15. The control of claim 12 wherein the speed of motor rotation comprises a plurality of speeds.