摘要 |
A window covering with improved controls enhances several aspects of window covering operation. A control mechanism provides a clutch module for selective locking and unlocking of a drive shaft used to retract and extend the shade element between storage and extended positions. The clutch module includes a reciprocator element that engages a key extending from an outer surrounding housing. A locking member between the reciprocator element and a coupling element carried by the drive shaft selectively locks and unlocks rotational coupling between the reciprocator element and the coupling element, thus selectively locking and unlocking the drive shaft. In a cushioning mechanism, a unidirectional dampening or frictional deceleration is provided for the drive shaft. The cushioning mechanism includes an impeller or rotor immersed in a cushion medium that impedes rotation of the rotor, and hence the drive shaft to which the rotor is coupled. A combination of the clutch module and cushioning mechanism is also disclosed as are window coverings containing one or more of the control mechanisms.
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