A Tubular motor is an electric drive in tube form that is inserted into the winding shaft of a roller shutter, awning, roller blind or roller door. It turns the shaft and thus winds the curtain up or down. Once installed, the motor is no longer visible from the outside.
How is a tubular motor built?
- Motor and gearbox: generate the torque
- Brake: holds the curtain in any position
- Limit switching: stops at the top and bottom, mechanically or electronically (see Limit switch-off)
- Adapters: crown and drive adapter connect the motor to the shaft
Which size fits?
Tubular motors are distinguished by diameter. Typical sizes are 35 mm for 40 mm octagonal shafts (small roller shutters, roller blinds, screens) and 45 mm for 60 mm octagonal shafts (standard roller shutters, awnings, roller doors). Venetian blinds use dedicated motors with a double shaft.
How much torque does a tubular motor need?
Torque is specified in newton metres (Nm) and depends on the weight of the curtain and the shaft diameter. Light indoor roller blinds need 1–2 Nm, small roller shutters 6–10 Nm, large roller shutters and awnings 20–50 Nm. You will find a calculation in the Roller shutter motor guide.
Which versions are available?
- Mechanical with switch: operated via wall switch, end positions set with adjusting screw
- Radio: built-in receiver, operated via remote control, app or timer
- With emergency hand crank: can be operated by hand during a power failure, mainly for awnings
- Battery/solar: no power cable, charged via solar panel or USB-C
Tubular motors at Vent Systems
Vent Systems supplies A-OK tubular motors from Hamburg: AM35 (6/10 Nm), AM45 mechanical (15–50 Nm), AM45 radio (6–30 Nm), AM45E with emergency hand crank, AM45 battery solar and AM25 battery blind motor. All models at a glance: Sun protection motors: shutters, awnings, blinds (A-OK).
Connection to 230 V must be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Related terms: Octagonal shaft (roller shutter shaft) · Limit switch-off · Hand-held transmitter · Emergency hand crank (awning motor)
