HK1141066A - Device with a shutter which may be wound on a drum - Google Patents

Description

Shutter device capable of being wound around winding drum

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a flexible shutter device for closing a window or door opening or any type of opening, the flexible shutter device comprising drive means for moving the flexible shutter between an open position and a closed position; the drive comprises a drum rotatable about its axis, around which the flexible shutter can be wound in its open position, forming a roll (roll) consisting of successive turns (turn) connected to each other, and from which the flexible shutter can be unwound and pushed towards its closed position. The device further comprises a chute mounted on the fixed support for guiding a portion of the lateral edge of the unwound blind along the opening, the flexible blind comprising a substantially incompressible lateral edge projecting with respect to the plane of the lateral edge of the blind and moving substantially continuously in the chute. The device according to the invention can be used, for example, in buildings or trucks, or as a covering for swimming pools or boats.

Prior Art

It is known that the devices for closing the opening comprise a drum (drum) around which the flexible shutter can be wound in its open position. In this device, the shutter is released by rotating the drum about its axis so as to be lowered, closing the opening, while the lateral edges of the shutter are guided in two guide rails or slideways extending parallel to each other. By rotation of the drum, by means of the rings connected to each other, thrust is exerted on the lateral edges of the shutter along their longitudinal direction, thus pushing them to move in the slideways.

These devices have several disadvantages. Since the diameter of the roll formed around the drum varies with the position of the blind, a free space is formed between the top end of the chute near the drum and the roll. Thus, a portion of the lateral edges of the blind are not retained by the runners. The unsupported portions of the blind, which tend to deform and fold, can quickly become uncontrollable given the flexible nature of the blind.

During the closing of the shutter, the progression of the lateral edges of the shutter in the slideways becomes slow (friction due to a wind pressure as high as 160 km/h). This friction is opposed to the thrust exerted on the lateral edges of the shutter by the rotation of the drum. In this situation, if the drum continues to rotate, the blind will continue to unwind. In the free space between the roll and the top edge of the ramp, the transverse edges will no longer be held and when there is a pushing force on them, there is a risk that they will form folds and wrinkles. The formation of this fold then prevents any sliding of the shutter in the chute. It is necessary to stop the motor and wind the shutter again in order to absorb the folds that have already been formed. Furthermore, such folding can damage the lateral edges of the blind.

Disclosure of Invention

One object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a shutter device which is closed in a controlled manner during the unwinding of the shutter, while ensuring that the lateral edges of the shutter do not wrinkle, that is to say that no folds are formed between the rolls and the top ends of the runners.

For this purpose, the device according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a restraining element for preventing creasing of the transverse edges 2, 3 in the unretained portion thereof.

According to a first embodiment, the restraining element comprises a pressure element for exerting a pressure on the lateral edges of the shutter extending between the first end of the ramp and the roll at the unsupported portion of the shutter, so as to obtain a resultant radial thrust force that will continuously act on the pressure element by the lateral edges of the flexible shutter in their unsupported portion.

Thus, during unwinding, a margin of the blind is formed between the top end of the chute (closest to the drum) and the roll. The pressure element ensures that the unretained portions of the lateral edges of the blind remain in abutment; in this way, it is possible to prevent the formation of folds between the rolls formed on the reel and the end of the chute closest to the reel.

According to another particular embodiment of the invention, the restraining means comprises a rod extending in line with the forearm of the ramp.

Preferably, the invention is as described in the dependent claims.

Drawings

These and other aspects of the present invention are set forth in the detailed description of the particular embodiments of the invention, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a flexible blind arrangement in a closed position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the flexible blind apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the blind apparatus when the flexible blind is released, according to the prior art;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the flexible blind apparatus of FIG. 3 in a closed position;

figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a slide in the device of figure 3 (prior art).

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the flexible blind apparatus in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the device of figure 6 when the flexible blind is unwound.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the device of fig. 6 in a closed position.

Figure 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the top of a ramp according to the invention.

Fig. 10 shows a cross section along the line X-X in fig. 9.

Fig. 11 shows a cross section along the line XI-XI in fig. 9.

Figure 12 shows a transverse schematic section of the top of the chute of the device according to the invention, in which the transverse edges of the flexible shutter slide.

Fig. 13 shows a cross section along line XIII-XIII in fig. 12.

Fig. 14 shows a cross section along the line XIV-XIV in fig. 12.

FIG. 15 shows a side view of the top of the device in a closed position according to another embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 16 shows a view similar to that of fig. 15 with the device in an open position.

Fig. 17 to 20 are views similar to those in fig. 15 and 16 of two variant embodiments.

Fig. 21 and 22 are views similar to those of fig. 15 and 16 of another embodiment.

Fig. 23 shows a cross section along line XXIII-XXIII in fig. 22.

The figures are not drawn to scale. In general, like elements are labeled with like numerals in the figures.

Detailed Description

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly disclosed and described hereinabove. The invention resides in all novel features and each and every combination of features. The numerical references in the claims do not limit their protective scope. Use of the verb "to comprise, have or comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements other than those stated in the claims. The use of the article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

In summary, the present invention relates to a flexible blind device cooperating with a drive device, such as a drum, the spindle of which is connected to the shaft of an electric motor. The flexible shutter moves between a closed position and an open position and is particularly used to close an opening in a door or passageway such as a hallway.

In the context of the present invention, the term "flexible shutter" should be understood to mean any flexible flat element, such as a canvas, a snap-in slat, a metal sheet, etc., having substantially incompressible edges at its lateral ends. A shutter also has a case in which it can be wound around a drum whose axis is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the shutter when the shutter is opened.

It should be noted, however, that obvious preference is given to flexible blinds, for example formed of canvas. The figures thus relate more particularly to such canvasses.

In fig. 1 and 2, the shutter device is schematically shown in a closed position. The device comprises a flexible shutter 1 having lateral edges 2 and 3 projecting with respect to the plane of shutter 1. Advantageously, the lateral edges 2 and 3 are formed by a continuous projection 46 (illustrated in detail in figures 13 and 14) or by a continuous small tooth moving in the vertical runners 4 and 5. The runners 4 and 5 are provided on each side of an opening 6, which opening 6 is present in a wall 7.

Above the opening 6, a drum 8 is provided on which the flexible blind 1 can be wound. Inside the drum 8, an electric motor 9 is arranged, which drives the drum 8 around its spindle 11. This makes it possible to wind the shutter 1 on the drum 8 in order to bring it into the open position or to unwind the shutter 1 towards its closed position. During the movement of the blind 1 towards the closed position, its lateral edges 2 and 3 are guided by the runners 4 and 5.

In the middle of the blind 1, a transparent window 10 can be provided.

When the blind 1 is opened, it is wound around the drum 8, forming a roll (roll) consisting of a turn formed by successive superposed layers of the blind 1.

When blind 1 is wound around drum 8, successive turns of blind 1 are connected to each other. If the lateral edges 3, 4 of the blind have small teeth, these small teeth can prevent successive layers of the blind 1 from sliding relative to each other.

Fig. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate a blind apparatus according to the related art.

The shutter 1 is released by rotating the drum 8 about its axis, so that the shutter 1 is lowered, closing the opening 6, while the lateral edges 2, 3 of the shutter are guided in two straight runners 4, 5 extending parallel to each other. By the rotation of the drum 8, a thrust is exerted on the lateral edges 2, 3 of the blind 1 in the longitudinal direction of the lateral edges 2, 3.

Each of the runners 4, 5 has a U-shaped cross-section, the middle part 40 of which abuts against the configuration of the opening 6, so that the U-shaped opening of the runner 8 points towards the opening of the other runner 5.

Each U-shaped runner 4, 5 comprises an arm 42 extending on the rear side towards wall 7 and another arm 44 extending on the front side towards drum 8 (see fig. 11 and 14).

Considering that the diameter of the roll formed around the drum 8 varies with the position of the shutter 1, there is a space between the roll and the top end 30 of the runners 4, 5 closest to the drum 8, in which space the shutter 1 is neither held by the lateral edges 2, 3 in the runners 4, 5 nor wound around the drum 8. Due to the flexible character of the blind 1, the non-held parts of the deformable and foldable blind 1 quickly become uncontrollable.

The reel 8 is held against the structure of the wall 7 by means of a spring 20 directed along a substantially horizontal axis.

Fig. 3 and 5 show a situation in which the descent of the blind 1 along the slideways 4, 5 is hindered by obstacles or by friction due to the wind when the opening 6 is closed. The drum 8 is still driven in rotation and the shutter 1 continues to unwind, which creates an excess of shutter 1 between the roll and the top end 30 of the runners 4, 5. In particular, a portion of the excess of the blind 1 remains wound on the drum 8, thanks to the presence of the connecting teeth for holding the rings on each other; the rest of this excess forms a folded portion 15 in the portion of the blind 1 not held, that is to say in the space between the roll and the top end 30 of the runners 4, 5. If the drum 8 continues to rotate, the loops of the folded portion 15 will increase. The shutter 1 is folded directly at the outlet of the runners 4, 5 in its portion not retained; the folded portion prevents the shutter from re-entering the runners 4, 5. In order to absorb the folded portion 15 formed, it is necessary to stop the motor 8 and wind the blind 1 again.

Fig. 6 to 12 illustrate a flexible blind apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In this first embodiment of the invention, the ramps 4, 5 are substantially straight and vertical over most of their height. The tops of the runners 4, 5 are inclined towards the wall 7 with respect to the plane formed by these same runners 4, 5.

In the part of the runners just below their top, the runners can have a convex projection 34 to enable them to return to the vertical plane.

Furthermore, the rear arms 42 of the runners 4, 5 are extended upwards by means of the curved flexible guide rails 33. The set of curves 33 and 34 form a flat "S".

Fig. 9 to 14 show the guide rail 33 in more detail. In the illustrated example, the guide rail 33 has an outer shape in a flat U-shape. This shape is adapted to the particular shape of the lateral edges of the louver, which in the example illustrated have a protruding flange 46 (shown in figures 13 and 14).

The guide 33 constitutes a pressure element which, when the shutter 1 is wound, exerts a thrust force (indicated by the arrow in figure 12) at the point where the surface of the not yet wound part of the shutter 1 comes into contact with the part of the shutter 1 which has formed a loop around the drum 8. The rails 33 hold the loops adjacent to each other. In the case of a shutter comprising coupling teeth, the guide 33 exerts a pressure on these coupling teeth in order to fix the successive turns of the shutter to each other when the shutter is wound around the drum 8.

The guide rail 33 is held against the wall 7 by the abutment element 18. The abutting element 18 is arranged at the point where the surface of the portion of blind 1 that has not yet been wound comes into contact with the portion of blind 1 that has formed a loop around drum 8 when blind 1 is wound (figures 6 to 8).

According to the invention, the pressure elements 33 exert a thrust on the lateral edges 2, 3 of the shutter 1 at the unsupported portion of the shutter 1 extending between the top ends 30 of the runners 4, 5 and the roll, so as to obtain a resultant radial thrust force that will continuously act on the pressure elements 33 by the lateral edges of the shutter in the unsupported portion.

Thus, the end 30 guides the shutter 1 at the outlet of the slideways 4, 5 so as to form a curved portion 33 in the unretained portion of the shutter 1. The curved portion 33 of the blind 1 in its unretained portion is recessed with respect to the drum 8 (fig. 12).

According to the illustrated mode, the runners have a curved portion 34 opposite to the curved portion 33, so as to restore the straight plane of the runners 4, 5 in their bottom.

Due to this continuity in the curved portion 33, when the shutter 1 is released, any excess of shutter that would be formed in the unretained portion is "absorbed" by this curved portion 33 of the shutter 1 in its unretained portion, in case of friction in the slideways 4, 5. This is because the formation of wrinkles and folds is prevented in the unretained portion of the edge of the blind (as in the case of fig. 3) considering that overcoming the curved portion in the flexible blind is difficult. This situation is shown in fig. 12.

Preferably, in the open position, the top ends 30 of the runners 4, 5 are close to the last turn of the blind wound on the drum 8.

In the closed position, a space may be present between the top end 30 of the chute and the last turn wound. The lateral edges 2, 3 of the blind are not held in this space.

Fig. 15 to 23 show four modified embodiments. In these variant embodiments, the reel 8 is no longer moved along a substantially horizontal axis but remains fixed.

In the variant embodiment illustrated in figures 15 to 20, the device comprises a movable abutment structure 50 which keeps the guide 33 in permanent contact with the last turn wound on the reel 8, regardless of whether the device is in the open or closed condition, that is to say regardless of the volume of the roll. In these embodiments, the guide rail 33 mainly contributes to limiting the sliding effect of friction. However, it is also possible to omit such a guide and to make the abutment structure 50 in direct contact with the last turn of the coil without departing from the scope of the invention.

The movable abutment structure 50 can take various forms. In fig. 15 to 20, it is the case of a substantially triangular element pivoted on a pivoting spindle 52, and the face 54 of the triangular element turned towards the reel has a concave curvature with respect to the reel 8.

Various return systems can be envisaged in order to make the abutment system movable and to keep it permanently in abutment in order to prevent the loops from creasing and separating with respect to each other. In particular, a system comprising a spring 56 and a set 58 of returnable pulleys as shown in fig. 15 to 20 can be used as the return system.

In fig. 21 to 23, the restraining element consists of a generally straight bar 66 extending upwardly in line with the front arm 44 of each ramp 4, 5. This rod 66 preferably extends between the last turn wound on the roll and the part of blind 1 not yet wound, close to lateral edges 2, 3, just in front of flange 46 (figure 23).

In the example shown, the rear arm of each ramp 4, 5 also extends upwardly by means of a substantially straight guide rail 60. A reinforcing U68 can be provided around the rail 60 and the bar 66. A return system comprising a spring 62 and a set of return pulleys 64 holds the guide rail 60 against the roll.

The rod 66 can extend up to a height corresponding to the contact point between the roll and the rail 60.

In this last embodiment, there is no longer any radial thrust; the return system must be less powerful than the return system in the previous embodiment. Friction between the rod 60 and the ring is advantageously reduced.

When the blind is wound and unwound in the absence of force, the rod 66 does not come into contact with the blind, maintaining a slight space between the rod and the blind on each side of the rod. If an obstacle interrupts the closing of the shutter or a certain pressure increases the friction, the shutter close to its lateral edge will abut against the rod. Thus, the rod prevents the blind from wrinkling.

The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, which are examples of the invention and are not to be considered as limiting.

In particular, the present device has been described in a position in which the shutter is in a vertical plane and moves in a direction from top to bottom (during closing).

Of course, the position of the blind and the drum is not limiting. The same device can be used in other positions, in particular the blinds can be vertical, but open in the lateral direction. Likewise, the device according to the invention can be used in a horizontal position, for example for covering a boat or a swimming pool.

Also, the top end of the chute must be understood as the end closest to the reel; however, for reasons of clarity of the description with respect to the drawings, it is called the top end in the description herein.

Furthermore, the device according to the invention has the advantage of closing a door or window opening or any type of opening without any weight of the flexible shutter.

Claims (12)

1. A flexible shutter device for closing a window or door opening (6) or any type of opening, comprising:

a blind (1) comprising lateral edges (2, 3),

drive for moving the shutter (1) between an open position and a closed position, the drive comprising a drum (8) rotatable about its spindle (11), the shutter (1) being windable about the drum in its open position, forming a roll consisting of a plurality of turns, the turns being formed by successive layers connected to one another, and the shutter (1) being able to be unwound from the drum and pushed towards its closed position,

slideways (4, 5) mounted on a fixed support for guiding the lateral edges (2, 3) of the unwound part of the shutter (1) along the opening (6),

characterized in that the shutter device comprises a pressure element (33) having a concave curvature with respect to the drum (8) and preventing wrinkles in the unsupported portions of the lateral edges (2, 3) extending between the first end (30) of the runners (4, 5) closest to the roll and the roll, and in that the lateral edges (2, 3) are substantially incompressible.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said lateral edges (2, 3) of said louver (1) have flanges (46) projecting with respect to the plane of said louver (1).

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said pressure element (33) exerts a thrust on the lateral edges (2, 3) of the shutter (1) at the portion of the shutter (1) not held extending between the first end (30) of the chute (4, 5) closest to the roll and the roll, so as to obtain a resultant radial thrust force that acts continuously on the pressure element (33) by the lateral edges (2, 3) of the shutter (1) in this portion not held.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the runners (4, 5) are substantially straight and have an inclination with respect to the plane of the runners (4, 5) in their top portion located just below the pressure element (33), moving the top ends (30) of the runners (4, 5) away from the reel (8).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure element comprises a flexible guide rail (33).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the runners have a U-shaped cross section, the middle (40) of which lies against the structure of the opening (6) and the two arms (42, 44) of which are each arranged in a plane parallel to the plane of the shutter (1), the pressure element (33) being formed by the rear arm (42) of each runner (4, 5) towards the extension of the roll.

7. A flexible shutter device for closing a window or door opening (6) or any type of opening, comprising:

a blind (1) comprising lateral edges (2, 3),

drive for moving the blind (1) between an open position and a closed position, comprising a drum (8) rotatable about its spindle (11), around which the blind (1) can be wound to form a roll in its open position, and from which the blind (1) can be unwound and pushed towards the blind's closed position,

slideways (4, 5) mounted on a fixed support for guiding the transverse edges (2, 3) of the unwound part of the shutter (1) along the opening (6),

characterized in that said runners have a U-shaped cross-section, the middle (40) of which abuts against the structure of said opening (6) and the two arms (42, 44) of which are arranged in a plane parallel to the plane of said blind (1), a limiting element (50, 66) being formed by the extension of the rear arm (42) of each runner (4, 5) towards said roll, and in that said transverse edges (2, 3) are substantially incompressible.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the runners have a U-shaped cross-section, the middle (40) of which abuts against the structure of the opening (6) and the two arms (42, 44) of which are arranged in a plane parallel to the plane of the shutter (1), the limiting element comprising a substantially straight bar (66) extending towards the roll in line with the front arm (44) of each runner.

9. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said rod (66) extends between the last winding turn of said roll and the not yet wound portion of shutter (1) close to said transverse edge (2, 3).

10. A device according to claim 7, characterised in that the limiting element comprises a rigid abutment structure (50) movable about a pivot spindle (52) by a return element, so that the limiting element exerts a pressure on the transverse edge (2, 3) of the last winding turn of the roll.

11. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said support structure (50) comprises a surface (54) having a concave curvature with respect to said mandrel (8).

12. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that said limiting element (66, 50) is kept in contact with said last turn wound around said reel (8) by a return system (56, 58, 62, 64).