EP0965723B1 - Roller shutter for door, window or the same - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a rolling shutter for a door, window or analog comprising an apron, on the one hand, capable of being rolled up around a winding shaft housed in a box and, on the other hand, likely to deploy passing through a slot in the underside of said box.

The present invention will find its application in the field the manufacture of roller shutters intended to be installed at the level of any building.

We already know many roller shutters meeting the description above and comprising a receiving box, internally, a winding shaft from which unrolls and on which wraps an apron constituted by a juxtaposition of blades hinged to each other other.

During the course of this deck, the blades of the latter pass through a slot in the underside of said box before entering and moving behind the scenes side, located outside the door, window or analogous and communicating, in their upper part, with said slot.

In fact, the presence of the latter authorizes penetration, inside the box, outside air which is likely to cause significant heat exchange between the interior and exterior of the building.

We already know a number of solutions for limit such penetration of outside air and able to ensuring the tightness of said box with respect to the medium outside.

Thus, it is known rolling shutters for which the slot is provided, at least at its longitudinal edge external, of a brush whose bristles are oriented in direction of the apron.

This brush is intended to prevent the penetration of air outside inside the box. As a result, the hairs are designed to be in permanent contact with the apron and must have a specific density for, on the one hand, guarantee the watertightness of the box and, on the other hand, allow the unhindered scrolling of said apron.

The density of the bristles of the brush then generally results of a compromise, which, in most cases, is made at detriment of the tightness of the box.

Document DE - A - 40 02 399 also discloses a section roller having a sealing system comprising a lever articulated which presses a seal between the deck and the outer longitudinal edge of the slot. A spring produces a permanent pressure on this lever.

The present invention aims to provide a solution to disadvantages exposed above through a roller shutter which prevents any penetration of air inside the box by ensuring the tightness of the latter directly to the level of the slot made in its underside.

To this end, the invention relates to a rolling shutter for a door, window or the like comprising an apron, on the one hand, suitable for wind around a winding shaft housed in a box and, on the other hand, likely to be deployed by passing to through a slot in the underside of said box, characterized in that in the fully extended position of the apron, it includes means designed to repel the blade, being engaged in said slot of the underside, applied against the outer longitudinal edge of this slot, under the impulse of the rotation communicated to the winding shaft whose said means are rendered united.

According to an additional feature of this invention, said means are in the form of a wedge provided capable of being pushed back into said slot, between the edge internal longitudinal of the latter and said engaged blade in this slot, under the impulse of a transmission member connecting this corner to the winding shaft.

According to another characteristic, said means are defined by a pad capable of coming to apply against the internal face of said blade engaged in the slot to push it against the outer longitudinal edge of the latter, this pad being secured to the lower end of a transmission whose upper end is fixed on the shaft curtain winding.

An additional feature concerns the fact that the edge longitudinal external of the slot is provided with a seal sealing against which is able to be pushed back said blade engaged in the slot on the underside of the box.

The means capable of pressing said blade against the edge longitudinal of the slot, in particular against the joint sealing, thus preventing the penetration of the external air inside the box.

In fact, it will be noted that such means can still lock the apron in the deployed position in preventing its rise in the box under the action of a thrust exerted directly on this apron and corresponding, for example, an attempted break-in.

Ultimately, such means, in accordance with the invention, allow, under certain conditions, to get rid of a automatic locking device in the deployed position of the apron which the skilled person knows different modes of production. In this regard, such a device, connected to the tree winding, exerts its action, generally, on the first blade of the deck whose distance is difficult to control separating it from said winding shaft. Also, this action of a such locking device is rarely constant from one roller shutter to another besides, in cases individuals, it cannot fully fulfill its function of locking.

In contrast, in the present case, we completely control the distance between the winding shaft and the slot in the box, therefore the efficiency of the operation of the means provided suitable for pressing against the external longitudinal edge of the slot, the blade which is engaged in the latter when these means come into play.

However, as will become apparent from the description below, we can still consider using resources in accordance with the invention in order to ensure the tightness of the box, in combination with a locking device automatic known.

• les figures 1 à 3 sont des vues schématisées, en élévation et en coupe d'un volet roulant selon l'invention représenté à différents stades du déploiement du tablier et comportant des moyens de répulsion sous forme d'un coin associé à un organe de transmission selon un premier mode de réalisation ;
• les figures 4 à 6 sont des vues similaires aux précédentes correspondant, également, à un coin associé, cette fois-ci, à un organe de transmission selon un second mode de réalisation ;
• les figures 7 à 9 sont des vues similaires aux précédentes correspondant à un volet roulant selon l'invention représenté à différents stades du déploiement du tablier et comportant des moyens de répulsion sous forme d'un patin.
• les figures 10, 11 et 12 correspondent à des représentations schématisées partielles en perspective d'un arbre d'enroulement auquel est reliée la première lame du tablier du volet roulant par l'intermédiaire de moyens de liaison sous forme d'un mode de réalisation avantageux, ces moyens de liaison étant définis aptes à prendre en charge les moyens de répulsion sous forme d'un patin, pendant la phase initiale d'enroulement du volet roulant.

The invention is set out in more detail in the description which follows, referring to the appended drawings and illustrating several different embodiments of the present invention.

• Figures 1 to 3 are schematic views, in elevation and in section of a roller shutter according to the invention shown at different stages of the deployment of the deck and comprising repulsion means in the form of a corner associated with a transmission member according to a first embodiment;
• Figures 4 to 6 are views similar to the previous corresponding, also, to a corner associated, this time with a transmission member according to a second embodiment;
• Figures 7 to 9 are views similar to the previous ones corresponding to a rolling shutter according to the invention shown at different stages of the deployment of the deck and comprising repulsion means in the form of a pad.
• Figures 10, 11 and 12 correspond to partial schematic representations in perspective of a winding shaft to which the first blade of the roller shutter deck is connected by means of connection means in the form of an advantageous embodiment , these connecting means being defined capable of taking charge of the repulsion means in the form of a shoe, during the initial winding phase of the roller shutter.

As is apparent from the accompanying drawing, the present invention concerns the field of roller shutter manufacturing 1 intended to equip a door, window or the like located in the level of a building.

Such a rolling shutter 1 comprises a box 2 made integral with this door, window or the like and having, in particular, an underside 3 provided with a slot 4 through which is likely to scroll an apron 5.

This box 2 receives, internally, a winding shaft 6 on which is wound, from which takes place and to which is connected, by means of connecting means 7, said apron 5.

This deck 5 is constituted by a juxtaposition of blades 8 interconnected by articulation means 9 and whose ends 10 engage in lateral slides 11, when deployment of said deck 5, at the outlet of the box 2, at across said slot 4.

These blades 8 then pass through said lateral slides 11 until the deck 5 is fully deployed in which case at least one 8A of these blades 8 remains engaged in the slot 4 of the underside 3 of the box 2.

According to the invention, this rolling shutter 1, in the totally position deployed of said deck 5, comprises means 12 provided capable of push said blade 8A applied against the edge longitudinal external 13 of this slot 4 under the impulse of the rotation communicated to the winding shaft 6 whose said means 12 are made integral.

It was shown in Figures 1 to 3, on the one hand, and 4 to 6, on the other hand, two embodiments of the invention in which means 12 are in the form of a wedge 14 can take the form of a profile or at least one section profile, respectively, suitable after deployment of said apron 5, to extend over the entire length of the slot 4 where at be positioned, substantially, at the level of the slides side 11.

Such a wedge 14 is provided capable of being pushed back into said slot 4, between the internal longitudinal edge 15 of the latter and said blade 8A engaged in this slot 4, and this under the impulse of a transmission member 16.

The latter connects said corner 14 to the winding shaft 6 of which it is, moreover, made united and around which it is likely to come up when the apron 5 is folded as visible, in particular, FIGS. 1 and 4.

In addition and as shown in Figures 2 and 5, this transmission 16 is also designed capable of pushing the corner 14 in the direction of the blade 8A of the deck 5, or even directly against the latter. Such repulsion takes place, more particularly, from the moment when said blade 8A leaves the winding shaft 6 and moves away from it during deployment of said apron 5 so that said corner 14 is positioned between the blade 8A and the internal longitudinal edge 15 of the slot 4 when entering the latter.

As it appears in Figures 3 and 6, the corner 14 is pushed back into the slot 4 by the transmission member 16 under the effect of the rotation of the winding shaft 6 in the direction F of deck 5 and this after full deployment of the last.

To this end and according to a first embodiment shown Figure 1 to 3, said transmission member 16 is under the shape of an elastic blade 17 which, in addition to the fact that it either able to fold around the winding shaft 6 of the apron 5 during the folding of the latter, is capable of defining, in the deployed position of said deck 5, a rigid element in able to push said corner 14 into said slot 4 under the effect of the rotation of the winding shaft 6.

According to a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, such a transmission member 16 takes the form of one or several blades, or portions of articulated blades 18 suitable for wrap around the winding shaft 6 during folding apron 5. More specifically, in the final phase of deployment of the deck 5, these articulated blades 18 are, themselves, caused to deploy, either by gravity or under the impulse of elastic return means 19, in particular under the shape of a return spring 20, to bring the wedge 14 into the slot 4 and, therefore, in the direction of the blade 8A engaged in this one.

Note that this or these blades or portions of blades articulated 18 are able to pivot, as appropriate, one by relative to others or to the winding shaft 6 but they have a limited angle of rotation so that, once unfolded, they form a rigid element capable of push said wedge 14 back into slot 4 under the effect of rotation of the winding shaft 6.

In addition, the roller shutter 1 can advantageously be supplemented by guide means 21 of the corner 14 with which the latter is able to cooperate in order to be guided towards of the blade 8A when being pushed back into said slot 4 under the action of the transmission member 16.

It is also against these guide means 21 that said wedge 14 is likely to take support in order to push back, under the impulse imparted by the rotation of the winding shaft 6 and transmitted by the transmission member 16, said blade 8A in direction of the outer longitudinal edge 13 against which it comes as a wall light as illustrated in Figures 3 and 6.

Such guide means 21 can be made up of advantageously, by guide tulips 22 of the deck 5 known to those skilled in the art, and disposed, usually, to the upper end of the side rails 11 as visible Figures 1 to 6.

According to another embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the means 12 provided capable of pushing said blade 8A against the outer longitudinal edge 13 of slot 4 can still be defined by a shoe 24. The latter is able to come in applies against the internal face 25 of said blade 8A engaged in slot 4 to push it back against the longitudinal edge external 13 of the latter. This shoe 24 is made integral from the lower end 26 of a transmission member 16 whose upper end 27 is fixed on the shaft winding 6 of the deck 5.

As shown in Figures 7 to 9, such a transmission member 16 can be in the form of one or more links articulated 28 connected to the winding shaft 6 around which they are likely to be rolled up when folding the apron 5 as shown in figure 7.

These links 28 are, moreover, capable of exerting a thrust on the shoe 24 to, on the one hand, push the latter back direction of the blade 8A and, on the other hand, push back this last against the outer longitudinal edge 13 of the slot 4, this under the impulse which is communicated to them by the rotation of the winding shaft 6 in the final deployment phase of the apron 5.

Note that, to exert this thrust, the links 28 defining the transmission member 16, if they are pivoting, as the case may be, with respect to each other or with respect to the winding shaft 6, to allow their folding around of the latter at the time of winding the deck 5, their angle of rotation is limited so that once unfolded, they define a rigid assembly allowing, precisely, to repel said shoe 24 in the direction of the blade 8A under the effect of rotation of said winding shaft 6.

It should be observed that the means 12 described above can advantageously be designed so as to define a apron 5 automatic locking device when this the latter is in the fully extended position. Such locking device is designed capable of preventing the raising, in box 2, of said apron 5, completely deployed, under the action of a thrust exerted directly on this the latter, in particular in the context of an attempted break-in.

Thus and as shown in Figure 3, the rigid element defined by the elastic blade 17 is likely to push back the corner 14 in the slot 4 under the effect of the rotation of the shaft 6. This repulsion has the effect of pressing the blade 8A against the outer longitudinal edge 13 of said slot 4 and thus ensure sealing. Furthermore, if its strength is sufficient it can also prevent the ascent of the apron 5 and allow the means 12 to exercise, also, a role of automatic locking device.

Similarly and as shown in Figure 6 and 9, the means 12 are capable of defining, themselves, a device for automatic locking through angular limitation of the rotation of the blades 18 or the articulated links 28 of so that, after reaching a limit angle, said transmission 16 forms a rigid assembly capable of exercising, driven by the rotation of the winding shaft 6 in the direction of unfolding of the deck 5, a thrust through, as the case may be, of the corner 14 or of the pad 24, on the blade 8A. This last is then strongly pressed against the edge longitudinal external 13 of the slot 4 which allows lock the apron 5 in its deployed position, the latter being, in fact, released by traction on the organ of transmission 16 through the rotation of the shaft winding 6 in the winding direction F 'of the deck 5.

According to another embodiment of the roller shutter 1, compliant to the invention, this comprises, in combination, a device automatic locking of the deck 5 connecting the first blade from the latter to the winding shaft 6. Said device automatic locking is able to oppose the ascent of deck 5 when it is in the fully positioned position deployed, under the action of a thrust exerted on the latter.

As shown in Figure 3, such a locking device automatic can then be associated with means 12 and in the form of one or more articulated blades 29 able to define, for example, connection means 7 of the type direct from the deck 5 to the winding shaft 6 and known by the skilled person.

In this regard, it will be observed that said deck 5 is connected to the winding shaft 6 by means of connection 7, either directly as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, either indirectly and through the transmission member 16 as shown in Figures 7 to 9. In fact, such connecting means 7 may, for example, be in the form of one or several attachment straps 30 as shown in Figures 4 at 9.

We now refer more particularly to the figures 10, 11 and 12.

In fact, if we start from the case where the means 12 provided able to push the blade 8A against the longitudinal edge external 13 of the slot 4, further define a device automatic locking of the apron 5 when the latter is in the fully extended position, it is necessary to ensure that said apron 5 reaches this position fully deployed before they are made active means 12, so the complementary rotation it should be communicated to the winding shaft 6 to that act, precisely, these means 12 has no consequence on apron 5. This is why it was imagined to design connecting means 7 in the form of fastening straps 30 which, in the above-mentioned case, simply come to relax between the first blade 8A and the winding shaft 6 during this rotation complementary.

However, such straps are completely incapable of control the positioning of said first blade 8A so that this persists in alignment with the other blades 8 of the apron 5.

In particular, this first blade 8A can tilt on one side or the other of the plan of this deck 5, this all the more more than it can be maintained, up to its ends, by means of the lateral slides 11. In such conditions, the means 12 can come to exercise incorrect thrust on this blade 8A. Furthermore, in the event premature tipping in the direction of the winding shaft 6, the means 12, whether they are equipped with a wedge 14 or else a shoe 24, can pass over this first blade 8A under the action of the transmission member 16 which connects them to winding shaft 6, which has the consequence, well understood, to render said means 12 inactive, without counting, that again, this can lead to the deterioration of the flap rolling.

In order to avoid this, said connecting means 7 are of semi-rigid and defined type, preferably such that represented in figures 10 to 12, by one or more blades elastic 40, 40A preformed to maintain, in the final phase deployment of the deck 5, the first blade 8A substantially in alignment with the other blades 8 while being at the same times the first blade 8A pressing on the next 8 to bend driven by the winding shaft 6 whose purpose is to allow the means 12 to come into action.

Thus, in Figure 10 we see these elastic blades 40, 40A coming to fold under the action of the winding shaft 6. A note, in particular, that such elastic blades 40, 40A can be made integral by means of a connection articulated 41 of the upper edge 42 of the blade 8A.

In Figure 11, it is particularly visible that at across from the initial shape imparted to such blades elastic 40, 40A, these are effectively able to maintain this first blade 8A in the extension of the blades following 8 of deck 5, in the final deployment phase of this latest.

Note that to be certain that the means 12 only intervene once the deck 5 is fully deployed, it it is preferable that the connecting means 7 are substantially longer than the transmission member 16. Also, like this is visible in Figure 7, in the initial winding phase of the deck 5, nothing properly maintains this body transmission 16 around the winding shaft 6. If in the situation shown in Figure 7, we continue to train this winding shaft 6 in the winding direction, (this is in the opposite direction of the arrow shown), this transmission member 16 in the form of one or more links articulated 28, can tilt towards the outer wall 43 of box 2, possibly coming to thwart the winding of deck 5 around the winding shaft 6. In all case this generates impact noise.

To prevent this from happening, the connecting means 7 include means 44 for taking charge of this organ of transmission 16 provided capable of ensuring its winding and maintenance around the winding shaft 6 during this phase initial folding of the deck 5, at least until the formation of the first turn of the latter around this winding shaft 6.

Substantially, as visible in Figures 10 to 12, of such support means 44 are similar to hooks 45 associated with the connecting means 7 in the form of elastic blades 40, 40A, at least one of which is juxtaposed with a transmission member 16 corresponding to said means 12. In this hook automatically engages a rod attachment 46 associated with this transmission member 16 and extending in front of the elastic blade or blades 40, 40A. AT note that this attachment of the attachment rod 46 in a hook 45 arises from the winding length differential around the winding shaft 6 of an elastic blade 40, 40A thin on the one hand, and the transmission member 16 defined by thicker links 28, on the other hand.

To better understand the functioning of these capture means in charge 44 we refer more particularly to the figure 11 where we see the elastic blades 40, 40A and the transmission 16 being wound around the shaft of winding 6. If we continue, under these conditions, winding the deck 5, the hanging rod 46 in support on these elastic blades 40, 40A, comes gradually engage hooks 45, since for an angle of determined rotation of the winding shaft 6, the length of the transmission member 16 coming to wrap around this the latter is, because of its thickness, greater by compared to that of the elastic blades 40, 40A.

Finally, once this hooking rod 46 engaged in these hooks 45 of the blades 40, 40A, the transmission member 16 can no longer unfold freely and by its own weight relative to the winding shaft 6, as can be seen in figure 12.

According to an additional feature of this invention, the outer longitudinal edge 13 of the slot 4 can, advantageously, be provided with a seal 32 against which is able to be pushed back and come to apply said blade 8A under the action of the means 12.

The presence of this seal 32 allows, on the one hand, to avoid, in particular at the level of the external longitudinal edge 13, the diffusion of external air towards the interior of the box 2 and thus making the latter waterproof. On the other hand, this joint 32 is preferably designed capable of presenting a coefficient significant attachment and friction on the blade 8A which, in combination with sufficient thrust on this last by means 12, advantageously makes it possible to contribute to locking the apron 5 in the fully positioned position deployed.

Finally, it will be observed that the means 12 capable of repelling said blade 8A applies against the longitudinal edge 13 of the slot 4 are likely to come into action regardless of the position of the winding shaft 6 relative to said slot 4.

The present invention not only makes it possible to respond to the sealing problems encountered in the prior art but also contributes advantageously to ensuring the locking the deployed deck and preventing it from being lifted, including breaking and entering.

Claims (15)

1. Roller blind (1) for a door, window or the like, including an apron (5), on the one hand, capable of rolling up about a roll-up shaft (6) accommodated in a box (2) and, on the other hand, capable of unfolding while passing through a slot (4) provided for in the lower side (3) of said box (2), characterised in that, in fully unfolded position of the apron (5), it includes means (12) designed so as to be capable of pushing back the slat (8A) that is inserted into said slot (4) of the lower side (3), applied against the external longitudinal edge (13) of this slot (4), under the action of the rotation imparted to the roll-up shaft (6) which said means (12) are made integral with.
2. Roller blind (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that said means (12) are in the form of a wedge (14) designed so as to be capable of being pushed back into said slot (4), between the internal longitudinal edge (15) of the latter and said slat (8A) inserted into this slot (4), under the action of a transmission organ (16) connecting this wedge (14) to the roll-up shaft (6).
3. Roller blind (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that said transmission organ (16) is in the form of a springy slat (17) capable, on the one hand, of rolling up about the roll-up shaft (6) during the folding up of the apron (5) and, on the other hand, of defining, in the unfolded position of the latter, a rigid element capable of pushing back said wedge (14) into the slot (4) under the action of the rotation of the roll-up shaft (6).
4. Roller blind (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that said transmission organ (16) is defined by one or several hinged slats or slat portions (18) connected to the roll-up shaft (6) and capable of rolling up about this latter during the folding up of the apron (5), these slats (18) being, in addition, capable of pivoting, as the case may be, with respect to each other or with respect to the roll-up shaft (6), according to a limited angle of rotation, with a view to defining, in the unfolded position, a rigid element capable of pushing back said wedge (14) into the slot (4) under the action of the rotation of the roll-up shaft (6).
5. Roller blind (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that said means (12) are defined by a shoe (24) capable of being applied against the inner side (25) of said slat (8A) inserted in the slot (4), in order to push it back against the outer longitudinal edge (13) of the latter, this shoe (24) being made integral with the lower end (26) of a transmission organ (16) the upper edge (27) of which is fixed to the roll-up shaft (6) of the apron (5).
6. Roller blind (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that said transmission organ (16) is defined by one or several hinged connectors (28) connected to the roll-up shaft (6) and capable of rolling up about the latter during the folding up of the apron (5), these connectors (28) being, in addition, capable of pivoting, as the case may be, with respect to each other or with respect to the roll-up shaft (6), according to a limited angle of rotation, with a view to defining, in the unfolded position, a rigid element capable of pushing back said shoe (24) in the direction of the slat (8A) under the action of the rotation of the roll-up shaft (6).
7. Roller blind (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means (12) constitute an automatic blocking device capable of impeding the apron (5) from being lifted, when the latter is in fully unfolded position, under the action of a thrust exerted directly onto the latter.
8. Roller blind (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that it includes, in combination, an automatic blocking device for the apron (5) connecting the first slat of the latter to the roll-up shaft (6), said automatic blocking device being capable of impeding the apron (5) from being lifted, when the latter is in fully unfolded position, under the action of a thrust exerted directly onto the latter.
9. Roller blind (1) according to any of claims 2 to 8, characterised in that the apron (5) is made integral with the roll-up shaft (6) through connecting means (7), such as a strap (30) or the like, either directly or through the transmission organ.
10. Roller blind (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the connecting means (7) connecting the apron (5), in particular the first slat (8A) of the latter, to the roll-up shaft (6) are of a semi-rigid type and defined by one or several pre-shaped springy slats (40, 40A), in order to maintain, in the final phase of unfolding of the apron (5), said first slat (8A) substantially in alignment with the other slats (8), while being capable, once this first slat (8A) is resting on the next one (8), of folding under the action of the roll-up shaft (6), in order to allow the means (12) to enter into action.
11. Roller blind (1) according to claim 4 and any of claims 9 or 10, characterised in that the connecting means (7) include means (44) for taking up the transmission organ (16), these means (44) being designed so as to be capable of ensuring the rolling-up of and maintaining around the roll-up shaft (6) this transmission organ (16) in the initial phase of rolling-up of the apron (5).
12. Roller blind (1) according to claim 11, characterised in that the taking-up means (44) are similar to hooks (45) associated to the connecting means (7) in the form of springy slats (40, 40A) at least one of which is juxtaposed to a transmission organ (16) corresponding to said means (12), into this hook (45) being capable of automatically engaging a hooking-in rod (46) associated to this transmission organ (16) and extending in front of the springy slat or slats (40, 40A).
13. Roller blind (1) according to claim 12, characterised in that the hooking-in of the hooking-in rod (46) in the hook (45) results from the difference in length of rolling-up about the roll-up shaft (6) of a springy slat (40, 40A) with a small thickness, on the one hand, and the transmission organ (16) defined by one or several hinged connectors (28).
14. Roller blind (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outer longitudinal edge (13) of the slot (4) is provided with a seal (32) against which said slat (8A) is capable of being applied under the action of the means (12).
15. Roller blind (1) according to any of claims 2 to 4, including lateral guiding rails (11) extending under the casing (2) and in which move the ends (10) of the slats (8) of an apron (5) when leaving the slot (4) of the lower side (3), the upper end of these lateral guiding rails (11) being provided with guiding hubs (22) for said apron (5), characterised in that said guiding hubs (22) constitute guiding means (21) for the wedge (14) which the latter is capable of co-operating with in order to be guided towards the slat (8A) when being pushed back into said slot (4) under the action of the transmission organ (16).

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