EP4071334A1

EP4071334A1 - Fabric roller blind

Info

Publication number: EP4071334A1
Application number: EP22167327.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alessandro Ostuni; Luca Barbieri
Original assignee: Palagina SRL
Current assignee: Palagina SRL
Priority date: 2021-04-08
Filing date: 2022-04-08
Publication date: 2022-10-12
Anticipated expiration: 2042-04-08
Also published as: EP4071334B1

Abstract

Fabric roller blind comprising a support frame (2) comprising a first lateral upright (21) and a second lateral upright (22), a handle bar (4) movable between an open position, in which it is side-by-side the second lateral upright (22) and a closed position, in which it is adjacent to the first lateral upright (21).

The blind (1) also comprises coupling means (5), comprising a first body (51) mechanically connected to the first lateral upright (21) and a second body (52), mechanically connected to the handle bar (4), couplable to the first body (51), and comprising at least one coupling portion (520).

The first body (51) comprises a hook (6), rotatably mounted on the first lateral upright (21), provided with a track (60) and movable between a coupling position (A) and a release position (B). The first body (51) also comprises elastic means (7), acting on the hook (6) in order to push it towards the coupling position (A), and at least one blocking element (8), mounted on the first lateral upright (21), rotatable around a first rotation axis (Z) and comprising a pin portion (80), which is mechanically engaged with the track (60) of the hook (6), in which it is susceptible of describing a closed trajectory. In particular the pin portion (80) is susceptible of assuming a first stop position, in which it blocks the rotation of the hook (6) towards the coupling position (A), and a free position, in which it allows the rotation of the hook (6) towards the coupling position (A).

Description

Field of application

The present invention regards a fabric roller blind according to the preamble of the independent claim number 1.
The present fabric roller blind is intended to be advantageously employed for adjustably closing provided openings of building walls, in particular for windows, for doors, for French windows and similar doors/windows/shutters.
Preferably, the fabric roller blind, object of the present patent, is a blind or mosquito netting of the type with vertical handle bar which closes and opens the opening by means of a horizontal translation of the same handle bar.
The blind, object of the present invention, is therefore inserted in the industrial field of production of doors/windows/shutters or also in the field of production of fabrics for sun protection, in the field of mosquito netting or of similar applications.

State of the art

Known on the market are blinds for closing openings of doors/windows/shutters (such as windows, doors or French windows); such blinds are provided with a support frame, intended to be fixed to a load-bearing structure at an opening of the load-bearing structure and comprising two lateral uprights, which are vertically fixed on opposite sides of the building wall which defines the opening to be closed.
More particularly, one of the two lateral uprights is provided with a cavity which allows housing, at its own interior, a take-up roller, on which a fabric is wound (e.g. mesh of a mosquito netting).
The blind comprises elastic means, usually of torsional type, which are interposed between the take-up roller and the lateral upright in which the latter is housed for tensioning the fabric during its unwinding (when the blind is closed) and for facilitating the return of the handle bar during the opening of the blind. The fabric usually has rectangular shape and is provided with a first lateral edge fixed to the take-up roller and with a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge and fixed to a handle bar, which is in turn aimed to unwind the fabric itself during a movement thereof along a horizontal direction.
In particular, the handle bar usually comprises an aluminum section, which is closed at its upper and lower ends by two terminations, and is slidably connected to the support frame in order to be moved between an open position, in which it is side-by-side the lateral upright at whose interior the take-up roller is housed, and a closed position in which it is placed distal with respect to the aforesaid lateral upright in abutment against the other lateral upright.
In operation, starting from the open position, the user grips the handle bar and moves it along the support frame up to the desired position, e.g. up to the closed position, in which the fabric is placed to totally cover the opening and the handle bar is substantially placed in abutment against the lateral upright opposite the take-up roller.
The blinds of known type briefly described up to now have in practice shown that they do not lack drawbacks.
A first drawback of the blinds of known type lies in the fact that the tensioning of the fabric is hard to adjust.
More in detail, an excessive tensioning of the elastic means connected to the take-up roller causes the undesired return of the handle bar towards the lateral upright which carries the take-up roller housed, under the elastic force of the aforesaid elastic means. This can cause an incomplete closure of the mosquito netting since the handle bar is unable to remain in the closed position in abutment against the lateral upright.
In addition, this can sometimes also cause a sudden and unexpected return of the handle bar towards the open position which may imperil the safety of the user.
Otherwise, if in order to avoid such drawback a reduced tensioning on the fabric is applied, the latter is loosened and thus - in addition to having a poor appearance - this can cause incorrect windings of the fabric (e.g. with folds) and sometimes the fabric can exit from the upper and lower margins of the housing seats, and thus the opening of the building lacks proper screening.
In order to at least partially overcome such drawbacks of the abovementioned prior art, fabric roller blinds have been developed which are provided with coupling means for coupling the handle bar to the lateral upright in the closed position, so as to prevent undesired and sudden openings of the same handle bar.
Known for example from the patent EP 3258054 is a fabric roller blind which comprises a first body fixed to the lateral upright and provided with two coupling elements, and a second body, which is mounted on the handle bar and is provided with a hook couplable to the first body in order to retain the handle bar in the closed position.
In particular, the second body is slidably mounted on the handle bar in order to be vertically moved between a raised position, in which the handle bar can be placed in abutment against the lateral upright, and a lowered position in which the second body is lowered in order to couple the hook of the second body to the coupling elements of the first body fixed on the lateral upright.
Also the above-described fabric roller blind has in practice shown that it does not lack drawbacks.
In particular, the aforesaid blind does not allow coupling the handle bar to the lateral upright in an automatic manner and requires always executing a manual movement by the user.
Therefore, the aforesaid blind has proven inconvenient to use for a user and not very strong during its use, since it is more subjected to breakage due to the frequent manual movement of the hook present on the handle bar.
Also known for example from the patent KR 2013/0104388 is a fabric roller blind comprising coupling means which comprise a first body, fixed to the lateral upright, and a second body fixed to the handle bar and couplable to the first body in order to retain the handle bar in the closed position.
In particular, the first body comprises a housing seat, which is usually extended along the extension axis of the lateral upright and defines an internal retention shoulder.
The second body instead comprises two engagement teeth, which are adapted to be inserted in the housing cavity and to be engaged with the aforesaid internal shoulder in order to couple the second body to the first body.
The coupling means described in the aforesaid patent also comprise two buttons made in a single body with the engagement teeth and accessible from outside the handle bar so as to allow a user to disengage the teeth from the housing cavity by pressing the buttons and thus release the second body from the first body in order to freely move the handle bar.
The aforesaid coupling means also comprise two springs, each of which interposed between the handle bar and the manual actuator in order to exert an elastic force on the corresponding engagement tooth, so as to retain it engaged with the internal shoulder of the housing cavity.
Hence, in operation, starting from the open position, the user grips the handle bar and moves it up to the closed position in which he/she presses the two buttons in order to allow the entrance of the teeth into the housing cavity.
Subsequently, the user releases the buttons in order to allow the teeth (under the action of the springs) to engage the internal shoulders, retaining the handle bar against the lateral upright.
In order to release the handle bar and return towards the open position, the user must once again press the buttons, disengaging the teeth from the shoulders and simultaneously he/she must move the handle bar towards the open position so as to allow the teeth to exit from the housing cavity.
Also the above-described fabric roller blind has in practice shown that it does not lack drawbacks.
A first drawback lies in the fact that the aforesaid fabric roller blind provides for executing perforations and machining operations on the external visible profile of the handle bar, so as to install the buttons, hence requiring additional machining on the sections.
In addition, the buttons thus attained do not have a pleasant appearance.
A further drawback lies in the fact that the aforesaid fabric roller blind is inconvenient during its use, since a precise actuation is necessary of both buttons in order to open and close the handle bar.
In particular the aforesaid fabric roller blind is particularly inconvenient during its opening and closing in the event in which the user has his/her hands engaged or partially engaged elsewhere.

Presentation of the invention

In this situation, the problem underlying the present invention is to provide a fabric roller blind which allows not having to execute machining operations on the visible section of the same handle bar.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a fabric roller blind, whose opening and closing is facilitated without particular effort by the user.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a fabric roller blind, which is structurally simple and inexpensive to attain and to install.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a fabric roller blind, which has a nice aesthetic appearance.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a fabric roller blind, which is structurally solid and entirely reliable.

Brief description of the drawings

The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the aforesaid objects, are clearly seen in the contents of the below-reported claims and the advantages thereof will be more evident in the following detailed description, made with reference to the enclosed drawings, which represent a merely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, in which:

figures 1A and 1B show two perspective views of the fabric roller blind, object of the present invention, from different angles;
figures 2 and 3 show two perspective views from different angles of a detail of figures 1A and 1B, relative to coupling means of the blind;
figure 4 shows a top section view of the detail of figure 2, with several parts removed and others transparent in order to better show other parts thereof;
figures 5 and 6 show perspective views from different angles of the detail of figure 3, relative to a first body of the coupling means;
figures 7 and 8 show perspective views from different angles of the detail of figure 2, relative to a second body of the coupling means;
figure 9 shows a sectional side view of the coupling means of the blind, object of the present invention, in which the hook is placed in a release position;
figure 10 shows a sectional side view of the coupling means of the blind, object of the present invention, in which the hook is placed in a first limit position;
figure 11 shows a sectional side view of the coupling means of the blind, object of the present invention, in which the hook is placed in a coupling position;
figure 12 shows a sectional side view of the coupling means of the blind, object of the present invention, in which the hook is placed in a second limit position;
figure 13 shows a side view of a detail of figure 5, relative to a hook of the first body of the coupling means of the fabric roller blind, object of the present invention.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

With reference to the enclosed drawings, reference number 1 overall indicates the fabric roller blind, object of the present invention.
The blind 1 is operatively employable for adjustably closing an opening of a door/window/shutter, e.g. a window, a door or a French window, made in a load-bearing structure such as for example a building wall of a building.
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figure 1, the fabric roller blind 1, object of the present invention, comprises a support frame 2 intended to be fixed to the load-bearing structure in which the opening is made. The latter is usually defined at least between two lateral flanks, an upper side and a lower side of the load-bearing structure of the building.
The support frame 2 comprises at least one first lateral upright 21 and at least one second lateral upright 22, preferably opposite the first lateral upright 21.
Advantageously, the first and the second lateral upright 21, 22 substantially define the flanks of the support frame 2 of the fabric roller blind 1.
Advantageously, the first lateral upright 21 is frontally open and defines tubular cavity delimited by a bottom wall and two side walls 21' that are opposite each other.
Preferably, the first lateral upright 21 of the support frame 2 comprises, or directly defines, a rolling-shutter box intended to be positioned laterally with respect to the opening to be screened. Advantageously, the rolling-shutter box is attained by means of a hollow tubular section, in particular obtained with an aluminum extrusion, which is extended with substantially vertical axis between two opposite upper and lower ends.
Advantageously, the second lateral upright 22 is attained by means of a hollow tubular section, in particular obtained with an aluminum extrusion, which is extended parallel to the first lateral upright 21 with substantially vertical axis between two opposite upper and lower ends.
The blind 1 comprises a take-up roller (not illustrated), having a substantially vertical winding axis X and mechanically associated with the second lateral upright 22 of the support frame 2.
The take-up roller carries a fabric 3 wound thereon, having a first lateral edge fixed to the take-up roller and a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge.
Advantageously, the fabric 3 preferably has rectangular shape and passes through a vertical slit that is made on a lateral wall of the rolling-shutter box directed towards the opening.
The fabric 3 can be intended for making a darkening screen, for example in substitution of a roller shutter, of a brise-soleil screen for filtering sunlight, or for making a mosquito netting. In an entirely general manner, the fabric 3 can be dedicated to closing the opening of a door/window/shutter in order to protect an internal area from the sun and/or from the wind and/or, more generally, from the weather conditions of the outside environment.
In accordance with the invention, the blind 1 also comprises a handle bar 4, preferably slidably associate with the support frame 2, in particular between the first lateral upright 21 and the second lateral upright 22.
More in detail, the handle bar 4 is advantageously extended along an extension axis between a lower termination 4' and an upper termination 4" and is provided with an axial cavity 40. Advantageously, the handle bar 4 is attained with a hollow tubular body, in particular obtained with an aluminum extrusion which is preferably attained in a single body.
The handle bar 4 is fixed to the second lateral edge of the fabric 3, in order to advantageously allow unwinding the fabric 3 from the take-up roller in order to place it to partially or completely cover the opening.
More in detail, the handle bar 4 is movable between an open position, in which is placed in a position side-by-side the second lateral upright 22, preferably in abutment against the latter, freeing the opening from the fabric 3, and a closed position, in which the handle bar 4 is placed in a distal position with respect to the second lateral upright 22 and adjacent to, preferably in abutment against, the first lateral upright 21 with the fabric 3 that is placed covering the opening.
Preferably, the handle bar 4 in the closed position is at least partially housed within the tubular cavity defined by the first lateral upright 21.
The blind 1 also comprises coupling means 5, which comprise a first body 51, mechanically connected to one from between the first lateral upright 21 and the handle bar 4 and a second body 52, mechanically connected to the other between the first lateral upright 21 and the handle bar 4 and couplable to the first body 51 in order to retain the handle bar 4 in the closed position.
Hereinbelow, for the sake of description simplicity, reference will be made to the preferred embodiment, in which the first body 51 of the coupling means 5 is mechanically connected to the first lateral upright 21 and the second body 52 is mechanically connected to the handle bar 4. Even if not specified, it is of course intended that the reverse of such components is also possible, without departing from the protective scope of the present invention.
In accordance with the idea underlying the present invention, the second body 52 of the coupling means 5 comprises at least one coupling portion 520 and the first body 51 comprises at least one hook 6, rotatably mounted on the corresponding between the first lateral upright 21 and the handle bar 4.
The hook 6 is provided with at least one track 60 and is movable between at least one coupling position A, in which is engaged with the coupling portion 520 in order to retain the handle bar 4 in the closed position, and at least one release position B, in which the hook 6 is disengaged from the coupling portion 520 in order to allow the free movement of the handle bar 4.
In particular, the hook 6 is thus susceptible of rotating according to a first rotation direction R' when it passes from the coupling position A to the release position B, and according to a second rotation direction R" when it passes from the release position B to the coupling position A.
The first body 51 also comprises elastic means 7, which are placed to connect between the hook 6 and the corresponding between the first lateral upright 21 and the handle bar 4, in order to push the hook 6 towards the coupling position A.
Advantageously, the handle bar 4 and/or the second body 52 of the coupling means 5 (preferably only the handle bar 4) comprises an abutment wall 41, which is susceptible of acting thrustingly against the hook 6 when the handle bar 4 is moved towards the closed position and is advantageously situated at the first lateral upright 21. In particular, the thrust of the abutment wall 41 against the hook 6 carries the latter to rotate in the first rotation direction R'.
The first body 51 also comprises at least one blocking element 8, which is mounted on the corresponding between the first lateral upright 21 and the handle bar 4, is rotatable around a first rotation axis Z and comprises a pin portion 80.
The pin portion 80 is extended along a main extension axis W, substantially parallel to the first rotation axis Z and is mechanically engaged with the track 60 of the hook 6, in which it is susceptible of describing a closed trajectory.
Along the aforesaid closed trajectory the pin portion 80 assumes at least one first stop position, in which it blocks the rotation of the hook 6 towards the coupling position A, and at least one free position, in which it allows the rotation of the hook 6 towards the coupling position A.
In particular, the blocking element 8 is susceptible of rotating around the first rotation axis Z while it follows the closed trajectory, engaging the track 60.
Advantageously, the elastic means 7 are susceptible of moving the hook 6 in the second rotation direction R" when the aforesaid hook 6 is left free to rotate by the blocking element 8.
In this manner, it is possible to make a fabric roller blind 1 whose opening and closing is easy, without particular effort required by the user. Indeed, the coupling means 5 of the blind 1 according to the invention allow retaining the handle bar 4 in closed position and freeing it without having to manually act on any manual actuator, and in particular by means of only the movement of the handle bar 4 itself.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the track 60 of the hook 6 comprises at least one stop section 61, which defines a cavity in which the pin portion 80 is susceptible of being housed in the first stop position.
In particular, with the pin portion 80 in the first stop position, the hook 6 is situated in the release position B.
Advantageously, the stop section 61 comprises a first concave stop face 610 which defines the aforesaid cavity. In particular, the concavity is directed towards the rotation direction that the hook 6 travels in order to pass from the release position B to the coupling position A, i.e. the second rotation direction R". Advantageously, the aforesaid concavity is directed towards the second body 52 of the coupling means 5. The first stop face 610 is also advantageously placed between two convex faces defining two respective convexities, in a manner such that the pin portion 80 of the blocking element 8 is obliged to move beyond the aforesaid convexity in order to exit from the stop section 61.
Advantageously, the track 60 also comprises a first guide section 62, placed downstream of the stop section 61 and configured for releasing the pin portion 80 from the first stop position during the rotation of the hook 6, and a second guide section 63, placed upstream of the stop section 61 and configured for bring the pin portion 80 back into the concavity defined by the stop section 61.
Advantageously, in addition, the track 60 comprises at least one third guide section 64, interposed between the first guide section 62 and the second guide section 63, in order to guide the pin portion 80 along the track 60 between the first guide section 62 and the second guide section 63.
In this manner, by means of the particular configuration of the aforesaid first, second and third guide section 62, 63, 64, it is possible to disengage and engage the blocking element 8 from the hook 6 by means of only the rotation of the hook 6, and in particular following the pressing of the handle bar 4 against the hook 6.
More in detail, the first guide section 62 comprises at least one first guide face 620, preferably opposite the first stop face 610, susceptible of intercepting the pin portion 80 of the blocking element 8 when the hook 6 is rotated from the release position B in the first rotation direction R'.
In addition, the first guide section 62 advantageously comprises a first concave end stop face 621, preferably adjacent to the first guide face 620, in which the concavity is opposite that of the first stop face 610 of the stop section 61. In particular, the concavity of the first end stop face 621 is directed towards the rotation direction that the hook 6 travels in order to pass from the coupling position A to the release position B, i.e. the first rotation direction R'. Advantageously, the aforesaid concavity faces the direction opposite the second body 52 of the coupling means 5.
Advantageously, the hook 6 is susceptible of rotating in a first limit position C, illustrated in figure 10, in which the release position B is intermediate between the coupling position A and the first limit position C.
In particular, with the hook 6 in the first limit position C, the pin portion 80 is susceptible of assuming, in abutment against the first end stop face 621, at least one first end stop position in which it blocks the rotation of the hook 6 in the first rotation direction R' beyond the first limit position C.
In addition, the first guide section 62 advantageously comprises a first sliding face 622, preferably adjacent to the first end stop face 621. In particular, the first sliding face 622 is susceptible of guiding the pin portion 80 of the blocking element 8 in the free position when the hook 6 is rotated in the second rotation direction R" from the first limit position C, preferably until the pin portion 80 reaches the third guide section 64 of the track 60 and the hook 6 reaches the coupling position A.
Advantageously, the pin portion 80 is susceptible of assuming, in the third guide section 64, at least one second stop position in which it blocks the rotation of the hook 6 beyond the coupling position A.
More in detail, the third guide section 64 comprises a second concave stop face 640, preferably adjacent to the first sliding face 622, against which the pin portion 80 is susceptible of acting in abutment in the second stop position. In particular, the concavity is directed towards the rotation direction that the hook 6 follows in order to pass from the release position B to the coupling position A, i.e. the second rotation direction R". Advantageously, the aforesaid concavity of the second stop face 640 is directed towards the second body 52 of the coupling means 5.
Advantageously, the second guide section 63 comprises at least one second guide face 630, preferably opposite the second stop face 640, susceptible of intercepting the pin portion 80 of the blocking element 8 following the rotation of the hook 6 in the first rotation direction R' from the coupling position A.
Advantageously, the second guide section 63 also comprises at least one second sliding face 631, preferably adjacent to the second stop face 640. In particular, the second sliding face 631 is susceptible of guiding the pin portion 80 of the blocking element 8 when the hook 6 is rotated in the first rotation direction R'.
In particular, the second guide face 630 is susceptible of pushing the pin portion 80 towards the second sliding face 631 during the rotation of the hook 6 in the first rotation direction R'.
Advantageously, the second guide section 63 also comprises a second concave end stop face 632, preferably adjacent to the second sliding face 631, in which the concavity is opposite that of the second stop face 640 of the third guide section 64. In particular, the concavity of the second end stop face 632 is directed towards the rotation direction that the hook 6 travels in order to pass from the coupling position A to the release position B, i.e. the first rotation direction R'. Advantageously, the aforesaid concavity faces the direction opposite the second body 52 of the coupling means 5.
Advantageously, the hook 6 is susceptible of rotating in a second limit position D, illustrated in figure 12, in which the release position B is intermediate between the coupling position A and the second limit position D. Preferably, the second limit position D coincides with the first limit position C.
In particular, with the hook 6 in the second limit position D, the pin portion 80 is susceptible of assuming, in abutment against the second end stop face 632, at least one second end stop position in which it blocks the rotation of the hook 6 in the first rotation direction R' beyond the second limit position D.
Advantageously, the stop section 61 comprises a third guide face 611, preferably opposite the second end stop face 632 and preferably adjacent to the first stop face 610. In particular, the third guide face 611 is susceptible of intercepting the pin portion 80 of the blocking element 8 following the rotation of the hook 6 in the second rotation direction R" from the second limit position D.
Advantageously, the first and the second guide section 62, 63 are connected to each other by a cusp, which is directed substantially towards the first stop face 610, so as to define a slide for the pin portion 80 of the blocking element 8 towards the stop section 61.
Advantageously, the track 60 is delimited by an external annular surface, which encloses a volume V, and an internal annular surface, placed inside the volume V and facing the internal annular surface. Advantageously, the external annular surface of the track 60 comprises at least one (preferably all) from among: the first guide face 620, the first end stop face 621, the first sliding face 622, the second stop face 640, the second sliding face 631 and the second end stop face 632.
Advantageously, in addition, the internal annular surface of the track 60 comprises at least one (preferably all) from among: the first stop face 610, the second guide face 630, the third guide face 611 and the convex faces.
Preferably, the external annular surface is perimetrically extended without interruption.
In this manner, the track 60 is laterally closed and the pin portion 80 of the blocking element 8 is laterally retained within the track 60, thus allowing to reduce risks of jamming and malfunctions of the mechanism.
Advantageously, the hook 6 comprises at least one lateral surface 65 and the track 60 is extended in a depression from the lateral surface 65 of the hook 6. Otherwise, it is possible to attain the track 60 projecting from the lateral surface 65 of the hook 6, e.g. in a single body, or alternatively laterally fix it on the lateral surface 65 of the hook 6. It is also possible to attain, in a single body with respect to the rest of the hook 6, even only one part of the track 60, e.g. the part of track 60 that comprises the internal annular surface.
In such case, it is for example possible to make the aforesaid track part 60 on an external element, preferably projecting from such external element, which is mounted on the lateral surface 65 of the hook 6.
In operation, when the handle bar 4 of the blind 1 is in open position, the hook 6 of the coupling means 5 is placed in release position B and the pin portion 80 of the blocking element 8 is placed in the first stop position within the stop section 61, preventing the rotation of the hook 6 towards the coupling position A. Such situation is illustrated in figure 9.
In order to close the blind, the user moves the handle bar 4 towards the first lateral upright 21, in proximity to which it causes the rotation of the hook 6. Preferably, the rotation of the hook 6 is obtained by means of the abutment wall 41 of the handle bar 4, which, during the closing of the blind 1, comes into contact and acts in abutment against the hook 6 itself.
During the aforesaid rotation of the hook 6 in the first rotation direction R', the pin portion 80 of the blocking element 8 exits from the cavity defined by the stop section 61 and is intercepted by the first guide face 620 of the first guide section 62. In particular, the first guide face 620 is suitably tilted in order to move the pin portion 80 from the first stop position towards the first end stop position.
With the pin portion 80 in abutment against the first end stop face 621, the hook 6 is situated in the first limit position C where a further rotation in the first direction R' is prevented by the same pin portion 80. Such situation is illustrated in figure 10.
Subsequently, the handle bar 4 is released or slightly brought back towards the open position by removing the thrust action on the hook 6 in the first rotation direction R'. In this manner the hook 6 is free to rotate in the second rotation direction R" and in particular it is thrust towards the coupling position A under the elastic action of the elastic means 7. In the coupling position A the hook 6 is thus engaged with the coupling portion 520 and blocks the handle bar 4 in closed position.
During such operation, the pin portion 80 is situated in the free position in the second guide section 62 and is moved, advantageously along the first sliding face 622, from the first end stop position to the second stop position, in which it prevents the further rotation of the hook 6 in the second rotation direction R" beyond the coupling position A. Such situation is illustrated in figure 11.
In a similar manner, in order to open the blind 1 and allow the free movement of the handle bar 4, the user once again moves the handle bar 4 towards the first lateral upright 21. During such operation, the abutment wall 41 of the handle bar 4 once again enters in abutment against the hook 6, rotating it in the first rotation direction R' against the action of the elastic means 7 and disengaging it from the coupling portion 520.
During such rotation, the pin portion 80 of the blocking element 8 exits from the third guide section 64 and is intercepted by the second guide face 630 of the second guide section 63. In particular, the second guide face 630 is suitably tilted in order to move the pin portion 80 from the second stop position towards the second sliding face 631. Subsequently, during the same rotation of the hook 6 in the first rotation direction R', the pin portion 80 slides along the second sliding face 631, coming in abutment against the second end stop face 632.
With the pin portion 80 in the second end stop position, the hook 6 is situated in the second limit position D where a further rotation in the first direction R' is prevented by the same pin portion 80. Such situation is illustrated in figure 12.
Subsequently, the handle bar 4 is once again released or brought back towards the open position by removing the thrust action on the hook 6 in the first rotation direction R'. In this manner the hook 6 is once again free to rotate in the second rotation direction R" under the elastic action of the elastic means 7.
In such situation the pin portion 80 exits from the second guide section 63 and returns into the stop section 61, in which it is intercepted by the third guide face 611 and brought back into the initial first stop position. In such position the hook 6 remains blocked in the release position B, allowing free movement of the handle bar 4.
Advantageously, the first body 51 comprises a first support framework 510, which is fixed to the first lateral upright 21, has substantially rectangular shape and is provided with a front face, directed towards the second body 52, and a rear face, opposite the front face.
Advantageously, the first support framework 510 of the first body 51 is provided with a central opening 515, made at least on the front face and preferably through.
Advantageously, the first lateral upright 21 comprises a first guide slot 210 to which the first body 51 is fixed, preferably by means of at least one set screw (or screws or rivets or entirely equivalent elements), so as to be able to adjust the height of the first body 51 with respect to the first lateral upright 21.
The first guide slot 210 of the first lateral upright 21 is preferably provided with a vertical extension greater than the vertical extension of the first support framework 510, and is extended preferably along the entire first lateral upright 21, so as to allow the adjustment of the position of the first support framework 510 along the aforesaid first guide slot 210 and allow the correct alignment between the first body 51 and the second body 52.
Advantageously, the first body 51 of the coupling means 5 comprises a rotation shaft 511, which is rotatably connected to the corresponding between the first lateral upright 21 and the handle bar 4, preferably to the first lateral upright 21, and with which the hook 6 is integral in rotation. Advantageously, the hook 6 is rotatable around a second rotation axis T and the rotation shaft 511 is preferably rotatable around the same second rotation axis T.
Preferably, the rotation shaft 511 and the hook 6 are mounted on the first support framework 510 of the first body 51.
More in detail, the first support framework 510 comprises at least one, and preferably two, seats 512 that are at least partially cylindrical, in order to rotatably support the rotation shaft 511. Preferably, the seats 512 are placed on opposite sides of the first support framework 510 and the rotation shaft 511 is provided with two opposite ends, which are engaged with the aforesaid seats 512.
In particular, the seats 512 are of through type and the rotation shaft 511 is housed in a through manner in the seats 512, preferably with the respective opposite ends overhanging.
Advantageously, the hook 6 is made in a single body with the rotation shaft 511 and preferably it is made of a plastic material by means of injection molding.
In accordance with an embodiment variant, the hook 6 can be made of metallic material and can also be made separately from the rotation shaft 511 and be fixed to the latter, for example by means of fitting or welding.
Advantageously, the hook 6 is mounted on a substantially middle portion of the rotation shaft 511, in a manner such to be placed within the central opening 515 of the first support framework 510, in order to potentially allow the complete rotation of the hook 6 around the second rotation axis T.
Advantageously, the elastic means 7 comprises a torsional spring 70, fit on the rotation shaft 511, preferably at one of the two opposite ends of the rotation shaft 511.
Advantageously, the torsional spring 70 comprises a first end 70', integral in rotation with the hook 6, and a second end 70", retained against the corresponding between the first lateral upright 21 and the handle bar 4, preferably against the first lateral upright 21. Preferably, the second end 70" of the torsional spring 70 is retained against the first support framework 510 of the first body 51.
Advantageously, the first body 51 also comprises an auxiliary actuation element 9, integral in rotation with the hook 6 and preferably fit on the rotation shaft 511. Preferably, the first end 70' of the torsional spring 70 is connected to the auxiliary actuation element 9, and preferably fixed to the latter.
The auxiliary actuation element 9 can have hook shape and it can be provided with a curved portion 90, so as to allow acting against the actuation element 9 (rather than directly on the hook 6) in order to also rotate the hook 6, as better described hereinbelow.
For such purpose, the first support framework 510 is provided with a window, made on the front face and preferably through.
Preferably, the aforesaid auxiliary actuation element 9 is placed within the window so to be able to freely rotate.
Advantageously, the first support framework 510 is also provided with an abutment tab 513, projecting towards the interior of the window, against which the second end 70" of the torsional spring 70 is susceptible of abutting, and preferably of being fixed.
Advantageously, on the first body 51, the blocking element 8 is also directly mounted; however it is intended as entirely equivalent to mount the blocking element 8 directly on the first lateral upright 21.
Advantageously, the blocking element 8 is substantially S-shaped and comprises two sections that are substantially parallel to each other and a connector section. More in detail, the blocking element 8 comprises a hinging portion 81, hinged to the support framework 510, and a connector portion 82, preferably orthogonal to the hinging portion 81 and placed to connect between the hinging portion 81 and the pin portion 80.
Advantageously, the blocking element 8 has substantially cylindrical section, is preferably made in a single body and is made of metallic material, e.g. by means of bending. Otherwise, the blocking element 8 can be made of plastic material and be obtained for example by means of injection molding.
Advantageously the first body 51, and preferably the first support framework 510, comprises a first cylindrical housing seat 514, within which the hinging portion 81 is retained, preferably via interference, so as to allow the rotation of the blocking element 8 around the first rotation axis Z.
More in detail, the first body 51, and preferably the first support framework 510, comprises a semicylindrical channel, aligned with the first cylindrical housing seat 514 and in communication with the latter, in order to allow housing and guiding in rotation the entire hinging portion 81 of the blocking element 8.
The second body 52 advantageously comprises a second support framework 521, which is preferably fixed to the handle bar 4.
For such purpose, the handle bar 4 is advantageously provided with a second guide slot 42, made on the front face thereof, directed towards the first lateral upright 21, and the second support framework 521 is preferably housed within the aforesaid second guide slot 42, so as to minimally impact on the width of the handle bar 4.
More in detail, the second body 52, and preferably the second support framework 521 is fixed to the handle bar 4 in the second guide slot 42 by means of at least one set screw (or screws or rivets or entirely equivalent elements), so as to be able to adjust the height of the second body 52 with respect to the handle bar 4.
The second support framework 521 of the second body 52 comprises a central cavity 522, within which the hook 6 is susceptible of being housed in the coupling position (A).
Advantageously, the coupling portion 520 is extended transversely between two opposite sides of the second support framework 521, to at least partially close the central cavity 522.
Advantageously, the hook 6 comprises a concave grip portion 66 provided with a curved profile, and the coupling portion 520 comprises a convex stop wall 53, substantially counter-shaped with respect to the concave grip portion 66 of the hook 6, and facing the direction opposite the first lateral upright 21. Advantageously, the grip portion 66 of the hook 6 in coupling position A is susceptible of abutting against the convex stop wall 53 and defines a thrust point with the latter, at which the convex stop wall 53 exerts a thrust force on the grip portion 66.
Preferably, the grip portion 66 of the hook 6 is extended mainly below the second rotation axis T of the hook 6 along a direction parallel to the winding axis X.
Advantageously the center of rotation of the hook 6 on its second rotation axis T is placed above the thrust point along a direction parallel to the winding axis X. In this manner it is possible, in cases of malfunctions of the coupling means, to disengage the hook 6 from the coupling portion 520 by simply forcing the handle bar 4 away from the first lateral upright 21.
Of course, without departing from the protective scope of the invention, it is possible to provide for an entirely equivalent solution in which the grip portion 66 of the hook 6 is extended mainly above the second rotation axis T of the hook 6 and the center of rotation of the hook 6 on its second rotation axis T is placed below the thrust point along a direction parallel to the winding axis X.
Advantageously, the coupling means 5 comprise at least one manual actuator, mechanically connected to the hook 6 and manually actuatable in order to rotate the hook 6 between the coupling position A and the release position B.
A further independent embodiment of the invention is also provided for, in which at least one manual actuator is provided for, actuatable by a user in order to rotate the hook 6 between a coupling position A and a release position B, but no blocking element 8 is provided for and in particular no pin portion 80 is provided which engages the track 60 of the hook 6.
Advantageously, except for the blocking element 8 and the track 60, the blind 1 according to the aforesaid further embodiment is structurally equivalent to the preferred embodiment described above, having the same characteristics. In the same manner, the above-described preferred embodiment can have the same characteristics as the further independent embodiment described below.
In particular, in accordance with such further embodiment, the fabric roller blind 1 comprises a support frame 2 intended to be fixed to a load-bearing structure at an opening thereof and comprising at least one first lateral upright 21 and at least one second lateral upright 22.
The blind 1 also comprises a take-up roller having a substantially vertical winding axis X, mechanically associated with the second lateral upright 22 of the support frame 2, and carrying a fabric 3 wound that has a first lateral edge fixed to the take-up roller and a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge.
The blind 1 in accordance with the second embodiment also comprises a handle bar 4 to which the second lateral edge of the fabric 3 is fixed and is movable between an open position, in which the handle bar 4 is placed in a position side-by-side the second lateral upright 22, freeing the opening from the fabric 3, and a closed position, in which the handle bar 4 is placed in a distal position with respect to the second lateral upright 22 and adjacent to the first lateral upright 21 with the fabric 3 covering the opening.
The blind 1 also comprises coupling means 5, comprising a first body 51 mechanically connected to one from between the first lateral upright 21 and the handle bar 4 and a second body 52, mechanically connected to the other between the first lateral upright 21 and the handle bar 4 and couplable to the first body 51 in order to retain the handle bar 4 in the closed position.
The second body 52 of the coupling means 5 comprises at least one coupling portion 520, and the first body 51 comprises at least one hook 6, rotatably mounted on one between the first lateral upright 21 and the handle bar 4 and movable between at least one coupling position A, in which it is engaged with the coupling portion 520 in order to retain the handle bar 4 in the closed position, and at least one release position B, in which the hook 6 is disengaged from the coupling portion 520 in order to allow the free movement of the handle bar 4.
The first body 51 also comprises elastic means 7, placed to connect between the hook 6 and the corresponding between the first lateral upright 21 and the handle bar 4 in order to push the hook 6 towards the coupling position A.
In addition, the coupling means 5 comprise at least one manual actuator, mechanically connected to the hook 6 and manually actuatable in order to rotate the hook 6 between the coupling position A and the release position B.
Preferably, the coupling means 5 comprise two manual actuators, of which a first manual actuator 10 is mounted on the handle bar 4, and a second manual actuator 11 is mounted on the first lateral upright 21. Of course, without departing from the protective scope of the present invention, the two manual actuators 10,11 can be alternatively selected, for example selecting to use only one of the two on the blind.
More in detail, the first manual actuator 10 advantageously comprises at least one lever 100 mechanically connected to the handle bar 4 and preferably placed in abutment against a lateral face of the same handle bar 4.
Preferably, the lever 100 is extended between an enlarged section, which defines a grip portion (described more in detail hereinbelow) and a narrow section, which is configured for being housed within the tubular cavity defined by the first lateral upright 21 when the handle bar 4 is in closed position.
Advantageously, the first manual actuator 10 also comprises at least one rotor 101, integral with the lever 100 and mounted on the handle bar 4.
More in detail, the rotor 101 can be mounted directly on the handle bar 4 or it can be mounted on the second body 52, in turn mounted on the handle bar 4.
Advantageously, the second body 52 comprises a second substantially cylindrical housing seat 523, made on one side of the second body 52 directed towards the lateral face of the handle bar 4 on which the lever 100 is placed in abutment and within which the rotor 101 is at least partially housed, free to rotate in the aforesaid second housing seat 523.
Preferably the second cylindrical housing seat 523 is made on the second support framework 521. Preferably the first manual actuator comprises two levers 100, of which a first lever 100 is placed on a first lateral face of the handle bar 4, and a second lever 100 is placed on a second lateral face of the handle bar 4, opposite the first face.
In this case, the second housing seat 523 is through and the rotor 101 is housed in a through manner in the second housing seat 523 and integral with both levers 100.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the first manual actuator 10, illustrated in figures 7 and 8, the second housing seat 523 of the second body 52 is semicylindrical, is made on a rear face of the second body 52, directed towards the handle bar 4. In accordance with the aforesaid preferred embodiment, the second body 52 is fixed to the handle bar 4 with its rear face in abutment against the handle bar 4 and the rotor 101 is retained in the second housing seat 523 between the second body 52 and the handle bar 4.
In this manner, the first manual actuator 10 is engaged with the handle bar 4 by means of the second body 52 and hence it is not necessary to execute any secondary machining (such as for example perforations) on the handle bar 4 in order to allow the fixing of the first manual actuator 10. This allows using the aforesaid first manual actuator 10 with different types of blinds, even if not initially provided for.
In addition, as described above, the second body 52 is engaged with the handle bar 4 by means of the second guide slot 42, such that it can be adjusted height-wise and aligned with the first body 51 before the fixing.
In this manner, the first manual actuator 10, mounted on the second body 52, can be perfectly aligned with the first body 51 such that the release element 102 intercepts the auxiliary actuation element 9, and in particular its curved portion 90, during rotation.
Advantageously, the second body 52, and preferably the second support framework 521, comprises a blocking seat 524, communicating with the second housing seat 523.
Advantageously, the rotor 101 comprises a stop element 101', housed with clearance in the blocking seat 524 in order to limit the rotation of the rotor 101 following the movement of the lever 100.
The first manual actuator 10 also comprises a release element 102, which is extended projecting from the external surface of the rotor 101, preferably from a non-centered portion of the rotor 101. Advantageously, the release element 102 is susceptible of cooperating with the hook 6 in order to move it between the coupling position A and the release position B.
More in detail, each lever 100 is movable between a disengagement position, in which the release element 102 is placed substantially vertically, parallel to the extension direction of the handle bar 4, and an engagement position, in which the release element 102 is rotated towards the first body 51 in order to intercept the hook 6 (or an element connected thereto), making it rotate between the coupling position A and the release position B.
Preferably, when the release element 102 is rotated, it is susceptible of cooperating with the auxiliary actuation element 9 of the first body 51 in order to indirectly rotate the hook 6.
Advantageously, each lever 100 comprises at least one first grip portion, which is grippable by a user in order to rotate the lever 100 between the disengagement position and the engagement position. Preferably, the first grip portion is extended transversely with respect to the face of the handle bar 4 on which the lever 100 is placed, so as to allow an easy grip by a user.
The second manual actuator 11 advantageously comprises a carriage 110, slidably mounted on the first lateral upright 21, and preferably on the first support framework 510 of the first body 51. Advantageously, the carriage 111 is extended substantially parallel to the first support framework 510. More in detail, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, illustrated in figure 5, the first support framework 510 of the first body 51 is provided with two guide portions 516, which are made on the first support framework 510 and projecting from the latter, e.g. projecting from a front face thereof or projecting from two opposite lateral surfaces of the first support framework 510. Advantageously, the second manual actuator 11 comprises two sliding portions 114, which are engaged with the aforesaid guide portions 516 of the first support framework 510 in order to guide the carriage 110 along the first support framework 510.
Advantageously, the second actuator 11 also comprises at least one second grip portion 111, grippable by a user in order to move the second manual actuator 11, and in particular the carriage 110 along the first support framework 510.
Advantageously, the grip portion 111 is placed to partially enclose the two lateral walls 21' of the first lateral upright 21, so as to guide the carriage 110 during movement.
The manual actuator 11 also comprises an interference portion 113, configured for cooperating with the hook 6 (or an element connected thereto) in order to rotate the hook 6 between the coupling position A and the release position B.
Advantageously, the interference portion 113 is in a single body with the carriage 110.
Preferably, the interference portion 113 is configured for cooperating (during the movement of the carriage 111) with the auxiliary actuation element 9 of the first body 51, integral with the hook 6, in order to rotate the latter.
More in detail, the carriage 111 is movable between a raised position, in which the interference portion 113 does not interfere with the hook 6, and a lowered position, in which the interference portion 113 interferes with the auxiliary actuation element 9, rotating it and also rotating the hook 6 therewith. Advantageously, the second manual actuator 11 also comprises at least one spring 112, and preferably two springs 112, interposed between the carriage 110 and the first support framework 510, which is in a rest condition when the carriage 111 is in the aforesaid raised position, and is in a tensioned condition when the carriage 111 is in the lowered position, exerting a return force on the same carriage 111 and allowing the latter to autonomously return into the raised position following the release of the hook 6 from the coupling position A to the release position B.
Of course, without departing from the protective scope of the present invention, it is also possible to provide that the carriage 110 be moved from the bottom upward in order to make the interference portion 113 interfere with the hook 6 (or with an element connected thereto). In this case, of course, the spring 112 is in a rest condition when the carriage 111 is in the lowered position, and it is in a tensioned condition when the carriage 111 is in the raised position.
In this manner, it is possible to release the first body 51 from the second body 52 and allow the free movement of the handle bar 4 also in cases of malfunctioning of the coupling means 5.
The fabric roller blind 1 thus conceived therefore achieves the pre-established objects.

Claims

Fabric roller blind, which comprises:
- a support frame (2) intended to be fixed to a load-bearing structure at one opening thereof and comprising at least one first lateral upright (21) and at least one second lateral upright (22);

- a take-up roller having a substantially vertical winding axis (X), mechanically associated with the second lateral upright (22) of said support frame (2), and carrying a fabric (3) wound thereon that has a first lateral edge fixed to said take-up roller and a second lateral edge opposite said first lateral edge;

- a handle bar (4) which is fixed to the second lateral edge of said fabric (3) and is movable between:
- an open position, in which said handle bar (4) is placed in a position side-by-side said second lateral upright (22), freeing said opening from said fabric (3);

- a closed position, in which said handle bar (4) is placed in a distal position with respect to said second lateral upright (22) and adjacent to said first lateral upright (21) with said fabric (3) covering said opening;

- coupling means (5), comprising a first body (51) mechanically connected to one from between said first lateral upright (21) and said handle bar (4) and a second body (52), mechanically connected to the other from between said first lateral upright (21) and said handle bar (4) and couplable to said first body (51) in order to retain said handle bar (4) in said closed position;

the second body (52) of said coupling means (5) comprising at least one coupling portion (520), and the first body (51) of said coupling means (5) comprising at least one hook (6);

said blind (1) being characterized in that said hook (6) is rotatably mounted on said one from between said first lateral upright (21) and said handle bar (4) and movable between at least one coupling position (A), in which said hook (6) is engaged with said coupling portion (520) in order to retain said handle bar (4) in said closed position, and at least one release position (B), in which said hook (6) is disengaged from said coupling portion (520) in order to allow the free movement of said handle bar (4);

said hook being provided with at least one track (60);

said first body (51) also comprising:
- elastic means (7), placed to connect between said hook (6) and said one from between said first lateral upright (21) and said handle bar (4) in order to push said hook (6) towards said coupling position (A);

- at least one blocking element (8), which is mounted on said one from between said first lateral upright (21) and said handle bar (4), is rotatable around a first rotation axis (Z) and comprises a pin portion (80); said pin portion (80) being extended along a main extension axis (W) substantially parallel to said first rotation axis (Z) and being mechanically engaged with the track (60) of said hook (6), in which it is susceptible of describing a closed trajectory, assuming:
- at least one first stop position, in which it blocks the rotation of said hook (6) towards said coupling position (A); and

- at least one free position, in which it allows the rotation of said hook (6) towards said coupling position (A).
Fabric roller blind according to claim 1, characterized in that the track (60) of said hook (6) comprises:
- at least one stop section (61) defining a concavity in which said pin portion (80) is susceptible of being housed in said stop position;

- at least one first guide section (62) placed downstream of said stop section (61) and configured for releasing said pin portion (80) from said stop position during the rotation of said hook (6);

- at least one second guide section (63) placed upstream of said stop section (61) and configured for bringing said pin portion (80) back into said concavity.
Fabric roller blind according to claim 2, characterized in that said track (60) comprises at least one third guide section (64), interposed between said first guide section (62) and said second guide section (63), in order to guide said pin portion (80) along said track (60) between said first guide section (62) and said second guide section (63); said pin portion (80) being susceptible of assuming at least one second stop position in said third guide section (64), in which it blocks the rotation of said hook (6) beyond said coupling position (A).
Fabric roller blind according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said track (60) is delimited by:
- an external annular surface, which encloses a volume (V), and

- an internal annular surface, placed inside said volume (V) and facing the internal annular surface.
Fabric roller blind according to claim 4, characterized in that said external annular surface is perimetrically extended without interruption.
Fabric roller blind according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said hook (6) comprises at least one lateral surface (65);
said track (60) extended in a depression from the lateral surface (65) of said hook (6).
Fabric roller blind according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first body (51) of said coupling means (5) comprises a rotation shaft (511), rotatably connected to said one from between said first lateral upright (21) and said handle bar (4) and with which said hook (6) is integral in rotation;
said elastic means (7) comprising a torsional spring (70), which is fit on said rotation shaft (511) and comprises a first end (70'), integral in rotation with said hook (6), and a second end (70"), retained against said one from between said first lateral upright (21) and said handle bar (4).
Fabric roller blind according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that:
- said hook (6) comprises a concave grip portion (66) provided with a curved profile,

- said coupling portion (520) comprises a convex stop wall (53), substantially counter-shaped with respect to the concave grip portion (66) of said hook (6), and facing the direction opposite said one from between said first lateral upright (21) and said handle bar (4);
the grip portion (66) of said hook (6) in coupling position (A) being susceptible of abutting against said convex stop wall (53) and defining, with the latter, a thrust point at which said convex stop wall (53) exerts a thrust force on said concave grip portion (66).
Fabric roller blind according to claim 8, characterized in that said hook (6) is rotatably mounted on said one between said first lateral upright (21) and said handle bar (4) around a second rotation axis (T),
wherein the grip portion (66) of said hook (6) is extended mainly below the second rotation axis (T) of said hook (6)

and wherein the center of rotation of said hook (6) on said second rotation axis (T) is placed above said thrust point along a direction parallel to said winding axis (X).
Fabric roller blind according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said coupling means (5) comprise at least one manual actuator, mechanically connected to said hook (6) and manually actuatable in order to rotate said hook (6) between said coupling position (A) and said release position (B).