WO2013123560A1

WO2013123560A1 - Moveable frame arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2013123560A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/000162
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jillian Jolly; Michael Peter Jolly
Original assignee: Jillian Jolly
Priority date: 2012-02-21
Filing date: 2013-02-21
Publication date: 2013-08-29

Abstract

A drive system for moving a frame arrangement along a guide member is disclosed. The frame arrangement includes at least two opposed frame members and the drive system includes drive means concealed within a first frame member of the frame arrangement, first gearing means operable to be driven by the drive means and second gearing means extending longitudinally along the guide member. On operation of the drive means the first gearing means engages with the second gearing means to move the first frame member and hence the frame arrangement along the guide member.

Description

MOVEABLE FRAME ARRANGEMENT

PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2012900641 entitled "MOVEABLE FRAME ARRANGEMENT^'" and filed on 21 February 2012 whose contents are here incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to the mounting of panels, displays, louvres or panels and the like. In a particular aspect, the present invention relates to moveable frame arrangements for these items.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Louvres or panels are often used to provide shade or environmental protection. Typically, while the louvres or panels may be individually rotatatable within a frame to vary the degree of shading or protection there position cannot be changed as they are both statically mounted with respect to a frame and the frame itself does not move. In order to address this shortcoming, moveable systems have been developed where the location of a frame arrangement incorporating a mounted louvre or panel or collection of louvres or panels may be changed with respect to the surface that it is mounted to.

[0004] As an example, in a domestic residence a frame arrangement including a louvre assembly may initially be positioned to partially cover a window to shade against the morning sun and then be moved with respect to the window to provide shade as the sun rises during the day. Generally, these moveable systems employ a track arrangement extending along the length that is being sought to be covered with the frame arrangement then moving along the track either by motorised drive means or manual drive means.

[0005] There are a number of issues that arise from these types of arrangements. One is where the desired path of the mounted louvres or panels is curved. One example would be where a high rise building has a curved exterior and there is a requirement to move the louvre assembly or panels either laterally or vertically in a curved path to accommodate the curved exterior. In this case it is necessary to form the track or guide members, typically by roll forming, to have the same curved path and this can be difficult and costly especially where the length of track is extensive.

[0006] There are also issues with the drive systems that are employed for these arrangements. For the case where an external motor is used to drive a pulley, belt or gear fitted to the frame there is the disadvantage that the frame can only effectively drive the panel over the width of the frame. To maximise the extent of travel, the motor is then fitted at the centre of the required extent of travel. These arrangements also have the disadvantage of the majority of moving components being exposed to the environment resulting in increased wear and the potential for corrosion. As such, these components will typically require enhanced maintenance adding to the overall cost. Another disadvantage is that these types of motorised frame arrangements do not have a "clean" appearance due to the numerous external components and this is further added to by the associated cabling required to power these systems.

[0007] There is therefore a need for a moveable frame arrangement that seeks to address or at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art or to provide a commercial alternative.

SUMMARY

[0008] In a first aspect the present invention accordingly provides a drive system for moving a frame arrangement along a guide member, the frame arrangement including at least two opposed frame members, the drive system including:

drive means concealed within a first frame member of the frame arrangement;

first gearing means operable to be driven by the drive means;

second gearing means extending longitudinally along the guide member, wherein on operation of the drive means the first gearing means engages with the second gearing means to move the first frame member and hence the frame arrangement along the guide member.

[0009] In another form, the second gearing means is concealed within the guide member.

[0010] In another form, wherein the first gearing means is concealed within the guide member.

[001 1] In another form, the second gearing means is a rack gear.

[0012] In another form, the first gearing means is a pinion gear operable to engage with the rack gear.

[0013] In another form, the internal channel adapted to receive at least one trolley arrangement attached to the frame arrangement and moveable along a track located in the channel.

[0014] In another form, the first gearing means engaging the second gearing means is operable to move the trolley arrangement. [0015] In another form, the drive system includes a complementary drive arrangement to drive an opposing frame member at the same speed as the first frame member with respect to an opposing guide member.

[0016] In another form, the complementary drive arrangement is linked to the drive means.

[0017] In another form, the first frame member is oriented in the direction of movement of the frame arrangement.

[0018] In another form, the first frame member is oriented perpendicular to the direction of movement of the frame arrangement.

[0019] In a second aspect" the present invention accordingly provides a drive system for moving a frame arrangement along a guide member in a curved path, the frame arrangement including at least two opposed frame members, the drive system including:

drive means;

first gearing means operable to be driven by the drive means;

second gearing means engageable with the first gearing means to move the frame arrangement along the guide member on operation of the drive means, wherein the guide member is conformable to the curved path.

[0020] In another form, the second gearing means is conformable to the curved path.

[0021] In another form* the guide member is formed from a first wall section, a second wall section and a joining member, wherein the first and second wall sections and joining member are each conformable to the curved path.

[0022] In another form, the first and second wall sections are formed as aluminium extrusions.

[0023] In another form, the second gearing means is concealed within the guide member.

[0024] In a third aspect the present invention accordingly provides a frame arrangement driven by the drive system of either the first or second aspects of the present invention.

[0025] In a fourth aspect the present invention accordingly provides a power system for providing electrical power to a frame arrangement that is moveable along a guide member, the power system including:

electrical power supply means extending continuously along the guide member; electrical contact means operable to move with the frame arrangement and in continuous contact with the electrical power supply means to receive electrical power from the electrical power supply means.

[0026J In another form, the electrical power supply means includes electrically conducting rails mounted in the guide member.

[0027] In another form, the electrically conducting rails are located within a slot arrangement to receive the moving electric contact means as the frame arrangement moves along the guide member.

[0028] In another form, the electrical contact means forms part of a trolley arrangement moving along the guide member and attached to frame arrangement.

[0029] In another form, the electrical power is used to power a motor to move the moveable frame arrangement.

[0030] In another form, the electrical power is used to power an electrical component either mounted to or incorporated into the frame arrangement.

[0031] In another form, the electrical component is any one of:

a motor drive for changing the orientation of panels or louvers mounted to the frame

arrangement;

a lighting arrangement;

a display;

a motorised screen; or

a roller blind.

[0032] In another form, the frame arrangement is moveable along a curve path and wherein the electrical power supply means is conformable to the curved path.

[0033] In a fifth aspect the present invention accordingly provides a frame arrangement powered by the power system of the fourth aspect of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a louvre panel installation incorporating moveable frame arrangements in accordance with various illustrative embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 is a detailed perspective view of one of the moveable frame arrangements illustrated in Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 3 is a detailed cut-away perspective view of a drive system for the frame arrangement illustrated in Figure 2 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 is a side end on view of the drive system illustrated in Figure 3;

[0039] Figure 5 is a top perspective view depicting the gearing arrangement for the drive system illustrated in Figure 3;

[0040] Figure 6 is a figurative view of the drive system illustrated in Figure 3 depicting the motorised drive and the drive assembly employed to move the frame arrangement;

[0041 ] Figure 7 is a detailed view depicting the linkages between individual support members of the frame arrangement illustrated in Figure 2; and

[0042] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a frame arrangement employing a drive system in accordance with a further illustrative embodiment.

[0043] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a louvre panel installation 300 incorporating a number of different frame arrangements 100 that are moveable along guide members 1 , 22. In this illustrative embodiment, where louvre panel installation is for a building have a curved exterior, frame arrangements 100 move along a convex curved path but equally the present invention may be applied to frame arrangements moving in straight path, convex curved path or any combination of curved and/or straight sections. Furthermore, while frame arrangements 1 00 are shown to be moveable laterally in this illustrative embodiment, it would be appreciated that the arrangements could follow any path up, down, or diagonally in accordance with the positioning and orientation of guide members 1 , 22. [0045] In this illustrative embodiment, frame arrangements 100 incorporate a number of individual mounting members 205 extending between in this example top and bottom frame members 20, 23 respectively. In this embodiment, individual glass louvre panes 200 are rotatably mounted to each mounting member by top and bottom mounting supports 210, 220, Furthermore, in this illustrative embodiment, top and bottom frame members 20,^' 23 are appropriately curved in line with the curved path that is to be followed.

[0046] Referring now to Figures 3-6 there are shown various view of a drive system 400 for frame arrangement 100 according to an illustrative embodiment. Drive system 400 includes a drive means in the form of a motor 13 mounted to a mounting plate 14 that is mounted to and concealed within top frame member 20 of frame arrangement 100. In other embodiments, drive means may be manually actuated using a crank or the like. Motor 13 drives gearbox 1 1 which is also mounted and concealed within frame member 20 by shaft 12 that in turn drives a first gearing means in the form of a pinion gear 7 by vertical drive shaft 8 which in turn engages with second gearing means in the form of a rack gear 6 that is seated within a side channel 33 that extends along guide member 1.

[0047] Vertical drive shaft 8 is supported in its orientation by twin bearing blocks 21 one mounted to gear box 1 1 and again concealed within frame member 20 and the second mounted on the top of frame member 20 and also functioning as a spacer member between top frame member 20 and the bottom of guide member 1.

[0048] Guide member 1 includes a central channel 40 to accommodate a trolley for frame arrangement 100 consisting of a trolley body 15 having a pair of trolley wheels 17 formed in this embodiment from stainless steel and each including a groove that sits on opposed elongate tracks or trolley running beads 16 mounted in side channel sections 34 formed in the bottom of opposed wall portions l a, lb of guide member 1. Vertical drive shaft 8 extends from motor 13, through bearing blocks 21 and trolley body 15 and then terminates in pinion gear 7 (as best shown in Figure 4). In this manner, frame arrangement 100 hangs from guide member 1 and is able to move freely by virtue of the trolley arrangement. At least one other trolley arrangement (not necessarily motorised) is typically employed to support the other end of frame arrangement 100. Further intermediate trolley arrangements, either motorised or not, may also be employed as required depending on the size and weight of the frame arrangement and associated mounted or incorporated articles.

[0049] Drive system 400 further includes a power system for providing electrical power to the frame arrangement 100 consisting of an electrical power supply means in the form of a pair of power supply tracks 2 mounted within a power contact housing 19, this combination in turn mounted within and extending between the rear and front portions la, l b along guide member 1. Electrical power supply means further includes contact terminals 44 that are connected to mains power and which supply electrical power to power supply tracks 2.

[00501 Each track 2 includes an upwardly oriented slot 36 incorporating a continuous contact rail 3 formed of an electrically conductive material such as brass or the like. Slots 36 function to receive an electrical contact means in the form of a spring loaded plates 4 also formed of an electrically conductive material such as brass and located on the top of power supply pick-up housing 5 which in turn is mounted to the side of trolley body 15. Plates 4 when received within the track 2 will form an electrical connection with brass contact rails 3 to receive electrical power which is then supplied to frame arrangement 100 by a wiring arrangement that extends down to top frame member 20 and through to motor 13.

[0051 ] Although in this illustrative embodiment electrical power supply is principally utilised to power electric motor 13 to move frame arrangement 100 along guide member 1 , in other embodiments the electrical power supply may be employed to power items mounted to or forming part of the frame arrangement. In this example, frame arrangement includes a plurality of glass louvre planes 200 rotatably mounted and linked together by linkages 230 (as best seen in Figure 7).

[0052] In a further embodiment, linkages 230 may be moved by an electronic actuator powered by the electrical power supply provided to the frame arrangement. In other embodiments, frame arrangement may include an electronic display, or lighting or other types of panel, blind or screen arrangements which will be able to powered by a power system in accordance with the present invention. In yet another embodiment, moveable frame arrangement may be moved manually but still require an electrical supply to power components either mounted to or incorporated into the frame arrangement.

[0053] In this illustrative embodiment directed to a moving frame arrangement 100 on a curved path, guide member 1 is formed as a pair of symmetrical aluminium extrusions l a , l b which because of their form factor of being elongate thin wall sections may be easily curved about a curved surface such as depicted in Figure 1. Similarly, rack gear 6 and running beads 16 because of their form factor may be easily curved about a curved surface.

[0054] To install drive system 400, the rear wall section l a of guide member 1 , incorporating running bead 16, is attached by brackets to the mounting surface such as a building exterior or the like. As discussed previously, because of its thin wall form factor it may be easily curved. If the frame arrangement 100 is to be motorised then gear rack 6 is inserted in receiving channel 33. Power contact housing 19, which in this illustrative embodiment is formed from extruded aluminium sections cut to size, is then installed which incorporates the track contact housing 2 formed from a non-electrically conducting material such as high density polypropylene (HDPP) which is extruded and/or machined to the correct profile and the contact rails 3. Each of these components is designed to be flexible so that they may curve in line with the rear wall section of guide member 1. Next the front wall section lb of guide member 1 is attached to power contact housing 19 (as best seen in Figure 4) which functions as a joining member to complete the construction of guide member 1.

[0055] As the rear and front wall sections la, lb are formed separately they may be of different lengths. Accordingly, in those circumstances where multiple wall sections are joined together to form a continuous length, the joins between contiguous sections may be set off with respect to each other for the front and rear wall sections. This aids in ensuring smooth operation of the trolley arrangement as the trolley wheels 17 only roll over one join between wall sections at a time.

[0056] In this illustrative embodiment, the drive system 400 of frame arrangement 100 includes a complementary drive arrangement 600 (as best shown in Figure 4). Complementary drive arrangement 600 functions to positively drive the bottom frame member 23 at the same speed as top frame member 20. This ensures that top and bottom or opposed frame members 20, 23 move at the same rate which ensures smooth movement of the frame arrangement and also aids in maintaining its square configuration, thereby preventing jamming during movement.

[0057] Complementary drive arrangement 600 in this illustrative embodiment includes a downward extension of vertical drive shaft 8 through mounting member 205 which in this example forms a sleeve. Shaft 8 further extends through bottom frame member 23 having a further bearing block 21 to maintain vertical alignment of shaft 8. Shaft 8 then exits bottom frame member 23 and extends through slot 46 of bottom guide member 22 where it terminates in lower pinion gear 9 captured within an internal channel 64 of guide member 22. Bottom guide member 22 further incorporates a rack gear 10 mounted to an inner side wall of internal channel 64 in a similar manner to the rack gear 6 incorporated into guide member 1.

[0058] Bottom guide member 22 is formed in a similar manner as top guide member 1 incorporating front and rear wall sections and a joining member (not shown) which each individually may be appropriately curved to follow the desired curved path.

[0059] In another illustrative embodiment, the primary drive system 400 is located in the bottom frame member 23 and guide member 22 and the complementary drive arrangement 600 is located in the top frame member 20 and guide member 1.

[0060] In operation, activation of motor 13 causes vertical drive shaft 8 to rotate. As described previously, this drives the movement of frame arrangement 100 by virtue of the engagement of top pinion gear 7 with top rack gear 6. Synchronised with this is the engagement of bottom pinion gear 9 with bottom rack gear 10 ensuring that both the top and bottom (or opposed ends) of frame arrangement 100 are driven at the same speed. It will be appreciated by those or ordinary skill in the art that initial actuation of vertical drive shaft 8 may be by both manual or motorised means. In the case of a motor, once power is removed then the magnetic resistance of the motor will cause frame arrangement 100 to stop moving.

[0061] While in this illustrative embodiment, complementary drive arrangement 600 is directly dependent on the drive system 400 by virtue of shared drive shaft 8 in other embodiments the complementary drive arrangement 600 may be driven by a secondary motor that is synchronised to primary motor 13 by electronic means so that activation of motor 13 will result in simultaneous operation of secondary motor.

[0062] Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a frame arrangement 500 according to a further illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In this illustrative embodiment the drive means is . located in side frame member 530 i.e. in a frame member that is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the frame arrangement as opposed frame arrangement 500 where the drive means is located in top frame member 20 i.e. i n a frame member that is in the direction of travel of the frame member. In this manner, drive means can drive a vertical drive shaft extending tlirough side frame member 530 terminating at both ends in pinion gears that engage with respective rack gears mounted in top and bottom guide members 1 , 22 as has been described previously. Drive means may be either motorised or manually operated.

[0063] The frame arrangements and associated drive and power systems provided a number of significant advantages over prior art designs. By concealing and integrating the drive means within a frame member, this improves the appearance of the frame arrangements. Furthermore, the positioning of drive means within the frame member also protects it from the effects of the environment. This is especially the case, where the drive means is an electric motor or the like. Further concealing the gearing means in the guide member that operates in combination with the drive means to move the frame also further improves the appearance of the frame arrangement.

[0064] A further problem with prior art moveable frame arrangements is that they have not been easily adapted to situations where they are required to move on a curve path. By having the guide member conformable to the curved pathnhis greatly simplifies the installation of the frame arrangement as the guide member does not need to be pre-fabricated in preformed curved sections. Furthermore, as the rack gear is also conformable to the curved path this also simplifies installation.

[0065] The illustrative embodiments also depict a power system that shares the advantages of the drive system in that it is readily concealed within the guide member further improving the appearance and also that it is able to be implemented in a curved path configuration for those circumstances where the frame arrangement is to move in a curved path. In one embodiment, the power supply is continuous and individual powered items such as motors or displays are individually controlled by controller circuitry which can also be remotely controlled. In another embodiment, such as with simple motorised moving frame arrangement, the power supply may be turned on or off to in turn activate and deactivate the motor.

[0066] For ease of description, frame arrangements embodying the present invention are described below in their usual assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal etc., may be used with reference to this usual position. However, the frame arrangements may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown herein. As an example, frame arrangements 100, 500 are depicted as moving laterally or sideways. However, guide members 1 , 22 may be oriented in a vertical orientation and as a result frame arrangement may be adapted to move in a vertical direction as desired.

[0067] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0068] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0069] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A drive system for moving a frame arrangement along a guide member, the frame arrangement including at least two opposed frame members, the drive system including:

drive means concealed within a first frame member of the frame arrangement;

first gearing means operable to be driven by the drive means;

2. The drive system of claim 1, wherein the second gearing means is concealed within the guide member.

3. The drive system of claim 2, wherein the first gearing means is concealed within the guide member.

4. The drive system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second gearing means is a rack gear.

5. The drive system of claim 4, wherein the first gearing means is a pinion gear operable to engage with the rack gear.

6. The drive system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherei the guide member includes an internal channel, the internal channel adapted to receive at least one trolley arrangement attached to the frame arrangement and moveable along a track located in the channel.

7. The drive system of claim 6, wherein the first gearing means engaging the second gearing means is operable to move the trolley arrangement.

8. The drive system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive system includes a complementary drive arrangement to drive an opposing frame member at the same speed as the first frame member with respect to an opposing guide member.

9. The drive system of claim 8, wherein the complementary drive arrangement is linked to the drive means.

10. The drive system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first frame member is oriented in the direction of movement of the frame arrangement.

1 1. The drive system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first frame member is oriented perpendicular to the direction of movement of the frame arrangement .

12. A drive system for moving a frame arrangement along a guide member in a curved path, the frame arrangement including at least two opposed frame members, the drive system including:

drive means;

first gearing means operable to be driven by the drive means;

13. The drive system of claim 12, wherein the second gearing means is conformable to the curved path.

14. The drive system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the guide member is formed from a first wall section, a second wall section and a joining member, wherein the first and second wall sections and joining member are each conformable to the curved path.

15. The drive system of claim 14, wherein the first and second wall sections are formed as aluminium extrusions.

16. The drive system of any one of clanis 12 to 15, wherein the second gearing means is concealed within the guide member.

17. A frame arrangement driven by the drive system of any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A power system for providing electrical power to a frame arrangement that is moveable along a guide member, the power system including:

electrical power supply means extending continuously along the guide member;

electrical contact means operable to move with the frame arrangement and in continuous contact with the electrical power supply means to receive electrical power from the electrical power supply means.

1 . The power system of claim 18, wherein the electrical power supply means includes electrically conducting rails mounted in the guide member.

20. The power system of claim 19, wherein the electrically conducting rails are located within a slot arrangement to receive the moving electric contact means as the frame arrangement moves along the guide member.

21. The power system of claim 20, wherein the electrical contact means forms part of a trolley arrangement moving along the guide member and attached to frame arrangement.

22. The power system of any one of claims 18 to 21 , wherein the electrical power is used to power a motor to move the moveable frame arrangement.

23. The power system of any one of claim 18 to 22, wherein the electrical power is used to power an electrical component either mounted to or incorporated into the frame arrangement.

24. The power system of claim 23, wherein the electrical component is any one of:

a motor drive for changing the orientation of panels or louvers mounted to the frame arrangement;

a lighting arrangement;

a display;

a motorised screen; or

a roller blind.

25. The power system of any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the frame arrangement is moveable along a curve path and wherein the electrical power supply means is conformable to the curved path.

26. A frame arrangement powered by the power system of any one of claims 18 to 25.