ROLLING SHUTTER FOR WINDOWS WITH ADJUSTABLE FIXABLE SLATS

Abstract

 A rolling shutter (100) for windows comprises: adjustable slats (1), actuation means (3) comprising modular elements (31) connected in such a way to form two vertical chains (30), a plurality of caps (12) disposed in an end opening of the adjustable slats (1) and revolvingly connected to a modular element (31) of the actuation means, a winding shaft (2) connected to the chains (30). Each cap (12) comprises: a first element (13) inserted into one of the end openings of the adjustable slat (1), a second element (14) connected to the modular element (31) of one of the chains (30), and coupling/uncoupling means (15) configured in such a way to couple/uncouple the first element (13) to/from the second element (14) of the cap (12) when the rolling shutter is installed in the window.

Description

[0001] The present patent application for industrial invention relates to a rolling shutter for windows with adjustable fixable slats.

[0002] Normally, the rolling shutters of the prior art comprise:

• a plurality of mobile adjustable horizontal slats,
• a winding shaft of the rolling shutter, and
• actuation means of the slats disposed inside vertical lateral guides obtained on the lateral walls of the window.

[0003] The actuation means are connected to the ends of each adjustable slat on one side, and to the winding shaft on the other side in order to translate and rotate the adjustable slats.

[0004] Otherwise said, the actuation means allow for the simultaneous translation of all adjustable slats in descending and ascending travels in order to open or close the rolling shutter. During the ascending travel of the rolling shutter, the adjustable slats are progressively wound around the winding shaft.

[0005] Moreover, the actuation means allow for the simultaneous rotation of each adjustable slat around a horizontal axis in parallel direction to the axis of the winding shaft, such as the longitudinal axis of the adjustable slat. In view of the above, when the rolling shutter is lowered, the adjustable slats can be in a first position, wherein all the adjustable slats lie in adjacent position on the same vertical plane, forming a screen that prevents the light from passing, and in a second position, wherein the adjustable slats lose their coplanar position, being overturned by 90° and spaced, creating a set of empty spaces to let the light or the air pass.

[0006] Such rolling shutters of the prior art are impaired by a drawback because they are difficult to install. In fact, the rolling shutter is initially assembled by joining together the adjustable slats and the relevant actuation means. After being assembled, the rolling shutter is wound on the winding shaft, in such a way to reduce the volume and facilitate transportation to the site where the rolling shutter is to be installed. Otherwise said, the installer needs to handle a heavy roll, the weight of which depends on the number and on the width of the adjustable slats of the rolling shutter. As it is known, the dimensions of windows in buildings are becoming larger and larger, and therefore said rolls are difficult and cumbersome to handle.

[0007] EP2985405 discloses a modular mechanism used to support and actuate the slats of a sunbreaker slat. Such a modular mechanism comprises a plurality of modules that are joined in such a way to form an articulated chain. Each module comprises a cap element inserted in one end of an adjustable slat of a sunbreaker, a lid that revolvingly supports the cap element and a support that supports the lid. A hinging pin is provided for revolvingly connecting a module to another module, in such a way to form an articulated chain that can be wound around a winding roller. In order to install a rolling shutter provided with the modular mechanism of EP2985405, one module must be installed at one end of a slat. Two modules are necessary for each slat. Successively, the modules are joined together to form two articulated chains. One end of each articulated chain is fixed to the winding roller in such a way to obtain the rolling shutter. The rolling shutter, which is already assembled, is installed in the window. The modular mechanism of EP2985405 is impaired by the fact that the various slats of the rolling shutter must be connected to the mechanism outside the secondary frame of the window. Successively, the rolling shutter in assembled condition can be installed in the secondary frame of the window. Evidently, in such a case, the installation of an assembled rolling shutter in the secondary frame of the window is a complicated cumbersome operation that requires the work of several installers.

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by disclosing an adjustable rolling shutter that is easy to transport, to install and to mount.

[0009] Another purpose is to disclose an adjustable rolling shutter that is practical, reliable and easy to use.

[0010] These purposes are achieved according to the invention with the characteristics of the appended independent claim 1.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments appear from the dependent claims.

[0012] The adjustable rolling shutter of the invention is defined by claim 1.

[0013] The advantages of the rolling shutter of the invention are evident, wherein the provision of end caps with two coupling elements allows for mounting the adjustable slats after installing the relevant actuation means in the window.

[0014] For the sake of clarity, the description of the rolling shutter according to the invention continues with reference to the appended drawings, which have a merely illustrative, not limiting value, wherein:

• Fig. 1 is an axonometric view of a rolling shutter according to the invention during a first installation step;
• Fig. 2 is an axonometric view of a rolling shutter according to the invention during a second installation step;
• Fig. 3 is an axonometric view of a rolling shutter according to the invention during a third installation step;
• Figs. 4 and 5 are axonometric views of caps of the adjustable slats of the rolling shutter according to the invention, taken from different angles.

[0015] With reference to Figs. 1 to 3, a rolling shutter according to the invention is disclosed, which is generally indicated with reference numeral (100).

[0016] The rolling shutter (100) is of adjustable type and is suitable for being installed in a window.

[0017] The rolling shutter (100) comprises:

• a plurality of adjustable slats (1),
• actuation means (3) suitable for supporting the adjustable slats (1) and for being slidingly disposed inside lateral vertical guides (G) obtained on lateral walls of the window, and
• a winding shaft (2) of the rolling shutter (100) connected to the actuation means (3) and to manual or motorized actuation means of known type.

[0018] Each adjustable slat (1) is shaped like a section with an axis (X) and two end openings.

[0019] The actuation means (3) allow for simultaneously translating all the adjustable slats (1) in descending and ascending vertical travels, in such a way that the rolling shutter (100) can completely or partially close the space of the window. Moreover, the actuation means (3) allows for simultaneously rotating each adjustable slat (1) around a horizontal axis that is parallel to the axis (X) of the adjustable slat.

[0020] When the rolling shutter is completely lowered, the actuation means (3) allow for disposing the adjustable slats (1) in two different positions:

• a first position, wherein the adjustable slats (1) lie on the same vertical plane, in adjacent position, forming a screen that prevents the light from passing, and
• a second position, wherein the adjustable slats (1) lie on inclined planes relative to a vertical plane, creating a set of empty spaces to let the light or the air pass.

[0021] The actuation means (3) comprise modular elements (31) connected in such a way as to form a chain (30). The rolling shutter (100) comprises two chains (30) disposed in vertical position in the two end openings of the adjustable slats (1) to support and actuate the adjustable slats (1).

[0022] Each modular element (31) of each chain (30) is associated with a corresponding adjustable slat (1). The adjustable slats (1) are disposed between the two chains (30). Each modular element (31) is connected to one end of the adjustable slat (1).

[0023] The rolling shutter (100) comprises connection means (4) for connecting the actuation means (3) with the winding shaft (2).

[0024] Each chain (30) is provided with a modular element disposed at the upper end of the chain.

[0025] The connection means (4) comprise:

• a pair of openable collars (41) suitable for tightening the winding shaft (2), and
• a pair of curved brackets (40).

[0026] Each curved bracket (40) is hinged to the openable collar (41) and to a modular element disposed at one upper end of the chain.

[0027] The winding shaft (2) has a polygonal cross-section, more precisely an octagonal shape to favor the grip with the openable collars (41). Each openable collar (41) has an internal surface that comprises a plurality of facets compatible with the octagonal shape of the winding shaft (2) in order to prevent a rotation of the winding shaft relative to the openable collars.

[0028] The application of a rotational movement on the winding shaft (2) in the direction that corresponds to the progressive lifting of the roller shutter (100) will simultaneously determine:

• a rotation of the openable collars (41),
• a winding of the brackets (40) around the winding shaft (2);
• a pull of the chains (30) that are lifted and wound around the openable collars (41); the lifting and the winding of the chains correspond to a simultaneous lifting and winding of all the adjustable slats (1) supported by the chains (30).

[0029] The brackets (40) have a radius of curvature that corresponds to the radius of curvature of the openable collars (41), in such a way to be wound around them.

[0030] Advantageously, the roller shutter (100) comprises non-adjustable slats (10) disposed in an upper and/or lower portion of the rolling shutter (100) in order to reinforce the rolling shutter (100) during the installation. For example, the rolling shutter (100) comprises three non-adjustable slats (10) disposed in an upper portion of the rolling shutter (100) above the adjustable slats (1), and one non-adjustable slat (10) disposed in a lower portion of the rolling shutter (100) under the adjustable slats (1). Said non-adjustable slat (10) disposed under the adjustable slats (1) is fixed to a modular element of the actuation means disposed at a lower end of the chain and is suitable for being stopped against a windowsill when the rolling shutter (100) is closed.

[0031] The rolling shutter comprises a plurality of caps (12), wherein each cap (12) is suitable for being inserted in each end opening of each adjustable slat.

[0032] With reference to Figs. 4 and 5, each cap (12) comprises a first element (13) and a second element (14) that can be coupled/uncoupled by means of coupling/uncoupling means (15).

[0033] The first element (13) is suitable for being inserted into one of the end openings of the adjustable slat (1). Advantageously, the first element (13) of the cap (12) comprises a hole (13a) for inserting an ordinary screw (not shown in the figures) to fix said first element (13) to the end of the adjustable slat (1).

[0034] Moreover, the first element (13) comprises projections (13b) that can be inserted inside the adjustable slat (1).

[0035] The second element (14) of the cap (12) is suitable for being connected to the modular element (31) of the chain (30), by means of a connection element (14a) that is suitable for driving said second element (14) both in alternate vertical travels and in rotations relative to the axis (X) of each adjustable slat (1). A connection mechanism connects the second element of the cap (12) and the modular element (31) of the chain (30). Said connection method is of known type and therefore its description is omitted.

[0036] The coupling/uncoupling means (15) are configured in such a way to couple/uncouple the first element (13) to/from the second element (14) of the cap (12) when the rolling shutter is mounted in the window, making the first element (13) slide on the second element (14) without moving the first element and the second element in a parallel direction relative to the axis (X) of the adjustable slat.

[0037] In fact, the first element (13) slides on the second element (14) in orthogonal direction relative to the axis (X) of the adjustable slat because the rolling shutter occupies the entire width of the opening of the window and therefore a movement of the adjustable (1) in parallel direction relative to the axis (X) of the adjustable slat is not possible.

[0038] The coupling/uncoupling means (15) comprise a flexible striker (15a) disposed on the second element (14) of the cap (12) and a slot (15b) obtained on the first element (13) of the cap (12) and suitable for housing and fastening the striker (15a), in such a way that the second element (14) of the cap is fastened to the first element (13) of the cap.

[0039] More precisely, by causing the mutual sliding movement of the two elements (13, 14) of the cap (12), the flexible striker (15a) is elastically bent backwards when the flexible striker (15a) interferes with the first element (13) of the cap. Then, said flexible striker (15a) is moved forward when the slot (15b) and the flexible striker (15a) are interfaced, causing the penetration of the striker (15a) in the slot (15b) and the automatic fastening of the two elements (13, 14) of the cap (12).

[0040] Advantageously, the first element (13) comprises an enlarged perimeter edge (13c) comprising:

• two lateral sections (13d) suitable for acting as guide for the sliding movement of the second element (14) relative to the first element (13), and
• one end section (13e) suitable for acting as stop for the sliding movement of the second element (14) relative to the first element (13).

[0041] The enlarged perimeter edge (13c) of the first element (13) is provided with an opening used to insert the second element (14) between the two lateral sections (13d) of the enlarged perimeter edge (13c) of the first element (13).

[0042] This description continues with reference to the installation process of the rolling shutter (100) in a window.

[0043] Such a process begins by pre-assembling a kit formed of the two chains (30) of modular elements (31), of the second elements (14) of the caps (12), of the connection means (4) and of the non-adjustable slats (10). The pre-assembling step is advantageously carried out in the workshop, before transporting the pre-assembled kit to the building site.

[0044] More precisely, with reference to Fig. 1, the first operation is the formation of the two chains (30) of modular elements (31), with a length that evidently depends on the height of the rolling shutter (100) to be made.

[0045] Each chain (30) incorporates the second element (14) of each cap (12), given that said second element (14) is suitable for supporting and moving the corresponding adjustable slat (1). During such a step, it is also necessary to connect the two opposite chains (30) with said non-adjustable slats (10), which are fixed to special modular elements (31') of the chains (30) that are not capable of rotating around a horizontal axis that is parallel to the axis of the winding shaft (2). The provision of the non-adjustable slats (10) allows for reinforcing the structure of the rolling shutter (100) before the adjustable slats (1) are mounted. Without the non-adjustable slats (10), it would be impossible to space the chains (30) correctly.

[0046] The two chains (30) of elements (31) are connected at the base of the corresponding bracket (40).

[0047] After performing the aforementioned pre-assembled operation in the workshop, the pre-assembled kit can be transported to the building site where the installers will install the pre-assembled kit on the window and will mount the adjustable slats (1).

[0048] More precisely, the pre-assembled kit is installed on the window by inserting each chain (30) in one of the lateral guides (G) obtained on the lateral walls of the window, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0049] Such an operation is easy and effortless because said pre-assembled kit is much lighter than the rolling shutter provided with all the adjustable slats (10) and with the winding shaft (2).

[0050] The following operation consists in connecting the winding shaft (2) to the chains (30), by inserting and tightening the winding shaft (2) into the openable collars (41), as shown in Fig. 3, while disposing the winding shaft (2) in corresponding support housings provided at the opposite ends of the winding shaft (2).

[0051] The final operation consists in mounting the adjustable slats (1) after completely lowering the chains (30) until the non-adjustable slat (10) in lower position is stopped against the windowsill. Before fixing the adjustable slats (1) to the two chains (30), the second element (14) of the cap (12) must be placed in horizontal position. All the adjustable slats (1) need to be provided with the first elements (13) of the caps (12) before the individual adjustable slats (1) are mounted.

[0052] Each adjustable slat (1) is disposed in the position it occupies when the adjustable slats (1) are in the second spaced-out non-coplanar position. The adjustable slat (1) is inserted between the two chains (30), making each first element (13) of the cap slide on the second element (14) of the cap (12), in such a way that the coupling/uncoupling means will fix the first element (15) to the second element (14).

[0053] In particular, each first element (13) of the cap (12) slides on the second element (14) of the cap (12) fixed to the modular element (31). The sliding movement ends when the slot (15b) of the coupling/uncoupling means is interfaced with the flexible striker (15a), which is triggered inside the slot (15b), fastening the first element (13) to the second element (14) of the cap (12).

[0054] Such an operation is repeated for all the adjustable slats (10).

[0055] Evidently, the provision of end caps (12) with two elements (13, 14) that are suitable for being coupled with the coupling/uncoupling means (15) allows for mounting the adjustable slats (10) after installing the connection means, the actuation means and the non-adjustable slats in the window.

[0056] Although not shown in the figures, the flexible striker (15a) can be obtained on the first element (13) of the cap (12) and the slot (15b) can be obtained on the second element (14) of the cap (12).

[0057] Numerous variations and modifications can be made to the present embodiment of the invention, which are within the reach of an expert of the field, falling in any case within the scope of the invention as disclosed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Rolling shutter (100) for window, comprising:

- a plurality of adjustable slats with an axis (X) and end openings,

- actuation means (3) comprising modular elements (31) connected in such a way to form two chains (30) in vertical position;

- a plurality of caps (12), wherein each cap (12) is disposed in an end opening of each adjustable slat (1) and is revolvingly connected to a modular element (31) of the actuation means, in such a way that the axis (X) of the slats is disposed in horizontal position and the slats (1) can be oriented around a horizontal axis,

- a winding shaft (2) connected to said chains (30) to wind and unwind said adjustable slats (1) around said shaft;

wherein each cap (12) comprises:

- a first element (13) inserted into one of the end openings of the adjustable slat (1), and

- a second element (14) connected to the modular element (31) of one of the chains (30),

characterized in that
said cap (12) comprises coupling/uncoupling means (15) configured in such a way to couple/uncouple the first element (13) to/from the second element (14) of the cap (12), when the rolling shutter is mounted in the window, making the first element (13) slide on the second element (14), without having to move the first element and the second element in parallel direction relative to the axis (X) of the adjustable slat.

2. The rolling shutter (100) of claim 1, wherein said coupling/uncoupling means (15) of the cap (12) comprise a flexible striker (15a) and a slot (15b) suitable for housing and fastening said flexible striker (15a).

3. The rolling shutter (100) of claim 2, wherein the flexible striker (15a) is disposed on the second element (14) of the cap (12) and the slot (15b) is obtained on the first element (13) of the cap (12).

4. The rolling shutter (100) of claim 2, wherein the flexible striker (15a) is disposed on the first element (13) of the cap (12) and the slot (15b) is obtained on the second element (14) of the cap (12).

5. The rolling shutter (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first element (13) of the cap (12) comprises a hole (13a) for inserting a screw used to fix said first element (13) to the end of the adjustable slat (1).

6. The rolling shutter (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first element (13) of the cap (12) comprises two projections (13b) that can be inserted in the adjustable slat (1).

7. The rolling shutter (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first element (13) comprises an enlarged perimeter edge (13c) comprising:

- two lateral sections (13d) suitable for acting as guide for the sliding movement of the second element (14) relative to the first element (13),

- one end section (13e) suitable for acting as stop for the sliding movement of the second element (14) relative to the first element (13), and

- an opening used to insert the second element (14) between the two lateral sections (13d) of the enlarged perimeter edge (13c) of the first element (13).

8. The rolling shutter (100) of any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one non-adjustable slat (10) disposed in an upper and/or lower part of the rolling shutter (100), wherein the non-adjustable slats (10) are fixed to the chains (30) in a non-adjustable way.

9. Installation process of a rolling shutter (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in a window; said process providing for the steps of:

- pre-assembling a kit formed of the two chains (30) of modular elements (31) and of the second elements (14) of the caps (12);

- installing the pre-assembled kit on the window, by inserting each chain (30) in a lateral guide (G) obtained on lateral walls of the window;

- connecting the winding shaft (2) to the chains (30);

- lowering the chains completely;

- disposing the second element (14) of the caps (12) in horizontal position;

- inserting the first element (13) of each cap (12) into each end opening of each adjustable slate (1);

- mounting the individual adjustable slats (11), by inserting each adjustable slat (11) between the two chains (30) and making each first element (13) of the cap slide on the corresponding second element (14) of the cap (12), in such a way that the coupling/uncoupling means will fasten the first element (15) to the second element (14).

10. The process of claim 9, wherein the coupling/uncoupling means (15) comprise a flexible striker (15a) that is triggered inside a slot (15b).

11. The process of claim 9 or 10, wherein another step is provided before the step of installing the pre-assembled kit on the window, which consists in connecting the two chains (30) with non-adjustable slats (10) fixed in non-adjustable mode to the two chains (30).

Drawing