DEVICE FOR ATTACHING ROLLING SHUTTERS

Abstract

 A device for attaching rolling shutters relating to a device whose purpose is to provide an attachment means between the first slat or upper slat of a slatted rolling shutter and the tubular rolling shaft of the same, which consists of a strap made up of several links and constitutes, at the same time, a means of security to prevent the rolling shutter from being lifted by pushing the slats from below and it only allows said lifting by rotating said shaft, due to the configuration of the gripping means of the same with the tubular shaft and the means of security that prevent said undue lifting of the rolling shutter.

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention, a device for attaching rolling shutters, relates to a device whose purpose is to provide attachment means between the first slat or upper slat of a slatted rolling shutter and the tubular rolling shaft of the same, which consists of a strap made up of several links and constitutes, at the same time, a means of security to prevent the rolling shutter from being lifted by pushing the slats from below and it only allows said lifting by rotating said shaft, due to the configuration of the gripping means of the same with the tubular shaft and the means of security that prevent said undue lifting of the rolling shutter.

[0002] The field of application of the present invention falls within the sector of the slatted rolling shutter manufacturing industry, especially focusing on the area of accessory elements for attaching the slats to the rolling shaft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The traditional way of attaching rolling shutter slats to the rolling shaft is by using strips fixed by rivets or similar systems, so that one side is on the rolling tube and the other side is on the upper slat of the rolling shutter. However, more effective and more secure solutions are used today, especially those intended to prevent the rolling shutter from being raised by forcing the slats upward, and to ensure that it can only be moved by rotating the shaft.

[0004] One known example of said solutions is patent EP684362, which describes an automatic lock for a rolling shutter with a device which makes it possible to attach the winding shutter panel to the drive drum attached to the control element, ensuring locking of the panel when it is in a low position and the impossibility of raising it again by means of any external action. Said fastening is carried out by using longitudinal grooves present in the tubular winding shaft, wherein attachment means, consisting of L-shaped blades, are inserted perpendicular to the longitudinal shaft of the tubular shaft, combined with locking means made up of tabs that, after the lateral movement to insert the blades into the grooves, preventing the exit upon immobilizing any movement.

[0005] Furthermore, the document FR2885943 discloses another device for attaching a lattice rolling shutter to a tube that comprises articulated links, which is based on two attachments consisting of L-shaped rods that are inserted in respective grooves of the tube, one of which is reversible, allowing the device to be attached to the tube since both are in opposite positions.

[0006] Likewise, the document WO2009071711 discloses an attachment link for rolling shutters which is designed to attach to a cavity or borehole of the shaft, and instead of being a groove that can have a rectangular configuration, it is based on the insertion of one or two mobile parts that press against the walls of the cavity of the shaft when it combines with an insertion part for parallel walls that cause the lateral movement of the mobile part, leading to the expansion thereof against the walls of the cavity of the shaft.

[0007] However, the solutions provided by said documents have drawbacks and/or aspects that can be improved, since, in the case of the first two solutions, wherein the attachment means consist of L-shaped parts that are inserted into grooves of the shaft, for them to pass through said grooves, there must be a clearance, which could cause wear or even failure; and in the third case, the drawback is that the system is not suitable for shaft cavities in the form of a groove.

[0008] The object of the present invention is, therefore, a device that solves said drawbacks and can be used for the attachment thereof to the shaft by means of grooves present in the same, since some manufacturers or shaft models cannot contemplate or allow the embodiment of another type of groove or cavity therein.

[0009] Moreover, and in reference to the current state of the art, it is worth noting that since there are known devices for attaching rolling shutters of the type described herein, at least the applicant does not know of the existence of another device that has technical, structural and constitutional characteristics identical or similar to those that are object of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The object of present invention is a device for attaching rolling shutters according to claim 1.

[0011] Specifically, the invention relates to a device for attaching rolling shutters, configured as an articulated strap, in order to fasten the slats of a rolling shutter to the grooves made in the tubular rolling shaft of the rolling shutter, and which comprises at least an initial link for the coupling thereof to the tubular shaft through gripping means to said grooves and a final link that is joined to the upper slat of the rolling shutter, the device comprising:

• a pair of clips housed in respective hollows of the body of the initial link having a configuration with lower ends bent into an L-shape, each one of said clips moving towards each other in parallel to the longitudinal shaft of the tubular shaft, in other words, towards the center of the body of the initial link, and a pair of push-buttons connected to each clip, such that on one end they pivot with respect to the hollow of the body of the initial link and on the opposite end, they push the clip inside each hollow when pivoted, such that when the push-buttons are pushed, they enter said hollows, moving the clips from an initial coupling position to an attached position, in which the clips remain inserted into the grooves, preventing the initial link from separating from the tubular shaft when the rolling shutter is rolled or unrolled in the tubular shaft, and
• a locking element located between the initial link and the final link, inserted into articulated joints that connect the different links together, and limiting a maximum opening angle (b) of said joints; said locking element therefore acting as a means of security to prevent the rolling shutter from being lifted when it is pushed from below.

[0012] The configuration of the aforementioned device achieves the following:

• Makes the device more resistant than those already known to resist the rolling and unrolling of the rolling shutter on the shaft, and
• Makes the device more resistant to forced lifting forces on the rolling shutter transmitted through the U-shaped locking elements to the joints of the first link with the tubular rolling shaft of the rolling shutter.

[0013] Therefore, the invention relates to a device whose purpose is to provide attachment means between the set of slats of a rolling shutter and the tubular shaft in which it is rolled and, at the same time, means of security to prevent undue lifting of the rolled shutter pushed from below. The device is formed by a strap composed of several links that are incorporated, in a varying number according to the width of each rolling shutter, between the upper slat and the tubular shaft, and it has a structural configuration having gripping means with the tubular shaft thereof, and means of security that prevent said undue lifting of the rolling shutter, which improve the existing solutions.

[0014] More specifically, according to a characteristic of the device, the initial link of the strap that forms said device comprises, as fixing means to the tubular shaft, a pair of push-buttons that, upon being operated or pushed, determine the movement of the clips from an initial coupling position, in which they pass through respective grooves of the tubular shaft, to an attachment position in which they move closer to each other, moving in parallel to the longitudinal shaft of the tubular shaft and towards the center of said link; a position in which the L-shaped ends of both clips prevent the exit thereof from said grooves, such that the strap remains fastened to the tubular shaft, without ruling out the possibility of additional fastening by means of riveting, although this is not necessary given the effectiveness of attaching the strap simply through the clips described.

[0015] Furthermore, the configuration of the aforementioned clips, which as described in the previous explanation have an L-shape, preferably provides a thickness, or cross-sectional dimension, to the longitudinal shaft of the assembly that is sufficient enough to prevent the deformation of the bent ends and prevent the problem that other similar solutions have with the L-shaped elements, wherein they tend to open up, shifting from a right angle to an obtuse angle that ceases to function properly, with the risk that it will become loose and fall, creating clearance between the strap and the tubular shaft. This is thus solved by the device of the present invention via the aforementioned thickness of the clips that, in the preferred embodiment, reaches approximately one-third of the length thereof.

[0016] In any case, said attachment remains secured and free of eventual wear by clearance thanks to the fact that the device further comprises additional tabs, perpendicular to the longitudinal shaft, which prevent the movement of the clips once moved to attachment position thereof, as well as the movement parallel to the shaft of the assembly.

[0017] In parallel, according to another characteristic of the device of the invention, the strap comprises, as means of security to prevent the undue lifting of the rolling shutter by pushing it from below, the incorporation of at least one locking element located between each link, specifically one between the initial link and the final link. Likewise, it is possible that there are two locking elements, one between each link, in the case of three links (one initial, one intermediate and one final), such that when inserted into the articulated joints of the links of the strap, they limit the maximum opening angle of said joints. Because of this, the movement of the rolling shutter in the direction opposite to rolling is prevented and, therefore, it cannot be lifted by pushing without folding and coupled to the tubular shaft, as occurs when it is rolled up by the rotation of the same.

[0018] Furthermore, the locking elements are elastic, such that they return the parts to their position, since they tend to maintain the joints in the appropriate position for the adaptation thereof to the curve of the tubular shaft during rolling of the rolling shutter.

[0019] As mentioned, the locking elements preferably consist of a U-shaped metal element that acts as a spiral spring.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] To complement the description of the invention, and for the purpose of helping to make its characteristics more readily understandable, the present specification is accompanied by a set of figures constituting an integral part of the same by way of illustration and not limitation.

Figure 1 shows an upper plan view of a part of a tubular shaft example for rolling the slatted rolling shutter for which the device object of the invention is intended, showing the grooves that it comprises for its fastening.

Figures 2 and 3 show perspective views of an example of the device object of the invention, shown once it is coupled to the tubular rolling shaft in respective fastening phases, showing the main part and elements that it comprises, as well as the configuration and arrangement thereof.

Figure 4 shows an upper plan view of the same device and tubular shaft assembly according to the invention, shown in Figures 2 and 3, and in this case shown once they are completely fastened.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view according to the A-A cut shown in Figure 4 of the attachment device and tubular shaft assembly, showing the elements that it comprises and the operation for mutual attachment thereof.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the locking element that incorporates in number n-1, n being the number of links present in the strap, the attachment device of the invention and that acts as a spring and limits the maximum opening of the strap, preventing the rolling shutter from being lifted from below.

Figure 7 shows an expanded view of the detail shown in Figure 3, showing one of the two housings into which the locking element shown in Figure 6 is inserted, showing the arrangement thereof in said housing and the way in which it operates.

Figure 8 shows a schematic view of the articulated joint between links and the opening angle thereof that limits the locking element.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a push-button according to the invention.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a clip according to the invention.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the lower part of an initial link.

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the lower part of a final link.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In view of the aforementioned figures, the device (1) in question which can be used to fasten the slats of a rolling shutter to the rolling tubular shaft (2) of the same through the grooves (21) made to it for said purpose is observed, such that it is configured in a known way as an articulated shaft formed by, at least, an initial link (11) that is joined to the tubular shaft (2) through gripping means to said grooves (21) for which it is provided, a final link (12) that is directly or indirectly joined to the upper slat of the rolling shutter, and optionally with an intermediate link (13) between the initial link (11) and the final link (12), as occurs in the example shown in the figures, also having means of security that prevent the rolling shutter from being lifted by pushing from the lower part thereof and without actuating the tubular shaft (2).

[0022] And, from this already known configuration, the device is differentiated based on the fact that it comprises, as gripping means of the initial link (11) to the grooves (21) of the tubular shaft (2), a pair of push-buttons (3) that, upon being operated, enter into respective hollows (4) of the body of said initial link (11), moving clips (5) towards the center of said initial link (11) in a longitudinal direction, in other words, in parallel to the longitudinal shaft (a) of the tubular shaft (2) and which coincides with the shaft of said link (11) when it is coupled to said shaft (2). Said clips (5) consist of respective L-shaped parts, causing the movement of these clips (5) from an initial coupling position in which, upon positioning the initial link (11) on the tubular shaft (2), they pass through the grooves (21) made thereon in positions aligned and coinciding with the position of the clips (5), to an attachment position in which both clips (5) move towards each other, moving in parallel to the longitudinal shaft of the tubular shaft and towards the center of said link, such that the lower L-shaped bent ends (51) of both clips (5) that face each other lock together and prevent the exit thereof through the aforementioned grooves (21) upon rolling or unrolling of the rolling shutter in the tubular shaft (2).

[0023] Said clips (5) have a first surface (52) and a second surface (53) that is shorter than the first and that forms a 90° angle with said first surface, said second surface having the aforementioned lower bent end (51).

[0024] The push-buttons (3) have a lower protrusion (31) with an oblique wall (32) that comes in contact with and presses against the upper edge of the respective clips (5) housed in the aforementioned hollows (4), pushing them and causing them to move towards the side opposite to where said contact is made, in other words, towards the center of the body of the link (11). Both clips (5) move towards each other and in opposite directions in parallel to the shaft (a) of the tubular shaft (2).

[0025] It is worth noting that, as observed in Figure 5, both push-buttons (3), as well as clips (5) and hollows (4) are sized so that, once the push-buttons (3) are completely inserted and the clips (4) moved towards the center of the link (11), both elements remain locked together inside the hollow (4), such that the subsequent movement of the clips (5) is prevented, also providing a locking lip (33) at the end of the push-buttons (3), which is fastened in a projection (41) of the corresponding hollow (4) to maintain the operational position thereof.

[0026] In addition, it is important to note that in the preferred embodiment, the clips (5), in addition to the L-shape determined by the lower bent ends (51) thereof, provide a thickness, or cross-sectional dimension, to the longitudinal shaft (a) of the assembly that preferably reaches at least, approximately, one-third of the length thereof.

[0027] In any case, the initial link (11) of the device (1) further comprises additional locking tabs (6), perpendicular to the longitudinal shaft (a) of the assembly, except on the locking surface that is parallel to the shaft (a), and distributed on the edge of the hollows (4), such that they are placed on the clips (5), once moved to the attachment position thereof, which also work together by preventing the movement thereof.

[0028] Optionally, the described gripping means of the initial link (11) to the grooves (21) of the tubular shaft (2), formed by the push-buttons (3) and clips (5), can be complemented by inserting rivets in the holes (42) made for the purpose of fixing said initial link (11) to the tubular shaft (2), preferably incorporated in the same hollows (4), under the part that makes up each push-button (3), which, in turn and also in a preferred way, is a collapsible part that is joined in an articulated way to the link body (11).

[0029] At the same time, the device (1) is differentiated based on the fact that it comprises, as means of security to prevent lifting of the rolling shutter by pushing it from below, n-1 locking elements (7), n being the number of links present in the strap, inserted between the articulated joints (8) that fasten the different links (11, 12, 13) to each other, such that there is one locking element (7) between each link, and they form the articulated strap, limiting the maximum opening angle (b) of said joints (8). Said locking elements (7) are preferably elastic and are arranged in such a way that they work by tending to maintain said angle of said joints (8) closed to be able to return the coupled links (11, 12, 13) to their position surrounding the tubular shaft (2) when the rolling shutter is rolled.

[0030] In the preferred embodiment, the elastic locking elements (7), as shown in Figure 6, consists of a U-shaped metal rod that acts as a spiral spring, which is incorporated by being tightly inserted into housings (9) provided for that purpose in the aforementioned articulated joints (8), between the initial link (11) and the intermediate link (13), as well as between the intermediate link (13) and the final link (12), wherein holes (91) have been provided to insert the respective ends (71) of said rods (7), such that they operate by pushing the two parts of each joint (8) in order to tend to close the angle (b) therebetween and limit the opening thereof. More specifically, the size and configuration of these rods (7) is such that they begin to operate once an opening angle (b) of the articulated joint (8) between every two links is approximately 120°, producing a force that does not allow it to go beyond an angle opening of between 140° and 150°.

Claims

1. A device for attaching rolling shutters, configured as an articulated strap, to fasten the slats of a rolling shutter to the grooves (21) made in a tubular rolling shaft (2) of the rolling shutter, which comprises at least an initial link (11) for the coupling thereof to the tubular shaft (2) through gripping means to said grooves (21) and a final link (12) that is joined to the upper slat of the rolling shutter, characterized in that it comprises:

- a pair of clips (5) housed in respective hollows of the body (4) of the initial link (11) having a configuration with lower ends (51) bent into an L-shape, and each one of said clips (5) moving towards each other in parallel to the longitudinal shaft (1) of the tubular shaft (2), in other words, towards the center of the body of the initial link (11),

- a pair of push-buttons (3) connected to each clip (5), such that on one end they pivot with respect to the hollow (4) of the body of the initial link (11) and on the opposite end, they push the clip (5) inside each hollow (4) when pivoted, such that when the push-buttons (3) are pushed, they enter said hollows (4), moving the clips (5) from an initial coupling position to an attached position, in which the clips remain inserted into the grooves (21), preventing the initial link (11) from separating from the tubular shaft (2) when the rolling shutter is rolled or unrolled in the tubular shaft (2), and

- a locking element (7) located between the initial link (11) and the final link (12), inserted into articulated joints (8) that connect the different links (11, 12) together, and limiting a maximum opening angle (b) of said joints (8); said locking element (7) therefore acting as a means of security to prevent the rolling shutter from being lifted when it is pushed from below.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one intermediate link (13) between the initial link (11) and the final link (12).

3. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the push-buttons (3) have a protrusion (31) with an oblique wall (32) that comes in contact with and presses against the upper edge of the respective clips (5) housed in the hollows (4) of the initial link (11), causing them to move towards the side opposite to where said contact is made, in other words, towards the center of the body of the link (11).

4. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that both push-buttons (3), as well as clips (5) and hollows (4) are sized so that, once the push-buttons (3) are completely inserted and the clips (5) moved towards the center of the link (11), they remain locked together inside the hollow (4).

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that a locking lip (33) has been provided at the end of the push-buttons (3), which is fastened in a projection (41) of the corresponding hollow (4) to maintain the operational position thereof.

6. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the initial link (11) further comprises additional locking tabs (6), distributed perpendicular to the longitudinal shaft (a) of the tubular shaft (2), on the edge of the hollows (4), such that they are placed on the clips (5), once moved to the attachment position thereof.

7. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (7) consists of a U-shaped metal rod that acts as a spiral spring.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that it tightly incorporates housings (9) provided for that purpose in the articulated joints (8).

9. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking elements (7) are elastic and arranged in such a way that they work by tending to maintain the angle (b) of the articulated joints (8) between links (11, 12, 13) closed.

10. The device according to any of the claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the locking elements (7) are configured to operate once an opening angle (b) of the articulated joint (8) between every two links is 120°.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the maximum angle (b) is between 140° and 150°.

Drawing