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(11) | EP 4 372 197 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | ROLLER SHUTTER |
| (57) A roller shutter intended to occlude a passage, said shutter comprising: i) a plurality of slats (2) side by side and intended to occlude the passage (60); said plurality of slats (2) comprising a first and a second adjacent slat (3, 4); ii) guide means (6) for guiding the slats (2) along a path that allows to pass from a configuration in which the shutter (1) occludes the passage (60) to a configuration in which the shutter (1) frees said passage (60) and vice versa; said first slat (3) comprising: -a frame (31) comprising a wall (310) defining and crossed by a plurality of slots (32) for the passage of light and/or air; -a door (33) constrained to said frame (31) and movable between a closing configuration in which it overlaps said slots (32) and an opening configuration in which it allows air and/or light to pass through the thickness of the first slat (3). The door (33) comprises: first gripping means (34) for rotatably constraining to a lower part (40) of the second slat (4); and - second gripping means (35) for rotatably constraining to the frame (31); said second rod (4) acting as a lever for opening the door (33). The slots (32) are arranged to form a lattice and define in combination a mosquito net. |
[0001] The present invention relates to a roller shutter intended to occlude a passage. "Venetian" type shutters are known. They comprise slats parallel to each other comprising an extruded tubular frame provided with openings to allow the passage of air and light. The slats comprise doors constrained to the corresponding frames and which can be opened allowing the passage of air and light and also closed by occluding these openings. Solutions are known in which a mosquito net is glued to such openings to act as a barrier for insects.
[0002] In this context, the aim underlying the present invention is to propose a roller shutter that allows to optimize production costs.
[0003] The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a roller shutter comprising the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims.
[0004] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative and thus non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a roller shutter, as schematically illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:
- fig. 1 shows a perspective sectional view of a portion of the shutter according to the present invention;
- fig. 2 shows a perspective sectional view of a portion of the shutter according to the present invention, with a configuration different from that of figure 1;
- fig. 3 and 4 show respectively an assembled and exploded view of a component of a shutter according to the present invention;
- fig. 5 and 6 show details of a shutter according to the present invention;
- fig. 7 shows a detail, alternative to that of figure 6, of a shutter according to the present invention;
- fig. 8 shows a particular application of the shutter according to the present invention.
[0005] A roller shutter intended to occlude a passage has been indicated in the appended figures with the reference number 1. The shutter 1 is in fact typically associated with a window. The shutter 1 comprises a plurality of slats 2 side by side and intended to occlude the passage 60. The slats 2 have a predominant longitudinal extension along the same direction. In particular, they are horizontal. The slats 2 are side by side along a transverse direction (preferably orthogonal) to that of predominant longitudinal extension.
[0006] In the following of the discussion, reference will be made to a first and a second adjacent slat 3, 4 (and then also to a third slat 5). Usually, however, there are also additional slats. The first and second slat 3, 4 (but also the third one) are part of the plurality of slats 2 indicated above. Suitably what is described for the first slat 3 may be repeated for the second and/or third slat 3, 4 and/or for a multitude of other slats. The slats 2 are suitably modular.
[0007] The shutter 1 suitably, but not necessarily also comprises guide means 6 for guiding the slats 2 along a path that allows to pass from a configuration in which the shutter 1 occludes the passage 60 to a configuration in which the shutter 1 frees said passage 60. Suitably the guide means 6 comprises two parallel guides in which the ends of the slats 2 are engaged. The guide means 6 also exerts an action of resistance to the action of the wind. The slats 2 are suitably raised or lowered all together upon command by an operator.
[0008] The first slat 3 comprises a frame 31. In said frame 31 a plurality of slots 32 are obtained for the passage of light and/or air. Such slots 32 are through slots that pass through the frame 31 in thickness. They can be, for example, slits or holes. In particular, the frame 31 comprises a portion (or rather a wall 310) that defines and is crossed by the slots 32. The slots 32 are arranged to form a lattice and define in combination a mosquito net.
[0010] The wall 310 is flat. Suitably the lattice defined by the slots 32 affects 50% of the wall 310.
[0012] The wall 310 is advantageously made of metallic material. However, it cannot be excluded that it may be made of other materials such as plastic. The slots 32 extend in height and width and at least one of said height and width is less than or equal to 2 millimetres.
[0013] These slots 32 can be of various shapes, for example circular or elongated. For example, the density of said slots 32 is greater than 5 slots per 9 cm2, but preferably is greater than 15 per 9 cm2. The slots 32 define a lattice. The first slat 3 also comprises a door 33 constrained to said frame 31. The door 33 is possibly removable from the frame 31. The door 33 is a metal sheet (suitably shaped). The door 33 is not a tubular and/or extruded profile. The door 33 is movable between a closing configuration in which it overlaps said slots 32 and an opening configuration in which it allows air and/or light to pass through the first slat 3 in thickness (from side to side). The door 33 in the closing configuration laterally overlaps the slots 32. Suitably in the closing configuration the door 33 is located at a distance from the slots 32 greater than 3 millimetres.
[0014] The door 33 comprises first gripping means 34 for rotatably constraining to a part 40 of the second slat 4 (in particular the first gripping means 34 is connected to a part of the second slat 4 facing the first slat 3). The door 33 comprises second gripping means 35 for rotatably constraining to the frame 31.
[0015] The second slat 4 acts as a lever for opening the door 33 of the first slat 3. In fact, the first and second gripping means 34, 35 act in two different zones. In particular, the first and second gripping means 34, 35 act on two parallel and suitably spaced contact zones of at least 3 millimetres. The weight of the second slat 4 therefore allows the door 33 to be overturned from the configuration in which the shutter 1 occludes the passage 60 to the opening one. In fact, the weight of the second slat 4 acts on the first gripping means 34 and this causes an overturning of the door 33 by leveraging (turning) on the second gripping means 35.
[0016] The wall 310 is a metal sheet. The wall 310 has a thickness of less than or equal to 3 millimetres. The slots 32 suitably alternate only in zones with constant thickness. Between the slots 32 the wall 310 has a constant thickness.
[0017] Advantageously, the wall 310 of the frame 31 (which suitably defines said metal sheet) is a non-tubular-hollow profile. Said wall 310 is a non-extruded profile. More generally, the frame 31 is a non-tubular and/or non-extruded profile.
[0018] The wall 310 of the frame 31 defining the metal sheet comprises a plurality of visual references 313 to facilitate the realization of the slots 32. These visual references 313 are straight and/or parallel. Conveniently, these references are made in piece with the remaining parts of the wall 310. For example, they are reliefs or grooves. The frame 31 is made of metallic material.
[0019] The first slat 3 comprises a first and a second cap 36, 37. The first and second cap 36, 37 are constrained to opposite ends of the frame 31. The door 33 is placed between the first and second cap 36, 37. They allow the positioning of the door 33 in the desired position avoiding unwanted longitudinal (horizontal) displacements. The first and second cap 36, 37 are constrained respectively to a first and a second end 311, 312 of the frame 31. The door 33 is placed between the first and second cap 36, 37. Between the door 33 and the wall 310, in the closing configuration of the door 33, a gap is obtained. This gap is defined laterally by the first and second cap 36, 37.
[0020] The frame 31 comprises a hooked projection 314 to which the second gripping means 35 connects. This hooked projection 314 therefore has a section, orthogonal to that of its predominant longitudinal extension, shaped like a hook. This orthogonal section of the projection 314 remains constant for the entire longitudinal extension of the projection 314.
[0021] The hooked projection 314 extends seamlessly. Suitably the hooked projection 314 extends internally to the first and second caps 36, 37. The second gripping means 35 in turn comprises a hooked longitudinal protrusion 318 which hooks with the hooked projection 314. The hooked projection 314 defines a first concavity into which the hooked longitudinal protrusion 318 engages. The hooked longitudinal protrusion 318 defines a second concavity into which the hooked projection 314 engages.
[0022] As indicated above, the plurality of slats 2 comprises a third slat 5 adjacent to the first slat 3. The first slat 3 is interposed between the second and third slat 4, 5. The frame 31 of the first slat 3 comprises a hook 315 to which the third slat 5 is rotatably connected. The hook 315 and the first gripping means 34 of the door 33 are located on two opposite zones of the first slat 3. One of these zones faces the third slat 5, the other of these zones faces the second slat 4. Conveniently, the third slat 4 also comprises a door whose opening by overturning is induced by the weight of the first slat 3.
[0023] In the preferred solution, the frame 31 defines a single monolithic body comprising the hooked projection 314, the hook 315 and said wall 310 of the frame 31 defining said metal sheet. This facilitates the realization and reduces the assembly times.
[0024] The monolithic body comprises a first seat 316 of a gasket. The first seat is located at a stop abutment 317 of the door 33 in the closing configuration. In particular, the first rod 3 consists of five pieces: the frame 31, the first and second cap 36, 37, the door 33 and the gasket.
[0025] During operation, to close the shutter 1, it is unwound (typically it is unwound by a winder placed in a box). Such a box is typically located above the window to which the shutter 1 is associated. While the shutter 1 is being unwound, the various slats 2 will occlude a passage 60 (which can be, for example, the space in front of the window). When the shutter 1 is completely unwound, the door 33 of the first slat 3 opens due to the weight of the second overlying slat 3. Similarly, the weight of the first slat 3 will open the door of the third immediately underlying slat 5. This can be repeated for a multitude of further pairs of slats 2 where the weight of the overlying slat will open the door of the underlying slat.
[0027] In particular, it allows to make the construction faster and cheaper without penalizing the structural and functional characteristics. The slots that allow the passage of air and light also perform an anti-insect function with no need to resort to accessory elements that have their own cost and that require time for assembly.
[0028] The invention as it is conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept characterised thereby. Further, all the details can be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. In practice, all the materials used, as well as the dimensions, can be any whatsoever, according to need.
1. A roller shutter intended to occlude a passage, said shutter comprising:
i) a plurality of slats (2) side by side and intended to occlude the passage (60); said plurality of slats (2) comprising a first and a second adjacent slat (3, 4);
ii) guide means (6) for guiding the slats (2) along a path that allows to pass from a configuration in which the shutter (1) occludes the passage (60) to a configuration in which the shutter (1) frees said passage (60) and vice versa; said first slat (3) comprising:
- a frame (31) comprising a wall (310) defining and crossed by a plurality of slots (32) for the passage of light and/or air;
- a door (33) constrained to said frame (31) and movable between a closing configuration in which it overlaps said slots (32) and an opening configuration in which it allows air and/or light to pass through the thickness of the first slat (3);
the door (33) comprising first gripping means (34) for rotatably constraining to a lower part (40) of the second slat (4) and comprising second gripping means (35) for rotatably constraining to the frame (31); said second rod (4) acting as a lever for opening the door (33);
characterized in that said slots (32) are arranged to form a lattice and define in combination a mosquito net.
2. The shutter according to claim 1, characterized in that the mosquito net and said wall (310) are a monolithic body.
3. The shutter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said lattice is rigid.
4. The shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said wall (310) is made of metallic material.
5. The shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said slots (32) extend in height and width and at least one of said height and width
is less than or equal to 2 mm.
6. The shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said wall (310) of the frame (31) and said door (33) are non-extruded and non-tubular
profiles.
7. The shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said wall (310) of the frame (31) comprises a plurality of linear and parallel visual
references (313) to facilitate the realization of said slots (32).
8. The shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first slat (3) comprises a first and a second cap (36, 37) for positioning the
door (33); the first and the second cap (36, 37) being constrained respectively to
a first and a second end (311, 312) of said frame (31); said door (33) being placed
between the first and the second cap (36, 37).
9. The shutter according to claim 8, characterized in that the frame (31) comprises a hooked projection (314) to which the second gripping means
(35) connects; said hooked projection (314) extending seamlessly and protruding internally
to the first and second cap (36, 37).
10. The shutter according to claim 9, characterized in that said plurality of slats (2) comprises a third slat (5) adjacent to the first slat
(3); the first slat (3) being interposed between the second and third slat (4, 5);
said frame (31) of the first slat (3) comprises a hook (315) to which the third slat
(5) is rotatably connected;
said frame (31) defining a single monolithic body comprising the hooked projection (314), the hook (315) and said wall (310) of the frame (31).
said frame (31) defining a single monolithic body comprising the hooked projection (314), the hook (315) and said wall (310) of the frame (31).
Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.
1. A roller shutter intended to occlude a passage, said shutter comprising:
i) a plurality of slats (2) side by side and intended to occlude the passage (60); said plurality of slats (2) comprising a first and a second adjacent slat (3, 4);
ii) guide means (6) for guiding the slats (2) along a path that allows to pass from a configuration in which the shutter (1) occludes the passage (60) to a configuration in which the shutter (1) frees said passage (60) and vice versa; said first slat (3) comprising:
- a frame (31) comprising a wall (310) defining and crossed by a plurality of slots (32) for the passage of light and/or air;
- a door (33) constrained to said frame (31) and movable between a closing configuration in which it overlaps said slots (32) and an opening configuration in which it allows air and/or light to pass through the thickness of the first slat (3);
the door (33) comprising first gripping means (34) for rotatably constraining to a lower part (40) of the second slat (4) and comprising second gripping means (35) for rotatably constraining to the frame (31); said second rod (4) acting as a lever for opening the door (33);
characterized in that said slots (32) are arranged to form a lattice and define in combination a mosquito net;
the mosquito net and said wall (310) being a monolithic body.
2. The shutter according to claim 1, characterized in that said lattice is rigid.
3. The shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said wall (310) is made of metallic material.
4. The shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said slots (32) extend in height and width and at least one of said height and width
is less than or equal to 2 mm.
5. The shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said wall (310) of the frame (31) and said door (33) are non-extruded and non-tubular
profiles.
6. The shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said wall (310) of the frame (31) comprises a plurality of linear and parallel visual
references (313) to facilitate the realization of said slots (32).
7. The shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first slat (3) comprises a first and a second cap (36, 37) for positioning the
door (33); the first and the second cap (36, 37) being constrained respectively to
a first and a second end (311, 312) of said frame (31); said door (33) being placed
between the first and the second cap (36, 37).
8. The shutter according to claim 7, characterized in that the frame (31) comprises a hooked projection (314) to which the second gripping means
(35) connects; said hooked projection (314) extending seamlessly and protruding internally
to the first and second cap (36, 37).
9. The shutter according to claim 8, characterized in that said plurality of slats (2) comprises a third slat (5) adjacent to the first slat
(3); the first slat (3) being interposed between the second and third slat (4, 5);
said frame (31) of the first slat (3) comprises a hook (315) to which the third slat
(5) is rotatably connected;
said frame (31) defining a single monolithic body comprising the hooked projection (314), the hook (315) and said wall (310) of the frame (31).
said frame (31) defining a single monolithic body comprising the hooked projection (314), the hook (315) and said wall (310) of the frame (31).
10. The shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (310) has a thickness of less than or equal to 3 millimetres.