AU2011201433B2 - A shutter assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

C:\NRPorN)CL'JJR\3565157I I)C-3/30/2UII - 18 Abstract The invention provides for a shutter assembly which includes a mounting arrangement operatively located about an opening, with the mounting arrangement having an axle for 5 receiving a barrel arrangement. The mounting arrangement further defines guides wherein a shutter curtain of the barrel arrangement is slidable to cover or uncover the opening. The shutter assembly also includes a barrel arrangement rotatably received about the axle, in use, the barrel arrangement including a plurality of interlocking slats forming the shutter curtain, the slats configured to spool onto, or from, the barrel arrangement, depending on a direction of 10 rotation of the barrel arrangement. Also included is alignment means configured prevent axial translation but allow axial rotation of the barrel arrangement relative to the axle. [Figure I to accompany abstract] CoD 1!. coI Uo

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT (ORIGINAL) Name of Applicant: Ezi-Roll Doors Australia Pty Ltd Actual Inventors: Nicholas Storen, Mark John Dooley Address for Service: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, Level 10, 301 Coronation Drive, Milton 4064, Queensland. Invention Title: "A shutter assembly" Details of Associated Provisional Application No: Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2010901341, filed 30 March 2010 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: CANRPn1brlJ)CLVJR3565157_ IX)C-3/30/2011 A SHUTTER ASSEMBLY Background of the Invention 5 This invention relates to a shutter assembly. Description of the Prior Art Reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to 10 any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. 15 Shutter assemblies, which generally include some manner of movable cover or slidable covering for an opening, are known in the art. Examples of such shutter assemblies include a roller shutter, roller door or sectional overhead door. Such a roller shutter is generally a type of door or window shutter consisting of many horizontal slats, bars or webs hinged together. The roller shutter is typically raised to open and lowered to close. Such raising and lowering can 20 also be done by means of a motor. These shutter assemblies generally provides protection against wind and rain, as well as vandalism and burglary attempts. One of the problems with known shutter assemblies is misalignment occurring between shutter slats housed on a drum roller and mounting components used to operate and secure the shutter 25 assembly around an opening. In general, misalignment between components of a shutter assembly can lead to failure of the assembly over time.

H:\ljr\1nterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\UR\8318038 Ldoc-8/28/2015 -2 Summary of the Present Invention In a broad form the present invention seeks to provide a shutter assembly including: a mounting arrangement operatively located about an opening, the mounting 5 arrangement being for guiding a shutter curtain to cover or uncover the opening; a barrel arrangement rotatably supported by the mounting arrangement, the barrel arrangement including a plurality of interlocking slats forming the shutter curtain, the slats configured to spool onto, or from, the barrel arrangement, depending on a direction of rotation of the barrel arrangement; and 10 alignment means configured to restrict axial translation but allow axial rotation of the barrel arrangement relative to the mounting arrangement, wherein the alignment means includes at least one collar assembly including: a bearing for allowing the collar assembly to rotate relative to an axle; and two spaced-apart flanges arranged on the collar assembly, with a complementary guide 15 member operatively running inside a channel formed between said flanges, the guide member being mounted to the axle. Typically the shutter assembly includes two collar assemblies, each collar assembly being coupled to a respective head plate of the mounting assembly, the barrel arrangement including 20 the axle, the axle extending through an aperture in the head plates and being rotatable relative to the head plates. Typically the axle is coupled to head plates of the mounting assembly, the barrel arrangement including a barrel mounted to the at least one collar assembly. 25 Typically the mounting arrangement includes two guides on opposite sides of the opening, the guides being for receiving the shutter curtain.

H:\ljr\Introven\NRPbl\DCC\UR\8318038 L.doc-8/28/2015 -3 Typically the guides each include a head plate at an upper end, each head plate defining an aperture for receiving the axle. Typically the barrel arrangement includes a plurality of spaced-apart drum rollers to which an 5 end of the shutter curtain is fixed. Typically the mounting arrangement is configured to be mounted around a periphery of the opening. 10 Typically the barrel arrangement includes bearings to facilitate rotation thereof about the axle. Typically the alignment means includes two spaced-apart flanges arranged on either the axle or barrel assembly, with a complementary collar operatively running inside a channel formed between said flanges, the collar arranged on either the barrel assembly or the axle, 15 respectively. Typically the assembly includes an actuator configured to rotate the barrel arrangement in order to cover or uncover the opening with the shutter curtain. 20 Typically the actuator includes an electric motor. Typically the barrel arrangement includes a sprocket mounted at one end for engagement by a suitable chain driven by the motor. 25 Typically the motor is mounted to a motor plate, which is in turn coupled to a head plate of the mounting assembly. Typically the alignment means includes a plurality of the slats defining protrusions at respective ends thereof to form two longitudinal rows of protrusions running along sides of the H:\ljr\1nterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\UR\8318038 Ldoc-8/28/2015 -4 shutter curtain, said protrusions configured to engage projections defined by the guides to prevent lateral movement of the shutter curtain relative to the guides. In a further broad form the present invention seeks to provide a shutter assembly including: 5 a mounting arrangement; a bearing assembly coupled to the mounting arrangement for rotatably supporting an axle relative to the mounting arrangement; a plurality of interlocking slats forming a shutter curtain, the slats being operatively connected to the axle to spool onto, or from, the axle depending on a direction of rotation of 10 the axle; and alignment means configured prevent axial translation but allow axial rotation of the axle relative to the mounting arrangement, wherein the alignment means includes two spaced apart flanges arranged on the bearing assembly, with a complementary guide member operatively running inside a channel formed between said flanges, the guide member being 15 mounted to the axle. Brief Description of the Drawings An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the 20 accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view representation of a shutter assembly installed to cover or uncover an opening; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a barrel arrangement of the shutter assembly of Figure 1; 25 Figure 3 shows a side schematic representation of an example of alignment means of the barrel arrangement of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a closer schematic representation of the alignment means of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a portion of the barrel arrangement of Figure 2 in more detail; C \WonhNCCLR35 6157 IXX*.3/3012011 -5 Figure 6 shows a schematic side view representation of a guide of the shutter assembly of Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a plan view of the guide of Figure 6 in more detail; Figure 8 shows a schematic plan view representation of a second example shutter 5 assembly installed to cover or uncover an opening; Figure 9 shows a schematic end view of the head plate of the shutter assembly of Figure 8; Figure 10 shows a schematic end view of the motor plate of a motorized version of the shutter assembly of Figure 8; 10 Figure I I shows a schematic rear view of the motorized version of the shutter assembly of Figure 8; Figure 12 shows a schematic plan view of the motorized version of the shutter assembly of Figure 8; and, Figure 13 shows a schematic end view of the motor of the motorized version of the 15 shutter assembly of Figure 8. Detailed Description of Preferred Examples With reference now to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown one possible example of a 20 shutter assembly 10 in accordance with the current arrangement. The shutter assembly 10 is mounted about an opening 14 formed by a break in a wall 15. The shutter assembly 10 includes a shutter curtain 24 composed of a plurality of interlocking slats which spools or winds onto or from a barrel arrangement 18 of the shutter assembly 10 in order to close or open the opening 14, respectively. 25 As such, the current example of the shutter assembly 10 generally includes a mounting arrangement 12 which is operatively located about the opening 14, as shown. Typically, the mounting arrangement 12 includes two guides 20 located on opposite sides of the opening 14, as shown, with the guides 20 joined at an upper end thereof by an axle 16. Each guide 20 C:\NRPo.tblDCL'JR\35651571 DOC-3/A0/201 -6 generally includes an integral head plate 28 at an upper end thereof (shown in more detail in Figures 6 and 7), with each head plate 28 defining an aperture 30 for receiving the axle 16. For the sake of description, the axle 16 is not shown passing through the aperture 30 of the respective head plates 28, but this is the arrangement when in use. 5 The guides 20 cooperate to form a channel wherein the shutter curtain 24 of the barrel arrangement 18 is slidable to cover or uncover the opening 14, when in use. As such, the mounting arrangement 12 is typically configured to be mounted around a periphery of the opening 14 by means of mounting brackets 17, as shown. In general, the mounting brackets 17 10 provide apertures (not shown) via which the mounting arrangement 12 can be mounted about the opening 14 by means of bolts, rivets, screws, etc. Alternatively, any other suitable mounting arrangement can be used, e.g. welding, casting into a concrete support, formed as part of the wall 15, etc. 15 The mounting arrangement 12 generally includes the axle 16 for receiving the barrel arrangement 18. The barrel arrangement 18 is rotatably received about the axle 16, in use, with the barrel arrangement 18 including the plurality of interlocking slats 22 forming the shutter curtain 24, as mentioned above. The barrel arrangement 18 is typically arranged co-axially about the axle 16 in order to facilitate rotation of the barrel arrangement 18 about the axle 16. 20 The slats 22 are configured to spool onto, or from, the barrel arrangement 18, depending on a direction of rotation of the barrel arrangement 18 about the axle 16. With reference to Figure 2, in one example, the barrel arrangement 18 includes a plurality of spaced-apart drum rollers 32 to which an end of the shutter 24 curtain is fixed, with these 25 drum rollers 32 then operatively located about the axle 16, as shown. The drum rollers 32 may be fixed to a barrel 19 or similar hollow tube which is then fitted over the axle 16. In addition, the barrel arrangement 18 typically includes suitable bearings 34 to facilitate rotation of the barrel arrangement 18 about the axle 16.

C NRJ'rthN)CC"JJRu565157 ix )OC.r30/2011 -7 Generally, the bearings 34 are arranged on the axle 16 locating the barrel arrangement 18 within the aperture 30 of the headplate 28, e.g. the bearings 34 may be positioned inside the aperture 30. More specifically, the bearings can be mounted between the headplates 28, so that the entire barrel assembly 18 is rotatably supported between the headplates 28. In one 5 example, this is achieved by providing the bearings 34 as part of a collar assembly, as will be described in more detail below. In any event, by positioning the bearings 34 between the headplates 28, this means that the entire barrel assembly 18 can be located between the headplates 28, although this is not essential. In any event, even if part of the barrel assembly extends through the aperture 30 of the headplate 28, this still allows reduced side room 10 clearance to be required compared to traditional arrangements in which bearings are mounted outside the headplates 28. Referring now to Figures 2 to 5, there is shown an example of alignment means which is configured to prevent or at least restrict axial translation but allow axial rotation of the barrel 15 arrangement 18 relative to the axle 16. The alignment means can prevent any misalignment of the barrel arrangement 18 with respect to the axle 16, and subsequent misalignment of the shutter curtain 24 with the guides 20. This is an important aspect of the current arrangement, as any potential misalignment between components of the shutter assembly 10 generally leads to failure of the assembly 10 over time. 20 In the current example, the collar assemblies 26 include two spaced-apart flanges 36 arranged on ends of the barrel arrangement 18 (typically the barrel 17), with a complementary guide member 38, such as a collar, protrusion , or block, operatively running inside a channel 40 formed between these flanges 36, the guide member 38 being arranged on the axle 16. In one 25 example, the guide member 38 is in the form of one or more blocks attached to the axle 16 and dimensioned to fit within the channel 40. However, it is to be appreciated that other examples may have different configurations, e.g. the flanges 36 being arranged on the axle 16 with the guide member 38 forming part of the barrel 19, or the like.

CINRPthl\DCCLMJR555 1571 I)C-3/30/2011 -8 Accordingly, the collar assemblies 26 allow the barrel arrangement 18 to rotate freely about the axle 16, but restrict any axial translation of the barrel arrangement 18 relative to the axle 16. This prevents any misalignment occurring between the barrel arrangement 18 and the axle 16 when the shutter curtain 24 is opened or closed. In one example, the guide member 38 is 5 manufactured from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, or the like. By mounting the bearings in a collar assembly, this provides a greater tolerance in supporting the barrel assembly 18. In particular, the bearings 34 can be arranged to loosely retain the barrel assembly, to allow axial and radial movement of the barrel assembly. Allowing slight 10 radial movement of the barrel assembly avoids the need to use tightly manufactured components, by allowing radial play to accommodate imperfections in the components such as the axle or barrel, for example caused by deformation, rust or the like. In addition, axial movement is restricted using the guide members 38, again avoiding the need for tight tolerances in the bearing to prevent axial movement of the barrel assembly. In one example, 15 the protrusion can be slightly smaller than the width of the channel 40, to allow for some axial play of the barrel assembly, which in turn provides a tolerance in mounting of the barrel assembly, making installation easier. This also allows the arrangement to cope with thermal expansion or contraction of the barrel assembly without the risk of seizing. It will therefore be appreciated that use of the bearings 34 provided in the collar assemblies 26, together with the 20 use of the alignment means in the form of the channel 40 and cooperating protrusions allows components to be manufactured with reduced tolerances that would not otherwise be feasible with traditional bearings, thereby making manufacture cheaper and easier. Thus, the bearings 34 provide the ability to operate on an external side of tube steel despite 25 tube steel's varying wall thicknesses and different tolerances. This is in contrast to traditional bearing arrangements in which bearings typically operate on a machined shaft with tight tolerances, thereby reducing the complexity of manufacturing of the arrangement.

C.\NRIN\thN)CCLAJR15365157_ IUC-100/2011 -9 In addition, in one example (refer to Figures 6 and 7), the alignment means may include a plurality of the slats 22 defining protrusions 42 at respective ends thereof to form two longitudinal rows of protrusions 42 running along sides of the shutter curtain 24. These protrusions 42 are configured to engage cooperating projections 44 defined by the guides 20 to 5 further restrict axial movement of the shutter curtain 24 relative to the guides 20. For example, any forces, e.g. wind, directing against the shutter curtain 24 will produce a force working the pull the shutter curtain from the guides 20. The protrusions 42 on the slats engaging the projections 42 on the guides prevent the shutter curtain 24 from being pulled from the guide 20. Similarly, the protrusions 42 and cooperating projections 44 facilitates alignment of the 10 shutter curtain 24 with the guides, which assist in preventing misalignment between the barrel arrangement 18 and the axle 16. It is also to be appreciated that the guides 20 having the integral head plates 28 to which the axle 16 is coupled further assists in maintaining alignment between the barrel arrangement 18 15 and the guides 20. In addition, the assembly 10 also typically includes spacers 50 arranged on the barrel arrangement 18 to position the barrel arrangement 18 on the axle 16. The guides 20 also typically include angle brackets 54 which forms part of the channel in which the shutter curtain 24 runs and also strengthens the mounting arrangement 12. 20 The shutter assembly 10 generally further includes an actuator (not shown) configured to rotate the barrel arrangement 18 in order to cover or uncover the opening 14 with the shutter curtain 24. The actuator may include an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, etc. Typically, the barrel arrangement 18 includes a sprocket 52 at one end of the axle, as shown, for engagement by a suitable chain driven by such a motor. Alternatively, the actuator may also be configured 25 to be manually operated, e.g. by some suitable chain arrangement, or the like. A second example of a shutter assembly 10 will now be described with reference to Figure 8 and 9. In this example similar reference numerals are used to identify similar components.

CAN1ortbNXCJR\3565157_] IX)C-3/201| - 10 In this example, the barrel assembly 18 includes the axle 16, with the collar assemblies 26 being mounted to the head plates 28 so that the axle 16 is rotatably supported within the apertures 30 by the bearings 54. The collar assemblies 26 can be coupled to the head plate 28 by mounting bolts 76 extending through slots 78 in the head plate 28, although alternatively 5 welding or the like, could be used. The spaced-apart drum rollers (not shown in this example for clarity only) are supported directly on the axle 16, such that rotation of the axle 16 causes the shutter curtain 24 to be opened or closed. In this example, axial alignment of the axle 16 is again maintained by having guide members 38 provided on the axle 16 which run within the channels 40 between the flanges 36 of the collar assemblies 26. 10 As also shown in this example, the head plate 28 includes a bracket 74 for connecting the head plate 28 to the wall 15 or the guide 20, although it will be appreciated that the guide 20 and head plate 28 may be integrally formed. By aligning the head plate 28 with the guides 20 this helps ensure that axial movement of the shutter curtain 24 and barrel assembly is restricted by 15 the presence of the head plates 28, thereby providing further alignment, and ensuring the shutter curtain is aligned with the guides during deployment. It will be appreciated that in this example, the shutter curtain 24 will include protrusions 42 that engage cooperating projections 44 on the guides, thereby providing further alignment guidance. 20 Accordingly, it will be appreciated that in the above example, the barrel arrangement in the form of the axle 16 is rotatably supported by the mounting arrangement by virtue of the collar assemblies 26, which are held in place by the head plates 28. The collar assemblies 26 provide an alignment means in the form of the channel 40, which is defined by the spaced apart flanges 36 of the collar assembly. 25 As in previous examples, a guide member 38 is mounted to the axle 16, so that the axle can rotate in the bearings, but with axial motion being restricted by interaction between the guide member and the flanges 36. It will be appreciated that this allows the axle axial position to be C-\NRiPth\DCCR\ 565157IlO C-3/30/2011 maintained during opening and closing, thereby ensuring the shutter curtain is correctly aligned relative to the opening. As previously described, the use of the bearings 34, mounted in the collar assemblies, and 5 using the alignment means in the form of the channel 40 and guide member 38 allows for greater tolerances to be used in manufacturing, whilst maintaining shutter curtain alignment. In particular, the bearings 34 can be designed to accommodate allow axial and radial movement of the axle, with excessive axial movement being restricted using the guide members 38. The guide members 38 can be slightly smaller than the width of the channel 40, 10 to allow for some axial play of the barrel assembly, which in turn provides a tolerance in mounting of the barrel assembly, making installation easier, as well as allowing thermal expansion/contraction of the axle to be accommodated. In addition to this, further alignment guidance is provided by the head plates 28 and the 15 protrusions 42, thereby ensuring that shutter curtain 24 remains correctly aligned with the guides during opening and closing of the shutter assembly, as well as under adverse load conditions, such as during excessive wind conditions, or during unintentional lateral loading of the shutter curtain 24. This helps ensure that the shutter curtain 24 operates correctly, as well as providing additional security by preventing the shutter curtain being removed from the 20 guide to allow access to the opening 14. An example of a motorized version of the shutter assembly of Figures 8 and 9 will now be described. 25 In this example, the shutter assembly 10 includes a motor plate 60 coupled to the head plate 28 by screws provided into screw mountings 62 provided on the head plate 28. A motor 64 is mounted on the motor plate 60, and operatively coupled to the sprocket 52 via a chain 66. The sprocket 52 includes a plug 70 for engaging a corresponding socket 72 attached to the axle 16, such that activation of the motor 64 rotates the axle 16. The chain 66 may be tensioned by a C:\NPb\DCC\ R\35651571 IX)C.3/30/2011 - 12 tensioning mechanism (not shown) mounted on the motor plate 60. A brake 68 in the form of a spring loaded safety brake can be provided, which in the event of a chain failure will latch into the sprocket 52, thereby locking the door and preventing it falling and causing damage and/or injury. 5 As in the previous arrangement, the bearings 34 are mounted between the headplates 28, so that the axle 16 is rotatably supported between the headplates 28. By positioning the bearings 34 between the headplates 28, this means that the axle 16 can be located entirely between the headplates 28, so that the axle does not need to extend through the headplates 28. Even if part 10 of the axle 16 extends through the aperture 30 of the headplate 28, this still allows for reduced side room clearance compared to traditional arrangements in which bearings are mounted outside the headplates 28. This, in turn allows the motor plate 60 to be mounted close to the headplates 28, thereby minimizing the lateral space required by the arrangement. 15 In use, the motor can be activated by a suitable controller, such as a switch (not shown), allowing the sprocket 52 and hence the axle 16 to rotate, thereby raising or lowering the shutter curtain as required. It will be appreciated that a similar arrangement can be used with the example of Figures I to 7. 20 Use of the alignment means is particularly important in the case of motorized arrangements as failure for the shutter curtain and guides 20 to be aligned can cause damage to the shutter curtain and guides, as well as causing damage to the motor in the event that the shutter curtain becomes jammed. Accordingly, using the alignment means in the form of the collar assemblies 26, and by providing further alignment guidance through the use of protrusions 42 25 and the head plates 28, helps ensure that the shutter curtain 24 is correctly aligned with the guides 20, and hence that operation of the motor is protected. Many modifications or variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. All such variations and modifications should be C \NRINetN)CCl)C565157_l ixx'-3/30/20 11 - 13 considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention broadly appearing and described in more detail herein. It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention is not 5 made in an exclusive sense. Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 10 Features that are common to the art are not explained in any detail as they are deemed to be easily understood by the skilled person. Similarly, throughout this specification, the term "comprising" and its grammatical equivalents shall be taken to have an inclusive meaning, unless the context of use clearly indicates otherwise.

Claims (18)

1. A shutter assembly including: a mounting arrangement operatively located about an opening, the mounting 5 arrangement being for guiding a shutter curtain to cover or uncover the opening; a barrel arrangement rotatably supported by the mounting arrangement, the barrel arrangement including a plurality of interlocking slats forming the shutter curtain, the slats configured to spool onto, or from, the barrel arrangement, depending on a direction of rotation of the barrel arrangement; and 10 alignment means configured to restrict axial translation but allow rotation of the barrel arrangement relative to the mounting arrangement, wherein the alignment means includes at least one collar assembly including: a bearing for allowing the collar assembly to rotate relative to an axle; and two spaced-apart flanges arranged on the collar assembly, with a 15 complementary guide member operatively running inside a channel formed between said flanges, the guide member being mounted to the axle.

2. The shutter assembly of claim 1, wherein the shutter assembly includes two collar assemblies, each collar assembly being coupled to a respective head plate of the 20 mounting assembly, the barrel arrangement including the axle, the axle being rotatable relative to the head plates.

3. The shutter assembly of claim 1, wherein the axle is coupled to head plates of the mounting assembly, the barrel arrangement including a barrel mounted to the at least one 25 collar assembly.

4 The shutter assembly of any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the shutter assembly includes bearings arranged on the axle, the bearings being mounted to a head plate of the mounting assembly. H:\ljr\Interwove.\NRPorbl\DCC\UR\8286754 Ldoc-8/28/2015 - 15 5. The shutter assembly of any one of claim 4, wherein the bearings are mounted between two head plates of the mounting assembly.

5

6. The shutter assembly of any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the mounting arrangement includes two guides on opposite sides of the opening, the guides being for receiving the shutter curtain.

7. The shutter assembly of claim 6, wherein the guides each include a head plate 10 at an upper end, each head plate defining an aperture for receiving the axle.

8. The shutter assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the barrel arrangement includes a plurality of spaced-apart drum rollers to which an end of the shutter curtain is fixed. 15

9. The shutter assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the mounting arrangement is configured to be mounted around a periphery of the opening.

10. The shutter assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the barrel 20 arrangement includes bearings to facilitate rotation thereof about the axle.

11. The shutter assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10, which includes an actuator configured to rotate the barrel arrangement in order to cover or uncover the opening with the shutter curtain. 25

12. The shutter assembly of claim 11, wherein the actuator includes an electric motor.

13. The shutter assembly of claim 12, wherein the barrel arrangement includes a 30 sprocket mounted at one end for engagement by a suitable chain driven by the motor. H:\ljr\Introve\NRPbl\DCC\UR\8286754 L.doc-8/28/2015 - 16

14. The shutter assembly of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the motor is mounted to a motor plate, which is in turn coupled to a head plate of the mounting assembly. 5

15. The shutter assembly of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the alignment means includes a plurality of the slats defining protrusions at respective ends thereof to form two longitudinal rows of protrusions running along sides of the shutter curtain, said protrusions configured to engage projections defined by the guides to restrict axial movement of the shutter curtain relative to the guides. 10

16. A shutter assembly substantially as hereinbefore described.

17. A shutter assembly substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. 15

18. A shutter assembly including: a mounting arrangement; a bearing assembly coupled to the mounting arrangement for rotatably supporting an axle relative to the mounting arrangement; 20 a plurality of interlocking slats forming a shutter curtain, the slats being operatively connected to the axle to spool onto, or from, the axle depending on a direction of rotation of the axle; and alignment means configured restrict axial translation but allow rotation of the axle relative to the mounting arrangement, wherein the alignment means includes two spaced-apart 25 flanges arranged on the bearing assembly, with a complementary guide member operatively running inside a channel formed between said flanges, the guide member being mounted to the axle.