AU2018200261A1

AU2018200261A1 - Mechanism for opening, closing and locking of slats of a slat arrangement

Info

Publication number: AU2018200261A1
Application number: AU2018200261A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Ernst Hommer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-01-13
Filing date: 2018-01-12
Publication date: 2018-08-02
Also published as: DE102017100658A1; PL3348773T3; EP3348773B1; HUE049143T2; ES2774550T3; HRP20200374T1; SI3348773T1; DE102017100658B4; PT3348773T; DK3348773T3; EP3348773A1

Abstract

Abstract The invention concerns an arrangement for moving and locking of slats of a slat arrangement, which are used in particular in building installations. An arrangement is proposed which enables, firstly, to lock the slats in all positions 5 due to a self-locking functionality of an electromechanical drive train which couples to and with all slats, secondly, in a defined closed position of the slats an additional self locking effect occurs between a catch pin retainer and a follower lever associated with each slat, and thirdly, a latch pivoted the frame is displaced into of a recess of the slats whilst in the closed position which locks these in that position, so that an 10 opening from outside the slats arrangement without destroying the arrangement is prevented. Such arrangement is configured to achieve an RC3 classification. Fig. 1 Fig. 1

Description

The invention concerns an arrangement for moving and locking of slats of a slat arrangement, which are used in particular in building installations.

An arrangement is proposed which enables, firstly, to lock the slats in all positions due to a self-locking functionality of an electromechanical drive train which couples to and with all slats, secondly, in a defined closed position of the slats an additional selflocking effect occurs between a catch pin retainer and a follower lever associated with each slat, and thirdly, a latch pivoted the frame is displaced into of a recess of the slats whilst in the closed position which locks these in that position, so that an opening from outside the slats arrangement without destroying the arrangement is prevented. Such arrangement is configured to achieve an RC3 classification.

Fig. 1

1/6

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1

5

Fig. 1

Mechanism for opening, closing and locking of slats of a slat arrangement

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1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns a configuration for the moving and locking of slats of a slat arrangement, which are used in particular in building installations.

A. CROSS-REFERENCE TO EARLIER PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present patent application claims Paris Convention priority from German patent application DE 10 2017 100 658. The contents and disclosure of the specification of that patent application is incorporated herein by way of shorthand cross-reference

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Slat arrangements, otherwise known in Australia as shutters, blinds or louvres, are commonly comprised of a plurality of rotatably or pivotally supported slats which may be moved (rather: rotated) back and forth between a closed and an open state by means of a movement or gear mechanism (or arrangement). Patent documents US 2819065 A and US 3430383A disclose examples of such slat arraignments.

Depending on the size and/or function of the slat arrangement, it may be required to lock the same in the closed position. As a result it is, for example, possible to decouple the movement mechanism and the drive from forces that are generated in the process of sealing the slat arrangement with sealing elements. With a suitable locking means it is, moreover, possible to protect the slat arrangement from the direct effect of wind loads, or to effectively prevent a forced opening from the outside. Patent document JP H08-86162 A discloses an arrangement for such purpose.

A forced opening test for slat arrangements used in buildings may be performed according to DIN Standard EN 1627 (September 2011). According to this Standard, burglar-resistant windows are components which, apart from their usual functions, provide a defined level of resistance to intrusion attempts. Most slat arrangements (eg window shutters) are hard-pressed to make the RC2 classification.

In order to achieve a RC3 classification, an extraordinary effort is required.

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For aesthetic reasons, and for protection from the environment and to prevent dirt build-up, the movement mechanism is preferably disposed inside the slat arrangement. It is thus necessary to keep the entire arrangement for moving and locking the slats as compact as possible.

A movement mechanism (or simply: movement), which incorporates a locking means and which is disposed within the frame of a slat arrangement, is disclosed in patent document DE 10 2009 005 594 B4. The movement consists of multiple levers on both sides of the slats. The levers are attached to individual slats via two revolute joints and to the frame via also two revolute joints. A further respective revolute joint connects the movement to a drive element, which is able to move in a linear manner inside the frame, and to two of the levers. The lengths of the levers and positioning of the revolute joints is chosen such as to enable a tilting and outwards movement of the slats during the opening and closing movement. In order to lock the slats in their closed position, one of the levers is provided with a hook-like end which, when closing the slat arrangement, engages with a bolt that is attached to the slat.

One disadvantage of this movement mechanism is the relatively complex design I layout, which requires 12 revolute joints per slat. The greater the number of joints is in such a design, the greater the level of maintenance that is required.

Patent document GB 1396285 A discloses a manually operated movement 20 means for a slat arrangement, in this case a window louvre. The slats are provided on both sides with a short shaft each, through which the pivoting axis of the slats extends.

To facilitate the opening and closing of the slats, the shafts are pivotally supported in pivot bearings in the frame of the slat arrangement. In order to couple the rotational movement of the individual slats, the end of one of the shafts on one side of the slats is attached to two coupling rods that are able to move in an antiparallel manner. The coupling rods are moveably engaged with two pins that are oriented axially parallel to the rotating axis, wherein said pins are attached to the respective shaft on both sides of the rotating axis. A plate with a slot-like cut-out is attached to one of the coupling rods between the pivot bearings of two adjacent slats. An operating lever with handle is pivotally attached in approximately in the same position on the other coupling rod. On the side of the pivoting point opposite the

2018200261 12 Jan 2018 handle, the operating lever is provided with a catch that engages with the slot-like cut-out in the plate. The catch is implemented as a rotatable roller on a bolt. As a result of the rotating motion of the operating lever, the coupling rods are moved antiparallel via the bearing of the operating lever and via the catch that is guided inside the cut-out. Said movement is transferred by means of the pins to the shafts, which causes all slats that are attached to the coupling rods to be rotated about the rotational axes.

To be able to lock the slats in their closed position, the otherwise linearly extending, slot-like cut-out is provided with an angled end. This is where the catch of the operating lever is located in the closed state of the slat arrangement. To provide the locking function, the angled end and the catch are positioned such in relation to the pivoting point of the operating lever that the catch, prior to reaching the angled end, must pass an inversion point after which the operating lever is retained in the locked position through a force that is extended by the slats. The location of the inversion point is where the catch moves past an imagined connecting line that extends perpendicular to the movement vector of the coupling rods towards the pivoting point of the operating lever. The force that is extended by the slats is in this instance caused by the counter-pressure of the elastic sealing elements against which the slats are pressed in the closed state. The inversion point can only be overcome by the manual rotating motion of the operating lever, which makes it impossible to open the slat arrangement from outside. The locking action would also work with a linearly extending cut-out, without the angled end. However, the angled end makes it possible to shorten the path of the operating lever that is required to achieve the locked position. One disadvantage is that after the inversion point has been passed, the force acting on the sealing elements in the closed position is reduced again, which may have a negative effect on the sealing effect of the slat arrangement.

Depending on the size of the slat arrangement it may also be disadvantageous that only one movement means is provided for the locking of slats that are coupled via the coupling rods. The sealing of the entire slat arrangement with the elastic sealing elements requires a certain contact pressure. The resulting motion resistance may cause a rather large mechanical load for the single movement mechanism or arrangement.

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In the implemented principle of the movement, five revolute joints per slat are required to be able to transfer the rotational movement, wherein greater tolerances must be allowed for for the moveable connection between the coupling rods and the pins, which poses an additional difficulty for providing a reliable sealing of the slat arrangement.

Against this background, it would be advantageous to provide a movement and locking mechanism for slats of a slat arrangement (such as horizontal or vertical blinds, shutters or louvres for windows, doors and the like of a building) which is low in maintenance and consists of as few as possible and simple parts (components).

A particular benefit would flow from such improved movement and locking mechanism enabling the creation of a slat arrangement that meets RC3 classification according to the above mentioned DIN EN 1627 Standard.

3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides a mechanism for opening, closing and locking of slats of a slat arrangement having at least one fully framed slat and a surrounding frame profile (also referred to as casing), comprising an opening drive unit, at least one coupling rod, at least one catch pin, at least one lever, at least one cam plate and at least one latch. Each of the slats is supported at its lengthwise-opposite ends to the blind frame profile via a respective pivot bearing which together define an axis of rotation. At least one of the pivot bearings of each slat has a shaft with a first end-face, which is provided with a connecting piece to engage with the slat, and a second end-face. In embodiments having a single coupling rod, the other one of the pivot bearings of the slat is a nondriven pivot bearing. In embodiments where a respective coupling rod is provided at both longitudinal ends of the slat, the design of the movement mechanisms at both slat ends is mirror-symmetrical. The opening drive unit consists of a linear drive, either one or two tie (or connecting) rods and one or two corner drive assemblies, wherein the linear drive may be disposed either at the bottom or at the top on the horizontally extending part of the frame profile. In the instance that two connecting rods are provided, the force is transferred to both connecting rods simultaneously, which then move in opposite directions. A motorised lever is attached to each connecting rod. The horizontal movements of the connecting rods are transferred via

2018200261 12 Jan 2018 corner drive assemblies located in the corners of the frame into vertical movements of the lateral, vertically disposed coupling rods. A catch pin retainer with a catch pin and a lever is assigned to each driven pivot bearing. In this instance, the lever arm is attached non-rotatably with a fixed end thereof to the second end-face of the shaft.

Provided in the lever is an angled slot comprised of (or subdivided notionally into) a first leg that is oriented radially with respect to the axis of rotation, an apex and a second leg that extends at an angle a to the first leg, wherein the catch pin retainer is rigidly attached to the coupling rod and the catch pin protrudes into said slot. This arrangement enables conversion of the linear movement of the coupling rod between an upper and lower travel end-position into a rotational movement of the slat, via the catch pin retainer, catch pin, lever and pivot bearing, between a closed position and an open position. According to the invention, the second leg is oriented parallel to the coupling rod when the slat is closed as long as the catch pin is guided in the second leg between the upper end-position and the apex. This also means that the catch pin transmits no rotational movement to the slat during its movement path between the upper end-position and the apex. This idle movement is utilised to achieve locking of the at least one slat either on one side or on both sides (where the slat has mirrorsymmetrical movement and locking mechanisms on either end.) Each lock has the same design, in that a cam plate is solidly attached to the coupling rod in a free section. This preferably takes place left and/or right above or below of the driven pivot joint of the respective slat. A slot is machined into each cam plate, which is divided into two sections, wherein a first section extends parallel to the coupling rod, and the successive second section extends at a second angle β in the direction of the slat. A latch is assigned to each cam plate, wherein the latch is arranged non25 rotatably at the frame profile. Moreover, the latch is provided with a guide pin which is arranged such that it protrudes into the slot of the cam plate. The latch protrudes into a recess that is machined into the blind frame and the adjacent, framed slat for the instance when the coupling rod has assumed its upper, travel-end position. In this end-position of the coupling rod, the guide pin is located at the end of the second section of the slot, and all catch pins are located in the end sections of the second legs. The slats have simultaneously assumed the closed position. In the instance that the coupling rod is moved from the upper end-position to the lower travel-end position, the guide pin is moved away from the slat through the second section of the slot that is angled away, which causes the latch to move out of the recess. The latch

2018200261 12 Jan 2018 is fully retracted out of the slat as soon as the guide pin has left the second section of the slot and has moved into the first section of the slot. At the same time, the catch pin is still located in the second leg or just at the apex of the slot.

One significant advantage provided by the mechanism I arrangement according 5 to the invention is that, firstly, the slats are locked in all positions due to the selflocking of the electromechanical drive, secondly, in the vertical position of the slats (closed position) an additional self-locking effect occurs between catch pin retainer and lever and, thirdly, a latch pivots out of the frame into the closed slat and locks it so that an opening from outside is impossible without destroying the arrangement.

Implementing the movement mechanism configuration according to the invention can provide a slat arrangement that enables an RC3 classification.

The invention will now be explained in greater detail in the following description of non-limiting embodiments which is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a slats arrangement with movement and locking mechanism configured according to an embodiment of the invention, omitting inessential components;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the basic components of the mechanism I 20 arrangement for the closing and opening of a slat as used in the slats arrangement of fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is the same perspective view as of fig. 2 but omitting the frame portion at which the closing I opening mechanism is located and secured;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the basic configuration of the arrangement for locking of a slat, shown in the locked state;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view similar to fig. 4 but with the arrangement for the locking of a slat in the unlocked state;

Fig. 6a is a schematic representation of the mechanism and arrangement illustrating the slat 'locked and closed' state;

Fig. 6b is a schematic representation of the mechanism and arrangement illustrating the state 'unlocked and slat not closed', and

Fig. 6c is a schematic representation of the mechanism and arrangement illustrating the state 'unlocked and slat opened'.

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5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE

INVENTION

The significant components of a slats arrangement with opening I closing mechanism and slat movement locking arrangement according to the invention are illustrated schematically in Fig. 1. The slats arrangement comprises a frame profile or casing 1, a plurality of slats 2 arranged therein, which are pivotally attached to said frame profile 1 via two pivot bearings 3 each, a linear drive 4, which is able to move coupling rods 7 disposed on the left and right sides of frame 1 linearly between an upper end-position O and a lower end-position U (see Fig. 2), catch pin retainer 8, levers 9, a cam plate 10 and a latch 11.

Referring next to Fig. 2, the mechanism for opening and closing of a slat 2 will now be described. The pivot bearing 3 with its axis of rotation 12 is provided in form of a cylindrical sleeve that is rigidly attached to the frame profile 1.

The pivot bearing 3 supports a shaft 13 which rotates about axis of rotation 12. The shaft 13 is provided with a first end-face 14 and a second end-face 15. As best seen in Fig. 3, the first end-face 14 faces a slat 2 (illustrated in dotted outline only) to which a connecting piece 16 is non-rotatably attached. The connecting piece 16 is a parallelepiped-shaped body with which an interlocking and frictional connection to slat 2 can be established. The second end-face 15 of shaft 13 is provided with a coaxially-disposed profile extension 17 to provide an interlocking and frictional connection to the lever 9.

The lever 9 consists of a strip-like, flat material with a fixed end 18 and a moveable end 19. The lever 9 lies flat against the second end-face 15 with its fixed end 18, and is non-rotatably attached to shaft 13 through an interlocking connection with the profile extension 17.

The lever 9 is provided with an angled slot 20 that has a constant width b.

Said slot 20 is comprised of (or notionally subdivided into) a first leg 21 and a straight second leg 22 with the apex S separating the two legs which are angled to each other. The included first angle a is 135°. The angled expansion 23, shown in

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Fig. 2, is optional but certainly advantageous, as will be explained later. The first leg 21, which extends from the apex S to the fixed end 18, extends in radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation 12.

A cylindrical catch pin 24 is disposed axially parallel to the axis of rotation 12 and engages in slot 20. It has a slightly smaller diameter than the width b of the slot 20 so that it is able to move with little play.

The catch pin 24 is fixedly attached to a catch pin retainer 8. The catch pin retainer 8 is a body that is adjustably attached to a coupling rod 7.

The coupling rod 7 is disposed with its longitudinal axis extending along the frame profile 1, orthogonal to the axis of rotation 12 and at an axial distance to the axis of rotation 12. The coupling rod 7 has a circular cross-section and is supported along its axis inside two friction (or glide) bearings 25 for linear reciprocating movement along frame 1. The friction bearings 25 are disposed along the coupling rod 7, symmetrical at both sides of the pivot bearing 3, and are mounted in fixed locations to the frame profile 1.

The catch pin retainer 8, which supports the catch pin 24, is located on the coupling rod 7 between the friction bearings 25. To facilitate this, the catch pin retainer 8 is provided with a through-hole with which it is slid onto the coupling rod 7. The attachment of the catch pin retainer 8 on the coupling rod 7 is detachable by means of grub screws 26 which are screwed in in radial direction to the coupling rod

7.

To enable controlled movement (rotation) of the slat(s) 2 between an open and a closed and locked state, the coupling rod 7 is attached via corner drive assembly 6 and connecting rod 5 to the linear drive 4. Suitable linear actuators 4 are known from prior art and are not described here any further. The linear actuator 4 is used to linearly move the coupling rod 7 whilst supported at its friction bearings 25.

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 depict an enlarged section of the slat locking arrangement. As already indicated in Fig. 1, a cam plate 10 is attached to the upper end of the coupling rod 7. Like the catch pin retainer 8, the cam plate 10 is removably fastened I attached to the coupling rod 7 by means of grub screws 26 which are screwed-in in radial direction to the coupling rod 7. A slot 28 is machined into one face of the cam plate 10, wherein slot 28 is subdivided into two sections, a first section 29 which

2018200261 12 Jan 2018 extends parallel to the coupling rod 7, and an adjoining second section 30 which extends at a second angle β (Fig. 5) in the direction of the slat 2. Assigned to the cam plate 10 is latch 11, wherein the latch 11 is mounted to the frame profile 1 by means of a connector 31. Moreover, the latch 11 is provided with a guide pin 32 which is arranged such that it protrudes into the slot 28 of the cam plate 10. As can be seen in Fig. 4, the latch 11 protrudes through a cut-out 33 in the frame profile 1 into a recess 27 that is machined into the adjacent slat 2 framed by the frame profile 1. Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 depict a mechanism state in which slat 2 is closed and locked, wherein the coupling rod 7 is located in the upper end-position O. Fig. 2 shows that the coupling rod 7 can protrude slightly beyond the upper end-position O. This guides the catch pin 24 into the angled extension 23 of lever 9, which causes pressure to be applied and results in a tight closing of the slat 2.

Considering the forces required to move the slat 2, as well as considering the requirement for keeping the overall configuration as small as possible for integration into the frame profile 1, the axial distance between the axis of rotation 12 and the coupling rod 7 and thus also the lever 9, are designed to be as small as possible. In the closed state, the lever 9 is at an approximate angle of 45° relative to the imaginary horizontal line H.

The angle a and a radius r of the apex S of slot 20 to the axis of rotation 12 are matched to each other. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the radius is r = 45 mm and the angle is set to a = 135°. Within a range of a from >90° bis <180°, other values for the radius r and the first angle a are possible; however, in taking account of the above-stated requirements and of the usual opening angles of slats 2 of a slat arrangement, only a first angle a in the range between 120° and 150° is practicable and meaningful. The values for the first angle a should be chosen such that the second leg 22 extends parallel to the coupling rod 7 in the closed state of slat

2. Such configuration ensures that the slat 2 is already locked against opening from the outside, given that the coupling rod 7 is decoupled from any force application (ie moments about the axis of rotation 12). Decoupling of the coupling rod 7 is achieved given that the catch pin retainer 8 is in form-fitting engagement with the frame profile 1 in order to drive the slat 2, but is able to carry out the movement direction of the coupling rod 7.

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If an attempt is made to twist the slat 2 through an external force, said force is transferred from shaft 13 via the lever 9 to the catch pin 24. The torque acting on the catch pin 24 is directed almost perpendicular to the extension of the coupling rod 7 due to the orientation of the second leg 22 of slot 20 in lever 9. The applied force is transferred via the catch pin retainer 8 and the coupling rod 7 radially to the friction bearings 25 and into the frame profile 1. A portion of the force that acts in axial direction of the coupling rod 7 is negligibly small, if it exists at all, so that any externally applied force on slat 2 cannot be transformed into a directed force in the movement direction of the coupling rod 7. Thus the linear actuator 4 that is attached to the coupling rod 7 does not require high retaining forces, which means it may be designed as a correspondingly small and low-cost item. Moreover, as is apparent from Fig. 4, latch 11 additionally prevents an opening.

The process of unlocking and rotating (ie opening) a slat 2 from its closed and locked state will now be explained with reference to Figures 6a to 6c. In Fig. 6a, the coupling rod 7 has assumed and is in its upper travel end-position O (see also Fig. 2). Further, to facilitate and gain a better understanding of the process, the relevant components of the movement mechanism and locking arrangement are not shown as in reality, above each other as in Fig. 1, but are shown beside each other and and one of the illustrations is rotated by 90° about the coupling rod 7 and in reference to the other illustration. That is, the two side-by-side illustrations of Fig. 6a show one and the same coupling rod 7, but the illustration on the right is turned horizontally by 90° from the elevation.

During the controlled movement for opening of the slat 2 from its closed and locked state, the coupling rod 7 is linearly displaced downwards from the upper end25 position O by the linear drive 4. Because the catch pin 24 is fixed to the coupling rod 7, the former is simultaneously moved downwards within the second leg 22 of the slot 20, as is the case with the guide pin 32 in the second section 30 of slot 28 of cam plate 10, by a distance c. This distance c is 12 mm in the preferred embodiment. Because the second leg 22 extends parallel to the coupling rod 7, displacement of the catch pin 24 within the second leg 22 causes at first no movement of the lever 9 and thus also no movement of the slat 2. This is also of importance since the latch 11, over the distance c from the upper end-position O, still protrudes into the recess 27 of the slat 2, which prevents the rotation of the slat 2. Only once the guide pin 32

2018200261 12 Jan 2018 leaves the second section 30 and enters into the first section 29 of the slot 28 (see Fig. 6b), the latch 11 is moved out of the recess 27 so that the slat 2 is no longer locked. As displacement of the coupling rod 7 is continued, the guide pin 32 is then moved into the first section 29 of the slot 28, and since the first section 29 extends parallel to the coupling rod 7, the latch 11 no longer changes its position during a further displacement of the coupling rod 7 in the direction of the lower end-position U. During this same sequence, the catch pin 24 is moved and enters the first leg 21 of the slot 20 and pushes the lever 9 in the direction of the lower end-position U (see Fig. 6c). This causes shaft 13 to rotate about its axis of rotation 12, resulting in rotational opening of slat 2.

The controlled movement of the slat 2 may be continued until the lower endposition U of the coupling rod 7 is reached. In the lower end-position U, the slat 2 is in the fully open state. The locations of the upper end-positions O and the lower endposition U depend on the desired locations of the slat 2 in the open and closed state and is determined by configuration of the linear actuator 4.

In order to reach the lower end-position U, it is possible for the catch pin 24 to move past the imaginary horizontal line H. When moving past the horizontal line H, the catch pin 24 comes tangentially closer to the axis of rotation 12. The distance a between the axis of rotation 12 and the end of the first leg 21 is therefore chosen such that the first leg 21 does not limit this tangential approach.

It is understood that in a slat arrangement with a plurality of slats 2, as per Fig. 1, each slat 2 is connected through a single lever 9, a single catch pin retainer 8 and a single catch pin 24 to the coupling rod 7 which is common to all slats 2. Multiple friction bearings 25 are provided along the (vertical section) of the frame 1 to enhance guidance of the linearly moveable coupling rod 7. The number of friction bearings 25 corresponds to at least the number of slats 2, wherein an arrangement is preferred wherein respective friction bearings 25 are disposed symmetrically either side of the pivot bearing 3 of each of the slats 2. All slats 2 of the slat arrangement are moved collectively and synchronously by the coupling rod 7 propelled by linear actuator 4.

As will be noted from Fig.1, the preferred embodiment provides for a slat movement mechanism on either length-wise side of the slats 2 which extend parallel to each other within the surrounding casing (ie frame 1), although it is conceivable for

2018200261 12 Jan 2018 the slats 2 to be moved by a single drive train located on one side only. As noted above, the two coupling rods 7 are coupled to and synchronously moved via corner drive elements 6 by a single, horizontally disposed linear actuator 4.

The slat arrangement with its plurality of slats 2 and incorporating the inventive 5 movement and locking arrangements described above, has the advantage of allowing individual and independent adjustment of the slats 2 with respect to the driving coupling rod 7, by virtue of the provision of the detachable mounts for the catch pin retainers 8 and the cam plate 10 at the coupling rod 7.

A further possible embodiment is one in which two latches 11 are provided at 10 the surrounding frame 1 for and at each of the slats 2, thus improving the locking function. For reasons of stability it may be advantageous to provide two coupling rods 7 instead of one coupling rod 7, which are then synchronously connected to each other.

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List of reference numbers

1	Frame profile
	2	Slat
5	3	Pivot bearing
	4	Linear actuator
	5	Connecting rod
	6	Corner drive assembly
	7	Coupling rod
10	8	Catch pin retainer
	9	Lever
	10	Cam plate
	11	Latch
	12	Axis of rotation
15	13	Shaft
	14	First end-face
	15	Second end-face
	16	Connecting piece
	17	Profile extension
20	18	Fixed end
	19	Moveable end
	20	Slot
	21	First leg
	22	Second leg
25	23	Angled extension
	24	Catch pin
	25	Friction bearing
	26	Grub screw
	27	Recess
30	28	Slot
	29	First section
	30	Second section
	31	Connection
	32	Guide pin
35	33	Cut-out

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H Horizontal line

O Upper end-position

S Apex

U Lower end-position a First angle β Second angle a Distance between axis of rotation 12 and first leg 21 b Width c Distance r Radius of apex S to axis of rotation 12

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Claims

Claims

1. An arrangement for opening, closing and locking of slats of a slat arrangement, comprising a frame profile, at least one slat supported for rotation between open and closed positions within and surrounded by the frame profile, a drive unit, at

5 least one coupling rod connected to the drive unit, at least one catch pin retainer mounted to the coupling rod, at least one follower lever coupled to the slat and operative by a catch pin of the catch pin retainer, at least one cam plate mounted to the coupling rod and at least one latch operative by the cam plate and on the frame profile to lock the slat relative to the frame profile;

10 · wherein the at least one framed slat is connected to the frame profile via respective pivot bearings disposed on opposite ends of the slat and defining an axis of rotation of the slat at the frame, at least one of the pivot bearings provided with a shaft comprising a first end-face that faces the slat and which is provided with a connecting piece to retain the slat, and a

15 second end-face;

• wherein the drive unit consists of a linear drive located at a bottom or top horizontal part of the surrounding frame profile, the linear drive coupled to transfer force via at least one connecting rod and at least one corner drive assembly to the coupling rod which is located at a side vertical part of the

20 surrounding frame profile;

• wherein the shaft of the at least one of the pivot bearings is assigned a said catch pin retainer with catch pin and a said follower lever, the follower lever being non-rotatably coupled with a fixed end to the second end-face of the shaft, the follower lever having an angled slot comprising a first leg

25 that is oriented radially with respect to the axis of rotation and a second leg that is oriented at a first angle (a) with respect to and joins the first leg at an apex;

• wherein each said catch pin retainer is fixed to the coupling rod such that its catch pin protrudes into the angled slot of the associate follower lever

30 and linear movement of the coupling rod between an upper end-position and a lower end-position is converted into a rotational movement of the slat between the closed position and the open position via the catch pin retainer, the catch pin, the follower lever and the shaft, the second leg of

2018200261 12 Jan 2018 the angled slot of the follower lever extending parallel to the coupling rod during guidance of the catch pin in the second leg between the upper endposition and the apex of the angled slot;

• wherein each said cam plate is fixed relative to the coupling rod and is

5 provided with a slot that is subdivided into two sections, a first said section disposed parallel to coupling rod and the hereto adjoining second section disposed at a second angle (β) towards the facing slat; and • wherein a said latch assigned to each said cam plate is secured at the frame profile, the latch being provided with a guide pin which is arranged

10 such that it protrudes into the slot of the cam plate, a cut-out provided in the frame profile enabling the rotatable latch to selectively engage into a recess provided in the slat adjacent the surrounding frame profile, the arrangement being such that (i) the latch protrudes into the slat recess when the coupling rod is in its upper end-position and simultaneously the

15 guide pin is within the second section of the cam plate slot, the catch pin is within the end section of the second leg of the angled slot of the follower lever and the slat is in a closed and latched position, and (ii) the latch is retracted from the slat recess when the guide pin is guided in the first section of the cam plate slot, the guide pin only locating in the second

20 section of the cam plate slot when the catch pin locates in the second leg of the angled slot of the follower lever and the slat remains in the closed position.
2. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein in that a box-like insert is present in the

25 recess of the slat.
3. The arrangement of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first angle (a) of the angled slot of the follower lever has a value of 135°.

30 4. The arrangement of any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the second angle (β) of the slot of the cam plate has a value within a range of greater than 90° and smaller than 180°, or a value of 135°.

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5. The arrangement of any one of claim 1 to 4, wherein a radius between the apex and the axis of rotation is greater than a minimal distance between the catch pin and the axis of rotation.

5 6. The arrangement of any one of claim 1 to 5, wherein the catch pin retainer is disposed in an interlocking manner in the frame profile.

7. The arrangement of any one of claim 1 to 6, wherein friction bearings for the linear guidance of the coupling rod are disposed symmetrically with respect to the

10 at least one of the pivot bearings.

8. The arrangement of any one of claim 1 to 7, comprising a plurality of said slats arranged parallel to each other within the surrounding frame profile, wherein a corresponding plurality of said follower levers and catch pins is provided such

15 that each slat is connected via one said follower lever and one said catch pin to the coupling rod.

9. The arrangement of any one of claim 1 to 7, comprising a plurality of said slats arranged parallel to each other within the surrounding frame profile, wherein a

20 corresponding plurality of said follower levers and catch pins is provided for the plurality of slats, and further comprising two of said coupling rods, the arrangement of said levers, catch pins and coupling rods being such that each slat is connected at its longitudinally opposite ends via one said lever and one said catch pin to the respective one of the coupling rods located adjacent the

25 respective opposite end of the slats.

10. The arrangement of claim 9, wherein the two coupling rods disposed on either side of the slat-surrounding frame profile are connected to each other such as to be simultaneously moveable via the one linear drive (4) between their respective

30 upper and lower end-positions.

11. The arrangement of any one of claim 1 to 7, wherein the second leg of the angled slot of the follower lever is provided at an end thereof with a further

2018200261 12 Jan 2018 angled extension by way of which a contact pressure can be generated and applied onto the slat after the closed position has been attained.

1/6

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2 1
4 5

Fig. 1

2/6

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Fig. 2

3/6

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Fig. 3

4/6

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Fig. 4
5/6

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Fig. 5

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Fig. 6c