DE202021004193U1 - venetian blind - Google Patents

Abstract

Coupling device for an external venetian blind for connecting a traction device of the external venetian blind to a lower rail of the external venetian blind, characterized in that the coupling device comprises at least one fixing device, by means of which the coupling device can be fixed at different points of the traction device.

Description

The invention relates to a coupling device for an external venetian blind, for connecting a traction mechanism of the external venetian blind to a lower rail of the external venetian blind.

An external venetian blind is a sun protection device to be fitted on the outside of a window or door of a building with horizontally aligned, parallel slats, which are usually held by flexible conductors which, when the external venetian blind is extended, ensure the spacing of the slats and allow the angle of the slats to be adjusted. At the lower end there is usually a lower rail, which is usually connected to a drive device in a hanging manner by means of two traction means. By drawing the traction means into the drive device, for example by winding it onto a winding shaft of the drive device, the lower rail is pulled upwards, with the slats stacking one on top of the other. In most cases, the slats are guided laterally in linear guides. External venetian blinds are made to measure to fit the respective window or door situation.

It is an object of the present invention to specify a possibility for simply and reliably adapting a venetian blind to the respective application situation.

The object is achieved by a coupling device, which is characterized in that the coupling device comprises at least one fixing device, by means of which the coupling device can be fixed at different points of the traction mechanism.

Coupling device for an external venetian blind for connecting a traction device of the external venetian blind to a lower rail of the external venetian blind, characterized in that the coupling device comprises at least one fixing device, by means of which the coupling device can be fixed at different points of the traction device.

A venetian blind that has at least one coupling device according to the invention, which connects the traction mechanism to the lower rail, is particularly advantageous. The invention has the particular advantage that with such an external venetian blind, the maximum output length of the traction means from the drive device to the bottom rail and/or the maximum distance between the bottom rail and the drive device in the vertical plane of the traction means can be easily and reliably controlled by means of the coupling device can be adjusted.

In particular, the invention also makes it possible to convert an already manufactured and functional external venetian blind in a simple manner by installing the required number of coupling devices according to the invention, in order to then easily and reliably adapt it to the respective situation at the installation site, in particular to the height of the respective building opening, for example a window height or a door height, to be able to adjust individually afterwards.

In a particular embodiment, the locking device can be switched from a release setting, in which the traction means is not fixed relative to the coupling device, to a locking setting, in which the traction means is fixed relative to the coupling device.

The coupling device can have a through-channel, for example, through which the traction means runs. Provision can be made here for the traction means to be movable freely through the through-channel in the release setting or against an in particular adjustable resistance, while in the fixed setting it is fixed, for example by narrowing the through-channel. The through-channel can be closed all the way round in a cross-section or else open on one side. The through-channel is preferably designed in such a way that the traction mechanism remains guided laterally during an adjustment process.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the bottom rail can be fixed steplessly at different points of the traction mechanism by means of the coupling device. This enables the maximum output length of the traction device from the drive device to the bottom rail and/or the maximum distance between the bottom rail and the drive device in the vertical plane of the traction device to be precisely adjusted in a simple manner.

In particular, it can advantageously be provided that the traction means is guided so that it can be freely pulled through the through-channel of the coupling device fixed to the lower rail, so that the lower rail is raised by pulling the free end of the traction means that is guided through it and by lowering the free end of the traction means can be lowered down. As soon as the maximum output length to be set and/or the maximum distance to be set is reached, the coupling device can be switched over to the fixed setting, whereby the free pull-through capability is canceled and the traction means is fixed relative to the coupling device. The determination of the traction means allows the lower rail freely with the desired maximum output length and / or can hang on the traction means at the desired maximum distance from the drive device.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the coupling device can be switched between the release setting and the locking setting. In particular, it can advantageously be provided that the coupling device can be switched between the release setting and the fixed setting, in particular without tools and/or non-destructively. Such an embodiment is particularly easy to use. In particular, the switching process is simplified in a particularly advantageous manner because the user does not have to balance and manipulate any additional tool, while at the same time holding the bottom rail, which has not yet been fixed, in the set position.

In very general terms, it can advantageously be provided that the coupling device can be operated without tools and/or non-destructively. In particular, at least the fixing device can advantageously be designed to be operable without tools and/or non-destructively. Such an embodiment is particularly easy to use. In particular, with such an embodiment, the adjustment process is simplified in a particularly advantageous manner, because the user does not have to balance and manipulate any additional tool, while at the same time holding the bottom rail, which has not yet been fixed, in the adjusted position.

In particular, it can advantageously be provided that the coupling device can be operated non-destructively. In particular, there are preferably no latching elements for fixing the traction mechanism, which can only be released by destroying it. In this way it is advantageously achieved that a setting made can be corrected again without having to destroy and replace parts of the external venetian blind, in particular parts of the bottom rail or parts of the coupling device or the entire coupling device.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the coupling device is designed such that the switching process from the release setting to the locking setting does not change a set relative position of the traction means relative to the coupling device and/or relative to a lower rail connected to the coupling device. For this purpose, the coupling device can be designed in such a way that during the switching process no forces are exerted on the traction means that cause a displacement of the traction means relative to the coupling device. The coupling device is preferably designed in such a way that no asymmetrical displacement forces are exerted on the traction means. In particular, the coupling device can advantageously be designed in such a way that during the switching process in relation to the direction of displacement, preferably exclusively, symmetrically opposed forces are exerted on the traction means, so that they cancel each other out and an unwanted displacement of the traction means relative to the coupling device and/or relative to the Bottom rail is avoided.

An embodiment in which the fixing setting can be locked again by a latching process, in particular without tools and/or non-destructively, can be operated particularly safely and reliably. In this way it can be ensured that once a setting has been made, it is retained and not changed unintentionally. For example, it can advantageously be provided that a switching element engages when the fixed setting is reached. The coupling device is preferably designed in such a way that the switching element can be removed from the latched position again without tools and/or non-destructively and transferred to the release setting.

In an advantageous embodiment, the coupling device contains a winding mechanism, in particular a self-locking one, for the free end of the traction means. With such a winding mechanism, a particularly precise setting of the maximum output length of the traction means from the drive device to the bottom rail and/or the maximum distance between the bottom rail and the drive device can be made. If the lower rail is to be raised during the adjustment process, part of the traction means is wound up. If the bottom rail is to be lowered during the adjustment process, the traction mechanism is unwound.

In a particularly reliable embodiment, the traction means can be fixed by means of the fixing device by frictional engagement and/or by positive engagement. In particular, the coupling device can advantageously be designed in such a way that the traction means can be fixed within the coupling device by frictional engagement and/or by positive engagement.

Alternatively or additionally, the coupling device can advantageously also be designed in such a way that the traction means can be fixed between the coupling device and the bottom rail by frictional engagement and/or by positive engagement. For this purpose, for example, the through-channel can be formed by a free space between the coupling device and the sub-plate, the passage width of the through-channel being determined, in particular by switching to the fixed position position, can be reduced in order to pinch the traction device and thus set it.

In particular, the coupling device can also be designed in such a way that a part of the lower rail is used to produce a clamping and/or form-fitting connection. For example, the coupling device can be designed in such a way that it can be fixed by switching the coupling device to a fixing setting in which the traction mechanism is clamped between part of the coupling device and part of the lower rail and/or in which part of the lower rail, for example at least one Mandrel engages in the traction means.

In a particularly easy-to-use embodiment, the fixing device is designed and/or arranged to be self-locking. For example, the fixing device can include a freewheel that allows the pulling means to be pulled through only in one direction, while pulling through in the other direction is blocked. In this case, however, it can be provided that the blocking can be released again manually by intervention by the user. For example, the freewheel can have a spring-loaded, inclined and rotatably mounted mandrel, which rests against the traction means due to the spring loading. The alignment of the mandrel is selected such that when the traction means is pulled in one direction, it engages in the traction means, embodied for example as a textile band, and slides along the traction means when the traction means is pulled in the other direction.

The fixing device can have a movably mounted fixing element. The fixing element can, for example, be linearly displaceable and/or rotatable and/or eccentrically rotatable and/or pivotable.

In a special embodiment, the traction means can be clamped by means of the fixing element in order to fix the traction means.

In particular for clamping the traction means, the fixing element can be wedge-shaped at least in a partial section or can be configured as a wedge element, in particular a movably mounted wedge element. Alternatively, the fixing element can be designed, for example, as a rotatably mounted cam.

The fixing element can, for example, be movably mounted in such a way that the passage width of a passage channel for the traction means can be reduced by moving the fixing element in order to be able to exert a clamping force on the traction means. Alternatively or additionally, the fixing element can be designed to engage in the traction mechanism in order to fix it.

In particular, it can advantageously also be provided that a fixing element has two coupling device elements which are elastically connected to one another and between which the traction means can be clamped. For example, the coupling device elements can be designed as clamping arms which can be arranged like scissors and pivoted towards one another in order to clamp the traction means between them. In a special embodiment, the fixing element is inserted into a fixing element receptacle and as a result the clamping arms are automatically pivoted toward one another in order to clamp the traction mechanism. Such a fixing element can in particular be produced in one piece, for example as an injection molded part. An embodiment in which the fixing element engages in the fixing element receptacle (preferably detachable again without the use of tools and/or non-destructively) is particularly secure.

The housing of the coupling device can have at least one opening through which the traction means runs. In particular, there can be an opening, for example, through which the traction means runs into the fixing element receptacle and/or out of the fixing element receptacle.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, there is a bolt receptacle for a bolt around which the traction means can run. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the bolt receptacle has, in addition to an opening through which the bolt can be inserted, a bolt receptacle opening which allows an initially larger loop of the traction means 4 (in particular a loop of the traction means which can also be larger than the entire coupling device) in such a way that it protrudes through the bolt receiving opening from the bolt receptacle. The bolt can then be inserted into the bolt receptacle and the bolts that have already been inserted can be tightened. In this way, it is advantageously avoided that the traction device has to be laboriously threaded around the bolt within the bolt receptacle (which is narrow without the bolt receptacle opening) or that the bolt has to be laboriously fumbled into a tiny loop of the traction element formed within the bolt receptacle. In particular, there can be an opening through which the traction means runs into the bolt receptacle and/or out of the bolt receptacle.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, there is a bolt mount and an additional one of separate fixing element mount for the bolt mount.

In an advantageous embodiment, the traction means can be fixed relative to the lower rail by a fixing movement of the entire coupling device. As already mentioned, the coupling device can also be designed in such a way that the traction means can be fixed relative to the lower rail by a fixing movement of at least one component of the coupling device, for example a switching element. Accordingly, it can advantageously be provided that the traction means can be released by a release movement of the coupling device or at least one component of the coupling device relative to the lower rail for an adjustment process of the maximum dispensing length and/or the maximum distance between the lower rail and the drive device.

The coupling device is preferably designed in such a way that it can be fixed to the lower rail, preferably in a form-fitting manner, without the use of tools.

In a particularly advantageous special embodiment, the coupling device has at least one fastening element which interacts with a counter-fastening element of the bottom rail in order to fasten the coupling device to the bottom rail, in particular in a linearly displaceable manner.

In particular, it can advantageously be provided that the fastening element and the counter-fastening element work together by means of a form-fitting connection and/or force-fitting connection, which in particular can be released again without being destroyed.

A venetian blind that has at least one coupling device according to the invention, which connects the traction mechanism to the lower rail, is particularly advantageous. The counter-fastening element of the external venetian blind can advantageously be designed as a strip which has a bend or a hook along its free end. The fastening element can advantageously have at least one receptacle for the bend or the hook. In particular, it can advantageously be provided that the counter-holding element can be inserted into the receptacle in order to fasten the coupling device to the lower rail, in particular in a linearly displaceable manner.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the lower rail of the external venetian blind has two counter-fastening elements designed as strips, which have oppositely aligned bends along their free end, in particular directed away from one another. In this embodiment, the fastening element preferably has two receptacles for receiving the angled portions. In particular, it can advantageously be provided that the counter-fastening elements can be inserted into the receptacles in order to fasten the coupling device to the lower rail, in particular in a linearly displaceable manner.

The coupling device can advantageously be designed in such a way that it can be fixed to the lower rail, in particular as a whole, independently of the traction means, in particular independently of the presence of the traction means (for example, as described above, with the aid of a fastening element and a counter-fastening element). This makes it possible, for example, first to be able to fix the coupling device (several coupling devices) on the bottom rail and then to connect the bottom rail to the traction means (or traction means). However, the coupling device is preferably designed in such a way that it is (alternatively or additionally) possible to first move the traction device (preferably with a subsequent adjustment option with regard to the maximum output length of the traction device from the drive device to the lower rail and/or with regard to the maximum distance between the lower rail and the drive device in the vertical plane of the traction mechanism) with the coupling device and then to fix the coupling device on the lower rail.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the coupling device can be attached to the lower rail in a linearly displaceable manner or can be fixed in place. Such an embodiment has the very special advantage that the coupling device can align itself independently in the horizontal direction.

The traction means of the external venetian blind can be designed in particular as a band or as a cable or as a chain, in particular as a ball chain. In principle, there are no particular restrictions with regard to the type of traction mechanism.

The external venetian blind preferably has at least two traction means, in particular running parallel to one another and/or of the same length, which connect the lower rail to the drive device. Here, it can advantageously be provided in particular that the maximum output length of each traction device from the drive device to the bottom rail and/or the maximum distance between the bottom rail and the drive device in the vertical plane of the traction device can be changed by means of a respective coupling device that connects the traction device to the bottom rail . Such a design allows for easy adjustment such that the bottom rail is ultimately aligned exactly horizontally.

This can be done, for example, by initially setting the maximum output length of a first traction device from the drive device to the bottom rail and/or the maximum distance between the bottom rail and the drive device in the vertical plane of a first traction device by means of a first coupling device, and then, during the bottom rail is already hanging freely on the first traction means with the correct setting, the maximum output length of a second traction means from the drive device to the bottom rail and/or the maximum distance between the bottom rail and the drive device in the vertical plane of a second traction means is set by means of a second coupling device , where the bottom rail has a horizontal orientation.

The venetian blind according to the invention can advantageously be designed as a front-mounted venetian blind or as a facade venetian blind or as a top-mounted venetian blind. The external venetian blind is preferably designed to be fastened to or in an outer wall of a building, in particular in a window or door niche.

The external venetian blind preferably has a drive device with at least one drive motor, in particular an electric drive motor. A transmission can be connected downstream of the drive motor. The drive device can have at least one winding shaft for the traction means (or the several traction means), which is (are) driven directly or indirectly by the drive motor to rotate.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the bottom rail has a cavity in which the coupling device is arranged. For example, the cavity can be arranged between a base part and a cover part of the sub-notes. Such an embodiment has the particular advantage that the coupling device or the several coupling devices is or are accommodated in a manner protected against dirt, damage and manipulation. Since the maximum output length of the traction device from the drive device to the bottom rail and/or the maximum distance between the bottom rail and the drive device in the vertical plane of the traction device is usually only rarely set, namely when installing the external venetian blind, it is not disadvantageous if the coupling device cannot be reached directly, but only after removing a cover part of the lower rail, for example.

In a special embodiment, the bottom rail has a base part that is curved perpendicularly to its direction of longitudinal extent and a cover part that is curved perpendicularly to its direction of longitudinal extent, between which the cavity is formed. In particular, the cover part can have the same shape and/or be made of the same material as the slats of the external venetian blind, which simplifies manufacture.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the cover part can be fixed and/or fixed to the base part in a latching and/or frictional manner, in particular in a non-destructively detachable manner. The cover part can preferably be fixed and/or fixed to the base part without additional fastening means, such as screws. In particular, it can advantageously be provided that the cover part can be and/or is fixed to the base part exclusively in a latching and/or frictional manner. In this way, it is advantageously avoided having to provide further fastening means for fastening the cover part. In particular, it can advantageously be provided that the side edges of the cover part running along the direction of longitudinal extent engage over the side edges of the base part running along the direction of longitudinal extent, in particular latching and/or clamping when the cover part is fixed to the base part.

The lower rail preferably has an opening, for example in the cover part, through which the traction means runs to the coupling device. The shape of the opening preferably corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the traction mechanism.

The external venetian blind is preferably designed in such a way that the maximum output length of the traction device from the drive device to the bottom rail and/or the maximum distance between the bottom rail and the drive device in the vertical plane of the traction device can be changed without a knot, in particular a knot in the traction device to have to open. Alternatively or additionally, it can advantageously be provided that the traction mechanism is or can be fixed without knots on the lower rail by means of the coupling device. Alternatively or additionally, it can advantageously be provided that the traction mechanism is fixed or can be fixed to the lower rail by means of the coupling device without a material connection.

A venetian blind according to the invention can be produced according to an independent inventive concept, in particular in that a venetian blind, in particular one of many venetian blinds, which are pre-produced uniformly the same or at least in the same size, for each traction means a coupling device according to the invention for the adjustable connection of the traction mechanism to the lower rail is installed. This makes it possible to adjust the external venetian blind to the height of the respective building opening, in particular the window height or door height. The installation of the coupling device according to the invention can in particular also be carried out subsequently in an already existing and functional external venetian blind. This can be done, for example, by removing an existing connection between the traction means and the bottom rail and inserting a coupling device according to the invention instead.

In order to adapt an external venetian blind to the installation situation, the number of slats can be adjusted to the maximum output length of the traction mechanism to be set or set by means of the coupling device according to the invention and/or to the maximum distance to be set or set between the bottom rail and the drive device by adding more slats or by removing slats. The adaptation preferably takes place in such a way that when fully extended (ie at maximum output length of the traction means from the drive device to the bottom rail and/or at maximum distance between the bottom rail and the drive device), no more slats lie on top of one another.

Before the adjustment process, a drive device of the external venetian blind (preferably with the traction means retracted in such a way that all the slats are pulled towards one another to form a block) is preferably first mounted on the outside of a building. In this case, attention should preferably be paid to an exactly horizontal alignment in order to ensure that the slats of the external venetian blind are also always aligned exactly horizontally later on. Thereafter, the traction means is preferably fully extended up to the maximum output length and/or up to the maximum distance between the lower rail and the drive device.

In particular, if the traction means are not yet connected to the bottom rail with a coupling device according to the invention, all traction means can be severed, for example with scissors, between the top side of the bottom rail, in particular a cover of the bottom rail, and the bottom of the slats. If necessary, this makes it possible to simply open the lower rail and to be able to install coupling devices according to the invention.

Then the maximum output length to be set and/or the maximum distance to be set for all traction means can be determined. The further step of removing the bottom slats or inserting further slats in the area between the original maximum output length and the maximum output length to be set and/or in the area between the original maximum distance from the bottom rail to the drive device and the maximum distance to be set can be connect from the bottom rail to the drive device. In the event that a shorter than the original length of the blind is required, slats are removed.

In the event that slats were removed, the lower sections of all the ladders of the external venetian blind, which ensure the distance between adjacent slats when the external venetian blind is in the extended state and enable the slat angle to be adjusted, are shortened according to the number of slats removed or arranged in the bottom rail .

Thereafter, the further step of connecting the free end of the traction means connected to the drive device to the bottom rail by means of the coupling device can take place.

If the external venetian blind already has traction means that are connected to the lower rail by means of coupling devices according to the invention, the step of cutting through the traction means can be omitted. In this case, after adjusting the number of slats, the maximum output length of the traction device from the drive device to the bottom rail and/or the maximum distance between the bottom rail and the drive device in the vertical plane of the traction device can be set by means of the coupling device(s).

In a particularly advantageous embodiment and according to an independent inventive concept, it can advantageously be provided that a large number of the same external venetian blinds, each of which has a bottom rail that is connected to a drive device in a suspended manner by means of at least one traction mechanism, are pre-produced and that the adjustment of the maximum output length of the traction device from the drive device to the bottom rail and/or the maximum distance between the bottom rail and the drive device in the vertical plane of the traction device. This procedure enables cost-effective mass production, in which identical parts are used to a large extent, with the result that external venetian blinds are advantageously available that are individually adapted to the respective installation situation. This makes it possible to use the advantages of mass production in an advantageous manner, especially for small series or individual pieces.

1. 1. Kopplungsvorrichtung für einen Raffstore, zum Verbinden eines Zugmittels des Raffstores mit einer Unterschiene des Raffstores, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kopplungsvorrichtung wenigstens eine Festlegevorrichtung umfasst, mittels der die Kopplungsvorrichtung an unterschiedlichen Stellen des Zugmittels festlegbar ist.
2. 2. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach Aspekt 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kopplungsvorrichtung einen Durchgangskanal für das Zugmittel aufweist.
3. 3. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach Aspekt 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Festlegevorrichtung von einer Freigabeeinstellung, in der das Zugmittel nicht festgelegt ist, in eine Festlegeeinstellung, in der das Zugmittel festgelegt ist, umschaltbar ist.
4. 4. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach Aspekt 2 und 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Zugmittel in der Freigabeeinstellung frei oder gegen einen, insbesondere einstellbaren, Widerstand durch den Durchgangskanal hindurch bewegbar ist.
5. 5. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach Aspekt 3 oder 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kopplungsvorrichtung, insbesondere werkzeugfrei und/oder zerstörungsfrei, zwischen der Freigabeeinstellung und der Festlegeeinstellung umschaltbar ist.
6. 6. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 3 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Umschaltvorgang von der Freigabeeinstellung in die Festlegeeinstellung eine eingestellte Relativstellung des Zugmittels relativ zu der Kopplungsvorrichtung und/oder relativ zu einer mit der Kopplungsvorrichtung verbundenen Unterschiene nicht verändert.
7. 7. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 3 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Festlegeeinstellung durch einen Rastvorgang, insbesondere werkzeugfrei und/oder zerstörungsfrei wieder lösbar, arretierbar ist.
8. 8. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Festlegevorrichtung einen, insbesondere selbsthemmenden, Aufwickelmechanismus für das freie Ende des Zugmittels aufweist.
9. 9. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kopplungsvorrichtung werkzeugfrei und/oder zerstörungsfrei bedienbar ist.
10. 10. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Festlegevorrichtung werkzeugfrei und/oder zerstörungsfrei bedienbar ist.
11. 11. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 1 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Zugmittel mittels der Festlegevorrichtung durch Reibschluss und/oder durch Formschluss festlegbar ist.
12. 12. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 1 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Zugmittel innerhalb der Kopplungsvorrichtung durch Reibschluss und/oder durch Formschluss festlegbar ist.
13. 13. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 1 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Zugmittel zwischen der Kopplungsvorrichtung und der Unterschiene durch Reibschluss und/oder durch Formschluss festlegbar ist.
14. 14. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 1 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Festlegevorrichtung selbsthemmend ausgebildet und/oder angeordnet ist.
15. 15. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 1 bis 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Festlegevorrichtung ein beweglich gelagertes Festlegeelement aufweist.
16. 16. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach Aspekt 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Festlegeelement linear verschiebbar und/oder drehbar und/oder exzentrisch drehbar und/oder schwenkbar gelagert ist.
17. 17. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach Aspekt 15 oder 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Zugmittel mittels des Festlegeelements einklemmbar ist.
18. 18. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 15 bis 17, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Festlegeelement wenigstens in einem Teilabschnitt keilförmig ausgebildet ist.
19. 19. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 15 bis 18, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Festlegeelement als drehbar gelagerter Nocken, ausgebildet ist.
20. 20. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 15 bis 19, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Festlegeelement dazu ausgebildet ist, in das Zugmittel einzugreifen, um dieses festzulegen.
21. 21. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 1 bis 20, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    1. a. das Zugmittel durch eine Festlegebewegung der Kopplungsvorrichtung oder wenigstens eines Bauteils der Kopplungsvorrichtung relativ zu einer Unterschiene fixierbar ist und/oder dass
    2. b. ein Zugmittel durch eine Freigabebewegung der Kopplungsvorrichtung oder wenigstens eines Bauteils der Kopplungsvorrichtung relativ zu einer Unterschiene für einen Einstellvorgang freigebbar ist.
22. 22. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 1 bis 21, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kopplungsvorrichtung wenigstens ein Befestigungselement aufweist, das dazu ausgebildet ist mit einem Gegenbefestigungselement einer Unterschiene zusammen zu wirken, um das die Kopplungsvorrichtung, insbesondere linear verschiebbar, an der Unterschiene zu befestigen.
23. 23. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 1 bis 22, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kopplungsvorrichtung dazu ausgebildet und bestimmt ist, in einem Hohlraum einer Unterschiene eines Raffstores angeordnet zu werden.
24. 24. Kopplungsvorrichtung nach Aspekt 22 oder 23, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kopplungsvorrichtung dazu ausgebildet und bestimmt ist, an einem mit einem Deckelteil verschließbaren Basisteil einer Unterschiene eines Raffstores, insbesondere linear verschiebbar, befestigt zu werden.
25. 25. Raffstore mit einer Kopplungsvorrichtung nach einem der Aspekte 1 bis 24.
26. 26. Raffstore nach Aspekt 25, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Unterschiene einen Hohlraum aufweist, in dem die Kopplungsvorrichtung angeordnet ist.
27. 27. Raffstore nach Aspekt 26, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Hohlraum zwischen einem Basisteil und einem Deckelteil ausgebildet ist.
28. 28. Raffstore nach Aspekt 27, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Basisteil und/oder das Deckelteil gewölbt ausgebildet sind.
29. 29. Raffstore nach Aspekt 27 oder 28, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Deckelteil rastend und/oder reibschlüssig, insbesondere zerstörungsfrei wieder lösbar, an dem Basisteil festgelegt ist oder festlegbar ist.
30. 30. Raffstore nach einem der Aspekte 26 bis 29, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Unterschiene eine Öffnung aufweist, durch die hindurch das Zugmittel zu der Kopplungsvorrichtung verläuft.

A coupling device or a venetian blind with at least one of the following aspects is particularly advantageous:

1. 1. Coupling device for an external venetian blind, for connecting a traction device of the external venetian blind to a bottom rail of the external venetian blind, characterized in that the coupling device comprises at least one fixing device, by means of which the coupling device can be fixed at different points of the traction device.
2. 2. Coupling device according to aspect 1, characterized in that the coupling device has a through-channel for the traction mechanism.
3. 3. Coupling device according to aspect 2, characterized in that the fixing device can be switched from a release setting in which the traction means is not fixed to a fixing setting in which the traction means is fixed.
4. 4. Coupling device according to aspects 2 and 3, characterized in that the traction means in the release setting can be moved freely or against an in particular adjustable resistance through the passage channel.
5. 5. Coupling device according to aspect 3 or 4, characterized in that the coupling device can be switched between the release setting and the fixed setting, in particular without tools and/or non-destructively.
6. 6. Coupling device according to one of aspects 3 to 5, characterized in that the switching process from the release setting to the locking setting does not change a set relative position of the traction means relative to the coupling device and/or relative to a lower rail connected to the coupling device.
7. 7. Coupling device according to one of aspects 3 to 6, characterized in that the fixing setting can be locked again by a latching process, in particular without tools and/or non-destructively.
8. 8. Coupling device according to one of aspects 1 to 7, characterized in that the fixing device has a, in particular self-locking, winding mechanism for the free end of the traction means.
9. 9. Coupling device according to one of aspects 1 to 8, characterized in that the coupling device can be operated without tools and/or non-destructively.
10. 10. Coupling device according to one of aspects 1 to 9, characterized in that the fixing device can be operated without tools and/or non-destructively.
11. 11. Coupling device according to one of aspects 1 to 10, characterized in that the traction means can be fixed by means of the fixing device by frictional engagement and/or by positive engagement.
12. 12. Coupling device according to one of aspects 1 to 11, characterized in that the traction means can be fixed within the coupling device by frictional engagement and/or by positive engagement.
13. 13. Coupling device according to one of aspects 1 to 11, characterized in that the traction means can be fixed between the coupling device and the bottom rail by frictional engagement and/or by positive engagement.
14. 14. Coupling device according to one of aspects 1 to 13, characterized in that the fixing device is designed and/or arranged to be self-locking.
15. 15. Coupling device according to one of aspects 1 to 14, characterized in that the fixing device has a movably mounted fixing element.
16. 16. Coupling device according to aspect 15, characterized in that the fixing element is mounted in a linearly displaceable and/or rotatable and/or eccentrically rotatable and/or pivotable manner.
17. 17. Coupling device according to aspect 15 or 16, characterized in that the traction means can be clamped by means of the fixing element.
18. 18. Coupling device according to one of aspects 15 to 17, characterized in that the fixing element is wedge-shaped at least in a partial section.
19. 19. Coupling device according to one of aspects 15 to 18, characterized in that the fixing element is designed as a rotatably mounted cam.
20. 20. Coupling device according to one of aspects 15 to 19, characterized in that the fixing element is designed to engage in the traction mechanism in order to fix it.
21. 21. Coupling device according to one of aspects 1 to 20, characterized in that
    1. a. the traction means can be fixed relative to a lower rail by a fixing movement of the coupling device or at least one component of the coupling device and/or that
    2. b. a traction means can be released by a release movement of the coupling device or at least one component of the coupling device relative to a bottom rail for an adjustment process.
22. 22. Coupling device according to one of aspects 1 to 21, characterized in that the coupling device has at least one fastening element which is designed to interact with a counter-fastening element of a bottom rail in order to fasten the coupling device to the bottom rail, in particular in a linearly displaceable manner.
23. 23. Coupling device according to one of aspects 1 to 22, characterized in that the coupling device is designed and intended to be arranged in a cavity of a lower rail of a venetian blind.
24. 24. Coupling device according to aspect 22 or 23, characterized in that the coupling device is designed and intended to be attached to a base part of a lower rail of an external venetian blind that can be closed with a cover part, in particular in a linearly displaceable manner.
25. 25. External venetian blind with a coupling device according to one of aspects 1 to 24.
26. 26. External venetian blind according to aspect 25, characterized in that the bottom rail has a cavity in which the coupling device is arranged.
27. 27. External venetian blind according to aspect 26, characterized in that the cavity is formed between a base part and a cover part.
28. 28. External venetian blind according to aspect 27, characterized in that the base part and/or the cover part are curved.
29. 29. External venetian blind according to aspect 27 or 28, characterized in that the cover part is fixed or can be fixed to the base part in a latching and/or frictional manner, in particular detachable again without destruction.
30. 30. External venetian blind according to one of aspects 26 to 29, characterized in that the lower rail has an opening through which the traction means runs to the coupling device.

• 1 ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen, ausgefahrenen Raffstores mit zwei erfindungsgemäßen Kopplungsvorrichtungen in einer Seitenansicht,
• 2 das Ausführungsbeispiel des eingefahrenen Raffstores,
• 3 das Ausführungsbeispiel des ausgefahrenen Raffstores in einer Draufsicht,
• 4 bis 7 unterschiedliche Schritte zum Modifizieren des Raffstores,
• 8 eine Querschnittsdarstellung der Unterschiene und der Kopplungsvorrichtung,
• 9 eine Detaildarstellung eines als Keilelement ausgebildeten Kopplungsvorrichtungselements der erfindungsgemäßen Kopplungsvorrichtung,
• 10 eine weitere Detaildarstellung des als Keilelement ausgebildeten Kopplungsvorrichtungselements der erfindungsgemäßen Kopplungsvorrichtung,
• 11 eine perspektivische Darstellung des Basisteils der Unterschiene und der erfindungsgemäßen Kopplungsvorrichtung,
• 12 eine Querschnittsdarstellung eines anderen Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Kopplungsvorrichtung,
• 13 eine Querschnittsdarstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Kopplungsvorrichtung in der Freigabeeinstellung,
• 14 eine Querschnittsdarstellung des weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Kopplungsvorrichtung in der Festlegeeinstellung,
• 15 in einer Explosionsdarstellung einen Teilabschnitt des unteren Endes eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Raffstores,
• 16 die Kopplungsvorrichtung des weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen, Raffstores,
• 17 das untere Ende des weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Raffstores in einer Querschnittsdarstellung,
• 18 die Kopplungsvorrichtung des weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Raffstores in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,
• 19 die Kopplungsvorrichtung des weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Raffstores in einer weiteren perspektivischen Darstellung,
• 20 ein Kopplungsvorrichtungsgehäuse der Kopplungsvorrichtung des weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Raffstores,
• 21 ein Keilelement der Kopplungsvorrichtung des weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Raffstores.

The subject of the invention is shown schematically and by way of example in the drawing and is described below with reference to the figures, with elements that are the same or have the same effect, even in different exemplary embodiments, are usually provided with the same reference symbols. show:

• 1 an embodiment of an extended external venetian blind according to the invention with two coupling devices according to the invention in a side view,
• 2 the exemplary embodiment of the retracted external venetian blind,
• 3 the embodiment of the extended Venetian blind in a plan view,
• 4 until 7 different steps to modify the venetian blind,
• 8th a cross-sectional view of the bottom rail and the coupling device,
• 9 a detailed view of a coupling device element designed as a wedge element of the coupling device according to the invention,
• 10 a further detailed view of the coupling device element designed as a wedge element of the coupling device according to the invention,
• 11 a perspective view of the base part of the bottom rail and the coupling device according to the invention,
• 12 a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention,
• 13 a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention in the release setting,
• 14 a cross-sectional view of the further embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention in the fixed setting,
• 15 in an exploded view a section of the lower end of a further embodiment of a venetian blind according to the invention,
• 16 the coupling device of the further embodiment of a Venetian blind according to the invention,
• 17 the lower end of the further exemplary embodiment of a venetian blind according to the invention in a cross-sectional view,
• 18 the coupling device of the further embodiment of a venetian blind according to the invention in a perspective view,
• 19 the coupling device of the further exemplary embodiment of a venetian blind according to the invention in a further perspective view,
• 20 a coupling device housing of the coupling device of the further exemplary embodiment of a venetian blind according to the invention,
• 21 a wedge element of the coupling device of the further exemplary embodiment of a venetian blind according to the invention.

1 shows an embodiment of a fully extended external venetian blind with two coupling devices according to the invention (of which in 1 only one is visible) in a side view. The external venetian blind has a drive device 1 with a drive motor 2 (not shown in this figure), which drives a winding shaft 3 for winding up a traction element 4 . The drive device also has a drive device housing 5 . The drive motor 2 can be designed as a geared motor.

The external venetian blind has several slats 6 . The slats 6 each have openings 7 through which the traction means 4 runs to a bottom rail 8 . The slats 6 are held by two flexible conductors 9 formed from ropes, which ensure the spacing of the slats 6 in the illustrated extended state of the external venetian blind and allow the slat angle to be adjusted. The ladders 9 each have two vertically running tethers 10 and between the tethers 10 transverse cables 11 running transversely. The slats 6 rest on the transverse cables 11 .

The two coupling devices 12 (of which in 1 only one can be seen) which each connect one of the traction means 4 to the bottom rail. The coupling devices 12 each include a fixing device 45, by means of which the coupling device 12 can be fixed at different points of the traction means 4.

The maximum output length 13 of the traction device 4 from the drive device 1 to the lower rail 8 and the maximum distance 14 between the lower rail 8 and the drive device 1 in the vertical plane of the traction device 4 can be adjusted, in particular steplessly, by means of the coupling device 12, as explained further below hand of 4 until 7 is explained as an example.

The lower rail 8 has a base part 15 which can be closed with a cover part 16 . The cover part 16 also has an opening 7 for the traction mechanism 4 .

2 shows the external venetian blind in the retracted state, with the retaining ropes 10 and the transverse ropes 11 of the ladders 9 not being shown for the sake of clarity. The venetian blind is retracted in that the traction means 4 are retracted by being wound onto the winding shafts 3 until all the slats 6 are arranged directly one above the other within the drive device housing 5 .

3 shows the external venetian blind schematically from the front with a view into the drive device housing 5 of the drive device 1. The ladders 9 and the adjustment mechanism for adjusting the slat roll are not shown in this figure for the sake of clarity. In 3 it can be seen that the drive motor 2 drives two winding shafts 3 onto which the traction means, which can be designed in particular as tension straps, can be wound up. The slats 6 are laterally guided in guide rails 17 alternately on the left and right at the ends.

In the 4 until 7 is shown as an example of how the external venetian blind can be modified. In a first step, which 4 As shown, the cover part 16 is removed from the bottom rail 8 so that the coupling device 12 becomes accessible. In a next step, the bottom slat 6 (several lower slats 6 if necessary) is removed and the ladders 9 shortened accordingly, which is 5 is shown.

Subsequently, the coupling device 12 is transferred from the fixed setting to a release setting in which the maximum output length and the maximum distance between the bottom rail 8 and the drive device 1 can be set. In the release position, the traction means 4 can be pulled through the coupling device 12, so that the coupling device 12 together with the base part 15 fixed thereto move upwards. As soon as the maximum output length to be set and/or the maximum distance to be set between the lower rail 8 and the drive device 1 has been reached, the coupling device 12 is switched back from the release setting to the fixed setting. The same procedure can then be carried out with regard to the other traction mechanism 4 and the other coupling device 12 .

After setting the new maximum output length and/or maximum distance between the lower rail 8 and the drive device 1, the free ends of the tethers 10 of the ladders 9 are laid in the base part 15, which in 6 is shown. The base part 15 is then closed again with the cover part 16, which in 7 you can see.

8th shows a cross-sectional view of the bottom rail 8 and the coupling device 12. Two counter-fastening elements 18 designed as strips are arranged on the base part 15, each of which has a bend 19 along its free end. The bends 19 are aligned opposite to each other. The coupling device 12 has fastening elements 20 with receptacles 21 for the bends 19 of the counter-fastening elements 18 . The coupling device 12 can be moved linearly along the counter-fastening elements 18 designed as strips (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) relative to the base part 15 .

Within the coupling device 12, a bolt 43 is arranged as part of the fixing device 45, around which the traction means 4 is placed. The traction mechanism 4 runs through an opening 22 into the coupling device 12 . The free end of the traction means 4 runs through the opening 22 out of the coupling device 12 . Between the bolt 43 and a housing 23 of the coupling device 12, which has the opening 22, a coupling device element 25 designed as a wedge element 24 is arranged, which is a further component of the fixing device 45 and which is displaced parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bolt 43 (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing). can be to the traction means 4 between the bolt 43 and the coupling device housing 23 - either release or pinch - depending on the sliding direction.

9 shows the wedge element 24 schematically in a detailed representation. The wedge element 24 has a slot 26 for the traction mechanism 4 . In addition, the wedge element 24 has an indentation 27 for the bolt 43 . The legs of the wedge element 24 are wedge-shaped, which is particularly true in 10 can be seen.

11 shows a perspective view of the base part 15 of the lower rail 8 and schematically the coupling device 12 together with the wedge element 24. The coupling device 12 can be slid in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the base part 15 and in this way can be linearly slidably attached to the base part 15. In particular, it can advantageously be provided that first the traction means 4 is threaded through the opening 22 and then placed around the bolt 43 and the free end is threaded back out through the opening 22 and that the wedge element 24 is then inserted before the coupling device 12 is pushed on with the base part 15 is connected. The second coupling device 12 (not shown in this figure) can be pushed on from the other side of the base part 15 in an analogous manner.

12 12 shows a cross-sectional representation of another exemplary embodiment of a coupling device 12 according to the invention. The coupling device 12 comprises a fixing device 45 in each case, by means of which the coupling device 12 can be fixed at different points of the traction means 4. This coupling device 12 has a coupling device housing 23 with an opening 22 through which a pulling means 4 is threaded into the interior of the coupling device 12 and out of the coupling device 12 again. The traction means 4 running through the coupling device 12 is placed around a bolt 43 within the coupling device 12 . The bolt 43 is part of the fixing device 45.

The coupling device 12 has a coupling device element 25 designed as a clamping wedge 28 . The clamping wedge 28 is a further component of the fixing device 45 and has a slot 29 through which the part of the traction means 4 running to the bolt 43 and the part of the traction means 4 coming from the bolt 43 run. There are inboard stops 30 on coupler housing 23 . The clamping wedge 28 can be displaced parallel to the direction of longitudinal extension of the bolt 43 by means of a fixing movement 31 and can thus be clamped between the stops 30 and the bolt 43, with the traction mechanism 4 being clamped between the bolt 43 and the clamping wedge 28 at the same time and the fixing setting being brought about in this way.

By moving the clamping wedge 28 in the opposite direction, the release adjustment can be brought about, which makes it possible to move the traction means relative to the coupling device 12 and the maximum output length 13 of the traction means 4 from the drive device 1 to the lower rail 8 and/or the maximum distance 14 to be set between the lower rail 8 and the drive device 1 in the vertical plane of the traction mechanism 4 .

The coupling device 12 has a fastening element 20 with a receptacle 21 for the bend 19 of a counter-fastening element of the bottom rail 8, which is otherwise not shown.

13 shows a cross-sectional representation of a further exemplary embodiment of a coupling device 12 according to the invention in a release setting. The docking device 12 has a docking device housing 23 with an opening 22 . The traction mechanism 4 runs through the opening 22 into the coupling device 12 and is placed inside the coupling device 12 around a cam 32 which is mounted such that it can rotate and is elliptical in cross section. The cam 32 is part of the fixing device 45. The free end of the traction mechanism 4 runs through the opening 22 out of the coupling device housing 23 again.

Arranged on the base part 15 are two counter-fastening elements 18 designed as strips, each of which has a bend 19 along its free end. The bends 19 are aligned opposite to each other. The coupling device 12 has fastening elements 20 with receptacles 21 for the bends 19 of the counter-fastening elements 18 . The coupling device 12 can be moved linearly along the counter-fastening elements 18 designed as strips (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) relative to the base part 15 .

The coupling device 12 can be transferred to the locking setting by rotating the cam 32 about an axis of rotation 33 which corresponds to its longitudinal central axis (and runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing), which is shown in FIG 14 is shown. In the locked setting, the traction means 4 is pinched between the coupler housing 23 and the cam 32, while in the release setting, shown in FIG 13 shown is not pinched between coupler housing 23 and cam 32 .

15 shows an exploded view of a partial section of the lower end of a further exemplary embodiment of a venetian blind according to the invention. The external venetian blind has a lower rail 8 with a cover part 16 and a base part 15 . The base part 15 can be closed with the cover part 16 by a snap-in connection. The cover part 16 has an opening 7 for the traction mechanism 4 .

Two coupling devices 12 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) are arranged in the bottom rail, each of which connects one of the traction means 4 to the bottom rail 8 . The maximum output length 13 of the traction device 4 from the drive device 1 to the bottom rail 8 and the maximum distance 14 between the bottom rail 8 and the drive device 1 in the vertical plane of the traction device 4 can be adjusted by means of the coupling device 12, in particular steplessly.

Arranged on the base part 15 are two counter-fastening elements 18 designed as strips, each of which has a bend 19 along its free end. The bends 19 are aligned opposite to each other. The coupling device 12 has fastening elements 20 with receptacles 21 for the bends 19 of the counter-fastening elements 18 . When it is connected to the base part, the coupling device 12 can be moved linearly along the counter-fastening elements 18 designed as strips relative to the base part 15 .

The coupling device 12 has a housing 23, which in particular 20 can be seen in detail. The housing 23 has two openings 22 for the traction mechanism 4 . In addition, the fastening elements 20 are formed with the receptacles 21 for the bends 19 of the counter-fastening elements 18 in the housing 23 .

The housing 23 has a fixing element receptacle 34 for a fixing element 44, which in particular 21 is shown in detail. The fixing element 44 has two relatively movable coupling device elements 25, namely two clamping arms 36 on. The clamping arms 36 are each connected to a handle section 38 by means of an elastic hinge 37 . The fixing element 44 is produced in one piece, preferably as an injection molded part. However, it is entirely possible to produce the fixing element 44 in a different way, in particular from a number of separate components. There is a slot 39 between the clamping arms 36, the slot width of which is reduced for clamping the traction means when the fixing element 44 is inserted into the fixing element receptacle 34 of the housing 23.

At their free ends, the clamping arms 36 each have a latching lug 40 which engages behind a latching edge 41 of the housing 23 when the fixing element 44 is inserted into the fixing element receptacle 34 of the housing 23 .

The housing 23 has a bolt receptacle 35 for a bolt 43 around which the traction means 4 is placed. The traction means 4 runs through the openings 22 to the bolt 43 around which it is placed and the free end of the traction means 4 runs through the openings 22 back out of the coupling device 12 .

In particular, it can advantageously be provided that first the traction means 4 is threaded through the openings 22 into the housing 23 and back out of the housing, preferably in such a way that the resulting loop initially protrudes from the housing 23 . The bolt 43 is then inserted into the bolt receptacle 35 plugged. The bolt receptacle 35 has (according to an independent inventive idea) a bolt receptacle opening 42 pointing downwards, which allows the loop of the traction means 4 to be pulled tight until the traction means 4 grips the bolt 43 inserted into the bolt receptacle 35 and is in contact with the bolt 34. In this way, it is advantageously avoided that the traction means 4 has to be laboriously threaded around the bolt 43 within the housing 23 or that the bolt 43 has to be laboriously inserted into a tiny loop of the traction means 4 within the housing 43 . The openings 22 and the bolt-receiving opening 42 are preferably arranged in a common plane.

As a result, the traction means 4 runs through the openings 22 into the housing 23 and is placed tightly around the bolt 43, with the free end of the traction means 4 running out of the housing 23 again.

The maximum output length of the traction device 4 from the (in the 15 until 21 not shown) Drive device 1 to sub-note 8 can be adjusted by pulling part of the traction device 4 further through the coupling device 12 and extending the protruding free end of the traction device 4 if the maximum output length 13 is to be shortened, and that a Part of the traction device 4 is pulled back in the opposite direction by the coupling device 12 and the protruding free end of the traction device 4 is shortened if the maximum output length 13 is to be extended.

Here, a frictional resistance can be generated in a very particularly advantageous manner in that the fixing element 44 is only partially inserted into the fixing element receptacle 34 of the housing 23 for the adjustment process. As a result, the traction means 4 can be moved through the coupling device 12 against an adjustable resistance (by selecting the depth of insertion of the clamping wedge 28 into the fixing element receptacle 34) or into the coupling device, with the resistance preferably being selected in such a way that it is just sufficient for the Keep lower rail 8 hanging on the traction device 4. This has the very particular advantage that until the final setting is reached, the setting that has just been made can be continuously checked (and corrected if necessary) without the risk of accidentally destroying the setting that has just been made. By completely inserting the clamping wedge 28 into the fixing element receptacle 34, it is possible to switch to the fixing setting and the traction mechanism can be reliably and permanently fixed relative to the lower rail 8.

The coupling device 12 is designed in such a way that a set relative position of the traction mechanism relative to the coupling device 12 and relative to the lower rail 8 does not change as a result of the switching process from the release setting to the fixed setting, i.e. due to the complete insertion of the clamping wedge 28

Reference List

1

drive device

2

drive motor

3

winding shaft

4

traction means

5

drive device housing

6

lamella

7

opening

8th

bottom rail

9

Director

10

Vertical tethers

11

cross ropes

12

coupling device

13

Maximum output length of the traction device

14

Maximum distance between the lower rail 8 and the drive device 1 in a vertical plane of the traction mechanism 4

15

base part

16

cover part

17

guide rail

18

counter fastener

19

deflection

20

fastener

21

Recording

22

opening

23

docking device housing

24

wedge element

25

coupling device element

26

slot

27

indentation

28

wedge

29

slot

30

attack

31

locking motion

32

cam

33

axis of rotation

34

locking element recording

35

bolt mount

36

clamping arm

37

Elastic hinge

38

handle section

39

slot

40

detent

41

locking edge

42

bolt receiving opening

43

bolt

44

fixing element

45

fixing device

Claims (27)

Coupling device for an external venetian blind for connecting a traction device of the external venetian blind to a lower rail of the external venetian blind, characterized in that the coupling device comprises at least one fixing device, by means of which the coupling device can be fixed at different points of the traction device. Coupling device after claim 1 , characterized in that the coupling device has a through channel for the traction means. Coupling device after claim 1 , characterized in that the fixing device can be switched from a release setting in which the traction means is not fixed to a fixing setting in which the traction means is fixed. Coupling device after claim 1 , characterized in that the traction means in the release setting can be moved freely or against an in particular adjustable resistance through the through-channel. Coupling device after claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that the coupling device, in particular tool-free and / or non-destructive, between the release setting and the fixed setting is switchable. Coupling device according to one of claims 3 until 5 , characterized in that the switching process from the release setting to the locking setting does not change a set relative position of the traction mechanism relative to the coupling device and/or relative to a lower rail connected to the coupling device. Coupling device according to one of claims 3 until 6 , characterized in that the fixing setting can be locked again by a locking process, in particular without tools and/or non-destructively. Coupling device according to one of Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the fixing device has a, in particular self-locking, winding mechanism for the free end of the traction means. Coupling device according to one of Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that the coupling device can be operated without tools and/or non-destructively. Coupling device according to one of Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the fixing device can be operated without tools and/or non-destructively. Coupling device according to one of Claims 1 until 10 , characterized in that the traction means can be fixed by means of the fixing device by frictional engagement and/or by positive engagement. Coupling device according to one of Claims 1 until 11 , characterized in that the traction mechanism between the coupling device and the bottom rail can be fixed by frictional engagement and/or by positive engagement. Coupling device according to one of Claims 1 until 12 , characterized in that the fixing device is designed and/or arranged to be self-locking. Coupling device according to one of Claims 1 until 13 , characterized in that the fixing device has a movably mounted fixing element. Coupling device after Claim 14 , characterized in that the fixing element is designed as a rotatably mounted cam. Coupling device after Claim 14 , characterized in that the fixing element has two relatively resiliently connected coupling device elements, in particular two clamping arms, which are designed and arranged to clamp the traction means between them. Coupling device after Claim 14 , characterized in that the fixing element is designed to engage in the traction means to set this. Coupling device according to one of Claims 1 until 17 , characterized in that a. the traction means can be fixed relative to a bottom rail by a fixing movement of the coupling device or at least one component of the coupling device and/or that b. a traction means can be released by a release movement of the coupling device or at least one component of the coupling device relative to a bottom rail for an adjustment process. Coupling device according to one of Claims 1 until 18 , characterized in that the coupling device has at least one fastening element which is designed to interact with a counter-fastening element of a bottom rail in order to fasten the coupling device to the bottom rail, in particular in a linearly displaceable manner. Coupling device according to one of Claims 1 until 19 , characterized in that the coupling device is designed and intended to be arranged in a cavity of a lower rail of a venetian blind. Coupling device after claim 19 or 20 , characterized in that the coupling device is designed and intended to be fastened, in particular linearly displaceable, to a base part of a bottom rail of a venetian blind that can be closed with a cover part. Coupling device according to one of Claims 1 until 21 , characterized in that the coupling device has a bolt receptacle for a bolt around which the traction means can run. Coupling device after Claim 22 , characterized in that, in addition to an opening for the bolt, the bolt receptacle has a bolt receptacle opening through which a loop of the traction means can protrude and be pulled out of the bolt receptacle. Coupling device according to one of Claims 1 until 23 , characterized in that the coupling device has a retaining element receptacle for a retaining element, in particular separate from a bolt receptacle. Coupling device after Claim 24 , characterized in that the fixing element is automatically transferred into a fixing position by being inserted into the fixing element receptacle in order to fix the traction means in a clamping manner. External venetian blind with a coupling device according to one of Claims 1 until 25 . external venetian blind Claim 26 , characterized in that a. the lower rail has a cavity in which the coupling device is arranged, and/or that b. the bottom rail has a cavity in which the coupling device is arranged and the cavity is formed between a base part and a cover part, and/or that c. the base part and/or the cover part are curved, and/or that d. the cover part is or can be fixed to the base part in a latching and/or frictional manner, in particular detachable again without destroying it, and/or that e. the lower rail has an opening through which the traction means runs to the coupling device.

Images