DK200400113U3 - Blind - Google Patents

Description

DK 2004 00113U3

Blind

The present invention relates to blinds and, more specifically, slats and corresponding fastening means for the slats for lifting and tilting ropes as well as mats for lifting / lowering and tilting the slats.

The trend in many modern buildings is to use large window areas. The architectural desires lead to facades that require shields against the sunlight. It is most common to use conventional blinds with slats to provide the desired shielding. However, the size of the slats in such blinds and the maximum free span between support strings is limited. Simple upscaling of blinds and slats would lead to various types of stability problems. Typically, the blinds in blinds currently have dimensions of up to about 10 cm in width and a free span between the support rope of about 1 meter. The limited span between the support cords and the correspondingly large number of narrow slats can ruin the original aesthetic effect provided by the large glass panels. Another solution has been to limit the size of the glass panels to the dimensions of available blinds, thereby limiting architectural freedom.

Furthermore, large unbroken window fields can cause acoustic problems in the space bounded by these fields due to unwanted sound reflections from these fields. Therefore, it would be desirable to have blinds with increased length of the blades and correspondingly increased span between the supporting rope, which blinds could also provide, for example, as an option, the desired acoustic attenuation of reflections from the blinds covered by the blinds.

Furthermore, disassembly of slats for example to replace them in many known venetian systems can be a cumbersome process, for example because the pull-up cords are passed through passages in the individual slats and that the slats are supported by the tilt ropes in the traditional ladder rope arrangement. Such arrangements make disassembly and replacement of the individual slats difficult and sometimes even impossible without dismantling larger parts of the blinds. It would therefore be desirable to provide blinds of the above type designed and attached to the tilt cords in a manner that would facilitate disassembly of the individual slats.

DK 2004 00113 U3

Furthermore, the provision of passages in the slats - either in the form of centrally located elongated slots as is often done in known blinds - or along the edge portions of the slats is not optimal from a production point of view or in connection with cleaning the slats. Furthermore, such passages make it difficult to prevent light from penetrating the slats, and it is necessary for the centrally located elongate passages through the slats to be relatively long if the slats are to be capable of tilting a substantial portion of the total vertical tilt. range from one practically vertical orientation of the slats through the horizontal orientation thereof and to the opposite practically vertical orientation.

Blinds for blinds where the lashes are attached to the longitudinal edge portions of the lamella are described, for example, in GB 1 512 274 and DE 38 19 920 A1.

GB 1,512,274 thus describes slats comprising longitudinally extending rounded edge flanges through which cramps are pressed and secured. Support cords are attached to these cramps on the outside of the edge portions of the slats.

DE 38 19 920 A1 describes slats in which the longitudinal edge portions are shaped as rounded flanges similar to those described in the above document. At appropriate locations in the longitudinal direction of the slat, these flanges are provided with slots cut through the flanges and a certain portion into the body of the slat. Into these slots are inserted clips designed for pivotal engagement with corresponding spherical elements attached to the support cords.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a blind that can be used to cover large window panels comprising slats of considerable length lengthwise and with a large span between the upturn or tilting louvers for the slats, and wherein the individual slats can also be easily removed and replaced without the need to remove other slats from the blinds and without the use of special tools.

This object is achieved according to the independent production requirement 1 by providing a blind that allows the use of slats of dimensions that were hitherto impossible. In order to increase the usable dimensions of the blinds in the blinds, the total stiffness of the blades must be sufficiently large, and this is achieved according to the invention by providing slats comprising an elongate body portion on each long side thereof provided with edge portions comprising a first portion and an opposing second portion dancing a space therebetween, the edge portions further being provided with a space through which said space is accessible from the outside. These edge portions, on the one hand, increase the total stiffness of the lamellae and, on the other hand, serve as fasteners on the lamellae to connect the lamellae to the pull-up or tilt cords, as further described below. The dimensions of the above space are larger than the dimensions of the space, whereby a fastener connected, for example, to the pull-up cords and inserted through the space, will be retained releasably within the space of the edge portions of the slats, as will be described in more detail below.

According to one embodiment of the production, the stiffness of the slats is further increased by providing the above body with a vaulted cross-sectional shape, but other cross-sectional shapes, including planar slats, are also within the scope of the present invention.

To further increase the total stiffness of the slats, the body portion could also be corrugated and even provided with downwardly extending ribs on the bottom surface of the body portion.

According to the invention, fasteners for releasably fastening the lamellae to the support cords are inserted into the edge portions through the above spaces, the fasteners also being attached to the support cords. The releasable fasteners may be resilient to enable them to pass through a gap surrounded by substantially rigid boundaries, but it is also possible, according to the invention, to surround the gap with resilient boundaries for passage of substantially rigid boundaries. fasteners through the gap. Thus, the fastening means according to the invention are designed for insertion through the gap into the above space for engagement with at least some of the interfaces of the space. Certain embodiments of fasteners for use with the slats of the present invention are shown and described in the following detailed description of the creation, but modifications and variations of these embodiments would also be possible within the scope of the creation.

3 DK 2004 00113 U3

The blinds available allow slats with a width greater than 200 mm, a free span between support ropes of more than 2.5 meters, slats with a length of at least 4 meters and a height of the blind of 6 meters or more. It is to be understood that it is within the scope of production to use more than two pairs of support cords if this is necessary in connection with very long slats, i.e. slats having a length substantially exceeding the above 4 meters.

The slats according to the invention can be made of many different materials. The slats are typically made of a suitable metal, such as aluminum or steel, but other metals may also be used. Also, a composite material may be used or the slats may be of cast glass fiber or the like. The essential premise governing the choice of material is the necessary stiffness of the slats, but it is possible to a certain extent to compensate for the reduced stiffness due to the choice of material by an appropriate design of the slats.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a blind that can be used to influence the acoustic characteristics of the room in which the blind is used. This object is achieved according to the invention by providing at least certain parts of the slats with an acoustic damping arrangement. Thus, according to the invention, it is possible to place between the abovementioned edge portions of the slats a longitudinally extending bottom panel which preferably - but not necessarily - extends along the entire longitudinal dimension of the slab. This panel is preferably substantially flat, but other shapes could also be used, and may even prove desirable in certain circumstances. This panel can serve at least two functions. It can give the slats a more attractive look from the bottom of these, and / or it can be used as an acoustic structure to enhance the sound-attenuating characteristics of the slats. For this purpose, the panel may be provided with through-holes or slots which provide access to the area between the panel and the body of the slat, and this area may be provided with suitable sound attenuating material, in a manner known per se. Instead of a perforated panel, other sound attenuating structures, such as suitable tissue, may also be used.

In order to achieve an aesthetically satisfactory effect, it is essential to suspend and operate the slats in a way that ensures that all slats are aligned correctly in situations where the slats are stationary as well as during raising, lowering and tilting 4 GB 2004 00113 U3 of the slats, in that even small deviations from the correct alignment can significantly affect the overall appearance of the blinds. Furthermore, as mentioned above, it is desirable to be able to remove and replace individual slats easily and preferably without the use of special tools. These requirements are met with the use of a combined pull-up and tilt system comprising at least two pairs of tilt cords, each of the tilt cords being secured to the individual slats by means of releasable, preferably resilient clips, for insertion into the above-mentioned edge portions of the slats. Proceeding parallel to, and preferably in the immediate vicinity of, at least two pairs of the aforementioned tilt cords, cords are provided, secured at the lower end to the bottom lamella of the venetian blind, and at the upper end to a combined actuating and tilting mechanism to which mechanism of lashes is also connected. The progression of the winding ropes parallel to the tilt ropes can be ensured by passing the winding ropes through loops formed on the tilt ropes, for example at the level of each slat, but other means for maintaining a parallel arrangement of the roping and tilt ropes can also be devised by one skilled in the art. differ from the scope of the present invention.

According to a specific embodiment of the invention which will be described in more detail hereinafter, two pairs of flip-flops are used which run parallel to and in the immediate vicinity of two corresponding pairs of flip-flops, in a manner as indicated above. According to this embodiment, the attachment points of the pull-up and tilt ropes to the slats are located at a distance from each end of the slats substantially equal to 1/5 of the total length of the slab, thereby leaving a free span between two pairs of pull-ups. - and tilt rope of essentially 3/5 of the length of the slat. However, other arrangements which may even comprise more than two systems of pull-up and tilt cables may also be used, for example in connection with very long slats.

According to an alternative embodiment, vertically extending support cords or equivalent means are provided at each end of the slats to increase the overall stability of the blind both longitudinally and transversely, i.e. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the slats. For this purpose, the slats are provided at each end thereof with supporting elements attached to the slats and provided with appropriate passages through the elements to the supporting ropes.

5 DK 2004 00113 U3

According to a further alternative embodiment of the production, the pull-up cords - instead of running parallel to the rocker cords - are passed along the support cords, for example through the same or additional passages in the supporting elements. In this case, the winding cords are also attached to the lower slat.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a simple yet reliable pull-up and tilt mechanism which may preferably be driven by a single propellant, for example, an electric motor which drives all pairs of pull-up and tilt strings in the blind. However, it is to be understood that separate propellants could also be used for each pair of winding and tilting cords without departing from the production.

According to the invention, the combined pull-up and tilt mechanism is located on a longitudinal shaft driven for rotation with suitable propellants such as an electric motor. The propellants may either be located outside the shaft or be inserted into a hollow portion thereof.

The actuating and tilting mechanism of the invention comprises a tubular member mounted for rotation with and axial displacement over said driving shaft, and guide means for holding the actuating cords in their correct axial position and for guiding the actuating cords to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member. , whereby the winding cords will rotate helically on the peripheral surface of the tubular member as a result of rotation of the tubular member, resulting in the slats being raised or lowered as the tubular member rotates.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the tubular member on the outer peripheral surface thereof is provided with a single cut thread to accommodate each of the above-mentioned strings of a given pair of these in the same thread.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the tubular member on the outer peripheral surface thereof is provided with a double-cut thread to accommodate each of the abovementioned strings of a given pair of these in separate threads.

In both of the above-mentioned embodiments of the lifting and tilting mechanism according to the invention, the rotation of the tubular element together with the fact that the pull-up cords which extend downwardly against the slats are limited by axial movement in themselves, that the tubular element undergoes axial displacement, whereby the winding cords are wound on or by the tubular element in a single axially extending layer of string, the tubular element rotating with the driving shaft. According to a third alternative embodiment, the aforementioned single cut respectively. double foam threads located on the outer peripheral overlap of the tubular member engage with a corresponding thread in a stationary bearing which supports the tubular member, this arrangement causing axial displacement of the tubular member and facilitating the correct and unwinding the winding cords on the tubular member. According to the third embodiment, a space of sufficient dimensions is formed between the threads (s) on the tubular member and on the stationary bed (10). to accommodate the winding cords in this space.

According to the invention, the pull-up and rocker mechanism further comprises rocker means for connecting to the rocker cords of a given pair of rocker and rocker strings, the rocker means of a first embodiment comprising a cylindrical rocker housing provided coaxially about the above driving shaft and connected thereto for simultaneous rotation. about the outer peripheral surface of which the rocker housing is provided a rocker element which follows the rotation of the rocker housing over a predetermined angle range due to friction between the rocker and rocker housing. This interval is determined by the first means provided on the rocker element during rotation being brought into contact with corresponding stationary stop means. The rocker cords are wound around the rocker element such that a rotation of the rocker element in one direction causes one rocker string of a given pair of rocker strings to unwind from the rocker element and the other rocker string of that given pair of rocker strings is wound on the rocker element. By appropriately dimensioning the diameter of the rocker housing and the rocker element relative to the width of the slats, the slats can be made to undergo a rocking motion over an angular range of about 180 degrees, that is, the slats can tilt between a substantially vertical position in which adjacent edges of the slats are in contact with each other to form one closed surface of the blinds through a horizontal position of the slats and to the opposite, substantially vertical position of the slats. Modifications of the relationship between the diameters of the rocker housing / rocker element and the width of the slats can be used to limit the rocking range, if desired.

According to the invention, the rocker element surrounding the rocker housing may be radially rigid, but it is also possible to provide the rocker element according to the invention with a certain degree of radial resilience. Thus, for example, a tubular rocker member could be provided with a space radially extending through the rocker member. Radial compliance of the rocker element has the advantageous effect that once the rotation of the rocker member relative to the rocker housing, as described above, is stopped by engagement with the stop means, rotation of the driving shaft and rocker housing (to raise or lower the slats) will continue. ) tend to increase the inside diameter of the rocker member because one end of the rocker member is prevented from rotating and a frictional force is exerted between the contact surface of the rocker member and the rocker housing. Thereby, the frictional force between the rocker housing and the rocker element is reduced, which is advantageous in view of the propellants driving the driving shaft and the rocker housing. Thus, by providing radial resilience of the rocker element, the propellant can use practically all of its effect on raising or lowering the slats, without wasting effect on overcoming unnecessary friction between the rocker housing and rocker member. Thus, a substantial friction between the rocker housing and the rocker element is present only when required, that is, the rocking of the slats must be changed, in which situation rotation of the rocker member is not prevented by engagement with the stationary stop means.

According to one embodiment of the rocker member according to the invention, the rocker member is a tubular member comprising a body portion and a collar defining an intermediate groove to accommodate the rocker cords.

According to another embodiment of the tilting mechanism of the invention, the tilting mechanism is designed as a separate mechanism removed from the pull-up mechanism.

In general, there exists a relationship between the width of the slats and the diameter of the rocker housing necessary to tilt the slats from a first vertical orientation through a horizontal orientation to the opposite vertical orientation. Wide slats - e.g. with a width of 20 to 25 cm - requires a correspondingly large diameter of the rocker housing and rocker element. However, it may be desirable to be able to use tilt mechanisms where the diameter of the tilt housing and the tilt element is limited, even if very wide blades are used in the blinds. According to the present invention, this problem is solved by a particularly advantageous embodiment of the rocker mechanism, which uses a double-stop function in which stop means placed on the rocker element during rotation of the rocker element are not engaged with stationary stop means, but with other rotary stop means, whereby rotation of the rocker element about the rocker housing can take place 8 DK 2004 00113U3 over an angle of more than 360 degrees around the rocker housing. Eventually, the rotary stop means are stopped by engagement with stationary stop means, for example, on the bearing supporting the rocker mechanism. With these means, rotation of the rocker element can take place around the rocker housing in the range between 0 and about 720 degrees. It is even possible to extend this mechanism by using a successive series of rotary stop means whereby the rocker member will be able to undergo rotation around the rocker housing at a total of N * 360 degrees, where N is the number of such rotary stop means + 1. where the number 1 originates from the original rocker element. A first embodiment of this mechanism is described in detail below.

In order to prevent light from penetrating the contact areas along the longitudinal edges of the slats, parts of the regions of the edges of the slats may be provided with sealing material, for example felt, rubber and the like.

Many beneficial effects are achieved with the blind of the present invention. Thus, attachment of the slats along the longitudinal edges thereof is highly advantageous from an aesthetic point of view due to the omission of passages cut through the main part of the slats, as is typically done in many venetian systems in conjunction with the strings. The lack of passages through the main part of the slats is also advantageous in controlling the passage of light through the blinds. In blinds comprising very large slats, which will typically be the case with the present invention, it would be necessary to provide relatively large passageways through the slats for passage of the pull-up cords, and it would be necessary for such passages to extend over a substantial portion. of the width of the slats to allow the slats to be tilted to their substantially vertical position. Although corresponding edge portions of adjacent slats were brought into close contact with each other - to prevent light from penetrating the blinds - light would still penetrate these relatively large passages in the slats. A complete darkening of the space would therefore not be possible with slats comprising these passages, but could be provided with the blinds of the present invention. If necessary, sealing material, such as rubber, felt or the like. are even placed at the edge portions of the slats to prevent light from penetrating adjacent slats.

Also, for cleaning the slats, it is advantageous to have large, unbroken surfaces of slats without cords permeating the slats.

9 DK 2004 00113 U3

Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the presence of the longitudinal edge portions of the slats increases the total stiffness thereof, thereby allowing for longitudinal extensions to be extensively extended, typically using just two pairs of pull-up and tilt cords. Thus, it is possible to cover large surfaces, not necessarily only window openings, with a single blind, which extends both horizontally and vertically.

The attachment of the tilt ropes along the edge portions makes initial assembly of the blind easy as well as facilitates the removal and replacement of individual slats, without the need to remove large parts of the total blind. The easy initial assembly even of blinds but significant dimensions further opens the possibility of acquiring the blinds in the form of an assembly kit that can be easily assembled on site. For example, the slats can be stocked in the form of very long slats, which can be sold for the lengths actually needed. The ease of assembling the blinds on site is also advantageous from a transport standpoint.

Also, from a production point of view, the unbroken surface of the slats, together with the fact that the slats can be manufactured in one piece, for example by a roll forming technique, is very advantageous.

Finally, the slats can be used to change the acoustic characteristics of the room by providing various forms of acoustic damping arrangements on the slats. The tilting of the slats can even be utilized to change the acoustic effect of the slats, since it is possible either to achieve an acoustically hard surface when the slats are in one of their vertical positions, or to varying degrees of acoustic damping when the slats are tilted. .

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a sectional view of a slat according to the invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view of the slat shown in Figure 1 provided with a sound attenuating panel on the bottom portion of the slat; Figures 3a and 3b are drawings of a clip used to attach the lamellae to the lash line; Figures 4a and 4b are sectional views of two alternative slats according to the invention; Figures 4c and 4d are alternative fasteners to the slats shown in Figures 4a and 4b; Figure 5 is a drawing of a first embodiment of a combined pull-up and tilt mechanism according to the invention; Figure 6 is a drawing of another embodiment of a combined pull-up and tilt mechanism according to the invention; Figure 7a is a schematic perspective view of the tilting mechanism of the invention; Fig. 7b is a schematic drawing of the tilting mechanism of the invention seen from a longitudinal end of the tilting mechanism; Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the pull-up and tilt mechanism of the invention comprising two separate pull-up mechanisms and a single, separate tilt mechanism as shown in Figure 9; Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the dual-stop function of the tilt mechanism to reduce the required diameter of the mechanism; Figures 10a, 10b and 10c are schematic representations of alternate guides of pull-up cords for the tubular element of the pull-up mechanism; Figure 11 is a schematic representation of the blinds according to the invention showing only the main components thereof viewed from the side in perspective; Fig. 12a is a schematic representation of a blind according to an alternative embodiment of the manufacture comprising lateral support cords to increase the stability of the blind; and Figure 12b is a schematic representation of a detail of the blind shown in Figure 9a.

The following is a detailed description of currently preferred embodiments of the invention.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a sectional drawing of a single slat according to the invention generally indicated by 1. The slat comprises a longitudinally extending main part 2 which according to this embodiment is upwardly curved, although other cross-sectional shapes may also be conceived. The slat comprises front and rear longitudinally extending edge portions 3 comprising first portions 3 ', hereinafter referred to as top portions, and further provided with inwardly extending second portions 4, hereinafter referred to as bottom portions 4, which in the illustrated embodiment are in the essential plane. These bottom portions 4 are terminated in attachment portions 5 directed toward the bottom surface of the body portion 2 of the slat. Between the fastening members 5 and the bottom cover of the main part 2 of the lamella, a gap 6 is formed for inserting suitable fasteners 12 into the space formed between the top part 3 ', the bottom part 4 and the fastening part 5.

The slat according to this embodiment can be manufactured simply by known techniques, for example roll forming.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown another embodiment of the slat 1 according to the invention, wherein the slat has been provided with a bottom panel 7 which may be substantially flat as shown in Figure 2 but which may also have other cross-sectional shapes. The panel may comprise a single unbroken surface and, for example, be arranged for purely decorative purposes, or it may be formed as a sound attenuating element in a manner known per se, for example by providing a pattern of passages 8 through the panel. For example, these passages may be circular or have the form of elongated slots, although many other forms would also be possible. Along the longitudinal edges of the panels 7, these are provided with fasteners 11 for releasable fastening to the slats 1, for example along the fasteners 5 or via the spaces 6 therein. Further, for optimum sound attenuation characteristics, the bottom panels 7 may be provided with a sound attenuating material 9 covering the passages 8. In addition, the inner volume 10 formed between the bottom panel 7 and the bottom surface of the main part 2 of the lamella 1 may be provided with appropriate acoustic damping material. It would also be possible to use fabric instead of the panel only, and provide this fabric with appropriate fasteners along its edges.

Many different fasteners could be provided to the slats according to the invention. The most important requirement for these fasteners is their ability to pass through the gap between the first and second edge portions of the lamella and to be retained in the space between these portions after passage through the gap.

With reference to Figures 3a and 3b, an embodiment of the fastening means 12 for use with the slats 2 according to the invention is shown, in which the edge parts 3 are assumed to be substantially rigid, that is, the space 6 is defined by substantially rigid boundaries between 5 and 3 '. The fasteners according to this embodiment consist of a metal wire clip or other suitable material formed in a symmetrical manner around a central loop portion 16 and further comprising a first leg portion 15 substantially located in the plane of the central loop portion 16 and second and third leg portions 14, 13 in a plane forming an angle A with respect to the plane of the central loop portion 16 and the first leg portion 15. The angle A is selected in connection with the corresponding angle B between the first and second edge parts 3 'and 4 of the lamella 2, in such a way that the fastener 12 is retained within the region 3 "of the edge portion 3 after insertion through the gap 6. Through the loop portion 16, a cord 17 connects the lamella 2 to the lash line 19, thereby suspending the lamella 2 from the lash line 19. Opposite the lamella, there is provided a loop 18 through which the pull-up cord 20 passes, whereby the pull-up strings 20 extend substantially parallel to the rocker cord ne 19.

Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, schematic representations of slats having other cross-sectional shapes are shown according to the invention. Several other forms would also surface within the production as defined by the following claims.

The fasteners shown in Figures 3a and 3b cannot be used in connection with the edge portions 3 shown in Figures 4a and 4b. Two alternative embodiments of fasteners for use with the edge portions of Figures 4a and 4b are shown in Figures 4c and 4d. The fasteners shown in Figure 4c comprise a cylindrical bar 23 made of a material of sufficient resilience to allow the bar to pass through the gap 6 shown in Figures 4a and 4b, and provided with a circumferential groove 24 for fastening the cord 25 connected to the rocker cord 19. Alternatively, the cord 25 could also be embedded in the cylindrical bar 23, for example, during the casting thereof, or passed through a passage provided in the cylindrical bar 23. As an alternative to the cylindrical bar 23, a resilient ball 26 as shown Figure 4d is also used. It is understood that the aforementioned fasteners could, as an alternative, be made of a rigid material if the edge portions 3 were resilient, as described above.

Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a pull-up and tilt mechanism 30 for use in the venetian blind according to the invention to control a single pair of pull-up and tilt strings. This mechanism is attached to a housing 31 mounted, for example, in the upper part of a window opening or in the ceiling. The main components of the blind according to the invention comprise a longitudinal shaft 33 which may be common to several - typically two - mechanisms, although separate shafts 33 for each of several mechanisms could also be conceived, each provided with suitable propellants, such as e.g. a motor indicated by reference number 34. In the first of these cases, synchronization of the mechanisms is ensured through the use of a common driving shaft, but in the latter case means for synchronizing the various mechanisms may be necessary. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, at least part of the shaft 33 is hollow for accommodating the motor 34 within the shaft, but other arrangements of motors and propellants connecting the driving shaft 33 and the driving shaft 35 of the motor could also be used without this being a deviation from the mechanism of production. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive shaft 35 of the motor is attached to the above housing 31.

Around the shaft 33 is a tubular member 36 dimensioned for rotation with the shaft 33 and axial displacement over a predetermined longitudinal distance of the shaft 33, this displacement being indicated by arrow C in Figures 4 and 5. The combined rotation of the shaft 33 and simultaneous displacement thereof, according to this embodiment of the mono-control mechanism, is provided by engagement between an engagement means 37 extending radially inwardly from the tubular member 36 and in engagement with a longitudinally extending channel 38 provided in the shaft 33. tubular member 36 is mounted for rotation relative to housing 31 by means of a suitable bearing 40, which is shown only schematically in Figures 5 and 6.

14 DK 2004 00113U3

As shown in Figure 5, a pair of pull-up cords 20 for raising or lowering the slats 2 are wound in a spiral about the tubular member 36. In order to keep the pull-up cords 20 in their longitudinal position during rotation of the shaft 33 and the tubular member 36, the pull-strings 20 are the illustrated embodiment passed through channels 46 provided in the bearing 40, but it is understood that other arrangements for retaining the position of the winding cords 20 in the longitudinal direction could also be used, without departing from the scope of the mono-control mechanism of the invention. The ends 43 of the winding cords are attached to the tubular member 36. The winding of the winding cords 20 on and of the tubular member 36 takes place in a double helical manner as indicated in the figures, where one winding cord is shown in black and the other in open representation. As the shaft 33 and the tubular member 36 rotate, controlled by the motor 34, the retention of the winding cords 20 longitudinally and their downward direction against the slats 2 forces the tubular member 36 to undergo a longitudinal displacement relative to the shaft 33, whereby the winding cords 20 become wound on and off the tubular member 36 in accordance with its direction of rotation.

Another embodiment of the pull-up and tilt mechanism of the invention is shown in Figure 6. According to this embodiment, the tubular member 36 on its peripheral surface is provided with threads 39 for engaging corresponding threads 44 in the stationary bearing 40. According to this embodiment, the displacement becomes in the longitudinal direction of the tubular member 36 of the shaft 33 provided by the engagement between the thread 39 of the tubular member 36 and the thread 44 in the stationary bearing 40. The thread of the tubular member 36 further serves the purpose of ensuring reliable winding and unwinding of the pull-up cords. 20 on the tubular member 36, the thread being designed to accommodate the two pull-up strings 20 of a given pair of pull-up strings within a single groove of the thread. Thus, the thread of this embodiment is a single cut thread designed to accommodate two strands side by side in the individual groove of the thread.

According to a third embodiment of the pull-up and tilt mechanism according to the invention (not shown), the single-cut thread described above is replaced by a double-cut thread, each thread holding one of the pull-up strings 20 of a given pair of pull-up strings.

According to a preferred version of the above-mentioned second and third embodiments of the pull-up and tilting mechanism according to the invention, the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical rocker housing 41, which will be described in the following, roughly touches the tops of the threaded 39 of the tubular element 36, whereby substantially closed spaces for accommodating the headers 20 are formed between the tubular member 36 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical rocker housing 41, thereby preventing the headers 20 from being entangled or losing contact with the tubular member. element 36 during operation of the mechanism.

Of course, in order to accommodate the pull-up cords 20 in the region between the tubular member 36 and the stationary bearing 40, sufficient space must be provided between the corresponding threads shown in Figure 6. A preferred choice of threads has been found to be a trapezoidal thread. other types of threads could also be used.

Referring now to Figures 7a and 7b, there is now shown a tilting mechanism according to one embodiment of the invention. Thus, as shown in Figure 7a, the rocker mechanism comprises a cylindrical rocker housing 41 disposed coaxially about and connected to the driving shaft 33 for simultaneous rotation therewith, a circular radially adjustable rocker member 42 is arranged around the outer peripheral surface of rocker housing 41. 42 may comprise an axially extending space 47 to allow the rocker member 42 to expand radially, although this is not a necessary prerequisite for the operation of the rocker mechanism. The diameter of the rocker member 42 is selected such that a frictional force is exerted between the rocker member 42 and the rocker housing 41, whereby a rotation of the rocker housing 41 will cause the rocker member 42 to undergo rotation simultaneously with the rocker housing 41 and the driving shaft 33. The rotation of rocker member 42 in the direction however, the arrow D will be prevented when a tongue 48 disposed in the vicinity of the gap 47 makes contact with a stationary stop 50. In rotation in the opposite direction, as indicated by the arrow E, rotation of the rocker member 42 will also be prevented when a tongue 49 makes contact with a stationary stop 51.

Referring to Figure 7b, a schematic representation of details of the tilting mechanism of the invention is shown. The tilt ropes 19 and 192 in the venetian blind are attached to substantially diametrically opposite points 56 and 57 of the rocker member 42 and wound around the rocker element (the space in a groove 52 provided in the rocker member between a body 54 thereof and a collar 53, although this is not apparent of Figure 7b). A rotation of the rocker member 42 which, in this embodiment of the rocker mechanism, takes place over an angular range of about 360 degrees, corresponding either to contact between tongue 48 and stop 50 or to contact between tongue 49 and stop 51 (hidden behind stop 50 in Figure 7b) causes one of the rocker ropes 19i to move, for example, in a downward direction, and the other one, in the upward direction. The slats attached to the rocker cords thus undergo a rocking motion. Thus, by appropriately selecting the ratio of the diameter of the rocker housing 41 to the width of the slats 2, it is possible to cause the slats 2 to tilt between a first, substantially vertical position I and an opposite, also substantially vertical position II, as shown. in Figure 7b. The angular range of tilting of the slats 2 can be changed either by changing the diameter of the rocker housing 41 or by changing the positions of the stops 50, 51, thereby preventing the rocker element 42 from undergoing a rotation of substantially full 360 degrees.

In the state shown in Figure 7b, the rocker housing 41 rotates counterclockwise, as indicated by arrow E, whereby the tongue 48 has been brought into contact with the stop 50. The rocker member 42 is thus prevented from further rotation counterclockwise. The frictional force F between the rocker housing 41 and the rocker member 42 will then attempt to increase the width of the gap 47 in the rocker member 42, thereby increasing its diameter, thereby reducing the frictional force between the rocker housing and rocker member as previously described. Upon subsequent rotation of the rocker housing 41 in the clockwise direction, the rocker element 42 becomes free to rotate with the rocker housing 41 until engagement between the second tongue 49 and the corresponding stop 51. Upon further rotation of the rocker housing 41 in the clockwise direction, the diameter of the rocker member 42 again to increase, thereby reducing the frictional force between the rocker housing 41 and the rocker element 42.

In the condition shown in FIG. 7b, the rocker cord 19i has been wound maximum by the rocker member 42, thereby leaving about a half winding of cord on the periphery of the rocker member 42. The second rocker string 192 is wound maximum on the rocker member 42, corresponding to about 1 1/2 winding cord.

An alternative embodiment of the pull-up and tilt mechanism is shown in Figure 8. According to this embodiment, the pull-up and tilt mechanisms are arranged on the driving shaft 33 in the form of separate mechanisms. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the rocker mechanism is designed to drive both pairs of rocker ropes 19, although it would also be possible to provide rocker mechanisms for each pair of rocker ropes as described above. The pull-up mechanisms shown in Figure 8 are of the embodiment which includes threads to accommodate the strings, but also the threadless mechanism could be used. Furthermore, outer housings (not shown) could also be arranged around the tubular members to close the upper open areas of the threads and to protect cords and threads from damage.

17 DK 2004 00113 U3

The driving shaft is driven by a suitable motor. This could be inserted into the driving shaft which could be split into two sections for this purpose, but it is understood that other means for driving the shaft 33 can also be used, such as a motor within a hollow part of the shaft, as previously described.

In Figure 9 an alternative embodiment 58 of the tilting mechanism according to the invention is shown provided with the aforementioned double-stop function. The rocker mechanism is supported by a stationary bearing 59, and comprises a rocker drum 60 which rotates with the driving shaft 33, for example, by virtue of a suitable spring and groove arrangement 70. Around the rocker drum, a rocker element 61 is cut longitudinally at a slot to facilitate radial expansion and compression of the rocker element. Two stops 63 are located adjacent to the slot, i. at each peripheral end of the rocker element. In the previously described embodiment of the rocker element, these stops would be engaged with a stationary stop, for example, placed on the stationary bed, but in the embodiment shown here, engagement between the individual of these stop means 63 and a tongue 65 is arranged on a pivot. stop ring 64 which rotates around the rocker drum 60. When one of the stop means 63 engages with the tongue 65 during the rotation of the rocker element 61, the rotation of the rocker element 61 continues until an end surface 67 is applied at each end of a stop portion 66 of the rotatable stop ring in engagement with a stationary stop 68 disposed at a suitable location on the stationary bed 59.

Tilt rope 19 is guided from the slats via a suitable system of pulleys (e.g. 69) and wound around the rocker element in a manner similar to, for example, the one shown previously (Figure 7b). Such rocking cords are indicated in Figure 9, but they can proceed in many different ways, which will be obvious to one skilled in the art. In Figure 9, they are attached to the first stop means 63, but the attachment of the rocker cords to the rocker element could also take place elsewhere along its periphery. Finally, only one of the rocker strings in each pair is shown, but the corresponding other strings of the pairs of rocker strings are, of course, also wrapped and attached to the rocker element, although these are concealed by the rocker mechanism and the driving shaft 33 in the figure.

The rotation range of the pivotal stop ring 64 - and thus of the rocker element 61 around the rocker drum 60 - is determined by the peripheral extension of the stop portion 66. By appropriate selection of this extension, it is thus possible to select the desired rotation range.

Figures 10a, 10b and 10c show schematic representations of alternate guides of the pull-up cords 20 to the tubular element 36 of the pull-up mechanism shown in Figure 10a. Thus, Figure 10b shows a first alternative comprising two blades 69, and Figure 10c shows a second alternative comprising only a single blade. In both alternatives, the pulleys are disposed within the stationary bed 40 and suitable apertures and ducts are provided therein. Other guides of the string of course are also possible, and will be obvious to one skilled in the art.

With reference to Figure 11, there is finally shown an assembly drawing of an embodiment of a blind according to the manufacture comprising the louvers 1, the fastening means 12 and the pull-up and tilting mechanism 30 according to the invention as described in detail above.

As an option, the slats may be provided with resilient strips in the contact areas between adjacent slats to prevent light from penetrating the contact areas between the slats. Likewise, such resilient bands would prevent the generation of noise when adjacent slats are brought into contact with each other during operation of the blinds.

Referring to Figures 12a and 12b, an alternative embodiment of the blind according to this embodiment is shown, wherein vertically extending support lanyard 71 is disposed at each end longitudinally of the blades 2 to increase the overall stability of the blind. Although reference is made to support cords, it is understood that other means, for example substantially rigid bars of appropriate dimensions, could also be used. The support cords 71 pass through a passageway 73 provided in the support member 72 attached to the end of the lamella, and the lamella can for this purpose be provided with an end cap or similar member 74 formed, for example, for insertion into the hollow structure of the lamella. In order not to disturb the tilting movement of the slats, the support element 72 is mounted so that it can rotate about the axis X 'through the element, ie. so it can rotate relative to the slat.

The placement of the support members 72 or equivalent means at the ends of the slats allows a further alternative embodiment of the blind according to the invention. As shown in Figure 12a, only the above support cords are provided at the ends of the slats as described above. However, it is also possible to place the winding cords at the ends of the slats by, for example, passing the winding cords 20 'through second passageways 75 in the supporting elements 72 and attaching the winding cords 20' to the lower lamella. In this alternative embodiment, one of the main purposes of production - the omission of passages penetrating the slat - is met.

Although various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that one skilled in the art can devise other embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope thereof as defined by the subsequent utility model requirements.

20 DK 2004 00113U3

UTILITY MODEL REQUIREMENTS

A louvre for a blind, wherein the louvre has front and rear longitudinally extending edge portions (3) connected to each other by a head portion (2), each of the edge portions (3) comprising a first portion (3 ') extending laterally in relation to each other. to the body portion (2), and an opposing second portion (4) forming a space (3 ") therebetween, the edge portions (3) being further provided with a space (6) through which space (6) said space (3") is accessible from the outside, where the width of the gap (6) is less than the maximum distance between said first (3 ') and second (4) parts, characterized in that the gap (6) is used to insert fastening means (12, 21, 22). ) into the above space (3 ") without the fasteners penetrating the slat.

Blade according to claim 1, characterized in that the above-mentioned second parts (4) are provided at their ends facing each other with fastening parts (5) extending towards the lower surface of the main part (2) and the above-mentioned spaces (6). ) is provided between the fastening members (5) and the lower surface of the main body (2).

A lamella according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the above-mentioned spaces (6) have resilient limits for facilitating insertion and removal of fasteners through the spaces (6).

4. A lamella according to claim 2, characterized in that said second parts (4) are substantially planar.

5. Lame! according to claim 1, characterized in that the above-mentioned main part (2) is arched.

Blade according to claim 1, characterized in that the above-mentioned main part (2) is substantially planar.

Blade according to claim 1, characterized in that the above-mentioned main part (2) is corrugated.

A lamella according to claim 1, characterized in that the lamella (1) is made of a material belonging to the group comprising metal, composite material and fiberglass.

Blade according to Claim 8, characterized in that the blade (2) is further covered by veneer.

A lamella according to claim 1, characterized in that the above-mentioned edge parts (3) are formed as integral parts of the above-mentioned main part (2).

Blade according to claim 1, characterized in that the above-mentioned edge parts (3) are formed as separate parts for attachment to the said main part (2).

A lamella according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the lamella is provided with a bottom panel (7) designed for releasably inserting into the lamella (2) between the above-mentioned fastening parts (5).

Laminate according to claim 12, characterized in that the above-mentioned bottom panel (7) is provided with a pattern of passages (8) through the bottom panel.

The slat according to claim 13, characterized in that the above passages (8) are substantially circular.

The slat according to claim 13, characterized in that the above passages (8) are elongated slots.

Laminate according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the volume (10) formed between the bottom panel (7) and the lower surface of the main part (2) of the lamella is partially or completely filled with an acoustic damping material. .

A lamella according to any one of the preceding claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the abovementioned bottom panel (7) is provided with a fabric (9) which extends over at least a part ag bottom panel (7).

Laminate according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 17, characterized in that the above-mentioned bottom panel (7) is substantially flat.

Laminate according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 17, characterized in that the above-mentioned bottom panel (7) is vaulted.

A lamella according to claim 1, characterized in that the above-mentioned edge parts (3) are provided with sealing means for preventing light from penetrating the regions between adjacent lamellae when the lamellae are in one of their substantially vertical positions. .

A releasable fastening means for slats (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the fastening means (12, 21, 22) are designed for insertion through said space (6) into said space (3 "). ) for engagement with the boundaries (3 *. 4, 5) of the space (3 ").

Fastener according to claim 21, characterized by comprising a central loop part (16) connected to a first leg part (15) located substantially in the plane of the central loop part (16) and connected to second and third leg parts (14, 13). located in a plane forming an angle (A) relative to the plane of the central loop portion (16) and the first leg portion (15).

Fastener according to claim 21, characterized in that it is shaped as a cylindrical rod (23).

Fastener according to claim 21, characterized in that it is shaped like a ball (26).

Fastener according to any one of the preceding claims 21 to 24, characterized in that it is resilient to facilitate insertion through said space (6).

Fastener according to any one of the preceding claims 21 to 24, characterized in that it is rigid.

A blind for covering large window panels or the like, comprising: - several parallel, elongated slats (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 20; - at least two pairs of flip-flops (19) for releasably attaching to said edge portions (3) of the slats (1) by means of fasteners (12, 21, 22) according to any one of the preceding claims 21 to 26; 23 DK 2004 00113U3 - at least two pairs of pull-up cords (20) extending substantially parallel to the above-mentioned tilting cords (19) and attached to the lower slat in the blind.

Blinds according to claim 27, characterized in that each of the aforementioned pairs of flip-flops (19) and the aforementioned pairs of flip-flops (20) are driven by separate mono-control mechanisms (30) mounted on a common driving shaft (33) driven to rotation of a common propellant (34).

Blinds according to claim 27, characterized in that each of the aforementioned pairs of flip-flops (19) and the aforementioned pairs of flip-flops (20) are driven by separate mono-control mechanisms (30) arranged on a separate driving shaft (33) for each of the mono-control mechanisms (30) driven for rotation of separate propellants (34).

Blinds according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that each of the aforementioned mono-control mechanisms (30) comprises a tubular element (36) mounted for rotation with and axial displacement over said driving shaft (33), and control means (46). for holding the winding cords (20) in their correct axial position and for guiding the winding cords (20) to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member (36), whereby the winding cords (20) will rotate the tubular member (36). the helical coil wound on or off the peripheral surface of the tubular member (36), resulting in the slats (1) being raised and lowered as the tubular member (36) rotates.

Blinds according to claim 30, characterized in that the above tubular element (36) is provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof with a single cut thread (39) for accommodating each of the aforementioned headers (20) of a given pair of headers in the same thread groove.

The blind according to claim 30, characterized in that the above tubular element (36) is provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof with a double cut thread for accommodating each of the aforementioned headers (20) of a given pair of headers in separate threads thereof.

Blinds according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that the above single-cut / double-cut threads provided on the outer peripheral overlap of the tubular element (36) are in engagement with a corresponding thread (44) in a stationary bed (40), supporting the tubular member (36).

The blind according to claim 31, 32 or 33, characterized in that the above threads are trapezoidal.

The blind according to claim 34, characterized in that a gap (45) is formed between the aforementioned threads on the tubular element (36) and on the stationary bed (40) in order to accommodate the pull-up cords (20) in this gap ( 45).

Blinds according to any one of the preceding claims 28 to 36, characterized in that the above mono-control mechanism (30) comprises tilting means for connecting to the tilting cords (19) of a given pair of pull-up cords (20) and tilting cords (19), wherein the rocker means comprises a cylindrical rocker housing (41) disposed coaxially about said driving shaft (33) for simultaneous rotation therewith, around which the outer peripheral surface of the rocker housing (41) is arranged a rocker element (42) which follows the rotation of rocker housing (41). ) due to friction 15 between the rocker element (42) and rocker housing (41) over a predetermined angular interval determined by first means (48, 49) provided on the rocker element (42) being brought into contact with corresponding stationary stop means (50, during the above rotation). 51), wherein the rocker cords (19) are wound around the rocker element (42) so that rotation of the rocker element (42) in one direction causes one rocker string to be wound by the given pair of rocker cords of the rocker element (42) and the second second rocker string of the pair are wound on the rocker element (42).

The blind according to claim 36, characterized in that the said rocker element (42) is radially compliant.

The blind according to claim 37, characterized in that said rocker element (42) is provided with an axially extending space (47).

The blind according to claim 36, 37 or 38, characterized in that the said rocker element (42) is a tubular member comprising a main part (54) and a collar (53) defining an intermediate groove (52) for accommodating the rocker cords ( 19).

Blinds according to claims 36, 37, 38 or 39, characterized in that the ends of each rocker string (19i, 192) of a given pair are attached to the rocker element (42) at points (56, 57) which are substantially located diametrically opposed to each other on the rocker element (42) and that the rocker cords are wound in opposite directions on the rocker member (42).

The blind according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that the aforementioned propellants (34) are an electric motor (s) fixed within the abovementioned driving shaft (33).

The blind according to claim 27, characterized in that each of the headers (20) passes through loops (18) attached to the corresponding rocker cords (19), whereby the headband cords (20) extend substantially parallel to the corresponding rocker cord (19).

The blind according to claim 27, characterized by comprising two pairs of pull-up and rocker cords (20, 19), wherein the attachment point of the individual pair of rocker cords (19) is ten. the slats (1) are at a distance from the corresponding end in the longitudinal direction of the slat (1) which is substantially equal to 1/5 of the total length of the slat (1).

The blind according to any one of the preceding claims 28 to 35, characterized in that the pull-up and tilt mechanism comprises tilt means for connecting to the tilt cords (19) of one or more pairs of pull-up and tilt cords, the tilt means comprising a rocker drum (60) arranged coaxially rotating along the driving shaft (33) therewith, wherein around the outer peripheral surface of the rocker drum (60) is arranged a rocker element (61) which follows the rotation of the rocker drum (60) due to friction between the rocker element (61) and the rocker drum (60) over a predetermined angular range determined by contacting first stop means (63) on the rocker element (61) during the above rotation with a stop tongue (65) arranged on a pivotal stop ring (64) so that further rotation of the the rocker drum (60) will result in the rotatable stop ring (64) rotating about the rocker drum (60) until further rotation is prevented by engagement of a portion of that rotor a stop ring (64) with a stationary stop means (68), wherein said rocker string (19) is wound around said rocker element (61) so that rotation of the rocker element (61) in one direction causes one of the rocker ropes of the given pair of flip-flop is unwound from the flip-flop (61) and the other flip-flop of the given pair is wound on the flip-flop (61).

The blind according to claim 44, characterized in that said rocker element (61) is radially compliant.

The blind according to claim 44, characterized in that said rocker element (61) is provided with an axially extending slot (62).

47. The blind according to any one of the preceding claims 44, 45 or 46, characterized in that the ends of each of the tilt cords (191 to 192) are fixed to the tilt element (61) at points which are substantially diametrically opposite to each other. on the rocker element (61), and that the rocker cords are wound in opposite directions on the rocker member (61).

The blind according to claim 44, characterized in that the aforementioned portion of the rotatable stop ring (64) is provided with peripherally spaced end faces (67) such that the peripheral extension of the aforementioned portion is used to determine the rotation interval of the rocker element (61) around the rocker drum. (60).

The blind according to claim 27, characterized in that the supporting cord (71) is arranged at each end in the longitudinal direction of the slats (2) for engagement with the slats, thereby increasing the stability of the blind.

The blind according to claim 49, characterized in that the support cords (71) are passed through passageways (73) provided in support elements (72) arranged at the ends of the slats in their longitudinal direction.

The blind according to claim 49 or 50, characterized in that the slats (2) are provided with end caps (74) for securing the supporting elements (72) to the slats (2).

The blind according to claim 50 or 51, characterized in that the pull-up cords (20 ') extend parallel to the support cords (71) and are passed through passages (75) in the supporting elements (72) arranged at the ends of the slats (2) in the longitudinal direction thereof.

27 DK 2004 00113 U3

FIG. 1/11

13

FIG. 3b

FIG. 3a DK 2004 00113 U3

Fig.2 DK 2004 00113U3

FIG. 4a

FIG. 4b

Λ5-

FIG. 4c fa

FIG. 4d 15 25 22 26 / DK 2004 00113 U3

FIG. 5 DK 2004 00113 U3

Fig.6

DK 2004 00113U3

E

V

DK 2004 00113U3

DK 2004 001 67

DK 2004 00113U3

6J FIG. 10b

FIG. 10c

%Ί% «DK 2004 00113 U3

FIG. 12b