EP0851089B1 - Roller shutter box and window assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Assembly essentially comprising a prefabricated standard roller shutter box (1), prefabricated guide rails (3) for the apron of said roller shutter (4), and a window frame (2), allowing the pre-assembly of the box (1 ) and of the frame (2) before installation on site, characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the position of the box (1) relative to the frame (2), from the pre-assembly position, and after positioning of the chassis (2) / box (1) assembly in a window opening (B) provided with window frames (8), on the one hand at least one position allowing free access to the joint between the chassis (2 ) and the frames (8) in the upper part of said opening (B), and on the other hand a position in which said box (1) is in contact with the upper wall (9) of said opening (B). <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to box assemblies for roller shutters and window frames adaptable to a bay window of an existing building.

It aims, under a first aspect, the design of such assemblies, involving new and improved means to eliminate the disadvantages of similar systems already known.

It targets, in a second aspect, a set of elements prefabricated standard dimensions, and parts intended for the adaptation of said elements to deviations from the actual dimensions of the bays compared to these standard dimensions.

Finally, it aims, under a third aspect, a process for the implementation in place of such assemblies on an existing rack, this process being simpler than similar methods already known and allowing to take advantage of new features and advantageous of this new assembly.

We know that the roller shutter boxes adaptable to windows of an already existing building are currently for the most composed of an elongated volume intended to contain the shutter rolled up, constituting the box itself, fixed on a frame in PVC, all prefabricated in the factory, suitable for dimensions particular of the wooden window on the building site and installed so the box is positioned in front of the upper frame. The installation is carried out from the inside, due to the existence on the chassis of peripheral vertical edges resting on the original frames from the bay.

This system still has drawbacks.

A first drawback stems from the very design of the entire A first drawback stems from the very design of the entire box and PVC frame, this set not being removable after the installation, which excludes access to the upper part of the chassis, and consequently junction with wooden frames. To compensate for any loss of tightness, we is therefore obliged to have around the casing of the external covers, which are at the both unsightly and of doubtful efficacy.

In addition, installation from the inside requires that the box be placed inside the peripheral frame of the chassis, i.e. relatively low by compared to the bay, and this has the effect of reducing the useful surface of the window, which opens to the outside.

Another disadvantage arises from the inevitable variations in the dimensions of the windows to be fitted which requires, before the prefabrication of a box / chassis assembly, to measure a large number of dimensions, between the parts of masonry, wooden frames, plinths, etc. multiple measurements being a source of errors. These are usually the agents who take these measurements, which are then retransmitted to manufacturing department in the various sectors concerned. These transmissions are another source of errors.

Finally, the lack of precision in the measurements sometimes leads officers responsible for laying on site to resize the pieces on site, with a however reduced tools, leading to approximations in the installation, detrimental to the quality of the installation.

Document EP-A-0 183 953 discloses an assembly combining a box roller shutter and side slides, and the problem posed and resolved concerns the simplification of the assembly of this assembly.

The roller shutter box is fixed to two side consoles which can pivot and slide in a special slot, separate from the guide slide of the flap, and practiced perpendicular to it in each lateral slide.

The box is placed in a low or intermediate position during the first phase of assembly, then reassembled upwards, and tilted so that it overlooks the wings, when the installation is finished. The surface window maximum is then covered. Fixing in the final position is carried out by screws or equivalent allowing the consoles to be secured behind the scenes side.

This solution overcomes the problem of early intake of measurements, and errors that may result, but it is not simple and quick to implement, due to the relative complexity of the links and mechanical displacements implemented. In addition, there is no possibility of adaptation to the total height of the window and the problem of sealing post-assembly remains.

To overcome these drawbacks, the invention relates to a box / chassis assembly and accessories adaptable to all the frames, whatever the window dimensions, made from standard dimensions, partially pre-assembled in the factory to the size of a standard chassis, but adjustable on site so as to allow on the one hand to carry out the finishing the sealing on the window, and on the other hand to adapt the elements the dimensions of the bays to be fitted with said assemblies.

An objective of the invention is to obtain a rapid assembly, but of which the final sealing is carried out according to the rules of the art, and no longer at using technical approximations whose performance is inevitably less.

Another objective of the invention is to allow mounting on site using a minimum number of tools, by simplifying the steps of said assembly of so as to correlatively increase its reliability.

The pre-assembly of the main elements also allows the manufacturer ensure better control over products, and also act through them on their reliability.

Finally, the optimal final positioning of the box, which can be the invention moving relative to the window frame, allows a gain of light by increasing the useful surface of the window. Such a gain is an asset positive with reference to generally accepted comfort criteria.

The invention comprising a standard roller shutter box prefabricated, prefabricated guide rails for the apron of said flap rolling, and a window frame, allows the pre-assembly of the box and the frame before installation on site, and is mainly characterized in that it includes means for adjusting the position of the box relative to the chassis, from the pre-assembly position, and after positioning of the chassis / box assembly in a window bay fitted with frames, between on the one hand at least one position allowing free access to the joint between the chassis and the upper frames of said bay, and on the other hand a position wherein said box is in contact with the upper wall of said opening.

The assembly of the invention further comprises means for adjusting the horizontal dimensions of the prefabricated standard roller shutter boxes, so that they adapt to the horizontal dimensions of the bays.

It is therefore possible to use standard shutter boxes, manufactured in large series, thus improving their reliability.

Likewise, said assembly includes means for adjusting the vertical dimensions of the prefabricated guide rails for the aprons of the roller shutters, so as to join with a horizontal surface lower in the bay.

Adjustment on site is therefore done by adding parts, not material removal, which significantly increases the speed of assembly and eliminates any imperfections due to last minute touch-ups.

More specifically, the means for adjusting the position of the box by window sash consist of a couple of lugs attached to the same level on the vertical uprights of said chassis, each comprising a groove cooperating with a stud located at a lateral end of the box, said groove allowing movement of the box on either side of the edge upper horizontal frame.

In fact, during pre-assembly at the factory, the box is fixed to the chassis so its upper wall is at most at the same level as the upper crossmember horizontal of the chassis. In this way, it is possible to position the assembly in the original frames, by passing said box outwards, from inside the building.

Then, the relative displacement, substantially vertical, aims on the one hand to release access to the upper frame / frame joint, for sealing purposes, and on the other hand to adapt the assembly to the dimensions of the rack, by setting contact of the box with the upper wall thereof. Relative displacement box / chassis therefore fulfills two distinct functions.

Preferably, said groove formed in each fixing lug is vertical in appearance, and includes a lateral opening allowing the stud to be released of the box with which it cooperates.

This leads to the following practical consequence: the position allowing access to the joint between the chassis and the upper frame only authorizes it because it is actually a position of complete removal of the box by compared to the chassis, which can be seen as a special case of position freeing access to this join.

The high position of the box, considered as the first option adjustment of the assembly of standard elements to a dimension rack arbitrary, is supplemented by two other means of adjustment, down and laterally.

Laterally, the box can be fitted with end caps, which can be fixed to the box at its two lateral ends, and axially slidable according to a travel allowing them to make up for the lateral play remaining between the box and the vertical walls of the bay.

Downward, the guide rails of the roller shutter curtain can also be fitted with end caps, which can be secured to the guide rails of the roller shutter deck, at their lower end, and axially slidable according to a clearance allowing them to make up for the play remaining between the slide and lower horizontal wall in the bay.

Preferably, these ends are clipped and the sliding is braked by a friction connection, and then optionally fixed using a type of means screws, glue, etc. From an aesthetic point of view, these tips are also used to hide mechanical connections, for example fixing screws.

All the elements forming part of the invention combine to constitute a set not only adaptable to any type of window, but also whose solidity can easily be guaranteed by the manufacturer, who has control over the construction of the elements, and also, indirectly, of their assembly.

The invention however also relates to an on-site mounting method of the assembly described above.

• un ensemble constitué d'un châssis de fenêtre et d'un caisson de volet roulant prémontés de sorte que l'ensemble puisse être positionné dans une baie de fenêtre munie de dormants,
• deux glissières préfabriquées,
• deux embouts de glissières,
• deux embouts de caisson,

D'après l'invention, ce procédé se caractérise par les étapes suivantes :

• installation de l'ensemble caisson de volet roulant / châssis de fenêtre dans la baie de fenêtre prévue à cet effet ;
• déplacement relatif dudit caisson par rapport audit châssis jusqu'à une position rendant accessible de l'extérieur du bâtiment la jointure entre ledit châssis et le dormant supérieur pour étanchéification ;
• positionnement définitif du caisson au contact de la paroi supérieure de la baie ;
• fixation des glissières de guidage, une extrémité au contact de la paroi inférieure du caisson ;
• pose des embouts de glissière et coulissement desdits embouts jusqu'à contact avec une paroi inférieure horizontale dans la baie de fenêtre ;
• pose des embouts de caisson et coulissement desdits embouts jusqu'à contact avec les parois latérales de la baie de fenêtre.

Said method is based on the following components:

• an assembly consisting of a window frame and a roller shutter box pre-assembled so that the assembly can be positioned in a window opening provided with window frames,
• two prefabricated slides,
• two end caps,
• two box ends,

According to the invention, this process is characterized by the following stages:

• installation of the roller shutter box / window frame assembly in the window bay provided for this purpose;
• relative displacement of said box relative to said chassis to a position making accessible from outside the building the joint between said chassis and the upper frame for sealing;
• final positioning of the box in contact with the upper wall of the bay;
• fixing the guide rails, one end in contact with the bottom wall of the box;
• fitting the end pieces of the slide and sliding of said end pieces until contact with a horizontal bottom wall in the window opening;
• fitting box end pieces and sliding said end pieces until contact with the side walls of the window opening.

According to a preferential option which meets a characteristic of aforementioned manufacture, the position making the joint between the chassis of accessible the window and the upper frames of the bay is a position which allows remove the box and hang it up again after sealing between the said frames and said chassis.

This process meets two a priori divergent objectives: it minimizes the time installation while increasing the quality and reliability of installation.

La figure 1 montre en coupe le prémontage du caisson de volet roulant sur un châssis de fenêtre (représenté partiellement) ;

La figure 2 représente le positionnement de cet ensemble, sans modification, dans une baie de fenêtre munie d'un dormant supérieur ;

La figure 3 illustre l'ajustage possible de la position du caisson, à présent au contact de la paroi supérieure de la baie ;

La figure 4 est une vue en perspective montrant une portion du châssis et du volet, ainsi que leur mode de fixation selon l'invention ;

Les figures 5a et 5b représentent un coin inférieur droit d'un châssis auquel est fixé une glissière de guidage, à laquelle on solidarise un embout d'extrémité ; et

La figure 6 montre une perspective de l'extrémité d'un caisson de volet roulant, muni d'un embout latéral.

The invention will now be described in more detail, by means of a preferred embodiment illustrated by the appended figures, for which:

Figure 1 shows in section the pre-assembly of the roller shutter box on a window frame (partially shown);

FIG. 2 represents the positioning of this assembly, without modification, in a window opening provided with an upper frame;

Figure 3 illustrates the possible adjustment of the position of the box, now in contact with the upper wall of the bay;

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a portion of the frame and the flap, and their method of attachment according to the invention;

Figures 5a and 5b show a lower right corner of a frame to which is fixed a guide rail, to which is secured an end piece; and

Figure 6 shows a perspective of the end of a roller shutter box, provided with a side nozzle.

The main elements of the invention appear in Figure 1: the box (1) of roller shutter (4) is secured to a window frame (2) preferably in PVC. Under said box (1), and in contact with it, a slide (3) allows guiding of the shutter (4) when it is being unrolled or rolled up.

In this description, we will not go into the details of constitution of the window or its frame (2), because they do not constitute the invention proper, and are also relatively conventional in structure and known.

On the other hand, it is important to note, within the framework of the invention, that the upper wall (5) of the box (1) is at a level lower than the wall horizontal of the upper edge (6) of the chassis (2), in position such that pre-assembled in the workshop.

This is explained, as already mentioned, by the need to proceed installation of the assembly from inside the building, due to the existence of the vertical wall (7) of said flange, allowing the chassis to bear on the structural work of the building, thus facilitating its installation.

However, it is important that the casing (1) of the rolling shutter (4) can be positioned outside the frame of the original frames, hence the need to arrange at a lower level so that it can pass through said frame.

Figure 2 illustrates this point, the pre-assembly carried out in the workshop being arranged there in its final environment, i.e. the window opening (B) of the building fitted with its original frames (8).

The space which remains between the upper wall (5) of the box (1) and the wall horizontal upper (9) of the bay is however still insufficient for allow the fitter to have comfortable access to the joint between the chassis (2) and the frame (8), at the level of the upper horizontal edge (6) of said chassis (2). Under these conditions, making a seal at this level would remain problematic.

Hence the idea of the invention to allow the subsequent positioning of the box (1) at a level such that it frees, directly or indirectly, access to said join. In the configuration shown in these figures, said position is in actually a position to unhook the box, as will be explained more in detail below with reference to Figure 4.

FIG. 3 represents the definitive positioning of said box (1), after that the seal (10) has been produced. The upper wall (5) of the box (1) is in contact with the upper wall (9) of the opening (B). In this position, the box (1) is located as high as possible and therefore clears the surface maximum useful area of the window itself. The light gain resulting from this position is then optimal.

Figure 4 gives additional details on how to attach the box (1) to the frame (2), and on the precise configuration of the fixing lugs (11).

Said fixing lug (11) is fixed to a vertical upright (12) of the chassis (2), for example by means of screws. Part of said tab (11) protrudes from said upright (1), comprising the functional fixing area. This includes a vertical groove (13) with a horizontal opening (14) located in lower part of the groove (13).

The fixing lug (11) cooperates, via said groove (13) and said opening (14), with a stud (15) projecting from the lateral end (16) of the box (1), that can slide freely in them.

In the workshop, the stud (15) is positioned at the bottom of the groove (13), so that the upper horizontal surfaces (5) and (6) fulfill the condition cited above. The box (1) is then screwed onto the chassis (2), at the level of the part bottom of said box (1).

Arrived on site, the assemblers position the pre-assembled assembly vertically between the frames (8) from the inside, and proceed to a first fixing of the chassis (2). Then, the box is unscrewed and deposited, via the openings (14), in order to free the upper front surface of the chassis: the track is then free for joint the joints between the frames (8) and the periphery of the chassis frame (2).

The box (1) is then replaced, still via the openings (14) in the grooves (13), then raised until there is contact between its surface upper (5) and that (9) of the window bay (B).

The holes due to the screws from the previous assembly of the box (1), if they are visible, are then hidden by the installation of slides (3) or slides, that can be attached to the box (1) prior to reassembly in the legs fixing (11).

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate the take-up of the lower clearance due to the standardization of the slides (3): these, always in contact with the box (1) whose raising stroke is variable depending on the site, almost inevitably leaves remain a void (16) between their lower end and the surface lower horizontal (17) in the bay (B). The latter is generally a support (18) attached to the frame (2), at its horizontal crosspiece lower.

A tip (19) is clipped onto the lower end of the slide (3), sliding so that it can be adjusted after clipping. Said nozzle (19) also hides the lower fixing screw (20) of the slide (3).

FIG. 6 schematically represents a box (1) and a nozzle (21) sliding end, operating horizontally in the same way as the vertical ends (19) of the slides (3).

After mounting, said clips are fixed, therefore without special tools, end caps (21), which are adapted to the width of the opening (B).

The invention described above is only one particular example of possible realization, which cannot be considered as limiting. In particular, it it is possible to provide arrangements for the fixing lugs (11), such that it is not necessary to remove the box (1) to make the seals (10). These lugs (11) are provided so that the displacement of the box (1) is sufficient to free access to the joints concerned.

Claims (10)

1. Assembly comprising a prefabricated standard rolling shutter (4) box (1), prefabricated slides (3) for guiding the apron of the said rolling shutter (4), and a window frame (2), permitting the pre-assembly of the box (1) and the frame (2) before installation on site, characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the position of the box (1) with respect to the frame (2), starting from the pre-assembly position, and after positioning of the frame (2)/box (1) assembly in a window bay (B) equipped with jambs (8), between on the one hand at least one position permitting the access to the join between the frame (2) and the jambs (8) to be freed in the upper part of the said bay (B) and on the other hand a position in which the said box (1) is in contact with the upper wall (9) of the said bay (B).
2. Assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the horizontal dimensions of prefabricated standard boxes (1) of rolling shutters (4) to the horizontal dimensions of the bay (B).
3. Assembly according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the vertical dimensions of the prefabricated slides (3) for guiding the aprons of the rolling shutters (4) so as to effect the join with a lower horizontal surface in the bay (B).
4. Assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means for adjusting the position of the box (1) with respect to the frame (2) of the window consist of a pair of lugs (11) fixed at the same level on the vertical members (12) of the said frame (2), each lug comprising a groove (13) cooperating with a stud (15) located at a lateral end (16) of the frame (2), the said groove (13) allowing a displacement of the box (1) either side of the upper horizontal rim (6) of the frame (2).
5. Assembly according to Claim 4, characterized in that the said groove (13) produced in each fixing lug (11) runs vertically and comprises a lateral opening (14) enabling the stud (15) of the box (1) with which it cooperates to be freed.
6. Assembly according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that it comprises adapters (21) for boxes which can be rendered integral with the box (1) at its two lateral ends (16) and can slide axially according to a movement which enables them to take up the lateral clearances existing between the box (1) and the vertical walls of the bay (B).
7. Assembly according to one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that it comprises adapters (19) for slides (3) which can be rendered integral with the slides (3) for guiding the apron of the rolling shutter (4), at their lower end, and can slide axially according to a movement which enables them to take up the clearance existing between the slide and a lower horizontal surface (17) in the bay (B).
8. Assembly according to one of Claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the said adapters (19, 21) are clipped and the sliding is braked by a friction coupling.
9. Process for on-site fitting of the assembly according to all the preceding Claims, based on the following components:

   an assembly comprising a window frame (2) and a rolling shutter (4) box (1) pre-assembled so that the assembly can be positioned in a window bay (B) equipped with jambs (8),

   two prefabricated slides (3),

   two slide adapters (19), two box adapters (21),

      characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

   installation of the rolling shutter (4) box (1)/window frame (2) assembly in the window bay (B) provided for that purpose;

   relative movement of the said box (1) with respect to the said frame (2) as far as a position rendering the join between the said frame (2) and the upper jambs (8) accessible from the outside of the building for leak-proofing;

   final positioning of the box (1) in contact with the upper wall (9) of the bay (B);

   fixing of the guide slides (3), one end in contact with the lower wall of the box (1);

   fitting of the slide adapters (19) and sliding of the said adapters until contact with the lower horizontal wall (17) in the window bay (B);

   fitting of the box adapters (21) and sliding of the said adapters until contact with the lateral walls of the window bay (B).
10. Process for on-site fitting according to the preceding Claim, characterized in that the position rendering the join between the frame (2) of the window and the upper jambs (8) of the bay (B) accessible is a position which enables the box (1) to be withdrawn and to be re-hooked after leak-proofing between the jambs (8) and the frame (2) of the window.

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