EP0869255B1 - Self-blocking device for the apron of a roller shutter in unwinded position - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for self-locking an apron. roller shutter in the deployed position as defined in the preamble of claim 1.

The present invention will find its application in the field roller shutters.

We already know a number of self-locking devices roller shutter decks corresponding to the description above. In this regard, it should be recalled that such self-locking devices have the function of preventing roller shutter curtain, when in full position deployed, go back into the box housing, usually, the winding shaft of this deck, this under the action of a thrust exerted directly on the latter correspondent, by example, an attempted break-in.

Thus, usually, such self-locking devices are made up of one, two or more links which have the faculty, on the one hand, to come back around the tree curtain winding so as not to interfere with the winding of this last inside the caisson and on the other hand to come "Bracing" between the winding shaft and the first blade when the apron is in the fully extended position. For example, a similar self-locking device is described in document DE-U-94 19 412. More particularly, the links making up this device are hinged together, taking into account that the authorized pivot angle, in a direction opposite to the winding of these links around the tube winding, is limited, so these links are actually able to brace itself between said tube of winding and the first blade of the apron when one comes force, somewhat deployment, while said deck is already in fully deployed position.

In this regard, we understand that this self-locking device is effective only in a well-defined position that it should master perfectly. In particular, there takes into account, for this purpose, the distance between the first blade of the deck and the winding shaft knowing that this distance is variable depending on the section that presents the rolled up apron and, therefore, the size of the flap rolling. In a way, to obtain an operation optimal, the size and the number of links constituting the self-locking device should be strictly determined with respect to the aforementioned distance.

To this is added another problem which consists in that, often the number of deck slats is so determined that, in the fully deployed position, the first blade extends to inside the box and, therefore, above the slides lateral guides, on at least half, preferably two third of its height. Since you cannot adjust precisely the number of slats at the exact height of a shutter rolling, it may be that to satisfy the above condition, we have up to a blade and a half persistent at inside the box when the apron is deployed.

We understand that this also influences the distance separating this first blade from the deck of the winding shaft and, therefore, the length of the self-locking device.

Even more, the height of the blades extending in the box when the apron is deployed influences the position taken the self-locking device when it comes into action. Now, in function of this position the constraints printed on the first blade of the apron are different.

In this regard, the ideal case corresponds to the situation where the constraint printed by the self-locking device on the first blade of the deck is located, exactly, in the plane of the latter, assuming that this first blade of the apron is, itself, in alignment with the other blades. Now, being given that this first blade of the deck is located the most often either too high or too low relative to the position ideal of the self-locking device, the constraint imparted by the latter on this first blade very often results in a component perpendicular to the plane of the deck so that this first blade is either pushed against the wall of the box, either folded in the direction of the winding shaft under this constraint. This has the consequence of soliciting, strongly, the means of articulation connecting this first blade to the second until causing, in some cases, their rupture.

Note that we have already imagined devices adjustable self-locking to adjust their position by relation to the previously mentioned variable parameters. At this About, document DE-U-94 194 12, just like document FR-A-2.720.100 already describe a compound self-locking device of several links, the first of which is pivotally mounted on the winding shaft of the deck by means adjustable position. More specifically, these means of attachment are in the form of flanges comprising flanges extending partly around the winding shaft and presenting a series of housings for the reception of a pin on which is pivotally mounted the first link of the self-locking device.

If such a possibility of adjustment makes it possible to adjust, at least in part, the length of the self-locking device with respect to the variation of the section of the apron in the rolled position, in in no case does it solve the problem of the action of this unlocking device on the first deck blade, action, which, as recalled above, must be exercised in the plan of this last.

It is also known from document FR-A-2,552,485 a device blocking device composed of several blades connected to each other by a telescopic articulation presenting two sectors of rotation delimited by a setback and able to limit the blocking angle of two consecutive blades when these are in compression, either by the movement of the shaft, or by an apron lift test. Specifically, these blades of the self-locking device are able to oppose a attempt to raise the deck, this when they describe, between them, a concave shape or a shape convex to the axis of the winding shaft of this apron. In short, such a self-locking device is able to fulfill these functions optimally, not in a only case as for the device of the cited document previously, but in two specific cases. In fact, in no case such a self-locking device cannot respond to all situations encountered. So except in two situations ideal, the action of this self-locking device on the first blade of the deck does not run in line with this last, leading to a stressing of the final blade and, therefore, of its articulation means connecting it to the blade next, or even at the last link of the self-locking device.

Ultimately, the present invention is intended to provide a solution to the above problems or allow the self-locking device to adjust to constraints dimensional dimensions, namely the section taken by the apron wrapped around its winding shaft and, more in particular, the height defined by the blade (s) persistent inside the roller shutter box when the apron is in the deployed position.

To this end, the invention relates to a self-locking device a roller shutter curtain in the deployed position, consisting of at least two links connected using means of articulation equipped with means capable of ensuring blocking in rotation of the links, one with respect to the other, under the impulse of a force tending to repel them one by direction of the other, one of these links being pivotally mounted an apron winding shaft between a folded position around this tree and a deployed position, the other link being connected, by articulated connecting means, to the first blade of the deck, characterized in that said means capable of blocking the rotation of the links relative to each other, are defined capable of ensuring this locking in any angular position under the impulse of a force tending to push them one towards the other.

Advantageously, according to the invention, the self-locking device includes elastic return means capable of pushing the first link in its deployed position relative to the shaft winding.

The self-locking device can also be provided with three or more links including at least the last, attached to the first blade of the deck, is connected to the previous one using articulation means according to the invention.

According to another embodiment, the first link is defined by two or more sections of links made integral using joints allowing them to fold around the winding tree or to deploy under the action of elastic return means.

The advantages of the present invention consist of that as long as the self-locking device is under tension, the last link connected to the first blade of the deck is in able to freely rotate relative to the following links. In this way, this last link of the locking device can be placed ideally in relation to the first blade of the deck regardless of the position of this blade in the box. In contrast, at the end of the deployment of the apron and continuing the action exerted on the tree winding, the feedback provided by the first blade of the apron on the last link tends to push it back in direction of the previous link, which results in to immobilize these links in rotation relative to the other. Also, the action that comes to exert, then, this device self-locking on this first blade of the deck results in a force being exerted, appreciably, in the plane of the latter. As a result, the desired goal is achieved.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématisée partielle et en coupe d'un volet roulant illustrant un dispositif d'autoblocage, conforme à l'invention, venant s'interposer entre l'arbre d'enroulement du tablier et la première lame de ce dernier, celle-ci ne s'étendant que faiblement à l'intérieur du caisson dudit volet roulant ;
• la figure 2 est une vue similaire à la figure 1 et illustrant la position prise par le dispositif d'autoblocage lorsque les deux premières lames persistent à l'intérieur du caisson lorsque le tablier est en position déployée ;
• la figure 3 est une vue schématisée des moyens d'articulation reliant les deux maillons du dispositif d'autoblocage ;
• la figure 4 est une vue similaire aux figures 1 et 2, le dispositif d'autoblocage étant illustré sous forme de deux maillons dont le premier est composé de deux tronçons de maillons montés pivotants l'un par rapport à l'autre.

The invention is set out in more detail in the description which follows, referring to the attached drawing and illustrating an embodiment.

• FIG. 1 is a partial schematic view in section of a rolling shutter illustrating a self-locking device, in accordance with the invention, coming to be interposed between the winding shaft of the deck and the first blade of the latter, the latter extending only slightly inside the box of said roller shutter;
• Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 and illustrating the position taken by the self-locking device when the first two blades persist inside the box when the deck is in the deployed position;
• Figure 3 is a schematic view of the hinge means connecting the two links of the self-locking device;
• Figure 4 is a view similar to Figures 1 and 2, the self-locking device being illustrated in the form of two links, the first of which is composed of two sections of links pivotally mounted relative to each other.

As shown in the figures of the attached drawings, the the present invention relates to the field of roller shutters. Thus, such a rolling shutter 1 comprises a winding shaft 2 an apron 3 composed of a juxtaposition of blades 4, 5, interconnected by means of joints 6 often of telescopic nature to give this deck 3 of the roller shutter 1 an open position and a position total concealment. Note that these blades 4, 5 are brought to move, at their lateral ends, in guide rails 7 usually terminating at their ends upper 8 to a box 9 able to house the deck 3 in position wrapped around the winding shaft 2.

In this regard, the first blade 4 of this deck 3 is connected to this winding shaft 2 via a device self-locking device 10 having the function of opposing, under the action of a thrust exerted on said apron 3 completely deployed, when the latter rises inside the box 9. In fact, in the absence of such a self-locking device 10, it would be easy, at a sharp end, to enter a dwelling, precisely, by lifting the apron which would then come fold uncontrollably inside the box.

In fact, according to the invention, this self-locking device 10 is consisting of at least two links 11, 12 connected using articulation means 13, one 11 of these links being mounted pivoting on the winding shaft 2, between a position folded around the latter and a deployed position 14, plus particularly visible in Figures 1, 2 and 4. The other link 12 is connected, meanwhile, by connecting means articulated 15 to the first blade 4 of the deck 3.

More specifically, the articulation means 13, connecting the two links 11, 12 of the device 10 and represented according to a preferred embodiment in Figure 3 are equipped means 16 capable of blocking the rotation of these links 11, 12 relative to each other in a position any angle, driven by a reaction force printed by the apron 3 tending to repel said links 11, 12 one towards the other.

In fact, since the blocking means 16 intervene only under the effect of a compression of a link 11 on the other 12, the latter can ultimately freely rotate relative to each other as long as the apron 3 is not fully deployed. Indeed, under the influence of the weight of the blades 4, 5, these maintain these links 11, 12 separated from each other.

If necessary, this self-locking device 1 can also be provided with elastic return means 17 capable of repelling the link 11 in its deployed position 14 relative to the shaft winding 2.

Finally, as can be seen, in particular from FIGS. 1 and 2, this free articulation of the links 11, 12, prior to blocking them, allows the self-locking device 10 to adjust perfectly to the distance D between the axis 18 of said winding shaft 2 of the free end 19 of the first blade 4 corresponding to the deck 3, specifying that about, that this distance D is dependent on the position taken by this free end 19 of this first blade 4 to inside the box 9.

Finally we notice that the self-locking device being systematically well adjusted in length, the action it comes to exercise, once activated, on the first blade 4 of the apron 3 results in a force extending in the plane of the latter avoiding any constraint of this first blade 4 in a perpendicular direction.

According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the Figure 3, the hinge means 13 have a configuration similar to a toggle joint, link 12 comprising, at its upper end 20, opposite to that intended to cooperate with the first blade 4, a form of hook 21 engaged in a gutter 22 present at the end lower 23 of the next link 11. More precisely, the hook-shaped part 21 has a termination 24 of rounded shape coming to take position in a cradle 25 that defines one of the side walls 26 delimiting the gutter 22. Note that if the hook-shaped part 21 is in able to pivot inside the gutter 22, in particular under the influence of form termination cooperation rounded 24 with the cradle 25, this part in the form of hook 21 has, in addition, a certain clearance 27 inside of this gutter 22 for the reasons which will now be exposed.

More particularly, the rotation locking means 16 are are in the form of attachment means, such as teeth 28, formed at the periphery 29 of the part in the form of hook 21 and intended to cooperate with hooking means complementary such as a dentition of conjugate shape 30, present at the level of the internal wall 31 of the gutter 22.

Thus, as long as there is exerted on the link 12 a traction, the attachment means 28 remain released from the means additional attachment 30 due to the clearance 27 existing at level of the hook-shaped part 21 inside the gutter 22. Under these conditions, we understand, of course, that the link 12 can freely pivot relative to the link 11 by rotation of the termination 24 in the cradle 25.

Unlike when the link 12 is pushed against the link 11 resulting from the arrival at the end of deployment of the deck 3 and the continued rotation control of the winding shaft 2, the hooking means, in the form of teeth 28, cooperate with the attachment means 30 resulting in the blocking of rotation of the links 11, 12 relative to each other. Being given that, beforehand, the link 12 was able to position itself, freely, relative to the first blade 4 of the deck 3, we is ensured, when this rotation blockage occurs links 11, 12, that the action exerted, then, by the device self-locking 10 on this first blade 4 results in a force in the plane of the deck 3.

As shown in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings, these rotation blocking means 16 can still adopt a another embodiment. More specifically, link 12 may be provided at its upper end 20 with a tab 32 provided, on its side 33 facing the lower end 23 of the link 11, of attachment means, in particular in the form of teeth 28A intended to cooperate with fastening means complementary, also if necessary in the form of teeth 30A, which includes the outer periphery 34 of the wall lateral 26 corresponding to the gutter 22 and defining the cradle 25. It should be noted that the persistent play 27A between the teeth 28A and that 30A when the links 11, 12 are in tension, is substantially equal to the clearance 27 between the means attachment 28 and the additional attachment means 30 corresponding, respectively, to the hook-shaped part 21 and the gutter 22.

It should be noted that instead of teeth constituting the attachment means 28; 28A and the means additional attachment 30; 30A one can imagine other embodiments of these. All in particular, these teeth can be replaced by a coating with a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber or similar coating. We can still imagine to combine these different solutions so that by example, teeth come in the locked position nest in a flexible rubber coating.

As already indicated above, as long as the links 11, 12 are in tension they are able to freely rotate one by compared to each other. Under these conditions and before the means in rotation 16 come into action, the link 12, connected to the first blade 4 of the deck 3, is able to fold freely under the link 11, towards the shaft 2. Such a situation could, in particular, meet in the case illustrated in figure 2. Like this is visible, after closing the apron 3 one or more blades 4 of this deck 3, still remain engaged in the box 9 and are not held by the guide rails 7. Also, before the self-locking device acts, these blades 4 can, themselves, tilt in the direction of this tree winding 2 by precisely driving the link 12. In continuing to drive, at this time, the winding shaft 2, the whole, under stress, risks breaking. For avoid this, this self-locking device 10 receives means stops 40 capable of limiting the pivot angle of the link 12 relative to link 11, this at least in the direction of winding shaft 2. Substantially and according to an example embodiment, these stop means 40 are constituted by a stop 41 projecting from the outer periphery 34 of the wall lateral 26 corresponding to the gutter 22 of the link 11, beyond teeth 30A. Against this judgment 41 is, therefore, in able to abut the free end of the tab 32 which is fitted the link 12 at its upper end 20. Good of course, we could still imagine other modes of realization of these stop means 40.

As can be seen from the above, these are the guaranteeing optimal functioning and in all cases of figure of this self-locking device 10, in accordance with the invention.

As explained in the introductory part, it is necessary that the self-locking device 10 is adjusted to the section that can borrow the apron 3 wrapped around the tree winding 2. Also, we understand that to satisfy certain cases, the first link 11 must have a certain length which, if we imagine it rigid, would somewhat hinder the winding of the deck 3 around this winding shaft 2. For this purpose, this first link 11 can consist of two or more sections of links 11A, 11B which as visible in FIG. 4 are foldable around the winding shaft 2. More precisely, such sections of links 11A, 11B are made integral, under these conditions, by a hinge 35 allowing them, precisely, to wrap around the winding shaft 2, against the action of elastic return means 36 having tend to push them away from each other for systematically bring, in their deployed position, substantially aligned.

In this regard, to allow this self-locking device to marry the periphery of the winding shaft 2 as well as possible, the links 11, 12 and / or the link sections 11A, 11B may be of curvilinear shape adapted to the section of winding shaft 2. One can still imagine, in case the latter is of polygonal section, to adjust the links 11, 12 or the link sections 11A, 11B in the form sides of this winding shaft 2 of polygonal shape.

According to another embodiment, the self-locking device 10 can consist of more than two links which can all be connected by means of articulation means 13 equipped blocking means 16 knowing, however, that at least the last link 12, attached to the first blade 4 of the deck 3 is connected to the previous link in this way.

Claims (14)

1. Self-blocking device for an apron (3) of a roller blind (1) in unfolded position, comprised of at least two connectors (11, 12) connected through hinging means (13), provided with means (16) capable of ensuring the blocking in rotation of these connectors (11, 12) with respect to each other under the action of a force tending to push them back towards each other, one of these connectors (11) being pivotally mounted in a roll-up shaft (2) of the apron (3), between a position rolled up about this shaft (2) and an unfolded position (14), the other connector (12) being connected, through hinged connecting means (15), to the first slat (4) of the apron (3), characterised in that said means (16) capable of ensuring the blocking in rotation of these connectors (11, 12) with respect to each other are defined so as to ensure the blocking in any angular position under the action of a force tending to push them back towards each other.
2. Self-blocking device according to claim 1, characterised in that it includes three or more connectors, at least the last one (12) of which, connected to the first slat (4) of the apron (3), is connected to the preceding one (11) through hinging means (13) provided with blocking means (16).
3. Self-blocking device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first connector (11), pivotally mounted on the roll-up shaft (2) of the apron (3), is comprised of two or more connector segments (11A, 11B) that can be folded around said roll-up shaft (2), against the action of springy restoring means (36) capable of pushing them back with respect to each other, in order to bring them into their substantially aligned unfolded position.
4. Self-blocking device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hinging means (13) have a configuration similar to a knuckle joint.
5. Self-blocking device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connector (12) has, at its upper end (20) opposite the one aimed at co-operating with the first slat (4), a shape of a hook (21) inserted in a groove (22) present at the lower end (23) of the next connector (11), the hook-shaped portion (21) including a rounded end (24) that positions itself in a cradle (25) defined by one of the walls (26) delimiting said groove (22), said hook-shaped portion (21) exhibiting, in addition some backlash (27) in said groove (22).
6. Self-blocking device according to claim 5, characterised in that the means for blocking in rotation (16) are in the form of hooking-in means, such as toothings (28), provided for at the periphery (29) of the hook-shaped portion (21) and aimed at co-operating with complementary hooking-in means, such as a toothing of a conjugated shape (30), present at the level of the inner wall (31) of the groove (22), said hooking-in means (28) co-operating with the complementary hooking-in means (30) under the action of a thrust of the connectors (11, 12) towards each other.
7. Self-blocking device according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterised in that the means for blocking in rotation (16) are comprised, on the one hand, of hooking-in means, namely in the form of a toothing (28A), which the side (33), in front of the lower end (23) of the connector (11), of a foot (32) the connector (12) includes at its upper end (20) and, on the other hand, of complementary hooking-in means, such as a toothing (30A) provided for at the outer periphery (34) of the side wall (26) corresponding to the groove and defining the cradle (25), between these hooking-in means (28A) and the complementary hooking-in means (30A) persisting a backlash (27A) when the connectors (11, 12) are under tension, while said hooking-in means (28A) co-operate with the complementary hooking-in means (30A) when the connectors (11, 12) are pushed back towards each other.
8. Self-blocking device according to claims 6 and 7, characterised in that the backlash (27) between the hooking-in means (28) and the complementary hooking-in means (30) and the backlash (27A) between the hooking-in means (28A) and the complementary hooking-in means (30A) are substantially identical.
9. Self-blocking device according to any of claims 6 and 7, characterised in that the hooking-in means (28 ; 28A) are comprised of toothings and/or a coating with high rubbing coefficient, such as a rubber coating, while the complementary hooking-in means (30 ; 30A) are comprised of toothings and/or a coating with high rubbing coefficient, such as a rubber coating.
10. Self-blocking device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the connectors (11, 12) and/or the connector sections (11A, 11B) have a curvilinear shape adapted to the cross-section of the roll-up shaft (2).
11. Self-blocking device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the connectors (11, 12) and/or the connector sections (11A, 11B) are adjusted to the shape of the sides of a roll-up shaft (2) with a polygonal shape.
12. Self-blocking device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it includes abutment means (40) capable of limiting the angle of pivoting of the connector (12), connected to the first slat (4) of the apron (3), with respect to the connector (11) pivotally mounted on the roll-up shaft (2) of this apron (3), this in the direction of this roll-up shaft (2).
13. Self-blocking device according to claims 7 and 12, characterised in that the abutment means (40) are comprised of a stop (41) protruding at the outer periphery (34) of the side wall (26) corresponding to the groove (22) of the connector (11), against this stop (41) being capable of abutting the free end of the foot (22) the connector (12) is provided with at its upper end (20).
14. Self-blocking device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it includes springy restoring means (17) capable of pushing the connector (11) pivotally mounted on the roll-up shaft (2) into its unfolded position (14) with respect to this roll-up shaft (2).

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