EP1417393B1 - Flat structure - Google Patents

Description

To regulate the light entry through windows, it is known to use slat blinds. A slatted roller blind consists of a large number of parallel slats parallel to each other and usually extending horizontally. The lamellae are cylindrically curved around an axis extending parallel to the lamellar axis, in order to obtain sufficient kink stability.

The individual slats are kept at a distance to each other, wherein between adjacent slats each creates a light gap. The spacers for the slats are strickleiterähnliche structures on the rungs the slats rest. With the help of two bands running through all slats, the length of the slat blinds thus formed can be varied.

The light entry can also be varied by more or less tilting of the slats.

NL 106341 shows a sheet with a plurality of parallel adjacent bars, which are held together by connecting cords to a sheet. Each two adjacent bars are spaced apart to form a gap. The sheet is flexible about axes parallel to the bars.

Furthermore, it is known with the help of wall and ceiling coverings to change the acoustic properties in a room and also to change the impression of space.

The object of the invention is to provide a novel sheet.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a sheet is to be created in which the light transmission to be observed by reflections in the fabric is further reduced.

This object is achieved by a sheet with the features of claim 1.

The novel sheet consists of a plurality of parallel juxtaposed rods which are interconnected by connecting means, in such a way that at least in the position of use between each adjacent bars results in a gap. The connecting means also allow flexibility of the sheet about axes parallel to the bars. The bars are, viewed in relation to a plane defined by the sheet, in cross-section, flattened on a side facing the seize of the sheet, or have a flat rear side.

The novel fabric can thus be used both as a material for window blinds, awnings and the like, ie for regulating the passage of light, as well as wall or ceiling coverings, especially for influencing the room acoustics. Due to the gap between the bars, the sound absorption in the room can be influenced.

To connect the individual bars together, several solutions come into consideration. The connecting means may be formed by at least two at least approximately line or band-shaped connecting elements, via which the individual rods are connected to the sheet together. The line-shaped connecting means may either pass through openings in the bars or they may extend over the outer peripheral surface of the bars and be connected to the outer peripheral surface.

The latter is possible if two line-shaped elements are used per connection point, which are twisted together in the region of the gap.

The other type of connection means is the use of individual links, each connecting only two bars. Their shape depends on the type of bars involved.

The bars of the fabric are preferably predominantly hollow for weight reasons.

Depending on the application, it is expedient if the rods have a constant cross section over their length. The rods may have the shape of circumferentially completely closed tubes or they may be designed as tube-like structures containing on one side a longitudinal gap passing through. The use of the gap greatly simplifies the manufacture. In the case of individual connecting elements, these can be provided with a shaft and a head, wherein the head bears against the slot edges and the shaft leads through the gap to the outside. At a suitable distance, the shaft dips into a corresponding opening of the adjacent bar and is anchored in this opening. The simplest form of anchoring is to bend the stem 90 ° in the next bar.

Even in the case of threaded fasteners, the assembly is simplified. The line-shaped connector only has to be threaded through a hole, while it can escape through the gap on the opposite side of the tubular rod.

The rods of the fabric are preferably produced by roll forming, which in particular rods with longitudinal slot can be produced very easily and that endlessly.

The rods expediently consist of a non-oxidizing in the relevant atmosphere material, ie z. As aluminum or stainless steel, preferably with a satin finish. The wall thickness of the bars is in the case of roller blind applications between 0.1 and 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.2 and 0.4 mm. The latter is a good compromise between weight, deformability during roll forming and stability in later use. Also, plastic comes into question, with the connection technology in each case aligns with the material, as well as the weight and the resulting force at the most heavily loaded point.

If the sheet is used to control the light entrance, the rods preferably have a substantially elliptical or kidney-shaped shape, because even with low sun even a good shading effect is possible without the rods must be arranged too close together.

The diameter of the rods may be between 2 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 2 and 5 mm. The distance varies between 0.5 and 5 mm.

The wall thickness of the bars is between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm.

The rods are straight to allow rolling on a winding shaft, but may also be curved.

By securing means prevents the rods are displaced in the longitudinal direction against each other.

In order to keep the rods at a distance, spacer elements in the form of short pipe sections can be used, or the spacer elements are an integral part of the rods or the connecting elements. In the case of a linear connecting means made of spring steel wire, this steel wire is bent in a zigzag shape, with a bar being arranged at each bend.

The line-shaped connecting means may be monofilaments of plastic or metal, preferably spring steel. The fasteners should expediently be UV-resistant and also not oxidize.

The distance between the bars can be constant over the length of the sheet, ie in the direction transverse to the longitudinal extension of the bars, or vary in this direction. The variation can be done in sections or continuously.

Depending on how the geometry of the individual rods is formed, a very bright, almost dazzling strip is to be observed on the side facing away from the light source of the sheet, which has the width of the light source and propagates over the entire vertical or horizontal extent of the sheet , The propagation direction of the bright strip depends on whether the bars are arranged horizontally or vertically. Horizontal bars create a vertical band.

In an exemplary embodiment of the fabric according to the invention, the rods form a tube which is closed in the circumferential direction. The bars have the same cross-sectional profile. It is designed so that each rod forms a continuous groove on its outside, that is, the side that is reversed to the light source. The gutter shows at an angle of about 26 with respect to a defined plane defined by the tensioned sheet upwards.

Due to this channel, incident light is reflected at such an angle against the underside of the overlying bar that no reflection occurs, throwing light on the other side of the sheet.

Particularly favorable conditions arise when the channel is bounded by two substantially flat surfaces which enclose an angle between 165 and 120 with each other, preferably an angle of 137 °. In this case, the direction of the trough means that the bisecting line between the two surfaces delimiting the trough extends at an angle of approximately 26 ° with respect to a plane defined by the tensioned sheet.

Particularly favorable reflection conditions in terms of the lowest possible irradiation result when the cross-sectional profile is pentagonal.

In the pentagonal cross-sectional profile, two edges of the cross-sectional profile may be parallel to each other.

An edge extending between the mutually parallel edges encloses an angle of 86 ° with the longer of the two mutually parallel edges. In the case of a stretched fabric, this means that the underside of the relevant bar is no longer perpendicular to the plane or the surface cutout, as defined by the stretched-on fabric. The orientation is chosen so that the front edge of the rod faces the light source, is slightly higher than the edge of the rod, which is offset from the light source.

A particularly simple production results when the rod is roll-rolled from a sheet metal strip. In this case, the rolled profile may be formed overlapping on one side. On the one hand, this has the advantage of improved visual impression and, on the other hand, with a corresponding position of the overlap, a defined sharp edge results in the area of the underside of the respective bar and thus more favorable conditions in the transmission in the sense of a better shadow effect.

In order to hold the rods to the fasteners, laser welding is also possible, which is very simple in production technology because threading operations are avoided. The pentagonal profile is essential for laser welding because a flat surface is available.

Incidentally, developments of the invention are the subject of subclaims. It should also be claimed such feature combinations to which no explicit embodiment is directed.

Fig. 1

ein Rollo mit einem Flächengebilde in perspektivischer Darstellung, wobei die Querschnittsform der Stäbe nicht erfindungsgemäß ist,

Fig. 2

das Flächengebilde nach Fig. 1, in einer perspektivischen abgeschnittenen Darstellung, wobei die Querschnittsform der Stäbe nicht erfindungsgemäß ist,

Fig. 3 und 4

ein anderes Flächengebilde in einem Längsschnitt bzw. einem Querschnitt, wobei die Querschnittsform der Stäbe nicht erfindungsgemäß ist,

Fig. 5 und 6

ein weiteres Flächengebilde, in einem Längsschnitt und einem Querschnitt, wobei die Querschnittsform der Stäbe nicht erfindungsgemäß ist,

Fig. 7 bis 10

ein Flächengebilde mit unterschiedliche Ausführungsformen der Verbindungsmittel jeweils in einem Längsschnitt, wobei die Querschnittsform der Stäbe nicht erfindungsgemäß ist,

Fig. 11 und 12

ein Flächengebilde mit bandförmigen Verbindungselementen, aus denen Zungen mit freien Enden ausgeklinkt sind, in einem Quer-und einem Längsschnitt, wobei die Querschnittsform der Stäbe nicht erfindungsgemäß ist,

Fig. 13 und 14

ein Flächengebilde ähnlich dem nach den Fig. 11 und 12 in einem Längs- bzw. einem Querschnitt, wobei jedoch die Zungen zusätzlich geknickt sind, wobei die Querschnittsform der Stäbe nicht erfindungsgemäß ist"

Fig. 15

ein Flächengebilde mit bandförmigen Verbindungselementen, die seitliche Ausbauchungen aufweisen, in einem Querschnitt, wobei die Querschnittsform der Stäbe nicht erfindungsgemäß ist,

Fig. 16

eine alternative Ausführungsform für einen nicht erfindungsgemäßen Querschnitt der Stäbe für das Flächengebilde,

Fig. 17 und 18

ein Flächengebild mit an der Außenseite der Stäbe vorbeilaufenden Verbindungselementen in eine Längs- bzw. einem Querschnitt, wobei die Querschnittsform der Stäbe nicht erfingdungsgemäß ist,

Fig. 19

ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Querschnitts der Stäbe des Flächengebildes nach Fig. 1,

Fig. 20 und 21

jeweils einen nicht erfindungsgemäßen alternativen Querschnitt der Stäbe des Flächengebildes nach Fig. 1,

Fig. 22

ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Querschnittsprofils für die Stäbe des Flächengebildes nach Figur 1,

Fig. 23

die Anbringung der Stäbe nach Fig. 22 an den Verbindungsmitteln, in einer perspektivischen Rückansicht,

Fig. 24

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel, bei dem die Stäbe mit den Verbindungsmitteln über Klammern verbunden sind, in einer perspektivischen Rückansicht,

Fig. 25

die Anordnung nach Figur 24 in einer Seitenansicht, und

Fig. 26

ein weiteres erfindungsgemäßes Querschnittsprofil für den Stab des Flächegebildes nach Fig. 1.

In the drawings, embodiments of the subject matter of the invention are shown. Show it:

Fig. 1

a roller blind with a sheet in perspective, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the rods is not according to the invention,

Fig. 2

the fabric after Fig. 1 in a perspective cut-away view, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the bars is not according to the invention,

3 and 4

another sheet in a longitudinal section or a cross section, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the bars is not according to the invention,

FIGS. 5 and 6

another sheet, in a longitudinal section and a cross section, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the rods is not according to the invention,

Fig. 7 to 10

A sheet with different embodiments of the connecting means in each case in a longitudinal section, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the rods is not according to the invention,

FIGS. 11 and 12

a sheet-form connecting element from which tongues with free ends are notched, in a transverse and a longitudinal section, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the bars is not according to the invention,

FIGS. 13 and 14

a sheet similar to that after the FIGS. 11 and 12 in a longitudinal or a cross-section, however, wherein the tongues are additionally kinked, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the bars is not according to the invention "

Fig. 15

a sheet with band-shaped connecting elements, which have lateral bulges, in a cross-section, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the bars is not according to the invention,

Fig. 16

an alternative embodiment for a non-inventive cross-section of the bars for the sheet,

FIGS. 17 and 18

a sheet with passing on the outside of the rods connecting elements in a longitudinal or a cross-section, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the rods is not erfingdungsgemäß,

Fig. 19

an embodiment of a cross section according to the invention of the bars of the fabric according to Fig. 1 .

FIGS. 20 and 21

in each case a non-inventive alternative cross-section of the bars of the fabric after Fig. 1 .

Fig. 22

an embodiment of a cross-sectional profile according to the invention for the bars of the fabric after FIG. 1 .

Fig. 23

the attachment of the rods after Fig. 22 at the connection means, in a perspective rear view,

Fig. 24

a further embodiment in which the rods are connected to the connecting means via brackets, in a perspective rear view,

Fig. 25

the arrangement after FIG. 24 in a side view, and

Fig. 26

a further inventive cross-sectional profile for the rod of the surface structure after Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 1 shows in a highly schematic form a window blind 1. The window blind 1 has a winding shaft 2, which is rotatably supported by pins 3 fixed in corresponding wall brackets. On the winding shaft 2, a roller blind 4 is fixed with an edge coarsely drawn. The roller blind 4 consists of a textile fabric 5, as shown in a schematic representation in Fig. 2 is shown. The sheet 5 is composed of a plurality of mutually parallel rods 6, which extend across the width of the sheet 5 and are spaced from each other. The distance between the bars is about as large as the diameter of each bar 6.

Each rod 6 consists of a circular stainless steel tube which is closed in the circumferential direction. The rods 6 have seen over their length, a constant cross-section. In the FIGS. 1 to 18 . 20 and 21 are cross-sectional shapes of the rods 6 illustrated, which are not according to the invention.

Instead of a stainless steel pipe, a plastic pipe or a drawn aluminum pipe may be used, or it is possible to roll-form the bars 6 as shown below. Furthermore come as a material brass or bronze in question.

The surface of the rods 6 can be satin or glossy, depending on which optical effect is to be achieved.

In order to keep the rods 6 in the sheet 5 at a distance and to secure against each other connecting means 7 are provided. Each of the connecting means 7 consists of a connecting element 8 in the form of, for example, a stainless steel wire with a small diameter. To accommodate the connecting element 8, which, if one uses the terminology of the weaving technique, corresponds to a warp, each rod 6 is provided at the relevant point with mutually aligned holes 9. The axes of the holes 9 are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rods 6 and perform on a diameter through the respective rod 6.

Since in expanded fabric 5, the connecting elements 8 lie in a common plane, all the holes on the rods 6 are aligned according to the same, d. H. the holes 9 are parallel to the axis on each rod 6. The connecting element 8, in the form of the stainless steel wire, passes uncut one after the other through all the bars 6, that is, through the bars. H. the Vorbindungselement 8 extends over the entire length of the sheet 5. The lying at the edge of the sheet 5 rods 6 are anchored to the connecting element 8, for example by welding, gluing or deformation in a suitable manner.

Thus, the bars 6 constantly maintain the desired distance from each other, a spacer sleeve 11 is threaded onto each connecting element 8 between each two adjacent bars. The spacers 11 all have the same dimensions, whereby the mutually parallel of the rods 6 is kept at a distance and also, based on the longitudinal direction of the fabric 5, all the rods 6 the same distance have each other. As a result, the desired gap between the bars 6 are achieved.

The diameter of the bars 6 and the size of the gap between them are adapted to the particular application and is preferably between 2 and 15 mm, preferably between 2 and 5 mm, while the distance is of the same order of magnitude. The wall thickness of the bars is 0.1 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0, 2 to 0.4 mm.

In 3 and 4 another embodiment of the sheet 5 is shown. In this case, each rod 6 consists of a rolled into a tube stainless steel strips. The cross section of the rod 6 is approximately elliptical or oval. The tube produced by roll forming is circumferentially not closed, but has on one side with a smaller radius of curvature on a length-passing slot 12, which is bounded by two slotted edges 13. The slot edges 13 extend parallel to the length of the rod 6 at a constant distance. They are at the same height, ie in the region of the slot 12, the rod has no jump.

On the opposite side of the slot 12, each bar is provided with a series of holes 14, the number of which corresponds to the number of desired connecting elements provided along the bar 6 and diametrically opposed to the slot 12.

While in the embodiment according to Fig. 2 , the fasteners 8 in the form of each of a steel wire over the entire length of the sheet 5 through and anchored in this way to all rods 6, couple the connecting elements 8 in the embodiment of the 3 and 4 only two mutually adjacent bars. 6

Each connecting element 8 has the shape of a "nail" and consists of a wire-shaped shaft 15, which is provided at one end with a head 16. At a distance from the head 16 Szelle, at 17 of the shaft 15 is bent at right angles, so that a longer portion 18 of the shaft 15 extends in the direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the rod 6. The length of the section 18 is greater than it corresponds to the clear width of the rod 6. For example, the portion 18 has a length corresponding to about two to three times the diameter of the rod. 6

As can be seen from the figures, the head 16 is in hanging arranged sheet 5 on the inside facing side of the two slot edges 13, while the angled portion 18 abuts against the inside of the rod on the opposite side of the slot 12.

• Mit dem abgewinkelten Abschnitt 18 voraus, wird in jedes Loch 14 jeweils ein Verbindungselement 8 eingefädelt. Obwohl der Abschnitt 18 größer ist, als es dem Durchmesser des Stabes 6 entspricht, wird das Einfädeln nicht behindert.

The production process of the fabric 5 according to 3 and 4 can look like this:

• With the angled portion 18 ahead, in each hole 14, in each case a connecting element 8 is threaded. Although the portion 18 is larger than the diameter of the rod 6, the threading is not hindered.

When threading the portion 18 may protrude freely on the opposite side through the slot 12, so that the connecting element 8 can be inserted so far until the bending point 16 is located in the hole 9. Then, the connecting element 8 is rotated by 90 ° until the portion of the shaft 15 with the head 16 thereon protrudes at right angles from the rod 6. For further assembly can be inserted temporarily into the relevant rod 6, a filler, by which the angled portion 18 is held to rest against the inside of the rod 6. The Filler itself is in turn rod-shaped and can therefore be easily introduced because, for example, all fasteners 8 are threaded with the same orientation of the angled portion 18 in the respective rod 6. Then, the prepared in this form bar 6 is connected to another rod 6 by the connecting elements 8 are inserted from the side into the slot 12 of this further bar 6, with its head 16 is located inside the relevant bar 6. Subsequently, the filler, which serves to temporarily fix the sections 18, pulled out again.

The process described above is repeated until the sheet 5 has reached the desired length.

For lateral locking of the rods against each other, a corresponding end piece can be inserted into each of the rods 6. The end piece prevents the head 16 of the end-side connecting element 8 from slipping out of the respective bar 6.

The Figures 1 and 2 show a sheet 5, wherein the connecting elements 8 not, as in the embodiment of the Figures 3 and 5 , which have the shape of a bent "nail" but a U-shape.

Each connecting element 8 consists of a bent wire section which forms a back 19. At both its ends, the spine 19 transitions into two arcs 20 which are directed away from the open side of the U-shaped connecting element, as shown.

Following the bends 20 of the back 19 goes into two mutually axially parallel legs 21, which at their free ends, such as Fig. 5 recognize, to opposite sides are bent. This results in laterally projecting extensions 22, which lie at the same height and in which the distance between the free ends of each other corresponds approximately to the diameter of the clear width of each rod 6.

The legs 21 lead in the embodiment Fig. 6 through corresponding adjacent openings 14 in the slot 12 opposite side of each rod 6 therethrough.

As can be seen, the bows 20 have the purpose of allowing a defined abutment of the straight part of the back 19 on the inside of the rod 6, without the curvatures at the transition between the back 19 in the legs 21 impede the system.

Notwithstanding the embodiment of the FIGS. 3 and 4 are in the bars 6, in the embodiment of the FIGS. 4 and 6 , the two slot edges 13 to the interior of the respective bar 6 is tilted up, whereby the projections 22 further into the interior of the relevant bar 6 arrive.

• Es wird zunächst das U-förmige Verbindungselement 8 bereitgehalten, wobei die Schenkel 21 noch vollständig gestreckt und keine abgewinkelten Fortsätze 22 aufweisen. Die so bereitgestellten Verbindungselemente 8 werden durch den Schlitz 12 hindurch mit den Schenkeln 21 in die betreffenden Öffnungen 14 eingeführt. Nach dem Durchstecken der Schenkel 21 werden diese an jedem Verbindungselement 8 zu entgegengesetzten Seiten abgewinkelt, so dass die entgegengesetzt abgewinkelten Fortsätze 22 entstehen. Nachdem der betreffende Stab 6 vollständig mit der gewünschten Anzahl von Verbindungselementen 8 bestückt ist und diese auch, wie gezeigt, umgebogen sind, werden die Schenkel 21 von der Seite her in den betreffenden Schlitz 12 des nächsten Stabes 6 eingeführt. Es ergibt sich eine Konfiguration, wie sie in Fig. 5 zu erkennen ist.

The production of the fabric 5 according to the FIGS. 5 and 6 happens as follows:

• First, the U-shaped connecting element 8 is kept ready, wherein the legs 21 are still fully extended and have no angled extensions 22. The thus provided fasteners 8 are inserted through the slot 12 with the legs 21 in the respective openings 14. After the passage of the legs 21, these are angled at each connecting element 8 to opposite sides, so that the opposite angled projections 22 arise. After the respective bar 6 is completely equipped with the desired number of connecting elements 8 and these are also, as shown, bent, the legs 21 introduced from the side into the relevant slot 12 of the next bar 6. It results in a configuration as shown in Fig. 5 can be seen.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment in which the connecting elements 8 in turn traverse endlessly over the entire length of the sheet 5. The rods 6 have in conjunction with Fig. 6 explained shape with the difference that only one opening 14 is provided for each connecting element 8. The connecting element 8 is, similar to the de embodiment after Fig. 2 , made of a continuous spring steel wire. The spring steel wire has its original circular shape in the region of the opening 14 and is subsequently flattened so that a flattened section 23 is located. The length of the flattened portion 23, seen in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element 8, defines the distance that adjacent bars 6 have from each other.

• Vom freien Ende her wird auf das betreffende Verbindungselement ein Stab aufgefädelt. Das Verbindungselement 8 führt dabei zunächst durch den Schlitz 12 und sodann durch die Öffnung 14. Nach dem Auffädeln wird das drahtförmige Verbindungselement 8, das auch als linienförmig angesehen werden kann, flachgedrückt und zwar so, dass die Langerstreckung des flachgedrückten Abschnittes 23 parallel zu dem Schlitz 12 liegt. Hierdurch entsteht eine Breitenvergrößerung, die zwei Schultern 24 und 25 entstehen lässt. Wenn nun der nächste Stab 6 auf das Verbindungselement 8 aufgefädelt wird, kann der Schlitz 12, den verbreiterten Abschnitt 23 ohne weiteres passieren, während die Öffnung 14 mit ihren Lochrändern auf den beiden Schultern 24 und 25 aufstehen wird.

The production happens as follows:

• From the free end, a rod is threaded onto the relevant connecting element. The connecting element 8 leads first through the slot 12 and then through the opening 14. After threading the wire-shaped connecting element 8, which can also be viewed as a line, flattened in such a way that the long extension of the flattened portion 23 parallel to the slot 12 is located. This creates a width enlargement, which gives rise to two shoulders 24 and 25. Now, when the next rod 6 is threaded onto the connecting element 8, the slot 12, the widened portion 23 readily pass, while the opening 14 with its hole edges on the two shoulders 24 and 25 will get up.

It will eventually get a configuration as shown in Fig. 7 is shown, in which each rod rests with its inner hole edges on the shoulders 24 and 25 of each flattened portion 23. The flattened section 23 is located substantially inside each bar 6.

When the length of the section 23, as viewed in the extension of the connecting element 8, protrudes from the rod 6 as shown and the distance between adjacent flattened sections 23 approximately corresponds to the material thickness of the bar 16 in the region of the hole 14, the distance between adjacent bars 6 largely fixed.

The arrangement also has the advantage that each rod 6 is coupled to itself with the respective connecting element 8. In hanging mounting not the bottom rod 6 must carry the weight of all overlying, as for example according to the embodiment of Fig. 2 is required and it does not, according to the embodiment of the Fig. 4 and 6 , who absorb the entire weight of overhead assembly 6 in hanging mounting.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment in which in turn pass through the connecting elements 8 over the entire length of the sheet 5. Between each two adjacent bars 6, the wire-shaped connecting element 8 is twisted into a loop 26. The diameter of the loop 26 may be smaller than corresponds to the diameter of the rods 6.

The distance between the loops 26 from each other defines the distance of the rods in hanging mounting. If the diameter of the loops 26 is chosen to be sufficiently large and adjacent loops 26 almost touch each other, the fabric 5 can not be completely pushed together. In any case, a corresponding gap remains between adjacent bars 6.

The production of the fabric 5 after Fig. 8 is similar to the production of the fabric after Fig. 7 with the only difference that instead of flattening the connecting element 8 the twisting forms part of a loop which is then pulled through the slot 12 into the interior of the bar 6 as shown.

The Figures 9 and 10 show exemplary embodiments in which also working with a deformation of a connecting element which passes through the length of the fabric 6.

According to Fig. 9 the connecting element 8 is curved wave-shaped, whereby a shoulder 27 is formed by the wave-shaped course, on which the relevant rod rests with the edge of the associated opening. The wavelength with which the connecting element 8 is bent wave-shaped, corresponds exactly to the pitch of the fabric 5, ie, the distance between adjacent shoulders 28 corresponds to the distance of the corresponding parts of adjacent bars. 6

According to the embodiment Fig. 10 is the "wavelength" twice as big. Each connecting element 8 is bent in a zigzag shape, with an opening 14 of a bar 6 being located in each turning point 29 of the zigzag course. In order that the bars 6 can not fall down, two adjacent connecting elements 8 are oppositely aligned so that, as shown, their tips point towards and away from each other, as shown.

Accordingly, in successive bars 6, the openings 14 are offset by the stroke of the zigzag pattern.

In all embodiments explained above, the connecting elements 8 are linear, ie they consist of a wire. With the exception of the embodiment according to Fig. 2 , the material must be permanently deformable when bent over small radii of curvature. On the other hand, the connecting element must not be deformed when it is bent around radii of curvature, corresponding to the diameter of the winding shaft.

According to the embodiment Fig. 2 can be replaced as connecting elements and plastic existing monofilaments. In all other embodiments, metal is preferred.

The advantage of the linear or wire-shaped connecting elements 8 is that the required openings 14 can be produced by punching with a simple needle in the relatively very thin-walled material of the rods 6.

Instead of the wire-shaped connecting elements 8 but also band-shaped connecting elements 8 can be used, as shown in Fig. 11-15 the case is.

The rods 6 in turn have the previously explained cross-sectional shape and consist of a thin-walled roll-formed material. Compared with the slot 12, elongated holes 31 are included per connecting element, which extend with their longer axis parallel to the longitudinal extent of the relevant bar 6.

Each connecting element 8 consists of a narrow steel strip from each of which a respective tongue 32 is notched in the middle. The tongue 32 has a rectangular shape and is connected at its, in the use position upper edge with the rest of the band. The lower edge is free.

Due to the spring elasticity in the tongue 32, the individual rods 6 can be threaded in sequence.

During the passage of the tongue 3 through the opening 31 soft the tongues 32 correspondingly resilient to the sides, whereby a plugging is readily possible.

In the assembled state, the free end of the tongue 32 is according to Fig. 15 immediately opposite the canted edge of the slot 12, while the opposite back of the rod 6 rests on the shoulder formed when the tongue 32 returns to its rest position after notching.

The weight of each individual bar 6 is too small to allow the tongue 32 to be deflected so as to be able to slide through the opening 31.

The FIGS. 13 and 14 show an embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 , only with the difference that the tongue 32 is additionally bent approximately L-shaped. In this way, compared to the embodiment according to the FIGS. 11 and 12 more pronounced shoulder 33 generated.

Moreover, the tongue 32 is notched so that they like Fig. 14 reveals the level defined by the band.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment in which the notch leads to a bulge 34, wherein the notch is made so that no free ends in the longitudinal direction of the belt arise.

The fabric can not only be used for roller blinds and comparable shading devices. The fabric can also be used to influence the room acoustics or to achieve special visual effects.

When the sheet is used for shading, it may also be modified to vary the distance between the individual bars 6 along the sheet.

To rule out disturbing reflections when exposed to sunlight, the rods can also be used in Fig. 16 have shown kidney-shaped cross-sectional shape. In this embodiment, the down-side in use, which optionally also includes the slot 12, is provided with a concave groove 36 continuous throughout its length. The highly reflective top of a bar below throws incident light into the area of this channel 36, which in turn, due to its location, reflects most of the light back to the side from which the light originally fell on the sheet.

In the embodiments explained above, the connecting element 8 passes through the respective bar 6 in each case. However, it is possible to produce a sheet 5 in which the connecting element 8 extends around the outside of the rod 6. Such an embodiment is in the FIGS. 17 and 18 shown.

The rods 6 are where each connecting means 7 attack with a circumferential groove 37 provided. The connecting elements 8 are again steel wires, namely two steel wires, that is, two connecting elements 8 are used per junction. The wire-shaped connecting elements 8 lead on both sides of the fabric 5 through the grooves 37 and are twisted one or more times between two adjacent bars 6 as shown. The length of the twisted section defines the distance that adjacent bars 6 have from each other.

With the aid of the groove 37, it is ensured that the rods 6 can not be displaced in the axial direction in the loop formed by a respective pair of connecting elements 8, which are located between two twisted sections.

The FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 show further cross-sectional profiles for the rod 6, which are suitable for reducing the passage of light between adjacent bars 6 due to reflection at the surface. At the cross-sectional profile after Fig. 19 the rod 6 has a flattened side 38 which is substantially planar. This flat side 38, which runs along the length of the rod 6, extends at an acute angle to the imaginary connecting line through the hole 14 and the slot 12 aligned therewith.

On the flat side 38 opposite side, the cross-sectional profile is curved at 39 part circular. This profile section 39 merges at a vertex 41 into the flat side 38. In the apex 41, the holes 14 are included.

At the lower end of the range 39 extends to the slot 12 zoom. On the other side of the slot 14, the profile also has a straight section 42 which merges into the flat side 38 at an edge 43 of small radius.

The cross-sectional profile after Fig. 20 is designed so that a flattened profile section 44 at the top of Bar 6 is provided. This flattened and approximately planar region 44 extends at an oblique angle with respect to an imaginary axis which is defined by the holes 14 and the opposite slot 12.

On both sides of the slot 12 also extends a flattened region 45 which is approximately parallel to the flattened portion 44. The two flattened regions 44 and 45 are connected to each other by part-cylindrical sections 46 and 47, wherein the radius of curvature is greater than the distance between the two flattened region 44 and 45 corresponds.

Finally shows Fig. 21 a cross-sectional profile in which the rod 6 is formed on its upper side, where the holes 14 are included, a groove-like concave. The result is a channel-shaped region 48, which merges at bending edges 49 and 51 in part-cylindrical curved portions 52 and 53. Here, the radius of curvature of the part-cylindrical surfaces 52 and 53 is greater than corresponds to the diameter or the height of the rod 6, measured in the profile according to Fig. 21 along a vertical line.

Also, the lower side of the rod 6 is trough-shaped, d. H. two surface areas 54 and 55 located adjacent to slot 12 and sandwiching the lower edges of areas 52 and 53 are bent too high inward, i.e., inward and outward. H. their slot edges are pointing up to a certain extent.

Fig. 22 shows another profile for the rods 6. The rod 6 consists of a cross-section pentagonal stainless steel tube, which is closed in the circumferential direction but not seamless. The rods 6 have seen over their length a constant cross-section.

Instead of stainless steel for the rods 6 is also plastic or aluminum in question. It is possible to produce the bars 6 by roll forming from respective bands. Furthermore come as materials brass or bronze in question.

The surface of the rods 6 may be partially or completely satined, frosted or shiny, depending on which optical effect is to be achieved.

The rod 6 has a bottom surface 60 which is continuous over the entire length. The bottom 60 goes on a straight edge 61 in a back 62, which may be flat or with a slight concave curvature. The latter is intended to favor a winding on the winding shaft 2.

At an opposite edge 63, the bottom 60 continues into a flat flange 64. The height of the flange 64 makes, as the figure reveals, about half of the back 62 from. The flange 64 and the back 62 are parallel and spaced apart. When the rear side 62 is arranged vertically, the underside 60 extends to a plane defined by the rear wall 62 at an angle of 86 °, that is to say in the direction of the flange 64, the underside 60 rises by approximately 4 °.

The back 62 ends at an edge 65, where the profile of the rod merges into a surface 66. The surface 66 is a straight surface with an angle of about 50 ° relative to the horizontal, ie a perpendicular to the plane defined by the back 62. At a kink 67, the surface 66 merges into a surface 68, which also represents a flat surface.

Compared to the previously defined defined horizontal, the surface 68 tilts down by approximately 7 ° in the direction of an edge 69, at which the material of the profile is bent down to form a further flange 71 vertically. The two flanges 79 and 64 lie flat on each other, so that the above-mentioned, self-contained but not seamless profile results. The two flanges 71 and 64 are loosely on each other.

The two surfaces 66 and 68 form an upwardly pointing channel.

Due to the indicated angle, the bisector between the two surfaces 66 and 68 at an angle of about 26 ° upwards, measured as an angle between the bisector and the plane defined by the back 62.

The thickness of the rod 6 measured from the back 62 to the outside of the flange 71 is about 4 mm, the distance between the two edges 61 and 65 from each other about 5 mm.

From the figure it can also be seen that the flange 71 projects over the edge 63 a little way down. Due to the protrusion, a straight line that touches the lowest point of the edge 61 and the free edge of the flange 71 and an angle of about 90 ° relative to the back 62 runs.

If out of bars 6 with the profile after Fig. 22 The fabric 5 is assembled, with a distance of about 1.5 to 2 mm, measured between the edge 65 and the edge 61 of two adjacent bars 6 is on the inside of no vertically luminous band to observe, as long as the sun greater than about 25 °. To achieve this goal, the inclined surfaces 66 and 68 are facing the sun while the back 62 faces the interior of the room.

Fig. 23 illustrates the connection of the rods 6 according to Fig. 22 with the connecting means 7. The connecting means 7 are two or more thin steel strips to which the bars 6 are welded with their rear side 62 by means of one or two laser welding points 72. The laser welding points 72 are in Fig. 23 shown schematically. In fact, they are practically invisible on the finished product.

The laser welding points 72 are expediently at the same height, so that winding of the sheet 5 onto the winding shaft 2 is not hindered.

Instead of spot-welding the rods 6 with the band-shaped connecting means 7, it is possible to glue them over the height of the surface 62 with the band-shaped connecting means.

Fig. 24 shows another way to attach the rods to the band-shaped connecting means 7. For this purpose, the tape in question is provided with pairs of slots 73 and 74. The distance between the two slots 73 and 74 of a pair from each other corresponds to the distance between the edges 61 and 65 of the respective bar 6 from each other. The spacing of the pairs of these slots 73, 74 from the next pair is chosen so that the desired gap between adjacent bars 6 is achieved.

By a pair of slots 73,74, which are transverse to the longitudinal extent of the belt 7, a clip 75 is inserted with their legs 76 and 77 in each case. The legs 76,77 are according to Fig. 25 bent on the front with the rods 6 to hold the rod 6 on the connec tion medium 7.

Fig. 26 finally shows a triangular cross-sectional profile for the bars 6, as they can be connected to the sheet 4 with each other. The rod 6 after Fig. 26 is also made as a roll formed profile. The cross-sectional profile has a rear surface 81, which merges into a front surface 83 at 82. The front surface 83 terminates at a bending edge 84. There, the cross-sectional profile merges into an underside 85, which ends at a rear bending edge 86. This is followed by an upwardly directed bar 87, which rests against the rear surface 81 from the inside.

The angle subtended by the surface 83 against a normal to the sheet corresponds to the angle which the surface 66 of the profile follows Fig. 22 includes with said normal.

The inclination of the surface 85 corresponds to the inclination of the surface 60.

Instead of providing the overlap in the rear region, the overlap can also be carried out in the region of the bending edge 84. It is then similar to Fig. 22 shown executed, only with the difference that the existing there bar 64 extends to the inside of the surface 83 and to this parallel.

It is not difficult to see that the bar profiles shown are not only suitable for windable fabrics 5. It can also be designed as a rigid sheet. For this purpose, it is sufficient if the connecting bands 7 are designed to be stiff. Finally, it can be seen that the above-mentioned length mass can also be proportionally increased, for example, to provide a sunscreen, which invariably before a light entrance opening z. B. a window exists. For this purpose, the length of the rods 6 are enlarged accordingly. For example, for edge lengths, values of 4-5 cm may be provided instead of 4 and 5 mm as indicated above. Exceeding enlargements of the profile are also possible.

For larger profile dimensions of the bars 6 and seamless extruded profiles can be used.

In all cases, the width of the gap between adjacent bars 6 is between 25% and 100% of the diameter of each bar 6. The smaller the distance, the lower the angle of the sunshade at which there is direct radiation.

Such enlarged rods can then be readily attached individually in front of the respective opening. It is only important to at least approximately keep to the specified angles. In order for enough light to pass through, the distance between the individual bars must be increased or decreased in accordance with the changes in the length measure.

A sheet consists of parallel spaced rods, which are interconnected by connecting means. The connecting means may be designed so that they extend over the entire length of the sheet, or alternatively, only two directly adjacent rods may be connected to each other.

A rod for a sun or light protection device has a substantially pentagonal profile, wherein the profile is provided on the light-facing side with an obliquely upwardly pointing groove. The gutter is from two and an angle of about 134 ° to each other inclined, over the length of the rod passing straight surfaces limited.

Claims (53)

1. Material sheet (5) with a plurality of metal or plastic rods (6) lying parallel next to one another, which are hollow at least in sections and are held together by connecting elements (7) to form a sheet, wherein two adjacent rods (6) are respectively spaced from one another to form a gap and the sheet (5) is flexible around axes parallel to the rods (6),
   characterised in that viewed in cross-section in relation to a plane defined by the sheet (5) the rods (6) are flattened on one side (34) pointing to the side of the sheet (5) or have a plane reverse side (62).
2. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting elements (7) are formed from at least two at least approximately linear connecting elements (8) made of metal or plastic, by means of which the rods (6) are flexibly connected to one another, wherein each rod (6) is connected to the adjacent rod (6) by means of at least two connecting elements (8).
3. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the rods (6) are continuously hollow.
4. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the rods (6) have a continuously constant cross-section.
5. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the rods (6) are roll formed.
6. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the rods (6) are made from a material that is non-oxidising in the normal surroundings or are coated to be non-oxidising.
7. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the rods (6) are flattened on at least one side (44, 45) in a direction parallel to the connecting elements (7).
8. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that viewed in a direction parallel to the connecting elements (7), the rods (6) are concave on at least one side (48, 54) such that each rod (6) presents a concave side to at least one adjacent rod (6).
9. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the rods (6) on both sides (48, 54) adjacent to the respective other rods (6) in the material sheet (4) are configured to be concave.
10. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the diameter of the rods (6) or the enclosing circle around the cross-sectional profile of the rods (6) amounts to between 2 and 50 mm, preferably between 2 and 5 mm, or to any other value between a mm and b mm, wherein a or b means any integer between 2 mm and 50 mm.
11. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the diameter of the rods (6) at the widest point of their cross-section amounts to between 2 and 50 mm, preferably between 2 and 5 mm, or to any other value between a mm and b mm, wherein a or b means any integer between 2 mm and 50 mm.
12. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the diameter ratio of the rods (6) between the smallest diameter and the largest diameter amounts to between 1:1.5 and 1:10.
13. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the wall thickness of the rods (6) amounts to between 0.1 and 2.0 mm, preferably 0.2 and 0.4 mm.
14. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the rods (6) are straight.
15. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the rods (6) have a shiny or matt outer surface.
16. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the rods (6) are securely connected to the connecting elements (8) in such a manner that the rods (6) are not displaceable in their longitudinal direction in relation to the connecting elements (8).
17. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the non-displaceable connection is formed by a taper at the location where the rods (6) are connected to the connecting elements (8).
18. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the rods (6) are securely connected to the connecting elements (8) in such a manner that the rods (6) are not displaceable parallel to their longitudinal direction in at least one direction in relation to the connecting elements (8).
19. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the connection point is formed by at least one opening (14), through which the respective connecting element (8) passes.
20. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the rods (6) are held apart by spacer elements (11).
21. Material sheet according to claim 20, characterised in that the spacer elements (11) are short tubular elements, through which the connecting elements (8) pass.
22. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting elements (8) run uninterruptedly over the length of the sheet (5).
23. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that each connecting element (8) respectively connects only two rods (6) to one another.
24. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the spacer elements (11) are an integral component of the rods (6).
25. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the spacer elements (11) are an integral component of the respective connecting element (8).
26. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the linear connecting elements (8) have a round or flattened cross-section.
27. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting elements (8) are made from a stainless steel wire.
28. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that it has at least two regions, viewed in a direction parallel to the connecting elements (8), wherein in one region the distance between the rods is smaller or larger than the distance between the rods (6) in the other region.
29. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the distance between adjacent rods in a direction parallel to the connecting elements (8) varies continuously from a minimum value to a maximum value.
30. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting element (8) has a head (16) and a cylindrical shaft (15), which is bent over at a distance from the head (16).
31. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting element (8) has a U-shaped structure consisting of a back section (19) and two legs (21) running axis-parallel to one another, which are angled off at their ends remote from the back (19) to opposite sides in such a manner that projections (22) are formed, the length of which is smaller than the inner width of a rod (9).
32. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting element (8) is formed from a wire, which at intervals corresponding to the distances between the rods (6) is provided with areas (23) that are pressed flat forming shoulders (24, 25), on which a rod (6) lies.
33. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting element (8) is formed from a wire, which is twisted at intervals to form a loop (26).
34. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting element (8) is provided with undulations (26) in relation to the longitudinal extent, which lie in a common plane, and that the distance between the centres of the undulations corresponds to the distance between the rods (6).
35. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting element (8) is formed from a wire, which is bent in a zigzag shape.
36. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting element (8) is formed from at least two band-shaped connecting elements, by means of which the individual rods are connected to one another to form the sheet.
37. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting element (8) is formed from a band, from which tabs (32) are notched out in keeping with the distance between the rods (6).
38. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting element (8) is band-shaped and that it has a plurality of bulges (34) in relation to its longitudinal extent.
39. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that at least some of the rods (6) have a cross-sectional profile, which is configured in such a manner that each rod (6) forms a continuous face on its outer surface, which points upwards in the direction of between 25° and 80°, preferably 50°, in relation to a plane defined by the vertically extended material sheet (5).
40. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that at least some of the rods (6) have a cross-sectional profile, which is configured in such a manner that each rod (6) forms a continuous groove (66, 68) on its outer surface, which points upwards in the direction of between 10° and 40°, preferably 26°, in relation to a plane defined by the vertically extended material sheet (5).
41. Material sheet according to claim 40, characterised in that the groove is delimited by two substantially plane surfaces (66, 68), which enclose an angle of between 165° and 120°, preferably of approximately 137°, with one another.
42. Material sheet according to sheet 41, characterised in that the bisector of the angle, which the two surfaces (66, 68) of the groove enclose with one another, runs at an angle of approximately 26° in relation to a plane defined by the extended material sheet (5).
43. Material sheet according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the cross-sectional profile is pentagonal.
44. Material sheet according to claim 43, characterised in that two edges (62, 64) of the cross-sectional profile run parallel to one another.
45. Material sheet according to claim 44, characterised in that an edge (60) lying between the parallel edges (62, 64) encloses an angle of 86° with the longer edge (62) thereof.
46. Material sheet according to claims 41 and 44, characterised in that the two edges, which correspond to the surfaces (66, 68) of the groove, lie between the two parallel edges (62, 64).
47. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the rod (6) is roll formed, and that the rod (6) forms two straight flanges (64, 71), which overlap one another flat.
48. Material sheet according to claim 47, characterised in that one of the flanges (71) forms an external edge, which projects over the adjacent side (60) of the rod (6).
49. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that the connecting elements (7) are integrally connected to the rods (6) by laser welding or gluing.
50. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that it is part of a shading arrangement, e.g. a blind or awning.
51. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that it forms a wall covering.
52. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that it is part of an item of furniture.
53. Material sheet according to claim 1, characterised in that it is part of a lighting unit.

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