EP1744007B1 - Ball clutch for lamella blind - Google Patents

Abstract

Ball coupling comprises of a hanger-shaped body (1) with head part (5) and two side pieces (6,7) having a means for common, detachable locking at their free ends. Head part has an opening (8) for carrying of controlling cord through it. Opening has a slot (10) proceeding in a side piece and forming a recess (11). A gap is formed in a side piece in which a guide, pointing in the direction of the gap, is formed on other side piece and extended between both side pieces during the pressing of the side pieces.

Description

The present invention relates to a ball coupling for slat blinds according to the preamble of claim 1.

Out EP 0 928 875 A and US 2 036 172 A Ball couplings are known.

Ball couplings are used to couple the hanging straps of slat blinds with the connecting wires of curtain turning and lifting devices. The Behangbänder connect the individual slats of a slat gate with each other, so that they are arranged in the lowered state at a predetermined, regular distance from each other. In this case, both on the front and the back of the curtain, i. on the front and the back of the individual slats each opposite the Behangbänder connected to the slats. This makes it possible to synchronize a tilting resp. To perform turning movement of all connected by the Behangbänder slats of a Lamellenbehanges. In the horizontal position of the slats, the slat curtain allows complete penetration of the slat curtain with light, resp. the horizontal view through the Lamellenbehang is thus granted virtually unhindered, while touching in the vertical position, the leading edges and trailing edges of superimposed slats and thus form practically a completely closed surface of the Lamellenbehanges. In between virtually any pivotal positions of the slats can be adjusted, depending on the needs of the user.

In order to carry out these movements of the slats, turning devices are arranged above the slat curtain, in which Usually on the elevator axis of the slat curtain. These turning devices are actuated by the elevator shaft and are pivoted in accordance with the direction of rotation of the elevator axle between two end positions. From the turning device protrude down two ends of a pigtail, which rests against rotation on a thumbwheel of the turning device and whose two ends according to the pivoting movement of the turning device upwards resp. to be moved down. In the region of their ends, these connecting strands generally each have a spherical body fixedly connected to the pigtail as a locking member, respectively. Stop element on. The two ends of the pigtail are now connected via ball couplings with the ends of Behangbänder.

Conventionally, these ball couplings have a solid plastic body having at one end a funnel-shaped receptacle with a lateral slot for the spherical body of the pigtail and on the other side has a through opening for the passage of the end of the Behangbandes. Next, a screwable transversely to this opening in the direction of the hanging strap screw is arranged in the plastic body, with which the Behangband can be clamped in the desired position. Thus, a releasable but stable connection between the pigtail and the Behangband is created, which allows accurate adjustment of the curtain, ie the position of the slats in relation to the turning device.

Since the slat blinds are usually arranged on the outside of house facades, the ball couplings are exposed in particular to strongly changing temperature fluctuations. These temperature fluctuations in plastics very quickly lead to signs of fatigue, which lead to failure of the plastic body and thus interrupt the connection between the hanging strap and pigtail. This leads, for example, that in a first phase, the defect of only a single or only a few ball couplings, the curtain has a partially irregular lamellar image and can not be fully pivoted. With the defect of practically all ball couplings, the curtain can not be pivoted at all. Such fatigue phenomena are reinforced by the attachment of the Behangbandes with a screw, as these can be used with improper operation with too much force, which can lead to excessive stresses in the body of the ball coupling and thus cracks.

The object of the present invention was to find a ball coupling which does not have these disadvantages and even under extreme temperature conditions has a high stability and durability.

This object is achieved by a ball coupling with the characterizing features of claim 1. Further, preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the features of the other claims.

The ball coupling for the connection of Behangbänder of slat blinds with the control wires of Behangwendevorrichtungen, wherein in the region of the ends of the control strands spherical bodies are arranged according to the invention consists of a bow-shaped body with a head part and two projecting legs thereof. In this case, an opening for the passage of the control wire is formed in the head part, in which opening a slot opens, which continues into a leg and there opens into a recess. Further, an opening is formed in a leg, in which a protruding on the other leg and pointing between the legs in the direction of the opening tongue protrudes upon compression of the legs, and the legs have at their free ends means for mutual, releasable engagement. As a result, the ball coupling according to the invention can be easily pushed onto the control strand of the hanging-turning device and is held in its position by the spherical bodies under tensile load. The associated hanging strap can be threaded between the thighs and is also fixed in position when the thighs are compressed by the tongue. The ball coupling is fixed by the latching in this state.

For example, the ball coupling consists of a sheet material, preferably of a metal, preferably of stainless steel. This is particularly advantageous a very high temperature resistance and resistance to change achieved, which leads to a very long life of the ball coupling. It is also conceivable to use another material suitable for this purpose, be this made of metal or possibly of a special plastic. In addition to the high strength of the material and its great flexibility resp. Elasticity in the foreground. During the assembly process, ie when inserting and fixing the Behangbandes and the connecting wires, only elastic and no permanent deformation of the body take place.

For example, the head part is substantially formed as a rectangular plate, protrude from the two longer side edges, the two legs about a round bending edge substantially at right angles. Such a part can advantageously be produced very easily and inexpensively in large quantities. By the construction of a material with a homogeneous thickness, preferably a plate, homogeneous material properties can be provided.

For example, the opening in the head part is designed as a substantially circular opening with an inside projecting collar whose opening diameter corresponds approximately to the width of the control wires. Thus, the control wire can be easily inserted into the ball coupling and can also rotate in operation about its longitudinal axis, without causing chafing and thus to a possible weakening of the control wire. Thanks to the collar, the edge of the opening is reinforced and thus withstands heavy use. Further, the collar represents an optimal stop for the spherical body of the control strands when it is formed projecting in the same direction as the legs from the head part ago.

For example, the width of the slot is at least equal to or greater than the thickness of the control strand. It should be formed between the circular opening and the slot a constriction. Thus, the control wire can be easily inserted laterally over the slot in the ball coupling, without the need for a tool would be necessary and can also be removed again from the ball coupling if necessary.

For example, the recess in which the said slot opens has at least one free opening cross section, which is larger than the cross section of the spherical bodies of the control strands. Thus, the end of the control wire, which is located as a detent point of the spherical body, are simply inserted into the recess, and the strand are pulled over the slot in the opening of the head part. The ball-shaped body of the control wire can then be used against this opening and arrives there in abutment. Thus, the ball coupling is accurately positioned with respect to the control wire without the use of tools.

For example, slightly inwardly bent, resilient tabs are further formed in at least one of the legs, preferably in both legs, in the region of the transition to the head part. These tabs resiliently abut against the spherical body of the control wire and fix it there releasably in this position. This prevents that the ball coupling inadvertently resp. independently shifting in relation to the control wire. A burden of this fixation takes place only over these tabs and does not affect the remaining areas of the ball coupling. The load on a relatively thin layer of material only leads to an elastic deformation and not to an overload of the material, which in particular has a positive effect on the life of the ball coupling. It can not be changed by improper or incorrect manipulation.

For example, the tongue is formed substantially perpendicular projecting from the leg and has at its free end preferably at least one tooth-shaped tip or a V-shaped groove. Thus, the tongue can be brought with its tip practically perpendicular to the Behangband in abutment and engagement and causes an optimal jamming of the Behangbandes with the ball coupling. The tips can penetrate, for example, in the braid of Behangbandes without violating the individual strands of the braid and thus weaken. By the tongue pushes the Behangband at this point in the opening in the leg, a double deflection of the Behangbandes is achieved. Through this double deflection, a reliable fixing of the Behangbandes is achieved in the ball coupling, which can also accommodate greater tensile forces in Behangband without the Behangband shifts in the ball coupling.

For example, the breakthrough on an edge on a directed against the tongue web, which is arranged offset at a small distance to the tongue, preferably arranged offset in the direction of the head part. This will be advantageously enhances the effect of the deflection of Behangbandes and achieved an additional clamping action between the web and the tongue.

For example, on both sides of the opening in the leg, a convexly convex bulge is formed inwardly in the direction of the tongue. This bead can advantageously be achieved directly by appropriate bending of the sheet material of the leg at this point. The breakthrough facing edge of the bead helps to guide the Behangband and thus ensure a secure and reliable clamping of the Behangbandes in the ball coupling.

For example, the free end of one of the legs is formed bent inwardly towards the other leg and has an opening slot. Through the opening slot, the Behangband can be inserted into the ball coupling and a lateral slipping or breaking out of the Behangbandes during clamping or in the working position is thus reliably prevented.

For example, the opening slot has a latching edge into which a snap-in tongue formed on the free end of the other leg and preferably bent slightly outwards is resiliently latched. Thus, the clamping position of the ball coupling can be reliably fixed with a simple tool. Also, this fixation can be solved with simple means again, for example, by raising the locking edge of the latching tongue by means of a screwdriver or similar tool.

Advantageously, the ball coupling according to the invention provides an easily manufactured, high-life part, even under adverse environmental influences, such as, in particular, large differences in temperature, which is suitable both for the original equipment of lamellar blinds and for the replacement of conventional ball couplings.

• Fig. 1 die Ansicht einer erfindungsgemässen Kugelkupplung mit eingesetzter Steuerlitze und Behangband;
• Fig. 2 die Ansichtszeichnung der Kugelkupplung nach Figur 1 in geöffnetem Zustand;
• Fig. 3 die Aufsicht auf einen Schenkel der Kugelkupplung nach Figur 2;
• Fig. 4 die Stirnansicht der Kugelkupplung nach Figur 2; z
• Fig. 5 die Seitenansicht der Kugelkupplung nach Figur 2;
• Fig. 6 die Untersicht auf die beiden freien Enden der Schenkel der Kugelkupplung nach Figur 2; und
• Fig. 7 die Seitenansicht der Kugelkupplung nach Figur 1.

An embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures. Show it

• Fig. 1 the view of a ball coupling according to the invention with inserted control strand and Behangband;
• Fig. 2 the view drawing of the ball coupling after FIG. 1 in open condition;
• Fig. 3 the supervision of one leg of the ball coupling after FIG. 2 ;
• Fig. 4 the front view of the ball coupling after FIG. 2 ; z
• Fig. 5 the side view of the ball coupling after FIG. 2 ;
• Fig. 6 the bottom view of the two free ends of the legs of the ball coupling after FIG. 2 ; and
• Fig. 7 the side view of the ball coupling after FIG. 1 ,

In FIG. 1 is the view of a ball coupling according to the invention shown in the working position, ie the Housing 1 of the ball coupling is connected to the control wire 2, which has at its end a spherical body 3 as a stop, and the Behangband 4 a slat gate.

In FIG. 2 is the view drawing of the ball coupling after FIG. 1 shown. The body 1 is bow-shaped and has a head part 5, which has a substantially rectangular base. From the head part 5 protrude on both sides of the two longer side edges two legs 6 and 7 from.

In the head part 5, a circular opening 8 is advantageously formed in the middle, which has an inwardly directed collar 9. By this collar 9, the edge of the opening 8 is reinforced and can not unintentionally deform even at greater load. Further, a slot 10 is formed, which penetrates the collar 9 and is connected to the opening 8. The slot 10 extends from the head part 5 into the one leg 7, where it opens into a recess 7 formed in the leg 7. Between opening 8 and slot 10 is advantageously a constriction 10 'attached.

In FIG. 3 is in the plan view of the leg 7, the recess 11 is shown particularly clearly. This recess 11 has an opening cross section, which allows to pass the spherical body 3 of the control wire 2 and to position between the two legs 6 and 7. Also clearly visible from this figure, the slot 10, which opens from the recess 11 forth via the head part 5 in the opening 8. In the thigh 7 is further formed a breakthrough 12, whose function will be discussed later.

In FIG. 4 is the front view of the head part 5 of the ball coupling with the opening 8 dargstellt. Here is also clearly visible, as the slot 10 opens through the constriction 10 'in this opening 8. The width of the slot 10 is advantageously dimensioned such that it corresponds approximately to the diameter of the control cord 2 or is slightly larger. Thus, the control wire 2 can be pulled here easily and without damage. Also, the diameter of the opening 8 advantageously has the same dimension. This can prevent the control wire 2 from being damaged by the edges of the opening 8 when the ball coupling is rotated relative to the control wire 2. Contributes to this also the collar 9, which is advantageously bent up to the inside of the body 1 and is thus rounded.

In FIG. 5 the side view is shown on the body 1 of the ball coupling. Here is particularly well from the leg 6 projecting inside tongue 13 can be seen. This tongue 13 is arranged so that it is positioned approximately in the middle opposite the opening 12 of the leg 7. Thus, the free end of the tongue 13 penetrates into the opening of the opening 12 when the two legs 6 and 7 are pressed against each other.

Also from this figure, the two tabs 14 and 15 can be seen, which are each formed in the legs 6 and 7 resiliently inward in the direction of the opening 8. These tabs 14 and 15 lock the spherical Body 3 of the control wire 2 in his posted from the inside against the opening 8 position, as for example, particularly clear FIG. 1 evident. The tab 15 is divided by the gap 10 and thus has two tongues, while the tab 14 is integrally formed.

If the body 1 is made, for example, of spring steel with a constant thickness, the tabs 14 and 15 can be easily preformed bent inward, thus exhibiting a defined clamping action.

Next is in FIG. 5 the formation of a projecting from the leg 7 inwardly web 16 recognizable. This web 16 is arranged offset in the longitudinal direction of the body 1 relative to the opposite tongue 13. When the two legs 6 and 7 are pressed against each other and fixed, the web 16, the tongue 13 and the opening 12 form a labyrinth or deflection path for the longitudinal direction of the body 1 at this point through leading strap.

The free end of the tongue 13 preferably has two peaks resp. a V-shaped groove on to an optimal clamping respectively. To achieve locking action in Behangband 4, such as from the view FIG. 6 particularly clear.

Next is out FIG. 6 the formation of the inwardly bent tab 7 'at the free end of the leg 7 clearly visible. In the tab 7 ', an opening slot 18 is formed, through which the end of the Behangbandes 4 can be inserted. As a result, the hanging strap 4 is laterally secured against slipping or shifting out of the clamping position within the body 1. Further the outer edge of the opening slot 18 serves as a locking edge 19, against which a locking tongue 20 formed at the end of the other leg 6 can engage and thus fixes the two legs 6 and 7 in a closed position pressed against each other. Within the locking edge 19 may advantageously be formed a cutout, which allows the penetration of the tip of a tool in the closed position of the body 1. Thus, the positive connection of the two ends of the two legs 6 and 7 can be easily solved and thus the body 1 can be opened. It is of great advantage that the closure of the body 1 and thus the fixing of the Behangbandes 4 in the ball coupling with a simple tool, such as a Teisszange can be made. To release the connection, a tool, such as a screwdriver, is needed. Another great advantage is that the clamping connection due to the given geometry a defined, always equal clamping force exerts on the Behangband 4, and thus there is no risk that too much force is exerted on the body 1 by improper operation, which these weaknesses or even could damage.

To support the leadership of Behangbandes 4 within the ball coupling are still formed laterally of the opening 12 bulges 17, as seen from FIG. 5 evident. The inner side edges of these beads 17 help to guide the Behangband laterally within the clamping region of the opening 12, the tongue 13 and the web 16. Further These beads support the spring action of the tab 7 'of the leg. 7

In FIG. 7 is still the side view of the ball coupling shown in the installed state. It is now particularly clear the leadership of Behangbandes 4 can be seen, which is introduced from below into the body 1 of the ball coupling and is pressed by the tongue 13 in the direction of the opening 12, whereby a double deflection of the Behangbandes 4 is achieved. The deflection is supported by the offset to the tongue 13 arranged web 16. Through this double deflection, the Behangband 4 is reliably fixed in the body 1 and can not move even under heavy load. If the two legs 6 and 7 are separated again, ie spread apart, the deflection of the Behangbandes 4 is released and this can either be completely pulled out of the body 1 or the position of the Behangbandes 4 in the body 1 can be readjusted resp. be set. This makes it easy, fast and accurate to adjust the position of the Behangbandes 4 with respect to the control wire 2 and thus adjust the curtain of Lamellenstorens.

A major advantage of the ball coupling according to the invention lies in its resistance to weathering and temperature insensitivity, which predestines its use even under climactically strongly changing conditions. Likewise, the inventive ball coupling in addition to the original equipment of slat blinds advantageous for the replacement resp. Replacement of existing ball couplings are used.

Claims (12)

1. Ball-shaped coupling for connecting the ribbons of lamellar blinds with the control cords (2) of blind-tilting devices whereas in the region of the endings of the control cords (2) ball-shaped bodies (3) are arranged, characterized in that the ball-shaped coupling comprises a bracket-shaped body (1) with a head section (5) and two thereof protruding legs (6,7), whereas in the head section (5) an opening (8) for leading through the control cord (2) is formed, in which opening (8) a groove (10) leads to, that continues into a leg (7) and leads there into a recess (11), and further a breakthrough (12) in a leg (7) is formed, in which the other leg (6) comprises a tongue (13) arranged between the legs (6,7) and directed towards the breakthrough (12) when compressing the legs (6,7) the latter extending into, and the legs (6,7) comprising on their free endings devices for mutual removable shaping.
2. Ball-shaped coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (1) comprises a sheet material, preferably from a metal, preferably from stainless steel.
3. Ball-shaped coupling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the head section (5) essentially forming a rectangular plate, the two legs (6,7) of it protruding over a round bending edge essentially rectangular from its two longer lateral edges.
4. Ball-shaped coupling according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the opening (8) in the head section (5) forming essentially a circular opening with inwards protruding collar (9), which diameter of the opening corresponds approximately to the thickness of the control cords (2).
5. Ball-shaped coupling according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the width of the groove (10) and the diameter of the opening (8) of the head section (5) correspond at least to the thickness of the control cord (2) or are formed bigger and a contraction 10' is formed between the opening 8 and the groove 10.
6. Ball-shaped coupling according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the recess (11), in which the groove (10) is leading into, comprises at least one free cross-section of the opening, which is bigger than the cross-section of the ball-shaped bodies (3) of the control cords (2).
7. Ball-shaped coupling according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least in one of the legs (6,7), preferably in both legs (6,7), in the region of the intersection to the head section (5) resilient plates (14, 15) are formed directed to the opening (8) of the head section (5).
8. Ball-shaped coupling according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the tongue (13) is provided protruding essentially rectangular from the leg (6) and comprises on its free ending preferably at least one dentiform cone or a v-shaped groove.
9. Ball-shaped coupling according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the breakthrough (12) comprises on a rim a web (16) directed against the tongue arranged in a short distance offset to the tongue (13), preferably offset towards the head section (5).
10. Ball-shaped coupling according to one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that on both sides of the breakthrough (12) a convex bended bead (17) is formed in the leg (7) directed inwards the tongue (13).
11. Ball-shaped coupling according to one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the free ending (7') of one of the legs (7) is bending inwards to the other leg (6) and comprises an opening groove (18).
12. Ball-shaped coupling according to claim 11, characterized in that the opening groove (18) comprises a catching edge (19), in which a catching tongue (20) for resilient snapping is formed on the free ending of the other leg (6) and preferably slightly outwards bended.

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