EP2231978A2

EP2231978A2 - Closure device comprising at least one concertina-folding closure

Info

Publication number: EP2231978A2
Application number: EP08872992A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ostape Papirnyk
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-12-21
Filing date: 2008-12-22
Publication date: 2010-09-29
Anticipated expiration: 2028-12-22
Also published as: FR2925566A1; WO2009106742A2; FR2925566B1; EP2231978B1; FR2925567B1; WO2009106742A3; FR2925567A1; FR2925565B1; FR2925565A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure device comprising at least one concertina-folding closure (1) consisting of a series of leaves (2) hinged together at their longitudinal edges by means of hinges (3) whose axes are parallel to the central longitudinal axes of the leaves (2); at least one transverse edge of at least one leaf (2) comprising at least one supporting and guiding element (4) guided by at least one track (5), each track (5) being shared by all the supporting and guiding elements (4) on a given side of the leaves (2); said device being characterized in that each track (5) forms an upright (7) or a crossmember (12) of a frame (6) and in that this frame (6) comprises: drive means extending longitudinally in at least one track (5); at least one mechanical actuator, motor or geared-down motor (23) inside or fixed to an upright (7) or crossmember (12) of the frame (6); and transmission means for communicating the movement generated by the actuator, motor or geared-down motor (23) to the drive means.

Description

SHUTTERING DEVICE COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE ACCORDION FOLDING SHUTTER.

The present invention relates to a closure device for closing an opening of a facade, such as a window or a door, or more generally an opening of a wall or a wall. It applies in particular, but not exclusively, to the closing of a bay by means of shutters or sliding shutters.

It is known that an apron of a closure device, such as a shutter or shutter, generally comprises leaves or blades articulated to each other by their longitudinal edges by means of joints, these leaves or blades being and folding accordion or bellows generally against a table of the opening of the facade. Each apron is connected to a frame by a leaf or an end blade, this frame being disposed substantially to the right of the frame of the opening.

In addition, one of the ends of at least one transverse border of at least one leaf or a blade generally comprises a support and guide element, guided by at least one slide.

Thus, during deployment or folding of an apron, the support and guiding elements extend substantially in the longitudinal median plane of the frame, the joints connecting two leaves, which do not appear in the longitudinal median plane of the frame, extending on the same side with respect to the plane of the frame.

However, the opening and closing of this type of shutter or shutter is done manually and therefore require, when it is desired to proceed with these operations being inside the building comprising said facade, the prior opening of a window, a French window or a door in order to access the shutter or shutter. In addition, the deployment and folding of these shutters or louvers require significant effort and tiring.

The invention therefore more particularly aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing a closure device for closing and / or protect an opening of a facade, a wall or a wall, which includes a shutter slider comprising leaves that cooperate with at least one slide so that they can be deployed and folded easily or automatically.

It proposes for this purpose a closure device comprising at least one folding shutter in accordion, formed of a succession of leaves articulated to each other by their longitudinal edges by means of articulations oriented parallel to the longitudinal median axis of the leaves ; at least one transverse edge of at least one leaf comprises at least one support and guide element guided by at least one slide, each slide being common to all the support and guide elements situated on the same side of the leaves, characterized in that each slide constitutes an amount or a cross-member of a frame and in that this frame comprises:

Drive means extending longitudinally in at least one slideway; • at least one mechanical actuator, motor or geared motor included in or attached to a post or cross member of the frame; Transmission means making it possible to communicate the movement generated by the mechanical actuator, the motor or the geared motor to the drive means.

Preferably, the closure device comprises:

Drive means of the aforesaid type comprising: at least one drive screw extending longitudinally in the element of the frame constituting a slideway; at least one piece pierced with an orifice into which the drive screw engages, this part being connected to one of the support and guiding elements; each of the drive screws comprises, on at least one length corresponding to the stroke of the aprons, a determined number of nets each having a specific pitch which is adapted to the direction and speed of movement of the aprons;

At least one support and guiding element of the aforesaid type preferably consisting of a roller that can cooperate with the drive means;

Transmission means of the aforementioned type such as gears and / or pinions and / or gears and / or transmission chains or belts and / or transmission shafts, these transmission means being preferably arranged in minus an amount and / or at least one cross member of the frame, and make it possible to connect the drive means to the output shaft of an actuator, a motor or a geared motor.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, each end leaf of an apron may comprise a free longitudinal edge constituting an end profile which has a conformal shape with the corresponding longitudinal edge of another apron connected to the same frame. These Longitudinal borders that extend in the longitudinal median plane of the frame and allow to connect these two aprons.

Advantageously, the driving of the leaves can be carried out at the level of the support and guide elements and / or at the level of said longitudinal edges.

For example, the frame of the closure device according to the invention may comprise a single drive screw extending in a slide or two drive screws extending in two parallel rails.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, said slides each have a length less than or equal to the sum of the widths of the leaves so that in the deployed state, the shutter has a zigzag or rectilinear shape. In addition, preferably, the transverse edges of at least one leaf comprise two respective support and guide elements centered substantially on the longitudinal central axis of said leaf and guided by two respective parallel slides. Thus, each leaf is disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal median plane of said frame, namely the plane comprising the two said sleepers or both said amounts.

Advantageously, this symmetrical disposition of the leaves makes it possible in particular: to reduce the intensity of the forces necessary for the translation of the leaves intended to close off openings comprised on inclined planes, such as, for example, bay windows or inclined canopies;

• offer greater strength and stability to the leaves, especially vertically oriented ones, when exposed to strong winds that can be generated by storms or cyclones, for example; in this case, the shutter device according to this variant execution of the invention makes it possible to reduce the dissymmetry of the forces exerted on the leaves, whether they are deployed totally or partially, while suppressing the unwanted movements of these leaves; • to limit the efforts to be made to ensure a translation of the leaves and especially motorized leaves, indoor or outdoor, vertically oriented;

To simplify the means for guiding the leaves and in particular vertically oriented motorized leaves, which in particular makes it possible to reduce the size of the closure device.

Embodiments of the invention will be described below, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation in perspective and in cutaway form of the closure device according to the invention which notably comprises two aprons comprising leaves with a constant width.

Figure 2 is a schematic representation in perspective and cutaway form of a slide and the upper part of a shutter according to the invention comprising leaves hinged by junction profiles.

Figure 3 is a detailed representation of the shutter device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the leaves are hinged to each other by means of junction profiles, only the right leaf being partially shown.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a three-quarter view, according to an exploded perspective, of the closure device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, comprising leaves with constant width.

Figure 5 is a schematic top view of leaves of variable width, at least partially deployed position, and a slide to which they are connected.

Figures 6 and 7 are each a geometric representation corresponding to the positioning, seen from above, leaves in at least partially deployed position.

Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a three-quarter view of the closure device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, closing an opening of an inclined facade.

Figures 9 and 10 are a view from above, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, leaves at least partially deployed position, and a slide to which they are connected.

Figure 11 is a schematic representation, seen from above, the leaves in the at least partially deployed position, and a slide to which they are connected.

Figure 12 is a schematic representation of a three-quarter view, according to an exploded perspective, of the closure device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation in perspective and in the form of cutaway of the closure device according to a variant embodiment of the invention, which comprises drive chains and leaves hinged by junction profiles.

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic representation in perspective and in the form of cutaway of a slideway of a frame of the shutter device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, this slide comprising a screw driven by an engine included in FIG. a housing extending parallel to said slide.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a three-quarter view, in perspective, of the closure device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, in the closed position, shaped so as to be able to close and / or close off a opening of a curved facade.

Figure 16 is a schematic representation, in section, of a slider shaped to allow the shutter to close and / or protect an opening of a curved facade.

Figure 17 is a schematic representation in perspective and in the form of skinned, a lower angle of the frame including a highlighting of the structure of the end leaf connected to the amount of the frame.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 1, the closure device according to the invention comprises a folding shutter 1 in the form of an accordion having two aprons each formed of a series of leaves 2 articulated to each other by their borders. longitudinal by means of articulations 3 oriented parallel to the longitudinal median axis of the leaves 2.

In addition, each transverse edge of at least one leaf 2 comprises at its end two support and guiding elements 4 that are substantially coaxial with each other. joints 3 of the aforementioned type. These two support and guiding elements 4 are guided by two respective parallel slides 5, each slide 5 being common to all the support and guiding elements 4 situated on the same side of the leaves 2.

These two slides 5 constitute the two crosspieces 12 of a peripheral frame 6 and preferably have a length less (or possibly equal to) the sum of the widths of the leaves 2 so that in the partially or fully deployed state, the shutter 1 aprons have a zigzag shape (or possibly rectilinear).

The device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention may comprise stops (not shown) to avoid complete alignment in the longitudinal median plane of the axes of rotation, these stops being able to be: "close to the axes articulation of the leaves 2; and or

At the end of said articulation axes.

In this way, during the deployment or folding of an apron, the support and guiding elements 4 extend substantially in the longitudinal median plane of the frame 6, the joints 3 connecting two leaves 2, which are not included in the longitudinal median plane of the frame 6, extending on the same side with respect to the plane of the frame 6.

The peripheral frame 6 comprises the two said parallel crosspieces 12 and two lateral uprights 7 also parallel to each other. This frame 6 is fixed to the facade, the wall or the partition comprising the opening to be closed so that the planes delimited respectively by this frame 6 and this opening are substantially parallel, the frame 6 being disposed substantially at the right of the doorframe of the opening. In this case, the leaves 2 have a constant width, the leaves 2 being arranged vertically in order to be able to be translated in a direction substantially parallel to that of the slides 5 of said frame 6. In this case, an end leaf 2 'of each apron is articulated at its free longitudinal edge to a respective lateral upright 7 of the frame 6 by means of joints 3, such as hinges, oriented parallel to the longitudinal central axis of said leaf 2 '.

However, this configuration is not limiting, the leaves 2 may for example be arranged horizontally in order to be able to move in translation along an axis substantially parallel to that of the lateral uprights 7 of said frame 6. In this case , an end leaf 2 'of each apron is articulated at its free longitudinal edge to an upper or lower cross member 12 of the frame 6 by means of joints 3, such as hinges, oriented parallel to the longitudinal central axis leaves 2, the two said slides 5 then constituting the two lateral uprights 7 of the frame 6.

The deck constituted by the leaves 2 hinged to each other can be connected to another apron of the aforesaid type hinged to the lateral upright 7 (or to a cross member

12) opposite. These two aprons are connected at the level of the free longitudinal edge 8 of their respective leaf 2 "located opposite the other end leaf.

2 'connecting the apron corresponding to the frame 6. These two longitudinal edges

8 may have a form conformity in order to be embedded in one another at the end of the aprons stroke, which allows in particular to seal the assembly.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 2, the free longitudinal edge 8 of each end leaf 2 "constitutes an end profile which has conformal shape with the longitudinal edge. 8 corresponding to the other apron. longitudinal 8 which extend in the longitudinal median plane of the frame 6 allow to connect the two aprons.

The end leaf 2 "may also comprise a junction profile 3a which articulates the body of this end leaf 2" to said longitudinal edge

8. This joining profile 3a can be extended (or attached) at its upper and / or lower ends by (a) a support and guide element 4 each connected to a drive means such as a drive screw. 20 included in a slide 5, these support and guiding elements 4 being constituted for example by a rod or by a rigid strip extending (or attached) said (audit) junction section 3a.

The leaves 2 are articulated to each other by their longitudinal edges by means of joints 3, 3 'which can be in particular: • hinges 3; and or

As shown in particular in FIG. 2, junction profiles 3 '.

The driving of the leaves 2, T, 2 "can thus be carried out at the level of the support and guide elements 4 connected to the end leaf 2". Nevertheless, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the support and guide elements 4 of the intermediate leaves 2 can all cooperate with said drive means.

One leaf 2 may be driven by a single support and guide element 4 connected to one of its transverse edges or by two support and guide elements 4 respectively connected to its upper and lower transverse edges.

The choice of the modalities of the drive of a leaf 2 depends on various parameters such as in particular the dimensions and the quantity of the leaves 2 of the shutter 1; the angle of inclination of the shutter 1; the specificity of the means used for the articulation of the leaves 2 between them and the supporting and guiding elements 4.

In this way, the shutter 1 aprons can be deployed and fold under the action of the drive means. At the end of the run of the two aprons, the longitudinal edges 8 of the end leaves 2 "of each apron can cooperate to allow to connect these aprons and thus ensure the closure of the shutter 1.

Preferably, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, said drive means may comprise:

At least one driving screw 20 extending longitudinally in the element of the frame 6 forming a slideway 5; At least one piece 21 pierced with an orifice, such as a nut, cooperating with the drive screw 20, this part 21 being connected to one of the support and guide elements 4, which makes it possible to communicate to shutter aprons 1 a translational movement.

Thus, by way of example, the shutter 1 according to the invention can comprise:

• a single drive screw 20 which extends longitudinally in a cross member 12 (or an amount 7) forming a slide 5; or

• two drive screws 20 which extend longitudinally in two parallel respective crosspieces 12 (or two parallel respective uprights 7) constituting slides 5; in this case, the aprons are driven at the level of support and guide elements 4 connected to opposite transversal edges of the leaves 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, each slide 5 preferably comprises, on its side directed towards the inside of the frame 6, a slot longitudinally 29 shaped so as to allow the introduction of the support and guiding elements 4.

In addition, each of the drive screws 20 comprises, on at least one length corresponding to the stroke of the aprons, a number of threads 60 having a specific pitch which is adapted to the direction and speed of movement of the aprons.

The same drive screw 20 may comprise at least two threads 60 having different pitch adapted to the width of the apron corresponding to move. Thus, in the case where the shutter 1 comprises two aprons having different widths, or a different number of leaves 2 of the same width (for example six leaves 2 on one side and eight leaves 2 on the other side), the drive screw 20 may comprise two threads 60 having different pitch whose ratio between the two is close in this case 6/8, each of these threads 60 being connected directly or indirectly to a corresponding apron.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, when the shutter 1 comprises two drive screws 20 which extend longitudinally in two parallel respective crosspieces 12 (or two parallel respective uprights 7), each drive screw 20 may include nets 60 having different pitches.

According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the shutter 1 may comprise two drive screws 20 included in the same cross member 12 or in the same amount 7, and each having a thread 60 having different pitch, each of these drive screws 20 being connected to a corresponding apron. The ends of each drive screw 20 may rest on bearings 22 preferably included in the corners of the frame 6, these support bearings 22 for centering and translational immobilization of the drive screws 20.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 3, such support bearings 22 may be disposed substantially at mid-length of the slides 5 and thus of the drive screws 20 in order to avoid their decline.

The angles of the frame 6 also comprise transmission means connected to the ends of the drive screws 20 in order to transmit to them the movement generated by at least one motor 23 or a geared motor 23 preferably included in a lateral upright 7 of the frame 6.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each support and guide element 4 connected to a transverse edge or to a joining section 3a of an end leaf. 2 "may consist respectively of a rod 4, a rigid band 4, or more generally a rigid piece 4 connected to a piece pierced with an orifice 21.

According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 4, said supporting and guiding elements 4 may consist in particular of rollers which are each centered substantially on the longitudinal central axis of FIG. a leaf 2 corresponding, these support elements and guide 4 to ensure the rotation of the leaves 2 relative to the frame 6.

Preferably, the end leaf 2 'which is articulated to a lateral upright 7 (or to a cross member 12) of the frame 6, does not include support elements and In addition, these support and guide elements 4 may not always be centered on the longitudinal central axis of certain leaves 2.

In addition, as shown in Figure 5, the leaves 2 may not have an equal width. The support and guide elements 4 are in this case positioned on a leaf 2 depending on the cooperating width of the neighboring leaf 2, namely the distance separating the axis of rotation of the support and guide elements 4 included on this leaf. neighbor 2, the joint axis common to the two said neighboring leaves 2.

In this way, it is possible to control the mobility of the support and guide elements 4 of the intermediate leaves 2 from the position of the support and guide elements 4 of the end leaf 2 "situated opposite to that 2 'fixed to the lateral upright 7.

Indeed, as shown in FIG. 6, which is a simplified geometrical representation corresponding to the positioning, seen from above, of leaves 2 in vertical position, the axes of rotation of the support and guiding elements 4 and the axes of rotation. articulation of the leaves 2 intersect the plane [H] perpendicular to the longitudinal median plane [V] of the frame 6, at respective points a, c, e, g, h and b, d, f. These points constitute the vertices of a series of isosceles triangles T1, T2, T3 (or T4) whose bases are situated on the line of intersection (D) between the longitudinal median plane [V] of the peripheral frame 6 and said plane transverse [H]. Each of these isosceles triangles always has an angle (for example, cl) of its base opposed by its vertex at an angle (for example c2) of the base of the adjacent triangle extending in the opposite direction. In this way, all these isosceles triangles are of equal dimensions or are at least similar in the case where the leaves 2 would not have an identical width. This geometric configuration implies that if any two points of the vertexes of the bases of the triangles belonging to the intersection line (D) are fixed (for example, the points a and g) then all the triangles are fixed. In other words, if the points a and g respectively correspond to the hinge axis of the end leaf 2 'connected to a lateral upright 7 and to the axis of rotation of the support and guide elements 4 of the other end leaf 2 ", these points a and g can then be fixed when these support and guiding elements 4 will for example be locked in translation by a drive system with which they cooperate, which will freeze in position the shutter 1, the geometric arrangement of the leaves 2, 2 ', 2 "thus remaining very stable.

This stability of the arrangement of the leaves 2 is particularly advantageous in the event that the closure device according to this embodiment of the invention is installed in windy or cyclonic regions or is used, as shown in FIG. Figure 8, for closing and protecting canopies on inclined roofs, the specific geometric configuration of the leaves 2 having the same interest when the opening to be closed is included on an inclined facade. This geometric configuration of the leaves 2, which gives the deployed deck a symmetrical and regular geometric shape, therefore allows in particular to open at least partially the shutter 1 without the leaves 2 are subject to inadvertent movements under the action of the wind .

By way of comparison, FIG. 7 represents a geometric layout corresponding to the positioning, seen from above, of leaves 2 of a conventional shutter, such as a shutter. In this case, the axes of rotation of the support and guide elements 4 are substantially merged with the hinge axes of the leaves 2. Thus, if the points a 'and e' are fixed (these points respectively corresponding to the axis articulation of the end leaf 2 'connected to the frame 6 and to the axis of rotation of the support and guide elements 4 of the other end leaf 2 "), each isosceles triangle formed by a cross section of the leaves 2 may have an apex c 'of its base which moves along the intersection line (D'), which night to the stability of the whole.

Generally, with the exception of the end leaves 2 \ 2 ", each leaf 2 comprises two supporting and guiding elements 4 respectively connected to the upper and lower transverse edge of said leaf 2. However, preferably, when the opening to be closed is included on an inclined facade, all the leaves 2, 2 ', 2 "each comprise two support and guide elements 4 connected to the respective upper and lower transverse edges.

The number of leaves 2, 2 ', 2 "per deck can be even or odd.

As shown in Figures 9 to 11, said end leaf 2 "preferably has a first portion 100 having a width substantially equal to half that of the intermediate leaves 2, this width corresponding to the distance between the axis rotation of the support and guide elements 4 connected to the transverse edges of this end leaf 2 ", the hinge axis, constituted in this case by a junction profile 3 ', connecting this end leaf 2 "to leaf 2 adjacent to it.

As shown in FIG. 9, this end leaf 2 "may also comprise a second portion 101 that may have a variable width, this second portion 101 extending said first portion 100 and has at its free end said longitudinal edge 8.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 11, each end leaf 2 "comprises only a first part 100 of the aforesaid type having at its free end a joining profile 3a. extending in the longitudinal median plane of the frame 6. This profile junction 3a is itself extended by a free longitudinal border 8 of the aforesaid type which has a conformal shape with the corresponding longitudinal edge 8 of the other apron. These profiled junction assemblies 3a - longitudinal edges 8, which extend in the longitudinal median plane of the frame 6, make it possible to connect the two aprons.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 9, 10 and 12, the leaves 2, 2 ', 2 "are articulated to each other by their longitudinal edges by means of junction profiles 3 'oriented parallel to the longitudinal median axis of the leaves 2, 2', 2 ", these junction profiles 3 'forming joints 3. Thus, these junction profiles 3' extend on either side of the plane longitudinal median of the frame 6, so that their axes are preferentially at equal distance from said median plane. The aprons composed of these leaves 2, 2 ', 2 "can thus notably allow to close openings included on inclined facades.

Advantageously, the leaves 2 can be motorized, said support and guide elements 4 can thus cooperate with drive means connected to the output shaft of an engine by transmission means.

Thus, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the closure device may comprise a motor 23 or a geared motor 23 included in a lateral upright 7 of the frame 6.

This engine 23 comprises:

An output shaft 36 extending substantially parallel to the vertical median axis of the lateral upright 7 of the frame 6; the free ends of this output shaft 36 being connected to means of transmission included respectively in the corresponding upper angle and in the corresponding lower angle of the frame 6; or • two output shafts 36 extending substantially parallel to the vertical median axis of the lateral upright 7 of the frame 6 in an opposite direction; the free ends of these output shafts 36 being connected to transmission means included respectively in the corresponding upper angle and in the corresponding lower angle of the frame 6.

In this example, the transmission means included in said angles of the frame 6 consist of bevel gears 37.

The bevel gears 37 connected to the ends of said output shafts 36 may be supported by a bearing 22 of the aforesaid type.

According to another variant embodiment of the invention, the motor 23 may comprise only one output shaft 36 that does not pass through, this shaft 36 then being connected to a single conical gear 37.

In this case, the synchronization of the movements of the drive screw 20 included in the upper cross member 12 and that included in the lower cross member 12 is achieved by means of a vertical axis 38 (or according to a variant not shown) , a chain or a belt) extending in the upright 7 opposite to that comprising the motor 23. The ends of this shaft 38 open into the corresponding angles of the frame 6 and are each connected to a bevel gear 37 cooperating each with another conical gear 37 included at one end of a drive screw 20.

According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 17, the end leaf 2 'which is connected to the upright 7 of the frame 6 can comprise a through orifice 150 oriented substantially parallel to the vertical axis of said frame 6. In this way, said vertical axis 38 can engage in this through hole 150, which allows this axis 38 to serve as a transmission means of a synchronized movement but also axis of rotation of said end leaf 2 '.

According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the closure device according to the invention may comprise a single drive means such as a single drive screw 20 which extends longitudinally in the upper or lower crossbeam 12. No synchronization being necessary, the motor 23 included in the lateral upright 7 then comprises only one output shaft 36 which communicates its movement to the drive means by means of the transmission means.

According to an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the closure device according to the invention comprises:

At least one motor 23 or a geared motor 23 included in a lateral upright 7 of the frame 6; this motor 23 comprises a single output shaft 36 whose upper end opens into the corresponding upper angle of the frame 6, this upper end being connected to a toothed wheel 39, such as a pinion, substantially coaxial with the central axis longitudinal of said amount 7; according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the motor 23 may comprise two output shafts 36 or an output shaft 36 through whose free ends open respectively in the upper and lower corner of the frame 6; • A vertical axis 38 extending in the upright 7 opposite that comprising the motor 23, the ends of this axis 38 opening into the corresponding angles of the frame 6 and are each connected to a gear 39 cooperating with a chain 42 respectively;

An axis 40 included in the vertical upright 7 comprising the motor 23, which extends substantially coaxially with the longitudinal median axis of said upright 7; the lower end of this axis 40 opens into the corresponding lower angle of the frame 6 and is connected to a toothed wheel 39, such as a pinion, substantially coaxial with the longitudinal median axis of said upright 7, the longitudinal axes of each of the two pinions 39 included in the same slide 5 extending substantially in the same plane; the upper end of this axis 40 can be connected to a bearing 41 extending transversely in the corresponding lateral upright 7;

At least one chain 42 preferably with rollers, or a toothed or perforated belt, included in a crosspiece 12; in this case, the closure device comprises two chains 42 respectively included in the upper and lower cross member 12 of the frame 6, these chains 42 being held and tensioned between two pinions 39 or toothed wheels; each chain 42 is connected to the aprons of the shutter 1 by two support members 4 each extending the upper end of the junction profile assembly 3a - longitudinal edge

8 of an end leaf 2 ", the upper end of each support member 4 being connected to the outer or inner side face of a chain 42, at two respective points which are separated, when this chain 42 is totally deployed, a distance substantially equal to half the length of this chain 42.

In this way, the action of the motor 23 makes it possible successively to drive the rotation of the output shaft 36, the rotation of the pinion gear 39 connected to this shaft 36, the rotation of the corresponding chain 42, the rotation of the other pinion 39, and the vertical axis 38, which allows to cause the rotation of the lower chain 42 and allow the deployment or folding of the aprons of the shutter 1.

By way of example, said support elements 4 may be constituted by a rigid band, or more generally a rigid piece, extending the longitudinal edge assembly 8 - junction section 3a or by a rod, connected to a leaf end 2 ", this rod advantageously ensuring the rotation of the leaf 2".

As shown in FIG. 13, the closure device according to the invention may also comprise in each of the corners of the frame 6 in which respectively an axis 40, an output shaft 36, or a vertical axis 38 of the aforesaid type, a transverse bearing 43 comprising an orifice traversed by said axis 40 or said shaft 36.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 14, the motor 23 may be placed parallel to said slide 5 and possibly included in a housing 44 which has a substantially parallelepiped shape. One of the lateral sides 50 of this housing 44 comprises at least one orifice through which the output shaft 36 of the motor 23 passes, the end of this shaft 36 being connected to a toothed wheel 45 extending on the outer face of the Lateral side 50. In addition, another toothed wheel 46 is mounted on a bearing so that its orifice is coaxial with the axis of the drive screw 20, and through which the latter passes. The two toothed wheels 45, 46 can be directly or indirectly engaged, in the latter case at least one intermediate gear wheel 47 mounted on a bearing ensures the transmission of movement between the two end gears 45, 46.

These toothed wheels 45, 46, 47 which constitute transmission means advantageously make it possible to communicate the rotational movement of the output shaft 36 of the motor 23 to the drive screw 20. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention the two end gears 45, 46 can be connected by a belt or a transmission chain (not shown).

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the parts 21 pierced with an orifice may be constituted by trolleys 24 each capable of being driven in translation along a drive screw 20, each of the orifices of the trolleys 24 being traversed by a drive screw 20.

Each carriage 24 may comprise:

A body 31 comprising said orifice traversed by the drive screw 20;

Bearing means 25 such as ball bearings;

A device 27 having the function of a nut whose orifice is coaxial with that of the orifice of the carriage 24 so as to allow the orifice of this device 27 to be traversed by the drive screw 20; the threads 30 of this device 27 at least partially project into the hole of the carriage 24, which allows them to cooperate with the threads 60 of the drive screw 20 and thus ensure the displacement and guidance of said carriage 24 in the slide 5; according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the device 27 may comprise at least one pair of tips whose respective ends open into the hole of the carriage 24, the end of each of these points being shaped so as to cooperate with the threads 60 of the drive screw 20.

The body 31 of the carriage 24 is extended by a hooking lug 28 in order to be able to connect the carriage 24 to an apron of the shutter 1 by means of this lug 28.

More specifically, by way of example, the latching lug 28 of the carriage 24 can be connected to the aprons by means of an intermediate piece 32 fixed against the transverse edge of the junction profile assembly 3a - longitudinal edge 8 of an end leaf 2 ", and against the latching lug 28. Preferably, the carriages 24 which are not connected to an end leaf 2 "do not comprise devices 27 having the function of a nut, these carriages 24 then having a simple function of supporting and maintaining the screw of training 20.

The carriages 24 included in the upper crosspiece 12 provide guiding, levitation and driving, those included in the lower cross member 12, which preferably do not include bearing means 25, providing guiding and driving.

However, the lifting role of the carriages 24 between the top and the bottom can be reversed, the bearing means 25 then being in the lower rail 12.

The longitudinal edges of the leaves 2 and the junction profiles 3 'are shaped so that their lines / initial contact generators at the opening are not in the median plane comprising the hinge pins 3. This configuration advantageously allows the rotation of the leaves 2 relative to each other in particular at the time of opening of the shutter 1, which makes possible their misalignment without manual intervention.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 3, the transmission means may comprise: • at least two sleeves 55 which extend in stiffening and centering means 70;

• rolling means 56 such as ball bearings included in the sleeves 55;

• bevel gears 37 of the aforesaid type included in the corners of the frame 6, these gears 37 being engaged with the ends of the drive screws 20 and that of the output shaft 36 of the motor 23; A vertical axis 38 of the aforesaid type which extends in the upright 7 opposite to that comprising the motor 23, the ends of this shaft 38 being able to engage in sleeves 55 of the aforesaid type and are engaged with bevel gears 37 of the aforesaid type; • means 70 for stiffening and centering having in a vertical section, substantially a form of bracket so that they can each be arranged in an angle of the frame 6 and recessed at the ends of the uprights 7 and cross members 12; these means 70 of stiffening and centering each comprise a through opening preferably opening at both ends; these means 70 comprise in their respective aperture: o conical gears 37 of the aforesaid type; o rolling means 56 of the aforementioned type; o sleeves 55 of the aforementioned type; o the end of a drive screw 20 of the aforementioned type; o the end of a vertical axis 38 of the aforementioned type; o the end of the output shaft 36 of the motor 23; o the fixing and centering means of the motor 23.

These means 70 of stiffening and centering thus make it possible to ensure the centering of the various means which can engage in their orifice, but also to make it possible to stiffen the angles of the frame 6.

In this way, these transmission means can communicate the rotational movement of the output shaft 36 of the motor 23 to the drive screws 20, while ensuring the synchronization of their movements.

According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the slides 5 may be shaped to allow the shutter 1 to close and / or protect an opening of a curved facade, such as for example a curved bay. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the slides 5 may be curved and may include, for example:

Two opposing folds 120 extending at the respective ends of the lateral sides of the slideways 5, which define the internal border of the frame 6, these folds 120 delimiting a first longitudinal slot 121 into which support and guiding elements 4 can engage; or one of the ends of a longitudinal edge assembly 8 - junction profile 3a;

Two pairs of fins 122, 123 each respectively connected to the inner face of a respective fold 120 and to the inner face of the opposite side, each of these fins 123 being substantially coaxial with a respective fin 122 connected to one of said folds 120.

In this way, each pair of coaxial fins 122, 123 delimits, with one of the corresponding lateral sides of the slideway 5, a space in which may be arranged a preferably roller chain or a toothed or perforated belt (not shown), the upper end of each support element 4 or a connecting profile 3a being connected to this chain or to this belt which is itself connected directly or indirectly to the output shaft of an engine or a motorcycle - reducer.

In this way, the movement of the drive means, which is constituted in this case by the chain or the belt, is transmitted to the support and guide elements 4 or to a longitudinal edge 8, which allows a translation of the aprons. .

Claims

claims

1. Shutter device comprising at least one shutter (1) foldable accordion, formed of a succession of leaves (2) articulated to each other by their longitudinal edges by means of joints (3, 3 ') oriented parallel at the longitudinal median axis of the leaves (2); at least one transverse edge of at least one leaf (2) comprises at least one support and guiding element (4) guided by at least one slide (5), each slide (5) being common to all the support elements and guiding (4) located on the same side of the leaves (2), characterized in that each slide (5) constitutes an amount (7) or a crossbar (12) of a frame (6) and in that this frame (6) comprises:

• drive means extending longitudinally in at least one slide (5); • at least one mechanical actuator, motor or geared motor

(23) included in or attached to an upright (7) or cross member (12) of the frame (6);

• Transmission means for communicating the movement generated by the actuator, the motor or the geared motor (23) to the drive means.

2. Shutter device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises:

Drive means of the aforesaid type comprising: at least one drive screw (20) extending longitudinally in the element of the frame (6) constituting a slide (5); at least one piece (21) pierced with an orifice into which the drive screw (20) engages, this part (21) being connected to one of the support and guiding elements (4); each of the drive screws (20) comprises, on at least one length corresponding to the travel of the aprons, a determined number of threads (60) each having a specific pitch which is adapted to the direction and speed of movement of the aprons ; Transmission means of the aforesaid type such as gears and / or pinions and / or toothed wheels (39) and / or chains and / or transmission belts, and / or transmission shafts (38), these transmission means being arranged in at least one upright (7) and / or at least one cross member (12) of the frame (6).

3. Shutter device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the slides (5) constitute the two crosspieces (12) of a peripheral frame (6) and have a length less than or equal to the sum of the widths of the leaves (2) so that in the partially or fully deployed state, the leaves of the shutter (1) have a zigzag or rectilinear shape.

4. Shutter device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transverse edges of at least one leaf (2) comprise the two said support elements and guide (4) respectively centered substantially on the longitudinal central axis of said leaf (2).

5. Blanking device according to claim 4, characterized in that each leaf (2) is disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal median plane of the frame (6) namely the plane comprising the two said sleepers (12) or both said amounts (7).

6. Shutter device according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that each of the drive screws (20) comprises, on at least one length corresponding to the stroke of the aprons, a number of nets (60) having a specific pitch that is adapted to the direction and speed of movement of the aprons.

7. Shutter device according to claim 6, characterized in that a same drive screw (20) comprises at least two threads (60) having different pitch adapted to the width of the apron corresponding to move and / or when the shutter (1) comprises two drive screws (20) which extend longitudinally in two respective parallel crosspieces (12), or two respective parallel uprights (7), each drive screw (20) may comprise threads (60) having different steps.

8. Shutter device according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the parts (21) pierced with an orifice are constituted by carriages (24) each of which can be moved with a translation movement along a driving screw (20), each of the holes of the carriages (24) being traversed by a driving screw (20), each carriage (24) being able to comprise:

A body (31) comprising said orifice traversed by the drive screw (20); Rolling means (25) such as ball bearings;

A device (27) having the function of a nut whose orifice is coaxial with that of the orifice of the carriage (24) in order to allow the orifice of this device (27) to be traversed by the screw driving (20); the threads (30) of this device (27) are at least partly projecting into the opening of the carriage (24), which allows them to cooperate with the threads

(60) of the drive screw (20) and thereby ensure the movement and guidance of said carriage (24) in the slide (5).

9. Shutter device according to claim 8, characterized in that the device (27) comprises at least one pair of tips whose respective ends open into the hole of the carriage (24), the end of each of these tips being shaped so as to cooperate with the threads (60) of the drive screw (20).

10. Shutter device according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the body (31) of the carriage (24) is extended by a latching lug (28) to be able to connect the carriage (24). to an obturator apron (1) by means of this tab (28).

11. Shutter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:

At least one motor (23) or a geared motor (23) included in a lateral upright (7) of the frame (6); this motor (23) comprises a single output shaft (36) whose upper end opens into the corresponding upper angle of the frame (6), this upper end being connected to a toothed wheel (39), such as a pinion substantially coaxial with the longitudinal median axis of said upright (7); the motor (23) may also comprise two output shafts (36) or an output shaft (36) through which the free ends open respectively into the upper and lower corner of the frame (6);

• a vertical axis (38) extending in the upright (7) opposite to that comprising the motor (23), the ends of this axis (38) opening into the corresponding angles of the frame (6) and are each connected to a toothed wheel (39) cooperating with a respective chain (42); An axis (40) included in the vertical upright (7) comprising the motor

(23), which extends substantially coaxially with the longitudinal median axis of said upright (7); the lower end of this axis (40) opens into the corresponding lower angle of the frame (6) and is connected to a toothed wheel (39), such as a pinion, substantially coaxial with the longitudinal median axis of said upright ( 7), the longitudinal axes of each of the two gears (39) included in the same slide (5) extending substantially in the same plane; the upper end of this axis (40) can be connected to a bearing (41) extending transversely in the corresponding lateral upright (7);

At least one chain (42) preferably with rollers, or a toothed or perforated belt, included in a straight or curved crossmember (12); the closure device comprises two chains (42) respectively included in the upper and lower crossbar (12) of the frame (6), these chains (42) being held and tensioned between two pinions (39) or toothed wheels; each chain (42) is connected to the shutter aprons (1) by two support elements (4) each extending the upper end of the junction profile assembly (3a) - longitudinal edge (8) of a leaf end (2 "), the upper end of each support member (4) being connected to the outer or inner side face of a chain (42), at two respective points which are separated, when this chain (42) ) is fully deployed, a distance substantially equal to half the length of this chain (42).

12. Shutter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the motor (23) is placed parallel to said slide (5) and is included in a housing (44) which has a substantially parallelepiped shape; one of the lateral sides (50) of this housing (44) comprises at least one orifice through which the output shaft (36) of the motor (23) passes, the end of this shaft (36) being connected to a wheel toothed gear (45) extending on the outer face of the lateral side (50); in addition, another gear (46) is mounted on a bearing so that its hole is coaxial with the axis of the drive screw (20), and that it passes through it; the two toothed wheels (45, 46) can be directly or indirectly engaged, in the latter case at least one gear wheel (47) mounted on a bearing ensures the transmission of movement between the two toothed wheels (45, 46). 'end.

13. Shutter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission means comprise: • at least two sleeves (55) which extend in stiffening and centering means (70);

• rolling means (56) such as ball bearings included in the sleeves (55);

• bevel gears (37) of the aforesaid type included in the corners of the frame (6), these gears (37) being engaged with the ends of the drive screws (20) and that of the output shaft (36). ) of the engine (23);

• a vertical axis (38) of the aforesaid type which extends in the upright (7) opposite to that comprising the motor (23), the ends of this axis (38) being engageable in sleeves (55) of the type aforesaid and are engaged with bevel gears (37) of the aforesaid type;

• means (70) of stiffening and centering having in a vertical section, substantially a form of bracket so that they can each be arranged in an angle of the frame (6) and recessed at the end of the uprights (7) and sleepers (12); these means (70) of stiffening and centering each comprise a through opening opening at both ends; these means (70) including the sleeves (55) of the aforementioned type.

14. Shutter device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end leaf (2 ') which is connected to the upright (7) of the frame (6) comprises a through orifice (150) oriented substantially parallel to the vertical axis of said frame (6); in this way, a vertical axis (38) engages in this through hole (150), which allows this axis (38) to serve as means for transmitting a synchronized movement but also the axis of rotation of said leaf end (2 ').