EP2867433A2 - Locking element for a curtain rail, method, and assembly - Google Patents

Locking element for a curtain rail, method, and assembly

Info

Publication number
EP2867433A2
EP2867433A2 EP13739835.0A EP13739835A EP2867433A2 EP 2867433 A2 EP2867433 A2 EP 2867433A2 EP 13739835 A EP13739835 A EP 13739835A EP 2867433 A2 EP2867433 A2 EP 2867433A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
locking element
curtain rail
carrying structure
locking
operating mechanism
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP13739835.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2867433B1 (en
Inventor
Nanne Willem VALKENBURG
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
VAKO B.V.
Original Assignee
Vako BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vako BV filed Critical Vako BV
Priority to PL13739835T priority Critical patent/PL2867433T3/en
Publication of EP2867433A2 publication Critical patent/EP2867433A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2867433B1 publication Critical patent/EP2867433B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
    • E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
    • E06B9/26—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds
    • E06B9/28—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with horizontal lamellae, e.g. non-liftable
    • E06B9/30—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with horizontal lamellae, e.g. non-liftable liftable
    • E06B9/32—Operating, guiding, or securing devices therefor
    • E06B9/322—Details of operating devices, e.g. pulleys, brakes, spring drums, drives
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
    • E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
    • E06B9/26—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds
    • E06B9/28—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with horizontal lamellae, e.g. non-liftable
    • E06B9/30—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with horizontal lamellae, e.g. non-liftable liftable
    • E06B9/32—Operating, guiding, or securing devices therefor
    • E06B9/323—Structure or support of upper box

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a locking element for interacting with a curtain rail.
  • the invention also relates to a method of causing said locking element to interact with a curtain rail.
  • the invention further relates to an assembly of said locking element and a curtain rail.
  • a curtain rail manufactured from a profile for hanging a window soft furnishing, such as a folding curtain
  • the curtain rail is generally secured by means of screws to a ceiling, after which several cord winders are arranged in the curtain rail so as to be able to wind and unwind cords for raising or lowering the window soft furnishing.
  • the cord winders are secured by means of screws to the curtain rail, after which each cord winder is usually connected to a pull-cord.
  • the end faces of the curtain rail are then generally provided with a pair of protective end caps, optionally provided with a chain housing, which are secured to the curtain rail by means of screws.
  • the window soft furnishing is secured to the curtain rail and attached to the pull-cords.
  • One aim of the invention is to provide an element that can be secured to a curtain rail in a relatively simple and user-friendly manner.
  • the invention provides a locking element of the type stated at the beginning, comprising: at least one carrying structure arranged to be received at least partially in a space enclosed by a curtain rail, at least one locking element connected movably to the at least one carrying structure, such that the at least one locking element is movable between a locked state, in which the at least one locking element engages under tension with an inside surface of the curtain rail so that the carrying structure essentially is locked with respect to the curtain rail, and an unlocked state, in which the at least one locking element does not lock the carrying structure with respect to the curtain rail, and at least one operating mechanism interacting with the at least one locking element for manually moving the at least one locking element between the locked state and the unlocked state, wherein the at least one operating mechanism is arranged so that it projects at least partially with respect to the curtain rail.
  • the locking element according to the invention has the advantage that it offers a self-locking functionality without this requiring separate fastening means, such as screws.
  • locking of the locking element can be achieved relatively easily and quickly, because the projecting operating mechanism for moving the at least one locking element is permanently accessible for operation by a user.
  • the locking element comprises one or more of its own projecting operating mechanisms, the one or more locking mechanisms of the locking element can thus be moved relatively easily to the locked state, so that the locking element as such can also be secured (fixed) with respect to the curtain rail in a relatively simple, quick and user- friendly manner by clamping. In this way a curtain system can be installed relatively quickly and easily without any damage being caused to the curtain rail or applied locking elements.
  • the locking element is regarded in this context as a component or constructional element which can be secured and fixed (locked) with respect to a curtain rail without the aid of separate, conventional fastening elements, such as screws.
  • This definition includes for example end caps, chain housings, cord drums, etc.
  • the curtain rail itself is usually screwed to a ceiling in a conventional manner.
  • the operating mechanism and the at least one locking element can interact with each other in various ways. It is conceivable for example to employ a gear mechanism or a hinge for converting the movement of the operating mechanism into a movement of the at least one locking element. However, it is generally preferred from the standpoint of durability and production for the operating mechanism and the at least one locking element to be joined to each other essentially rigidly. More preferably, the at least one operating mechanism and the at least one locking element are joined together integrally.
  • the operating mechanism will also be connected movably to the carrying structure. With manual operation of the operating mechanism, the operating mechanism, just like the at least one locking element, will then also usually be moved with respect to the carrying structure. This movement can be of a varying nature, and can for example represent a linear or nonlinear displacement with respect to the carrying structure.
  • the operating mechanism is, however, connected to the carrying structure so that it can be swiveled (rotatable), which is usually preferred from constructional and practical standpoints.
  • the operating mechanism will generally be rotatable about a stationary rotation axis.
  • the at least one locking element is connected essentially rigidly to the operating mechanism, it is then conceivable to allow the at least one locking element to project in one and the same direction with respect to the rotation axis.
  • the operating mechanism and the at least one locking element project in different directions with respect to the rotation axis.
  • the operating mechanism projects farther with respect to the rotation axis than the projection of the at least one locking element, so that favorable leverage is created, making it more user- friendly.
  • the aim is to have sufficient friction in the locked state between the at least one locking element and an inside (internal wall) of the curtain rail, in order for the locking element to be locked firmly and reliably with respect to the curtain rail.
  • This solid engagement can be achieved by providing the contact side of the at least one locking element with one and the same, generally flat, shape as the, generally flat, shaping of the contact surface of the curtain rail.
  • the locking element comprises several locking mechanisms. It is conceivable for several locking mechanisms to be served by the locking element by means of several operating mechanisms. However, the locking element preferably comprises at least one operating mechanism that is arranged for simultaneous operation (movement) of several locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms can, as already mentioned, be joined integrally with the (common) operating mechanism.
  • a side of the operating mechanism turned away from the carrying structure extends essentially parallel with respect to the curtain rail in the locked state of at least the locking element with which the operating mechanism interacts.
  • Orienting the operating mechanism in the locked state essentially in one and the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the curtain rail can counteract improper use of the operating mechanism.
  • this parallel orientation is usually preferred from the aesthetic standpoint.
  • the locking element can be of various kinds and for example can be formed by an end cap (protective element) for interaction with an end face of a curtain rail. With its own locking mechanism, the end cap can be fastened relatively quickly and easily and can be clamped with respect to the curtain rail.
  • the locking element according to the invention can be employed especially advantageously as a so-called cord drum or chain housing.
  • the carrying structure comprises at least one axially rotatable cylinder.
  • the axially rotatable cylinder can typically be cylindrical, wherein the diameter of the cylinder is essentially constant in the longitudinal direction, but it can also be of tapering cylindrical configuration, wherein the diameter of the cylinder decreases in the longitudinal direction.
  • the axially rotatable cylinder is arranged for interacting with a cord, especially a chain.
  • the cylinder In the case of a chain housing, the cylinder will be arranged for guiding a chain for raising or lowering a curtain.
  • the cylinder will generally be of (somewhat) profiled configuration so as to be able to counteract slip between chain and cylinder.
  • the cylinder In the case of a typical cord drum, the cylinder will be arranged as a winding roll for winding or unwinding a cord, and said cord will usually be connected to a folding curtain.
  • the axially rotatable cylinder, especially the winding roll will usually be suspended (rotatably) in a housing of the carrying structure. Rotation of the winding roll takes place by employing a physical (axially rotatable) rotation axis which passes through one or more winding rolls, optionally of several locking elements. It is advantageous if the rotation axis has a cross section deviating from circular, so as to counteract slip between the rotation axis and the winding roll(s).
  • the winding roll is preferably arranged for detachable fastening of at least one raising cord.
  • the winding roll has one or more V-shaped recesses with which an end of the raising cord provided with a knot can interact detachably.
  • the end of the raising cord interact (detachably) with the winding roll in some other way.
  • the carrying structure comprises at least a guide element, such as an eye, for guiding the at least one raising cord. It is also conceivable for the guide element to form part of the operating mechanism. Generally several winding rolls are secured to the curtain rail for securing an equal number of raising cords.
  • each winding roll is lockable relative to the housing.
  • the locking is released after initial fastening of the raising cords, after which each winding roll can rotate freely and a window soft furnishing connected to the raising cords can be raised or lowered.
  • each winding roll will be of oblong configuration, which usually facilitates winding and unwinding of a raising cord.
  • the invention also relates to a method for allowing a locking element according to the invention to interact with a curtain rail, comprising: A) pushing at least one part of the carrying structure of the locking element in a space enclosed by the curtain rail to a desired position, and B) moving, by means of the operating mechanism, the at least one locking element, such that the at least one locking element engages under tension with an inside surface of the curtain rail so that the locking element is blocked with respect to the carrying rail. Further embodiments and advantages of the method according to the invention are described in detail in the foregoing and below.
  • the invention further relates to an assembly of at least one locking element according to the invention, and a curtain rail.
  • the curtain rail will essentially be made U- shaped, such as for example ⁇ -shaped, Ill-shaped or u-shaped. It is however also conceivable to employ a curtain rail of a different shape in the assembly according to the invention.
  • An open slotted side of the curtain rail will face downwards.
  • the width of the carrying structure of the locking element is greater than the width of the slotted opening of the curtain rail, so that the locking element remains trapped in the curtain rail and can only be removed from the curtain rail via an end face of the curtain rail.
  • the carrying structure is thus surrounded at least partially by a space enclosed by the curtain rail.
  • the operating mechanism preferably projects at least partially relative to the curtain rail. The projection will usually be with respect to the
  • the assembly comprises several locking elements, wherein, more preferably, the carrying structure comprises a housing, as well as at least one axially rotatable winding roll connected to the housing, for winding and unwinding at least one raising cord, and wherein the assembly further comprises a physical rotation axis which interacts with the at least one winding roll.
  • the rotation axis can be common and can thus interact simultaneously with several winding rolls of respectively at least two locking elements.
  • the assembly comprises at least one window soft furnishing, especially a folding curtain. An upper end of the window soft furnishing is preferably connected, more preferably connected detachably, to the curtain rail.
  • Raising cords employed in the assembly are preferably connected to parts of the window soft furnishing lower down, so that the window soft furnishing can be raised or can be lowered, preferably in panels (panel after panel).
  • FIG. 1 an exploded perspective view of a locking element according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 a perspective view of the locking element according to Fig. 1 in an assembled locked state
  • Fig. 3 a side view of the locking element according to Fig. 2,
  • FIG. 4 an end-on view of the locking element according to Figs. 2 and 3
  • Fig. 5 a side view of the locking element in an unlocked state.
  • Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a locking element 1 according to the invention.
  • the locking element shown 1 is also indicated as a cord drum and is - in the assembled state as shown in Figs. 2-4 - arranged to be locked with respect to a curtain rail (not shown in Fig. 1).
  • the locking element 1 comprises an oblong housing 2 arranged for interacting with a modular-construction cord winder 3 a, 3b, in such a way that the cord winder 3a, 3b is axially rotatable in the assembled state.
  • the cord winder 3 a, 3 b comprises several V-shaped recesses 4 arranged for the (detachable) fastening of one end of a cord (not shown).
  • the housing 2 is provided with a cord guiding element 5 via which a cord can be led to the cord winder 3a, 3b.
  • a cord can be led to the cord winder 3a, 3b.
  • the curtain rail will usually be provided with several locking elements 1 that are positioned at a distance from one another, so that the window soft furnishing can be joined to several cords that are spaced apart, which facilitates vertical movement upwards and downwards.
  • the cord winder 3a, 3b can be fixed temporarily with respect to the housing 2, so that a kind of 0-point is created for each locking point. Then by providing each locking element 1 with its own detachable cord, the cords will be mutually aligned, so that a vertical movement of the window soft furnishing can be guaranteed as far as possible. After the cords have been fitted and are joined to the window soft furnishing, the locking pins 6 can be removed, after which the locking elements will be fully operational. If cleaning of the window soft furnishing is desired, the complete window soft furnishing including the connected cords can be removed from the curtain rail or the cord winders 3a, 3b from the locking elements 1, after which cleaning of the window soft furnishing can take place.
  • the window soft furnishing is refitted in the opposite manner, wherein usually the window soft furnishing is connected to the curtain rail first, after which the cords are connected to the cord winders 3a, 3b that are secured by the locking pins 6, and next the locking pins 6 are removed and the cord winders 3a, 3b are unlocked.
  • the oblong housing 2 is arranged to be received in the curtain rail, which is usually formed as a U-profile.
  • the linear opening in the U-profile-shaped curtain rail usually faces downwards after installation and is arranged for feed-through of the cords, as well as feed-through of at least one part of an operating mechanism 7 with swiveling connection to the housing 2.
  • the operating mechanism 7 projects beyond the curtain rail, which facilitates manual swiveling of the operating mechanism 7.
  • the operating mechanism 7 is provided on either side with a pair of locking mechanisms 8, which are arranged for exerting sufficient tension on an inside surface of the curtain rail so as to be able to lock (block) the locking element with respect to the curtain rail.
  • the curtain rail 9 is shown semi-transparently in Fig. 3.
  • Swiveling of the operating mechanism 7 leads to swiveling of the locking mechanisms 8, so that the locking mechanisms 8 can be moved between the aforementioned locked state and an unlocked state in which the locking mechanisms 8 do not engage or barely engage on an internal wall of the curtain rail 9, so that free movement of the locking element 1 with respect to the curtain rail 9 is made possible.
  • Swiveling of the locking mechanisms 8 leads to adjustment of the effective height of the locking mechanisms 8 with respect to the rotation axis A, wherein a maximum effective height of them is reached if the relevant locking element 8 is positioned in the locked state.
  • An upper surface of each locking element 8 (in the locked state) is essentially of flat configuration, just as is usually an internal wall of the curtain rail 9, so that a relatively large contact surface is formed between each locking element 8 and the internal wall of the curtain rail.
  • the housing 2 may be provided with several operating mechanisms 7, wherein each operating mechanism 7 interacts with and/or is connected to one or more locking mechanisms 8, so that the locking of the locking element 1 with respect to the curtain rail can be further improved.
  • the cord winder 3a, 3b encloses a square feed-through opening 10 for a physical rotation axis.
  • the two ends 11 of the feed-through opening 10 are wide-mouthed, which facilitates passing the rotation axis through the feed-through opening 10.
  • Fig. 5 shows the locking element 1 , wherein the operating mechanism 7 and with it the locking mechanisms 8 are swiveled manually to the unlocked state. In this unlocked state, the locking element 1 as such is freely movable relative to the curtain rail 9, so that the locking element 1 can be moved to a desired position, where the locking element 1 can be fixed relatively quickly and easily by operating (swiveling) the operating mechanism 7.

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking element for interacting with a curtain rail. The invention also relates to a method for causing a locking element according to the invention to interact with a curtain rail. The invention further relates to an assembly of a locking element according to the invention and a curtain rail.

Description

Locking element for a curtain rail, method, and assembly
The invention relates to a locking element for interacting with a curtain rail. The invention also relates to a method of causing said locking element to interact with a curtain rail. The invention further relates to an assembly of said locking element and a curtain rail.
The use of a curtain rail manufactured from a profile for hanging a window soft furnishing, such as a folding curtain, is known. For this, the curtain rail is generally secured by means of screws to a ceiling, after which several cord winders are arranged in the curtain rail so as to be able to wind and unwind cords for raising or lowering the window soft furnishing. At a desired location relative to the curtain rail, the cord winders are secured by means of screws to the curtain rail, after which each cord winder is usually connected to a pull-cord. The end faces of the curtain rail are then generally provided with a pair of protective end caps, optionally provided with a chain housing, which are secured to the curtain rail by means of screws. Then the window soft furnishing is secured to the curtain rail and attached to the pull-cords. The
aforementioned installation process is perceived as time-consuming, laborious, and consequently relatively expensive.
One aim of the invention is to provide an element that can be secured to a curtain rail in a relatively simple and user-friendly manner.
For this purpose, the invention provides a locking element of the type stated at the beginning, comprising: at least one carrying structure arranged to be received at least partially in a space enclosed by a curtain rail, at least one locking element connected movably to the at least one carrying structure, such that the at least one locking element is movable between a locked state, in which the at least one locking element engages under tension with an inside surface of the curtain rail so that the carrying structure essentially is locked with respect to the curtain rail, and an unlocked state, in which the at least one locking element does not lock the carrying structure with respect to the curtain rail, and at least one operating mechanism interacting with the at least one locking element for manually moving the at least one locking element between the locked state and the unlocked state, wherein the at least one operating mechanism is arranged so that it projects at least partially with respect to the curtain rail. The locking element according to the invention has the advantage that it offers a self-locking functionality without this requiring separate fastening means, such as screws. In addition, locking of the locking element can be achieved relatively easily and quickly, because the projecting operating mechanism for moving the at least one locking element is permanently accessible for operation by a user. Because the locking element comprises one or more of its own projecting operating mechanisms, the one or more locking mechanisms of the locking element can thus be moved relatively easily to the locked state, so that the locking element as such can also be secured (fixed) with respect to the curtain rail in a relatively simple, quick and user- friendly manner by clamping. In this way a curtain system can be installed relatively quickly and easily without any damage being caused to the curtain rail or applied locking elements. The locking element is regarded in this context as a component or constructional element which can be secured and fixed (locked) with respect to a curtain rail without the aid of separate, conventional fastening elements, such as screws. This definition includes for example end caps, chain housings, cord drums, etc. In its turn, however, the curtain rail itself is usually screwed to a ceiling in a conventional manner.
The operating mechanism and the at least one locking element can interact with each other in various ways. It is conceivable for example to employ a gear mechanism or a hinge for converting the movement of the operating mechanism into a movement of the at least one locking element. However, it is generally preferred from the standpoint of durability and production for the operating mechanism and the at least one locking element to be joined to each other essentially rigidly. More preferably, the at least one operating mechanism and the at least one locking element are joined together integrally.
Usually the operating mechanism will also be connected movably to the carrying structure. With manual operation of the operating mechanism, the operating mechanism, just like the at least one locking element, will then also usually be moved with respect to the carrying structure. This movement can be of a varying nature, and can for example represent a linear or nonlinear displacement with respect to the carrying structure.
Preferably the operating mechanism is, however, connected to the carrying structure so that it can be swiveled (rotatable), which is usually preferred from constructional and practical standpoints. The operating mechanism will generally be rotatable about a stationary rotation axis. In the case when the at least one locking element is connected essentially rigidly to the operating mechanism, it is then conceivable to allow the at least one locking element to project in one and the same direction with respect to the rotation axis. In an alternative embodiment, the operating mechanism and the at least one locking element project in different directions with respect to the rotation axis. Preferably the operating mechanism projects farther with respect to the rotation axis than the projection of the at least one locking element, so that favorable leverage is created, making it more user- friendly. Usually the aim is to have sufficient friction in the locked state between the at least one locking element and an inside (internal wall) of the curtain rail, in order for the locking element to be locked firmly and reliably with respect to the curtain rail. It is
advantageous to make the contact surface area between the at least one locking element and the curtain rail sufficiently large, wherein it is especially advantageous in the case when one contact side of the at least one locking element is arranged for essentially positive locking on the inside of the curtain rail. This solid engagement can be achieved by providing the contact side of the at least one locking element with one and the same, generally flat, shape as the, generally flat, shaping of the contact surface of the curtain rail.
In a preferred embodiment the locking element comprises several locking mechanisms. It is conceivable for several locking mechanisms to be served by the locking element by means of several operating mechanisms. However, the locking element preferably comprises at least one operating mechanism that is arranged for simultaneous operation (movement) of several locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms can, as already mentioned, be joined integrally with the (common) operating mechanism.
It is advantageous if a side of the operating mechanism turned away from the carrying structure extends essentially parallel with respect to the curtain rail in the locked state of at least the locking element with which the operating mechanism interacts. Orienting the operating mechanism in the locked state essentially in one and the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the curtain rail can counteract improper use of the operating mechanism. In addition, this parallel orientation is usually preferred from the aesthetic standpoint. The locking element can be of various kinds and for example can be formed by an end cap (protective element) for interaction with an end face of a curtain rail. With its own locking mechanism, the end cap can be fastened relatively quickly and easily and can be clamped with respect to the curtain rail. However, the locking element according to the invention can be employed especially advantageously as a so-called cord drum or chain housing. For this purpose, the carrying structure comprises at least one axially rotatable cylinder. The axially rotatable cylinder can typically be cylindrical, wherein the diameter of the cylinder is essentially constant in the longitudinal direction, but it can also be of tapering cylindrical configuration, wherein the diameter of the cylinder decreases in the longitudinal direction. The axially rotatable cylinder is arranged for interacting with a cord, especially a chain. In the case of a chain housing, the cylinder will be arranged for guiding a chain for raising or lowering a curtain. Moreover, the cylinder will generally be of (somewhat) profiled configuration so as to be able to counteract slip between chain and cylinder. In the case of a typical cord drum, the cylinder will be arranged as a winding roll for winding or unwinding a cord, and said cord will usually be connected to a folding curtain. The axially rotatable cylinder, especially the winding roll, will usually be suspended (rotatably) in a housing of the carrying structure. Rotation of the winding roll takes place by employing a physical (axially rotatable) rotation axis which passes through one or more winding rolls, optionally of several locking elements. It is advantageous if the rotation axis has a cross section deviating from circular, so as to counteract slip between the rotation axis and the winding roll(s). The winding roll is preferably arranged for detachable fastening of at least one raising cord. It is advantageous if the winding roll has one or more V-shaped recesses with which an end of the raising cord provided with a knot can interact detachably. Naturally it is conceivable to have the end of the raising cord interact (detachably) with the winding roll in some other way. So that the winding and unwinding of the raising cord with respect to the winding roll can proceed in a controlled manner, it is advantageous if the carrying structure comprises at least a guide element, such as an eye, for guiding the at least one raising cord. It is also conceivable for the guide element to form part of the operating mechanism. Generally several winding rolls are secured to the curtain rail for securing an equal number of raising cords. For mutual alignment of the raising cords, it is advantageous if each winding roll is lockable relative to the housing. The locking is released after initial fastening of the raising cords, after which each winding roll can rotate freely and a window soft furnishing connected to the raising cords can be raised or lowered. Preferably each winding roll will be of oblong configuration, which usually facilitates winding and unwinding of a raising cord.
The invention also relates to a method for allowing a locking element according to the invention to interact with a curtain rail, comprising: A) pushing at least one part of the carrying structure of the locking element in a space enclosed by the curtain rail to a desired position, and B) moving, by means of the operating mechanism, the at least one locking element, such that the at least one locking element engages under tension with an inside surface of the curtain rail so that the locking element is blocked with respect to the carrying rail. Further embodiments and advantages of the method according to the invention are described in detail in the foregoing and below. The invention further relates to an assembly of at least one locking element according to the invention, and a curtain rail. Usually the curtain rail will essentially be made U- shaped, such as for example Π-shaped, Ill-shaped or u-shaped. It is however also conceivable to employ a curtain rail of a different shape in the assembly according to the invention. An open slotted side of the curtain rail will face downwards. The width of the carrying structure of the locking element is greater than the width of the slotted opening of the curtain rail, so that the locking element remains trapped in the curtain rail and can only be removed from the curtain rail via an end face of the curtain rail. Preferably the carrying structure is thus surrounded at least partially by a space enclosed by the curtain rail. The operating mechanism preferably projects at least partially relative to the curtain rail. The projection will usually be with respect to the
aforementioned slotted opening of the curtain rail and/or optionally with respect to an end face of the curtain rail. In a preferred embodiment the assembly comprises several locking elements, wherein, more preferably, the carrying structure comprises a housing, as well as at least one axially rotatable winding roll connected to the housing, for winding and unwinding at least one raising cord, and wherein the assembly further comprises a physical rotation axis which interacts with the at least one winding roll. The rotation axis can be common and can thus interact simultaneously with several winding rolls of respectively at least two locking elements. In another preferred embodiment the assembly comprises at least one window soft furnishing, especially a folding curtain. An upper end of the window soft furnishing is preferably connected, more preferably connected detachably, to the curtain rail. For example it is possible to use Velcro, a zip connection, a hook connection, a rail connection, etc. Raising cords employed in the assembly are preferably connected to parts of the window soft furnishing lower down, so that the window soft furnishing can be raised or can be lowered, preferably in panels (panel after panel).
The invention will be explained on the basis of the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the following figures. These show:
Fig. 1 , an exploded perspective view of a locking element according to the invention, Fig. 2, a perspective view of the locking element according to Fig. 1 in an assembled locked state,
Fig. 3, a side view of the locking element according to Fig. 2,
Fig. 4, an end-on view of the locking element according to Figs. 2 and 3, and
Fig. 5, a side view of the locking element in an unlocked state.
Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a locking element 1 according to the invention. The locking element shown 1 is also indicated as a cord drum and is - in the assembled state as shown in Figs. 2-4 - arranged to be locked with respect to a curtain rail (not shown in Fig. 1). For this purpose the locking element 1 comprises an oblong housing 2 arranged for interacting with a modular-construction cord winder 3 a, 3b, in such a way that the cord winder 3a, 3b is axially rotatable in the assembled state. The cord winder 3 a, 3 b comprises several V-shaped recesses 4 arranged for the (detachable) fastening of one end of a cord (not shown). The housing 2 is provided with a cord guiding element 5 via which a cord can be led to the cord winder 3a, 3b. Through axial rotation of the cord winder 3a, 3b, the cord is wound or unwound from the cord winder 3 a, 3b, so that a window soft furnishing, especially a folding curtain, connected to the curtain rail can be moved in a desired direction. The curtain rail will usually be provided with several locking elements 1 that are positioned at a distance from one another, so that the window soft furnishing can be joined to several cords that are spaced apart, which facilitates vertical movement upwards and downwards. In order to simplify initial alignment of the cords, it is advantageous to provide the locking element 1 with a detachable locking pin 6. By means of the locking pin 6, the cord winder 3a, 3b can be fixed temporarily with respect to the housing 2, so that a kind of 0-point is created for each locking point. Then by providing each locking element 1 with its own detachable cord, the cords will be mutually aligned, so that a vertical movement of the window soft furnishing can be guaranteed as far as possible. After the cords have been fitted and are joined to the window soft furnishing, the locking pins 6 can be removed, after which the locking elements will be fully operational. If cleaning of the window soft furnishing is desired, the complete window soft furnishing including the connected cords can be removed from the curtain rail or the cord winders 3a, 3b from the locking elements 1, after which cleaning of the window soft furnishing can take place. The window soft furnishing is refitted in the opposite manner, wherein usually the window soft furnishing is connected to the curtain rail first, after which the cords are connected to the cord winders 3a, 3b that are secured by the locking pins 6, and next the locking pins 6 are removed and the cord winders 3a, 3b are unlocked.
The oblong housing 2 is arranged to be received in the curtain rail, which is usually formed as a U-profile. The linear opening in the U-profile-shaped curtain rail usually faces downwards after installation and is arranged for feed-through of the cords, as well as feed-through of at least one part of an operating mechanism 7 with swiveling connection to the housing 2. Thus, the operating mechanism 7 projects beyond the curtain rail, which facilitates manual swiveling of the operating mechanism 7.
Swiveling of the operating mechanism 7 is further facilitated because a part of the operating mechanism 7 functions as a lever. The maximum swivel angle is approx. 90 degrees. The operating mechanism 7 is provided on either side with a pair of locking mechanisms 8, which are arranged for exerting sufficient tension on an inside surface of the curtain rail so as to be able to lock (block) the locking element with respect to the curtain rail. The curtain rail 9 is shown semi-transparently in Fig. 3. Swiveling of the operating mechanism 7 leads to swiveling of the locking mechanisms 8, so that the locking mechanisms 8 can be moved between the aforementioned locked state and an unlocked state in which the locking mechanisms 8 do not engage or barely engage on an internal wall of the curtain rail 9, so that free movement of the locking element 1 with respect to the curtain rail 9 is made possible. Swiveling of the locking mechanisms 8 leads to adjustment of the effective height of the locking mechanisms 8 with respect to the rotation axis A, wherein a maximum effective height of them is reached if the relevant locking element 8 is positioned in the locked state. An upper surface of each locking element 8 (in the locked state) is essentially of flat configuration, just as is usually an internal wall of the curtain rail 9, so that a relatively large contact surface is formed between each locking element 8 and the internal wall of the curtain rail.
Although not essential, it is conceivable for the housing 2 to be provided with several operating mechanisms 7, wherein each operating mechanism 7 interacts with and/or is connected to one or more locking mechanisms 8, so that the locking of the locking element 1 with respect to the curtain rail can be further improved. It can be seen in Fig. 4 that the cord winder 3a, 3b encloses a square feed-through opening 10 for a physical rotation axis. The two ends 11 of the feed-through opening 10 are wide-mouthed, which facilitates passing the rotation axis through the feed-through opening 10. Fig. 5 shows the locking element 1 , wherein the operating mechanism 7 and with it the locking mechanisms 8 are swiveled manually to the unlocked state. In this unlocked state, the locking element 1 as such is freely movable relative to the curtain rail 9, so that the locking element 1 can be moved to a desired position, where the locking element 1 can be fixed relatively quickly and easily by operating (swiveling) the operating mechanism 7.
It should be clear that the invention is not limited to the practical examples illustrated and described here, but that within the scope of the appended claims, numerous variants are possible, which will be obvious to a person skilled in this area.

Claims

Claims
1. A locking element for interacting with a curtain rail, comprising:
- at least one carrying structure arranged to be received at least partially in a space enclosed by a curtain rail,
- at least one locking element connected movably to the at least one carrying structure, such that the at least one locking element is movable between a locked state, in which the at least one locking element engages under tension with an inside surface of the curtain rail so that the carrying structure essentially is locked with respect to the curtain rail, and an unlocked state, in which the at least one locking element does not lock the carrying structure with respect to the curtain rail, and
- at least one operating mechanism interacting with the at least one locking
element for manually moving the at least one locking element between the locked state and the unlocked state, wherein the at least one operating mechanism is arranged so that it projects at least partially with respect to the curtain rail.
2. The locking element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one operating mechanism and the at least one locking element are connected integrally with one another.
3. The locking element as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one operating mechanism is connected rotatably to the carrying structure.
4. The locking element as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein a contact side of the at least one locking element is arranged for essentially positive locking on the inside of the curtain rail.
5. The locking element as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element comprises several locking mechanisms.
6. The locking element as claimed in claim 5, wherein the operating mechanism is arranged for simultaneous interaction with the several locking mechanisms.
7. The locking element as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrying structure comprises at least one axially rotatable cylinder.
8. The locking element as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein a side of the operating mechanism turned away from the carrying structure extends essentially parallel with respect to the curtain rail in the locked state of the at least one locking element.
9. The locking element as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrying structure is configured for protecting at least one part of an end face of the curtain rail.
10. The locking element as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrying structure comprises a housing, as well as at least one axially rotatable winding roll connected to the housing, for winding and unwinding at least one raising cord.
1 1. The locking element as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least one winding roll is arranged for interacting with a physical rotation axis.
12. The locking element as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least one winding roll is arranged for detachable fastening of the at least one raising cord.
13. The locking element as claimed in one of claims 10-12, wherein the carrying structure comprises at least one guide element for the at least one raising cord.
14. The locking element as claimed in claim 13, wherein the guide element forms part of the operating mechanism.
15. The locking element as claimed in one of claims 10-14, wherein the winding roll is lockable with respect to the housing.
16. The locking element as claimed in one of claims 10-15, wherein the winding roll is of oblong configuration.
17. A method for causing a locking element as claimed in one of the preceding claims to interact with a curtain rail, comprising:
A) pushing at least one part of the carrying structure of the locking element in a space enclosed by the curtain rail to a desired position, and
B) moving, by means of the operating mechanism, the at least one locking element, such that the at least one locking element engages under tension with an inside surface of the curtain rail so that the locking element is blocked with respect to the carrying rail.
18. An assembly of at least one locking element as claimed in one of claims 1-16, and a curtain rail.
19. The assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the curtain rail is of essentially U- shaped configuration.
20. The assembly as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the carrying structure is surrounded at least partially by a volume enclosed by the curtain rail.
21. The assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein the at least one operating mechanism projects at least partially with respect to the curtain rail.
22. The assembly as claimed in one of claims 18-21, wherein the assembly comprises several locking elements.
23. The assembly as claimed in one of claims 18-22, wherein the carrying structure comprises a housing, as well as at least one axially rotatable winding roll connected to the housing, for winding and unwinding at least one raising cord, and in that the assembly further comprises a physical rotation axis, which interacts with the at least one winding roll.
24. The assembly as claimed in claim 23, wherein the rotation axis has an essentially rectangular, especially square, cross section.
25. The assembly as claimed in claim 22 and claim 23 or 24, wherein the rotation axis interacts simultaneously with several winding rolls of at least two locking elements respectively.
EP13739835.0A 2012-06-29 2013-06-28 Locking element for a curtain rail, method, and assembly Active EP2867433B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL13739835T PL2867433T3 (en) 2012-06-29 2013-06-28 Locking element for a curtain rail, method, and assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2009091A NL2009091C2 (en) 2012-06-29 2012-06-29 LOCKING ELEMENT FOR A CURTAIN RAIL, METHOD, AND COMPOSITION.
PCT/NL2013/050468 WO2014003565A2 (en) 2012-06-29 2013-06-28 Locking element for a curtain rail, method, and assembly

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2867433A2 true EP2867433A2 (en) 2015-05-06
EP2867433B1 EP2867433B1 (en) 2017-08-09

Family

ID=46939947

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13739835.0A Active EP2867433B1 (en) 2012-06-29 2013-06-28 Locking element for a curtain rail, method, and assembly

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2867433B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2645978T3 (en)
NL (1) NL2009091C2 (en)
PL (1) PL2867433T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2014003565A2 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110150941A (en) * 2018-02-12 2019-08-23 程田有限公司 Wire winder structure used in curtain with quick positioning locking

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WO2016131086A1 (en) * 2015-02-20 2016-08-25 Rollease Acmeda Pty Ltd Spool assembly for a blind system
CN105822210B (en) * 2016-06-06 2017-06-16 义乌市斯卡丹遮阳设备有限公司 A kind of semi-automatic decline ropewinder of shading system
TWI668363B (en) * 2018-01-18 2019-08-11 程田有限公司 Curtain reel structure for postioning and locking rapidly
GB2583534B (en) * 2019-05-03 2021-04-14 Uni Soleil Entpr Co Ltd Curtain reel fixing assembly

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TW326240U (en) * 1997-09-02 1998-02-01 Fu-Mei Fan Improved structure of a height adjustable curtain track
EP1647666A3 (en) * 2003-12-10 2006-04-26 CTR Trading B.V. Device for selectively lowering and raising a pleated blind or a roller blind

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110150941A (en) * 2018-02-12 2019-08-23 程田有限公司 Wire winder structure used in curtain with quick positioning locking
CN110150941B (en) * 2018-02-12 2021-01-05 程田有限公司 Curtain winder structure with quick positioning and locking

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2867433B1 (en) 2017-08-09
ES2645978T3 (en) 2017-12-11
NL2009091C2 (en) 2013-12-31
WO2014003565A3 (en) 2014-02-27
PL2867433T3 (en) 2018-03-30
WO2014003565A2 (en) 2014-01-03

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