EP3585969B1 - Sliding shutter that can be quickly and easily mounted - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the technical field of sliding shutters for windows, doors or French windows.

PRIOR STATE OF THE ART

It is known from the state of the art a shutter system comprising a frame on which one or two panels are mounted side by side and with sliding capacity, disclosed for example in US6213187B1 or FR2970728 .

However, in practice, the assembly and installation of these shutter systems requires the intervention of a professional who manufactures and assembles the frame directly on the site or on the wall, and who then installs the sliding panels.

Assembly and installation are complex and time-consuming, and require special skills and technical know-how.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a sliding shutter system, the assembly of which is simple and rapid, and which can be carried out directly by a particular non-professional user.

Another object of the invention is to provide a sliding shutter whose general aesthetics are improved.

To this end, a sliding shutter system has been developed which is remarkable in that it comprises a pre-mounted assembly integrating a frame and at least one sliding panel. The chassis comprises at least one lateral upright extended at the top by a cross member. The lateral upright includes arrangements for fixing it to a wall adjacent to a doorway. The panel is mounted on the chassis with sliding capacity to adopt a closed position in which it covers and hides the entire chassis, an open position in which it is intended to release the doorway while masking the lateral upright, and an installation position in which the panel is slid to reveal the arrangements of the lateral upright and allow the chassis to be fixed to a wall.

According to another embodiment, the system comprises two sliding panels, and the chassis comprises at least two lateral uprights connected in the upper part by the crosspiece. The two lateral uprights each include arrangements for fixing said uprights to a wall on either side of the doorway. The panels are mounted side by side on the frame and with sliding capacity to adopt a closed position against each other in which the panels cover and hide the entire frame, an open position in which the panels are spaced apart. 'one of the other while hiding the side uprights, and installation positions in which the panels are slid to reveal the arrangements of the uprights and allow the chassis to be fixed to a wall.

In this way, the sliding shutter system according to the invention is in the form of a ready-to-install system, in which the chassis is already assembled and the panel or panels are already mounted on the chassis. The shutter system according to the invention is intended to be marketed directly in this form, and intended for individuals. The latter can mount the shutter system according to the invention themselves, in a simple and rapid manner. The shutter system is fixed to a wall by means of at least four screws which are inserted into the arrangements in the form of orifices provided in the lateral uprights of the chassis. In addition, since the panel or panels cover and hide the entire chassis in the closed position, the general aesthetics of the system according to the invention is improved, and the support and fixing chassis is invisible.

To facilitate the installation of the shutter system according to the invention, the two lateral uprights are connected in the lower part by a cross member, said cross member comprising two removable feet and adjustable in height by screwing / unscrewing.

In this way, the user places the frame with both feet resting on the ground or on a window sill, for example. The screwing / unscrewing of the feet makes it possible to adjust the height and the horizontality of the chassis, and to facilitate the screwing and fixing of the chassis in the wall. After fixing the chassis, the feet are removed, it is preferably the same for the lower cross member which can be removable.

Preferably, and to give an optimal anti-intrusion character to the shutter system according to the invention, each panel comprises anti-tearing means cooperating with the upper crosspiece to prevent translation of the panels in a direction orthogonal to said panels.

According to a particular embodiment, and to allow the panels to slide, each panel comprises at least one upper caster fixed at an internal face of the panel, the caster being arranged to roll on the upper crossmember.

Advantageously, each panel comprises at least one lower caster fixed under the upper caster and arranged to roll under the cross member against the upper caster, to improve the stability of the panels and the anti-intrusion character by blocking an upward translation of the panel.

Preferably, each roller comprises a central notch in which is housed an element projecting from the upper cross member to form the anti-tearing means.

According to another particular embodiment, two tubular housings are arranged side by side and along the cross member of the chassis. In this configuration, each panel comprises a tubular profile disposed along its upper edge and projecting laterally from said panel so as to slide into one of the tubular housings, so as to allow the panels to slide and to form the anti-tearing means preventing a translation of the panels in a direction orthogonal to said panels.

The panels can be manually slid by the end user, or can be motorized. To this end, and according to a particular embodiment of the invention, each panel comprises a rack fixed on the internal face of said panel parallel to the upper cross member, and an electric motor is fixed laterally on each of the lateral uprights. Each electric motor rotates a toothed wheel arranged to cooperate with the rack of the corresponding panel.

Preferably, the electric motors are fixed to the lateral uprights with the capacity for vertical translation of said motors, or at least of the gear wheels, to allow disengagement between said gear wheels and the corresponding racks. This allows the panels to be able to slide, in disengaged mode, when the electric motors no longer work, or when they are no longer supplied with electricity.

Electric motors can be supplied with electricity by being connected by a cable to a source of electricity, or else can be supplied by a battery, or advantageously by solar energy. According to this latter configuration, the electric motors are powered by a solar panel disposed on a cap fixed on the length of the upper cross member and adapted to cover said upper cross member and the upper part of the two panels.

According to a particular embodiment of the chassis, each lateral upright is made integral with a lower cross member, an upper cross member and a second upright to form a lateral rectangular structure. The upper and lower crosspieces of each lateral rectangular structure include pads engaged with sliding capacity in rails integral with the internal face of each of the panels. This configuration makes it possible to improve the stability of the panels, the solidity of the chassis, and also makes it possible to be able to house the electric motors inside the rectangular structure, thereby limiting the size of the shutter system according to the invention, by limiting including its overflow from the wall to which it is attached.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1 est une représentation schématique en perspective du système de volets coulissants selon l'invention, les panneaux étant en position ouverte ;
• la figure 2 est une représentation schématique de face du système de volets coulissants, les panneaux étant en position fermée ;
• la figure 3 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 2, le système selon l'invention étant représenté en perspective et de derrière ;
• la figure 4 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 3, illustrant en détail et en coupe transversale des roulettes supérieure et inférieure d'un panneau roulant sur une traverse supérieure du châssis ;
• la figure 5 est une vue schématique similaire à celle de la figure 3, illustrant en détail et en coupe transversale un moteur électrique d'entrainement en coulissement du panneau, en engagement avec la crémaillère correspondante dudit panneau ;
• la figure 6 est une vue schématique illustrant une autre forme de réalisation pour le coulissement des panneaux et les moyens anti-arrachements, les panneaux étant représentés en position fermée, le châssis n'étant pas représenté ;
• la figure 7 est une vue schématique similaire à celle de la figure 8, les panneaux étant représentés en position ouverte ;
• la figure 8 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 7, les logements tubulaires étant représentés en transparence pour laisser apparaitre les profilés tubulaires des panneaux ;
• la figure 9 est une vue schématique illustrant les deux panneaux vus de profil avec les profilés tubulaires.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description which is given below, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended figures in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic perspective representation of the sliding shutter system according to the invention, the panels being in the open position;
• the figure 2 is a schematic front view of the sliding shutter system, the panels being in the closed position;
• the figure 3 is a view similar to that of the figure 2 , the system according to the invention being shown in perspective and from behind;
• the figure 4 is a view similar to that of the figure 3 , illustrating in detail and in cross section the upper and lower rollers of a rolling panel on an upper cross member of the chassis;
• the figure 5 is a schematic view similar to that of the figure 3 , illustrating in detail and in cross section an electric motor for sliding the panel, in engagement with the corresponding rack of said panel;
• the figure 6 is a schematic view illustrating another embodiment for the sliding of the panels and the anti-tearing means, the panels being shown in the closed position, the chassis not being shown;
• the figure 7 is a schematic view similar to that of the figure 8 , the panels being shown in the open position;
• the figure 8 is a view similar to that of the figure 7 , the tubular housings being shown in transparency to reveal the tubular profiles of the panels;
• the figure 9 is a schematic view illustrating the two panels seen in profile with the tubular profiles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to Figures 1 to 5 , the invention relates to a system (1) of sliding shutters with two panels (2) and with invisible frame and fixing.

More specifically, and with reference to the figure 1 , the system (1) comprises a pre-assembled assembly integrating a chassis (3) and two sliding panels (2). The system (1) according to the invention is intended for the non-professional individual, its installation is simple and quick.

With reference to the figure 3 , the frame (3) comprises two lateral rectangular structures (4), each composed of two uprights (4a, 4b), connected by upper crosspieces (4c) and lower (4d). The lateral rectangular structures (4) are intended to be fixed to a wall, on either side of a doorway, window, French window, etc. To this end, the internal uprights (4a) of the lateral rectangular structures (4) comprise arrangements (5), in particular orifices for the reception of fixing screws.

With reference to figures let 3, the two lateral rectangular structures (4) are interconnected by an upper crosspiece (6) and by a removable lower crosspiece (7). The two panels (2) that comprise the chassis (3) are mounted on the chassis (3), side by side, and slidingly between a closed position against each other ( Fig. 2 ) and an open position distant from each other ( Fig. 1 ). The mounting and the dimensions of the panels (2) make it possible to hide and make invisible the entire chassis (3) when said panels (2) are in the closed position.

With reference to figures 3 and 4 , the panels (2) each comprise, at the upper part of their internal longitudinal edge, an upper roller (8) and a lower roller (9), fixed at the internal face of said panel (2). The upper caster (8) is arranged to roll on the upper crossmember (6) of the frame (3), and the lower caster (9) is arranged to roll under the said crossmember (6) against the upper caster (8 ). The upper (8) and lower (9) rollers each comprise a central notch (10) in which is housed a projecting element (11) of the upper crosspiece (6) to form anti-tearing means preventing translation of the panels (2) in a direction orthogonal to said panels (2). The projecting element (11) can be of any type, it is for example in the form of a metal bead welded along the length of the crosspiece (6).

The upper (8) and lower (9) rollers allow the panels (2) to slide relative to the chassis (3). To improve the stability of the panels (2) during sliding, and with reference to figures 3 and 5 , the upper (4c) and lower (4d) crosspieces of the lateral rectangular structures (4) comprise pads (12) engaged with sliding capacity in rails (13) integral with the internal face of each of the panels (2).

According to another embodiment, and with reference to figures 6 to 9 , the chassis (3) comprises two tubular housings (20) arranged side by side and fixed along the crosspiece (6) of the chassis (3). These tubular housings (20) each receive, and with the capacity to sliding, a tubular profile (21) fixed along the upper edge of each panel (2), and in particular on the upper face of the panels (2). The tubular profiles (21) project laterally from the templates of the panels (2), of a length approximately equal to the width of the panels (2). The tubular profiles (21) therefore allow the panels (2) to slide and make it possible to produce anti-tearing means preventing translation of the panels (2) in a direction orthogonal to said panels (2). The tubular profiles (21) engaged in the tubular housings (20) make it possible to have a more resistant structure and to compensate for the counterweight of the panels (2) when they are slid into the open position.

Preferably, the sliding of the panels (2) is motorized. An electric motor (14) is positioned inside each lateral rectangular structure (4) and is fixed laterally to the lateral uprights (4a, 4b) of the chassis (3), for example on a plate (14a) forming a spacer. Each electric motor (14) rotates a toothed wheel (14b) which cooperates with a rack (15) fixed on the internal face of each panel (2), parallel to the upper crosspiece (6). Advantageously, the electric motors (14), or at least the toothed wheels (14b) of said motors, are mounted with capacity for vertical translation between a position of engagement with the racks (15) and a position of disengagement. This disengagement position allows the user to be able to slide the panels (2), even when the motors (14) have failed or are no longer supplied with electricity.

The electric supply of the motors (14) is done by an electrical connection, by battery or by a solar panel (16) arranged on upper cap fixed on the length of the upper crosspiece (6) to cover said upper crosspiece (6) and the upper part of the two panels (2).

From the above, the invention provides a system (1) of pre-mounted sliding shutters, marketed in this form, and ready to install by a non-professional user. Installation simply requires the installation of at least four fixing screws. The panels (2) remain integral with the chassis (3). In practice, the lower crossmember (7) of the chassis (3) comprises two removable feet (18) adjustable in height by screwing / unscrewing, so that, during installation, the user places the chassis (3) on the two feet (18) resting against the ground or against a window sill. The screwing / unscrewing of the feet (18) allows it to adjust the height of the frame (3) and its horizontality, and to fix easily the lateral rectangular structures (4) on the wall on either side of the doorway. To this end, the user successively slides the panels (2) into so-called installation positions, in which the panels (2) are for example both slid on the same side to reveal, successively each of the lateral uprights ( 4a) in which the fixing orifices (5) are formed. The assembly is simple and fast. End-of-travel stops (19) are then fixed on the external sides of the panels (2). The stops (19) are intended to block against the external uprights (4b) of the chassis (3) in the closed position of the panels (2). In the open position, the upper (8) and lower (9) rollers act as stops against the internal lateral uprights (4a) of the chassis (3).

In summary, the invention provides a system (1) of sliding shutters ready to install by a non-professional individual, simply and quickly, with chassis (3) invisible for an optimal overall aesthetic.

Claims (12)

1. A sliding shutter system (1) for a window, door or French window comprising a preassembled assembly integrating a frame (3) and at least one sliding panel (2), with the frame (3) comprising at least one side upright (4a) extended at the top by a crosspiece (6), the upright (4a) comprising arrangements (5) for mounting it to a wall next to an opening and the panel (2) being mounted to the frame (3) with a sliding ability to assume a closed position, characterised in that the panel, in the closed position, covers and masks the complete frame (3), and wherein the panel is mounted to the frame with the ability to allow the panel to slide to assume an open position in which the panel is designed to liberate the opening while masking the upright (4a), and an installation position in which the panel (2) slides to disclose the arrangements (5) of the upright (4a) and allow the frame (3) to be fastened to a wall.
2. A sliding shutter system (1) according to claim 1 characterised in that it comprises two sliding panels (2), the frame (3) comprising at least two side uprights (4a) connected at the top by the crosspiece (6), the two uprights (4a) each comprising arrangements (5) for fastening the said uprights (4a) to a wall on either side of the opening with the panels (2) being mounted side by side on the frame (3) and being able to slide to assume a closed position against each other in which the panels (2) cover and mask the entire frame (3), an open position in which the panels (2) are spaced apart from each other while concealing the uprights (4a), and the installation positions in which the panels (2) can be slid to reveal the arrangements (5) of the uprights (4a) and allow the frame (3) to be fastened to a wall.
3. A sliding shutter system (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the two side uprights (4a) are connected at the bottom by a crosspiece (7), the said crosspiece (7) comprising two removable feet (18) which are adjustable in height by a screwing/unscrewing action.
4. A sliding shutter system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the panel or panels (2) comprise means preventing them from being puled away working together with the upper crosspiece (6) to prevent the panel (2) from being turned at right angles to the said panel (2).
5. A sliding shutter system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the panel (2) comprises at least one top roller (8) attached to an inside face, the roller (8) being arranged to roll on the top crosspiece (6).
6. A sliding shutter system (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that the panel (2) comprises at least one lower roller (9) attached under the upper roller (8) and arranged to roll under the crosspiece (6) while bearing against the top roller (8).
7. A sliding shutter system (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that each roller (8, 9) comprises a central notch (10) into which a projecting part (11) of the top crosspiece (6) enters to form means of preventing the panel from being pulled away and stopping the panel (2) from moving at right angles to the said panel (2).
8. A sliding door system (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that two tubular housings (20) are fitted side by side and along the crosspiece (6), with each panel (2) comprising a tubular profile arranged along its top edge and overhanging the ends of the said panel to slide into one of the tubular housings (20), to allow the panels (2) to slide and also to form means of preventing the panels from being pulled away while preventing the panels (2) from being turned at right angles to said panels (2).
9. A sliding shutter system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the panel (2) comprises a rack (15) attached to the inside face of the said panel (2) parallel to the upper crosspiece (6), and in that an electric motor (14) is mounted laterally on the side upright (4a), wherein the electric motor (14) drives a gear wheel (14b) arranged to mesh with the rack (15) of the panel (2) in rotation.
10. A sliding shutter system (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the electric motor (14) is attached to the side upright (4a) allowing the vertical translation of the said motor (14), or at least of the gear wheel (14b), to allow the said gear wheel (14b) to be disengaged from the rack (15).
11. A sliding shutter system (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the electric motor (14) is powered by a solar panel (16) arranged on an overhang (17) attached along the length of the top crosspiece (6), designed to cover the said top crosspiece (6) and the upper part of the panel (2).
12. A sliding shutter system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the side upright (4a) is made integral with a lower crosspiece (4d), with a top crosspiece (4c) and a second upright (4b) to form a rectangular side structure (4), with the top crosspieces (4c) and lower crosspieces (4d) having sliders (12) engaged to slide in the rails (13), integral with the inside face of the panel (2).

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