EP3670817B1

EP3670817B1 - Roller blind with support device for the winding roller

Info

Publication number: EP3670817B1
Application number: EP19217225.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Vanni ZANOTTO; Riccardo RUGGERO
Original assignee: Gibus SpA
Current assignee: Gibus SpA
Priority date: 2018-12-17
Filing date: 2019-12-17
Publication date: 2021-09-15
Anticipated expiration: 2039-12-17
Also published as: IT201800011164A1; EP3670817A1

Description

Field of application

The present invention regards a roller blind according to the preamble of the independent claim number 1.
The present roller blind can be advantageously employed in the building field and, more particularly, in the finishing elements of buildings, verandas, pergolas, roofs, etc. for closing openings made on walls or covers, such as windows, doors, French windows, skylights and the like.
The blind, object of the present invention, is therefore inserted in the industrial field of production of windows/doors/shutters or also in the field of production of blinds for sun protection, in the field of mosquito netting or of similar applications.

State of the art

Blinds for closing openings of doors/windows/shutters (such as windows, doors or French windows) are known on the market; these are provided with a roller-shutter box which is fixed to a building wall or to a ceiling above the opening to be closed and at its interior houses a roller on which a flexible cover fabric is susceptible of being wound and unwound.
The fabric usually has rectangular shape and is provided with an upper edge fixed to the roller and with a lower edge fixed to a transverse bar aimed to stretch the fabric itself.
In addition, the blind comprises two lateral guides arranged vertically along the corresponding sides of the opening, and to which the transverse bar is slidably constrained.
In operation, the roller of the blind can be driven, typically by a motor or a winch, to rotate in order to move the fabric between a collected position, in which the fabric is wound around the roller, and an extended position, in which the fabric is unwound from the roller to close the opening.
In particular, the roller of the blind is provided with two ends rotatably constrained to the sides of the roller-shutter box, of which a first end is connected, by means of suitable transmission means, to the drive motor or to the winch, and a second end is idly supported at the roller-shutter box, by means of a support device, in order to be able to receive the torque imparted to the first end without opposing resistance.
An example of a support device of known type is described in the Italian patent IT 138059 . Such device comprises an abutment bracket fixed to the roller-shutter box and provided with a seat in which the second end of the roller is idly inserted, in a manner such that this end can be abutted within the seat in order to be rotatably supported. The seat of the abutment bracket is provided with a front opening which allows the insertion of the second end of the roller in the seat itself. The abutment bracket is also provided with an elastic lamina arranged in front of the front opening of the seat and provided with a raised edge placed to close such opening.
In operation, in order to insert the second end of the roller in the seat of the support device, it is sufficient to push such second end against the elastic lamina, which bends, allowing the second end to pass through the front opening of the seat. When the second end has entered into the seat, going beyond the raised edge of the elastic lamina, this returns to its original position in a manner such that the raised edge recloses the front opening of the seat so as to prevent the second end of the roller from exiting from the seat itself.
Nevertheless, this solution of known type does not lack drawbacks.
One of such drawbacks is due to the fact that the above-described support device of the blind is not adapted to support high-weight rollers, for example 40-50 kilograms due to the poor structural solidity of the elastic lamina which closes the front opening of the seat of the abutment bracket. Such drawback is particularly significant in the wall-embedded roller blinds, in which it is possible to insert the roller in the roller-shutter box only from the bottom and the elastic lamina must sustain the weight of the roller. The Swiss patent application CH 713355 describes a further example of known type of support device for the roller of a roller blind, which comprises a support body fixed to the roller-shutter box and provided with an L-shaped guide in which the second end of the roller is inserted. More in detail, the guide is provided with a vertical section provided with a lower opening for the insertion of the second end of the roller, and with a horizontal section which is extended from an upper end of the vertical section and ends with closed final end. At the junction corner between the vertical section and the horizontal section of the guide, a rotatable bar is arranged, which tends to obstruct the passage to the end of the shaft through the guide and is maintained in position by a spring.
In operation, the roller is thrust upward by entering its second end into the guide through the lower opening of the latter, up to bringing such second end in contact with the rotatable bar in order to move it, overcoming the elastic force of the spring. In this manner, the second end of the roller can enter into the horizontal section of the guide, where it remains constrained between the closed final end of the horizontal section and the rotatable bar brought back into position by the spring.
Also the latter solution of known type has shown that it does not lack drawbacks.
A first drawback is due to the fact that the operations of installation of the roller require executing multiple movements during mounting, rendering it particularly inconvenient and difficult. Indeed it is necessary to carry out a first vertical movement and a second horizontal movement, always maintaining an upward thrust in order to avoid the roller from falling, until the rotatable bar has returned into position.
In addition, also the operation of removing the roller is inconvenient, since the operator must simultaneously move the rotatable bar outside the guide, the latter however being occupied by an instrument or other means, and push the end of the roller towards the outlet, which however is engaged by the means of the operator himself/herself.
In addition, also this support device of known type is not particularly suitable for supporting high-weight rollers, since the spring which holds the blocking bar in position is not able to ensure high mechanical strength.

Presentation of the invention

In this situation, the problem underlying the present invention is to provide a roller blind which is easy to install in any application configuration, in particular (even if not exclusively) in the configuration in which the winder roller is embedded in a wall. Another object of the present invention is to provide a roller blind capable of reliably ensuring the support of a high-weight winder roller.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a roller blind which allows executing maintenance operations in a quick and easy manner.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a roller blind which is structurally simple and reliable in operation.

Brief description of the drawings

The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the aforesaid objects, can be clearly seen in the contents of the below-reported claims and the advantages thereof will be more evident in the following detailed description, made with reference to the enclosed drawings, which represent several merely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiments, in which:

figure 1 shows a perspective view of an example of the roller blind, object of the present invention;
figure 2 shows a detail of the blind illustrated in figure 1, relative to one end of a winder roller mounted on the roller-shutter box by means of a corresponding support device, with some parts removed in order to better illustrate other parts;
figure 3 shows a partially exploded view of the detail illustrated in figure 2;
figure 4 shows a perspective view of the support device on which the end of the winder roller is mounted;
figure 5 shows an exploded view of the support device illustrated in figure 4;
figure 6 shows a front plan view of the support device, in which part of the support body of the latter was removed in order to better illustrate other parts of the support device itself;
figures 7a, 7b and 7c show three embodiment variants of the support device having different embodiments of elastic means;
figure 8 shows a detail of the support device, relative to a portion of the support body;
figure 9 shows a further detail of the support device, relative to a lever of the latter;
figures 10a-d show different operating positions of the support device during the installation of the end of the winder roller.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

With reference to the enclosed drawings, reference number 1 overall indicates the roller blind, object of the present invention.
The present roller blind 1 is intended to carry out the adjustable closure of an opening A made on a load-bearing element, such as a building wall, a veranda, a loggia, a terrace, a pergola, a roof or other similar structures.
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, the blind 1 comprises a support structure 2 intended to be fixed to the load-bearing element, such as a wall in which the opening A is obtained.
The blind 1 also comprises a winder roller 3 rotatably constrained to the support structure 2 and provided with a rotation axis X, preferably substantially horizontal. Of course, without departing from the protective scope of the present patent, the blind 1 can also comprise more than one winder roller 3 (e.g. two), according to configurations per se known in the state of the art and therefore not described in detail hereinbelow.
More in detail, the winder roller 3 is extended along its rotation axis X between a first end 4 and an opposite second end 5, which are rotatably constrained to the support structure 2 of the blind 1.
In particular, with reference to the examples of figures 2 and 3, the support structure 2 comprises two support elements 6 placed at the respective ends 4, 5 of the winder roller 3 in order to support the latter at the ends 4, 5 thereof.
Advantageously, such support elements 6, obtained for example with corresponding shaped metal plates, are intended to be rigidly constrained (directly or indirectly) to the load-bearing structure, as described hereinbelow.
The blind 1 also comprises a flexible fabric 7, which is susceptible of being wound and unwound around the winder roller 3. The fabric 7 can be intended to be made into a darkening screen for filtering the sunlight, or for making a mosquito netting. In particular, the fabric 7, as a function of its different applications, can be made of a synthetic or natural woven material and can have the shape of a netting or have a continuous surface of darkening, filtering or transparent type.
The blind 1 advantageously comprises two lateral guides 8 extended parallel to and side-by-side each other and advantageously placed to delimit corresponding sides of the opening A. Between the lateral guides 8, the fabric 7 is susceptible of sliding following its winding and unwinding around the winder roller 3.
The fabric 7 preferably has rectangular shape and is provided, in a manner per se known to the man skilled in the art, with a first edge fixed to the winder roller 3 and with a second edge fixed to a transverse bar 9 arranged parallel to the winder roller 3 and aimed to stretch the fabric 7. In addition, the fabric 7 is provided with two lateral edges, each provided with a flexible engagement flap and guided to slide along the corresponding lateral guide 8 during the winding and unwinding of the fabric 7 itself.
The aforesaid transverse bar 9 of the blind 1, fixed to the second edge of the fabric 7, is longitudinally extended parallel to the rotation axis X of the winder roller 3, between two lateral terminations thereof that are slidably engaged with the corresponding lateral guides 8.
Advantageously, the blind 1 comprises driving means (not illustrated in the enclosed figures) mechanically connected to the winder roller 3 and arranged for driving the latter to rotate around its rotation axis X in order to unwind or wind the fabric 7 around the winder roller 3 itself.
In particular, the driving means are of motorized type (comprising in particular an electric motor), or of manual type (comprising in particular a winch obtained with a command rod engaged through an articulation to the shaft of the winder roller 3).
In particular, the driving means are mechanically connected to the second end 5 of the winder roller 3, while the first end 4 of the latter is idly mounted on the support structure 2 of the blind 1.
In operation, following the action of the driving means, the fabric 7 of the blind 1 is movable by the winder roller 3 between a collected position, in which the fabric 7 is wound around the winder roller 3, and an extended position, in which the fabric 7 is unwound from the winder roller 3 to close the opening A.
Advantageously, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the support structure 2 of the blind 1 comprises a roller-shutter box 10 in which the winder roller 3 is housed. Such roller-shutter box 10 is intended to be positioned at an upper side of the opening A, and is susceptible of being fixed to the load-bearing element preferably by means of anchorage brackets.
For example, the roller-shutter box 10 of the blind 1 can be conventionally fixed, by means of the anchorage brackets, to a vertical wall above the upper side of the opening A, or to the ceiling in proximity to the vertical wall on which the opening A is made, or embedded in the opening A itself at the upper side of the latter.
In particular, the roller-shutter box 10 is extended longitudinally, parallel to the rotation axis X of the winder roller 3, between two opposite ends 11 (preferably closed by corresponding lids 12) at which the respective ends 4, 5 of the winder roller 3 itself are placed.
In particular, at the ends 11 of the roller-shutter box 10, the support elements 6 of the support structure 2 are arranged for supporting the winder roller 3 at the ends 4, 5 thereof.
Preferably, the roller-shutter box 10 conventionally comprises a rear section fixed to the anchorage brackets and carrying, fixed thereto, at the ends 11 of the roller-shutter box 10, the support elements 6, advantageously covered by the lids 12. In addition, the roller-shutter box 10 comprises a front section placed to close the rear section in order to cover the winder roller 3 and defining, on a lower side of the roller-shutter box 10, a passage slit through which the fabric 7 passes in order to enter into and exit from the roller-shutter box 10 itself.
In accordance with a particular application configuration, the winder roller 3 can be embedded in a niche made within the wall of the load-bearing element, which allows access to the winder roller 3 only through a lower opening made at the upper side of the opening A. In such configuration, for example, it is also provided to embed the roller-shutter box 10 in the niche, or the support structure 2 can entirely or partly lack the roller-shutter box 10 and the support elements 6 are intended to be anchored to the load-bearing element.
Advantageously, the winder roller 3 comprises a tubular body 13, coaxial with the rotation axis X, closed at the ends 4, 5 by two corresponding lateral caps 14.
In particular, each end 4, 5 of the winder roller 3 comprises an engagement shaft 15 (aligned with the rotation axis X) laterally projecting, in particular projectingly extended from the corresponding lateral cap 14.
The engagement shafts 15 of the two ends 4, 5 of the winder roller 3 are made with two separate elements or in a single body and are rigidly constrained to the corresponding lateral cap 14 or idly constrained to the latter.
According to the present invention, the blind 1 comprises at least one support device 16, which is fixed to the support structure 2 and supports, preferably rotatably, the first end 4 of the winder roller 3, and in particular the engagement shaft 15 of the latter.
In accordance with a particular embodiment, only one aforesaid support device 16 is provided, to which the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 is constrained, while the second end 5 of the winder roller 3 is engaged with a kinematic transmission mechanism of the driving means fixed for example to the corresponding support element 6 of the support structure 2.
In accordance with a different embodiment, both ends 4, 5 of the winder roller 3 are supported by two corresponding support devices 16.
In accordance with a further different embodiment, the first end 4 of the winder roller 3, supported by the support device 16, can be associated with the driving means, while the other second end 5 can be supported by another corresponding support device 16 or be constrained to the support element 6 by means of a lateral seat of the latter which allows, during installation, laterally inserting the second end 5 at its interior and subsequently constraining the first end 4 to the respective support device 16.
According to the present invention, with reference to the example of figures 4 and 5, the support device 16 comprises a support body 17 fixed to the support structure 2 and intercepted by the rotation axis X of the winder roller 3.
Advantageously, the support body 1d of the support device 16 is fixed to the corresponding support element 6 in particular on an internal face of the latter directed towards the first end 4 of the winder roller 3.
According to the idea underlying the present invention, the support device 16 also comprises a first retention element 190' and a second retention element 190" arranged on the support body 17.
The aforesaid first retention element 190' comprises a first lever 19' which is rotatably constrained to the support body 17 around a first pivoting axis Y' parallel to the rotation axis X of the winder roller 3 and is provided with a retention portion 20 intended to maintain in position the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 itself.
Such first lever 19' is configured for rotating between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the retention portion 20 of the first lever 19' is rotated away from the second retention element 190" in order to allow the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 to pass between the first lever 19' and the second retention element 190" (e.g. during installation of the winder roller 3). In the closed position, the retention portion 20 of the first lever 19' is rotated closer to the second retention element 190", delimiting a seat 21 with the latter at the rotation axis X, in which the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 is housed.
In addition, the retention portion 20 of the first lever 19' is provided with an opposing surface 37 against which, when the first lever 19' is in closed position, the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 is adapted to act in abutment, in a manner such to force the first lever 19' towards the closed position in order to maintain in position such first end 4.
In this manner, the support device 16 is capable of operating in a self-blocking manner since, when the first lever 19' is brought into closed position, it is susceptible of being forced towards such closed position by the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 arranged in the seat 21, hence preventing the first end 4 from being moved away from the correct position. This makes the operations of installation of the winder roller 3 particularly simple and quick.
In accordance with the particular embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the second retention element 190" of the support device 16 comprises a corresponding second lever 19", which is rotatably constrained to the support body 17 around a second pivoting axis Y" parallel to the rotation axis X of the winder roller 3 and preferably has characteristics analogous to those of the first lever 19'.
Of course, without departing from the protective scope of the present patent, the second retention element 190" can be a component different from a lever, and in particular also a component that is fixed with respect to the support body 17, in particular it can also be obtained with a portion of the latter. For example, moreover, the second retention component 190" can be provided with a shaped or even flat portion, in any case arranged for interacting with the first lever 19' in closed position in order to define the seat 20 in which the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 is arranged.
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the support device 16 comprises two hinge elements 18', 18", each provided with the corresponding pivoting axis Y', Y" (parallel to the rotation axis X of the winder roller 3), and two aforesaid levers 19', 19" rotatably constrained to the support body 17 by means of the corresponding hinge elements 18', 18".
Each lever 19', 19" is provided with a corresponding retention portion 20, which is arranged in front of the retention portion 20 of the other lever 19', 19", in a manner such that the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 can be retained between such retention portions 20, as described in detail hereinbelow.
In addition, the two levers 19', 19" are configured for rotating between the open position and the closed position.
In particular, each lever 19', 19" is rotatable in a first rotation sense V1 in order to be moved towards the closed position, and in an opposite second rotation sense V2 in order to be moved towards the open position.
In the open position, the retention portions 20 of the levers 19', 19" are rotated away from each other in order to allow the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 to pass between the levers 19', 19" themselves (as illustrated in the example of figure 10c), e.g. during the operations of installation of the winder roller 3. In the closed position, the retention portions 20 of the levers 19', 19" are rotated closer to each other, between them delimiting a seat 21 at the rotation axis X, and in such seat 21 the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 is rotatably housed, and in particular the engagement shaft 15 of such first end 4 (as illustrated in the example of figure 6 or 10d) is rotatably housed. Advantageously, the support body 17 of the support device 16 is internally hollow, being provided with an internal space 17' in which the levers 19', 19" are at least partially housed, in particular the retention portions 20 of the latter.
Preferably, the support body 17 comprises a bottom wall 22 substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis X.
Suitably, on the bottom wall 22, the two hinge elements 18', 18" are arranged, on which the levers 19', 19" of the support device 16 are pivoted.
With reference to the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures, the hinge elements 18', 18" comprise corresponding pins 18A fixed to the bottom wall 22 and extended in the internal space 17' of the support body 17. Such pins 18A are inserted in corresponding pivoting holes 24 of the levers 19', 19".
Otherwise, in accordance with an entirely equivalent reverse kinematic solution, the hinge elements 18', 18" are obtained with corresponding hinging holes made on the bottom wall 22, in which corresponding pins of the levers 19', 19" are inserted. Advantageously, the support body 17 comprises a front wall 25 parallel to the bottom wall 22 and a lateral wall 26 placed to connect between the bottom wall 22 and the front wall 25, in a manner such that the internal space 17' of the support body is delimited between such walls 22, 25, 26.
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the support body 17 comprises two portions (each made of a single body) of which a first is formed by the bottom wall 22 and by the lateral wall 26, and a second part is formed by the front wall 25 and fixed to the first part for example by means of at least one connection screw inserted in corresponding connection holes 22', 25' of the bottom wall 22 and of the front wall 25.
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in figures 2 and 3, the support body 17 is arranged with the front wall 25 directed (and abutted) against the support element 6 and with the bottom wall 22 directed towards the first end 4 of the winder roller 3.
For example, the support body 17 is fixed to the support element 6 by means of fixing screws (not illustrated) inserted in corresponding through holes of the support element 6 and in corresponding passage holes 22", 25" of the bottom wall 22 and of the front wall 25 of the support body 17 and for example screwed in corresponding nuts (not illustrated) in abutment against the external face of the front wall 25 and for example housed in corresponding housings 22''' made in the front wall 25 itself.
Preferably, the support body 17 and the levers 19', 19" of the support device 16 are made of plastic material or of metal material.
Advantageously, the support body 17 of the support device 16 is provided with a perimeter edge 27 extended around the rotation axis X of the winder roller 3 and for example defined by the lateral wall 26 of the support body 17 itself.
The support body 17 also comprises an insertion guide 28, which is extended, preferably orthogonally to the rotation axis X of the winder roller 3, from an inlet opening 29 made on the perimeter edge 27 of the support body 17 and is extended to intercept the rotation axis X, preferably in a rectilinear manner. In such insertion guide 28, the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 is inserted and, in particular, the corresponding engagement shaft 15 is inserted.
Advantageously, the insertion guide 28 is made on at least one of the front 25 and bottom 22 walls of the support body 17 and, preferably, is made on both such walls 22, 25 in a substantially mirrored manner with respect to a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis X of the winder roller 3.
Suitably, the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28 is extended between the bottom wall 22 and the front wall 25 of the support body 17 to interrupt the lateral wall 26 of the latter.
The insertion guide 28 is extended between two opposite sides 30, preferably rectilinear and in particular parallel to each other, which between them define a slit 31 in which the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 is adapted to pass.
Advantageously, the hinge elements 18', 18" of the support device 16 are arranged on the opposite sides 30 of the insertion guide 28, in particular at the same distance from the insertion guide 28 itself, in a manner such that the retention portion 20 of the first lever 19', and preferably of the second lever 19", is arranged along the insertion guide 28 and can interfere with the latter (in particular entering into the aforesaid slit 31) from the corresponding side 30.
In particular, each lever 19', 19" is extended, preferably with shape elongated from the corresponding hinge element 18', 18" to the retention portion 20 thereof away from the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28, up to an internal end 19A. In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the retention portion 20 is arranged at the internal end 19A of the corresponding lever 19', 19".
Advantageously, each lever 19', 19" is provided with an internal edge 191 directed towards the internal edge 191 of the other lever 19', 19", and with an opposite external edge 19E.
When the first lever 19' is in the open position, its retention portion 20 is rotated away from the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28 in order to allow the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 to pass along the insertion guide 28, and when the first lever 19' is in the closed position, its retention portion 20 is rotated closer to the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28 and towards the second retention element 190".
In particular, with reference to the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, when the levers 19', 19" are brought into the open position, their retention portions 20 are mutually rotated away from the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28 in order to allow the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 (inserted through the inlet opening 29) to pass along the insertion guide 28 itself. When the levers 19', 19" are brought into the closed position, their retention portions 20 are rotated mutually closer to the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28, in a manner such to maintain the first end 4 of the winder roller within the seat 21 delimited between the retention portions 20 themselves. Advantageously, the first lever 19' in the closed position and the second retention element 190" (and preferably its second lever 19") define an end stop for the rotation in the first rotation sense V1 so as to prevent the first lever 19', and preferably the second lever 19", from being reopened - continuing to rotate in the first rotation sense V1 - in order to block them in the closed position. In particular, the aforesaid end stop blocks the movement of the retention portion 20 of the first lever 19' (and preferably of the second lever 19") towards the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28 in order to allow the first lever 19' (and preferably the second lever 19") to prevent the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 from exiting through such inlet opening 29.
In particular, the aforesaid end stop allows the levers 19', 19" to stop the movement of the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 along the insertion guide 28 in order to prevent them from exiting outward from the latter through the inlet opening 29.
For example, the aforesaid end stop is determined by the abutment of the first lever 19' against the second retention element 190", in a manner such that such abutment prevents a further rotation of the first lever 19" in the first rotation sense V1 and towards the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28.
More in detail, the first lever 19' is provided with an abutment portion 32, which, when the first lever 19' is in closed position, abuts against the second retention element 190". In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the aforesaid end stop is determined by the abutment of the levers 19', 19" against each other, which prevents a further rotation in the first rotation sense V1.
More in detail, levers 19', 19" are provided with corresponding abutment portions 32, preferably facing each other, in a manner such that, when such levers 19', 19" are in closed position, they abut against each other so as to stop the levers 19', 19" in the closed position itself
In particular, in the closed position, the abutment portions 32 of the levers 19', 19" are in abutment against each other, blocking the rotation of the levers 19', 19" themselves in the first rotation sense V1.
Advantageously, each lever 19', 19" comprises an arm portion 33 which is extended from the hinge element 18', 18" towards the retention portion 20, which is preferably tilted with respect to the arm portion 33 and connected to the latter by means of an elbow section.
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the abutment portion 32 of each lever 19', 19" is positioned between the retention portion 20 and the hinge element 18', 18", and preferably between the abutment portion 32 and the arm portion 33, in particular at the elbow section of the lever 19', 19".
Preferably, each lever 19', 19" is provided with a rounded section 34, preferably with curved shape, extended on the internal edge 191 of the lever from the abutment portion 32 towards the hinge element 18', 18", in particular at the elbow section of the lever 19', 19" itself. Such rounded section 34, when the levers 19', 19" are in closed position, determines a spacing angle between the two levers 19', 19" which allows the rotation thereof in the first rotation sense V1 towards the open position. Advantageously, the arm portions 33 of the two levers 19', 19" are extended, starting from the corresponding rounded section 34, away from each other in order to allow the rotation of the levers 19', 19" up to the abutment of the abutment portions 32.
In accordance with a different embodiment not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the abutment portions 32 are arranged beyond the corresponding retention portions 20 (for example at the internal end 19A of the lever 19', 19"), in a manner such that the retention portion 20 is arranged between the abutment portion 32 and the hinge element 18', 18".
Advantageously, the internal edge 191 of each lever 19', 19" is provided with an interference section 35, extended between the hinge element 18', 18" and the retention portion 20 and preferably, in accordance with the examples of the enclosed figures, between the hinge element 18', 18" and the abutment portion 32. In particular, such interference section 3 5 is directed towards the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28. In operation, during installation of the winder roller 3, the interference sections 35 of the levers 19', 19" (in closed position) are susceptible of receiving in abutment the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 which is inserted in the insertion guide 28 through the inlet opening 29 of the latter, in a manner such to rotate the levers 19', 19" in their second rotation sense V2 towards the open portion in order to allow the first end 4 to pass between the levers 19', 19" themselves and reach the retention portions 20 of the latter. At this point the levers 19', 19" return into closed position in order to retain the first end 4 in the seat 21 formed by their retention portions 20.
Advantageously, the retention portion 20 of the first lever 19' is provided with a concave surface 36 directed towards the second retention element 190", in a manner such that, when the first lever 19' is in closed position, such concave surface 36 delimits - with the second retention element 190" - the seat 21 in which the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 is inserted.
With reference to the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the retention portion 20 of each lever 19', 19" is provided with a corresponding concave surface 36 directed towards the concave surface 36 of the other lever 19', 19", in a manner such that, when the levers 19', 19" are in closed position, such concave surfaces 36 between them delimit the seat 21 in which the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 is inserted.
In particular, the concave surface 36 of each lever 19', 19" is made on the internal edge 191 of the latter and is substantially counter-shaped with respect to the perimeter section of the first end 4 (and in particular of the corresponding engagement shaft 15) of the winder roller 3, in a manner such that such the seat 21 defined by the concave surfaces 36 substantially follows the section of the first end 4, maintaining it in position, without the latter being moved along the insertion guide 29.
Advantageously, the shape of the seat 21 (advantageously defined by the concave surfaces 36 of the retention portions 20) defines a clearance with the first end 4 (and in particular of the corresponding engagement shaft 15) of the winder roller 3 which allows such first end 4 to idly rotate within the seat 21 itself around the rotation axis X. Advantageously, the retention portion 20 of each lever is provided with an opposing surface 37 which, when levers 19', 19" are in closed position, is arranged between the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 and the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 30. In this manner, when levers 19', 19" are in closed position, the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 is adapted to act in abutment against such opposing surface 37, forcing the abutment portions 32 of the levers 19', 19" against each other in order to block the rotation of the levers 19', 19" themselves in the first rotation sense V1.
In particular, such opposing surface 37 is defined on a section of the concave surface 36 of each retention portion 20 and, when the levers 19', 19" are in closed position, it is directed in the direction opposite the interference section 35 of the levers 19', 19" themselves. In particular the opposing surface 37 is directed in the direction opposite the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28.
The aforesaid opposing surfaces 37 of the levers 19', 19", when the latter are in closed position, are subjected to receive in abutment the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 following forces acting on such first end 4 directed towards the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28, in a manner such that, following such forces, the levers 19', 19" are obliged to rotate according to the first rotation sense VI, bringing their abutment portions 32 against each other, hence blocking the levers 19', 19" in closed position and maintaining the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 in position in the seat 21 defined between the retention portions 20 of the levers 19', 19" themselves, in particular preventing the first end 4 from being moved along the insertion guide 28.
In accordance with a non-illustrated embodiment, the end stop is determined by the abutment of the retention portion 20 of the first lever 19" against an abutment element separate from the second retention element 190", such as an abutment shoulder of the support body 17 arranged in a position such to allow the retention portion 20 of the first lever 19' to correctly define the seat 20.
In accordance with a further not illustrated embodiment, the end stop is determined by the abutment (on opposite sides) of the retention portions 20 of the levers 19', 19" on the first end 4 (and in particular on the corresponding engagement shaft 15) of the winder roller 3, also preventing in this case a further rotation of the levers 19', 19" towards the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28. In the latter case, since the retention portions 20 would determine relatively high friction on the engagement shaft 15 of the first end 4, such engagement shaft 15 can be advantageously idle with respect to the corresponding lateral cap 14 in order to allow the rotation of the tubular body of the winder roller 3.
Advantageously, the insertion guide 28 of the support device 16 is provided with a terminal section 38 which is extended starting from the rotation axis X of the winder roller 3, being extended beyond such rotation axis X away from the inlet opening 29 in a manner such that the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 is arranged between such terminal section 38 and the remaining extension of the insertion guide 28 which extends from the rotation axis X to the inlet opening 29.
Preferably, the terminal section 38 of the insertion guide 28 is extended from the rotation axis X of the winder roller 3 up to a closed end 39 thereof arranged beyond the rotation axis X itself with respect to the inlet opening 29.
The aforesaid terminal section 38 of the insertion guide 28 allows, for example during installation of the winder roller 3, to continue its insertion up to reaching between the retention portions 20 of the levers 19', 19" in open position, which subsequently return into closed position, maintaining in position the first end 4 of the winder roller 3, as described in detail hereinbelow.
Advantageously, the support body 17 of the support device 16 comprises two stop portions 23 arranged at the margins of the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28 and adapted to receive in abutment the levers 19', 19" in order to limit their travel in the second rotation sense V2.
Advantageously, the support device 16 comprises elastic means 40 mounted on the support body 17 and acting on the first lever 19', and preferably on the second lever 19", in order to move the latter towards the closed position, in a manner such that, in particular when, during installation of the winder roller 3, the first end 4 of the latter reaches the retention portions 20 of the levers 19', 19", the elastic means 40 force the latter to be moved from the open position to the closed position.
Preferably, the aforesaid elastic means 40 comprise two elastic elements 41, and each of these acts on the corresponding lever 19', 19" in order to force it towards the closed position.
With reference to the examples of figures 7a-c, each elastic element 41 is compressed between the corresponding lever 19', 19" and the lateral wall 26 of the support body 17, in particular acting on the external edge 19E of the lever 19', 19", in particular on the retention portion of the latter.
Advantageously, the elastic element 41 is obtained by means of loaded materials or structures in order to exert an elastic reaction force on the levers 19', 19", to force them towards the closed position. For example, such elastic element 41 is obtained with an elastic sponge (as in the example of figure 7a), with a helical spring (as in the example of figure 7b), with a V-shaped clip (as in the example of figure 7c), an air bearing, etcetera.
Advantageously, the first lever 19' (and preferably the second lever 19") of the support device 16 comprises an elastically-pliable blocking portion 42 which, when levers 19', 19" are in closed position, is engaged, following elastic deformation, with the support body 17 of the support device 16, in a manner such to block the levers 19', 19" in the closed position, in particular preventing the rotation thereof in the second rotation sense V2 so as to prevent the levers 19', 19" from being moved towards their open position. Preferably, each lever 19', 19" is provided with an external end 19B which is extended from the hinge element 18', 18", away from the internal end 19A of the lever 19', 19" itself, and is extended outside the internal space 17' of the support body 17, in particular passing through a passage opening 43 of the lateral wall 26 of the support body 17 itself.
Advantageously, the blocking portion 42 of each lever 19', 19" is fixed to the external end 19B of the latter and is then placed outside the internal space 17' of the support body 17, in a manner such that, in particular, such blocking portion 42 can be reached by an operator.
More in detail, the blocking portion 42 comprises an arm 44, relatively elastic, which is extended from the external end 19B of the lever 19', 19" and is advantageously extended along a section of the lateral wall 26 of the support body 17. Such arm 44 is provided with an engagement tooth 45 extended projectingly towards the lateral wall of the support body, which is provided with a corresponding engagement seat 46 adapted to receive the engagement tooth 45 at its interior when the lever 19', 19" is in closed position. In particular, the length of the engagement tooth 45 is such that when the lever 19', 19" is not in the closed position, it is pressed against the lateral wall 26, determining a bending of the arm 44 when the lever 19', 19" is brought into closed position and the engagement tooth 45 reaches the engagement seat 46; the arm 44, upon elastic return, pushes the engagement tooth 45 within the engagement seat 46, constraining it within the latter.
Of course, in accordance with an entirely equivalent embodiment, the engagement tooth can be arranged on the lateral wall 26 and the engagement seat on the arm 44 of the lever 19', 19".
The present blind 1 is particularly suitable for being installed embedded within the wall of the load-bearing element, in which the winder roller 3 can only be installed from below, in particular through an opening (provided during installation) on the lower side of the housing niche of the wall in which the winder roller 3 is intended to be arranged. In this particular case, the support device 16 is arranged with the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28 downward in order to allow the installation of the winder roller 3.
Of course, without departing from the protective scope of the present invention, the blind 1 can be arranged outside the load-bearing element, in particular provided with the roller-shutter box 10, with insertion of the winder roller 3 from a lower side of the roller-shutter box 10 (and with arrangement of the support device 16 with the inlet opening 29 downward, as in the preceding case) or from a front side of the roller-shutter box 10 (with arrangement of the support device 16 with the inlet opening 29 towards such front side of the roller-shutter box 10).
In operation, during installation of the blind 1, for the purpose of mounting the winder roller 3, the operator must apply the winder roller 3 on the support structure 2 through a provided opening of the blind 1 at least during such installation.
Such opening, for example, can coincide with the opening of the housing niche of the load-bearing element or of the roller-shutter box 10, in accordance with the above-indicated examples.
In particular, the insertion of the winder roller 3 can occur from below (vertically) or frontally (horizontally) as a function of the particular application configuration.
In the particular case in which the blind 1 comprises the support device 16 only for the first end 4 of the winder roller 3, the operator will apply the second end 5 of the winder roller 3 to the kinematic transmission mechanism of the driving means or to the support element 6 by means of lateral insertion of the corresponding engagement shaft 15 in a corresponding engagement hole (in a substantially conventional manner) and, subsequently, the operator will apply the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 to the support device 16, as described hereinbelow.
Advantageously, the operator will insert the first end 4 (and in particular the engagement shaft 15 of the latter) in the insertion guide 28 of the support device 16 through the inlet opening 29 of such insertion guide 28 (as in the example of figure 10a).
When the first end 4 reaches the levers 19', 19" (in closed position), it abuts against the interference section 35 of the latter and, following the force exerted by the operator, it rotates the levers 19', 19" in their second rotation sense V2 in order to move them into the open position (as in the example of figure 10b). Preferably, the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 rotates the levers 19', 19", overcoming the elastic force exerted on the latter by the elastic means 40.
Then, the first end 4 is thrust to continue along the insertion guide 28 up to reaching between the retention portions 20 of the levers 19', 19" and, in particular, between the concave surfaces 36 of the retention portions 20 (as in the example of figure 10c). Advantageously, the first end 4 is thrust into the terminal section 38 of the insertion guide 29, along which the retention portions 20 of the levers 19', 19" are arranged when the latter are in open position.
When the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 (and in particular its engagement shaft 15) is reached between the retention portions 20 of the levers 19', 19", the latter rotate in the first rotation sense V1 up to reaching the closed position, supporting the first end 4 in the seat 21 (as in the example of figure 10d).
In particular, the levers 19', 19" rotate in the first rotation sense V1 up to their end stop, advantageously determined by the abutment of the abutment portions 32 of the levers 19', 19" themselves.
Advantageously, the movement of the levers 19', 19" towards the closed position (and end stop position) is determined by moving the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 towards the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28, in a manner such that the first end 4 acts against the interference section 35 of the retention portions 20 until the levers 19', 19" reach the end stop. For example, in the case of insertion of the winder roller 3 from below (vertically) the movement of the first end 4 towards the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28 is given by the action of gravity on the winder roller 3 following the release of the latter by the operator. Otherwise, for example in the case of insertion of the winder roller 3 frontally (horizontally), the movement of the first end 4 can be determined by a corresponding action of the operator on the winder roller 3. Advantageously, the movement of the levers 19', 19" towards the closed position is forced (in addition to or as an alternative to the action of the operator or of the force of gravity) by the action of the elastic means 40 on the levers 19', 19" themselves.
In particular, when the levers 19', 19" have reached their end stop (in particular with the meeting of the abutment portions 32), the operator can release the winder roller 3 which is correctly maintained in position by the retention portions 20 of the levers 19', 19" themselves. Such condition is particularly advantageous in the mounting of the winder roller 3 from below, since the latter can be easily mounted by a single operator. Advantageously, when the levers 19', 19" reach the closed position, their blocking portions 42 are engaged with the support body 17 of the support device 16, in particular by means of the snap insertion of the engagement tooth 45 of the blocking portion 42 in the engagement seat 46 of the lateral wall 26. This in particular prevents the levers 19', 19" from rotating in the second rotation sense V2 towards the open position, therefore preventing the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 from being moved towards the closed end 39 of the insertion guide 28.
In order to remove the winder roller 3, for example during maintenance operations, the operator advantageously disengages the blocking portions 42 of the levers 19', 19" from the support body 17 of the support device 16, e.g. by making the engagement teeth 45 exit outward from the corresponding engagement seats 46 of the lateral wall 26 of the support body 17.
Then, the operator pushes the winder roller 3, moving its first end 4 into the terminal section 38 of the insertion guide 28, in a manner such that the first end 4 acts on the retention portions 20 by rotating the levers 19', 19" in the second rotation sense V2 towards the open position (in particular overcoming the elastic force of the elastic means 40, if provided) and is disengaged from the retention portions 20 themselves. In particular, in such step the operator can force the levers 19', 19" to remain in open position by acting on the external ends 19B of the latter.
At this point, the operator can bring the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 towards the inlet opening 29 of the insertion guide 28 up to making it exit from the latter.
The invention thus conceived therefore attains the pre-established objects.
In particular, the claimed configuration of the two levers 19', 19" allows easily rotating the levers 19', 19" into open position in order to insert the first end 4 of the winder roller 3 and to subsequently bring the levers 19', 19" into closed position where they define the seat 21 which supports the first end 4, thus allowing an easy installation of the winder roller 3.
In addition, advantageously, the end stop of the levers 19', 19" in closed position, in particular by means of the meeting of the abutment portions 32 of the levers 19', 19", allows firmly blocking the levers 19', 19", allowing them to support winder rollers even of high weight.

Claims

Roller blind (1), which comprises:
- a support structure (2) intended to be fixed to a load-bearing element;

- at least one winder roller (3) rotatably constrained to said support structure (2) around a rotation axis (X) and extended along said rotation axis (X) between a first end (4) and a second end (5) that are constrained to said support structure (2);

- at least one fabric (7) provided with a first edge fixed to said winder roller (3) and susceptible of being wound around said winder roller (3);

- at least one support device (16), which is fixed to said support structure (2) and supports the first end (4) of said winder roller (3);
wherein said support device (16) comprises a support body (17) fixed to said support structure (2) and intercepted by said rotation axis (X);
wherein said support device (16) also comprises a first retention element (190') and a second retention element (190") arranged on said support body (17); wherein said first retention element (190') comprises a first lever (19'), which is rotatably constrained to said support body (17) around a first pivoting axis (Y') parallel to said rotation axis (X) and is provided with a retention portion (20); wherein said first lever (19') is configured for rotating between:
- an open position, in which the retention portion (20) of said first lever (19') is rotated away from said second retention element (190") in order to allow the first end (4) of said winder roller (3) to pass between said first lever (19') and said second retention element (190");

- and a closed position, in which the retention portion (20) of said first lever (19') is rotated closer to said second retention element (190"), delimiting, with said second retention element (190"), a seat (21) at said rotation axis (X), and in such seat (21) the first end (4) of said winder roller (3) is housed;
characterized in that the retention portion (20) of said first lever (19') is provided with an opposing surface (37) against which, with said first lever (19') in closed position, said first end (4) is adapted to act in abutment, forcing said first lever (19') towards said closed position.
Roller blind (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first lever (19') is provided with an abutment portion (32), which, with said first lever (19') in said closed position, abuts against said second retention element (190").
Roller blind (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said first lever (19') is rotatable in a first rotation sense (V1) in order to be moved towards said closed position, and in an opposite second rotation sense (V2) in order to be moved towards said open position;
wherein, with said first lever (19') in said closed position, the abutment portion (32) of said first lever (19') is in abutment against said second retention element (190"), blocking the rotation of said first lever (19') in said first rotation sense (V1).
Roller blind (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support body (17) is provided with:
- a perimeter edge (27) extended around said rotation axis (X);

- an insertion guide (28), which is extended from an inlet opening (29) made on said perimeter edge (27) and is extended to intercept said rotation axis (X), and in such insertion guide (28) the first end (4) of said winder roller (3) is inserted;
wherein said retention portion (20) of said first lever (19') is arranged along said insertion guide (28);
wherein, with said first lever (19') in said open position, the retention portion (20) of said first lever (19') is rotated away from the inlet opening (29) of said insertion guide (28) in order to allow the first end (4) of said winder roller (3) to pass along said insertion guide (28), and with said first lever (19') in said closed position, the retention portion (20) of said first lever (19') is rotated closer to the inlet opening (29) of said insertion guide (28) and towards said second retention element (190").
Roller blind (1) according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the opposing surface (37) of the retention portion (20) of said first lever (19') is arranged, with said first lever (19') in closed position, between the first end (4) of said winder roller (3) and the inlet opening (29) of said insertion guide (28), and against such opposing surface (37) said first end (4) is adapted to act in abutment, forcing said abutment portion (32) against said second retention element (190") in order to block the rotation of said first lever (19') in said first rotation sense (V1).
Roller blind (1) according to claims 4 or 5, characterized in that said insertion guide (28) is provided with a terminal section (38) which is extended beyond the rotation axis (X) of said winder roller (3) away from said inlet opening (29).
Roller blind (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support device (16) comprises elastic means (40) mounted on said support body (17) and acting at least on said first lever (19'), and such elastic means (40) are arranged for moving said first lever (19') towards said closed position.
Roller blind (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first lever (19') comprises an elastically-pliable blocking portion (42), which, with said first lever (19') in said closed position, is engaged, following elastic deformation, with said support body (17).
Roller blind (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retention portion (20) of said first lever (19') is provided with a concave surface (36) directed towards said second retention element (190"); wherein, with said first lever (19') in said closed position, said concave surface (36) delimits, with said second retention element (190"), said seat (21) in which the first end (4) of said winder roller (3) is inserted.
Roller blind (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second retention element (190") comprises a second lever (19"), which is rotatably constrained to said support body (17) around a second pivoting axis (Y") parallel to said rotation axis (X) and is provided with a retention portion (20) which is arranged in front of the retention portion (20) of said first lever (19');
wherein said first and second levers (19', 19") are configured for rotating between:
- said open position, in which the retention portions (20) of said first and second levers (19', 19") are rotated away from each other in order to allow the first end (4) of said winder roller (3) to pass between said first and second levers (19', 19");

- and said closed position, in which the retention portions (20) of said first and second levers (19', 19") are rotated closer to each other, between them delimiting said seat (21) at said rotation axis (X).