FR2822190A1 - SAFETY DEVICE FOR A CLOSING OR SOLAR PROTECTION SYSTEM AND HANDLING MECHANISM OF SUCH A SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

This safety device for closing or sun protection installation comprises a mechanism (1) for controlled winding of an apron, this mechanism including at least one spring (6) for compensating the torque generated by the weight of the apron. It comprises a flexible link (10) subjected to a variable voltage (T) depending on the state of the spring (6), this link (10) being able to control, depending on the intensity of the voltage (T), means (12) for blocking in rotation (F1) the winding mechanism (1) and / or the warning means.

Description

laterally adjustable fixing means.

  - The invention relates to a safety device for a closing or sun protection installation. The invention also relates to a mechanism for operating such an installation. The term “closing installation” means the doors,

  gates, shutters and equivalent equipment.

  In a closing or sun protection installation, it is known to use a winding mechanism for the

  operation of the door leaf, shutter or equivalent.

  This mechanism can be actuated mechanically, thanks to a strap or a crank, or electrically thanks to a motor which is most often of the motor-brake type. In all cases, in order to compensate for the torque exerted on the winding mechanism by the weight of the deck, it is known to use

so-called compensation springs.

  FR-A-2 741 662 provides means for detecting the rupture of such a compensating spring in order to avoid an imbalance in the deck winding mechanism and a punctual overload of the drive structure. It is in fact advisable to avoid an operation of the installation when such a compensation spring is broken, this in order to reduce the mechanical stresses and to limit the risks of falling of the bulkhead due to an additional stressing of the other springs. Although satisfactory on the functional level, this known system is complex and its implementation requires significant modifications to an installation already in place. The complexity of this known device results essentially from the way in which the information relating to the rupture of a spring is transmitted.

to a switch.

  It is to these drawbacks that the invention more particularly intends to remedy by proposing a safety device of the aforementioned type which makes it possible to effectively detect the rupture of a compensating spring and whose implementation and incorporation in an installation , including an existing installation, are easy, while its reliability is high. In this spirit, the invention relates to a safety device for a closing or sun protection installation comprising a mechanism for winding a controlled apron, this mechanism including at least one spring for compensating the torque generated by the weight of the apron. . This device is characterized in that it comprises a flexible link subjected to a variable tension depending on the state of the spring, this link being able to control, according to the value of this tension, means for blocking the rotation of the

  winding mechanism and / or warning means.

  The invention takes advantage of the use of a flexible link to transmit information on the breakage of a spring to the locking means or to the alert means, such a flexible link being appreciably easier to install than equipment. rigid. The use of a flexible link also allows great latitude in the positioning of the means for blocking the rotation of the winding mechanism which can be kept accessible, in order to facilitate an operation for repairing the installation after the break. 'a spring. In fact, provision should be made to unwind the apron to intervene on this type of installation and therefore to be able to act on the blocking means to deactivate them before the repair. Likewise, the flexible link facilitates the positioning of the alert means when such means are used. According to advantageous aspects of the invention, the device incorporates one or more of the following characteristics: - The flexible link extends generally in a direction parallel to the geometric axis of winding of the deck. - The compensation spring is secured, at a first end, to a central fixed shaft of the mechanism, the spring forming, at its second end, a stock capable of interacting, directly or indirectly, with the link flexible. In this case, the compensation spring is advantageously disposed between two flanges connected by at least one spacer, the stock being able to be arranged in

  support, directly or indirectly, against this spacer.

  Depending on the case, it can be provided that the flanges are each pierced with an orifice for the passage of the flexible link or that stirrups capable of being mounted on the flanges define between

  them a flexible link tracking path.

  According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a part, capable of being interposed between the stick and the spacer, is equipped with an elastic element tending to exert on the flexible link an effort balanced by a force exerted by the stock as long as the compensation spring is intact, this effort being sufficient to deform the flexible link when the force is not exerted by the stock. In particular, the elastic member may be a pin comprising a first arm capable of interacting with the flexible link, and a second arm capable of interacting with an arm plon carried by this part, these arms being connected by an elastic section. deformable ment comprising an actuation relief suitable for

  receive the force exerted by the stick.

  - The locking means comprise a mechanical lock comprising a locking bolt subjected to a balanced elastic force, depending on the state of the spring, by the tension of the flexible link. Thus, a reduction in the tension of the spring induces a displacement of the locking bolt under the effect of

elastic force.

  - The blocking means comprise a mechanical lock comprising a pivoting lever between a first position, for blocking a bolt at a distance from a blocking orifice, and a second position, for releasing this bolt, which is loaded elastically in the direction of this orifice, the pivoting of the lever being controlled by the flexible link. In this case, an increase in the tension of the flexible link makes it possible to

  operate the lever to release the locking bolt.

  - The locking means comprise an electric switch able to control a motor for driving the winding mechanism and / or an alarm. In the case of an engine, it is advantageously a brakemotor, the interruption of its supply resulting in immobilization in rotation of the elements driven by this engine. The motor can also be an irreversible motor as known, for example from FR-A-2 783 866. In the case of an alarm, this constitutes a means for alerting a user in the event of

spring break.

  The invention also relates to a mechanism for operating a closing or sun protection installation which comprises a safety device as previously described. Such an operating mechanism is easier to install and maintain than known devices, especially in the event of a compensating spring rupturing. The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the

  description which follows of three embodiments of a

  operating mechanism of a closing installation in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a partial view, in principle and in perspective, of a mechanism operating a closing installation according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a partial section along the line II-II in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a section in principle along the plane III in Figure 1, before rupturing a spring; - Figure 4 is a section similar to Figure 3, after rupture of a spring; - Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of part of a mechanism according to a second embodiment of the invention; - Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of part of a mechanism according to a third embodiment of the invention; - Figure 7 is a perspective view of another part of the mechanism partially shown in Figure 6 and - Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 6 while the mechanism is in another configuration of use. The mechanism 1, represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, comprises an arUre 2 fixed relative to the cheeks 3 and 3 ′ intended to be connected to the main structure of a building. We denote X-X 'the axis

geometric of the tree 2.

  Around the shaft 2 are arranged, in pairs, flanges 4, these flanges being able to rotate around the shaft 2, as shown by the arrow Fl. The flanges 4 of the same pair are rellés by spacers 5 welded to the two flanges 4 of the same pair. In the volume V defined between two flanges of the same pair is a compensating spring 6 formed by a strip of spring steel arranged in a spiral. A first end 6a of each spring 6 is fixed to the rod 2 by any appropriate means, for example by a screw 7, while its second end 6_ is bent outwards, so that it forms a butt 6c intended to be engaged around one of the spacers 5 in order to make the external part of the spring 6 of the

flanges 4.

  A synchronization bar 8 is welded to the periphery of the various flanges 4 and to the periphery of a disc 9 disposed along the internal face 3a of the eye 3 facing the mechanism 1. Thanks to the bar 8, the flanges 4 and the disc 9 can be driven simultaneously around the axis XX 'of the arUre 2 to allow winding or unwinding movement of an apron, not shown. The setting in motion of the assembly formed of the elements 4, 8 and 9 can take place by any suitable means, not shown, for example by a strap, a crank mechanism or an electric motor. Depending on the angular position of the flanges 4 around the axis XX ′, the compensating springs 6 are more or less bandaged and make it possible to counterbalance the torque exerted on the flanges 4 relative to the axis XX ′ due to

weight of the installation deck.

  A flexible cable 10 is disposed in the mechanism 1 generally along the direction of the axis XX ′. This cable 10 is provided with a stop device 11 at its first end 10a. This stop device 11 could be replaced by a knot formed on the cable 10. Near its first end 10a, the cable 10 passes through an orifice 4a formed in a branch 4t of a flange 4 and bordered by a washer 4c made of elastomer. Then, the cable 10 is engaged between the stock 6c of a spring 6 and the spacer 5 around which is placed this stock. The cable 10 then passes through a second orifice 4a bordered by a washer 4c and formed in a branch 4b belonging to a second flange 4 located on the other

  side of the spring 6 relative to the first flask.

  The cable 10 then extends parallel to the axis XX 'up to the level of the next spring box formoe of the elements 4 to 6 o it again crosses an orifice 4a of a first flange 4 before being engaged between the butt 6c of the corresponding spring 6 and the adjacent spacer 5, then of

  cross hole 4a of the opposite flange.

  The cable 10 can thus pass through as many spring boxes as the mechanism comprises, extending generally in a direction parallel to the axis XX ′, except at the

level of the spring boxes.

  At its end opposite to the device 10a, the cable 10 passes through an orifice 12a provided in a bolt 12, then carries a stop device 13 immobilized on the second end 10 of the cable 10. The bolt 12 is secured to an elastic blade 14 which exerts on the bolt 12 a force F2 directed towards the disc 9 and towards the cheek 3. The bolt 12 is engaged in an orifice 9a provided in the disc 9 while several orifices 3_ forming a keeper are provided in the cheek 3. In l absence of force exerted by the cable 10, the force F2 due to the blade 14 tends to

  engage the bolt 12 in one of the holes 3b.

  Under normal conditions of use of the mechanism 1, the force F2 is counterbalanced by the tension T of the cable 10 between its ends 10a and 10_. This tension depends on the path imposed on the cable 10, in particular between two flanges 4 of the same spring box, due to the deviation resulting from the passage of the cable 10 between the butt 6c of each

  spring 6 and the adjacent spacer 5.

  In the event of a rupture of one of the springs 6, and as shown in FIG. 4, the external part of the spring tends to dissolve radially and comes to bear against the spacers 5. This support of the spring 6 on the spacers 5 has the effect of dogager the butt 6c of the corresponding spacer 5, while the internal or central part of the spring 6 remains fixed on the shaft 2. Due to the offset of the butt 6c with respect to at the spacer 5, the tension T of the cable decreases and is then no longer sufficient to oppose the force F2 which pushes the bolt 12 in the direction of the cheek 3. Thus, as a function of the rotational movement of the 'assembly formed of elements 4, 8 and 9 around the axis X-X', the bolt 12 is brought opposite one of the orifices 3_ in which it is automatically engaged, which has the effect of locking the mechanism 1 and to prevent any further rotational movement

around the axis XX '.

  When an operator accesses the mechanism 1 to carry out a repair, he immediately detects the butt 6c which is separated from the corresponding spacer 5, which allows him to easily identify the spring box on which he must intervene. After changing the defective spring or spring box, the operator just has to re-engage the cable 10 between the butt 6c of the corresponding spring and an adjacent spacer 5 to re-tension the spring 10 and release the bolt 12 by compared to orifice 3_, which again authorizes the rotational movements of the mechanism around

the axis XX '.

  In the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5, elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear identical references increased by 50. This embodiment relates more particularly to the case of upgrading existing installations in which flanges 54 connected by spacers 55 are already mounted on a fixed artery 52, itself

centered on an axis XX '.

  A spring 56 is disposed between each pair of flanges and its outer end 56b forms a stock 56c. Two stirrups 65 are provided to be mounted on each pair of flanges 54 of a spring box using screws 66. The stirrups 65 are each provided with an opening 65a for the passage of a cable 60 and a notch 65_ allowing their firm support

against a spacer 55.

  The relative positioning of the orifices 65a and the notches 65b defines, between two orifices 65a, an imposed path for the cable 60 which is trapped between the stock 56c

and the spacer 55.

  A tube 67 is arranged around the cable 60, between the stirrups 65, in order to protect the cable 60, in particular with respect to the risks of pinching during its installation. Such a tube 67 is not essential. It can also be used

  with the device of the first embodiment of the invention

  tion. Once mounted on the flanges 54, the stirrups 65 make it possible to impose the routing of the cable 60 which is stretched and, as before, a rupture of the spring 56 has the effect

  to reduce the tension T of the cable 60, which allows action-

  ner a switch 62 for controlling an electric motor

  drive mechanism 51 of this second embodiment

  tion. One can, for example, provide that an end 60b of the

  cable 60 passes through an actuating lever 62a of the interrup-

  tor 62 being provided with a stop device 63, while the lever 62a undergoes an elastic force F3 exerted by a tension spring 64. In the event of a reduction in the tension T of the cable 60, the latter is not more sufficient to compensate for the force F which then moves the lever 62a in order to change the state, passing or open, of the switch 62, this being detected by the electrical control means of the mechanism 51. To take account of the rotation of the switch 62 around the geometric axis of the winding shaft, a rotating connector can be provided, for example such as

described in FR-A-2 624 316.

  According to a variant not shown of the invention, the switch 62 can control an alarm, for example an indicator light or sound, which makes it possible to alert a user

if a spring breaks 56.

  The stirrups 65 are shown in Figure 5 as intended to be mounted between the flanges 54. However, these e stirrups 65 advantageously cover the outer edges of the flanges so as not to induce a reduction in the width of a spring 56 when the distance between two flanges 54 is predetermined. One can even plan to mount the stirrups 65 outside the flanges 54. The variant in which the stirrups 65 cover the flanges 54 ensures precise positioning of the stirrups, without requiring a reduction in the width of the spring disposed between the flanges and while cable 60 remains easy to install. The use of stirrups which cover the flanges therefore allows the use of conventional "spring boxes" whose flanges are simply drilled

  to receive screws of the screw type 66.

  In the third embodiment partially shown in Figures 6 to 8, elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear references

identical increased by 100.

  The mechanism 101 of this embodiment also includes a fixed shaft 102 disposed between the cheeks, only one of which is shown with the reference 103, supporting pairs of flanges 104 between which are placed spacers 105 which generally extend in a direction parallel to the axis XX 'of symmetry of the artery 102 which is also the axis of rotation of the flanges 104. One or more

  synchronization bars 108 are also provided.

  A spring 106 is disposed between each pair of flanges 104 and its external end 106b forms a stock 106c allowing the immobilization of the end 106b relative to a spacer 105. A cable 110 is disposed generally along the direction of the axis X -X ', to order a lever

  blocking 112 visible in Figure 7.

  A piece 120 forming a support is intended to be clipped onto a spacer 105 by introducing this spacer into a slot 119 provided between a main part 120a of the piece 120 and an elastic tab 120b. The positioning of the part 120 on the spacer 105 is represented by the arrow

F4 in Figure 6.

  The part 120 is pierced with a channel 120c for the passage of the cable 110, this channel being generally parallel to the axis XX ′ when the part 120 is mounted on the spacer 105. The part also forms a pin 120d generally parallel to the

channel 120c.

  A metal pin 121 is mounted on the part 120 while being snapped into two orifices 120e formed in two tabs 120f of the part 120a. The pin 121 comprises a first arm 121a, the free end of which forms a loop 121t for the passage of the cable 110. The pin 121 also comprises a

  second arm 121c, the free end 121d of which is bent.

  The foot 121e of the arm 121c opposite its end 121d is spirally shaped and connected to the arm 121a by an intermediate section 121f which is engaged in the orifices 120e, the arms 121a and 121c extending on either side of the part. 120. Between the legs 120f, the section 121f has the shape of an open V. We note 121 the part of the pin 121

corresponding to this open V.

  A-A 'denotes a geometric axis passing through the center of the orifices 120e and constituting a pivot axis of the pin 121 in these orifices. The part 121q extends according to a

  radial direction with respect to the axis AA '.

  The operation is as follows: The cable 110 being engaged in the slurry 121t and in the channel 120c, the part 120 is snapped around the height rod 105, then the stock 106c is applied against the front face 120g of the part 120, between the legs 120f, covering the part 121q of the pin 121. It is then possible to arm the pin 121 by a pivoting movement of the arm 121c represented by the arrow F5, so as to bring

  the end 121_ under the plon 120_.

  In this configuration, the tilting of the arm 121c from the position shown in solid lines to the position shown in phantom in Figure 6 has no influence on the position of the arm 121a because the stock 106c effectively plates the part 121g of the pin 121 against the face 120g of the part 120, this being represented by the arrow F6. The

  tension T of cable 110 is then relatively unimportant.

  In the event of rupture of the spring 106, the stock 106c is no longer able to press the part 121g against the front face rg of the part 120 and, due to the elastic deformation undergone by the pin 121, the part 121q pivots around the axis A-A ', as represented by the arrow F7 in FIG. 8, which has the effect of rotating the arm 121a around this axis, as represented by the arrow F. This results in a movement corresponding to the loop 121b and a substantial modification of the routing of the cable 110 by lengthening its path and, which has the effect of increasing the tension T of this cable. This increase in tension T induces an increase in the force exerted by the cable 110 on the lever 112 which then pivots around its axis 115 in the direction of the arrow Fg in FIG. 7 by releasing the nose 122a from an elastic lock 122, this nose 122a then passing through an orifice l9a formed in a disc 109, of the type of the disc 9 of the first embodiment. The nose 122a can then engage in an orifice 103 formed in the cheek 103 similar to the cheek 3 of the first embodiment, this orifice 103b forms an immobilizing keeper

  of the nose 122a and of the disc 109 around the axis XX ′.

  As before, several orifices 103b are provided in the cheek 103, which makes it possible to immobilize the assembly formed

  elements 104, 108 and 109 in less than a turn.

  The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and, in particular, a safety device according to the invention can make it possible to control a means of locking in mechanical rotation, as in the first and third embodiments, or an electrical blocking means such as

  in the second embodiment.

  The specific technical characteristics of the various embodiments can be combined with one another, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the flexible link can control both a mechanical locking means, such as the locks of the first and third embodiments, and an electrical locking means, such as

  the switch of the second embodiment.

  Flexible links such as straps or chains can be used in the devices according to the invention.

Claims (12)

  1. Safety device for a closure or sun protection installation comprising a mechanism for winding a controlled apron, said mechanism including at least one spring for compensating the torque generated by the weight of said apron, characterized in that it comprises a flexible link (10; 60; 110) subjected to a variable tension (T) according to the state of said spring (6; 56; 106), said link being able to control, according to the value of the tension, means (12; 62; 112) for locking in rotation (F1) of said winding mechanism   (1; 51; 101) and / or means of alert.   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible link (10; 60; 110) extends generally in a direction parallel to a geometric axis (X-X ') curtain winding.   3. Device according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the compensation spring (6; 56; 106) is integral, at a first end (6a), with a central fixed shaft (2; 52; 102) of said mechanism (1; 51; 101 ), said spring forming, at a second end (6b; 56b; 106b), a stock (6c; 56c; 106c) capable of interacting, directly or indirectly, with said link flexible (10; 60; 110).   4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said compensation spring (6; 56; 106) is disposed between two flanges (4; 54; 104) connected by at least one spacer (5; 55; 105), said stock (6c; 56c; 106c) being able to be placed in support, directly or indirectly ment, against said spacer.   5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said flanges (4) are each pierced with an orifice (4a)   passage of said flexible link (10).   6. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises stirrups (65) able to be mounted on said flanges (54) and defining between them a traget of   tracking of said flexible link (60).   7. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a part (120) able to be interposed between said stock (106c) and said spacer (105), said part being equipped with an elastic element (121) tending exerting on said flexible link (110) a force (F) balanced by a force (F6) exerted by said stock as long as said compensation spring (106) is intact, said force being sufficient to deform said flexible link, when said force is not exercoe by said butt.   8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said elastic member is a pin (121) comprising a first arm (121a) capable of interacting with said flexible link (110) and a second arm (121c) capable of interacting with a arming pin (120_) carried by said part (120), said first and second arms being connected by a section   (121f) elastically deformable including an action relief-   event (121) capable of receiving said force (F6) exerted by said butt.   9. Device according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that said locking means comprise a mechanical lock comprising a locking bolt (12) subjected to an elastic force (F2) balanced, according to the state of said   spring (6), by the tension (T) of said flexible link (10).   10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8,   characterized in that said blocking means comprise a mechanical lock comprising a lever (112) pivoting between a first position, for blocking a bolt (122) at a distance from a blocking orifice (103b), and a second position, for releasing said bolt, which is loaded elastically in the direction of said orifice, the pivoting of said lever being   controlled by said flexible link (110).   11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10,   characterized in that said blocking means comprise an electrical switch (62), said switch being suitable   controlling a drive motor of said winding mechanism (51) and / or an alarm.   12. Mechanism (1; 51; 101) for operating an installation   closure or sun protection including a safety device (4-14; 54-67; 104-122) according to one