System for shielding fixture

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for shielding a fixing device for a soft venetian blind, such as in double glazing, comprising at least one shielding element (21) and a transmission system, the transmission system is connected to the at least one shielding element for moving the at least one shielding element between different operating positions and causing different degrees of shielding of the fixture. The drive system comprises two pulleys (4, 5) and a drive belt (6) having a toothing (61) for meshing with at least a first pulley (4). A blocking element (7), such as a U-shaped or closure profile, is arranged between the pulleys (4, 5) and interposed between the two longitudinal sections (62) of the belt (6) to prevent contact between different portions of the teeth (61) of the belt (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention is developed in the field of fixture shading which regulates the passage of light towards the interior of a building, for example by means of venetian blinds on the inside of a double glazing, according to the preamble of claim 1 . Background Art

[0002] Double glazing systems in which venetian blinds are accommodated are known. One of the methods of moving the venetian blind by letting more or less light through the double glazing involves the use of a belt wound around two pulleys. Two longitudinal sections of the belt extend parallel to each other between the pulleys.

[0003] The slipping of the belt sets the pulleys in rotation, one of which is connected to the venetian blind in such a way that the venetian blind is moved when the pulley rotates. To optimize the transmission, the belt and at least one of the pulleys may be toothed.

[0004] In a known manner, a magnetic system allows the belt to be pulled by a handle (or slider) on the outside of the double glazing when the belt is on the inside of the double glazing.

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] When the handle is pulled, a portion of the belt is subjected to a relatively large mechanical tension which causes a portion of it to elastically stretch. Another portion of the belt is in a relaxed condition and can therefore bend into randomly shaped undulations.

[0007] These fluctuations may cause one of the two longitudinal sections of the belt to contact the opposing longitudinal section, resulting in mechanical jamming.

[0008] In particular, the contact between the toothing of the two sections may hinder the sliding in the relative directions of the two longitudinal sections of the belt, so that noise is generated or prevent the movement of the handle and thus even the movement of the blind.

[0009] This problem is exacerbated when the belt is positioned inside the double glazing. In fact, given the limited thickness of the double glazing, there is a greater possibility of mechanical jamming.

[0010] Increasing the belt's tension can reduce its fluctuations, but will make it more difficult to move.

[0011] Shading systems made with double glazing are also characterized by a wide operating range of temperatures, from winter nighttime operation with temperatures below 0°C to summer temperatures in direct sunlight reaching temperature peaks of over 60°C. The belts are therefore subject to strong thermal expansion and contraction, which cannot rely on ordinary tensioning mechanisms, since the latter also change their behavior based on temperature and increase friction that is difficult to control in the case of mechanisms moved by magnets. The possible contraction of the belts in cold conditions forces the selection of a nominal length greater than that required in standard conditions, while the expansion of the belts in warm conditions further exacerbates its effects.

[0012] Finally, if the inconvenience occurs in the double glazing, there is the risk of having to open the double glazing itself in order to release the two belt sections and resume normal use.

[0013] DE 202008009334 shows a Venetian blind in double glazing. Two profiles are arranged on the sides of the Venetian blind to prevent light from passing along the edges. These profiles are arranged between two longitudinal sections of the belt. In addition, they have U-shaped grooves at both ends for accommodating springs that keep the pulleys spaced apart in order to tension the belt. Summary of the invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is to solve the problems explained with reference to the prior art.

[0015] In particular, an object of the invention is to improve the slipping of the belt on the pulleys.

[0016] These and other objects are achieved by a system for screening fixtures according to any of the accompanying claims.

[0017] Advantages of the invention

[0018] Thanks to the invention, a system is obtained which provides a blocking element, for example a U-shaped or closed profile, which is arranged in the longitudinal direction between two pulleys and in the transverse direction between two longitudinal sections of the drive belt. The blocking element is shaped so as to prevent contact between different parts of the toothing of the belt placed at the two longitudinal sections of the belt.

[0019] Furthermore, thanks to the invention it is possible to apply the system also to shading systems without double glazing, where there is still a risk of contact between different parts of the toothing of the belt.

[0020] Furthermore, due to the blocking element, the screening system can also be used for non-vertical fixtures, such as skylights, where gravity represents an additional factor for the fluctuations of the longitudinal section of the belt.

[0021] Those skilled in the art will recognize other features and advantages of the present invention from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to better understand the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings show some embodiments of the present invention, in which:

[0023] - Figure 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of a system for shielding the passage of light through a fixture according to the prior art,

[0024] - Figure 2 A partial side cross-sectional view of a system for shielding the passage of light through a fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown,

[0025] - Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the system.

[0026] - Figure 4 yes Figure 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of the system from above, and

[0027] - Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view from above of a system for shielding the passage of light according to an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention relates to a system 1 for shielding the passage of light through a fixture, such as a door or a window.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the fixture is identified by a double glazing 100, which comprises at least two transparent panels 110 parallel to and spaced apart from each other. In addition, the double glazing 100 comprises a frame 120, which connects the panels 110 to each other and is arranged along the outer edges of the panels 110. The frame 120 and the panels 110 together define and seal the interior volume.

[0030] The double glazing 100 may also comprise other components known per se to a person skilled in the art, such as spacer strips 130 between the panels 110 and a receiving profile 140 for receiving components described below, such as at least a part of a transmission system.

[0031] However, the invention may also be applied to fixtures with a single transparent, fixed or movable panel, such as a sash, or even to fixtures without a panel or sash.

[0032] In any case, the following text will refer primarily to double glazing, without thereby losing generality.

[0033] The shading system 1 comprises a shading arrangement 2 having one or more shading elements 21 .

[0034] Preferably, the shielding device 2 is arranged in the inner volume of the double glazing 100 .

[0035] Each shielding element 21 is movable between a plurality of operating positions to cause varying degrees of shielding of the passage of light through the fixture.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the screening device 2 is a venetian blind and the screening elements 21 are slats of the venetian blind. The slats are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart. The slats are movable along the longitudinal direction ZZ to be distributed along the fixture to maximize light shielding, or retracted into the stack of slats to maximize the passage of light. The slats are also orientable in such a way as to shield light incident on the fixture from different directions.

[0037] It is worth noting that, depending on the type of shading element 2, the shading system 1 can be used for fixtures with different spatial orientations, whereby, as illustrated in the figures, the longitudinal direction ZZ can be substantially vertical, but also substantially horizontal, or even inclined at other angles.

[0038] The screening system 1 comprises a transmission system which is kinematically connected to each screening element 21 and which is configured to move each screening element 21 between different operating positions.

[0039] In a known manner, the transmission system may comprise one or more pull cords 22. Each screening element 21 is connected to at least one respective pull cord 22. For example, the pull cords 22 may be ropes and / or rope ladders of a Venetian blind configured for lifting and / or orienting the slats.

[0040] Still in a known manner, the transmission system may comprise a rotation shaft 3 rotatable about an axis preferably extending in the width direction XX of the fixing device.

[0041] Each pulling rope 22 is at least partially wound around the rotation axis 3 so as to be unrolled, retracted and / or slid by the rotation of the rotation axis 3 , in particular in the longitudinal direction ZZ.

[0042] The transmission system comprises a first pulley 4 and a second pulley 5 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction ZZ. The first pulley 4 is coupled to the rotating shaft 3 so that the rotating shaft 3 is put into rotation by the rotation of the first pulley 4. For example, the first pulley 4 may be fixed to the rotating shaft 3 or coupled to the rotating shaft 3 by means of a gear.

[0043] Instead, the second pulley 5 is preferably a free pulley, which is rotatable, for example, on a swivel pin.

[0044] Furthermore, the transmission system comprises a transmission belt 6 which is slidably mounted on the first pulley 4 and the second pulley 5 so that the first pulley 4 and the second pulley 5 are put into rotation by the sliding of the belt 6. In particular, the belt 6 is at least partially wound around the first pulley 4 and the second pulley 5, for example, wound around the first pulley 4 by half a turn and wound around the second pulley 5 by half a turn.

[0045] The belt 6 is arranged with two longitudinal sections 62 which are parallel to each other. The longitudinal section 62 extends mainly in the longitudinal direction ZZ from the first pulley 5 to the second pulley 6. Furthermore, the longitudinal sections 62 are spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction YY which is transverse to the longitudinal direction ZZ. Preferably, the transverse direction YY is perpendicular to the width direction XX and therefore represents the thickness direction of the double glazing 100. However, in some embodiments, the transverse direction YY may coincide with the width direction XX, for example when the first pulley 4 is connected to the shaft 3 by means of a bevel gear.

[0046] The two longitudinal sections 62 are connected to each other by a winding section 63 of the belt 6. At each winding section 63, the belt 6 is in contact with the first pulley 4 or the second pulley 5.

[0047] It is worth noting that the sliding of the belt 6 relative to the pulleys 4, 5 causes a displacement of each portion of the belt 6, whereby a different portion of the belt 6 will each time identify the longitudinal section 62 and the winding section 63 of the belt 6. Furthermore, during the sliding process, at least a portion of the belt 6 may loosen and bend, thereby deviating from the straight path of the longitudinal portion 62 when it is in a stationary condition.

[0048] The belt 6 preferably has an inner surface and an opposite outer surface. Different parts of the inner surface are oriented toward each other at the longitudinal section 62. In addition, different parts of the inner surface still turn toward the first pulley 4 and the second pulley 5 at the winding section 63.

[0049] The first pulley 4 has a toothed portion 41 disposed on a circular surface of the pulley 4. The belt 6 also has its own toothed portion 61 configured to mesh with the toothed portion 41 of the first pulley 4. The second pulley 5 may or may not be provided with an additional toothed portion (not shown) configured to mesh with the toothed portion 61 of the belt 6.

[0050] The toothed portion 61 of the belt 6 is positioned on the inner surface of the belt 6. The toothed portion 61 may extend over the entire length of the belt 6, or only over a portion of the belt 6. However, it is understood that the toothed portion 61 of the belt 6 extends over the corresponding winding section 63 of the belt 6 at least at the first pulley 4. Furthermore, the toothed portion 61 of the belt 6 extends at least partially along one or both of the longitudinal sections 62. After the belt 6 slides so as to bring each shielding element 21 between different operating positions, different parts of the toothed portion 61 of the belt 6 will be located in the winding section 63 at the first pulley 4 from time to time.

[0051] According to a particular aspect of the invention, a blocking element 7 is arranged in the transverse direction YY at a predetermined position between two longitudinal sections 62 of the belt 6 , for example in the middle between the longitudinal sections 62 .

[0052] The blocking element 7 is shaped so as to prevent contact between different parts of the toothing 61 of the belt 6 situated at two longitudinal sections 62 .

[0053] In other words, the blocking element 7 acts as a partition interposed between the two longitudinal sections 62 of the belt 6 in order to prevent them from physical contact, ie it divides the volume in which the two longitudinal sections 62 of the belt 6 are accommodated in order to avoid mechanical jamming of the respective toothings.

[0054] To this end, the blocking element 7 is arranged at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction ZZ between the first pulley 4 and the second pulley 5. In more detail, the blocking element 7 has a linear development substantially parallel to the longitudinal section 62 of the belt 6.

[0055] The blocking element 7 extends mainly in the longitudinal direction ZZ and has a first end 71 and a second end 72 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction ZZ. The first end 71 is close to the first pulley 4 and the second end 72 is close to the second pulley 5 .

[0056] Preferably, the blocking element 7 has the largest possible longitudinal extension without contacting the first pulley 4 and the second pulley 5, so as not to hinder their rotation. For example, the length of the blocking element 7 in the longitudinal direction ZZ is equal to at least 80% of the length of each of the longitudinal sections 62 of the sliding path 7 in the longitudinal direction ZZ, or in any case at least equal to 50%.

[0057] The blocking element 7 is mounted so as to occupy the described position in a fixed manner in the longitudinal direction ZZ and in the transverse direction YY. In particular, the blocking element 7 can be fixed to the double glazing 100, for example to the panel 110 or the frame 120, and / or in any case to the fixture or the wall to which it is mounted.

[0058] Preferably, the blocking element 7 has a width in the width direction XX which is at least equal to the width of the belt 6 in the width direction XX.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the blocking element 7 is a profile having, with regard to a section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction ZZ, in particular a substantially U-shaped or closed section (e.g. Figure 4 ), ie the blocking element 7 is shaped like a cable duct. In more detail, the blocking element 7 has a base portion 73 and two side portions 74 protruding from the base portion 73, preferably transverse to the base portion 73.

[0060] The base portion 73 extends from the first end 71 to the second end 72 and is preferably located between the two longitudinal sections 62 of the sliding path 7. Thus, it is mainly the base portion that prevents contact between different parts of the toothing 61 of the belt 6.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the two side portions 74 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction XX. Each side portion 74 extends from the first end 71 to the second end 72. One of the longitudinal sections 62 of the sliding path 7 is located between the two side portions 74.

[0062] In this way, the blocking element 7 not only prevents jamming between the toothings 61 of different parts of the drive belt 6, but also marks the compartment into which one of its longitudinal sections 72 can be inserted. Thus, when the drive belt 6 thermally expands, the movement of said longitudinal section 72 in the width direction XX is also limited. This prevents the drive belt 6 from derailing from the pulleys 4, 5. The other longitudinal section 72 of the belt is instead outside the compartment.

[0063] In the case of a closed profile, the barrier element 7 also has a closing portion 75 spaced from the base portion 73 and connected to the side portion 74. The longitudinal portion 62 of the belt 6 extends at least partially within the interior space enclosed by the base portion 73, the closing portion 75 and the side portion 74.

[0064] In other embodiments, the blocking element 7 may have an H profile, and two longitudinal sections 62 may be found between the side portions 74. Alternatively, the blocking element 7 may have an E profile, with three side portions 74. In such cases, preferably one of the side portions 74 may be found between the longitudinal sections 62 to prevent contact therewith, rather than the base portion 73.

[0065] The blocking element 7 with a closed cross section ensures maximum positioning stability of the drive belt 6. The blocking element 7 with an open cross section facilitates the insertion of the drive belt 6 into the compartment of the blocking element 7. However, the positioning stability can be maximized if another element of the system 1, such as a panel 110, a frame 120 or a part of the containing profile 140, faces the free end of the side portion 74, preferably is in contact with it or is close to it.

[0066] In yet another embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, the blocking element 7 is formed integrally with a receiving profile 140 which receives the entire drive belt 6, or is formed integrally in the frame 120. Alternatively, the blocking element 7 can be fixed to the receiving profile 140 or the frame 120.

[0067] In the embodiment where the screening device 2 is located inside the double glazing 100 , each pulling rope 22 , the rotating shaft 3 , the first pulley 4 , the second pulley 5 , the belt 6 and the blocking element 7 are preferably also arranged in the inner volume of the double glazing 100 .

[0068] In order to move the belt 6 and thus indirectly each shading element 21, the transmission system may include a handle system 8. In the absence of double glazing 100, the handle system 8 may simply be a handle fixed to the belt 6, or the handle system 8 may not be provided, with the belt 6 being grasped directly by the user.

[0069] In the presence of a double glazing 100 , the handle system 8 preferably comprises a first element 81 arranged in the inner volume of the double glazing 100 and a second element 82 arranged outside the inner volume.

[0070] In more detail, the first element 81 is connected to the belt 6 at a first of the longitudinal sections 62 of the sliding path 7. To this end, in the illustrated embodiment, the first element 81 of the handle system 8 has a toothing 83 configured to mesh with the toothing 61 of the conveyor belt 6.

[0071] In the longitudinal direction ZZ, the first element 81 is movable with a portion of the belt 6 between the first pulley 4 and the second pulley 5. It should be noted that the first of the longitudinal sections 62 where the first element 81 of the handle system 8 is located is preferably not the longitudinal section 62 located between the side portions 74 of the blocking element 7.

[0072] The second element 82 has a portion that is grippable by a user and that is movable in the longitudinal direction ZZ along the panel 110 of the double glazing 100 .

[0073] The first element 81 and the second element 82 of the handle system 8 include corresponding magnets (not shown) and are magnetically coupled to each other. Due to the magnetic coupling, under normal use conditions, the first element 81 and the second element 82 are aligned with each other in the thickness direction YY. Therefore, the dragging of the second element 82 by the user also causes the sliding of the first element 81, and the sliding of the entire belt 6 therewith, thereby ultimately causing the movement of the shielding element 21.

[0074] Optionally, the first element 81 and the second element 82 of the handle system 8 comprise wheels 84 for sliding along opposite faces of the same panel 110 of the double glazing 100 .

[0075] Optionally, the blocking element 7 has a guide rail portion (not shown), and the first element 81 of the handle system 8 is slidable in the longitudinal direction ZZ along the guide rail portion.

[0076] In an alternative embodiment, the screening system 1 may include an electric motor (not shown) connected to the first pulley 4 or the second pulley 5 instead of the handle system 8. The electric motor is operable to rotate, thereby also causing rotation of the pulleys 4, 5 connected thereto, and thus causing slippage of the belt 6.

[0077] For example, in embodiments where there is a venetian blind, an electric motor may be connected to the second pulley 5 and a belt 6 provided to transfer movement from the second pulley 5 to the first pulley 4 and thus to the rotation axis 3. Other embodiments of the screening arrangement 2 may also provide an electric motor connected to the first pulley 4.

[0078] Obviously, a person skilled in the art will be able to make numerous equivalent modifications to the above variations without departing from the scope of protection defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A system (1) for shielding a fixture, comprising: at least one shielding element (21) movable between a plurality of operating positions to cause varying degrees of shielding of the passage of light through the fixture, a transmission system kinematically connected to the at least one shielding element (21) and configured to move the at least one shielding element (21) between the operating positions, Wherein, the transmission system comprises: a first pulley (4) and a second pulley (5), the first pulley and the second pulley being spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction (ZZ), and a transmission belt (6), wherein the transmission belt is slidably mounted on the first pulley (4) and the second pulley (5), in: The first pulley (4) and the belt (6) have corresponding toothed portions (41, 61) configured to mesh with each other, The belt (6) is arranged with two longitudinal sections (62) parallel to each other, extending from the first pulley (4) to the second pulley (5) and spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction (YY) transverse to the longitudinal direction (ZZ), a blocking element (7) occupying a fixed position in the longitudinal direction (ZZ) between the first pulley (4) and the second pulley (5) and in the transverse direction (YY) between the two longitudinal sections (62) of the belt (6), the blocking element (7) being shaped so as to prevent contact between different parts of the toothed portion (61) of the belt (6) placed at the two different longitudinal sections (62), The blocking element (7) is a profile having a base portion (73) and two side portions (74) protruding from the base portion (73), wherein at least one of the base portion (73) or the side portions (74) is placed between the two longitudinal sections (62) of the belt (6), Features: At least one of the longitudinal sections (62) of the belt (6) is located between the two side portions (74) of the blocking element (7).

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The blocking element (7) identifies a compartment into which one of the longitudinal sections (72) of the belt (6) can be inserted.

3. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a double glazing (100), wherein: The double-glazed glass (100) comprises at least two transparent panels (110) parallel to and spaced apart from each other, and a frame (120) connecting the panels (110) to each other, wherein the frame (120) and the panels (110) together define an internal volume. The at least one shielding element (21), the first pulley (4) and the second pulley (5), the belt (6) and the blocking element (7) are arranged in the inner volume.

4. The system (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The blocking element (7) is formed integrally with the frame (120), or The receiving profile (140) receives the entire transmission belt (6), and the blocking element (7) is formed integrally with the receiving profile (140).

5. The system (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The transmission system comprises a handle system (8), which comprises a first element (81) connected to the belt (6) at one of the longitudinal sections (62) and a second element (82) arranged outside the inner volume, magnetically coupled to the first element (81) and draggable to slide the belt (6).

6. The system (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The first element (81) of the handle system (8) has a toothed portion (83) configured to engage with the toothed portion (61) of the belt (6).

7. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising an electric motor connected to the first pulley (4) and the second pulley (5) in such a way as to cause slippage of the belt (6) when the motor is put into rotation.

8. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The blocking element (7) extends mainly in the longitudinal direction (ZZ) and has a first end (71) close to the first pulley (4) and a second end (72) close to the second pulley (5).

9. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The blocking element (7) has a linear development substantially parallel to the longitudinal section (62) of the belt (6).

10. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The length of the blocking element (7) in the longitudinal direction (ZZ) is equal to at least 50%, preferably at least 80%, of the length of each of the longitudinal sections (62) of the belt (6) in the longitudinal direction (ZZ).

11. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The blocking element (7) has a width which, in a width direction (XX) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (XX) and perpendicular to the transverse direction (YY), is at least equal to the width of the belt (6) in the width direction (XX).

12. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The blocking element (7) has a closed cross-section having a closed portion (75) spaced apart from the base portion (73) and connected to the side portion (74).

13. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The transmission system comprises a rotating shaft (3) and at least one pulling rope (22) at least partially wound around the rotating shaft (3), wherein the at least one shielding element (21) is connected to the at least one pulling rope (22) and the first pulley (4) is coupled to the rotating shaft (3).

14. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a venetian blind having a plurality of slats, wherein: Each shielding element (21) is a slat of the Venetian blind.

15. A double-layer glass comprising: at least two transparent panels (110), the at least two transparent panels being parallel to and spaced apart from each other, a frame (120) connecting the at least two panels (110) to each other and arranged along outer edges of the at least two panels (110); The frame (120) and the at least two panels (110) together define and seal an interior volume; Characterized in that it comprises a system (1) for shielding a fixing device according to claim 1.

Images