SYSTEM FOR GUIDING A FLEXIBLE CURTAIN

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for guiding a flexible curtain to at least partially close an opening. State of the art

[0002] Systems for closing an opening with a flexible curtain typically feature frame elements along which a support or handle bar, connected to the curtain, is guided, thus closing the opening. A common application is, for example, closing a door or window with an insect screen or pleated blind.

[0003] The movement of the support rail along the frame elements can be restricted by dirt on the sliding surfaces of the support rail or the frame element, and damage to the sliding surfaces can occur, which in the worst case can lead to a permanent disruption of movement. Another problem with existing systems is that the curtain can be damaged or even tear when extended if an external force acts upon it, for example, if a door with an insect screen is slammed shut by a gust of wind and the door handle collides with the insect screen.

[0004] Document US 2003 / 079844A1 discloses a system for guiding a flexible curtain to at least partially close an opening, comprising an upper, a lower, and a lateral frame element that define an opening; and a support strip, wherein the lateral frame element is configured to fix a first edge of a flexible curtain to one side of an opening; wherein the support strip is configured to hold a second edge of a flexible curtain; wherein an upper and a lower end of the support strip are slidably guided in the upper and lower frame elements; wherein the lower frame element has a guide area that extends along a longitudinal direction of the lower frame element; and wherein the lower end of the support strip has a sliding element to engage slidably with the guide area.

[0005] EP 2 675 965 B1 relates to a conventional insect screen device with a frame and a pull bar, wherein a fabric panel or curtain can be moved by means of the pull bar in such a way that an opening defined by the frame can be closed with the fabric panel. The frame has a lower frame profile on which the pull bar is slidably mounted with a glider. The glider is positively guided on the lower frame profile.

[0006] However, this type of curtain guide presents the problem that the curtain, when extended (i.e., when the opening is at least partially closed), can be damaged if, for example, a foreign object collides with it. Consequently, the curtain's functionality may be impaired. Furthermore, this type of guide carries the risk of easily accessible areas of the guide becoming dirty, which can lead to increased friction and therefore faster wear, or in extreme cases, a complete blockage of the guide.

[0007] The present invention therefore aims to guide a flexible curtain along an opening in order to at least partially close it. In particular, the aforementioned contamination of the guide should be largely avoided, so that as little friction as possible occurs between the moving parts of the guide system and no blockage of the guide can occur. A further objective of the present invention is to prevent damage when a foreign object strikes a support strip or a curtain attached to it, which at least partially closes an opening. Brief description of the invention

[0008] The aforementioned tasks are solved by the system according to independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] The present invention relates to a system for guiding a flexible curtain for at least partially closing an opening, for example a door or a window, preferably a door or a window of a vehicle and particularly preferably a door or a window of a camping vehicle.

[0010] The system comprises an upper, a lower, and at least one lateral frame element that define an opening, i.e., an area to be closed. A first edge of a flexible curtain is fixed to the lateral frame element. The system according to the invention further comprises a support strip designed to hold a second, opposite edge of the flexible curtain. An upper and a lower end of the support strip are slidably guided within the upper and lower frame elements, respectively. The lower frame element has a guide area and a cover area extending along a longitudinal direction of the lower frame element. This prevents dirt from entering the guide area. Furthermore, the cover area also serves as a stable threshold, for example, in the case of a door curtain.Furthermore, the aesthetics of the lower frame element can be positively influenced by appropriate design of the cover area, for example, by concealing the guide area and the elements necessary for its guidance. The lower end of the support strip has a sliding element that engages with the guide area in a slidable manner. Additionally, the sliding element can be supported against the lower frame element by glides.

[0011] There is a first gap between the lower end of the support strip and the cover area. This first gap is preferably at least 1 mm and particularly preferably at least 2 mm. Furthermore, the first gap can be at least 3 mm and, for example, between 3 mm and 5 mm.

[0012] The frame elements and the support strip are preferably made of metal or plastic, preferably aluminum. Alternatively, the frame elements and / or the support strip are preferably made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), polyurethane (PU), or a compound of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). One or more frame elements can also be an integral part of a window or door. For example, the system according to the invention can be used in motorhomes. In this case, the system according to the invention can be fitted into a door or window of a motorhome. Alternatively, one or more frame elements of the system can be an integral part of a window or door of the motorhome and, for example, be identical to one or more frame elements of the window or door.

[0013] The flexible curtain may have one or a combination of the following elements: insect screen or net, pleated blind, fabric, woven fabric, pleated insect screen, pleated blind, honeycomb blind and honeycomb insect screen.

[0014] Additionally, the system according to the invention can have a second lateral frame element that limits the opening on a second side. The second lateral frame element is preferably designed to engage with the support strip when the flexible curtain is in a fully extended state. This ensures that the flexible curtain completely closes the opening, i.e., without any gaps between the flexible curtain and the frame elements. The second frame element is particularly preferably designed to detachably fix the support strip to the second edge of the opening, such that a minimum force is required to release the engagement between the support strip and the second frame element. This prevents the support strip from unintentionally detaching from the second edge of the opening, which would result in the opening no longer being completely closed.Magnetic elements or a locking mechanism, such as tension hooks, snap hooks, ring snap connections, spring connections or combinations thereof, can be used to fix the support strip to the second frame element.

[0015] The cross-section of the lower frame element and / or the cross-section of the lower end of the support strip are preferably designed as a C-profile. The cover area of ​​the lower frame element preferably extends into the opening formed by the C-profile of the lower end of the support strip, so that the cover area conceals the guide area when viewed from above. Alternatively, the cross-section of the lower frame element and / or the cross-section of the lower end of the support strip can have any profile that allows the two elements to engage with each other, e.g., an L-profile or a U-profile into which a cranked hook engages. The lower frame element and the lower end of the support strip can have different cross-sections.

[0016] The lower end of the support strip is preferably an injection-molded part made of, for example, polyamide (PA). Alternatively, the lower end of the support strip can be made of or comprise metal, preferably aluminum or brass. Furthermore, the lower end of the support strip can have a metal bushing, preferably embedded in a plastic, particularly preferably a thermoplastic. Suitable materials for this purpose include, for example, polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (PA), or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0017] The sliding element and / or the guide area of ​​the lower frame element preferably have connecting elements for engagement with each other. These connecting elements can preferably be configured as a web or projection and / or recess and / or as a hinge and / or as elastic elements and / or as magnetic elements, configured to engage with a corresponding connecting element of the guide area of ​​the lower frame element or the sliding element. Alternatively, both the guide area of ​​the lower frame element and the sliding element can have one or more connecting elements and one or more recesses. The connecting element can be configured as a projection or web that engages in a groove of the other connecting partner. Preferably, the at least one connecting element extends vertically. Alternatively, the connecting element can be horizontal or inclined, i.e.,a combination of vertical and horizontal elements, designed to enable the sliding element to be guided along the lower frame element as required.

[0018] Preferably, the recess and / or the connecting element is formed on an underside of the sliding element that faces the top of the guide area. The advantage of such an arrangement is that the engagement of the sliding element with the lower frame element cannot unintentionally disengage due to gravity.

[0019] The sliding element preferably has a brush on a side facing the guide area to remove unwanted particles from the guide area when the sliding element is moved relative to the lower frame element. This ensures low-friction sliding of the sliding element along the lower frame element.

[0020] The lower frame element preferably has a cord section through which a cord is guided to tension the flexible curtain. Such a tensioning mechanism is common for such guide systems for flexible curtains and is described, for example, in EP 2 675 965 B1. The cord is preferably guided from the cord section of the lower frame element through the sliding element into the support rail. At least one cord tensioner can be provided in at least one frame element to tension the cord.

[0021] Preferably, the cord area is located in the cover area, preferably above the guide area. The cord area can be situated on an inner side of the lower frame element or on an outer side where the lower end of the support strip is located. Preferably, the lower end of the support strip is designed to guide the cord from the cord area into the support strip.

[0022] The lower frame element can have multiple cord areas to create complex cord systems / routes.

[0023] Preferably, the sliding element engages with the guide area in a detachable manner. In other words, the sliding element can be released from the guide area non-destructively under the influence of an external force that is not parallel to the surface to be closed. The force required to release the engagement and acting at the point of engagement is preferably between 10 and 50 N, more preferably between 20 and 40 N, and most preferably between 25 and 30 N. The force is transmitted to the engagement by an external force, causing it to release non-destructively. This external force can, for example, be an external force acting on the support strip and / or the curtain, and the amount required to release the engagement depends on the position at which it acts on the support strip or the curtain.Alternatively, a predetermined breaking point is provided on the sliding element and / or the guide area of ​​the lower end of the support strip, which is destroyed under the influence of an external force to release the engagement between the sliding element and the guide area.

[0024] Preferably, the sliding element can be brought back into engagement with the guide area by returning it to its initial state.

[0025] The present disclosure also relates to a system for guiding a flexible curtain for at least partially closing an opening. The system comprises an upper, a lower, and a lateral frame element that define an opening, which in turn defines the area to be closed. The lateral frame element is designed to fix a first edge of a flexible curtain to one side of an opening. Furthermore, the system according to the invention comprises a support strip designed to hold a second edge of a flexible curtain. An upper and a lower end of the support strip are slidably guided in the upper and lower frame elements. The lower frame element has a guide area. The lower end of the support strip has a sliding element. The guide area and the sliding element engage with each other slidably via connecting elements.At least one of the connecting elements is designed to be deformable, allowing movement of the support strip perpendicular to the surface defined by the opening. Preferably, at least one of the connecting elements is deformable non-destructively and reversibly.

[0026] Preferably, at least one of the connecting elements is multi-part, particularly preferably two-part. The multi-part connecting element preferably has at least one joint and / or a web or projection and / or an elastic element. The joint is preferably a hinge made of metal, e.g., spring steel, or of plastic, e.g., polyurethane. Alternatively, the joint or hinge can consist of several materials and include a rotatably mounted web or projection.

[0027] Preferably, the lower end of the support strip is constructed in multiple parts, allowing the sliding element to be decoupled from the remaining part of the lower end of the support strip without damage. The connection between the sliding element and the remaining part of the lower end of the support strip can be achieved, for example, via magnetic elements.

[0028] The sliding element is preferably released from the guide area non-destructively by a force acting perpendicular to the surface defined by the opening. Preferably, at least one of the connecting elements is deformed for this purpose. Particularly preferably, the web or projection of the at least one connecting element is tiltable relative to the guide area and / or the sliding element in order to allow movement of the support strip perpendicular to the surface defined by the opening.

[0029] The bridge or projection is preferably supported by an elastic element in order to return it to its original position after the force acting on it falls below a certain threshold.

[0030] Preferably, the sliding element can be brought back into engagement with the guide area by returning it to its initial state.

[0031] The system may further include a second lateral frame element that limits the opening on a second side. Preferably, the second frame element is designed to engage with the support bar when the flexible curtain is in a fully extended state.

[0032] The system may also include a flexible curtain that is attached to the support rail by at least one edge.

[0033] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a door or window, preferably a door or window for a camping vehicle such as a motorhome or caravan, which has a frame with a previously described system according to the invention. Brief description of the characters

[0034] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1: a schematic view of the system according to the invention; Fig. 2: a schematic view of the lower frame element and the lower end of the support strip according to a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention; Fig. 3: a schematic perspective view of the in Fig. 2Figure 4: a schematic view of the cord guide from the lower frame element to the lower end of the support strip according to a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention; Figure 5: a schematic view of the cord guide from the lower frame element with two cord sections to the lower end of the support strip according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6: a schematic view of the lower frame element with an internal cord section and the lower end of the support strip according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7: a schematic view of the lower frame element with a wide tread strip according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8: a schematic view of the lower frame element with a wide tread strip according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Fig. 8: a schematic view of the engagement of the sliding element in the lower frame element according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9: a schematic view of the lower frame element and the lower end of the support strip after their engagement with each other has been released by the action of an external force, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 10: a schematic view of a hinge connection. Detailed description of the invention

[0035] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the system 1 according to the invention for guiding a flexible curtain 2 to at least partially close an opening. The system according to the invention has a lower frame element 20, an upper frame element 30, and at least one first lateral frame element 40, which fixes a first edge of the flexible curtain 2 to one (here: the left) side of the opening. A second edge of the flexible curtain 2 is held by the support strip 15, the upper and lower ends of which are guided in the upper and lower frame elements 30 and 20, respectively. Alternatively, the system according to the invention can have a second lateral frame element (not shown) which, together with the other frame elements, forms a closed frame.

[0036] Fig. 2Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the lower frame element 20 and the lower end 10 of the support strip 15 according to a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention. The lower end 10 of the support strip 15 engages in a guide area 100 of the lower frame element 20 via a sliding element 12. The engagement of the sliding element 12 in the lower frame element 20 is effected by connecting elements which are Fig. 1 These are exemplified by projection 21 and recess 11. The sliding element 12 is further supported against the lower frame element by means of sliders 60.

[0037] The lower frame element 20 has a cover area 200 that extends along a longitudinal direction of the lower frame element and covers the guide area 100. Preferably, when viewed vertically from above, the guide area is completely concealed by the cover area 200. This prevents unwanted particles from entering the guide area 100 and impairing the movement of the sliding element 12 along the lower frame element 20. The cover area 200 can have one or more reinforcing struts 23 to stabilize it. This is advantageous because the cover area 200 also serves as a kick plate, particularly when the system is used in a door. For this purpose, the upper surface of the cover area 200 can also have a ribbed surface 25, as shown schematically in [Figure]. Fig. 2 This is shown to prevent slipping off the tread.

[0038] Fig. 3The figure shows in perspective how the lower end 10 of the support strip 15 engages with the lower frame element 20. The lower end 10 of the support strip 15 can be moved along the longitudinal direction of the lower frame element 20.

[0039] As in Fig. 4As can be seen schematically, the cover area 200 is continuously spaced from the lower end 10 of the support strip. The distance between the cover area 200 and the lower end can vary, as shown. Preferably, however, it should be at least 1 mm. A larger distance is preferred on the upper side of the cover area 200, since the upper side of the cover area 200, especially when the cover area 200 also serves as a threshold strip in a doorway, is particularly prone to soiling, which can impair its sliding function. A cord section 300 can also be provided within the cover area 200, through which a cord 50 is guided to tension the flexible curtain 2. The cord 50 is guided from the cord section 300 into a cord section 310 at the lower end 10 of the support strip 15.

[0040] As in Fig. 5As shown schematically, one or more cord sections 300 can be provided at different positions within the cover area 200 of the lower frame element 20. This allows for the implementation of alternative cord guidance concepts in which preferably no or very little torque is transmitted to the lower end of the support strip. The cord section 300 is particularly preferably located centrally within the cover area 200 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the opening.

[0041] An alternative arrangement of the cord area 300 is in Fig. 6 The cord area shown here is located closer to an inner side of the lower frame element 20. The cord 50 is therefore better protected from damage that can be caused, for example, by dirt entering the cover area.

[0042] The sliding element 12 can hold a brush 70 (see below). Fig. 4 and 5) to remove unwanted particles, such as dirt, from the guide area 100 during movement of the sliding element 12 relative to the lower frame element 20. The sliding surfaces of the system are thus cleaned with each movement of the sliding element 12 relative to the lower frame element 20. As shown in the Fig. 4 and 5 As can be seen, the guide area 100 of the lower frame element 20 is smaller than the guide area 100 of the lower frame element 20 in Fig. 1 This simplifies the cleaning of the guide area 100.

[0043] Fig. 7Figure 1 shows a further preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the cross-sectional profile of the lower frame element 20 is modified compared to the embodiments described above. The projection 21 is located on an additional arm 22 of the lower frame element 20. The sliders 60 are arranged on the inside of the recess 11, so that the sliding element 12 only contacts the lower frame element 20 in the area of ​​the recess 11. Further contact points for guiding the support strip along the lower frame element 20 are not necessary. Thus, the size of the guide area 100 is significantly reduced, and the guide area 100 can be more easily kept free of unwanted particles.

[0044] The cover area 200 of the lower frame element 20 can, as in Fig. 7The support strip 15, as shown, can also be wider than necessary to guide its lower end 10 along the lower frame element 20. This allows the cover area 200 to form a wider tread. Besides aesthetic reasons, this can also have a positive effect on the stability of the tread. Furthermore, it can reduce the risk of slipping when stepping on the tread.

[0045] In Fig. 8The engagement of the sliding element 12 with the lower frame element 20 is shown schematically using a particularly preferred embodiment. The connecting elements are shown here as an exemplary, pivotally mounted web or projection 21 on the lower frame element 20 and as a recess 11 on the sliding element 12. However, the arrangement can also be reversed, i.e., a pivotally mounted web or projection can be attached to the sliding element 12, while a recess can be provided on the lower frame element 20. Combinations of several webs or projections and recesses are also conceivable.

[0046] As further in Fig. 9As shown schematically, the hinged web or projection 21 can fold over under the influence of a force on the lower end 10 of the support strip 15 (in the direction of the arrow), thereby releasing the engagement of the sliding element 12 with the lower frame element 20 and enabling lateral movement (in the direction of the arrow) of the sliding element 12 or of the lower end 10 of the support strip 15 relative to the lower frame element 20.

[0047] The articulated mounting of the web or projection and / or the web or projection itself can preferably be made of plastic, such as polyurethane. Alternatively, a web or projection 21 made of aluminum can be articulated. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire web 21, including the articulated mounting, is formed as a one-piece injection-molded part, with the three joints 28 being formed by the material having a reduced wall thickness at the corresponding locations. Preferably, the wall thickness at the joints is less than 3 mm, more preferably less than 2 mm, and particularly preferably between 0.25 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0048] Instead of the joints 28 shown, film hinges or joints made of an elastic material could also be used, for example. The combination of joint and bearing could alternatively include one or more spring elements. Alternatively, a friction-based hinge connection 90 could also be used. As in Fig. 10As shown, such a hinge connection 90 can consist of a first hinge element 91, which is connected to the lower frame element 20, and a second hinge element 92, which is connected to the first hinge element 91. The engagement of the projection / web 21 with the recess 11 is achieved by a holding force resulting from the friction between the contact surfaces of the first and second hinge elements 91, 92. Under the influence of an external force whose magnitude is greater than the magnitude of the holding force, the second hinge element 92 can rotate relative to the first hinge element 91, causing the web 21 to fold over and disengage from the recess 11.

[0049] Of course, the hinged bridge or the hinge element can also be used in the other preferred embodiments shown, with the hinge variant according to Fig. 10especially good for the embodiments of Fig. 2 and 7 is suitable.

[0050] The folding movement of the web or projection 21 is preferably reversible, i.e., the sliding element 12 can be brought back into engagement with the lower frame element 20 via the recess 11 when the force is removed. The restoring force required for this can be generated by the elasticity of the material used for the hinged mounting. Alternatively, the required restoring force can be achieved by an additional elastic element at the hinged mounting of the web or projection 21.

[0051] If the lower end 10 of the support strip 15 is composed of multiple parts, the sliding element 12 can remain engaged with the web or projection 21 even under the influence of an external force. For this purpose, elements can be provided between the sliding element 12 and the remaining part of the lower end 10 of the support strip 15, enabling reversible decoupling of the sliding element 12 from the remaining part of the lower end 10, for example, magnetic elements.

[0052] The system according to the invention for guiding a flexible curtain to at least partially close an opening offers the advantage that the ingress of unwanted particles into the guide area can be prevented. This enables low-friction movement between the sliding element and the lower frame element. Furthermore, damage to the sliding surfaces of the sliding element and the lower frame element can be avoided.

[0053] The system according to the invention is characterized in that, by separating the sliding element from the lower frame element, damage to the curtain can be avoided when an unwanted external force acts on the support strip or the curtain.

Claims

1. A system (1) for guiding a flexible curtain (2) for at least partially closing an opening, said system comprising: an upper (30), a lower (20) and a lateral (40) frame element which delimit an opening; and a support strip (15), wherein the lateral frame element (40) is configured to fix a first edge of a flexible curtain (2) to one side of an opening; wherein the support strip (15) is configured to hold a second edge of a flexible curtain (2); wherein an upper and a lower end (10) of the support strip (15) are displaceably guided in the upper (30) and lower (20) frame elements; wherein the lower frame element (20) comprises a guide area (100) and a cover area (200) covering the guide area (100), which extend along a longitudinal direction of the lower frame element (20); wherein the cover area (200) serves as a step bar; wherein the lower end (10) of the support strip (15) comprises a sliding element (12) to be displaceably engaged with the guide area (100); and wherein a first distance exists between the lower end (10) of the support strip (15) and the cover area (200).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the lower frame element (20) is configured substantially in the shape of a C-profile.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-section of the lower end (10) of the support strip (15) is configured substantially in the shape of a C-profile.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the cover area (200) of the lower frame element (20) extends into the opening formed by the C-profile of the lower end (10) of the support strip (15).

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover area (200) comprises one or more reinforcement struts to stabilize the cover area (200).

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the lower end (10) of the support strip (15) is arranged above the cover area (200), and wherein a second distance exists between the lower end (10) of the support strip (15) and a top side of the cover area (200), which is greater than the first distance.

7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding element (12) and / or the guide area (100) of the lower frame element (20) comprises connecting elements which are configured to engage with a corresponding connecting element of the other, wherein the connecting elements are preferably configured as a bar / projection (21) and / or as a recess (11), and wherein at least one of the connecting elements is preferably structured in a multi-part manner, preferably in a two-part manner.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the connecting element is formed on the bottom side of the sliding element (12).

9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding element (12) has a brush on the side facing the guide area (100) to remove unwanted particles from the guide area (100) when the sliding element (12) is moved relative to the lower frame element (20).

10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower frame element (20) comprises a cord area (300) through which a cord (50) is guided to stretch the flexible curtain, wherein the cord area (300) is preferably arranged above the guide area (100).

11. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding element (12) is detachably engaged with the guide area (100).

12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a second lateral frame element that delimits the opening on a second side and is preferably configured to be engaged with the support strip when the flexible curtain is in a fully stretched state.

13. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a flexible curtain, wherein an edge of the curtain is attached to the support strip.

14. A door or a window, preferably a door or a window for a recreational vehicle, wherein the door or the window comprises a frame comprising the system according to any one of the preceding claims.