Transparent roller shutter

Abstract

A transparent roller shutter (1) comprising an apron that can be wound about a horizontal shaft or drum positioned above said apron, comprising a plurality of transparent horizontal slats hinged together by means of hinge devices (9), the opposing vertical edges of said hinged apron moving in lateral guides or slides, characterised in that each of said slats has a transverse profile curved in shape of which the concavity faces towards the shaft or winding drum when the apron is wound onto said shaft or drum, and in that each slat of the plurality of horizontal slats consists of two or more than two modules or portions of slats that are abutting and are assembled by engagement of the ends of same.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a rolling shutter, in particular a transparent rolling shutter. More specifically, it relates to a rolling shutter of the type comprising an apron composed of horizontal slats articulated together and which rolls up onto an upper horizontal shaft or drum, the edges of this articulated apron moving in lateral guides or slides.

[0002] Such rolling shutters are generally required to be shaped and arranged to constitute rolling shutters or similar closures, or partition walls, or portions of walls, or complete walls of certain premises.

[0003] Such curtains allow the view and passage of light from the inside to the outside and / or from the outside to the inside, even when the transparent roller curtain is in the lowered position.

[0004] This type of transparent roller shutter can be applied: To the creation of secure closures for the entrances of certain premises such as garages, shops, etc.; in this application, such rolling shutters allow passers-by to see the products on display, even when the shutter is lowered, while ensuring security against theft and vandalism; To the installation of retractable transparent walls allowing the transformation of certain covered spaces such as terraces of individual houses, pool houses, swimming pool shelters, terraces of various businesses, brasseries, restaurants, etc., in winter lounges, games or reception rooms, allowing the occupation of these spaces in the cold season or whatever the atmospheric conditions; To the installation of retractable partitions in certain workplaces such as workshops, offices, reception counters in hotels or hospitals; To the creation of retractable partitions in places with chemical, thermal, acoustic or biological risks (laboratories, nuclear power plants, etc.) or in places with high traffic (airports, stations, etc.); To the installation of retractable partitions in homes or other premises located in areas exposed to cyclones and / or hurricanes by allowing the openings to be closed and secured without obscuring the view.

[0005] Document FR-2.945.313 describes a transparent safety curtain composed of a plurality of flat horizontal transparent slats, connected together in an articulated manner. Each flat slat is formed of a plurality of modules joined together. It is, in addition, connected, in an articulated manner, to the one immediately above or below it by means of two different complementary joining profiles fitted to the neighboring edges of two adjacent slats and engaged one into the other. Finally, a breakable locking end piece is positioned at the end of each plate to stabilize the system.

[0006] The transparent safety curtain described in document FR-2.945.313 has the following disadvantages: Noisy operation during lowering or raising operations; the need for two different junction profiles to achieve the articulated connection of the slats increases production costs and the difficulty of installation; the flat slats of which it is composed cause the curtain to roll up in an irregular shape and a large volume and, therefore, require a very bulky box to house the rolled-up curtain; the slats are made up of butted modules and are assembled together by superimposing their ends, which creates the formation of a large number of opaque areas which are unattractive and reduce visibility.

[0007] Document FR-2.941.989 describes a roller shutter slat comprising a solid core, made of a transparent or translucent material, covered on a part of each of its two faces, by a coating made of an opaque material, this coating being placed on the rear face and on the front face of said core, such that an incident light ray cannot pass through said slat from one side to the other without being stopped by at least one of the two coatings. Said slat has a generally curved cross-section without any details being provided on the benefit of this arrangement.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention described in this document, the roller shutter slat has a curved external surface and according to a preferred embodiment, the two surfaces of the core are concave. It is intended to vary the shape of the slat and in particular the shape of the core depending on the quantity of light that the person skilled in the art wishes to see transmitted through said slat. This is the only function assigned to this Shape.

[0009] Document FR-2.643.938 describes a transparent security roller shutter consisting of a plurality of horizontal flat slats hinged together by means of hinges. According to one embodiment, the apron of this roller shutter can be rolled up on a drum. In this case too, the winding obtained is irregular and requires a very bulky box to house the rolled up curtain. In addition, the means of joining the slats hinged together seriously complicate the replacement of one or more of them if necessary.

[0010] In document EP-0.354.987, a transparent roller shutter is described, consisting of separate roller shutter slats, connected to each other in a tensile-resistant manner, made of transparent plastic, which can be wound on a winding shaft and connected to each other with the interposition of curved coupling profiles, the latter being provided on their longitudinal edges with grooves for receiving the stop heads which the horizontal edges of the roller shutter slats have. Said heads can be inserted into the receiving grooves of the coupling profiles and held there with the possibility of pivoting.

[0011] The major drawback of this shutter is the complexity of its design, as it involves the use of several slats of different heights which must then be assembled in a strict order to obtain a polygonal-shaped winding.

[0012] Document WO-2009 / 035701 describes a transparent roller shutter consisting of flat slats of decreasing height, from top to bottom. This roller shutter therefore has the same drawback as the device disclosed in document EP-0.354.987.

[0013] GB-2.120.306 describes a rolling protection grid formed from a series of transparent blades executed in one piece and extending horizontally and metal rods pivotally connected to each other by means of preferably circular ribs extending along the upper and lower edges of each blade, which are received inside sockets formed in the metal of the rods.

[0014] The main disadvantage of single-piece slats is that they have low impact resistance, making the transparent curtain very fragile. In addition, the manufacturing, transport and assembly process for such slats, which are generally very long (around 2 to 7 meters), is complex and expensive.

[0015] It is also known, particularly when the articulated slats constituting the apron of the rolling shutters are of a relatively long length, to produce each of these slats in two or more than two modules or parts of butted slats.

[0016] For example, document EP-0.445.064 describes a safety grille comprising several parallel rows of profiles, between each profile there is a plurality of elements made of transparent plastic material, and preferably polycarbonate, these elements being separated by intermediate reinforcing elements made for example of aluminum. In this embodiment of the grille comprising a plurality of polycarbonate elements, the reinforcing elements being made of aluminum, they are therefore opaque which alters the transparency of the grille, in particular in the embodiment where the aluminum elements have the same dimension as the polycarbonate elements.

[0017] To overcome this problem of lack of transparency due to the presence of opaque reinforcing elements, a second embodiment is proposed in which the transparent elements have the same length as the parallel profiles. However, as already explained for document GB-2.120.306, this embodiment in which the transparent modules are made in one piece has low impact resistance, making the transparent curtain very fragile.

[0018] Document FR-2.955.885 describes a roller shutter element consisting of an assembly of rows of modules where each module is generally rectangular in shape and the long sides of which are parallel to the winding axis of said shutter and where the modules of the same row are connected to each other using a bar or tube of circular section passing through hinges with which said long sides are provided.

[0019] According to this document, two adjacent modules are joined at their short sides and one of the short sides of a module has a lip that overlaps the short side of the adjacent module.

[0020] An embodiment of this type is also described in document FR-2.945.313, according to which the abutting ends of the blade parts or modules are assembled with a simple overlap or assembled by hooking.

[0021] According to such a joining method, the ends assembled with a simple overlap or by hooking are complex and not very compatible with a transparent curtain since they create excess thickness and vertical areas of non-transparency preventing perfect visibility and forming unsightly darkened surfaces and which also have the disadvantage of not providing complete airtightness to air, water, heat and cold.

[0022] US-6,263,943 describes a modular roller shutter for shop doors and windows, consisting of a plurality of rows of slats. Each slat is connected by means of loops to a lower slat and an upper slat, allowing limited movement of the slats and loops so that the modular roller shutter can be rolled up and unrolled. Each slat may consist of a plurality of slats having reinforcements at their ends. In order to connect adjacent slats, each reinforcement is provided with a coupler, the adjacent couplers having complementary coupling shapes allowing the interconnection of two adjacent slats.

[0023] However, these reinforcements create excess thickness and vertical areas of non-transparency preventing perfect visibility and forming unsightly darkened surfaces. In addition, the proposed couplers allowing rigid locking of the slats are complex, for example dovetail, or cylindrical recesses capable of cooperating with an insert, thus making manufacturing and assembly complex and expensive.

[0024] It is also known to prevent lateral movement of the blades in the grooves of the assembly and articulation profiles, by means of locking plugs or end caps of various designs, located at the ends of said profiles. Systems using such locking end caps are generally complex and difficult to use.

[0025] The present invention aims in particular to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0026] This object is achieved by means of a rolling shutter according to claim 1, in particular a transparent rolling shutter, of the type comprising a roll-up apron comprising a plurality of horizontal slats hinged together, by means of junction profiles, said apron rolling onto an upper horizontal shaft or drum and its lateral edges are mounted with a capacity for movement in vertical slides or guides, this transparent rolling shutter being particularly remarkable in that each of said slats has a transverse profile of curved or curved shape, allowing the apron to be rolled around the winding shaft or drum and essentially taking up the shape of said shaft or drum, the concavity of the slats being turned towards the winding shaft or drum when said apron is rolled onto the latter,and in that each blade of the plurality of horizontal blades is made up of two or more modules or parts of blades butted together and assembled by interlocking their ends.,

[0027] Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to roll up the apron in a small box, the resulting roll-up having a regular cylindrical shape.

[0028] For example, the invention makes it possible to house the winding of a roller shutter more than three meters high, around an axis with a diameter of 133 mm, in a box with a diameter of 300 mm.

[0029] According to the invention, the abutting ends are provided respectively with a groove and a rib extending over the entire height of said abutting ends of the modules, said groove being nested in said rib.

[0030] According to the invention, the groove and the rib have a complementary triangular profile.

[0031] This method of assembly has the advantage of not creating any excess thickness or alteration of visibility in the connection areas, and of ensuring excellent airtightness to air, water, heat and cold.

[0032] In a manner known per se, the slats are assembled together by means of joining and articulation profiles whose opposite longitudinal edges comprise parallel grooves in which the opposite edges of said slats are engaged, for example by sliding, and, according to an advantageous embodiment, these joining and articulation profiles have a curved transverse profile whose concavity is turned towards the winding shaft or drum when said apron is wound on said shaft or drum.

[0033] According to an interesting embodiment, the transparent rolling shutter is provided laterally with locking end pieces in order to prevent any lateral sliding or tearing of the slats and, according to a characteristic arrangement of the invention, these locking end pieces have a curved transverse profile whose concavity is turned towards the winding shaft or drum when said apron is wound on said shaft or drum.

[0034] According to a characteristic arrangement of the invention, these locking end pieces comprise a closing body applied against the ends of the joining profile, so as to close the entrance to the articulation grooves provided in said joining profile. This body is fixed by screwing by means of at least one screw and preferably, by means of two screws screwing into cavities provided in the partition separating said grooves.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the internal face of said locking end pieces has excess thicknesses engaged in the entrance of the articulation grooves of the joining profiles, these excess thicknesses being shaped and dimensioned so that they can be fitted without significant play in said entrances.

[0036] The locking tips according to the invention make it easier to hold the blades in position and to remove them if necessary, which allows significant time savings.

[0037] In another interesting characteristic arrangement, the locking tips have an upper fin or cap.

[0038] According to another characteristic arrangement, the body of the locking end pieces comprises, on its external face, partly projecting lateral wings ensuring that the apron is held in the guide rails, thus preventing it from coming unhinged against tearing forces, for example in the event of strong winds generating such forces.

[0039] According to another advantageous embodiment, the rolling shutter according to the invention also comprises at least one ring, and preferably a plurality of rings, intended to be positioned on the winding shaft and comprising a fin surmounting a portion of the ring and arranged at a distance from the external face of said ring, so that in the situation of assembly of the curtain, the fins of the rings cover the first junction profile in order to avoid the friction of the slats against each other when the curtain is wound and therefore the deterioration of the latter by the appearance of unsightly scratches on the transparent slats thus altering the visibility through said shutter and which would lead to fragility of said rolling shutter.

[0040] The device according to the invention provides several interesting advantages. In particular: the curved shape of the slats allows the apron to be wound around the winding shaft or drum having a regular cylindrical shape so that it is possible to wind the apron in a box of reduced size; the slats being made up of a plurality of modules have better resistance in comparison with a slat made up of a single piece; the modules being assembled directly by fitting their ends, without an intermediate opaque element, allows good transparency of the curtain to be maintained; the ring arranged on the winding shaft and the upper fins of the locking end caps make it possible to prevent the formation of scratches on the slats making up the roller shutter and therefore to ensure the durability of the latter.

[0041] The above and other objects, features and advantages will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings in which: There figure 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a transparent rolling shutter to the production of which the invention can be applied. The figure 2 is a larger-scale partial front view of the figure 1 . There figure 3 is a partial exploded front view of an exemplary embodiment of the transparent rolling shutter according to the invention. The figure 4 is a sectional view along line 4-4 of the figure 1 . There figure 5 is a side view of a transparent slide. The figure 6 is a similar view showing the articulated assembly of a blade disposed between an upper blade and a lower blade. The figure 7 is a front view illustrating a portion of a blade made up of two butted modules. The figure 8 a larger-scale sectional view along line 8-8 of the figure 7 . There figure 9 is a side view of a blade module. The figure 10 is a larger scale and sectional view along line 10-10 of the figure 9 . THE figures 11 et 12 are detail views illustrating, on a larger scale, details B and C respectively, of the figure 10 . There figure 13 is a view, on a larger scale, showing the joining of two juxtaposed modules. The figure 14 is a partial perspective view of the junction and articulation profiles. The figure 15 is a front view of one end of this junction profile. The figure 16 is an enlarged sectional view along line 16-16 of the figure 15 . There figure 17 is an enlarged profile view of a soundproofing seal housed in the grooves of the junction profiles. The figure 18 is a partial perspective view of a blade whose upper and lower edges are inserted into joining profiles according to the invention. The figure 19 is a perspective view of a first example of the embodiment of a locking end piece. The figure 20 is a perspective view of a second example of the embodiment of the locking end piece. The figure 21 is a partial perspective view illustrating the sliding assembly of this second example of the embodiment of a locking end piece in one of the guide rails of the rolling shutter. The figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the final slat of the rolling shutter according to the invention. The figures 23A, 23A', 23B, 23B' et 23C, 23C' are detailed exploded perspective views showing the attachment of the two embodiments of the locking end piece. The figure 24 is a perspective view of the winding ring according to the invention. The figures 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D et 25E are schematic views illustrating the steps of mounting the winding ring and the transparent roller shutter on the winding shaft. The figure 26 is a partially exploded perspective view of the roller shutter according to the invention. The figure 27 is a perspective view showing the roller shutter mounted on the winding shaft provided with a plurality of winding rings. The figure 28 illustrates the start of rolling up the roller shutter, The figure 29 is a detail view of the figure 28 showing the supporting action of the fin with which the ring is provided. The figure 30 is a cross-sectional view showing the transparent curtain according to the invention in the rolling-up position.

[0042] Reference is made to said drawings to describe interesting, although non-limiting, embodiments of the transparent rolling shutter according to the invention.

[0043] The transparent rolling curtain 1 to which the invention applies is of the type composed of a roll-up apron 2 comprising a plurality of transparent horizontal slats 3 articulated together by means of articulation devices 9. This apron rolls up on a horizontal shaft or drum 4, placed above said apron. The opposite vertical edges of this articulated apron move in lateral guides or slides 5.

[0044] The winding shaft or drum 4 is housed in a box 6 placed above the apron. This box nor the means for driving the winding shaft or drum in rotation are described, such devices, motorized or not, being well known to those skilled in the art and not falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0045] According to a first characteristic of the invention, each of said blades has a transverse profile of curved or rounded shape whose concavity 7 is turned towards the winding shaft or drum 4, when the apron 2 is wound on the winding shaft or drum ( figure 30 ).

[0046] The opposite longitudinal edges of the blades 3 are provided with assembly rods and articulations 12 of circular section. These circular profile rods 12 are connected to the respective longitudinal edges of the plates by means of a low bar 13. These rods 12 and the joining bars 13 which constitute the upper and lower edges of the blades, are made in a single piece with the blades 3 or the modules 3A, 3B, 3C..., composing these blades, during the production by injection of said blades and / or modules.

[0047] The lower part 1A of the apron 2 is made up of a blade 8 different from the others, called the “final” blade, which can have a flat transverse profile and a height greater than that of the blades 3. As shown in figure 22 , the lower edge of the final blade is provided with a flange 27 made of a material having an elastic deformation capacity, for example, rubber or a synthetic elastomer. This flange 27 is intended to absorb shocks when the curtain is lowered and / or to ensure sealing when said curtain is in the lowered position.

[0048] The blades 3 can be made of any material having the desired rigidity, strength and transparency. They can, for example, be made of polycarbonate by a suitable injection process known to those skilled in the art. Advantageously, they can be made of polycarbonate marketed under the registered trademarks “Lexan” or “Makrolon” ​​which, in addition to remarkable optical quality, offer good qualities of rigidity and mechanical strength. An anti-UV treatment can be applied in a manner known per se, by incorporation into the material constituting the plates prior to the injection process. This treatment makes it possible to avoid the application of an anti-UV varnish after production of the plates as is usually the case.

[0049] The slats 3 may have a relatively high height, for example of the order of 85 mm, much higher than that of traditional transparent roller shutter slats. They may have a thickness of the order of 4 mm, giving them great strength while allowing a certain flexion capacity and shape memory thanks to which the transparent roller shutter according to the invention has good resistance to impacts and attempted break-ins. Said slats may be covered with a varnish for optimum resistance to friction and scratches.

[0050] They can have excellent transparency qualities or be slightly tinted or not, or translucent, or opaque, or glittery.

[0051] The blades 3 are made up of several modules or parts 3A, 3B, 3C..., joined together.

[0052] The final lower blade 8 may be made of aluminum by any suitable extrusion process.

[0053] The horizontal slats made up of several modules or parts of slats 3A, 3B, 3C..., joined together, can have lengths greater than 6 meters, and allow the creation of rolling shutters of substantially identical lengths.

[0054] According to another characteristic of the invention, the blades 3 are connected to each other by means of a joining and articulation profile 9. Preferably, these joining profiles are made of a material having the desirable rigidity and robustness, for example, extruded aluminum.

[0055] These profiles 9 have an approximately rectangular and slightly curved or arched transverse profile whose concavity 10 is turned towards the winding shaft or drum when said apron 2 is wound on said shaft or drum ( figure 30 ).

[0056] These junction profiles 9 are made in a single piece, with a length corresponding to the length of the blades made up of several butted modules. They comprise two opposite longitudinal grooves 11A and 11B, extending along their edges, over their entire length. These grooves 11A and 11B have a generally circular profile and are open towards the outside.

[0057] This opening, constituted by a longitudinal slot 23, has a width less than the diameter of the assembly rods or strips 12 of the blades 3, so that said rods constituting the upper and lower edges of the blades can be introduced by sliding into the grooves 11A and / or 11B of the joining profiles 9 and are then held in said grooves, with a pivoting ability, by the retracting edges 23A, 23B delimiting said slot 23.

[0058] During the pivoting movements of the blades 3 relative to the junction and articulation profiles 9, the junction bar 13 abuts against one or other of the edges 23A and 23B of the slot 23, which limits the amplitude of the pivoting of said blades.

[0059] On the other hand, along these upper and lower longitudinal edges, the blades 3 or the parts of blades 3A, 3B, 3C..., properly speaking, have a step 13' projecting from the convex surface of said blades 3 or parts of blades 3A, 3B, 3C..., these longitudinal steps 13' thus constitute stops limiting the pivoting of the latter relative to the junction profiles 9.

[0060] Advantageously and preferably, a C-shaped soundproofing seal 14, for example made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is housed in the grooves 11A and 11B. This seal, interposed between the groove 23 and the rod 12, ensures perfectly silent operation during the opening or closing maneuvers of the rolling shutter.

[0061] According to another characteristic arrangement of the invention, the butted modules or parts of blades 3A, 3B, 3C... are assembled by interlocking.

[0062] Preferably, the opposite abutting ends of the modules are provided respectively with a groove 16 and a rib 17 extending over the entire height of said abutting ends. Preferably, the groove 16 and the rib 17 have a triangular profile. More precisely, the groove 16 has a V-shaped profile, while the rib 17 has a beveled profile fitting exactly into said groove.

[0063] In this way, when the contiguous ends of two modules 3A, 38, 3C,..., are joined, the ribs 17 are exactly nested in the grooves 16.

[0064] The blades 3 are held in the junction and articulation profiles 9 by means of locking end pieces 15 preventing any lateral sliding of said blades relative to said profiles.

[0065] According to a characteristic arrangement of the invention, these locking end pieces 15 comprise a closing body 18 applied against the ends 9A and 9B of the joining profiles 9 so as to close the entrance to the articulation grooves 11A and 11B formed in said joining profiles. This body is fixed against the end 9A or 9B of the joining profiles 9, by screwing by means of at least one screw 19 and, preferably, by means of two self-drilling screws screwing into the holes 29 that said end piece has and into cavities 20 formed in the partition 21 separating said grooves 11A or 11B, parallel to the latter. These locking end pieces have an approximately rectangular and slightly curved transverse profile, the concavity 28 of which is turned towards the drive shaft or drum 4, when the apron 2 is wound onto said winding shaft or drum.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, the internal face of the locking end pieces has extra thicknesses or bosses 22 engaged in the entrance of the articulation grooves 11A and 11B of the joining profiles 9. These bosses 22 of generally cylindrical shape are shaped and dimensioned so that they can be fitted without significant play in said entrances. They make it possible to hold the locking end pieces 15 on the ends of the joining profiles 9 before fixing the latter by means of self-drilling screws 19.

[0067] Preferably, the locking end pieces have an upper fin or cap 30 constituting a support for the transparent shutter when the windings are superimposed so as to prevent the slats from rubbing against each other when the curtain is wound and therefore the deterioration of the latter by the appearance of unsightly scratches on the transparent slats, thus altering visibility through said shutter and which would cause said roller shutter to become fragile.

[0068] The locking tips 15 are, for example, made of PVC or any other suitable material.

[0069] The upper part 1B of the apron 2 is constituted by a first blade 34 similar to the blades 3. The upper edge of the first blade is provided with at least one, and preferably several fixing plates 35 having a hole 36 for the passage of a fixing screw 37.

[0070] Advantageously, the rolling shutter according to the invention also comprises at least one ring 31, intended to be placed on the winding shaft 4. This ring is made up of a ring of a diameter identical, or approximately identical to that of the winding shaft or drum 4, comprising a slot 33 allowing its opening and its deformation by spreading the edges of said slot ( figure 25A ).

[0071] This ring is also provided with a fin 32 surmounting a portion of the ring 31 and arranged at a distance from the external face of said ring, so that when the curtain is being mounted, the fins (32) of the rings (31) cover the first junction profile (9) in order to prevent the slats from rubbing against each other when the curtain is being wound and therefore the deterioration of the latter by the appearance of unsightly scratches on the transparent slats, thus impairing visibility through said shutter and which would lead to fragility of said roller shutter.

[0072] Preferably, several rings 31 are arranged on the winding shaft 4 so as to coincide with the intersection between two adjacent modules 3A, 3B, 3C, ....

[0073] Thus, when fixing the apron 2 of the roller shutter on the horizontal winding shaft or drum 4 ( figures 25A à 25E), the ends of the rings are spread apart so as to place them around the winding drum, the apron of the rolling shutter is then placed on the winding drum and the rings are pivoted around the axis of the drum 4 so that the fin 32 of each ring 31 covers the first profile 9, the shutter is then fixed on the winding drum by screwing the screw 37 into the hole 36 of the fixing plates 35, on either side of said rings 31. This screwing action has in particular the effect of locking the rings 31 on the drum 4.

[0074] These winding rings are for example made of PVC or any other suitable elastic material allowing their deformation by spacing when they are placed on the winding shaft or drum 4 and the automatic resumption of their circular shape once arranged around said winding shaft.

[0075] The lateral ends of the aprons produced according to the invention and comprising the above characteristics are mounted with a sliding ability in the guide rails or vertical slides 5 constituted by robust profiles made for example of extruded aluminum or steel, in a manner known per se.

[0076] The vertical guide slides have a general U-shaped profile, the open side of which defines a longitudinal opening 24, extending over the entire height of said guide slides. A vertical guide corridor 25 is provided between the front 5a and rear 5b re-entrant wings of the slides 5 and the ends of the blades 3 and 8 and of the profiles 9 move in said vertical corridor.

[0077] The entrance to the vertical passages 25 in which the ends of the blades 3 and 8 and the joining profiles 9 move is delimited by retracting wings extending over the entire height of the guide slides 5 and, according to another characteristic arrangement, at least certain blocking end pieces 15' are shaped to resist any tearing force resulting, for example, from very strong winds or attempted break-ins. For example, these blocking end pieces 15' are provided with lateral wings or projecting parts 26, of a width greater than the width of the entrance to the guide passage. In the event of forces tending to unhinge the apron, the projecting parts of the end pieces 15' come into abutment against the opposite retracting wings 5a and 5b delimiting the vertical entrance opening of the guide passages.This device prevents the blades from being torn off in very bad weather conditions by ensuring better support for the apron in the guide rails.

Claims

1. Transparent roller shutter (1) of the type consisting of an apron that can be rolled up (2) around a horizontal shaft or drum (4) placed above the said apron, consisting of a number of transparent horizontal slats (3) articulated between each other by means of articulation devices (9), the opposite vertical edges of the said articulated apron moving within lateral tracks or slides (5), each slat (3) of the plurality of horizontal slats consists of two or more modules or abutted parts of blades (3A, 3B, 3C etc.) that are assembled through nesting at each end, the abutment ends of the said modules are fitted respectively with a groove (16) and a flange (17) extending across the full height of the said abutment ends of the modules, characterised in that each of the said slats presents with a transversal profile of curved shape the concave side being turned towards the roller shaft or drum (4) when the apron (2) is rolled around the said shaft or drum, and in that the groove (16) and the flange (17) present with an additional triangular profile so that this assemblage does not create additional thickness in the connecting zones of the said modules.

2. Transparent roller shutter according to Claim 1, characterised by the fact that the opposite longitudinal edges the slats (3) are fitted with assembly and articulation rods (12), that are circular in section, linked to the said longitudinal edges by a small, short bar (13) and by the fact that the said blades are assembled together by means of junction and articulation profiles (9) whose edges contain open longitudinal channels (11A, 11B) extending the whole length of the said profiles, consisting of an upper channel (11A) and a lower channel (11B) of circular profile in which are lodged and maintained in place the rods (12) that are circular in shape of two adjacent slats that are introduced by sliding them along the said channels, the said junction and articulation profiles (9) presenting with a curved transversal profile, the concave side (10) of which faces the roller shaft or drum when the said apron is rolled up around the said shaft or drum.

3. Transparent roller shutter according to Claim 2, characterised by the fact that the longitudinal channels (11A, 11B) of the joinder profiles present with retracting edges (23A, 23B) delimiting the openings of the said channels.

4. Transparent roller shutter according to Claims 2 and 3, characterised by the fact that a C-shaped sound-proofing joint (14) is lodged in the channels (11A, 11B).

5. Transparent roller shutter according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised by the fact that the said slats (3) of the transparent roller shutter (1) are made of polycarbonate by means of an injection-moulding process.

6. Transparent roller shutter according to Claim 5, characterised by the fact that the said slats (3) of the transparent roller shutter are made of polycarbonate of the "Lexan" or "Makrolon" type (registered trademarks).

7. Transparent roller shutter according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised by the fact that the junction and articulation profiles (9) are made of extruded aluminium.

8. Transparent roller shutter according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised by the fact that the end slat (8) presents with a flat transverse profile and a height greater than that of the slats (3), the said end slat (8) being made of aluminium.

9. Transparent roller shutter according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the slats (3) are held in place in the junction and articulation profiles (9) by means of locking caps (15) characterised by the fact that the blocking caps (15) consist of a shutter body (18) applied to each end (9A, 9B) of the junction profile (9) in such a way as to block entry to the articulation channels (11A, 11B) arranged in the said junction profile, the said body being fixed against the end (9A or 9B) of the junction profiles (9) by screwing in place with at least one screw (19) and preferably by means of two self-drilling screws, screwed into, on one side, the holes (29) in the locking caps (15) and, on the other side, in the cavities (20) in the partition (21) separating the said channels (11A or 11B) and parallel to them.

10. Transparent roller shutter according to Claim 9, characterised by the fact that the inner surface of the blocking tips have additional thicknesses (22) engaged at the entries to the articulation channels (11A, 11B), making it possible to hold the said tips against the ends of the junction profiles before they are screwed into the said tips.

11. Transparent roller shutter according to one of Claims 9 and 10, characterised by the fact that the blocking tips have an upper fin or flange (30).

12. Transparent roller shutter according to any one of Claims 1 to 11 according to which the entrance to the vertical corridors (25) through which the edges of the slats (3 and 8) and the junction profiles (9) move is delimited by retracting fins extending the whole height of the guide slides (5) and, in that at least some of the blocking tips (15') are designed to resist any force that attempts to tear them out resulting, for example, from very high winds or attempts to break in, these blocking tips (15') are fitted with side fins or projecting parts (26) that are wider than the width of the entry to the guide corridor so that when forces attempt to dislodge the apron, the parts extending beyond the tips (15') will abut against the facing retractable fins (5a and 5b) delimiting the vertical opening at the entrance to the guide corridors.

13. Transparent roller shutter according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterised by the fact that it contains at least one ring (31), and preferably several rings (31) designed to be position on the roller shaft and consisting of a fin (32) over part of the ring (31) and placed at a distance from the external surface of the said ring, so that when the curtain is being installed, the fins (32) on the rings (31) will top the first junction profile {9) in order to prevent the slats rubbing against each other when the curtain is rolled up and the consequent deterioration of the slats through the appearance of unsightly scratches on the transparent slats, altering visibility through the said shutter and causing it to become less robust.

Images