Connector for tiltable venetian blind strips

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connecting element (1, 1') adapted for connecting Venetian blind cords (3, 3') to drive cords (6, 6'), comprising a connecting head (20), a connecting slot (30), and a cord attachment means (40). The connecting element includes a lateral face split at its connecting slot, into which the cord can be inserted edgewise. The invention further covers a mounting method and a Venetian blind in which the cord is attached to the connecting element edgewise.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection element for securing the cords of the adjustable slats of Venetian blinds to their drive device. State of the art

[0002] Venetian blinds, also known as adjustable slat blinds, have cords attached to the front and rear edges of the slats that allow them to be tilted using a drive device, usually located at the top of the Venetian blind. When assembling or installing the blinds, the cords must be combined with the cords of the drive device. A connecting element, often referred to as a "shoe," allows for this connection of the cords and their respective cords.

[0003] Document CH710907 describes an example of such a connecting element, comprising a part intended to be fixed on the cord and another part suitable for clamping a cord. This second part is a tubular structure into which the cord is inserted by its end. This implies that the end of the cord is free. This also limits the automation of the assembly process, which remains largely manual.

[0004] Document CH714223 describes another example of a shoe comprising a base, intended to be fixed on the cords, and a tightening element combined with the cord. The base and the tightening element are two separate parts which must then be matched to make the connection of the cords with their respective cords effective. Although the device described in this document allows at least partial automation of the assembly, it requires the use of several separate parts and a step of matching these parts.

[0005] Existing clogs are also generally adapted to a given width of cords, which requires the production and storage of several types of clogs. It therefore appears advantageous to be able to limit the diversity of clogs and / or their dimensions.

[0006] Venetian blinds have multiple cords. Assembling the cords and their shoe is therefore a significant time and expense. Existing connection elements and processes can therefore be improved to minimize costs and production times. Brief summary of the invention

[0007] An aim of the present invention is to provide a connection element free from the limitations mentioned above. In particular, an aim of the present invention is to provide a connection element suitable for easy and automatable assembly. Another aim of the present invention is to limit the number of parts required for connecting the cords and their drive cord to a single part or a set of fully integrated parts. An additional aim is to provide a connection element easily adaptable to several types of cords, and which is in particular not limited by the width of the cords.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a Venetian blind whose cords, allowing the slats to be tilted, can be easily connected to the drive cords and / or adjusted. An additional object is to provide a Venetian blind equipped with elements for connecting the tilt cords to their drive cords, one edge of which remains free.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to propose a method for mounting the tilting cords of the slats of Venetian blinds, with a connection element, which is fully automated.

[0010] According to the invention, these aims are achieved in particular by means of the connecting element, the associated method and the corresponding blind, as claimed in the independent claims and detailed in the claims dependent thereon. In particular, the connecting element according to the present invention consists of a single part, or of a set of fully integrated parts. The connecting element comprises a lateral slot allowing a flat cord to be inserted on one of its edges and leaving the other free.

[0011] This solution has the particular advantage over the prior art of allowing automation of the assembly process. It has the additional advantage of allowing the connection element to be paired with cords of any width. Other advantages will become apparent in the detailed description of the invention below. Brief description of the figures

[0012] Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which: Figure 1 : representation of a portion of a slatted blind in perspective with a connection element according to the present description Figure 2 : Representation of a connecting element according to this description with the cords and the slat tilting system Figure 3 : details of the connection element according to this description. Figure 4 : schematic representation of the assembly process Example(s) of embodiment of the invention

[0013] A blind with adjustable slats S according to the present description comprises several lamellae S1, S2, S3 ... Sn , superimposed, each of the slats comprising a pivot P1, P2, P3..Pn at each of its ends ( figure 1 ). The pivots P1, P2, P3..Pn are suitable for holding the slats S1, S2, S3...Sn,in lateral slides fixed on the frame of the openings (not shown) while allowing them to pivot along their longitudinal axis A. The slats S1, S2, S3...Sn, can be raised or lowered by means of traction belts 2 attached to a lower crossbar (not shown) on which they can be stacked when the blind is opened. The slats S1, S2, S3...Sn, have a space suitable for the passage of such tractor belts 2 so as to remain independent of them. Cords 3, 3' are fixed on the opposite longitudinal edges of each of the slats S1, S2, S3...Sn, so that they can be rotated on their respective pivots P1, P2, P3..Pn according to their longitudinal axis of rotation A or pivot axis, in one direction or the other. A lamella S1 has a posterior edge BP1 and a front edge BF1,each corresponding to the two opposite longitudinal edges of the slat. Each of the slats Sn has a posterior edge BPn and a front edge BFn. At least one first cord 3 is fixed on all front edges BFn slats Sn. At least one second cord 3' is fixed on all the posterior edges BPn slats Sn. Preferably several first cords 3 are fixed on the front edges BFn and several second cords 3' are fixed on the posterior edges BPn. They can be arranged opposite each other, for example. They can be arranged opposite the tractor belts. 2 used to open and close the slatted blind S. The number and arrangement of the cords 3, 3' is of little importance for the purposes of this description. Generally two cords3 are arranged on the front edges BFn and two cords 3' are arranged on the posterior edges BPn.

[0014] The cords 3, 3' are flat in shape, that is to say they have a thickness less than their width. They have loops on their edge at regular intervals allowing them to be secured to each of the slats S1, S2, S3...Sn. The edge of the cords with the loops is oriented towards the strips to which they are attached.

[0015] There figure 2 shows an example of a training device 5 allowing the slats to be tilted S1, S2, S3...Sn along their longitudinal axis A, so as to modulate their shading effect. It is understood that when the slats S1, S2, S3...Snare arranged horizontally, they let in a maximum amount of light. When, on the contrary, they are inclined to their maximum in relation to a horizontal plane, they block out the light as much as possible. The drive device 5 comprises, according to this example, a drive axis (not shown) oriented parallel to the pivot axis A of the slats. Cords 6, 6' in connection with this drive axis are arranged in pairs on either side of the drive axis of the drive device 5 so as to be reciprocally driven upwards or downwards upon rotation of the drive shaft. In other words, one cord 6 of a pair of cords 6, 6' is lowered when the other cord 6' of this same pair is pulled upwards and vice versa. Each of the cords 6, 6' has at its end, or near its end, a hanging device 61.The hanging device 61 is usually a ball but it can take the form of any element having a transverse dimension greater than the diameter of the corresponding cord. It can be in the form of a transverse axis for this purpose. Several pairs of cords 6, 6' are arranged along the drive axis. The number of cords 6, 6' corresponds to the number of cords 3, 3'.

[0016] The drive device 5 can be moved manually, for example by means of a crank. The drive device 5 can alternatively be motorized and activated on demand by means of a radio or wired actuator.

[0017] Each of the cords 6, 6' is connected to a cord 3, 3' by means of a connecting element 1, 1' described here. The details of a login item 1, 1' according to the present invention are visible at the figure 3. The connecting element 1, 1' has a first side 10a opposite a second face 10b as well as a first lateral face 10c opposite a second lateral face 10d. It is understood that the first 10a and the second 10b faces as well as the first 10c and second 10d side faces denote external surfaces of the connecting element 1, 1'. One of the first 10a and second 10b faces, or both, may be beveled on their lower or upper portion. Preferably, the first face 10a may be beveled on its lower portion. The second face 10b may be beveled on its upper portion. The first face 10a has a connection head 20 suitable for holding a cord 6, 6' by its hanging device 61. For this purpose, the connection head 20 has a slot21 open on one of the faces of the connection element 1, 1' so as to be able to accommodate the cord 6, 6'. The width of the slit 21 is therefore adapted to the diameter of the cord 6, 6' that is, the width of the slit 21 is at least equal to the diameter of the cord 6, 6'. The cords 6, 6' are generally circular in section, so that their orientation relative to the slot 21 remains unimportant. The side parts of the connection head 20, on either side of the slit 21, form a means of retaining the attachment device 61. The two side parts of the connection head 20 can for example form a spherical cavity suitable for receiving the ball placed at the end of the cords 6, 6' if this is the hanging device 61.Alternatively, the two side parts of the connection head 20 can form a hook suitable for holding a transverse axis if this is the attachment device 61. It is understood that the connection head 20 is complementary to the hanging device 61 and allows easy and reversible coupling of the connection elements 1, 1' with the cords 6, 6' corresponding. The first side 10a can be beveled in its lower part so as to limit the bulk and facilitate the insertion of the cord 6, 6' and its hanging device 61. The slot 21, arranged on the upper part of the connection head 20 is preferably open on the side of the first face 10a and extends over the entire height of the first face 10a. The connection head 20 is preferably arranged on the upper portion of the first face10a.

[0018] Throughout this description, the terms "upper" and "lower" have the commonly accepted meaning and apply to the elements of the present invention, in particular to the connecting element 1, 1' when in operating position, mounted on a Venetian blind.

[0019] The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" have the commonly accepted meaning and apply to the elements of the present invention in their operating position.

[0020] The connecting element 1, 1' further includes, in its central part, a connection slot 30 suitable for receiving a cord 3, 3' Venetian blinds S. The central part of the connecting element 1, 1' designates its interior volume, or the most central portion of its interior volume. The connecting slot 30 has a first surface 30a, and a second surface 30bparallel to each other and opposite each other. The first 30a and second 30b connection slot surfaces 30 extend along the entire length of the connecting element 1, 1' so as to provide an opening in both the upper and lower parts of the connecting element 1, 1'. The spacing between the first 30a and second 30b connection slot surfaces 30 corresponds at least to the thickness of a cord 3, 3' Venetian blinds S so that it can be inserted by its edge. The width of the first 30a and second 30b surfaces can correspond to the width of a cord 3, 3' or be greater than the width of a cord, so that once inserted between the first 30a and second 30b surfaces, it fits in completely. However, it is not excluded that the width of the first30a and second 30b connection slot surfaces 30 remains lower than that of a cordonnet 3, 3' without prejudice to the operability of the present invention.

[0021] The connection slot 30 is open for this purpose on one of the side faces 10d of the connection element 1, 1'. It is open along its entire length so that the side opening joins the openings of its upper and lower part. In this way, the first 10a and second 10b faces of the connecting element 1, 1' are only joined together by one of the lateral faces 10c and completely dissociated from each other on the other lateral face 10d. The cord 3, 3' can then be inserted into the connection slot 30 by its edge. When the width of the cord 3, 3' corresponds to the width of the first 30a and second30b surfaces of the connection slot, the cord 3, 3' flush on the side face 10d. The width of the cord 3, 3' may however be less than the width of the first 30a and second 30b connection slot surfaces 30, provided that the cord can be fixed there using the fixing means 40 described below. There is also nothing to prevent you from attaching a cord 3, 3' wider. In this case, it may protrude from the side surface 10d but may be maintained at the connection element 1, 1' just as effectively. This represents a notable advantage in that the connecting element 1, 1' can be combined with 3 cords, 3' of all widths including cords wider than the width of the connection slot 30.This has the added benefit of not being hampered by the loops on the edge of the cord. 3, 3'. In particular, the connecting element 1, 1' can be combined with the cord 3, 3' at any position, including a position on the cord 3, 3' including a loop. In this case, the loop will remain free and protrude from the side face 10c of the connection element 1, 1'. Preferably, the connecting element 1, 1' is associated with the cord 3, 3' corresponding so that the edge of the cord with the loops is arranged on the side of the open side face 10d. The open side face 10d of the connection element 1, 1' is thus arranged opposite the slats Sn.

[0022] One of the side faces 10d of the connection element 1, 1' being split along its entire length, one of the two edges of the cord3, 3' remains completely free, even once the cord 3, 3' is associated with the connection element 1, 1'. It is understood that the connection slot 30 has a vertical orientation and corresponds to the vertical orientation of the cords 3, 3' once the blind is mounted.

[0023] On the same Venetian blind S, all connection elements 1, 1' can be identical, that is, the split side face 10d is the same for all connecting elements. Alternatively, the slotted side face may vary from one connecting element to another. It may be envisaged that the cord 3 equipping the front edge BFn slats Sn fits on a side face of the connecting element 1, and that the cord 3' equipping the posterior edge BPn slats Sn fits on the opposite side face of the connecting element1'. In this case, the connection elements 1 And 1' are mirror images of each other. The connecting elements 1, 1' can thus be oriented symmetrically with respect to the slats. The connection elements 1, 1' can thus all be arranged so that their open side face is opposite the slats Sn.

[0024] The first 30a and second 30b connection slot surfaces 30 are thus parallel, or substantially parallel to the first 10a and the second 10b faces of the connecting element 1, 1', excluding any bevels. In addition, the connection slot 30 is offset from the connection head 20. The connection slot 30 is in fact in the central position while the connection head 20 is placed on the first side 10aof the connection element 1, 1'. The cords 3, 3' and the cords 6, 6' corresponding are therefore offset from each other, once they are joined by means of the connecting element 1, 1'. Their ends can freely protrude from the connecting element 1, 1', which is impossible or difficult when they are opposite each other. This allows the cord to be connected 3, 3' to the connection element 1, 1' at any position, and leave its end free.

[0025] The first 30a and second 30b surfaces of the connecting slot 30 may be smooth. Alternatively, one or both of these surfaces may be textured so as to better hold the cord 3, 3' and prevent slipping. For example, one or both of these surfaces 30a, 30bcan be grooved transversely, i.e. in a horizontal direction when the connecting element 1, 1' is mounted on a Venetian blind. Other reliefs can be considered, such as waves, points, or any other texture suitable for limiting or preventing the cord from slipping 3, 3' along the first 30a and second 30b connection slot surfaces 30. Alternatively, one or both of the first 30a and second 30b surfaces may be coated with a non-slip material, such as rubber or polymer material.

[0026] The edges of the connection slot 30, on the 10d split side face may be straight. One or both of these edges may, however, be chamfered to facilitate the engagement of the cord 3, 3' in the connection slot 30.

[0027] The connecting element 1, 1'further comprises at least one fixing means 40 allowing the cord to be blocked 3, 3' in the connection slot 30 once it is inserted. The means of attachment 40 is preferably arranged on the second face 10b of the connection element 1, 1'. It is preferably integrated into the connection element 1, 1'. In this way, it is not necessary to provide additional parts to the connection element 1, 1'. In addition, the means of attachment 40 are preferably non-deformable so that they can be stressed multiple times without loss of effectiveness. This excludes, for example, the fixing of cords 3, 3'by folding tabs, the pressure exerted on the cords is reduced as they are folded and deployed repeatedly. In addition, folding tabs can be prone to breakage due to repeated folding. It is important that the means of attachment 40 allows repeated cord fixing operations 3, 3' without loss of efficiency. This facilitates in particular the various adjustments, or replacement of worn cords, which can occur during the maintenance of Venetian blinds. The fixing means(s) 40 are chosen to allow easy automation of the cord attachment 3, 3' on the connection element 1, 1'.

[0028] There figure 3 shows an example of a means of attachment 40 adapted to the requirements of the present invention mentioned above. The fixing means 40shown here has a screw inserted into a thread made in the second face 10b of the connection element 1, 1' perpendicular to the first 30a and second 30b connection slot surfaces 30. The end of the screw opens into the connection slot 30 so as to support the cord 3, 3' along the first surface 30a and thus keep it in place. The means of fixing 40 can of course include more than one screw, for example two screws passing through the second face 10b to better maintain the cord 3, 3' in the connection slot 30. In this case, the screws can be the same or different. The end of the screw(s) can be conical and act as a point on the cord. 3, 3'. Alternatively, the end of the screw(s) can be flattened for a larger contact area with the cord. 3, 3'.Alternatively, the end of the screw(s) may be secured to a flat intermediate piece acting as a vice for the cord. 3, 3'. The means of fixing 40 can then be tightened and loosened at will without altering the clamping force. Clamping can also be easily automated. The fastening means is thus an integral part of the connecting element 1, 1', which limits both the number of parts and the number of steps in the coupling process.

[0029] The connecting element 1, 1' is therefore a single piece. It can be molded from a single block, or machined or produced by 3D printing. This limits the variety of elements to be produced. The connecting element 1, 1'can be made of metal or metal alloy such as steel, stainless steel or any other common metal. It can alternatively be made of polymer material such as hard plastic, provided that its mechanical strength is sufficient to fix the cords 3, 3'.

[0030] It is understood that the connecting element 1, 1', including the connection head 20, the connection slot 30 and the means of fixing 40, forms a single piece. Alternatively, in the case where the connecting element 1, 1' has several moving parts between them, they form a set of totally integrated parts, that is to say not dissociated from each other. In the case where the means of fixing 40 has one or more screws, they are combined with the body of the fastener itself and not with a subassembly.

[0031] The connecting element 1, 1'of this description facilitates the coupling of the cords 6, 6' of the training device 5 with the corresponding cords 3, 3'. The operation requires combining the cord 3, 3' with the connecting element 1, 1' and maintain it using the fixing means 40. This operation has so far been carried out manually. In this case, current connecting elements do not have a side slot and require the cords to be inserted from their ends, which cannot be automated. Other systems exist, but they involve several parts to be assembled, which complicates the process. In particular, when the cord is associated with the connecting element by one of its flat faces, the fastening means cannot be fully integrated.

[0032] This description covers a method of assembling a connecting element 1, 1' as described here, with a cord 3, 3'of a Venetian blind S. While assembly can still be done manually, it has the advantage of being easily automated. The process includes an insertion step E1, during which a cord 3, 3' is inserted by its edge into the connection slot 30. Insertion can be done at any position of the cord 3, 3'. The cord 3, 3' is inserted so that the surface of its width is inserted totally or at least partially between the first 30a and seconds 30b connection slot surfaces 30. The cord is inserted from a side face 10d of the connection element 1, 1'. The cord 3, 3' is thus directly positioned in the connection element 1, 1'. The process involves a second step E2 cord fixing 3, 3' in the connection slot 30.Fixing is carried out using the fixing means 40 integrated into the connection element 1, 1'. In the event that the means of fixing 40 is a screw, or several screws, they can be screwed in automatically. The assembly process is preferably limited to the two insertion steps E1 and fixing E2. The process can be applied automatically in the original equipment manufacturing process of Venetian blinds.

[0033] In addition to the assembly process, the connecting element 1, 1' facilitates any adjustment operations, during the installation of Venetian blinds or after their installation. The adjustment procedure can easily be carried out manually in a limited number of steps. For example, it is sufficient to loosen the fixing means 40 so as to allow the cord to slide into the connection slot 30, to slide the connection element 1, 1' along the cord3, 3' to the required position, then tighten the fixing means 40. The adjustment process also applies when replacing a cord. 3, 3'.

[0034] This description covers the connecting element 1, 1' described above, the method of assembling this connecting element with a cord 3, 3', the method of adjusting the position of this connecting element on the cord, as well as a Venetian blind S comprising at least one of these connecting elements 1, 1'. In particular, the Venetian blind S according to the present invention comprises at least one cord 3, 3' one edge of which is provided with several loops each linked to the edge of a strip Sn, and at least one drive cord 6, 6' connected to the cord by means of a connecting element described here, so that one of the edges of the cord 3, 3' remains free. Reference numbers used in the figures

[0035] 1, 1'Connecting element ASlat pivot axis SSlat blind S1, S2, S3, SnAdjustable slats P1, P2, P3, PnPivots 2Tractor strips 3, 3'Cords BP1, BPnRear edge BF1, BFnFront edge 5Drive device 6, 6'Cords 61Attachment device 10a, 10b, 10c, 10dFaces of the connecting element 20Connection head 21Slot 30Connection slot 30a, 30bFirst and second surfaces 40Fixing means E1Insertion step E2Fixing step

Claims

1. Connecting element (1, 1') adapted for connecting cords (3, 3') of Venetian blinds (S) to drive cords (6, 6'), comprising: - a connecting head (20) designed to receive a cord (6, 6') provided with a connecting device (61); - a connecting slot (30) designed to receive a cord (3, 3'); and - a fastening means (40), said connecting element (1, 1') has a first face (10a) and a second face (10b) opposite the first face, as well as a first side face (10c) and a second side face (10d) opposite the first side face, one of the two side faces being slotted over its entire height at the level of the connecting slot (30), characterized in that: said connection head (20) is arranged on the first face (10a), said connection slot (30) is arranged in a central position and said connection means is arranged on the second face (10b).

2. Connecting element according to claim 1, wherein the connecting slot (30) has a first surface (30a) and a second surface (30b), the first and second surfaces being parallel to each other and to the first face (10a) and second face (10b) of the connecting element (1, 1').

3. Connecting element according to one of claims 1 and 2, said fastening means (40) and said fastening head (20) being integral with each other by one of the side faces (10c) and completely separated from each other by the other side face (10d) of the connecting element (1, 1').

4. Connection element according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fastening means (40) comprises at least one screw and said second face (10b) comprises at least one thread adapted to the at least one screw and passing through the connection element to the connection slot (30).

5. Venetian blind (S) comprising several adjustable slats (Sn) and at least one cordlet (3, 3') fixed to the edge of several of these adjustable slats, a drive device (5) provided with at least one string (6, 6'), said at least one cordlet (3, 3') being paired with said at least one string (6, 6') by means of the connecting element (1, 1) as claimed in claims 1 to 4, one side face (10d) of which is slotted over its entire height.

6. Venetian blind according to claim 5, wherein the at least one cordlet (3, 3') is flat and inserted into the connecting slot (30) of the connecting element (1, 1') so that one of its edges remains free and its two faces are framed by the first (30a) and second (30b) surfaces of the connecting slot (30).

7. Venetian blind according to claim 6, wherein the free edge of said at least one cordlet (3, 3') is flush with the slotted side face (10d) or protrudes from said slotted side face.

8. Venetian blind according to one of claims 5 to 7, the said adjustable slats (Sn) each comprising a rear edge (BPn) integral with at least one cordlet (3') and a front edge (BFn) integral with at least one other cordlet (3), the slotted side faces of the corresponding connecting elements all facing said slats (Sn).

9. Venetian blind according to claim 8, the connecting elements relating to the rear edge (BPn) and the connecting elements relating to the front edge (BFn) of said slats (Sn) being mirror images of each other.

10. Method for fastening a flat cordlet (3, 3') to the connecting element (1, 1') as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a step of insertion (E1) of said cordlet (3, 3') into the connecting slot (30) of said connecting element (30) and a step of fastening (E2) said cordlet (30, 30') by means of said fastening means (40), knowing that in the insertion step, the cordlet (3, 3') is inserted into the connection slot by its edge.

11. Method according to claim 10, the method being limited to the insertion (E1) and fastening (E2) steps.

12. Method according to one of claims 10 and 11, wherein all of the insertion (E1) and fastening (E2) steps are automated.

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