Double sliding device for roller shutter aprons and joining profile for sliding shutter

Abstract

The invention relates to a double sliding device (1) for roller shutter curtains (13; 14) (4; 5), comprising two U-shaped grooves (19, 20) extending back-to-back in the same first plane (P1) or in planes (P1'; P1") forming an angle (α). Advantageously, this double sliding device comprises two U-shaped profiles (32, 33) in the form of a slide, defining, respectively, one of the U-shaped grooves (19; 20) and extending in the first plane (P1), as the case may be, in the planes (P1'; P1") forming an angle (α). These two U-shaped profiles (32, 33) are attached back-to-back to an intermediate connecting profile (34; 34'), having a tubular or rail-shaped cross-section and defining at its ends female interlocking means (23) for receiving male interlocking means (24) of a tab fixing (25).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a double sliding device for roller shutter curtains and a joining profile for slides.

[0002] It relates to the field of roller shutters and, more specifically, to double tracks for joining two juxtaposed roller shutter curtains.

[0003] The difficulty of fitting roller shutters to wide bay windows is becoming increasingly common. Indeed, for dimensions of 5 meters and more, the standard slats of a roller shutter curtain are prone to excessive deformation under pressure exerted by the wind, for example. Such deformation can result in the slats unexpectedly coming out of the side guides that support and secure them at their ends.

[0004] This deformation can further cause the blades to separate from each other in the middle part of the deck by putting significant stress on the joints that connect them.

[0005] One solution to limit this risk could be to increase the deformation resistance coefficient of the roller shutter slats. However, achieving this necessarily requires increasing the slat thickness, resulting in a larger cross-section of the curtain when rolled up. This leads to a larger roller shutter box, which can pose an aesthetic problem or even hinder the integration of such a box into a building.

[0006] The most common solution adopted to remedy this problem is to cover a wide opening, such as a bay window, not with one, but with two side-by-side roller shutters, or even more if necessary.

[0007] In this case, the tracks of these roller shutters, located at the lateral ends of the opening housing such a window, can still be attached to the jambs bordering this opening. However, the tracks of these same roller shutters on their adjacent lateral sides extend in front of this window. If the window is a single piece and not divided into several panels joined by an intermediate mullion, these tracks cannot be attached to such intermediate mullions and must necessarily extend into the space between the roller shutter housing or the lintel of the opening and the threshold of the opening.

[0008] In such a situation, either the manufacturer provides a specific double slide profile, or two single slides are assembled back-to-back by screwing them together. Furthermore, the fixing of a double slide profile or two slides assembled by screwing them together is done at their upper and lower ends using unsightly L-shaped fixing brackets that offer poor mechanical strength.

[0009] Indeed, while such an L-shaped bracket has a horizontal wing designed to be fixed, depending on the case, under the underside of a roller shutter box, under a lintel, or on a threshold, the other vertical wing is fixed to the front or rear face of the double guide rail or the two assembled single guides. Such a fixing is not only unsightly, but also has the disadvantage that this vertical blade of the fixing bracket extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the roller shutter curtains, and its resistance to deformation is very low under the action of pressure exerted on these roller shutter curtains.

[0010] The same problem can arise with two roller shutters whose slats extend in front of two windows forming an angle between them, without a fixed connecting mullion. For example, each of these windows might have a sliding panel that closes against the other, without a fixed intermediate mullion, at the level of the junction angle. To deploy the roller shutters in front of these windows, a double guide rail profile must be installed in the angle. This profile must have two U-shaped grooves fixed back-to-back, forming an angle that roughly corresponds to the angle between the windows. This double guide rail must also be fixed, using brackets, at its upper end to a lintel, and, if applicable, to the underside of at least one of the roller shutter boxes, and at its lower end to the threshold of the opening closed by the windows.

[0011] Document EP 3 995 664 describes a blind assembly for doors or windows that uses a double blind guide profile with two T-slots extending back-to-back and braced by an intermediate tubular chamber. A fixing bracket, depending on the application, is fitted into the ends of this tubular chamber. This bracket is either attached to a side panel of a blind housing or designed to be fixed to a support fixed to the threshold. A rail extends from the bottom of each T-slot, essentially holding and guiding the side edges of two adjacent blinds.

[0012] It is also known from the document EP 2 216 479 which describes an end piece for roller shutter slide, notably adaptable to a double slide.

[0013] It was as part of an initial inventive approach that it was imagined that such a fixing under the lower face of a roller shutter box, under a lintel or on a threshold could be achieved through a fixing bracket offering greater inertia and consequently a much greater mechanical resistance to deformation.

[0014] The present invention also aims to make such a fixing of a double slide profile or of two assembled single slides, under the lower face of a roller shutter box, under a lintel or on a threshold, more aesthetic and almost invisible.

[0015] To this end, the invention relates to a double sliding device for roller shutter curtains, comprising two U-shaped grooves extending back-to-back in the same first plane or in planes forming an angle between them, on either side of a plane of symmetry. This double sliding device comprises, at each of its ends, female interlocking means for receiving male interlocking means of a fixing bracket. Advantageously, this device comprises two U-shaped profiles in the form of a slide, defining, respectively, one of the U-shaped grooves and extending in the first plane, as the case may be, in planes forming an angle between them. These two U-shaped profiles are attached back-to-back to an intermediate joining profile of tubular or rail-shaped cross-section and defining, at its ends, the female interlocking means (23).

[0016] According to another feature, the intermediate joining profile has on its front and / or rear edge a cover wing giving the said intermediate profile a T-shape.

[0017] According to the invention, the fixing bracket comprises a first wing extending in the plane of symmetry and defining said male interlocking means designed to be engaged in said female interlocking means, this first wing being extended at one of its ends by at least one fixing wing extending in a plane perpendicular to the first wing.

[0018] According to the invention, the fixing tab is formed from a blade folded in half along a fold line so as to define two parallel blade branches, these blade branches having their end parts opposite the fold line folded perpendicularly in opposite directions so as to define fixing wings.

[0019] A first advantage arising from the invention is that, through a standard U-shaped slide, it is easy to design a double slide.

[0020] Furthermore, the mechanical strength of the double sliding mechanism, whether attached to a roller shutter box, lintel, or door / window threshold, is significantly reinforced. This fixing is also particularly discreet, resulting in an improved aesthetic appearance.

[0021] Other aims and advantages of the present invention will become apparent during the following description relating to examples of implementation, illustrated in the attached drawings: [ Fig.1 ] schematically represents a wide bay window in front of which extend two juxtaposed roller shutters and between which extends a double sliding device according to the invention; Fig.2 ] represents in perspective the section of a profile designing the known double sliding device, the two U-shaped grooves extending back to back in the same foreground; [ Fig.3 ] represents in perspective one end of a double sliding device according to the invention with two U-shaped grooves extending back to back in the same foreground plane, a slide into which a fixing tab is engaged; [ Fig.4 ] represents in a schematic and partial way the front face of the double sliding device of the figure 3 ; Fig.5 ] represents schematically and partially the rear face of the double sliding mechanism of the figure 3 ; Fig.6 ] is a schematic cross-sectional representation along VI-VI of the figure 5 ; Fig.7 ] is a schematic perspective representation of a mounting bracket; [ Fig. 8 ] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a profile designing the double sliding device according to a third embodiment, the two U-shaped grooves extending back to back in planes forming an angle between them, here of 90°.

[0022] As represented in the figure 1 Drawings in the appendix, the present invention relates to the field of roller shutters. It relates, more particularly, to a double sliding device 1.

[0023] This figure 1 illustrates a wide bay window 2 integrated into an opening 3 adapted in a building. In front of this bay window 2 are installed two side-by-side roller shutters 4, 5. These roller shutters 4, 5 each have a housing 6, which can extend on the interior side of the building where, as illustrated in the figure 1 , on the outside, in the upper part 7 of the opening 3. At the lateral ends 8, 9 of these roller shutters 4, 5 extend, under their box 6, the guides 10, 11 for the slats 12 of the curtains 13, 14 of its roller shutters 4, 5. These guides 10, 11 are attached to the lateral sides 15, 16 of the opening 3.

[0024] At the level of the junction plane 17 of these roller shutters 4, 5 and under the boxes 6 extends, from the latter and the threshold 18, the double sliding device 1 according to an example of an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] By, referring now at the same time to figures 2 à 8 , the double sliding device 1 has two U-shaped grooves 18; 19 defining guide rails for the apron slats, in the non-limiting example illustrated in the figure 1 , blades 12 of the apron 13; 14. These two U-shaped grooves 18; 19 extend back to back, as the case may be, in the same foreground plane P1 (as visible in the figure 2 à 6 ), or in planes P1'; P1" forming, between them, an angle α (as represented in the figure 8 ) on either side of a plane of symmetry P2.

[0026] This double sliding device 1, generally in the form of a longitudinal profile, has at each of its ends 21; 22, in other words the ends of this profile, female interlocking means 23 for receiving male interlocking means 24 of a fixing tab 25.

[0027] In the known embodiment illustrated in the figure 3 , this double sliding device 1 is defined by a profile 26 comprising a front wall 27 and a rear wall 28 extending in substantially parallel planes and between which are positioned bracing walls 29, 30 to delimit the two U-shaped grooves 19; 20 and at least one intermediate tubular chamber 31 defining, at the ends 21; 22 of the profile 26, said female interlocking means 23.

[0028] According to the embodiment of the invention corresponding to figures 3 à 6 , this double sliding device 1 comprises two U-shaped profiles 32; 33 extending in the first plane P1 and defining, respectively, a U-shaped groove 19; 20 and thus a guide rail for the apron slats, in the non-limiting example illustrated in the figure 1 , the blades 12 of the apron 13; 14. These two U-shaped profiles 32, 33 are attached back to back on an intermediate connecting profile 34, of tubular or rail-shaped cross-section as illustrated. This intermediate connecting profile 34 extends in the plane of symmetry P2, here perpendicular to the first P1, and its ends 35 form the female interlocking means 23 at the ends 21, 22 of this double sliding device 1.

[0029] Advantageously, the intermediate joining profile 34 has on its front edge 37 and / or rear edge 38 a cover wing 39 giving said intermediate joining profile 34 a T-shaped section.

[0030] According to a third embodiment visible in the figure 8 The double sliding device 1 comprises two U-shaped profiles 32 and 33 extending in distinct planes P1' and P1" forming an angle α of approximately 90° in the illustrated example, given that this angle α between planes P1' and P1" can range from 0° to approximately 160°. These two U-shaped profiles 32 and 33 define, respectively, a U-shaped groove 19 and 20, and thus a guide rail for the curtain slats. These two U-shaped profiles 32 and 33 are mounted back-to-back on an intermediate joining profile 34', which has a tubular cross-section. This intermediate joining profile 34', in the form of an angle profile, extends in the plane of symmetry P2 and its ends 35 design said female interlocking means 23 at the ends 21, 22 of this double sliding device 1.

[0031] Advantageously, this intermediate joining profile 34' has on its inner longitudinal side at angle α 37' and / or outer side 38' a covering wing 39' substantially defined by two wing sections 39a and 39b giving said intermediate joining profile 34' an angle-shaped section, these wing sections 39a and 39b forming between them an angle α identical to that between the planes P1' and P1".

[0032] Thanks to such an intermediate joining profile 34; 34', the double slide device 1 can be made from two standard single slides, designing the U-shaped grooves 19, 20.

[0033] The U-profiles 32, 33 can be easily fixed, by screwing, riveting or gluing, onto the intermediate joining profile 34; 34'. Thanks to the cover wing 39; 39', the joint surfaces between the slides can be made perfectly invisible from the outside and / or inside of the construction.

[0034] Furthermore, by positioning themselves in the angle between the intermediate connecting profile 34; 34' and the cover flange 39; 39' (39a, 39b), the U-shaped profiles 32, 33 that make up these standard slides are perfectly supported. In addition, the T-shaped configuration, as applicable, of the intermediate connecting profile 34; 34' has the advantage of stiffening the double slide mechanism 1.

[0035] Note that these standard tracks can be factory-assembled onto the intermediate joining profile 34; 34'. The double track device 1 thus designed can be cut by the operator during the assembly of the roller shutters for a perfect fit.

[0036] According to the invention, a fastening tab 25 comprises a first wing 40 extending in the plane of symmetry P2 and / or in a plane perpendicular to one of the planes P1', P1". It substantially defines said male interlocking means 24 designed to be engaged in the female interlocking means 23. This first wing 40 is extended at one 41 of its ends by at least one fastening wing 42 extending in a plane perpendicular to the first wing 40.

[0037] The width 43 and the thickness 44 of the first wing 40 are designed to be able to engage in the end of the intermediate joining profile 34; 34' according to the second or third embodiment or in the intermediate tubular chamber 31 corresponding to the first embodiment.

[0038] As for the width 45 of the fixing wing(s) 42, it is preferably defined, but not imperatively, as being at most equal to the thickness 46 of a profile 26; 32, 33 of a double sliding device 1. Such an advantageous design makes it possible to make this or these fixing wings 42 invisible at the ends 21; 22 of this device 1.

[0039] According to an advantageous design embodiment of the invention, the fixing bracket 25, notably represented in the figure 7 , is derived from a blade 45 folded in half on itself, along a fold line 46 so as to define two parallel blade branches 47, 48. These blade branches 47, 48 have their upper end parts 49, 50, opposite the fold line 46, folded perpendicularly in opposite directions so as to define fixing wings 42.

[0040] In summary, if we consider the plane in which these blade branches 47, 48 extend, the upper end part 49 of the blade branch 47 is folded perpendicularly to one side of this plane, when the upper end part 50 of the other blade branch 48 is folded perpendicularly to the other side of this plane.

[0041] As for the lower end part 51, 52 of at least one of these blade branches 47, 48 forming the first wing 40 of the fixing bracket 25, it can be provided with anchoring means 53 in the intermediate joining profile 34; 34' according to the second or third embodiment or in the intermediate tubular chamber 31 corresponding to the first embodiment.

[0042] Such anchoring means can take different forms. Thus, they can be in the form of a boss 54 or a step preventing the fixing lug 25 from unexpectedly disengaging, particularly during assembly, of the double sliding device 1.

[0043] The mounting wing(s) 42 have at least one opening 55 for the passage of a fastener such as a screw or rivet. Advantageously, at least one opening 55 is defined as a cutout in the front edge 56 and / or rear edge 57 of such a mounting wing 42, front edge 56 and rear edge 57.

[0044] Such a design allows one or more fixing elements, such as screws, to be brought together, as appropriate, at the level of the underside of a roller shutter box 4, 5 or a lintel or at the level of a threshold 18, into which can be inserted the cutouts of the fixing wing(s) 42 in a direction perpendicular to the plane P1, as appropriate P1' or P1", or even in the direction of the plane of symmetry P2.

Claims

1. Double slide device (1) for curtains (13; 14) of roller shutters (4; 5), including two U-grooves (19, 20) extending back to back in a same first plane (P1) or in planes (P1'; P1") forming an angle (a) and on either side of a plane of symmetry (P2), said double slide device including at each of its ends (21, 22) female fitting means (23) for receiving male fitting means (24) of a fastening tab (25), characterised in that it has two U-profiles (32, 33) in the form of a slide defining, respectively, one of the U-grooves (19; 20) and extending in the first plane (P1), as the case may be in the planes (P1'; P1") forming an angle (α), these two U-profiles (32, 33) being attached back-to-back to an intermediate connecting profile (34; 34') with a tubular or rail-shaped cross-section and defining said female fitting means (23) at its ends.

2. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the intermediate connecting profile (34) has a covering wing (39) on its front (37) and / or rear (38) edge, giving said intermediate connecting profile (34) a T-shaped cross-section.

3. Device according to Claim 1 characterised in that the intermediate connecting profile (34') has, on its inner longitudinal side at the angle (α) (37') and / or outer side (38'), a covering wing (39') defined by two wing sections (39a, 39b) giving said intermediate connecting profile (34') an L-shaped cross-section, these wing sections (39a, 39b) forming an angle (α) between them equal to that between the planes (P1', P1" ).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the U-profiles (32, 33) are secured by means of screws, rivets, or adhesive to the intermediate connecting profile (34; 34').

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fastening tab (25) has a first wing (40) extending in the plane of symmetry (P2) and / or in a plane perpendicular to one of the planes (P1, P1" ) and defining said male fitting means (24) designed to be engaged in the female fitting means (23), this first wing (40) being extended at one (41) of its ends by at least one fastening wing (42) extending in a plane perpendicular to the first wing (40).

6. Device according to Claim 5, characterised in that the width (43) and thickness (44) of the first wing (40) are designed to fit into the end of the intermediate connecting profile (34; 34').

7. Device according to Claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the fastening tab (25) is formed from a plate (45) folded in two along a bending line (46) so as to define two parallel plate branches (47, 48), each having upper end portions (49, 50), opposite the bending line (46), folded perpendicularly in opposite directions so as to define fastening wings (42).

8. Device according to Claim 7, characterised in that the plate branches (47, 48) have a lower end portion (51, 52) forming the first wing (40) of the fastening tab (25), with at least one of these lower end portions (51, 52) being equipped with anchoring means (53) in the intermediate connecting profile (34; 34').

9. Device according to one of Claims 5 to 8, characterised in that the fastening wing(s) (42) have at least one opening (55) for the passage of a fastening member, such as a screw or a rivet.

10. Device according to Claim 9, characterised in that at least one opening (55) is defined in the form of a cut-out in the front (56) and / or rear (57) edge of a fastening wing (42).

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