Airtight shutter

Abstract

A rolling shutter (100) comprises a frame (1) and a plurality of blades (2) pivoted to the frame (1); the frame (1) comprises a front plate (10), a back plate (11), and a plurality of seats (12) suitable for accommodating the blades (2); each seat (12) of the frame has a box shape that is open on the front and on the back and has a wall (13) surrounding the seat (12); each blade (2) has the shape of a plate with an outer perimeter that is slightly smaller than an inner perimeter of the seat (12) of the frame; a seal (20) is arranged on the outer perimeter of each blade (2) so as to be compressed on the wall (13) of the seat of the frame, in such a way to close the seat (12) of the frame airtightly.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a rolling shutter suitable for guaranteeing an air seal between an outdoor environment and an indoor environment between which the rolling shutter is arranged.

[0002] As it is known, a rolling shutter is mounted in an opening in a wall that divides an indoor environment from an outdoor environment.

[0003] Fig. 1 illustrates a rolling shutter according to the prior art, which is comprehensively indicated with reference numeral 200.

[0004] The rolling shutter (200) comprises a rectangular frame (201) wherein a plurality of blades (203) in the shape of rectangular plates is pivoted. The blades (202) are pivoted to the frame (201) by means of pins (203) with horizontal axes that are parallel to each other.

[0005] A driving mechanism (204) rotatably drives the pins (203) so that the blades (202) rotate from a closed position, wherein the blades are arranged parallel to each other on a vertical plane, to an open position, wherein the blades (202) are inclined with respect to a vertical plane so as to originate gaps between the blades.

[0006] The driving mechanism (204) generally comprises a rod (205) pivoted to a plurality of brackets (206) connected to the pins (203) of the blades. A translation of the rod (204) causes a rotation of the brackets and of the pins (203) of the blades.

[0007] Such a type of rolling shutter (200) is impaired by some drawbacks with regard to air sealing from the outdoor environment into the indoor environment. Thus, even when it is closed, the rolling shutter (200) does not adequately isolate the indoor environment from the outdoor environment.

[0008] With reference to Figs. 1A and 1B, the pin (203) of each blade is pivoted to the frame (201), passing through a hole (209) of a sidewall (210) of the frame. Obviously, the air passes through the hole (209) of the sidewall of the frame from the outdoor environment into the indoor environment. The only limitation to the passage of the air through the hole (209) is provided by a bonded washer (207) of nickel-plated brass that is arranged around the pin (203) and abuts against the sidewall (210) of the frame. However, the bonded washer (207) does not guarantee an indoor / outdoor air seal.

[0009] Referring to Fig. 1C, gaps are created between the blades (202) and the sidewalls (210) of the frame, thus allowing the air to pass through. A seal (211) that extends vertically on each sidewall (210) of the frame is used to reduce such a passage of the air. However, in lack of an adequate friction between the blade (202) and the seal (211) of the frame, the air can pass through the gap provided between the sidewalls of the frame and the blades.

[0010] Additionally, the blades (202) are attached to the respective pins (203) by means of rivets (212) that pass through a hole (213) in the blades. Evidently, the air can pass through the holes (213) of the blades that accommodate the rivets (212) used for fixing to the pins (203).

[0011] With reference to Figs. 1D and 1E, the frame (201) is generally obtained by joining metal profiles. Therefore, the corner areas of the frame (201) are provided with cracks (215, 216) in correspondence with the joints between the profiles of the frame. Obviously, the air can pass through the slots (215, 216). In order to reduce such a passage of the air, silicone sealings (217) are applied at the four corners of the frame. If not done properly, such silicone sealings (217) can produce leaks. In addition, the silicone sealings (217) are subject to wear and deterioration, which cause the air to pass through.

[0012] US2009272037A1 describes a jalousie window with insulating louvers.

[0013] The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a rolling shutter that guarantees an air seal between an outdoor environment and an indoor environment.

[0014] Another purpose is to provide such a rolling shutter that is efficient, safe and reliable.

[0015] A further purpose is to provide such a rolling shutter that is easy to install and operate.

[0016] These purposes are achieved in accordance with the invention with the features of the appended independent claim.

[0017] Advantageous embodiments of the invention appear from the dependent claims.

[0018] The additional features of the invention will appear clearer from the following detailed description, referring to a purely illustrative and therefore non-limiting embodiment thereof, illustrated in the appended drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a rolling shutter according to the prior art; Figs. 1A and 1B are two perspective views of two details of the rolling shutter of Fig. 1, illustrating the coupling between the pin of the blades and the sidewalls of the frame; Fig. 1C is a perspective view of a detail of the rolling shutter of Fig. 1, illustrating a gap between a sidewall of the frame and the blades; Fig. 1D is a perspective view of a detail of the rolling shutter of Fig. 1, illustrating a corner portion of the frame; Fig. 1E is a front view of a detail of the rolling shutter of Fig. 1, illustrating a corner portion of the frame; Fig. 2 is a perspective front view of a rolling shutter according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a perspective rear view of the rolling shutter according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a frame of the rolling shutter according to the invention; Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the blades and the driving mechanism of the rolling shutter according to the invention; Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a blade of the rolling shutter according to the invention; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a detail of the rolling shutter according to the invention, illustrating a bushing of the pin of a blade; Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the detail of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a detail of the rolling shutter according to the invention, illustrating a tang of the frame; Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the detail of Fig. 9, illustrating an end of the pin of a blade that is rotatably engaged in the tang of the frame; and Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a detail of the rolling shutter according to the invention, illustrating the fixing of the pin to a blade.

[0019] With the aid of Figs. 2 to 11, a rolling shutter according to the invention is described, which is comprehensively indicated with reference numeral 100.

[0020] Now with reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the rolling shutter (100) comprises a frame (1) and a plurality of blades (2) pivoted to the frame (1).

[0021] Referring to Fig. 4, the frame (1) comprises a front plate (10), a back plate (11), and a plurality of seats (12) arranged between the front plate and the back plate.

[0022] The seats (12) of the frame are suitable for accommodating the blades (2).

[0023] Each seat (12) of the frame has a box shape that is open at the front on the front plate (10) and at the rear on the back plate (11).

[0024] Each seat of the frame has a wall (13) surrounding the seat (12) and extending between the front plate (10) and the back plate (11). The wall (13) of the seat of the frame has a lower portion (13a), an upper portion (13b), a first side portion (13c) and a second side portion (13d).

[0025] When seen in a sectional view, the wall (13) of the seat has a substantially elliptical oblong shape along a horizontal axis. The lower portion (13a) and the upper portion (13b) of the wall of the seat are planar sheet metal portions. The first side portion (13c) and the second side portion (13d) of the wall of the seat are sheet metal portions that are curved like an arc of circumference with a subtended angle of 180°.

[0026] A first through hole (14)is provided in the first side portion (13c) of the wall of each seat of the frame.

[0027] With reference also to Fig. 10, a second through hole (15) is provided in the second side portion (13d) of the wall of each seat of the frame and is aligned with the first through hole (14) along a horizontal axis.

[0028] With reference to Figs. 5 and 6, each blade (2) has the shape of a plate with an outer perimeter that is slightly smaller than an inner perimeter of the seat (12) of the frame.

[0029] Since the seat of the frame has a substantially elliptical oblong shape, also the blade is shaped like a substantially elliptical oblong plate.

[0030] A seal (20) is arranged on the outer perimeter of each blade (2) surrounding the blade. The seal (20) of the blade is compressed against the wall (13) of the seat of the frame, so as to seal the seat (1) of the frame airtightly when the blade (2) is arranged along a vertical plane.

[0031] A support (3) suitable for supporting a first pin (4a) and a second pin (4b) that protrude longitudinally on either side of the blade (2) is mounted on the blade (2) in order to be rotatably engaged in the first hole (14) and in the second hole (15) of the wall of the seat of the frame, respectively.

[0032] The support (3) comprises a base plate (30) that is longitudinally fixed on the blade (2), for example by means of welding or gluing, to avoid holes in the blade (2). On the base plate (30) there are two longitudinal ribs (31) that generate a seat (32) in the shape of a "U".

[0033] With reference to Figs. 3, 5, and 11, the pins (4a, 4b) of the blades are fixed in the U-shaped seat (32) of the support (3) by means of screw means (33) that pass through holes (34) of the ribs of the support and are screwed into radial holes (40) of the pins (4a, 4b).

[0034] Referring to Fig. 5, the rolling shutter (100) comprises a driving mechanism (M) suitable for rotating the first pins (4a) of the blades (2) so that the blades (2) can move from a closed position, wherein the blades are parallel to each other in a vertical plane, to an open position, wherein the blades (2) are inclined with respect to a vertical plane so as to originate gaps between the blades and the wall (13) of the seats of the frame.

[0035] The driving mechanism (M) comprises a rod (5) to which brackets (6) are pivoted and fixed to the first pins (4a) of the blades. Thus, a translation of the rod (5) results in a rotation of the first pins (4a) of the blades and consequently in a rotation of the blades (2).

[0036] The rod (5) is moved by a handle (7) that is manually operated by a user. The handle (7) is pivoted to the rod (5). The handle (7) has a follower (70) that slides in a cam (71) (Fig. 3) formed in a plate (72) attached to the frame (1).

[0037] The handle (7) may have a fixing portion (75) attached to one of the first pins (4a) of the blades in order to rotate the first pin (4a) to which the handle is attached and simultaneously translate the rod (5).

[0038] With reference to Figs. 7 and 8, the bracket (6) of the driving mechanism has a first end (6a) pivoted to the rod (5) and a second end (6b) bent into a U-shape and attached to the first pin (4a) of the blade.

[0039] Again with reference to Figs. 7 and 8, the rolling shutter (100) comprises first sealing means (T1) suitable for guaranteeing an air seal in the first hole (14) of the first side portion of the wall of the seat wherein the first pin (4a) of the blade is pivotally engaged.

[0040] The first sealing means (T1) comprise a bushing (8) fitted on the first pin (4a) of each blade. The bushing (8) abuts against the first side portion (13c) of the wall of the seat of the frame. A seal (9) is arranged in the bushing (8) so as to provide a seal and prevent the passage of air from the outside through the first hole (14) of the first side portion (13c) of the wall of the seat of the frame.

[0041] Referring to Figs. 4, 9 and 10, the rolling shutter (100) comprises second sealing means (T2) to guarantee an air seal in the second hole (15) of the second side portion of the wall of the seat wherein the second pin (4b) of the blade is rotatably engaged.

[0042] The second sealing means (T2) comprise a tang (16) that protrudes externally from the second side portion (13d) of the wall of each seat of the frame in correspondence with the second hole (15) of the second side portion (13d) of the wall of the seat of the frame. The tang (16) is internally hollow so as to define a cylindrical seat (17) (Fig. 10). The tang (16) is closed externally by a back wall (18).

[0043] Referring to Fig. 10, the second pin (4b) of each blade is rotatably engaged in the cylindrical seat (17) of the tang (16) of the frame. In view of the above, the air from the outdoor environment cannot enter the indoor environment through the second hole (15) of the second side portion of the seat of the frame.

[0044] Equivalent variations and modifications may be made to the present embodiment of the invention, within the scope of a person skilled in the art, which nevertheless fall within the scope of the invention as expressed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Rolling shutter (100) comprising a frame (1) and a plurality of blades (2) pivoted to the frame (1); said frame (1) comprising a front plate (10), a back plate (11), and a plurality of seats (12) arranged between the front plate and the back plate; the seats (12) of the frame being suitable for accommodating the blades (2); wherein each blade (2) has the shape of a plate with an outer perimeter; characterized by the fact that each seat (12) of the frame has a box shape that is open at the front on the front plate (10) and at the rear on the back plate (11); each seat has a wall (13) surrounding the seat (12) and extending between the front plate (10) and the back plate (11); wherein said outer perimeter of each blade (2) is slightly smaller than an inner perimeter of the seat (12) of the frame; a seal (20) being arranged on the outer perimeter of each blade (2) so as to surround the blade; said seal (20) of the blade being compressed on the wall (13) of the seat of the frame, so as to seal the seat (12) of the frame when the blade (2) is arranged along a vertical plane.

2. The rolling shutter (100) according to claim 1, wherein, when seen in a sectional view, the wall (13) of each seat of the frame has a substantially elliptical oblong shape along a horizontal axis and each blade (2) has a substantially elliptical oblong shape.

3. The rolling shutter (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wall (13) of each seat of the frame has a lower portion (13a), an upper portion (13b), a first side portion (13c), and a second side portion (13d); and each blade (2) comprises a first pin (4a) and a second pin (4b) that are rotatably engaged in a first hole (14) and in a second hole (15) respectively formed in the first side portion (13c) and in the second side portion (13d) of the wall of the seat of the frame.

4. The rolling shutter (100) according to claim 3, further comprising first sealing means (T1) for providing an air seal in the first hole (14) of the first side portion of the wall of the seat of the frame and second sealing means (T2) for providing an air seal in the second hole (15) of the second side portion of the wall of the seat of the frame.

5. The rolling shutter (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said first sealing means (T1) comprise a bushing (8) disposed on the first pin (4a) of the blade and abutting against the first side portion (13c) of side wall of the seat of the frame and a seal (9) disposed in the bushing (8) around the first pin (4a).

6. The rolling shutter (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said second sealing means (T2) comprise a tang (16) protruding externally from the second side portion (13d) of the wall of each seat of the frame, in correspondence with the second hole (15) of the second side portion (13d) of the wall of the seat of the frame; said tang (16) being internally hollow so as to define a cylindrical seat (17) which rotatably accommodates said second pin (4b) of the blade; said tang (16) being externally closed by a back wall (18).

7. The rolling shutter (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the lower portion (13a) and the upper portion (13b) of the wall of each seat of the frame are planar sheet metal portions; and the first side portion (13c) and the second side portion (13d) of the wall of each seat of the frame are sheet metal portions curved like an arc of a circumference.

8. The rolling shutter (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, comprising a support (3) mounted on the blade (2) to support the first pin (4a) and the second pin (4b); said support (3) comprising a base plate (30) longitudinally fixed on the blade (2) and two longitudinal ribs (31) generating a U-shaped seat (32) wherein said first pin (4a) and second pin (4b) are fixed.

9. The rolling shutter (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, comprising a driving mechanism (M) suitable for rotating the first pins (4a) of the blades (2) so that the blades (2) can go from a closed position, wherein the blades are arranged in parallel position on a vertical plane, to an open position, wherein the blades (2) are inclined with respect to a vertical plane in such a way to leave gaps between the blades (2) and the wall (13) of the seats of the frame.

10. The rolling shutter (100) according to claim 9, wherein said driving mechanism (M) comprises a rod (5) to which brackets (6) are pivoted and attached to the first pins (4a) of the blades, so that a translation of the rod (5) results in a rotation of the first pins (4a) of the blades and thus in a rotation of the blades (2).

11. The rolling shutter (100) according to claim 10, wherein said driving mechanism (M) comprises a handle (7) pivoted to the rod (5) and suitable for being manually operated by a user; said handle (7) having a follower (70) that slides in a cam (71) formed in a plate (72) attached to the frame (1).

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