Attaching a wind-up screen cloth to a roller tube

Abstract

The invention relates to a wind-up screen assembly, comprising a cloth and a roller tube for winding the cloth around. A sleeve of the roller tube comprises a slit providing access to an internal chamber in the sleeve. The chamber is wider than the slit and extends beyond both edges of the slit. An end of the cloth comprises a hook for fastening the cloth to the roller tube. The hook comprises a strip defining a first leg for catching behind a first edge of the slit. The slit's width is smaller than the strip's width. A distance from a side wall of the chamber to the first edge of the slit is equal to or greater than the width of the strip to enable insertion of the strip into the chamber via the slit.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a wind-up screen assembly. The invention further relates to roller tube for such a wind-up screen and a method for attaching a cloth to a roller tube.

[0002] Wind-up screens for example include roller blinds for sun protection (also known as shading systems or sun blinds) and insect protection systems (also known as insect screens). Wind-up screens can be arranged to extend substantially vertically, for example in front of a window, or substantially horizontally, for example in an awning, or diagonally, for example in front of a slanted window.

[0003] Wind-up screens include a cloth, which may also be referred to as fabric, canvas, screen, or sheet. The cloth is attached to a roller tube for winding the cloth around, i.e. to open or close the screen by winding or unwinding the screen, respectively. The roller tube is also referred to as winding roller or shaft. The roller tube may be driven by a motor or operated manually.

[0004] In conventional systems, an end of the cloth is provided with a hem that holds a plastic insert. The insert thus forms a thickened portion at the cloth's end. The sleeve of the roller tube is provided with a slit that provides access to an internal chamber in the sleeve. The internal chamber is wider than the slit and extends to either side of the slit. To attach the cloth to the roller tube, the thickened end portion of the cloth is slid into the internal chamber from the side of the roller tube, with the cloth sticking out off the slit.

[0005] A disadvantage of conventional systems is that their assembly is cumbersome and time consuming. Also the replacement of a cloth in an already installed wind-up screen is cumbersome and time consuming.

[0006] A goal of the invention is to improve conventional wind-up screen assemblies or at least to provide an alternative. In particular, a goal is to provide a wind-up screen assembly that is easier and / or faster to assemble. This goal is achieved by the wind-up screen assembly according to claim 1.

[0007] The wind-up screen assembly comprises a cloth and a roller tube for winding the cloth around. A sleeve of the roller tube comprises a slit. The slit extends in a length direction of the roller tube. The slit provides access to an internal chamber in the sleeve. The internal chamber is wider than the slit and extends beyond both edges of the slit. An end portion of the cloth comprises a fastening member. The fastening member is arranged to cooperate with the slit for fastening the cloth to the roller tube. In particular, the fastening member of the cloth comprises a hook. The hook comprises a strip that defines a first leg of the hook for catching behind a first edge of the slit of the roller tube. A width of the slit, as measured from the first edge to an opposing second edge of the slit, is smaller than a width of the strip. The internal chamber has a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall is on the side of the first edge of the slit and the second side wall is on the side of the second edge of the slit. A distance from the second side wall of the internal chamber to the first edge of the slit is equal to or greater than the width of the strip to enable insertion of the strip into the chamber via the slit.

[0008] The internal chamber is dimensioned for enabling insertion of the strip via the slit, instead of requiring a sliding motion from the side of the roller tube. Thus, the invention enables an easier assembly.

[0009] An additional advantage is that the strip enables a relatively shallow chamber in the sleeve. For comparison, in the conventional systems described above, the internal chamber is dimensioned to accommodate the relatively large insert at the end of the cloth. The depth (in radial direction) of the chamber affects the overall dimension of the roller tube, since the space taken up by the chamber is not available for connecting the motor shaft. For a given motor shaft diameter, the invention thus enables a smaller roller tube diameter than conventional systems. Therefore, also the housing for the roller tube can be smaller. This enables a more compact system. In addition, less material is required to produce the roller tube and its housing, thus saving costs.

[0010] The internal chamber is provided within the sleeve of the roller tube and is thus distinct from the inner space of the tube enclosed by the sleeve.

[0011] The cloth can be any suitable sheet material, such as fabrics (woven or non-woven), films, foils. The material may be a synthetic material, a natural material, or a combination thereof. The strip is preferably a flat strip. Alternatively, the strip has a slight curvature or bend. In one example, the strip is bent such that is has a U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section.

[0012] The hook is arranged for engaging a first edge of the slit of the roller. For example, the hook defines an L-shaped or T-shaped structure.

[0013] Preferred embodiments are defined below and in the dependent claims.

[0014] In an embodiment, the hook defines a structure with two legs extending to opposite sides of a base portion, the two legs being formed by the strip. In particular, the strip defines a second leg in addition to the first leg.

[0015] When the strip is inserted in the internal chamber, the first leg of the strip extends in the direction towards the first side wall of the chamber and a second leg of the strip extends in the direction towards the second side wall of the chamber. The chamber can be said to define two compartments at either side of the slit: a first compartment that includes the first side wall and a second compartment that includes the second side wall. When the strip is inserted in the internal chamber, the first leg is held in the first compartment and the second leg is held in the second compartment. Thus, the hook with two legs ensures a reliable fastening of the cloth to the roller tube.

[0016] Preferably, said structure is substantially T-shaped. Preferably, the second leg extends substantially parallel to the first leg and in substantially the opposite direction of the first leg.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the width of the slit is smaller than a width of the second leg and / or smaller than a width of the first leg. This feature aids in locking the strip in the internal chamber. The width of the first and second leg is preferably measured from the base portion of the hook to the free end of the respective leg. In an embodiment a distance from the first edge of the slit to the first side wall of the chamber is equal to or greater than the width of the first leg. This enables accommodating the first leg in the space between the first side wall and the first edge of the slit.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first edge is offset to the second edge as seen in a radial direction of the roller tube. Preferably, the first edge is closer in radial direction to a center of the tube than the second edge. This enables inserting the strip in a direction from the first edge to the second wall.

[0019] An additional advantage of the radial offset between the edges of the slit, is that it can accommodate the width of the first winding of the cloth. When the cloth is attached to the roller tube, the cloth extends out off the slit, over the first edge and then over the outer surface of the roller tube. The lowered first edge ensures that the cloth is flush with, or lies below, the second edge after its first winding around the roller tube. This ensures that subsequent windings can be made without creasing or wrinkling the cloth.

[0020] Preferably, a distance between the first edge and the second edge (i.e. the width of the slit) corresponds at least to the thickness of the strip. Preferably, said distance is substantially equal to the thickness of the strip.

[0021] In an embodiment, the strip is pivotable with respect to the end portion of the cloth. During insertion, the strip can be pivoted to make the hook more compact, which makes it easier to insert the strip into the chamber via the slit. This is particularly advantageous in combination with a two-legged structure as described above (such as a substantially T-shaped structure), as the two legs may otherwise hinder insertion of the strip into the chamber.

[0022] For example, the strip is pivotably connected to the base portion and defines the two legs at either side of the base portion.

[0023] In an embodiment, the strip comprises a fabric looped around a insert. An example of such a strip is described in US 2023 / 0167642 A1, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. US 2023 / 0167642 A1 describes an edge member for guiding side edges of an awning cloth through guide rails. The guide rails comprises a cross-sectionally C-shaped guide profile through which the edge member is guided. US 2023 / 0167642 A1 does not relate to attaching a cloth to a roller tube.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the strip is resiliently movable between a flat state and an open state, wherein in the flat state the strip (e.g. the first leg of the strip) extends substantially parallel to the plane of the end portion of the cloth for insertion of the strip (e.g. the first leg) into the internal chamber, and in the open state a free end of the strip (e.g. the first leg) is at a distance to said plane. Preferably, the strip is arranged to return to the open state, e.g. by a returning force. In other words, the open state is preferably a resting position, and the strip can be moved to the flat state against the returning force. This has the effect that the hook "opens" once inserted into the chamber, thereby locking the hook in the chamber.

[0025] In an example, the strip is resiliently pivotable, and in the flat state the first leg extends at an acute angle with respect to the end portion of the cloth, and in the uncompressed state the first leg extends at an angle greater than the acute angle.

[0026] In an embodiment, a distance from the first edge of the slit to a bottom wall of the chamber is between 1 and 1.2 times the thickness of the hook, preferably between 1 and 1.1 the thickness of the hook. This results in a particular shallow internal chamber.

[0027] The invention further relates to a roller tube for a wind-up screen assembly as described above, and to a method for attaching a cloth to a roller tube. The advantages and effects described above with respect to the wind-up screen assembly according to the invention also apply to the roller tube and method according to the invention. Moreover, features described in relation to the wind-up screen assembly can be combined with features described for the method, and vice versa.

[0028] The method comprises a step of providing a wind-up screen assembly as described above. The method further includes a step of inserting the strip via the slit into the chamber, wherein the strip passes the first edge of the slit and enters the chamber of the roller tube.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the step of inserting the strip comprises: inserting the strip in a part of the chamber between the second side wall and the first edge of the slit, and moving the strip from said part of the chamber to a part of the chamber comprising the first side wall.

[0030] The invention will be further elucidated based on the drawings: Figure 1 schematically shows, in a perspective view, a wind-up screen according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a roller tube according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures 3 and 4 show enlarged views of part III of Figure 2; Figure 5-7 show three stages of attaching a cloth to a roller tube according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 schematically shows a hook according to a first alternative embodiment of the invention; and Figures 9-11 schematically show hooks according to further alternative embodiments of the invention.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a wind-up screen 2, comprising a cloth 4 wound around a roller tube 6. The roller tube 6 is rotatably mounted in a housing 8. The roller tube 6 is connected to a motor that is located in tubular motor housing 10. The motor 10 is arranged for rotating the roller tube 6 to wind or unwind the cloth 4. The wind-up screen 2 further has two guide rails 12, 14 for guiding the sides of the cloth 4. In figure 1, only part of cloth 4 is shown, to expose the roller tube 6 and motor housing 10. In reality, the cloth 4 extends over the full width between the guide rails 12, 14.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the roller tube 6. The tube 6 has a sleeve 16 that encloses an inner space 18 of the tube. The sleeve 16 is provided with inwardly projecting protrusions 20 that are used to connect the roller tube 6 to a drive shaft of the motor. In addition, the protrusions 20 provide structural strength to the roller tube 6. A portion III of figure 2 is shown in enlarged view in figures 3 and 4. Particularly, this portion III comprises a slit 22 that is provided in the outer surface of sleeve 16. Slit 22 provides access to internal chamber 24 that is provided within sleeve 16. The slit 22 has a first edge 26 (left edge in the figures) and a second edge 28 (right edge in the figure). The internal chamber 24 is wider in tangential direction than the slit 22 and extends, in tangential direction, beyond both edges of the slit 22. A first side wall 30 is located to a first side of the first edge 26 (in the figures: left side wall 30 is located to the left of left edge 26) and a second side wall 32 is located to a second side of the second edge 28 (in the figures: right side wall 32 is located to the right of right edge 28). The chamber 24 is separated from the tube's internal space 18 by bottom wall 33.

[0033] The Internal chamber 24 thus has two compartments: a first compartment C 1 between the first edge 22 and the first side wall 30 of the chamber 24, and a second compartment C 2 between the second edge 28 and the second side wall 32 of the chamber 24. In the figures, compartment C1 is a left compartment to the left of the slit 22, and compartment C2 is a right compartment to the right of the slit 22.

[0034] Referring to figure 4, a distance d 1 is defined between the first edge 26 and the second side wall 32. A distance d 2 is defined between the edges 26, 28 of the slit. A distance d 3 is defined between the first and second side walls 30, 32 of the chamber 24, and thus corresponds to the width of the chamber 24.

[0035] Figures 5-7 show different stage of attaching the cloth 4 to the roller tube 6. A hook 34 is provided to the end portion of the cloth 4 that is to be connected to the roller tube 6 (the upper end of the cloth in figure 1). The hook 34 comprises a flat strip 36. The hook 34 defines a T-shaped structure with a first leg 38 and a second leg 40 extending in substantially opposite directions. The legs 38, 40 are formed by the flat strip 36. The first leg 38 and second leg 40 form free ends of the hook 34. The flat strip 36 is pivotable with respect to the end portion of the cloth 4.

[0036] As shown in figure 5, the flat strip 36 is initially pivoted to lie substantially flat against the end portion of cloth 4, to allow insertion of the flat strip 36 into chamber 24 via slit 22. The flat strip 36 is inserted in direction A, towards the second side wall 32 of the chamber 24, i.e. into compartment C 2 . As seen in figure 6, the compartment C 2 of chamber 24 is dimensioned to enable the first leg 38 of the hook 34 to pass the first edge 26 of the slit 22, without the second leg 40 bumping against the second side wall 32. In particular, the distance d 1 (figure 4) is equal to or greater than the width of the strip 36.

[0037] Moreover, the edges 26, 28 of the slit are offset from each other in radial direction, with the second edge 28 at a greater distance to the bottom wall 33 than the first edge 26. The radial offset between edges 26, 28 enables the insertion of the flat strip 36 from a side, i.e. in direction A rather than a radial direction. The distance d 2 (defined in figure 4) between the first edge 26 and the second edge 28 corresponds to at least the thickness of the flat strip 36, to enable insertion of the flat strip 36 into the chamber 24.

[0038] After the flat strip 36 passes the first edge 26 of the slit 22, the flat strip 36 can be moved in direction B, substantially opposite to direction A, to abut the first side wall 30 of the chamber 24. This moves the first leg 38 into compartment C 1 .

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the flat strip 36 of the hook 34 is resiliently pivotable, such that it returns to a T-shape after being compressed. Thus, when the first leg 38 passes the first edge 26 (figure 6), the flat strip 34 will pivot to a less flat position, thereby locking the flat strip 36 in the chamber 24. As can be seen in figure 7, when the flat strip 34 is pivoted back to a less compressed state, the first leg 38 is held in the first compartment C 1 and the second leg 40 abuts against a top wall of the second compartment C 2 .

[0040] The distance d 2 (defined in figure 4) is smaller than the width of the flat strip 36. In this particular example, the distance d 2 is smaller than the width w 1 of the first leg 38, and also smaller than the width w 2 of the second leg 40 (see figure 7). This aids in keeping the strip 36 in chamber 24.

[0041] In this example, the width of compartment C 1 , as measured from the first edge 26 to the first side wall 30, is equal to the width w 1 of the first leg 38.

[0042] Figure 8 shows hook 34' which represents an alternative to hook 34 of figures 5-7. Hook 34' is designed for cooperation with the same roller tube 6. In the embodiment of figure 8, a cloth 4' is provided at an end portion with a flat strip 34'. The flat strip 34' is attached to the cloth 4' by a stitch connection 42. In this manner, two legs 38' and 40' of the hook 34' are formed, one on either side of the stitch connection 42. The free ends of the legs 38' and 40' are movable with respect to the stitch connection 34', to "open" and "close" the hook. In the embodiment of figure 8, the resting position of hook 34' is the closed state. Preferably, the hook 34' is arranged such that the resting position is the open state.

[0043] Figures 9-11 schematically illustrate further alternatives to hook 34 of Figures 5-7, wherein a strip with a curvature or bend is used instead of the flat strip 36. In each of Figures 9-11, the strip is connected to a base portion, preferably in a pivotable manner, and the strip thus defines a first leg 138, 238, 338 and a second leg 140, 240, 340. In each figure, the first and second leg extend at opposite sides of the base portion of the hook 134, 234, 334.

[0044] In figure 9, the hook 134 comprises a curved strip, having a U-shaped cross-section. In figure 10, the hook 234 comprises a bent strip, having a V-shaped cross-section. In figure 11, the hook 334 comprises a bent strip with a substantially V-shaped cross-section, similar to Figure 10, wherein the first leg 338 and 140 each have a slight curve.

[0045] In each of the figures, the first leg 38, 38', 138, 238, 338 and the second leg 40, 40', 140, 240, 340 are illustrated as having substantially the same length. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the first and second legs may have a different length.

[0046] The scope of protection of the present patent application is determined by the attached claims. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Variants of the shown embodiments are well possible within the scope of the claims. For example, the features of the embodiments described above can be adapted within the scope of the claims or replaced by an equivalent feature.

[0047] Example embodiments according to the present application are listed below. Embodiment 1. A wind-up screen assembly, comprising: a cloth; and a roller tube for winding the cloth around, wherein a sleeve of the roller tube comprises a slit extending in a length direction of the roller tube, the slit providing access to an internal chamber in the sleeve, and wherein an end portion of the cloth comprises a hook comprising a strip, wherein the internal chamber defines two compartments, a first compartment extending to one side of the slit and a second compartment extending to the other side of the slit, wherein at least one of the first and second compartment is dimensioned for enabling insertion of the strip via the slit. Embodiment 2. The wind-up screen assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the strip defines a first leg of the hook for catching behind a first edge of the slit of the roller tube. Embodiment 3. The wind-up screen assembly according to embodiment 2, wherein a width of the slit, as measured from the first edge to an opposing second edge of the slit, is smaller than a width of the strip. Embodiment 4. The wind-up screen assembly according to embodiment 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first compartment is delimited by a first side wall of the chamber and the second compartment is delimited by a second side wall of the chamber. Embodiment 5. The wind-up screen assembly according to embodiment 4, wherein a distance from the second side wall of the internal chamber to the first edge of the slit is equal to or greater than the width of the strip to enable insertion of the strip into the chamber via the slit. Embodiment 6. The wind-up screen assembly according to any one or more of the embodiment 1-5, wherein the hook defines a with two legs extending to opposite sides of a base portion, the two legs being formed by the strip, wherein the structure preferably is substantially T-shaped. Embodiment 7. The wind-up screen assembly according to embodiment 6, wherein the width of the slit is smaller than a width of the first and / or second leg. Embodiment 8. The wind-up screen assembly according to embodiment 6 or 7, wherein the width of the first compartment is smaller than the width of the strip, and preferably substantially equal to the width of the first leg. Embodiment 9. The wind-up screen assembly according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein the edges of the slit are offset in radial direction of the roller tube. Embodiment 10. The wind-up screen assembly according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein the strip is pivotable with respect to the end portion of the cloth. Embodiment 11. The wind-up screen assembly according to any one or more of the preceding embodiment, wherein the strip comprises a fabric looped around a flat insert. Embodiment 12. The wind-up screen assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the strip is resiliently movable between a flat state and an open state, wherein in the flat state the strip extends substantially parallel to the plane of the end portion of the cloth for insertion of the strip into the internal chamber, and in the open state a free end of the strip is at a distance to said plane. Embodiment 13. The wind-up screen assembly according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein the height of the first compartment is between 1 and 1.2 times the thickness of the strip, preferably between 1 and 1.1 the thickness of the strip. Embodiment 14. A roller tube for a wind-up screen assembly according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments. Embodiment 15. A method for attaching a cloth to a roller tube, comprising: providing a wind-up screen assembly according to any one or more of the embodiments 1-13; and inserting the strip via the slit of the roller tube into the chamber. Embodiment 16. The method according to embodiment 15, wherein the step of inserting the strip comprises: inserting the strip in a part of the chamber between the second side wall and the first edge of the slit; and moving the strip from said part of the chamber to a part of the chamber comprising the first side wall.

Claims

1. A wind-up screen assembly, comprising: - a cloth; and - a roller tube for winding the cloth around, wherein a sleeve of the roller tube comprises a slit extending in a length direction of the roller tube, the slit providing access to an internal chamber in the sleeve, wherein the internal chamber is wider than the slit and extends beyond both edges of the slit, and wherein an end portion of the cloth comprises a fastening member arranged to cooperate with the slit for fastening the cloth to the roller tube, characterized in that: - the fastening member of the cloth comprises a hook comprising a strip defining a first leg of the hook for catching behind a first edge of the slit of the roller tube; - a width of the slit, as measured from the first edge to an opposing second edge of the slit, is smaller than a width of the strip; - the internal chamber having a first side wall on the side of the first edge of the slit and a second side wall on the side of the second edge of the slit; and - a distance from the second side wall of the internal chamber to the first edge of the slit is equal to or greater than the width of the strip to enable insertion of the strip into the chamber via the slit.

2. The wind-up screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein the hook defines a structure with two legs extending to opposite sides of a base portion, the two legs being formed by the strip.

3. The wind-up screen assembly according to claim 2, wherein the structure is substantially T-shaped.

4. The wind-up screen assembly according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the width of the slit is smaller than a width of the second leg.

5. The wind-up screen assembly according to any one or more of the claims 1-4, wherein the width of the slit is smaller than a width of the first leg.

6. The wind-up screen assembly according to any one or more of the claims 1-5, wherein a distance from the first edge of the slit to the first side wall of the chamber is equal to or greater than the width of the first leg.

7. The wind-up screen assembly according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first edge is offset with respect to the second edge in a radial direction of the roller tube.

8. The wind-up screen assembly according to any one or more of the claims 1-7, wherein the strip is pivotable with respect to the end portion of the cloth.

9. The wind-up screen assembly according to any one or more of the claims 1-8, wherein the strip comprises a fabric looped around an insert.

10. The wind-up screen assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the strip is resiliently movable between a flat state and an open state, wherein in the flat state the strip extends substantially parallel to the plane of the end portion of the cloth for insertion of the strip into the internal chamber, and in the open state a free end of the strip is at a distance to said plane.

11. The wind-up screen assembly according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a distance from the first edge of the slit to a bottom wall of the chamber is between 1 and 1.2 times the thickness of the hook, preferably between 1 and 1.1 the thickness of the hook.

12. A roller tube for a wind-up screen assembly according to any one or more of the preceding claims.

13. A method for attaching a cloth to a roller tube, comprising: - providing a wind-up screen assembly according to any one or more of the claims 1-11; and - inserting the strip via the slit into the chamber, wherein the strip passes the first edge of the slit and enters the chamber of the roller tube.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the step of inserting the strip comprises: - inserting the strip in a part of the chamber between the second side wall and the first edge of the slit; and - moving the strip from said part of the chamber to a part of the chamber comprising the first side wall.

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