Continuous louvre wall and louvre blade

Abstract

The present invention relates to a continuous louvre wall with an at least double bank of louvre blades. The present invention further relates to a louvre blade for such a continuous louvre wall. The continuous louvre wall comprises a support structure comprising two or more aligned support mullions extending vertically and spaced horizontally apart; a first louvre blade extending horizontally and mainly positioned in front of the support structure, said first louvre blade being mounted to the support mullions, preferably to the front side of the support mullions; and a second louvre blade aligned with the first louvre blade. The second louvre blade is directly attached to the first louvre blade, preferably to the back side of the first louvre blade, and thus mainly positioned between the support mullions or behind the support structure.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a continuous louvre wall with an at least double bank of louvre blades. The present invention further relates to a louvre blade for such a continuous louvre wall.Background

[0002] A louvre wall may be assembled using multiple modules, which are connected on-site, this modular construction results in the louvre blades being interrupted by the frame profile of each individual module, potentially compromising the seamless appearance of the wall. It is known to construct the wall in such a way that the front louvre blade partially extends beyond the module. To conceal the flange of the module, the blade must be milled. While this allows for the formation of a continuous wall, it introduces significant drawbacks, including the need for extensive post-processing of the blades. Moreover, a module-based approach results in visible discontinuities at the module joints, which can detract from the desired uniformity of the louvre blades. Additionally, this method struggles to accommodate on-site tolerances effectively, which complicates the installation process and can lead to alignment issues.

[0003] Alternatively, the louvre blades may be attached to support profiles using mechanical screws or a clip system, enabling the creation of a wall with continuous louvre blades. The major drawback of this method is the additional installation depth required for the support profiles, which can complicate the assembly process and increase overall construction depth. To decrease the installation depth the support profile may be milled so that the support profile extends between the louvre blades. This process has significant drawbacks, including the need for extensive post-processing of the support profiles and increased complexity in achieving a properly aligned final installation.Object of the Invention

[0004] An object of the invention is to provide a continuous louvre wall with double bank or chevron louvre blades and support profiles while maintaining minimal installation depth and avoiding post-processing, in particular milling. Another object of the invention may be to accommodate on-site tolerances effectively. A further object of the invention may be to provide such a continuous louvre wall with acoustic louvre blades. Yet a further object of the invention may be to provide double bank or chevron louvre blades for such a continuous louvre wall using support profiles.Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and / or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below.

[0006] This object and other objects which will become apparent from the following description are achieved at least in part by a continuous louvre wall and a louvre blade according to the independent claims. Embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

[0007] The object is achieved by a second louvre blade aligned with the first louvre blade, said second louvre blade being directly attached to the first louvre blade. Advantageously, the support structure and the second louvre blade are positioned next to each other, minimizing the installation depth. Additionally, the support profile remains available for mounting fixings to mount the louvre wall to an underlying structure. More advantageously, the second louvre blade being supported by the first louvre blade is not dependent on the presence of support mullions on both ends of the second louvre blade. Hence, in case of an obstacle being present between the support mullions, it is possible to end the second louvre blade close to the obstacle (and create a continuous wall with minimal breaks) without the need to install an additional support mullion next to the obstacle. Even more advantageously, by attaching the second louvre blade to the first louvre blade, a double bank or chevron configuration may be create without access from the back side of the louvre wall.

[0008] In a first aspect, which can occur in combination with the other aspects and embodiments of the invention which are described herein, the present invention relates to a continuous louvre wall. The continuous louvre wall comprises a support structure comprising two or more aligned support mullions extending vertically and spaced horizontally apart; a first (set of) louvre blade(s) extending horizontally and mainly positioned in front of the support structure, said first (set of) louvre blade(s) being mounted to the support mullions, preferably to the front side of the support mullions; and a second (set of) louvre blade(s) aligned with the first louvre blade. The second louvre blade is directly attached to the first louvre blade, preferably to the back side of the first louvre blade, and thus mainly positioned between the support mullions or behind the support structure.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the present invention relates to the continuous louvre wall as described above, wherein the type of the first louvre blade(s) and the type of the second louvre blade(s) are distinct. In some embodiments, the louvre blades are manufactured from extruded aluminium profiles. According to a further embodiment, the present invention relates to the continuous louvre wall as described above, wherein the first louvre blade comprises mounting means for mounting the first louvre blade to the support mullions, said mounting means being complementary with support means of the support structure. The mounting means preferably extend over the length of the first louvre blade. Advantageously, extruding the first louvre blades can be done quickly and efficiently. According to an even further embodiment, the present invention relates to the continuous louvre wall as described above, wherein the second louvre blade comprises attachment means for attaching the second louvre blade to the first louvre blade, said attachment means being complementary with the mounting means of the first louvre blade. The attachment means preferably extend over the length of the second louvre blade. Advantageously, extruding the second louvre blades can be done quickly and efficiently.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the present invention relates to the continuous louvre wall as described above, wherein the support mullions are formed by slotted profiles (also called slotted uprights or slotted standards), wherein the support means of each slotted profile comprises vertically spaced slots that are arranged at regular intervals along the vertical direction. As used herein, the term slot refers to an opening or recess in a material or surface, often designed to accommodate, guide, or secure other components or objects. The shape and dimensions of a slot can vary depending on its intended use. According to a further embodiment, the present invention relates to the continuous louvre wall as described above, the vertically spaced slots are formed by cavities extending over the full width of the first louvre blade. According to an even further embodiment, the present invention relates to the continuous louvre wall as described above, wherein the mounting means of the first louvre blade comprise an upper mounting element and a lower mounting element, wherein the upper and lower mounting elements are simultaneously mounted to different vertically spaced slots.

[0011] In a second aspect, which can occur in combination with the other aspects and embodiments of the invention which are described herein, the present invention relates to the continuous louvre wall as described above, wherein the first and second louvre blades are sound absorbing louvre blades. Preferably, the louvre blades are fitted with sound-attenuating, non-combustible mineral wool on the inside.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention relate to a method of assembling such a continuous louvre wall. In a third aspect, which can occur in combination with the other aspects and embodiments of the invention which are described herein, the present invention relates to the method as described above, wherein a second louvre blade is attached to a first louvre blade, preferably the back side of the first louvre blade. The second, rear louver can be attached from the rear side after placing the front louvers, or the rear louver can be pre-attached on the first, front louver when there is no access to the rear side. In this case, the assembled louvers are mounted together.

[0013] Moreover, the present invention relate to a louvre blade for such a continuous louvre wall. In a fourth aspect, which can occur in combination with the other aspects and embodiments of the invention which are described herein, the present invention relates to a first louvre blade as described above. In a fifth aspect, which can occur in combination with the other aspects and embodiments of the invention which are described herein, the present invention relates to a second louvre blade as described above.Brief description of Drawings

[0014] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to drawings in which illustrative embodiments thereof are shown. They are intended exclusively for illustrative purposes and not to restrict the inventive concept, which is defined by the appended claims. Figures 1A-1D show in perspective views a continuous louvre wall according to different embodiments of the invention; Figures 2A to 2C show in cross-sectionals view the continuous louvre wall of figure 1 installed according to different embodiments of the invention ; Figures 3A to 3C show in a cross-sectional view the steps of a method for the assembly of a first louvre blade to a support mullion according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures 4A to 4C show in a cross-sectional view the steps of a method for the assembly of a second louvre blade to the assembly shown in figures 3A to 3C according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figures 5A to 5B show details of figures 4A to 4B; and Figures 6A to 6C show in a cross-sectional view the steps of a method for the assembly of interconnected first and second louvre blade to a support mullion according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 shows in a cross-sectional view a disassembly tool for the removal of a first louvre blade from a support mullion according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figures 8A to 8D shows in cross-sectional view the steps of a method for the disassembly of a first louvre blade from a support mullion using the tool shown in figure 7. Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0015] The present disclosure will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the disclosure is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions to practice of the disclosure.

[0016] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. The terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the disclosure can operate in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0017] Moreover, the terms top, bottom, back, front and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

[0018] Furthermore, the various embodiments, although referred to as "preferred" are to be construed as exemplary manners in which the disclosure may be implemented rather than as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0019] The term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the elements or steps listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It needs to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B, rather with respect to the present disclosure, the only enumerated components of the device are A and B, and further the claim should be interpreted as including equivalents of those components.

[0020] Different aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the enclosed drawings. The embodiments disclosed herein can, however, be realized in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the aspects set forth herein.

[0021] Figures 1A to 1B show a continuous louvre wall 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The continuous louvre wall 10 comprises a support structure formed by two aligned support mullions 20 extending vertically and spaced horizontally apart; multiple sets of louvres blades 30, 40 mounted to the support mullions 20), each set forming a double bank or chevron. A first louvre blade 30 is positioned in front of the support structure and directly attached to the support mullions 20. A second louvre blade 40 is positioned behind and directly attached to the first louvre blade 30. Advantageously, direct attachment of the second louvre blade 40 to the first louvre blade 30 positions the second louvre blade 40 between the support mullions 20, and depending on the depth of the support mullions 20 partially behind the support mullions 20, to among other things minimize the installation depth. Figures 1C to 1D show a continuous louvre wall 11 in case of a rear structure to which the support mullions may be attached as further explained with regard to Figure 2A.

[0022] Figures 2A to 2C show different embodiments of the invention having different support structures depending on the underlying structure. Figure 2A shows the continuous louvre wall 11 in case of a rear structure 51 to which the support mullions 21 may be attached. In that case, the multiple sets of louvres blades 30, 40 may be mounted to relatively undeep (e.g. 21 mm deep) support mullions 21, which in turn are mounted to the rear structure 51. Advantageously, the second, rear louvres blades can be provided between pre-existing structure. Figure 2B shows a continuous louvre wall 11 in case of a top structure 52 to which the support mullions 20 may be attached. In that case, the multiple sets of louvres blades 30, 40 may be mounted to relatively deep support mullions 21, which in turn are mounted to the top structure 51 via mounting means 60 provided to the back of the support mullions. Alternatively, as shown in figure 2C, the mounting means 60 may be provided to the side of the support mullions. Hence, although the form of the support mullions and manner of mounting them to the underlying structure may differ, the same louvres blades 30, 40 may be used. Advantageously, because the second, rear louvres blades do not be mounted to the support mullions or to the underlying structure, the invention provides sufficient flexibility to tackle a wide range of different underlying structures while maintaining compactness. In addition, in case of obstacles (or other empty space requirements) between the support mullions, the invention allows to provide second, rear louvres blades as close as possible to the obstacle with widely spaced support mullions (without need for further support mullions, e.g. directly next to the obstacle). This is for example shown in Figure 2D, where the rear louvres blades extend between obstacles of the rear structure to which the support mullions 51 are attached. Similarly, the invention allows to provide rear louvres blades as close as possible to the desired locations with widely spaced support mullions. For example, the rear louvres blades may only be provided in front of windows or other facade openings (optionally extending in the facade opening).

[0023] Figures 3A to 3C show different steps of a method for the assembly of a first louvre blade 30 to a support mullion 21. Although, the method will be explained based on the continuous louvre wall 11 as shown in figure 2A, the same method may be used in other embodiments of the invention, e.g. the continuous louvre wall as shown in figure 2B or 2C. The support mullions 21 are formed by slotted profiles, wherein the slotted profile comprises vertically spaced slots 210 that are arranged at regular intervals along the vertical direction. Successive slots are spaced vertically apart from each other by a slot distance d. The first louvre blade 30 is provided with an upper mounting element 310 and a lower mounting element 320, said upper and lower mounting elements being spaced vertically apart from each other by a first distance d1. In a preferred embodiment, the first louvre blade is a sound absorbing louvre blades fitted with sound-attenuating material 340 on the inside and a mesh 350 forming the lower surface. The mounting elements 310, 320 and the slots 210 are configured to be connected to each other. In particular, the size and shape of the mounting elements 310, 320 and the slots 210 are complementary and allow a click or clamping connection to each other. Accordingly, the first distance d1 is approximately equal to a multiple of the slot distance d, preferably the first distance d1 is approximately equal to two times the slot distance d. To achieve a strong clamping connection, the first distance d1 might be a bit shorter than the multiple of the slot distance d. Figure 3A shows the step of introducing the upper mounting element 310 in an upper slot of the support mullions 21. The cross-section of the upper slot is at least partially mushroom shaped with a narrow front section and a wider back section. The upper mounting element 310 comprises a wider free end which is introduced in the wider back section of the slot through the narrow front section and hooks over lower wall surrounding the narrow front section. Figure 3B shows the step of introducing the lower mounting element 320 in a lower slot of the support mullions 21 while maintaining the upper mounting element 310 in the upper slot. Figure 3C shows the first louvre blade 30 mounted to the support mullion 21, wherein the upper and lower mounting elements 310, 320 are simultaneously mounted to different vertically spaced slots 210 of the support mullion.

[0024] Figures 4A to 4C show different steps of a method for the assembly of a second louvre blade 40 to a first louvre blade 30. Although, the method will be explained based on the result of the steps shown in figures 3A to 3C, the same method may be used to attach the second louvre blade 40 to the first louvre blade 30 before mounting the first louvre blade 30 to the support mullions, and thereafter the assembled double bank may be mounted to the support mullions as will be shown in figures 6A to 6C. The first louvre blade 30 is further provided with an intermediate mounting element 330 positioned between and spaced vertically apart from the upper and lower mounting elements 310, 320. The second louvre blade 40 is provided with an upper mounting element 410 and an intermediate mounting element 430, said upper and intermediate mounting elements being spaced vertically apart from each other by a second distance d2. The first louvre blade 30 is further provided with a lower mounting element 420. In a preferred embodiment, the second louvre blade is a sound absorbing louvre blades fitted with sound-attenuating material 440 on the inside and a mesh 450 forming the lower surface. The mounting elements 410, 420, 430 of the second louvre blade and mounting elements 310, 320, 330 of the second louvre blade are configured to be connected to each other. In particular, the size and shape of the upper mounting elements 310, 410 are complementary and allow a click or clamping connection to each other, and the size and shape of the intermediate mounting elements 330, 430 are complementary and allow a click or clamping connection to each other. Furthermore, the lower mounting elements 320, 420 are configured to engage each other when the first and second louvre blades are assembled. As a result, there is less air resistance between consecutive louvre blades and better aerodynamic airflow. Figures 4A and 5A show the step of interconnecting the upper mounting elements 310, 410). The upper mounting element 410 of the second louvre blade comprises a wider free end which hooks over the upper mounting element 310 of the first louvre blade. Figures 4B and 5B show the step of interconnecting the intermediate mounting elements 330, 430 while maintaining the upper mounting elements 310, 410 interconnected. The intermediate mounting element 430 of the second louvre blade comprises a wider free end which hooks over the intermediate mounting element 330 of the first louvre blade. Figure 4C shows the second louvre blade 40 mounted to the first louvre blade 30. The assembly of the first and second louvre blades may be further secured to each other via a screw (not shown), e.g. extending through the upper mounting elements 310, 410.

[0025] Figures 6A to 6C show different steps of a method for the assembly of an assembled double bank 30, 40 to a support mullion 21. Besides having a second louvre blade 30 attached to the first louvre blade 40, the steps are quasi identical to the steps shown in figures 4A to 4C. The main difference is that second louvre blade needs to be provided between support mullions and that a free art (without attached second louvre blade) of the first louvre blade 40 is aligned with the support mullion 21.

[0026] Figures 7 and 8A to 8D relate to the removal of a first louvre blade 30 from a support mullion. Figure 7 shows a disassembly tool 90 comprising an elongated arm 910 extending to a free end 920, said free end 920 being complementary in shape and size to the lower mounting element 320 of the first louvre blade 30. In particular, free end 920 is configured to hook around the wider free end of the lower mounting element 320, as shown in figures 8B to 8C, such that a downward force may be exerted on said wider free end by rotating the elongated arm 910 as shown in figures 8D. Other alternatives and equivalent embodiments of the present invention are conceivable within the idea of the invention, as will be clear to the person skilled in the art. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.List of reference signs

[0027] 10, 11, 12, 13.Continuous louvre wall 20, 21.Support Mullion 210.Slot 30.First louvre blade 310.Upper Mounting element 320.Intermediate mounting element 330.Lower mounting element 340.Sound-attenuating material 350.Mesh 40.Second louvre blade 410.Upper Mounting element 420.Intermediate mounting element 430.Lower mounting element 440.Sound-attenuating material 450.Mesh 51, 52.Underlying structure 60.Mounting Means 90.Disassembly tool 910.Elongated arm 920.Free end

Claims

1. Continuous louvre wall (10, 11, 12, 13), comprising: - a support structure comprising (at least) two aligned support mullions (20, 21) extending vertically and spaced horizontally apart; - a first louvre blade (30) mainly positioned in front of the support structure, said first louvre blade being mounted to the support mullions; and - a second louvre blade (40) aligned with the first louvre blade, characterised in, that the second louvre blade is mainly positioned between the support mullions or behind the support structure, and that the second louvre blade is directly attached to first louvre blade.

2. Continuous louvre wall according to claim 1, wherein the first and second louvre blades are distinct types.

3. Continuous louvre wall according to claim 2, wherein the first louvre blade comprises mounting means for mounting the first louvre blade to the support mullions, said mounting means being complementary with support means of the support structure.

4. Continuous louvre wall according to claim 3, wherein the second louvre blade comprises attachment means for attaching the second louvre blade to the first louvre blade, said attachment means being complementary with the mounting means of the first louvre blade.

5. Continuous louvre wall according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the support mullions are formed by slotted profiles, wherein the support means of each slotted profile comprises vertically spaced slots that are arranged at regular intervals along the vertical direction.

6. Continuous louvre wall according to claim 5, wherein the vertically spaced slots are formed by support cavities (210) extending over the full width of the first louvre blade.

7. Continuous louvre wall according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the mounting means of the first louvre blade comprise an upper mounting element (310) and a lower mounting element (330), wherein the upper and lower mounting elements are simultaneously mounted to different vertically spaced slots of the support mullion.

8. Continuous louvre wall according to claim 1, wherein the first and second louvre blades are sound absorbing louvre blades.

9. Continuous louvre wall according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first louvre blade is one of a plurality of first louvre blades, each being mounted at different vertical positions along the support mullions.

10. Continuous louvre wall according to claim 9, wherein the second louvre blade is one of a plurality of second louvre blades, each second louvre blade being positioned behind the support structure and aligned with the plurality of first louvre blades.

11. Method of assembling a continuous louvre wall, preferably according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 10, comprising the step of directly attaching a second louvre blade is to a first louvre blade.

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein the second louvre blade is attached to the first louvre blade before mounting the first louvre blade to the support mullions.

13. Method according to claim 11, wherein the second louvre blade is attached to the first louvre blade after mounting the first louvre blade to the support mullions.

14. First louvre blade as defined in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 10.

15. Second louvre blade as defined in any one of the preceding claims 1 - 10.

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