Double guide rail system for roller shutter curtains and connecting profile for guide rails

Abstract

Double sliding device for roller shutter curtains. 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) and back-to-back on either side of a second plane of symmetry (P2) perpendicular to the first (P1). This sliding device (1) has at each of its ends (21, 22) female interlocking means (23) for receiving male interlocking means (24) of a fixing bracket (25). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Double sliding device for roller shutter curtains and connecting profile for sliding

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

[0002] It relates to the field of roller shutters and, more particularly, 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 likely to deform excessively under the pressure exerted on the curtain by wind, for example. Such deformation can result in the unexpected dislodging of these slats from the side guides that ensure their orientation and retention 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 strong stress on the joints that connect them.

[0005] One solution to limit this risk could be to increase the deformation resistance coefficient of the slats in a roller shutter curtain. However, to achieve this, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the slats, resulting in a larger cross-section of the curtain when rolled up. The consequence is 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 commonly adopted solution 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 receiving such a window, can always be attached to the jambs bordering this opening. However, the tracks of these same roller shutters at 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 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 has 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 of two slides assembled by screwing at their upper and lower ends by means of very unsightly L-shaped fixing brackets offering low mechanical strength.

[0009] Indeed, if such an L-shaped bracket has a first horizontal wing designed to be fixed, as appropriate, 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 of 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 in the case of two roller shutters whose slats extend in front of two glazed openings forming an angle between them, without a fixed connecting mullion. For example, each of these glazed openings may have a sliding panel that closes against the other, without a fixed intermediate mullion, at the height of the junction angle. For the roller shutters to extend in front of these glazed openings, a double guide rail profile must be installed in the angle, having two U-shaped grooves fixed back to back, forming an angle that corresponds approximately to the angle formed between these glazed openings. This double guide rail must, again, be fixed, using brackets, at its upper end to a lintel, as appropriate, 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 said glazed openings.

[0011] It was in the context of a first inventive step 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] For this purpose, 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, characterized in that it comprises at each of its ends female interlocking means for receiving male interlocking means of a fixing tab.

[0014] According to a first embodiment of the invention, this double sliding device is defined by a profile comprising a front wall and a rear wall extending in planes substantially parallel to the first plane, where applicable to planes forming an angle, and between which are positioned bracing walls to delimit at least the two U-shaped grooves and at least one intermediate tubular chamber defining at the ends of the profile the said female interlocking means.

[0015] According to a second embodiment of the invention, this double slide device comprises two U-shaped profiles extending in the first plane, as the case may be in planes forming an angle and each defining a slide, these two U-shaped profiles being attached back to back on an intermediate joining profile, of tubular or rail-shaped section, defining at its ends said female interlocking means.

[0016] According to another feature, the intermediate joining profile has on its front and / or rear edge a covering 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] The advantages arising from the present invention consist in the fact that the mechanical strength of the fixing of a double sliding device, whether at the level of a roller shutter box, a lintel or a door or window threshold, is considerably reinforced. This fixing is also particularly discreet, giving the assembly an improved aesthetic appearance.

[0020] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent during the following description relating to exemplary embodiments, illustrated in the attached drawings:

[0021] [Fig.l] 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;

[0022] [Fig.2] represents in perspective the section of a profile designing the device of double slide according to a first embodiment, the two U-shaped grooves extending back to back in the same foreground;

[0023] [Fig.3] shows in perspective one end of this double sliding device according to a second embodiment with two U-shaped grooves extending back to back in the same foreground, a slide into which a fixing tab is engaged;

[0024] [Fig.4] schematically and partially represents the front face of the device double slide of the [Fig.3];

[0025] [Fig.5] schematically and partially represents the rear face of the device double sliding door of the [Fig.3];

[0026] [Fig.6] is a schematic cross-sectional representation along VI-VI of [Fig.5];

[0027] [Fig.7] is a schematic perspective representation of a fixing tab;

[0028] [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°.

[0029] As shown in [Fig. 1] of the attached drawings, the present invention relates to the field of roller shutters. It relates, more particularly, to a double sliding device 1.

[0030] This [Fig. 1] illustrates a wide glazed bay 2 integrated into an opening 3 adapted in a building. In front of this glazed bay 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 or, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], on the exterior side, in the upper part 7 of the opening 3. At the lateral ends 8, 9 of these roller shutters 4, 5, extending under their housing 6, are guides 10, 11 for the slats 12 of the curtains 13, 14 of these roller shutters 4, 5. These guides 10, 11 are attached to the lateral sides 15, 16 of the opening 3.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Now, referring simultaneously to figures 2 to 8, the double slide device 1 comprises two U-shaped grooves 18; 19 defining guideways for the slats of the apron, in the non-limiting example illustrated in [Fig. 1], the slats 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 first plane PI (as seen in [Fig. 2] to 6), or in planes PI'; PI" forming, between them, an angle α (as shown in [Fig. 8]) on either side of a plane of symmetry P2.

[0033] According to the invention, 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.

[0034] According to a first embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 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, the said female interlocking means 23.

[0035] According to a second embodiment of the invention corresponding to Figures 3 to 6, this double sliding device 1 comprises two U-shaped profiles 32; 33 extending in the first plane PI and defining, respectively, a U-shaped groove 19; 20 and thus a guide rail for the slats of the curtain, in the non-limiting example illustrated in [Fig. 1], the slats 12 of the curtains 13; 14. These two U-shaped profiles 32, 33 are attached back to back on an intermediate connecting profile 34, having a 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 PI, and its ends 35 form the female interlocking means 23 at the ends 21, 22 of this double sliding device 1.

[0036] 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.

[0037] According to a third embodiment shown in [Fig. 8], the double sliding device 1 comprises two U-shaped profiles 32; 33 extending in distinct planes PI'; PI” forming an angle α, approximately 90° in the illustrated example, given that this angle α between these planes PI' and PI” can be between 0 and approximately 160°. These two U-shaped profiles 32; 33 again define, respectively, a U-shaped groove 19; 20 and thus a guide rail for the curtain slats. These two U-shaped profiles 32, 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 the said female interlocking means 23 at the ends 21, 22 of this double sliding device 1.

[0038] Advantageously, this intermediate joining profile 34' comprises on its inner longitudinal side at angle a 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 a identical to that between the planes PI' and PI”.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The U-shaped profiles 32, 33 can be easily fixed, by screwing, riveting or gluing, onto the intermediate joining profile 34; 34'. Thanks to the cover flange 39; 39', the joint planes between the slides can be made perfectly invisible from the outside and / or inside of the construction.

[0041] 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 of these standard slides are perfectly held. In addition, the T-shaped configuration, as applicable, of the intermediate connecting profile 34; 34' has the advantage of stiffening the double slide device 1.

[0042] 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.

[0043] According to the invention, a fixing 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 PI', PI”. 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 fixing wing 42 extending in a plane perpendicular to the first wing 40.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 render this or these fixing wings 42 invisible at the ends 21; 22 of this device 1.

[0046] According to an advantageous design embodiment of the invention, the fixing tab 25, in particular shown in [Fig.7], is formed from a blade 45 folded in half 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.

[0047] In short, 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.

[0048] As for the lower end portion 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.

[0049] Such anchoring means can take different forms. Thus, they can be in the form of a boss 54 or a step preventing the fixing tab 25 from unexpectedly disengaging, particularly during assembly, from the double sliding device 1.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 of a lintel or at the level of a threshold 18, one or more fixing elements, such as screws on which the cutouts of the fixing wing(s) 42 can be engaged by fitting in a direction perpendicular to the plane PI, as appropriate PI' or PI”, or even in the direction of the plane of symmetry P2.

Claims

Claims

1. Double slide device (1) for aprons (13; 14) of roller shutters (4; 5), comprising two U-shaped grooves (19, 20) extending back to back in the same first plane (PI) or in planes (PI'; PI”) forming an angle (a) and on either side of a plane of symmetry (P2), said double slide device comprising at each of its ends (21, 22) female fitting means (23) for receiving male fitting means (24) of a fixing lug (25), characterized in that it 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 (PI), as the case may be in the planes (PI'; PI”) forming an angle (a), these two U-shaped profiles (32, 33) being attached back to back to an intermediate junction profile (34; 34'), of tubular section or in the form of a rail and defining at its ends said female fitting means (23).

2. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the intermediate junction profile (34) comprises on its front edge (37) and / or rear edge (38) a covering wing (39) giving said intermediate junction profile (34) a T-shaped section.

3. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the intermediate junction profile (34') comprises on its longitudinal side inside the angle (a) (37') and / or outside (38') a covering wing (39') defined by two wing sections (39a, 39b) giving said intermediate junction profile (34') a corner-shaped section, these wing sections (39a, 39b) forming between them an angle (a) equal to that between the planes (PI', PI”).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the U-shaped profiles (32, 33) are fixed by screwing, riveting or gluing to the intermediate joining profile (34; 34').

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing lug (25) comprises a first wing (40) extending in the plane of symmetry (P2) and / or in a plane perpendicular to one of the planes (PI', PI”) 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 fixing wing (42) extending in a plane perpendicular to the first wing (40).

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the width (43) and the thickness (44) of the first wing (40) are designed to engage in the end of the intermediate joining profile (34; 34').

7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the fixing lug (25) comes from a blade (45) folded in two on itself, along a fold line (46) so as to define two parallel blade branches (47, 48) comprising their upper end parts (49, 50), opposite the fold line (46), folded perpendicularly in opposite directions so as to define fixing wings (42).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the blade branches (47, 48) comprise a lower end portion (51, 52) designing the first wing (40) of the fixing lug (25), at least one of these lower end portions (51, 52) being provided with anchoring means (53) in the intermediate joining profile (34; 34').

9. Device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the fixing wing(s) (42) comprise at least one opening (55) for the passage of a fixing member, such as a screw or a rivet.

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one opening (55) is defined as a cutout in the front (56) and / or rear (57) edge of a fixing wing (42).

Images