Building louver material and louver

Abstract

To widen the degree of freedom of the design of a louver by enhancing the strength in the weak axis direction of a louver material formed by aluminum extrusion processing and to form the cut end surface of the louver material into a good-looking appearance shape.SOLUTION: A louver material 1 is formed in a shape in which uneven cross-sectional parts raised and recessed inside and outside the louver material 1 are arranged in a face of a face width surface part 2 and left and right width surface parts 3, 3 and screw holes 7, 8 constituted by combining a plurality of curved cross-sections are arranged on inner faces of the left and right width surface parts 3, 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an architectural louver material (hereinafter also simply referred to as "louver material") that constitutes louvers installed on the ceiling surface, interior wall surface, exterior wall surface, and other spaces of a building. [Background technology]

[0002] Louvers are made by attaching long, thin boards (louver material) in parallel at intervals, and they function not only to block sunlight, adjust lighting, and provide privacy, but also to decorate the space by giving the surface on which they are installed a stylish appearance, and are used in a variety of buildings, including ordinary homes, apartment buildings, and public and commercial facilities. The material, size, and shape of the louver material that makes up the louver are selected appropriately depending on the location where the louver is to be installed, but aluminum louver material is often used for those installed outdoors, due to its advantages of good corrosion resistance, dirt resistance, and lightweight due to its hollow structure.

[0003] When aluminum louver materials are formed using aluminum casting, it is possible to add decorative patterns to the surface or process them into complex shapes. However, because aluminum casting requires high initial costs for producing the molds, aluminum extrusion (extruded profiles) is more commonly used. Conventional louver materials formed by aluminum extrusion are often formed with a hollow rectangular cross-section. Figure 13(A) shows an example of a rectangular louver material formed by aluminum extrusion. As shown in the figure, the louver material 100 is formed in a hollow box shape and includes a front surface 101, left and right projection surfaces 102, 102, a back surface 103 spanning the inner surfaces of the bases of the left and right projection surfaces 102, 102, and fixing pieces 104, 104 bent inward from the ends of the bases of the left and right projection surfaces 102, 102. Screw holes 105, 105 for fixing a small lid are protruded from the inner surfaces of the front surface 101 and the back surface 103, as described below.

[0004] When the louvers are configured to look like a row of square timbers, as shown in Figure 13(A) above, the louver material is formed into a rectangular cross section so as to outline the shape of the square timber, and the surface is electrolytically colored brown, a wooden decorative sheet is attached, or the surface is given uneven stripes or grooves that look like wood grain (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-7365 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-169711 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When louver materials are formed by aluminum extrusion, it is possible to add uneven streaks or grooves to the surface, but these are small unevenness relative to the thickness of the louver material, and it is difficult to distinguish the unevenness when viewing the louver material from a distance. Some louver materials formed by aluminum casting have large ribs, random unevenness, or unevenness that looks like it was carved with a chisel on their surfaces, but there has not previously been any louver material formed by aluminum extrusion with a decorative finish on the surface that has large unevenness that makes the unevenness clearly visible from a distance.

[0007] When installing louvers outdoors using the louver material shown in Figure 13(A) above, it is necessary to consider the wind pressure resistance of the louver material when designing the installation pitch of the furring strip side (base side) of the louver material and the number of bases to secure the louver material. Large louver materials, in particular, have a wide, large projection surface, so when wind hits this, they are prone to bending along the projection direction, i.e., the direction in which the surface is large (hereinafter referred to as the "minor axis direction"). To increase the degree of freedom in designing louvers using large louver materials, it is necessary to ensure a configuration that ensures high strength in the minor axis direction, where wind hits the wide surface of the louver material.

[0008] One method for increasing the strength in the weak axis direction of louver material with a rectangular cross section formed by aluminum extrusion is to place one or more horizontal bars 106 between the opposing inner surfaces of the projecting surface portions 102, 102 of the louver material 100, as shown in Figure 13(B). This method reduces the aesthetic appeal of the cut end surface of the louver material, as will be described later, and also has the problem that the molding die for the louver material becomes expensive when multiple hollow sections separated by horizontal bars are placed inside the louver material. The second problem is increasing the thickness of the louver material. Increasing the thickness increases the strength of the louver material in the weak axis direction, but it also increases the sense of bulkiness when viewed from the end face, which, as mentioned above, reduces the aesthetic appeal of the cut end face of the louver material. Thirdly, a protrusion that protrudes perpendicular to the protruding surface of the louver material and functions as a reinforcing rib can be provided on the inner surface of the protruding surface of the louver material. However, this method also has the problem of reducing the design of the cut end surface of the louver material.

[0009] Furthermore, when installing louvers, the ends of each louver are often covered with a cap. With the cap attached, the cut edges of the louver are hidden. However, because the installation of caps significantly impacts the cost of parts and installation relative to the installation area of ​​the louvers, there is also a demand for reducing the installation cost of louvers by not installing caps.

[0010] When installing louvers at a position higher than eye level, such as on the ceiling or exterior wall of a building, if the ends of the louver material are not covered with a cap, the exposed cut end surface of the louver material will be visible, which poses an issue regarding the design (appearance) of the cut end surface. 13, the cut end surface of louver material 100 can be seen as having C-shaped cross-section screw holes 105, 105 protruding into one or more rectangular frames bounded by visible surface portion 101, left and right projecting surface portions 102, 102, and back surface portion 103, and further separated by horizontal crosspiece portion 106. In this way, the cut end surface of a rectangular cross-section louver material has a shape that is a mixture of straight and curved lines, and this mixture of line types gives the viewer a particular visual sense of incongruity, making them recognize the cut end surface as part of an industrial product, in other words, a part for which no consideration has been given to the design, and ultimately causing anxiety that the end of the louver material has not been processed to fit in or fear that the work is poorly done. Even if the curved screw holes are formed into a U-shaped, square, or triangular cross section, it can be seen that the cut end surface of the louver material is bordered only by inorganic straight lines that do not exist in nature, and this still gives the viewer the visual impression that it is an industrial product.

[0011] Measures to increase the strength in the weak axis direction, such as placing cross bars on the inner surface of the louver material, increasing the thickness, or providing reinforcing ribs on the inner surface of the projecting surface, do not contribute in any way to improving the design of the cut end surface of the louver material, and instead worsen the appearance of the cut end surface. When the ends of the louver material are not covered with a small cap, but the cut end surfaces are exposed to form the louvers, it is essential that the cut end surfaces of the louver material be shaped in a way that allows the viewer to see that they have been given a distinctive aesthetic shape, in order to prevent the viewer from realizing that they are an industrial product.

[0012] In view of the problems with conventional technology, the present invention aims to increase the strength in the weak axis direction of louver material formed into a long, hollow columnar shape by aluminum extrusion or the like, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in louver design, and to give the cut end faces of the louver material an attractive appearance so that they can also be used in installation modes where louvers are not fitted with end caps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] As mentioned above, large louver materials have wide, large projection surfaces, which can easily bend along the weak axis when exposed to wind. This is due to the wide, large projection surface, as well as the low rigidity of the projection surface, which is a flush, flat surface. Therefore, by reducing the flat areas of the projection surface and increasing its rigidity, it is possible to make it less likely to bend even when subjected to the load caused by wind.

[0014] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a louver material formed in a hollow column shape having a facing surface portion and left and right projecting surface portions, Of the two-sided portions, at least one or both of the left and right projecting surface portions are formed with a cross-sectional portion within the surface that is undulating inward and outward of the louver material.

[0015] The louver material having the above-described configuration is formed with a cross-sectional portion that undulates inward and outward within the left and right projecting surfaces. In other words, the louver material is formed with a shape that gives its projecting surface a "wavy" shape along the minor axis direction (projecting direction). This "wavy" shape is like a wave, with highs and lows, creating a cross-sectional shape that reveals unevenness on the surface of the louver material, and this wave-like high and low shape continues in the longitudinal direction of the louver material (the axial direction of the louver material). The louver material of the above configuration is formed so that at least one, preferably multiple, of the undulating cross-sectional portions are arranged partially, and more preferably continuously, within a surface extending from the base side of the protruding surface portion of the louver material to the facing surface side. By arranging an undulating region consisting of a cross-sectional portion that undulates inward and outward of the louver material within the surface of the left and right protruding surfaces of the louver material, the area of ​​the flat portion of the protruding surface is reduced, thereby increasing the strength of the louver material in the weak axis direction. The uneven streaks and uneven grooves applied as a pattern to the surface of the louver material are formed by providing concave streaks or grooves in the thickness direction of the outer surface of the louver material, with the thickness of the concave streaks or grooves being smaller and the thickness of the convex streaks or grooves being greater than the concave streaks or grooves. In contrast, the undulating cross-sectional portions are portions of the louver material that are recessed inward and protrude outward while the thickness of the louver material is kept approximately constant, preferably constant, and the thickness of the undulating regions is approximately the same. In the inwardly undulating cross-sectional portions, both the inner and outer surfaces of the louver material are recessed inward, while in the outwardly undulating cross-sectional portions, both the inner and outer surfaces of the louver material protrude outward. In other words, the undulating areas of the projecting surface are areas that are more uneven than the uneven streaks and grooves, and it is possible to see that the surface of the louver material is clearly uneven even from a distance. The undulating region disposed within the plane of the protruding surface portion can be provided partially or continuously within one of the left and right protruding surface portions to increase the strength of the protruding surface portion of the louver material, and the undulating region may be disposed over the entire surface of one of the surfaces.The strength of the protruding surface portion of the louver material can be further increased by disposing the undulating region partially or entirely within one or multiple portions of the surface of both the left and right protruding surface portions.

[0016] One form of the louver material having cross-sectional portions that undulate inward and outward is, for example, a form in which either or both of a portion that is recessed and curved or bent greatly inward of the louver material with a substantially constant thickness, or a portion that protrudes and curves or bends greatly outward, are arranged in series within the surface of the projecting surface, and the surface of the louver material has a cross-sectional shape that exposes high and low heights along its thickness direction, or has portions with a cross-sectional shape that becomes higher and lower. In order to clearly see the undulating surface when looking at the louver material, it is preferable that the louver material has a cross-sectional shape with at least three connected irregularities, that is, a shape with a series of recessed portions that are greatly curved or bent inward in the thickness direction of the protruding surface portion and a series of protruding portions that are greatly curved or bent outward, with the approximately constant thickness. For example, the undulating cross-sectional portion can be formed by arranging a convex cross-sectional portion that protrudes outward between two concave cross-sectional portions that are concave inward of the louver material, or by arranging a concave cross-sectional portion that is concave inward between two convex cross-sectional portions that protrude outward of the louver material, with the concave cross-sectional portions and convex cross-sectional portions lined up along the width direction. The undulating cross-sectional portion may be formed by lining up four or more concave and convex cross-sectional portions, that is, by lining up four or more concave and convex cross-sectional portions along the width direction.

[0017] The concave cross-sectional portion and the convex cross-sectional portion can be formed into a curved surface or a shape along a curved surface, for example, a shape along a circular arc, an elliptical arc, or a quadratic curve, by appropriately curving the louver material along its thickness direction. The concave and convex cross-sectional portions may be formed by combining surfaces inclined or bent at an appropriate angle along the thickness direction of the louver material, such as a V-shaped cross-section, an upward U-shaped cross-section, or a zigzag bent shape. They may also have a cross-sectional shape that combines an appropriately curved surface or a curved surface with a surface inclined or bent at an appropriate angle. The concave and convex cross-sectional portions may have a shape in which a recessed or protruding portion is arranged within the cross-section.

[0018] When the cross-sectional portion of the louver material that undulates inward and outward has a cross-sectional shape in which three or more concave cross-sectional portions and convex step surface portions are connected, and each concave cross-sectional portion and convex cross-sectional portion are formed along a circular arc, an elliptical arc, or a quadratic curve, adjacent concave cross-sectional portions across the convex cross-sectional portion or adjacent convex cross-sectional portions across the convex cross-sectional portion can be formed so that the radii of the circles that form the respective arcs, the major or minor radii of the ellipses that form the elliptical arcs, or the coefficients of the quadratic curves are different from each other. Adjacent concave cross-sectional portions across the convex cross-sectional portion or adjacent convex cross-sectional portions across the convex cross-sectional portion may be formed so that the radii of the circles that form the respective arcs, the major or minor radii of the ellipses that form the elliptical arcs, or the coefficients of the quadratic curves are the same. Adjacent concave cross-sectional portions across the convex cross-sectional portion or adjacent convex cross-sectional portions across the convex cross-sectional portion may have one that is an arc and the other that is a curved surface that is an elliptical arc or a quadratic curve. The plurality of consecutive concave or convex cross-sectional portions can be formed by appropriately combining curved surfaces along an appropriate sized circular arc, elliptical arc, or quadratic curve. When the multiple concave or convex cross-sectional portions are formed along arcs or ellipses of the same diameter, the surface of the louver material is decorated with an undulating pattern of regular uneven curved surfaces, and when adjacent concave or convex cross-sectional portions or adjacent convex cross-sectional portions are formed along arcs or ellipses of different diameters as described above, the surface of the louver material is decorated with an undulating pattern of randomly arranged uneven curved surfaces of irregular sizes. The arrangement of uneven curved surfaces with discontinuous or random sizes gives the viewer the impression of a natural aesthetic design.

[0019] A quadratic curve is a general term for a plane figure expressed by a quadratic equation with two unknowns, and can be a circle or an ellipse depending on the coefficient values. Forming the aforementioned concave and convex cross-sectional portions into a shape along a quadratic curve refers to forming them into a shape along a curve other than a circular arc or an elliptical arc. Furthermore, when the undulating cross-sectional portion has a cross-sectional shape consisting of three or more consecutive concave and convex cross-sectional portions, the series of concave and convex cross-sectional portions may be formed into a shape along a cubic curve or even an nth-order function curve. In other words, when designing a louver material on a computer, the shapes of the concave and convex cross-sectional portions that make up the undulating cross-sectional portion can be set using various curved surface models that can be set taking into consideration the strength of the surface on which the undulations are arranged, the design of the louver material, etc. Of course, as long as the louver material has an undulating cross-sectional portion, the concave and convex cross-sectional portions do not have to have shapes that follow circular arcs, elliptical arcs, quadratic curves, or n-th order function curves.

[0020] In louver material of the above configuration, in order to increase the strength of the entire outer surface of the louver material and to allow the viewer to recognize that the entire louver material has a natural beauty of design, it is preferable that the entire visible surface and the entire left and right projection surfaces are provided with an undulating area consisting of a cross-section that undulates inward and outward, as described above.

[0021] As an example of a louver material having an undulating region on the entire outer peripheral surface, the louver material of the present invention is formed in a hollow columnar shape having a facing surface portion and left and right projecting surfaces, An undulating area having a cross section undulating inward and outward of the louver material is arranged on the entire surface of the visible surface portion and the entire surface of the left and right projecting surface portions, The undulating region is formed in a shape in which concave cross-sectional portions recessed inward of the louver material and convex cross-sectional portions protruding outward are alternately arranged, Each of the concave cross-sectional portions is formed along a circular arc, an elliptical arc, or a quadratic curve, and the concave cross-sectional portions adjacent to each other across the convex cross-sectional portion are formed in shapes in which the radii of the circles forming the respective circular arcs, the major radii or minor radii of the ellipses forming the elliptical arcs, or the coefficients of the quadratic curves are different from each other. Each of the convex cross-sectional portions may be formed along a circular arc, an elliptical arc, or a quadratic curve, and adjacent convex cross-sectional portions sandwiching the concave cross-sectional portion may be provided with shapes in which the radii of the circles forming the respective arcs, the major radii or minor radii of the ellipses forming the elliptical arcs, or the coefficients of the quadratic curves are different from each other.

[0022] The louver material can also be configured by bridging a back surface between the inner surfaces of the base portions of the left and right projecting surface portions. In this case, if the undulating regions, which are cross-sectional portions that undulate inside and outside the louver material, are provided partially or entirely on the left and right projecting surface portions and the visible surface portion, while the back surface bridging the inner surfaces of the left and right projecting surface portions is flat, the back surface will appear linear on the cut end surface of the louver material, causing a viewer to recognize that there is no unity with the uneven shape that undulates inside and outside the outer peripheral end surface of the louver material, evoking a sense of incongruity. Therefore, it is preferable that the back surface portion, like the left and right projecting surface portions and the facing surface portions, be formed in a shape having a curved cross-sectional portion consisting of an arc, an elliptical arc, a quadratic curve, etc., and it is more preferable that the entire back surface portion be formed in a curved cross-sectional shape by combining the above-mentioned concave cross-sectional portions and convex cross-sectional portions.

[0023] As mentioned above, when installing louvers, the ends of each louver material are often sealed with a small cap, so it is necessary to provide screw holes on the inner surface of the louver material to fasten the small cap with a screw or bolt. Also, while providing a protrusion that functions as a reinforcing rib on the inner surface of the projecting surface is mentioned as a means of increasing the strength of the louver material in the weak axis direction, providing screw holes on the projecting surface can act as a reinforcing rib and contribute to the increase in strength. Furthermore, in a louver installation mode in which no caps are attached to the ends of the louver material, it is preferable that people looking at the cut end surfaces of the louver material do not realize that it is an industrial product. However, when the louver material is formed with undulating cross-sections on the inside and outside, either partially or entirely, on the left and right projecting surfaces and the facing surface, if the C-shaped screw holes 105 of the conventional louver material shown in Figure 13 are provided on the inner surface, the screw holes with the same cross-section shape as conventional louvers, as if specified by standards, will stand out in contrast to the undulating cross-section of the surface of the louver material, and the louver material will not appear to have a unified aesthetic design. Therefore, in a louver material of the above configuration, it is preferable that two or more screw holes are protruded from the inner surface of either the visible surface portion, the left and right projecting surface portions, or the back surface portion, and that each screw hole is formed by combining multiple curved cross-sectional portions along a circular arc, elliptical arc, or quadratic curve protruding from the inner surface.

[0024] Providing one or more screw holes on the inner surface of each of the left and right protruding surface portions is effective in improving the strength of the louver material in the weak axis direction, but it is also possible to provide them on the inner surface of only one of the left and right protruding surface portions. Furthermore, it is preferable that the multiple curved cross-sectional portions that make up the screw holes are along a radius of a circle that forms the arc of a concave or convex cross-sectional portion, or an arc or elliptical arc within the range of the major or minor radius of an ellipse that forms an elliptical arc, or along a quadratic curve, that constitutes the undulating cross-sectional portion provided within the visible surface of the louver material and the left and right projecting surface portions. For example, if a louver has a 50mm wide front surface and a 100mm protruding surface, and the concave or convex cross-sections of the front surface and the left and right protruding surfaces are formed along arcs with a radius of approximately 2mm to 38mm, the curved cross-sections of the screw holes can be formed by combining arcs with a radius of approximately 7mm to 29mm. By setting the arcs forming the curved cross-sections of the screw holes within the range of the arcs forming the curved cross-section of the louver surface, the incongruity between the louver surface and the cross-sections of the screw holes is neutralized, creating a harmony between the cross-sections of the louver surface and the screw holes, allowing viewers of the cut edge of the louver to perceive a unified design and recognize the aesthetic integrity of the design. Because the cross-sections of the louver cut edge are a combination of circular or elliptical arcs or elliptical arcs within a certain range of sizes, i.e., a uniform line type, viewers of the cut edge do not recognize the louver as an industrial product.

[0025] The louver material of the above configuration may be formed without providing screw holes for attaching the lids on its inner surface, and used in a form in which the cut end surfaces are exposed for installation. In this case, by providing one or more protruding pieces that protrude into the inner surface of the louver material on the inner surface of the left and right projecting surfaces, it is possible to increase the cross-sectional strength in the weak axis direction, and by making this protruding piece a shape that combines multiple curved cross sections made of circular or elliptical arcs like the screw holes, the appearance of the cut end surfaces of the louver material will be improved. By appropriately setting the shape of the screw holes and protruding pieces on the inner surface of the louver material, the protruding dimensions inward of the louver material, the number of pieces installed, and the installation position, it is possible to properly set and flexibly adjust the strength of the louver material in the weak axis direction.

[0026] In the louver material having the above-described configuration, flat portions for measuring the distance may be provided on the opposing inner surfaces of the left and right projecting surfaces. This allows for the formation of louver material with concave and convex cross-sectional portions that are undulating both inside and outside the entire surface, and by measuring the spacing between the flat portions, it is possible to check the processing accuracy of the molded product and control production.

[0027] Furthermore, the screw holes can be formed to the same size so that the diameter of the circle inscribed in each is approximately the same (see Figure 10). For example, each screw hole can be formed to the same size so that a circle with a diameter (φ) of approximately 2 mm to 6 mm can be inscribed in each hole so that it can be fastened with M2 to M6 screws used to fasten louver materials and their components. In this case, the forming accuracy of the louver material can be confirmed based on the forming positions of the screw holes, which are all the same size. For example, by inserting a caliper with a pointed tip or a shaft with a circular cross section into the screw holes and measuring the distance between each hole, it is possible to check the processing accuracy of the entire louver. Alternatively, instead of the screw holes, two or more protruding pieces with a circular cross-section shaft inscribed therein may be formed on the inner surface of either the facing surface, the left and right projecting surfaces, or the back surface, and the tip of the caliper may be inserted into each protruding piece to measure the distance between each of the formed protruding pieces, thereby confirming the processing accuracy of the entire louver.

[0028] In addition, screw holes formed by combining multiple curved cross-sectional sections along circular arcs, elliptical arcs or quadratic curves protruding from the inner surface of the aforementioned louver material can be applied to louver materials with so-called standard cross-sectional shapes to improve the design of their end opening surfaces. For example, a C-section screw hole Bh on the inner surface of a louver material Lm having a rectangular end opening cross section as shown in Fig. 11(A) can be replaced with a curved cross section screw hole Bh as shown in Fig. 11(B), or a C-section screw hole Bh on the inner surface of a louver material Lm having a roughly triangular end opening cross section as shown in Fig. 12(A) can be replaced with a curved cross section screw hole Bh as shown in Fig. 12(B). In either case, by making the screw hole Bh a curved cross section, it is not immediately apparent from the outside that it is a part for fastening a screw or bolt, and the appearance of the end opening surface of the louver material Lm can be improved.

[0029] The louver material having the above-described structure can be formed by aluminum extrusion processing, but the material constituting the louver material and the method of forming it are not limited to this.

[0030] Another example of a louver having cross-sectional portions that undulate inward and outward is to alternately arrange thick and thin portions on the left and right projecting surfaces from the base to the tip of the projecting surfaces, i.e., to alternately arrange thick, outwardly protruding convex cross-sections and thin, concave cross-sections, thereby creating a cross-sectional shape with high and low heights in the thickness direction of the louver. As described above, the convex and concave cross-sections can be appropriately curved along the thickness direction, or can be formed into a curved surface or a shape along a curved surface, such as a shape along a circular arc, elliptical arc, or quadratic curve, or a shape combining surfaces that are inclined or bent at an appropriate angle. An undulating cross-section can also be formed on the facing surface in the same manner as described above.

[0031] By alternately arranging convex cross-sectional portions and concave cross-sectional portions on the outer peripheral surface of the louver material to vary the thickness continuously, the undulating surface can be clearly seen when looking at the louver material, and the strength of the louver material in the weak axis direction can be increased. In this case, the entire inner surfaces of the left and right projecting surfaces and the visible surface can be flat, or the inner surfaces of the left and right projecting surfaces and the visible surface can be configured to have a flat portion and a concave portion recessed in the thickness direction or a convex portion protruding inward of the louver material. The convex portion can include a protruding piece or a screw hole of an appropriate shape.

[0032] The louver of the present invention can be constructed by arranging a plurality of louver materials having the above-described structure in parallel at predetermined intervals in the installation area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the present invention, the strength of the louver material in the weak axis direction can be increased by providing cross-sectional portions that undulate inside and outside the louver material on the visible surface and the left and right protruding surface portions of the louver material, and the strength in the weak axis direction can also be increased by providing screw holes on the inner surface of the louver material that are formed by combining cross-sectional shapes similar to the uneven cross sections of the visible surface and the left and right protruding surface portions. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the number and shape of the screw holes provided on the inner surface of the louver material, the cut end surface of the louver material can be made to have an appearance that shows a unified beauty of design with the concave and convex surfaces of the louver material surface, thereby improving the appearance of the louver when installed without a tip cap. The louver material of the present invention has a cross-section that simultaneously improves the strength of the louver material and the appearance of the cut ends, and provides for expanded freedom in louver design, such as the placement pitch of the louver material, how it is fixed, and whether or not to use a small cap to cover the end of the louver material. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a cut end surface of a louver material according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the visible surface of the louver material of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the projecting surface of the louver material of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the rear portion of the louver material of FIG. [Figure 5] (A) and (B) are enlarged views of the screw holes in the louver material in Figure 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cut end surface of a louver material according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cut end surface of a louver material according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10(A) to 10(C) are diagrams showing a cut end surface on the base side of a louver material according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10(A) to 10(C) are diagrams showing cut end surfaces of a louver material according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] (A) to (C) are enlarged views of the main parts of the screw holes in the louver material. [Figure 11] (A) is a diagram showing a cut end surface of a conventional louver material with a rectangular cross section, and (B) is a diagram showing a cut end surface of a louver material with screw holes having a curved cross section. [Figure 12] 1A is a diagram showing a cut end surface of a conventional louver material with a substantially triangular cross section, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a cut end surface of a louver material with screw holes having a curved cross section. [Figure 13] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing the cut end surface of a conventional louver material with a rectangular cross section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The louver material of the present invention is a long material, and its end face is shown in each drawing to explain the configuration. Furthermore, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a cut end surface of one embodiment of a louver material of the present invention formed by aluminum extrusion processing. As shown in the figure, the louver material 1 is formed in the shape of a hollow pillar with a roughly rectangular cross section, and includes a visible surface portion 2, left and right protruding surface portions 3, 3 that are bent at roughly right angles from both ends of the visible surface portion 2 to the back side, a back portion 4 that spans the inner surfaces of the base portions of the left and right protruding surface portions 3, 3, and fixed pieces 5, 5 that are bent inward from the ends of the base portions of the left and right protruding surface portions 3, 3. The fixed pieces 5, 5 have a roughly flat surface, and the other surface portions are each formed with a series of curved, uneven cross-sectional portions that form a cross-sectional shape that undulates inward and outward of the louver material 1.

[0037] 2, in the sight surface portion 2, from the end side where the protruding surface portion 3 on the left side in the figure is connected to the end side where the protruding surface portion 3 is connected to the right side in the figure, concave cross-sectional portion 2a, which is recessed inward of the louver material 1, and concave cross-sectional portion 2b are connected by convex cross-sectional portion 2c, which protrudes outward, said concave cross-sectional portion 2b and concave cross-sectional portion 2d are connected by convex cross-sectional portion 2e, and said concave cross-sectional portion 2d and concave cross-sectional portion 2f are connected by convex cross-sectional portion 2g, so that concave and convex cross-sectional portions are connected alternately throughout the entire sight surface portion 2, and the surface and cross section of the sight surface portion 2 are configured in a shape that appears to undulate inward and outward of the louver material 1. Both ends of the sight surface portion 2 and the ends of the left and right sight surface portions 3, 3 are connected by convex cross-sectional portions 2h, 2i, which protrude outward from the louver material 1. Each of the concave cross-sectional portions is formed in a cross-sectional shape along a circular arc, and the radius of the circles forming the respective arcs of adjacent concave cross-sectional portions sandwiching the convex cross-sectional portion is different. In the louver material 1 of this embodiment, the radius of the circles forming the respective arcs of all of the concave cross-sectional portions of the visible surface portion 1 is different. Furthermore, on the inner surface of the visible surface portion 2, a protruding piece portion 6 having a cross-sectional shape combining a plurality of curved surfaces such as curved cross sections 6a and 6b formed by circular arcs is protruded inward of the louver material 1.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the right side projection surface 3 of the louver material 1 shown in FIG. 1 is such that, from the end side connected to the convex cross-sectional portion 2h at the end of the visible surface 2 toward the end on the rear side of the louver material 1, the concave cross-sectional portion 3a recessed inward of the louver material 1 and the concave cross-sectional portion 3b are connected by the convex cross-sectional portion 3c protruding outward, the concave cross-sectional portion 3b and the concave cross-sectional portion 3d are connected by the convex cross-sectional portion 3e, the concave cross-sectional portion 3d and the concave cross-sectional portion 3f are connected by the convex cross-sectional portion 3g, and the concave cross-sectional portion 3f and the concave cross-sectional portion 3h are connected by the convex cross-sectional portion 3h. are connected by a convex cross-sectional portion 3i, the concave cross-sectional portion 3h and the concave cross-sectional portion 3j are connected by a convex cross-sectional portion 3k, the concave cross-sectional portion 3j and the concave cross-sectional portion 3l are connected by a convex cross-sectional portion 3m, the concave cross-sectional portion 3l and the concave cross-sectional portion 3n are connected by a convex cross-sectional portion 3o, and the concave cross-sectional portion 3n and the concave cross-sectional portion 3d are connected by a convex cross-sectional portion 3p, and the concave and convex cross-sectional portions are alternately connected continuously throughout the protruding surface portion 3, so that the surface and cross section of the protruding surface portion 3 are shaped to appear to undulate inward and outward of the louver material 1. The boundary between the protruding surface portion 3 and the fixing piece portion 5 is curved. Each of the concave cross-sectional portions is formed in a cross-sectional shape along a circular arc, and the radius of the circles forming the arcs of adjacent concave cross-sectional portions sandwiching the convex cross-sectional portion is different. In this embodiment, the louver material 1 has different radii of the circles forming the arcs of all of the concave cross-sectional portions of the projecting surface portion 3. Furthermore, at approximately the center of the inner surface of the projecting surface portion 3, a screw hole 7, which will be described later, is provided so as to protrude inward of the louver material 1.

[0039] The left-side projecting surface portion 3 of the louver material 1 shown in Figure 1 is, like the right-side projecting surface portion 3, formed in a shape in which concave cross-sectional portions and convex cross-sectional portions are alternately connected continuously throughout the entire left-side projecting surface portion 3, but the radius of the circles forming the arcs of each concave cross-sectional portion and the number of concave cross-sectional portions and convex cross-sectional portions are different from those of the right-side projecting surface portion 3, resulting in different shapes of undulations appearing on the surface and cross section. Each concave cross-sectional portion of the left-side protruding surface portion 3 is formed in a cross-sectional shape along an arc, and each concave cross-sectional portion is formed so that the radius of the circle forming each arc is different between adjacent concave cross-sectional portions sandwiching a convex cross-sectional portion, and the radius of the circle forming each arc is different for all concave cross-sectional portions of the protruding surface portion 3, as with the right-side protruding surface portion 3. In addition, screw holes 8 (described later) are provided at a position above the center of the inner surface of the projecting surface portion 3, and a protruding piece portion 9 having a cross-sectional shape made up of a combination of multiple curved surfaces formed by an arc is provided at a position below the center, both of which protrude inward into the louver material 1.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, flat portions fm, fm for measuring the distance are provided in parallel on the opposing inner surfaces of the left and right projection surface portions 3, 3, and when the louver material 1 is formed by aluminum extrusion processing, the processing accuracy of the molded product can be confirmed by measuring the distance between the flat portions fm, fm of the molded product.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the back surface portion 4 is formed from a concave cross-sectional portion 4a that is concave inward of the louver material 1 to a convex cross-sectional portion 4b that bulges outward, a concave cross-sectional portion 4c that is concave inward, and a concave cross-sectional portion 4d that is also concave, all of which are connected from the protruding surface portion 3 on the left side in the figure to the protruding surface portion 3 on the right side in the figure, and as a whole, is formed into a curved cross-sectional shape by combining multiple concave cross-sectional portions and convex cross-sectional portions. Each of the concave and convex cross-sectional portions is formed to have a cross-sectional shape along a circular arc, and the radius of the circle forming each of the concave and convex cross-sectional portions is made different. Furthermore, screw holes 10 (described later) are provided on the inner surface of the back surface 4, extending from the convex cross-sectional portion 4b to the concave cross-sectional portion 4c, so as to protrude inward of the louver material 1.

[0042] The screw holes 7 and 8 provided on the inner surfaces of the left and right projecting surface portions 3, 3, and the screw hole 10 provided on the back surface portion 4 are all formed by combining multiple curved cross-sectional portions consisting of arcs protruding from the inner surfaces of each surface portion. That is, as shown in Figure 5, screw hole 7 is formed in a shape that combines curved surfaces 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, and 7e, and screw hole 8 is formed in a shape that combines curved surfaces 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, and 8e.Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, screw hole 10 is formed in a shape that combines curved surfaces 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, and screws or bolts that fasten the palate are arranged to thread into the area defined by these curved surfaces. The radius of the circle forming the arc of the curved surface that makes up each screw hole is different for each screw hole, so that when looking at the cut end surface of the louver material 1, the viewer gets the impression that a "branch" is branching out from the curved cross-sectional shape at the installation position of each screw hole and protruding inward into the louver material 1.

[0043] The fixing pieces 5, 5 are bent inward at approximately right angles from the ends of the bases of the left and right projecting surface portions 3, 3, and both the inner and outer surfaces thereof are formed as flat surfaces.

[0044] In this embodiment, the louver material 1 has a width of the visible surface 2 of 50 mm, a dimension of the left and right projecting surface portions 3,3 of 100 mm, and an average thickness of approximately 1.3 mm. Each concave cross section of the visible surface 2 and the left and right projecting surface portions 3,3 is formed along an arc with a radius of approximately 2 mm to 38 mm. Furthermore, each convex cross section between each concave cross section is also a curved convex surface, formed along an arc with a radius of approximately 1 mm to 2 mm. Each curved surface of the back surface 4 is formed along an arc with a radius of approximately 29 mm to 72 mm. Furthermore, the curved cross sections of the screw holes 7, 8, and 10 are formed by combining arcs with a radius of approximately 7 mm to 29 mm.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the louver material 1 of the above configuration is fixed by fitting a flanged nut 11 and a bolt 12 between the back portion 4 and the fixed piece portions 5, 5, and fastening the shaft portion of the bolt 12 to a base material (not shown).The louver is formed by arranging multiple louver materials 1 in parallel at appropriate intervals and attaching them to the base material. When closing the end face of the louver material 1 with a palatal cap, the palatal cap is placed on the cut end face of the louver material 1, and screws or bolts can be inserted into the screw holes from the outer surface of the palatal cap to fasten it in place.

[0046] According to the louver material 1 of this embodiment, a cross-sectional portion that undulates inward and outward of the louver material 1 is provided within the surface of the left and right protruding surface portions 3, 3, thereby increasing the strength of the louver material 1 in the weak axis direction, and also making it possible to see from a distance that the surfaces of the left and right protruding surface portions 3, 3 are clearly uneven. The visible surface 2 also has an undulating cross-section similar to the left and right projecting surface portions 3, 3, and the undulations of each of these surfaces are formed by combining multiple concave and convex cross-sections along arcs of different radii, and the back surface 4, screw holes 7, 8, 10, and protruding pieces 6, 9 combine multiple curved surfaces, and each curved surface is formed along an arc of different radii. Therefore, the appearance of the louver material 1 is such that irregularly sized concave and convex curved surfaces are randomly arranged on its surface, and the surface undulations can be clearly seen. Furthermore, the appearance of the cut end surface of the louver material 1 is such that the viewer can see that the curved unevenness on the outer periphery of the louver material 1 and the curved unevenness of the screw holes and protruding pieces are integrated into a natural, beautiful design. Even in the case of a louver installation in which the cut end surface of the louver material 1 is visible without attaching a small cap to the end of the louver material 1, the appearance of the design of the entire louver is not diminished.

[0047] The louver material 1 shown in Figure 1 has each concave cross-sectional portion that constitutes the undulations of each surface portion arranged so that it follows a large-diameter arc, and each convex cross-sectional portion arranged so that it follows a small-diameter arc. However, conversely, as in the louver material 1 shown in Figure 6, each convex cross-sectional portion connected to each surface portion may be arranged so that it follows a large-diameter arc, and each concave cross-sectional portion may be arranged so that it follows a small-diameter arc. Furthermore, instead of forming each of the concave and convex cross-sectional portions that make up the undulations of each surface along a circular or elliptical arc of a specified diameter, a row of multiple consecutive concave and convex cross-sectional portions may be formed in a shape that follows a cubic curve or even an nth-order function curve. The louver material 1 shown in Figure 7 combines concave and convex cross-sectional portions formed along a circular or elliptical arc with a row of multiple concave and convex end surface portions formed along an nth-order function curve to form undulations made up of the concave and convex cross-sections of each surface.

[0048] The louver material 1 shown in each of the above figures has a back portion 4 and fixed piece portions 5,5 at the base side of the left and right protruding surface portions 3,3, and can be attached to a base material or the like by fitting flanged nuts 11 or bolts 12 between the back portion 4 and the fixed piece portions 5,5, but it may also be formed in a form that does not have the back portion 4 or the fixed piece portions 5,5. For example, as shown in Figure 8(A), a configuration may be adopted in which a back surface portion 4 is not provided, or as shown in Figure 8(B), a configuration may be adopted in which the base sides of the left and right protruding surface portions 3, 3 of the louver material 1 are fitted and attached to connecting members 14 fixed to a base material 13 without providing fixing pieces 5, 5. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 8(C), a fixing surface portion 15 may be provided between the end portions on the base sides of the left and right protruding surface portions 3, 3 of the louver material 1, and a bolt 12 may be engaged with this fixing surface portion 15 to attach the louver material 1 to the base material 13. Any appropriate configuration may be adopted for attaching and fixing the base sides of the louver material 1.

[0049] Figure 9 shows other forms of louver material 1 of the present invention. In the form shown in Figure 9(A), the outer surfaces of the louver material 1's facing surface 2 and left and right projecting surface portions 3, 3 are undulating with alternating concave cross-sections along large-diameter arcs and convex cross-sections along small-diameter arcs, while the entire inner surface of each surface portion is flat. In Figure 9(B), the inner surface of each surface portion is formed with recesses recessed in the thickness direction and convex portions protruding inward of the louver material 1. In Figure 9(C), the convex portions are further provided with protruding pieces 6, 9 and screw holes 7, 8. Even when the louver material 1 is formed in this manner, the undulations on the surface of the louver material 1 can be clearly seen, and it is possible to increase the strength of the louver material in the weak axis direction.

[0050] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the main parts of the screw holes 7, 8, and 10 of the louver material 1 shown in Figure 1. As shown in the figure, the screw holes 7, 8, and 10 are formed so that the diameter (φ) of the inscribed circle is approximately the same. Then, by inserting a caliper with a sharp tip into each of the screw holes 7, 8, and 10 and accurately measuring the distance between each hole, the processing precision of the entire louver 1 can be confirmed. [Example]

[0051] The strength in the weak axis direction of the louver material 1 shown in Fig. 1 and the louver material 100 shown in Fig. 13 was derived by computer simulation. The simulation software used was "AutoCAD" (manufactured by AUTODESK Corporation).

[0052] Example 1 The cross-sectional area and the moment of inertia in the direction perpendicular to the weak axis direction of the louver material 1 shown in Figure 1 were derived when the louver material 1 was formed by aluminum extrusion processing with a width of 50 mm for the visible surface 2, dimensions of the left and right projecting surface portions 3, 3 of 100 mm, and an average thickness of approximately 1.3 mm. Cross-sectional area: 565mm 2 Moment of inertia: 22.9 x 10 4 mm 4

[0053] (Comparative Example 1) The cross-sectional area and the moment of inertia in the direction perpendicular to the weak axis direction were derived for the louver material 100 shown in FIG. 13(A) when it was molded using the same molding method and dimensions as in Example 1. Cross-sectional area: 450mm 2 Moment of inertia: 19.3 x 10 4 mm 4

[0054] (Comparative Example 2) The cross-sectional area and the moment of inertia in the direction perpendicular to the weak axis direction were derived for the louver material 100 shown in FIG. 13(B) when it was molded using the same molding method and dimensions as in Example 1. Cross-sectional area: 575mm 2 Moment of inertia: 21.7 x 10 4 mm 4

[0055] (Comparative Example 3) The cross-sectional area and the moment of inertia in a direction perpendicular to the weak axis direction were derived when the louver material 100 shown in Figure 13(A) was molded by increasing its thickness until it had the same cross-sectional area as in Example 1. Cross-sectional area: 566mm 2 Moment of inertia: 24.4 x 10 4 mm 4

[0056] Comparing the results of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, it was confirmed that the louver material of the present invention has a cross-sectional area that is about 25% larger than that of the conventional material, and a second moment of area that is about 15% larger than that of the conventional material, thereby providing an effect of increasing strength in the weak axis direction. Although Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 have the same average thickness, it was confirmed that by providing an undulating cross-sectional area as in the louver material of the present invention, a large overall cross-sectional area is ensured, thereby increasing strength. In Comparative Example 2, two horizontal bars are placed across the inner surfaces of the louver material of Comparative Example 1. Although the cross-sectional area is larger than that of Example 1, the second moment of area does not reach that of Example 1, confirming that the louver material of the present invention is effective in improving strength in the weak axis direction. As shown in Comparative Example 3, increasing the thickness increases the cross-sectional area and strengthens the louver material in the weak axis direction. However, as mentioned above, increasing the thickness of the louver material increases the sense of bulkiness when viewed from the end face of the louver material, which creates the problem of reducing the design of the cut end face of the louver material.

[0057] The configurations and shapes of the louver material described and illustrated above are examples, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations and shapes described and illustrated, but other appropriate configurations and shapes are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 louver material, 2 facing surface portion, 3, 3 projecting surface portion, 4 back portion, 5 fixing piece portion, 6, 9 protruding piece portion, 7, 8, 10 screw hole, 11 flanged nut, 12 bolt, 13 base material, 14 connecting member, 15 fixing surface portion

Claims

1. A louver material formed in a hollow column shape having a facing surface and left and right projecting surfaces, An architectural louver material characterized in that at least one or both of the left and right projection surface portions of the two-sided portions are formed with a cross-sectional portion within the surface that is undulating inward and outward of the louver material.

2. The architectural louver material described in claim 1, characterized in that the undulating cross-sectional portion has a shape in which a convex cross-sectional portion protruding outward is arranged between two concave cross-sectional portions that are concave inward of the louver material, or a concave cross-sectional portion that is concave inward is arranged between two convex cross-sectional portions that protrude outward of the louver material, and the concave cross-sectional portions and convex cross-sectional portions are arranged along the projection width direction.

3. The architectural louver material described in claim 1, characterized in that the undulating cross-sectional portion has a shape in which at least one of a portion that is curved or bent inward and concave, or a portion that is curved or bent outward and protrudes, is arranged within the surface of the projection surface portion with a substantially constant thickness.

4. 3. The architectural louver material according to claim 2, wherein the concave cross-sectional portion and the convex cross-sectional portion are formed along a circular arc, an elliptical arc, or a quadratic curve.

5. The architectural louver material described in claim 4, characterized in that the radii of the circles forming the respective arcs, the major or minor radii of the ellipses forming the elliptical arcs, or the coefficients of the quadratic curves of the adjacent concave cross-sectional portions on either side of the convex cross-sectional portion, are different from each other.

6. An architectural louver material as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an undulating area consisting of a cross-section that undulates inward and outward of the louver material is arranged on the entire surface of the visible surface and the entire surface of the left and right projection surfaces.

7. A louver material formed in a hollow column shape having a facing surface and left and right projecting surfaces, An undulating region having a cross section undulating inward and outward of the louver material is disposed on the entire surface of the visible surface portion and the entire surface of the left and right projecting width surface portions, The undulating region is formed in a shape in which concave cross-sectional portions recessed inward of the louver material and convex cross-sectional portions protruding outward are alternately arranged, a shape in which each of the concave cross-sectional portions is formed along a circular arc, an elliptical arc, or a quadratic curve, and the radii of the circles forming the respective arcs, the major radii or minor radii of the ellipses forming the elliptical arcs, or the coefficients of the quadratic curves of the concave cross-sectional portions adjacent to each other across the convex cross-sectional portion are different from each other; Alternatively, an architectural louver material is characterized in that each of the convex cross-sectional portions is formed along a circular arc, an elliptical arc, or a quadratic curve, and adjacent convex cross-sectional portions sandwiching the concave cross-sectional portion are formed in shapes in which the radii of the circles forming the respective arcs, the major or minor radii of the ellipses forming the elliptical arcs, or the coefficients of the quadratic curves are different from each other.

8. An architectural louver material as described in any one of claims 1, 2 or 7, characterized in that it has a back portion spanning between the inner surfaces of the base portions of the left and right protruding surface portions, and the back portion has a curved cross-sectional portion along a circular arc, an elliptical arc, or a quadratic curve.

9. An architectural louver material as described in claim 8, characterized in that two or more screw holes are protruded from the inner surface of either the visible surface portion, the left and right projecting surface portions, or the back surface portion, and each screw hole is formed by combining multiple curved cross-sectional portions along a circular arc, an elliptical arc, or a quadratic curve.

10. 10. The architectural louver material according to claim 9, wherein the diameters of circles inscribed in the screw holes are substantially the same.

11. 8. The architectural louver material according to claim 1, wherein flat portions for measuring the distance are provided on the opposing inner surfaces of the left and right projecting surfaces.

12. An architectural louver material as described in any one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 7, characterized in that two or more protruding pieces, each having a circular cross-section shaft inscribed therein, are formed on the inner surface of either the facing surface, the left and right projecting surface portions or the back surface portion.

13. 2. The architectural louver material according to claim 1, wherein the entire inner surfaces of the left and right projecting surface portions are formed flat.

14. Architectural louver material as described in claim 1, characterized in that the inner surfaces of the left and right protruding surface portions are configured in a shape that arranges a flat portion, a recess that is recessed in the thickness direction, and a convex portion that protrudes inward of the louver material.

15. A louver constructed by arranging a plurality of architectural louver materials according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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