Facade cell for a building facade

Abstract

A facade cell (1) for a facade of a building comprises a double glazing chamber (2), and a blind (3) installed in the gap of the double glazing chamber (2). The blind (3) comprises a windable body (31) on a roller (4), and at least one edge element (32), mounted along a side edge (311) of the windable body (31). At least one upright element (213) has a guide portion (23) that receives and retains the respective edge element (32). The upright element (213) has a connecting portion that connects the guide portion (23) to a cross element (211, 212) proximal to the roller (4). The connecting portion defines a compartment in which a respective end portion of the roller (4) is received.

Description

[0001] Title: “Facade cell for a building facade”

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to the technical field of facade cells for buildings, in particular closed-cavity facade cells with side-guided windable blinds.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] It is known in the art to construct buildings with glass facades, composed of facade cells arranged side by side laterally and vertically. Each facade cell comprises a frame, with usually horizontal and vertical profiles, which can be common between plural adjacent cells, and two or more glass panels that define one or more gaps between them.

[0007] In particular, it is common that there is a main gap, which is preferably closed, but can also be sealed or ventilated. In addition to the main gap, there can be one or more secondary gaps, usually sealed, of smaller dimensions.

[0008] The possibility of including windable blinds, for example roller blinds, in the main gap of a facade cell is also known. However, these are subject to a series of problems. A first problem is that, especially in hot seasons, the internal temperature of a facade cell can increase significantly, for example reaching 80 °C. At similar temperatures, thermal expansions of the blind occur, which are often not uniform between the two vertical sides of the blind. Consequently, the blind tends to arch, with the result that the shorter lower end of the vertical side scrapes against the adjacent upright element. This, in turn, creates uneven tensions and undulations in the blind, along diagonal lines, which hinder its correct winding and unwinding, as well as creating aesthetic defects. The resolution of this problem is complex due to the difficulty of accessing the interior of the facade cell once assembled.

[0009] A second problem is that, typically, when a blind is inserted into a facade cell, there remains a free space between the side edges of the blind and the upright elements of the cell frame. This space is undesirable as it allows a certain amount of light to pass through, transmitting heat into the building and causing possible glare.

[0010] Side-guided blinds are also known in the art, primarily for wind protection, and thus outside of double glazing chambers.

[0011] For this purpose, two guide profiles are provided at the sides of the blind. The blind is provided with specially shaped edges to be retained in the guide. For example, the edges can be equipped with bodies such as teeth of a zip, or a simple thickening, such as to prevent the edge from being extracted from the guide.

[0012] Thanks to the engagement between the guides and the edges of the blind, even in the presence of wind, the edges remain constrained to the guide, and prevent the blind from oscillating freely.

[0013] Known examples of side-guided blinds are described in documents IT 102018000007221, FR 2921405, WO 202279631, US 20230167642, CN 203230327 and CN 204402338.

[0014] Summary of the Invention

[0015] The Applicant has recognized that the use of a side-guided blind, within a facade cell, would solve the inconveniences mentioned in the known art. Indeed, even in the case of thermal expansions, the edges of the blind would remain in their correct position, and thus asymmetric friction along only one of the edges would be avoided. Furthermore, side-guided blinds are not subject to light passing at the side of the blind. The Applicant has therefore proposed to integrate a side-guided blind into a facade cell, without reducing the passage of light when the blind is wound, and at the same time without hindering the functionality of the side-guided blind.

[0016] These and other objects are achieved by a facade cell for a building facade according to any of the appended claims.

[0017] The invention provides that, on at least one side of the blind where the effect of constrained guiding is to be obtained, the upright element of the facade cell has a guide portion, in which an edge element mounted to the side edge of the windable body of the blind is retained. Furthermore, the upright element has a connecting portion that connects the guide portion to a cross element of the frame. The connecting portion defines a compartment in which an end portion of the roller that supports the blind, and a portion of the blind itself, are received.

[0018] The side guide is therefore incorporated into the upright element of the facade cell. Thanks to the fact that part of the blind is inserted into a dedicated compartment of the upright element, the edge element, even when wound on the roller, remains vertically aligned with the guide, and can slide inside it while the blind is unwound from the roller.

[0019] The integration of the guide into the upright element, instead of in a separate profile, reduces the overall width of the opaque parts, and thus allows a greater passage of light when the blind is rewound. Furthermore, the reduction in the number of components makes the system more economical and reliable, and simplifies its assembly.

[0020] The connecting portion of the upright element, despite the compartment, can perform a structural function such as to support the upper cross element of the frame. The upright element thus extends continuously between the upper and lower cross elements, and optionally also along other facade cells above or below.

[0021] In advantageous embodiments, each edge element has a slider portion rotatable with respect to the windable body between a retaining configuration, in which the slider portion is oriented transversely to the width direction, and a winding configuration, in which the slider portion is oriented parallel to the width direction. For example, the slider portion in the retaining configuration can define, together with the windable body, a T or L shape.

[0022] The slider portion is in the winding configuration along a portion of the windable body that is wound on the roller, and in the retaining configuration inside the guide, along a portion of the windable body unwound from the roller, which is inserted into a guide portion formed directly within an upright element of the double glazing chamber frame.

[0023] This provides the maximum retention of the slider portion in the guide, along its entire length, without increasing the thickness of the blind when wound on the roller, and therefore without increasing the distance between the panels of the gap, which is particularly advantageous for facade cells with significant dimensions in height. Further features and advantages of the invention will be recognizable from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0024] Brief Description of the Figures

[0025] For a better understanding of the subsequent detailed description, some embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

[0026] - Figure 1 shows a front view of a facade cell for a building facade, according to an embodiment of the invention, - Figures 2a-2c show top sectional views of a detail of the facade cell of Figure 1, according to three different embodiments,

[0027] - Figure 3 shows a side sectional view of the facade cell of Figure 1,

[0028] - Figure 4 shows a front sectional view of some parts of a frame and a blind of the facade cell of Figure 1,

[0029] - Figure 5 shows a front view of a detail of a blind with an edge element for the facade cell of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0030] - Figures 6a and 6b show in section a detail of a blind with an edge element for the facade cell of Figure 1, in two different use configurations, according to an embodiment of the invention, and

[0031] - Figures 7a and 7b show in section a detail of a blind with an edge element for the facade cell of Figure 1, in two different use configurations, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] A facade cell for a building facade, in particular a closed-cavity facade cell, is indicated by the number 1. A facade cell 1 is understood to be a prefabricated module suitable for assembly at a production site, and then delivered to a construction site for installation, which occurs by anchoring to a load-bearing structure of a building by means of a bracket system, in particular on an outer side of the load-bearing structure. The facade cell 1 comprises a double glazing chamber 2 and a blind 3 installed in the double glazing chamber 2. The double glazing chamber 2 comprises a frame 21 and two or more transparent panels 22 fixed to the frame 21. The panels 22 are spaced apart from each other in a thickness direction X-X.

[0034] The frame 21 comprises two cross elements 211, 212, in particular an upper cross element 211 and a lower cross element 212, spaced apart from each other in a height direction Y-Y, transverse (for example perpendicular) to the thickness direction X-X. Furthermore, the frame 21 comprises two upright elements 213, which connect the cross elements 211, 212 together, are fixed to the cross elements 211, 212, and are spaced apart from each other in a width direction Z-Z, transverse (for example perpendicular) to the thickness and height directions X-X, Y-Y. Each cross element and upright element 211, 212 can be identified by a single profile (which in the invention is preferable in particular for the cross elements 211, 212), or by a combination of several profiles or still by one or more profiles combined with other elements (as described in more detail below, especially for the upright elements 213). Optionally, the frame 21 may comprise corner elements (not illustrated) that connect the cross and upright elements 211, 212, 213.

[0035] The cross and upright elements 211, 212, 213 are fixed to the panels 22, mechanically or by gluing. The panels 22 and the frame 21 enclose one or more gaps between them. In particular, each gap is delimited in the thickness direction X-X by the panels 22, in the height direction Y-Y by the cross elements 211, 212, and in the width direction Z-Z by the upright elements 213. Each gap can be sealed, or closed but not sealed, or ventilated. In more detail, as is common for facade cells, more than two panels 22 and therefore more than one gap can be provided. The upright and cross elements 213, 211, 212 of the frame 21 can be common or distinct for the different gaps.

[0036] Typically, a main gap has a greater width in the thickness direction X-X than the other gaps, and various elements, as described below, can be placed inside it. One or more panels 22 are arranged on an outer side of the main gap, facing the exterior of the building, and one or more other panels 22 are arranged on an inner side of the main gap, facing the interior of the building. Thus, one or more further gaps can be arranged on the inner or outer side of the main gap.

[0037] Commonly, these further gaps are sealed to improve the energy performance of the building. Therefore, the panels 22 on the inner side and / or on the outer side of the main gap can define one or more sealed double glazing chambers. Instead, the main gap is commonly closed but not sealed. However, embodiments with different combinations of sealed, closed or ventilated gaps are not excluded.

[0038] For the characteristics set out below, the main gap, as well as the panels 22 and the upright and cross elements 213, 211, 212 that directly delimit the main gap, are of particular interest. Therefore, hereinafter, unless otherwise indicated, for simplicity reference will be made exclusively to them, without thereby excluding the possible presence of other gaps, panels 22 and elements of the frame 21.

[0039] The cross and / or upright elements 211, 212, 213 of the frame 21 can be arranged (wholly or partly) between the panels 22 themselves, in the thickness direction X-X, thus acting as spacers for the panels 22. Thus, each cross or upright element 211, 212, 213 can have two opposite coupling surfaces, spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction X-X and in contact with the distinct panels 22. In other embodiments, the cross and / or upright elements 211, 212, 213 can abut against perimeter edges of the panels 22.

[0040] It should be noted that a facade composed of cells usually comprises a plurality of facade cells 1 arranged side by side in the width direction Z-Z and / or in the height direction Y-Y. The cross and / or upright elements 211, 212, 213 can be common or distinct for different facade cells 1, thus extending well beyond the dimensions of the panels 22 of a single facade cell. For example, it is possible that a set of upright elements 213 connects two floor slabs that delimit a floor of the building between them, and that along these upright elements 213 multiple facade cells 1 are arranged side by side in the height direction Y-Y.

[0041] The blind 3 is installed in the gap of the double glazing chamber 2. For this purpose, the facade cell 1 comprises a roller 4, positioned in the gap. The roller 4 has two opposite end portions spaced apart in the width direction Z-Z.

[0042] Furthermore, the roller 4 is positioned in proximity to one of the cross elements 211, 212, which in the figures is the upper cross element 211. However, embodiments in which the roller 4 is positioned in proximity to the lower cross element 212, as already known in some applications of the technique, are not excluded. In general, therefore, one of the cross elements 211, 212 is proximal to the roller 4, and the other cross element 211, 212 is distal from the roller 4.

[0043] In addition, the blind 3 comprises a windable body 31 connected to the roller 4, such that it can be wound on the roller 4 and unwound from the roller 4. The windable body 31 can be realized, for example, as a fabric, non-woven, or a film, polymeric or non-polymeric. In a known manner, the facade cell 1 can comprise a box 5, and the roller 4 can be housed in the box 5. In particular, the box 5 is arranged in the gap and fixed to the cross element 211, 212 proximal to the roller 4, for example to the upper cross element 211. The box 5 is open for the passage of the blind 3, in the direction of the cross element 211, 212 distal from the roller 4, for example open at the bottom or top. Also in a known manner, the facade cell 1 can comprise movement mechanisms (not illustrated) configured to rotate the roller 4 and unwind or rewind the windable body 3. For example, the movement mechanisms can comprise an electric motor controllable from outside the gap, or a mechanical transmission actuatable from outside the gap by means of a manually graspable element, such as a belt or a magnetic slider. Examples of similar movement mechanisms are well known in the technique and will not be further detailed here.

[0044] The windable body 31 of the blind 3 has two side edges 311 spaced apart from each other in the width direction Z-Z. At least one side edge 311 (preferably both) is close to a respective upright element 213. The windable body 31 then has two front edges, one of which is connected to the roller 4. For example, among the front edges, a bottom edge can be attached to a free bottom profile 33 that acts as a counterweight, and a top edge can be connected to the roller 4.

[0045] The blind 3 comprises at least one edge element 32, secured to one of the side edges 311 of the windable body 31. Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the blind 3 comprises two edge elements 32, one for each distinct side edge 311.

[0046] Hereinafter, it will be described how each edge element 32 is formed and how it interacts with a respective upright element 213, as well as some constructive features of these upright elements 213. In most applications, the same features will be provided for both upright elements 213 and for two opposite edge elements 32, for better symmetry and functionality of the system. However, embodiments are not excluded in which one of the side edges 311 is devoid of the edge elements 32. This can occur, for example, in the case of corner facade cells 1, in which the gap itself is L-shaped, and therefore two windable bodies 31 with different orientations can be provided without upright elements 213 between them.

[0047] Therefore, an edge element 32 and an upright element 213 that interacts with it will be described, while it is understood that this can be applied to both sides, and that, if it were applied to only one side, on the other side the upright element 213 could assume any configuration according to the known technique, for example as a single profile, and the side edge 311 could be devoid of edge elements 32.

[0048] Each edge element 32 has a slider portion 321 mounted to the windable body 31 along a respective side edge 311.

[0049] Each upright element 213 comprises a guide portion 23.

[0050] The guide portion 23 of each upright element 213 defines a guide 231 formed as a groove open towards the opposite upright element 213, i.e., towards the inside of the gap- The guide 231 of each upright element 213 is shaped to slidably receive, and retain within it, a respective edge element 32, in particular its slider portion 321.

[0051] In particular, the guide 231 is open at a slot 232 formed in a surface of the upright element 213 facing the gap. The slot 232 therefore extends along the upright element 213, in the height direction Y-Y. Furthermore, the guide 231 has a channel 233, communicating with the slot 232 and widened in the thickness direction X-X with respect to the slot 232. The channel 233 is therefore located aside the slot 232 in the width direction Z-Z, and penetrates into the interior of the upright element 213. In more detail, the channel 233 is shaped to receive the slider portion 321. Instead, the slot 232 is shaped to prevent the extraction of the slider portion 321 through the slot 232, along the width direction Z-Z. In particular, the slot 232 is narrower than the slider portion 321 in the thickness direction X-X.

[0052] The guide portion 23 extends mainly in the height direction Y-Y. Preferably, the guide portion 23 extends for a predominant portion of the length of the respective upright element 213, for example at least 80%. More in detail, the guide 231 extends between two ends spaced apart in the height direction Y-Y. Among these ends, there is an end (preferably the lower end) that can be indifferently open or closed, for example abutting against the cross element 211, 212 distal from the roller 4.

[0053] Preferably, the other end (for example the upper end), i.e., the end proximal to the roller 4, is an entrance end of the guide 231, open and configured for the insertion and extraction of the slider portion 321 from the guide portion 23, for example during assembly and / or during winding and unwinding of the windable body 31 on the roller 4. However, in other embodiments, based on the construction of the slider portion 321 and the guide portion 23, it is also possible that the entrance end of the guide 231 is narrower than the slider portion 321, and that the slider portion 321 is inserted into the guide 231 during assembly and then becomes non-extractable.

[0054] The guide portion 23 of the upright element 213 does not occupy the entire extension of the upright element 213 in the height direction Y-Y, but develops only, with reference to the height direction Y-Y, in a region between the roller 4 and the cross element 211, 212 distal from the roller 4, for example the lower cross element 212. In addition to the guide portion 23, the upright element 213 has a connecting portion 24 that connects the guide portion 23 to the cross element 211, 212 proximal to the roller 4 (for example the upper cross element 211), thus passing next to the roller 4. The guide portion 23 and the connecting portion 24 can be identified, both at least in part, by different portions of a structural profile 25 of the upright element 213. The connecting portion 24 must generally be sufficiently robust to support the upper cross element 211.

[0055] The connecting portion 24 defines a compartment 241 in the upright element 213, configured to receive a respective end portion of the roller 4, an end portion that is at least partially wrapped in the blind 3. Thus, part of the blind 3 itself is inserted into the compartment 241, for example a portion of the edge element 32 wound on the roller 4, and / or part of the side edge 311 of the windable body 31. Furthermore, the box 5 can also be partially inserted into the compartment 241, or communicate with it, for example by abutting against the upright element 213 along an edge of the compartment 241.

[0056] It should be observed that the entrance end of the guide 231 is open on the compartment 241 and is aligned in the height direction Y-Y to the end portion of the roller 4 located in the compartment 241. Therefore, the side edge 311 of the windable body 31 is slidable from the roller 4 along the guide 23, without deviations in the width direction Z-Z.

[0057] Preferably, the compartment 241 ends at the entrance end of the guide 231. In order to realize the guide portion 23 with the guide 231 and the connecting portion 24 with the compartment 241, various constructive alternatives are possible. In one embodiment, as in Figure 2a, the upright element 213 can be monolithic, for example identified by a single structural profile 25. In such a case, the guide 231 is formed in the material of the structural profile 25. In a first manufacturing step, the guide 231 can extend along the entire length of the upright element 213. Then, the compartment 241 can be realized by removing material for a certain length of the upright element 213. In particular, the connecting portion 24 is defined by identifying a portion of the upright element 213 and removing a predetermined quantity of material from it in which the guide 231 is formed. The remaining part of the upright element 213, where the compartment was not formed, and therefore the guide 231 remained intact, defines the guide portion 23.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, as in Figure 2c, the guide 231 is formed in the material of an additional body 26 (optionally, itself a profile), which is mounted to the structural profile 25, for example inside it. In particular, the structural profile 25 can have a U-shaped section (in Figure 2c the structural profile is composed of several parts), and the additional body 26 can be inserted between the arms of the U. The additional body 26 has a length corresponding to that of the guide portion 23. The compartment 241 is therefore defined in the structural profile 25 where the additional body 26 is absent. Optionally, an elastic element 27 is interposed between the structural profile 25 and the additional body 26. The elastic element 27 is configured to tension the windable body 31 in the width direction Y-Y, for example by pressing the additional body 26, and therefore indirectly the slider portion 321, towards the bottom of the U of the structural profile 25.

[0059] In yet another embodiment, as in Figure 2b, an additional body 26 is always provided, mounted to the structural profile 25 and having a length equal to the guide portion 23. However, the guide 231 is not formed in the material of the additional body 26, but between the structural profile 25 and the additional body 26. For example, the guide 231 can be delimited on one side by the structural profile 25 and on another side by the additional body 26. In this case, the compartment 241 can again be defined where the additional body 26 is absent, and there it is preferably also formed by removing material.

[0060] In all these embodiments, the guide 23 is preferably positioned between the coupling surfaces in the thickness direction X-X.

[0061] Now, in more detail, it is described how the edge element 32 can be realized to ensure sliding in the guide 23 without increasing the thickness of the blind 3 when wound on the roller 4.

[0062] In addition to the slider portion 321, the edge element 32 has a connecting portion 322, which connects the windable body 31 to the slider portion 321. In at least one use configuration, the connecting portion 322 has an extension in the thickness direction X-X smaller than the windable body 31 and the slider portion 321. More in detail, the connecting portion 322 has a thickness smaller than the narrow slot 232, to be slidable in the narrow slot 232 while the windable body 31 is wound and unwound from the roller 4, and the slider portion 321 slides in the channel 322.

[0063] Furthermore, in at least one use configuration (which may be the same as mentioned above, or another use configuration), the slider portion 321 has an extension in the thickness direction X-X not greater than the windable body 31. With this arrangement, the edge element 32 does not determine an increase in the thickness of the blind 3 when wound on the roller 4. In one embodiment, as in Figure 5, the slider portion 321 comprises teeth of a zip. In this case, the shape and orientation of the slider portion 321 can be substantially fixed with respect to the connecting portion 322. Therefore, the connecting portion 322 has a minimum thickness, while the windable body 31 and optionally the slider portion 321 have maximum thickness. It should be observed that generally the connecting portion 322 and the slider portion 321 extend for a certain length along the side edge 311 (thus covering the lateral passage of light for a significant length).

[0064] In another embodiment, the slider portion 321 can be belt-shaped, i.e., with two substantially parallel longitudinal edges, which extend in a main length direction, while the width is much smaller than the length, and the thickness is much smaller than the width.

[0065] In this embodiment, the slider portion 321 extends continuously for a predominant portion of the length of the respective side edge 311, preferably at least 80%. Furthermore, the connecting portion 322 preferably extends along the entire length of the slider portion 321. Therefore, when the windable body 31 is unwound from the roller 4, the slider portion 321 extends mainly in the height direction Y-Y.

[0066] Each belt-shaped slider portion 321 is rotatable with respect to the windable body 31 between a retaining configuration and a winding configuration.

[0067] It should be observed that during use it is not necessary for the slider portion 321 to be totally in a particular configuration for its entire length. Instead, the slider portion 321 can be partially in the retaining configuration, and partially in the winding configuration. In other words, each of these configurations can be assumed locally, for a part of the length of the slider portion 321, while the other configuration is also assumed locally, for another part of the length of the slider portion 321. In the retaining configuration, the slider portion 321 is oriented transversely to the width direction Z-Z. For example, the slider portion 321 can extend in a plane parallel to the thickness and height directions X-X, Y-Y. In particular, the longitudinal edges of the slider portion 321 are spaced apart from each other transversely to the width direction Z-Z, for example in the thickness direction X-X.

[0068] The guide 23, and in particular the channel 233, is shaped to slidably receive the slider portion 321 in the retaining configuration, along a portion of the windable body 31 unwound from the roller 4. In this configuration, the dimensions of the slider portion 321 in the thickness direction X-X can exceed those of the windable body 31, to prevent the extraction of the slider portion 321 through the narrow slot 232, without impacting the dimensions of the blind 3 when wound on the roller 4. At the same time, the connecting portion 322 is slidably received in the narrow slot 232, always along a portion of the windable body 31 unwound from the roller 4.

[0069] In the winding configuration, the slider portion 321 is oriented parallel to the width direction Z-Z. For example, the slider portion 321 can extend in a plane parallel to the height and width directions Y-Y, Z-Z, and transverse to the thickness direction X-X. In particular, the longitudinal edges of the slider portion 321 are spaced apart from each other mainly in the width direction Z-Z.

[0070] The slider portion 321 is in the winding configuration along a portion of the windable body 31 wound on the roller 4. In this configuration, the dimensions of the slider portion 321 in the thickness direction X-X do not significantly exceed those of the windable body 31, so as not to increase the dimensions of the blind 3 when wound on the roller 4. Preferably, in the retaining configuration the slider portion 321 is rotated with respect to the winding configuration, around an axis that extends mainly in the height direction Y-Y. The slider portion 321 can progressively reorient itself from the winding configuration to the retaining configuration while the windable body 31 is unwound from the roller 4 and the slider portion 321 is progressively inserted into the guide portion 23, as visible in Figure 4.

[0071] In particular, the connecting portion 322 is flexible or bendable to reorient the slider portion 321 with respect to the windable body 31. The connecting portion 322 can be belt-shaped in a similar way to what is described for the slider portion 321. Optionally, the connecting portion 322 is an elastic portion, which is in a relaxed condition in the retaining configuration, while in the winding configuration it tends to elastically return to the retaining configuration. Alternatively, the connecting portion 322 can be devoid of significant elastic properties, and therefore be in a relaxed condition both in the retaining configuration and in the winding configuration.

[0072] Preferably, at least in the retaining configuration the connecting portion 322 extends substantially parallel (and coplanar) to the windable body 31, thus transversely to the thickness direction X-X.

[0073] In one embodiment, in the retaining configuration, the slider portion 321 and the connecting portion 322 are arranged substantially in a T shape (Figure 6a), with the connecting portion 322 defining the stem of the T, and the slider portion 321 defining the head of the T. Therefore, the connecting portion 322 is connected to the slider portion 321 between the opposite longitudinal edges of the slider portion 321. It should be noted that in this condition the slider portion 321 and the side edge 311 of the windable body 31 are also substantially T-shaped. In the winding configuration (Figure 6b), the connecting portion 322 can bend, for example along the joint between the connecting portion 322 and the slider portion 321. In this way, part of the slider portion 321 overlaps the connecting portion 322, parallel to it, and part of the slider portion 321 projects from the connecting portion 322 in the width direction Z-Z. Alternatively, in the winding configuration the connecting portion 322 can flex without bending, resulting in a substantially T shape with a distorted stem. In an alternative embodiment, in the retaining configuration, the slider portion 321 and the connecting portion 322 are arranged substantially in an L shape (Figure 7a), with the connecting portion 322 defining the leg of the L, and the slider portion 321 defining the base of the L. Therefore, the connecting portion 322 is connected to the slider portion 321 at one of the longitudinal edges of the slider portion 321. It should be noted that in this condition the slider portion 321 and the side edge 311 of the windable body 31 are also substantially L-shaped.

[0074] In the winding configuration, the connecting portion 322 can flex or bend along the joint between the connecting portion 322 and the slider portion 321. In particular, the L shape can be straightened or reversed. Therefore, in the winding configuration the slider portion 321 can project from the connecting portion 322 in the width direction Z-Z, substantially coplanar with the connecting portion 322, or it can overlap the connecting portion 322 in the thickness direction X-X, parallel to the connecting portion 322 (Figure 7b).

[0075] In order to obtain these configurations, it is preferable that the connecting portion 322 is more flexible than the slider portion 321. In particular, the connecting portion 322 and the slider portion 321 can be made of two different materials, or of the same material (for example in a single piece of an elastic material), where the different flexibilities can be obtained by different thicknesses.

[0076] It should be observed that the material of the connecting portion 322 can also be similar to the material of the windable body 31. It is nevertheless preferable to interpose the connecting portion 322 between the slider portion 321 and the windable body 31, as the connecting portion 322 can have a smaller thickness than the windable body 31, and therefore flex more easily, while the windable body 31 maintains greater positional stability. Furthermore, the reduced thickness of the connecting portion 322 limits the overall thickness when the windable body 31 is wound on the roller 4.

[0077] In the preferred embodiment, each edge element 32 comprises a flap 323 and a ribbon 324, both flexible. The flap 323 can be made of a fabric, non-woven fabric, or film. The flap 323 connects the ribbon 324 to the side edge 311 of the windable body 31. In particular, the connecting portion 322 is identified at least by the flap 323, while the slider portion 321 is identified at least by the ribbon 324. More preferably, the slider portion 321 is identified by the ribbon 324 and by a portion of the flap 323 that covers at least one surface of the ribbon 324. Instead, the connecting portion 322 is identified by a portion of the flap 323 that does not cover the ribbon 324.

[0078] Indeed, in the preferred embodiments, the flap 323 is partially overlapped with the ribbon 324 to secure the flap 323 to the ribbon 324. For example, the ribbon 324 can be wrapped in the flap 323 (as in Figures 5a and 5b), or the ribbon 324 can be superficially attached to a portion of the flap 323 (Figures 4a, 4b), by sewing, gluing or welding. Similarly, a portion of the flap 323 can partially cover the windable body 31, and be superficially attached to it. For each edge element 32, the slider portion 321 is in the winding configuration along a portion of the windable body 31 wound on the roller 4. Thanks to the arrangements described above, it is possible to prevent the thickness of the edge element 31 from significantly exceeding the thickness of the windable body 31. Therefore, even for particularly long blinds, where winding involves a high number of turns, the presence of the edge elements 32 does not significantly increase the bulk in the thickness direction X-X.

[0079] In particular, in embodiments where the winding configuration involves at least partial overlapping between the slider portion 321 and the connecting portion 322, it is preferable that the sum of the thicknesses of these two portions does not significantly exceed the thickness of the windable body 31. In embodiments where this overlapping does not occur, it is sufficient (and preferable) that each of the slider and connecting portions 321, 322 does not significantly exceed the thickness of the windable body 31. The facade cell 1 can be assembled as follows, starting from a condition in which at least one of the panels 22 is not yet fixed to the frame 21. A roller 4 with the blind 3, at least partially wound on the roller 4 and equipped with at least one edge element 32, is provided. The slider portion 321, if it is of the belt type, is in the winding configuration for at least part of the windable body 31 wound on the roller 4. Then, for each edge element 3, a free end of the slider portion 321 is oriented in the retaining configuration, and it is inserted into the respective guide portion 23 through the entrance portion.

[0080] In this condition, it is already possible to complete the fixing of the panels 22 to the frame 21. Indeed, as long as the slider portion 321 is not completely extracted from the guide portion 23, the orientation of the slider portion 321 will remain correct both in the guide portion 23 and on the roller 4. Indeed, during the unwinding of the windable body 31, there will be a progressive reorientation between the roller 4 and the entrance portion from the winding configuration to the retaining configuration. Conversely, during the winding of the windable body 31, there will be a progressive reorientation between the roller 4 and the entrance portion from the retaining configuration to the winding configuration.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Facade cell (1) for a facade of a building, comprising:- a double glazing (2), comprising:- two transparent panels (22) spaced apart from each other in a thickness direction (X-X),- a frame (21), comprising two cross elements (211, 212), spaced apart in a height direction (Y-Y), and two upright elements (213) connecting the cross elements (211, 212) together, the upright elements (213) being spaced apart in a width direction (Z-Z),wherein the panels (22) and the frame (21) enclose a gap between them, - a blind (3) installed in the gap, the blind (3) comprising a windable body (31) having two side edges (311) spaced from each other in the width direction (Z-Z),- a roller (4) configured to wind the windable body (31), the roller (4) having two opposite end portions spaced apart in the width direction (Z-Z),characterized in that:- the blind (3) further comprises at least one edge element (32), mounted to the windable body (31) along a respective side edge (311),- at least one upright element (213), preferably each upright element (213), has a guide portion (23), located in the height direction (Y-Y) between the roller (4) and a cross element (211, 212) distal from the roller (4), the guide portion (23) having a guide (231) shaped to receive and retain a respective edge element (32),- said at least one upright element (213) has a connecting portion (24) connecting the guide portion (23) to a cross element (211, 212) proximal to the roller (4), theconnecting portion (24) identifying a compartment (241) in which a respective end portion of the roller (4) and at least a portion of the blind (3) are received.

2. Facade cell (1) according to Claim 1, wherein each guide (231) has an entrance end open on the compartment (241) of the respective upright element (213), and aligned in the height direction (Y-Y) to the end portion of the roller (4) located in the compartment (241).

3. Facade cell (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one upright element (213) comprises a structural profile (25), which identifies at least in part both the guide portion (23) and the connecting portion (24), and an additional body (26) mounted to the structural profile (25), wherein:- the additional body (26) is arranged inside the structural profile (25), and the guide (23) is formed in the additional body (26), or- the guide (23) is formed between the structural profile (25) and the additional body (26).

4. Facade cell (1) according to Claim 3, wherein said at least one upright element (213) comprises an elastic element (27) interposed between the structural profile (25) and the additional body (26), and configured to tension the windable body (31) in the width direction (Y-Y).

5. Facade cell (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, comprising a box (5), arranged in the gap and fixed to a cross element (211, 212), wherein the box (5) is partiallyinserted into the compartment (241) or communicating therewith, the roller (4) being housed in the box (5).

6. Facade cell (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein:- each edge element (32) has a connecting portion (322) and a slider portion (321), connected to the windable body (31) by the connecting portion (322), wherein, in at least one use configuration, the connecting portion (322) has an extension in the thickness direction (X-X) smaller than the windable body (31) and the slider portion (321),- each guide (23) has a narrow slot (232) that receives the connecting portion (322) of a respective edge element (23), and a widened bottom portion (233) that receives the slider portion (321) of the respective edge element (32).

7. Facade cell (1) according to Claim 6, wherein each slider portion (321) is beltshaped and rotatable with respect to the windable body (31) between a retaining configuration, wherein the slider portion (321) is oriented transversely to the width direction (Z-Z), and a winding configuration, wherein it is oriented parallel to the width direction (Z-Z), each slider portion (321) being in the winding configuration, along a portion of the windable body (31) wound on the roller (4), and in the retaining configuration inside the guide, along a portion of the windable body (31) unwound from the roller (4).

8. Facade cell (1) according to Claim 7, wherein, in the retaining configuration, the slider portion (321) and the connecting portion (322) are arranged substantially in a T or L shape.

9. Facade cell (1) according to Claim 6, wherein the slider portion (321) comprises teeth of a zip.

10. Facade cell (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the gap of the glazing chamber (1) is a sealed, closed or ventilated gap.

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