An adjustable damping mechanism for a lamellar structure
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- RENSON SUNPROTECTION SCREENS NV
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-06
Smart Images
Figure IB2026050939_06082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] AN ADJUSTABLE DAMPING MECHANISM FOR A LAMELLAR STRUCTURE
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The invention relates to a movable lamellar structure with an adjustable damping mechanism, and a method for controlling the damping mechanism that acts on the movable slats. In particular, it relates to a damping mechanism that can be at least partially integrated into a profile of the lamellar structure and in which the braking force exerted by the damping mechanism on the movable slats is adjustable without requiring complete or partial disassembly of the profile.
[0004] TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Existing lamellar structures are typically provided with a frame made up of one or more elongated profiles, to which slats are attached. In particular, such lamellar structures can be used as screens, shields for openings, sun shading, patio covers or any other suitable building structure such as a roof, wall, door or fence, or as a frame element in or on a wall, door, fence or roof.
[0006] The slats of such existing lamellar structures are typically fixed to the elongated profiles so that they are immovable, or they can be connected to the elongated profiles in such way that the slats are tiltable relative to the elongated profiles. When the slats are tiltable, the slats can move undesirably under the influence of, for example, wind acting on them.
[0007] In some existing lamellar structures, mechanisms are known in which the tiltable slats can be blocked, so that no movement of the slats is possible while they are locked. However, such mechanisms are inconvenient because the blocking mechanism must be unlocked before a user can move the slats into another desired position. Furthermore, it has been found that such blocking mechanisms are subject to wear and incorrect use wherein the blocking mechanism will not always engage correctly with the slats and the locking will not take place.There is therefore a need for a lamellar structure in which unwanted movement of the slats can be prevented in a simple way, without preventing a desired movement. There is also a need for a damping mechanism in which the braking force exerted by the damping mechanism on the tiltable slats is adjustable, so that depending on the specific application and placement of the lamellar structure, a specific setting of the damping mechanism can be made.
[0008] In addition, there is a need to design the damping mechanism discreetly, especially when a minimalist design is desired, wherein the operation and setting of the damping mechanism can be done quickly and efficiently without disassembling parts of the lamellar structure or without interfering with or compromising the normal operation of the tiltable slats.
[0009] SUMMARY
[0010] In order to meet the needs described above, according to a first aspect of the invention, a lamellar structure is provided comprising:
[0011] - at least two tiltable slats, each slat being tiltable around a respective slat pivot;
[0012] - a coupling mechanism configured to simultaneously tilt the at least two tiltable slats, and
[0013] - at least one elongated profile:
[0014] - to which the at least two tiltable slats are arranged in a tiltable manner by means of their respective slat pivot, and
[0015] - wherein the coupling mechanism is arranged such that it is at least partially located in the elongated profile,
[0016] wherein the lamellar structure further comprises a damping mechanism acting on the coupling mechanism, and wherein the damping mechanism is configured to exert an adjustable braking force:
[0017] - when tilting the at least two slats, and
[0018] - when holding the at least two slats in a stationary position.The use of a damping mechanism with an adjustable braking force ensures that a desired braking force can be set to act on the tiltable slats, wherein a user will be able to move the slats against the braking force and place them in a desired position, and wherein the slats will be held in this desired position by the damping mechanism when no force or a force lower than the set braking force is exerted on the slats. In addition, a damping mechanism with an adjustable braking force ensures that, in the event of wear, the braking force can be adjusted without further damage to the damping mechanism or the need for replacement.
[0019] According to an optional embodiment, a lamellar structure is provided in which the coupling mechanism comprises at least one rack and at least two gears, each gear being attached to a corresponding slat pivot of the at least two respective tiltable slats, and wherein the at least two gears engage with the at least one rack.
[0020] In this way, it is possible to move all tiltable slats simultaneously via the coupling mechanism, wherein the damping mechanism can exert the set braking force on all slats via the coupling mechanism at the same time.
[0021] According to an optional embodiment, a lamellar structure is provided in which the damping mechanism transfers the adjustable braking force to the coupling mechanism via the at least one rack.
[0022] By allowing the coupling mechanism to engage directly or indirectly with the at least one rack, it is possible to limit the movement of all tiltable slats of the lamellar structure simultaneously and exert the same braking force on all tiltable slats.
[0023] According to an optional embodiment, a lamellar structure is provided in which at least one rack, preferably two or more connecting racks, preferably three racks, are arranged on a first side of the at least two gears, and wherein at least one rack, preferably two ormore connecting racks, preferably three racks, are arranged on a second opposite side of the at least two gears.
[0024] By using at least one rack on each side of the gears, a more stable installation can be achieved without unwanted play between the coupling mechanism and the damping mechanism. Furthermore, when each rack is split into multiple racks on each side, it is possible to provide a more cost-efficient design that does not compromise the mutual relationships and dimensions.
[0025] According to an optional embodiment, a lamellar structure is provided in which the damping mechanism is at least partially inserted into the elongated profile between two gears of two adjacent slats.
[0026] In this way it is possible to incorporate the damping mechanism invisibly or substantially invisibly into a profile of the lamellar structure. In addition, this will ensure that the damping mechanism is less susceptible to contamination or damage.
[0027] According to an optional embodiment, a lamellar structure is provided in which the damping mechanism further comprises an adjustable braking mechanism and a coupling gear, wherein the coupling gear is arranged in such a way that it is at least partially located in the elongated profile, wherein the coupling gear is connected to the at least one rack, and wherein the adjustable braking mechanism acts on the coupling gear. In this way, it is possible to allow the adjustable braking force exerted by the adjustable braking mechanism to act more precisely on the coupling gear, which in turn will ensure that the entire rack and the gears and slats connected to it are braked in their movement.
[0028] According to an optional embodiment, the adjustable braking mechanism comprises at least one friction element and an adjustment mechanism, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to clamp the at least one friction element against the coupling gear in order to adjust the braking force exerted on the coupling gear.In this way, the braking force can be easily controlled by clamping the at least one friction element more or less tightly against the coupling gear using the control mechanism. When the friction element is pressed against the coupling gear with greater force, the coupling gear will be more impeded in rotating around its axis. In this case, if a user wishes to move the tiltable slats, the slats will be restricted in their movement because each slat is connected to the coupling gear via its respective slat pivot, gear and rack. When the coupling gear experiences greater braking force, each slat will experience a similar braking force.
[0029] According to an optional embodiment, the adjustable braking mechanism is at least partially located in the elongated profile, wherein the adjustment mechanism is accessible and / or operable via the outside of the elongated profile and on the side of the tiltable slats.
[0030] In this way, the adjustable braking mechanism is discreetly incorporated in the lamellar structure, while ensuring that it can still be operated without complete or partial disassembly of the elongated profile or other parts of the lamellar structure.
[0031] According to an optional embodiment, the adjustment mechanism consists of an adjustment bolt and a nut. The adjustment bolt and nut are configured to clamp the at least one friction element against the coupling gear. This provides a simple adjustment mechanism in which turning the adjustment bolt deeper or less deeply into the nut will result in a higher or lower braking force.
[0032] According to a further optional embodiment, one end of the adjustment bolt is located on the outside of the elongated profile, with the tiltable slats movable over the end of the adjustment bolt.
[0033] Because the end of the adjustment bolt is positioned lower than the front edge of the tiltable slats, the slats will always remain movable without being hindered by the protruding end of the adjustment bolt. In addition, it is possible for a userto manipulate the adjustment bolt by positioning the slats in such a way that the end of the adjustmentbolt is not blocked by one of the slats and a user can easily adjust the braking force without the need for partial or complete disassembly of the lamellar structure.
[0034] According to an optional embodiment, the adjustable braking mechanism comprises at least two friction elements, wherein at least one friction element is positioned on each side of the coupling gear. By providing a friction element on each side of the coupling gear, the available contact surface between the friction elements and the coupling gear will increase, which has a beneficial effect on the transmission of the braking force by the braking mechanism onto the coupling gear.
[0035] According to an optional embodiment, the coupling mechanism is located entirely within the elongated profile, and the damping mechanism is preferably located entirely within the elongated profile. This results in a compact and minimalist design that is also protected from environmental influences.
[0036] According to an optional embodiment, the damping mechanism also comprises a mounting element, wherein the mounting element is connected to the at least one elongated profile and wherein the mounting element is configured to limit the movement of the damping mechanism relative to the at least one rack.
[0037] In this way, a damping mechanism will be obtained that is firmly connected to a profile of the lamellar structure, in which, regardless of the size of the braking force exerted by the braking mechanism, the mutual degree of freedom and freedom of movement between the damping mechanism and the rack will be limited to a minimum.
[0038] According to an optional embodiment, the mounting element includes an elongated bracket, wherein the elongated bracket is provided with a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end. The slat pivot of a first slat is configured to be inserted into the first opening, while the slat pivot of a second slat is configured to be inserted into the second opening.In this way, the mounting element can be attached to the elongated profile via additional points, thereby preventing any movement of the mounting element, and thus, by extension, the damping mechanism. As a result, the damping mechanism will not be able to pivot and will eventually become partially lodged between the teeth of the rack.
[0039] Preferably, a first limiting ring is provided that is configured to secure the slat pivot of the first slat in the first opening of the elongated bracket and a second limiting ring is provided that is configured to secure the slat pivot of the second slat in the second opening of the elongated bracket.
[0040] The limiting rings are clamped onto their respective slat pivot after the slat pivot has been inserted into the respective opening. In this way, it is still possible for the slats to pivot around their respective slat pivot in the opening of the elongated bracket, while the elongated bracket is held in place by the slat pivots.
[0041] According to an optional embodiment, the elongated bracket is further provided with a central opening, wherein the coupling gear is configured to be connected to the elongated bracket of the mounting element by means of the adjustment bolt and the central opening. In this way, an assembly can be obtained in which the various parts are connected to each other in a compact configuration.
[0042] According to an optional embodiment, the mounting element is a tubular mounting element, wherein the coupling gear and the at least one friction element are positioned centrally in the tubular opening of the mounting element by means of the adjustment bolt. Preferably, the opening of the tubular mounting element is elliptical, oval, round, rectangular, lunar, droplet-shaped, etc.
[0043] In this way, the adjustment bolt will act on the coupling gear via the tubular mounting element both at the top and at the bottom, exerting an evenly distributed braking force on the coupling gear.According to an optional embodiment, the mounting element is a U-shaped mounting element consisting of two parallel or substantially parallel legs connected by a connecting part. The mounting element is provided with a first and a second opening, respectively, at the end of each of the legs and the adjustment bolt is positioned in the first and second opening. The at least one friction element and coupling gear is positioned between the adjustment bolt and the connecting part, the adjustment bolt being configured to determine the distance between the two legs in order to set the braking force exerted onto the coupling gear.
[0044] According to an optional embodiment, a lamellar structure is provided in which the damping mechanism further comprises an adjustable braking mechanism, and wherein the adjustable braking mechanism acts directly on the at least one rack. In this way, a simplified damping mechanism is obtained.
[0045] According to an optional embodiment, the mounting element is a U-shaped mounting element consisting of two parallel or substantially parallel legs connected by a connecting part. The mounting element is provided with a first and a second opening, respectively, at the end of each of the legs, wherein the adjustment bolt is positioned in the first and second opening. The mounting element is further provided with a first and / or a second projection at the end of one of the legs, wherein the first and / or the second projection being provided with a friction element. The adjustment bolt is configured to determine the distance between the two legs in order to adjust the braking force exerted by the friction element on the at least one rack.
[0046] In this way, it is possible to apply a braking force directly to one or more racks via the friction elements attached to one or both protrusions, by simply clamping the two legs of the U-shaped mounting element together.
[0047] According to an optional embodiment, the mounting element is a U-shaped mounting element consisting of two parallel or substantially parallel legs connected by a connecting part. The connecting part is equipped with an adjustment mechanism, inwhich the two parallel or substantially parallel legs are configured to engage with the at least one elongated profile. The adjustable braking mechanism comprises a spring equipped with at least one friction element, wherein the at least one friction element is configured to exert a braking force directly onto the at least one rack. The adjustment mechanism is configured to determine the position of the spring in relation to the connecting part and the at least one friction element in relation to the at least one rack and thus to set the braking force exerted by the friction element on the at least one rack.
[0048] According to an optional embodiment, the mounting element is a U-shaped mounting element consisting of two parallel or substantially parallel legs connected by a connecting part. The connecting part is provided with an adjustment mechanism, in which the two parallel or substantially parallel legs are configured to engage with the at least one elongated profile. The adjustable braking mechanism comprises a damper, wherein the damper is configured to exert a braking force directly onto the at least one rack. The adjustment mechanism is configured to determine the position of the damper in relation to the connecting part and in relation to the at least one rack to thus set the braking force exerted by the damper on the at least one rack.
[0049] According to a second aspect of the invention, the lamellar structure according to the first aspect is used as a wall, door, enclosure or roof.
[0050] It is clear that further variants and / or combinations of embodiments are possible, in particular with regard to corresponding embodiments for the different aspects of the invention.
[0051] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0052] The accompanying figures describe some embodiments without any limiting character.
[0053] Figure 1 shows a detail of an embodiment in which multiple elongated profiles are arranged around tiltable slats to form a lamellar structure;Figure 2 shows a detail of an embodiment of a lamellar structure with multiple tiltable slats, wherein the tiltable slats are positioned in such a way that they provide access to the adjustment bolt of the adjustment mechanism;
[0054] Figure 3 shows the embodiment of the lamellar structure as shown in Figure 2, wherein the elongated profile is only partially shown and wherein a first embodiment of the damping mechanism is visible;
[0055] Figures 4A to 4D shows different views of the first embodiment of the damping mechanism;
[0056] Figure 5 shows an exploded view showing the first embodiment of the damping mechanism in relation to the elongated profile, the coupling mechanism and the tiltable slats;
[0057] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the lamellar structure wherein the damping mechanism as shown in Figures 4A to 4D and the coupling mechanism are located in the elongated profile;
[0058] Figure 7 shows the embodiment of the lamellar structure as shown in Figure 2, wherein the elongated profile is only partially shown and wherein a second embodiment of the damping mechanism is visible;
[0059] Figures 8A and 8B show different views of the second embodiment of the damping mechanism;
[0060] Figure 9 shows the embodiment of the lamellar structure as shown in Figure 2, wherein the elongated profile is only partially shown and wherein a third embodiment of the damping mechanism is visible;
[0061] Figures 10A and 10B show different views of the third embodiment of the damping mechanism;
[0062] Figure 11 shows the embodiment of the lamellar structure as shown in Figure 2, wherein the elongated profile is only partially shown and wherein a fourth embodiment of the damping mechanism is visible;
[0063] Figures 12A and 12B show different views of the fourth embodiment of the damping mechanism;Figure 13 shows the embodiment of the lamellar structure as shown in Figure 2, wherein the elongated profile is only partially shown and wherein a fifth embodiment of the damping mechanism is visible;
[0064] Figure 14 shows a 3D representation of the fifth embodiment of the damping mechanism;
[0065] Figures 15Aand 15B show a cross-section of the lamellar structure wherein the damping mechanism as shown in Figures 13 to 14 and the coupling mechanism are located in the elongated profile and wherein the adjustment bolt is inserted at a different depth; Figure 16 shows the embodiment of the lamellar structure as shown in Figure 2, wherein the elongated profile is only partially shown and wherein a sixth embodiment of the damping mechanism is visible;
[0066] Figure 17 shows a 3D representation of the sixth embodiment of the damping mechanism;
[0067] Figures 18Aand 18B show a cross-section of the lamellar structure wherein the damping mechanism as shown in Figures 16 to 17 and the coupling mechanism are located in the elongated profile and wherein the adjustment bolt is inserted at a different depth.
[0068] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0069] Before describing embodiments, it is clear that this invention is not limited to specific embodiments or combinations described, as such embodiments and combinations thereof can of course vary. It will be clear that the terminology used herein is not intended to be restrictive. The scope of protection is determined by the attached conclusions.
[0070] As used throughout this text, the singular forms "a", "an", "the" include both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0071] The terms "containing", "contain" as used herein, are synonymous with "including", "include" or "comprising," "comprise" and are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unnamed members, elements or method steps. The terms "include", "including" include the term "comprise", "comprising" and / or vice versa.The enumeration of numeric values using a range of numbers includes all values and fractions in these ranges, as well as the cited endpoints.
[0072] As used herein, the term "substantially," "about," "approximately," or "essentially," when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, quantity, duration, angle, direction, or the like, is intended to encompass variations of + / - 10% or less, preferably + / - 5% or less, more preferably + / - 1% or less, and even more preferably + / - 0.1% or less of and from the specified value, to the extent that the variations are applicable to functioning in the invention described herein. It is clear that the value to which the term "about", "substantially", "essentially" or "approximately" refers itself has also been disclosed.
[0073] In the following passages, various aspects are further defined. Each aspect and / or embodiment thus defined may be combined with another aspect or aspects, and / or embodiment or embodiments, unless clearly indicated otherwise. In particular, a feature designated as "preferred" or "advantageous" may be combined with other features or characteristics that are designated as "preferred" and / or "advantageous". Reference in this description to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is applicable to at least one embodiment of the present invention. When the phrases "in one embodiment" or "an embodiment" appear in different places in this specification, they do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although this is not excluded. Furthermore, the described aspects, embodiments, features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner as will be apparent to one skilled in the art based on this description. The embodiments described and claimed in the claims may be used in any combination. The present description refers to the accompanying figures which form part of it and illustrate, for example, specific embodiments. References, such as reference numerals, etc., that refer to certain elements refer to the respective elements by way of example, without necessarily limiting the elements to the embodiments shown in the figures. It is to be understood that further and / or alternative embodiments may be used and that structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of protection as defined in theclaims. The following detailed description is therefore not to be construed in a limiting sense and the scope of protection is defined solely by the appended claims.
[0074] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art. As further guidance, definitions are included for further explanation of terms used herein.
[0075] Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a lamellar structure 10. According to the embodiment shown, the lamellar structure 10 comprises four elongated profiles 300, of which only the upper, left and right elongated profiles 300 are visible on Figure l. Together, the elongated profiles 300 form the perimeter of the lamellar structure 10 around an inner surface 14. The inner surface 14 of the lamellar structure 10 is thus located within the rectangular perimeter formed by the elongated profiles 300. The inner surface 14 is thereby essentially formed by the space surrounded by the various elongated profiles 300 of the lamellar structure 10, or, in other words, the inner surface whose perimeter is determined by the elongated profiles 300 that surround this inner surface 14.
[0076] The elongated profiles 300 are preferably arranged so that their perimeter forms an almost perfect quadrilateral or rectangle. Preferably, the elongated profile 300, which is part of the lamellar structure 10, is arranged in such a way that one side thereof delimits or borders the inner surface 14 of the lamellar structure 10. There can be numerous variations on the dimensions of the lamellar structure 10 and of the elongated profiles 300; ranging from, for example, 0.1 m to 4 m per side; for example, 0.5 m to 3 m, for example 0.5 m, 1 m or 2 m, and so on.
[0077] The elongated profile 300 is preferably made of a rigid material, such as aluminum, steel, copper or any suitable plastic.
[0078] As further shown in Figure 1, the embodiment of the lamellar structure 10 comprises multiple filling elements or tiltable slats 100, 100' extending between two oppositeelongated profiles 300 of the lamellar structure 10. It is clear that these slats at least partially fill the inner surface 14 of the lamellar structure 10.
[0079] As further shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, the lamellar structure 10 comprises removable cover plates 330 which are removably attached to the elongated profiles 300 thus providing access to a coupling mechanism 200 and damping mechanism 400. It is clear that these cover plates 330 are elongated plate-shaped elements whose longitudinal axis extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective elongated profile 300.
[0080] Figure 2 schematically shows an embodiment of a lamellar structure 10 in which only one elongated profile 300 is shown and to which several tiltable slats 100, 100' are attached. The tiltable slats 100, 100' are positioned in such a way that an adjustment mechanism 417, which is part of the damping mechanism 400, is visible along the side of the elongated profile 300 facing the inner surface 14.
[0081] The elongated profile 300 comprises an H-profile 310 whose flanges 320 extend parallel to the central longitudinal plane 16 (see Figure 1) of the lamellar structure 10. It is clear in this respect that, according to the exemplary embodiment shown, the flanges 320 of the elongated profiles 300 form an outer surface of the lamellar structure 10 that extends parallel to the central longitudinal plane 16. In other words, the flanges 320 of the elongated profiles 300 that form the perimeter of the lamellar structure 10, determine, respectively, a so-called front and rear side of the lamellar structure 10, which is typically the most visible side of the lamellar structure 10 and which determines the frame of the inner surface 14. This front and rear side of the lamellar structure 10, and associated flanges 320 of the elongated profiles 300 of the lamellar structure 10 thus extend parallel to the central longitudinal plane 16, or, in other words, parallel to the plane determined by the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W of the lamellar structure 10, as schematically shown in Figure 1.The elongated profile 300 thus ensures that a space is available within which the various parts of the coupling mechanism 200 and damping mechanism 400 can be stored and thus can be shielded from external influences.
[0082] Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of the damping mechanism 400, in which the damping mechanism 400 is incorporated together with the coupling mechanism 200 into the elongated profile 300. The elongated profile 300 is only partially shown in order to clearly illustrate the assembly of the coupling mechanism 200 and damping mechanism 400.
[0083] As shown in Figure 3, each tiltable slat 100, 100' is equipped with a respective slat pivot 102, 102', allowing the slat to be arranged 100, 100' in a tilting way within the lamellar structure 10. Each slat pivot 102, 102' is connected to the elongated profile 300 by means of an opening in the elongated profile 300. The inside of the elongated profile is equipped with two racks 202, 204, wherein the longitudinal axles of the racks 202, 204 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective elongated profile 300. A gear 210, 210' is further provided that is mounted on a slat pivot 102, 102' to move together with the slat pivot 102, 102', and wherein the gear 210, 210' can engage both in the teeth of the upper rack 202 and lower rack 204. When all tiltable slats 100, 100' have been inserted through their respective openings into the elongated profile 300, and each corresponding gear 210, 210' has been arranged onto its respective slat pivot 102, 102', both the upper 202 and lower 204 rack will be secured between the wall of the Flshaped elongated profile 300 and the gears 210, 210'. When a user grabs a tiltable slat 100 and rotates it around its slat pivot 102, the respective gear 210 will rotate with the slat 100. In turn, the gear 210 will drive the racks 202, 204, causing them to move to the left or right within the elongated profile 300. The movement of the racks 202, 204 will also drive the remaining gears 210' as these gears engage with the teeth of the racks 202, 204. Consequently, the gears 210' will cause the same rotation of their respective slat pivot 102', causing the corresponding slat 100' to tilt together with the slat 100 and assume the same position as the slat 100 manipulated by the user.The racks 202, 204 and the gears 210, 210' thus together form the coupling mechanism 200, which ensures that all slats 100, 100' move together without each slat 100, 100' having to be adjusted individually by a user.
[0084] In the embodiment as shown in Figure 3, both an upper 202 and lower 204 rack are provided. The embodiment in which two racks 202, 204 are provided, ensures a robust and stable assembly in which there will be only minimal play between the components. Although this embodiment is preferable, it is, however, possible to provide only one rack, for example only the upper 202 or lower 204 rack in which the respective gears 210, 210' will engage.
[0085] Furthermore, it is possible to assemble each rack 202, 204 from multiple partial racks, for example two, three or more individual and shorter racks, which, when arranged in the elongated profile 300, together can form the upper 202 or the lower 204 rack. An embodiment in which each rack 202, 204 is composed of two partial racks is shown in Figure 5, where each partial rack is provided with a connecting part at its end. It is also advisable to connect these partial racks to each other via the connecting part to form the rack and to ensure the transfer of the tilting movement from a first slat 100' to the other slats 100'.
[0086] Figure 3 also shows a first embodiment of a damping mechanism 400, in which the damping mechanism 400 can transfer an adjustable braking force to the coupling mechanism 200 so that, when tilting the slats 100, 100', a user must overcome the braking force exerted by the damping mechanism 400 before the slats 100, 100' can be placed in a new position. In addition, the damping mechanism 400 ensures that the slats 100, 100' cannot move without overcoming the set braking force, for example due to a gust of wind that briefly acts on the lamellar structure 10. In this way, the damping mechanism 400 is able to apply a braking force to the coupling mechanism 200 during the tilting of the slats 100, 100' and while the slats 100, 100' are in a stationary position.
[0087] As shown in Figure 3, the damping mechanism 400 is partially inserted into the elongated profile 300 between the gears 210, 210' of two adjacent slats 100, 100'.Figure 4A to 4D shows different views of the first embodiment of the damping mechanism 400. Figure 4A is an exploded drawing, showing the different parts of the first embodiment of the damping mechanism 400. The damping mechanism 400 comprises an adjustable braking mechanism 410, a coupling gear 412 and a mounting element 420. The adjustable braking mechanism 410 in turn comprises two friction elements 414, 414', an adjustment bolt 416a and a nut 416b, wherein each friction element 414, 414' is positioned on either side of the coupling gear 412 and can be pressed against the coupling gear 412 by means of the adjustment bolt 416a and nut 416b with an adjustable force. Thus, the adjustment bolt 416a and the nut 416b together form an adjustment mechanism 416 that is capable of clamping the friction elements 414, 414' against the coupling gear 412 and thus of exerting an adjustable braking force on the coupling gear 412, wherein the adjustable braking force is a direct result of the position of the adjustment bolt 416a in relation to the nut 416b.
[0088] The mounting element 420 attaches the damping mechanism 400 to the slat pivots 102, 102' of two adjacent slats 100, 100'. In this way, the mounting element 420 is able to prevent, at least limit, the movement of the damping mechanism 400 relative to the racks 202 and 204.
[0089] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4A to 4D and 5, the mounting element is an elongated bracket 420, wherein the elongated bracket 420 is provided with a first opening 421 at a first end and a second opening 422 at a second end. The slat pivot 102 of the first slat 100 is inserted in the first opening 421, while the slat pivot 102' of the second slat 100', adjacent to the first slat 100, is inserted in the second opening 422. The elongated bracket 420 is further equipped with a central opening 423 in which the adjustment bolt 416a can be inserted in order to attach the friction elements 414, 414' and the coupling gear 412 to the elongated bracket 420 together with the nut 416b (see Figures 4B and 4C). The adjustment bolt 416a is therefore capable of moving in the central opening 423, whereby the head of the adjustment bolt 416a will be partially or entirely outside the central opening 423 on the side of the tiltable slats 100, 100', or willbe arranged in a recessed way in relation to this central opening 423. As an alternative embodiment, it is also possible to make the head of the adjustment bolt 416a sufficiently large so that it can move in relation to the central opening 423, without the head itself being partially or fully recessed in the central opening 423. It should be noted that the first friction element 414 is located between a wall of the elongated bracket 420 and the coupling gear 412, while the second friction element 414' is located between the coupling gear 412 and the head of the adjustment bolt 416a. The friction elements 414, 414' are preferably designed as ring-shaped elements, each time with a central opening through which the friction elements 414, 414' can be slid on the axis of adjustment bolt 416a. It is preferably possible to provide a wear-resistant material with which the friction elements 414, 414' can be coated, or of which they can made, such as polymers, composites, ceramics, carbon-based materials, etc., in particular nylon or rubber. Preferably, the surface area of the friction element 414, 414' is such that it makes contact with at least half of, preferably 3 / 4th, preferably the entire side of the coupling gear 412.
[0090] Figure 4B mainly shows the front side 426 of the elongated bracket 420, while Figure 4C mainly shows the rear side 427 of the elongated bracket 420. After mounting in the elongated profile 300, the front side 426 of the elongated bracket 420 faces the slats 100, 100', while after mounting, the rear side 427 of the elongated bracket 420 faces away from the slats 100, 100'.
[0091] The rear side 427 of the elongated bracket 420 further comprises a recess 424 in which the nut 416b can be inserted. The shape of the recess 424 is complementary to the shape of the nut 416b, which prevents a rotary movement of the nut 416b relative to the elongated bracket 420. Because the nut 416b is positioned in the recess 424, the adjustment bolt 416a will engage the thread of the nut 416b and will thus be able to be screwed into the nut 416b, while the nut 416b is fixed in place. The nut 416b will therefore behave as a stationary nut. When the nut 416b is inserted into the recess 424 and the adjustment bolt 416a is turned into the nut 416b, the various components 414',412, 414, 420 will be brought together and the braking force of the damping mechanism 400 can be adjusted.
[0092] Figure 4D shows a top view of the assembled damping mechanism 400, with the friction elements 414, 414' placed on either side of the coupling gear 412. Figure 4D clearly shows that when the adjustment bolt 416a is turned deeper into the nut 416b, the friction elements 414, 414' will be pushed against the sides of the coupling gear 412 with a greater force. As a result, the friction elements 414, 414' will exert a greater braking force on the coupling gear 412, which will make it more difficult to rotate the coupling gear 412. When the adjustment bolt 416a is turned less deeply into the nut 416b, the friction elements 414, 414' will be pushed against the sides of the coupling gear 412 with a lower force, so that the braking force applied to the coupling gear 412 will be lower and the coupling gear 412 can rotate more easily around its axis.
[0093] Figure 5 shows an exploded view showing the first embodiment of the damping mechanism 400 in relation to the elongated profile 300, the coupling mechanism 200 and the tiltable slats 100, 100'.
[0094] Figure 5 shows a first limiting ring 417 which, after placing the elongated bracket 420 around the slat pivots 102, 102' by means of the holes 421, 422, will be clamped around the slat pivot 102 of the first slat 100', while a second limiting ring 417' will be clamped around the slat pivot 102' of the second slat 100' in order to secure the elongated bracket 420 to the slat pivots 102, 102' and prevent the elongated bracket 420 from sliding off the slat pivots 102, 102'. Depending on where the limiting rings 417, 417' are clamped on the respective slat pivot 102, 102', the elongated bracket 420 will be able to move on the slat pivots 102, 102' relative to the elongated profile 300. Preferably, the limiting rings 417, 417' are placed on the slat pivots 102, 102' in such a way that a minimum clearance is provided between the front side 426 of the elongated bracket 420 and the inner wall of the elongated profile 300. Furthermore, Figure 5 shows an opening 340 in the elongated profile 300 through which the head of the adjustment bolt 416a can be inserted and thus is accessible between the slats 100, 100'. The adjustment mechanism 416 will thus partially be located in the elongated profile 300, whereby the adjustment mechanism 416 can be operated via the adjustment bolt 416a at the outsideof the elongated profile 300 and on the side of the tiltable slats 100, 100'. When the tiltable slats 100, 100' are arranged in a closed configuration, the slat 100 will at least partially obscure the adjustment bolt 416a from view, while when the tiltable slats 100, 100' are arranged in an open or partially open configuration, the adjustment bolt 416a will be visible and accessible between the slats 100 and 100'.
[0095] When the mounting element 420 is connected to the coupling mechanism 200 and the slat pivots 102, 102', a user can adjust the braking force that will be applied by the damping mechanism 400 to the coupling mechanism 200 by inserting the adjustment bolt 416a deeper or less deep into the nut 416b and thus by adjusting the friction of the friction elements 414, 414' on the coupling gear 412.
[0096] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the lamellar structure 10 wherein the damping mechanism 400 and mounting element 420 as shown in Figures 4A to 4D and the coupling mechanism 200 are located in the elongated profile 300. Although not shown in Figure 6, only the head of the adjustment bolt 416a may be located completely or partially outside the elongated profile 300, while all other parts of the assembly will be positioned on the inside of the elongated profile 300. In this way it is possible to shield the coupling mechanism 200 and the damping mechanism 400 from the environment and thus to prevent damage or contamination of the various moving parts.
[0097] Figure 7 shows the embodiment of the lamellar structure 10 as shown in Figure 2, wherein the elongated profile 300 is only partially shown and wherein the second embodiment of the damping mechanism 400 is shown. In the embodiment as shown in Figure 7, the damping mechanism 400 comprises an adjustable braking mechanism 410, a coupling gear 412 and a mounting element 430. Similar to the first embodiment, the braking mechanism 410 comprises two friction elements 414, 414' (see Figure 8a), an adjustment bolt 416a and a nut 416b, wherein each friction element 414, 414' is positioned on either side of the coupling gear 412 and can be pressed against the coupling gear 412 by means of the adjustment bolt 416a and nut 416b with anadjustable force. Thus, the adjustment bolt 416a and the nut 416b together form an adjustment mechanism 416 that is capable of clamping the friction elements 414, 414' against the coupling gear 412 and thus of exerting an adjustable braking force on the coupling gear 412, wherein the adjustable braking force is a direct result of the position of the adjustment bolt 416a in relation to the nut 416b.
[0098] The mounting element 430 attaches the damping mechanism 400 to the elongated profile 300 between the slat pivots 102, 102' of two adjacent slats 100, 100'. In this way, the mounting element 430 is able to prevent, at least limit, the movement of the damping mechanism 400 relative to the racks 202 and 204.
[0099] In the embodiment as shown in Figures 7, 8A and 8B, the mounting element is a tubular mounting element 430, wherein the coupling gear 412 and the friction elements 414, 414' are positioned centrally in the tubular opening of the mounting element 430 by means of the adjustment bolt 416a. The embodiment as shown in Figures 7, 8A and 8B is an elliptical tubular mounting element 430, provided with two opposing flat side walls 431, 431' each connected to two rounded side walls 432, 432'. The two opposing flat side walls 431, 431' each have an opposing central opening, positioned in such a way that the adjustment bolt 416a can be inserted through the openings of the tubular mounting element 430 in order to secure the coupling gear 412 and the friction elements 414, 414' to the tubular mounting element 430. At each of the four corners of the tubular mounting element 430, indentations 434 have been provided, allowing the teeth of the racks 202, 204 to pass unhindered without making contact with the tubular mounting element 430 when the tubular mounting element 430 is connected to the elongated profile 300.
[0100] It should also be noted that the first friction element 414 is located on the inside of the first flat side wall 431 and the coupling gear 412, while the second friction element 414' is located between the coupling gear 412 and the inside of the second side wall 431' of the tubular mounting element 430. The friction elements 414, 414' are preferably ringshaped elements, each time with a central opening through which the friction elements 414, 414' can be slid on the axis of adjustment bolt 416a. Preferably, the surface area ofthe friction element 414, 414' is such that it makes contact with at least half of, preferably 3 / 4th, preferably the entire side of the coupling gear 412.
[0101] Although not shown, it is possible to provide bulges 300 on the inside of the elongated profile, against which the rounded sides 432, 432' of the mounting element 430 are positioned. When a first bulge is placed on a first rounded side 432 and closer to the upper rack 202, while a second bulge is placed on the second rounded side 432' and closer to the lower rack 204, the movement of the mounting element 430 will be hindered and only minimal rotation of the mounting element 430 relative to the racks 202, 204 is possible.
[0102] The mounting element 430 is connected to the elongated profile 300 by an opening in the elongated profile 300. Thus, the adjustment bolt 416a will be able to be secured in the nut 416b via the opening in the elongated profile 300, via the opening in the side wall 431', via the opening in the friction element 414', via the opening in the coupling gear 412, via the opening in the friction element 414, via the opening in the side wall 431.
[0103] When the mounting element 430 is connected to the coupling mechanism 200, a user can adjust the braking force that will be applied by the damping mechanism 400 to the coupling mechanism 200 by inserting the adjustment bolt 416a deeper or less deep into the nut 416b and thus by adjusting the friction of the friction elements 414, 414' on the coupling gear 412.
[0104] Although not shown in the Figures, the head of the adjustment bolt 416a will be located outside the elongated profile 300, while all other parts of the assembly will be positioned on the inside of the elongated profile 300. The adjustment mechanism 416 will thus partially be located in the elongated profile 300, whereby the adjustment mechanism 416 can still be operated via the adjustment bolt 416a at the outside of the elongated profile 300 and on the side of the tiltable slats 100, 100'. When the tiltable slats 100, 100' are arranged in a closed configuration, the slat 100 will at least partially obscure the adjustment bolt 416a from view, while when the tiltable slats 100, 100' are arrangedin an open or partially open configuration, the adjustment bolt 416a will be visible and accessible between the slats 100 and 100' .This makes it possible to shield the coupling mechanism 200 and the damping mechanism 400 from the environment, thereby preventing damage or contamination of the various moving parts.
[0105] Figure 9 shows the embodiment of the lamellar structure as shown in Figure 2, wherein the elongated profile 300 is only partially shown and wherein the third embodiment of the damping mechanism 400 is shown. In the embodiment as shown in Figure 9, the damping mechanism 400 comprises an adjustable braking mechanism 410, a coupling gear 412 and a mounting element 440. The braking mechanism 410 according to the third embodiment comprises only one friction element 414 and an adjustment bolt 416a. The friction element 414 is a conical element that is positioned in the opening of the coupling gear 412 and partially protrudes above and / or below the coupling gear 412. The edges of the friction element 414 can therefore be brought into contact with the top and / or bottom of the coupling gear 412 by the positioning of the adjustment bolt 416a.
[0106] According to the embodiment as shown in Figures 9, 10A and 10B, the mounting element is a U-shaped mounting element 440 consisting of two parallel or substantially parallel legs 441, 442 connected by a connecting part 443. The mounting element 440 is provided with a first 446 opening at the end of the first leg 441 and a second opening 447 at the end of the second leg 442. The first 446 and second 447 opening are positioned relative to each other in such a way that the adjustment bolt 416a can be inserted simultaneously into the first 446 and second 447 opening. The first opening 446 is threaded into which the adjustment bolt 416a can be screwed. The coupling gear 412 provided with the friction element 414 is positioned between the adjustment bolt 416a and the connecting part 443. In both the first leg 441 and the second leg 442, a recess can be provided, in which the end of the friction element 414 can be brought to obtain a better alignment of the coupling gear 412 between the legs 441, 442. When a user wants to adjust the braking force, the user can operate the adjustment bolt 416a and thus move the legs 441, 442 toward each other or push them away from each other.When the legs 441, 442 are pulled together, the friction element 414 will be pushed against the coupling gear 412 with greater force. The adjustment bolt 416a is therefore configured to adjust the braking force applied to the coupling gear 412 via the distance between the two legs 441, 442.
[0107] Figure 11 shows the embodiment of the lamellar structure as shown in Figure 2, wherein the elongated profile 300 is only partially shown and wherein a fourth embodiment of the damping mechanism 400 is shown. In the embodiment as shown in Figure 11, the damping mechanism 400 comprises an adjustable braking mechanism 410 and a mounting element 450. The braking mechanism 410 according to the fourth embodiment comprises two friction elements 414, 414' and an adjustment bolt 416a. According to the embodiment as shown in Figures 11, 12A and 12B, the mounting element is a U-shaped mounting element 450 consisting of two parallel or substantially parallel legs 451, 452 connected by a connecting part 453. The mounting element 450 is provided with a first 456 opening at the end of the first leg 451 and a second opening 457 at the end of the second leg 452. The first 456 and second 457 opening are positioned relative to each other in such a way that the adjustment bolt 416a can be inserted simultaneously into the first 456 and second 457 opening. The first opening 456 is threaded into which the adjustment bolt 416a can be screwed.
[0108] The mounting element 450 is further provided with a first 458 and second 459 protrusion at the end of the first leg 451. The first 458 and the second 459 protrusion are provided with a friction element 414, 414' and, when the mounting element 450 is placed in the elongated profile 300, will rest on the top of the racks 202 and 204. The adjustment bolt 416a is configured to determine the distance between the two legs 451, 452 in order to adjust the braking force exerted by the friction element 414, 414' on the racks 202, 204.
[0109] The embodiment as shown in Figures 11, 12A and 12B are provided with two projections with a friction element attached. However, it is also possible to provide only one protrusion with a friction element that will only act on one of the racks 202 or 204.When a user wants to adjust the braking force, the user can operate the adjustment bolt 416a and thus move the legs 451, 452 toward each other or push them away from each other. When the legs 451, 452 are pulled together, the friction elements 414, 414' will be pushed against the racks 202 and 204 with greater force. The adjustment bolt 416a is therefore configured to adjust the braking force applied to the racks 202 and 204 via the distance between the two legs 451, 452.
[0110] Figure 13 shows the embodiment of the lamellar structure as shown in Figure 2, wherein the elongated profile 300 is only partially shown and wherein a fifth embodiment of the damping mechanism is shown. In the embodiment as shown in Figure 13, the damping mechanism 400 comprises an adjustable braking mechanism 410 and a mounting element 460. The braking mechanism 410 according to the fifth embodiment comprises a spring 465, two friction elements 414, 414', an adjustment bolt 416a and a nut 416b. Alternatively, it is possible to replace the nut 416b with an opening in the sheet metal of the mounting element 460 provided with a thread.
[0111] According to the embodiment as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the mounting element is a U-shaped mounting element 460 consisting of two parallel or substantially parallel legs 461, 462 connected by a connecting part 463. The two parallel or substantially parallel legs 461, 462 are configured to engage the elongated profile 300. The mounting element 460 is further provided with an adjustment mechanism 416 that includes a U-shaped spring element 465, where the ends of the spring element 465 are each coated with a friction element 414, 414'. However, it is possible not to provide the ends of the U-shaped spring element 465 with a friction element 414, 414', wherein only by the force exerted by the spring element 465, the necessary braking force will be applied to the racks 202, 204. The friction elements 414, 414' are configured to apply a braking force directly to the racks 202, 204. The adjustment mechanism 416 is configured to determine the position of the spring 465 in relation to the connecting part 463 by turning the adjustment bolt 416a in or out of the nut 416b, and consequently the frictionelements 414, 414' in relation to the racks 202, 204, in order to thus adjust the braking force exerted by the friction elements 414, 414' on the racks 202, 204.
[0112] Figures 15A and 15B show a cross-section of the lamellar structure wherein the damping mechanism 400 as shown in Figures 13 to 14 and the coupling mechanism 200 are located in the elongated profile 300 and wherein the adjustment bolt 416a is inserted at a different depth relative to the connecting part 463.
[0113] In the embodiment as shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the adjustment bolt 416a with a screw head 416c, for example with a hexagonal notch, is located within the elongated profile 300, as well as all other parts. The adjustment mechanism 416 will thus be entirely located in the elongated profile 300, wherein the adjustment mechanism 416 and in particular the screw head 416c of the adjustment bolt 416a will be accessible via one of the removable cover plates 330 of the elongated profile 300. A user who wishes to operate the adjustment mechanism will therefore have to remove the cover plate 330, and then have to reach into the elongated profile 300 with, for example, a screwdriver or Allen key in order to turn the head 416c of the adjustment bolt 416a in one direction or another via the screwdriver or Allen key. Unlike the other embodiments, it is not relevant whether the tiltable slats 100, 100' are arranged in a closed configuration, or whether they are arranged in an open or partially open configuration. When the cover plate 330 is mounted, it is possible to shield the coupling mechanism 200 and the full damping mechanism 400 from the environment and thus prevent damage or contamination of the various moving parts.
[0114] When a user wants to adjust the braking force, the user can, after removing the cover plate 330, operate the screw head 416c of the adjustment bolt 416a via the elongated profile 300 and thus put the spring element 465 under tension.
[0115] As an alternative embodiment, it is possible to insert the adjustment bolt 416a inversely into the U-shaped spring element 465, whereby the screw head 416c is aligned with an opening in the elongated profile 300, and whereby it is thus still possible to operate thescrew head 416c of the adjustment bolt 416a via the opening in the elongated profile 300, without having to remove the cover plate 330.
[0116] In Figure 15A, the adjustment bolt 416a is positioned in such a way that the friction elements 414 and 414' are positioned against the racks 202 and 204, without exerting a large braking force. In Figure 15B, the adjustment bolt 416a is brought into the direction of the slats 100 (see arrow A, Figure 15B) and the legs of the spring element 465, on which the friction elements 414, 414' are placed, will be pushed inward (see arrows B and C, Figure 15B), pushing the friction elements 414, 414' against the racks 202 and 204 with greater force. Consequently, the adjustment bolt 416a is configured to bend the spring element 465 via its position relative to the connecting part 463 and thus to obtain an adjustable braking mechanism 410 in which the braking force acts directly on the racks 202 and 204.
[0117] Figure 16 shows the embodiment of the lamellar structure as shown in Figure 2, wherein the elongated profile 300 is only partially shown and wherein a sixth embodiment of the damping mechanism is shown. In the embodiment as shown in Figure 16, the damping mechanism 400 comprises an adjustable braking mechanism 410 and a mounting element 470. The braking mechanism 410 according to the sixth embodiment comprises a damper 475, an adjustment bolt 416a and a nut 416b.
[0118] According to the embodiment as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the mounting element is a U-shaped mounting element 470consisting of two parallel or substantially parallel legs 471, 472 connected by a connecting part 473. The two parallel or substantially parallel legs 471, 472 are configured to engage the elongated profile 300. The mounting element 470 is further provided with an adjustment mechanism 416 that includes a damper 475, where the outside of the damper 475 is each coated with a friction element 414. In the embodiment as shown in Figures 16 and 17, only the outside of the damper475 is coated with a friction element 414. However, it is possible that the complete damper 475 consists of a material such as rubber with which a similar friction between the damper 475 and the racks 202, 204 on which the damper 475 will act, can be obtained.The damper 475 is preferably a doughnut-shaped damper, so that the adjustment bolt 416a can be connected to the U-shaped mounting element 470 via the opening in the damper 475 and engage the nut 416b.
[0119] The friction element 414 is configured to apply a braking force directly to the racks 202, 204.
[0120] The adjustment mechanism 416 is configured to determine the position of the damper 475 in relation to the connecting part 473 by turning the adjustment bolt 416a in or out of the nut 416b. When the adjustment bolt 416a is brought sufficiently in the direction of the slats 100, 100', the adjustment bolt 416a will push the damper 475 against the inside of the elongated profile 300, on which the damper 475 will deform. In this way, the walls of the damper 475 will be pushed against the racks 202 and 204 in order to adjust the braking force exerted by the damper 475 and the friction element 414 on the racks 202, 204.
[0121] Figures 18A and 18B show a cross-section of the lamellar structure wherein the damping mechanism 400 as shown in Figures 16 to 17 and the coupling mechanism 200 are located in the elongated profile 300. The adjustment bolt 416a is shown in Figures 18A and 18B at different depths relative to the connecting part 473.
[0122] In the embodiment as shown in Figures 18Aand 18B, it is clear that the screw head 416c of the adjustment bolt 416a is located within the elongated profile 300, as well as all other parts. The adjustment mechanism 416 will thus be entirely located in the elongated profile 300, wherein the adjustment mechanism 416 and in particular the screw head 416c of the adjustment bolt 416a will be accessible via one of the removable cover plates 330 of the elongated profile 300. A user who wishes to operate the adjustment mechanism will therefore have to remove the cover plate 330, and then have to reach into the elongated profile 300 with, for example, a screwdriver or Allen key in order to turn the screw head 416c of the adjustment bolt 416a in one direction or another via the screwdriver or Allen key. Similar to the fifth embodiment, it is also irrelevant in this embodiment whether the tiltable slats 100, 100' are arranged in a closed configuration, or whether they are arranged in an open or partially openconfiguration. When the cover plate 330 is mounted, it is possible to shield the coupling mechanism 200 and the complete damping mechanism 400 from the environment and thus to prevent damage or contamination of the various moving parts.
[0123] When a user wants to adjust the braking force, the user can, after removing the cover plate 330, operate the screw head 416c of the adjustment bolt 416a via the elongated profile 300 and thus put the damper 475 under tension.
[0124] As an alternative embodiment, it is possible to insert the adjustment bolt 416a inversely into the damper 475, whereby the screw head 416c is aligned with an opening in the elongated profile 300, and whereby it is thus still possible to operate the screw head 416c of the adjustment bolt 416a via the opening in the elongated profile 300, without having to remove the cover plate 330.
[0125] In Figure 18A, the adjustment bolt 416a is positioned in such a way that the damper 475 touches the inside of the elongated profile 300 and the racks 202 and 204 without exerting great force. In Figure 18B, the adjustment bolt 416a is brought into the direction of the slats 100 (see arrow A, Figure 18B) and the damper 475, on which the friction element 414 is provided, will be pushed together and the walls of the damper 465 will be pushed sidewards (see arrows B and C, Figure 18B), pushing the friction element 414 against the racks 202 and 204 with greater force. Consequently, the adjustment bolt 416a is configured to deform the damper 475 via its position relative to the connecting part 473 and thus to obtain an adjustable braking mechanism 410 in which the braking force acts directly on the racks 202 and 204.
[0126] Although not shown in one of the Figures, it is possible to provide two or more coupling mechanisms 200 and two or more damping mechanisms 400 in a single elongated profile, independently of each other, in order to divide the lamellar structure 10, and in particular the slats 100, 100', into multiple zones. In this way it is possible to simultaneously tilt a first zone of slats while applying an equal first adjustable braking force to this first zone of slats, and a second zone of slats, and to simultaneously tilt asecond zone of slits, independently of the first zone of slats, while applying an equal second adjustable braking force to this second zone of slats.
[0127] It will be clear that many further combinations and / or variant embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.
Claims
Claims1. A lamellar structure (10) comprising:- at least two tiltable slats (100, 100'), each slat (100, 100') being tiltable around a respective slat pivot (102, 102');- a coupling mechanism (200) configured to simultaneously tilt the at least two tiltable slats (100); and- at least one elongated profile (300):- to which the at least two tiltable slats (100, 100') are arranged in a tiltable manner by means of their respective slat pivot (102, 102'), and- wherein the coupling mechanism (200) is arranged such that it is at least partially located in the elongated profile (300),CHARACTERIZED IN THATthe lamellar structure (10) further comprises a damping mechanism (400) acting on the coupling mechanism (200), and wherein the damping mechanism (400) is configured to exert an adjustable braking force:- when tilting the at least two slats (100, 100'), and- when holding the at least two slats (100, 100') in a stationary position.
2. A lamellar structure (10) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism (200) comprises at least one rack (202, 204) and at least two gears (210, 210'), each gear (210) being attached to a corresponding slat pivot (102) of the at least two respective tiltable slats (100, 100'), and wherein the at least two gears (210, 210') engage with the at least one rack (202, 204).
3. A lamellar structure (10) according to claim 2, wherein the damping mechanism (400) transfers the adjustable braking force to the coupling mechanism (200) via the at least one rack (202, 204).
4. A lamellar structure (10) according to claims 2 to 3, wherein the damping mechanism (400) is at least partly inserted into the elongated profile (300) between two gears (210, 210') of two adjacent slats (100, 100'), and wherein the damping mechanism (400) further comprises an adjustable braking mechanism (410) and a coupling gear (412), with the coupling gear (412) arranged in such way that it is at least partly located in the elongated profile (300), wherein the coupling gear (412) is connected to at least one rack (202, 204), and wherein the adjustable braking mechanism (410) acts on the coupling gear (412).
5. A lamellar structure (10) according to claim 4, wherein the adjustable braking mechanism (410) comprises at least one friction element (414) and an adjustment mechanism (416), and wherein the adjustment mechanism (416) is configured to clamp the at least one friction element (414, 414') against the coupling gear (412) in order to adjust the braking force exerted on the coupling gear (412).
6. A lamellar structure (10) according to claim 5, wherein the adjustment mechanism (416) is partially located in the elongated profile (300), wherein the adjustment mechanism (416) can be operated via the outside of the elongated profile (300) and preferably on the side of the tiltable slats (100, 100').
7. A lamellar structure (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the adjustable braking mechanism (410) comprises at least two friction elements (414, 414'), wherein at least one friction element (414, 414') is positioned on either side of the coupling gear (412).
8. A lamellar structure (10) according to any one of the claims 2 to 7, wherein the damping mechanism (400) comprises a mounting element (420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470), wherein the mounting element (420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470) is connected to the at least one elongated profile (300) and wherein the mounting element (420, 430, 440,450, 460, 470) is configured to limit the movement of the damping mechanism (400) relative to the at least one rack (202, 204).
9. A lamellar structure (10) according to claim 8, wherein the mounting element (420) comprises an elongated bracket (420), wherein the elongated bracket (420) is provided with a first opening (421) at one end and a second opening (422) at a second end, wherein the slat pivot (102) of a first slat (100) is configured to be inserted into the first opening (421) and wherein the slat pivot (102') of a second slat (100') is configured to be inserted into the second opening (422).
10. A lamellar structure (10) according to claim 9, wherein a first limiting ring is configured to secure the slat pivot (102) of the first slat (100) in the first opening of the elongated bracket (420) and a second limiting ring is configured to secure the slat pivot (102') of the second slat (100') in the second opening of the elongated bracket (420).
11. A lamellar structure (10) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the elongated bracket (420) is further provided with a central opening (423), and wherein the coupling gear (412) is configured to be connected to the elongated bracket (420) of the mounting element (430) by means of the adjustment bolt (416a) and the central opening (423).
12. A lamellar structure (10) according to claim 8, wherein the mounting element (430) is a tubular mounting element (430), wherein the coupling gear (412) and the at least one friction element (414, 414') are positioned centrally in the tubular opening of the mounting element (430) by means of the adjustment bolt (416a).
13. A lamellar structure (10) according to claim 8, wherein the mounting element (400) is a U-shaped mounting element (440) consisting of two parallel or substantially parallel legs (441, 442) connected by a connecting part (443), wherein the mounting element (440) is provided with a first (446) and second (447) opening respectively at the position of the end of each of the legs (441, 442), wherein the adjustment bolt (416a) ispositioned in the first (446) and the second (447) opening, and wherein the at least one friction element (414) and coupling gear (412) are positioned between the adjustment bolt (416a) and the connecting part (443), and wherein the adjustment bolt (416a) is configured to determine the distance between the two legs (451, 452) in order to adjust the braking force applied to the coupling gear (412).
14. A lamellar structure (10) according to any one of the previous claims 2 to 6, wherein the damping mechanism (400) further comprises an adjustable braking mechanism (410), and wherein the adjustable braking mechanism (410) acts directly on the at least one rack (202, 204).
15. A lamellar structure (10) according to claim 14, wherein- the mounting element is a U-shaped mounting element (450) consisting of two parallel or substantially parallel legs (451, 452) connected by a connecting part (453), wherein the mounting element (450) is provided with a first (456) and second (457) opening respectively at the position of the end of each of the legs (451, 452), wherein the adjustment bolt (416a) is positioned in the first (456) and the second (457) opening, wherein the mounting element (450) is further provided with a first (458) and / or a second (459) protrusion at the end of each of the legs (451), wherein the first (458) and / or the second (459) protrusion is provided with a friction element (414, 414') and wherein the adjustment bolt (416a) is configured to determine the mutual distance between the two legs (451, 452) in order to adjust the braking force exerted by the friction element (414, 414') to the at least one rack (202, 204); or- the mounting element is a U-shaped mounting element (460) consisting of two parallel or substantially parallel legs (461, 462) connected by a connecting part (463), wherein the two parallel or substantially parallel legs (461, 462) are configured to engage the at least one elongated profile (300), wherein the connecting part (463) is provided with an adjustment mechanism (416), wherein the adjustable braking mechanism (410) comprises a spring element (465) provided with at least one friction element (414), wherein the at least one friction element (414) is configured to exert a braking forcedirectly onto the at least one rack (202, 204), wherein the adjustment mechanism (416) is configured to determine the position of the spring (465) with respect to the connecting part (463) and the at least one friction element (414) with respect to the at least one rack (202, 204) and thus to adjust the braking force exerted by the friction element (414) onto the at least one rack (202, 204); or- the mounting element is a U-shaped mounting element (470) consisting of two parallel or substantially parallel legs (471, 472) connected by a connecting part (473), wherein the connecting part (473) is provided with an adjustment mechanism (474), wherein the two parallel or substantially parallel legs (471, 472) are configured to engage the at least one elongated profile (300), wherein the adjustable braking mechanism (410) comprises a damper (475), wherein the damper (475) is configured to exert a braking force directly onto the at least one rack (202, 204), wherein the adjustment mechanism (474) is configured to determine the position of the damper (475) with respect to the connecting part (473) and with respect to the at least one rack (202, 204) thus to adjust the braking force exerted by the damper (475) onto the at least one rack (202, 204).