GB2548799A

GB2548799A - A Closure Apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2548799A
Application number: GB1604688.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Octavian Giurgiu Nicolae; Dorin Serban Marius
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-03-21
Filing date: 2016-03-21
Publication date: 2017-10-04
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-21
Also published as: GB2548799B; GB201604688D0

Abstract

Closure apparatus for closing an opening in a structure, such as a window in a wall, the apparatus comprising a plurality of glazing units 1 and a housing 5, 4, the units are rotatable and slidable with respect to the housing using turn and slide driving mechanisms. The turn driving mechanism may comprise a wire (12, figure 3a) and the slide driving mechanism a shaft through at least one horizontal section. The glazing units may also comprise at least on photovoltaic cell, a heat means or an electrical energy source.

Description

A CLOSURE APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a closure apparatus, in particular for closing an opening such as a window in a structure such as a wall; more particularly but not exclusively a motorised means of adjusting ventilation through the opening.

Background

Increasing interest in aesthetics, environmental factors and the built environment has led many users to improve their homes or commercial premises.

In particular many users install improved quality glazing. Glazing can make a big difference to many built spaces, in providing effective ventilation, space lighting or insulation.

Standard windows are restrictive for ventilation, having two positions only, namely open or closed. This can mean that opening the window for ventilation causes safety concerns.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

United States patent application US 1 272 864 (SCHOENING et al) discloses a multifolding window comprising: a frame; a plurality of sashes, not less than four, pivotally connected together; and connections between certain of the sashes and opposite sides of the frame-those with one end sash being pivotal only, those with the other end sash being pivotal and sliding, and those intermediate being pivotal and sliding and extensible, all of the connections with the frame being situated in a single plane lying substantially midway between the inner and outer faces of the sashes when in closed position, substantially as described

Korean patent application KR 101 259 717 (I Ml) discloses a blind for a ceiling is provided to be installed at the ceiling for shading and ventilation, and to be operated by remote control. A blind for a ceiling comprises a blind sheet, a guide member, a moving block, a pinion gear, a rack gear, a rotating bar, a pair of bevel gears, a guide tack, and a coupling pin. The guide member is fixed at the both ends of the blind sheet for keeping the blind sheet spread. The pinion gear and the rack gear which are meshed with each other rotate for moving the blind sheet forward and backward. The rotating bar makes the blind sheet rotate. The pair of bevel gears is installed in the moving block. The guide track steadily guides the up and down movements of the blind sheet. The coupling pin interconnects the guide member with the moving block.

Granted United States patent US 6 276 092 (NEO) discloses a combined sliding and pivot window assembly including a plurality of sashes separately pivotally mounted on substantially C-shaped sash support frames that are slidably fixed on rails provided on an outer window frame. The window assembly includes combined sliding and locking mechanisms that allow the C-shaped sash support frames to slide on the rails when the sashes are pivotally closed, or to be locked on the rails when the sashes are pivotally opened, or to be pushed to one side in the outer window frame while allowing all the sashes to be pivotally opened; pivot mechanisms that allow the sashes to be pivotally opened and stay at any desired open position relative to the sash support frames; and elastic two-end locking mechanisms that are mounted in a vertical member of the sashes to lock the sashes at upper and lower ends to the sash support frames simply by laterally shifting an external adjusting key of the two-end locking mechanism. The combined sliding and pivot window assembly is therefore safer and more convenient for use.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a closure apparatus for closing an opening in a structure, in which the apparatus comprises a plurality of glazing units and a housing, wherein the units are rotatable and slidable with respect to the housing by means of a turn driving mechanism and a slide driving mechanism.

In some embodiments the apparatus comprises three or more units. Some embodiments comprise a large number of elongated strip units so as to provide apparatus reminiscent of a vertical blind.

In some embodiments the housing comprises a frame dimensioned for the opening. The housing may comprise two horizontal sections, and two vertical members.

In some embodiments the units are arranged to rotate on spindles, arranged in a line of vertical axes.

In some embodiments the units are arranged to rotate on spindles, arranged in a line of horizontal axes.

The spindles may be arranged to move in the orthogonal direction in order to slide; for example wherein units set on vertical axes may slide horizontally, or viceversa.

In such embodiments where sliding is vertical, the horizontal sections may comprise some form of slide control and the vertical members may comprise a slide driving mechanism, or viceversa. Such slide control may be arranged to control the extent, duration or spacing of the units’ slide.

In some embodiments the slide driving mechanism may comprise parts arranged to move orthogonal to the spindle axes, so as to move the units, for example along a wire.

In order to provide the driving mechanism for turning the units, the spindles may be rotated by a turning mechanism embodied at least partly in end caps, for example comprising at least one gear.

In this way the turning mechanism of the end caps may be driven by the turn driving mechanism, which driving mechanism may be comprised in the sections, and at least one motor, and/or manual drive, for example in event of override.

For example in some embodiments, drive may be produced in the vertical members and transferred to the end caps by the horizontal sections.

In this way the turn driving mechanism may comprise more than axis of rotation.

In some embodiments the units, housing or apparatus may comprise an electrical energy source. Such energy source may be utilised in order to provide an electrically powered driving mechanism, at least in part, anti-condensation means, and/or heating means. Such energy source may comprise mains electrical connection, battery or batteries and/or energy harvesting. For example in some embodiments the energy source may comprise at least one photovoltaic cell.

The end caps may be the same top and bottom to reduce manufacture costs. Rubber seals may be included to ensure a seal between the units when in the first position.

The apparatus may comprise a blocking means, arranged to prevent the units from rotating, and may additionally or alternatively comprise a lock means. Such covers may comprise means to physically, mechanically or electrically cover at least part of the units. Such lock means may comprise means to lock the covers in place.

In some embodiments the blocking means may comprise a locking latch which may be attached to a series of gears so that the units may only be moved when the latch is at a given point.

Locking covers over the end caps or part thereof may ensure that the units cannot be manually twisted when undesired or unauthorised and comprise at least a blocking means.

In other embodiments in addition or the alternative the apparatus may comprise differing means for locking, for example without limitation gear locking, via a clutch, gear movement detection that is linked to an alarm, and/or dead bolts via actuators.

The apparatus may comprise spacing arrangements, for example to effectively space the units apart at all times. In embodiments where the end caps are on a pulley system at least one end cap may be locked to a wire and to push or pull others, similar to a vertical blind system.

In some embodiments, given the amount of torque required and the mechanical nature of the status communication (i.e. the mechanical switch that engages different motors), an electronic/mechanical hybrid may add more options in terms of user interface and: • Can be used to add extra security, without adding physical mechanical barrier, with sensors • Are better suited for modern day manufacturing facilities that tend to accommodate integrated electronics over pure mechanical systems. • Enable the use of “off the shelf components that reduce costs and enable quick and modular replacement of broken parts. (Whereas a risk with custom mechanical systems is that parts are expensive or impossible to replace.)

For example the following electronic replacements may be envisaged: • Central processing board that manages the user/sensor inputs and movements. • An electronic locking system that would lock the units. • A system of controlled stepper motors that can reduce the torsional stress placed on the apparatus, and provide more control over conventional motors.

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1 show isometric views of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, in a first position and without and with the housing, respectively;

Figures 2 show isometric views and exploded isometric views of internals of the embodiment as shown in Figures 1;

Figures 3 show isometric views of internals of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 in the first and second position, respectively;

Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of internals of the embodiment shown in Figures 1;

Figures 5 show isometric detail views of the driving mechanism as used in the embodiment shown in Figures 1;

Figures 6 show isometric views of the embodiment shown in Figures 1, in a second position;

Figure 7 shows isometric view of an embodiment of the apparatus in the first position;

Figure 8 shows an isometric view and an isometric exploded view of the housing for the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figures 1;

Figure 9 shows a reverse isometric view and a reverse isometric exploded view of the housing for the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 7;

Figure 10 shows an isometric exploded view of the sections of the housing shown in Figure 8;

Figure 11 shows a reverse isometric exploded view of the sections of the housing shown in Figure 8;

Figures 12 show sectional views of details of the pictured embodiment, respectively a sectional view of the side member, a sectional view of the top end cap, a sectional view of the bottom end cap, a sectional view of the top blocking cover and a sectional view of the bottom blocking cover; and

Figures 13 show isometric views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, in a third position and with the blocking means in an open position.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the pictured embodiment there is shown an embodiment of the apparatus comprising 10 glazing units, which units are provided on vertical spindles, and included in a housing comprising side members and top and bottom sections.

The housing comprises driving mechanisms for turning and sliding, wherein the turn driving mechanism comprises a plurality of gears and two distally placed end caps to the units, which caps turn the ends of the units via spindles.

The following parts are included: • Main Housing

Forms the outer of the apparatus and accommodates securement to the structure. Comprised by horizontal sections 5 and vertical members 4, which sections include internal 56 and external 55 parts. • End cap 2

Houses the rotational and slide driving mechanisms. • Spindles • Spindles 9

Extend from the units into the end caps • Blocking Cover A rotating metal cover 6 that presses against the glazing units to lock them in place, and in the pictured embodiment provides, transmits or connects power to electrical elements and photovoltaic panels. • Spacing Means Torsion Spring A torsion spring 15 that is attached to the end caps and accompanies a guiding wire (not shown). As the units approach each other the torsion spring tightens slack in the wire. • Guiding Wire 12

Controls positioning and the movement of the units, and is driven by pulleys 13, connected to a drive shaft 11, driven by stepper motors 3. • Central Shaft 16

The shaft that interfaces with worm gears on the units’ spindles. • Bearings 17

Including a drive wheel 35 and smaller gears 46. Allow the end caps to move smoothly inside the housing. • Glass Units 1

The glass units with integrated heating elements (not shown) and photovoltaic panels 7.

Batteries 48

Along each of the top and bottom sections runs the shaft. This shaft passes through an aperture 37 in each unit’s end cap, which aperture comprises internal cog parts 40, which in turn turns the unit.

In order to achieve this the shaft comprises a gear and the end cap comprises an internal worm screw (not shown), more particularly the spindle comprises a worm screw, such that rotation of the shaft turns the grub screw and transmits the rotation through 90 degrees to rotate the spindle and unit.

The profiled shaft running through the top sections is controlled by gear meshing that transmits to a vertical rod 24 and a motor mounted in the side members.

The end caps are secured to the elongate wire, which wire is comprised in the slide driving mechanism. The slide driving mechanism comprises a form of reel arrangement such that the wire is reeled in or out and the end caps moved towards or away from the reel appropriately.

The wire runs through the top and bottom housing sections to link each unit together to facilitate retraction and relocation of all units when fully opening and closing the window. The wires are mechanically operated by means of an electric motor.

In event of failure or choice the motors may be turned manually using the manual override 14, which may comprise a hex head bolt head.

The glazing units comprise two framed panes of glass 20, 21 connected together along their sides and having plates capping either end.

The glass is 200mm wide and layered in two strips offset laterally from each other by 20mm to create a lip against which subsequent units interface when closed.

The blocking covers are situated in use at the top and bottom of the units and run the length of the sections so as to block the units from rotating when in the closed position wherein the portions may be hinged open to release the unit to rotate and stack. A first cover 27 may comprise a skirt 42, hinged at a pivot 49, so as to limit water ingress. Such cover also includes reinforcing ribs 28. An opposing second cover 32 on the same section comprises the electrical connector 36. Both covers are hinged to the sections at hinges 34 which comprise pins 29 and barrels 34. The covers comprise lips 33, which may comprise resiliently deformable material.

The covers are mechanically operated by means of an electric motor, using perimetric bearings 22, and when in a closed position clamp over the unit’s peripheral ends to prevent the units moving. The units comprise a frame having two elongate sides joined the panes and plates 8 to each face at the ends.

The plates further comprise mechanical/electrical connections (not shown), with which to connect to the apparatus’ energy source and circuit, connecting through the units. Such connection is made when the units are in the first closed position.

In the pictured embodiment the glazing units further include heating elements (not shown) to prevent condensation.

The end caps include the following:

Bearing for the spindle 47,45 Wire slots 39, 37 Guidance bearings 43,41,46

Solar photovoltaic cells are further included at the base of exterior side of the glass, to allow electricity generation as a top up and aid in power usage of the apparatus.

In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise a spacing means. Said spacing means may be arranged to space the end caps and units apart. Such spacing means may be operable in particular when the units are moved and moving to the open position.

The slide driving mechanism may comprise a wire that links all units such that when the wire is tightened or retracted the units are pulled together. The spacing means may comprise resiliently deformable parts emplaced between the end caps so as to maintain the spacing until the mechanism is fully retracted, where the spacing means deforms and the end caps approximate.

The wire is thereby kept taut to prevent tangles, additionally or alternatively maintaining uniform wire length between all units.

The driving mechanism in the apparatus works and activates in three stages and comprises three motors: - Motor 1 activates and moves the elongate portions to either side, top and bottom; which portions block the units from moving when in a first closed position; Motor 2 activates the mechanism that spins the units to a second ajar position; and Motor 3 moves the wire running through each section and thereby slides and stacks the units into a third or open position. The third position may comprise all stacked on either side, or to both sides; dependent upon initial setup.

Each motor is located one above the other in numeric order, wherein motor 1 is lowermost.

Each motor engages with a worm gear that moves a corresponding cog vertically along its length. As the cog reaches the top of the worm gear, it interfaces with a switch, so as to activate the next motor.

In addition to the spacing means the wires that run through each of the units has a stopper (not shown), which may be arranged to effect either the units being fully retracted to one side or being split left and right in a manner common to known vertical blinds. Where the stopper is placed is decided by the user at installation, for example wherein an engineer can set this up pre-use; and prevents undesired slide movement.

Each glass unit is replaceable in case of fault or breakage.

The covers comprise a location pin (not shown) that displaces from a hole 38, enabling the release of the cover and ensuring the unit is unable to rotate when the covers are the closed position, more particularly locking and unlocking it.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. A closure apparatus for closing an opening in a structure, in which the apparatus comprises a plurality of glazing units and a housing, wherein the units are rotatable and slidable with respect to the housing by means of a turn driving mechanism and a slide driving mechanism.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the opening comprises a window opening.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the units are moveable between a first closed position, a second turned position, and a third slid-open position.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 comprising a blocking means to block the units from turning from the first position.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the blocking means comprises hinged covers, hinged to close over the units.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the blocking means comprises a locking means.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the turn driving mechanism comprises a wire.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the slide driving mechanism comprises a shaft through at least one horizontal section.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the units comprise at least one photovoltaic panel.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the units comprise heat means.

11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the vertical members comprise an electric energy source.

12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the units may slide to one side of the opening or the other.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein stoppers may be assignable to limit sliding of the units.

14. Apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.