FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to fixed or adjustable coverings of openings in buildings, specifically horizontal Venetian blinds capable of not only proper control and use of sunlight and heat entry into the building, but also of forming increased airflow. Airflow is formed and directed upwards by means of forming slats. Specifically, the present invention relates to a special design of the aforementioned forming slats having additional functionality associated with the easy replacement of the slats without dismantling of other units of Venetian blind system.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Modern blinds having a long history have become an integral part of the interior and are divided by principles of engineering solution and materials used.

Horizontal Venetian blinds represent a device designed to darken the premises and regulate the flow of natural light entering into the premises. They consist of horizontally arranged slats reinforced with cords and ladders, they are attached to the cornice, where control mechanisms of various complexity are installed. In order to regulate flows of light and air the said slats can be immobile or can rotate around its axis.

Conventional Venetian blinds consist of a number of slats placed one above another and interconnected by a cord system that holds the slats and can change the slate tilt angle with respect to window glass plane. The cord system consists of at least two vertical cords with a multitude of cords attached to both vertical cords. The cords connecting the said vertical cords are usually slightly longer than the slat width, the quantity of the said cords between the two vertical cords corresponds to the quantity of slats; the slats are mounted and attached to them. The two vertical cords and a number of interconnecting cords perpendicular to the vertical cords resemble a ladder by their layout. In certain cases, the third vertical cord can be placed in parallel between the two vertical cords passing through the slats to ensure stability of the slats in the cord system. The cords are made of a material (such as woven nylon, cotton threads, rubber, plastic, etc.) that provides great flexibility of the said system, possibility to roll up and retract, simultaneously providing sufficient strength to hold slats for a long time. A single Venetian blind system incorporates several cord systems (ladders); these are attached along the slats at certain intervals to ensure that the slats do not sag under their own weight. The said cord system with the attached slats is connected to the mechanism that is located at the top of the entire Venetian blind system and that facilitates and ensures the control of the Venetian blind system. One of the main components of Venetian blinds is slats. Standard sizing of slats is as follows: thickness ranges from decimal fractions of a millimeter to several centimeters; width ranges from several millimeters to dozens of centimeters; length ranges (depending on window width) from few centimeters to few meters. These dimensions may be different in exceptional cases.

Venetian blinds serve to achieve two main goals of heat flow management: a) the first one: when there is excess of heat in the room, Venetian blinds have to reflect as much solar heat back to the outside as possible thus preventing excess solar heat from entering the room; b) the second one: when there is a lack of heat in the room, Venetian blinds must ensure the maximum ingress of solar heat into the room. In both cases, Venetian blinds must also efficiently perform the function of management of flow of light.

However, in this invention the system of Venetian blinds is being considered at a slightly different angle: here the ability of convenient rotation and replacement (removal/insertion) of blind slats is being analyzed. Along with that, various problems, such as: slat cleaning problem because, over time, the blind slats become dusty and need to be cleaned - both for reasons of hygiene and efficiency of Venetian blind operation, as dust disperses and absorbs light in a totally different way than planned, as well as slat overturn, rotation or replacement capabilities are addressed. Cleaning of Venetian blinds often causes a lot of inconvenience because to perform such an action dismantling of the entire blind mechanism or part thereof is often required.

Hereinafter are presented documents dealing with Venetian blind systems and which are currently known at a technical level. The document TW201510345 published on 16 March 2015 presents the system of Venetian blinds, in which rotating the slats a special mechanism is used; this document deals with a problem of tight shutoff of the slats. In the scope of this document slats of Venetian blinds can rotate in both directions: clockwise and counter-clockwise. However, this document does not address rotation or replacement problems of the slats.

There is also known the document US6561254 published on 13 May 2003. It examines the Venetian blinds, in which the rotation angle of the slats can be accurately determined. To achieve this objective a motor in combination with other auxiliary elements is used. However, this document does not consider neither slat cleaning or replacement problem nor does it examine the configuration (design) of the slats.

The European application EP2166191 published on 24 March 2010 is also known. It analyzes the L-profile holder of Venetian blinds with rail intended for easier insertion and removal of the blind control mechanism. This way, if the slats have to be removed and cleaned, such design facilitates the part of the procedure to some extent, but not in principle, because the slats are not removed, and their removal still remains associated with the dismantling of the control mechanism.

The document USRE 43475 published on 19 June 2012 describes the system of Venetian blinds, where sagging opportunity of the slats is realized.

Slat cleaning possibility is considered in the German document DE102009017968 published on 10 February 2011 but it does not consider the Venetian blind design itself that ensures a substantially easier access and cleaning of the slats but only a separate vacuum device resembling a whisk broom. The whisk broom described in DE102009017968 application has two symmetrical rotational cleaning fingers, the ends of which are connected to the body of the unit that has an integrated motor.

Cleaning and removing of the slats of Venetian blinds is a problem that is known for years, however, because commonly the slats are integrated into the net of cords of the Venetian blind unit at the factory, people can not simply remove the slats, and often clean them (the slats) only from the outside without removing them, i.e., superficially and poorly. Also, in order to remove a single slat in case of damage, it is necessary to dismantle the entire control mechanism, which is awkward and rather risky. When analyzing the current level of technology, we can see that most of the patents are focused on the improvement of the Venetian blind system but do not pay attention to the design or simple manufacturing and operation of the slats themselves. Structural solution of the present invention that ensures easy removal of the slats from the Venetian blind structure and insertion of the slats back into the Venetian blind structure will be given below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is aimed not only at efficient control of solar heat and light ingress into the building by forming and intensifying airflow passing the plane of Venetian blinds, but also to have the opportunity to easily remove the Venetian blind slats from the blind design without dismantling control mechanism of the blinds while the entire structure of Venetian blinds is hanging on a wall or window. Namely, using technical solution of the present invention (which is presented below), each single slat can be easily removed from the Venetian blind design, rotated by x, y, z axes at any angle, processed (e.g., cleaned), modified and/or easily re-inserted into the Venetian blind design.

The present invention tackles the following technical problem: to clean the slats of Venetian blinds better and easier, easily remove the slats from the blind design, rotate them by x, y, z axes at any angle, process (e.g., to clean), replace and/or easily re-insert them into the design of the Venetian blinds.

Differing technical elements of the present invention are as follows:

1) a special design of slats providing incisions at the ends of the slats or slat tips allowing to push (horizontally) a retraction cord through those incisions, rather than to push (vertically) through the holes/slots as it is now known at a technical level;

2) a special arrangement of retraction cords, providing integration of the retraction cords closer to the ends of the said slats (at the aforementioned incisions) rather than closer to the central part, as it is currently known at a technical level.

3) a special arrangement of retraction cords providing integration of the retraction cords closer to the upper and lower ends of the Venetian blind mechanism (at the aforementioned incisions) rather than closer to the central part, as it is currently known at a technical level.

The presented technical elements of the invention lead to a technical effect - the slats are very easy to remove from the Venetian blind design and re-insert them into it (the Venetian blind design) without disassembling the other units of the Venetian blinds, such as, control mechanism of the blinds, etc..

Technical effect achieved by this invention actually solves several technical problems.

One of the problems addressed is better and significantly easier cleaning of the slats of Venetian blinds. In order to clean the slats by using this invention the slats are very easy to remove, convenient to clean (using various cleaning methods, even those that were not available due to the slats hanging in the system of Venetian blinds) and very easy to insert them back into the system.

Also, it results in other positive effect: repair of Venetian blinds becomes simpler: on one side - for the technician it is easier to repair the slats because they can be easily removed from the system, on the other side - the consumer himself can remove the damaged slats at home and does not need to transport the entire system to the repair shop, thus resulting in a circular economy (easier for both the technician and the user). Also, during the manufacture of Venetian blinds (when manufacturing and assembling), fewer operations are used: the manufacturing is more comfortable and the cost price is lower.

Since the sides of the slats can be coated with different materials (e.g., one side with reflecting, and the other - with absorbing solar energy) with the possibility to easily remove slats and put them back, all of them can be quickly removed, rotated by x, y, z axes at an angle of 180 degrees and put back easily changing functionality (e.g., seasonality: in summer seeking one effect - reflection and another in winter - higher absorption) of the entire system of Venetian blinds.

Also, when the replacement of slats is uncomplicated, it is very easy to experiment with various new technical solutions, e.g., with the emergence of a new type of coatings, it is very easy to check to what extent they are suitable for a specific consumer.

Since the retraction cords in this invention are located at the ends of the slats rather than in the middle, removal of photovoltaic electricity off them is much more efficient. Also, in such a configuration the strips are not cut in the middle, so the slat is stronger, has better integrity and, in addition, photovoltaics is less damaged. A more detailed description of the invention with drawings is provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention utilizes slats (or their forms) of different purposes, which serve at least two major functions: a) light flow management; b) air flow formation and management. Both functions can be performed either by a solid slat shaped in a particular way, or a system of two different slats.

Fig. l shows part of the Venetian blind system (left side), where the slats (1), (left) retraction cord (2), incisions (3) and a control mechanism (4) are presented.

Fig. 2 shows five individual potential embodiment options of the slats (1) with incisions (3). Other options are also available.

Fig. 3 shows in detail the slats (1) with incisions (3) located in the Venetian blind system - the view from the side is more from the top, left lower part of the Venetian blind system is visible.

Fig. 4 shows in detail the slats (1) with incisions (3) located in the Venetian blind system - the view from the side is more from below, left upper part of the Venetian blind together with the control mechanism (4) is visible.

Fig. 5 shows in detail a larger area of the Venetian blind system, view from the side perpendicular to the plane of the blinds, wherein slats (1), (left) retraction cord (2), incisions (3) and a part of the control mechanism (4) is visible.

Fig. 6 shows a general view of the entire Venetian blind system.

Fig. 7 shows individual available implementation options of slats (1) with incisions (3), where the ends of the slats (1) are realized as fastened/ removable tips (7); retainers (8) are also shown here.

Fig. 8 shows a larger plan of fastened/removable tips (7) and the retainers (8) of the slats (1).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The object of the present invention is associated with Venetian blind systems, more specifically - with the Venetian blind systems that are fitted inside or outside, in the openings (cavities) (or covering the openings, rather than installing the blinds inside the opening), which have a direct optical contact with the outside environment (e.g. in window opening, glass door opening, on the outside of the facade, etc.). The maximum efficiency of space heating is achieved by installing the Venetian blind system in the openings oriented to the south. In the openings oriented to the north the efficiency of heat-collecting and emitting blinds is the lowest. Usually Venetian blinds can be attached to existing windows, doors (or other) structures without changing anything in them.

Venetian blind system consists of several essential units:

control mechanism of the blinds (4), which is located at the upper part of the Venetian blind system and attached to the surface (wall, window, etc.); its main function - to hold the entire blind system, connect the major part of the system components and manage energy (light and heat) flows through the retraction cords;

retraction cords (2), which are connected to the control mechanism (4), which they receive a mechanical impulse from, and the slats (1), which they transmit the impulse to;

slats (1), which are connected to retraction cords (2), which the slats (1) receive mechanical impulse from; the main function of the slats (1) is to immediately limit (manage) the intensity of the energy flow directed from the outside to the inside.

Venetian blind slats (1) can be covered with the heat-absorbing and radiation- enhancing material on one side and solar heat-reflecting material on the other side. The said slats (1) can be made of metal or other material with high thermal conductivity. In order to improve the controllability of the heat flow of the said slat (1), one side/plane is coated with the heat-absorbing layer, e.g. particles of titanium oxide (Tinox) or the like; and the other side/plane of the slat (1) is coated with material effectively reflecting solar heat. If the purpose is to increase air temperature in the premise, heat-absorbing side of the slat (1) is oriented to the sun; if the premise temperature is too high, heat-reflective side is oriented to the sun. Depending on the desired result, the said slat (1) may additionally be coated with materials performing various functions: material fighting off viruses and bacteria (e.g. silver nanoparticles or other); material intensifying the release outwards of the stored solar heat (e.g. silica or other); producing electrical energy (photovoltaic); capable of emitting light during the dark hours (fluorescent) or other materials performing functions. In the field of defense in terms of object detection, reducing by materials performing camouflage functions, such as, to replicate the environment of the desert or the foliage, materials reducing detection by the radar. Also, in one of the embodiments the shape of transversal cross-section of the slat (1) is reminiscent of the shape "~" (slightly straightened S). This shape is characterized by the most efficient absorption (resorption) of solar energy and convective air flow formation, also is strong enough constructionally. In other embodiment options the shape of the cross-section of the slats (1) can be different.

It is known that one of the serious problems with Venetian blinds is that the slats (1) should be cleaned. Another problem - there are situations, in particular where different sides of the slats (1) have different coatings, when the slats (1) have to be turned over. However, Venetian blind systems in the current market do not provide for easy removal or tilt of the slats (1) without dismantling of the control mechanism (4) because the retraction cords (2) pass vertically through all the slats (1) via the openings in the slats.

The purpose of this invention is to give a possibility to easily remove the slats (1) of Venetian blinds without dismantling the control mechanism (4) from the blind design while the entire blind design is hanging on a wall or window, i.e., by application of the technical solution of the present invention a new technical effect is obtained - each individual slat (1) can be easily removed from the blind design, rotated by x, y, z axes at any angle, processed as required (for example, cleaned), and then easily re-inserted into the Venetian blind design; the slat can also be re-inserted upside down.

To achieve this technical effect are introduced the following new technical elements: a special functional design of the slats (1); and different layout (localization) of retraction cords (2).

Fig. l shows part of the Venetian blind system (left side), where the slats (1), (left) retraction cord (2), incisions (3) and a control mechanism (4) are presented. Incisions (3) made at the ends of the slats (1) play critical role in the invention. These incisions allow to push the retraction cord (2) through the incisions from the side (horizontally), rather than to pass them through the holes/openings (vertically). Fig. 2 shows five individual potential embodiment options of the slats (1) with incisions (3): [1] - inverted T-shaped and symmetrically arranged at the two ends of the slat (1) ; [2] - inverted T-shaped with a thinned "stem" and symmetrically arranged at the two ends of the slat (1), [3] - minus sign-shaped and symmetrically arranged at the two ends of the slat (1); [4] - earthing sign- shaped and symmetrically arranged at the two ends of the slat (1); [5] - minus sign-shaped and asymmetrically arranged at the two ends of the slat (1). Various other options are also available but a crucial point is that each of said incisions (3) have a push-through zone (5) and a fixation zone (6). The push-through zone (5), which is intended push a retraction string (2) through, connects the fixation zone (6) with the outer side of the slat (1), and the fixation zone (6) is intended to fix the retraction string (2) in its working position and allow the unhindered alteration of the inclination angle of the slat.

The second essential aspect of the invention is the positions of the retraction cords

(2) in respect of the central Venetian blind system, in other words, the localization of positions of the fixation zones (6). Current technical level provides that the retraction cords (2) are localized close to the central Venetian blind system (from top to bottom - when the system is hanging). However, in that case, in order to shape the said incisions (3) from the ends of the slats (1) till the plane of the cords (2) the push- through zone (5) would be too long and the separated parts of the slats (1) would be somewhat devoid of their functional purpose and lose rigidity. Therefore, while theoretically it is possible to shape the push-through zones (5) of any size but it is recommended that they are as short as possible and close to the ends of the slats (1), as shown in Fig. 1, 3-5. The optimal recommended length ratio of the push-through zone (5) and the fixation zone (6) is from 1: 1 to 1.5: 1, although in case of each option of embodiment it may be different. And since the retraction cords (2) have to pass through the fixation zones (6), so the retraction cords, (2), respectively, have to change their position in respect of technical level, i.e., to move forward from the central part of the Venetian blind system towards the ends of the slats (1). And while looking through the eyes of "a specialist of this field" such push of cords (2) is somewhat strange but experiments have shown that such a solution is technically realizable and does not affect the general mechanical stability and functionality of the Venetian blind system.

Fig. 3 shows in detail the slats (1) with incisions (3) located in the Venetian blind system - the view from the side is more from the top, the left lower part of the Venetian blind system is visible. Fig. 4 shows in detail the slats (1) with incisions (3) located in the Venetian blind system - the view from the side is more from below, left upper part of the Venetian blind system together with the control mechanism (4) is visible. Fig. 5 shows in detail a larger area of the Venetian blind system, view from the side perpendicular to the plane of the blinds, wherein slats (1), (left) retraction cord (2), incisions (3) and a part of the control mechanism (4) is visible. Fig. 6 shows a general view of the entire Venetian blind system.

One of the embodiment options is also shown in Fig. 7, where the slats (1) with incisions (3) are realized as fastened/removable tips (7). function of such tips (7) is that they allow to unify the central part of the slats (1) and use the ends of various design even in the same blinds, i.e., each end of the slat of Venetian blind system can have a different tip (7). Furthermore, in order to better fix the retraction cords (2) in the fixation zones (6), the fixers (8) are mounted in the push-through zones (5).

These technical elements of the invention may be realized in blind systems of different type, wherein retraction cords (2) and slats (1) are used, e.g., Venetian blinds, horizontal blind systems, etc. The blinds could be both internal and external.

In order to illustrate and describe the invention, the description of the preferred embodiments is given above. This is not an exhaustive or limiting description, seeking to determine the exact form or embodiment. The above description should be considered more like an illustration, rather than a limitation. It is evident that numerous modifications and variations may be obvious to the specialists of that field. Embodiment is chosen and described so that the experts of this field in the best way clarify the principles of this invention and the best practical application for various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular use or application of the embodiment. It is intended that the scope of the invention is defined in the claim appended thereto and its equivalents, where all of the said terms have meaning within the widest range, unless indicated otherwise.

It is intended that the scope of the invention is defined in the claim appended thereto and its equivalents, where all of the said terms have meaning within the widest range, unless indicated otherwise.