FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the technical sector concerning shutters. In particular, the present invention relates to a blocking device of a shutter and relative shutter slat and a shutter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

A blocking device of a shutter is known, comprising: a frame which is housable in a first shutter slat; a bar which is borne by the frame and which is conformed so as to slide with respect to the frame, between a first endrun and a second endrun, along a direction which is transversal to the winding or unwinding direction of the shutter; a grippable portion which is solidly constrained to the bar and which projects from the first shutter slat.

In detail, the frame comprises at least a slot internally of which the bar slides, once moved by a user using the grippable portion.

In this way, once the shutter has been completely closed, the first shutter slat is in contact with the threshold of a window or door window and the user will be able to block the shutter in position, i.e. in the closed position, by slidingly moving the bar from the first endrun to the second endrun, using the grippable portion, so that a free end of the bar inserts internally of a seat made along a lateral guide of the shutter.

If follows that, in order to block the shutter in the closed position, the user will necessarily have to manually move the bar using the grippable portion.

In the same way, starting from the closed position of the shutter, before being able to newly wind the shutter so that it assumes an open position, the user will have to manually move the bar using the grippable portion so that the bar is moved slidingly from the second endrun to the first endrun and the blocking device is disabled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the light of the above, the aim of the present invention consists in obviating the above-mentioned drawbacks.

The above aim is attained by a blocking device of a shutter according to claim 1.

The first plate advantageously connects the first slat and the second shutter slat to one another in such a way that, owing to the sliding coupling between the coupling means borne by the second plate and the guide made on the first plate, when the first slat and the second shutter slat are nearing one another, the first plate, sliding with respect to the frame, causes the sliding of the second plate, with respect to the frame, from the first endrun to the second endrun.

In this way, when the second plate slides from the first endrun to the second endrun, the second plate positions exiting from the first shutter slat and the relative free end inserts internally of a seat made along a lateral guide of the shutter so as to block the shutter in position.

In the same way, when the first shutter slat and the second shutter slat are moving away from one another, the second plate slides from the second endrun to the first endrun and is positioned entering the first shutter slat to allow, during use, the movement of the shutter along the winding or unwinding direction.

There follows a movement of the second plate started by the winding or unwinding operations of the shutter.

Therefore, differently to the prior art, before proceeding with the winding operations of the shutter, it will not be necessary to have recourse to the manual movement of the bar, by acting on the grippable portion, but it will be possible to proceed directly to the winding of the shutter which will disable the blocking device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following part of the present description, according to what is set down in the claims and with the aid of the accompanying tables of drawings, in which:

- figure 1 and figure 2 are perspective views, taken from one side, of the blocking device of a shutter, when the second plate is positioned, respectively, at the second endrun and the first endrun;

- figure 3 and figure 4 are perspective views taken from another side, of the blocking device of a shutter, when the second plate is positioned, respectively, at the second endrun and the first endrun;

- figure 5 and figure 6 are lateral views of a portion of shutter, according to a first embodiment, when the second plate is positioned, respectively, at the second endrun and the first endrun;

- figures 5A and 6A are views alike to those of figures 5 and 6, in which some components have been removed better to observe others;

- figure 7 and figure 8 are lateral views of a portion of shutter, according to a second embodiment, when the second plate is positioned, respectively, at the second endrun and the first endrun;

- figures 7A and 8A are views alike to those of figures 7 and 8, in which some components have been removed better to observe others;

- figure 9 is an exploded view of the blocking device of a shutter, object of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the appended tables of drawings, reference numeral (1) denotes in its entirety a blocking device of a shutter (2), comprising: a frame (3) which is housable in a first shutter (2) slat (2a); a first plate (4) which is borne by the frame (3), which is conformed to connect the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and a second shutter (2) slat (2b) to one another, which is adjacent to the first shutter (2) slat (2a), and which is arranged so as to slide with respect to the frame (3) along the winding or unwinding direction (X) of the shutter (2); a guide (5) made on the first plate (4); a second plate (6) which is borne by the frame (3), which is arranged transversally with respect to the first plate (4) and which is arranged so as to slide with respect to the frame (3), between a first endrun (F1) and a second endrun (F2), along a direction which is transversal to the winding or unwinding direction (X) of the shutter (2); coupling means (7) which are borne by the second plate (6) and which are conformed to couple slidably with the guide (5) of the first plate (4) so that: when the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and the second shutter (2) slat (2b) are nearing one another, the first plate (4) slides with respect to the frame (3) in such a way as to move the coupling means (7) along the guide (5) and to cause the sliding of the second plate (6) from the first endrun (F1) to the second endrun (F2) so that the second plate (6) positions exiting from the first shutter (2) slat (2a) to prevent, during use, the movement of the shutter (2) along the winding or unwinding direction (X) (see figures 1, 3, 5 and 7); when the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and the second shutter (2) slat (2b) are moving away from one another, the first plate (4) slides with respect to the frame (3) in such a way as to move the coupling means (7) along the guide (5) and cause the sliding of the second plate (6) from the second endrun (F2) to the first endrun (F1) so that the second plate (6) positions entering in the first shutter (2) slat (2a) to allow, during use, the movement of the shutter (2) along the winding or unwinding direction (X) (see figures 2, 4, 6 and 8).

Figures 1 and 3 illustrate the blocking device (1) when the second plate (6) is positioned at the second endrun (F2); while figures 2 and 4 illustrate the blocking device (1) when the second plate (6) is positioned at the first endrun (F1).

In detail, when the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and the second shutter (2) slat (2b) are nearing one another, the first plate (4) slides with respect to the frame (3) along the unwinding direction of the shutter (2); while, when the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and the second shutter (2) slat (2b) are moving away from one another, the first plate (4) slides with respect to the frame (3) along the winding direction of the shutter (2).

The frame (3) can be housed in the first shutter (2) slat (2a).

By blocking device (1) of a shutter (2) is meant a device for blocking a shutter (2) in position, for example in a closed position (see figures 5 and 7). The frame (3) of the blocking device (1), object of the present invention, can be housed in the bottom slat of the shutter (2).

Alternatively, the frame (3) can be housed in any slat of the plurality of slats that define the shutter (2).

The frame (3) can be borne by the first shutter (2) slat (2a).

The frame (3) and the first shutter (2) slat (2a) can be made in a single body.

In other words, the frame (3) can be incorporated in the first shutter (2) slat (2a).

The frame (3) can comprise a first pair of projections which are arranged opposite one another and the first plate (4) can slide along the first pair of projections (not illustrated). Further, the frame (3) can comprise a second pair of projections which are arranged opposite one another and transversal to the projections of the first pair of projections and the second plate (6) can slide along the second pair of projections (not illustrated).

The first shutter (2) slat (2a) can form a first longitudinal element (see figures 5-8).

The second shutter (2) slat (2a) can form a second longitudinal element (see figures 5-8).

With particular reference to figures 5A-8A), the first plate (4) is connectable to a second shutter (2) slat (2b) which is adjacent to the first shutter (2) slat (2a).

The first plate (4) can be conformed so as to slide with respect to the frame (3) internally of the first shutter (2) slat (2a).

The first plate (4) can comprise a first end (4a) and a second end (4b) which is opposite the first end (4a).

The first end (4a) can be conformed so as to connect the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and the second shutter (2) slat (2b) to one another See figures 5A-8A).

The second end (4b) can form a free end (see figures 5A-8A).

When the shutter (2) is moved along the winding or unwinding direction (X), the first plate (4) slides with respect to the frame (3) along a vertical direction and the second plate (6) slides with respect to the frame (3) along a horizontal direction (see figures 5A-8A).

In detail, during the closing step of the shutter (2), when the first shutter (2) is moved in the unwinding direction and the first shutter (2) slat (2a) is in contact with the threshold of a window or door window, the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and the second shutter (2) slat (2b) are nearing one another so that the first plate (4) can slide with respect to the frame (3) (see figures 5, 5A, 7 and 7A).

In the same way, during the opening step of the shutter (2), when the first shutter (2) is moved in the winding direction and the first slat (2a) is not in contact with the threshold of a window or door window, the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and the second shutter (2) slat (2b) are moving away from one another so that the first plate (4) can slide with respect to the frame (3) (see figures 6, 6A, 8 and 8A).

In the first case described above, the sliding of the first plate (4) with respect to the frame (3) causes the movement of the coupling means (7) along the guide (5) and the sliding of the second plate (6) from the first endrun (F1) to the second endrun (F2).

In this way, the second plate (6) will be positioned projecting with respect to the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and will insert in a corresponding seat made along a guide of a pair of guide rails of the shutter (2) so as to clamp the shutter (2) in closed position (see figures 5, 5A, 7 and 7A).

In the second case described above, the sliding of the first plate (4) with respect to the frame (3) causes the movement of the coupling means (7) along the guide (5) and cause the sliding of the second plate (6) from the second endrun (F2) to the first endrun (F1).

In this way, the second plate (6) will be positioned internally of the first shutter (2) slat (2a) so as to enable the movement of the shutter (2) along the pair of guide rails (see figures 6, 6A, 8 and 8A).

The second plate (6) can be conformed so as to slide with respect to the frame (3) at least partially internally of the first shutter (2) slat (2a).

The first plate (4) can extend according to a first longitudinal extension axis (A1) (see figures 1-4).

The second plate (6) can extend according to a second longitudinal extension axis (A2) (see figures 1-4).

The first longitudinal extension axis (A1) and the second longitudinal extension axis (A2) can be transversal with respect to one another (see figures 1-4).

In detail, the first longitudinal extension axis (A1) and the second longitudinal extension axis (A2) can be perpendicular with respect to one another (see figures 1-4).

The coupling means (7) can be borne by the second plate (6).

In other words, the coupling means (7) are fixed to the second plate (6).

When the second plate (6) positions exiting from the first shutter (2) slat (2a), the second plate (6) is projecting externally with respect to the first shutter (2) slat (2a) so as to insert in a corresponding seat made along a guide of a pair of guide rails (see figures 5 and 7).

When the second plate (6) positions entering the first shutter (2) slat (2a), the second plate (6) is projecting internally with respect to the first shutter (2) slat (2a) so as to exit from the corresponding seat made along a guide of a pair of guide rails (see figures 6 and 8).

The frame (3) preferably comprises guide means (8) arranged to guide the sliding of the first plate (4) and the second plate (6) with respect to the frame (3) (see figures 1-4, 9).

The guide means (8) advantageously ensure the correct movement of the shutter (2), along the winding or unwinding direction (X), during use.

In other words, during use, the movement of the shutter (2) causes the reciprocal nearing or distancing of the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and the second shutter (2) slat (2a) and, therefore, the sliding of the first plate (4) and the second plate (6) which, in the absence of the guide means (8), might cause a wrong positioning of the first plate (4) and the second plate (6), such as to compromise the following movement of the shutter (2).

The frame (3) preferably has a box shape and comprises: a first lateral wall (9) and a second lateral wall (10) which are opposite and parallel to one another. The guide means (8) comprise: a first through-slot (11) which is arranged on the first lateral wall (9) and a second through-slot (12) which is arranged on the second lateral wall (10), which first through-slot (11) and second through- slot (12) are conformed so as to be crossed by the first plate (4) (see figure 9).

The first through-slot (11) and second through-slot (12) advantageously guide the sliding of the first plate (4) with respect to the frame (3), along the winding or unwinding direction (X) of the shutter (2).

Further, the first through-slot (11) and second through-slot (12) limit the occurrence of undesired movement of the first plate (4) with respect to the frame (3), such as to compromise the movement of the shutter (2).

The first lateral wall (9) and the second lateral wall (10) can extend starting from the internal walls of the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and/or of the second shutter (2) slat (2b) (see figures (5A - 8A).

The frame (3) preferably comprises a third lateral wall (13) and a fourth lateral wall (14) which are opposite and parallel to one another. The guide means (8) comprise: a third through-slot (15) which is arranged on the third lateral wall

(13) and a fourth through-slot (16) which is arranged on the fourth lateral wall

(14), which third through-slot (15) and fourth through-slit (16) are conformed so as to be crossed by the second plate (6) (see figure 9).

The third through-slot (15) and fourth through-slot (16) advantageously guide the sliding of the second plate (6) from the first endrun (F1) to the second endrun (F2) and vice versa.

Further, the third through-slot (15) and fourth through-slot (16) limit the occurrence of undesired movement of the second plate (6) with respect to the frame (3), such as to compromise the movement of the shutter (2).

The third lateral wall (13) and the fourth lateral wall (14) can extend starting from the internal walls of the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and/or of the second shutter (2) slat (2b) (see figures (5A - 8A).

The third lateral wall (13) and the fourth lateral wall (14) can be arranged to conjoin the first lateral wall (9) and the second lateral wall (10) to one another (see figure 9).

The guide (5) preferably conforms a slot (17) having an extension axis (A) which is inclined with respect to the winding or unwinding (X) direction of the shutter (2).

The slot (17), advantageously having the extension axis (A) thereof inclined, facilitates the sliding of the coupling means (7) and, therefore, of the second plate (6) with respect to the frame (3), once the first plate (4) is slidingly moved.

With reference to figure 9, the extension axis (A) of the slot (17) is an oblique axis.

The extension axis (A) of the slot (17) can be inclined with respect to the first longitudinal extension axis (A1) (see figures 1-4).

Further, the extension axis (A) of the slot (17) can be inclined with respect to the second longitudinal extension axis (A2) (see figures 1-4).

The coupling means (7) can comprise a screw (18) which is solidly constrained to the second plate (6) and which is borne by the second plate (6) and the screw (18) can have an end (18a) which is received in the guide (5) in such a way that, when the end (18a) of the screw (18) slides along the guide (5), the second plate (6) is caused to slide.

In detail, the end (18a) of the screw (18) is received in the slot (17) in such a way that, when the end (18a) of the screw (18) slides along the slot (17), the second plate (6) is caused to slide.

The end (18a) of the screw (18) can bear a nut (19) conformed to slide along the slot (17) (see figure 9).

The following describes a shutter (2) slat (200), also object of the present invention, comprising: a blocking device (1) of a shutter (2) according to any one of the embodiments described in the foregoing; a first longitudinal profiled element (20) and a second longitudinal profiled element (21) which are couplable to one another so as to define a hollow portion (22) interposed between them; the frame (3) of the blocking device (1) is housed in the hollow portion (22) and is borne by the first longitudinal profiled element (20) and/or by the second longitudinal profiled element (21).

The frame (3) can comprise: a fifth lateral wall (23) and a sixth lateral wall (24) which are opposite and parallel to one another. The first longitudinal profiled element (20) can at least partially form a fifth lateral wall (23) and the second longitudinal profiled element (21) can at least partially form the sixth lateral wall (24) (see figures 5-8 and 5A-8A).

The fifth lateral wall (23) and the sixth lateral wall (24) can conjoin the first lateral wall (9), the second lateral wall (10), the third lateral wall (13) and the fourth lateral wall (14) to one another.

The first longitudinal profiled element (20) and a second longitudinal profiled element (21) can be made in separate bodies (see figures 5A-8A).

Alternatively, the first longitudinal profiled element (20) and a second longitudinal profiled element (21) can be made in a single body (not illustrated).

The following is a description of a shutter (2), also object of the present invention, comprising: a shutter (2) slat (200) according to any one of the embodiments described in the foregoing; a plurality of further shutter (2) slats (201) which are arranged in succession to one another and which can be moved away from one another.

The above-described shutter (2) slat (200) can be arranged upstream or downstream along the winding direction of the shutter (2).

The slats of the plurality of further slats (201) can be arranged in such a way as to be flanked and parallel to one another.

According to a first embodiment, with reference to figures 5, 6, 5A and 6A), the shutter (2) can comprise: connection means (25) for connecting the first slat (2a) and the second slat (2b), which are adjacent to one another, which connecting means (25) comprise a connecting element (26) which forms a C shape, which comprises a first end (26a), which is arranged internally of the hollow portion (22) of the first shutter (2) slat (2a), and a second end (26b), which is arranged internally of the hollow portion (22) of the second shutter (2) slat (2b); wherein the first plate (4) comprises a first end (4a) which forms a tubular element for receiving the first end (26a) of the connecting element (26).

The first end (26a) and the second end (26b) can be slidable internally of the hollow portion (22), during the operations of winding or unwinding the shutter (2) the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and the second shutter (2) slat (2b) can assume a first relative position (P1) in which they are moved away from one another (see figures 6 and 6A) and a second relative position (P2) in which they are moved towards one another (see figures 5 and 5A).

In detail, in the first relative position (P1), the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and the second shutter (2) slat (2b) define a slot (27) between them that is such as to be crossed by sunlight (see figures 6 and 6A).

Instead, in the second relative position (P2), the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and the second shutter (2) slat (2b) are moved towards one another to obtain a total darkness effect (see figures 5 and 5A).

Further, according to a second embodiment, with reference to figures 7, 8, 7A and 8A), the shutter (2) can comprise: connection means (25) for connecting the first slat (2a) and the second slat (2b) that are adjacent to one another, which connecting means (25) comprise: a first screw (28) which is arranged internally of the hollow portion (22) of the first shutter (2) slat (2a); a second screw (29) which is arranged internally of the hollow portion (22) of the second shutter (2) slat (2b); a connecting rod (30) comprising a through-hole (30a) and a slot (30b), which are arranged in such a way that the first screw (28) is arranged internally of the through-hole (30a) and in the hollow portion (22) of the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and the second screw (29) is arranged internally of the slot (30b) and of the hollow portion (22) of the second shutter (2) slat (2b), so that the first screw (28), the second screw (29) and the connecting rod (30) connect the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and a second shutter (2) slat (2b) to one another; the first plate (4) comprises a first end (4a) which forms a tubular element for receiving the first screw (28).

Further, the second screw (29) is slidable internally of the slot (30b), during the operations of winding or unwinding the shutter (2), so that the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and the second shutter (2) slat (2b) assume a third relative position (P3) in which they are moved away from one another (see figures 8 and 8A) and a fourth relative position (P4) in which they are moved towards one another (see figures 7 and 7A).

In detail, in the third relative position (P3), the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and the second shutter (2) slat (2b) define a slot (27) between them that is such as to be crossed by sunlight (see figures 8 and 8A).

Instead, in the fourth relative position (P4), the first shutter (2) slat (2a) and the second shutter (2) slat (2b) are moved towards one another to obtain a total darkness effect (see figures 7 and 7A).

Figure 5 and figure 6 illustrate a portion of shutter (2) according to a first embodiment of the invention, respectively, when the second plate (6) is positioned at the second endrun (F2) and when the second plate (6) is positioned at the first endrun (F1).

Further, figures 5 and 6 illustrate the guide of the shutter (2) and the seat made along the guide: in figure 5, the second plate (6) is positioned in such a way as to insert in the seat; while, in figure 6, the second plate (6) is positioned in such a way as to exit from the seat.

Figures 5A and 6A are views alike to those of figures 5 and 6, in which the first longitudinal profiled element (20) of the shutter (2) slat (200) has been removed better to observe the blocking device (1).

Figure 7 and figure 8 illustrate a portion of shutter (2) according to a second embodiment of the invention, respectively, when the second plate (6) is positioned at the second endrun (F2) and when the second plate (6) is positioned at the first endrun (F1).

Further, figures 7 and 8 illustrate the guide of the shutter (2) and the seat made along the guide: in figure 7, the second plate (6) is positioned in such a way as to insert in the seat; while, in figure 8, the second plate (6) is positioned in such a way as to exit from the seat.

Figures 7A and 8A are views alike to those of figures 7 and 8, in which the first longitudinal profiled element (20) of the shutter (2) slat (200) has been removed better to observe the blocking device (1).

Lastly, the following contains a description of a blocking system (201) of a shutter (2), comprising a shutter (2) as described above and a pair of guide rails (31) which are arranged along the lateral edges of the shutter (2) which extend parallel to the direction of winding or unwinding (X) of the shutter (2).

During the winding or unwinding operations, the shutter (2) is moved along the pair of guide rails (31).

A guide (31a) of the pair of guide rails (31) can comprise a seat (32) conformed to receive the second plate (6), when the second plate (6) is positioned at the second endrun (F2).