| US4425956A | 1984-01-17 | |||
| US9739087B2 | 2017-08-22 |
| CLAIMS 1. The invention of external covering for controlling daylight admission and creating privacy zone including at least a movement system equipped with an engine and gear box and a movement rail in upper section and at least a series of movement carts, at least an underneath guidance rail, a series of underneath movement carts, a series of power transform system from upper section to lower section, a system of rotation generation in building exterior mullions, a series of mullions, a control system for moving the exterior structure. 2. The invention of number one claim in which each movement cart is equipped with four wheels and these wheels are installed with the help of independent wheels on the wall. 3. The invention of number one claim in which movement carts are connected to one another with the help of chain. 4. The invention of number one claim in which each movement cart has a semicircular concave inside, which facilitates the movement of carts towards each other without chain being involved. 5. The invention of number one claim in which chain in charge of movement transition from engine and gear box to cart connected to the chain passes through empty space inside carts. 6. The invention of number one claim in which any kind of timing bolt or any flexible structure is used for movement transition from engine and gear box to carts. 7. The invention of number one claim in which movement transition chain and gear connected to engine and gear box has a pinion gear. 8. The invention of number one claim in which connection axis of each mullion is equipped with gear which can switch the direction from axis rotation to shaft. 9. The invention of number one claim in which cross shaft for power transmission can have polygonal cross-section with angle-switch system of mullions. 10. The invention of number one claim in which movement transmission system is installed either above or under movable exterior 11. The invention of number one claim in which upper movement system is synchronized with lower movement system. 12. The invention of number one claim in which the lower section for better control of mullions' movement can be designed like movement system of upper section or such as a simple movement system based on instructions in a trough-like rail. 13. The invention of number one claim in which mullions can have simple curve steep or sequence like sine curve or polygonal shape or any repetitive shape. 14. The invention of number one claim in which mullions can be installed in width and move downward top-to bottom instead of movement from left to right provided that upper section movement and lower section movement are synchronized. 15. The invention of number one claim which can be equipped with movement structure like AC and normal DC engines or stepper motors. 16. The invention of number one claim in which an enclosed- or semi-enclosed area can be developed by designing mullions such that they overlap. 17. The invention of number one claim in which the mullions' movement can be considered from sideways to the center or from one side to other side. 18. The invention of number one claim in which movement carts at the opening of chain are connected to chain with the help of a lock. 19. The invention of number one claim in which the privacy zone can be created in its installation area. 20. The invention of number one claim in which then space between two carts equals at most the chain's length. 21. The invention of number one claim in which the presence of movement censors on rail or any other space in exterior can define the beginning and end of exterior's movement and stop the exterior's movement. |
AND DESIRED PRIVACY CONTROL
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to architecture and civil engineering fields and is particularly related to controllable mechanisms for window cover and surfaces as well as mechanism and rail motion systems for building facade components. It is also related to the structure and mechanism for movable and rotatable mullions for building facade coverage, in particular for window shades and exterior structures of the building.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It was always a challenge in building design to consider sunlight admission rate into building. Direct view of the interior space from outside and vice versa can be a necessity of urban communities and environmental standard for living conditions. Cultural and mental demand of the society and their tendency for having privacy is also visible. And this can be realized in case of the presence of structures which can control daylight admission into the building and can control interior spaces' view. In view of this, inventors and construction industry researchers have repetitively suggested diverse idea and methods, among which are following ones: In suggested technologies in the field, window surfaces are often covered with systems like one-piece panels. In invention CN102425358A registered in China patent office, in which the inventor employs a kind of window with an external shading and two sheets, each of which covers half of window height, are folded up like a shade to let the light in and it can be adjusted relying on the daylight admission.
Another invention registered in Iran patent office under no. 33470 presents a kind of window which can rotate around its vertical axis. It can rotate the frame around its axis and accordingly control the daylight admission. Frame rotation varies from 15 to 45 degrees around its axis. This option in the said invention adjusts daylight admission and perspective of the resident; however, it can't limit direct view at all.
Another invention registered in China patent office under registration no. CN2512889Y is a mechanism for vertically folding windows. Applying blurred sheets, this mechanism can control both daylight admission and view from outside. In invention No. US 1845653 A, a structure of foldable window is presented. Window can fold when second section of the window is lifted up because of twin structure of window sections. Hinges are placed in middle section and lower quarter of the window and the adjustment of external pieces becomes possible according to their bending scope. In other inventions, control systems with the use of photocell or light censors and their installation on internal section of the building which can control daylight admission and accordingly mounted dampers ' perspective change on window structure have been repetitively emphasized. Among the aforementioned inventions is US621,663,5 which is registered in USPTO, in which photocell was applied for changing the angle (perspective) of mounted dampers.
US668,858,4is another invention registered in USPTO relates to a mechanism for internal cover of the window, in which folding screens and the grooves carrying them can be adjusted by compressing or widening the plates for daylight admission rate adjustment or exterior view. Such structures are generally mounted inside the building.
In another invention, US6354353B1, polymer matrix structures in either horizontal or vertical modes can be pulled open or closed by rope system and each of pieces are filled with either polymer construct or foam. Mullions' angles in respect to one another can be modified with ribbons attached to tip of each plate.
Another patent with no. US6421966B1 enjoys a kind of external covering for upper section of windows, which can be used as shades or a protection against rainfall or sunlight. This can rotate around its own axis and affect the due covering in due perspective. The number of similar elements in length and width of facade can build a cohesive structure for complete covering of the window.
In one of the closest inventions to the present invention in terms of technology, multi-layer panels which can be either simple or ornamented are moved by movable grooves vertically or horizontally. If the structure is installed in external surface of the building, it can provide the required covering for the window as well. A 10204692/2010 which has been registered in USPTO on Aug. 19 th , 2010, a kind of mechanism for lifting the window cover up has been introduced. This system can be used as window cover if it is installed on external surface of the window.
EXISTING PROBLEMS OF THE INVENTION
In most cases explained enjoy an adjustable systems which are provided with movement and control structures and installed inside the buildings. Thus, they can't provide necessary covering for building facades. On the other hand, existing structures for external facade have only an open or close mode.
THE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Present invention is a kind of method for providing privacy in residential buildings, offices and other buildings. Therefore, it makes different application of certain space possible. This can be explained as follows: necessary daylight control at different timesduring the day and developing a privacy zone provide residents with flexible options to meet their needs. In other words, the technology in this invention extends the flexibility of space to its maximum degree by daylight and privacy control. The user can open or close the complementary fold of the window by light and privacy zone adjustment. The present invention is comprised of two sections: Facade structure and movement mechanism. First section can be developed by the mullions made of wood, metal, polymer or any common structure. Present mullions have surface and lateral sections, and mullions are flat and simple or are repetitively sine curved in each section respectively (Figure number one).
The presence of aforementioned curve or repetitive sine curves bring about mullions ' overlap. That is, daylight admission or view can be reduced to the least possible amount by placing mullions together. The present invention regarding the mullionsdoes not consist in figure number one and any geometric shape can be considered for its lateral section. Its exterior section can also be covered, ornamented and painted. In a nutshell, in present invention, mullions covering the surfaces can take on different shapes depending on the exterior of building and it can be custom-designed according to the specifics of the building. (Figure number 14).
This section with connection hooks is linked to movement system. All the mullions in the upper section have holes which are connected to a U-shape connection by the help of a pin. (Figure number 2). The present trough is connected to the axis of movement system (Figure no.3) and the movement of this system or the rotation of movement cart's axis independent from mullions makes it possible for lateral movements or the rotation around its longitudinal axis. In view of all the possibilities and mullions movement direction, two different orders for mullions can be used in this system. At the first order, system ' s projections and recessions are before each other. When movement carts are next to each other, close mode of the system is activated. (1A figure)As a result, mullions locate themselves at the closest distance from each other. If mullions rotate around the vertical axis, exterior cover is seen as narrow lines parallel to mullions ' diameter. This mode is the maximum open range for mullions and thus highest degree of daylight admission and direct view is possible. Generally, this mechanism is for semi-private sections of the building such as salon at home.
At the second order in which the mullions are placed in a non-matched positions, the projection of lateral curve of mullions is alongside with the recession of the lateral mullionand in case mullion gather together, they can cover one another by locating next to each other (Figure number IB).
In the present invention, movement cart is made of a box with rectangular cross- section (Figure number 5). Lid in the upper section and chassis studs in the lower section are placed. In this case, if mullions are gathered in the center, a uniform surface is created which reduces the daylight admission and direct view to the least possible amount. In this structure, creating a private area like that of a bedroom at home is possible. Covering is much easier using this mechanism.
In movement section of the present invention, there are certain number of carts the number of which is equal to the number of applied mullions (Figure number 4).
Each of movement carts is connected to the next cart by chain. Thus, all carts are connected in a series and sidewise movement of a cart leads to the movement of the others one after the other. This causes the reliance of all primary and secondary carts ' movement to the movement of the first one. Spaces between all the carts are fixed and accordingly the spaces between the mullions are fixed (Figure number 7).
At every side of the carts, a metal wheel is placed which is connected to chassis with the help of its axes. Every wheel ' s axis acts independently and is only connected to external crust of chassis. Henceforth, chaincan move through chassis and sidewise movement on chains happens.9Figure no.8) Chain take on the form of a loop when it is placed on all the carts.
In extreme ends of carts, a pinion in the opening and another one in the end of chain (Figure number 9) is arranged by which exterior structure can open or close by moving the pinions in different directions through one of the pinions connected to the gearbox. First cart can connect to the chain by a lock (Figure number 16).
Thus, cart starts moving when chain moves and as a result pulls other carts, and adjusts the space between all the carts in accordance with the chain ' s length (Figure number 11). Now, from inside of carts, the connection axis to building exterior ' s mullionexits from the middle section of the lid (Figure number 12).
The existence of pinions perpendicular to each other under connection axis enables the rotation of axis. The bar with polygonal cross-section passing through all the elements makes it possible for it to rotate with its particular engine. With bar rotating, every internal gear of the rotational elements under the movement cart moves and gets the horizontal gear and accordingly the axis move (Figure no.13) . Electric engine in relation with rotation system causes the continuous bar to move and facilitates the adjustment of mullions angle.
In this invention, two rows of carts can be used each one of which is connected to the chain either in back or in front. Where it is essential, these carts can move sidelong and open or gather in the center of exterior and close. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Figure 1A is related to building exterior about semi-private spaces, in which mullions rotation is predicted.
Figure IB presents a view of invention about covering for private spaces
Figure number two displays mullions connection mode to retainer plug.
Figure number three presents the axes for each of the mullions
Figure number four displays explosive map of movement mechanism and mechanism for the rotation of mullions
Figure number five displays the chassis for the movement cart
Figure number six presents the upper lid for chassis.
Figure number seven shows how movement carts are connected to one another Figure number eight shows the position of chain in movement carts
Figure number nine displays pinion gears for chain movement
Figure number ten displays the gear in charge of transferring movement to chain Figure number eleven displays the placement of chains in consequent carts
Figure number twelve displays rotation axes of mullions in movement cart
Figure number thirteen displays the transmission of movement from latitudinal axis to the gear involved with rotational axis of each mullion
Figure number fourteen displays applicable modules as mullions
Figure number fifteen displays retaining model of mullions without movement cart Figure number sixteen displays chain connection to movement cart
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
• Daylight admission control
· View and privacy zone control
• Daylight control and view can be monitored from inside • Energy conservation with double pane windows
• Changing building facade and creating a dynamic exterior in urban areas
APPLICATION METHOD FOR THE INVENTION
In structure, facade can be developed by the mullions made of wood, metal, polymer or any common structure. Present mullions have surface and lateral sections, and mullions are flat and simple or are repetitively sine curved in each section respectively. At the second order in which the mullions are placed in a non- matched positions, the projection of lateral curve of mullions is alongside with the recession of the lateral mullion and in case mullion gather together, they can cover one another by locating next to each other.
THE INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION OF INVENTION
It can be made use of present invention in architecture and civil engineering fields.
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