AU2018223022B2

AU2018223022B2 - Louvre drive arrangement

Info

Publication number: AU2018223022B2
Application number: AU2018223022A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Niels Verhaar
Original assignee: Alchin and Long Group Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Alchin and Long Group Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-06-01
Filing date: 2018-08-31
Publication date: 2025-05-29
Anticipated expiration: 2038-08-31
Also published as: AU2018223022A1

Abstract

An electrically powered drive arrangement for a louvre frame member is disclosed. The louvre frame member is configured to form one side of a louvre window assembly and the louvre frame member comprises a plurality of side end clips each spaced along and rotatably mounted to an external surface of the 5 louvre frame member by a respective rotatable mounting arrangement and configured to retain a side edge of a louvre pane to in use allow the louvre pane to be moved from an open position to a closed position and an inner channel or groove portion extending along the louvre frame member and oppositely disposed to the plurality of side end clips with respect to the frame member, where the respective rotatable mounting arrangements extend through the frame member from the external surface to the inner channel portion. The 0 electrically powered drive arrangement includes an elongate linkage mechanism extending along the inner channel portion of the louvre frame member and configured to engage with the rotatable mounting arrangement of at least two of the side end clips to cause co-rotation of the at least two side end clips on actuation/operation of the elongate linkage mechanism and an electrically powered actuator at least partially received within the inner channel portion which on activation cause the elongate linkage mechanism to 5 operate within the inner channel and cause co-rotation of the at least two side end clips. 1/7 153 -152 200 15322 251 300 221 -,222 225 222 300 210 276 250 100 -273 300 210 270 250 210 300 250 273 275 210 150 25 15125 Figure 1

Description

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Figure 1

LOUVRE DRIVE ARRANGEMENT PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2018901970 titled "LOUVRE DRIVE ARRANGEMENT" and filed on 1 June 2018, the content of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] The following publication is referred to in the present application and its contents are incorporated by reference in their entirety: Australian Patent Application No 2011205042 titled "LOUVRE MOUNTING ASSEMBLY" filed on 28 July 2011 in the name of Prodrome Designs Pty Ltd.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to louvre window assemblies. In a particular form, the present disclosure relates to a drive arrangement for a louvre mounting assembly to allow automated opening and closing of the louvre window assembly.

BACKGROUND

[0004] Louvre window assemblies incorporating a number ofhorizontally oriented louvre panes which co-rotate together about a horizontal axis from an open position to a closed position provide a convenient and cost effective arrangement which can allow precise variation of the amount of air that passes through an aperture such as a window. Typically a louvre pane is formed from glass or other transparent material but equally it may be an opaque or semi-transparent material so as to provide variable shading.

[0005] These louvre panes are typically mounted in a louvre mounting assembly consisting ofopposed end clips with each end clip having a receiving region generally in the form ofa channel or groove which receives the respective ends ofthe louvre pane and which are rotatable within the side frame ofthe window. Various linkage mechanisms are known which link a number oflouvre panes to cause co- rotation of the respective end clips so that movement ofa handle results in the louvre panes of the louvre window assembly opening and closing together.

[0006] As an alternative, an electrically powered drive arrangement may be used to cause opening or closing ofthe louvre panes. In this manner, the operation of louvre window assemblies may be controlled by an electronic controller to open and close at predetermined times. The use ofpowered drive arrangements also allows louvre window assemblies to be located in areas that are difficult to access where they can be operated by a remote control or other switching arrangement.

[0007] In one example, the electrically powered drive arrangement includes an electric motor that drives a shaft that is oriented in the same direction as the louvre panes. The electric motor is then located in a top or bottom frame member of the louvre window assembly and on rotation drives a linkage mechanism that opens and shuts the louvre panes.

[0008] However, this arrangement has a number of disadvantages as a specialised frame arrangement must be adopted in order to conceal the motor. In addition, the number of louvre blades that may be run from a single electric motor is restricted due to indirect linkage mechanism between the louvres and the electric motor. Another issue that can arise is that water can collect in the top or bottom frame member containing the electric motor where it can potentially compromise operation of the motor.

[0009] There is therefore a need for electrically powered drive arrangement for louvre windows assemblies that is convenient to install and is capable of providing enhanced reliability.

SUMMARY

[0010] Ina first aspect, the present disclosure provides an electrically powered drive arrangement for a louvre frame member, the louvre frame member configured to form one side of a louvre window assembly mounted within a window frame arrangement, the louvre frame member comprising: a plurality of side end clips each spaced along and rotatably mounted to an external surface of the louvre frame member by a respective rotatable mounting arrangement and configured to retain a side edge of a louvre pane to in use allow the louvre pane to be moved from an open position to a closed position; an inner channel or groove portion extending along the louvre frame member and oppositely disposed to the plurality of side end clips with respect to the frame member, wherein the respective rotatable mounting arrangements extend through the frame member from the external surface to the inner channel portion; the electrically powered drive arrangement comprising: an elongate linkage mechanism extending along the inner channel portion of the louvre frame member and configured to engage with the rotatable mounting arrangement of at least two of the side end clips to cause co-rotation of the at least two side end clips on actuation/operation of the elongate linkage mechanism, the elongate linkage mechanism comprising a first linkage strut and a second linkage strut, wherein movement of the first and second linkage struts in the opposite direction engages with and causes rotation of the respective rotatable mounting arrangement; and a linear actuator extending along the inner channel portion of the louvre frame member and at least partially received within the inner channel portion which on activation cause the elongate linkage mechanism to actuate/operate within the inner channel and cause co-rotation of the at least two side end clips, wherein a first end of the linear actuator is attached to the first linkage strut and an opposite second end of the linear actuator is attached to the second linkage strut by respective attachment brackets to allow the orientation of the linear actuator to change on either expansion or contraction of the linear actuator.

[0011] In another form, the electrically powered actuator is a linear actuator extending along the inner channel portion of the louvre frame member.

[0012] In another form, the elongate linkage mechanism comprises a first linkage strut and a second linkage strut that is oriented substantially parallel to the first linkage strut, wherein movement ofthe first and second linkage struts in opposite directions engages with and causes rotation of the respective rotatable mounting arrangement.

[0013] In another form, a first end ofthe linear actuator is attached to the first linkage strut and an opposite second end ofthe linear actuator is attached to the second linkage strut.

[0014] In another form, activation ofthe linear actuator to either expand or contract causes the first and second linkage struts to move in the opposite direction to cause rotation ofthe respective rotatable mounting arrangement.

[0015] In another form, the first and second ends ofthe linear actuator are attached to the first and second linkage struts by respective attachment brackets which allow the orientation ofthe linear actuator to change on either expansion or contraction ofthe linear actuator.

[0016] In another form, a respective attachment bracket is attached to one ofthe linkage struts while also providing a guide channel to receive and guide the movement of the other linkage strut

[0017] In another form, the linear actuator is ofa cylindrical configuration.

[0018] Ina second aspect, the present disclosure provides a louvre frame member incorporating the electrically powered drive arrangement of the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0019] Ina third aspect, the present disclosure provides a louvre window assembly incorporating the louvre frame member of the second aspect of the present disclosure.

as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal etc., may be used with reference to this usual position. However, the electrically powered drive arrangement may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and depicted in the specification.

[0033] Louvre frame member 200 in this example is formed as a rectangular channel section 220 having a central web portion 221 and two oppositely disposed flange portions 222 together forming an inner channel portion 225 as can also be seen in Figure 9. A plurality of side end clips 210 are spaced along frame member 200 and are configured to each receive and retain a side edge of a respective louvre pane 300 as shown in Figure 1. Side end clips 210 are accordingly spaced along louvre frame member 200 by an intervening distance corresponding to the height of the louvres. Each of the end clips 210 is rotatably mounted to an inner facing external surface 201 (as best shown in Figure 9) of the central web portion 221 of louvre frame member 200 by a rotatable mounting arrangement 250 that extends through the web portion 220 of frame member 200 so that it may be accessed and rotated from the inner channel portion 225 of frame member 200.

[0034] Electrically powered drive arrangement 100 in this example includes an elongate linkage mechanism 150 that is received within the inner channel portion 225 of louvre frame member 200 and an electrically powered linear actuator 270 which is partially received and oriented along the inner channel portion 225. In this example, elongate linkage mechanism 150 comprises a pair of opposed substantially parallel linkage struts 151, 152 that extend along the inner edges of the channel portion 225 and which together engage rotatable mounting arrangement 250 of the end clips 210 to cause co-rotation of the end clips 210 on operation or movement of the elongate linkage mechanism 150 resulting from activation of electrically powered linear actuator 270.

[0035] As would be appreciated, an electrical drive arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure allows the electrically powered linear actuator to be positioned with the frame member of the louvre window assembly in close proximity to and directly driving the end clips where the linear actuator provides a direct force in the direction of travel of the elongate linkage mechanism. This configuration results in an even force applied to each of the rotatable mounting arrangements as opposed to say a horizontal motor arrangement which would engage with any linkage mechanism at one end of the mechanism potentially resulting in a loss of power as the distance from the horizontal motor arrangement increases. In addition, a frame member incorporating the electrical drive arrangement may be more conveniently fitted to different types of openings as the electrical drive arrangement is integral to the frame member.

[0036] Referring now also to Figures 3 and 4, there are shown rear and front perspective views of an end clip 210 which may be mounted frame member 200 according to an illustrative embodiment. Each end clip 210 is formed as a unitary moulded plastic item and includes a receiving region 212 that has a bottom shelf or ledge 213 which supports the louvre pane 300 and centrally located pin 211 extending from the frame mounted side of the end clip 210 which forms the axle of the rotating mounting arrangement 250 and as a result also defines the rotational axis of end clip 210 and hence louvre pane 300. As would be appreciated, the electrically powered drive arrangement of the present disclosure may be used with any type rotatable mounted end clip arrangement that holds or retains or is otherwise attached to respective louvre panes.

[0037] Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a detailed view of the rotating mounting arrangement 250 according to an illustrative embodiment. In this example, the pin 211 of end clip 210 is retained with cylindrical shaped rotating member 252 that includes a waisted region that extends through an associated circular aperture 251 formed in frame member 200 (as can be seen in Figure 1). Rotation of rotating member 252 causes end clip 210 to rotate by virtue of locking projections (not shown) that engage with complementary locking recesses 214 that extend radially outwardly from pin 211 of end clip 210 (as best shown in Figure 4). In this manner, rotation of rotating member 252 will cause end clip 210 to similarly rotate. Extending inwardly into inner channel 225 from the surface of rotating member 252 are a pair of diametrically spaced projections 253 which engage with complementary apertures 153 in opposed linkage struts 151, 152.

[0038] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, movement of left or first linkage strut 151 upwards in combination with movement of right or second linkage strut 152 downwards in the opposite direction will cause rotating member 252 to rotate clockwise and in turn result in end clip 210 rotating clockwise as viewed from frame member 200. In this example, rotatable mounting arrangement 250 includes a retaining cap 255 (as best seen in Figure 6) which has also includes complementary apertures 257 that line up with projections 253. Retaining cap 255 is screwed into rotating member 252 by retaining screw 258 as a result positively connecting linkage struts 151, 152 to each of the rotating mounting arrangements 250.

[0039] In this example, electrically powered actuator 270 is an electrically powered linear actuator having a generally cylinder configuration and a moveable portion 275 that controllably reciprocates in accordance with an electrical power control signal provide by cable 276. In this illustrative embodiment, electrically powered linear actuator 270 has an input voltage of 24 V. In another embodiment, the input voltage of linear actuator 270 is 12 V. In one example, a multi-station controller may be used to drive a number of louvre window assemblies incorporating the electrically powered drive arrangement of the present disclosure.

[0040] The controller itself may be configured to receive control signals from a number of individual switches or terminals or remote control devices depending on requirements. In another example, the controller includes a data processor and a sensor to automatically cause the louvre window assemblies to open or close depending on the sensor input. In one embodiment, the sensor is a weather sensor operable to determine wind speed and/or the presence of rain and the processor is configured to close the louvre window assemblies when there is inclement weather.

[0041] Electronic actuator 270 is configured so that movement of moveable portion 275 will cause the linkage struts 151, 152 to move in opposite directions by attaching a first attachment end 273 of the linear actuator to first linkage strut 151 and the second opposite attachment end 272 to second linkage strut 152 so that extension and contraction of the linear actuator results in opposite movement of the linkage struts 151, 152.

[0042] In this illustrative embodiment, extension of moveable portion 275 causes left or first linkage strut 151 to move downwards and right or second linkage strut 152 to simultaneously move upwards in the opposite direction as can be seen in Figure 2 resulting in closing of the louvre panes 300 . Conversely, retraction of moveable portion 275 causes left linkage strut 151 to move upwards and right linkage strut 152 to move downwards in the opposite direction resulting in opening of the louvre panes 300 as can be seen in Figure 1.

[0043] In this example, linear actuator 270 has an approximate outer diameter of 25 mm and may be run on a12 V or 24 V input signal as described above and has a stroke length of approximately of 19 mm.

[0044] As would be appreciated, the configuration and performance parameters of the linear actuator 270 may be varied in accordance with requirements. As an example, the stroke length may be between, 10 mm - 12 mm, 12 mm - 14 mm, 14 mm - 16 mm, 16 mm - 18 mm, 18 mm - 20 mm, 20 mm - 22 mm, 22 mm - 24 mm, 24 mm - 26 mm, 26 mm - 28 mm, 28 mm - 30 mm, 30 mm - 32 mm, 32 mm - 34 mm, 34 mm - 36 mm, 36 mm - 38 mm, 38 mm - 40 mm, or greater than 40 mm depending on the length of the frame member and the number of louvres.

[0045] Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a perspective view of an attachment bracket 400 attaching a linkage strut to the linear actuator according to an illustrative embodiment. Attachment bracket 400 in this example has a generally rectangular configuration that includes an attachment location 410 for attaching to an end of the linear actuator 270. In this example, where the attachment ends 272, 273 of linear actuator 270 are configured as eyelets or apertures 271, the attachment location 410 is a cylindrical post that extends upwardly from mounting bracket 400 and attaches to linear actuator 270 through a respective eyelet 271 located at the end of linear actuator 270 where it is then retained by circlip 412. This provides a pivotable arrangement between the ends 272, 273 of linear actuator 270 and the bracket 400 which allows the orientation of the linear actuator to progressively change as the length of the linear actuator 270 changes.

[0046] Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a detailed view of attachment bracket 400. In this example, attachment bracket 400 is configured to be attached on one side to a first linkage strut by an attachment channel 420 and bolt 421 arrangement where the linkage strut is received within the open attachment channel and then bolted to the mounting bracket 400. On the opposite side of mounting bracket 400 there is disposed a second guide channel 430 to receive the other linkage strut but in this case the other linkage strut is able to slidably move within the second channel 430.

[0047] In this manner, mounting bracket is not only attached to the first linkage strut and provides a connection or attachment location for the end of the actuator but also positively constrains and guides the movement of the other linkage strut with respect to the first linkage strut which reduces the likelihood of twisting of the other linkage strut and ensures that movement of attachment bracket 400 remains perpendicular to the other linkage strut. In this example, guide channel 430 further includes resilient sleeve 431 to reduce friction. In one example, the resilient sleeve 431 is formed of nylon.

[0048] Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a perspective view of the louvre frame member illustrated in Figure 1 without the end clips and electrically powered actuator in order to illustrate the operation of attachment arrangement between the linkage struts and the linear actuator. A first mounting bracket 400A is attached to the first linkage strut 151 at the end of the linear actuator 270 corresponding to moveable portion 275 and the second mounting bracket 400B is attached to the second linkage strut 152 at a location corresponding to the other end of linear actuator 270.

[0049] As described above, each mounting bracket 400A, 400B includes a slidable guide arrangement which while attached to one of the linkage struts will allow the other linkage strut to move with respect to the attachment bracket. In this manner, the linkage struts can be moved with respect to each other in a controlled fashion that maintains the substantially parallel relations of the linkage struts with respect to each other. In this example, the guide channels 430 of each mounting bracket further allows the horizontal distance between the linkage struts 151, 152 to vary as may be required to facilitate turning of the rotatable mounting arrangement 250.

[0050] In operation, an actuator signal will be sent to linear actuator 270 controlling the linear actuator to either extend or retract moveable portion 275 as a result causing the distance between the ends 272, 273 to expand or contract. On contraction, or decreasing the distance between the attachments ends 272, 273 of linear actuator 270, first linkage strut 151 will move upwardly and opposed second linkage strut 152 will move downwardly as depicted in Figure 1 and as a result causing each rotating mounting arrangement 250 attached to the elongate linkage mechanism to rotate clockwise and cause opening of the louvre panes 300. Conversely, expansion, or increasing the distance between attachment ends 272, 273 of linear actuator 270 will result in the opposite movement of linkage struts 151, 152 and anticlockwise movement of rotating mounting arrangement 250 to cause closing of the louvre panes.

[0051] In another example embodiment, the elongate linkage mechanism 150 may comprise a single linkage strut that is attached to one side of the rotating mounting arrangement 250 so that movement of ) the linkage strut along the inner channel 221 will cause co-rotation of the louvre panes. In this example, a linear actuator is mounted at one end to frame member 200 and the other end is attached to the linkage strut so that expansion and contraction of the linear actuator causes corresponding movement of the linkage strut and co-rotation of the louvre panes between an open and closed position.

[0052] Referring now to Figure 9, there an end view of the louvre frame member 200 as mounted to a window frame arrangement including a facing member 700. In this example, louvre frame member 200 is mounted to the window frame 700 through an intermediate adaptor member 600 that extends the side walls or flanges of frame member 200 and further includes an optional support region 610 configured to support the linear actuator 270 when the louvre window assembly is fully assembled. In another embodiment, the side walls or flanges of frame member 200 extended to completely to enclose the linear actuator 270.

[0053] The Applicant has found the electrically powered drive arrangement described with respect to Figures 1 to 9 is capable of operating seventeen louvres on a single linear actuator providing a distinct advantage over prior art arrangements.

[0054] As would be appreciated, an electrically powered drive arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure can be installed to any type of opening or aperture without any requirement for a customised frame or alternatively may be coupled with other type of frames providing enhanced flexibility in meeting installation requirements. In addition, the electrically powered drive arrangement may be scaled to drive louvres of any size as required.

[0055] For very long frame members consisting of a large number of louvres, multiple electrically powered actuators may be attached to the elongate linkage mechanism as described above and controlled simultaneously to open and close the louvres.

[0056] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0057] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0058] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

[0059] Please note that the following claims are provisional claims only, and are provided as examples of possible claims and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any future patent applications based on the present application. Integers may be added to or omitted from the example claims at a later date so as to further define or re-define the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An electrically powered drive arrangement for a louvre frame member, the louvre frame member configured to form one side of a louvre window assembly mounted within a window frame arrangement, the louvre frame member comprising: a plurality of side end clips each spaced along and rotatably mounted to an external surface of the louvre frame member by a respective rotatable mounting arrangement and configured to retain a side edge of a louvre pane to in use allow the louvre pane to be moved from an open position to a closed position; an inner channel or groove portion extending along the louvre frame member and oppositely disposed to the plurality of side end clips with respect to the frame member, wherein the respective rotatable mounting arrangements extend through the frame member from the external surface to the inner channel portion; the electrically powered drive arrangement comprising: an elongate linkage mechanism extending along the inner channel portion of the louvre frame member and configured to engage with the rotatable mounting arrangement of at least two of the side end clips to cause co-rotation of the at least two side end clips on actuation/operation of the elongate linkage mechanism, the elongate linkage mechanism comprising a first linkage strut and a second linkage strut, wherein movement of the first and second linkage struts in the opposite direction engages with and causes rotation of the respective rotatable mounting arrangement; and a linear actuator extending along the inner channel portion of the louvre frame member and at least partially received within the inner channel portion which on activation cause the elongate linkage mechanism to operate within the inner channel and cause corotation of the at least two side end clips, wherein a first end of the linear actuator is attached to the first linkage strut and an opposite second end of the linear actuator is attached to the second linkage strut by respective attachment brackets to allow the orientation of the linear actuator to change on either expansion or contraction of the linear actuator.
2. The electrically powered drive arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first linkage strut is orientated substantially parallel to the second linkage strut.
3. The electrically powered drive arrangement of claim 1, wherein activation of the linear actuator to either expand or contract causes the first and second linkage struts to move in the opposite direction to cause rotation of the respective rotatable mounting arrangement.
4. The electrically powered drive arrangement of claim 1, wherein a respective attachment bracket is attached to one of the linkage struts while also providing a guide channel to receive and guide the movement of the other linkage strut.
5. The electrically powered drive arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the linear actuator is of a cylindrical configuration.
6. The electrically powered drive arrangement of any one of claims I to 5, further comprising a controller, the controller including a data processor and a sensor to automatically cause the louvre assembly to open or close based on a sensor input.
7. The electrically powered drive arrangement of claim 6, wherein the sensor is a weather sensor operable to provide the sensor input based on wind speed and/or moisture and the data controller configured for closing the louvre assembly when the sensor input is received.
8. A louvre frame member incorporating the electrically powered drive arrangement of any one of claims I to 7.
9. A louvre window assembly incorporating the louvre frame member of claim 8.

Prodrome Designs Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person GLMR