SLAT ROOF

Abstract

A slat roof (1) with several parallel slats (2) which are rotatable between an open position and a closed position, in which at least one slat (2) comprises a panel-shaped element (3) and comprises a profiled section (4, 5) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the panel-shaped element (3) and is attached thereto, which at least partly delimits a slat gutter along virtually the length of the slat (2) and which only extends above and optionally laterally from the panel-shaped element (3).

Description

The present invention relates to a slat roof comprising several slats arranged parallel to each other and arranged so as to be rotatable about respective rotation shafts, between an open position, in which an intermediate space extends between the slats, and a closed position, in which the slats together form a closed shelter, in which at least one slat comprises a panel-shaped element and comprises at least one profiled section which extends in the longitudinal direction of the panel-shaped element and is attached thereto and which at least partly delimits a slat gutter along virtually the length of the slat.

Such slat roofs with rotatable slats are generally used to protect an external space, such as a terrace covering or veranda roof, etc. In addition to the abovementioned slats, such a slat roof may also comprise one or more additional slats. By rotating the slats between their closed position and their open position, it is possible to regulate the incidence of light, the radiant heat and the ventilation for the space underneath the slats. By directing the slats, it is possible to protect against the sun and/or wind or, on the contrary, to allow them in.

The present invention relates to such slat roofs in which at least some of the slats are composed of profiled sections as structure-forming elements and panel-shaped elements as filler elements. The structure-forming elements are selected, on the one hand, to be able to support the filler elements and, on the other hand, to be able to attach a shaft thereto in order to fasten or to rotate the slats thereby and to be able to fasten drive elements thereto in order thereby to drive the rotating movement of the slats. The filler elements will usually be selected on the basis of their specific properties, such as for example translucency, sound-insulation or durability, etc., but may equally well be selected, for example, for aesthetic reasons.

Several slat roofs have already been described in the patent literature in which the slats are composed of profiled sections as structure-forming elements and panel-shaped elements as filler elements.

In DE 91 10 964, the slats comprise a filler element, a first profiled section which forms a protecting skin for the slat, and reinforcing profiled sections which are fastened on either side of the first profiled section as structural elements for the slats. The first profiled section is provided with slots into which the filler element is inserted. These slots are in each case supported by the reinforcing profiled sections. In EP 1 340 863 A1 and EP 2 159 339 A2, the slats comprise a number of profiled sections, which are arranged in mitred fashion to form a frame, and a slot in which the panel-shaped element is enclosed in order to be incorporated in these profiled sections.

In this case, the slats from EP 2 159 339 A2 are slats according to the preamble from claim 1.

A problem which often occurs with such slat roofs is that the properties of the filler elements are not desired across the entire surface area of the slat roof. In those cases, it is desired to be able to combine these slats with slats of a similar shape, but without such filler elements. Slats without such filler elements are, for example, known from FR 2 947 845 A1, FR 2 701 977 A1 or EP 2 431 547 A1.

If it is desired to combine slats with filler elements and slats without filler elements in the same slat roof, then the deflection of the slats between themselves differs. This results in problems regarding watertightness, alignment, aesthetics, . . . between a slat with filler element and a slat without filler element. In addition, this may lead to it no longer being possible to rotate the slats with respect to each other in an unimpeded manner.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a slat roof according to the introductory part of claim 1, in which the abovementioned problems regarding differences in deflection are minimised.

This object of the invention is achieved by providing a slat roof comprising several slats arranged parallel to each other and arranged so as to be rotatable about respective shafts, between an open position, in which an intermediate space extends between the slats, and a closed position, in which the slats together form a closed shelter, in which at least one slat comprises a panel-shaped element and comprises at least one profiled section which extends in the longitudinal direction of the panel-shaped element and is attached thereto and which at least partly delimits a slat gutter along virtually the length of the slat, in which the profiled section, viewed in the closed position of the slats, extends only above and optionally laterally from the panel-shaped element.

By placing the one or several profiled sections only above and optionally laterally from the panel-shaped element, more material from these one or several profiled sections can be moved towards the top without having to use more material for these one or several profiled sections, in which case these one or several profiled sections can still be fastened securely to the panel-shaped element.

As a result thereof, the EI modulus of these slats is brought closer to the EI modulus of similar slats without filler elements. Such slats may thus be given the same properties regarding deflection as a slat without panel-shaped element which is substantially made from a material having similar properties as the one or several profiled sections.

Preferably, the profiled section of said slat of a slat roof according to the present invention is glued to the panel-shaped element.

By gluing the one or several profiled sections to the panel-shaped element along virtually their entire length, it is also possible to ensure that such a slat has excellent watertightness. Thus, it is possible to give such a slat the same properties regarding watertightness as a slat without panel-shaped element which is substantially made from a material of similar properties as the profiled sections.

With slat roofs comprising different kinds of slats, this construction of the slats using panel-shaped elements and profiled sections glued thereto also causes these slats to have the same properties regarding water drainage and deflection as the other slats from these slat roofs.

Preferably, an abovementioned slat from a slat roof according to the present invention with a panel-shaped element and at least one profiled section comprises a first profiled section and a second profiled section, which, together with the panel-shaped element, delimit the slat gutter.

In a preferred embodiment of such a slat roof according to the present invention, the first profiled section comprises a slat edge which forms the edge of the slat, comprises a gutter edge which delimits said slat gutter, and comprises a bottom which, together with the slat edge and the gutter edge, delimits an ancillary gutter which extends next to the slat gutter. The second profiled section in this case furthermore comprises a hook-shaped projection. In this case, the slat edge and the projection are provided in such a way that this slat can be accommodated between two adjacent slats in the slat roof, each of which comprises a similar slat edge and a similar projection, in which, in the closed position of the slats, the projection of the first adjacent slat may extend over the slat edge of said first slat and the projection of said first slat may extend over the slat edge of the second adjacent slat.

In this case, the projection of an adjacent slat no longer extends over the first profiled section as far as into the slat gutter, but may extend only over the slat edge as far as into the ancillary gutter. As a result thereof, the watertightness of a shelter composed of such slats may be maintained by the fact that water which ends up on said first slat via the projection of an adjacent slat, can now be drained off via the ancillary gutter. The advantage of this additional gutter edge is that more material of the profiled sections can be moved towards the top, which improves the properties thereof regarding deflection. This elevation can be achieved without having to significantly raise the height which the profiled sections assume with regard to the panel-shaped element. It is desirable to limit the height of the profiled sections with regard to the panel-shaped element, so that these would not form an impediment to rotation of the slats and so that these would not cause an undesirable shadow in the open position. With slat roofs comprising different types of slats, it is usually desirable for this height to be as similar as possible to the height of the other types of slats which form part of the same slat roof.

With such an embodiment, the height of the gutter edge with respect to the panel-shaped element to this end is preferably at most as high as the projection and the height of the slat edge with respect to the panel-shaped element is smaller than the projection.

Analogously, with an alternative embodiment of a slat roof according to the present invention, in which said slat with at least one profiled section only comprises one profiled section, the profiled section preferably comprises a first profiled section part which corresponds to the abovementioned first profiled section and a second profiled section part which corresponds to the abovementioned second profiled section, the first profiled section part and the second profiled section part extending on either side of the slat gutter. Analogously, the first profiled section part then comprises a slat edge which forms the edge of the slat, comprises a gutter edge which delimits said slat gutter, and comprises a bottom which, together with the slat edge and the gutter edge, delimits an ancillary gutter which extends next to the slat gutter. The second profiled section part then analogously comprises a hook-shaped projection. In this case as well, the slat edge and the projection are provided in such a way that this slat can be accommodated between two adjacent slats in the slat roof, each of which comprises a similar slat edge and a similar projection, in which, in the closed position of the slats, the projection of the first adjacent slat may extend over the slat edge of said first slat and the projection of said first slat may extend over the slat edge of the second adjacent slat.

Furthermore, the slat edge of such an embodiment preferably comprises a lip which extends towards the bottom of the ancillary gutter.

A plurality of materials are eligible for producing a slat with a panel-shaped element and one or several profiled sections from a slat roof according to the present invention.

The panel-shaped elements may be made from, for example, plastic, such as inter alia polycarbonate or glass or wood, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, these panel-shaped elements are made to be translucent so as to allow light into the space underneath the slats via the closed shelter formed by these slats even in the closed position of the slats. Preferably, glass is then chosen as the translucent material, and still more preferably safety glass.

The profiled sections may be made, for example, from aluminium or from plastic. Preferably, the one or several profiled sections are made from aluminium.

The one or several profiled sections are furthermore preferably glued to the panel-shaped element by means of acrylate glue.

Such acrylate glue may have the necessary flexibility to ensure a strong bond which is still able to absorb the difference in expansion between the one or several profiled sections and the panel-shaped element.

This acrylate glue preferably assumes the form of a foam between the one or several profiled sections and the panel-shaped element.

Preferably, such acrylate glue is applied in the form of double-sided adhesive tape between the respective profiled section and the panel-shaped element.

By means of such a tape, it is possible to reliably ensure that the one or several profiled sections are glued to the panel-shaped element along their entire length, thus ensuring watertightness. In addition, such a tape offers advantages regarding fitting, since no time needs to be allowed for drying when it is applied and such a tape can be applied cleanly, without an operator soiling his hands and without soiling the fitting site.

For the sake of safety, a specific embodiment of a slat roof according to the present invention may comprise several securing elements distributed with respect to each other in order to secure the one or several profiled sections to the panel-shaped element.

The securing elements may consist of clamping elements, screws, . . . When the one or several profiled sections have been glued to the panel-shaped element, such securing elements will not strictly be necessary, but may be provided in cases where, for example, safety regulations do not allow structural parts to only be glued together. In extreme circumstances, these securing elements then offer additional security against the panel-shaped element becoming detached from the profiled sections, so that this panel-shaped element does not fall into the space below the slat roof if the adhesive bond separates.

In a further particular embodiment of a slat roof according to the present invention, in which the one or several profiled sections are glued to the panel-shaped element, these one or several profiled sections can be glued to the panel-shaped element under prestress.

To this end, the panel-shaped element may, for example, be pre-bent and be glued to the one or several profiled sections in the pre-bent position.

In order for any precipitation falling onto said first slat of a slat roof according to the present invention to be drained off in as controlled a manner as possible, this slat preferably comprises a separate head end which is attached to an end of the profiled section in such a way that at least one exit opening extends, adjacent to the slat gutter and/or adjacent to the ancillary gutter, between this head end and the panel-shaped element for draining off precipitation and this slat comprises a separate drooping nose which is attached to a corresponding end of the panel-shaped element and extends at least below said exit opening.

If, alternatively, such a head end and such a drooping nose were to be made in one piece, the watertightness at the location of these elements would be less secure.

The present invention will now be explained in more detail by means of the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments of a slat roof according to the present invention. The sole aim of this description is to give illustrative examples and to indicate further advantages and particulars of this slat roof and can therefore not be interpreted as a limitation of the area of application of the invention or of the patent rights defined in the claims.

In this detailed description, reference numerals are used to refer to the attached drawings, in which

FIG. 1 shows a slat with a panel-shaped element, a first profiled section and a second profiled section from a slat roof according to the present invention in cross section;

FIG. 2 shows the slat from FIG. 1 in perspective side view from above;

FIG. 3 shows a part of a first embodiment of a slat roof according to the present invention in a cross section of some slats;

FIG. 4 shows a part of a second embodiment of a slat roof according to the present invention in a cross section of some slats ;

FIG. 5 shows the slat from FIG. 1 in perspective side view from below with additional securing elements.

The slat (2) illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 comprises a panel-shaped element (3) made from safety glass and a first profiled section (4) and a second profiled section (5) made from extruded aluminium. On a respective longitudinal side of the glass panel (3), the profiled sections (4, 5) are each glued on top of this glass panel (3) by means of a strip of foamed acrylate glue (7) in the form of double-sided adhesive tape. In FIG. 5, the panel-shaped element (3) is additionally secured to the profiled sections (4, 5) by means of some securing elements (24). These securing elements (24) may, for example, be riveted to these profiled sections (4, 5) or these profiled sections (4, 5) may be provided with a fold into which these securing elements (24) can be hooked.

Obviously, other materials for the panel-shaped element (3), for the profiled sections (4, 5) and for the glue (7) used are conceivable. Alternatives for the illustrated securing elements (24) and said fastening means therefor are of course also conceivable.

Due to this adhesive bond, the slat (2) between the glass panel (3) and the profiled sections (4, 5) has been made watertight. In this case, the foamed acrylate glue (7) absorbs differences in behaviour between the glass panel (3) and the aluminium profiled sections (4, 5).

Together, the glass panel (3) and the profiled sections (4, 5) of this slat (2) delimit a slat gutter (6).

In FIGS. 3 and 4, this slat (2) is accommodated between other slats (2′, 2″, 102′, 102″) in a slat roof (1). In the slat roof (1) from FIG. 3, this slat (2) is to this end accommodated between similar slats (2′, 2″). In the slat roof (1) from FIG. 4, this slat (2) is to this end accommodated between slats (102′, 102″) which do not comprise a glass panel, but are substantially made from an extruded aluminium profiled section, which is likewise provided with a slat gutter (106).

In these slat roofs (1), these slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″) are arranged parallel to each other and rotatable about respective shafts (23) (see FIG. 2). By rotating the slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″), these can be moved between an open position (not shown) and the illustrated closed position. In the open position, there is an intermediate space between the slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″) through which, for example, air can be introduced into the space underneath or can leave this space underneath. In the closed position, the slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″) form a closed shelter which is able to protect the space situated underneath against, for example, wind and/or precipitation.

In addition to the illustrated slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″), the slat roofs (1) comprise a lateral gutter on either side of the slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″) which extends virtually at right angles to the slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″) and is arranged on one end of these slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″). The slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″) are arranged running obliquely towards this lateral gutter in order to drain off precipitation falling on the slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″) to this lateral gutter via their slat gutter (6, 106).

At the ends of the profiled sections (4, 5), on either side of the slat (2), a head end (16) is attached. As is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, a recess (17) is provided in the head end (16) through which precipitation, which is drained off via the slat gutter (6), can flow to the lateral gutter. The head end (16) is fastened to the top of the glass panel (3) and the recess (17) is provided below the head end (16), so that it ends just above the glass panel (3) in order to form an exit opening through which precipitation can be drained off as efficiently as possible.

In addition, a drooping nose (19) is glued onto the end of the glass panel (3) to prevent precipitation which is drained off via the exit opening from remaining stuck on the underside of the glass panel (3). This drooping nose (19) is provided with a slot (21) into which a sealing can be fitted in order to guide precipitation which flows out of the exit opening (17) away from the drooping nose (19) and towards the lateral gutter.

At the head end (16), the shaft (23) is attached by means of which the slat (2) is rotatably accommodated in the slat roof (2).

Furthermore, a drive rod (20) is fitted through the second profiled section (5) and the head end (16) so that driving means can engage therewith in order to drive the rotating movement of the slat (2).

As is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first profiled section (4) of the slat (2) comprises a slat edge (9) which forms the edge of the slat (2). In addition thereto, this profiled section (4) comprises a gutter edge (10), which delimits the slat gutter (6), and a bottom (8), which together with the slat edge (9) and the gutter edge (10) delimits an ancillary gutter (11). The height of the gutter edge (10) is greater than that of the slat edge (9) in order thus to advantageously affect the properties of the slat (2) with regard to deflection. The ancillary gutter (11) extends next to the slat gutter (6). The slat edge (9) is hook-shaped and ends in a lip (13) which extends towards the bottom (8) of the ancillary gutter (11). The gutter edge (10) is also hook-shaped and ends in a lip (14). The lip (14) of this gutter edge (10) extends towards the bottom of the slat gutter (6) which is formed by the glass panel (3). The first profiled section (4) is therefore of a substantially S-shaped design. When tilting the slat (2), precipitation which is situated in the slat gutter (6) and the ancillary gutter (11) will be kept inside the slat (2) by means of the hook-shaped gutter edge (10) and the hook-shaped slat edge (9), respectively, and will be drained off to the lateral gutter via these edges (9, 10). The head end (16) does not completely close the slat edge (9) and the gutter edge (10) laterally, but leaves outflow openings (18) free in order to allow precipitation to pass to the lateral gutter.

The second profiled section (5) comprises a hook-shaped projection (12), as can clearly be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the slat edge (9) of the first profiled section (4) and the projection (12) of the second profiled section (5) are provided in such a manner that, in the closed position of the slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″), the projection (12) of first adjacent slats (2′, 102′) can extend over the slat edge (9) of the slat (2) and that the projection (12) of this slat (2) can extend over the slat edge (9, 109) of the second adjacent slats (2″, 102″). When projecting over a slat edge (9) of a similar slat (2′, 2″), the lip (22) of the hook-shaped projection (12) of the second profiled section (5) extends towards the bottom (8) of the ancillary gutter (11). When projecting over a slat edge (109) (also gutter edge (110)) of a slat (2) without glass panel, as illustrated in FIG. 4, this lip (22) extends towards the bottom of the slat gutter (106).

The upper surface of the second profiled section (5) is configured to slant towards the slat gutter (6) in order to drain off any precipitation to this slat gutter (6). On the underside of the projection (12), a brush (15) is provided which, in the closed position of the slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″), extends in an intermediate space between the projection (12) of the second profiled section (5) and the slat edge (9, 109) of an adjacent slat (2′, 2″, 102′, 102″) in order to prevent water splashing in the adjacent gutter (11, 106) from passing through this intermediate space and into the space under the slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″), thus further ensuring the watertightness between the slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″).

Claims

1. Slat roof, comprising:

several slats arranged parallel to each other and arranged so as to be rotatable about respective shafts (23), between an open position, in which an intermediate space extends between the slats, and a closed position, in which the slats together form a closed shelter,

wherein at least one slat comprises a panel-shaped element and comprises at least one profiled section which extends in the longitudinal direction of the panel-shaped element and is attached thereto and which at least partly delimits a slat gutter along virtually the length of the slat,

wherein the profiled section, viewed in the closed position of the slats, extends only above and optionally laterally from the panel-shaped element.

2. Slat roof according to claim 1, characterized in that the profiled section is glued to the panel-shaped element.

3. Slat roof according to claim 1, characterized in that said slat comprises a first profiled section and a second profiled section which, together with the panel-shaped element, delimit the slat gutter.

4. Slat roof according to claim 3, characterized in that the first profiled section comprises a slat edge which forms the edge of the slat, comprises a gutter edge which delimits said slat gutter, and comprises a bottom which, together with the slat edge and the gutter edge, delimits an ancillary gutter which extends next to the slat gutter, and in that the second profiled section comprises a hook-shaped projection, in which the slat edge and the projection are provided in such a way that said slat can be accommodated between two adjacent slats in the slat roof, each of which comprises a similar slat edge and a similar projection, in which, in the closed position of the slats, the projection of the first adjacent slat may extend over the slat edge of said first slat and the projection of said first slat may extend over the slat edge of the second adjacent slat.

5. Slat roof according to claim 1, characterized in that said profiled section comprises a first profiled section part and comprises a second profiled section part which extend on either side of the slat gutter, in that the first profiled section part comprises a slat edge which forms the edge of the slat, comprises a gutter edge which delimits said slat gutter, and comprises a bottom which, together with the slat edge and the gutter edge, delimits an ancillary gutter which extends next to the slat gutter, and in that the second profiled section part comprises a hook-shaped projection, in which the slat edge and the projection are provided in such a way that said slat can be accommodated between two adjacent slats in the slat roof, each of which comprises a similar slat edge and a similar projection, in which, in the closed position of the slats, the projection of the first adjacent slat may extend over the slat edge of said first slat and the projection of said first slat may extend over the slat edge of the second adjacent slat.

6. Slat roof according to claim 4, characterized in that the height of the gutter edge with respect to the panel-shaped element is at most as high as the projection, and in that the height of the slat edge with respect to the panel-shaped element is smaller than the projection.

7. Slat roof according to claim 4, characterized in that the slat edge comprises a lip which extends towards the bottom of the ancillary gutter.

8. Slat roof according to claim 1, characterized in that the panel-shaped element is made from safety glass.

9. Slat roof according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profiled section is made from aluminum.

10. Slat roof according to claim 2, characterized in that the profiled section is glued to the panel-shaped element by means of acrylate glue.

11. Slat roof according to claim 10, characterized in that the acrylate glue is applied between the profiled section and the panel-shaped element in the form of double-sided adhesive tape.

12. Slat roof according to claim 1, characterized in that said slat roof comprises several securing elements distributed with respect to each other in order to secure the profiled section to the panel-shaped element.

13. Slat roof according to claim 1, characterized in that said first slat comprises a separate head end which is attached to an end of the profiled section in such a way that at least one exit opening extends, adjacent to the slat gutter and/or adjacent to the ancillary gutter, between said head end and the panel-shaped element for draining off precipitation, and in that said slat comprises a separate drooping nose which is attached to a corresponding end of the panel-shaped element and extends at least below said exit opening.