EP3230548A1

EP3230548A1 - Retractable cellular structure and method for manufacturing same

Info

Publication number: EP3230548A1
Application number: EP15823618.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Aymeric PATIN
Original assignee: Flexoma
Current assignee: Flexoma
Priority date: 2014-12-08
Filing date: 2015-12-08
Publication date: 2017-10-18
Also published as: FR3029559A1; FR3029559B1; WO2016092207A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a retractable cellular structure, movable between a retracted position (R) and a deployed position (D), comprising cells which extend transversely to the direction of retraction of the structure and which have, in the deployed position (D) of the structure, a substantially triangular cross section, said cellular structure being characterized in that it comprises two external faces (2, 3) which, in the deployed position (D) of the structure, are substantially parallel and are linked by internal panels (4), two consecutive internal panels (4) forming a non-zero angle in the deployed position (D) of the structure, each cell being delimited by a single external face and two internal panels (4). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a retractable cellular structure.

Description

The present invention relates to the technical field of retractable cellular structures such as, for example but not exclusively, used for the realization of blinds which, in addition to providing a bay window conceal function, have a function of thermal insulation vis-à-vis solar radiation.

[02] In the above field, an application WO 2012/094449 has proposed to realize a honeycomb structure from a continuous band folded on itself and glued at regular intervals to define cells shaped diamond or of quadrilateral. Viewed in transverse cross section, the cells are arranged in two juxtaposed columns being staggered from one column to the other. Such a honeycomb structure effectively makes it possible to achieve thermal insulation and concealment of the bay opposite which it is arranged. However, this structure is relatively complex to manufacture and requires the use of machines whose implementation is very expensive. In addition, the structure proposed by the application WO 2012/094449 can not be made in such a way as to have a sufficient rigidity to be implemented so as to follow bays that are not vertical, that is to say bays. inclined or even horizontal.

[03] A US2011 / 0100562 application has proposed to integrate an accordion structure inside the boxes of a flexible awning structure comprising parallelepiped shaped boxes when the blind is lowered. According to this document the accordion structure present in each box is independent of the front and rear of the boxes and does not contribute to the rigidity of the assembly. This type of structure also has a high manufacturing cost while having no inherent rigidity.

[04] Thus, it appeared the need for a new type of retractable honeycomb structure that can be easily manufactured by means of a simpler design machine than that used for the manufacture of known retractable cellular structures and which can have a higher rigidity than known shrinkable honeycomb structures.

[05] In order to achieve these objectives, the invention relates to a retractable cellular structure, movable between a retracted position and an extended position, comprising cells which extend transversely to the retraction direction of the structure and which have, in deployed position of the structure, a cross section substantially triangular. According to the invention, the honeycomb structure is characterized in that it comprises two external faces which, in the deployed position of the structure, are substantially parallel and which are connected by internal panels, two consecutive internal panels forming a non-zero acute angle in the deployed position of the structure, each cell being delimited by only one external face and two internal panels.

[06] Such a honeycomb structure has the advantage of not requiring a deformation of the inner panels for the passage of the structure from its retracted position to its deployed position and vice versa so that the inner panels can have sufficient rigidity to support the weight of the structure when deployed horizontally supported on the ends of the inner panels. Furthermore, it is possible to manufacture the structure according to the invention with sheets and / or films of plastic materials so that it has sufficient rigidity to provide a similar occulting function to that of a roller shutter by presenting, for the same bay dimension to hide, a clutter in the folded position less than that of the shutter wound on itself.

In addition, the configuration of the honeycomb structure according to the invention makes it possible, insofar as the internal panels are not visible and can be of a material different from that of the external faces, to dissociate the functions provided by the internal panels and external faces. Thus, the inner panels can be configured to ensure the strength and rigidity of the cellular structure in its deployed state while the outer faces are configured to ensure the closure of the large longitudinal faces of the cells. Furthermore, the configuration of the honeycomb structure according to the invention makes it possible to produce the two external faces of the structure in different materials to ensure a thermal insulation function for example.

[08] According to the invention, each of the inner panels or most of the inner panels are bonded to the two outer faces or the outer opposing panels forming the outer faces.

[09] The structure according to the invention can also be made in a simple manner from continuous strips of materials as will appear later.

[10] According to a feature of the invention, each outer face is formed by a succession of external panels, two consecutive outer panels of the same outer face contributing to define two cells separated by an intermediate cell. [11] According to a preferred but not strictly necessary embodiment of the invention, each outer panel has a median longitudinal fold such that in the retracted position of the structure said outer face is folded back on itself of the corresponding cell. This embodiment makes it possible to obtain a compact assembly in the retracted position of the honeycomb structure.

[12] According to a feature of the invention, each cell has, in the deployed position of the structure, a transverse cross section in the form of isosceles triangle whose two equal sides are each formed by an inner panel and the base by a portion of an outer face, the base preferably having a length smaller than double that of the other sides. This feature of the invention is more particularly adapted to a folding of the outer panels on themselves towards the inside of the cells. More particularly preferably, the dimensions of the inner panels and the base of each cell are chosen so that the apex angle formed by the inner panels is less than or equal to 90 °, so as to impart good rigidity to the expanded alveolar structure.

[13] According to another characteristic of the invention, the inner panels have a thickness greater than that of the outer panels. This characteristic makes it possible to ensure the rigidity of the cellular structure transversely to its direction of deployment without impairing its retraction ability.

[14] According to a variant of this feature, the inner panels have a thickness greater than or equal to 40 μιη and the outer panels a thickness less than or equal to 35 μιη. Such a choice of thickness makes it possible to obtain a relatively rigid cellular structure transversely to its direction of deployment while maintaining a great flexibility of retraction insofar as the external panels have a reduced resistance to folding because of their thickness. It should be noted that insofar as the internal panels are not visible from the outside of the honeycomb structure when the latter is observed on the side of one or the other of its external faces, it is possible to realize the internal panels in a thick material by cutting in the latter windows so as to reduce the weight of the inner panels which allows to obtain in the deployed position a fairly rigid and lightweight structure.

[15] According to another characteristic of the invention, the inner panels have a stiffness greater than that of the outer panels. This feature aims to ensure a certain transverse stiffness of the honeycomb structure while retaining its ability to retract.

[16] According to yet another feature of the invention, the inner panels are formed by a continuous strip comprising folds delimiting the inner panels between them. Such an embodiment of the internal panels simplifies the manufacture of the honeycomb structure according to the invention. However, the internal panels are not necessarily shaped as well. Indeed, according to another embodiment of the invention, the inner panels are formed by elements initially independent of each other which are fixed on the outer faces of the honeycomb structure at their longitudinal edge, said outer faces forming the folds of articulation of the internal panels between them.

[17] According to a feature of the invention, the outer faces are each formed by a continuous strip. Such an embodiment of the outer faces makes it possible to simplify the manufacture of the honeycomb structure according to the invention. However, the outer faces of a honeycomb structure according to the invention are not necessarily constituted by a continuous strip forming all the outer panels of the same face. Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, the outer panels are each formed by elements initially independent of each other fixed on the inner panels.

[18] According to a feature of the invention, at least some of the inner panels comprise at least one vent opening. The implementation of such vent openings allows the circulation of air inside the honeycomb structure to facilitate its passage from the retracted position to the deployed position and vice versa.

[19] According to a feature of the invention, the inner panels each comprise at least one passage window of a support member. This embodiment of the internal panels makes it possible to provide support for the cellular structure in its deployment direction and to reinforce the rigidity of the retractable cellular structure transversely to its direction of deployment and to its external faces.

According to one variant of this characteristic, the support element comprises a body that is flexible and configured to bend in such a way as to engage lengthwise in a cell transversely to the direction of deployment of the honeycomb structure when retraction of the alveolar structure. [21] According to a characteristic of the invention, the flexible body comprises at least one longitudinally elongate strip flexible and deformable in the transverse direction and at least some of the passage windows are configured to induce a reversible transverse deformation of the strip. elongated so as to increase its stiffness against a bias in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the strip or a plane passing through the edges of the strip and normal to the outer faces of the cellular structure. According to one form of implementation, the flexible elongated strip and the passage windows thereof are arranged so that in the deployed position a plane passing through the edges of the flexible strip is substantially normal to the outer faces of the honeycomb structure .

[22] According to yet another variant of this feature, the support member comprises a flexible body comprising two flexible longitudinal blades connected by a fold line and adapted to form a non-zero acute angle in the deployed position. Such an embodiment of the support element allows it to fold on itself in the longitudinal direction during the retraction of the honeycomb structure so that the flexible body can bend so as to engage in the direction of the length in a cell transversely to the direction of deployment of the honeycomb structure during the retraction of the honeycomb structure.

[23] According to a feature of the invention, the honeycomb structure is closed at its side faces. This embodiment of the honeycomb structure makes it possible to limit the exchanges between the internal volume of the cells and the external environment, which contributes to increasing the thermal insulation performance of the expanded cellular structure. This closure can be provided in any appropriate manner including assembly or welding of the outer faces together. The configuration of the retractable cellular structure according to the invention which makes it possible to implement a thin and flexible material for producing the external faces is particularly favorable to such a mode of closing the lateral faces.

[24] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a retractable cellular structure, movable between a retracted position and an extended position, comprising cells which extend transversely to the direction of retraction of the structure and which have, in deployed position of the structure, a substantially triangular transverse cross section, and comprising two outer faces which, in position deployed from the structure, are substantially parallel and which are connected by internal panels, two consecutive internal panels forming a non-zero acute angle in the deployed position of the structure, each cell being delimited by a single outer face and two inner panels. According to the invention the method is characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

- Implementation of three continuous strips in a direction transverse to the cells, a central strip for forming the inner panels of the structure and two side strips for forming the outer faces of the structure and located on either side of the central band,

- formation of each cell by the following successive operations:

simultaneous folding of a first lateral band with the central band and assembly of the complex comprising the first lateral band and the central band at the level of the fold thus formed,

simultaneous folding of the second lateral band, opposite to the first lateral band, with the central band and assembly of the complex comprising the second lateral band and the central band at the level of the fold thus formed,

simultaneous folding of the first lateral band with the central band and assembly of the complex comprising the first lateral band and the central band at the level of the fold thus formed,

[25] The manufacturing method according to the invention is particularly suitable for automation. In addition, the method according to the invention makes it possible to obtain automatic formation of the folds of the outer panels without it being necessary to preform them or to accompany their formation with a pusher element.

[26] According to an implementation characteristic of the manufacturing method according to the invention, each fold is formed by means of at least one pusher element located inside the fold being formed.

[27] According to another characteristic of implementation of the manufacturing method according to the invention, the latter comprises a step of making fold initiation lines in the central strip prior to the formation of folds.

[28] Of course, the various features, variations and embodiments of the invention may be associated with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other. [29] Similarly, the various features, variants and forms of implementation of the method according to the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other.

[30] Furthermore, various other features of the invention appear from the attached description made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of a retractable cellular structure according to the invention and a non-limiting form of implementation. implementation of a manufacturing method according to the invention.

- Figure 1 is a schematic section transverse to the cells of a retractable cellular structure according to the invention in the retracted or partially retracted position.

- Figure 2 is a schematic section similar to Figure 1 of the cellular structure retractable in the deployed position.

- Figure 3 is a broken perspective of the retractable cellular structure in the deployed position.

- Figures 4 to 8 are schematic views of a step of a method of manufacturing a retractable honeycomb structure according to the invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a retractable cellular structure according to the invention.

- Figure 10 is a top view of the retractable cellular structure illustrated in Figure 9.

- Figure 11 is a partial schematic perspective partially cut away of another alternative embodiment of a retractable cellular structure according to the invention comprising a support member.

It should be noted that in these figures the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[31] A retractable cellular structure according to the invention is movable, in a direction Δ, between a retracted position R as illustrated in Figure 1, in which the cells 1 of the structure have a reduced volume, and a position deployed D, as illustrated in Figure 2, wherein the cells have their maximum volume. [32] The cells of the structure 1 each have an elongate shape which extends in a direction transverse to the direction Δ and are arranged one above the other in the direction Δ as is apparent from Figure 3.

[33] The cells 1 have a cross section of substantially triangular shape in the extended position D. The cellular structure comprises two outer faces 2, 3 which, in the extended position D, are substantially parallel. The outer faces 2 and 3 are connected by internal panels 4 which separate the cells from each other. Thus, each cell 1 is delimited by two internal panels 4 and a single external face 2 or 3 so that each external face 2, respectively 3, is formed by a succession of external panels, 6 respectively 7. Two outer panels 7 consecutive of the outer face 3 then contribute to defining two cells A separated by an intermediate cell B while two outer panels 6 of the outer face 2 contribute to define two cells B separated by an intermediate cell A. Each cell 1 is therefore formed by a outer panel 6 or 7 and two consecutive inner panels 4 forming a non-zero angle and preferably acute in the extended position D.

[34] According to the illustrated example, the cross section of each cell has an isosceles triangle shape whose base is formed by an outer panel and the other two sides by an inner panel. In the present case, in order to allow the outer panels to fold inwardly of the corresponding cell during the passage of the cellular structure from the extended position D to the retracted position, the length of the base is less than or equal to two. the length of the inner panels 4. In order to obtain a good compactness of the cellular structure in the retracted position R, the base of the transverse cross section of each cell has a length strictly less than the length of the internal panels 4. It will be noted that in this case each outer panel 6 or 7 has a median fold line 10 configured to provide a folding of each outer panel inwardly of the corresponding cell.

[35] Insofar as, on the one hand, the honeycomb structure according to the invention passes from the retracted position R to the extended position D without the need for the inner panels 4 to deform and, on the other hand , the inner panels 4 can be concealed by the outer faces 2 and 3, it is possible to realize the inner panels so as to make them assume a function of reinforcement or holding the honeycomb structure to stresses exerted perpendicularly to the outer faces 2 or 3 in the deployed position.

[36] Moreover, insofar as the external faces 2 or 3 do not assume the same structural function as that of the inner panels 4, it is possible to make the outer faces 2 and 3 in a finer material and / or more flexible than that constituting the inner panels 4. Similarly, the outer faces 2 and 3 being dissociated they can be made of different materials.

[37] According to the example shown, the inner panels 4 are formed by a continuous strip comprising folds delimiting the inner panels between them. Thus, the constituent strip of the inner panels 4 have the shape of an accordion folding when integrated into the retractable cellular structure according to the invention.

[38] Similarly, in the present case, the outer faces are each formed by a continuous strip comprising folds in one direction contributing to defining the outer panels between and folds in another direction allowing a folding each external panel on itself. even in the retracted position of the structure. The outer faces then also have the shape of an accordion folding when they are integrated into the cell structure retractable air according to the invention. However, the folding accordion of the inner panels has twice as many folds as the folding accordion of the outer faces for a given number of cells.

[39] The retractable cellular structure according to the invention as well as shaped, can be manufactured from three continuous strips of suitable materials according to a manufacturing method described below in connection with Figures 4 to 7.

[40] As shown in Figure 4, the continuous strips can be packaged in coils and it is implemented a central strip 34 for forming the inner panels 4 and two side strips 36 and 37 intended to form, on the one hand , the outer panels 6 and thus the outer face 2 and, on the other hand, the outer panels 7 and thus the outer face 3. The lateral strips 36 and 37 are then disposed on either side of the central strip 34.

[41] According to the illustrated example, the central strip 34 has a thickness greater than or equal to 40 μιη while the side strips 36 and 37 have a thickness less than or equal to 35 μιη. In the present case, the central strip 34 is made of a PET sheet having a thickness of between 50 μιη and 100 μιη coated on its two faces. faces of a thermal bonding coating while the side strips are each made of a PET sheet with a thickness of about 20 μιη coated on the side facing the central strip of a thermo bonding coating.

[42] The realization of a cell is then performed as follows.

[43] As shown in FIG. 4, a length of a first sideband, here the left sideband 36, and a length of the central strip 34 are simultaneously advanced.

[44] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, simultaneous folding of the first lateral band 36 and the central band 34 by means of a first pusher element 38 coming into contact with the central band 34 to push the central strip 34 and the first side strip 36 to a first jaw 39 at which the two side strips 36 and central 34 are plucked and glued together at the fold thus formed.

[45] With the first jaw 39 closed, a length of the second sideband, here the right sideband 37, and a length of the central band 34 as shown in FIG. 6 are simultaneously advanced.

[46] After opening the first jaw and as shown in FIG. 7, the central band 34 and the second side band 37 are simultaneously folded by means of a second pusher member 40 contacting the band 34. It will be noted that the second pusher element 40 passes between the first sideband 36 and the central strip 34 without acting on the first sideband 36. The second pusher element 40 brings the central strip 34 and the second sideband 37 up to a second jaw 41 at which the two side strips 37 and central 34 are pinched and glued at the fold thus formed.

[47] With the second jaw 41 closed, a length of the first sideband 36 and a length of the central strip 34 are simultaneously advanced as shown in FIG. 8.

[48] After opening of the second jaw 41, simultaneous folding of the first lateral band 36 and the central band 34 by means of the first pusher element 38 as described in connection with FIG. 4. It will be noted that the first pusher member 38 passes between the central band 34 and the second sideband 37 without interacting with the second sideband 37. [49] The previously described cycle is repeated as many times as necessary to achieve a desired length of retractable honeycomb structure according to the invention.

[50] It will be noted that in the context of the embodiment of the manufacturing method described above, the middle folds 10 of the outer panels 6 and 7 are formed automatically without the need to involve pusher elements. specific. Of course, it is possible to implement specific pusher elements for the formation of the median folds depending in particular on the nature of the material constituting the outer faces 2 and 3.

[51] In order to facilitate the formation of the folds of the central strip 34 it may be arranged in the latter lines of least resistance or folding by means in particular of a perforation system 45 providing a line of holes or windows regularly spaced at level of formation of the fold line.

[52] According to one embodiment of a retractable cellular structure according to the invention, the lateral strips 36 and 37 constituting the outer faces 2 and 3 have a width greater than that of the central strip 34 so that it is possible to assemble the outer faces 2 and 3 so as to close the side faces or side 49 of the honeycomb structure as shown in Figures 9 and 10. In this case and to facilitate the passage of the honeycomb structure from its retracted position to its deployed position, at least some of the internal panels 4, namely those located inside the structure and that located at a fixed end of the structure, comprise at least one vent opening 50. According to the As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the internal panels 4 concerned comprise three vent openings which facilitate the circulation of air during the movements of the mobile honeycomb structure according to the invention. tion.

[53] Moreover, the retractable cellular structure according to the invention can then be made to be substantially airtight so that it can be moved between its deployed and retracted positions by inflation and deflation or otherwise by injection and air suction performed at a fixed end or end internal panel configured to allow the passage of air used for deflation and inflation the honeycomb structure. [54] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 11, the honeycomb structure comprises a support member 51 passing through the inner panels 4 at passing windows 52 arranged therein.

[55] According to the invention the support member can be made in any suitable manner such as in the form of a rigid rod along which the inner panels move during deployment / retraction movements of the honeycomb structure.

[56] According to the illustrated example, the support member 51 comprises a flexible body formed by an elongated strip flexible or reversibly deformable in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction. It should be understood that in the context of the invention the deformations undergone by the flexible body are reversible and may correspond to elastic deformations or to reversible plastic deformations that is to say the flexible body of which does not retain trace or "memory".

[57] In this case, the passage windows 52 are configured to induce a transverse reversible deformation of the elongate strip 51 so as to increase its stiffness in response to a stress in a direction parallel to the plane of the strip and normal to the external faces of the alveolar structure. The passage windows 52 here have a circular shape with a diameter less than the width of the band 51 so that the latter is bent inside the windows. In addition, the flexible elongated strip and the passage windows thereof are arranged so that in the deployed position a plane passing through the edges of the flexible strip is substantially normal to the outer faces of the honeycomb structure. Thus, the stiffness of the honeycomb structure in the direction of deployment is enhanced.

[58] Moreover, the flexibility of the body 51 is put to good use so that the latter curves and comes to engage in a cell in the length direction (ie perpendicular to the extension direction Δ), as shown Figure 11, during the retraction of the honeycomb structure. Thus, in the retracted position of the honeycomb structure, the support element is concealed in the structure itself.

[59] Of course, various other variants may be envisaged for the retractable cellular structure according to the invention in the context of the appended claims.

Claims

A retractable cellular structure, movable between a retracted position (R) and an extended position (D), comprising cells which extend transversely to the retraction direction of the structure and which have, in the extended position (D) of the structure, a substantially triangular transverse cross section, honeycomb structure characterized in that it comprises two external faces (2,3) which, in the extended position (D) of the structure, are substantially parallel and which are connected by internal panels ( 4), two consecutive internal panels (4) forming a non-zero angle in the extended position (D) of the structure, each cell being delimited by a single outer face and two inner panels (4).

2. retractable cellular structure according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each outer face (2 or 3) is formed by a succession of outer panels (6,7), two consecutive outer panels (6 or 7) of the same face external (2 or 3) contributing to define two cells (A) separated by an intermediate cell (B).

3. retractable cellular structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each cell has, in the deployed position (D) of the structure, a cross section in the form of isosceles triangle whose two equal sides are each formed by a inner panel (4) and the base by a portion of an outer face, the base having a length smaller than double that of the other sides.

4. retractable cellular structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner panels (4) have a thickness greater than that of the outer panels or faces (6,7).

5. retractable cellular structure according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the inner panels (4) have a thickness greater than or equal to 40 μιη and external panels (6,7) or faces (2,3) a thickness less than or equal to 35 μιη.

6. retractable cellular structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner panels (4) have a stiffness greater than that of the panels or external faces.

7. retractable cellular structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner panels (4) are formed by a continuous strip comprising folds delimiting the inner panels (4) between them.

8. retractable cellular structure according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the outer faces (2,3) are each formed by a continuous strip

9. retractable cellular structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the inner panels (4) comprise at least one vent opening (50).

10. retractable cellular structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner panels (4) each comprise at least one passage window (52) of a support member (51).

11. Cellular structure according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support member (51) comprises a flexible body and configured to bend so as to engage lengthwise in a cell transversely to the direction of deployment of the honeycomb structure during the retraction of the honeycomb structure.

12. Honeycomb structure according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the flexible body (51) comprises at least one longitudinally flexible elongate strip and deformable in the transverse direction and at least some of the passage windows (52) are configured to inducing transverse reversible deformation of the elongated strip so as to increase its stiffness in response to a stress in a direction parallel to the plane of the strip (51) and normal to the external faces of the cellular structure.

13. honeycomb structure according to claim 11, characterized in that the support member comprises a flexible body comprising two flexible longitudinal blades connected by a fold line and adapted to form a non-zero acute angle in the extended position (D).

14. Cellular structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Telle is closed at its side faces (45).

15. A method of manufacturing a retractable cellular structure, movable between a retracted position (R) and an extended position (D), comprising cells which extend transversely to the retracted direction (R) of the structure and which have, in the deployed position (D) of the structure, a substantially triangular transverse cross section, and comprising two outer faces which, in the extended position (D) of the structure, are substantially parallel and which are connected by internal panels (4), two consecutive internal panels (4) forming a non-zero acute angle in the deployed position (D) of the structure, each cell being delimited by a single external face and two internal panels (4) characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

- Implementation of three continuous strips in a direction transverse to the cells, a central strip for forming the inner panels (4) of the structure and two side strips for forming the outer faces of the structure and located by and of other of the central band,

- formation of each cell by the following successive operations:

simultaneous folding of the first lateral band with the central band and assembly of the complex comprising the first lateral band and the central band at the level of the fold thus formed.