Patent AU-2011203180-A1 (AU)
Title: Louvred shutter
Inventor: YAN ZHEN TAI
IPC: E06B7/086
Filed: 2011-06-29
Abstract: This invention provides a connector attaching sheet metal louvred shutter louvre to its frame and/or louvre linkage arm without the use of pins, rivets, screws and other traditional fastening parts. The connector consists of a wider head section and a thinner neck section. The width of head is bigger than the diameter of the mount hole in the frame. The width of neck is smaller than the diameter of the mount hole in the frame. The process of attaching louvres to the frame involves bending the head section sufficiently to insert and pass through the mount hole. The head section is then straightened to secure the connection. At this stage we can further install a reinforcer if required. The reinforcer is a small piece of sheet metal with a rectangular cut-away, and its open width is equal to the connector neck width. The reinforcer is placed into the connector then crush folded, such that the connector head is sandwiched in the middle. This will increase the shearing strength of the connector head. The same processes are also used to connect the louvre linkage arm. This connector is a lock up connector, which has benefit of allowing the louvre to be constructed from a flexible thin strip of sheet metal to allow better airflow and view. Another benefit is that the assembly of the louvres is simplified with the louvres and louvre linkage arms being flexible and easily arranged in place. It allows the shutter to be transported in parts, and assembled on site. A third benefit is that the louvres are installed vertically a water source can be connected to the top channel mounting beam. The mount holes will allow water to run out and down the louvres on both sides of the louvre. This provides cooling, and serves as an additional form of protection for the window against external heat and flame sources. Generally, the louvres are installed vertically using flexible flat louvres. The louvres are installed horizontally using flexible curve louvres. This invention provides an interior mounting beam and an interior connector for horizontal installation of louvres on large sized windows using only a single panel while still using flexible thin louvres. Each louvre has one or more interior mounting beam connectors attaching to one or more interior mounting beam in the frame. Each louvre has one or more interior louvre linkage arm connectors attaching to one or more interior louvre linkage arms. This construction supports the middle section of louvres, keeping them level. The shutter frame can be a fully enclosed frame. If the shutter is mounted directly onto an external wall without the need for internal mounting beams, the only the two mounting beams are necessary. The installation process involves securing both mounting beams then the assembly of the louvres, additional louvre linkage arms may be required if the louvres are operable. The louvre linkage arm or louvres them selves can be directly linked to a lever or an electric motor to adjust the angle of the louvres. This invention provides high efficient dies for manufacturing sheet metal louvre shutter. Page 9 of 20 ii :L two<' Fio l Pae 7of2