Outdoor awning with panels for using solar energy

Abstract

An outdoor awning with panels for using solar energy, comprising a fixed supporting structure for a plurality of cross-members which can move longitudinally along guides formed within the fixed structure in order to open and close the awning; each cross-member is rigidly connected to the lower face of a canopy. The canopy comprises a plurality of transverse portions, each of which is delimited by a pair of consecutive cross-members and is associated with a plurality of panels which are exposed to sunlight in order to receive the radiation and convert it into energy of another kind. The awning comprises areas of discontinuity, on each transverse portion, so as to mutually space the panels in order to allow the folding of the canopy; the upper face of the canopy, with the awning in the open configuration, allows the draining of rainwater along preset directions.

Description

[0001]The present invention relates to an outdoor awning with panels for using solar energy.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Outdoor structures, such as pergolas and awnings, have evolved rapidly in recent years according to two main lines of development, allowing consumers to find on the market products which are increasingly ready to meet their requirements.[0003]On the one hand, simple use as coverings against the sun has gradually been complemented by other functions, such as those which allow to make the awning slide so as to move it from the normal condition for use, in which it is extended, to an inactive condition, in which it is fully folded, for example during winter, in order to protect it against bad weather.[0004]Products are also known which are capable of providing valid protections against the rain and in some cases against snow (and the associated load).[0005]At the same time, a second line of development has kept alive research into the materials and shapes which o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The aim of the present invention is to solve the above described problems, by providing an outdoor awning with panels for using solar energy in which the function of recovering and converting solar energy does not compromise the possibility to provide effective conveyance of rainwater within suitable channels or gutters.

[0009]Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide an awning which despite the presence of panels for recovering solar energy, ensures that it is possible to fold said awning in a practical manner when the covering function is not required and solar energy recovery is not possible, such as for example during winter months.

[0010]Another object of the invention is to provide an awning which ensures high reliability in operation.

[0011]Another object of the invention is to provide an awning which can be obtained easily starting from commonly commercially available elements and materials.

[0012]Another object of the invention is to provide an awning which has a low cost, is relatively simple to provide in practice, and is safe in application.

[0013]This aim and these objects, as well as others which will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by an outdoor awning with panels for using solar energy, which comprises a fixed supporting structure for a plurality of cross-members which can move longitudinally along guides formed within said fixed structure in order to open and close the awning, each of said cross-members being rigidly connected to the lower face of a canopy, wherein said canopy comprises a plurality of transverse portions, each of said transverse portions being delimited by a pair of said consecutive cross-members and being associated with a plurality of panels which are exposed to sunlight in order to receive the radiation and convert it into energy of another kind, said awning comprising areas of discontinuity, on each of said transverse portions, so as to mutually space said panels in order to allow the folding of said canopy, the upper face of said canopy, with said awning in the open configuration, allowing the draining of rainwater along preset directions.

Problems solved by technology

Since such elements are constituted typically by panels which are mutually rigidly connected and are often large, due to the need to offer an extensive surface to the rays of the sun, in order to receive the maximum amount of energy the structures which incorporate this additional function do not allow convenient sliding of the awning and become a particular source of inconvenience in case of rain, because the inability to provide channels and gutters causes rainwater to drip laterally without control.

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