Fan deployable canopy arrangement

Abstract

This is a kind of fan-shaped unfolding shed device, its features include two fixed shed 11 and four rows of evenly distributed follow-up shed 12. Fixed shed 11 and the adjacent follow-up shed 12 on both sides are closely combined and connected by the interlocking tooth-shaped body 16 and double-hole connecting plate 17 at the standing edge, and are supported by shed bottom wheels 14. After each shed is evenly unfolded, a 360° annular umbrella cover area is formed. The multi-section fan-shaped area can be independently opened and closed. Through the elastic folding body 19 and the rope winding and unwinding device, simple and easy electric winding and unwinding function can be realized. A novel dynamic shed body product is provided for the retractable umbrella shed market.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention pertains to retractable canopy devices, and more particularly to canopy devices that can be unfolded and retracted in a fan shape. Background Technology

[0002] Existing retractable umbrella products on the market basically follow the structure of ordinary umbrellas in principle. They have the following technical defects: 1. The umbrella can only be closed up at the same time, making it difficult to open only a partial fan-shaped area of ​​the umbrella canopy.

[0003] 2. Due to the limitations of the umbrella's opening and closing principle, only flexible umbrella surfaces, such as tarpaulins, can be used, and rigid umbrella surfaces, such as photovoltaic panels, cannot be used.

[0004] 3. The numerous hinged links between the umbrella ribs result in a complex umbrella opening and closing mechanism, making it difficult to reduce costs.

[0005] 4. Due to the overly complex assembly structure of the umbrella body, it is not easy to assemble on-site. The entire main umbrella body can only be transported as a whole and hoisted on-site, which makes the construction and assembly quite difficult.

[0006] 5. To allow sufficient commercial space near the ground around the central pillar of the main canopy after it is retracted, the retracted canopy must be raised to the required height. This results in a very long overall length of the main canopy, making transportation and on-site hoisting inconvenient, and requiring a high degree of foundation stability. Furthermore, this limitation significantly restricts the canopy radius, making it difficult to construct large-radius single-unit canopies. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention proposes a fan-shaped unfoldable canopy device, the unique feature of which is: It includes at least one set of canopy frames composed of multiple canopy structures that can support flexible canopy surfaces, and a canopy frame set includes at least one fixed canopy frame and multiple movable canopy frames. Each scaffold has a fixed hinged vertical shaft and a toothed body at the top and bottom of one vertical side. The hinged vertical axes of adjacent trellises are hinged to each other by double-hole connecting plates; The corresponding toothed structures of adjacent scaffolds mesh with each other; Each follower frame can swing around its hinged vertical axis; When each follower frame rotates around its hinged vertical axis, the toothed bodies of adjacent frames remain engaged with each other.

[0008] Preferably, The frame assembly includes a fixed frame, and multiple moving frames on both sides of the fixed frame; When each follower frame swings around its hinged vertical axis, the follower frames on both sides of the fixed frame unfold in the opposite direction.

[0009] Preferably, Includes two scaffolding assemblies arranged in a reverse symmetrical manner. Once all the follow-up frames are deployed, they form a circular frame array.

[0010] Preferably, The toothed body includes a long wedge-shaped structure. When the follower frame is extended to the limit angle, the long wedge-shaped structures of the toothed body squeeze against each other.

[0011] Preferably, The bottom of the movable frame has frame wheels. When the movable frame is unfolded, the frame wheels roll along the fixed frame wheel track surface.

[0012] Preferably, A fixed top cover plate is provided. When the follow-up frame is unfolded, the top surface of the wedge-shaped structure of the toothed body is pressed down by the bottom surface of the fixed top cover plate.

[0013] Preferably, Two hinged sections are provided between adjacent shelves. One side of each hinged section is hinged to the other with a vertical axis, and the other side of each hinged section is hinged to the adjacent shelf with a vertical axis. When the folding frame unfolds, the hinges also unfold.

[0014] Preferably, The fixed frames within the frame assembly are equipped with a rope retraction and release device; The ropes drawn from the rope take-up and release device pass through the grooved wheel on the follower frame on one side of the fixed frame in sequence, and finally connect to the rope connection end post of the outermost end follower frame.

[0015] This canopy is divided into four independent sectors, each of which can be independently expanded or retracted, creating a flexible and innovative commercial landscape. Due to its inherent design, flexible tarpaulins, foldable or retractable thin panels, or even rigid laminate panels can be installed between adjacent canopies. Each canopy is a rigid, standard component with only a few hinged parts between them. Each canopy can be transported to the site individually and installed sequentially. The process is simple and easy to operate. When individual canopies of short length are made of lightweight materials, they can be installed or disassembled manually without the need for hoisting machinery, creating favorable conditions for reducing costs in standardized factory processing, packaging, transportation, and on-site construction. Because the canopy is arranged horizontally, it does not need to rise or fall during expansion and contraction, ensuring that the effective use of space below is not interfered with by the canopy's expansion and contraction, and avoiding the formation of excessively tall canopies.

[0016] In this article, "strip" refers to a strip-shaped, coiled object such as steel wire, rope, strip, or chain. More specific technical features and beneficial effects of the present invention will be described in further detail in the following embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 These are a three-dimensional schematic diagram and a partial enlarged view of the structure of a single-leaf follower frame in the embodiment; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram and a partial enlarged view of the assembly of the two follower frames and a set of hinges in the embodiment; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Another perspective of a partial 3D schematic diagram and a magnified view; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram and a partial enlarged view of a half-width canopy assembly unfolded to 90 degrees according to an embodiment; Figure 5 These are a top view and a partial enlarged view of a half-width canopy assembly unfolded to 90 degrees, as described in the embodiment. Figure 6 This is a top view and a partial enlarged view of one half of the canopy assembly in the embodiment when it is unfolded to approximately 60 degrees; Figure 7 This is a top view and a partial enlarged view of one half of the canopy assembly in the embodiment when it is unfolded to approximately 22 degrees; Figure 8 This is a top view and a partial enlarged view of a half-width canopy assembly retracted to its return angle in an embodiment. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A three-dimensional schematic diagram and a magnified view of a part; Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram and a partial enlarged view of the electric rope drive mechanism of a half-width scaffold assembly according to an embodiment; Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram and a partial enlarged view of a complete canopy assembly as shown in the embodiment when it is unfolded to 180 degrees; Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram and a partial enlarged view of the combined state of two scaffolding groups arranged in a reverse symmetrical manner and unfolded to approximately 90 degrees, according to an embodiment. Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram and a partial enlarged view of the closed-loop combination state of two scaffold groups arranged in a reverse symmetrical manner and unfolded to 180 degrees, as described in the embodiment. Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram and a partial enlarged view of one embodiment of the central base scheme; Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Side view diagram and enlarged view; Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram and a partial enlarged view of the embodiment with the two fixed canopy frames installed on the central base; Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram and a partial enlarged view of one of the canopy assemblies in the embodiment, with it already installed on the central base; Figure 18 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram and a partial enlarged view of four canopy assemblies that have been installed on the central base and are all extended at approximately 45 degrees, according to an embodiment. Figure 19 This is a partial perspective view of two canopy assemblies that have been installed on the central base and extended to approximately 70 degrees, according to an embodiment. Figure 20 These are a three-dimensional schematic diagram and a partial enlarged view of the fully unfolded embodiment; Figure 21 It is a 3D schematic diagram and a partial enlarged view when only two pairs of rigid umbrella canopies are installed; Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the complete embodiment.

[0018] Figure label: 11. Fixed frame, 12. Movable frame, 13. Hinge vertical shaft, 14. Frame bottom wheel, 15. Folding body bearing seat, 16. Toothed body. 161_tooth profile, 162_wedge arm, 17_double-hole connecting plate, 18_vertical shaft grooved wheel, 19_rope connecting end post, 2_Folding body, 21_Hinge shaft inside the folding body, 3_Central base, 31_Central column, 32_Top cover plate, 321_Top cover plate canopy fixing pin, 322_Top cover plate bottom edge slope. 33_Top support plate, 34_Bottom support plate, 35_Fixed canopy bottom connector, 36_Canopy bottom wheel rail surface, 37_Travel limiter 38_Bottom Column, 39_Upper Cover Structure 4_ ropes, 41_ rope retraction device, 5_ rigid umbrella canopy. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Figures 1 to 20 The image shown is an embodiment of a canopy device designed according to the principles of the present invention, which can be fanned out into an umbrella-shaped closed ring canopy.

[0020] The scaffolding device includes two scaffolding groups. Each scaffolding group includes a fixed scaffolding 11 and 12 movable scaffoldings 12 arranged in half on both sides of the fixed scaffolding 11. One fixed scaffolding 11 and the six movable scaffoldings 12 on one side constitute a half-width scaffolding group.

[0021] The structure of a single follower frame 12 is as follows Figure 1As shown, a toothed body 16 and a fixed hinged vertical shaft 13 are fixedly installed at the upper and lower ends of each of its single vertical sides.

[0022] The toothed body 16 of each frame adopts a uniform standard shape and size specification.

[0023] Each toothed body 16 includes a through hole through which the hinged vertical shaft 13 passes. On either side of the through hole are two gear segments with tooth profile 161, the centers of which coincide and the pitch circle dimensions are the same. The number of teeth of the complete virtual gear to which these two gear segments belong is odd.

[0024] Each tooth body 16 has a wedge-shaped arm 162 with an included angle of 15°, and the center line of symmetry of the wedge arm 162 coincides with the center of the aforementioned virtual gear.

[0025] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 The figure shows the state when the two follower frames 12 are assembled and connected to each other. The hinged vertical shafts 13 of the two follower frames 12 are hinged to each other by two double-hole connecting plates 17. The hole spacing of the double-hole connecting plates 17 is the same as the pitch circle diameter of the aforementioned virtual gear.

[0026] When the two connected follower frames 12 in the figure are extended to an included angle of 15°, the wedge-shaped arms 162 of the toothed bodies 16 of the two follower frames 12 press against each other, preventing the two follower frames 12 from extending further. That is to say, the maximum extension angle of the two follower frames 12 is 15°.

[0027] As shown in the figure, two hinge bodies 2 are also provided between the two follower frames 12. These two hinge bodies are hinged to each other by a hinge shaft 21 on the inside of the hinge body. The outer side of each hinge body 2 is also hinged to the hinge body bearing 15 at the upper and lower ends of the middle column of each frame by a hinge shaft.

[0028] When the two follower frames 12 are extended to their limit angle, the included angle between the two hinge bodies 2 is approximately 110°. When the two follower frames 12 are closed, they will cause the hinge bodies 2 to close as well.

[0029] See Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the half-width scaffold assembly when it is extended to its 90-degree limit angle. The half-width scaffold assembly includes a fixed scaffold 11 and six follower scaffolds 12 arranged on one side of the fixed scaffold 11, interconnected by double-hole connecting plates 17 and toothed bodies 16.

[0030] As can be seen from the figure, after unfolding to the limit angle, the wedge arms 162 of each toothed body 16 squeeze against each other, so that the maximum unfolding angle of the half-width frame assembly is limited to 90 degrees.

[0031] It should be noted that the individual follower frames 12 of the half-width frame assembly do not rotate around a common fixed rotation center line, but rather rotate on their own hinged vertical axes 13. However, under the action of the meshing toothed bodies 16, the hinged vertical axes 13 connected by the double-hole connecting plate 17 will eventually form a quarter-circle arrangement. Figure 5 As shown, after reaching the limit angle, all the scaffolds of the half-width scaffold group form a fan-shaped evenly divided state with a center line as the center.

[0032] See Figure 6 , Figure 7 When the end of the extended half of the canopy is driven inward by an external force, all the follower frames 12 of that half of the canopy will synchronously and in the same direction retract with a basically uniform angular change until they retract to the desired position. Figure 8 The final reset state is shown.

[0033] from Figure 8 As can be seen, all the frames of the half-frame assembly in the final returned state are parallel to each other. Furthermore, the teeth 16 of all frames are also arranged in a straight line, and the complementary teeth 161 of adjacent teeth 16 remain engaged with each other.

[0034] like Figure 9 As shown, in practical applications, because there may be a space width reserved between adjacent follower sheds 12 to accommodate the flexible tarpaulin, the sheds in the retracted and returned state of the half-width shed group may not be completely parallel, but there is a slight angle between them.

[0035] Because the follower frame 12 remains suspended during deployment, its posture relies on the shared support of the double-hole connecting plate and the toothed body. Due to insufficient precision of these parts and deformation under stress, the deployed follower frames 12 may experience significant sinking. This can even lead to accidents when exposed to wind or air currents.

[0036] In this embodiment, the hinges between the shelving units will have a similar reinforcing support effect as a linkage scissor mechanism, enhancing the attitude maintenance capability of the suspended follow-up shelving unit 12 and significantly improving the stress condition of each shelving unit group.

[0037] This embodiment includes an electric drive system for extending and retracting the scaffolding. See also... Figure 10 The main components of the system are two rope winding and unwinding devices 41 installed above the bottom beam of the fixed scaffold 11. Vertical shaft grooved pulleys 18 are installed on the bottom beam of each moving scaffold 12. A steel wire rope 4, drawn from one rope winding and unwinding device 41, passes sequentially around the vertical shaft grooved pulleys 18 of each moving scaffold 12 in the same half-width scaffold group, and is finally connected to the rope connecting end post 19 located on the bottom beam of the end moving scaffold 12-1.

[0038] When the half-length scaffold assembly is in the unfolded state, the rope retraction device 41 can pull the end follower scaffold 12-1 by retracting the rope 4, so as to gradually retract the half-length scaffold assembly back into place.

[0039] In order to enable the half-frame assembly in the folded position to automatically unfold using the system, a torsion spring is provided at the hinge shaft 21 inside the hinge body of the hinged fold body 2 in this embodiment. The torsion of the torsion spring causes each pair of hinge bodies 2 to apply a continuous unfolding force to the frame on both sides.

[0040] When the rope retraction device 41 retracts the rope 4, the torsion springs of each folding body 2 are forcibly compressed. When the half-width frame assembly needs to be unfolded, the rope 4 is released through the rope retraction device 41, which gradually releases the torsion spring tension constraint of each folding body 2, allowing each folding body 2 to unfold the follower frame 12 synchronously.

[0041] See Figure 11 In the complete scaffolding assembly, the two rope retraction devices 41 on the fixed scaffolding 11 in the middle control the follower scaffolding 12 on both sides to expand or retract in opposite directions.

[0042] See Figure 12 Two complete sets of scaffolding are arranged in a relatively close manner to form a complete circular scaffolding.

[0043] In application, users have complete control, able to unfold only one half of the pergola while keeping the other half folded up. They can also unfold any half of the pergola at a random angle, creating a visual effect similar to a peacock spreading its tail. Furthermore, the artistic effect can be enhanced by placing lighting systems throughout the pergola.

[0044] See Figure 13 When the two complete frame groups are in the fully extended state, the two end follower frames 12-1 in each frame group are close together and abut each other. As can be seen from the figure, the toothed bodies 16 after being fully extended are closely arranged and combined along the waist-shaped line path.

[0045] Figure 14 The diagram shows the design of the central base 3 for fixing the two complete scaffolding assemblies of this embodiment.

[0046] The central base 3 consists of an upper cover structure 39 supported by a base column 38. Above the upper cover structure 39, there is a central column 31, a top cover plate 32 on top of the central column 31, a waist-shaped top support plate 33 below the top cover plate, and a bottom cover plate 34 at the bottom of the central column 31.

[0047] The top of the cover structure 39 has a fixed frame bottom connector 35 for connecting the bottom beam of the fixed frame 11 and a travel limiter 37 for preventing the end travel position of the end follower frame 12.

[0048] See Figure 15 , Figure 16 First, the toothed bodies 16 of the two fixed frames 11 are fixed to the top of the top cover plate 32 on both sides of the top cover plate frame fixing pin seat 321 of the central column 31 of the central base 3. The bottom beam of the fixed frame 11 is fixedly connected to the bottom connecting body 35 of the fixed frame of the central base 3.

[0049] See Figure 17 After the fixed frame 11 is installed, the follower frames 12 and the folding bodies 2 in the same group are installed in sequence with the hinged vertical shaft 13, and the rope 4 and the rope winding and unwinding device 41 are pre-installed.

[0050] See Figure 1 , Figure 17 , Figure 21 Each follower frame 12 has a frame base wheel 14 installed below the middle of its base beam. After installation, the frame base wheels 14 of the follower frame 12 are supported by the frame base wheel rail surface 36 on the top of the upper cover structure 39 of the central base 3. When the frame is unfolded, each frame base wheel 14 moves along the frame base wheel rail surface 36.

[0051] See Figure 18 , Figure 19 , Figure 15 When the assembled follower frames 12 unfold, the top surfaces of the wedge arms 162 of the toothed bodies 16 located at the high position cut into the bottom edge slope angle 322 of the top cover plate 32 below the edge of the top cover plate 32 of the central column 31 of the central base 3, and are finally covered and limited by the top cover plate 32.

[0052] With the help of the bottom wheels 14 of the canopy and the top cover plate 32 of the central base, the running posture of each follower canopy 12 is more reliably constrained, which enhances the stability and firmness of the canopy after it is unfolded.

[0053] See Figure 19 , Figure 20 After being fully retracted, each toothed body 16 surrounds and abuts the upper and lower edges of the central column 31 of the central base 3, forming a matching waist-shaped top plate 33 and bottom plate 34, thereby further assisting in maintaining the posture stability of each follower frame 12 after being deployed.

[0054] See Figure 21 The radially distributed roof beams of the canopy can easily cover flexible tarpaulins, and as shown in the figure, arched rigid umbrella surfaces 5 can be installed on the inclined beams of adjacent follower canopies 12. Photovoltaic panels can also be laid on the rigid umbrella surfaces 5, which can then serve as the power source for the canopy to be raised and lowered.

[0055] Obviously, the shape of the shed can be either the triangular truss type shown in this embodiment, or other irregular shapes, to meet the customer's requirements for the overall shape.

[0056] See Figure 22 The sturdy central base 3, supported by multiple bottom columns 38, ensures that the fully unfolded shed maintains a stable shape and a secure visual effect.

[0057] While the central base 3 can also be constructed using independent columns, if the radius of the canopy is too large, the stability requirements for the independent columns will be very high, and visually it may give people a feeling of instability and insecurity.

[0058] Theoretically, with the posture constraint measures of the frame bottom wheel 14 and top cover plate 32 in this embodiment, the posture assistance of the hinge body 19 is no longer necessary. Furthermore, due to the precise meshing of the teeth 161 of the toothed bodies 16, each follower frame 12 can gradually unfold or retract at a relatively uniform angle. Therefore, in practical applications, if the user does not require an electric mechanism, the hinge body 19 can be omitted. However, if the elastic function of the hinge body 19 is retained, the rope retraction device 41 can be replaced with a manual rope pulling device for manual retraction of the frames.

[0059] Of course, if the electric drive mechanism and the flexible hinge 19 are removed, it may be necessary to install a hand-operated working handle or pull rope near the outer end of the bottom beam of the end follower frame 12-1.

[0060] To improve the waterproofing requirements at the joints of the two fully deployed canopy assemblies, the top edge of the end follower canopy 12-1 needs to adopt a structure and material that can interlock and seal, such as a grooved rubber strip or an elastic rubber body.

[0061] Depending on the requirements of different applications, various facilities can be arranged on the ground within the canopy's coverage area, including ring-shaped walls with windows, forming commercial facilities with dynamically changeable roofs.

[0062] Of course, if the customer needs, it can also be like... Figure 11 As shown, a single semicircular truss assembly is used. Specific applications include the exterior of entrances to large buildings, serving as a large, retractable suspended ceiling.

Claims

1. A fan-shaped, deployable pergola device, characterized in that: It includes at least one set of canopy frames composed of multiple canopy structures that can support flexible canopy surfaces, and a canopy frame set includes at least one fixed canopy frame and multiple movable canopy frames. Each scaffold has a fixed hinged vertical shaft and a toothed body at the top and bottom of one vertical side. The hinged vertical axes of adjacent trellises are hinged to each other by double-hole connecting plates; The corresponding toothed structures of adjacent scaffolds mesh with each other; Each follower frame can swing around its hinged vertical axis; When each follower frame rotates around its hinged vertical axis, the toothed bodies of adjacent frames remain engaged with each other.

2. The fan-shaped unfoldable canopy device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame assembly includes a fixed frame, and multiple moving frames on both sides of the fixed frame; When each follower frame swings around its hinged vertical axis, the follower frames on both sides of the fixed frame unfold in the opposite direction.

3. The fan-shaped unfoldable canopy device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Includes two scaffolding assemblies arranged in a reverse symmetrical manner. Once all the follow-up frames are deployed, they form a circular frame array.

4. The fan-shaped unfoldable canopy device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The toothed body includes a long wedge-shaped structure. When the follower frame is extended to the limit angle, the long wedge-shaped structures of the toothed body squeeze against each other.

5. The fan-shaped unfoldable canopy device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom of the movable frame has frame wheels. When the movable frame is unfolded, the frame wheels roll along the fixed frame wheel track surface.

6. The fan-shaped unfoldable canopy device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A fixed top cover plate is provided. When the follow-up frame is unfolded, the top surface of the wedge-shaped structure of the toothed body is pressed down by the bottom surface of the fixed top cover plate.

7. The fan-shaped unfoldable canopy device according to claim 6, characterized in that: Two hinged sections are provided between adjacent shelves. One side of each hinged section is hinged to the other with a vertical axis, and the other side of each hinged section is hinged to the adjacent shelf with a vertical axis. When the folding frame unfolds, the hinges also unfold.

8. The fan-shaped unfoldable canopy device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The fixed frames within the frame assembly are equipped with a rope retraction and release device; The ropes drawn from the rope take-up and release device pass through the grooved wheel on the follower frame on one side of the fixed frame in sequence, and finally connect to the rope connection end post of the outermost end follower frame.

9. The fan-shaped unfoldable canopy device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The toothed body includes a long wedge-shaped structure. When the follower frame is extended to the limit angle, the long wedge-shaped structures of the toothed body squeeze against each other.

10. The fan-shaped unfoldable canopy device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The bottom of the movable frame has frame wheels. When the movable frame is unfolded, the frame wheels roll along the fixed frame wheel track surface.

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