Automatic opening and closing parasol

Abstract

The present invention concerns an automatic opening and closing parasol comprising a stem (5), a collar (15) sliding along the stem, and a cover (10) supported by the stem, where the cover is moved by said collar (5) between an open configuration and a closed configuration; the parasol 1 comprises an electromechanical device (30) for automatically opening and closing the cover (10); characterized by the fact that the electromechanical device (30) comprises at least two parts that can be connected and disconnected from each other, where said two parts are: - a mechanical implementation part (32) integral with the stem (5); - an electronic control part (34), which can be coupled and uncoupled from the stem and configured to control the mechanical implementation part.

Description

[0001] The present invention concerns a parasol with automatic opening and closing. The invention was made with particular reference to beach and garden parasols, therefore with the main purpose of being a sunshade.PRIOR ART

[0002] Beach parasols are notoriously large, as they need to provide shade for users lying on sunbeds underneath them.

[0003] Beach and garden umbrellas are also sturdy, to withstand the wind, and consequently heavy.

[0004] For this reason, opening and closing them is particularly difficult and even dangerous if not done with appropriate caution. In addition, there is the problem that there are a large number of these parasols in beach establishments, and during the tourist season they all have to be opened and closed every day, or several times a day in the event of sudden storms, increasing the inconvenience.

[0005] Italian patent application 10199900777397 proposes to solve the problem by means of an electromechanical opening and closing device to replace the cap at the top of the parasol. The device comprises a container box to be inserted at the top of the parasol stem, where the box encloses the motor, mechanisms, electronics, and power generators. A tow cable emerges from the box and is connected to the parasol collar to pull it open along the parasol stem.

[0006] The solution solves the main problem of enabling automatic opening and closing, but there is room for improvement in various aspects.

[0007] We note that the use of this device is very limited due to difficulties in servicing and maintenance. When one of these devices breaks down, it must be dismantled, sent for repair, and temporarily replaced. However, these devices are expensive and cumbersome to make such a management system economically convenient, which is why their use is limited to the daily range of action of a technician based at the parent company.

[0008] The device described in the earlier patent application is also difficult to dismantle because, as it can also be installed on existing parasols, the tow cable has to pass through the area where the parasol ribs are joined to the stem, each of which has a rotating hinge. Due to the large number of ribs, this area is very difficult and delicate to pass through, making installation and maintenance particularly difficult. One solution proposed by the patent application itself is to insert the cable into the parasol stem and, during installation, drill a hole in the stem to create a makeshift passage for the cable, but this only increases the difficulty of installation and removal. Suffice it to say that the hole shown in the patent application is clearly oriented and protected by a sheath, but in practice it cannot be made on an already assembled parasol. Furthermore, the need to insert the cable into the hole every time maintenance is required is very burdensome.

[0009] Another significant negative aspect is the periodic need to replace the parasol cover, which forces the parasol operator, who is not accustomed to electrical devices, to remove the device with the risk of damage. The device actually fits over the parasol from the outside and prevents the fabric from passing through.

[0010] Another negative aspect is winter storage and washing. At the end of the season, beach resort operators typically wash the parasols with pressure washers and, once they have dried, store them for the winter. Due to the difficulty of separating them from the beach umbrella, the devices described in the earlier patent application are washed and stored together with the parasol, with the risk of being exposed to environments that are unsuitable for electronic devices and therefore being damaged.

[0011] About ten years after this first patent application, a second Italian patent application 102019000014817 was filed, confirming the structure of the device in the first application and additionally proposing the use of a flat tow cable to reduce tangling problems. However, passing through the ribs or the makeshift hole does not exempt it from the aforementioned assembly difficulties.

[0012] The purpose of the present invention is to solve all or part of the problems mentioned above.

[0013] A preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatically opening and closing parasol that allows for easy and economical maintenance.

[0014] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatically opening and closing parasol that allows for winter storage and / or washing, thereby safeguarding its functionality.

[0015] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatically opening and closing parasol that allows for easy and practical replacement of the parasol fabric.

[0016] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic opening and closing parasol that can be easily distributed regardless of the distance from service and maintenance centers.

[0017] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic opening and closing parasol with a low risk of jamming.

[0018] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to allow both automatic and manual opening and closing of the parasol.

[0019] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic opening and closing parasol that represents an alternative to those known and that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.GENERAL INTRODUCTION

[0020] According to its first general aspect, the present invention concerns an automatic opening and closing parasol comprising a stem (5), a collar (15) sliding along the stem, and a cover (10) supported by the stem, where the cover is moved by said collar (5) between an open configuration and a closed configuration; the parasol 1 comprises an electromechanical device (30) for automatically opening and closing the cover (10); characterized by the fact that the electromechanical device (30) comprises at least two parts that can be connected and disconnected from each other, where said two parts are: a mechanical implementation part (32) integral with the stem (5); an electronic control part (34) separable from the stem and the mechanical implementation part, the electronic control part being configured to control the mechanical implementation part.

[0021] In this way, all the difficulties of coupling and uncoupling between the mechanical implementation part and the stem are advantageously eliminated, since the mechanical implementation part is part of the stem. Furthermore, the part most prone to failure, i.e., the electronic control part, is easily removable, replaceable, can be sent to remote service centers, and can be stored in places separate from the parasol.

[0022] According to some preferred implementation forms, the mechanical implementation part (32) and the electronic control part (34) can be coupled and uncoupled from each other both mechanically and electrically by means of an electromechanical connection interface (45).

[0023] For example, said interface (45) comprises electrical connection means chosen from: contactless power supply means; plug and socket connectors cables with connection plugs.

[0024] Preferably, the electronic control unit (34) comprises a watertight box (44) containing at least: an electronic board (46) a power supply source (48) a solar charging source (49)

[0025] According to some preferred forms of implementation, the mechanical implementation part (32) comprises: at least one tow cable (35) connected to the collar (15) to enable it to slide along the stem (5); at least one tow cable exit opening (36) made in the stem.

[0026] Advantageously, the fact that the mechanical implementation part is integrated into the stem does not require the cable to be reinstalled each time it is necessary or desirable to separate the electronic control part.

[0027] Preferably, the cover (10) is joined to the stem at a fulcrum point (18), and the stem comprises at least one tow cable (35) outlet opening (36) arranged between the fulcrum point (18) and the collar (15). This advantageously reduces the possibility of tangling in the event of cable slack due to manual opening.

[0028] According to some preferred forms of implementation, the mechanical implementation part (32) comprises a containment box (37) comprising a stem portion (5) and containing at least: electric motor means (38), at least one pulley (40) for driving the tow cable (35), driven by said electric motor means (38).

[0029] Preferably, the containment box also contains means for reducing rotation (39).

[0030] Preferably, the tow cable (35) comprises a first end connected to the collar (15) and a second end that is free and movable within the stem (5). This advantageously further reduces the risk of the cable becoming tangled, as there is no winding.

[0031] In this case, the tow cable is preferably held against the drive pulley (40) by one or more wheels (42).

[0032] According to some preferred form of implementation, the tow cable (35) is in the form of a toothed belt and the drive pulley (40) is a toothed pulley configured to couple with the teeth of the belt. This mitigates the risk of accidental closures due to cable slippage.

[0033] Preferably, the drive pulley (40) partially protrudes from an opening (36) through which the tow cable (35) exits the stem (5), or is proximal to such an exit.

[0034] Forms of implementation in which the mechanical implementation part (32) comprises a tow cable winding spool (15) are not excluded.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of its preferred forms of implementation, made with reference to the accompanying drawings and given by way of example and not limitation. In these drawings: Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a parasol according to the present invention, in an open configuration and without the parasol fabric to allow the underlying part to be seen; Figure 2 schematically shows a section of the parasol of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a section like Figure 2, showing the parasol in the closed configuration; Figure 4 is an enlargement of Figure 3; Figure 5 is like Figure 4, where the electronic part is extracted from the mechanical part; Figure 6 shows a variant of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a variant of Figure 4.

[0036] With reference to Figure 1, a parasol according to the present invention is shown, indicated as a whole with reference number 1.

[0037] The parasol 1 comprises a stem 5 and a cover 10, movably connected substantially to one end 6 of the stem, hereinafter referred to as the "top," between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The transition between the two configurations is determined by a collar 15 that slides along the stem.

[0038] The cover 10 may be of a known type and therefore comprise a fabric supported by a plurality of ribs 20, each of which is rotatably connected to the stem at a fulcrum point 18 located substantially at the top 6 of the stem 5.

[0039] The collar 15 sliding on the stem 5 causes these support ribs 20 to act as a lever around said fulcrum point 18 by means of second ribs 21, which act as a thrust, transmitting the thrust of the collar to a central portion of the support ribs 20.

[0040] The parasol 1 comprises an electromechanical device 30 for automatically opening and closing the cover 10, which electromechanical device is partially integrated into the stem 5.

[0041] The electromechanical device 30 is located substantially at the top 6 of the stem 5 and comprises at least two parts that can be connected and disconnected from each other, where said two parts are: a mechanical implementation part 32 an electronic control part 34 configured to control the mechanical implementation part.

[0042] The mechanical implementation part 32 is integrated into the stem 5. It comprises: at least one tow cable 35 connected to the collar 15 to enable it to slide along the stem 5; at least one tow cable outlet opening 36 made in the stem between the fulcrum point 18 and the end of the stem 5 opposite the top 6.

[0043] The mechanical implementation part 32 comprises a watertight containment box 37, including a stem portion 5. Inside said box 37 are contained at least: electric motors 38, at least one pulley 40 for driving the tow cable 35, moved by said electric motors 38, preferably by means of mechanical reduction gears 39.

[0044] The tow cable 35 in the example shown has a first end attached to the collar 15 and a second end that is free and movable within the stem 5.

[0045] The tow cable is held against the pulley 40 by one or more wheels 42, preferably idlers.

[0046] In the example shown, the tow cable 35 is in the form of a toothed belt and the pulley 40 is a toothed pulley configured to couple with the teeth of the belt.

[0047] Pulley 40 generally preferably protrudes partially from outlet opening 36, or is proximal to said outlet, so as to guide the cable out of the stem.

[0048] The electronic control part 34 comprises a containment box 44 that can be mechanically and electrically coupled and uncoupled to the mechanical implementation part by means of an electromechanical connection interface 45. The connection interface 45 comprises form-fitting coupling means for achieving a stable mechanical coupling, and electrical coupling means. The latter are preferably one of the following: contactless power supply means (known as "contactless" or induction); plug and socket connectors cables with connectors.

[0049] Figure 5 shows an example of a connection cable 43, joined by one of the two parts 32 and 34 and equipped with a connection plug 43a on the other part, where the plug can be inserted and removed from a corresponding socket.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a variant of Figure 5 in which the cable 43 that electrically connects the two parts 32 and 34 is divided into two sections, equipped with connectors 43b.

[0051] The electronic control unit 34 comprises at least one electronic control board 46, configured to receive opening and closing inputs from a user, for example via a remote control, and to consequently control the mechanical implementation means 32 so that they are activated to generate the relative opening and closing of the cover 10.

[0052] The electronic control unit 34 also includes at least one power source, preferably at least two, chosen from, for example: a battery 48 photovoltaic generation means 49

[0053] According to some variants, an example of which is given in a non-limiting manner in Figure 7, a spool 140 for winding the cable may be used instead of the cable drive pulley 40. In this case, the cable preferably has a flattened shape and is indicated by the number 135. The spool 140 may also partially protrude from the stem 5 for a better guiding effect.

[0054] In use, whether for electronic maintenance or winter storage, the mechanical implementation part 32 remains permanently attached to the stem 5, being integrated with it, while the control unit 34 can be easily removed without having to remove and reinsert the tow cable 35 through the cover 10 or the openings in the stem 5.

[0055] In this way, the electronic control part 34 can be easily handled separately from the mechanical implementation part 32, is inexpensive, and can easily be produced economically in various pieces ready for replacement in case of failure while waiting to send the original part for maintenance.

[0056] The toothed belt cable 35 is particularly advantageous in preventing tangling in the event of alternative manual opening.

[0057] Another particularly advantageous aspect in avoiding tangles and allowing the two opening modes, automatic and manual, is the cable guide effect provided by the partial exit of pulley 40 from stem 5 or its position proximal to the cable exit opening.GENERAL MEANING OF TERMS

[0058] In understanding the purpose of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended as open-ended terms specifying the presence of the declared characteristics, elements, components, groups, integers and / or phases, but not excluding the presence of other undeclared characteristics, elements, components, groups, integers and / or phases. The above also applies to words with similar meanings such as the terms "including", "having" and their derivatives. In addition, the terms "part", "section", "portion", "member" or "element" when used in the singular may have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. As used herein to describe the form(s) of implementation mentioned above, the following directional terms "forward", "backward", "above", "below", "vertical", "horizontal", "underneath" and "transverse", as well as any other similar directional terms refer to the form of implementation described in the operative position. Finally, grade terms such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

[0059] While only selected implementation forms have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, from this description it will be clear to those expert in the field that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the purpose of the invention as defined in the attached claims. For example, the size, shape, position or orientation of the various components may be modified as needed and / or desired. Components shown directly connected or in contact with each other may have intermediate structures interposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two and vice versa. The structures and functions of one form of implementation can be adopted in another one. It is not necessary that all advantages are present in a particular form of implementation at the same time. Each characteristic that is original compared to the prior art, alone or in combination with other characteristics, should also be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including structural and / or functional concepts incorporated by those characteristics. Therefore, the previous descriptions of implementation forms according to the present invention are provided for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0035]Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of its preferred forms of implementation, made with reference to the accompanying drawings and given by way of example and not limitation. In these drawings:

Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a parasol according to the present invention, in an open configuration and without the parasol fabric to allow the underlying part to be seen; Figure 2 schematically shows a section of the parasol of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a section like Figure 2, showing the parasol in the closed configuration; Figure 4 is an enlargement of Figure 3; Figure 5 is like Figure 4, where the electronic part is extracted from the mechanical part; Figure 6 shows a variant of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a variant of Figure 4.

[0036]With reference to Figure 1, a parasol according to the present invention is shown, indicated as a whole with reference number 1.

[0037]The parasol 1 comp...

[0001] The present invention concerns a parasol with automatic opening and closing. The invention was made with particular reference to beach and garden parasols, therefore with the main purpose of being a sunshade.PRIOR ART

[0002] Beach parasols are notoriously large, as they need to provide shade for users lying on sunbeds underneath them.

[0003] Beach and garden umbrellas are also sturdy, to withstand the wind, and consequently heavy.

[0004] For this reason, opening and closing them is particularly difficult and even dangerous if not done with appropriate caution. In addition, there is the problem that there are a large number of these parasols in beach establishments, and during the tourist season they all have to be opened and closed every day, or several times a day in the event of sudden storms, increasing the inconvenience.

[0005] Italian patent application 10199900777397 proposes to solve the problem by means of an electromechanical opening and closing device to replace the cap at the top of the parasol. The device comprises a container box to be inserted at the top of the parasol stem, where the box encloses the motor, mechanisms, electronics, and power generators. A tow cable emerges from the box and is connected to the parasol collar to pull it open along the parasol stem.

[0006] The solution solves the main problem of enabling automatic opening and closing, but there is room for improvement in various aspects.

[0007] We note that the use of this device is very limited due to difficulties in servicing and maintenance. When one of these devices breaks down, it must be dismantled, sent for repair, and temporarily replaced. However, these devices are expensive and cumbersome to make such a management system economically convenient, which is why their use is limited to the daily range of action of a technician based at the parent company.

[0008] The device described in the earlier patent application is also difficult to dismantle because, as it can also be installed on existing parasols, the tow cable has to pass through the area where the parasol ribs are joined to the stem, each of which has a rotating hinge. Due to the large number of ribs, this area is very difficult and delicate to pass through, making installation and maintenance particularly difficult. One solution proposed by the patent application itself is to insert the cable into the parasol stem and, during installation, drill a hole in the stem to create a makeshift passage for the cable, but this only increases the difficulty of installation and removal. Suffice it to say that the hole shown in the patent application is clearly oriented and protected by a sheath, but in practice it cannot be made on an already assembled parasol. Furthermore, the need to insert the cable into the hole every time maintenance is required is very burdensome.

[0009] Another significant negative aspect is the periodic need to replace the parasol cover, which forces the parasol operator, who is not accustomed to electrical devices, to remove the device with the risk of damage. The device actually fits over the parasol from the outside and prevents the fabric from passing through.

[0010] Another negative aspect is winter storage and washing. At the end of the season, beach resort operators typically wash the parasols with pressure washers and, once they have dried, store them for the winter. Due to the difficulty of separating them from the beach umbrella, the devices described in the earlier patent application are washed and stored together with the parasol, with the risk of being exposed to environments that are unsuitable for electronic devices and therefore being damaged.

[0011] About ten years after this first patent application, a second Italian patent application 102019000014817 was filed, confirming the structure of the device in the first application and additionally proposing the use of a flat tow cable to reduce tangling problems. However, passing through the ribs or the makeshift hole does not exempt it from the aforementioned assembly difficulties.

[0012] The purpose of the present invention is to solve all or part of the problems mentioned above.

[0013] A preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatically opening and closing parasol that allows for easy and economical maintenance.

[0014] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatically opening and closing parasol that allows for winter storage and / or washing, thereby safeguarding its functionality.

[0015] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatically opening and closing parasol that allows for easy and practical replacement of the parasol fabric.

[0016] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic opening and closing parasol that can be easily distributed regardless of the distance from service and maintenance centers.

[0017] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic opening and closing parasol with a low risk of jamming.

[0018] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to allow both automatic and manual opening and closing of the parasol.

[0019] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic opening and closing parasol that represents an alternative to those known and that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.GENERAL INTRODUCTION

[0020] According to its first general aspect, the present invention concerns an automatic opening and closing parasol comprising a stem (5), a collar (15) sliding along the stem, and a cover (10) supported by the stem, where the cover is moved by said collar (5) between an open configuration and a closed configuration; the parasol 1 comprises an electromechanical device (30) for automatically opening and closing the cover (10); characterized by the fact that the electromechanical device (30) comprises at least two parts that can be connected and disconnected from each other, where said two parts are: a mechanical implementation part (32) integral with the stem (5); an electronic control part (34) separable from the stem and the mechanical implementation part, the electronic control part being configured to control the mechanical implementation part.

[0021] In this way, all the difficulties of coupling and uncoupling between the mechanical implementation part and the stem are advantageously eliminated, since the mechanical implementation part is part of the stem. Furthermore, the part most prone to failure, i.e., the electronic control part, is easily removable, replaceable, can be sent to remote service centers, and can be stored in places separate from the parasol.

[0022] According to some preferred implementation forms, the mechanical implementation part (32) and the electronic control part (34) can be coupled and uncoupled from each other both mechanically and electrically by means of an electromechanical connection interface (45).

[0023] For example, said interface (45) comprises electrical connection means chosen from: contactless power supply means; plug and socket connectors cables with connection plugs.

[0024] Preferably, the electronic control unit (34) comprises a watertight box (44) containing at least: an electronic board (46) a power supply source (48) a solar charging source (49)

[0025] According to some preferred forms of implementation, the mechanical implementation part (32) comprises: at least one tow cable (35) connected to the collar (15) to enable it to slide along the stem (5); at least one tow cable exit opening (36) made in the stem.

[0026] Advantageously, the fact that the mechanical implementation part is integrated into the stem does not require the cable to be reinstalled each time it is necessary or desirable to separate the electronic control part.

[0027] Preferably, the cover (10) is joined to the stem at a fulcrum point (18), and the stem comprises at least one tow cable (35) outlet opening (36) arranged between the fulcrum point (18) and the collar (15). This advantageously reduces the possibility of tangling in the event of cable slack due to manual opening.

[0028] According to some preferred forms of implementation, the mechanical implementation part (32) comprises a containment box (37) comprising a stem portion (5) and containing at least: electric motor means (38), at least one pulley (40) for driving the tow cable (35), driven by said electric motor means (38).

[0029] Preferably, the containment box also contains means for reducing rotation (39).

[0030] Preferably, the tow cable (35) comprises a first end connected to the collar (15) and a second end that is free and movable within the stem (5). This advantageously further reduces the risk of the cable becoming tangled, as there is no winding.

[0031] In this case, the tow cable is preferably held against the drive pulley (40) by one or more wheels (42).

[0032] According to some preferred form of implementation, the tow cable (35) is in the form of a toothed belt and the drive pulley (40) is a toothed pulley configured to couple with the teeth of the belt. This mitigates the risk of accidental closures due to cable slippage.

[0033] Preferably, the drive pulley (40) partially protrudes from an opening (36) through which the tow cable (35) exits the stem (5), or is proximal to such an exit.

[0034] Forms of implementation in which the mechanical implementation part (32) comprises a tow cable winding spool (15) are not excluded.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of its preferred forms of implementation, made with reference to the accompanying drawings and given by way of example and not limitation. In these drawings: Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a parasol according to the present invention, in an open configuration and without the parasol fabric to allow the underlying part to be seen; Figure 2 schematically shows a section of the parasol of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a section like Figure 2, showing the parasol in the closed configuration; Figure 4 is an enlargement of Figure 3; Figure 5 is like Figure 4, where the electronic part is extracted from the mechanical part; Figure 6 shows a variant of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a variant of Figure 4.

[0036] With reference to Figure 1, a parasol according to the present invention is shown, indicated as a whole with reference number 1.

[0037] The parasol 1 comprises a stem 5 and a cover 10, movably connected substantially to one end 6 of the stem, hereinafter referred to as the "top," between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The transition between the two configurations is determined by a collar 15 that slides along the stem.

[0038] The cover 10 may be of a known type and therefore comprise a fabric supported by a plurality of ribs 20, each of which is rotatably connected to the stem at a fulcrum point 18 located substantially at the top 6 of the stem 5.

[0039] The collar 15 sliding on the stem 5 causes these support ribs 20 to act as a lever around said fulcrum point 18 by means of second ribs 21, which act as a thrust, transmitting the thrust of the collar to a central portion of the support ribs 20.

[0040] The parasol 1 comprises an electromechanical device 30 for automatically opening and closing the cover 10, which electromechanical device is partially integrated into the stem 5.

[0041] The electromechanical device 30 is located substantially at the top 6 of the stem 5 and comprises at least two parts that can be connected and disconnected from each other, where said two parts are: a mechanical implementation part 32 an electronic control part 34 configured to control the mechanical implementation part.

[0042] The mechanical implementation part 32 is integrated into the stem 5. It comprises: at least one tow cable 35 connected to the collar 15 to enable it to slide along the stem 5; at least one tow cable outlet opening 36 made in the stem between the fulcrum point 18 and the end of the stem 5 opposite the top 6.

[0043] The mechanical implementation part 32 comprises a watertight containment box 37, including a stem portion 5. Inside said box 37 are contained at least: electric motors 38, at least one pulley 40 for driving the tow cable 35, moved by said electric motors 38, preferably by means of mechanical reduction gears 39.

[0044] The tow cable 35 in the example shown has a first end attached to the collar 15 and a second end that is free and movable within the stem 5.

[0045] The tow cable is held against the pulley 40 by one or more wheels 42, preferably idlers.

[0046] In the example shown, the tow cable 35 is in the form of a toothed belt and the pulley 40 is a toothed pulley configured to couple with the teeth of the belt.

[0047] Pulley 40 generally preferably protrudes partially from outlet opening 36, or is proximal to said outlet, so as to guide the cable out of the stem.

[0048] The electronic control part 34 comprises a containment box 44 that can be mechanically and electrically coupled and uncoupled to the mechanical implementation part by means of an electromechanical connection interface 45. The connection interface 45 comprises form-fitting coupling means for achieving a stable mechanical coupling, and electrical coupling means. The latter are preferably one of the following: contactless power supply means (known as "contactless" or induction); plug and socket connectors cables with connectors.

[0049] Figure 5 shows an example of a connection cable 43, joined by one of the two parts 32 and 34 and equipped with a connection plug 43a on the other part, where the plug can be inserted and removed from a corresponding socket.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a variant of Figure 5 in which the cable 43 that electrically connects the two parts 32 and 34 is divided into two sections, equipped with connectors 43b.

[0051] The electronic control unit 34 comprises at least one electronic control board 46, configured to receive opening and closing inputs from a user, for example via a remote control, and to consequently control the mechanical implementation means 32 so that they are activated to generate the relative opening and closing of the cover 10.

[0052] The electronic control unit 34 also includes at least one power source, preferably at least two, chosen from, for example: a battery 48 photovoltaic generation means 49

[0053] According to some variants, an example of which is given in a non-limiting manner in Figure 7, a spool 140 for winding the cable may be used instead of the cable drive pulley 40. In this case, the cable preferably has a flattened shape and is indicated by the number 135. The spool 140 may also partially protrude from the stem 5 for a better guiding effect.

[0054] In use, whether for electronic maintenance or winter storage, the mechanical implementation part 32 remains permanently attached to the stem 5, being integrated with it, while the control unit 34 can be easily removed without having to remove and reinsert the tow cable 35 through the cover 10 or the openings in the stem 5.

[0055] In this way, the electronic control part 34 can be easily handled separately from the mechanical implementation part 32, is inexpensive, and can easily be produced economically in various pieces ready for replacement in case of failure while waiting to send the original part for maintenance.

[0056] The toothed belt cable 35 is particularly advantageous in preventing tangling in the event of alternative manual opening.

[0057] Another particularly advantageous aspect in avoiding tangles and allowing the two opening modes, automatic and manual, is the cable guide effect provided by the partial exit of pulley 40 from stem 5 or its position proximal to the cable exit opening.GENERAL MEANING OF TERMS

[0058] In understanding the purpose of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended as open-ended terms specifying the presence of the declared characteristics, elements, components, groups, integers and / or phases, but not excluding the presence of other undeclared characteristics, elements, components, groups, integers and / or phases. The above also applies to words with similar meanings such as the terms "including", "having" and their derivatives. In addition, the terms "part", "section", "portion", "member" or "element" when used in the singular may have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. As used herein to describe the form(s) of implementation mentioned above, the following directional terms "forward", "backward", "above", "below", "vertical", "horizontal", "underneath" and "transverse", as well as any other similar directional terms refer to the form of implementation described in the operative position. Finally, grade terms such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

[0059] While only selected implementation forms have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, from this description it will be clear to those expert in the field that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the purpose of the invention as defined in the attached claims. For example, the size, shape, position or orientation of the various components may be modified as needed and / or desired. Components shown directly connected or in contact with each other may have intermediate structures interposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two and vice versa. The structures and functions of one form of implementation can be adopted in another one. It is not necessary that all advantages are present in a particular form of implementation at the same time. Each characteristic that is original compared to the prior art, alone or in combination with other characteristics, should also be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including structural and / or functional concepts incorporated by those characteristics. Therefore, the previous descriptions of implementation forms according to the present invention are provided for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0035]Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of its preferred forms of implementation, made with reference to the accompanying drawings and given by way of example and not limitation. In these drawings:

Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a parasol according to the present invention, in an open configuration and without the parasol fabric to allow the underlying part to be seen; Figure 2 schematically shows a section of the parasol of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a section like Figure 2, showing the parasol in the closed configuration; Figure 4 is an enlargement of Figure 3; Figure 5 is like Figure 4, where the electronic part is extracted from the mechanical part; Figure 6 shows a variant of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a variant of Figure 4.

[0036]With reference to Figure 1, a parasol according to the present invention is shown, indicated as a whole with reference number 1.

[0037]The parasol 1 comp...

Claims

1. Automatic opening and closing parasol comprising a stem (5), a collar (15) sliding along the stem, and a cover (10) supported by the stem, where the cover is moved by said collar (15) between an open configuration and a closed configuration; the parasol 1 comprises an electromechanical device (30) for automatically opening and closing the cover (10); characterized by the fact that the electromechanical device (30) comprises at least two parts that can be connected and disconnected from each other, where said two parts are: - a mechanical implementation part (32) integral with the stem (5); - an electronic control part (34), which can be coupled and uncoupled from the stem and configured to control the mechanical implementation part.

2. Parasol according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the mechanical implementation part (32) and the electronic control part (34) can be coupled and uncoupled from each other both mechanically and electrically by means of an electromechanical connection interface (45).

3. Parasol according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that said interface (45) comprises electrical connection means selected from: - contactless power supply means; - plug and socket connectors - cables with connection plugs.

4. Parasol according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the fact that the electronic control part (34) comprises a watertight box (44) containing at least: - an electronic board (46) - a power supply source5. Parasol according to any of the previous claims, characterized by the fact that the mechanical implementation part (32) comprises: - at least one tow cable (35, 135) connected to the collar (15) to enable it to slide along the stem (5); - at least one tow cable exit opening (36) made in the stem.

6. Parasol according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the cover (10) is joined to the stem at a fulcrum point (18) and the stem comprises at least one exit opening (36) for the tow cable (35, 135) located between the fulcrum point (18) and the collar (15).

7. Parasol according to any of the previous claims, characterized by the fact that the mechanical implementation part (32) comprises a containment box (37) comprising a stem portion (5) and containing at least: - electric motor means (38), - at least one pulley (40) or spool (140) for driving the tow cable (35), driven by said electric motor means (38).

8. Parasol according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the tow cable (35, 135) comprises a first end connected to the collar (15) and a second end that is free and movable inside the stem (5).

9. Parasol according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the tow cable is held pressed against the drive pulley (40) by one or more wheels (42).

10. Parasol according to any claim from 7 to 9, characterized by the fact that the tow cable (35) is in the form of a toothed belt and the drive pulley (40) is a toothed pulley configured to engage with the teeth of the belt.

11. Parasol according to any claim from 7 to 9, characterized by the fact that the drive pulley (40) partially protrudes from an opening (36) of the tow cable (35) from the stem (5), or is proximal to such an exit.

12. Parasol according to any claim from 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the mechanical implementation part (32) comprises a tow cable winding spool (15).

13. Parasol according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that said spool (140) partially protrudes from an opening (36) through which the pull cord (135) exits the stem (5), or is proximal to such an exit.

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