Extendable pergola

Abstract

A sliding element 1 for a pergola 100 comprises a panel 2 of constant thickness 2t and a frame 3, which includes a front profile 31, a rear profile 32, and two side profiles 33 and 34 to which panel 2 is attached. The rear profile 32 has an upper surface 32a and a lower surface 32b. The element has a height 32h greater than twice the thickness of the panel 2t, the height 32h being the distance between the upper surface 32a and the lower surface 32b. Panel 2 is vertically offset with respect to the rear profile 32 and is closer to the upper surface than to the lower surface. The invention also relates to a pergola equipped with element 1.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention falls within the technical field of extendable pergolas which provide a covered space by means of the staggered extension of panels which move on rails. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The use of pergolas is widespread to provide a retractable roof in areas where one wants, on the one hand, to enjoy both the light and the warmth of the sun when the weather is favorable and, on the other hand, to protect oneself from the rain or the sun itself when it is too strong.

[0003] Many types of pergolas are available on the market. Some incorporate sliding panel mechanisms, which slide in a direction roughly parallel to the ground to cover the space between several columns. An example of this type of mechanism is described in French patent FR 2891561, which shows various panels sliding on guides to extend and retract. JP S57 130657 A also describes a similar mechanism consisting of sliding panels.

[0004] It is certain that this type of mechanism works well, but the panels used in it have constraints related to their height, since, when subjected to the forces of their weight, rain or snow settling on them and the other panels interacting, they could flex excessively, rendering the mechanism unusable or even causing the total malfunction of the system.

[0005] There are known solutions that involve inserting columns across the panels to reduce their equivalent length and decrease the force borne by each panel section. However, this solution presents obvious problems in terms of usability and convenience, as the space beneath the panels is obstructed by these intermediate columns. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] To overcome the problems presented in the prior art, the invention proposes a pergola according to claim 1. The dependent claims define preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0007] In a first inventive aspect, the invention relates to a pergola comprising a plurality of sliding elements, each element consisting of a panel of constant thickness and a panel frame. The element is suitable for forming a sliding element within the pergola. The panel frame comprises a front profile, a rear profile, and two side profiles, with the panel being fixed to the front, rear, and side profiles. This element has two essential characteristics: first, the rear profile, which has an upper and a lower surface, has a height greater than twice the thickness of the panel. The height of the rear profile is defined as the distance between the upper and lower surfaces and is measured in the same direction as the panel thickness. Second, the panel is offset vertically relative to the rear profile.

[0008] The nomenclature of "front profile," "rear profile," and "side profiles" is used to give a specific name to each of the profiles. For the sake of simplicity, in this document, the front profile is the one furthest forward in the direction of deployment, since each element is designed to form a sliding component within a pergola.

[0009] The term "profile height," as previously defined, refers to the distance between the two surfaces that define its upper and lower limits. This height is measured in the same direction as the panel thickness. Therefore, this measurement direction will be perpendicular to the plane defined by the panel, which is attached to the profiles.

[0010] The panel is attached to the rear profile, however, it is not fixed at its midpoint; there is a vertical offset. This offset is useful for the mechanical design of the profile, as it can increase its moment of inertia, allowing it to withstand greater bending forces and achieve a longer length.

[0011] In certain specific designs, the front, rear and side profiles are connected in pairs by means of parallelepiped-shaped connecting pieces, so that each connecting piece receives two of these profiles.

[0012] These connecting pieces are simpler to manufacture and more robust than traditional mitered pieces, thus avoiding the need for 45° cuts. Furthermore, these connecting pieces act as thrust stops between consecutive panels because they protrude slightly from the profiles, since, as they are pieces into which the profiles are inserted, their width is slightly greater.

[0013] According to the invention, the element further comprises a plurality of bearings arranged on the connecting pieces, suitable for allowing the element to slide relative to a rail.

[0014] According to the invention, the panel is closer to the upper surface of the rear profile than to the lower surface of the rear profile. In these embodiments, the lower overhang is greater than the upper overhang, which allows the height between the different sliding elements to be smaller, since the upper overhang is what limits the distance between adjacent sliding elements.

[0015] According to the invention, the panel is substantially rectangular, such that the length of the side attached to the front profile is more than three times the length of the side attached to a lateral profile. This aspect ratio allows for much larger and more transparent covered areas, increasing the pergola's utility.

[0016] In certain specific applications, the panel is made of polycarbonate. This material, due to its mechanical properties, is particularly suitable for panel manufacturing, providing resistance to its weight and the elements it withstands (rain, snow, hail) while facilitating the passage of sunlight through it.

[0017] In other specific designs, the panel is a photovoltaic panel or an opaque panel. These designs have other advantages, such as energy production or providing shade on days when sunlight is bothersome.

[0018] In certain specific designs, the element further includes a water collection profile fixed to the front profile and parallel to it, the water collection profile being configured to collect rainwater and direct it towards the side profiles.

[0019] According to the invention, the thickness of the panel is between 2.8 and 3.2 cm, the rear profile has a height between 6 and 7 cm and the front profile has a height between 3.5 and 4.5 cm.

[0020] According to the invention, the pergola comprises a front main profile, a rear main profile, two lateral main profiles, a fixed element attached to the rear main profile, and a plurality of sliding elements according to the first inventive aspect. Each sliding element comprises a set of bearings configured to move the sliding element along the lateral main profiles.

[0021] This pergola has the advantage of being able to have a much greater width than the pergolas known in the state of the art, given that it includes a sliding element as described above.

[0022] This pergola can be attached to the wall of a house. In some cases, the rear main profile will be fixed to the house, with the sliding sections extending away from the wall. In other cases, the side main profile will be fixed to the house, with the sections extending parallel to the wall.

[0023] In some designs, the pergola also includes a tubular motor to operate at least one of the sliding elements. In these designs, the sliding elements can be deployed effortlessly by the user, even being positioned out of the user's reach, thus creating greater heights within the pergola's covered area.

[0024] In certain particular embodiments, at least one of the two main lateral profiles further includes a water collection profile fixed to said main lateral profile and parallel to it, the water collection profile being configured to collect rainwater and direct it towards the front and rear main profiles.

[0025] In some designs, the pergola also includes a rack and pinion mechanism anchored to the water collection profile, intended to tension the belt of the tubular motor.

[0026] This rack and pinion mechanism comprises a worm gear, a square nut, and two toothed pieces that can move freely along the worm gear. As the worm gear rotates, the square nut moves one of the two toothed pieces, varying its distance relative to the other toothed piece. This provides simple tensioning of the tubular motor belt.

[0027] In certain specific designs, the pergola also includes pivoting means which include a first pivoting piece fixed to the rear main profile and a second pivoting piece, complementary to the first pivoting piece, fixed to the fixed panel.

[0028] The function of these pivoting means is to allow the configuration of the sliding elements with different angles relative to the main rear profile.

[0029] In certain specific designs, the front main profile also includes a second primary panel attached to the front main profile and a second tubular motor.

[0030] This configuration allows the sliding elements to be deployed from two different ends of the pergola, so that the number of sliding elements on each side is smaller.

[0031] In certain specific designs, the pergola includes plastic connectors between the main side profiles and the main front and rear profiles, the plastic connectors being configured to resist shocks and vibrations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] To supplement the description and facilitate a better understanding of the invention, the following set of figures is provided. These figures form an integral part of the description and illustrate one or more specific examples, which should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of protection of the invention, but simply as examples of how the invention may be implemented. This set includes the following figures: There Figure 1shows a general perspective view of a particular example of a pergola according to the invention, in the position in which the sliding elements are folded. In this case, the direction of folding and unfolding is slightly inclined. Figure 2 shows the pergola of the figure 1 , in which the sliding elements were deployed. The Figure 3 shows a perspective view of certain elements of a pergola according to the invention. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of certain elements of a pergola according to the invention. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of certain elements of a pergola according to the invention. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional front view of certain elements of a pergola according to the invention. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of certain elements of a pergola according to the invention. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of some elements of the pergola from the previous figure. Figure 9shows a cross-sectional side view of sliding elements of a pergola according to the invention being deployed. Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional side view of some elements of the pergola from the previous figure. Figure 11 and the Figure 12 show the details of the adjustment rack. The Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a particular example of a pergola according to the invention. Figure 14 shows the pergola of the figure 13 , in which the sliding elements were deployed. The Figure 15 shows a perspective view of a particular example of a pergola according to the invention. Figure 16 shows the pergola of the figure 15 , in which the sliding elements were deployed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] There Figure 1 shows a general perspective view of a particular example of a pergola 100 according to the invention. This pergola 100 comprises the following elements: a front main profile 101; a rear main profile 102; two lateral main profiles 103, 104; a fixed element 105 attached to the rear main profile 102; two sliding elements 1 configured to be deployed along the lateral main profiles 103, 104.

[0034] There figure 2 shows the pergola of the figure 1 , in which the sliding elements 1 have been deployed, so as to cover the surface of the pergola. In the particular case of the pergola 100 shown in the figures 1 and 2 , the rear main profile 102 is the one intended to be fixed to the wall of a house, so that the deployment occurs from the rear main profile 102 towards the front main profile 101, in the direction away from the wall of the house, in this case an inclined direction.

[0035] In this figure we observe how panel 2 of sliding element 1 is substantially rectangular, so that the length of the side parallel to the front main profile is greater than 2 times the length of the side parallel to the lateral main profiles.

[0036] In view of this figure, we can define meanings that serve to provide better clarity and understanding in the description of the rest of the figures.

[0037] The longitudinal direction X is defined as the direction of deployment, and is that which goes from the rear main profile 102 towards the front main profile 101, and is therefore parallel to the lateral main profiles 103, 104.

[0038] In this design, the horizontal direction Y is parallel to the main front and rear profiles. It is therefore perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0039] The vertical direction Z is the direction perpendicular to the other two. The Z direction will coincide with the vertical direction if the pergola has no incline.

[0040] The directions were chosen so that the x, y, z dihedral angle is direct.

[0041] There figure 3 This shows a perspective view of the sliding element 1 mounted on one of the main lateral profiles 103 of a pergola according to the invention. The remaining lateral profiles have been removed for a better view of the parts of the sliding element 1.

[0042] This figure shows certain characteristics of the sliding elements. Each sliding element 1 consists of a panel 2 with a constant thickness 2t and a panel frame 3. The panel frame comprises a front profile 31, a rear profile 32, and two side profiles (which are not shown in this figure). The panel 2 is fixed to the front profile 31, rear profile 32, and side profiles. The rear profile 32 has a height 32h greater than twice the thickness of the panel 2t. Furthermore, it can be seen how the panel 2 is closer to the upper surface of the rear profile than to its lower surface.

[0043] We can appreciate how the rear profile of the sliding element 1 has a top surface 32a and a bottom surface 32b. Therefore, the height 32h is the distance between the top surface 32a and the bottom surface 32b, the height 32h being measured in the same direction as the thickness of the panel.

[0044] Besides the fact that the height of the rear profile is considerably greater than the panel thickness, there is an excess of height above the panel and an excess of height below the panel. The excess of height above the panel is intended to pull on the sliding element above the panel, and the excess below is intended to be pulled by the excess above the next sliding element. This excess is also intended, according to the invention, to constitute a high geometric moment of inertia section, which ensures sufficient bending resistance of the rear profile.

[0045] There figure 4This now shows a perspective view of the pergola in which only one of the main lateral profiles has been eliminated, the other main lateral profile 103 remaining. This provides a different view of the internal arrangement of the elements mentioned in the description of the previous figure.

[0046] This figure shows how each sliding element 1 comprises a set of bearings 5 ​​configured to correctly guide the sliding element 1 along the main lateral profiles, in the longitudinal direction.

[0047] We can also see in this figure how the main lateral profile 103 has a water collection profile 107 fixed to said main lateral profile 103 and parallel to it, the water collection profile 107 being configured to collect rainwater and direct it towards the front and rear main profiles (not shown in this figure).

[0048] In general, the height of the rear profile is designed to give the sliding element a greater moment of inertia, thus allowing it to withstand a greater bending moment without deformations that could compromise the pergola's stability. Furthermore, the described configuration also allows the front profile of one sliding element to bear against the side profiles of the following sliding element when both are extended, and the side profiles of one sliding element to bear against the rear profile of the following sliding element, giving the entire assembly greater rigidity.

[0049] Another additional detail observed in this figure is that the various profiles 31, 32, 33, 34 that form the panel frame are connected by means of parallelepiped-shaped connecting pieces 35, such that each of these connecting pieces receives two of the profiles. These connecting pieces are simpler to manufacture and more robust than traditional mitered pieces, thus avoiding the need for 45° cuts.

[0050] These connecting pieces have three distinct functions: firstly, they join the aforementioned profiles; secondly, they act as thrust stops between consecutive panels; and lastly, they serve as supports for the guide wheels. They perform the second function because they protrude slightly from the profiles, since, as they are pieces into which the profiles are inserted, their width is slightly greater. This allows them to function as stops.

[0051] There figure 5 shows a side view, in the horizontal direction, in which the main lateral profiles have been eliminated so that the elements within them can be observed.

[0052] We can see in this image the fixed element 105 and two sliding elements 1. We can perfectly appreciate in this figure how the panel 2 is eccentric in height relative to the rear profile 32, so that the upper excess drives the subsequent sliding element 1 and the lower excess gives the sliding element a high moment of inertia.

[0053] We also observe in this figure a water collection profile 4 fixed to the front profile 31 of the sliding element 1, and parallel to it, the water collection profile 4 being configured to collect rainwater and direct it towards the lateral profiles (not shown in this figure).

[0054] There figure 6This shows a cross-sectional view of the pergola along its longitudinal axis. The shape of the main lateral profile 103 is visible in this view, which houses the sliding elements 1 and their corresponding bearings 5. The main lateral profile 103 is reproduced on the right for better observation of its characteristics.

[0055] We also observe in this figure an anti-locking element 7 designed to prevent the transmission belt from interfering with itself, due to the fact that it is closed and toothed in its inner part.

[0056] There figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view along a plane perpendicular to the horizontal direction of the area of ​​the rear main profile 102.

[0057] This figure shows the position of the axis of the tubular motor M intended to act on the sliding element.

[0058] On the figure 8The cover of the actuation device has been partially disassembled, so as to be able to better appreciate the elements which compose it: a toothed wheel M1, return pulleys M2 and a transmission belt M3 responsible for transmitting the movement generated in the motor M to a drive part located in the first of the panels (not shown in this figure).

[0059] This figure also shows how the pergola includes pivoting means comprising a first pivoting end C1, which is part of the main rear profile, and a complementary form C2 attached to the pergola frame, such that C1 and C2 form a cylindrical joint. This allows the pergola's inclination to be adjusted. A cover 109 is provided at the top, which is hinged to the upper end 108 of the main rear fixing profile 102.

[0060] On the figure 9The sliding elements 1 are observed in their retracted position. This figure also shows the drive part 120 intended to transmit the movement of the tubular motor to the sliding element 1 which is deployed first.

[0061] This figure also shows how narrow the front profiles are, given that they rest on the preceding panel; they do not require a greater height, unlike the rear profile which, as observed, for example, on the figure 8 , rests on nothing, hence its greatest height.

[0062] On the Figure 10 We observe the sliding element 1 which is fully deployed and has reached the main front profile 101. We observe in this figure how the water collection profile 4 manages to position itself under the projection of the main front profile 101.

[0063] THE Figures 11 and 12They show a rack and pinion mechanism for tensioning the belt of the tubular motor 106. This rack and pinion mechanism includes a worm gear 111, a square nut 112, and two toothed pieces 113, 114. The toothed pieces 113, 114 can move freely along the worm gear, limited by the position of the square nut 112. When the tubular motor belt is positioned against the toothed pieces and the worm gear rotates, the square nut 112 presses against one of the toothed pieces, decreasing the distance between them and thus tensioning the belt. This mechanism further includes two screws 115 for connecting it to the water collection profile, as can be seen in the Figure 10 The screws work with threaded plates that allow their relative position to be adjusted.

[0064] THE figures 13 to 16 show general perspective views of different examples of pergola construction according to the invention.

[0065] On the Figures 13 and 14 a pergola similar to the one shown on the figures 1 and 2 , but where there are more than 1 sliding elements. The number of sliding elements will depend on the length to be covered, and will require larger main profiles 101, 102, 103, 104, to provide rails for the sliding of the elements. The figure 14 shows the pergola of the figure 13 in deployed position.

[0066] This pergola is designed to be connected to the wall of a house by the rear main profile 102, since it only has columns 110 in the front main profile 101.

[0067] On the Figures 15 and 16 We can see another, different implementation that offers some variations compared to the options shown on the figures 1, 2 , 13 and 14 .

[0068] In this case, it is a pergola with two fixed elements 105, 105', one attached to the front main profile 101 and the other to the rear main profile 102. Thus, the sliding elements 1 can be deployed from both the front main profile 101 and the rear main profile 102, reducing the number of sliding elements required on each side and, consequently, the number of rails needed in the lateral main profiles. A second tubular motor would be provided to move the other half of the sliding elements.

[0069] Another difference is that the 110 columns are mounted on a main lateral profile, so the other main lateral profile is the one intended to be fixed to the wall of a house. The deployment in this case occurs parallel to the wall, instead of perpendicular to it, as was the case with the previous designs. figures 1, 2 , 13 and 14 .

[0070] The pergola includes plastic connectors between the main side profiles and the main front and rear profiles, the plastic connectors being configured to resist shocks and vibrations.

Claims

1. A pergola (100) comprising: a front main profile (101); a rear main profile (102); two side main profiles (103, 104); a fixed element (105) secured to the rear main profile (102) ; a plurality of sliding elements (1), each sliding element (1) comprising a set of bearings (5) configured to move the sliding element (1) along the side main profiles (103, 104), wherein each sliding element (1) is formed by a panel (2) of constant thickness (2t) and a panel frame (3), the panel frame (3) comprising a front profile (31), a rear profile (32), two side profiles (33, 34), the panel (2) being secured to the front (31), rear (32) and side profiles (33, 34), the rear profile (32) has an upper surface (32a) and a lower surface (32b), the panel being substantially rectangular, so that the length of the side secured to the front profile is greater than 3 times the length of the side secured to a side profile, and the front profile having a height smaller than the rear profile, characterized in that the thickness of the panel is between 2.8 and 3.2 cm, the rear profile has a height of between 6 and 7 cm and the front profile has a height of between 3.5 and 4.5 cm, the height (32h) being the distance between the upper surface (32a) and the lower surface (32b), and the height (32h) being measured in the same direction as the thickness of the panel (2t); in that the front profile bears against the preceding panel; and in that the panel (2) is vertically offset relative to the rear profile (32), the panel (2) being closer to the upper surface of the rear profile than to the lower surface of the rear profile.

2. The pergola (100) according to claim 1, wherein the front (31), rear (32) and side (33, 34) profiles are connected in pairs by means of parallelepiped-shaped connecting pieces, so that each connecting piece receives two of these profiles.

3. The pergola (100) according to claim 2, which further comprises a plurality of bearings (5) arranged on the connecting pieces, operable to allow the element (1) to slide along a rail.

4. The pergola (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel (2) is made of polycarbonate.

5. The pergola (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the panel (2) comprises photovoltaic cells.

6. The pergola (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the panel (2) is opaque.

7. The pergola (100) according to any of the preceding claims, which further comprises a water-collection profile (4) secured to and extending parallel to the front profile (31), the water-collection profile (4) being configured to collect rainwater and direct it towards the side profiles (33, 34).

8. The pergola (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a tubular motor (M) for acting on at least one of the sliding elements (1).

9. The pergola (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 8, wherein at least one of the two main side profiles (103, 104) further comprises a water-collection profile (107) secured to and extending parallel to said main side profile, the water-collection profile being configured to collect rainwater and direct it towards the front and rear main profiles (101, 102).

10. The pergola (100) according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 8, which further comprises a rack mechanism (106) anchored to the water-collection profile, for tensioning the belt of the tubular motor.

11. The pergola (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, which further comprises pivoting means which comprise a first pivoting piece secured to the rear main profile and a second pivoting piece, complementary to the first pivoting piece, secured to the fixed panel.

12. The pergola (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 11 which comprises plastic connectors between the side main profiles and the front and rear main profiles, the plastic connectors being configured to resist shocks and vibrations.

Images