COVERING DEVICE

Abstract

COVERING DEVICE The invention relates to a covering device comprising a support structure with two lateral beams, a series of covering blades (3) supported by the respective lateral beams, and means for rotating the covering blades (3) around a corresponding axis of rotation. Each covering blade (3) comprises an elongated body (32), two end caps (5) attached to the ends of the elongated body (32), and at least one connecting stud (6, 7) projecting outwards from the corresponding end cap (5) and mechanically connected to the support structure. In particular, the end cap (5) is mounted on the connecting stud (6, 7), which, via the end cap (5), at least partially supports the corresponding end of the elongated body (32). Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: COVERING DEVICE Scope

[0001] The present invention relates to a covering device.

[0002] The device in question is intended to be used for covering outdoor surfaces by protecting them against the weather and in particular from the sun and rain.

[0003] The covering device in question is indicated for the construction of pergolas, verandas and more generally covering structures, both in gardens inside private dwellings and in open public spaces, namely for example restaurants, hotels, seaside establishments or other structures.

[0004] The cover device which is the subject of the present invention thus falls within the industrial sector of the manufacture of outdoor cover blinds. State of the art

[0005] Many outdoor covering device solutions are known on the market, referred to in industry jargon as sunshades, comprising a support structure, for example canopy, fixed to the ground and equipped with two lateral stringers which support a series of tilting blades suitable for protecting an underlying surface from the ground.

[0006] For example, sunshade cover devices comprising a series of tilting blades are known, each of which is provided at its ends with rotation pins articulated to the corresponding longitudinal members.

[0007] Such devices further include means of movement connected to the tilting blades to drive them in rotation between a closed position, in which the blades are arranged substantially horizontally and all partially superimposed on the one following to prevent the passage of light and / or rain, and an open position, in which the blades are arranged inclined, delimiting openings between them for the passage of light.

[0008] Cover devices whose blades can also be moved, by means of other means of movement, between a stored configuration, in which the blades are juxtaposed to one another near one side of the cover device, and a deployed configuration, in which they are arranged spaced apart from one another, are further known.

[0009] Such devices include, for example, two guides formed on the corresponding longitudinal members, on each of which a series of carriages, carrying the rotation pins of the corresponding rotatably mounted roof blades, is mounted. In addition, at least one end of the roof blades carries a a mounted engagement washer which is slidably inserted into a drive bar which is movable in a plane orthogonal to the cover blades to drive the simultaneous rotation of all the blades when in the deployed configuration.

[0010] The tilting blades of the known devices described above are generally provided with an elongated substantially tubular body having ends on which two lateral plugs and the rotation pins of the blade are mounted.

[0011] In particular, the rotation studs are fixed by screwing or embedding them inside cylindrical seats formed on the elongated body of the blades themselves. Furthermore, the side caps are normally fixed to the ends of the blade by means of fixing screws and have through holes to allow the insertion of the rotation studs.

[0012] The tilting blades are thus assembled, during the manufacture of the cover device, by fixing the side plugs to the corresponding ends of the elongated body of the blade, and then associating the rotation studs with the latter.

[0013] During installation, after the support structure has been assembled, the blades are rotatably mounted on the side rails, with each end of the blades articulated to a corresponding support profile on the side rail, and connected to the drive means suitable for moving the blades. The side rails are then typically closed from above with a corresponding cover profile, designed to conceal the mechanical components of the cover system.

[0014] The known cover devices described above have not proven in practice to be free of drawbacks.

[0015] A first drawback of the known cover devices lies in the fact that, during installation, the assembly of the blades appears lengthy and complex, because, in particular, the side caps must first be fixed, followed by the rotation studs. Specifically, the mounting of the rotation studs requires suitable machines to press them into the cylindrical seats of the elongated body so as to hold them fixed by embedding them, or to screw them in by threading the walls of the cylindrical seats.

[0016] Another drawback of known type of cover devices lies in the fact that a significant amount of unnecessary material is used, serving no structural or decorative function. Indeed, the elongated body of the blade is produced by extrusion, and the walls that define the cylindrical seats in which the studs are fixed must necessarily extend from one end of the elongated body of the blade to the other along its entire length. However, most of the internal volume enclosed by such walls remains completely unused, since the studs do not require such a great length. Description of the invention

[0017] In this case, the basic problem of the present invention is therefore to eliminate the disadvantages of the known type solutions mentioned above, by providing a cover device whose blades are easy and quick to mount.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a covering device, which allows a smaller quantity of material to be used for the manufacture of blades.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a covering device which is both simple and economical to produce from a construction point of view.

[0020] Such objectives of the present invention are achieved by a covering device comprising: a support structure, which includes at least two parallel and juxtaposed lateral beams, each of which develops longitudinally along a corresponding development direction, a series of covering blades arranged one after the other according to the development direction, each of the covering blades developing, along its own longitudinal axis orthogonal to the development direction, between two opposite ends supported by the respective lateral beams; displacement means mounted on the support structure and mechanically connected to the covering blades and pre-arranged to rotate each of the covering blades around a corresponding axis of rotation, parallel to the longitudinal axis, between a closed position and at least one open position.Each cover blade comprises: an elongated body, extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis, between two corresponding end caps; two end caps, each of which is fixed to the corresponding end cap of the elongated body; for each end cap, at least one connecting stud, which projects from the corresponding end cap outside the elongated body and is mechanically connected to the support structure. The end cap is mounted on the at least one connecting stud which, via the end cap, supports at least partially the corresponding end cap of the elongated body.

[0021] According to another particular feature of the invention, the end cap comprises: a closing wall placed on the corresponding end of the elongated body and having an inner face, which bears against said end, and an opposite outer face from which at least one connecting stud projects; a coupling portion, which projects from the inner face into the elongated body, which is provided with at least one coupling seat in which the coupling portion is engaged in a form-matched relationship. Said coupling portion has a thickness, along the longitudinal axis, greater than the thickness, along the longitudinal axis, of the closing wall.

[0022] According to another particular feature of the invention, the coupling portion is made in one body with the closing wall.

[0023] According to another particular feature of the invention, at least one connecting stud comprises at least one reinforcement insert integrated, at least partially, inside the end cap.

[0024] According to another particular feature of the invention, the at least one connecting stud comprises a first connecting stud, which includes a first coupling portion, which develops longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis and is made in a single body with the end cap.

[0025] According to another particular feature of the invention, the first connecting stud includes a first reinforcing insert, which is inserted, at least partially, inside the first coupling portion.

[0026] According to another particular feature of the invention, the first reinforcing insert develops inside the coupling portion of the end cap.

[0027] According to another particular feature of the invention, the first coupling portion of the first connecting stud is centered on the corresponding lateral beam of the support structure around the axis of rotation.

[0028] According to another particular feature of the invention, the at least one connecting stud comprises a second connecting stud, comprising: a second coupling portion, which extends longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis projecting from the end cap; a second reinforcing insert, to which the second coupling portion is connected by mechanical coupling.

[0029] According to another particular feature of the invention, the second reinforcing insert is housed in a seat, which is obtained in the end cap and is provided with a passage opening through which the second coupling portion passes.

[0030] According to another particular feature of the invention, the means of movement comprise an articulated parallelogram mechanism provided with a movement bar to which the corresponding ends of the cover blades are articulated by means of the second coupling portions of the corresponding second connecting studs. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] The technical characteristics of the present invention, according to the purposes mentioned above, will become clear upon reading the following detailed description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which represent only some of the embodiments provided purely by way of example and in no way limit, on which:

[0032] [Fig-1] shows a perspective top view of the cover device making the object of the present invention;

[0033] [Fig.2] shows a perspective view of a detail of the cover device relating to a lateral beam, means of movement and roof blades, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] [Fig.3] shows an exploded view of a cover blade of the device cover which is the subject of the present invention, according to the preferred embodiment;

[0035] [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of the cover blade of [Fig.3], with certain portions of the end cap in cross-section to better highlight the other components;

[0036] [Fig.5] represents a perspective view from a different angle of the blade of cover of [Fig.3], with some portions of the elongated body in section to better highlight the other components.

[0037] Detailed description of a preferred example embodiment

[0038] With reference to the attached drawings, and in particular to [Fig. 1], it has been indicated in its together by 1 the cover device which is the subject of the present invention.

[0039] The cover device 1 referred to is indicated for the construction of pergolas, verandas and more generally of outdoor cover structures, such as for example gardens inside private dwellings and open public spaces, namely restaurants, hotels, seaside establishments, etc.

[0040] According to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the cover device 1 in question comprises a support structure 2, including two parallel and juxtaposed lateral beams 21. Furthermore, the support structure 2 of the cover device 1 also preferably comprises two parallel and juxtaposed front beams 22 connected to the lateral beams 21. In particular, the lateral beams 21 and the front beams 22 form a frame, advantageously quadrangular.

[0041] In more detail, each side beam 21 develops longitudinally, advantageously between a head portion 21' and a bottom portion 21”, along a corresponding development direction X preferably substantially horizontal, and advantageously each front beam 22 develops longitudinally along another corresponding development direction Y substantially orthogonal to the development directions X of the side beams 21.

[0042] In particular, one of the two front beams 22 is placed in connection with the head portions 21' of the side beams 21, and the other of the front beams 22 is placed in connection with the bottom portions 21” of the side beams 21 themselves.

[0043] Advantageously, each beam 21 and 22 of the support structure 2 comprises a first and a second elongated profile, respectively, 23 and 24, each of which is preferably obtained from an extruded metallic product, in particular aluminium.

[0044] Advantageously, the support structure 2 further comprises two first columns 25 placed on the ground, each of which supports the head portion 21' of the corresponding lateral beam 21.

[0045] Preferably, the support structure 2 further comprises two second columns 26 placed for the support of the bottom portions 21” of the corresponding side beams 21, thus realizing a self-supporting structure in particular of substantially parallelepiped shape.

[0046] Alternatively, according to a different variant of the embodiment not illustrated in the attached figures, the support structure 2 of the roofing device 1 is backed against a vertical wall (such as, for example, the wall of a building) to which the head portions 21' or the bottom portions 21" of the side beams 21 are anchored.

[0047] According to another different embodiment not illustrated in the attached figures, the head portions 21' and the bottom portions 21" of the side beams 21 of the support structure 2 are supported respectively by a first and a second vertical wall facing each other, so that the support structure 2 of the cover device 1 is interposed between said two vertical walls.

[0048] Advantageously, said side beams 21 and front beams 22 of the support structure 2 delimit between themselves an upper opening of the support structure 2, arranged above a ground surface intended to be protected by the cover device 1.

[0049] According to the present invention, the cover device 1 comprises a series of cover blades 3 arranged one after the other along said development direction X of the side beams 21, preferably from the head portions 21' to the bottom portions 21" of the side beams 21, and advantageously able to be driven to close said upper opening of the support structure 2, respectively in order to cover the underlying ground surface to protect it from the sun and / or rain.

[0050] Of course, without leaving the scope of the invention, the succession of said roofing blades 3 can be considered, in an equivalent manner, in the opposite direction to the aforementioned direction, and that is to say from the bottom portions 21” to the top portions 21’ of the lateral beams 21.

[0051] Each roof blade 3 develops, along its own longitudinal axis W substantially orthogonal to the development direction X (and preferably substantially horizontal), between two opposite ends 31 supported by the respective lateral beams 21.

[0052] According to the present invention, the cover device 1 comprises movement means 4 mechanically connected to the cover blades 3 and pre-arranged to rotate each of the cover blades 3 around a corresponding axis of rotation R, parallel to said longitudinal axis W, between a closed position and at least one open position.

[0053] In particular, the movement of the cover blades 3 between the closed position and the open position is any movement which has at least one rotational component, for example a pure rotational movement or a roto-translational movement.

[0054] Advantageously, the cover blades 3 in the closed position are arranged to close the upper opening of the support structure 2, in particular, so as to cover the underlying surface of the ground.

[0055] Preferably, in the closed position, the cover blades 3 are arranged in contact with each other following (advantageously even with the aid of joints), to close the upper opening of the support structure 2.

[0056] Advantageously, in the open position, the cover blades 3 are arranged spaced apart from each other, thus defining passage openings between them, advantageously capable of being traversed by light and air.

[0057] In addition, the cover blades 3 comprise an elongated body 32, which extends longitudinally, along the longitudinal axis W, between two corresponding end caps 32', at which the ends 31 of the cover blade 3 are advantageously arranged.

[0058] For example, the central body 32 includes a metal profile (for example, extruded aluminum).

[0059] Preferably, each cover blade 3 (and in particular its central body 32) is provided with a first longitudinal edge 321 and a second longitudinal edge 322, which extend along the corresponding longitudinal axis W between the two opposite ends 31 of the same cover blade 3. In particular, the second longitudinal edge 322, with the cover blades 3 in the closed position, is arranged above the first longitudinal edge 321 of the next cover blade 3.

[0060] Advantageously, each cover blade 3 (and in particular its central body 32) extends transversely between the first longitudinal edge 321 and the second longitudinal edge 322 along a transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis W of the same cover blade 3.

[0061] Preferably, each cover blade 3 (and in particular its central body 32) is provided with a lower wall 323, in particular substantially flat, which extends advantageously between the first longitudinal edge 321 and the second longitudinal edge 322 and, when the cover slat 3 is in the closed position, it is oriented downwards and is preferably substantially coplanar with the lower walls 323 of the other cover slats 3 also in the closed position. In addition, each cover slat 3 (and in particular its central body 32) advantageously has an upper wall 324, opposite the lower wall 323 and in particular designed to be oriented upwards when the cover slats 3 are in the closed position.

[0062] In addition, each cover blade 3 (and in particular its central body 32) is advantageously provided with a first lateral wall 325 and a second opposing lateral wall 326, placed in connection between the lower wall 323 and the upper wall 234. In particular, the first lateral wall 325 is oriented towards the first longitudinal edge 321 and the second lateral wall 326 is oriented towards the second longitudinal edge 322.

[0063] Advantageously, an internal cavity 320 is made in the central body 34, preferably delimited by the lower wall 323, by the upper wall 324, by the first lateral wall 325 and by the second lateral wall 325.

[0064] In addition, each cover blade 3 (and in particular its central body 32) is advantageously provided with a first appendage 327, extending from the first lateral wall 325, preferably in continuity with the lower wall 323, and comprising the first longitudinal edge 321. In particular, the first appendage 327 defines a drainage channel 327' for rainwater.

[0065] Advantageously, each cover blade 3 (and in particular its central body 32) is also provided with a second appendage 328, extending from the second lateral wall 326, preferably in continuity with the upper wall 324, and comprising the second longitudinal edge 321. In particular, with the cover blades 3 in the closed position, the second appendage 328 is arranged at least partially superimposed on the first appendage 327.

[0066] In addition, each cover blade 3 includes two end caps 5, each of which is fixed to the corresponding end 32' of the elongated body 32. In particular, the elongated body 32 is closed at its ends 32' by end caps 5.

[0067] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the end cap 5 comprises a closing wall 51 placed on the corresponding end 32', preferably externally to the elongated body 32, and is provided with an internal face 52, which is placed in support on said end 32', and an opposite external face 53.

[0068] Advantageously, the end cap 5 further comprises a portion coupling 54, which develops in projection from the inner face 52 by penetrating inside the elongated body 32. In particular, the elongated body 32 is provided with at least one coupling seat 33 in which the coupling portion 54 is engaged in a form relationship.

[0069] Preferably, the coupling portion 54 has a thickness, along the longitudinal axis W, greater than the thickness, along the longitudinal axis W, of the closing wall 51. Even more preferably, the thickness of the coupling portion 54 is at least four times the thickness of the closing wall 51.

[0070] Advantageously, the coupling portion 54 is made in one body with the closing wall 51.

[0071] As illustrated in [Fig. 3] and 5, the coupling seat 33 is defined by a portion of the internal cavity 320 of the elongated body 32 at the level of the corresponding end piece 32', and advantageously the coupling portion 54 comprises a first coupling part 541 at least partially in counter-shape with respect to said coupling seat 33 thus defined. In particular, the first coupling part 541 is internally engaged with the elongated body 32 against at least one of the following: the lower wall 323, the upper wall 324, the first side wall 325, and the second side wall 326 of the elongated body 32, preferably at least two opposite walls.

[0072] Advantageously, the coupling portion 54 further comprises a second coupling portion 542 at least partially in counter-form with respect to the first appendage 327 of the elongated body 32. In particular, the second coupling portion 541 is internally engaged with the flow channel 327' against the first longitudinal edge 321.

[0073] In addition, each cover blade 3 comprises, for each end piece 32', at least one connecting stud 6, 7, which projects outward from the end cap 5 corresponding to the outside of the elongated body 32, preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis W, and is mechanically connected to the support structure 2. In particular, the connecting stud 6, 7 can be connected to the support structure 2 directly, for example by being rotatably connected to a side beam 21, or indirectly, for example by being rotatably connected to the displacement means 4, which in turn are preferably mounted on the support structure 2.

[0074] According to the basic idea of ​​the present invention, the end cap 5 is mounted on the connecting stud 6, 7 which supports, via the end cap 5, at least partially the corresponding tip 32' of the elongated body 32.

[0075] Advantageously, the connecting stud 6, 7 is rigidly fixed to the end cap 5. For example, the connecting stud 6, 7 can be made as a single unit with the end cap 5, or can be fixed to it by screwing into a threaded reinforcing insert embedded in the end cap 5, as described further in Details below.

[0076] Thus, the assembly of the cover blade 3 is simpler, because the connecting stud 6, 7 is advantageously already associated with the end cap 5 and does not need to be associated directly even with the elongated body 32.

[0077] Other tools are therefore not advantageously required to embed the dowels in the appropriate seats, such as in known type cover blades.

[0078] In addition, the elongated body 32 of the cover blade 3 does not include any unnecessary wall intended for the fixing of the studs, resulting in material and cost savings.

[0079] Advantageously, the connecting stud 6, 7 includes at least one reinforcing insert 60, 70 integrated, at least partially, inside the end cap 5.

[0080] In particular, the end cap 5 is made of polymer and the reinforcing insert 60, 70 is preferably made of a metallic material. More specifically, the connecting stud 6, 7 and the end cap 5 are at least partially made as a single unit, preferably by injection co-molding.

[0081] Thus, during the assembly of the cover blade 3, it is advantageously sufficient to join the elongated body 32 to the end cap 5, which has at least the reinforcing insert 60, 70 of the connecting stud 6, 7 already fixed. To perform such an operation, the coupling portion 54 is inserted into the coupling seat 33 and the end cap 5 remains fixed by embedding such a coupling portion 54 and / or by fastening with screws.

[0082] In this case, the closing wall 51 of the end cap 5 advantageously includes at least one through hole, optionally threaded, for the passage of a fixing screw and the elongated body 32 includes at least one suitable screwing seat aligned with the through hole to receive the fixing screw.

[0083] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the connecting stud 6, 7 projects outwards from the external face 53 of the closing wall 51.

[0084] In more detail, the connecting stud 6, 7 includes a first connecting stud 6, which includes a first coupling portion 61. Such a first coupling portion 61 develops longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis W and is made in one body with the end cap 5.

[0085] Furthermore, the first connecting stud 6 advantageously comprises a first reinforcing insert 60, which is inserted, at least partially, inside the first coupling portion 61. Advantageously, the first reinforcing insert 60 is embedded, preferably completely, in the first coupling portion 61. that is to say in particular the latter completely covers the first reinforcement insert 60.

[0086] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in [Fig.4], the first reinforcing insert 60, and preferably even the first coupling portion 61, develops in an elongated shape parallel to the longitudinal axis W.

[0087] Furthermore, the first reinforcing insert 60 advantageously develops inside the coupling portion 54 of the end cap 5 and preferably inside the second coupling portion of the coupling portion 54. Thus, the first reinforcing insert 60 is partially contained in the first coupling portion 61, external to the elongated body 32 of the cover blade 3, and partially contained in the coupling portion 54 of the end cap 5 mechanically fixed to the elongated body 32, while increasing the mechanical resistance of the end cap 5 and the first connecting stud 6.

[0088] Advantageously, in addition, the first coupling portion 61 of the first connecting stud 6 is centered on the corresponding lateral beam 21 of the support structure 2 around the axis of rotation R.

[0089] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting stud 6, 7 comprises a second connecting stud 7, which includes a second coupling portion 71. Such a second coupling portion 71 extends longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis W and projects from the end cap 5. Furthermore, the second connecting stud 7 advantageously comprises a second reinforcing insert 70, to which the second coupling portion 71 is mechanically connected. Advantageously, the second reinforcing insert 70 is embedded, preferably completely, in the end cap 5; that is, in particular, the latter completely covers the second reinforcing insert 70.

[0090] In more detail, the second reinforcing insert 70 is housed in a seat obtained in the end cap 5. In particular, such a seat is provided with a passage opening 55 through which the second coupling portion 71 passes.

[0091] Advantageously, moreover, the second coupling portion 71 is fixed by screwing to the second reinforcing insert 70. For this purpose, the second reinforcing insert 70 is advantageously made in the form of a threaded nut.

[0092] In addition, the second coupling portion 71 is advantageously made in the form of a screw.

[0093] As illustrated in [Fig. 4], the second reinforcing insert 70 is preferably provided with at least one anti-rotation portion 72 extending at least radially and engaged in a form-related relationship with the seat. Thus, it is possible to screw in the second coupling portion 71 while avoiding the risk that the second insert reinforcement 70 rotates inside the seat, preventing the attachment of the second coupling portion 71 itself.

[0094] In particular, the second reinforcing insert 70 comprises a plurality of anti-rotation portions 72 projecting and defining between them a corresponding plurality of recesses 73. Advantageously, in the preferred case in which the end cap 5 is made by co-molding by injection, during such a process the polymer material is distributed inside said recesses 73 while keeping the second reinforcing insert 70 fixed inside the same end cap 5.

[0095] Of course, without departing from the scope of the invention, the first connecting stud 6 can also be made as a second connecting stud 7 and vice versa.

[0096] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, and in particular as illustrated in [Fig.2], the means for moving the cover device 1 advantageously comprise an articulated parallelogram mechanism provided with a travel bar 40 to which the corresponding ends of the cover blades 3 are articulated by means of the second coupling portions 71 of the corresponding second connecting studs 7.

[0097] In particular, the displacement bar 40 can be driven to move in a displacement plane substantially perpendicular to the rotation axes R of the cover blades 3 (and in particular substantially vertical).

[0098] Advantageously, the displacement bar 40 develops substantially parallel to the development direction X of the lateral beams 21.

[0099] In addition, the displacement bar 40 can advantageously be driven (by drive devices described later) to perform a vertical translational movement on the displacement plane, i.e. perpendicular to the plane identified by the rotation axes R of the cover blades 3. Of course, without departing from the scope of the invention, the displacement bar 40 can also be translated even along an arcuate or oblique trajectory.

[0100] In particular, each cover blade 3 can be positioned between the closed position, in which it is substantially parallel to a plane defined by the rotation axes R of the cover blades 3, and a maximum tilt opening position, in which the cover blade 3 is inclined at an angle preferably greater than or equal to 90° with respect to the plane defined by the rotation axes R, and preferably between about 130° and 140°.

[0101] Functionally, by moving upwards, i.e. away from the ground, the displacement bar 40 acts with a first thrust force on the second coupling portion 71 of the second connecting stud 7, which determines a first moment acting on the corresponding cover blade 3 which causes it to rotate in a first direction of rotation from the closed position to the open position.

[0102] Conversely, by moving downwards, i.e. bringing closer to the ground, the displacement bar 40 acts with a second pushing force on the second coupling portion 71 of the second connecting stud 7, which determines, on the corresponding cover blade 3, a second moment, going in the opposite direction to said first moment, which causes it to rotate in a second direction of rotation from the opening position to the closing position.

[0103] The cover device 1 advantageously comprises implementing means 8 mechanically connected to the travel bar 40 of the travel means 4 and pre-arranged to move the travel bar 40 itself between a first end-of-stroke position, in which the travel bar 40 is provided with the cover slats 3 in the closed position, and a second end-of-stroke position, in which the travel bar 40 is provided with the cover slats 3 in the open position. Advantageously, the implementing means 8 are capable of maintaining the position of the travel bar 40 in any intermediate position between the first end-of-stroke position and the second end-of-stroke position in order to maintain the cover slats 3 at any desired inclination.

[0104] For example, said implementation means 8 may include a linear actuator 80 having the sleeve connected to the support structure 2 and the rod mechanically connected, preferably articulated, to the displacement bar 40.

[0105] Of course, without departing from the scope of the invention, the means of movement 4 and / or the means of implementation 6 may be made in any other known form. For example, they may include belt-driven or articulated parallelogram-driven movement devices or actuators of a different type.

[0106] According to a different embodiment not illustrated in the attached figures, the roof blades 3 are capable, in addition to rotating around their axis of rotation R, of translating along the lateral beams 21 to move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.

[0107] To this end, the cover device 1 may include secondary movement means mechanically connected to the cover blades 3 and pre-arranged to translate the cover blades 3 along the development directions X of the lateral beams 21 and, advantageously, along the plane defined by the rotation axes R of the cover blades 3. In particular, the cover blades 3 may be moved by secondary movement means between a configuration row in which they are arranged side-by-side in the open position at the head portion 21' (or, alternatively, the bottom portion 21") of the side beams 21, and a deployed configuration, in which the cover blades 3 are distributed along the development direction X of the side beams 21.

[0108] Secondary means of transportation may advantageously be of any known type and will therefore not be described in further detail.

[0109] The invention thus conceived therefore achieves the predetermined goals.

Claims

Claims

1. Covering device (1), comprising: - a support structure (2), which comprises at least two lateral beams (21) parallel to each other and juxtaposed, each of which develops longitudinally along a corresponding development direction (X); - a series of cover blades (3) arranged one after the other along said direction of development (X), each of the cover blades (3) develops, along its own longitudinal axis (W) orthogonal to said direction of development (X), between two opposite ends (31) supported by said respective lateral beams (21); - moving means (4) mounted on said support structure (2) and mechanically connected to said cover blades (3) and predisposed to rotate each of said cover blades (3) around a corresponding axis of rotation (R), parallel to said longitudinal axis (W), between a closed position and at least one open position; each of said cover blades (3) comprising: - an elongated body (32), which extends longitudinally along said longitudinal axis (W), between two corresponding end pieces (32'); - two end caps (5), each of which is fixed to the corresponding end piece (32') of said elongated body (32); - for each end piece (32'), at least one connecting stud (6, 7), which projects from said end cap (5) corresponding to the outside of said elongated body (32) and is mechanically connected to said support structure (2); said covering device (1) being characterized in that said end cap (5) is mounted on said at least one connecting stud (6, 7) which supports, by means of said end cap (5), at least partially, the corresponding end piece (32') of said elongated body (32).

2. Covering device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said end cap (5) comprises: - a closing wall (51) placed on said corresponding end piece (32') and provided with an internal face (52), which is placed in abutment on said end piece (32'), and with an opposite external face (53) from which said at least one connection stud (6, 7) develops in projection; - a coupling portion (54), which projects from said inner face (52) by penetrating inside said elongated body (32), which is provided with at least one coupling seat (33) in which said coupling portion (54) is engaged in a form ratio; wherein said coupling portion (54) has a thickness, along said longitudinal axis (W), greater than the thickness, along said longitudinal axis (W), of said closing wall (51).

3. Covering device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said coupling portion (54) is made in a single body with said closing wall (53).

4. Covering device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one connecting stud (6, 7) comprises at least one reinforcing insert (60, 70) integrated, at least partially, inside said end cap (5).

5. Covering device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one connecting stud (6, 7) comprises a first connecting stud (6), which comprises a first coupling portion (61), which develops longitudinally parallel to said longitudinal axis (W) and is made in a single body with said end cap (5).

6. Covering device (1) according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that said first connecting stud (6) comprises a first reinforcing insert (60), which is inserted, at least partially, inside said first coupling portion (61).

7. Covering device (1) according to claim 6 and according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said first reinforcing insert (60) develops inside the coupling portion (54) of said end cap (5).

8. Covering device (1), according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the first coupling portion (61) of said first connecting stud (6) is centered on said corresponding lateral beam (21) of said support structure (2) around said axis of rotation (R).

9. Covering device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said at least one connecting stud (6, 7) comprises a second connecting stud (7), comprising: - a second coupling portion (71), which develops longitudinally parallel to said longitudinal axis (W) projecting from said end cap (5); - a second reinforcing insert (70), to which said second coupling portion (71) is connected by mechanical coupling.

10. Covering device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that said second reinforcing insert (70) is housed in a seat, which is obtained in said end cap (5) and is provided with a passage opening (55) crossed by said second coupling portion (71).

11. Covering device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said moving means (4) comprise an articulated parallelogram mechanism provided with a moving bar (40) to which the corresponding ends (31) of said covering blades (3) are articulated by means of the second coupling portions (71) of said corresponding second connecting studs (7).

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