COVERING DEVICE

Abstract

Covering device (10) having an upper structure (12), supported by a plurality of uprights (11), and reciprocally movable covering elements (14, 15) so as to define at least one covering operating condition, in which they essentially prevent the passage of light and air through the upper structure (12) and a plurality of opening conditions in which they define desired direct or indirect passages of light through the upper structure (12).

Description

Title of the invention: COVERING APPARATUS

[0001] SCOPE OF APPLICATION

[0002] The present invention relates to a sun-shading covering apparatus, such as a pergola or other external structure, with a covering and possibly lateral protection function, intended for a civil application essentially integrating residential areas, but also commercial, exhibition or public areas.

[0003] The pergola is provided with an upper structure with which covering elements cooperate, which generally determine a desired condition of direct or indirect radiation, that is to say of passage of air, light and water, in the area located below the upper structure.

[0004] The pergola can also be provided with side covers, possibly sliding, such as curtains, panels or bay windows, which allow closure and therefore insulation from the outside environment.

[0005] PRIOR STATE OF THE ART

[0006] It is known that a pergola-type covering apparatus typically comprises a lower support structure, formed of a plurality of vertical structural support elements, also called uprights, adapted to support, at a certain height, from the ground, an upper structure having the shape of a quadrangular frame. This upper structure is generally composed of support elements, typically horizontal or moderately inclined in the order of 5° to 20°, relative to the ground, also called load-bearing elements. In some cases, one side may be missing from said frame, so that the upper support structure is substantially U-shaped. Alternatively, the upper support structure may also be partly fixed to fixed support elements, for example to one or more walls of a building.

[0007] In all cases, upper cover elements, or slats, advantageously movable relative to each other are associated with the upper structure so as to define at least one closing operating condition which corresponds to a covering condition, in which they are all substantially coplanar with each other and are in contact with each other so as to define a true "roof" of the structure, and a plurality of opening conditions, which correspond to respective exposed space conditions, in which they are rotated and arranged substantially parallel to each other so as to define relative compartments, more or less wide, for the passage of light and / or air or other atmospheric agents.

[0008] These solutions allow the modulation of the intensity and power of the light and / or air that one wishes to bring into the pergola.

[0009] Indeed, it is known that depending on the position of the sun throughout the day and the cardinal orientation of the pergola, by deliberately turning the slats, one can move from a condition of direct passage of light (and heat) to a condition of indirect passage of light (and heat).

[0010] However, although they are effective, these types of known solutions have a moderate rotation capacity, being limited by normal kinematics and rotational dimensions. In fact, said slats have a relative amplitude of rotation ranging from about 0°, in the covering condition, to about 150° in the full rotation condition. This means that a possible arc of inclination of the slats is not always exploited and that, consequently, not all the possible conditions of passage of light and / or air are fully exploited, even in the different conditions of the different seasons.

[0011] Furthermore, to limit the powers and dimensions of the movement members which carry out the rotation, it is necessary to find an effective compromise between the transverse dimensions of the slats, their pitch and consequently, their number, because the movement member must be capable of moving them all together for a high number of cycles. This limit determines the maximum amplitude of the light passage spaces between two adjacent slats, limiting the potential modulations of light passage.

[0012] Solutions, in which there is a relative movement between two groups of slats, so as to assume at least one substantially juxtaposed condition of coverage and at least one partially superimposed condition of passage of light and air, are also known.

[0013] This type of solutions, although they allow a wider management of the direct and / or indirect modulation of light, present problems related to the management of water and the hydraulic sealing of the cover, in rainy conditions despite the presence of joints or other hydraulic sealing elements.

[0014] It is therefore necessary to improve a covering device which can overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the known technique.

[0015] In particular, one of the aims of the present invention is to provide a covering apparatus capable of allowing broad management of the modulation of the passage of light and / or air, direct or indirect, and, at the same time, of ensuring effective hydraulic sealing, in particular in the condition of covering the covering elements.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to develop a covering apparatus which is simple and economical to produce, and which does not alter the aesthetic impact of the covering apparatus.

[0017] To overcome the disadvantages of the known art and to achieve these additional aims and advantages, the applicant has studied, experimented and made the present invention. Statement of the invention

[0018] The present invention is expressed and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims disclose further features of the present invention or variations of the main solution idea.

[0019] In accordance with said aims, a covering apparatus according to the present invention is of the type having at least one upper structure, which is supported by a plurality of support elements or uprights, so as to maintain it at a desired height relative to the support plane. The upper structure is provided with a plurality of covering elements, such as metal slats, which are reciprocally movable so as to define at least one operating condition of the covering, in which they substantially prevent the passage of light and / or air through the upper structure, and a plurality of opening conditions, in which they define desired direct or indirect passages of light and / or air.

[0020] By reciprocal movement it is meant that each covering element takes different positions relative to the others, both individually and in groups, just as this element can remain stationary and the others move mutually relative to it, in order to define said opening conditions or the covering condition.

[0021] An example is that one group of elements moves in a coordinated manner, while a second group remains stationary, i.e., the first and second groups move in a coordinated manner, always to define said reciprocal positioning conditions. Said group may also be defined by a single covering element. In another example, at least one covering element remains stationary in a covering or opening position, while at least one other covering element changes its covering or opening condition or vice versa.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, at least guide means are provided, which are associated with the upper structure and at least part of the cover elements.

[0023] These guide means comprise at least a first guide section, which is shaped to mutually guide the cover elements in either of the opening conditions, along a first plane of movement, and at least a second guide section, which is shaped to mutually guide the cover elements in the cover operating condition, along a second plane of movement, the latter being substantially inclined relative to the first plane of movement.

[0024] In this way, the covering elements are mutually guided along a first plane of movement, in which they define the different opening conditions by letting light and / or air pass through the upper structure, or along a second plane of movement which brings these covering elements into the closing condition, substantially inhibiting the passage of light and / or air through the upper structure.

[0025] Due to the inclination of the second plane of movement relative to the first plane of movement, there is a reciprocal approach of the cover elements along a direction different from that of opening and closing when the light passes.

[0026] This reciprocal approximation between the cover elements in the closed condition guarantees a desired minimum distance between the cover elements themselves, limiting to a minimum the possibility for water to filter between one element and the other until completely eliminating said possibility, so as to promote the conditions of hydraulic sealing in the cover condition.

[0027] Advantageously, in the condition where sealing means are associated with the covering elements, the latter can be effectively brought into cooperation or even into contact with the adjacent covering element, precisely due to the reciprocal approximation between the covering elements, which occurs by the effect of the guidance along the second plane of movement.

[0028] In this way, with the guidance along the first plane of movement, an effective and simple cooperation between the covering elements is guaranteed, to allow a wide management of the modulation of passage of light and / or air, direct or indirect, and, at the same time, with the guidance along the second plane of movement, it is also possible to guarantee an effective hydraulic sealing, in particular, in the condition of covering of the covering elements.

[0029] Furthermore, an additional advantage over known solutions in which the covering elements rotate against each other to reach the desired covering and opening positions, is that these covering elements, in their translational movement, do not protrude from the upper edge, and consequently, from the bulk of the support structure.

[0030] This advantage allows the structure to be mounted even at ceiling level, improves the exterior aesthetics of the pergola, as the movement of the covering elements is substantially hidden from view and provides the blades with better protection against the wind, which reduces vibrations and forces involved.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the second cover section comprises a length allowing optimized cooperation of the sealing means with the adjacent cover element. Indeed, whatever the sealing means envisaged, whether for example in the form of a flexible, rigid, balloon or other tab, the length of the second section is suitably chosen to put this sealing means in an optimal state of cooperation with the adjacent cover element and consequently, guarantee effective hydraulic sealing in the closed condition.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first guide section comprises a length such as to allow reciprocal movement of the cover elements between a predominantly overlapped arrangement between two adjacent cover elements, and a predominantly juxtaposed condition between two adjacent cover elements.

[0033] This advantageous solution substantially guarantees the maximum condition for the passage of light and / or air, whether direct or indirect, since two adjacent covering elements are substantially superimposed and are therefore not conditioned by reciprocal inclinations as in some of the known solutions. At the same time, closure is ensured and consequently, the prevention of light and / or air from passing.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first guide section and the second guide section are arranged side by side, for mutually guiding the cover elements, substantially without a break in continuity.

[0035] Advantageously, the guide means successively comprise a first part of the first guide section, a first part of the second guide section, a second part of the second guide section and a second part of the first guide section.

[0036] In this way, the covering elements have an effective reciprocal movement in both directions. In this way, the devices that determine the reciprocal movement of the covering elements can be simplified, such as a linear actuator, a belt kinematic system, i.e. chain, rack or any other substantially known type.

[0037] Indeed, having a continuity between a first section, a second section, then a second additional section and finally a first additional section, it is obvious that the sequential path of these sections along a direction or in the other, determines the same sequence of reciprocal movements of the covering elements along the first or second plane of movement.

[0038] According to a variant of the present invention, between the two second guide sections, a third guide section, or other guide sections can be provided, which define additional conditions of movement and operation, of the cover elements, to define positions for managing and regulating the action of the motor members, that is to say to define conditions of reciprocal collaboration between the cover elements, for example to prevent the passage of light, but still allow a passage of air for ventilation.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present invention, the guide means comprise a plurality of sliding elements, such as one or more rolling members that slide along the first and second guide sections, which are associated with at least part of the covering elements, so as to guide their sliding along the first guide section and along the second guide section. This solution defines a cam guide and cam follower system which, by virtue of its conformation, is simple and effective and offers great possibilities for customization and variation, depending on the actual operational needs, the dimensions and conformation of the covering elements, or other aspects of design and / or customization of the covering apparatus itself.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present invention, the covering elements can be divided essentially into two groups, a first fixed to the upper structure, and a second movable relative to the first. In this solution, the first guide section and the second guide section are obtained on a guide profile, the latter fixed to the upper structure, and the sliding members are associated with the second group of covering elements, to guide their movement relative to the first group, along the two planes of movement.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first guide section and the second guide section are obtained on a guide profile, the latter associated with a supporting element of the upper structure.

[0042] In a variant, the first guide section and the second guide section are obtained on an upper edge of the guide profile.

[0043] In an alternative solution, the first guide section and the second guide section are obtained by passing over a lateral surface of said guide profile.

[0044] According to another variant of the present invention, the first guide section and the second guide section are obtained on an additional profile, in turn fixed to the guide profile.

[0045] According to another variant, the guide profile is integrated into the carrier element. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0046] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of the embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0047] - [Fig.l] illustrates an axonometric view of a covering device according to the present invention, in a first operating condition;

[0048] - [Fig.2] illustrates an axonometric view of the covering apparatus of [Fig.l], in a second operating condition;

[0049] - [Fig.3] illustrates an enlarged detail of [Fig.l];

[0050] - [Fig.4] illustrates an enlarged detail of [Fig.2];

[0051] - [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a detail of the apparatus of [Fig.l];

[0052] - [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a detail of the apparatus of [Fig.2];

[0053] - [Fig.7] illustrates a variant of the apparatus of [Fig.l]; and

[0054] - [Fig.8] illustrates another variant of the apparatus of [Fig.l];

[0055] - [Fig.9] illustrates a variant of the apparatus of [Fig.l];

[0056] - [Fig.10] illustrates an enlarged detail of a variant of [Fig.5].

[0057] For ease of understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to identify like common elements in the figures. It is understood that elements and features of one embodiment may be suitably combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further specification. Description of the embodiments

[0058] Reference will now be made in detail to possible embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures by way of non-limiting example. The phraseology and terminology used herein are also by way of non-limiting example.

[0059] The attached figures refer to a covering device, in this case, a pergola 10 for outdoors.

[0060] The pergola 10 typically comprises and is defined by four vertical uprights 11 shaped to maintain in a desired lifting condition an upper frame 12, the latter formed essentially of four horizontal supporting elements 13.

[0061] This frame 12 is shaped to support a plurality of cover strips 14 and 15, arranged substantially parallel to each other, so as to occupy the interior space.

[0062] In this case, a first group of slats 14a fixed relative to the upper frame 12, and a second group of slats 15a movable relative to the first group of slats 14a are provided.

[0063] Furthermore, the second group of slats 15a, although it is movable, as we will see, on several planes, always remains at a higher level than the first group of slats 14a.

[0064] It is not excluded, according to variants not illustrated, that the second group of slats 15a may in any case be lower than the first group of slats 14a, that is to say lead, under certain operating conditions, to a condition of substantial coplanarity with the first group of slats 14a. It is also not excluded that the second group of slats 15a may be held in a fixed position and that the first group of slats 14a moves relative to it, just as it is not excluded that the two groups of slats 14a and 15 may be moved, for example in opposite directions, or at different speeds, or in different and combined movement conditions, always with the aim of defining the desired conditions of coverage and opening to prevent or define desired direct or indirect passages of light and / or air.

[0065] With regard to the appended figures, the slats 14 of the first group 14a advantageously comprise two drainage seats 16, which, as we will see later, allow the management and flow of water, while the slats 15 of the second group 15a advantageously comprise an upper surface 17 conical upwards so that, as we will see later, the water can flow by gravity towards the seats 16 of the slats 14.

[0066] As can easily be seen in the preferred solution illustrated in the attached figures, the lamellae 14 of the first group 14a have a different shape and size from the lamellae 15 of the second group 15a; however, it is not excluded that the lamellae may have the same shape and size, as well as shapes and sizes different from those specifically illustrated and described, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0067] In particular, each slat 14 of the first group of slats 14a is fixed longitudinally to opposite supporting elements 13 of the frame 12, and is spaced transversely by a certain pitch by an adjacent slat 14. This spacing of the slats 14 defines the corresponding compartments 18 for normal passage of light, direct or indirect, that is to say air, through the frame 12.

[0068] The slats 14 of the first group 14a also comprise two respective joints 19, the latter arranged along opposite longitudinal edges of the slat 14 itself, and oriented upwards.

[0069] Each slat 15 of the second group 15a is fixed longitudinally to opposite movement profiles 20 (illustrated in transparency), and associated in a sliding and substantially parallel manner with respect to said carrier elements 13, to which the slats 14 of the first group 14a are fixed. In this way, the slats 14 and 15 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0070] The movement profiles 20 are connected to a linear actuator 22 which determines their selective movement in one direction or the other, relative to the carrier elements 13 with which they are associated.

[0071] Advantageously, a linear actuator 22 of the electronic type is provided, arranged within the height of the carrier element 13; however, it is not excluded that other movement systems of known type may be provided, such as, for example, a rotary motor connected to the profile 20 by belt, chain or other transmission kinematics, as well as a rack or lever system of substantially known type.

[0072] Each of the slats 15 of the second group 15a is also transversely spaced by a certain pitch relative to an adjacent slat 15. This pitch is not necessarily equal to the pitch of the slats 14 and, on the contrary, it is specifically chosen during the design to fulfill the different functions of managing the modulation of light and the flow of water.

[0073] The slats 15 of the second group 15a comprise two respective joints 21, the latter being arranged along opposite longitudinal edges of the slat 15 itself, and oriented downwards.

[0074] In this case, silicone seals 19 and 21 of elongated shape, called in the jargon "moustache", are illustrated, but it is not excluded that at least one or both seals 19 or 21 may be made of plastic or metal, as well as different sizes and shapes, such as balloons, or fixed or articulated to the respective strips 14 or 15, depending on the specific functionalities and / or the shapes and sizes of the strips 14 and 15.

[0075] According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus 10 comprises a guide member 23, substantially comprising a plurality of cam guides 25 and a corresponding plurality of cam follower elements 26.

[0076] For each side of the structure 12, a guide profile 24 is provided, fixed substantially parallel to the corresponding carrier element 13. This guide profile 24 has a wall 27 arranged, during use, in cooperation with the movement profile 20 to which the slats 15 are connected.

[0077] The cam guides 25 are obtained on the wall 27, in this case on one of its upper edges, spaced from each other.

[0078] According to variants not illustrated, the cam guides 25 can be obtained through or blind, on lateral surfaces of the wall 27, or can be obtained on an additional element 124 ([Fig.9]), the latter then being applied to the guide profile 24, in desired operating positions. Among other things, this advantageous variant solution allows easy and economical replacement of the cam guides, either in a maintenance condition, or in a condition of variation of the types of movements that one wants to impart to the slats 15 of the second group 15a.

[0079] In particular, each cam guide 25 comprises a first section 28 of substantially linear evolution and parallel to the arrangement of the guide profile 24, and a second section 29, inclined downwards relative to the first section 28. The two sections 28 and 29 are obtained in continuity with each other, so as to define a guide without a break in continuity.

[0080] Each cam guide 25 also comprises, in sequence, a second additional section 29, obtained next to the other second section 29, and a first additional section 28, thus defining a substantially V-shaped path.

[0081] With reference in particular to the variant illustrated in [Fig. 10], between the two second guide sections 29, a third guide section 33 can be provided which, in this case, defines a section for managing the movement inertia defined by the linear actuator 22, that is to say a section for regulating the end-of-travel position, so as to optimize the reciprocal positioning between the slats 15 and the slats 14, in the condition of covering the pergola 10.

[0082] According to certain variants, not illustrated in the attached figures, the first section 28, the second section 29, that is to say the third guide section 33, may have, individually or in free combination with each other, a curvilinear conformation (regular or irregular), so as to define desired conditions of reciprocal movement, that is to say of positioning, between the slats 14 and the slats 15.

[0083] Each of the cam follower elements 26 is fixed to the movement profile 20 at a pitch corresponding to the pitch of the cam guides 25 and in a position allowing cooperation with the latter.

[0084] In particular, each cam follower element 26 comprises a support fork 30 and a wheel 31, pivotally mounted on the fork 30 and adapted to perform a roto-translation along the first 28 and second 29 sections of the corresponding cam guide 25.

[0085] For the sake of descriptive simplicity, in this case, a cam follower element 26 provided with a single wheel 31 is illustrated, but it is not excluded that solutions with two or more wheels 31 mounted on a carriage relative to the fork 30 may be considered, as well as arranged astride the wall 27, in any case shaped to slide along the cam guide 25, following sections 28 and 29, to determine the position of the slats 15, relative to the slats 14, as explained below.

[0086] Indeed, due to the mounting of the cam follower elements 26 on the movement profiles 20, and the coupling of the latter both with the actuator 22 and with the slats 15, it is obtained that the movement of these profiles 20 determines the path of the cam follower elements 26 along the corresponding cam guides 25 and consequently, a corresponding movement of the slats 15 relative to the slats 14.

[0087] The path of the cam follower element 26 along the first section 28 determines a movement of the slats 15 along a first movement plane PI, substantially parallel to the carrier elements 13, so as to bring the slats 15 from a position of vertical superposition with the slats 14 to a position of partial superposition, shown in dotted lines in [Fig.6].

[0088] The movement of the cam follower element 26 along the first section 28 makes it possible to deliberately modulate the closure of the compartment 18 and, consequently, the regulation of the passage of air and light, direct or indirect.

[0089] It is clear that the path of the cam follower element 26 along the first additional section 28, always in the same direction, makes it possible to modulate the opening of the compartment 18 on the contrary and, consequently, the regulation of the passage of air and light, indirect or direct.

[0090] Furthermore, the path of the cam follower element 26 along the second section 29 determines a movement of the slats 15 along a second plane of movement P2, inclined relative to the first plane PI, so as to bring the slats 15 towards the slats 14 until they reach a substantially juxtaposed condition, but on a different plane, so as to define the complete coverage to the passage of light and air.

[0091] From a comparison between [Fig.6] and [Fig.5], it emerges that at the end of the path of the second section 26, the distance between the lamella 15 and the lamella 14 changes from a value indicated DI to a value indicated D2, where D2 <D1.

[0092] As can be seen particularly in [Fig.5], this variation in height, associated with the lateral movement, in addition to ensuring the prevention of the passage of light, brings the seals 19 into sealing cooperation with the slats 15 above, essentially preventing water from passing into the space defined between the slats 15 and the slats 14 and consequently, from accidentally falling inside the pergola 10.

[0093] Therefore, with the slats 14 and 15 in the covered condition, as illustrated in Figures 1, 3 and 5, any rainwater is routed from the conical surface 17 of the slats 15, towards the seats 16 by the slats 14 below and, from there, traditionally routed towards corresponding gutters 113, the latter being of a substantially traditional type and normally fixing the load-bearing elements 13.

[0094] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the covering apparatus 10 described above, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

[0095] For example, according to the variant illustrated in [Fig.7], the guide cam 27 can be provided with a step 32 arranged at the end of the first section 28, on the side opposite the second section 29, so as to define a limit position of travel of this first section 28 and consequently, of reciprocal positioning of the slats 14 and 15.

[0096] According to another variant, illustrated schematically in [Fig.8], the slats 15 of the second group 15a are provided with sealing edges 115, extending towards the slats 14 of the first group 14a, so as to define a desired operating condition of the seals 21 and consequently, an additional hydraulic sealing condition, in the covering condition.

[0097] In the following claims, the parenthetical references are for convenience only and should not be considered as limiting factors with respect to the scope of protection underlying the specific claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Covering apparatus (10) having at least one upper structure (12) provided with a plurality of cover elements (14, 15) movable reciprocally so as to define at least one cover or opening operating condition, in which they prevent, or define, desired direct or indirect passages of light and / or air or other atmospheric agents characterized in that it comprises at least guide means (23) associated with said upper structure (12) and at least a part of said cover elements (14, 15) and comprising at least a first guide section (28) shaped to mutually guide said cover elements (14, 15) in said at least one opening condition along a first plane of movement (PI), and at least a second guide section (29) shaped to mutually guide said cover elements (14, 15) in said at least one covering condition,along a second plane of movement (P2), inclined relative to said first plane of movement (PI).,

2. Covering apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein sealing means (19, 21) are associated with said covering elements (14, 15) and are adapted to define a hydraulic sealing condition at least in a covering condition, characterized in that said second guide section (29) comprises a length such that it defines an optimized condition of cooperation of said sealing means (19, 21) with an adjacent covering element (15, 14).

3. A covering apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first guide section (28) comprises a length such as to allow reciprocal movement of said covering elements (14, 15) between a predominantly superimposed arrangement and a predominantly juxtaposed condition between two adjacent covering elements (14, 15).

4. Covering apparatus (10) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first and second guide sections (28, 29) of said guide means (23) are arranged side by side, for mutually guiding said cover elements (14, 15), substantially without a break in continuity.

5. Covering apparatus (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that said guide means (23) successively comprise a first part of said first guide section (28), a first part of said second guide section (29), a second part of said second guide section (29) and a second part of said first guide section (28).

6. Covering apparatus (10) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that said guide means (23) comprise a plurality of sliding elements (26) associated with said at least part of said covering elements (15), adapted to slide along said first and second guide sections (28, 29).

7. Covering apparatus (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that each of said sliding elements (26) comprises at least one rolling member (31) adapted for a roto-translational movement along said first and second guide sections (28, 29).

8. A covering apparatus (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein a first group (14a) of said covering elements (14) is fixed to said upper structure (12), and wherein a second group (15a) of said covering elements (15) is movable relative to said first group (14a), characterized in that said first and second guide sections (28, 29) are associated with said upper structure (12).

9. Covering apparatus (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that said first and second guide sections (28, 29) are obtained on a guide profile (24) fixed to said upper structure (12).

10. Covering apparatus (10) according to claims 6 and 8, characterized in that said sliding members (26) are associated with said second group (15a).

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