Shading device with an opaque element equipped with flexible ties

Abstract

A shading device comprising: – a supporting structure (1) having at least one first beam and a second beam extending opposite each other in a longitudinal direction; – a shading element (2) having a flexible link repeating a cyclic pattern in the longitudinal direction, this cyclic pattern comprising at least: an upper transverse strand connecting the two beams; a lower transverse strand connecting the two beams; a loop around the first beam; a loop around the second beam. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Shading device with an opacity element equipped with flexible links. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of climate control of buildings and other installations, and more specifically to shading devices that allow solar radiation to be blocked at least partially for the purposes of solar protection and temperature control. PREVIOUS ART

[0002] Shading devices are commonly used in many areas such as residential buildings, professional premises, agricultural installations, etc. These shading devices include, for example, stretched canvases, parasols, blinds, pergolas, etc.

[0003] These shading devices generally lack dynamic shading control, and when they do include this function, they are complex and expensive. Description of the invention

[0004] The invention aims to improve prior art shading devices.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a shading device comprising a supporting structure and a shading element. The supporting structure comprises at least a first beam and a second beam extending opposite each other in a longitudinal direction. The shading element comprises a flexible link repeating a cyclic pattern in the longitudinal direction, this cyclic pattern comprising at least: an upper transverse strand connecting the two beams; a lower transverse strand connecting the two beams; a loop around the first beam; and a loop around the second beam.

[0006] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a shading device as described above, this method comprising a step of installing the flexible link between the two beams, with a winding beam adapted to maintain a gap between the lower transverse strands according to a predetermined sag. Furthermore, the step of installing the flexible link can be carried out on a base that mutually secures the first beam, the second beam, and the winding beam.

[0007] The shading device according to the invention makes it possible to create shaded areas by means of high reliability and longevity, which is essential in a field where these outdoor installations may be exposed to the elements (sun, weather, etc.) all year round.

[0008] The invention is suitable for both fixed structures, possibly demountable, and mobile structures.

[0009] The association of strands and loops, according to the arrangement described, makes it possible to combine fixed shading and mobile shading.

[0010] In particular, the shading is modulated according to the wind, with a decrease in shading capacity in the presence of wind. Climate regulation is thus implemented without any sensors or motorization means, and therefore at a lower cost, with denser shading in the absence of wind, and reduced shading in the presence of wind, that is to say precisely at the time when shading is less necessary.

[0011] The shading device according to the invention may include the following additional features, alone or in combination:

[0012] - at least one of the transverse strands is a strand stretched between the two beams;

[0013] - at least one of the transverse strands is a slack strand connecting the two beams;

[0014] - the upper transverse strand is stretched between the two beams, and the transverse strand the lower beam is relaxed by connecting the two beams;

[0015] - the flexible link is made of a thread of a polymer material, or a braid of a such a thread;

[0016] - the transverse strand which is relaxed exhibits a sag of 10 to 20 centimeters, and preferably 10 to 15 centimeters;

[0017] - the load-bearing structure includes a frame adapted to hold the first beam and the second beam at a predetermined spacing;

[0018] - the first beam and the second beam are substantially parallel;

[0019] - each of said beams comprises, extending in the longitudinal direction, a upper face, lower face, outer flank, and inner flank, and in this the cyclic pattern is composed successively: of the upper transverse strand which connects the upper face of the first beam and the upper face of the second beam; of the loop around the second beam, the flexible link along the outer flank by a first portion, the lower face, the inner flank, the upper face coming against the upper transverse strand, again the outer flank coming against said first portion; of the lower transverse strand which connects the lower face of the first beam to the lower face of the second beam; of the loop around the first beam, the flexible link along the outer flank by a first portion, the upper face, the inner flank, the lower face coming against the lower transverse strand, again the outer flank coming against said first portion;

[0020] - the load-bearing structure includes retaining flanges fixed to the beams and now the said loops in place. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting description, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] - [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of an example implementation of the device shading according to the invention;

[0023] - [Fig.2] is a view of the occulting element of the shading device;

[0024] - the [Fig.3] is a partial perspective view of an edge of the shading device;

[0025] - [Fig.4] is a top view of the shading device;

[0026] - [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view of the shading device;

[0027] - the [Fig.6] illustrates the cyclic pattern of the occulting element of the shading device;

[0028] - [Fig.7] is a schematic top view of the shading device;

[0029] - Figure 8 illustrates an example of winding to obtain the pattern cyclic;

[0030] - [Fig. 9] is a cross-sectional view of the shading device according to a variant;

[0031] - the [Fig. 10] is a top view of the shading device according to one variant;

[0032] - the [Fig. 11] is a top view of the shading device according to one variant;

[0033] - the [Fig. 12] illustrates the shading device in transport configuration;

[0034] - [Fig. 13] is a schematic view of the shading device in operation production ;

[0035] - [Fig. 14] illustrates a variant arrangement of the upper and lower strands of the shading device;

[0036] - [Fig. 15] illustrates another variant of the arrangement of the upper strands and lower parts of the shading device;

[0037] - [Fig. 16] illustrates another variant of the arrangement of the upper strands and lower parts of the shading device.

[0038] Similar and common elements in the various embodiments bear the same reference numbers to the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Fig. 1 is an illustrative example of a shading device according to the invention, which is suitable for creating shaded areas in habitats or other installations, in urban or rural areas.

[0040] Figure 1 illustrates an example of an application in which the shading device is arranged as a pergola-type element, allowing for the creation of movable shade over a terrace or garden. Figure 1 is a general perspective view illustrating such an example.

[0041] The shading device here comprises a supporting structure 1 and an occulting element 2 equipped with opaque elements for the dynamic occultation of light and thermal radiation.

[0042] The supporting structure 1 can be made of any mechanical element adapted to position the shading element 2 in the desired space and to orient it so that it fulfills its shading function in the desired area. In the present example, the supporting structure comprises a frame 4 which is supported on one side by two uprights 3 and on the other side by fixing elements in a wall 5.

[0043] Fig. 2 is a partial view, from below, of the shading device showing a portion of the occulting element 2.

[0044] The obscuring element 2 is here achieved by the arrangement of a flexible link 6 (which may consist of one or more sections). This flexible link may be made of any wire element adapted to be set in motion by the natural conditions of the location; it may be, for example: strings; ropes; cables; braids; wires; etc.

[0045] The flexible link 6 can be made of any flexible material, and is preferably made of a material with low elasticity and durability, taking into account its exposure. The flexible link is advantageously made of a polymer, and preferably of polypropylene.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a partial side view of the frame 4 of the supporting structure 1 and illustrates the arrangement of the flexible link 6 around a beam 7 of the frame 4. The flexible link 6 is arranged along lower strands 8, upper strands 9 and loops 10 around the beam 7.

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic top view of the shading device. The supporting structure 1 of the shading device comprises at least two beams 7A, 7B.

[0048] The first beam 7A and the second beam 7B extend opposite each other, along a longitudinal direction L.

[0049] The spacing distance between the two beams 7A, 7B is measured along a transverse direction T which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and in the same plane.

[0050] The two beams 7A and 7B must extend opposite each other so as to allow the passage of a flexible strand from one beam to the other. In the present example, the two beams 7A and 7B are both parallel, but they may alternatively form an angle.

[0051] Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-section illustrating the arrangement of the two beams 7A, 7B and the flexible link 6.

[0052] The flexible link 6 can be made of a single continuous element or of several sections. The flexible link 6 is arranged within the obscuring element 2 with: - upper transverse strands 9 which are stretched between the two beams 7A, 7B; - lower 8 transverse strands which are relaxed, connecting the two beams 7A, 7B; - a 10A loop around the first 7A beam; - a 10B loop around the second 7B beam.

[0053] In this particularly advantageous example, the upper strands 9 are taut while the lower strands 8 are slack. However, variations can be implemented; see the end of the description.

[0054] The upper strands 9 are taut, that is to say they extend substantially in a straight line between their starting point on one of the beams 7A and their ending point on the other beam 7B.

[0055] The lower strands 8 are relaxed, that is to say, they are slack in the sense that their shape is relative to gravity, and they are mobile under the effect of an external force. The lower strands 8, which are relaxed, have a sag F which is preferably between 10 and 20 cm, and is preferably from 10 to 15 mm.

[0056] Within the obscuring element 2, the flexible link 6 cyclically repeats a pattern created by an arrangement around and between the beams 7A, 7B. The beams 7A, 7B each have: - an upper face 12A, 12B; - a lower face 13A, 13B; - an internal flank 14A, 14B; - an external flank 15A, 15B.

[0057] Fig. 6 is a schematic top view illustrating this cyclic motif alone.

[0058] In this didactic illustration, the flexible link 6 is considered to have a point of starting point 11 on the upper face 12A of the first beam 7A. From this starting point 11, the flexible link 6 extends along a transverse upper strand 9 which is stretched until it joins the upper face 12B of the second beam 7B.

[0059] The flexible link 6 then makes a loop 10B around the second beam 7B by going down along the outer side 15B, passing under the lower face 13B (which is shown schematically by an oblique section in dotted lines on [Fig.6]), then goes up along the inner side 14B, then passes over the upper face 12B, goes down again along the outer side 15B, and then comes against the lower face 13B.

[0060] From this lower face 13B, the flexible link 6 forms a lower strand 8 by extending transversely in the direction of the first beam 7A, this lower strand 8 being therefore relaxed, forming an arrow F.

[0061] The flexible link 6 then forms a loop 10A around the first beam. At the end of the slack lower strand 8, the flexible link 6 joins the lower face 13A of the first beam 7A.

[0062] The flexible link 6 then goes up along the outer side 15A, then extends obliquely over the upper face 12A, so as to go down along the inner side 14A and come onto the lower face 13A, coming against the lower strand 8. The flexible link then goes up along the outer side 15A to its arrival point 16.

[0063] From this arrival point 16, the flexible strand can reproduce this pattern again in a cyclical manner.

[0064] In this example, loops 10A, 10B make a single turn of beam 7A, 7B. Alternatively, loops 10A, 10B can make several turns.

[0065] Figure 7 illustrates this repetition of the cyclic motif. Figure 7 is a view of above in schematic form. For clarity of the figure, the lower strands 8 and the upper strands 9 have been illustrated respectively with different hatching.

[0066] Figure 7 illustrates that, in top view, the upper strands 9 and the lower strands 8 are juxtaposed. Although positioned at different heights, they are consecutive along the longitudinal direction L.

[0067] Figure 8 schematically illustrates the unitary cyclic motif of Figure 6. in a loose manner, schematically showing the path of the different portions of the flexible link 6.

[0068] Thus, thanks to the longitudinal juxtaposition (from a vertical view) of the lower strands 8 and the upper strands 9, as well as the relaxed nature of the lower strand, the shading device allows for optimized shading in the sense that the direct vertical solar rays are almost completely blocked, and that part of the oblique radiation is transmitted, so that the proportion between shading and brightness is optimized to promote cooling while preserving brightness.

[0069] Furthermore, the taut state of the upper strands 9 allows for the production of fixed shade, the strands remaining essentially stationary, even in windy conditions. The lower strands 8, on the other hand, can be mobile due to their loose and swaying nature. In windy conditions, the mobility of these lower strands 8 will modulate the shaded areas, with shade production decreasing proportionally to the wind speed.

[0070] The arrangement of the shading device described in this example is simple to construct and inexpensive. However, it allows for the production of adjustable shading in synergy with the wind.

[0071] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 5 and illustrates a variant of the shading device. According to this variant, the load-bearing structure 1 also includes retaining flanges 17 which are fixed to the beams 7A, 7B. These retaining flanges 17 can be fixed by any mechanical fixing to the beams 7A, 7B, but also glued, braced, etc.

[0072] In the present example, the retaining flanges 17 can be made from rectangular cross-section bars. These are screwed onto the beams 7A, 7B by means of screws (not shown) passing between the strands of the flexible link.

[0073] Fig. 10 illustrates an example where these retaining flanges 17 are part of a frame 4. In this variant, the load-bearing structure 1 comprises two separate beams 7A, 7B and the retaining flanges 17 form two lateral portions of the frame 4.

[0074] Figure 11 illustrates another variant in which the retaining flanges 17 are independent and are directly fixed to each of the beams 7A, 7B. The supporting structure 1 can then include any other element enabling the beams 7A, 7B to be held in their respective positions. The beams 7A, 7B can also each be mounted on portions of the frame and not require a frame, as long as a fixed distance between the two beams 7A, 7B is maintained.

[0075] Note that, even without a retaining flange 17 (as in the example of [Fig.5]), the loops 10A, 10B are still held in place thanks to the edges due to the square section of the beams 7A, 7B, so that the windings which govern the tightening of the upper strands 9 as well as the relaxed character of the lower strands 8 are fixed.

[0076] The retaining flanges 17 however allow this retention to be increased and also allow the cross-sectional shape of the beams 7A, 7B to be varied, for round sections for example.

[0077] The retaining flanges 17 can also allow a transport configuration, as illustrated in [Fig. 12].

[0078] Figure 12 illustrates the beams 7A, 7B of a supporting structure 1 of a shading device according to the invention, in transport configuration. In this configuration, the retaining flanges 17 hold the flexible link 6 in place at the loops 10A, 10B, fixedly on the two beams 7A, 7B.

[0079] The beams 7A, 7B can then be brought together as in [Fig. 12]. In this configuration, the beams 7A, 7B can be placed against each other and arranged in a package whose transverse dimensions will be considerably reduced.

[0080] The shading device can thus be delivered or sold ready to assemble, possibly with a frame to be assembled for the supporting structure 1 and possible uprights 3 or any other additional element.

[0081] Fig. 13 illustrates the method according to the invention with a step of setting up the flexible link 6 between the two beams 7A, 7B, with a winding beam 20 adapted to maintain a gap between the lower strands 8 along a predetermined arrow F'.

[0082] Figure 13 illustrates a blackout element 2 during production. The two beams 7A, 7B are mounted on a production base 19 which allows the spacing to be fixed. of the two beams 7A, 7B and to maintain at a relative distance the two beams 7A, 7B with respect to a winding beam 20.

[0083] The base 19 can for example be made up of two end plates fixed on the end of the beams 7A, 7B.

[0084] In [Fig. 13], this base 19 is schematically represented by a triangular piece end (seen in transparency in this schematic view), each end of which of the triangle fixes one of the beams 7A, 7B, 20.

[0085] The winding beam 20 is located midway between the two beams 7A, 7B. It is also set apart, along the longitudinal direction L, by a distance corresponding to a deflection F' which is approximately 10% greater than the deflection F (see [Fig.5]) that is desired.

[0086] With the beams 7A, 7B thus placed in the base 19, the flexible link 6 can then be put in place, by carrying out a repetition along the longitudinal direction L of the cyclic pattern illustrated in figures 6 and 8.

[0087] The winding is done by stretching the strands both the upper strand 9 and the lower strand 8 between their respective beams, that is to say between the two beams 7A, 7B, for the upper strand 9 and between the beam 7A, the winding beam 20 and the beam 7B, for the lower strand 8.

[0088] The optional retaining flanges 17 can be put in place at this stage.

[0089] The beams 7A, 7B and the obscuring element 2 thus produced can then be extracted from the base 19 and the winding beam 20 is thus also extracted.

[0090] The shading device can then be completed by installing other elements of the supporting structure 1, an optional upright 3, etc. The shading device can also be directly packaged and shipped in its aforementioned transport configuration.

[0091] Various embodiments can be envisaged. In particular, the load-bearing structure 1 can have any type of configuration allowing the beams 7A, 7B to be held opposite each other, such as modular frames, mounted on a large structure, frames supported by four uprights, frames on suspension elements, etc.

[0092] Figures 14 to 16 further illustrate variants of the arrangement of the upper strands 8 and lower strands 9, with loops 10A, 10B which remain as described previously.

[0093] Figure 14 illustrates a variant with upper strands 9 and lower strands 8 which are relaxed. Thus, the flexible link 6 is arranged here within the obscuring element 2 with: - upper transverse strands 9 which are relaxed, connecting the two beams 7A, 7B; - lower 8 transverse strands which are relaxed, connecting the two beams 7A, 7B; - a 10A loop around the first 7A beam; - a 10B loop around the second 7B beam.

[0094] This variant of [Fig. 14] allows for greater modulation of the shading, and can, for example, be reserved for geographical areas with little wind.

[0095] Figure 15 illustrates a variant with the upper strands 9 and the lower strands 8 under tension. To implement this variant, the flexible link must have sufficient elasticity to nevertheless allow some movement of the strands 8 and 9. Thus, the flexible link 6 is arranged here within the shading element 2 with: - transverse upper strands 9 under tension between the two beams 7A and 7B; - transverse lower strands 8 under tension between the two beams 7A and 7B; - a loop 10A around the first beam 7A; - a 10B loop around the second 7B beam.

[0096] This variant of [Fig. 15] allows for a lower modulation of the shading, and can, for example, be reserved for very windy geographical areas.

[0097] Figure 16 illustrates a variant with the upper strands 9 slack and the lower strands 8 taut. Thus, the flexible link 6 is arranged here within the blackout element 2 with: - upper strands 9 transverse which are stretched between the two beams 7A, 7B; - lower strands 8 transverse which are stretched between the two beams 7A, 7B; - a loop 10A around the first beam 7A; - a 10B loop around the second 7B beam.

Claims

Demands

1. A shading device comprising a supporting structure and an shading element, characterized in that: - the supporting structure (1) comprises at least a first beam (7A) and a second beam (7B) extending opposite each other along a longitudinal direction (L); - the shading element (2) comprises a flexible link (6) repeating a cyclic pattern along the longitudinal direction (L), this cyclic pattern comprising at least: an upper transverse strand (9) which connects the two beams (7A,7B); a lower transverse strand (8) which connects the two beams (7A,7B); a loop (10A) around the first beam (7A); a loop (10B) around the second beam (7B).

2. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one of the transverse strands (8,9) is a strand stretched between the two beams (7A, 7B).

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the transverse strands (8,9) is a relaxed strand connecting the two beams (7A, 7B).

4. Device according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the upper transverse strand (9) is stretched between the two beams (7A, 7B), and in that the lower transverse strand (8) is relaxed by connecting the two beams (7A,7B).

5. A shading device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible link (6) is made of a yarn of a polymer material, or a braid of such yarn.

6. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the transverse strand (8) which is relaxed has a deflection (F) of 10 to 20 centimeters, and preferably of 10 to 15 centimeters.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting structure (1) comprises a frame (4) adapted to maintain the first beam (7A) and the second beam (7B) at a predetermined spacing.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first beam (7A) and the second beam (7B) are substantially parallel.

9. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that each of said beams (7A, 7B) comprises, extending in the longitudinal direction (L), an upper face (12A, 12B), a lower face (13A, 13B), an outer flank (15A, 15B), and an inner flank (14A, 14B), and in that the cyclic motif is composed successively of: - the upper transverse strand (9) which connects the upper face (12A) of the first beam (7A) and the upper face (12B) of the second beam (7B); - the loop (10B) around the second beam (7B), the flexible link (6) running along: the outer flank (15B) by a first portion; the lower face (13B); the inner flank (14B); the upper face (12B) coming against the upper transverse strand (9); again the outer flank (15B) coming against the said first portion;- of the lower transverse strand (8) which connects the lower face (13A) of the first beam (7A) to the lower face (13B) of the second beam (7B); - of the loop (10A) around the first beam (7A), the flexible link (6) running along: the outer side (15A) by a first portion; the upper face (12A); the inner side (14A); the lower face (13A) coming against the lower transverse strand (8); again the outer side (15A) coming against the said first portion.;

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting structure (1) comprises retaining flanges (17) fixed to the beams (7A,7B) and holding said loops (10A,10B) in place.

11. A method for producing a shading device according to claims 1 to 10, this method being characterized in that it comprises a step of setting up the flexible link (6) between the two beams (7A, 7B), with a winding beam (20) adapted to maintain a gap between the lower transverse strands (8) along a predetermined deflection (F').

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the step of setting up the flexible link (6) is carried out on a base (19) mutually fixing the first beam (7A), the second beam (7B), and the winding beam.

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