Terrace canopy

Abstract

The terrace canopy comprises a support pillar (70) having a cavity for discharging precipitation incident on the terrace canopy toward the ground, and at least two beams (3, 4), each having a gutter for discharging precipitation incident on the terrace canopy toward the end face of the beam. A headboard (60) is attached to the end face of the beam. A corner connection element (43) is fixedly attached to the support pillar and the headboard. The corner connection element is provided with one or preferably a plurality of support legs extending toward the support pillar.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a terrace canopy. [Background technology]

[0002] Such terrace canopies are typically configured to shade or clear outdoor areas. For example, such screening devices are often installed near homes, restaurants, shops, etc. to shield outdoor terraces, etc. from sunlight, precipitation, and / or wind, or conversely, to temporarily let in sunlight. These terrace canopies can be implemented in the form of, for example, eaves, pergolas, verandas, carports, pavilions, etc.

[0003] Such terrace canopies typically include a roof frame at least partially supported by columns. Exceptionally, the roof frame may be supported by another roof structure. The roof frame generally consists of several beams arranged into one or more frames to which roof infill can be attached. The beams themselves are often composed of multiple individual profiles. Such roof frames are typically supported by four (or more) columns, between which wall infill can be provided. Similarly, fewer columns can be used if the roof frame is supported by other structures, such as the walls of an existing structure.

[0004] The roof infill can be fixed or movable, for example, a retractable roof. The roof infill of a retractable roof can consist, for example, of rollable fabric or screen, slats that rotate around an axis, or segments that can slide relative to each other. The segments can be panels made partially of (laminated) glass or plastic, such as PC or PMMA. Depending on the material selected, the light transmission and robustness of the roof can be tailored to the desired application. The wall infill can also be fixed or movable. Examples are rollable fabric or screen, or movable, i.e., slidable or foldable, panels.

[0005] Furthermore, various types of columns have already been developed that, in addition to their general support function, also include other functions. For example, a column may be adapted to provide supply cables for electrical equipment, and / or to include drainage pipes for draining precipitation, and / or to include guide profiles for screens. Preferably, a column should be able to encompass all of the above-mentioned functions and also be finished on the outside as aesthetically pleasing as possible.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a terrace canopy composed of columns and beams. Specifically, the terrace canopy includes a support pillar with a cavity for draining precipitation incident on the terrace canopy toward the ground, and at least two beams, each with an internal gutter for draining precipitation incident on the terrace canopy toward the end face of the beam. Headboards are used to connect the beams to the support pillars. A headboard is provided for each beam, forming a connection between each beam and the support pillar. Specifically, the integrally formed headboard includes an upper portion that is fixed to the end face of the beam by screws threaded into threaded channels in the beams specifically provided for this purpose. A pin extends downward from the upper portion, which is disposed within the cavity of the support pillar.

[0007] However, it has been found that the terrace canopy disclosed in the '661 patent can collapse under high loads during certain weather conditions, such as excessive wind and / or precipitation.

[0008] Patent Document 2 discloses a terrace canopy composed of columns and beams. Specifically, the terrace canopy includes a support pillar having a cavity for draining precipitation incident on the terrace canopy toward the ground, and at least two beams, each having an internal gutter for draining precipitation incident on the terrace canopy toward the end face of the beam. Headboards are used to connect the beams to the support pillars. Specifically, a headboard is provided for each beam forming the end face of the front beam. Furthermore, L-shaped corner pieces are provided to function as corner connections between the columns and beams, and the corner pieces are fixedly attached to the top faces of the support pillars and the headboard.

[0009] A disadvantage of the known L-shaped corner pieces is the complex design required for the required functions. First, several openings must be formed in the corner piece (one for drainage and one for cables). Furthermore, an upright wall is also required at the bottom for drainage. A further disadvantage of the known L-shaped corner pieces is that they are only suitable for connecting two corner-forming beams with a supporting pillar. However, connection points are also possible for terrace canopies where three or more beams meet (e.g., a T-connection with three beams or a cross-connection with four beams), or where two beams meet in line with each other. The known L-shaped corner pieces are not suitable for connecting such nodes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Belgian Patent Application No. 2014 / 0015 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 3 587 697 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a terrace canopy with simpler corner connection elements.

[0012] This object is achieved in that the corner connection element is provided with one, or preferably several, support legs extending towards the support pillar.

[0013] The support legs are a simple way to bridge the height difference between the corner connection element's connection to the beam and its connection to the support column, leaving a passageway open for drainage. This height difference typically exists so that the beam's gutters, especially the beam's internal gutters, can communicate with the support column. Therefore, due to the support legs, the corner connection element is easier to form than known L-shaped corner pieces because a separate opening does not need to be formed.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gutters are internal gutters, and the corner connection elements are provided with at least one, preferably at least two, passages, each connecting the gutter of the beam to the cavity of the support pillar, preferably between two support legs. This allows precipitation entering the terrace canopy to drain through the beams and support pillars to the ground without the need for externally visible drainage pipes. The passages are preferably formed between the support pillars so that no additional work is required to form the passages during the manufacture of the corner connection elements.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one, and preferably each, support leg is attached to a support pillar, in particular to the upper surface of the support pillar. Preferably, this attachment is formed by a connection means, such as a bolt, extending through the entire support leg. Alternatively, at least one, and preferably each, support leg can be attached to the side of the support pillar. Using a support leg for attachment to the support pillar is advantageous because the support leg performs a dual function: it attaches and bridges the height difference, as already mentioned above. Attaching a support leg to the upper surface of the support pillar provides better force transmission between the support leg and the support pillar compared to support legs attached to the side wall of the support pillar. Furthermore, the connection means extending through the support leg can be fitted from above the corner connection element, allowing for easier attachment. In this way, it is also avoided that additional elements have to be placed between the support leg and the support pillar; in other words, there is a direct connection between them.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the corner connection elements include an upper portion to which the headboard is fixedly attached, and each support leg extends from the upper portion to a support pillar, the upper portion providing a rigid interconnection between the beams, whereby bearing loads are applied by the support legs to the support pillars.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top of the corner connection element is substantially beam-shaped and has four side walls, with one support leg extending from the corner point between the side walls in each case from the beam-like portion toward the support pillar. Alternatively or additionally, the top of the corner connection element is provided with at least two side walls, and each headboard is attached to a side wall of the corner connection element. Typically, each corner connection element has a number of sides at least equal to the number of beams to be joined, so that the various connections to the beams do not affect each other. Furthermore, wall attachment between the headboard and the corner connection element is advantageous because it provides a maximum contact surface for transmitting compressive forces, such as those caused by lateral wind loads. A beam-shaped top is advantageous because the same corner connection element can be used for corner connections between two, three, and four beams.

[0018] In a more advantageous embodiment of the invention, each headboard is provided with at least one bolt opening and the corner connection elements are provided with corresponding bolt openings in each side wall, the bolt openings being configured for attaching the headboards to the corner connection elements.

[0019] In a more advantageous embodiment of the invention, each headboard is provided with at least one hook configured to hook onto the upper end of each side wall of the corner connection element to attach the headboard to the first part.

[0020] These more advantageous embodiments allow the headboard to be attached to the corner connection elements in various ways, or in several ways at the same time. Hooks are easy to use and can be used, for example, during installation, to first hook beams and then attach them with bolts without the need to support them.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, each headboard is provided with a flow port that connects to the aforementioned gutter, which can serve to bridge the distance between the beam and column cavity.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terrace canopy further comprises a drainage channel, above which at least one insertion cavity is provided, arranged in said passage. Preferably, said flow outlet is at least partially received in said insertion cavity. If necessary, the insertion cavity can also bridge part or all of the distance between the beam and the column cavity. However, preferably, the insertion cavity is intended to at least partially receive a corresponding flow outlet. This is generally to avoid leakage in the drainage channel extending through the various elements.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the terrace canopy further comprises a drainage channel, which comprises a downward-facing pipe arranged in a cavity in the support pillar, in this way the risk of leakage is further reduced compared to a situation in which the drainage channel outputs into the cavity itself.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the corner connection element is integrally formed, which is preferred due to its increased stiffness and limited assembly operations compared to multi-component corner connection elements.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, each support leg is formed by a bar element, preferably a hollow bar element, which is advantageous as it allows attachment to the support pillar by attachment means extending through the support leg.

[0026] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a terrace canopy according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a terrace canopy with wall infill. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view through an exterior pivot beam of the terrace canopy of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view through the columns of the terrace canopy of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pivot beam of FIG. 3 with a headboard attached. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the headboard of FIG. 5. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the headboard of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pillar of the terrace canopy of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a corner connection between two beams and a support column. [Figure 9A] 3 shows further details regarding tension strips for connections between beams and columns in the terrace canopy of FIG. 2. [Figure 9B] 3 shows further details regarding tension strips for connections between beams and columns in the terrace canopy of FIG. 2. [Figure 10] Shows the same perspective view as Figure 8, with the beam removed and the drain pipe added. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the drain pipe of FIG. 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The present invention will be described below using specific embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto and is defined only by the claims. The drawings presented herein are merely schematic and are not limiting. In the drawings, the dimensions of certain components may be shown enlarged, and therefore, the components are not shown to scale, which is meant for illustrative purposes only. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual practical embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Moreover, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used in the description and claims to distinguish between like elements and do not necessarily indicate a sequential or chronological order. Such terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and embodiments of the invention may operate in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0030] The term "comprising" and its derivatives used in the claims should not be interpreted as being limited to the means listed thereafter. This term does not exclude other elements or steps. This term should be interpreted as specifying the stated feature, integer, step, or referenced component, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of an expression such as "a device comprising means A and means B" is not limited to a device consisting only of component A and component B. However, for purposes of the present invention, it is intended that the relevant components are only A and B.

[0031] Referring to Figure 3, each reference to the beam orientation is interpreted with reference to its position when installed in the terrace canopy. Thus, there are four orientations: up, down, outside, and inside. Here, "up" refers to the portion of the beam that is or will be oriented toward the upper surface (the sky, e.g., the open sky), "down" refers to the portion of the beam that is or will be oriented toward the ground surface (the soil, e.g., the terrace floor), "outside" refers to the portion of the beam that is or will be oriented away from the roof, i.e., away from the roof infill (i.e., the left side of Figure 3), and "inside" refers to the portion of the beam that is or will be oriented toward the inside of the roof, i.e., toward the roof infill (i.e., the right side of Figure 3).

[0032] The term "substantially" includes variations of no more than + / - 10% of a particular condition, preferably no more than + / - 5%, more preferably no more than + / - 1%, and more preferably no more than + / - 0.1%, as applicable for the disclosed invention to function. It is understood that the term "substantially A" is also intended to include "A".

[0033] 1 shows a terrace canopy 1 for a ground surface, for example a terrace or a garden. The terrace canopy comprises a number of columns 2 supporting different beams 3, 4, 5. The columns and beams together form a frame to which wall infill 6 and / or roof covering 7 can be attached, as described below. The terrace canopy 1 is made up of three types of beams 3, 4, 5, namely: - a beam 3 acting as an external pivot beam 3, outside the terrace canopy; - a beam 4 in the center of the terrace canopy 1, which acts as a central pivot beam 4; - a beam 5 acting as a tension beam 5; It will also be appreciated that the beams 3, 4, 5 may be attached to other structures, for example walls or facades, instead of resting only on columns 2 as shown in Figure 1. In this way, the terrace canopy 1 can generally be used to screen outdoor and indoor spaces.

[0034] Figure 2 shows a terrace canopy 1 with wall infill 6. The terrace canopy 1 has four columns 2 supporting a frame, also called the roof frame. The frame is formed from two external pivot beams 3 with two tension beams 5 between them for the roof covering 7.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the roof covering 7 is formed by slats rotatably attached at their end faces to the pivot beams 3. The slats are rotatable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, there are intermediate spaces between the slats, through which, for example, air can be drawn into or drawn out of the space below. In the closed position, the slats form a closed roof, which can shield the space below from wind and / or precipitation, such as, for example, rain, hail or snow. For the drainage of precipitation, the slats are typically arranged inclined towards one of the two pivot beams 3.

[0036] The slats are typically made of a rigid material, which may be, for example, aluminum. Aluminum has many advantages as a material, as it is robust and lightweight, can withstand bad weather, and requires little maintenance. However, other materials are also suitable, and it is assumed that their advantages or disadvantages are known to those skilled in the art. Depending on the material, the slats can be manufactured using various techniques, including extrusion, cutting, setting, casting, welding, etc. It is assumed that suitable manufacturing techniques are known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the slats are manufactured by an extrusion process. Optionally, a filler element, such as polycarbonate, glass, or wood, can be used to at least partially fill the hollow slats, for example, to obtain different appearances for the slats.

[0037] Additionally, in one embodiment, the slats may optionally be slidably mounted within the terrace canopy 1 in their open position to further increase control options with respect to light entry, radiant heat, and ventilation.

[0038] More generally, the roof covering 7 may be fixed or movable. The movable roof covering may, for example, comprise tiltable and / or slidable slats (as described above) and / or roll-in / roll-out screens and / or slidable panels. In their closed position, the individual elements of the movable roof covering 7 form a substantially watertight roof that can shield the space below from wind and / or precipitation, such as rain, hail, or snow. This roof covering 7 typically drains onto pivot beams 3, 4, from which it drains directly or via tension beams 5 to columns 2. By sliding and / or rotating the slats and / or panels and / or rolling in the screens, the roof covering 7 can be at least partially opened and / or closed so that the light, radiant heat, ventilation, precipitation, etc., entering the space below the roof covering 7 can be determined as desired.

[0039] The wall infill 6 is typically intended to screen the opening below the terrace canopy 1 between the columns 2. The wall infill 6 can be fixed or movable. Movable sidewalls include, for example, roll-in / roll-out screens and / or wall elements that are slidably arranged relative to one another. The fixed sidewalls can be made of various materials, such as plastic, glass, metal, fabric, wood, etc. Combinations of different wall infills 6 are also possible.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a wall infill in the form of a roll-in screen / roll-out screen 6. The screen 6 extends between two adjacent columns 2 and can be rolled out from an external pivot beam 3. The screen 6 functions primarily as a windscreen and / or sunscreen.

[0041] Generally, beams 3, 4, and 5 are constructed from one or more profiles, as described below. The profiles are typically manufactured from a rigid material, such as aluminum. Aluminum has many advantages as a profile material, as it is robust and lightweight, can withstand adverse weather conditions, and requires little maintenance. However, other materials are also suitable, and their advantages and disadvantages are assumed to be known to those skilled in the art. Depending on the material, the profiles can be manufactured using a variety of techniques, including extrusion, cutting, setting, casting, welding, etc., with extrusion being the preferred technique. Suitable manufacturing techniques are assumed to be known to those skilled in the art.

[0042] Typically, the beams 3, 4, and 5 of the terrace canopy 1 are hollow, as shown in FIG. 3. The beams 3, 4, and 5 are composed of multiple profiles. Below, a brief description of the various beam profiles and their interconnections is provided. It goes without saying that several variations are possible in both the beam configuration and the profile interconnections, and that the specific design of the profiles may vary. Furthermore, the functions of the various profiles may be combined into the same integrally manufactured profile; for example, the base profile 12 may be formed as an integral core profile together with the outer gutter profile 13.

[0043] To form the beams 3, 4, 5, the profiles are connected to one another in a specific way. Typically, pin and / or hook connections are used. In pin connections, an elastic element (not shown) is typically present in a female element, such as a slot element, into which a male element, such as a pin, engages. Thus, pin connections generally include male and female elements that elastically interlock, although additional elastic elements can be provided for this purpose, though this is not required. Elasticity may also be provided by the design of the male and female elements. Hook connections typically include two elements designed to hook together. There is no elastic element; the connection is separated by moving the elements away from each other in the correct direction.

[0044] Furthermore, two separate connections are generally used for each interconnection of two profiles. This increases the stiffness of the connection, but primarily contributes to the accurate positioning of the profiles relative to one another. In practice, if only one connection is used for two profiles, larger gaps in their relative positioning may occur, which may lead to divergent positioning, especially due to wind and / or precipitation loads.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows a cross section through the exterior pivot beam 3 of the terrace canopy of FIG. 2. The exterior pivot beam 3 is intended to be located outside the terrace canopy 1 and must provide drainage for precipitation incident on the terrace canopy. In particular, this precipitation can be collected, for example, by a sloped roof 7 that drains the precipitation onto the pivot beam 3. The roof infill 7 drains the precipitation onto the pivot beam 3, where it is collected in an exterior gutter 28. Between the exterior gutter 28 and the cavity 27, there is an intermediate wall 211 provided with one or more openings, e.g., a series of perforations, so that precipitation from the exterior gutter 28 is directed into the cavity 27. That is why the bottom of the exterior gutter 28 is also preferably sloped toward the cavity 27. The cavity 27 serves as an internal gutter for the passage of precipitation from one or more adjacent pivot beams 3 to the columns 2, along which it can exit the terrace canopy 1, as will be described later.

[0046] The pivot beam 3 is composed of several profiles: a base profile 12, a double gutter profile 13, a front cover 14, a cover profile 15, a connecting profile 16, and an end profile 19. A screen cavity 25 is formed by the base profile 12, the double gutter profile 13, and the front cover 14. The screen cavity 25 is intended to hold the roll-in and roll-out screen 6, which serves as the side wall of the terrace canopy 1, as shown in Figure 2. The cover profile 15 serves to close the technical area 26 of the outer pivot beam 3. This technical space 26 can serve to accommodate the drive means for tilting the slats of the roof cover 7 and / or to accommodate cabling, for example, for lightning. Both the front cover 14 and the cover profile 15 are removable. As a result, the screen cavity 25 and the technical space 26 are accessible to allow for modifications, adjustments, and / or repairs as needed.

[0047] The front cover 14 typically forms the outer side of the outer pivot beam 3 and is attached to the base profile 12 via a connecting profile 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the front cover 14 is further provided with a reinforcing rib 41 and a slot 42. The reinforcing rib 41 contributes to the rigidity of the front cover 14 and is useful for achieving the necessary resistance at higher loads, especially when spanning a relatively long length. The slot 42 is provided for placing a holder (not shown) therein, which serves as an abutment for the screen 6 when the screen 6 is rolled up. Alternatively, the slot 42 or another wall may function as such a screen roll abutment.

[0048] The pivot beam 3 also comprises a space 32 between the cover part 15 and part of the base part 12. The double channel part 13 is also provided with spaces 29, 30 which are closed with the aid of the generally U-shaped end profiles 19.

[0049] Furthermore, the external pivot beam 3 is further provided with screw channels 115, 116, 117, 208, 219, 220 for screwing the headboard to the end of this beam 3 with the help of screws or bolts in order to connect the beam to the columns of the terrace canopy 1. Screw channel 115 is provided on the underside of the base profile 12. Screw channel 116 is provided in the center of the base profile 12 in the screen cavity 25. Screw channel 117 is provided on the top of the base profile 12 in the technical space 26. Screw channel 208 is provided in the upper outer corner of the internal gutter 27. Screw channels 219, 220 are provided below both sides of the internal gutter 27. Of course, more or fewer screw channels are possible and / or their arrangement may be different.

[0050] The terrace canopy 1 of Figure 2 also comprises two tension beams 5, the cross section of which is not shown as it is very similar to one of the pivot beams 3, the main difference being the absence of the external gutter 28. The tension beam 5 is also provided with threaded channels for screwing the headboard to the ends of this beam 5 with the help of screws or bolts in order to connect the beam to the columns of the terrace canopy 1. Preferably, the threaded channels of the tension beams 5 have the same positioning as the pivot beams 3.

[0051] A cross section through column 2 of terrace canopy 1 is shown in FIG. 4. Column 2 includes an integrally formed core (generally designated by reference numeral 70). Specifically, core 70 is formed by a profile of the same or similar type as the profiles of beams 3, 4, and 5. Profile 70 is typically manufactured from a rigid material, such as aluminum. Aluminum has many advantages as a profile material, namely, it is simultaneously robust and lightweight. However, other materials, such as steel, stainless steel, wood, and plastic, are also suitable, and their advantages and disadvantages are assumed to be known to those skilled in the art. Depending on the material, the profile can be manufactured using various techniques, including extrusion, cutting, setting, casting, welding, etc., with extrusion being the preferred technique. Suitable manufacturing techniques are assumed to be known to those skilled in the art.

[0052] The profiles 70 serve as supporting pillars for the terrace canopy 1. In particular, almost the entire weight of the beams 3, 4, 5 and the elements connected to them, such as the side walls 6 or the roof covering 7, is supported by the supporting pillars 70.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the core profile 70 has a substantially square shape. Accordingly, each core profile 70 has four side walls 71, each having an outer side 72 and an inner side 73. Each outer side 73 is provided with two attachment means 77, specifically attachment slots, preferably female pin connection means. These slots 77 serve to attach the finishing profile 78 by corresponding connection means 79, preferably pins. It should be understood that the pin connection 79 is only one example of a method for attaching the finishing profile 78 to the core profile 70; other methods are known to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the slots 77 do not necessarily have to be continuous, although this is preferred since the core portion 70 is preferably made by an extrusion process. The slots 77 are positioned symmetrically relative to the center of the side walls 71, and therefore the attachment points of the finishing profile 78 to the side walls 71 are also symmetrical, which is advantageous.

[0054] Considering the fact that the use of two separate attachments between two profiles reduces gaps in their mutual positioning which may cause divergent positioning, especially due to wind and / or precipitation loads, it is preferable to use two attachment means 77 per side wall 71, although a connection with only one attachment means per side wall is also possible, while more than two attachment means per side wall may also be provided.

[0055] It should be understood that the core profile 70 is not limited to a substantially square shape, as described above. The four side walls 71 can also be arranged in different geometric shapes, such as a rectangle or a parallelogram. It is also possible to provide more or fewer side walls 71 per core profile 70, particularly triangular, hexagonal, or octagonal core profiles 70. The core profile 70 can also be oval, particularly circular, with the desired number of application slots provided in one continuous side wall comprising the core profile 70.

[0056] The column 2 is further provided with four finishing profiles 78, one for each side wall 71. Each finishing profile 78 is provided with a flat outer wall 81, the outer side 83 of which determines the appearance of the column 2. In other words, the finishing profiles 78 conceal the core profile 70 in the assembled terrace canopy 1. Furthermore, each finishing profile 78 is provided with pins 79, one for each mounting slot 77. The pins 79 are connected to the outer walls 81 by walls 82 that function as spacers. In particular, the length of the walls 82 determines the distance D between the outer side 72 of the wall 71 and the inner side 84 of the outer wall 81. The provision of the spacers 82 also forms cavities 85. One or more of these cavities 85 may be used to organize electrical cables that serve to drive the wall infill 6, the roof infill 7, and / or other electrical driving elements.

[0057] The connection of the support pillars 70 to the beams 3, 4, 5 will now be described with reference to Figures 5 to 11.

[0058] Figure 5 shows the connection of a headboard 60 to the ends of the external pivot beams 3 of Figure 3. For this connection, the beams 3, 5 are provided with threaded channels 115, 116, 117, 208, 219, 220 that are located in the same position relative to each beam. In this way, the same headboard 60 can be connected to any embodiment of the external pivot beams 3 and tension beams 5. Alternatively, it is of course possible to provide different headboards 60 for different beams 3, 4, 5 if the placement of the threaded channels is varied.

[0059] The headboard 60 used with the beams 3, 5 is shown in more detail in Figures 6A and 6B. Figure 6A shows the back side of the headboard 60, i.e., the side that faces away from the beams after installation. Figure 6B shows the front side of the headboard 60, i.e., the side that faces toward the beams after installation.

[0060] The headboard is provided with six openings 62 that correspond in position to the screw channels 115, 116, 117, 208, 219, and 220. This allows the headboard 60 to be attached to the beams 3 and 5 with six bolts 61 that pass through the openings 62. It should be understood that more or fewer openings and screw channels can be used as needed. While it is possible to provide screw channels in the headboard and thread bolts from the beams to the headboard, the illustrated embodiment is preferred. This is because the headboard can be made more compact, particularly thin, when long screw channels are not required.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6A, the headboard 60 has four openings 64 and two hooks 65 on its underside, each of which provides an alternative method for attaching the headboard 60 to a post 2, as will be described in more detail below.

[0062] The bottom side of the headboard 60 is provided with a flow port shaped portion 63 that connects to the central gutter 27 of the beams 3, 5. In this way, rainwater collected in the internal gutter 27 can exit the internal gutter through the flow port 63. The external gutter 28 is provided with a cover (not shown) on its end face, so that rainwater collected in the external gutter 28 is forced to flow into the internal gutter 27. In addition, the bottom wall of the headboard 60 is provided with a recess 66 in which the clamp piece 34 can be positioned, as will be further described with reference to Figures 9A and 9B.

[0063] 6B also shows that there are multiple containers on the front side of the headboard. In particular, there is a cable duct 67 in which electrical cables can be placed. The cable duct 67 opens onto an electronics holder 68 in which electronics necessary for driving the screen 6 can be placed, for example. Alongside the electronics holder 68, there is a screen holder 69 in which one end of a screen roll can be placed.

[0064] FIG. 7 shows a core profile 70 to which a crown 43 is firmly attached. In particular, the top surface of the core profile 70 is provided with four openings 74 (see FIG. 4) suitable for receiving bolts or screws 44. The crown 43 is therefore provided with four legs 520, in particular one leg 520 at each apex of the crown 43. Between the legs 520, openings 521 are provided for the passage of rainwater drainage. In particular, as will be explained further, the outlet portion 63 of the headboard 60 and / or the end 48 of the drainage channel 46 fit into the passages 521. The legs 520 are hollow to allow the crown 71 to be directly attached to the profile 70 by threading bolts 44 through the legs 520 into the section 70, as shown in FIG. 10. As a result of this attachment, the profile 70 and the crown 43 together form the core 76 of the column 2, as shown in FIG. 8. It is this core 76 that serves as a structural element, in particular as a support for the beams 3 and 5. It should be understood that other connection means are possible for attaching the legs 520 to the top of the support pillar 70, such as using an elongated rod secured by one or more lateral pins or welding the components together. A threaded rod can also be used as a connection means, for example the threaded rod being fixedly provided on the top surface of the profile 70 and the legs 520 sliding over it.

[0065] The crown 43 serves to attach the beams 3, 5 to the pillar 2. For this purpose, the crown 43 is provided with openings 45 into which bolts are screwed to securely connect the headboard 60 to the crown 43. Alternatively (or additionally), the upper surface of the crown 43 can be used to place hooks 65 thereon and attach the headboard 60 to the upper surface of the crown 43. The hooks 65 are easy to use and can be used, for example, during installation, to first hook the beams 3, 5 and then attach them with bolts 66 without the need to support them. Fastening with bolts 66 is more rigid and is preferred. In practice, both connections are used simultaneously. In this way, the headboard 60, together with the crown 43, actually forms a corner connection between the beams 3, 5 and the supporting pillar 70.

[0066] This corner connection can be manufactured integrally, i.e., as one integral element combining the functions of headboard and crown, but it is preferable to create a partition between the crown 43 and the headboard 60. First, this allows the design of the headboard 60 to be changed in the function of beams 3, 4, 5 (e.g., other headboards required for central pivot beam 4) while still using only one crown 43. Furthermore, it is very difficult to arrange such an integrated corner connection when three or four beams meet on the same support pillar 70.

[0067] The main advantage of the column 2 construction is that forces from the beams 3, 4, 5, for example due to their weight or due to wind loads on the side walls attached to the beams 3, 4, 5, are transmitted directly to the core 76, and in particular to its crown 43. In other words, the headboard 60, although located between the beams 3, 4, 5 and the crown 43, no longer functions as a supporting element for transmitting forces directly to the supporting pillars 70 which form the base of the column 2.

[0068] To further strengthen the connection between the beams 3, 4, 5 and the core 76 of the column 2, a tension piece 4 can be used, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B. On one side of the tension piece 34, two connection means, in particular pins 38, are provided which fit into mounting slots 77 provided in the side wall 71 of the core profile 70. On the other side, the tension piece 34 is provided with connection means, in particular teeth 40, which engage in recesses 66 provided in the underside of the headboard 60. By placing this clamp piece 34, an additional connection is created between the beams 3, 4, 5 and the supporting pillars 70 of the column 2.

[0069] Figures 10 and 11 show the rainwater drainage from beams 3, 4, 5 to column 2. The core profile 70 is hollow (see Figure 4) and makes it possible to provide drainage channels 46 for rainwater. This cavity 75 can also be used to organize electrical cables. However, the cavity 85 between profile 70 and finishing profile 78 is preferably used for this purpose, as it is more easily accessible after installation.

[0070] The illustrated drainage channel 46 is designed as a collection cup with two insertion cavities 47 formed by ends 48 on its upper surface (see FIG. 11). The outlets 63 of the headboard 60 are fitted into the corresponding insertion cavities 47. The illustrated drainage channel 46 is provided to connect two beams 3, 4 to a corner supported by a column 2. A downward pipe 49 is provided in the center of the drainage channel 46 so that the applied rainwater can be directed to the bottom side of the column 2, and the rainwater can exit the column 2 through an opening (not shown).

[0071] Considering the multiple possible corner connections between the beams 3, 4, 5 of the terrace canopy (see Figure 1), multiple different drainage channels 46 are possible. This can range from simple corner drainage channels as shown in Figures 10 and 11 to a central drainage channel where four beams emerge and connect to a passage from one beam to the other without the downward pipe 49. Optionally, the downward pipe 49 can be omitted so that precipitation flows through the cavity 75 in the core profile 70.

[0072] In one embodiment, the terrace canopy 1 is constructed by performing the following steps. In the first stage, the headboard 60 is attached to the beams 3, 5, particularly the base profile 12 and the gutter profile 13. During this stage, the crown 43 is also placed on the support pillar 70, forming the column core 76. Subsequently, the headboard 60 (with portions of the beams 3, 5 already on it) is hooked via the hooks 65 to the core 76, particularly the crown 43. Since the front cover 14 has not yet been placed on the beams 3, 5, bolts can be placed through the openings 64 in the headboard 60 and screwed to the crown 43 through the openings 45 therein. In the next stage, screen rolls can be placed on the beams 3, 5 and / or other interior components, such as another type of wall infill and / or roof cover 7, tension strips 34, etc. After all interior components are installed, the front cover 14 and / or cover profile 15 and / or end profile 19 are typically placed for finishing.

[0073] Although certain aspects of the invention have been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood that these aspects may be embodied in other forms within the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A terrace canopy (1), - a support pillar (70) provided with a cavity (75) for draining the precipitation entering the terrace canopy towards the ground; - at least two beams (3, 4, 5) each provided with a gutter (27) for draining rainwater entering the terrace canopy onto the end faces of the beams; - one headboard (60) fixedly attached to the end faces of said at least two beams; - Corner connection elements (43) fixedly attached to the support pillars and to the headboard on the end faces of the beams, said corner connection element is provided with at least one support leg (520) extending towards and connected to said support pillar (70); The headboard (60) and the corner connection elements (43) are configured to allow precipitation from the gutter (27) to drain into the cavity (75). A terrace canopy (1).

2. 2. The terrace canopy of claim 1, wherein the corner connection elements comprise an upper portion to which the headboard is fixedly attached, and each support leg extends from the upper portion to the support pillar (70).

3. 3. The terrace canopy of claim 2, wherein the upper portion of the corner connection element is substantially a beam-like portion and has four side walls, and at each corner between adjacent side walls, a support leg extends from the beam-like portion toward the support pillar (70).

4. 4. A terrace canopy according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least two side walls are provided on top of the corner connection element, and each headboard (60) is attached to a side wall of the corner connection element.

5. 5. The terrace canopy of claim 4, characterized in that each headboard (60) is provided with at least one bolt opening (64), and the corner connection elements are provided with corresponding bolt openings (45) in each side wall, the bolt openings (45, 64) being configured to attach the headboards to the corner connection elements.

6. 6. A terrace canopy according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that each headboard (60) is provided with at least one hook (65) configured to engage with the upper end of each side wall of the corner connection element in order to attach the headboard to the top.

7. 7. A terrace canopy according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each support leg is fixedly attached to the support pillar.

8. 8. A terrace canopy as described in claim 7, characterized in that each support leg is fixedly attached to the upper surface of the support pillar by a connecting means such as a bolt extending vertically through the support leg.

9. 8. A terrace canopy according to claim 7, characterized in that each support leg is fixedly attached to a side of the support pillar.

10. 10. Terrace canopy according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the corner connection elements are integrally formed.

11. 11. Terrace canopy according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that each support leg is formed by a rod element.

12. 12. A terrace canopy according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the gutter (27) is an internal gutter and that the corner connection element is provided with at least one passage (521), each passage connecting a gutter of a beam to a cavity of a supporting pillar.

13. A terrace canopy as described in claim 12, characterized in that each passage is provided between two support legs.

14. 14. A terrace canopy as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the terrace canopy further comprises a drainage channel (46) for draining precipitation through the cavity (75), the drainage channel comprising a downward pipe (49) arranged in the cavity of the support pillar (70).

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