Automated command device for a closing panel of an architectural hole, such as a door, a window or suchlike

Abstract

Automated command device (10) for a closing panel (11), wherein the command device (10) comprises at least one sliding unit (13, 14) configured to allow the selective sliding of the closing panel (11) on a sliding plane (P) between an opening position and a closing position of an architectural hole (110); the command device (10) comprises at least a drive member (16) able to be selectively activated to actuate the sliding of the closing panel (11), and a connection member (17) configured to kinematically connect the drive member (16) to the sliding unit (13, 14) and extending on the sliding plane (Pl). The drive member (16) comprises a transmission kinematics (31) housed inside an installation container (18) and configured to kinematically connect said drive member (16) to said connection member (17).

Description

[0001] “AUTOMATED COMMAND DEVICE FOR A CLOSING PANEL OF AN ARCHITECTURAL HOLE, SUCH AS A DOOR, A WINDOW OR SUCHLIKE”

[0002] FIELD OF THE IN VENTION

[0003] The present invention concerns a command device for the automated management of a closing panel of an architectural hole, whether it is intended for the creation of an internal or external door, or a window, or suchlike.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Panels used to selectively close an architectural hole are known, which, depending on their application, are called doors if applied to open passages for people or goods, or windows if applied to openings for the passage of light and air.

[0006] It is also known that such panels can be either of the hinged type, that is, laterally hinged on a jamb and swiveling thereon between an open and a closed position, or of the sliding type, that is, attached at the upper part to guide and trolley sliding units, and mobile with respect to a plane substantially parallel to the wall between a position in which the architectural hole is open and one in which it is closed. This second type of panels can be either of the concealable type, whose open position provides to conceal the panel inside the brickwork, or simply sliding, in which the panel remains exposed to view even in the open position, since its movement takes place outside the brickwork.

[0007] There is an increasing need in the market to automate the movements of doors and windows, or of their blinds, in order to provide for an automatic opening or closing of the panel, as a function of desired operating parameters, for example based on the actual passage of the user, or specific operating hours, as well as various phases of use of the environments, or other.

[0008] Command devices for the automation of the panel are known, which provide one or more motors, generally electric, kinematically connected to the panel’s sliding units, and selectively programmable in order to respond to the desired operating conditions.

[0009] However, the solutions currently available on the market have significant design limitations, especially with regard to overall installation dimensions. In fact, known solutions provide motors installed on the side of the panel’s closing upright, that is, the upright that defines part of the architectural hole, inevitably requiring a cover, both for functional as well as aesthetic purposes. This arrangement of the motor, especially when applied to a door, can lead to a reduction in the useful passage gap, and in any case to a resizing of the architectural opening, as originally designed, to the disadvantage of intervention times and costs.

[0010] Other known solutions provide motors installed below the sliding members, making it necessary to have a housing cover to hide the motorization. This known solution can also lead to disadvantages related to a reduction in the useful passage height, with an increase in intervention times and costs.

[0011] In addition, due to their design conformation known solutions provide a kinematic connection of the motor to the trolleys of the sliding members, which exceeds the normal sizes of the guides and of the installation spaces of the sliding panels, in particular if concealed, in which minimal hollow spaces for housing the panel in the wall are provided. Therefore, known command devices, on the one hand, require specific preventive designs of the shapes and sizes of the installation spaces of the concealable panels, at the expense of application costs and aesthetic possibilities and, on the other hand, require specific covers, or concealments, both functional as well as aesthetic, in order to integrate motors and kinematics in the sizes and aesthetic lines of the sliding panel with which they are associated.

[0012] An example of this type of solution is disclosed in EP 3526432, in which a drive unit is provided that commands the sliding of a panel and comprising an electric motor which transmits the movement to the panel’s frame through a system of toothed wheels and belts. In this solution, it is provided that the drive unit is received within the frame of the panel, hidden from view, so that a receptacle suitable for the purpose is created in the frame.

[0013] Another example of solutions known in the art is disclosed by documents US 8474185 and EP 4026975, in which the panel’s drive system is received in a drive profile disposed in the guide’s support, which is located above the panel.

[0014] The solution known from EP 2169169 provides a 24 V motor attached to a lateral end (right or left) of the support that holds the trolleys that the sliding panel hangs on. The motor, by driving at least one driving pulley, causes the movement of a belt closed in a loop on a pair of pulleys, one of which is driving. These pulleys are disposed in such a way as to have a vertical axis, so that the belt occupies overall dimensions, seen in plan view, that exceed the thickness of the panel. In addition, a further disadvantage of known command devices is that they cannot be integrated with already installed panels, unless important adaptation interventions are carried out requiring the work of different types of professionals, with high installation times and costs and, in any case, modifying the panel’s original aesthetic lines.

[0015] There is therefore the need to perfect an automated command device that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0016] To do this, it is necessary to resolve the technical problem of providing an automated command device that can be dimensionally integrated into a sliding panel, even one that is concealed and possibly already existing.

[0017] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an automated command device for a closing panel of an architectural hole, such as a door, a window or suchlike, that does not require any resizing of the architectural opening or specific preventive designs of the shapes and sizes of the panels’ installation spaces.

[0018] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an automated command device that does not require specific covers or concealments, whether functional or aesthetic, to integrate motors and kinematic mechanisms in the sizes and aesthetic lines of the sliding panel with which it is associated.

[0019] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an automated command device that can be integrated into already installed panels without requiring adaptation interventions and the work of different types of professionals, with reduced installation times and costs, and without modifying the original aesthetic lines of the panel.

[0020] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0021] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0023] In accordance with the above purposes and to resolve the technical problem described above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, the present invention concerns a device and a kit for the automated command of a closing panel, such as for example a door, a window, a shading device or suchlike, mounted on at least one sliding unit, for example with guide and slider, so as to allow the selective sliding of the panel on a sliding plane, between an opening position and a closing position of an architectural hole, for example for the passage of people or goods in the case of a door, or of light and air in the case of a window.

[0024] The command device according to the present invention comprises at least one drive member, which is able to be selectively activated to actuate the selective sliding of the closing panel between the two positions, and comprises at least one driving pulley rotating around an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular with respect to the sliding plane. The command device also comprises a connection member which extends on the sliding plane, which is configured to kinematically connect the drive member to the sliding unit and comprises at least a motion transmission element, for example a flexible element such as a belt, and a return element, for example an idler pulley. The command device also comprises a transmission kinematics configured to kinematically connect the drive member to the connection member and comprising at least a first gear commanded by the drive member, rotating around an axis of rotation and disposed substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the driving pulley.

[0025] The selective sliding movement of the panel therefore occurs automatically, by means of the command actuated by the drive member.

[0026] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drive member comprises an installation container inside which the transmission kinematics is also housed and having an external size comprised in, and compatible with, the overall dimensions of the sliding unit, so that it can be installed inside the latter substantially without exceeding its thickness.

[0027] Moreover, the transmission kinematics is configured to kinematically connect the drive member to the connection member, for example transmitting the motion in a substantially orthogonal direction and with a desired transmission ratio.

[0028] According to the present invention, the drive member comprises an electromechanical actuator which develops symmetrically around the axis of rotation and comprises an electric motor, which drives the driving pulley into rotation by means of the first gear, wherein the axis of rotation lies in the sliding plane.

[0029] According to the present invention, the driving pulley, the transmission kinematics, the motion transmission element and the return element are disposed in such a way that the sliding plane defines a plane of symmetry for each of them.

[0030] Doing so achieves at least the advantage of providing a device that, as a whole, remains comprised in the overall dimensions of the sliding unit and has a structure symmetrical with respect to the sliding plane, with which the components of the drive member, the transmission kinematics and the connection member are aligned. Therefore, with a solution according to the present invention it is possible to create an automated command device that can be dimensionally integrated into a sliding panel, even one that is concealed and possibly already existing.

[0031] In fact, since the drive member and, advantageously, the connection member remain comprised in the overall dimensions of the sliding unit, no resizing of the architectural opening or specific preventive designs of the shapes and sizes of the panels’ installation spaces are required.

[0032] Furthermore, again thanks to the fact that the solution according to the present invention is integrated with the sliding units, no specific covers or concealments, whether functional or aesthetic, are generally required.

[0033] Another advantage offered by the solution according to the present invention is that it is configured as a kit that can be integrated into already installed panels, without requiring adaptation interventions, in a simple and effective manner, with reduced installation times and costs, and without modifying either the panel’s original aesthetic lines, or the counter-frame already embedded inside the masonry.

[0034] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, in which the sliding unit comprises at least one guide element fixed with respect to the architectural hole and at least one slider element mounted sliding on the guide element, the motion transmission element is configured as a flexible element, such as a belt, a cable, a chain or other, which is connected to both the at least one slider element and also to the drive member, so as to be disposed inside the guide element in extension on the sliding plane in order to kinematically transmit the motion generated by the drive member to the slider element.

[0035] In this solution, the motion transmission element is driven into motion by the driving pulley, which receives the motion from the electric motor by means of the transmission kinematics.

[0036] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the return element is attached to the guide element on the opposite side to the driving pulley, with respect to the at least one slider element. In this solution, the motion transmission element is attached to the at least one slider element and it is disposed between the driving pulley and the return element, substantially defining a loop extending predominantly on the sliding plane.

[0037] In a solution with a single slider element, the motion transmission element has its ends attached to opposite sides of the slider element, with respect to its sliding direction; whereas if two or more slider elements are provided, the motion transmission element has a first end attached to a first slider element, the closest to the drive member, and a second end attached to the last slider element, the closest to the return element. In this way, depending on the direction of rotation of the driving pulley, the slider element or elements are moved in one direction or the other, defining the position of the panel between the opening position and the closing position of the architectural opening.

[0038] In accordance with the present invention, a retention element, for example a gripper, is provided, which is able to be selectively associated with the at least one slider element and is configured to retain the motion transmission element and keep it in a desired operating condition with respect to the slider element.

[0039] Advantageously, the retention element can be made so as to be compatible with the slider element supplied by the sliding unit manufacturer, so as to not require any modification to the “standard” product, to the advantage of the compatibility of the command device with respect to the panels and the sliding unit to be automated, even if already installed in previous steps.

[0040] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, in which the guide element is mounted at least partly inside a hollow space of a wall, the drive member’s installation container is mounted inside the hollow space with an orientation substantially inclined, advantageously orthogonal, with respect to the guide element.

[0041] In an installation solution in which the guide element is mounted on an external surface of a wall, the installation container is mounted on the external surface in continuity and in line with respect to the guide element, with an orientation substantially parallel to the guide itself.

[0042] In this particular assembly condition of the guide, the sliding unit also comprises a covering element, or valance, disposed so as to aesthetically conceal the guide and the drive member. In this solution, the overall dimensions of the sliding unit are considered by also taking into account the covering element, this being an aesthetic element that is not intended to be modified, in the spirit of integrating the command device according to the present invention with the sliding members provided.

[0043] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the drive member comprises a control unit which is configured to command the selective activation of the electromechanical actuator, and a power supply unit configured to electrically power the control unit.

[0044] In this configuration, the installation container advantageously comprises at least a first portion configured to contain the electromechanical actuator, at least a second portion configured to contain the control unit, and at least a third portion configured to contain the power supply unit.

[0045] Advantageously, each portion provides reciprocal connection means, such as for example a male / female connector provided partly on one portion and partly on the other, and configured to define the mechanical and electronic connection between the portions.

[0046] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the command device comprises one or more interface adapters configured, on one side, to be associated with the installation container and, on the other side, to be engaged with the guide element, so as to define a stable operational connection between the two, keeping them in the correct reciprocal coupling position.

[0047] In this configuration, these interface adapters are made of elastomeric material capable of absorbing any vibrations transmitted by the drive member at least to the guide element.

[0048] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein: - fig. 1 shows, schematically and partly in section, a sliding door to which an automated command device according to the present invention is applied;

[0050] - fig. 2 shows a partial three-dimensional view of the device of fig. 1;

[0051] - fig. 3 is a partial section of fig. 2;

[0052] - fig. 4a shows a detail of an assembly condition of a part of the device of fig. 1 ;

[0053] - fig. 4b shows a detail of a first alternative assembly of a part of the device of fig. 1 ;

[0054] - fig. 5 is a partly sectioned view of an automated command kit according to the present invention;

[0055] - fig. 6 is an enlarged three-dimensional view of a detail of the device of fig. 1 ;

[0056] - fig. 7 shows an exploded view of the detail of fig. 6;

[0057] - fig. 8 is an enlarged three-dimensional view of a detail of the device of fig. 1 ; and

[0058] - fig. 9 shows an exploded view of some components of the detail of fig. 8;

[0059] - fig. 10 is a schematic lateral view of a drive member and of a transmission kinematics which are comprised in the command device according to the present invention, in which a motion transmission element comprised in a connection member that connects the drive member to the sliding door and a sliding guide for the sliding door are also shown.

[0060] We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0061] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

[0062] DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0063] With reference to fig. 1 , a command device 10 according to the present invention is able to be associated with a panel, in this specific case a door 11 , mounted sliding with respect to a metal counter- frame 12, formed by various suitably shaped sheet steel elements, which is installed during the construction phase of a masonry wall 100, and then coated with internal and external buffering walls so as to be at least partly integrated into a corresponding hollow space 120 of the wall 100. In particular, the metal counter- frame 12 and door 11 are installed in proximity to a corresponding architectural hole 110 of the wall 100, to allow the selective through passage thereof, as will be explained in detail below.

[0064] In fact, the metal counter- frame 12 is provided at the upper part with a guide element, or more simply sliding guide 13, which is disposed partly inside the hollow space 120 and partly in correspondence with the architectural hole 110, and typically has a C-shaped section made of aluminum and open downward (figs. 2, 3).

[0065] The guide 13 has a width W 1 that defines its external overall dimensions, and which is kept as small as possible, for example comprised between about 25mm and about 40mm, advantageously 35mm, so as to be housed inside the hollow space 120, keeping a reduced thickness of the wall 100.

[0066] Corresponding slider elements, or more simply trolleys 14, slide inside the guide 13, in this specific case two trolleys having four wheels each, to which the door 11 is hung by means of correlated attachment brackets 15. The conformation and reciprocal operation between the guide 13, trolleys 14 and attachment brackets 15 is such that the door 11 can be made to selectively slide on a sliding plane P, substantially parallel to the wall 100, between an opening position, in which it is located inside the hollow space 120 and allows the free passage through the architectural hole 110, and a closing position, in which it is located in correspondence with the architectural hole 110 and prevents it from being passed through freely.

[0067] In some example embodiments, the door 11 can be made of either wood or glass and, by sliding on the sliding plane with respect to the metal counter- frame 12, allows to minimize the overall dimensions inside the building compared to a traditional hinged panel door, in addition to enhancing its aesthetic appearance.

[0068] The command device 10 according to the present invention, which also defines the kit 50, as highlighted in fig. 5, substantially comprises a drive member 16 and a connection member 17, which are disposed in kinematic cooperation with each other and with respect to the guide 13 and trolleys 14, to allow the selective and automated sliding of the door 11 between the opening position and the closing position along the sliding plane P. The drive member 16 comprises an installation container 18 having an external size W2 compatible with the width W1 of the guide 13, in particular smaller than the latter so as not to exceed with respect to the external overall dimensions of the guide 13, that is, with respect to the thickness of the latter measured in a perpendicular direction with respect to the sliding plane P. This dimensional relationship between the installation container 18 and the guide 13 allows to integrate the command device 10 according to the present invention in the metal counter- frame 12 and, consequently, in the hollow space 120, without having to replace the guide 13 supplied by the manufacturer of the metal counter- frame 12 or even modify its sizes and general layout.

[0069] In the solution shown, in which the door 11 is mounted concealable in the wall 100, the drive member 16 is disposed substantially orthogonal to the direction of extension of the guide 13, so as to be between the counter-frame 12 and the door 11, without interfering therewith, even when it is in its open position. In this placement, the drive member 16 is completely hidden inside the wall 100 without affecting the maximum opening of the door 11 in any way.

[0070] In the advantageous embodiment shown (fig. 4a), corresponding interface adapters 30 are associated with the installation container 18 which are, on the one hand, able to be mounted on the external surface of the installation container and, on the other hand, able to be engaged, for example by same-shape coupling, with the guide 13, so as to define a stable operating connection between the two, keeping them in the correct reciprocal coupling position. In a further advantageous embodiment, the interface adapters 30 are made of elastomeric, or in any case elastic, material capable of absorbing any vibrations transmitted by the drive member 16 to the guide 13 and the metal counter-frame 12, so as to reduce noise. In addition, the use of the interface adapters 30 allows the drive member 16 to be attached quickly to any commercial guide 13 whatsoever, whose characteristic profile sections are specific to each manufacturer.

[0071] In an alternative embodiment, in which the door 11 slides between the open and closed position, but externally to the wall 100, the drive member 16 can be advantageously disposed in continuity and in line with respect to the guide 13 (fig. 4b), for example protruding to the rear thereof. Also in this case, as for the concealed configuration described above, suitable interlocking interface adapters 30 will connect the installation container 18 to the guide 13.

[0072] Furthermore, in this solution, the guide 13 is provided with a covering element C, or valance, which aesthetically hides both the drive member 16 as well as the guide 13 from view. In this solution, whereby the door 11 slides outside the wall 100, the overall dimensions, that is, the width Wl, is referred to the valance C which, as a rule, is comprised between about 60mm and about 100mm, advantageously 80mm, so as to protrude from the wall 100 as little as possible.

[0073] Advantageously, the installation container 18 consists of a first portion 19, a second portion 20 and a third portion 21, which are suitable to completely house inside them, respectively starting from the top in figs. 6 and 7, an electromechanical actuator 22 comprised in the drive member 16, a control unit 23 and a power supply unit 24.

[0074] With particular reference to the exploded view of fig. 7, the three portions 19, 20 and 21 can be engaged with each other by means of reciprocal connection means, or connectors, generically indicated with the reference number 25, which allow for a quick attachment and release between the parts, guaranteeing both the reciprocal mechanical retention and also the passage of the power supply and logic signals between the three portions 19, 20 and 21, as well as easy disassembly for replacement and repair, if required.

[0075] Advantageously, the connections are “error-proof’, in order to speed up installation and maintenance operations, making them available to anyone, not limiting the intervention to professional electricians or in any case qualified personnel. A solution in which the installation container 18 is in a single body is not excluded.

[0076] The drive member drives a driving pulley 26 in rotation, which is rotating around an axis of rotation X substantially orthogonal to the sliding plane P, and by means of this driving pulley, a transmission kinematics 31.

[0077] In the example given here, the drive member 16 comprises an electromechanical actuator 22 which develops around an axis Rl, is preferably of the angular type and comprises an electric motor M which drives the driving pulley 26 in rotation by means of the transmission kinematics 31.

[0078] We must clarify that the functional combination of the electric motor M with the transmission kinematics 31 substantially defines a gearmotor. The transmission kinematics 31 is configured to kinematically connect the drive member 16 to the connection member 17.

[0079] In the example given, this is a geared transmission kinematics 31, which will be described in detail below with reference to figs. 8 and 9.

[0080] The design path to define the transmission kinematics 31 focused on the miniaturization of the components, by developing specific tooth profiles with modified involute, and on defining a general layout in a “tandem” configuration that would allow to make wide use of plastic materials, in order to reduce the costs of industrialization and production of the components, as well as reducing mechanical noise.

[0081] The control unit 23 is mechanically and electrically connected to the electromechanical actuator 22 and consists of an electronic board (not shown in detail) capable of commanding the drive of the latter according to the signals coming from command accessories (not shown) connected to it, wirelessly or not, such as presence sensors, drive buttons, as well as remote programming systems via smartphone, or with voice commands, or others.

[0082] The power supply unit 24 is mechanically and electrically connected to the control unit 23 and is used to electrically power the system and any signaling and / or lighting LEDs placed in cooperation with the door 11. In an advantageous solution of the present invention, the power supply unit 24 can be of the type suitable to provide a dynamic partialization of the electric power supplied, so as to prioritize the power demand (for example from the electric motor M), thus reducing its overall dimensions.

[0083] The connection member 17 substantially comprises a motion transmission element 27, for example a flexible element, or belt, which extends on the sliding plane P. Specifically, the sliding plane P defines a plane of symmetry of the motion transmission element 27. Preferably, the motion transmission element 27 is disposed inside the guide 13.

[0084] The connection member 17 further comprises a return element 28, or idler pulley, with which the motion transmission element 27 cooperates, at least partly winding thereon. The sliding plane P defines a plane of symmetry also for the return element 28, which is disposed in such a way that its centerline circumference lies on the sliding plane P. With reference to figs. 3 and 5, the return element 28 is mounted on the guide

[0085] 13 on the opposite side to the driving pulley 26.

[0086] The return element 28 is positioned so that it can rotate idle with respect to an axis of rotation Y thereof, substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X, both these axes being orthogonal to the sliding plane P.

[0087] In this way, the motion transmission element 27 is symmetrical with respect to the sliding plane P and has overall transverse dimensions, measured in a direction perpendicular to the sliding plane P, smaller than, or at most the same as, the width W1 of the guide 13, that is, its overall external dimensions, that is, its thickness.

[0088] In the solution shown, the connection member 17 comprises two retention elements, or clamps 29, which are designed to be compatible with the trolleys 14 on the market. Each clamp 29, in fact, cooperates with the ends 27a and 27b of the motion transmission element 27, functionally connecting the latter to the trolleys

[0089] 14 so that the motion transmitted from the driving pulley 26 to the motion transmission element 27 is transferred to the same trolleys 14 and, therefore, to the door 11.

[0090] With particular reference to figs. 8 and 9, the transmission kinematics 31 provides, in this specific case, two transmission stages. In particular, the first transmission stage is defined by the kinematics between a first gear, or worm screw 32, with a second gear, or toothed wheel 33, while the second transmission stage is defined by providing a “tandem” or twin wheel configuration of a gear train consisting of a pinion 34 and a ring gear 35, respectively.

[0091] According to some embodiments, the pinion 34 and the ring gear 35 can be straight-toothed, or helical-toothed, or other.

[0092] In a further embodiment, in order to define the first transmission stage the transmission kinematics 31 could provide a pair of bevel gears instead of the worm screw 32 on the toothed wheel 33.

[0093] Similarly, depending on the type of electromechanical actuator 22, that is, the strokes, loads and operating speeds, a single transmission stage, or more than two, can also be provided, as well as the presence of idle wheels or other.

[0094] The worm screw 32 is directly connected to the outlet of the electric motor M, so as to take the motion therefrom, and develops axially-symmetrically around an axis of rotation R1 thereof, substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation X and substantially lying in the sliding plane P (figs. 8 and 10).

[0095] The toothed wheel 33 develops on an axis of rotation R2 thereof, substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X and substantially orthogonal to the sliding plane P. Furthermore, the toothed wheel 33 is mounted in a median position, with respect to the sliding plane P, so as to mesh with the worm screw 32 in a balanced manner.

[0096] In particular, the defined reduction ratio of the worm screw 32 and the toothed wheel 33 is such as to define a first demultiplication of the motion actuated by the electric motor M, in this specific case with a reduction ratio comprised between about 5 : 1 and about 2: 1, advantageously 3.3: 1.

[0097] The two pinions 34 are created in one piece, from opposite and coaxial sides, with respect to the toothed wheel 33, that is, they rotate axially around the axis of rotation R2, together with the toothed wheel 33.

[0098] The two ring gears 35 are created in one piece, from opposite and coaxial sides, with respect to the driving pulley 26, that is, they rotate axially around the axis of rotation X and provide motion to the driving pulley 26.

[0099] This “tandem”, or twin wheels, symmetrical configuration of the gears allows for an even and symmetrical distribution, with respect to the plane P, of the stresses acting on the pairs of pinions 34 and ring gears 35, and this allows, with an equal transmittable driving torque, to reduce the thickness of the individual pinions 34 and the individual ring gears 35 to a value that is about half what would be required by an equivalent gear reducer with single pinions 34 and ring gears 35, disposed on one side only.

[0100] This even distribution of the load also allows to produce the ring gears 35 with an external diameter substantially equivalent to, if not smaller than, the overall dimensions of the electric motor M.

[0101] The transmission kinematics 31 is disposed so as to be, as a whole, symmetrical with respect to the sliding plane P, as can be seen in fig. 10.

[0102] Specifically, the sliding plane P defines a plane of symmetry that passes through the centerline of the driving pulley 26 and of the toothed wheel 33. The arrangement of the pair of pinions 34 and the pair of ring gears 35 is also symmetrical with respect to the sliding plane P.

[0103] This particular kinematic solution according to the present invention allows to keep the transmission kinematics 31 inside the installation container 18, guaranteeing both the desired containment of its external size W2, and also a correct and effective transmission of torque and number of revolutions.

[0104] Furthermore, this symmetrical configuration, by its definition, guarantees an even distribution of the loads induced on the first portion 19 of the installation container 18 and this, from a mechanical point of view, entails greater reliability and durability of the dynamic system, in addition to having the driving pulley 26 “naturally” in a central position with respect to the sliding plane P and, therefore, keeping the motion transmission element 27 substantially in the center of the guide 13.

[0105] In addition, each pinion 34 and each corresponding ring gear 35 has the teeth offset by half an angular pitch with respect to the other pinion 34 and the corresponding ring gear 35, according to a configuration that is symmetrical with respect to the sliding plane P.

[0106] Half angular pitch is understood as the value calculated by the ratio between the round angle (360°) and the number of teeth of each pinion 34 and corresponding ring gear 35.

[0107] In other words, the crests of the teeth of the pinions 34 are not aligned with each other, that is, when looking at the two pinions 34 parallel to the connection plane P2, the crest of the tooth of a first pinion 34 corresponds to a compartment of the pinion 34, disposed symmetrically.

[0108] This configuration with teeth reciprocally offset by half angular pitch guarantees greater operating fluidity and regularity, and this results in lower vibrations and noise generated by the transmission kinematics 31 compared to an equivalent gear reducer with pinions 34 and ring gears 35 disposed on one side only.

[0109] In particular, the reduction ratio between each pulley 34 and the corresponding ring gear 35 is such as to define a second demultiplication of the motion transmitted at outlet by the toothed wheel 33, in this specific case with a reduction ratio comprised between about 3:1 and about 2: 1, advantageously 2.6:1.

[0110] The kit 50, visible in fig.5, comprises the drive member 16 and the connection member 17 and can, therefore, also be installed in an existing sliding door 11, simply by unhooking the door 11 from the attachment brackets 15 and replacing the guide 13, installing the drive member 16 in a vertical position inside the metal counter-frame 12, at the bottom of the hollow space 120; or by equipping the existing guide 13 with the drive member 16, the connection member 17, and connecting the motion transmission element 27 to the driving pulley 26 and to the trolleys 14. After this, the door 1 1 is reassembled, achieving the desired automation.

[0111] It is clear that since the installation container has an external size W2 that is smaller than or equal to the overall dimension Wl, the external size W2 is also smaller than or equal to the thickness of the door 1 1 . The same is true for the overall transverse dimensions of the connection member 17.

[0112] The solution according to the present invention is thus a plug & play system, compatible with current standards for overall dimensions of traditional concealed, or “cavity wall”, doors that constitute the “state of the art” in the sector, designed to automate a wide variety of manually driven doors existing on the market with almost no adaptation interventions.

[0113] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the command device 10 and to the kit 50 as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0114] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of automated command device for a closing panel of an architectural hole, such as a door, a window or suchlike, and corresponding automated command kit, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0115] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Automated command device (10) for a closing panel (1 1), the command device (10) comprising at least one sliding unit (13, 14) configured to allow the selective sliding of said closing panel (11) on a sliding plane (P) between an opening position and a closing position of an architectural hole (110), wherein the command device (10) comprises at least:- a drive member (16) able to be selectively activated in order to actuate said selective sliding of said closing panel (11) and comprising at least one driving pulley (26) rotating around an axis of rotation (X) substantially perpendicular with respect to said sliding plane (P),- a connection member (17) extending on said sliding plane (P), which is configured to connect said drive member (16) to said sliding unit (13, 14) and comprises at least a motion transmission element (27) and a return element (28), and- a transmission kinematics (31) configured to kinematically connect said drive member (16) to said connection member (17) and comprising at least a first gear (32) commanded by said drive member (16), rotating around an axis of rotation (Rl) and disposed substantially orthogonal to said axis of rotation (X), wherein said drive member (16) comprises an installation container (18) inside which said transmission kinematics (31) is also housed, said command device being characterized in that:- said drive member (16) comprises an electromechanical actuator (22) which develops symmetrically around said axis of rotation (Rl) and comprises an electric motor (M) which drives said driving pulley (26) into rotation by means of said first gear (32), wherein said axis of rotation (Rl) lies in said sliding plane (P),- said driving pulley (26), said transmission kinematics (31), said motion transmission element (27) and said return element (28) are disposed in such a way that said sliding plane (P) defines a plane of symmetry for each of them.

2. Command device (10) as in claim 1, wherein a guide element (13) of said sliding unit (13, 14) is mounted at least partly inside a hollow space (120) of a wall (100) and wherein said panel (11) provides a positioning at least partly comprised in said hollow space (120), at least in said opening position, characterized in that said installation container (18) of said drive member (16) is mounted inside said hollowspace (120) with an orientation substantially inclined, in particular perpendicular, with respect to said guide element (13).

3. Command device ( 10) as in claim 1 , wherein a guide element ( 13) of said sliding unit (13, 14) is mounted on an external surface of a wall (100), characterized in that said installation container (18) of said drive member (16) is mounted on said wall (100) with an orientation substantially parallel with respect to said guide element (13), extending along said sliding plane (P) aligned with said guide element (13) to define an elongation thereof.

4. Command device (10) as in claim 2 or 3, wherein the guide element (13) is fixed with respect to an architectural hole (110) and wherein said sliding unit (13, 14) also comprises at least one slider element (14) mounted sliding on said guide element (13) and to which said closing panel (11) is attached, characterized in that said connection member (17) is connected to both said at least one slider element (14) and also to said drive member (16) and is disposed inside said guide element (13).

5. Command device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said motion transmission element is configured as a flexible element (27).

6. Command device (10) as in claim 4 or 5, when claim 5 depends on one of claims 2-4, characterized in that said return element (28) is attached to said guide element (13) on the opposite side to said driving pulley (26), with respect to said at least one slider element (14), said motion transmission element (27) being attached to said at least one slider element (14) and interacting with said driving pulley (26) and said return element (28), substantially defining a loop extending predominantly on said sliding plane (P).

7. Command device (10) as in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said return element (28) is positioned in such a way as to rotate idle around an axis of rotation (Y), parallel to said axis of rotation (X), wherein both axes (X and Y) are orthogonal to said sliding plane (P).

8. Command device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said transmission kinematics (31) also comprises at least a second gear (33) rotating around said axis of rotation (X), configured to cooperate kinematically with said first gear (32) and with said connection member (17), and wherein said sliding plane (P) defines a plane of symmetry also for said second gear (33).

9. Command device (10) as in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one retention element (29) able to be selectively associated with said at least one slider element (14) and configured to retain said motion transmission element (27) and keep it in a desired operating condition with respect to said slider element (14).

10. Command device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said drive member (16) also comprises a control unit (23) configured to command the selective activation of said electromechanical actuator (22), and a power supply unit (24) configured to electrically power said control unit (23).

11. Command device (10) as in claim 10, characterized in that said installation container (18) comprises at least a first portion (19) configured to contain said electromechanical actuator (22), at least a second portion (20) configured to contain said control unit (23), and at least a third portion (21) configured to contain said power supply unit (24).

12. Command device (10) as in claim 11, characterized in that it comprises reciprocal connection means (25) both between said first and said second portion (19, 20), and also between said second and said third portion (20, 21), and configured to define the mechanical and electronic connection between the portions (19, 20, 21) of said installation container (18).

13. Command device (10) as in any claim 2-12, when claims 8 and 10 depend on claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises one or more interface adapters (30) configured, on one side, to be associated with said installation container (18) and, on the other side, to be engaged with said guide element (13), so as to define a stable operational connection between the two, keeping them in the correct reciprocal coupling position14. Command device (10) as in claim 13, characterized in that said interface adapters (30) are made of elastomeric material capable of absorbing any vibrations transmitted by said drive member (16) at least to said guide element (13).

15. Command device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said installation container (18) has an external size (W2) smaller than or equal to a corresponding overall dimension (Wl) of said sliding unit (13, 14), and in that said connection member (17) has transverse overall dimensions smaller than or equal to said overall dimension (Wl).

16. Kit (50) for the automated command of the sliding of a closing panel (11) on a sliding plane (P) between an opening position and a closing position of an architectural hole (110), wherein said kit (50) comprises at least:- a drive member (16) able to be selectively activated to actuate said selective sliding of said closing panel (11) and comprising at least one driving pulley (26) rotating around an axis of rotation (X) substantially perpendicular with respect to said sliding plane (P),- a connection member (17) configured to connect said drive member (16) to said closing panel (11) and comprising at least a motion transmission element (27) and a return element,- a transmission kinematics (31) configured to kinematically connect said drive member (16) to said connection member (17) and comprising at least a first gear (32) commanded by said drive member (16), rotating around an axis of rotation (Rl) and disposed substantially orthogonal to said axis of rotation (X), wherein said drive member (16) comprises an installation container (18) inside which said transmission kinematics (31) is also housed and having an external size (W2) smaller than or equal to the width of said closing panel (11), and wherein said connection member (17) extends on said sliding plane (P) and has transverse overall dimensions smaller than or equal to said width of said closing panel (11), said kit (50) being characterized in that:- said drive member (16) comprises an electromechanical actuator (22) which develops symmetrically around said axis of rotation (Rl) and comprises an electric motor (M) which drives said driving pulley (26) into rotation by means of said first gear (32), wherein said axis of rotation (Rl) lies in said sliding plane (P),- said driving pulley (26), said transmission kinematics (31), said motion transmission element (27) and said return element (28) are disposed in such a way that said sliding plane (P) defines a plane of symmetry thereof.

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