EP2722460A1

EP2722460A1 - Pergola-type canopy

Info

Publication number: EP2722460A1
Application number: EP13189321.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Edy Barbieri
Original assignee: BAT SpA
Current assignee: BAT SpA
Priority date: 2012-10-19
Filing date: 2013-10-18
Publication date: 2014-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 2033-10-18
Also published as: EP2722460B1; ES2543323T3; ITPD20120305A1

Abstract

A pergola-type canopy (10), of the type comprising a frame (11) of two parallel longitudinal members (12, 13), on each of which an end (14, 15) of a transverse end member (16) slides, the edge (17) of a covering awning (18) being fixed to the member, the awning (18) being adapted to be extended and gathered, with corresponding movement means (19), thanks to the guided translation of the transverse end member (16), first ends (21, 22) of the longitudinal members (12, 13) being fixed to the wall or supported by corresponding stanchions, the second ends (23, 24) of the longitudinal members (12, 13) being supported by corresponding stanchions (25, 26).

The means for the movement of the awning (18) are constituted by a motorized winding shaft (20) for the awning (18), the transverse end member (16) pulling the awning (18) by way of means (27) for the continuous tensioning of the awning, automatic electrically-actuated engagement means (28) being provided for the transverse end member (16) in the stroke limit configuration with the awning extended.

Description

The present invention relates to a pergola-type canopy.
A pergola-type canopy is a canopy for outdoor use which is generally constituted by a frame comprising two parallel longitudinal members, on each one of which one end of a transverse end member slides to which the edge of a covering awning is fixed; the awning is adapted to be extended and gathered, thanks to the guided translation of the transverse end member, with respect to two opposite first ends of the two longitudinal members, such first ends normally being fixed to the wall.
The frame is completed by two stanchions which support the second ends, which are not fixed to the wall, of the longitudinal members.
In particular, in conventional pergola-type canopies, the covering awning is supported, in addition to the transverse end member, by a plurality of intermediary crossmembers, the ends of which are arranged so as to slide on the two longitudinal members.
Closing the canopy, i.e. gathering the awning toward the wall, results in the intermediary crossmembers' being drawn against each other, in the manner of pleats, with the awning folding into swags, hanging downward.
Such system for opening and closing in pleats, although widespread, has room for improvement.
In fact, the intermediary crossmembers, drawn to the stroke limit in the closed configuration of the canopy, still result in a more or less extended covering surface, which is unwanted when it is desired to obtain the maximum possible inflow of light by closing the canopy.
Furthermore, the swags hanging downward also take up space and in any case they result in a more or less accentuated bending of the awning, in addition to the fact that each strip can act as a collection point for dust and dirt of various types.
Another drawback of conventional pergola-type canopies consists in the means of engagement of the transverse end member in the stroke limit configuration of the awning when it is open, i.e. extended; such engagement means are nowadays generally of the mechanical type, which works well with pergola-type canopies with inclined awnings, but is not reliable with canopies that are fitted substantially horizontally.
The aim of the present invention is to provide a pergola-type canopy which is capable of overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks of the known art.
Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a pergola-type canopy the awning of which is completely retractable without a more or less extended covering remaining, as in conventional pergola-type canopies.
Another object of the invention is to provide a pergola-type canopy with engagement means that are safe and effective in any position of inclination of the canopy.
Another object of the invention is to devise a pergola-type canopy the awning of which can also be arranged horizontally, without the danger of accumulating dust and dirt in general on the awning when it is partially or completely retracted toward the wall.
Another object of the invention is to provide a pergola-type canopy that can be made using known systems and technologies.
This aim and these and other objects which will become more evident hereinafter are achieved by a pergola-type canopy, of the type comprising a frame of two parallel longitudinal members, on each of which an end of a transverse end member slides, the edge of a covering awning being fixed to said member, said awning being adapted to be extended and gathered, with corresponding movement means, thanks to the guided translation of the transverse end member between the two longitudinal members, first ends of said longitudinal members being fixed to the wall or supported by corresponding stanchions, the second ends of said longitudinal members being supported by corresponding stanchions, said pergola-type canopy being characterized in that the means for the movement of said awning are constituted by a motorized winding shaft for said awning, said transverse end member pulling said awning by way of means for the continuous tensioning of the awning, automatic electrically-actuated engagement means being provided for the transverse end member at the stroke limit.
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the pergola-type canopy according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pergola-type canopy according to the invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pergola-type canopy according to the invention;
Figure 3 is a sectional side view of a canopy according to the invention;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the tensioning means of the canopy according to the invention;
Figure 5 is an exploded view of a part of the tensioning means;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of further details of the tensioning means;
Figures 7 to 10 each show a step of operation of the automatic engagement means of the canopy according to the invention;
Figure 11 is a sectional view of a longitudinal member of a canopy according to the invention;
Figure 12 is a sectional view of a variation of embodiment of the longitudinal member in Figure 11;
Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of a variation of embodiment of a transverse end member of a canopy according to the invention;
Figures 14 to 17 are side views of steps of mounting the transverse end member in Figure 13;
Figure 18 is a partially exploded perspective view of a first end of a longitudinal member of a canopy according to the invention;
Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of some components of the first end in Figure 18;
Figure 20 is a further exploded perspective view of the first end of a longitudinal member;
Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of the opposite first end of the other longitudinal member of the canopy according to the invention.

With reference to the figures, a pergola-type canopy according to the invention is generally designated with the reference numeral 10.
Such pergola-type canopy 10 comprises a frame 11 of two parallel longitudinal members 12 and 13, on each of which an end, 14 and 15 respectively, of a transverse end member 16 slides, the edge 17 of a covering awning 18 being fixed to the member.
The awning 18 is adapted to be extended and gathered, with corresponding movement means 19, thanks to the guided translation of the transverse end member 16.
First ends 21 and 22 of the two longitudinal members 12 and 13 are supported against a wall or supported by corresponding stanchions, while the second ends 23 and 24 of the longitudinal members 12 and 13 are supported by corresponding stanchions 25 and 26.
The means 19 for movement of the awning 18 are constituted by a motorized winding shaft 20 for the awning 18.
The transverse end member 16 pulls the awning 18 by way of means 27 for the continuous tensioning of the awning 18, described in more detail hereinbelow.
Automatic electrically-actuated engagement means 28 are provided for the transverse end member 16 at the stroke limit, and these are also described in more detail hereinbelow.
The pergola-type canopy 10 according to the invention thus has a roll-up awning 18 similar to a roller blind, instead of the usual pleat-folding awning, which is typical of conventional pergola-type canopies.
The absence of the intermediary crossmembers, which are typical of pergola-type canopies, substantially allows the complete retraction of the awning 18, wound around the drive shaft 20.
The means 27 of tensioning the awning 18 are of the type with cables or belts 29 under tension, which are fixed to the transverse end member 16 and adapted to pull it in order to keep the awning 18 continuously under tension, the awning 18 in turn being fixed to the transverse end member 16, both during unwinding and winding of the awning 18.
The two cables 29, one for each longitudinal member 12 and 13, are kept under tension by the action of a corresponding pusher piston 30 and 31, which is anchored at one end inside the longitudinal member, while the free end, of the stem, supports a return pulley 35 for the corresponding cable or belt 29.
Each cable or belt 29 is fixed at a first end 32 thereof to a spool 33 that is fixed coaxially to the drive shaft 20, extends up to a first return pulley 34, around which it turns, which return pulley is pivoted to the end 23, which is opposite to the position of the spool 33, of the longitudinal member 12, and then turns about a second return pulley 35, which is pivoted to the free end 36 of the stem of the piston 30 and 31, then returns to the end 23 of the longitudinal member 12, where a third pulley 37 again turns the cable or belt 29 toward a carriage 38, which is fixed to one end of the end member 16 and is arranged so as to slide on an adapted channel 39 that is defined on the same profile that constitutes the longitudinal member 12, or 13.
The second end 40 of the cable or belt 29 is turned by an additional pulley 58 of the carriage 38 toward the inside of the transverse end member 16, and is connected thereat to the end of the cable 29 that is arranged in the opposite longitudinal member, by way of an intermediate portion 40a of cable or belt, so that the system for tensioning the cables or belts is balanced continuously.
The pistons 30 and 31, for example of the gas-filled type, are inserted in corresponding spaces 41 and 42 which are defined inside the respective longitudinal members 12 and 13.
The operation of the tensioning means 27 is as follows.
The piston 30, like its symmetric counterpart 31, is preloaded, and thus keeps the cable or belt 29 constantly under tension, the cable or belt 29 in turn pulling the corresponding end of the transverse end member 16 and the awning 18 that is fixed thereto.
When the awning is wound up, the cable or belt 29 is unwound from its spool, allowing the translational motion of the end member 16 toward the drive shaft 20, with the cable kept constantly under tension by the thrust of the piston 30 or 31.
Similarly to the unwinding of the awning 18, the cable or belt 19 is wound, kept under tension by the piston 30 or 31, and such tensioning of the cable or belt 19 is essential in order to enable the continuous translational motion of the transverse end member 16 and thus the continuous and correct extending of the awning 18 from its wound configuration.
The automatic electrically-actuated engagement means 28 for the reversible locking of the transverse end member 16 at the end of the unwinding stroke of the awning 18 are clearly shown in Figure 6 and in Figures 7 to 10.
Such means comprise a hook 44 that is pivoted to the second end 23 or 24 of the longitudinal member 12 or 13, and is moved by way of a rod 45 that in turn is actuated by an electromagnet 46 that also is fixed to the second end 23 or 24 of the corresponding longitudinal member 12 or 13.
For example, the hook 44 is pivoted to a plate 47 that is adapted to be fixed to occlude the inlet of the longitudinal member 12 and 13, while the electromagnet 46 is supported by an end cover 48, which is adapted to cover the plate 47.
The hook 44 is designed to engage an element to be engaged 49 which is integral with the carriage 38.
The operation of the automatic engagement means 28 is as follows.
Figure 7 shows the engagement means 28 with the hook 44 gripping the element 49 to be engaged.
In order to proceed with the disengagement, the electronic control unit is programmed to make the carriage 38 advance a little, as in Figure 8, until the element to be engaged 49 is disengaged from the hook 44.
Then the electromagnet 46 is powered up so that the hook 44 is lowered, freeing the movement of the corresponding carriage 38 in the direction for winding the awning 18, as in Figure 9.
Figure 10 highlights how the normal configuration of the hook 44 is with the barb raised, with an inclined edge 50 that is designed to approach the element to be engaged 49 when the carriage 3 8 moves toward the stroke limit position.
The stroke of the carriage 38 ensures that the element to be engaged 49 pushes the hook 44 downward by way of contact with the inclined edge 50, and the hook is returned to the engagement configuration by an elastic element, not shown for the sake of simplicity, which is associated with the rod 45, and in particular, in the present embodiment, inside the electromagnet 46.
The electromagnet 46 thus works only to lower the hook 44 in the operation to disengage the carriage 38.
The pergola-type canopy 10 according to the invention also comprises means for preventing the overflow of water from the lateral edges 51 and 52 of the awning 18 into the corresponding longitudinal member 12 and 13.
In Figure 11, in a first variation of such means for preventing overflow, the lateral edge 52 of the awning 18 is fixed, by gluing or welding, to a sliding tape 53 that is adapted to slide inside a guide channel 54 that is also defined in the longitudinal member 12 and 13.
Such sliding tape can be made for example of self-lubricating plastic material, such as self-lubricating polyethylene.
Such guide channel 54 is advantageously above the position of the unwound awning 18, so that the water that may accumulate on the awning 18 can at the most infiltrate into the lower opening 55 of the guide channel 54, without being able to penetrate inside the longitudinal member 12 and 13 owing to the protection given by the lateral edge 51 and 52 of the awning 18.
Figure 12 shows a second variation of embodiment of such means for preventing overflow, in which the lateral edge 52 has a sealing rib 153 that is arranged to slide within a corresponding channel 154 that is defined in an auxiliary profile 155 that is fixed to the same longitudinal member 12 and 13.
The lateral edge 51 and 52 slides in an adapted longitudinal slot 156 that opens onto the channel 154.
Figure 13 shows a transverse end member 116 in a particular variation of embodiment thereof.
Such transverse end member 116 has means 160 for rapidly fixing the edge of the awning 118.
Such means 160 for rapidly fixing the edge of the awning 118 are constituted by an auxiliary profile 161 which is provided with a longitudinal anti-extraction engagement groove 162 for the edge with an enlarged cross-section 163 of the awning 118; such auxiliary profile 161 is adapted to be coupled to the main profile 164 of the transverse end member 116.
The coupling occurs thanks to a lip 165 for pivoting the auxiliary profile 161, in cross-section shaped like a circular arc, which is designed to be inserted in a complementarily shaped seat 166 that is defined on the main profile 164.
The insertion of the pivoting lip 165 into the complementarily shaped seat 166 determines the rotation of the auxiliary profile 161, with the portion 167, containing the longitudinal groove 162, being arranged in a corresponding recess 168, which is also defined in the main profile 164.
Such transverse end member 116 makes it possible to first mount the main profile 164 and later mount the auxiliary profile 161 with the edge 163 of the awning 118 already inserted, greatly facilitating the overall mounting which normally requires handling the transverse end member with the edge of the awning already fixed, or numerous and awkward manoeuvres and operations to fix the edge of the awning to the previously-mounted transverse end member.
Figures 14 to 17 show the sequence of coupling the auxiliary profile 161 to the main profile 164.
The pergola-type canopy according to the invention can also comprise an easy mounting device 270 for the motorized shaft 220.
Figure 18 shows an easy mounting device 270 for the motorized shaft 220.
Such easy mounting device 270 comprises, for each one of the ends of the shaft 220,

a first bracket 271, external, to be fixed to a wall,
a second bracket 272, adapted to support a first end 221 of a longitudinal member, to be fixed to the first bracket 271.

The second bracket 272 has a recess 273, which opens downward in the mounted configuration of use, and which is adapted to receive a complementarily shaped supporting plate 274, which is adapted to support an end of the shaft 220 and to be inserted with translational movement upward from below into the corresponding recess 273.
A first, right-hand plate 274 is provided for fixing one end of a motor 275, while the opposite, second plate 274a is provided for supporting a rotation pin of the shaft 220.
The supporting plates 274 and 274a are affixed to the respective second brackets 272 by way of a lower bar 276 and corresponding threaded elements 277.
Such easy mounting device 270 makes it possible to mount, and remove, the motorized winding shaft 220 with a simple downward movement from above, and vice versa, without complex and awkward operations to incline the shaft in order to insert first one end and then the other end after manipulating elastic means of return of one of the two lateral pivoting elements.
Furthermore such device makes it possible to rapidly replace the motor 275, thanks to the easy disassembly of the shaft 220, which can be performed simply by removing the lower bar 276 and slip the supporting plate 274 and 274a out from the corresponding recess 273.
In practice it has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects.
In particular, with the invention a pergola-type canopy has been devised the awning of which is completely retractable without a more or less extended covering remaining, as in conventional pergola-type canopies, thanks to the rewinding by roller instead of rewinding by pleats, which is typical of conventional pergola-type canopies.
What is more, with the invention a pergola-type canopy has been devised with engagement means that are safe and effective in any situation of inclination of the canopy, thanks to the electromagnet-based engagement means which cause the certain opening of the hook, eliminating the uncertainties and defects of purely mechanical fastening systems of the transverse end member which are generally adopted in conventional pergola-type canopies; such electromagnet-based engagement means ensure full functionality with any inclination of the awning.
Furthermore, with the invention a pergola-type canopy has been devised the awning of which can also be arranged horizontally, without there being the risk of overflow of water from the lateral edges of the awning toward the inside of the longitudinal members, thanks to the means for preventing overflow described above.
In addition, with the invention a pergola-type canopy has been devised that can be made using conventional systems and technologies.
The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.
In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.
The content of Italian patent application no. PD2012A000305 , the priority of which is claimed in the present application, is incorporated as a reference.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been inserted for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

A pergola-type canopy (10), of the type comprising a frame (11) of two parallel longitudinal members (12, 13), on each of which an end (14, 15) of a transverse end member (16) slides, the edge (17) of a covering awning (18) being fixed to said member, said awning (18) being adapted to be extended and gathered, with corresponding movement means (19), thanks to the guided translation of the transverse end member (16), first ends (21, 22) of said longitudinal members (12, 13) being fixed to the wall or supported by corresponding stanchions, the second ends (23, 24) of said longitudinal members (12, 13) being supported by corresponding stanchions (25, 26), said pergola-type canopy being characterized in that the means for the movement of said awning (18) are constituted by a motorized winding shaft (20) for said awning (18), said transverse end member (16) pulling said awning (18) by way of means (27) for the continuous tensioning of the awning, automatic electrically-actuated engagement means (28) being provided for the transverse end member (16) in the stroke limit configuration with the awning extended.
The pergola-type canopy according to claim 1, characterized in that said means (27) for tensioning the awning (18) are of the type with cables or belts (29) under tension, which are fixed to the transverse end member (16) and are adapted to pull it for the continuous tensioning of the awning (18), which in turn is fixed to the transverse end member (16).
The pergola-type canopy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said tensioning means comprise two cables (29), one for each longitudinal member (12, 13), which are kept under tension by a corresponding pusher piston (30, 31), which is anchored at one end inside the corresponding longitudinal member (12, 13), the free end of the stem supporting a return pulley (35) for the corresponding cable or belt (29).
The pergola-type canopy according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each cable or belt (29) is fixed at a first end (32) thereof to a spool (33) that is fixed coaxially to the drive shaft (20), and extends up to a first return pulley (34) that is pivoted to the end (23), and turns around said return pulley, which end is opposite to the position of the spool (33), of the longitudinal member (12), to then turn about a second return pulley (35), which is pivoted to the free end (36) of the stem of the piston (30, 31), then return to said end (23) of the longitudinal member (12), where a third pulley (37) again turns the cable or belt (29) toward a carriage (38), which is fixed to one end of the end member (16) and is arranged so as to slide on an adapted channel (39) that is defined on the same profile that constitutes the longitudinal member (12, 13), the second end (40) of the cable or belt (29) being turned by an additional pulley (58) of the carriage (38) toward the inside of the transverse end member (16) and being connected thereat to the end of the cable (29) that is arranged in the opposite longitudinal member, by way of an intermediate portion (40a) of cable or belt, so that the system for tensioning the cables or belts is balanced continuously.
The pergola-type canopy according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said automatic electrically-actuated engagement means (28) for the reversible locking of the transverse end member (16) at the end of the unwinding stroke of the awning (18) comprise a hook (44) that is pivoted to the second end (23, 24) of the longitudinal member (12, 13), said hook being moved by way of a rod (45) that in turn is actuated by an electromagnet (46) that also is fixed to the second end (23, 24) of the corresponding longitudinal member (12, 13).
The pergola-type canopy according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said hook (44) is designed to engage an element (49) to be engaged which is integral with the carriage (38), said hook (44) having an inclined edge (50) that is designed to approach the element to be engaged (49) when the carriage (38) moves toward the stroke limit position.
The pergola-type canopy according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said hook (44) is returned to the engagement configuration by an elastic element that is associated with the rod (45) and in particular, in the present embodiment, located inside said electromagnet (46), said electromagnet (46) operating to lower the hook (44) in the operation for disengaging the carriage (38).
The pergola-type canopy according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for preventing the overflow of water from the lateral edges (51, 52) of the awning (18) into the corresponding longitudinal member (12, 13).
The pergola-type canopy according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means for preventing overflow comprise a sliding tape (53) that is fixed to the lateral edge (52) of the awning (18) and is adapted to slide inside a guide channel (54) that is also defined in the longitudinal member (12, 13).
The pergola-type canopy according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lateral edge (51, 52) of the awning (18) has a sealing rib (153) that is arranged to slide within a corresponding channel (154) that is defined on an auxiliary profile (155) fixed to said longitudinal member (12, 13), said lateral edge (51, 52) sliding in an adapted longitudinal slot (156) that opens onto the channel (154).
The canopy according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transverse end member (116) has means (160) for rapidly fixing the edge of the awning (118).
The canopy according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means (160) for rapidly fixing the edge of the awning (118) are constituted by an auxiliary profile (161) which is provided with a longitudinal anti-extraction engagement groove (162) for a corresponding edge with an enlarged cross-section (163) of the awning (118), said auxiliary profile (161) being adapted to be coupled to the main profile (164) of the transverse end member (116).
The canopy according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an easy mounting device (270) for the motorized shaft (220).
The canopy according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said easy mounting device (270) comprises, for each one of the ends of the shaft (220),
- a first bracket (271), to be fixed to a wall,

- a second bracket (272), adapted to support a first end (221) of a longitudinal member, to be fixed to the first bracket (271), said second bracket (272) having a recess (273), which opens downward in the mounted configuration of use, and which is adapted to receive a complementarily shaped supporting plate (274, 274a), which is adapted to support an end of the shaft (220) and to be inserted with translational movement upward from below into the corresponding recess (273), said supporting plates (274, 274a) being affixed to the respective second brackets (272) by way of a lower bar (276) and corresponding threaded elements (277).