EP3348741A1

EP3348741A1 - Covering apparatus with orientable slats

Info

Publication number: EP3348741A1
Application number: EP18150695.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dan NAE; Fabrizio Zanacca
Original assignee: Hella Sonnen und Wetterschutztechnik GmbH
Current assignee: Hella Sonnen und Wetterschutztechnik GmbH
Priority date: 2017-01-16
Filing date: 2018-01-09
Publication date: 2018-07-18
Also published as: IT201700003636A1

Abstract

A covering apparatus (1) with orientable slats, which comprises a supporting structure (2) provided with at least two substantially parallel beams (3), between which a plurality of elongated and mutually juxtaposed orientable slats (4) are interposed;
each slat (4) has the mutually opposite ends articulated about respective rotation pivots (7) which are substantially aligned and associated with respective bars (8) that can slide along the beams (3);
the apparatus (1) further comprising means of actuation with alternating translation of the bars (8) along the beams (3) for a functional stroke and means (10) of moving the slats (4) between a closed configuration, in which they are arranged partially superimposed in pairs to define a continuous covering surface, and a fully open configuration, in which they are spaced apart in pairs to define a plurality of slots (11) for the passage of light and/or air, passing through a plurality of partially open configurations, the closed configuration and the fully open configuration being assumed by the slats (4) at the end positions of the bars (8) along the functional stroke;
the movement means (10) comprise, for each slat (4), at least one lever (20) which is articulated to one end of that slat and to the beam (3) that is adjacent thereto, respectively by way of a first articulation pivot and a second articulation pivot (21, 22) which are substantially parallel to the rotation pivots (7) of that slat.

Description

The present invention relates to a covering apparatus with orientable slats.
Covering apparatuses with orientable slats are known, which are substantially constituted by a supporting structure that comprises a pair of parallel beams, between which a plurality of mutually juxtaposed slats are interposed, each one of which is constituted by an elongated element with a thin transverse cross-section, which has the mutually opposite ends articulated about respective pivots that are aligned along a rotation axis, and each one of the pivots is associated with a corresponding crossmember. Such slats can, therefore, move between a closed configuration, in which they are arranged in a substantially horizontal arrangement and partially superimposed in pairs to define a continuous covering surface, and a fully open configuration, in which they are arranged in an inclined arrangement to define slots between the laterally adjacent slats for the passage of light and/or the change of air, passing through a plurality of partially open configurations.
For this reason such covering apparatuses are also called "bioclimatic pergolas", because they use the air circulation created by thermal currents to generate a change of air and the ventilation of the area underneath.
Several systems are known for moving the slats between the above mentioned configurations.
In particular, EP 3,015,618 A1 describes a solution in which the pivots associated with the ends of each slat are articulated to respective bars that can slide along the linear extension of the beams and in which each slat is provided with at at least one end of a coupling element that is engaged so as to slide in a corresponding contoured slot provided in the adjacent crossmember in order to guide the movement of those slats between the closed configuration and the fully open configuration.
The pivots are arranged proximate to a longitudinal edge of each slat, while the corresponding coupling element is in the central position with respect to the width of that slat.
These conventional movement systems are not devoid of drawbacks, among which is the fact that the high friction that develops in the sliding of the coupling elements along the respective slots entails the need to use actuators that are adapted to supply adequate power to actuate the movement of the slats, with consequent increase in production costs, in encumbrances, and in the energy consumption of such actuators.
Moreover, such aspect limits the dimensions of the covering apparatus that can be obtained, i.e. the number of slats that it is possible to move, for a given installed power.
Furthermore, the reduced center distance comprised between the articulation pivots and the coupling element provided at the end of each slat makes it necessary to further increase the force that needs to be applied to the sliding bar in order to obtain a motor torque sufficient to actuate the movement of the slats.
The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the above mentioned drawbacks in the background art by providing a covering apparatus with orientable slats that makes it possible to reduce the phenomena of friction in order to minimize the force required to actuate the movement of the slats, as a consequence reducing the power required for the corresponding actuators, and also the corresponding costs, encumbrances and energy consumption, or which, for the same installed power, makes it possible to provide installations of greater dimensions, with a higher number of slats, by virtue of the reduced dispersion owing to friction.
Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to increase the lever arm of application of the force for moving the orientable slats, in order to further reduce the power required to transmit the necessary motor torque.
Another object of the present invention is to reduce the force to which the moving mechanical components are subjected, thus increasing their functionality and reliability.
A still further object of the present invention is to obtain a fluid movement of the slats, without risk of interruptions to operation as a consequence of jamming of the moving parts.
Last but not least, another object of the present invention is to provide a simple structure which is easy and practical to implement, safe in use and effective in operation, and low cost.
This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by the present covering apparatus with orientable slats, which comprises a supporting structure provided with at least two substantially parallel beams, between which a plurality of elongated and mutually juxtaposed orientable slats are interposed, each slat having the mutually opposite ends articulated about respective rotation pivots which are substantially aligned and associated with respective bars that can slide along said beams, means of actuation with alternating translation of said bars along said beams for a functional stroke and means of moving said slats between a closed configuration, in which they are arranged partially superimposed in pairs to define a continuous covering surface, and a fully open configuration, in which they are spaced apart in pairs to define a plurality of slots for the passage of light and/or air, passing through a plurality of partially open configurations, the closed configuration and the fully open configuration being assumed by said slats at the end positions of said sliding bars along said functional stroke, characterized in that said movement means comprise, for each slat, at least one lever which is articulated to one end of said slat and to the beam that is adjacent thereto, respectively by way of a first articulation pivot and a second articulation pivot which are substantially parallel to the rotation pivots of said slat.
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become better apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a covering apparatus with orientable slats, which is illustrated for the purposes of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a covering apparatus with orientable slats, according to the invention, in a closed configuration;
Figure 2 is an enlarged-scale view of a portion of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the covering apparatus in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an enlarged-scale view of a portion of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the apparatus according to the invention in the closed configuration;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a covering apparatus, according to the invention, in a first partially open configuration;
Figure 8 is an enlarged-scale view of a portion of Figure 7;
Figure 9 is a plan view of the covering apparatus in Figure 7;
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X in Figure 9;
Figure 11 is an enlarged-scale view of a portion of Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of a covering apparatus, according to the invention, in a second partially open configuration;
Figure 13 is an enlarged-scale view of a portion of Figure 12;
Figure 14 is a plan view of the covering apparatus in Figure 12;
Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV in Figure 14;
Figure 16 is an enlarged-scale view of a portion of Figure 15;
Figure 17 is a perspective view of a covering apparatus, according to the invention, in the fully open configuration;
Figure 18 is an enlarged-scale view of a portion of Figure 17;
Figure 19 is a plan view of the covering apparatus in Figure 17;
Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX-XX in Figure 19;
Figure 21 is an enlarged-scale view of a portion of Figure 20.

With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a covering apparatus with orientable slats, of the type of a "bioclimatic pergola".
The apparatus 1 can be used to cover open spaces or verandas.
The apparatus 1 comprises a supporting structure 2 that comprises two substantially parallel beams 3 between which a plurality of orientable slats 4, or vanes, is interposed, which are elongated and mutually juxtaposed. Generally the supporting structure 2 also comprises two crossmembers 5 which are interposed between the ends of the beams 3 to define a quadrangular frame to contain the slats 4 and at least one supporting post 6.
The number of posts 6 varies as a function of the type of installation to be carried out, in that the apparatus 1 can be arranged against a supporting wall with a beam 3 or a crossmember 5 and be sustained by at least two posts 6, or it can be arranged against two supporting walls at right angles to each other with a beam 3 and a crossmember 5 that are contiguous and be sustained by at least one post, or (as in the figures) it can be self-supporting and have at least four corner posts 6.
Each slat 4 has the mutually opposite ends articulated to respective rotation pivots 7 which are substantially mutually aligned and associated with respective bars 8 that can slide along the beams 3.
In the present description the term "substantially" means "except for the usual machining and mounting tolerances".
The apparatus 1 further comprises means of simultaneous actuation with alternating translation of the bars 8 along the beams 3 and means 10 of moving the slats 4 between a closed configuration (Figures 1-6), in which they are arranged in a substantially horizontal arrangement and partially superimposed in pairs to define a continuous covering surface, and a fully open configuration (Figures 17-21), in which they are inclined spaced apart in pairs to define a plurality of slots 11 for the passage of air and/or light, passing through a plurality of partially open configurations (Figures 7-16). The slats 4 assume the closed configuration and the fully open configuration at the end positions of the bars 8 along the functional stroke.
Each slat 4 is constituted by an elongated body arranged transversely to the beams 3 and with a transverse cross-section that has a first linear extension that is greater than a second linear extension, meaning the maximum space occupation along the respective directions of extension.
In the closed configuration, the first linear extension of the transverse cross-section of the slats 4 is arranged substantially aligned with the longitudinal extension of the beams 3.
Furthermore, each slat 4 has one of its main faces, i.e. with greatest extension, substantially flat 12, which in the closed configuration is directed downward so that the juxtaposed slats 4 seen from below define a uniform surface.
On the other side, each slat 4 has, at the longitudinal sides transverse to the main faces, an appendage 13 protruding from the contour of the corresponding transverse cross-section and a longitudinal recess 14 which is provided with a raised rim 15. In the closed configuration the appendage 13 of one slat 4 is positioned above the rim 15 of the adjacent slat 4 so that the rainwater is collected along the recess 14.
The slats 4 are typically made with pieces of extruded aluminum profiles.
Furthermore, the apparatus 1 comprises a channel 16 for draining rainwater which is associated below each beam 3, is open upward, and is provided with an edge 17 that protrudes between the beams proper. In the closed configuration, the mutually opposite ends of the slats 4 are arranged resting on the edges 17, so that the water collected along the recesses 14 drains toward the channels 16 without wetting the area underneath the apparatus 1. Preferably there is a sealing gasket 18 interposed between each edge 17 and the corresponding ends of the slats 4, which is applied to the edge proper.
The apparatus 1 is also provided with a guttering system for the drainage of the water collected in the channels 16, which is not described in detail since it is conventional.
Each bar 8 is coupled so that it can slide along a corresponding guiding groove 19 defined on the face of the corresponding beam 3 adjacent to the slats 4 above the edge 17 of the corresponding channel 16. The means of actuation with alternating translation of the bars 8 comprise respective actuators, electric or fluid medium-powered, which are not shown since they are conventional.
Advantageously, the movement means 10 comprise, for each slat 4, at least one lever 20 which is articulated to one end of that slat 4 and to the beam 3 that is adjacent thereto, respectively by way of a first articulation pivot and a second articulation pivot 21 and 22 which are substantially parallel to the rotation pivots 7 of that slat.
Preferably, in each slat 4 the rotation pivots 7 and the first articulation pivot 21 are arranged proximate to the mutually opposite longitudinal sides of that slat along the first linear extension of the corresponding transverse cross-section, so as to maximize the distance between them and as a consequence increase the torque applied for moving the slat 4 for the same force applied to the bars 8 by the corresponding actuators.
In the closed configuration, each lever 20 is provided with the second articulation pivot 22 arranged above the first articulation pivot 21 and is, preferably, arranged substantially vertically.
In the fully open configuration, however, each lever 20 is arranged with the first articulation pivot 21 arranged above the second articulation pivot 22.
Furthermore, the rotation pivots 7 of each slat 4 in the movement between the closed configuration and the fully open configuration are moved from one side to the other of the articulation pivots 21 and 22 of the corresponding lever 20.
The levers 20 of the various slats 4 are arranged mutually parallel and are kept parallel during the movement of those slats.
Preferably, the movement means 10 have, for each slat 4, two levers 20, each one of which is articulated to a corresponding end of that slat by way of a first articulation pivot 21, and to the beam 3 that is adjacent to that end by way of a second articulation pivot 22, the two first articulation pivots 21 and the two second articulation pivots 22 being substantially mutually aligned. The two first pivots 21 of each slat 4 are connected by a tubular element 23.
The reduced friction that develops in the rotary torques connecting the levers 20 to the slats 4 and to the beams 3 minimizes the dispersion of power and makes the apparatus 1 efficient and reliable.
Operation of the present invention is the following.
Starting from the closed configuration, by actuating the sliding of the bars 8 along the respective beams, the rotation of the slats 4 is actuated about the respective rotation pivots 7, sliding integrally with the corresponding bars 8. The coupling determined by the levers 20, which are pivoted both to the slats 4 in motion and about the second articulation pivots 22 fixed to the beams 3, determines the desired movement of the slats 4 until the fully open configuration is reached, passing through a plurality of partially open configurations (of which two are shown by way of example in the figures).
By providing conventional adapted elements for controlling the actuation means, it is possible to command the movement of the slats 4 and position them with the desired arrangement, for example, with respect to the orientation of the sun.
In practice it has been found that the invention as described achieves the intended aim and objects and, in particular, attention is drawn to the fact that the covering apparatus according to the invention makes it possible to obtain the movement of the slats with reduced friction, such that it requires low installed power, or for the same installed power it makes it possible to provide installations of larger dimensions.
Furthermore, the covering apparatus according to the invention optimizes the transmission of the motor torque to the orientable slats.
Also, the covering apparatus according to the invention enables a fluid movement of the slats, preventing the jamming or malfunctioning thereof.
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, as well as the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements without for this reason departing from the scope of protection claimed herein.
The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102017000003636 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included 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 covering apparatus (1) with orientable slats, which comprises a supporting structure (2) provided with at least two substantially parallel beams (3), between which a plurality of elongated and mutually juxtaposed orientable slats (4) are interposed, each slat having the mutually opposite ends articulated about respective rotation pivots (7) which are substantially aligned and associated with respective bars (8) that can slide along said beams (3), means of actuation with alternating translation of said bars (8) along said beams (3) for a functional stroke and means (10) of moving said slats (4) between a closed configuration, in which they are arranged partially superimposed in pairs to define a continuous covering surface, and a fully open configuration, in which they are spaced apart in pairs to define a plurality of slots (11) for the passage of light and/or air, passing through a plurality of partially open configurations, the closed configuration and the fully open configuration being assumed by said slats (4) at the end positions of said bars (8) along said functional stroke, characterized in that said movement means (10) comprise, for each slat (4), at least one lever (20) which is articulated to one end of said slat and to the beam (3) that is adjacent thereto, respectively by way of a first articulation pivot and a second articulation pivot (21, 22) which are substantially parallel to the rotation pivots (7) of said slat.
The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each one of said slats (4) has a transverse cross-section that has a first linear extension that is substantially greater than a second linear extension, the first linear extension in the closed configuration being substantially aligned with the longitudinal extension of said beams (3), and in that said rotation pivots (7) and said first articulation pivot (21) are arranged proximate to the mutually opposite sides of said slat along said first linear extension.
The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that in said closed configuration each one of said levers (20) has said second articulation pivot (22) arranged above said first articulation pivot (21).
The apparatus (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that in said closed configuration each one of said levers (20) is arranged substantially vertically.
The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that in said fully open configuration each one of said levers (20) has said first articulation pivot (21) arranged above said second articulation pivot (22).
The apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movement means (10) comprise, for each one of said slats (4), two of said levers (20), each one of which is articulated to a corresponding end of said slat by way of a respective first articulation pivot (21) and to the beam (3) that is adjacent to said end by way of a respective second articulation pivot (22), the two first articulation pivots (21) and the two second articulation pivots (22) of each slat (4) being substantially mutually aligned.
The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a channel (16) for draining rainwater which is associated, in a downward region with respect to each one of said beams (3), with an edge (17) that protrudes between said beams, the mutually opposite ends of each one of said slats (4) in the closed configuration being arranged so as to rest on the edges (17) of said draining channels (16).
The apparatus (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises respective sealing gaskets (18) interposed between the edges (17) of said draining channels (16) and the ends of said slats (4) in the closed configuration.