EP3363963B1 - Pergola provided with retractable slats - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention refers to a pergola provided with a high number of retractable blades and which can be operated flexibly manually. There is also described a reduction mechanism particularly suitable for pergolas and shades actuating tubes, and a system for joining profiles and pillars that form the support structure of a pergola.

HISTORY

On the one hand shading elements, such as pergolas and blinds, are already known, which comprise a rotary actuating element, which may be a tube, and a rotary actuating mechanism of the rotary element, in which the mechanism comprises a first step provided with a worm and an output shaft which in turn actuates the rotary element. A pergola is for example disclosed in the document EP2803778 A2 which describes all the features of the preamble of claim 1.

A disadvantage of this type of actuation is that the rotating element can be subjected to a too high resisting torque, particularly from the shading elements, which can consist of blades, so that with the worm it can is not enough to overcome the actuating torque.

One solution is to adapt the dimensions of the first step by resizing it.

This is an expensive solution which, in addition, may involve an increase in the space occupied by the first step.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

To overcome the disadvantages of the state of the art, the present invention provides a pergola provided with retractable blades pivotally arranged along axes parallel to a common direction, the blades being connected to at least one actuating section, which comprises a common direction parallel axis actuating tube, each actuating section being connected to the actuating tube by means of a connecting rod, which comprises a rotary actuating mechanism of the actuating tube, in which the mechanism comprises a first step provided with a worm and an axis of output axis parallel to the axis of the tube, and which comprises a gearbox disposed inside the tube and actuated by the output of the first step.

Thus, it is possible to have a manual operation without adding space to the assembly, because it takes advantage of the inside of the actuating tube for its housing. In addition, it is an elongated space that allows to progressively dispose of as many reduction steps as necessary, in a modular manner, as will be seen below.

• le réducteur comprend :
  • une douille pourvue de moyens de fixation au tube, la surface intérieure de la douille étant dentée ;
  • une première étape réductrice pourvue de :
    • 
      pignons planétaires avec des axes ;
    • 
      un support postérieur et un support antérieur des axes des pignons planétaires ;
    • 
      un axe de sortie solidaire du support antérieur et à axe coïncidant avec l'axe du tube ;

les pignons planétaires étant disposés pour s'engrener extérieurement avec la surface intérieure dentée et pour être actionnés par l'axe de sortie de la première étape.According to various optional features of the invention, which can be combined as long as it is technically possible:

• the reducer comprises:
  • a socket provided with fastening means to the tube, the inner surface of the sleeve being toothed;
  • a first reducing step provided with:
    • 
      planetary gears with axles;
    • 
      posterior support and anterior support of the axes of the planetary gears;
    • 
      an output shaft integral with the anterior support and with an axis coinciding with the axis of the tube;

the planet gears being arranged to mesh externally with the internal toothed surface and to be actuated by the output axis of the first step.

This is a very simple implementation of the reducing step which is introduced further perfectly in a tubular housing. Its output axis can be toothed so as to allow the actuation of another reduction step, or it could be expected that it has a coupling end to an intermediate member with the tube, if a step discount was not enough.

• une deuxième étape réductrice pourvue de :
  • 
    pignons planétaires avec des axes ;
  • 
    un support postérieur et un support antérieur des axes des pignons planétaires ;
  • 
    un axe de sortie solidaire du support antérieur et à axe coïncidant avec l'axe du tube et avec des moyens d'union fixe au tube,

les pignons planétaires étant disposés pour s'engrener extérieurement avec la surface intérieure dentée et pour être actionnés par la sortie dentée de la première étape réductrice.Preferably the reducer comprises:

• a second reducing step provided with:
  • 
    planetary gears with axles;
  • 
    posterior support and anterior support of the axes of the planetary gears;
  • 
    an output shaft integral with the anterior support and with an axis coinciding with the axis of the tube and with means of fixed union to the tube,

the planet gears being arranged to mesh externally with the internal toothed surface and to be actuated by the toothed outlet of the first reducing step.

Namely, the invention makes it possible to progressively dispose of the successive stages of reduction with great simplicity.

In certain embodiments, the means of union fixed to the tube comprise flat surfaces at the end of the output axis of the second reducing step, a fastening piece concentric with the axis of the tube provided with an orifice of central introduction with complementary introduction surfaces of the flat surfaces of the end of the toothed output shaft and peripheral friction surfaces with the inner surface of the tube.

In some embodiments, the pergola comprises a centering assembly of the output axis of the second reducing step, consisting of a centering plug, a washer and a circular fixing clip.

In some embodiments, the pergola comprises blade support profiles and provided with drainage channels, pillars and connecting pieces between the support profiles and the pillars.

In some embodiments, the union pieces are made in one piece so as to define three plates interconnected, two of them vertical and intended to remain outside the pergola and flush with the outer surface of the support profiles and a horizontal one with a drainage hole.
In some embodiments, the union pieces comprise a bracket of each vertical plate with the horizontal plate, and arranged parallel to the vertical plate to which they are not connected, these brackets being provided with support means and locking means of the support profiles.
In some embodiments, the union pieces comprise a bracket with an L-shaped section that emerges from the horizontal plate in its inner corner, the bracket with an L-shaped section being provided on its upper part with grooves for fixing and locking the support profiles.

In some embodiments, the support profiles are identical.

In some embodiments, the blades have a profile configured by a flat base, a rear wall provided with the means of union with the axis of rotation and on its upper edge of a joint, a front wall which extends horizontally with a L-shaped section for pressing the seal of the front blade when the latter are in the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une pergola pourvue de lames rétractables.
• La figure 2 montre les éléments de base du raccordement mécanique entre le profilé d'actionnement des lames et le tube d'actionnement, moyennant une bielle.
• La figure 3 montre l'autre extrémité du tube, et la bielle correspondante, de sorte à actionner simultanément deux profilés opposés.
• La figure 4 est une vue en hauteur qui montre les raccordements successifs entre des éléments d'actionnement, à savoir du crochet, à la vis sans fin, de la vis sans fin au tube, du tube à la bielle, de la bielle au profilé d'actionnement et de ce dernier aux lames rétractables, bien qu'une seule y figure.
• La figure 5 montre une vue en perspective les éléments de la figure 4.
• La figure 6 montre une vue éclatée partielle et en perspective du mécanisme d'actionnement rotatif.
• La figure 7 montre une vue en perspective du mécanisme d'actionnement rotatif, monté mais isolé du reste de la pergola.
• La figure 8 montre les deux éléments de base qui forment le mécanisme de réduction.
• La figure 9 montre un dispositif d'actionnement rotatif pourvu d'un moteur tubulaire disposé en série avec une étape réductrice.
• La figure 10 montre une vue éclatée des composants du réducteur.
• Les figures 11 et 12 montrent le réducteur isolé et monté, en hauteur et en perspective respectivement.
• La figure 13 montre une vue en plan du détail de l'union entre profilés.
• La figure 14 montre une vue en perspective de l'union entre profilés et pièce d'union, en indiquant le mouvement de couplage.
• La figure 15 montre une vue en perspective et en détail de la pièce d'union, mettant en avant les caractéristiques de blocage et de fixation des profilés.
• La figure 16 montre une vue en plan de la pièce d'union, isolée.
• La figure 17 montre diverses vues de la zone d'union et d'actionnement de la pergola, y compris une section de l'un des profilés, en l'occurrence inversée, pourvue d'un canal pour la récupération de l'eau.
• La figure 18 montre une vue en section d'une lame de la pergola, dotée d'un joint d'étanchéité pour garantir l'étanchéité par collaboration à pression avec une extrémité de la lame successive.
• La figure 19 montre la disposition relative de fermeture entre deux lames et le scellement étanche qui est formé entre les deux.
• La figure 20 montre un morceau de lame en perspective.
• Les figures 21 et 22 sont des vues en perspective qui permettent d'apprécier clairement le blocage moyennant la plaque des profilés par rapport à la pièce d'union.

To complete the description and in order to facilitate a better understanding of the features of the invention, according to an exemplary practical embodiment of the carcass, a set of figures is accompanied as an integral part of the description, in which it has been illustrative and nonlimiting, the following:

• The figure 1 is a perspective view of a pergola with retractable blades.
• The figure 2 shows the basic elements of the mechanical connection between the actuating section of the blades and the actuating tube, by means of a connecting rod.
• The figure 3 shows the other end of the tube, and the corresponding rod, so as to simultaneously operate two opposite sections.
• The figure 4 is a height view showing the successive connections between actuating elements, namely the hook, the worm, the auger tube, the tube to the rod, the rod to the actuating profile and from the latter to the retractable blades, although only one is there.
• The figure 5 shows a perspective view the elements of the figure 4 .
• The figure 6 shows a partial exploded view in perspective of the rotary actuating mechanism.
• The figure 7 shows a perspective view of the rotary actuating mechanism, mounted but isolated from the rest of the pergola.
• The figure 8 shows the two basic elements that form the reduction mechanism.
• The figure 9 shows a rotary actuator provided with a tubular motor arranged in series with a reducing step.
• The figure 10 shows an exploded view of the gearbox components.
• The Figures 11 and 12 show the gearbox isolated and mounted, in height and in perspective respectively.
• The figure 13 shows a plan view of the detail of the union between profiles.
• The figure 14 shows a perspective view of the union between profiles and union piece, indicating the coupling movement.
• The figure 15 shows a perspective view in detail of the union piece, highlighting the blocking and fixing characteristics of the profiles.
• The figure 16 shows a plan view of the union room, isolated.
• The figure 17 shows various views of the area of union and actuation of the pergola, including a section of one of the profiles, in this case inverted, provided with a channel for the recovery of water.
• The figure 18 shows a sectional view of a blade of the pergola, provided with a seal to ensure tightness by pressure collaboration with one end of the successive blade.
• The figure 19 shows the relative closure arrangement between two blades and the seal that is formed between the two.
• The figure 20 shows a piece of perspective blade.
• The Figures 21 and 22 are perspective views that make it possible to clearly appreciate the blocking by means of the plate of the profiles with respect to the union piece.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The figure 1 shows a pergola P provided with retractable blades L pivotally arranged along axes parallel to a common direction r.

The aim is to be able to manually operate all the blades L so that they have a synchronized movement and that they are always parallel to each other, to bring them from an open position to a closed position, illustrated on the figure 19 , in which the end of one is pressed at the end of the next to obtain an antivibration support, by means of the rubber seal, and also a certain degree of sealing.

The blades are preferably connected to the main structure by means of a system such as that described in the patent EP2803778 in the name of the same holder.

To actuate the blades, the latter are connected to two actuating sections P1, P2 arranged parallel to both ends of the blades L.

The actuation system also comprises an actuating tube T with axis parallel to the common direction r, each actuating section P1, P2 being connected to the actuating tube T by means of a connecting rod B1, B2.

As shown for example in figure 8 , the system comprises a mechanism M of rotary actuation of the actuating tube T. This mechanism is composed in turn of a first step M1 provided with a VSF worm and an output shaft 1 with parallel axis to the axis of the tube T.

Thus, a user, with a perch provided with a hook can rotate the output axis, for example with an angular reduction of 9 to 1.

However, this reduction may not be sufficient, which will depend on the dimensions of the pergola, the number of blades, etc., therefore, according to the present invention there is proposed a gearbox M2 disposed inside the tube T and actuated by the output 1 of the first step M1.

• une douille 2 pourvue de moyens de fixation au tube T, la surface intérieure 21 de la douille étant dentée ;
• une première étape réductrice 3 pourvue de :
  • 
    pignons planétaires 31 avec des axes 33 ;
  • 
    un support postérieur 32 et un support antérieur 34 des axes 33 des pignons planétaires 31 ;
  • 
    un axe de sortie denté 35 solidaire du support antérieur 34 et à axe coïncidant avec l'axe du tube T ;

les pignons planétaires 31 étant disposés pour s'engrener extérieurement avec la surface intérieure 21 dentée et pour être actionnés par l'axe de sortie 1 de la première étape M1.This gearbox M2 comprises, as shown in FIG. figure 10 :

• a socket 2 provided with fastening means to the tube T, the inner surface 21 of the sleeve being toothed;
• a first reducing step 3 provided with:
  • 
    planetary gears 31 with pins 33;
  • 
    a posterior support 32 and an anterior support 34 of the axes 33 of the planet gears 31;
  • 
    a toothed output shaft 35 integral with the anterior support 34 and with an axis coinciding with the axis of the tube T;

the planet gears 31 being arranged to mesh externally with the inner surface 21 toothed and to be actuated by the output axis 1 of the first step M1.

With this reducer it is possible to obtain, with the typical dimensions of an actuating tube of this type, a reduction of 5 to 1, namely every 5 turns of the toothed end 1 will assume only one turn of the toothed axis output 35.

It is emphasized that the fixing of the sleeve 2 to the tube can be carried out by pressure introduction or by means of the pins 22 illustrated on the figure 10 .

• 
  pignons planétaires 41 avec des axes 43 ;
• 
  un support postérieur 42 et un support antérieur 44 des axes 43 des pignons planétaires 41 ;
• 
  un axe de sortie 45 solidaire du support antérieur 44 et à axe coïncidant avec l'axe du tube T et avec des moyens d'union fixe 50 au tube T,

les pignons planétaires 41 étant disposés pour s'engrener extérieurement avec la surface intérieure 21 dentée et pour être actionnés par la sortie dentée 35 de la première étape réductrice 3.Hereinafter, according to this preferred embodiment and as illustrated in this same figure, a second reducing step 4 is arranged provided with:

• 
  planetary gears 41 with pins 43;
• 
  a posterior support 42 and an anterior support 44 of the axes 43 of the planet gears 41;
• 
  an output shaft 45 secured to the front support 44 and axially coincident with the axis of the tube T and with fixed connection means 50 to the tube T,

the planet gears 41 being arranged to mesh externally with the inner surface 21 toothed and to be actuated by the toothed outlet 35 of the first reducing step 3.

With this additional step a reduction of 5 to 1 is achieved. Namely, successively connecting the VSF worm to steps 1 and 2 gives a reduction of 9 ^* 5 ^* 5 = 225, which will allow a user to operate the blades. All the above, moreover, did not suppose any resizing of the pergola, because one takes advantage of the space of the tube for the disposition of as many stages of reduction as wanted.

As is shown in Figures 6 and 9 , that the fixed union means 50 to the tube T comprise flat surfaces 46 at the end of the output axis 45 of the second reducing step 4, a fixing piece 50 concentric with the axis of the tube T provided with a central introduction port with complementary insertion surfaces of the flat surfaces of the end of the toothed output shaft 45 and the peripheral friction surfaces with the inner surface of the tube T.

It is also planned, as shown in figure 10 , a centering assembly 47, 48, 49 with output axis 45 of the second reductive step 4, consisting of a centering plug 47, a washer 48 and a circular fixing clip 49.

It is emphasized that the set M2 provided with the reducing steps 1 and 2 does not have to necessarily be combined with an auger device, without this constituting an invention in itself which can be combined with other forms of actuation.

For example, as shown in figure 9 , the assembly M2 can be combined with a tubular electric motor T2, M2 and T2 arranged with the common axis, so as to obtain an automatic operating pergola.

Hereinafter will be described a fastening system profiles and beams that form the pergola that can be implemented independently of the invention relating to the reduction steps, and which can be claimed independently. This other inventive aspect will be described below in connection with Figures 13 to 22 .

So, it is also described here, as shown in the Figures 13 to 22 , a pergola which comprises sections P3, P5 for supporting the blades L and provided with CA, CA3, CA5 drainage channels, P4 pillars and union pieces U between the support profiles P3, P5 and the pillars P4.

In this pergola, as shown in figure 15 , the union pieces are made in one piece so as to define three plates UP1, UP2, UP3 interconnected, two of them vertical UP1, UP2 and intended to remain outside the pergola P and to flush with the outer surface of the support profiles P3, P5 and a horizontal UP3 provided with a drain hole UA. So the water recovered in the CA, CA3, CA5 drainage channels goes towards the UA drainage.

In particular, the union pieces U comprise a bracket U1 of union of each vertical plate UP1, UP2 with the horizontal plate UP3, and arranged parallel to the vertical plate to which they are not connected.

These brackets U1 are provided with support means U2, U3 and locking means U7 support profiles P3, P5. The support means are support grooves of the profiles P3, and P5, which have support ends, for example implemented with screws, visible on the figure 17 , who allow support and clamping in U2 and U3.

However, to ensure that the profiles P3 and P5 do not rise, there are provided inputs or through holes U7 for the insertion of a plate which can be fixed by means of a screw to the profiles P3, P5, and which block the vertical movement of the profiles relative to the union part U. In other words, U2 and U3 retain longitudinally, to a certain extent laterally, and by clamping they can also do vertically, the ends of the profiles P3 and P5.

It is also envisaged that the union pieces U comprise a bracket U4 with an L-shaped section which emerges from the horizontal plate UP3 in its inner corner, the bracket U4 with an L-shaped section being provided on its upper part with grooves of U5 fixing and locking of P3, P5 support profiles.

An advantage of this fastening system is that the support profiles P3, P5 can be identical.

Finally, as we can see on Figures 18 and 20 , the blades L have a profile configured by a flat base L1, a rear wall L2 provided with means of union to the axis of rotation and on its upper edge of a joint J, a front wall L3 which extends horizontally with an L-shaped section L4 for pressing the seal of the front blade, when the latter are in the closed position.

In this text, the word "includes" and its variants (such as "including", etc.) should not be construed in a limiting manner, namely, they do not exclude the possibility that what describes includes other elements, not etc.

On the other hand, the invention is not limited to the concrete embodiments that have been described but also encompasses, for example, the variants that can be made by those skilled in the art (for example, as to the choice of materials, dimensions , components, configuration, etc.), in what emerges from the claims.

Claims (11)

1. Pergola (P) provided with retractable slats (L) arranged pivoting according to axes parallel to a common direction (r), the slats being connected to at least one actuating profile (P1, P2), which comprises an actuating tube (T) with axis parallel to the common direction (r), each actuating profile (P1, P2) being connected to the actuating tube (T) by means of a rod (B, B1), which comprises a rotating actuating mechanism (M) of the actuating tube (T), characterised in that the mechanism (M) comprises a first stage (M1) provided with an endless screw (VSF) and an output shaft (1) with axis parallel to the axis of the tube (T) and it also comprises a reducer (M2) arranged inside the tube (T) and actuated by the output (1) of the first stage (M1).
2. Pergola (P) according to claim 1, in which the reducer (M2) comprises:

   • a sleeve (2) provided with means of mounting on the tube (T), the inside surface (21) of the sleeve being toothed;

   • a first reducing stage (3) provided with:

   

   planetary gears (31) with shafts (33);

   

   a rear support (32) and a front support (34) of the shafts (33) of the planetary gears (31);

   

   a toothed output shaft (35) integral with the front support (34) and with axis coinciding with the axis of the tube (T);

   the planetary gears (31) being arranged to mesh externally with the toothed inside surface (21) and to be actuated by the output shaft (1) of the first stage (M1).
3. Pergola (P) according to claim 2, in which the reducer (M2) comprises:

   • a second reducing stage (4) provided with:

   

   planetary gears (41) with shafts (43);

   

   a rear support (42) and a front support (44) of the shafts (43) of the planetary gears (41);

   

   an output shaft (45) integral with the front support (44) and with axis coinciding with the axis of the tube (T) and with means of fixed connection (50) to the tube (T).

   the planetary gears (41) being arranged to mesh externally with the toothed inside surface (21) and to be actuated by the toothed output (35) of the first reducing stage (3).
4. Pergola (P) according to claim 3, in which the means of fixed connection (50) to the tube (T) comprise flat surfaces (46) at the end of the output shaft (45) of the second reducing stage (4), a mounting part (50) concentric with the axis of the tube (T) provided with a central introduction hole with complementary surfaces for introduction of the flat surfaces of the end of the toothed output shaft (45) and peripheral surfaces for friction with the internal surface of the tube (T).
5. Pergola (P) according to claim 3 or claim 4, which comprises a centring assembly (47, 48, 49) for the output shaft (45) of the second reducing stage (4), made up of a centring plug (47), a washer (48) and a circular mounting clip (49).
6. Pergola (P) according to any one of the previous claims, which comprises support profiles (P3, P5) of the slats (L) and provided with drainage channels (CA, CA3, CA5), pillars (P4) and connection parts (U) between the support profiles (P3, P5) and the pillars (P4).
7. Pergola (P) according to claim 6, in which the connection parts are made in a single piece so as to define three plates (UP1, UP2, UP3) connected to each other, two of them vertical (UP1, UP2) and intended to remain outside the pergola (P) and flush with the outside surface of the support profiles (P3, P5) and one horizontal (UP3) provided with a drainage hole (UA).
8. Pergola (P) according to claim 7, in which the connection parts (U) comprise an angle bracket (U1) for connecting each vertical plate (UP1, UP2) to the horizontal plate (UP3) and arranged parallel to the vertical plate to which they are not connected, these angle brackets (U1) being provided with means of support (U2, U3) and means of locking (U7) the support profiles (P3, P5).
9. Pergola (P) according to claim 8, in which the connection parts (U) comprise an angle bracket (U4) with an L section which emerges from the horizontal plate (UP3) in its inside corner, the angle bracket (U4) with an L section being provided with grooves for mounting and locking (U5) the support profiles (P3, P5) on its upper part.
10. Pergola according to claim 6, in which the support profiles (P3, P5) are identical.
11. Pergola according to any one of the previous claims, in which the slats (L) have a profile configured by a base plate (L1), a rear wall (L2) provided with means of connection with the axis of rotation and a seal (J) on its top edge, a front wall (L3) which extends horizontally with an L-shaped section (L4) intended to exert pressure on the seal of the previous slat, when they are situated in a closed position.

Images