EP4663870A1

EP4663870A1 - Articulation device for an articulated arm for a retractable awning assembly

Info

Publication number: EP4663870A1
Application number: EP25180814.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roberto NARDIN
Original assignee: Tendaco Srl
Current assignee: Tendaco Srl
Priority date: 2024-06-10
Filing date: 2025-06-04
Publication date: 2025-12-17

Abstract

The present invention relates to an articulation device (10) for an articulated arm (100) for a retractable awning assembly, comprising a first (12) and a second (14) articulation element (14), a lever body (22), and a flexible element (110) fixed to the lever body (22) at an anchoring portion (22c). In an opening position, the flexible element (110) is in contact with the body (22) from the anchoring portion (22c) to a first separation point or line (L1), and in a closing position the flexible element (110) is partially wound around the outer surface (22e) from the anchoring portion (22c) to a second separation point or line (L2). The lever body (22) is configured so that a first distance (D1) of the first separation point (L1) from the articulation axis (R1) is greater than a second distance (D2) of the second separation point (L2) from the articulation axis (R1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an articulation device for an articulated arm for a retractable awning assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to an articulation device with a construction designed to provide improved functionality and characteristics to an articulated arm used to obtain the opening and closing of an awning of a retractable awning assembly.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Retractable awning assemblies, comprising one or more articulated arms are known in the state of the art. In particular, a retractable awning assembly provides for at least one retracted or wound position, and at least one extended position. In the retracted or wound position, the tarpaulin of the retractable awning assembly is substantially wound, for example around a roller, so as to provide little or no degree of sunlight shielding. Whereas, in the extended position, the tarpaulin of the retractable awning assembly is substantially extended and preferably suitably tensioned so as to provide a degree of sunlight shielding which is comprised between said minimum degree of shielding and a maximum degree of shielding, depending on the amount of extension or unwinding of the tarpaulin by means of articulated arms and the maximum amount of opening of the latter.
To this end, in order to obtain a movement of the tarpaulin, the retractable awning assembly provides for at least one articulated arm. The articulated arm in turn comprises an arm portion and a forearm portion which are rotatably connected to each other so that they are suitable to be moved between a closing position, obtaining the retracted or wound position, and an opening position, to obtain the extended position.
Said rotatable connection can be obtained by means of a articulation device connecting said arm and forearm portions, and the prior art discloses various types of articulation devices.
For example, patent document EP1650373 discloses an articulated arm comprising an arm portion and a forearm portion that are rotatably connected to each other through a type of articulation device. In the arm portion there is arranged an elastic element, such as for example a helical spring, and a flexible traction element, such as for example a belt or strap, which are adapted to connect the arm portion with the articulation device.
Specifically, the articulation device comprises a first articulation element associated with the arm portion and a second articulation element associated with the forearm portion, in which said articulation elements are rotatably connected to each other at an articulation elbow, to obtain a mutual joint. The flexible element is anchored through one end to the elastic element and through the other end to a core which, in turn, is contained in the articulation elbow and it is connected to the second articulation element. In this condition, the flexible element is adapted to exert, through the core, a traction force adapted to induce the opening of the articulated arm and maintain such position.
This articulation device is in particular configured so that the flexible traction element is operatively completely concealed and protected, given that it is anchored to a core contained in the articulation elbow.
Patent document DE3900463 discloses a further articulated arm comprising an arm portion and a forearm portion that are rotatably connected to each other through a further type of articulation device.
Specifically, the articulation device comprises a first articulation element associated with the arm portion and a second articulation element associated with the forearm portion. The flexible element is anchored through one end to the elastic element, and through the other end to the second articulation element.
Unlike the one disclosed in EP1650373 , such articulation device provides for a flexible traction element which is at least partially exposed at the articulation elbow.
Although these prior art articulated arms and the relevant articulation devices for the articulated arms function appropriately in most cases, they reveal drawbacks.
As a matter of fact, in order to reliably obtain a force adapted to induce the opening of the articulated arm and maintain such position, there arises the need to provide for within the arm portion an elastic element, such as for example a helical spring, which is configured to generate a high return elastic force. Therefore, such elastic element must be selected so as to provide for a relatively high elastic constant of the spring.
In this condition, using an elastic element with a high elastic constant allows to ensure reliable opening of the articulated arm and maintaining such position, so as to obtain the extended position of the retractable awning assembly in which the tarpaulin is substantially extended and suitably tensioned, providing the desired degree of sunlight shielding.
However, the inventor observed that when the articulated arm is in the closing position, the elastic element continues to exert a high amount of tensioning on the tarpaulin although the latter is substantially almost completely wound around the roller and in particular on the portion of the tarpaulin that is close to the region for connecting to the articulated arm, through a support bar. When the articulated arm is in the closing position, such amount of tensioning applied to the tarpaulin is substantially a function of the elastic constant of the elastic element and the amount of deformation of the latter.
Therefore, while on the one hand the use of an elastic element with a high elastic constant ensures reliable opening of the articulated arm and maintaining such position, on the other hand it causes a high amount of tensioning when the articulated arm is in the closing position and which is higher for increasing values of elastic constant.
This high amount of tensioning is particularly significant considering that the articulated arm is typically moved to the opening position only when necessary, and it is in the closing position most of the time, for example at night, during cloudy daytime hours or simply when the user does not need sunlight shielding. In other words, the tarpaulin of the retractable awning assembly is substantially continuously or predominantly subjected to the high amount of tensioning that is applied by the elastic element when the articulated arm is in the closing position. While, the tarpaulin of the retractable awning assembly is subjected only for a small period of time to a minimal amount of tensioning when the articulated arm is in the opening position.
In this condition, depending on the material from which it is made, the tarpaulin is subjected to permanent unwanted deformation over time. Such permanent deformation in turn causes incorrect tensioning of the tarpaulin when the latter is extended and the articulated arm is in the opening position, forming corrugated portions of the tarpaulin as a result. The corrugated portions of the tarpaulin are aesthetic defects as well as functional defects given that they degrade the resistance of the structure to atmospheric agents, form pockets in which rain is possibly collected and do not maintain adequate stability in the event of wind gusts.
Such permanent deformation is likely when materials and/or fabrics susceptible to stressing, or materials and/or fabrics sensitive to environmental conditions, that is with reduced resistance to radiation (visible, UV) are used for the forming of the tarpaulin. Furthermore, guidelines or directives aimed at achieving greater eco-sustainability of products increasingly require the use of recycled or recovered materials and/or fabrics, which typically have lower properties, in particular yield strength, than first choice materials of fossil/synthetic origin or materials derived from petroleum, such as for example acrylic, polyester, PVC and the like. Lastly, materials and/or fabrics which provide for finishing treatments that comply with guidelines or directives aimed at achieving greater eco-sustainability of the products, have lower properties than materials and/or fabrics that have traditional finishing treatments.
These drawbacks could be resolved by suitably selecting the characteristics of the materials and/or fabrics from which the tarpaulin is made. However, in this case the range of choice of materials and/or fabrics for the forming of the tarpaulin is limited, further providing for an increase in costs by having to select materials and/or fabrics with high characteristics of yield strength and resistance to radiation. Furthermore, should there be chosen a tarpaulin with greater weight, so as to obtain greater yield strength, it would still be necessary to select an elastic element with a high elastic constant in order to move the articulated arm to the opening position.
Possibly, there could be provided for an elastic element having an elastic constant that is relatively small or smaller than those typically used. However, in this case, a reliable opening of the articulated arm and maintaining such position cannot always be guaranteed.
As a result, there arises the need to provide a solution which overcome at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks, providing an improvement to an articulation device for an articulated arm for a retractable awning assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The task of the present invention is to provide an articulation device for an articulated arm for a retractable awning assembly, which is adapted to provide improved functionality and characteristics to an articulated arm used for obtaining the opening and the closing of an awning of a retractable awning assembly.
In the context of the task outlined above, an object of the present invention relates to an articulation device which provides for a construction adapted to provide a reduction in the amount of tensioning applied to the tarpaulin when the articulated arm is in the closing position.
A further object relates to an articulation device that is configured to provide a reduction in the amount of tensioning applied to the tarpaulin when the articulated arm is in the closing position, considering the same characteristics as an elastic element that is adapted to induce opening movement of the articulated arm and maintain such position.
A further object relates to an articulation device that is configured to reduce the probability of the elastic element yielding, so as to ensure greater durability thereof.
A further object relates to an articulation device that is configured to provide greater durability of a flexible element adapted to transmit a force from the elastic element to the forearm portion.
A further object relates to an articulation device that is configured so that the flexible traction element, adapted to transmit a force from the elastic element to the forearm portion, is operatively completely concealed and protected.
A further object relates to an articulation device which provides for a construction adapted to ensure reliable opening of the articulated arm and maintaining such position.
A further object relates to an articulation device which provides for a construction that is easy to obtain.
The aforementioned tasks and others which will be more apparent hereinafter in the description, are achieved through an articulation device for an articulated arm for a retractable awning assembly as defined in the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The further characteristics and advantages of the articulation device for an articulated arm for a retractable awning assembly, according to the present invention, will become more apparent in the following description relating to an embodiment provided purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the figures below, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a lateral view of an articulated arm for a retractable awning assembly, comprising an articulation device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in an opening position;
Fig. 2 is a top view of the articulated arm of Fig. 1, partially cross-sectional, in the opening position;
Fig. 3 is a top view of the articulated arm of Fig. 1, partially cross-sectional, in a closing position;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-section view taken at the articulation device of the articulated arm of Fig. 2, when the latter is in the opening position;
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the direction A-A of the articulation device of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a lever body and a flexible traction element of the articulation device of Fig. 4, when the articulated arm is in the opening position;
Fig. 7 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-section view taken at the articulation device of the articulated arm of Fig. 3, when the latter is in the closing position;
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the direction B-B of the articulation device of Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the lever body and of the flexible traction element of the articulation device of Fig. 7, when the articulated arm is in the closing position;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the articulation element of the articulation device of Fig. 4, longitudinally cross-sectional;
Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the lever body of Fig. 6,
Fig. 12 is a top view of the lever body and of the flexible traction element of the articulation device of Fig. 7;
Fig. 13 is a lateral view of the lever body and of the flexible traction element of the articulation device of Fig. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the description below, terms such as "high", "low", "lateral" and the like refer to an articulation device, to an articulated arm for a retractable awning assembly and their components, in the standard use configuration as shown in the attached figures.
Figs. 1 to 3 show an example of an articulated arm 100 for a retractable awning assembly, in which said articulated arm 100 includes an articulation device 10 according to the present invention.
The articulated arm 100 comprises, as usual, an arm portion 102 and a forearm portion 104 which are rotatably connected to each other by means of said articulation device 10 so that they are adapted to be moved between an opening position (shown in Figs. 1 and 2) and a closing position (shown in Fig. 3). In the closing position of the articulated arm 100, the retractable awning assembly is in the retracted or wound position. While in the opening position of the articulated arm 100, the retractable awning assembly is in the extended position.
The arm portion 102 is substantially formed with a tubular profile provided with respective first end 102a and second end 102b, preferably open, and the forearm portion 104 is also substantially formed with a tubular profile provided with respective first end 104a and the second end 104b, preferably open.
The first end 102a of arm portion 102 comprises or is engaged with a first fixing portion 106 which, under operative conditions, is typically associated with or rotatable joined to a fixed support (not shown in the figures) provided, for example, in a wall or in a structure on which the retractable awning assembly is mounted.
The second end 104b of the forearm portion 104, distal with respect to the first end 102a of the arm portion 102, comprises or is engaged with a second fixing portion 108 which in operative conditions is typically associated with or rotatable joined to a load bar (not shown in the figures) to which there is fixed an edge of the tarpaulin (not shown in the figures) of the retractable awning assembly.
The second end 102b of arm portion 102 and the first end 104a of forearm portion 104 are rotatably connected to each other through the articulation device 10, better explained below.
Therefore, in the closing position of the articulated arm 100, the tarpaulin is operatively substantially wound, for example around a roller mounted at or near the fixed support to which the first fixing portion 106 is coupled. While, in the opening position of the articulated arm 100, the tarpaulin is operatively substantially extended, depending on the degree of opening of the articulated arm and preferably suitably tensioned.
Within an internal cavity of the arm portion 102 there is provided for a flexible traction element 110. The flexible traction element 110 is preferably a substantially flat band, strap or belt which is formed with plastic material, fabric or the like, possibly including metal filaments or wires. However, the flexible element 110 may be a preferably metallic cable, possibly with strands, a plurality of cables arranged adjacent to each other or a chain.
The flexible element 110 provides for a first end 110a and an opposite second end 110b which are connected to each other by an intermediate portion 110i. The first end 110a is connected to an elastic element 112 (shown only in Fig. 1), such as for example a traction helical spring or a gas traction spring, which is in turn fixed to a fixed point 102p of the arm portion 102, such as for example a protrusion or hook extending from the inner walls of the tubular section or from the first fixing portion 106. Whereas, the second end 110b is fixed to a part of the articulation device 10, as better explained below, to transmit to the first end 104a of the forearm portion 104 a traction force induced by the deformation of the elastic element 112.
In this manner, the elastic element 112 is adapted to exert, through the flexible element 110 and the articulation device 10, a traction force adapted to induce the movement of the forearm portion 104 with respect to the arm portion 102 in the opening position, and maintain such position until an acting force is applied adapted to move the articulated arm 100 in the closing position. While in the closing position of the forearm portion 104 with respect to the arm portion 102, the elastic element 112 continues to exert a traction force which causes a tensioning of the tarpaulin, depending on the amount of deformation.
Particularly with reference to Figs. 4 to 13, below is the description of the articulation device 10, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is adapted to form a rotatable connection between the second end 102b of the arm portion 102 and the first end 104a of the forearm portion 104 of the articulated arm 100 of the retractable awning assembly.
The articulation device 10 comprises a first articulation element 12 and a second articulation element 14 which are rotatably connected to each other about an articulation axis R1, which is substantially transversal to the extension direction or longitudinal axis of the articulation elements. The first 12 and second 14 articulation elements are mutually rotatable between the opening position (see in particular Fig. 4) and the closing position (see in particular Fig. 7).
The first articulation element 12 provides for a first end region comprising a first articulation portion 12p, and an opposite second end region comprising a first connection portion 12f. Whereas, the second articulation element 14 provides for a first end region comprising a second articulation portion 14p, and an opposite second end region comprising a second connection portion 14f.
The first connection portion 12f and the second connection portion 14f are substantially tubular-shaped, and they are configured to be connected, that is be engaged, respectively with the second end 102b of the arm portion 102 and the first end 104a of the forearm portion 104, in order to obtain the articulated arm 100 preferably by engaging such components.
The first articulation portion 12p and the second articulation portion 14p are rotatably connected to each other around the articulation axis R1, so as to obtain the mutual rotation of the arm portion 102 with respect to the forearm portion 104, that is the first articulation element 12 with respect to the second articulation element 14, between the opening position (see Figs. 1, 2 and 4) and the closing position (see Figs. 3, and 7), as mentioned above.
To this end, in the present embodiment, the first articulation portion 12p of the first articulation element 12 comprises a hollow body 12h, defining an internal cavity 16 (better observable in Figs. 5 and 8), which substantially communicates with the cavity of the tubular profile forming the first connection portion 12f. The hollow body 12h is substantially cylindrical-shaped with an axis coincident with the articulation axis R1 and provided with open bases. While, the second articulation portion 14p of the second articulation element 14 comprises a fork body 14y that substantially extends from the tubular profile forming the second connection portion 14f.
In operating conditions, the hollow body 12h of the first articulation portion 12p is arranged between the two branches of the fork body 14y of the second articulation portion 14p (better observable in Figs. 5 and 8). In particular, the fork body 14y is rotatably coupled to the hollow body 12h by means of bearing means 18 interposed between the articulation portions and by means of an articulation pin 20 defining the articulation axis R1 which connects the articulation portions. The bearing means 18, such as two pairs of bushing elements rotatably inserted into each other, are arranged coaxial to the articulation axis R1 at the open bases of the hollow body 12h. Whereas, the articulation pin 20 is substantially defined by a pin-shaped element or by a screw that is adapted to engage the internal cavity 16 of the hollow body 12h and holes, preferably one passing through and the other blind, formed on the two branches of fork body 14y.
In order to limit a maximum angle of mutual rotation between the articulation elements, such as for example a maximum rotation of 180 degrees, 170 degrees or other desired maximum angle, the first 12p and second 14p articulation portions may provide for rotation limitation means (not shown and not numbered in the figures). For example, the two branches of the fork body 14y of the second articulation portion 14p may comprise respective guide elements defined by arched grooves that are slidably engaged by engagement protrusions extending from the hollow body 12h of the first articulation portion 12p. In particular, in this possible embodiment, the guide elements and the engagement protrusions define said rotation limitation means in which the longitudinal extension of the arched grooves defines a maximum range of rotation by abutting between the engagement protrusions and the abutment ends of the arched grooves. However, further embodiments adapted to obtain a limitation of the maximum angle of mutual rotation of the first articulation portion 12p with respect to the second articulation portion 14p may be provided for.
The articulation device 10 further comprises a lever body 22 connected to the second articulation portion 14p, so as to rotate integrally joined with the second articulation element 14 when the latter is moved, or rotated, with respect to the first articulation element 12 between said opening and closing positions.
The lever body 22 is preferably arranged within the internal cavity 16 of the hollow body 12h of the first articulation portion 12p of the first articulation element 12.
Furthermore, the lever body 22 comprises an outer surface 22e which is shaped around the articulation axis R1, that is around the articulation pin 20. In other words, the lever body 22 is configured and arranged within the internal cavity 16 of the hollow body 12h and between the branches of the fork body 14y, so as to be substantially penetrated by the articulation axis R1, that is the articulation pin 20.
Furthermore, the articulation device 10 comprises said flexible traction element 110 which is operatively housed at least partially within the first articulation element 12 and at least partially within the first arm portion 102 of the articulated arm 100.
As previously mentioned, the flexible element 110 comprises the first end 110a and the second end 110b which are connected to each other by the intermediate portion 110i. The first end 110a is connected to the elastic element 112, which is in turn fixed to the fixed point 102p of the arm portion 102, that is of the first fixing portion 106. Whereas, the second end 110b is fixed to the lever body 22 extending from the latter by an anchoring portion 22c of the lever body 22 and preferably of its outer surface 22e.
Particularly with reference to Figs. 4, 5 and 6, in the opening position, the intermediate portion 110i of the flexible element 110 is operatively in contact, or at least partially in contact, with the body 22 and its outer surface 22e for a first section S1 from said anchoring portion 22c to a first separation point or line L1, from which it detaches extending towards the first connection portion 12f of the first articulation element 12. In the present preferred embodiment in which the flexible element 110 is a belt, the first separation point or line L1 is a first separation line L1 substantially parallel to the articulation axis R1; however, should the flexible element 110 be a cable or chain, the first separation point or line L1 would be a first separation point L1.
Whereas, particularly with reference to Figs. 7, 8 and 9, in the closing position, the intermediate portion 110i of the flexible element 110 is partially wound around or in contact, or at least partially in contact with said outer surface 22e of the lever body 22 for a second section S2, greater than said first section S1, from said anchoring portion 22c to a second separation point or line L2, from which it detaches extending towards the first connection portion 12f of the first articulation element 12. As mentioned above, in the present preferred embodiment in which the flexible element 110 is a belt, the first separation point or line L1 is a first separation line L1 substantially parallel to the articulation axis R1; however, should the flexible element 110 be a cable or chain, the first separation point or line L1 would be a first separation point L1.
In particular, the lever body 22 is configured and arranged so that a first distance D1 of said first separation point or line L1 from the articulation axis R1 (first distance D1 shown in Figs. 4 and 5) is greater than a second distance D2 of said second separation point or line L2 from the articulation axis R1 (second distance D2 shown in Figs. 7 and 8). In other words, the lever body 22 is configured and arranged so that the first distance D1 between the articulation axis R1 and the first separation line L1, from which the flexible element 110 detaches from the body 22 in the opening position, is greater than the second distance D2 between the articulation axis R1 and the second separation line L2, from which the flexible element 110 detaches from the body 22 in the closing position.
Advantageously, such articulation device 10 allows to provide improved functionality and characteristics to an articulated arm 100 to obtain the opening and the closing of an awning of a retractable awning assembly.
As a matter of fact, the articulation device 10 provides for a construction adapted to ensure the reliable opening of the articulated arm, maintain such position, and at the same time provide a reduction in the amount of tensioning of the tarpaulin when the articulated arm is in the closing position.
In particular, the lever body 22 is configured and arranged so that in the opening position said the first distance D1 is relatively large, depending on the available space of the internal cavity 16. This condition allows to ensure a relatively high arm-lever so as to exert through the flexible element 110 a force, generated by the deformation of the elastic element 112, which is adequate to obtain the opening of the articulated arm 100 and maintaining such position.
Furthermore, the lever body 22 is configured and arranged so that in the closing position, said the second distance D2, which is smaller than said distance D1, is relatively small so that the flexible element 110 passes at a small distance from the articulation axis R1. This condition allows to ensure a lower winding path of the flexible element, a lower degree of deformation of the elastic element 112, a lower intensity of the force applied by the latter and, as a result, of the amount of tensioning of the tarpaulin when the articulated arm is in the closing position. Therefore, the probability of permanently deforming the tarpaulin is reduced given that the articulated arm 100 is in the closing position most of the time.
Furthermore, thanks to such construction of the articulation device 10, the elastic element 112 can be widely selected according to a desired elastic constant and at the same time this allows to ensure a reduction in the amount of tensioning of the tarpaulin when the articulated arm is in the closing position.
Furthermore, thanks to such construction of the articulation device 10, the elastic element 112 is subjected to a lower degree of deformation when the articulated arm is in the closing position. Therefore, this allows to reduce the probability of stressing the elastic element 112 given that the articulated arm 100 is in the closing position most of the time, therefore ensuring greater durability thereof.
Furthermore, thanks to such construction of articulation device 10, the elastic element 112 may be selected having a length smaller than that used for articulation devices of the known type. Therefore, in this condition, the elastic element 112 may be selected to obtain weight and cost reduction of the articulation device 10.
Furthermore, thanks to such construction of the articulation device 10, the elastic element 112 can ensure a greater force adapted to obtain the opening of the articulated arm and the maintenance of such position. As a matter of fact, it is possible to reduce a preload loss of the elastic element 112 from the closing position to the opening position, given that a winding path of the flexible element 110 around the lever body 22 is reduced during the movement of the first 12 and second 14 articulation elements.
For the reason defined above, considering the same characteristics of the elastic element 112, there may be moved an articulated arm 100 having an arm portion 102 and/or a forearm portion 104 of greater longitudinal extension.
Furthermore, thanks to such construction of the articulation device 10, the flexible element 110 is subjected to a lower tensioning degree when the articulated arm is in the closing position. Therefore, this allows to reduce the probability of deteriorating the flexible element 110 given that the articulated arm 100 is in the closing position most of the time, therefore ensuring greater durability thereof.
Furthermore, thanks to such construction of the articulation device 10, the flexible traction element 110 is operatively completely concealed and protected within the internal cavity 16 defined by the first articulation portion 12p and the second articulation portion 14p of the first 12 and second 14 articulation elements.
Preferably, the lever body 22 is configured, that is shaped, and arranged so that a ratio between said first distance D1 and said second distance D2 is greater than or equal to 1.5:1, or preferably greater than or equal to 2:1, or more preferably greater than or equal to 2.5:1, or even more preferably greater than or equal to 3:1.
Advantageously, this allows to obtain, considering the same characteristics of the elastic element 112, a construction adapted to ensure the reliable opening of the articulated arm and maintenance of such position, at the same time providing appropriate reduction in the amount of tensioning of the tarpaulin when the articulated arm is in the closing position. In particular, higher values of the ratio between the first distance D1 and second distance D2 provide, considering the same conditions in the opening position, a greater reduction in the amount of tensioning of the tarpaulin when the articulated arm is in the closing position.
For example, it has been experimentally verified that when the ratio between the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 is 3.2:1, with respect to prior art solutions there can be obtained a reduction of approximately 50-55 % of the force applied by the elastic element 112 to the tarpaulin when the first 12 and second 14 articulation elements are in the closing position.
Furthermore, for example, it has been experimentally verified that when the ratio between the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 is 3.2:1, with respect to prior art solutions there can be obtained an increase of about 25-30% of the force applied by the elastic element 112 for the movement in the opening position of the first 12 and second 14 articulation elements, due to the lower preload loss.
Preferably, the lever body 22 comprises an eccentric body provided with a cam outer surface defining said outer surface 22e. In particular, the cam outer surface defines a shaped contour comprising curve arcs and, possibly straight portions, when seen along a direction parallel to the articulation axis R1. In particular, said anchoring portion 22c is arranged in a region of the lever body 22 that is distal from articulation axis R1, and preferably more distal from the articulation axis R1.
Advantageously, this allows to obtain an even winding/unwinding of the flexible element 110 around the outer surface 22e of the lever body 22, thus avoiding sudden deformation of the elastic element 112 and uneven movements of the first 12 and second 14 articulation elements, during movements between the opening and closing positions.
Preferably, the lever body 22 comprises a pair of fins 24 (better observable in Figs. 6, 9, 11, 12 and 13) which are formed extending from the outer surface 22e at or in proximity of the anchoring portion 22c and arranged facing opposite longitudinal edges or sides of the flexible element 110. Said fins 24 may act as rotation limitation means so as to limit a maximum angle of mutual rotation between the first 12 and second 14 articulation elements, by abutting against portions of the latter.
Furthermore, advantageously, the pair of fins 24 is adapted to more reliably maintain the flexible element 110 in contact with the outer surface 22e of the lever body 22 during its winding/unwinding on the latter, limiting its movements in directions parallel to the articulation axis R1. In particular, such movements in directions parallel to the articulation axis R1 are likely when the first articulation element 12 and the respective arm 102 provide for a longitudinal axis that is not exactly orthogonal to the articulation axis R1, for example when the longitudinal axis of the arm 102 is inclined by 87 degrees with respect to the articulation axis R1.
Possibly, additionally or alternatively to the fins 24, the lever body 22 comprises an outer surface 22e which is at least partially centrically grooved, that is lowered at said second separation point or line L2 when seen along a direction orthogonal to the articulation axis R1. Said grooved area is preferably formed at least for a portion approximately of the first section S1 or for a portion of the first section S1 and of the second section S2. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, said grooved portion provides for a U-shape with divergent arms, or it may provide for a concave curved shape.
Advantageously, this allows to more reliably maintain the flexible element 110, in contact with the outer surface 22e of the lever body 22 during its winding/unwinding on the latter, limiting its movements along directions parallel to the articulation axis R1. In particular, as mentioned above, such movements in directions parallel to the articulation axis R1 are likely when the first articulation element 12 and the respective arm 102 to which there is fixed the elastic element 112 provide for a longitudinal axis that is not exactly orthogonal to the articulation axis R1, for example when the longitudinal axis of the arm 102 is inclined by 87 degrees with respect to the articulation axis R1.
With reference to Figs. 6, 9, 12 and 13, in a possible embodiment, the lever body 22 is configured so that at said first section S1 and/or at said second section S2 the outer surface 22e is at least partially asymmetrical with respect to a sagittal plane SP of the lever body 22, wherein said sagittal plane SP is orthogonal to the articulation axis R1.
For example, in this variant, at the first section S1 and/or at the second section S2, the outer surface 22e is preferably inclined with respect to the sagittal plane SP by an angle A1 comprised between 89.5 and 85 degrees, preferably comprised between 88 and 87 degrees, more preferably comprised between 88.5 and 88 degrees. For example, lever body 22 may provide for an outer surface 22e defined substantially by a truncated cone body having an axis coincident with the articulation axis R1.
Advantageously, this allows to even more reliably maintain the flexible element 110, in contact with the outer surface 22e of the lever body 22 during its winding/unwinding on the latter, limiting its movements along directions parallel to the articulation axis R1. In particular, as mentioned above, such movements in directions parallel to the articulation axis R1 are likely when the first articulation element 12 and the respective arm 102 to which there is fixed the elastic element 112 provide for a longitudinal axis that is not exactly orthogonal to the articulation axis R1, for example when the longitudinal axis of the arm 102 is inclined by 87 degrees with respect to the articulation axis R1.
Furthermore, the lever body 22 is preferably formed with metal material, such as preferably aluminium, ferrous material or steel. The lever body 22 with metal material is preferably formed through moulding processes (for example die-casting in the case of aluminium), material removal processes, or sintering processes.
Advantageously, this allows to obtain a lever body 22 having high resistance to the forces which are applied by the elastic element 112 through the flexible element 110 during a plurality of movements between the opening and closing positions, therefore ensuring its durability.
Preferably, the articulation device 10 is configured so that the second end 110b of the flexible element 110 is fixed internally to the lever body 22 by means of said anchoring portion 22c. In other words, said anchoring portion 22c, at which there is fixed the second end 110b, is arranged inside the lever body 22.
According to this embodiment, the second end 110b of the flexible element 110 is fixed and arranged around a fixing pin 26 and the anchoring portion 22c comprises a shaped anchoring recess inside the lever body 22 starting from the outer surface 22e. Said anchoring recess provides for a groove inside the lever body 22 which communicates with the external of the lever body 22 through a slit. In particular, the inner groove is configured to receive the second end 110b fixed to the fixing pin 26 and the slit provides for a width adapted to receive in a through passing manner the intermediate portion 110i of the flexible element 110 retaining the second end 110b and the fixing pin 26 in the inner groove. Alternatively, the second end 110b of the flexible element 110 may be fixed to the inside of the anchoring recess within the lever body 22e by means of a fixing wedge or further type of fixing element.
Advantageously, this allows to ensure a safe fixing of the second end 110b of the flexible element 110 to the lever body 22 by means of the anchoring portion 22c.
Preferably, the lever body 22 is formed distinct from the second articulation element 14 and it is subsequently connected to the second articulation portion 14p by means of coupling means 28 (better observable in Fig. 4 together with Figs. 10 and 11). In particular, the connection means 28 are configured to connect the lever body 22 to the second articulation portion 14p so as to rotate integrally joined with each other with respect to a rotation around the articulation axis R1.
Advantageously, this allows to ensure an ease of construction of the articulation device 10 given that the lever body 22 can be formed and suitably connected to the flexible element 110, before inserting it into the internal cavity 16 between the hollow body 12h and the branches of the fork body 14y of the first 12p and second 14p articulation portions, of the first 12 and second 14 articulation elements.
Preferably, still with reference to Fig. 4 together with Figs. 10 and 11, said coupling means 28 comprise at least one non-circular-shaped coupling element 30 (that is not circle-shaped), and at least one coupling seat 32 with a shape complementary to that of the coupling element 30. In particular, one of said at least one coupling element 30 and at least one coupling seat 32 is formed on the lever body 22, and the other of said at least one coupling element 30 and at least one coupling seat 32 is formed on the second articulation portion 14p.
In the present embodiment, the lever body 22 comprises two coupling elements 30 (better observable in Fig. 6, 9 and 11) gear-shaped provided with six lobes or teeth. Each of the two coupling elements 30 is adapted to engage by means of shape coupling a respective coupling seat 32 (better observable in Figs. 4 and 10) of two coupling seats which are shaped on the branches of the fork body 14y of the second articulation portion 14p. Possibly, the two coupling elements 30 may provide for asymmetries or shapes different from each other, so as to ensure a single coupling mode with the respective two coupling seats 32 in order to obtain a correct orientation of the lever body 22 with respect to the second articulation element 14.
Preferably, the lever body 22 comprises a first body portion 34 and a second body portion 36 formed distinct from each other and which are subsequently coupled to each other, forming the lever body 22 (the body portions are numbered in Figs. 5, 6, 8, 9 and 11). In particular, in this possible embodiment, the first body portion 34 comprises a first part of the anchoring portion 22c and the second body portion 36 comprises a second part of the anchoring portion 22c.
Advantageously, this allows to ensure the ease of construction of the articulation device 10 given that the flexible element 110 may be associated with the first body portion 34 and subsequently fixed to the lever body 22 by coupling the second body portion 36 with the first body portion 34 to each other, for example by fittingly coupling, fixing with screws-bolts or the like.
Preferably, the first articulation element 12 of the articulation device 10 further comprises guide means 38 which are configured to limit by contact or abutment a displacement of the flexible element 110 along directions orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first articulation element 12 within a predetermined range of displacement, when the articulation element 12 is moved with respect to the second articulation element 14 between said opening and closing positions (the guide means are better shown and numbered in Figs. 4 and 7).
In the present embodiment, the guide means 38 comprise one or more wall elements 38w, preferably including or formed with low friction coefficient material such as plastic material with lubricating additives, which are arranged at the first connection portion 12f extending inwards from the walls of the tubular profile of the first articulation element 12. Such one or more wall elements 38w define or are provided with a through conveying opening 38h adapted to slidably receive flexible element 110. In particular, the size of the through conveying opening 38h is suitably selected so as to limit within a predetermined range of displacement a displacement of the flexible element 110 along directions orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first articulation element 12. In particular, said one or more wall elements 38w are configured to slidably receive through the through conveying opening 38h said flexible element 110 and to limit by contact or abutment with the flexible element 110 a displacement of the latter along directions orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of said first articulation element 12.
Advantageously, this allows to prevent or reduce an unwanted excessive displacement of the elastic element 112 during the movement of the first 12 and second 14 articulation elements, between the opening and closing positions. In particular, by limiting the displacement of the elastic element 112, there can be advantageously reduced the likelihood of its unwanted scuffing on the inner walls of the tubular section of the arm portion 102 of the articulated arm 100 or scuffing on the fixed point 102p to which it is fixed.
In the light of the above, it is clear that significant results have been achieved overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art, allowing an improvement of an articulation device for an articulated arm for a retractable awning assembly. In particular, the articulation device 10 is adapted to provide improved functionality and characteristics to an articulated arm used to obtain the opening and closing of an awning of a retractable awning assembly.
As a matter of fact, the articulation device 10 provides for an embodiment adapted to provide a reduction in amount of tensioning of the tarpaulin when the articulated arm 100 is in the closing position.
Furthermore, the articulation device 10 is configured to reduce the probability of stressing the elastic element 112, ensuring greater durability thereof.
Furthermore, the articulation device 10 is configured to ensure greater durability of the flexible element 110.
Furthermore, the articulation device 10 is configured so that the flexible element 110 is operatively completely concealed and protected.
Furthermore, the articulation device 10 provides for an embodiment adapted to ensure reliable opening of the articulated arm 100 and maintaining such position.
Lastly, the articulation device 10 provides for an embodiment that is easy to obtain.
Naturally, the materials and equipment used to implement the present invention, as well as the shape and size of the individual components, may be the most appropriate depending on the specific requirements.

Claims

Articulation device (10) for an articulated arm (100) for retractable awning assembly, said articulation device (10) comprising:
- a first articulation element (12) and a second articulation element (14) rotatably connected to each other about an articulation axis (R1) by means of respective first articulation portion (12p) and second articulation portion (14p), said articulation elements (12, 14) being rotatable between a closing position and an opening position,

- a lever body (22) connected to said second articulation portion (14p), said lever body (22) comprising an outer surface (22e) shaped around said articulation axis (R1), and

- a flexible element (110) received at least partially in said first articulation element (12), said flexible element (110) comprising a first end (110a) and a second end (110b) connected to each other through an intermediate portion (110i), said second end (110b) being fixed to said lever body (22) at an anchoring portion (22c), wherein
in said opening position said intermediate portion (110i) of said flexible element (110) is in contact with said lever body (22) for a first section (S1) from said anchoring portion (22c) to a first separation point or line (L1), and

in said closing position said intermediate portion (110i) of said flexible element (110) is partially wound around and in contact with said outer surface (22e) for a second section (S2) from said anchoring portion (22c) to a second separation point or line (L2),

characterised in that

said lever body (22) is configured and arranged so that a first distance (D1) of said first separation point or line (L1) from said articulation axis (R1) is greater than a second distance (D2) of said second separation point or line (L2) from said articulation axis (R1).
The articulation device (10) according to claim 1, wherein a ratio between said first distance (D1) and said second distance (D2) is greater than or equal to 1.5:1.
The articulation device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a ratio between said first distance (D1) and said second distance (D2) is greater than or equal to 2:1, or more preferably greater than or equal to 2.5:1, or even more preferably greater than or equal to 3:1.
The articulation device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said lever body (22) comprises an eccentric body provided with an outer cam surface defining said outer surface (22e), and said anchoring portion (22c) is arranged in a distal region of said lever body (22) from said articulation axis (R1).
The articulation device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said lever body (22) comprises fins (24) formed extending from said outer surface (22e) at or close to said anchoring portion (22c) and arranged facing opposite longitudinal edges of said flexible element (110) when seen along a direction orthogonal to said articulation axis (R1).
The articulation device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at said first section (S1) and/or at second section (S2) said outer surface (22e) is at least partially asymmetric with respect to a sagittal plane (SP) orthogonal to said articulation axis (R1).
The articulation device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said anchoring portion (22c) is arranged internally to said lever body (22).
The articulation device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said lever body (22) comprises a first body portion (34) and a second body portion (36) formed distinct and adapted to be subsequently coupled to each other, wherein said first body portion (34) comprises a first part of said anchoring portion (22c) and said second body portion (36) comprises a second part of said anchoring portion (22c).
The articulation device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said lever body (22) is formed distinct from said second articulation element (14) and it is connected by means of coupling means (28) to said second articulation portion (14p) so as to operatively rotate integrally joined to each other when rotated about said articulation axis (R1).
The articulation device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first articulation element (12) comprises guide means (38) configured to limit by contact or by abutment within a predetermined displacement-range a displacement of said flexible element (110) along directions orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of said first articulation element (12) when the latter is moved with respect to said second articulation element (14) between said opening and closing positions.
The articulation device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said guide means (38) comprise one or more wall elements (38w) defining or provided with a through conveying opening (38h) adapted to slidably receive said flexible element (110), and
said one or more wall elements (38w) being configured to limit by contact or abutment with said flexible element (110) a displacement of the latter along directions orthogonal to said longitudinal axis of said first articulation element (12).
Articulated arm (100) for retractable awning assembly comprising an arm portion (102) and a forearm portion (104) rotatably connected to each other by means of an articulation device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.