EP4663872A1

EP4663872A1 - Terrace covering

Info

Publication number: EP4663872A1
Application number: EP24182018.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dan NAE; Jian Zhou
Original assignee: Zhejiang Zhengte Co Ltd
Current assignee: Zhejiang Zhengte Co Ltd
Priority date: 2024-06-13
Filing date: 2024-06-13
Publication date: 2025-12-17
Also published as: WO2025256621A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a terrace covering for covering at least a part of a terrace, the terrace covering comprising: a frame having two outer longitudinal beams defining a covering surface; and a plurality of louvres arranged between the two outer longitudinal beams, and configured for being moved translationally between a closed position, in which the louvers of the plurality of louvers are divided evenly spaced over the covering surface, and an open position, in which the louvers of the plurality of louvers are packed at an end of the outer longitudinal beams, and for being moved rotationally between a horizontal orientation and a vertical upright orientation, wherein the terrace covering comprises only one movement drive for the plurality of louvers operatively connected to at least one of the plurality of louvers, and configured for both translational moving the plurality of louvers between the closed position and the open position, and for rotational moving the louvers between the vertical upright orientation and the horizontal orientation.

Description

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a terrace covering for covering at least a part of a terrace. Furthermore, the invention relates to a movement drive for use in a terrace covering according to the invention.
Such a terrace covering, for example, is known from the international patent publication WO 2016/059607 , in which a slat device is described. The known slat device comprises a plurality of slats arranged parallel to one another, displacement means for displacing the slats between and in a stacking zone and a sliding zone, and a guide profile, which is arranged on a lateral side of the slats, wherein a slat, on the said lateral side, is provided with a guide element, corresponding with the guide profile, for guiding the respective slat relative to the corresponding guide profile during its displacement motion between and in the stacking zone and the sliding zone, such that the guide element is rotatable over a certain angle relative to the guide profile about an axis according to the longitudinal direction of the guide profile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The known terrace covering has tilting means for rotating the slats, wherein the tilting means comprises a drive shaft and, for each slat, a worm gear transmission. Additionally, the known terrace covering has the displacement means for displacing the slats between the stacking zone and a sliding zone. A disadvantage of the known terrace covering is that it comes with high production costs, and it induces complications that makes it difficult to install, operate and service.
It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate or to eliminate one or more disadvantages of the known prior art, to provide an improved terrace covering or to at least provide an alternative terrace covering.
According to a first aspect, the invention provides a terrace covering for covering at least a part of a terrace, the terrace covering comprising:

a frame having two outer longitudinal beams defining a covering surface; and
a plurality of louvres arranged between the two outer longitudinal beams, and configured for being moved translationally between a closed position, in which the louvers of the plurality of louvers are divided evenly spaced over the covering surface, and an open position, in which the louvers of the plurality of louvers are packed at an end of the outer longitudinal beams, and for being moved rotationally between a horizontal orientation and a vertical upright orientation,
wherein the terrace covering comprises only one movement drive for the plurality of louvers operatively connected to at least one of the plurality of louvers, and configured for both translational moving the plurality of louvers between the closed position and the open position, and for rotational moving the louvers between the vertical upright orientation and the horizontal orientation.

The terrace covering according to the invention has only one movement drive, for translational movement and rotational movement of the louvers. As the terrace covering according to the invention only uses one movement drive for translating and rotating the louvers, the mechanics of the terrace covering are simplified advantageously in comparison to the known terrace covering according to the prior art. As a result, the production costs are advantageously reduced.
A further advantage may be that the installation time of the terrace covering according to the invention is shortened in comparison to the known terrace covering, and/or that the reliability of the terrace covering is increased.
In an embodiment, the movement drive is configured to perform a drive with two stages, wherein one of the two stages comprises translational moving the plurality of louvers, and the other one of the two stages comprises rotational moving the louvers. In an embodiment thereof, the two stages are performed in series. By performing the translational movement and the rotational movement in series, it is possible to use one and the same movement drive for both movement. This is advantageous, as it allows the mechanics of the movement drive to be relatively simple.
In an embodiment, the plurality of louvers comprises a first group of louvres and a second group of louvers, wherein the louvers of the first group of louvers and the louvers of the second group of louvers are configured to move in an opposite direction with respect to each other when moving between the open position and the closed position. Preferably, the number of louvers of the first group of louvers is equal to the number of louvers of the second group of louvers. In an embodiment thereof, the louvers of the first group of louvers are configured to move towards or away from a first end of the outer longitudinal beams, and the louvers of the second group of louvers are configured to move towards or away from a second end of the outer longitudinal beams, wherein the louvers of the first and second group of louvers are configured to move simultaneously. Because of the plurality of louvers being divided into a first and second group of louvers, the distance to be travelled by the louvers to move between the open position and the closed position is also divided by 2. This is advantageous, as the time required for moving the louvers between the open position and closed position has become much shorter.
In an embodiment, the movement drive is operatively connected to only one of the plurality of louvers. In an embodiment thereof, the movement drive is operatively connected to only one of each of the first group of louvers and the second group of louvers, in particular wherein the movement drive is operatively connected to the louver of the first group of louvers and the second group of louvers located closest to the centre of the covering surface, when seen in the longitudinal direction of the outer longitudinal beams. Preferably, the louvers are interconnected to each other by means of links, preferably flexible links. In a preferred embodiment thereof, the louvers of the first group of louvers are interconnected to each other, and the louvers of the second group of louvers are interconnected to each other. As the movement drive is only connected operatively to one louver or one louver of a group of louvers, only one connection between the movement drive and the louver(s) needs to be established. This is advantageous, as this keeps the movement drive in a mechanical sense relatively simple.
In an embodiment, the movement drive comprises an endless transmission loop in each of the outer longitudinal beams, which are operatively connected to at least one of the plurality of louvers for transmitting movement to the at least one of the plurality of louvers. In an embodiment thereof, the endless transmission loops are spanned within each of the outer longitudinal beams by two or more gear wheels arranged at or near the outer ends of each of the outer longitudinal beams. In particular when the plurality of louvers is divided into the first and second group of louvers, for example, the upper part of the endless transmission loop may be used for moving one of the first and second group of louvers, and the lower part of the endless transmission loop may be used for moving the other one of the first and second group of louvers. This is advantageous, as this results in simultaneous movement of the louvers of each of the first and second group of louvers.
In an embodiment, the movement drive comprises an arm at each endless transmission loop, wherein the arm is connected between the endless transmission loop and the at least one of the plurality of louvers. In an embodiment thereof, each outer longitudinal beam is provided with a sliding channel arranged at the side of the longitudinal beam facing towards the covering surface, and wherein each arm is provided with a slide configured to be received within the sliding channel of the respective outer longitudinal beam. In an embodiment thereof, each sliding channel comprises a straight portion, which is provided for translational movement, and an arc-shaped portion, which is provided for rotational movement. Preferably, each outer longitudinal beam is provided with a guiding channel arranged at the side of the longitudinal beam facing towards the covering surface, and wherein the at least one louver is provided with a guide at each of the outer ends thereof, when seen in the longitudinal direction thereof, which guides are configured to be received within the guide channels. In a preferred embodiment thereof, the guide channels comprise a stop arranged therein and configured for stopping translational movement of the at least one louver. An advantage of this embodiment is that obstruction of the translation movement by the stop when moving from the open position to the closed position, initiates rotation of the louvers, wherein rotational movement is enabled by means of the arc-shaped portion of the sliding channel.
In an embodiment, the movement drive comprises a louver rotation control element operatively connected to the at least one louver, wherein the louver rotation control element is configured to engage within the stop for controlling rotation of the louver. An advantage of this embodiment is that translational movement of the louvers is prevented during rotational movement of the louvers.
In an embodiment, when the movement drive comprises an endless transmission loop in each of the outer longitudinal beams, which are operatively connected to at least one of the plurality of louvers for transmitting movement to the at least one of the plurality of louvers, each outer longitudinal beam is provided with a first movement channel and a second movement channel arranged at the side of the longitudinal beam facing towards the covering surface, wherein the endless transmission loop runs through the first movement channel and the second movement channel.
In an embodiment, each of the plurality of louvers is provided with a connector, extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective louver, configured for connecting the respective louver to the outer longitudinal beams. In a further embodiment thereof, each connector at the end facing away from the respective louver is provided with a guide, such as a wheel or slide, configured to be received within the guiding channel of the respective outer longitudinal beam. In an even further embodiment thereof, a tilting member is provided at each connector, wherein the tilting member is configured for assisting in rotating the respective louver. Preferably, the tilting member is a symmetrical shaped plate, such as a dog bone shaped plate. An advantage of this embodiment is that the tilting member may be installed on both ends of the same louver, so that no separate tilting members are required for each end of a same louver.
In an embodiment, the tilting member comprises a stopping member configured for stopping rotation of the tilting member. An advantage of this embodiment is that rotation of the louvers is limited to rotation between the horizontal and vertical orientation thereof.
In an embodiment, the links are connected to the tilting members.
In an embodiment, the movement drive comprises only one electrical motor or manual actuator.
In an embodiment, the covering surface is divided into two or more surface parts, wherein each surface part is provided with only one movement drive for both translation and rotation of the louvers.
In an embodiment, the terrace covering comprises one or more supports arranged at the frame and configured for supporting the frame.
According to a second aspect, the invention provides a movement drive for use in a terrace covering according to the first aspect of the invention, and as defined in relation to the first aspect of the invention.
The movement drive according to the invention provides at least the same technical advantages as described in relation to the first aspect of the invention.
The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be made subject of divisional patent applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a terrace covering according to an embodiment of the invention in a closed position;
Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the terrace covering of figure 1 in an open position;
Figures 3A and 3B shows an isometric cross-sectional view of an outer longitudinal beam of the terrace covering of figures 1 and 2 with and without cover;
Figure 4 shows an isometric view of a part of an outer longitudinal beam and an outer transversal beam of the terrace covering of figure 1;
Figure 5 shows an isometric view of tilting member of the terrace covering of figure 1; and
Figure 6 shows an isometric view of a terrace covering according to another embodiment of the invention in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An isometric view of a terrace covering 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in figures 1 and 2. The shown terrace covering 1 comprises two outer longitudinal beams 2 arranged parallel or substantially parallel to each other, and to outer traverse beams 3 arranged parallel or substantially parallel to each other and traverse or substantially traverse to the two outer longitudinal beams 2. The outer longitudinal beams 2 and the outer traverse beams 3 together define a quadrangular frame and a covering surface 4 below which, for example, a user may sit or may place garden furniture.
The terrace covering 1 comprises four supports 5, also called legs, arranged at the corners of the quadrangular frame defined by the outer longitudinal beams 2 and the outer traverse beams 3. The supports 5 are provided for supporting the quadrangular frame with respect to a surface onto which the terrace covering 1 is placed.
Alternatively, in a not shown alternative embodiment, the terrace covering 1 may be provided, for example with two supports 5 at one side of the quadrangular frame or arranged under the quadrangular frame, while the other side of the quadrangular frame, for example, is secured to a wall of a house or to a neighboring terrace covering. In another not shown alternative embodiment, the terrace covering 1 may be provided without any supports 5, such that the terrace covering 1 may be arranged between two or more neighboring terrace coverings with supports.
As best shown in figure 2, the terrace covering 1 further comprises a plurality of louvres 6 arranged between the outer longitudinal beams 2, wherein the louvers 6 are moveably connected to the outer longitudinal beams 2. The plurality of louvers 6 has a first group 7 of louvres and a second group 8 of louvers. As shown in figures 1 and 2, the louvers 6 are moveable between a closed position, as shown in figure 1, and an open position, as shown in figure 2. As shown in figure 2, the louvers 6 of the first group 7 of louvers and the louvers 6 of the second group 8 of louvers move in opposite directions when moving between the open position and the closed position. It is emphasized that the movement of both groups 7, 8 of louvers is symmetrical, as the louvers 6 of the groups 7, 8 of louvers move at the same time and at the same speed.
Additionally, each of the louvers 6 is rotatable between a vertical upright orientation and a horizontal orientation, as further elucidated below, in particular when in the closed position.
Figures 3A and 3B shows an isometric cross-sectional view of one of the outer longitudinal beams 2, wherein the inner surface of the respective out longitudinal beam 2 is shown. The outer longitudinal beam 2 has an elongated beam profile 10, which may be formed by means of extrusion, and a cover 11 which is arranged at the inner surface of the elongated beam profile 10. The cover 11 is provided with an elongated slit 12, which extends substantially parallel or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the outer longitudinal beam 2. The elongated slit 12 is configured for allowing connectors 13 to pass therethrough, such that each of the louvers 6 may be connected moveably to the respective outer longitudinal beam 2.
As best shown in figure 3B, the respective outer longitudinal beam 2 is substantially L-shaped and is provided with a horizontal profile portion 14 and a vertical profile portion 15. The horizontal profile portion 14 has an elongated vertical closed chamber 16, in particular with a square-shaped cross-section, arranged at the outward directed side of the horizontal profile portion 14, and an elongated open channel 17, arranged parallel to the elongated vertical closed chamber 16 and at the inward directed side of the horizontal profile portion 14. The elongated open channel 17 is open upward, such that rainwater that fell onto the louvers and the outer longitudinal beams 2 may be collected within the elongated open channel 17 for guidance of rainwater away from the louvers 6.
The vertical profile portion 15 has a first horizontal closed chamber 18 arranged on top of the elongated vertical closed chamber 16, and a second horizontal closed chamber 19 arranged on top of the first horizontal closed chamber 18, wherein both of the first and second horizontal closed chambers 18, 19 have a rectangular-shaped cross-section. On top of the second horizontal closed chamber 19, a third horizontal closed chamber 20 is arranged that has a substantially square-shaped cross-section. The width of the third horizontal closed chamber 20 is larger than the width of both of the first and second horizontal closed chambers 18, 19, such that a kind of a canopy is formed by the third horizontal closed chamber 20.
At the inner surface of the vertical profile portion 15, in particular at the inner surface of the first and second horizontal closed chambers 18, 19, when seen in the direction from top to bottom, the vertical profile portion 15 comprises, in series, a first sliding channel 21, a first movement channel 22, a guiding channel 23, a second movement channel 24, and a second sliding channel 25. With respect to the function thereof, the first sliding channel 21 and the second sliding channel 25 correspond to each other, and the first movement channel 22 and the second movement channel 24 correspond to each other, as further elucidated below. Optionally, a plastic insert is provided within the first and second movement channels 22, 24.
In order to move the louvers 6 between the open position and the closed position, and to rotate the louvers 6 about their longitudinal axis, a movement mechanism 30 is provided. The movement mechanism 30 is configured for translating and rotating the louvers 6. As shown in figure 3B, the movement mechanism 30 has power transmission system 31, such as a chain, belt, rope, worm wheel, etc., that is arranged within each of the first and second movement channels 22, 24, wherein the chain 31 is transferred between the first and second movement channels 22, 24 by means of not shown gear wheels arranged at the outer ends, when seen in the longitudinal direction thereof, of the outer longitudinal beam 2. A not shown drive, such as an electric motor or a manual drive, may be operatively connected to one of the gear wheels for driving the respective gear wheel such that the chain 31 is moved within the first and second movement channels 22, 24.
The chain 31 comprises a first chain portion 32 and a second chain portion 33, wherein the first and second chain portions 32, 33 are connected to each other by means of an upper connector, in particular upper connecting block 34 arranged within the first movement channel 22, and a lower connector, in particular lower connecting block 35 arranged within the second movement channel 24. The first chain portion 32, the upper connecting block 34, the second chain portion 33 and the lower connecting block 35 form an endless transmission loop.
As shown in figure 3B, the upper connecting block 34 is operatively connected to a upper sliding block 36 arranged within the first sliding channel 21, and the lower connecting block 35 is operatively connect to a lower sliding block 37 arranged within the second sliding channel 25, which are all part of the movement mechanism 30. Therefore, movement of the upper and lower connecting blocks 34, 35, caused by rotating one of the not shown gear wheels, results in the upper sliding block 36 and the lower sliding blocks 37 sliding through the first sliding channel 21 and the second sliding channel 25, respectively.
The movement mechanism 30 further comprises a push arm 38 operatively connected to each of the upper sliding block 36 and to the lower sliding block 37, wherein each of the push arms 38 is rotatable with respect to the respective sliding block 37, 38 around a rotation axis substantially traverse to the longitudinal axis of the outer longitudinal beam 2 and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the louvers 6. Each push arm 38 extends from the respective sliding block 36, 37 towards the center of the outer longitudinal beam 2, when seen in the longitudinal direction of the outer longitudinal beams 2, such that the push arms 38 are extending in opposite directions. At the side facing towards the inner surface of the outer longitudinal beam 2, each of the push arms 38 is provided with a slide, in particular a sliding wheel 39, that is arranged within the respective sliding channel 21, 25. During movement of the sliding blocks 36, 37 through the sliding channels 21, 25, the push arms 38 are pushed or dragged by the sliding blocks 36, 37.
At the end of each of the push arms 38 facing away from the respective sliding block 36, 37, a louver rotation control element 40 is provided for controlling rotational movement of one or more louvers 6. The louver rotation control elements 40 each comprises a curved control arm 41 that is directed towards the center of the outer longitudinal beam 2, when seen in the height direction thereof.
As shown in figure 3B, the upper side of the first sliding channel 21, and the lower side of the second sliding channel 25 have an arc-shaped portion 42 provided near the center thereof and a flat portion 43 between the outer ends and the arc-shaped portion 42, when seen in the longitudinal direction of the outer longitudinal beam 2. It is noted that the flat portion 43 is configured for enabling translational movement of the louvers 6 between the open position and the closed position, and that the arc-shaped portion 42 is configured for enabling rotational movement of the louvers 6 about the longitudinal axis thereof, as is elucidated further below.
As mentioned before, each louver 6 is connected to a connector 13 for connecting the respective louver 6 to the outer longitudinal beams 2. As shown in figure 3, at the side facing away from the respective louver 6, the connector 13 is provided with a guiding wheel 45 arranged within the guiding channel 23 such that translational movement of the louvers 6 is guided by means of the guiding channel 23. Near the end of the connector 13 at which the guiding wheel 45 is arranged, each connector 13 is provided with a tilting member 46 configured for tilting the respective louver 6 about the longitudinal axis thereof. The tilting member 46 has a dog bone shaped plate portion 47, so that it is symmetrical, through the center of which the connector 13 extends.
An isometric view of a tilting member 46 with a connector 13 is shown in figure 5. As is clearly shown in figure 5, two stopping members 48 are provided at the tilting member 46, in particular at the side of the dog bone shaped plate portion 47 facing towards the outer longitudinal beam 2. Each of the stopping members 48 has a V-shaped protrusion 49, wherein the apex of each V-shaped protrusion 49 is directed towards the other one of the V-shaped protrusion 49 and located at a position such that they are located within the first and second movement channels 22, 24, respectively. The stopping members 48 are configured for limiting rotation of the respective louver 6 to a 90 degree angle, as the stopping members 49 abut against a wall of the first or second movement channel 22, 24. Additionally, a ring-shaped element 50 is arranged around each connector 13 at a distance of the tilting member 46.
As best shown in figure 3B, flexible links 51, such as belts, ropes, chains, cables, mechanical linkages, etc., are provided between the upper sides of the tilting members 46 and between the lower sides of the tilting members 46 of each of the first group 7 of louvres and the second group 8 of louvers.
The tilting member 46 of the louver 6 of each of the first and second group 7, 8 of louvers, which is arranged at the side of the respective group 7, 8 of louvers facing away from the respective outer transverse beam 3, is connected to one of the louver rotation control elements 40. As a result, movement of the chain 31 results in movement of the louvers 6. The louver 6 of each of the first and second group 7, 8 of louvers, which is arranged at the side of the respective group 7, 8 of louvers facing towards the respective outer transverse beam 3 is fixed with respect to the outer longitudinal beams 2.
As shown in figure 3B, two stopping wheels 52 are arranged near the center of the outer longitudinal beam 2, when seen in the longitudinal direction thereof, and at the guiding channel 23.
An isometric view of a part of one of the outer longitudinal beams 2 and one of the outer transversal beams 3 is shown in figure 4. As shown, the outer transversal beams 3 is also made of an elongated beam profile 60, which corresponds to the beam profile 10 of the outer longitudinal beam 2. At the inner surface of the elongated beam profile 60, a drive, in this case a mechanical drive 61 is provided. The mechanical drive 61 has a connecting axle 62 extending between both outer longitudinal beams 2, wherein gear wheels 63 are provided at the outer ends thereof. The gear wheels 63 are operatively connected to the chains 31 at both outer longitudinal beams 2 for moving the chains 31. The mechanical drive 61 may be driven by means of a not shown crank handle. As is clear from this figure, the terrace covering 1 has a single motor for the translational and rotational movement of the louvers 6.
Further, a controller 64 may be provided that is configured for controlling LED lights that may be installed in the beams 2 and 3, and/or a tube motor when provided.
During use, for example when the louvers 6 are moved from the open position to the closed position, the mechanical drive 61 is operated such that the chain 31 is moved and the upper connecting block 34 and the lower connecting block 35 are moved towards the center of the outer longitudinal beams 2. During this movement, which is a translation movement, the push arms 38 push the louvers 6 to which they are operatively connected towards the center of the outer longitudinal beams 2, wherein the sliding wheels 39 move through the first and second sliding channels 21, 25, in particular the flat portion 43 thereof.
When the sliding wheels 39 reach the arch-shaped portion 42 of the first and second sliding channels 21, 25, the sliding wheels 39 are enabled to move upward and downward, respectively, thereby following the contour of the arc-shaped portion 42. Because of the upper and lower connecting blocks 34, 35 still moving towards the center of the outer longitudinal beams 2, the tilting member 46 of the louver 6 to which the push arm 38 is connected, starts rotating about the longitudinal axis of the respective louver 6. This rotational movement results in that the curved control arms 41 are moved downward or upward, respectively, wherein the curved control arms 41 hook around the stopping wheels 52 such that translation movement of the louvers 6 is limited or prevented. When the sliding wheels 39 reach the end of the arch-shaped portion 42, the louvers 6 are in the horizontal or substantially vertical orientation. The remaining louvers 6 follow movement of the pushed louvers 6 due to the flexible links 51.
Moving the louvers 6 from the closed position to the open position is performed in the reverse order, wherein the tilting members 46 are used for pushing the louvers 6 towards each other and for remaining a distance between them.
An isometric view of a terrace covering 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in figure 6. Similar or corresponding components are referred to with the same reference numbers as used in relation to figure 1.
This terrace covering 1 according to this embodiment differs from the terrace covering 1 as shown in among others figure 1 in that the covering surface 4 is divided into two surface parts. Each of the two surface parts comprises a first group 7 of louvers and a second group 8 of louvers, wherein the groups of the two surface parts may be controllable independently from each other. To this end, each of the two surface parts has an own drive.
It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Terrace covering for covering at least a part of a terrace, the terrace covering comprising:
a frame having two outer longitudinal beams defining a covering surface; and

a plurality of louvres arranged between the two outer longitudinal beams, and configured for being moved translationally between a closed position, in which the louvers of the plurality of louvers are divided evenly spaced over the covering surface, and an open position, in which the louvers of the plurality of louvers are packed at an end of the outer longitudinal beams, and for being moved rotationally between a horizontal orientation and a vertical upright orientation,

wherein the terrace covering comprises only one movement drive for the plurality of louvers operatively connected to at least one of the plurality of louvers, and configured for both translational moving the plurality of louvers between the closed position and the open position, and for rotational moving the louvers between the vertical upright orientation and the horizontal orientation.
Terrace covering according to claim 1, wherein the movement drive is configured to perform a drive with two stages, wherein one of the two stages comprises translational moving the plurality of louvers, and the other one of the two stages comprises rotational moving the louvers, preferably wherein the two stages are performed in series.
Terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of louvers comprises a first group of louvres and a second group of louvers, wherein the louvers of the first group of louvers and the louvers of the second group of louvers are configured to move in an opposite direction with respect to each other when moving between the open position and the closed position, preferably wherein the number of louvers of the first group of louvers is equal to the number of louvers of the second group of louvers, preferably wherein the louvers of the first group of louvers are configured to move towards or away from a first end of the outer longitudinal beams, and the louvers of the second group of louvers are configured to move towards or away from a second end of the outer longitudinal beams, wherein the louvers of the first and second group of louvers are configured to move simultaneously.
Terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement drive is operatively connected to only one of the plurality of louvers.
Terrace covering according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the movement drive is operatively connected to only one of each of the first group of louvers and the second group of louvers, in particular wherein the movement drive is operatively connected to the louver of the first group of louvers and the second group of louvers located closest to the centre of the covering surface, when seen in the longitudinal direction of the outer longitudinal beams.
Terrace covering according to claim 5, wherein the louvers are interconnected to each other by means of links, preferably flexible links.
Terrace covering according to claims 3 and 6, wherein the louvers of the first group of louvers are interconnected to each other, and the louvers of the second group of louvers are interconnected to each other.
Terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement drive comprises an endless transmission loop in each of the outer longitudinal beams, which are operatively connected to at least one of the plurality of louvers for transmitting movement to the at least one of the plurality of louvers, preferably wherein the endless transmission loops are spanned within each of the outer longitudinal beams by two or more gear wheels arranged at or near the outer ends of each of the outer longitudinal beams.
Terrace covering according to claim 8, wherein the movement drive comprises an arm at each endless transmission loop, wherein the arm is connected between the endless transmission loop and the at least one of the plurality of louvers, wherein each outer longitudinal beam is provided with a sliding channel arranged at the side of the longitudinal beam facing towards the covering surface, and wherein each arm is provided with a slide configured to be received within the sliding channel of the respective outer longitudinal beam, wherein each sliding channel comprises a straight portion, which is provided for translational movement, and an arc-shaped portion, which is provided for rotation movement.
Terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each outer longitudinal beam is provided with a guiding channel arranged at the side of the longitudinal beam facing towards the covering surface, and wherein the at least one louver is provided with a guide at each of the outer ends thereof, when seen in the longitudinal direction thereof, which guides are configured to be received within the guide channels, wherein the guide channels comprise a stop arranged therein and configured for stopping translational movement of the at least one louver, and wherein the movement drive comprises a louver rotation control element operatively connected to the at least one louver, wherein the louver rotation control element is configured to engage within the stop for controlling rotation of the louver.
Terrace covering according to claim 10, when dependent on claim 9, wherein each outer longitudinal beam is provided with a first movement channel and a second movement channel arranged at the side of the longitudinal beam facing towards the covering surface, wherein the endless transmission loop runs through the first movement channel and the second movement channel.
Terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of louvers is provided with a connector, extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective louver, configured for connecting the respective louver to the outer longitudinal beams.
Terrace covering according to claim 10 and claim 12, wherein each connector at the end facing away from the respective louver is provided with a guide, such as a wheel or slide, configured to be received within the guiding channel of the respective outer longitudinal beam.
Terrace covering according to claim 13, wherein a tilting member is provided at each connector, wherein the tilting member is configured for assisting in rotating the respective louver, wherein, preferably, the tilting member is a symmetrical shaped plate, such as a dog bone shaped plate, wherein the tilting member optionally comprises a stopping member configured for stopping rotation of the tilting member.
Terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:
the movement drive comprises only one electrical motor or manual actuator;

the covering surface is divided into two or more surface parts, wherein each surface part is provided with only one movement drive for both translation and rotation of the louvers; and/or

the terrace covering comprises one or more supports arranged at the frame and configured for supporting the frame.