IT202000021088A1 - A DEVICE FOR KEEPING A COVERING PANEL IN SUSPENSION WHEN DETACHED FROM ITS ORIGINAL SUPPORT, PARTICULARLY IN THE CASE OF COVERING PANELS IN THE NAUTICAL ENVIRONMENT - Google Patents

Description

Description accompanying the patent application for an industrial invention entitled:

A DEVICE FOR KEEPING A HANGING IN SUSPENSION

COVERING PANEL WHEN DETACHED FROM ITS

ORIGINAL SUPPORT, PARTICULARLY IN THE CASE OF PANELS

COATING IN THE NAUTICAL ENVIRONMENT

Scope of the invention

The present invention relates to the technical sector concerning the rapid fixing devices of panels or paneling to support surfaces, as well as the reciprocal fixing between panels, in particular a panel to a wall and even more? preferably in the naval or nautical field in general.

Pi? in particular, the invention refers to an accessory which generally ? cooperating with said pre-existing quick fastening devices which, following detachment of the panel for example for a maintenance operation, it keeps the panel suspended at a desired height, thus avoiding the operator having to manually remove it , support and then put it back on the ground.

Brief outline of the prior art

AND? The European publication EP1950430 in the name of the same inventor Ciacchini Enrico has been known for a long time and describes a quick fastening system for connecting a panel to a support surface as well as two panels to each other.

In fact, especially in the nautical field, the need was felt to be able to fix the cladding panels to the fixed support surfaces according to a method which would allow rapid application and above all rapid disassembly.

The panels, in fact, often cover passages of cables and other material that can? require an inspection or a maintenance intervention and pu? therefore, an operation to remove them may be necessary.

Initially the panels were fixed permanently but their removal, precisely for this reason, was often complicated and could also lead to damage or destruction of the panel itself, which therefore had to be replaced with a new one.

The solution proposed by the well-known publication EP1950430 solves these technical drawbacks and therefore provides two respective fastening elements structured to be able to engage each other in a snap-releasable manner. Both have a disc-shaped flat anchoring surface which allows each of them to be connected to a surface, for example one to a panel and the other to a fixing wall to which the panel is to be fixed. In this way when the first element ? connected to the panel and the second element ? connected to the wall, through them quickly and releasable ? possible to connect the panel to the wall.

Structurally, therefore, one of the two elements forms a receiving channel of predetermined axial length and diameter with a generally cylindrical shape and emerging from its disc surface. Internally, the channel has a certain conformation described below. It ? therefore a female who binds herself to a male element.

The other element, cio? the male forms a cylindrical penetrating body emerging from its own disc surface. Such piercing body ? formed by a plurality of teeth emerging from the discoidal base and arranged around a circumference in such a way as to form this cylindrical body or a sort of penetrating cup. These teeth are spaced from each other and are therefore flexible in such a way as to be able to inflect either towards the axis of central symmetry of the disc body from which they emerge (therefore towards the inside) or towards the outside (i.e. from the opposite side to the axis of symmetry) to then elastically return to their original position when the force which determines their deflection is released.

Therefore, by fixing, for example, said male element on a panel and the female element on a support surface, it is possible to It is possible to fix the panel to the surface by pushing the cylindrical penetrating body into the receiving channel.

In this way, during penetration, the teeth flex inwards (i.e. towards the central axis of symmetry) thanks to the special conformation of the receiving channel which narrows its diameter until, following penetration, it reaches a blocking position where these teeth snap elastically to return to the rest position, thanks to the presence of a diametral widening at the top of the receiving channel (ie the cylindrical seat), which widening forms a blocking step. In this simple and functional way the two elements are locked together, causing the relative panel to be locked to the surface.

The disassembly? quite fast, as ? simply apply traction to the panel. In this way the teeth pulled towards extraction flex elastically to release the seat where they are located and then return to their rest position once the step of the block has been climbed over.

The disc elements are obviously provided with holes for the passage of the screws to allow the male and female to be applied to the relative surfaces.

The system described allows, thanks to a certain tangential play, also a tangential adjustment of the cup of teeth, in such a way as to compensate for possible inaccuracies and to ensure that each panel can move tangentially by a few millimeters in order to find the correct position or the best possible.

This system, marketed for some time, ? also known under the commercial name of ?fit-lock?, which is referred to in the following description for simplicity?.

The description relating to EP1950430 ? herein also considered incorporated herein by reference.

A technical problem particularly felt and not yet solved by the system described (or by alternative quick coupling systems subsequently developed and marketed) concerns for? the need? having to place the panel removed on the ground with a certain delicacy to avoid breakage.

The operator must therefore detach the panel and, at the same time, must be very careful in keeping the panel in his hands to prevent it from accidentally falling to the ground during removal.

The operation? rather complicated when the panels to be removed are those of a ceiling.

In fact, when the panels are removed from a ceiling, the detached panel tends to fall rapidly towards the ground and the operation is ? made more complex in the case of heavy panels (e.g. weighing more than 10 kg).

For this reason, it is often necessary to act with two operators, i.e. one who removes the panel and the other who acts as a safety device by supporting the panel to prevent it from falling disastrously towards the ground or hitting the operator.

This operation, carried out on panels placed on a ceiling, is not? easy and also requires the help of tools such as ladders that make the job even more? dangerous.

Added to the above is the fact that these panels are often used in naval environments, especially on luxury yachts.

AND? clear that in such environments ? it is necessary to operate with the utmost delicacy since, for example, the accidental fall of a panel to the ground not only implies the possible breakage of the panel (which would thus have to be replaced) but also implies damage to the wooden flooring, thus causing economic damage not indifferent.

Summary of the invention

? therefore the object of the present invention is to provide an innovative solution which solves the aforesaid technical problems.

Particularly ? object of the present invention to provide an accessory which can preferably be used in combination with the pre-existing quick coupling systems of the panels (for example not only those of the Fit-lock type described in EP1950430 but also other possible types) and which accessory makes from panel support stand removed.

Pi? particularly ? The object of the present invention is to provide an accessory which allows the panel which is to be kept hanging from the wall, for example from the ceiling. been detached from the said wall to which it was connected, in such a way as to avoid the risk of an accidental fall to the ground and therefore facilitating the work of removing it by the operator.

even more particularly ? The object of the present invention is to provide an accessory which allows the panel to be kept hanging at the desired height and with any inclination so that the operator can safely carry out the required intervention operations.

These and other objects are therefore achieved with the present panel anti-fall safety assembly according to claim 1.

This assembly includes:

- A hooking element (10) comprising first fastening means (12) for fastening it to a first surface (100), for example the panel to be detached from a fixed wall;

- A support device comprising second fixing means (4) to be able to fix it to the second surface (200), for example a fixed wall (200); - Said support device comprising a rotor element rotatable about one of its axis and about which ? wound a support wire in such a way that rotation of the rotor member in one direction causes the support wire to unwind and rotation in an opposite direction causes the support wire to wind around it;

- The end? free of the support cable being configured to fix itself to the hooking element (10).

In this way, advantageously, the unhooked panel remains hanging and the operator can? intervene without the need? having to take it with your hands to place it on the ground.

Unrolling in the opposite direction allows you to lower the hanging panel to the desired height and winding the cable allows you to bring it back close to the surface from which it is attached. been detached to reattach it to the wall.

Advantageously, in order to have a controlled descent of the panel, as well as a block at the desired height and an automatic ascent, torsional control means (M, F) can then be included configured in such a way as to allow rotation of the rotor element in an unwinding direction of the cable when a predetermined traction value on the cable is reached and cause an opposite rotation of the rotor element, resulting in an automatic winding of the cable around the rotor element, when the traction on the cable drops below the value predetermined threshold.

The aforementioned threshold values do not ? said that they are necessarily the same to each other. The system can be calibrated in such a way that ? it is necessary to reach a first traction value on the cable (therefore a tension acting on the cable) to cause the unwinding of the cable (for example a value equal to the weight of the panel, a fraction of this weight or higher values) and an ascent with automatic rewinding that you have with a second value of tension on the cable that can? for example be equal to or close to zero.

advantageously, therefore, said torsional control means can be further configured in such a way as to maintain an equilibrium condition in which neither unwinding nor rewinding of the cable takes place for a predetermined range of voltage values applied to the cable.

In this way further technical drawbacks are solved. In particular, the panel, through the cable, ? now fixed to the wall through a rotor with which you can? check the speed? unwinding or rewinding the cable.

By suitably setting a desired torsional resistance value based on the weight of the panel, you can? make sure that, following the detachment of the panel, the rotor element rotates releasing the cable in a controlled way, for example when the operator accompanies the panel downwards which remains hanging. This way you have a controlled descent.

The setting can be such that the system does not roll out, leaving cos? the hanging panel is still in balance, when only the weight of the panel acts. AND? therefore, a slight push by the user is required to bring the panel down in a controlled way to the desired height where, once released, it will stop? always in balance.

In the same way, these torsional control means automatically determine a controlled rewinding of the cable, for example when the panel is brought back with the hand towards the ascent, thereby reducing the traction on the cable which is rewound, for example to values close to zero.

In this way, in whatever position the panel is left, it remains in balance and by slightly acting on it, it is possible to? to go down or up.

With this solution not ? more It is necessary to support the entire panel with your hands as it remains suspended thanks to the cable. For example, four such assemblies can be provided at the corners of each panel and in this way each panel can be monitored simply and quickly and can be be left balanced in any angular position.

Advantageously, therefore, torsional control means (M, F) are further included, configured in such a way as to allow rotation of the rotor element in an unwinding direction of the cable when ? reached or exceeded a predetermined traction threshold value of the cable and cause an opposite rotation of the rotor element, causing an automatic winding of the cable around the rotor element, when the traction acting on the cable drops below a second threshold value of traction.

A preferred setting of said torsional control means? such that the unwinding occurs when ? once a traction threshold on the cable has been exceeded which corresponds to the weight of the panel (or a fraction thereof if there are several assemblies acting on the panel) and to which is added a value, for example obtainable with an action of accompanying the user with one hand.

In the same way, the winding can? occur when the pull on the cable approaches zero.

With this preferred setting, in which the two traction threshold values on the cable are different, it happens that the panel remains stationary in equilibrium if the weight of the panel acts on it and it goes down. if this weight increases (for which, for example, accompanied with one hand) while the rewinding starts by zeroing the tension on the cable, therefore accompanying the panel with the hand.

In this case, according to this preferred setting, are the two threshold values of the traction on the cable different and in particular the first threshold value necessary for the descent ? generally higher, even by a lot, compared to the traction value on the cable useful to allow a rewinding (generally tension equal to almost zero).

Advantageously, therefore, said torsional control means are further configured in such a way that the rotor element does not rotate for traction values on the cable comprised between the first and second threshold value.

In essence, if a traction that does not exceed the first threshold value or that does not fall below the second threshold value acts on the cables (for example, zero traction on the cable), the system is in equilibrium with the result that the panel remains stationary at the quota where ? been brought.

Advantageously said torsional control means (F, M) comprise at least one torsional spring (M) cooperating with a friction element (F).

In particular, advantageously, said friction element comes into action, acting on the rotor element (23, 23_i), when the rotor element tends to rotate in the direction of unwinding of the cable so that the rotation of the rotor element takes place when a first traction threshold value on the cable is reached or exceeded, sufficient to overcome the torsional resistance of the clutch.

When this first threshold value is released, the torsion spring can? prevail and tends to make the rotor element counter-rotate.

In this case, therefore, the friction element disengages in the opposite direction of rotation so that by releasing the rotor element in the direction of winding of the cable, said rotation in the direction of winding of the cable taking place through said torsional spring when traction on the cable ? below a second threshold value.

Basically, to give an example, if overcoming the clutch requires a force greater than 20Kg while rewinding? possible when the force acting on the wire ? less than 0.5kg, there? implies that for traction values on the cable between 20kg and 0.5kg the system ? in balance and the panel ? stopped. For a force greater than 20Kg on the cable, the panel descends and for a force on the cable reduced below 0.5Kg (for example force un to zero) there is an automatic rewinding.

The clutch therefore has teeth configured to engage with the seat within which ? placed when it rotates in the direction of rotation of the winding while it disengages in the opposite direction (see for example figure 9).

In this way, if the traction on the cable drops to such a value that the torsional spring prevails, the torsion spring counter-rotates the rotor element in the winding direction and the clutch does not come into play.

If instead the traction ? greater than the torsion value of the spring, then the assembly either remains stationary in equilibrium or rotates in the direction of unwinding. In particular, as mentioned, in order to rotate in the unwinding direction it must be such as to overcome the torsional resistance of the clutch.

In this way the assembly ensures that the panels can remain stationary in position or they can be lowered voluntarily by the user or raised again.

Advantageously, the support device (1) comprises a frame (2) forming a seat (2?) within which ? rotatably placed the rotor element (23, 23_i), the rotor element forming at the top, in turn, its own seat (22) within which ? housed a torsional spring (M) and of which one extremity? of the torsional spring (M) ? fixed to the said seat (22) and the? extremity? opposite ? fixed to a closing plug (21) configured to close the seat (2?) of the frame through a fastening to the edge of the seat (2?) of the frame.

Advantageously, the closure cap (21) comprises means (21?) configured to allow the closure cap (21) to be rotated with respect to the edge of the frame to which it is applied when ? in mesh with the torsional spring in such a way as to be able to preload said spring to a predetermined torsional value and having hooking means (26a) to fix it to said edge once a desired pretension value has been reached.

Advantageously, the rotor element forms a groove (g) within which ? wound said cable.

AND? also described here? use of an assembly, as described, to carry out the removal of a panel from a surface to which ? connected through quick connection means, in such a way that it hangs in order to then be reapplied to the surface.

AND? Also described here is a method for carrying out maintenance which requires the removal of a panel from a surface to which it is connected via rapid connection means, the method providing for the application to the panel of one or more? assemblies as described in such a way that the operator detaches the panel while this remains suspended through said assembly.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the present assembly, according to the invention, will be more apparent. clearly with the following description of some of its embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the annexed drawings, in which: - Figure 1? an overall view of the device 1 while figure 2 shows the device 1 from which ? been done a bit? yes cable;

- Figure 2A shows the device uncovered to highlight the internal torsional spring;

- Figure 3 ? another symmetrical view

- Figure 4 is a sectional view to highlight the internal components of the device 1;

- Figure 5 ? an exploded view of the device 1;

- Figure 6 ? a detail relating to the shape of the upper edge of the frame on which the cap 21 is applied;

- Figure 6A and figure 6B show the assembly constituted by the device cooperating with the hooking element 10 when applied one to the panel and the other to the fixed wall in a condition of use;

- Figure 7 better shows an application in which the panel hanging from the wall can be seen through the cables 5 coming out of the device 1;

- Figure 8 shows only the hooking element;

- Figure 9 finally shows the engagement teeth (three in this case) separated by the holes in which they engage during use.

Description of some preferred embodiments Figure 1 shows, in an axonometric view, the device 1 object of the present invention which ? collaborating with the hooking element 10 shown in figure 8, such that the two components, together, generate the assembly object of the invention.

The concept of operation ? rather simple in the sense that the hooking element 10, described in detail below, is in fact? a hook that can? be fixed to a first surface through an anchoring surface thereof. Can you? connect, for example with a noose or knot, the? extremity? of a cable (cable of any material such as steel wire, fabric cables, etc.).

Device 1? the device that contains the cable wrapped inside it and in fact in figure 1 the extremity? of the cable outgoing from the device itself and forming a ring 6 (see also figure 2) which ? the one that hooks to the hook 13 to the hooking element 10 (therefore a loop 6 that hooks to the hook).

The cable can come out of the casing of the device 1 through the appropriate passage hole.

The cable ? wound around a disc with a special groove which therefore forms a sort of winding/unwinding rotor. The disk, arranged inside the structure of the device 1, is therefore rotating around its central axis of symmetry (Z) and, depending on the direction of rotation, determines the winding and unwinding of the cable.

A torsional control system, for example through the use of a torsional spring that can? be preloaded to the desired values, means that, following unwinding, you can proceed with an automatic rewinding more? or less like a ?Yo-Yo?.

The whole assembly, as better described hereinafter, therefore allows to have a controlled unwinding and an equally controlled and automatic rewinding of the cable.

As structured as the assembly, and as clarified below, ? necessary to overcome a first voltage threshold value (or traction, if you prefer) on the cable to determine the unwinding of the cable while ? necessary to reduce the voltage to a second voltage value, lower than the first said, to determine the rewinding by doing so? prevail the torsion return spring.

Finally, the assembly for how structured ? such that the cable is neither rewound nor unwound (but remains balanced) if the voltage values applied are lower than the first threshold value and contextually higher than the second threshold value (therefore between the first and second threshold value with the first threshold value higher than the second threshold value). In this way the panel remains balanced at the desired height.

In the case of use of a torsion spring, as the rotor turns in the direction of unwinding of the cable, the torsion spring continues to wind on itself thus accumulating a potential torsional energy which is then used to rewind the cable automatically, when necessary (spring preload).

In this way, for example by fixing the hook to the fixed surface and the device 1 to the panel to be removed (or vice versa), ? Is it possible to separate the panel from the fixed surface with the panel that not only remains safely hung but that you can? further lower thanks to the unwinding of the cable and return to position close to the fixed surface thanks to the automatic rewinding of the cable.

Obviously the device 1 pu? indifferently be applied to a fixed wall or to a panel to be removed and the same applies to the hooking element. Therefore it would be possible to fix the hooking element to the fixed wall and therefore the device 1 to the panel to be removed from the fixed wall to which it is hooked or vice versa.

Going more into the descriptive detail of the invention, figure 5 shows an exploded view of some component parts of the device 1.

SUPPORT DEVICE 1:

AND? first of all a frame 2 is provided for containing the components.

It ? preferably a disc-shaped element but, obviously, other shapes could still be envisaged.

Does the frame 2 therefore form a containment chamber 2? of the components described below and with this containment chamber 2? bounded by a wall (2p) such that a sort of cup is formed.

The shape of the cup in the example of figure 5 ? circular so forming a sort of cylinder body but other shapes would be possible.

On the one hand, headquarters 2? of the cup is closed by a special plug 21 of the removable type, also better described below, and on the opposite side the wall (2p) connecting (generally in a single piece) with a flat base which radially exceeds the wall (2p) so that determining a flange 6 (see also figure 4), preferably a circular flange 6 or disc, if you prefer.

This flange 6 ? then equipped with one or more? holes 4, preferably four holes, for the passage of fixing screws, inserts or the like.

In this way the entire device 1 can? be fixed to a surface by means of screws or inserts in general for fastening (or similar systems) which, passing through the holes 4, penetrate the wall (or panel), as for example indicated in figure 6A.

Figure 6A shows a surface, for example a fixed wall or the panel to be removed, where the device 1 is recessed, which ? fixed by inserts, screws or similar systems.

Continuing with the structural description of the device 1, as always shown in figure 1 and also in figure 2, ? then provided a cable 5 which ends with a noose 6.

The cable ? wound inside the device 1, around a disc rotor element (see figure 5).

For as said, the noose pu? hook to a hooking element (the one shown in figure 8) which ? fixed to a second surface and therefore when the panel is released, it remains suspended through the cable 5 which ? in turn hooked to the hooking element.

Preferably, as further detailed below, the device 1 is built into the fixed wall to which the panel is hooked.

In particular, the classic Fit-Locks are generally fixed to the wall, in particular the female elements of the Fit-Lock or equivalent systems together with the devices 1.

The removable panels, on the other hand, are generally equipped with the classic male Fit-Lock (or equivalent systems) with the hooking elements.

According to the invention, therefore, one or more? fixing positions for the devices 1 described which are arranged in certain points of the fixing wall next to or close to the females of the classic Fit-Locks. The panels are therefore equipped not only with the male Fit-Lock but also with one or more? of the hooking elements 10 arranged in predetermined positions according to the position of the relative devices 1 such that, before carrying out the coupling of the Fit-Locks to each other for the fastening of the panel, each loop 6 is also secured to the relative hook. In this way, when ? necessary to detach the panel by releasing the Fit-Lock system (or other equivalent system) the panel remains hung on the wall as it is hooked, through the noose 6, to the device 1 which, in turn, ? fixed to the wall.

There? it therefore allows to avoid accidental falls of the panel to the ground and allows the operator to be able to intervene in disassembly operations without the help of any other operator.

In fact, figure 6A shows the fixed wall 200 within which ? recessed device 1 with the panel 100 hooked to the fixed wall 200 through a quick coupling system of the known art, for example the fit-lock, but in which ? the device 1, the cable of which hooks to the hook element in turn fixed to the panel 100, is provided recessed in the fixed wall 200.

As shown in figure 6B or figure 7, the separation of the panel from the fixed wall means that the device 1 can release a certain length of cable while keeping the panel hanging in suspension.

Continuing therefore with the structural description of the invention, figure 4 therefore shows the cap 21 positioned to close the cup of the frame and which, together with the back of the rotor element, delimits a seat 22 within which torsion means are provided.

These torsional means are capable of exerting a torsional recall moment on the element on which they act so as to allow it to rotate automatically and controlled in at least one direction of rotation, generally the direction in which the tape is wound.

Pi? specifically, is preferably used a torsional spring which ? in the form of a ribbon wound on itself in a spiral and which is therefore housed within the seat 22, as also shown in figure 2 from above and figure 2A.

Seat 22 ? therefore delimited above by the cap 21 and below by the further cup 23 (see figure 5) which ? a disc-shaped element with a circular side wall 23? which defines the volume of the cup within which the spring is housed, as also shown in figures 2 and 2A.

As can be clearly seen from figures 4 and 5, the cup 23 comprises an appendix 23?? integral with it? to which one end is fixed? free of the torsional spring, for example by simply folding this end into a U.

As mentioned, the torsional spring ? in fact a metal strip wound on itself in a spiral which, when housed in the seat, takes the form of a cylindrical body having one end? free (EM_2) in the internal part of the winding and one extremity? free? (EM_1) outside the winding.

Figure 2A shows the? extremity? (EM_1) of the spiral spring folded into a U to fix itself therefore to this appendix (23?) while the other extremity? free (EM_2) of the spring, the internal one, ? also folded but in figure 2A ? shown free.

This extremity? bent internal (EM_2) instead engages with an appendix integral with the cap 21 such that, when the cap is applied to close the seat, care must be taken that the appendage of the cap engages with this bending of the spring. This means that a rotation of the cap in one direction, or the execution of a certain number of rotation turns in one direction made on the cap, determines an increase in the winding of the spring which is torsionally preloaded by increasing its torsional potential energy, with a sort of initial pre-load.

In fact, from one end the spring? fixed in the appendix 23?? and from the other to the appendage of the cap such that a rotation of the cap in the winding direction of the spiral causes an increase in torsion.

Does the cap, as shown in figure 5, provide hooking means 21? which allow you to apply a tool to rotate it, such as a special screwdriver.

Preferably, these hooking means are in the form of at least two holes 21?, preferably three holes 21?, which allow the tips of a screwdriver to be inserted into them. points through which to apply a twist to the cap.

Even a single hole with an undercut shape (e.g. hexagonal for a hexagonal key) would still be possible.

By rotating the cap a predetermined number of times, for example eight, the internal spring is torsionally preloaded.

The plug 21, preferably discoidal in shape, has lateral flaps (26a) which are configured in such a way as to be able to engage with the seats (26b) obtained on the top of the wall (2p) of the cylinder, i.e. the first cup (2?).

Once the plug 21 has been placed on the upper edge of the underlying cylinder (2p), taking care, as mentioned, that the tooth appendix engages with the end? free of the spring (EM_2), you can? continue by turning the cap that touches said upper edge a certain number of times, until it is ? reached a desired pretension value.

At this point, during rotation, care must be taken to make the lateral flaps (26a) penetrate the seats (26b) so that the flaps engage, for example by interlocking, and the cap remains well fixed in the closed position, keeping the torsional spring inside headquarters in the preloaded condition.

Figure 5A shows an enlarged view of the shape of the seat (26b) into which the flap (26a) of the plug 21 is inserted.

Going to figure 4, the second cup 22 (the one relating to the rotor element) is? rotatably mounted within seat 2? of the frame 2 and, in this regard, the cup 22 has a pin (P) with a through channel which rotatably fits into a cylindrical channel (C) of the cap 21. When the cap is therefore fixed integrally with the cylindrical wall (2p ), cup 23 can? obviously turn with respect to it and with respect to the internal external frame around the longitudinal axis (Z) of figure 4.

The cup 23 has a lower part (23_i) integral with it (see figure 4) such that as a whole a disc body is generated which rotates around the axis Z which forms a groove (g) within which the cable is wound (see always figure 4). In particular, the disc component 23 as a whole forms a groove assuming the shape of a sort of pulley rotating around the Z axis, the rotation of which is? somewhat controlled through the torsion spring described.

The exploded view of figure 5 therefore shows the lower part (23_i) separated from the cup 23 although these, on the other hand, are a single piece which forms the rotor element around which the cable (or tape) winds through the throat. This because?, constructively for molding, ? It is necessary to make the two separate pieces which are then joined and even glued to keep them firm? One to the other, creating a single body.

This ? why also in the other section figures appear as two separate pieces for? united and united to form a single body.

Figure 6A therefore shows the whole assembled assembly and shows the cable 5 wound in the groove of the disc-shaped element at m? pulley with one end? therefore knotted or fixed in the throat and the other extremity? free that connects with the hook element 10.

Figure 6A therefore shows the torsional spring (M) placed in seat 22 and having one end? fixed to? Appendix 23? supportive of the cup 23 and one extremity? fixed to the cap made integral with the edge of the frame 2 with respect to which the cup 23, as mentioned, rotates around the Z axis.

The frame 2 obviously forms a base (B) on which the rotor element highlighted in figure 5 rests rotatably (see also figure 6A).

As can be clearly seen from figure 5, ? also provided is a clutch (F) in the form of at least one disk which is fixed to the rotor element through a screw which is inserted into the axial channel of the clutch which channel ? in axis with the axial hole of the rotor element.

The coupling ? therefore such that the rotor element can? rotate with respect to the friction disc (F) with which ? in contact with a certain degree of friction which changes according to the tightening adjustable through the connecting screw.

So, more is the coupling between the clutch (F) and the rotor element tightened and the greater will be? the torque necessary to cause a relative rotation of the rotor element with respect to the clutch disc, in the hypothesis that the clutch disc is kept fixed.

In this regard, going for example in figure 4, ? shown is the friction disc F which has a series of teeth or protuberances (F_d?) at its lower support surface which engage within holes (F_d?) provided and arranged on the bottom of the seat 2? where it all goes.

Figure 9 shows an even better isometric view of these teeth F_d) which engage within pre-arranged holes (F_d?).

In this way the friction disc F ? prevented from rotating with respect to the anchoring base to which it is fixed by means of the aforementioned teeth (or the bottom of the seat 2?) and the entire rotor element (see figure 5) on which ? wrapped the cable, pu? instead rotate with respect to the friction disc with a predetermined degree of resistance adjustable on the basis of the tightening that is carried out with the screw which joins said two parts (clutch-rotor element).

This solution allows the advantage of regulating a resistance such that, during the unwinding phase of the cable, it begins to unwind by causing the rotor element to rotate only as far as ? reached a predetermined traction value on the cable that ? therefore adjustable (clutch blocked). Depending, therefore, on the weights of the panel that are attached to the system described, can one? therefore adjust a suitable resistance value with the clutch F such that the rotor, for example, the rotor does not rotate until a traction value on the cable is exceeded which exceeds the weight of the panel or ? lower than the weight value of the panel by a certain amount?. In this way, you can easily make a setting such that, when the panel is detached, ? it is necessary for the operator to accompany it with his hand downwards by applying a small force, thus obtaining a slow and controlled descent.

Obviously, the system could also work without a clutch but, in this case, it would not be possible to adjust the voltage value, so having a descent of the panel that cannot? be changed in terms of speed? and according to the weight of the panels.

The friction disc (F) can? also be made up of more superimposed discs and also in metallic materials or materials other than metallic, for example plastics. The discs can also be made of different materials.

Preferably the teeth (F_d) described are in the form of an inclined plane and therefore have a steep back, as also evident in figure 9. This creates an invitation for the teeth to be inserted into the appropriate holes of the seat 2?. In fact, initially, the entire rotor element with its clutch ? place in? housing 2? without necessarily the aforementioned teeth (F_d) being placed in the appropriate holes in gripping conditions. As soon as the rotor element begins to rotate in the direction of unwinding of the cable, it rotates without resistance until, as soon as rotation has begun, the teeth pass over the holes and mesh with the holes and the clutch locks, forcing all the movement. assembly of the rotor element to rotate within the seat 2? with respect to the clutch which, on the other hand, remains integral with the seat 2?, therefore being able to rotate only if ? overcome the resistance made by the clutch.

There? takes place in the direction of rotation of the unwinding and causes, therefore, that the unwinding takes place when a first traction threshold value on the cable is exceeded which ? adjustable according to the tightening of the clutch.

The teeth of the clutch, which form an inclined plane as can also be clearly seen from figure 9, therefore have a vertical wall (V) shown in figure 5 and figure 9 which? the one that engages in the relative hole, blocking the rotation of the clutch with respect to the seat where it is inserted. The inclined plane conformation that forms an invitation means, however, that in the opposite direction of rotation the teeth are freed by sliding on the hole in which they were engaged in contrast through the vertical wall (V) and never get stuck in the holes in how much is the vertical wall of the inclined plane? prevented from inserting against the hole.

In fact, going to figure 5, ? it is evident that in the direction of anticlockwise rotation the vertical wall (V) blocks against the wall of the hole (V?) but with a clockwise rotation the entire tooth slides on the holes without blocking them, the back of the inclined plane sliding on the hole.

The part opposite the vertical wall (V), in fact, is? chamfered so that it slides with respect to the edge of the hole (F_d?).

This means that in the winding direction of the cable, the clutch is released and therefore the whole rotor element, including its clutch, is free. free to rotate around its Z axis through the torsion spring that comes into play.

AND? therefore it is sufficient to calibrate the spring in such a way that it winds below a tension value on the cable, for example close to zero.

In this way, when is it necessary to wind up the automatic cable? it is sufficient to accompany the panel with the hand for which reducing the tension close to zero. In this way the spring has sufficient torsional force to make the rotor element which rewinds the cable counter-rotate in the direction of winding.

So, in one direction of unrolling, cap 21, seat 2? and clutch are all stationary and integral with each other while the rotor element rotates inside the seat 2? with respect to the plug and the clutch both fixed to the seat 2?.

The rotation takes place once a traction value on the cable is exceeded, which overcomes the friction and torsional spring.

In the direction of winding the structure of the clutch? such as not to get blocked so that the rotor and clutch element become a whole that rotates with respect to the seat 2? and therefore the rotation in the winding direction ? controlled by the torsional spring that must not pi? overcome the resistance force of the clutch (which acts only in the unwinding direction).

In this way you can create an assembly with the correct settings such that the panel can? remain suspended at any height and, to lower it, ? hand accompaniment is necessary. To lift it? it is equally necessary to accompany it with the hand, bringing the traction on the cable to zero.

The internal spring, as mentioned, ? in itself preloaded with a preload value that is moreover adjustable through the cap, as described above.

During the unwinding rotation of the cable, the spring will be with one end fixed to the appendix of the cap that ? fixed and one end? fixed to the tooth (23??) integral with the rotor cup and therefore the rotation of the rotor element will determine? a further pretension of the spring which, in addition to the initial preload, will increase? its torsional potential energy, further coiling on itself. There? is used for the return as ? thanks to this potential torsional energy of the spring which progressively increases with the unwinding of the cable that the rotor element can? counter-rotate automatically to automatically rewind the cable, when there? will be necessary.

The ideal setting, therefore, provides that the panel remains in a stationary position at any height it is brought to allow the operator to carry out the work and then rewinds automatically when the operator brings the panel upwards with his hand.

THE HOOK ELEMENT:

Continuing the description of the invention, Figure 8 shows the coupling element in the form of a saucer 11 provided with holes 12 for the passage of screws, inserts or the like so that it too can be fixed to a surface. It ends with a gripping element 13 which can be a simple hook, a carabiner or any element to which you can connect the end? of a cable, for example, with a node or gi? with this end? closed in a noose.

OPERATION:

In use, therefore, when the panel 100 is detached from the wall, it remains hanging.

The weight of the panel, which is transmitted to the rotor element of the device 1 through the cable, would tend to rotate the rotor element in the unrolling direction, being able to overcome the opposing torsional force of the spring (the spring acts in the winding direction) . The rotation of the rotor element in the unwinding direction is prevented by the friction which engages with the frame of the device 1 (the holes), such that the rotor element can? rotate, therefore, only in the event that the traction on the cable ? able to overcome the torsional resistance force of the clutch (as well as obviously the opposing torsional force of the spring for rewinding).

The setting can therefore be carried out in such a way that the weight of the panel alone does not allow a descent (that is? the rotor element does not turn because it is prevented by the friction). In this way the panel remains cos? hanging from the ceiling, until the operator pulls it downwards, thus applying an additional force, in addition to the weight of the panel, which overcomes the torsional resistance of the clutch.

In this way the rotor element rotates with respect to the clutch and the cable unwinds. During its rotation, the torsion spring continues to pre-load.

The operator can therefore? bring the panel to the desired height where, once released, it remains hung still in position as the traction on the cable always tends to make the rotor element turn which ? for? prevented by friction. Thanks to the traction on the cable, due to the weight of the hanging panel, the clutch remains engaged to the frame with its teeth in mesh.

The operator can? do the necessary intervention and at the end pu? take the panel 100 back towards the wall 200, thereby resetting the tension on the cable.

In this way, by lifting the panel for example with one hand and reducing the tension on the cable, the torsional force of the spring can prevail tending to make the rotor element turn in the opposite direction of rewinding, towards which the clutch is released from the holes thanks to the inclined plane teeth and does not grip, the cio? it does not engage with the frame, therefore turning integral with the rotor element. In this way there is an automatic rewinding of the cable, until the panel 100 is brought close to the wall in order to block it with the fit-locks provided.

Figure 7 in fact shows four fit-locks (or similar) on four corners which find their correspondents in the panel 100 as per prior art. To these are added the four assemblies described.

Such a system also allows the panel to be inclined to one side only. For example, with reference to figure 7, can it? act on one side causing the unrolling of the two assemblies placed on one side and leaving the other two still.

Generally the preferred application area? the nautical one. The technology described applies very well to panels fixed to the roof, in particular as mentioned in nautical environments such as boats and the like.

Both for the hooking element and for the support device, the fastening means for fixing them to the surfaces, as mentioned, are preferably screws, inserts or the like also because, if necessary, they are removable.

Nothing excludes the use of other connection systems such as adhesives and the like.

Claims (10)

1. An assembly for supporting a panel (100) which is detached from a support wall (200), the assembly comprising: - A hooking element (10) comprising first fastening means (12) for fastening it to a first surface, preferably a panel to be detached from the supporting wall; - A support device (1) comprising second fixing means (4) to be able to fix it to a second surface, preferably to said support wall (200); - Said support device comprising a rotor element (23, 23_i) rotatable about its axis (Z) and about which ? wound a support cable (5) in such a way that rotation of the rotor element in one direction causes the support cable to unwind and rotation in an opposite direction causes the support cable to wind around it; - The end? free of the support cable being configured to fix itself to the hooking element (10). 2. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising torsional control means (M, F) configured in such a way as to allow rotation of the rotor element in a direction of unwinding of the cable when ? reached or exceeded a first traction threshold value of the cable and cause an opposite rotation of the rotor element, causing an automatic winding of the cable around the rotor element, when the traction acting on the cable drops below a second threshold value pre-established. 3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein said first and second traction threshold values are different from each other, in particular the second traction threshold value ? lower than the first traction threshold value. 4. The assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said torsional control means are further configured in such a way that the rotor element does not rotate for traction values on the cable comprised between the first and the second threshold value . 5. The whole, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, which include torsional control means (F, M) comprising at least one torsional spring (M) cooperating with a friction element (F), the torsional spring (M) generating a torsion on the rotor element in the direction winding element and the friction element generating torsional resistance, said friction element being configured to come into action and act on the rotor element (23, 23_i) when the rotor element tends to rotate in the direction of unwinding of the cable so such that the rotation of the rotor element in the direction of unwinding occurs when the traction on the cable ? sufficient to overcome at least the torsional resistance of the friction element and of the torsional spring, the friction element disengaging in the opposite direction of rotation, thereby releasing the rotor element in the direction of winding of the cable, said rotation in the direction of winding of the cable happening through said torsional spring when the torsional force acting on the spring ? sufficient to overcome the traction acting on the cable. 6. The whole, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, wherein the support device (1) comprises a frame (2) forming a seat (2?) within which ? rotatably placed the rotor element (23, 23_i), the rotor element forming at the top, in turn, its own seat (22) within which ? housed a torsional spring (M) and of which one extremity? of the torsional spring (M) ? fixed to the said seat (22) and the? extremity? opposite ? fixed to a closing plug (21) configured to close the seat (2?) of the frame through a fastening to the edge of the seat (2?) of the frame. 7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein the closure cap (21) comprises means (212) configured to allow the closure cap (21) to be rotated relative to the edge of the frame to which it applies when it is applied. in mesh with the torsional spring in such a way as to be able to preload said spring to a predetermined torsional value and having hooking means (26a) to fix it to said edge once a desired pretension value has been reached. 8. The whole, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, wherein said rotor element forms a groove (g) within which ? wound said cable. 9. The use of an assembly, according to one or more? of the previous claims, to carry out the removal of a panel from a surface to which ? connected through rapid connection means, in such a way that it hangs on the surface and then reapplies it to said surface. 10. A method for carrying out maintenance which requires the removal of a panel from a surface to which it is connected through rapid connection means, the method providing for the application to the panel of one or more? assemblies according to one or more? of the preceding claims from 1 to 8 in such a way that the operator detaches the panel while this remains suspended through said assembly.