IT202100019322A1 - Improved Handling Apparatus. - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

of the invention entitled:

"Improved Handling Apparatus"

The present invention relates to an improved movement apparatus, to be installed preferably in at least one covering and/or closing element, for example in pergolas, windows, skylights, doors and coverings in general, or even in a piece of furniture, such as, for example, the table support for a desk or wardrobe.

In some installations, for the movement of one or more? cover and/or closure elements, ? already I know the use of two linear motors. In particular, for example, two motors are used to move the slats of a particularly large pergola, or they are used to move the slats of two independent portions provided in the same pergola, or they are still used to move the slats of two pergolas installed in the same environment.

In cases where synchronization of the two motors is then required, the latter must be connected, by means of respective wiring, to an electronic card which is separate and distinct from the housings of both motors, therefore requiring a dedicated installation and housing.

In the not infrequent case, in which the electronic card has to be moved in position, ? necessary to carry out laborious modification and reinstallation of the relative wiring.

In particular, in the known solutions, a power cable protrudes from the casing of each of the two motors and, moreover, provided an additional cable to connect the? encoder, which ? provided for and/or associated with at least one of the two motors, with the electronic control card external to said two motors; conveniently, through this dedicated cable, the encoder associated with the motor can? send a suitable signal to the electronic board to be used to synchronize the two motors. However, can happen that the synchronization signal sent through the dedicated cable is subject to noise and external interference, thus compromising? the synchronized operation of the two motors.

Pi? in detail, the so-called "pergolas" consist of rigid support structures affected on the upper wall and sometimes also on the side walls by movable slat closures. Each closure includes a plurality? of parallel slats, which can be moved both by translational motion perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, to pass from an unfolded or closed condition to a packed or open condition, and by rotary motion around their longitudinal axis to be oriented according to of the shielding effect to be obtained with them. In particular, in the latter case, they can be simultaneously oriented for an angular excursion of slightly less than 90°, in order to be able to pass from a substantially coplanar light interception arrangement to a substantially parallel light passage arrangement.

US2014/175240 describes an actuation mechanism for the slats of a canopy which comprises a linear actuator, housed inside a containment casing, and a unit? control unit with a wireless receiver to receive command and control signals from the outside.

Also in the well-known motorization systems for the slats of a pergola? necessary to create a coordination between the movements of translation and rotation, in the sense that only when the slats are explained, and cio? have assumed an open configuration, they can be oriented, while they cannot be oriented when they are wholly or partly packed, and that is? have assumed a closed configuration.

At the same time, the translation of the slats must be allowed only when they are arranged parallel to each other, while it must be able to be prevented when the slats are oriented differently.

In known systems for moving the slats of a pergola, the two distinct movements of translation and rotation are obtained with distinct electric motors, controlled by a control unit through a single card, in which distinct units are provided. control for the two motors.

The conditioning of the movements of the two engines? obtained with traditional mechanical sensors, which are located at the extreme positions of both the translational movement of the slats and their rotational movement.

For example, EP 2868833 describes a pergola in which the roof defined by a plurality of slats and in which the motor for the translation movement of the slats and the motor for the rotation movement of the slats are both managed by the same control unit. Furthermore, two position sensors are provided which are suitably mounted on the support structure of the pergola, and therefore are external to the two motors, to respectively detect if the slats are coplanar (and therefore in closed condition) and if the cover is closed. in open condition (that is if the slats are unfolded and spaced apart). These sensors then generate corresponding signals which are sent to the control unit which is suitably installed in an upright of the support structure of the pergola.

To obtain the necessary coordination in the operation of the two engines, the position sensors must be connected to the control unit, to which the two engines are also connected, and what? requires a series of wiring, which can require a laborious installation and even more? laborious modification interventions, in the not infrequent case in which the control unit has to be moved in position.

All these problems are noticeably accentuated with the current tubular motors, which are equipped with internal limit switches, more? difficult accessibility? to establish the necessary electrical connections with the control unit.

Purpose of the invention? to propose an apparatus for moving at least one covering and/or closure element, or a part of a piece of furniture, which eliminates, at least in part, the drawbacks encountered in traditional solutions.

Another purpose of the invention? to propose a device that is simple and easy to install even by unskilled personnel.

Another purpose of the invention? to propose a device that is perfectly in line with the safety requirements imposed by the legislation of the sector.

Another purpose of the invention? to propose an apparatus that allows to preserve from interference and disturbances l?integrit? of synchronization signals and/or other signals that are transmitted between the components of the device itself.

Another purpose of the invention? to propose a device that can also be used in cases where it is difficult to install external control units.

Another purpose of the invention? that of proposing a device that can also be controlled remotely from a mobile phone both to control the operation of the device itself and to verify the correct execution of the commands received.

Another purpose of the invention? to propose an apparatus that is ameliorative and/or alternative to the traditional ones.

Another purpose of the invention? to propose a device that involves low installation costs.

Another purpose of the invention? to propose an apparatus that can be obtained simply, quickly and with low costs.

Another purpose of the invention? to propose a handling device for a cover and/or closure installation, in particular of a pergola, which is simple to install, easy to program and manage, as well as? obtainable in a simple, rapid and low-cost way.

All these objects and others which will result from the following description, both individually and in any combination thereof, are achieved according to the invention with a handling apparatus for a covering and/or closure installation according to claim 1.

The present invention is hereinafter further clarified in some of its preferred embodiments, given for purely exemplifying and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the attached tables of drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a pergola provided with slats moved in a controlled manner by means of an apparatus according to the invention,

Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of a pergola provided with slats moved in a controlled manner by means of an apparatus according to the invention,

figure 3a shows a lateral schematic view of an enlarged detail of the rotational movement of the slats,

figure 3b shows a lateral schematic view of an enlarged detail of the translation movement of the slats,

figure 4 schematically shows the apparatus according to the invention,

figure 4a shows an enlarged detail of fig.4,

figure 5 shows a block diagram of the device according to the invention,

Figure 6 schematically shows in greater detail a component of the device according to the invention.

As can be seen from the figures, the movement apparatus according to the invention, indicated overall with the reference number 60, for a roofing installation, in particular in a pergola, indicated overall with the reference number 1, comprises at least one first device 15 and at least one second device 4.

In particular, the pergola 1 ? substantially of the traditional type and in practice ? consisting of a rigid supporting structure 2 having a parallelepiped shape and affected on the upper wall and sometimes also on the side walls by movable closures with slats. Pi? in detail, each closure includes a plurality? of parallel blades 3, orientable simultaneously around their longitudinal axis, and possibly stackable.

Conveniently, the slats 3 can be moved with a rotary motion around their longitudinal axis to be oriented according to the shielding effect that is to be obtained with them. In particular, they can be simultaneously oriented with an angular excursion of about 90°, in order to be able to pass from a substantially coplanar arrangement for intercepting the light to a substantially parallel arrangement suitable for allowing the passage of light.

Preferably, the blades 3 can also be moved by a translational motion perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, to pass from an unfolded or closed condition to a packed or open condition.

In this description we will talk about of translation (cf. fig. 3b) to define the movement that brings the lamellae 3 to pass from an open configuration (lamellae unfolded) to a closed configuration (lamellae packed) and vice versa, while we will speak? of rotation (cf. fig. 3a) to define the movement which leads to orienting the slats 3 around their longitudinal axis to let pass more? or less the light between them.

Conveniently, in the illustrated example, the first device 15 according to the invention is installed inside the pergola 1 to cause the rotary movement of said slats 3, ie? to define the movement that leads to orient the slats 3 around their longitudinal axis to let pass more? or less light between them. Furthermore, the first device 15 ? installed inside the pergola 1 in combination with a further (second) device 4 configured to actuate the translation movement that brings the slats to pass from the open configuration (slats unfolded) to the closed configuration (slats packed).

Conveniently, in the pergola 1 ? otherwise? a motion transmission and conversion system is provided (not shown) configured to transform the rotary motion produced at the output from the first device 15 into a rotary motion of the blades 3 around their own longitudinal axis. In particular, the first device 15 ? configured to provide a rotary motion output.

The first device 15 according to the invention comprises a tubular electric motor 7 which is provided and/or associated with at least one output shaft 8 and which ? configured to rotate said at least one output shaft.

In a possible embodiment, two output shafts 8 can be provided at the output of the first device 15, preferably at two mutually opposite sides.

Conveniently, the first device 15 can? also includes at least one reduction mechanism 6 configured to change the number of revolutions between the motor shaft and a rotating output shaft 8 of the first device 15.

Preferably, the electric motor 7 ? traditional type. Preferably, the engine ? in direct current, and pu? be brushed or brushless.

Preferably, the rotating output shaft 8 is intended to be fixed to the element to be moved.

The first device 15 comprises a housing structure, indicated as a whole with the reference number 12. Conveniently, the housing structure can? have a substantially tubular shape, with a substantially circular or elliptical cross section, or can have a substantially parallelepiped shape, with a square or rectangular cross section.

Conveniently, the first device 15 according to the invention comprises a control unit 31 configured to control the motor 7. Preferably, said control unit 31 comprises and ? implemented on a traditional first electronic card 30.

Conveniently, said control unit 31 comprises a microcontroller or a microprocessor 35 which, preferably, mounted on said electronic card 30.

Conveniently, said control unit 31 comprises a unit? of memory.

Conveniently, said control unit 31 also comprises a wireless receiver 36 which, preferably, ? mounted on said electronic board 30. Conveniently, the receiver 36 is connected to microcontroller/microprocessor 35.

Conveniently, the first device 15 according to the invention comprises a unit? power supply 33 which supplies the electronic board 30 with the electric power supply for the motor 7, for the microcontroller/microprocessor 35 and for the receiver 36 and, preferably, for the other components mounted on the electronic board 30.

Conveniently, the unit? of power supply 33 comprises an electrical apparatus connected to and/or mounted on the electronic card 30. Preferably, said electrical apparatus can? include a DC-DC converter configured to supply voltage and current levels at the output, and therefore power, suitable for the operation of the motor 7.

In particular, the unit? power supply 33 ? configured to receive the electrical power input from the outside, preferably by means of two electrical power wires 38? and 38?? associated with an external power source (not shown), preferably from the mains. Preferably, the supply voltage can? be 24 volts direct current. Pi? in detail, ? expected a first electric wire 38? for the polarity? positive in direct current, while the second electric wire 38?? ? expected for the polarity? DC negative. Conveniently, the electric wires 38? and 38?? are they configured to electrically connect the external electrical source to the unit? power supply 33.

? however, provided that, alternatively, the?unit? of power supply 33 can receive in input? the electric energy of supply from one or more? batteries (not shown) which, preferably, are rechargeable with one or more? external photovoltaic panels which, suitably, can be mounted on the pergola 1 and/or can be external and independent with respect to the latter.

Preferably, in the control unit 31 are also provided the motor control drivers 34 7. Conveniently, the microcontroller/microprocessor 35 ? connected to the motor 7 through the circuits of the driver 34 so as to send corresponding command signals to said motor.

Advantageously, the first device 15 comprises means for detecting the position and/or speed? of engine rotation 7 e.

Preferably, said means comprise an encoder 46, preferably a rotary encoder, which is housed inside the housing structure 12 and ? configured to detect the angular position of the motor 7. In particular, preferably, the rotary encoder 46 is magnetic type and ? mounted on the engine 7. Possibly, the encoder 46 pu? be mounted inside the reduction mechanism 6.

Advantageously, the means, which preferably consist of a rotary encoder 46, detect both the speed? of rotation of the motor and, also?, are configured to detect, on the basis of the angular path and/or number of rotations made by said motor, the reaching of the limit switch positions of the element which is? implemented by the rotation of the output shaft 8 of the first device 15.

Preferably, the encoder 46 comprises a magnetic portion which is associated/mounted on the motor 7 and an encoder interface 37 (sensor) which ? facing said magnetic portion and ? mounted on the electronic card 30. Conveniently, the encoder interface 37 ? configured to detect (sample) the variation of the magnetic field generated by said magnetic portion and transform it into a corresponding electrical signal. Conveniently, moreover, the encoder interface 37 ? electrically connected with the microcontroller/microprocessor 35 to send to the latter electrical signals representative of the position, speed? and/or direction of advance of the motor 7.

Advantageously, the first device 15 can include a temperature sensor that ? electrically connected or integrated in the control unit 31. Preferably, the temperature sensor ? configured to detect the temperature of the environment in which the device itself? installed.

The apparatus 60 also comprises a data transmission wire 40. Preferably, the apparatus 60 comprises exclusively three wires and, in particular, the two electric power supply wires 38? and 38??, and a data transmission wire 40.

Conveniently, the data transmission wire 40 ? connected to the control unit 31 of the first device 15. Preferably, the data transmission wire 40 is connected to the microcontroller/microprocessor 35 of the control unit 31 through an interface module 41.

Advantageously, said three wires 38?, 38?? and 40 are united within a single cable 42. Alternatively, while the two electric power supply wires 38?, 38?? can be gathered/housed inside a first cable, the data transmission wire 40 can? be housed inside a second dedicated cable, which ? separate from the first cable.

Advantageously, the control unit 31 ? housed in the housing structure 12 which also houses the motor 7 and, preferably, also the encoder 46. Conveniently, the electronic board 30 on which the microcontroller/microprocessor 35, the receiver 36, the unit? power supply 33 ? and preferably also the drivers for the motor 34, the encoder interface 37 and the interface module 41 with the data transmission wire 40 ? ? housed in the housing structure 12 which also houses engine 7.

Conveniently, the three wires 38?, 38?? and 40? preferably gathered in a single cable 42 ? do they have a first end? (internal end) connected to the control unit 31 (and in particular to the electronic board 30), housed inside the housing structure 12 and which then emerge from the latter.

Preferably, the receiver 36 ? connected via wireless to the outside to receive command signals from the outside to control, on the basis of these, the motor 7 of the first device 15 (whose control unit is provided with said receiver 36) and/or of further external devices, which are connected to said device and are not equipped with a receiver. Conveniently, moreover, the receiver 36 ? connected and/or incorporated to the microcontroller/microprocessor 35.

Advantageously, the receiver 36 ? wireless, preferably radio. Conveniently, the receiver 36 can? be configured to receive wireless data using Wi-Fi technology or based on traditional standards such as Bluetooth? or ZigBee?.

Conveniently, through the receiver 36 the microcontroller/microprocessor 35 can receive from an external transmitter, and in particular from a remote control or even from a mobile phone (preferably a smartphone) or from other traditional wireless devices in general, command signals for the motor 7 of the device itself and/or for other devices which are connected to said first device 15 by means of the data transmission wire 40, how will it result? more clear later.

Advantageously, the receiver 36 can be connected, wirelessly and/or wired, to sensors for detecting meteorological and/or environmental parameters, such as for example light, wind and/or rain sensors mounted outside the device 15.

Advantageously, the receiver 36 ? in addition to a receiver module - pu? be advantageously provided with a transmitting module, preferably radio, to define cos? a transceiver. Preferably, the transceiver ? configured to operate in the ISM bands.

Conveniently, the data transmission wire 40 which emerges from the housing structure 12 of the first device 15 can be connected at the other end? (external end) to an interface external to said device 15, preferably to an output interface into which other cable connections converge, or which ? connected to a home automation system. Conveniently, the data transmission wire 40 can be connected to an? output interface comprising a? unit? or an engine diagnostic tool 7.

Conveniently, in the apparatus 60, the data transmission wire 40 which emerges from the housing structure 12 of the first device 15 can be connected to at least one further (second) device 4 which also includes a second tubular motor 51.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the second device 4 comprises only the second motor 51, without any mechanism for converting the rotary motion of the latter, thus providing a rotary motion at the output of said second device 4. Conveniently, the second device 4 comprises at least one output shaft 55 which ? actuated in rotation by the second motor 51. Conveniently, in a possible embodiment, the second device 4 can? comprising two output shafts 55 in mutually opposite positions.

Preferably, the second device 4 comprises a (second) tubular electric motor 51 which is provided and/or associated with at least one output shaft 55 and which ? configured to actuate said output shaft 55 in rotation. Conveniently, the second device 4 can? also includes a reduction mechanism 56 configured to change the number of revolutions between the motor shaft and the rotating output shaft 55 of the second device 4. Preferably, the second electric motor 51 is traditional type. Preferably, the engine ? in direct current, and pu? be brushed or brushless. Preferably, the rotating output shaft 55 is intended to be fixed to the element to be moved.

Alternatively, the second device 4 also comprises an actuator of the linear type (ie a cursor movable with respect to a guide element) and a mechanism for transmission and conversion of the rotary movement of the second motor 51 into linear movement of the cursor (slider) with respect to the guide element, preferably fixed. Conveniently, in this way, the device 4 outputs a linear movement.

Preferably, in a possible embodiment, said second device 4 can have the same characteristics as the first device 15. In particular, said second device 4 comprises, within the same housing structure 57, a second motor 51 associated with a second encoder 52, as well as a corresponding second control unit 53 with the same components, with the exception of the receiver 36, described above with reference to the control unit 31 of the first device 15.

Preferably, the receiver 36 of the first device 15 is connected, wirelessly and/or wired, to the outside to receive command signals from the outside to control, on the basis of these, both the motor 7 of the first device 15 (whose control unit is equipped with said receiver 36) and the second motor 51 of the second device 4, which ? connected to the first device 15 via the data transmission wire 40.

Advantageously, the receiver 36 can be connected to a?unit? centralized or distributed home automation which ? configured to receive the information from the receiver 36, and send it, preferably via Wi-Fi and via Internet protocols, to the external portable device and/or to a cloud archive accessible from the external portable device, so as to allow remote control of the first device 15 and/or of the second device 4, in addition to monitoring its/their operation. Conveniently, the connection between the receiver 36 and the unit? home automation can? take place via cable or wireless, in particular via radio waves (e.g. Wi-Fi or according to the Bluetooth protocol).

Conveniently, in the case of receiver 36 also provided? of transmitting module (ie of transceiver), in addition to receiving corresponding command signals for the motor 7 of the device itself and/or for the second motor 51 of the second device 4, can? remotely communicate their status and, preferably, also the operating parameters or the possible presence of anomalies or malfunctions of the motors 7 and/or 51. In particular, for this purpose, the transceiver, in addition to controlling the motor 7 and/or or the second motor 51 on the basis of the signals received with its receiver side, pu? transmit with its transmitter side signals on the state of said motors 7 and/or 51. In substance, conveniently, in this way the user can? remotely control, for example via a mobile phone (preferably via smartphone), the switching on, switching off and regulation of the motors 7 and/or 51 and can? receive, always with a mobile phone (preferably a smartphone), information on their current status.

Conveniently, the receiver 36, preferably provided with a transmitting module, is connected and/or incorporated to the electronic circuit of the microcontroller/microprocessor 35 of the control unit 31 to be operatively connected with the drivers 34 for controlling the motor 7 and with the interface module 41 of the data transmission wire 40 to communicate so (both in data transmission and reception) with the second motor 51 of the second device 4 (which is in fact connected and communicates with the first device 15 by means of said data transmission wire 40).

Conveniently, the second device 4 comprises a housing structure 57 substantially corresponding to the housing structure 12 of the first device; preferably, the second motor 51, the second encoder 52 and the second control unit 51 are housed inside a housing structure 57 substantially corresponding to the housing structure 12 of the first device 15.

Advantageously, the second device 4 can also be provided with a further connection via wire/cable with sensors for detecting meteorological and/or environmental parameters, such as for example light, wind and/or rain sensors mounted outside the second device 4.

Preferably, while the first device 15 - with the motor 7 and with the control unit 31 ? acts as master, the second device 4 ? with the second motor 51 and with the second control unit 53 - acts as a slave.

Conveniently, substantially, the movement apparatus 60 according to the invention comprises a first device 15 and a second device 4, each provided with its own motor (respectively 7 and 51) and with its own control unit (respectively 31 and 53 ). Furthermore, conveniently, are the control units 31 and 53 of said two motors 7 and 51 connected? and communicate with each other via the data transmission wire 40 which emerges from the respective housing structures 12 and 57.

Advantageously, when the first device 15 ? associated with the second device 4, the power wires 38? and 38?? they fork and, conveniently, connect the external power source in parallel to the respective control units 31 and 53 of said devices (cf. figs. 4 and 4a).

Conveniently, the data transmission wire 40 precisely allows data transmission from the control unit 31 of the first device 15, which acts as master, to the second control unit 53 of the second device 4, which acts as slave, and/or vice versa.

Advantageously, the command signals for the second motor 51 of the second device 4 (slave) are sent, by means of the data transmission wire, from the control unit 31 of the first device 15 to the second control unit 53 of the second device 4. Basically , therefore, the control unit 31 ? not having any receiver - it receives the command signals for the second motor 51 of the second device 4 (slave) only by means of the data transmission wire 40. Conveniently, also to the second motor 51 of the second device 4? associated with an encoder 52 for detecting the position and/or speed? of the second motor 51 of said second device 4.

Advantageously, the setting of the second control unit 53 for the second motor 51 of the second device 4 (slave) is carried out by wirelessly sending corresponding signals to the receiver 36 provided in the control unit 31 of the first device 15 and, suitably, these signals are then transmitted by the control unit 31 of the first device 15 to the control unit 31 of the second device 4 by means of the data transmission wire 40.

Basically, the data transmission wire 40 defines a communication channel (bus) on a wire between the control unit 31 of the first device 15 and the second control unit 53 of the second device 4. Preferably, said data transmission wire 40 , with its interface module 41, define a communication channel of the alternate bidirectional type (half-duplex) between the control units 31 and 53 of the respective devices 15 and 4.

Conveniently, the control unit 31 and 53 are configured so that the data communication protocol via wire 40 also includes a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) to verify the integrity? of data transmission, and in particular to identify any random transmission errors due to interference, line noise and distortions.

Advantageously, in the apparatus 60 according to the invention, the first motor 7 of the first device 15 and the second motor 51 of the second device 4 can operate in a synchronized or non-synchronised manner.

In particular, in the mode of operation of the apparatus 60 in which the two motors 7 and 51 are mutually synchronized, the control unit 31 for the motor 7 of the first device 15 (master) sends to the second control unit 53 of the second motor 51 of the second device 4 (slave) - via data wire 40 ? the start and stop signals and/or the synchronization signals.

Conveniently, said synchronization signals are defined by the control unit 31 of the first device 15 on the basis of the signals which in turn the control unit 53 of the second device 4 sends, again through the data transmission wire 40, to said control unit 31 of the first device 15.

Advantageously, again through the data transmission wire 40, the control unit 31 of the first device 15 sends to the second control unit 53 of the second device 4 the signals relating to the readings carried out by the sensors associated with the installation (for example sensors for of meteorological and/or environmental parameters, such as for example temperature, rain, wind or snow sensors), or of the command signals deriving from said surveys.

Conveniently, in the modality of operation of the apparatus 60 in which the two motors 7 and 51 are not synchronized with each other (to be used, for example, in a pergola divided into two independent areas or in several pergolas present in the same environment), each motor is controlled by the respective control unit of control 31 and 53 independently of the other and, by means of the data transmission wire 40, only start/stop commands and/or signals for checking the status of each individual motor are transferred/sent. In particular, the control unit 31 of the first device 15 sends to the second control unit 53 of the second device 54 - through the data transmission wire 40 ? the start and stop signals and/or requests information on the status of the second motor 51 of the second device 4.

Conveniently, substantially, the handling apparatus 60 - which comprises the first device 15 configured to supply a rotary motion at the output and the second device 4, preferably also configured to supply a rotary motion at the output - can be used to vary the orientation of the slats 3 (i.e. make them rotate around their longitudinal axis) of two different pergolas, and to vary the orientation of the slats of the same large pergola provided with correspondingly large slats and such to suggest the use of two motors for their movement.

Conveniently, moreover, the movement apparatus 60 according to the invention can be otherwise? used in pergolas in which the slats 3 can be moved both with a rotary motion around their longitudinal axis to be oriented according to the shielding effect that is to be obtained with them, and with a translational motion perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, to pass from one unfolded or closed condition to a packed or open condition. In particular, in this case, the first device 15 configured so as to supply a rotary motion at the output (in particular at the rotating output shaft 8) which is? used to vary the orientation of the slats 3 around their longitudinal axis, while the second device 4 ? which preferably can? also be configured so as to provide a rotary motion at the output (in particular at the rotating output shaft 55) ? used to cause the translation of the lamellae to pass from an unfolded to a packed condition, or vice versa. Conveniently, in this case, the second rotating output shaft 55 of the second device 4 is associated with a mechanism for converting the rotary motion of the second rotating output shaft 55 into a translation motion of the lateral guide elements on which the blades 3 are mounted.

Preferably, the movement to vary the orientation of the slats 3 around their longitudinal axis is? transferred through at least one belt 18 positioned at the ends? of the rotating output shafts 8 - or of their extensions 17 - of the first device 15. Preferably, the movement to cause the translation of the blades 3 is transferred through a belt 19 positioned at one end? of the rotating output shaft 55 - or an extension of the latter - of the second device 4. Alternatively, the second device 4 which causes the translation of the blades 3 can? be configured to provide output linear movement, in particular pu? comprising a motor which implements the thrust translation of an output shaft.

Conveniently, the first control unit of the first device 15 and the second control unit 53 of the second device 4 are configured so as to exchange through said data transmission wire 40 communication signals suitable for commanding the actuation of the respective motors 7 and 51 in a coordinated way. Preferably, the two motors are controlled in a coordinated way according to a mode? pre-set, preferably so that the elements moved by said motors 7 and 51 do not mechanically interfere with each other during the respective movement (in translation and/or rotation).

Conveniently, also in this case, the corresponding motors 7 and 51 of said two devices 15 and 4 act in a synchronized manner, and in particular their activation can take place in sequence in an automated way, thanks to the signals exchanged through the data transmission wire 40 and, in particular, the apparatus 60 ? configured so that the second motor 51 of the second device 4 (which causes the slats 3 to pack) is activated only when the slats 3 are or have reached ? upon activation of the prime mover 7 - a given orientation around its own longitudinal axis.

Pi? in detail, only when the second motor 51 of the second device 4 has brought the slats into the unfolded condition, ie? have assumed an open configuration (for example identified by the second encoder 52 of the second device 4), a corresponding signal is sent by the second device 4 through the data transmission wire 40 to the first device 15, to thus allow the activation of the first motor 7 of said first device in order to vary the orientation of the slats 3. Conversely, when the slats 3 are partially or completely packed (i.e. they have assumed a closed configuration), the second device 4 does not send any signal through the data transmission wire to the first device 15, or does it send a signal through the data transmission wire to the first device 15 indicating this state/condition, and therefore there is no signal? any activation of the first motor 7 of the first device 15 which causes the variation of the orientation of the slats 3.

Furthermore, only when the first motor 7 of the first device 15 has caused the slats to be all arranged parallel to each other (situation which is advantageously identified by means of the first encoder 46 of the first device 15), is a corresponding signal sent by the first device 15 through the data transmission wire 40 to the second device 4, to allow so? activation of the second motor 51 of said second device in order to start the translation and packing of the slats 3. Conversely, when the slats 3 are substantially coplanar to each other or in any case are not parallel to each other, the first device 15 does not send any signal through the data transmission wire 40 to the second device 4, or it sends a signal through the data transmission wire to the second device 4 which indicates this state/condition of the slats, and therefore there is no? any activation of the second motor 51 of the second device 4 which causes the translation and packing of the slats 3.

Advantageously, the pergola 1 can? include two second devices 4 to pack cos? the slats 3, starting from the centre, to the two opposite sides of the rigid supporting structure 2.

From what has been said it is clear that the apparatus according to the invention is particularly advantageous because:

- ? quick and easy to install,

- ? easily and easily commanded and set from? outside, - allows you to command automatically and in sequence the? activation of two motors, so as to cause so? a sequential and correct movement of the elements associated with the outputs of said motors.

In particular, in the device according to the invention, both the control unit and the encoder (or the other means for detecting the position and/or speed of the motor and/or cursor) are housed inside a suitable casing of housing and, therefore, their electrical connection ? defined in the factory at the time the device is built and, moreover, it is suitably protected inside the casing of the device itself; in other words, right? foreseen any wire or external cable, to be installed on site, in order to connect the? encoder to the control unit which generally ? external. There? ? particularly advantageous as it simplifies installation and, moreover, avoids the presence of disturbances and external interferences in the transmission to the control unit of the signals detected by the encoder.

The device according to the present invention which outputs a rotary motion ? been described here in particular with reference to its application in a pergola, however ? understood that it can be used in any roofing and/or closing installation, such as windows or skylights, or still it can? be used in a piece of furniture to move one of its parts, such as the support table in a desk.

The present invention ? been illustrated and described in some of its preferred embodiments, but it is understood that executive variants can be applied to them in practice, without however departing from the scope of protection of the present patent for industrial invention.

Claims (10)

1. Handling apparatus (60) for a covering and/or closure installation (1), characterized in that it comprises: - a first device (15) comprising a first motor (7) and a first control unit (31), said control unit (31) comprising and/or ? associated with a wireless receiver (36) configured to receive command and control signals from the outside, said first device (15) being configured to output a rotary motion, - at least one second device (4) comprising a second (own) motor (51) and a second (own) control unit (53), said second device (4) being configured to provide a linear movement at the output from said second device (4) or being configured to provide a rotary motion at the output of said second device (4), and from the fact of comprising a data transmission wire (40) which ? connected to said first control unit (31) and to said second control unit (53) to thus allow? bidirectional communication between said first control unit (31) and said second control unit (53). 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said first control unit (31) and said second control unit (53) being configured so as to exchange through said data transmission wire (40) communication signals suitable for controlling the implementation of the respective motors (7, 51) in a coordinated way. 3. Apparatus according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (31) of said first device (15) is connected and communicates bidirectionally with the second control unit (51) of said second device (4) exclusively by means of said data transmission wire (40), said apparatus being also configured so that the command signals for said second motor (51) are received by the receiver (36) of the control unit (31) of said first device (15) and are transmitted to the second control unit (51) of the second device (4) by the data transmission wire (40). 4. Apparatus according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first device (15) comprises a housing structure (12) inside which are housed: - said tubular motor (7) to rotate at least one rotating output shaft (8) which protrudes, at least in part, from said housing structure (12), and which ? intended to be associated with said at least one element (3) to be handled, - said control unit (31) configured to control said motor (7), and by the fact that said data transmission wire (40) at one end? ? connected to said control unit (31), provided inside said housing structure (12), and at the other end, protruding from said housing structure (12), is it connected? connected to the second control unit (52) of said second device (4), and by the fact of comprising electric power supply wires (38?, 38??) which connect the external power source in parallel to the control units (31, 53) respectively of the first device (15) and of the second device (4). 5. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said control unit (31) of the first device (15) comprises an electronic card (30) on which are mounted: - said receiver (36), - the drivers (34) for controlling and commanding the tubular motor (7), - an interface module (41) with the data transmission wire (40), - a microcontroller or a microprocessor (35) which ? connected with said drivers (34), with said receiver (36) and with said interface module (41), - a unit? supply (33) for the motor (7) and for the components mounted on said electronic card (30), said unit? supply wire (33) being connected by means of said electric supply wires (38?, 38??) with a power supply source which ? external to said housing structure (12). 6. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first device (15) and/or said second device (4) comprises means for detecting the position and/or speed? rotation of the tubular motor (7, 51) and/or of said at least one tubular output shaft (8, 55). 7. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said means for detecting the position and/or the speed? of rotation of the first (7) and/or second motor (51) comprise a corresponding encoder (46, 52), preferably rotary and of the magnetic type, which is associated with the corresponding motor (7, 51) and ? configured to detect the position and/or speed? of rotation of said motor (7, 51), said encoder (46, 52) being connected to the respective control unit (31, 53) and being housed inside the housing structure (12, 57) of the corresponding device ( 15, 4). 8. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second device (4) also comprises a second encoder (52) associated with said second motor (51) and connected to said second control unit (51) which, in turn, ? connected and communicates through said data transmission wire (40) the readings of said second encoder (52) to the control unit (51) of the first device (15), thus allowing? the synchronized operation, preferably sequential in an automated way, of said first device (15), which acts as master, and of said at least one second device (4), which acts as slave. 9. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first motor (7) of the first device (15) and the second motor (51) of the second device (4) are not synchronized with each other, each of said motors (7, 51) being controlled by the respective control unit (31, 53) independently of the other and, by means of said data transmission wire (40), only start/stop commands and/or status check signals of each individual engine being transferred/sent . 10. Installation of a pergola-type roof and/or closure, comprising a load-bearing structure (2) having at least one wall affected by a plurality of of plates (3), and characterized in that it comprises an apparatus according to one or more? of the preceding claims in which: - said first device (15) ? configured to cause rotation of the slats (3) around their longitudinal axis, - said second device (4) ? configured to cause the translation movement of the slats (3) so as to make them pass from a configuration in which said slats are closer to each other? spaced to a configuration in which they are more? close up, or viceversa and also characterized? by the fact that the second motor (51) of the second device (4) is activated only when the slats (3) are or have reached, following the activation of the first motor (7) of the first device (15), a certain orientation around its own longitudinal axis, or vice versa.