Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
  • E04F10/00—Sunshades, e.g. Florentine blinds or jalousies; Outside screens; Awnings or baldachins
  • E04F10/02—Sunshades, e.g. Florentine blinds or jalousies; Outside screens; Awnings or baldachins of flexible canopy materials, e.g. canvas ; Baldachins
  • E04F10/06—Sunshades, e.g. Florentine blinds or jalousies; Outside screens; Awnings or baldachins of flexible canopy materials, e.g. canvas ; Baldachins comprising a roller-blind with means for holding the end away from a building
  • E04F10/0611—Sunshades, e.g. Florentine blinds or jalousies; Outside screens; Awnings or baldachins of flexible canopy materials, e.g. canvas ; Baldachins comprising a roller-blind with means for holding the end away from a building with articulated arms supporting the movable end of the blind for deployment of the blind
  • E04F10/0618—Sunshades, e.g. Florentine blinds or jalousies; Outside screens; Awnings or baldachins of flexible canopy materials, e.g. canvas ; Baldachins comprising a roller-blind with means for holding the end away from a building with articulated arms supporting the movable end of the blind for deployment of the blind whereby the pivot axis of the articulation is perpendicular to the roller
  • E04F10/0622—Sunshades, e.g. Florentine blinds or jalousies; Outside screens; Awnings or baldachins of flexible canopy materials, e.g. canvas ; Baldachins comprising a roller-blind with means for holding the end away from a building with articulated arms supporting the movable end of the blind for deployment of the blind whereby the pivot axis of the articulation is perpendicular to the roller whereby the plane defined by three consecutive articulation points of an articulated arm is not parallel to the rotation axis of the roller, e.g. to create a saddle type roof construction or to prevent contact between the cloth and the arm sections
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
  • E04F10/00—Sunshades, e.g. Florentine blinds or jalousies; Outside screens; Awnings or baldachins
  • E04F10/02—Sunshades, e.g. Florentine blinds or jalousies; Outside screens; Awnings or baldachins of flexible canopy materials, e.g. canvas ; Baldachins
  • E04F10/06—Sunshades, e.g. Florentine blinds or jalousies; Outside screens; Awnings or baldachins of flexible canopy materials, e.g. canvas ; Baldachins comprising a roller-blind with means for holding the end away from a building
  • E04F10/0644—Sunshades, e.g. Florentine blinds or jalousies; Outside screens; Awnings or baldachins of flexible canopy materials, e.g. canvas ; Baldachins comprising a roller-blind with means for holding the end away from a building with mechanisms for unrolling or balancing the blind
  • E04F10/0651—Sunshades, e.g. Florentine blinds or jalousies; Outside screens; Awnings or baldachins of flexible canopy materials, e.g. canvas ; Baldachins comprising a roller-blind with means for holding the end away from a building with mechanisms for unrolling or balancing the blind acting on the arms

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an articulation device for an articulated arm for a retractable awning assembly.
• the present invention relates to an articulation device with a construction designed to provide improved functionality and characteristics to an articulated arm used to obtain the opening and closing of an awning of a retractable awning assembly.
• Retractable awning assemblies comprising one or more articulated arms are known in the state of the art.
• a retractable awning assembly provides for at least one retracted or wound position, and at least one extended position.
• the tarpaulin of the retractable awning assembly is substantially wound, for example around a roller, so as to provide little or no degree of sunlight shielding.
• the tarpaulin of the retractable awning assembly is substantially extended and preferably suitably tensioned so as to provide a degree of sunlight shielding which is comprised between said minimum degree of shielding and a maximum degree of shielding, depending on the amount of extension or unwinding of the tarpaulin by means of articulated arms and the maximum amount of opening of the latter.
• the retractable awning assembly provides for at least one articulated arm.
• the articulated arm in turn comprises an arm portion and a forearm portion which are rotatably connected to each other so that they are suitable to be moved between a closing position, obtaining the retracted or wound position, and an opening position, to obtain the extended position.
• Said rotatable connection can be obtained by means of a articulation device connecting said arm and forearm portions, and the prior art discloses various types of articulation devices.
• patent document EP1650373 discloses an articulated arm comprising an arm portion and a forearm portion that are rotatably connected to each other through a type of articulation device.
• an elastic element such as for example a helical spring
• a flexible traction element such as for example a belt or strap, which are adapted to connect the arm portion with the articulation device.
• the articulation device comprises a first articulation element associated with the arm portion and a second articulation element associated with the forearm portion, in which said articulation elements are rotatably connected to each other at an articulation elbow, to obtain a mutual joint.
• the flexible element is anchored through one end to the elastic element and through the other end to a core which, in turn, is contained in the articulation elbow and it is connected to the second articulation element.
• the flexible element is adapted to exert, through the core, a traction force adapted to induce the opening of the articulated arm and maintain such position.
• This articulation device is in particular configured so that the flexible traction element is operatively completely concealed and protected, given that it is anchored to a core contained in the articulation elbow.
• Patent document DE3900463 discloses a further articulated arm comprising an arm portion and a forearm portion that are rotatably connected to each other through a further type of articulation device.
• the articulation device comprises a first articulation element associated with the arm portion and a second articulation element associated with the forearm portion.
• the flexible element is anchored through one end to the elastic element, and through the other end to the second articulation element.
• such articulation device provides for a flexible traction element which is at least partially exposed at the articulation elbow.
• such amount of tensioning applied to the tarpaulin is substantially a function of the elastic constant of the elastic element and the amount of deformation of the latter.
• the tarpaulin of the retractable awning assembly is substantially continuously or predominantly subjected to the high amount of tensioning that is applied by the elastic element when the articulated arm is in the closing position. While, the tarpaulin of the retractable awning assembly is subjected only for a small period of time to a minimal amount of tensioning when the articulated arm is in the opening position.
• the tarpaulin is subjected to permanent unwanted deformation over time.
• Such permanent deformation in turn causes incorrect tensioning of the tarpaulin when the latter is extended and the articulated arm is in the opening position, forming corrugated portions of the tarpaulin as a result.
• the corrugated portions of the tarpaulin are aesthetic defects as well as functional defects given that they degrade the resistance of the structure to atmospheric agents, form pockets in which rain is possibly collected and do not maintain adequate stability in the event of wind gusts.
• the task of the present invention is to provide an articulation device for an articulated arm for a retractable awning assembly, which is adapted to provide improved functionality and characteristics to an articulated arm used for obtaining the opening and the closing of an awning of a retractable awning assembly.
• an object of the present invention relates to an articulation device which provides for a construction adapted to provide a reduction in the amount of tensioning applied to the tarpaulin when the articulated arm is in the closing position.
• a further object relates to an articulation device that is configured to provide a reduction in the amount of tensioning applied to the tarpaulin when the articulated arm is in the closing position, considering the same characteristics as an elastic element that is adapted to induce opening movement of the articulated arm and maintain such position.
• a further object relates to an articulation device that is configured to reduce the probability of the elastic element yielding, so as to ensure greater durability thereof.
• a further object relates to an articulation device that is configured to provide greater durability of a flexible element adapted to transmit a force from the elastic element to the forearm portion.
• a further object relates to an articulation device that is configured so that the flexible traction element, adapted to transmit a force from the elastic element to the forearm portion, is operatively completely concealed and protected.
• a further object relates to an articulation device which provides for a construction adapted to ensure reliable opening of the articulated arm and maintaining such position.
• a further object relates to an articulation device which provides for a construction that is easy to obtain.
• Figs. 1 to 3 show an example of an articulated arm 100 for a retractable awning assembly, in which said articulated arm 100 includes an articulation device 10 according to the present invention.
• the articulated arm 100 comprises, as usual, an arm portion 102 and a forearm portion 104 which are rotatably connected to each other by means of said articulation device 10 so that they are adapted to be moved between an opening position (shown in Figs. 1 and 2 ) and a closing position (shown in Fig. 3 ).
• the closing position of the articulated arm 100 the retractable awning assembly is in the retracted or wound position.
• the retractable awning assembly is in the extended position.
• the arm portion 102 is substantially formed with a tubular profile provided with respective first end 102a and second end 102b, preferably open, and the forearm portion 104 is also substantially formed with a tubular profile provided with respective first end 104a and the second end 104b, preferably open.
• the first end 102a of arm portion 102 comprises or is engaged with a first fixing portion 106 which, under operative conditions, is typically associated with or rotatable joined to a fixed support (not shown in the figures) provided, for example, in a wall or in a structure on which the retractable awning assembly is mounted.
• the second end 104b of the forearm portion 104 distal with respect to the first end 102a of the arm portion 102, comprises or is engaged with a second fixing portion 108 which in operative conditions is typically associated with or rotatable joined to a load bar (not shown in the figures) to which there is fixed an edge of the tarpaulin (not shown in the figures) of the retractable awning assembly.
• the second end 102b of arm portion 102 and the first end 104a of forearm portion 104 are rotatably connected to each other through the articulation device 10, better explained below.
• the tarpaulin in the closing position of the articulated arm 100, the tarpaulin is operatively substantially wound, for example around a roller mounted at or near the fixed support to which the first fixing portion 106 is coupled. While, in the opening position of the articulated arm 100, the tarpaulin is operatively substantially extended, depending on the degree of opening of the articulated arm and preferably suitably tensioned.
• the flexible traction element 110 is preferably a substantially flat band, strap or belt which is formed with plastic material, fabric or the like, possibly including metal filaments or wires.
• the flexible element 110 may be a preferably metallic cable, possibly with strands, a plurality of cables arranged adjacent to each other or a chain.
• the flexible element 110 provides for a first end 110a and an opposite second end 110b which are connected to each other by an intermediate portion 110i.
• the first end 110a is connected to an elastic element 112 (shown only in Fig. 1 ), such as for example a traction helical spring or a gas traction spring, which is in turn fixed to a fixed point 102p of the arm portion 102, such as for example a protrusion or hook extending from the inner walls of the tubular section or from the first fixing portion 106.
• the second end 110b is fixed to a part of the articulation device 10, as better explained below, to transmit to the first end 104a of the forearm portion 104 a traction force induced by the deformation of the elastic element 112.
• the elastic element 112 is adapted to exert, through the flexible element 110 and the articulation device 10, a traction force adapted to induce the movement of the forearm portion 104 with respect to the arm portion 102 in the opening position, and maintain such position until an acting force is applied adapted to move the articulated arm 100 in the closing position. While in the closing position of the forearm portion 104 with respect to the arm portion 102, the elastic element 112 continues to exert a traction force which causes a tensioning of the tarpaulin, depending on the amount of deformation.
• articulation device 10 which is adapted to form a rotatable connection between the second end 102b of the arm portion 102 and the first end 104a of the forearm portion 104 of the articulated arm 100 of the retractable awning assembly.
• the articulation device 10 comprises a first articulation element 12 and a second articulation element 14 which are rotatably connected to each other about an articulation axis R1, which is substantially transversal to the extension direction or longitudinal axis of the articulation elements.
• the first 12 and second 14 articulation elements are mutually rotatable between the opening position (see in particular Fig. 4 ) and the closing position (see in particular Fig. 7 ).
• the first articulation element 12 provides for a first end region comprising a first articulation portion 12p, and an opposite second end region comprising a first connection portion 12f.
• the second articulation element 14 provides for a first end region comprising a second articulation portion 14p, and an opposite second end region comprising a second connection portion 14f.
• the first connection portion 12f and the second connection portion 14f are substantially tubular-shaped, and they are configured to be connected, that is be engaged, respectively with the second end 102b of the arm portion 102 and the first end 104a of the forearm portion 104, in order to obtain the articulated arm 100 preferably by engaging such components.
• the first articulation portion 12p and the second articulation portion 14p are rotatably connected to each other around the articulation axis R1, so as to obtain the mutual rotation of the arm portion 102 with respect to the forearm portion 104, that is the first articulation element 12 with respect to the second articulation element 14, between the opening position (see Figs. 1 , 2 and 4 ) and the closing position (see Figs. 3 , and 7 ), as mentioned above.
• the first articulation portion 12p of the first articulation element 12 comprises a hollow body 12h, defining an internal cavity 16 (better observable in Figs. 5 and 8 ), which substantially communicates with the cavity of the tubular profile forming the first connection portion 12f.
• the hollow body 12h is substantially cylindrical-shaped with an axis coincident with the articulation axis R1 and provided with open bases.
• the second articulation portion 14p of the second articulation element 14 comprises a fork body 14y that substantially extends from the tubular profile forming the second connection portion 14f.
• the hollow body 12h of the first articulation portion 12p is arranged between the two branches of the fork body 14y of the second articulation portion 14p (better observable in Figs. 5 and 8 ).
• the fork body 14y is rotatably coupled to the hollow body 12h by means of bearing means 18 interposed between the articulation portions and by means of an articulation pin 20 defining the articulation axis R1 which connects the articulation portions.
• the bearing means 18, such as two pairs of bushing elements rotatably inserted into each other, are arranged coaxial to the articulation axis R1 at the open bases of the hollow body 12h.
• the articulation pin 20 is substantially defined by a pin-shaped element or by a screw that is adapted to engage the internal cavity 16 of the hollow body 12h and holes, preferably one passing through and the other blind, formed on the two branches of fork body 14y.
• the first 12p and second 14p articulation portions may provide for rotation limitation means (not shown and not numbered in the figures).
• the two branches of the fork body 14y of the second articulation portion 14p may comprise respective guide elements defined by arched grooves that are slidably engaged by engagement protrusions extending from the hollow body 12h of the first articulation portion 12p.
• the guide elements and the engagement protrusions define said rotation limitation means in which the longitudinal extension of the arched grooves defines a maximum range of rotation by abutting between the engagement protrusions and the abutment ends of the arched grooves.
• further embodiments adapted to obtain a limitation of the maximum angle of mutual rotation of the first articulation portion 12p with respect to the second articulation portion 14p may be provided for.
• the articulation device 10 further comprises a lever body 22 connected to the second articulation portion 14p, so as to rotate integrally joined with the second articulation element 14 when the latter is moved, or rotated, with respect to the first articulation element 12 between said opening and closing positions.
• the lever body 22 is preferably arranged within the internal cavity 16 of the hollow body 12h of the first articulation portion 12p of the first articulation element 12.
• the lever body 22 comprises an outer surface 22e which is shaped around the articulation axis R1, that is around the articulation pin 20.
• the lever body 22 is configured and arranged within the internal cavity 16 of the hollow body 12h and between the branches of the fork body 14y, so as to be substantially penetrated by the articulation axis R1, that is the articulation pin 20.
• the articulation device 10 comprises said flexible traction element 110 which is operatively housed at least partially within the first articulation element 12 and at least partially within the first arm portion 102 of the articulated arm 100.
• the flexible element 110 comprises the first end 110a and the second end 110b which are connected to each other by the intermediate portion 110i.
• the first end 110a is connected to the elastic element 112, which is in turn fixed to the fixed point 102p of the arm portion 102, that is of the first fixing portion 106.
• the second end 110b is fixed to the lever body 22 extending from the latter by an anchoring portion 22c of the lever body 22 and preferably of its outer surface 22e.
• the intermediate portion 110i of the flexible element 110 in the opening position, is operatively in contact, or at least partially in contact, with the body 22 and its outer surface 22e for a first section S1 from said anchoring portion 22c to a first separation point or line L1, from which it detaches extending towards the first connection portion 12f of the first articulation element 12.
• the first separation point or line L1 is a first separation line L1 substantially parallel to the articulation axis R1; however, should the flexible element 110 be a cable or chain, the first separation point or line L1 would be a first separation point L1.
• the intermediate portion 110i of the flexible element 110 is partially wound around or in contact, or at least partially in contact with said outer surface 22e of the lever body 22 for a second section S2, greater than said first section S1, from said anchoring portion 22c to a second separation point or line L2, from which it detaches extending towards the first connection portion 12f of the first articulation element 12.
• the first separation point or line L1 is a first separation line L1 substantially parallel to the articulation axis R1; however, should the flexible element 110 be a cable or chain, the first separation point or line L1 would be a first separation point L1.
• the lever body 22 is configured and arranged so that a first distance D1 of said first separation point or line L1 from the articulation axis R1 (first distance D1 shown in Figs. 4 and 5 ) is greater than a second distance D2 of said second separation point or line L2 from the articulation axis R1 (second distance D2 shown in Figs. 7 and 8 ).
• the lever body 22 is configured and arranged so that the first distance D1 between the articulation axis R1 and the first separation line L1, from which the flexible element 110 detaches from the body 22 in the opening position, is greater than the second distance D2 between the articulation axis R1 and the second separation line L2, from which the flexible element 110 detaches from the body 22 in the closing position.
• such articulation device 10 allows to provide improved functionality and characteristics to an articulated arm 100 to obtain the opening and the closing of an awning of a retractable awning assembly.
• the articulation device 10 provides for a construction adapted to ensure the reliable opening of the articulated arm, maintain such position, and at the same time provide a reduction in the amount of tensioning of the tarpaulin when the articulated arm is in the closing position.
• the lever body 22 is configured and arranged so that in the opening position said the first distance D1 is relatively large, depending on the available space of the internal cavity 16. This condition allows to ensure a relatively high arm-lever so as to exert through the flexible element 110 a force, generated by the deformation of the elastic element 112, which is adequate to obtain the opening of the articulated arm 100 and maintaining such position.
• the lever body 22 is configured and arranged so that in the closing position, said the second distance D2, which is smaller than said distance D1, is relatively small so that the flexible element 110 passes at a small distance from the articulation axis R1.
• This condition allows to ensure a lower winding path of the flexible element, a lower degree of deformation of the elastic element 112, a lower intensity of the force applied by the latter and, as a result, of the amount of tensioning of the tarpaulin when the articulated arm is in the closing position. Therefore, the probability of permanently deforming the tarpaulin is reduced given that the articulated arm 100 is in the closing position most of the time.
• the elastic element 112 can be widely selected according to a desired elastic constant and at the same time this allows to ensure a reduction in the amount of tensioning of the tarpaulin when the articulated arm is in the closing position.
• the elastic element 112 is subjected to a lower degree of deformation when the articulated arm is in the closing position. Therefore, this allows to reduce the probability of stressing the elastic element 112 given that the articulated arm 100 is in the closing position most of the time, therefore ensuring greater durability thereof.
• the elastic element 112 may be selected having a length smaller than that used for articulation devices of the known type. Therefore, in this condition, the elastic element 112 may be selected to obtain weight and cost reduction of the articulation device 10.
• the elastic element 112 can ensure a greater force adapted to obtain the opening of the articulated arm and the maintenance of such position. As a matter of fact, it is possible to reduce a preload loss of the elastic element 112 from the closing position to the opening position, given that a winding path of the flexible element 110 around the lever body 22 is reduced during the movement of the first 12 and second 14 articulation elements.
• an articulated arm 100 having an arm portion 102 and/or a forearm portion 104 of greater longitudinal extension.
• the flexible traction element 110 is operatively completely concealed and protected within the internal cavity 16 defined by the first articulation portion 12p and the second articulation portion 14p of the first 12 and second 14 articulation elements.
• the lever body 22 is configured, that is shaped, and arranged so that a ratio between said first distance D1 and said second distance D2 is greater than or equal to 1.5:1, or preferably greater than or equal to 2:1, or more preferably greater than or equal to 2.5:1, or even more preferably greater than or equal to 3:1.
• this allows to obtain, considering the same characteristics of the elastic element 112, a construction adapted to ensure the reliable opening of the articulated arm and maintenance of such position, at the same time providing appropriate reduction in the amount of tensioning of the tarpaulin when the articulated arm is in the closing position.
• higher values of the ratio between the first distance D1 and second distance D2 provide, considering the same conditions in the opening position, a greater reduction in the amount of tensioning of the tarpaulin when the articulated arm is in the closing position.
• the lever body 22 comprises an eccentric body provided with a cam outer surface defining said outer surface 22e.
• the cam outer surface defines a shaped contour comprising curve arcs and, possibly straight portions, when seen along a direction parallel to the articulation axis R1.
• said anchoring portion 22c is arranged in a region of the lever body 22 that is distal from articulation axis R1, and preferably more distal from the articulation axis R1.
• the lever body 22 comprises a pair of fins 24 (better observable in Figs. 6 , 9 , 11 , 12 and 13 ) which are formed extending from the outer surface 22e at or in proximity of the anchoring portion 22c and arranged facing opposite longitudinal edges or sides of the flexible element 110.
• Said fins 24 may act as rotation limitation means so as to limit a maximum angle of mutual rotation between the first 12 and second 14 articulation elements, by abutting against portions of the latter.
• the pair of fins 24 is adapted to more reliably maintain the flexible element 110 in contact with the outer surface 22e of the lever body 22 during its winding/unwinding on the latter, limiting its movements in directions parallel to the articulation axis R1.
• such movements in directions parallel to the articulation axis R1 are likely when the first articulation element 12 and the respective arm 102 provide for a longitudinal axis that is not exactly orthogonal to the articulation axis R1, for example when the longitudinal axis of the arm 102 is inclined by 87 degrees with respect to the articulation axis R1.
• the lever body 22 comprises an outer surface 22e which is at least partially centrically grooved, that is lowered at said second separation point or line L2 when seen along a direction orthogonal to the articulation axis R1.
• Said grooved area is preferably formed at least for a portion approximately of the first section S1 or for a portion of the first section S1 and of the second section S2.
• said grooved portion provides for a U-shape with divergent arms, or it may provide for a concave curved shape.
• this allows to more reliably maintain the flexible element 110, in contact with the outer surface 22e of the lever body 22 during its winding/unwinding on the latter, limiting its movements along directions parallel to the articulation axis R1.
• such movements in directions parallel to the articulation axis R1 are likely when the first articulation element 12 and the respective arm 102 to which there is fixed the elastic element 112 provide for a longitudinal axis that is not exactly orthogonal to the articulation axis R1, for example when the longitudinal axis of the arm 102 is inclined by 87 degrees with respect to the articulation axis R1.
• this allows to even more reliably maintain the flexible element 110, in contact with the outer surface 22e of the lever body 22 during its winding/unwinding on the latter, limiting its movements along directions parallel to the articulation axis R1.
• such movements in directions parallel to the articulation axis R1 are likely when the first articulation element 12 and the respective arm 102 to which there is fixed the elastic element 112 provide for a longitudinal axis that is not exactly orthogonal to the articulation axis R1, for example when the longitudinal axis of the arm 102 is inclined by 87 degrees with respect to the articulation axis R1.
• the lever body 22 is preferably formed with metal material, such as preferably aluminium, ferrous material or steel.
• the lever body 22 with metal material is preferably formed through moulding processes (for example die-casting in the case of aluminium), material removal processes, or sintering processes.
• this allows to obtain a lever body 22 having high resistance to the forces which are applied by the elastic element 112 through the flexible element 110 during a plurality of movements between the opening and closing positions, therefore ensuring its durability.
• the articulation device 10 is configured so that the second end 110b of the flexible element 110 is fixed internally to the lever body 22 by means of said anchoring portion 22c.
• said anchoring portion 22c at which there is fixed the second end 110b, is arranged inside the lever body 22.
• the second end 110b of the flexible element 110 is fixed and arranged around a fixing pin 26 and the anchoring portion 22c comprises a shaped anchoring recess inside the lever body 22 starting from the outer surface 22e.
• Said anchoring recess provides for a groove inside the lever body 22 which communicates with the external of the lever body 22 through a slit.
• the inner groove is configured to receive the second end 110b fixed to the fixing pin 26 and the slit provides for a width adapted to receive in a through passing manner the intermediate portion 110i of the flexible element 110 retaining the second end 110b and the fixing pin 26 in the inner groove.
• the second end 110b of the flexible element 110 may be fixed to the inside of the anchoring recess within the lever body 22e by means of a fixing wedge or further type of fixing element.
• this allows to ensure a safe fixing of the second end 110b of the flexible element 110 to the lever body 22 by means of the anchoring portion 22c.
• the lever body 22 is formed distinct from the second articulation element 14 and it is subsequently connected to the second articulation portion 14p by means of coupling means 28 (better observable in Fig. 4 together with Figs. 10 and 11 ).
• the connection means 28 are configured to connect the lever body 22 to the second articulation portion 14p so as to rotate integrally joined with each other with respect to a rotation around the articulation axis R1.
• this allows to ensure an ease of construction of the articulation device 10 given that the lever body 22 can be formed and suitably connected to the flexible element 110, before inserting it into the internal cavity 16 between the hollow body 12h and the branches of the fork body 14y of the first 12p and second 14p articulation portions, of the first 12 and second 14 articulation elements.
• said coupling means 28 comprise at least one non-circular-shaped coupling element 30 (that is not circle-shaped), and at least one coupling seat 32 with a shape complementary to that of the coupling element 30.
• one of said at least one coupling element 30 and at least one coupling seat 32 is formed on the lever body 22, and the other of said at least one coupling element 30 and at least one coupling seat 32 is formed on the second articulation portion 14p.
• the lever body 22 comprises two coupling elements 30 (better observable in Fig. 6 , 9 and 11 ) gear-shaped provided with six lobes or teeth.
• Each of the two coupling elements 30 is adapted to engage by means of shape coupling a respective coupling seat 32 (better observable in Figs. 4 and 10 ) of two coupling seats which are shaped on the branches of the fork body 14y of the second articulation portion 14p.
• the two coupling elements 30 may provide for asymmetries or shapes different from each other, so as to ensure a single coupling mode with the respective two coupling seats 32 in order to obtain a correct orientation of the lever body 22 with respect to the second articulation element 14.
• the lever body 22 comprises a first body portion 34 and a second body portion 36 formed distinct from each other and which are subsequently coupled to each other, forming the lever body 22 (the body portions are numbered in Figs. 5, 6 , 8, 9 and 11 ).
• the first body portion 34 comprises a first part of the anchoring portion 22c and the second body portion 36 comprises a second part of the anchoring portion 22c.
• this allows to ensure the ease of construction of the articulation device 10 given that the flexible element 110 may be associated with the first body portion 34 and subsequently fixed to the lever body 22 by coupling the second body portion 36 with the first body portion 34 to each other, for example by fittingly coupling, fixing with screws-bolts or the like.
• the first articulation element 12 of the articulation device 10 further comprises guide means 38 which are configured to limit by contact or abutment a displacement of the flexible element 110 along directions orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first articulation element 12 within a predetermined range of displacement, when the articulation element 12 is moved with respect to the second articulation element 14 between said opening and closing positions (the guide means are better shown and numbered in Figs. 4 and 7 ).
• the guide means 38 comprise one or more wall elements 38w, preferably including or formed with low friction coefficient material such as plastic material with lubricating additives, which are arranged at the first connection portion 12f extending inwards from the walls of the tubular profile of the first articulation element 12.
• Such one or more wall elements 38w define or are provided with a through conveying opening 38h adapted to slidably receive flexible element 110.
• the size of the through conveying opening 38h is suitably selected so as to limit within a predetermined range of displacement a displacement of the flexible element 110 along directions orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first articulation element 12.
• said one or more wall elements 38w are configured to slidably receive through the through conveying opening 38h said flexible element 110 and to limit by contact or abutment with the flexible element 110 a displacement of the latter along directions orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of said first articulation element 12.
• this allows to prevent or reduce an unwanted excessive displacement of the elastic element 112 during the movement of the first 12 and second 14 articulation elements, between the opening and closing positions.
• this allows to prevent or reduce an unwanted excessive displacement of the elastic element 112 during the movement of the first 12 and second 14 articulation elements, between the opening and closing positions.
• by limiting the displacement of the elastic element 112 there can be advantageously reduced the likelihood of its unwanted scuffing on the inner walls of the tubular section of the arm portion 102 of the articulated arm 100 or scuffing on the fixed point 102p to which it is fixed.
• the articulation device 10 is adapted to provide improved functionality and characteristics to an articulated arm used to obtain the opening and closing of an awning of a retractable awning assembly.
• the articulation device 10 provides for an embodiment adapted to ensure reliable opening of the articulated arm 100 and maintaining such position.

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• 2025
  • 2025-06-04 EP EP25180814.3A patent/EP4663870A1/de active Pending

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