APPARATUS FOR THE MOVEMENT AND CONTROL OF A ROLLING SHUTTER

Abstract

 An apparatus (15) for the movement and control of a rolling shutter, preferably of a sectional door (1), of the type comprising:
- a tubular shaft (6) for winding the element or elements (2) forming said shutter (1),
- a drive unit (17) which comprises a tubular motor (8) which is inserted in a first end (19) of said tubular shaft (6) and is configured to induce the rotation of said tubular shaft (6) about the longitudinal extension axis thereof, said drive unit (17) likewise comprising means (10) for the fastening thereof to an outer support structure (12),
- a unit (24) for controlling said drive unit (17) and/or the functionality of the apparatus,
and characterized in that it comprises a control device (16) which comprises:
- a casing (18) inside of which said control unit (24) is accommodated and which is inserted in the other end (21), opposite with respect to said first end (19), of said tubular shaft (6),
- means which electrically connect said control unit (24) with said drive unit (17) externally with respect to said tubular shaft (6),
- means (20) for constraining said casing (18) to said outer support structure (12),
- means (14', 14") interposed between said casing (18) and the tubular shaft (6) and configured to allow said casing (18) to support said tubular shaft (6) so that said tubular shaft (6) rotates about the axis thereof while said casing (18) remains fixed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for the movement and control of a rolling shutter, in particular of a sectional door.

[0002] Sectional doors are known, comprising a plurality of rectangular panels joined to one another at the larger horizontal sides thereof and sliding with the smaller sides along vertical guides, arranged at the sides of the opening, which is obtained in a vertical structure and with which the sectional door is associated. Known vertical doors may be moved in vertical direction to be opened and closed by means of an electric motor inserted in one end of a tubular shaft, which is generally made of metal, onto which and from which said articulated panels are wound and unwound, respectively.

[0003] The tubular shaft is supported at both ends in a traditional manner by the structure in which the opening associated with the sectional door is made.

[0004] The control of the motor and of the safety devices is carried out by a control unit arranged outside the opening to which the door is applied, or accommodated in a side of said opening.

[0005] These known solutions have proven to be valid and effective but they all result in installation difficulty, both for the need to find the position which is suitable for mounting the control unit and the need to provide the required electrical connections between it and the motor which drives into rotation the tubular shaft which winds and unwinds the panels forming the sectional door.

[0006] Furthermore, the legislation of the field requires that a supplementary holding brake outside the motor, configured to act when the latter has failed, be provided in addition to the inner brake of the motor.

[0007] EP2719854 describes a solution in which both the motor and the control unit thereof are accommodated in the winding tube of a rolling shutter. In particular, the motor is accommodated at one end of the tube while the control unit thereof is accommodated at the other end and they are connected to each other by means of cables which internally cross said tube. Moreover, the tube is fastened at an end cap and/or at a support frame by means of a rotating collector through which an external supply source conveniently supplies the motor and the control unit. However, a housing casing is inserted in the tube, which rotates with the tube itself and inside of which the control unit and an accelerometer are arranged, and thus also the latter rotate with the tube in such a solution. In particular, the accelerometer generates information related to the position of the tube, which is then used by the control unit to determine the angular position of the tube and to monitor the movements thereof, and therefore also those of the rolling shutter. Such a solution is not entirely satisfactory because it is constructionally more complicated and expensive (since it requires the use of a rotating collector to connect the tube to the external support structure) and moreover, the rotation of the control unit together with the winding tube significantly increases the risks of damaging/altering the electronics of the unit itself.

[0008] DE8634796 describes a solution in which the drive unit, together with a brake directly acting on said drive unit, are accommodated inside the winding tube of a rolling shutter. In particular, the drive unit with the related brake are accommodated in a same tubular casing, which in turn is inserted in an end of the winding tube.

[0009] WO2005/043718 describes a solution in which, in a same tubular drive casing which is provided with a driven output shaft, there are accommodated an electric motor, a control unit and a braking mechanism acting between the electric motor and the driven output shaft.

[0010] WO2004/007891 describes a solution in which the sole drive unit is tubular-shaped and is inserted inside the winding tube of the rolling shutter, at an end of said tube. The control unit connected with the drive unit is positioned outside the winding tube.

[0011] WO2016/128902 describes a solution in which the drive unit - together with an electromagnetic brake directly acting on said drive unit and at a device for interrupting the supply to the circuit of the motor when a preset stop condition occurs - are all accommodated inside a same/single tubular containment casing, which in turn is inserted inside an end of the winding tube. A support shaft about which a helical spring is wound is instead provided/inserted at the other end of the winding tube. Moreover, a drive shaft which is connected to the winding tube by means of a first coupling element comes out of the containment casing at a first end, while a second element geometrically coupled to the winding tube is provided at the other end of the containment casing.

[0012] It is the object of the invention to provide an apparatus for the movement and control of a rolling shutter, in particular of a sectional door, which eliminates the drawbacks experienced in the traditional solutions.

[0013] It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus which is easily installed also by non-specialized personnel.

[0014] It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus which is perfectly in line with the safety requirements imposed by the legislation of the field.

[0015] It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus which allows an increased integration of the components, so as to substantially have one-piece sectional doors with all the components integrated.

[0016] It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus for the movement and control of rolling shutters, in particular of sectional doors, suitable for places in which the installation of control units is difficult.

[0017] It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus which may be remotely controlled also by mobile phone both to control the operation of the control apparatus itself and to verify the correct execution of the controls received.

[0018] It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus which involves low installation costs.

[0019] It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus which is improved and/or alternative with respect to the traditional ones.

[0020] It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus which may be obtained in a simpler, quick and affordable manner.

[0021] It is another object of the invention to provide a rolling shutter, in particular a sectional door, which is provided with an apparatus which is simple to be installed, easy to be programmed and managed, which may be obtained in a simple, quick and affordable manner.

[0022] All these objects, both individually and in any combination thereof, and others which will become apparent from the description below, are achieved according to the invention, by an apparatus as defined in claims 1 and 3, and also by a rolling shutter according to claim 15.

[0023] In particular, the apparatus according to the present invention, for the movement and control of a rolling shutter, preferably of a sectional door, of the type comprising:

• a tubular shaft for winding the element or elements forming said shutter,
• a drive unit which comprises a tubular motor which is inserted in a first end of said tubular shaft and is configured to induce the rotation of said tubular shaft about the longitudinal extension axis thereof, said drive unit likewise comprising means for the fastening thereof to an outer support structure,
• a unit for controlling said drive unit and/or the functionality of the apparatus,

and it is characterized in that it comprises a control device which comprises:

• a casing inside of which said control unit is accommodated and which is inserted in the other end of said tubular shaft, opposite with respect to said first end,
• means which electrically connect said control unit with said drive unit externally with respect to said tubular shaft,
• means for constraining said casing to said outer support structure,
• means interposed between said casing and the tubular shaft and configured to allow said casing to support said tubular shaft so that said tubular shaft rotates about the axis thereof while said casing remains fixed.

[0024] In particular, the apparatus according to the present invention, for the movement and control of a rolling shutter, preferably of a sectional door, of the type comprising:

• a tubular shaft for winding the element or elements forming said shutter,
• a drive unit which comprises a tubular motor which is inserted in a first end of said tubular shaft and is configured to induce the rotation of said tubular shaft about the longitudinal extension axis thereof, said drive unit likewise comprising means for the fastening thereof to an outer support structure,
• a unit for controlling said drive unit and/or the functionality of the apparatus,

is characterized in that it comprises:

• a casing which is inserted in the other end of said tubular shaft, opposite with respect to said first end,
• means for constraining said casing to said outer support structure,
• means interposed between said casing and the tubular shaft and configured to allow said casing to support said tubular shaft so that said tubular shaft rotates about the axis thereof while said casing remains fixed,
• a safety braking unit which is additional with respect to that cooperating with/incorporated in said drive unit, said safety braking unit comprises a transmission mechanism which is integral in rotation with said tubular shaft, and a brake which is configured to selectively act on said transmission mechanism so as to allow/block the movement thereof, said additional braking unit being provided at said other end of said tubular shaft, opposite to said first end.

[0025] The present invention is hereinbelow further clarified in certain preferred embodiments thereof, which are described by mere way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1

shows a general front view of a sectional door provided with an apparatus according to the invention,

Figure 2

shows a partial longitudinal sectional view of it at an end of the tubular shaft, an end which is opposite to that in which the drive unit of said shaft is inserted,

Figure 3

shows a first variant of it in the same view of fig. 2, and

Figure 4

shows a second variant of it in the same view of fig. 2,

Figure 5

shows a third variant of it in the same view of fig. 2, and

Figure 6

shows a fourth variant of it in the same view of fig. 2.

[0026] As illustrated in the drawings, in the example illustrated the movement and control apparatus according to the invention, which is indicated as a whole with numeral 15, is applied to/mounted on a rolling shutter, in particular a sectional door, which is indicated as a whole with numeral 1.

[0027] Conveniently, the sectional door 1 to which apparatus 15 according to the invention can be applied, comprises a plurality of rectangular panels 2, which are articulated to one another along the larger horizontal sides and sliding with the smaller sides along vertical guides 4 obtained in a fixed outer support structure 12 and arranged at the sides of the opening intended to be closed by said sectional door.

[0028] Conveniently, the upper panel of the door is fixed in a traditional manner to a tubular shaft 6 onto which the panels 2 may be wound and from which they may be unwound.

[0029] Advantageously, the tubular shaft 6 is preferably made of metal and may conveniently have any cross section. Preferably, the tubular shaft 6 may have circular or polygonal cross section, for example hexagonal, octagonal or the like. Conveniently, the tubular shaft 6 is of the type traditionally used for sectional doors.

[0030] Means for inducing the rotation, in the two directions, of the shaft itself about the longitudinal extension axis thereof are provided at one end of the tubular shaft 6, thus allowing the rolling cover to wind and unwind.

[0031] Preferably, these means comprise a drive unit 17 configured to induce the rotation, in the two directions, of the tubular shaft 6 about the longitudinal extension axis thereof.

[0032] Conveniently, this drive unit 17 is inserted inside the tubular shaft 6 at a first end 19 thereof.

[0033] The drive unit 17 comprises a motor 8, preferably a traditional tubular electric actuation/drive motor which is inserted in the tubular shaft itself. Preferably, motor 8 is of the single-phase asynchronous type.

[0034] Conveniently, the drive unit 17 comprises means for the fasting thereof to the outer support structure 12, which is positioned about the opening which is intended to be closed/covered by the sectional door 1. Preferably, motor 8 is provided with a motor head 10 which is conveniently fastened to the support structure 12 with any known system.

[0035] Preferably, the tubular motor 8 is also provided with an output pinion which is coupled with an adapter 14 (pulley) for driving the tubular shaft 6, which cooperates in a traditional manner with a similar non-driven adapter 14'" mounted close to said head 10.

[0036] Alternatively, means may be provided which may be manually operated and actuated, which are configured to induce the rotation, in the two directions, of the tubular shaft 6. Conveniently, these means configured to induce the rotation, in the two directions, of the tubular shaft 6 may consist of a traditional hand-operated capstan or operated with an electric motor applied thereto.

[0037] A device 16 for controlling the drive unit 17 and/or the functionality thereof and/or other elements associated with/connected to the rolling shutter is removably inserted at the other end 21 (which is opposite to the first end 19) of the tubular shaft 6, in the shaft itself.

[0038] Advantageously, the control device 16 comprises a preferably tubular-shaped casing 18, which is advantageously removably inserted inside the tubular shaft 6.

[0039] Preferably, the drive unit 17 of the shaft itself is inserted and accommodated at a first end 19 of the tubular shaft 6, while the control device 16 is inserted and accommodated at the other end 21 of the tubular shaft 6.

[0040] Conveniently, the control device (16) comprises:

• means 20 for constraining casing 18 to said outer support structure 12, and
• means 14', 14" which are interposed between said casing 18 and the tubular shaft 6 and which are configured to allow casing 18 to idly support said tubular shaft 6, i.e. so as to uncouple the rotation of the tubular shaft 6 from casing 18, thus allowing said tubular shaft 6 to rotate about the longitudinal extension axis thereof while casing 18 remains stationary/stopped.

[0041] Conveniently, the means for constraining casing 18 to said outer support structure 12 comprise a head 20 which is applied to casing 18 so as to fasten it to the outer support structure 12. In particular, head 20 makes casing 18 integral with/fastened to the outer support structure 12, thus supporting the tubular shaft 6 at end 21 thereof.

[0042] Advantageously, said means which are interposed between said casing 18 and the tubular shaft 6 comprise adapters 14', 14" configured to allow casing 18 to idly support the tubular shaft 6. Advantageously, the adapters 14', 14" are positioned about casing 18 and rotate, together with the tubular shaft 6, about said casing, which instead remains fixed (i.e., it does not rotate).

[0043] Preferably, a pair of support adapters 14', 14" interposed between the opposite sides of casing 18 and the tubular shaft 6, is provided. In particular, an adapter 14' is provided on the inner side of casing 18 and an adapter 14" is provided on the outer side of said casing.

[0044] Preferably, both head 20 and the adapters 14', 14" have a shape similar to that of head 10 and of the adapters 14, 14'" of the drive unit 17, respectively, but unlike the latter, they only serve the function of idle support of the tubular shaft 6 at the end 21 thereof, which is opposite to that for inserting said drive unit.

[0045] In essence, casing 18 conveniently supports the tubular shaft 6 at end 21 of the latter, end which is opposite to that in which the drive unit 17 is inserted. Moreover, casing 18 is conveniently fastened by means of head 20 to the support structure 12 and thus, it supports the tubular shaft 6 without rotating with the latter, which is put into rotation by the drive unit 17 about an axis which crosses it longitudinally.

[0046] Conveniently, it is understood that the shape and sizes of casing 18 are not related to those of the tubular shaft 6, albeit they evidently need to be compatible with them. In particular, casing 18 has shape and sizes suitable for allowing the insertion and housing thereof inside the tubular shaft 6. Conveniently, the stability of the positioning of casing 18 inside the tubular shaft 6 is obtained by means of the adapters 14' and 14".

[0047] Conveniently, the control device 16 according to the invention comprises a unit 24 (e.g. a processor) for controlling said drive unit 17 (and in particular, motor 8) and/or the functionality of said apparatus 15. Preferably, the control unit 24 comprises/defines the control unit of apparatus 15 of the sectional door 1.

[0048] Preferably, the control device 16 also comprises a feeder 22 and/or receiver 26.

[0049] Advantageously, feeder 22 for motor 8 of the drive unit 17, for the control unit 24 and for receiver 26, is accommodated inside casing 18.

[0050] The control device 16 also comprises means (not depicted) which electrically connect the control unit 24 (accommodated in casing 18) with the drive unit 17 externally with respect to the tubular shaft 6. In particular, the control unit 24 is connected to motor 8 of the drive unit 17 by means of cabling which starts outside the winding tubular shaft 6, namely it does not cross the shaft itself internally and longitudinally. Preferably, the electric connections between the control device 16 in the drive unit 17 are outside the tubular shaft 6 and advantageously are made in the production location so that a finished product may exit therefrom.

[0051] Advantageously, the control unit 24 (e.g. a processor) is accommodated inside the tubular casing 18. Conveniently, the control unit 24 is connected with a first output interface 30 provided outside casing 18 and the tubular shaft 6, and said first interface 30 in turn is conveniently connected - by means of suitable cabling (not depicted) which starts outside the tubular shaft 6 - to motor 8 of the drive unit 17. Conveniently, the connection between the control unit 24 (accommodated inside casing 18 and therefore inside the tubular shaft 6 at end 21) and the first output interface 30 (positioned outside the tubular shaft 6), and also between the latter and motor 8 (which is positioned inside the tubular shaft 6 at the first end 19, which is opposite to end 21), is obtained by means of conductor cables for connecting and transmitting electrical signals.

[0052] Preferably, control/communication drivers with said first output interface 30 connected to motor 8 are implemented in the control unit 24.

[0053] Advantageously, the control unit 24 accommodated in casing 18 is also connected to a second output interface 32, which in turn is connected to external elements (safety devices, wire controls, possible door light) by means of suitable external cabling with respect to the tubular shaft 6.

[0054] Preferably, control/communication drivers with said second output interface 32 connected to external elements are implemented in the control unit 24.

[0055] Preferably, receiver 26 is also provided inside the tubular casing 18, which receiver is connected - wirelessly and/or via cable - with the outside of said sectional door 1 to receive, from the outside, control signals for controlling the opening and closing of said sectional door 1, according to them.

[0056] Advantageously, receiver 26 is of the wireless type, preferably of the radio type. Conveniently, the control unit 24 may receive, by means of receiver 26, control signals for opening and closing the sectional door 1 from an external transmitter, and in particular from a remote control or also from a mobile phone or from other traditional wireless devices in general. Conveniently, for this purpose receiver 26 is connected to/incorporated in the electronic circuit of the control unit 24 to be operatively connected with the control/communication drivers of the first output interface 30 and/or of the second output interface 32.

[0057] Advantageously, the control unit 24 is connected - wirelessly or via cable - with traditional light, wind and/or rain sensors mounted on/associated with said door 1 to receive the corresponding signals sent by said sensors.

[0058] Conveniently, the control unit 24 is connected - wirelessly or via cable - with safety sensors mounted on/associated with said sectional door 1 to receive the corresponding signals sent by said sensors.

[0059] Receiver 26 advantageously may be replaced by a transceiver, preferably a radio transceiver, which in addition to sending corresponding control signals to the sectional door 1, may remotely communicate the state thereof and preferably, also the operating parameters or the possible presence of anomalies or malfunctions. Conveniently, the transceiver is connected to and/or incorporated in the electronic circuit of the control unit 24.

[0060] Advantageously, feeder 22 accommodated in casing 18 may be supplied from the outside, preferably it is supplied directly through a cable 28 connected to an external electrical source (preferably to the grid) and therefore practically without any limitation on the power which can be supplied.

[0061] Advantageously, feeder 22, which is accommodated inside casing 18, may be configured to operate as an inverter for the low voltage direct current supplied by the input cable 28 for the mains power supply.

[0062] Moreover, it is alternatively provided for feeder 22 accommodated in the tubular casing 18 to be supplied by one or more batteries (not depicted) which are preferably rechargeable with one or more external photovoltaic panels which conveniently may be associated with/connected to the sectional door 1. Conveniently, the rechargeable battery advantageously may also be accommodated inside the tubular casing 18.

[0063] Advantageously, the door light automatically turns on in traditional manner when an actuation control of motor 8 of the drive unit 17 is imparted or following the beginning of the movement by said motor; and it turns off when motor 8 is stopped or preferably after a preset time interval from when it stops.

[0064] Advantageously, apparatus 15 of sectional doors 1 according to the invention may also comprise a motor brake 34. As depicted in the variants in figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, apparatus 15 advantageously comprises a braking unit, which is indicated as a whole with 40, which conveniently defines an additional/supplementary safety brake (as provided by the legislation of the field) with respect to that incorporated in the drive unit 17 (i.e. with respect to the motor brake) and/or with respect to that directly cooperating with motor 8. Preferably, the additional braking unit 40 is spaced apart and functionally independent of the drive unit 17. Conveniently, the braking unit 40 directly acts on the tubular shaft 6, i.e. without the intermediation of the drive unit 17.

[0065] Conveniently, it is understood that the variants in figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 may comprise all the both essential and preferential features introduced previously.

[0066] In particular, the braking unit 40 comprises a brake 42, preferably of the electromagnetic type, and a transmission mechanism 44, preferably consisting of a reducer, which cooperate with each other so that said brake 42 allows or prevents/stops the movement of the transmission mechanism 44.

[0067] Preferably, the components of the braking unit 40, i.e. brake 42 and the transmission mechanism 44, are obtained from a traditional tubular electric motor used for actuating/driving rolling doors or covers. Advantageously, the transmission mechanism 44 and brake 42 of said additional braking unit 40 comprise a reducer and an electromagnetic brake of a traditional tubular electric motor, respectively.

[0068] Preferably, brake 42 is of the electromagnetic or mechanical type and the features and operation thereof are substantially traditional, while the difference is the positioning thereof, together with the transmission mechanism 44, at end 21 of the tubular shaft 6 which is opposite to end 19 in which the drive unit 17 with motor 8 is accommodated/provided.

[0069] Conveniently, brake 42 acts on the transmission mechanism 44 so as to block/prevent the movement thereof in the absence of the supply of motor 8 (for example, in non-operating condition), and therefore in the absence of movement of the tubular shaft 6.

[0070] In the variants in figure 3 and 4 of apparatus 15 according to the invention, the braking unit 40 is conveniently accommodated outside casing 18 and is advantageously interposed between the latter and the tubular shaft 6.

[0071] In the variant in figure 3, conveniently, the braking unit 40 is at least partially accommodated outside the tubular shaft 6. In particular, head 20 in such a first variant is wound by the braking unit 40, the operation of which is traditional, but the configuration of which is different from that of traditional motor brakes since it incorporates head 20 in the fixed part thereof and extends with the movable part thereof into the tubular shaft 6 to form an adapter 14". In essence, brake 42 of the braking unit 40 comprises and/or is integral with head 20, while the transmission mechanism 44 of said braking unit 40 comprises and/or is integral with the external adapter 14".

[0072] The braking unit 40 in the variant in figure 4 is conveniently completely accommodated inside the tubular shaft 6 and in particular, is accommodated inside the tubular shaft 6 on the extension of casing 18. The fixed part (i.e., brake 42) of the braking unit 40 in this second variant is preferably integral with casing 18, while the movable part (i.e., the transmission mechanism) is integral with the internal adapter 14'. In essence, brake 42 of the braking unit 40 is integral with casing 18 (which does not rotate inside and together with the tubular shaft 6), while the transmission mechanism 44 of said braking unit 40 comprises/is integral with the internal adapter 14' (which rotates together with the tubular shaft 6).

[0073] The braking unit 40 in the variants in figure 5 and 6 of apparatus 15 according to the invention is conveniently accommodated inside casing 18.

[0074] Preferably, also in these variants, brake 42 is conveniently of the electromagnetic or mechanical type and the features and operation thereof substantially are traditional, while the difference is the housing thereof, together with the transmission mechanism 44, inside casing 18 which can be removably inserted into the tubular shaft 6.

[0075] As advantageously described above, feeder 22, the control unit 24 and receiver 26 are accommodated inside casing 18 of the control device 16, in addition to the braking unit 40.

[0076] Also in the variants in figures 5 and 6, a head 20 for constraining the casing itself to the support structure 12 is conveniently applied on the outer side of casing 18. Conveniently, head 20 of the tubular casing 18 has similar shape to that of the motor head 10 but unlike it, only serves as an idle support of the tubular shaft 6 at the end thereof opposite to the insertion end of said tubular motor 8.

[0077] It is conveniently understood also in the variants in figures 5 and 6 that the shape and sizes of casing 18 are not related to those of the tubular shaft 6, albeit they evidently need to be compatible with the latter, and this compatibility is obtained with the adapters 14'.

[0078] The internal adapter 14' (i.e., that provided on the inner side of the tubular casing 18) in the variants in figures 5 and 6 conveniently makes the transmission mechanism 44 of the braking unit 40 integral with the tubular shaft 6 so that the rotation of the latter induces the rotation of said transmission mechanism 44 when it is not blocked by brake 42. Preferably, the internal adapter 14' comprises a pulley which is fastened at the output of reducer 44 so as to drive it into rotation during the normal operation of the sectional door, i.e. when the tubular motor 8 induces the rotation of the tubular shaft 6. Conveniently, brake 42 of the braking unit 40 is integral with casing 18 (which does not rotate inside and together with the tubular shaft 6), while the transmission mechanism 44 of said braking unit 40 is integral with the internal adapter 14' (which rotates together with the tubular shaft 6).

[0079] Advantageously, means 46, for example a rotary encoder, for detecting the rotation speed of the tubular shaft 6, and therefore the movement speed of the sectional door, are accommodated inside the tubular casing 18.

[0080] As advantageously depicted in figure 5, the means 46 for detecting the rotation speed of the tubular shaft 6 may be inserted inside the braking unit 40 (and therefore the tubular casing 18) so as to measure the rotation speed of the transmission mechanism 44 which is integral with said shaft. In particular, the rotating part of encoder 46 here is mounted on said transmission mechanism 44, which is integral in rotation with the tubular shaft 6.

[0081] As advantageously depicted in figure 6, the means 46 for detecting the rotation speed of the tubular shaft 6 may be inserted inside the tubular casing 18 so as to measure the rotation speed of adapter 14" which is associated with the casing itself. In particular, the rotating part of the encoder here is mounted, by means of a suitable mechanical return, on the external adapter 14", which is integral in rotation with the tubular shaft 6.

[0082] Advantageously, the means 46, which preferably consist of a rotary encoder, detect both the rotation speed of the tubular shaft 6 and they are also configured to detect the reaching of the stop positions by the door itself on the basis of the angular path and/or number of revolutions carried out by said tubular shaft. Conveniently, these means 46 are electronically connected to the control unit 24 to conveniently control the movement of the door at the stop positions.

[0083] Advantageously, the management and storing of such stop positions is controlled by the control unit 24, preferably by means of traditional learning and self-learning procedures. This is particularly advantageous because it would allow electronic stops being simpler to be managed and configured, to be obtained, thus avoiding the presence of mechanical stops which are always present in traditional tubular motors 8 used for driving/moving rolling shutters.

[0084] In all the variants in figures 2 to 6, the control unit 24 accommodated inside casing 18 is also conveniently connected to brake 42 of the braking unit 40 so as to conveniently control the activation and deactivation thereof.

[0085] In all the variants in figures 2 to 6, the connecting cables between the control unit 24 and brake 42 of the braking unit 40 advantageously are accommodated inside the tubular shaft 6. As provided in the variants in figures 5 and 6, the connecting cables between the control unit 24 and brake 42 of the braking unit 40 preferably are accommodated inside the tubular casing 18.

[0086] In all the variants in figures 2 to 6, the control unit 24 is advantageously programed so that it controls the supply of the tubular motor 8 by means of feeder 22 in order to allow the movement of the tubular shaft 6, and it also controls the release of the transmission mechanism 44 from brake 42 (or vice versa) of the braking unit 40 to thus allow the free movement of the tubular shaft 6 driven by motor 8.

[0087] If the movement speed of door 1 (and therefore the rotation speed of the tubular shaft) increases, for example suddenly increases, the means 46 (encoder) detect such a condition and send a suitable signal to the control unit 24 which is programed to control the interruption of the supply of motor 8 and to control the operation of brake 42 so as to stop the transmission mechanism 44 of the braking unit 40; in particular, the stopping/blocking of the transmission mechanism 44, which is integral in rotation with the tubular shaft 6, thereby also blocks the rotation of said shaft and therefore the movement of the door. Conveniently, this ensures a further blocking safety of the movement of door 1.

[0088] Conveniently, apparatus 15 according to the invention is more advantageous than traditional solutions because it defines/forms a single, rather simple and quick installation entity which does not require the search for a position suitable for mounting the control device of the motor, it does not result in any additional volume with respect to that required by the tubular shaft, and it does not require any electrical connection to be carried out between the tubular motor 8 of the drive unit and said control device 16 during the mounting/installation step, due to the insertion of the drive unit 17 at one end 19 of the tubular shaft 6 and the insertion of the control device 16 at the other end 21 of said shaft.

[0089] Furthermore, apparatus 15 according to the variants depicted in figures 5 and 6 is quite advantageous with respect to traditional solutions because it defines/forms a single, rather simple and quick installation entity which does not require the search for a position suitable for mounting the additional safety braking unit and/or the control unit, it does not result in any further volume with respect to that required by the tubular shaft, and it does not require any electrical connection to be carried out between the tubular motor 8 of the control unit 24 and/or the additional braking unit 40 during the mounting/installation step, due to the insertion of the drive unit at one end 19 of the tubular shaft 6 and the insertion of the additional safety braking unit 40, preferably together with the control unit 24, inside the tubular casing 18 inserted at the other end 21 of said shaft.

[0090] In particular, the present invention differs from EP2719854 because the control device of the motor in the latter, and in particular the control unit thereof, is accommodated inside a casing which is inserted and is integral in rotation with the winding tube of the sectional door and thus, it rotates with the latter. Moreover, the present invention differs from EP2719854 because the control device positioned at one end of the winding tube in the latter is connected with the motor - which is positioned at the other end of said tube - by means of cables which internally and longitudinally cross said tube.

[0091] Furthermore, the present invention differs from DE8634796, WO2005/043718, WO2004/007891 and WO2016/128902 because none of these describes a movement apparatus in which the drive unit is accommodated at one end of the winding tubular shaft while the control device is accommodated at the other (opposite) end of the winding tubular shaft, which control device comprises a casing inside of which the control unit of said motor is accommodated and which is fastened to the external support structure so as to support (without rotating) the winding tubular shaft of the rolling cover.

[0092] Furthermore, the present invention differs from EP2719854, DE8634796, WO2005/043718, WO2004/007891 and WO2016/128902 because none of these describes an apparatus in which the drive unit is accommodated at one end of the winding tubular shaft while a safety braking unit is provided at the other (opposite) end of the winding tubular shaft, which safety braking unit is additional with respect to the motor brake directly cooperating with the motor (or incorporated in the latter) and which moreover, is spaced apart and functionally independent of the drive unit.

[0093] The apparatus according to the present invention was herein described in particular with reference to the application thereof in a sectional door, however it is understood that it may be applied to any rolling shutter, such as for example blinds.

Claims

1. An apparatus (15) for the movement and control of a rolling shutter, preferably of a sectional door (1), of the type comprising:

- a tubular shaft (6) for winding the element or elements (2) forming said shutter (1),

- a drive unit (17) which comprises a tubular motor (8) which is inserted in a first end (19) of said tubular shaft (6) and is configured to induce the rotation of said tubular shaft (6) about the longitudinal extension axis thereof, said drive unit (17) likewise comprising means (10) for the fastening thereof to an outer support structure (12),

- a unit (24) for controlling said drive unit (17) and/or the functionality of the apparatus,

and characterized in that it comprises a control device (16) which comprises:

- a casing (18) inside of which said control unit (24) is accommodated and which is inserted in the other end (21), opposite with respect to said first end (19), of said tubular shaft (6),

- means which electrically connect said control unit (24) with said drive unit (17) externally with respect to said tubular shaft (6),

- means (20) for constraining said casing (18) to said outer support structure (12),

- means (14', 14") interposed between said casing (18) and the tubular shaft (6) and configured to allow said casing (18) to support said tubular shaft (6) so that said tubular shaft (6) rotates about the axis thereof while said casing (18) remains fixed.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a safety braking unit (40) which is additional with respect to that cooperating with/incorporated in said drive unit (17), said safety braking unit (40) comprising a transmission mechanism (44) which is integral in rotation with said tubular shaft (6), and a brake (42) configured to selectively act on said transmission mechanism (44) so as to allow/block the movement thereof, said additional braking unit (40) being provided with said tubular shaft (6) at said other end (21).

3. An apparatus (15) for the movement and control of a rolling shutter, preferably of a sectional door (1), of the type comprising:

- a tubular shaft (6) for winding the element or elements (2) forming said shutter (1),

- a drive unit (17) which comprises a tubular motor (8) which is inserted in a first end (19) of said tubular shaft (6) and is configured to induce the rotation of said tubular shaft (6) about the longitudinal extension axis thereof, said drive unit (17) likewise comprising means (10) for the fastening thereof to an outer support structure (12),

- a unit (24) for controlling said drive unit (17) and/or the functionality of the apparatus,

and in that said apparatus is characterized by comprising:

- a casing (18) which is inserted in the other end (21), opposite with respect to said first end (19), of said tubular shaft (6),

- means (20) for constraining said casing (18) to said outer support structure (12),

- means (14, 14') interposed between said casing (18) and the tubular shaft (6) and configured to allow said casing (18) to support said tubular shaft (6) so that said tubular shaft rotates about the axis thereof while said casing remains fixed,

- a safety braking unit (40) which is additional with respect to that cooperating with/incorporated in said drive unit (17), said safety braking unit (40) comprises a transmission mechanism (44) which is integral in rotation with said tubular shaft (6), and a brake (42) which is configured to selectively act on said transmission mechanism (44) so as to allow/block the movement thereof, said additional braking unit (40) being provided with said tubular shaft (6) at said other end (21).

4. An apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that:

- said means for constraining the casing (18) to said outer support structure (12) comprises a head (20) which is applied on the outer side of the casing (18) so as to fasten it to the outer support structure (12), and/or

- said means which are interposed between said casing (18) and the tubular shaft (6) comprise at least one adapter (14', 14") configured to rotate with the tubular shaft (6) and to allow the casing (18) to idly support the tubular shaft (6) at said other end (21).

5. An apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said casing (18) is completely accommodated in said tubular shaft (6) and in that said at least one adapter (14', 14") is configured to stabilize the positioning of said casing (18) inside said tubular shaft (6).

6. An apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said control device (16) also comprises a feeder (22) for the motor (8) of said drive unit (17) and for the control unit (24), said feeder (22) being accommodated in said casing (18) and being connected to a power supply source.

7. An apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that inside said tubular casing (18), said control device (16) also comprises:

- a radio receiver (26) which is connected to and/or incorporated in said control unit (24) and is configured to receive from the outside - wirelessly or via cable - the signals for controlling the movement of said rolling shutter (1), and/or

- a radio transceiver (26) which is connected to and/or incorporated in said control unit (24) and is configured to receive from the outside - wirelessly or via cable - the signals for controlling the movement of said rolling shutter (1), and/or for remotely communicating the operating status or possible malfunctions of said rolling shutter (1).

8. An apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional braking unit (40) is accommodated outside the casing (18), said brake (42) comprising and/or being integral with said head (20) and/or said casing (18), while said transmission mechanism (44) comprising and/or being integral with an adapter (14', 14").

9. An apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional braking unit (40) is completely accommodated inside said tubular shaft (6), said brake (42) being integral with said casing (18) and said transmission mechanism (44) being integral with an adapter (14').

10. An apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transmission mechanism (44) and said brake (42) of said additional braking unit (40) are both accommodated inside said casing (18), said brake (42) of the braking unit (40) being integral with the casing (18), while the transmission mechanism (44) of said braking unit (40) being integral with an adapter (14').

11. An apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said braking unit (40) comprises means (46) for detecting the rotation speed of said tubular shaft (6), said detection means being accommodated inside said casing (18) which is inserted in said tubular shaft (6).

12. An apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means for detecting the rotation speed of said tubular shaft (6) comprise a rotary encoder (46) which is associated with said transmission mechanism (44) and/or which is associated with a support adapter (14') interposed between said casing (18) and said tubular shaft (6).

13. A device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means (46) for detecting the rotation speed of the tubular shaft (6) are also configured to detect the reaching of the stop positions of said rolling shutter.

14. An apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said control unit (24), which is accommodated inside said casing (18), is electrically connected:

- to a first output interface (30) which is outside said casing (18) and to said tubular shaft (6), said first output interface (30) being connected to the drive unit (17), and/or

- to a second output interface (32) which is outside said casing (18) and to said tubular shaft (6), said second output interface (32) being connected to external elements associated with the rolling shutter (1), and/or

- with said brake (42) of said additional braking unit (40), said control unit (24) being programed to control said brake (42) on the basis of the signals received from said means (46) for detecting the rotation speed of said tubular shaft (6) so as to stop the transmission mechanism (44) of the braking unit (40), and thus also stop the rotation of said tubular shaft (6).

15. A rolling shutter (15), preferably of the sectional door type, comprising a plurality of panels (2) articulated to each other and sliding along guides (4) of a fixed outer support structure (12) arranged at the sides of an opening intended to be closed by said sectional door, and characterized in that it comprises an apparatus (15) according to one or more of the preceding claims.

Drawing