DE102011007620A1 - Method for adjusting roller blind system utilized for covering of loading compartment and shading of windows of vehicle, particularly roof window of vehicle, involves transferring sheet material in functional state - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves transferring a sheet material (54) in a functional state, in which side edges of the sheet material is guided by guide rails. A slack of the sheet material is detected in a detection device. The guide rails are provided at a distance on the basis of the detected slack. The detection of the slack is carried out by a working sensor (20) or by a sensor, which is formed for the detection of touch contact with the sheet material. An independent claim is included for a device for adjusting a roller blind system.

Description

Field of application and state of the art

The invention relates to a method for adjusting a roller blind system, wherein the roller blind system has a winding shaft, a wound on the winding shaft in a jam state and unwindable in a functional state in a longitudinal direction of the winding shaft flexible sheet and both sides of the sheet guide rails for guiding side edges of the fabric. The invention also relates to a particular device provided for adjusting a roller blind system.

Roller blind systems of the type mentioned, the adjustment of which the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention are directed, are used in particular in motor vehicles. There they serve various purposes, in particular the cover of a cargo space and the shading of windows of the vehicle, in particular a roof window of the vehicle.

This roller blind systems have to guide the fabric during transfer to the functional state and to tension the sheet in the functional state on the side of the sheet arranged guide rails, in which engage the sheet or provided on the fabric sliding portions. These guide rails are to be spaced according to the extent of the sheet in the transverse direction. Edge regions of the fabric or the aforementioned sliding sections move during unwinding of the winding shaft in this guide rails.

In the past, there was the problem that the correct spacing of the guide rails was difficult to fix depending on the transverse extent of the sheet. Even with the use of always the same type of fabric, these vary in material properties, so that the spacing of the guide rails, which is appropriate for a fabric, can be inappropriate for another fabric. The not always identical attachment of said sliding elements on the fabric can lead to difficulties. An improperly adjusted spacing of the guide rails from each other leads, depending on the nature of the deviation from an ideal spacing to a sagging of the sheet to a great extent or too strong clamping of the fabric in the transverse direction, whereby a movement of the fabric in the longitudinal direction is difficult and in the worst If a tear of the fabric or a tearing of the sheet of the sliding elements is to be feared. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that such a roller blind system in a vehicle for long periods, usually over several years or even more than ten years, should perform its service without hesitation. The fact that the operating temperatures of such a roller blind system can vary greatly also means that a uniform spacing of the guide rails for each roller blind system can be associated with the failure of the roller blind.

From the prior art, it is already known to address the problem mentioned by the fact that the sheet is placed in a defined state of tension before the sliding elements are attached to this. This describes the DE 102007042196 A1 , The disclosed in this document method provides that a predetermined biasing force is used to specify the state of stress of the fabric in its form used in the roller blind. However, it has been shown that this method is quite complex and thus brings economic disadvantages in the mass production of roller blind systems.

Task and solution

The object of the invention is to provide a method for setting a roller blind system and a corresponding device that allow the setting of the roller blind system in a simple manner.

According to the invention, this object is achieved with regard to the method in that initially in a step A the fabric is transferred to the functional state in which the side edges of the fabric are guided by the guide rails. Thereafter, in a step B, a detection of the sag of the sheet in a detection direction, which is preferably aligned orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Subsequently, the guide rails are spaced apart in a step C depending on the previously detected sag.

The invention is based on the experience and knowledge that the sag of the sheet is a size that is very well suited to produce the ideal spacing of the guide rails, which is also the right for a long life of a motor vehicle and the roller blind system installed in it Spacing turns out. How big this sag should ideally be depends on a number of edge factors, but especially on the extent of the sheet in the transverse direction. Usually, a slack is less than 10 mm, in particular less than 5 mm, compared to the side edges in an approximately horizontally used roller blind system with an overstretched Width of 600 mm to 1200 mm considered suitable. The detection of sag as a relevant size is useful not only in terms of their suitability for the production of permanently aesthetically advantageous and functional roller blind systems. The detection is also advantageous because it can be technically very easily realized. Also, unlike a force-dependent setting, the control of the preferably automated running process by manually retiming easily possible.

The inventive method begins with the fact that the sheet is placed in the functional state, it does not have to be completely unwound from the winding shaft for this purpose. Also, under this functional state, a state understood in which the sheet is optionally not yet attached to the winding shaft, but is introduced prior to attachment to the winding shaft in the guide rails. The detection of the sag is then preferably in a direction of a surface normal of the plane of the sheet, wherein the sheet is preferably oriented horizontally (+/- 20 °). Depending on this detected slack or the detected distance, which is directly related to the slack, the guide rails are spaced, so that thereby the slack undergoes a change.

The detection of the sag and the spacing of the guide rails can be done in the simplest case, each once and in succession. Based on the once-recorded sag, the spacing is thus determined and produced on the basis of given formulas or tables, without checking the sag after the spacing has been adjusted. However, it is also possible to continuously measure the slack during the spacing of the guide rails until the desired target slack is achieved.

Once the desired slack is achieved, there is a permanent fixation of the distance of the guide rails, for example by these are attached to the blind system associated cross member and thus are placed in a mutually immovable state. Before fixing the distance, it may be expedient to relax the sheet by gently tapping in order to prevent that due to partial stress states or in the guide rails tilted sliding a fixing of the guide rails takes place at a non-ideal distance.

The method according to the invention can be carried out in different ways automatically. Thus, it is provided in a very simple design that a sensor detects the slack and the spacing of the guide rails is carried out manually or subsequently manually, preferably by means of a manually operable actuating device, which transfers a control actuator via a transmission in a displacement movement of at least one of the guide rails. In a contrast, further automated variant can be provided that the spacing of the guide rails takes place without manual intervention depending on the detected sag. Also beyond this automation, in which, for example, the supply of the roller blind system and / or the fixing of the guide rails are carried out automatically after the spacing, can be expedient depending on the number of roller blind systems to be manufactured.

The invention also relates to a device for setting a roller blind system of the type described. In this case, this device comprises a base, two holding devices for receiving in each case a guide rail, wherein for the purpose of changing the spacing of the holding devices at least one holding device relative to the base in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Transverse direction is displaced, and at least one sensor which is designed and arranged such that it can detect the slack of a flexible sheet extending between the guide rails. The optional aspects of this device according to the invention explained below are likewise to be understood as optional aspects of the method according to the invention.

The device according to the invention serves a method corresponding to the method described. It comprises a fixed in operation base, which serves in particular as a support for parts of the roller blind system, which need not be moved when adjusting the spacing of the guide rails. Furthermore, two holding devices are provided which are each designed to receive a guide rail, wherein a receptacle in this context is to be understood that a movement of the respective holding device relative to the base leads to a similar movement of the inserted into the holding device respective guide rail. At least one of these holding devices can be displaced relative to the base in order to bring about the desired displacement of the guide rails relative to one another. However, it is also possible for both holding devices to be displaceable, in particular in a mechanically coupled manner, by means of which the holding devices can each be displaced to the same extent and in the opposite direction.

To detect the sag, said sensor is provided. This one is like this arranged to be able to detect the sag of the sheet in a direction deviating from the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, preferably in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. The output data of this sensor are used in the manner explained below, in order to influence the spacing of the holding devices.

With regard to the sensor, different variants are expedient. Thus, the sensor can be designed as a non-contact sensor. In this case, the sensor may alternatively be arranged below or above the sheet in the inserted state in the device of the roller blind system. The non-contact detection of sag is accomplished by detecting the distance between the sensor and that location of the sheet to which it is directed. The methods known for non-contact distance measurement can be used, which are usually based on the fact that sound or electromagnetic radiation, such as infrared radiation or light, is emitted whose reflection reflected by the fabric is detected. In this case, the duration of the electromagnetic radiation or, for example, its impact point on a detection section of the sensor can be used to determine the distance between the sensor and the fabric.

As an alternative to such a non-contact sensor, it is also possible to use a contact sensor whose output signal varies as a function of whether the contact sensor is in contact contact with the fabric. Such a contact sensor can be arranged in particular below the sheet and thereby assume a position which is adapted to the desired target sag that exactly at the moment in which the contact contact between the sheet and the contact sensor is lost, the target sag as reached is seen.

In particular, when the method is carried out such that the spacing of the holding devices is performed manually, it is advantageous if an acoustically or optically operating output device is provided for outputting a signal as a function of the slack detected by the sensor. This output device can be designed, for example, as an acoustic buzzer, as a signal light or as a signal light. It is connected by suitable control electronics to the sensor in such a way that it either outputs a signal in a digital manner as soon as the correct slack is reached, or displays the slack in an analogous manner, so that an operator has to independently judge when the slack has reached the desired level.

In the case of a device according to the invention which operates only partially in the aforementioned manner, a control handle is preferably provided by means of which at least one holding device can be displaced purely mechanically in relation to the base. This control handle, for example, be a thumbwheel, which allows a metered displacement of the holding device via a screw.

It is also possible that the device has an electric motor, by means of which at least one of the holding devices is displaceable relative to the base. Such an electric motor can also be operated by an operator manually and in particular in response to the behavior of the output device by means of corresponding buttons or the like. However, in a largely automated form of the method according to the invention, it is advantageous that the device automatically adjusts an appropriate spacing of the holding devices as a function of the signal from the sensor and using the electric motor.

In special embodiments of the device according to the invention further optional components may be provided. These include, for example, a knocker, which is displaceable relative to the base and which is arranged so that it can exert mechanical shocks on the sheet. Such a knocker is in the manner already mentioned above, the release of the fabric or on the sliding elements still existing voltages to prevent the fixation of the guide rails to each other based on a falsified sag measurement. Also, a locking device may be provided by means of which the spacing of the holding devices or the guide rails received on the holding devices can be prefixed. Such a locking device serves the purpose of provisionally fixing the achieved distance of the guide rails adapted to the fabric, so that subsequently a final fixing is possible without the risk that an undesired displacement of the guide rails takes place relative to each other before or during the final fixing , A fixing device, by means of which the guide rails can be permanently attached to a frame belonging to the roller blind system, can be expediently provided in a device according to the invention. Such a fixing device can be designed, for example, to secure the frame of the roller blind system and the guide rails by means of a screw connection or a riveted joint. It is advantageous if the fixing device is designed to produce a permanent fixation by pressure-setting, also known as toxins.

The device according to the invention preferably has a control unit, which is connected to the sensor and which is designed to evaluate output signals of the sensor. In this case, the control device is provided in particular for controlling the described components of the device according to the invention. Thus, the acoustic or optical output device can be controlled by the control unit to give an operator information about the slack. In a further automated process, the control device can also be designed to control the electric motor for displacement of at least one of the holding device as a function of the detected slack. Also, the control of said complementary components of a device according to the invention, namely the locking device for provisionally fixing the distance of the guide rails, the fixing device for permanent fixation of the guide rails, and the knocker can be done via said controller. The control unit is an electronic circuit. Also, a common industrial PC application can be found here, who can provide information on the course of the method according to the invention on a screen against.

Brief description of the drawings

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of two preferred embodiments of the invention. These will be explained with reference to the figures. Showing:

1 a first device according to the invention for adjusting a roller blind system,

2 the device of 1 with already inserted roller blind system before setting this roller blind system,

3a and 3b the process of setting the shade system,

4a to 4c a further process for setting a roller blind system by means of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention and

5 the roller blind system in the finished state.

Detailed description of the embodiments

1 shows a device according to the invention for adjusting a roller blind system. This device has a base table 10 which is aligned horizontally during operation. About the middle of this base 10 is a distance sensor 20 provided by a line 22 with a control unit 24 connected is. At this electronic circuit comprehensive control unit 24 is a signal light 26 connected. Both sides of the distance sensor 20 are holding devices 30a . 30b provided, which are in a longitudinal direction 2 extend the device and in a transverse direction 4 spaced apart from each other. Here is the holding device 30a stationary to the base 10 attached. The second holding device 30b however, is in the transverse direction 4 displaceable, with an adjusting device for this purpose 40 is provided, which is a thumbwheel 42 includes, which via a screw drive 44 the displacement of the holding device 30b in the transverse direction 4 allowed.

In the state of 1 are frame components 50 of the roller blind system to be set already on the basis 10 placed. The object of the device is to allow the spacing of two guide rails, one on a winding shaft 52 wound sheet 54 in peripheral areas 54a to lead.

2 shows the device of 1 with the guide rails 60 , These guide rails 60 are in the extension direction of the holding devices 30a . 30b inserted in this. In the state of 2 is the fabric 54 already from the winding shaft 52 has been unwound and is located in the peripheral areas 54a by means not shown provided on the edge regions sliding elements by the guide rails 60 held. The guide rails 60 are not yet with the frame segments at this time 50 connected.

Starting from this initial position now takes place a shift in relation to the figures right-side guide rail 60 by a displacement of the right-hand holding device 30b , This shift takes place by manually turning the wheel 42 instead of. Again 3a it can be seen, takes place during the displacement, a distance measurement by the sensor 20 , In this case, it is detected without contact, by which distance L1 of the sensor 20 recorded part of the sheet 54 from one through the border areas 54a of the fabric defined reference level 8th is removed. This measurement can be done once, but is preferably repeated. As long as the fabric in the middle section, its distance to the reference level 8th by means of the distance sensor 20 is detected below a target level 9 is, the signal light remains 26 disabled. However, once in the in 3b way explained the mean range mentioned the target level 9 and thus the sag the setpoint 12 achieved, this is after detection of the condition by the distance sensor 20 and the corresponding evaluation by the control unit 24 by means of the signal light 26 signaled to the operator. This can now with the relocation the holding device 30b stop. Once this state of 3b is reached, the guide rails can 60 with the frame 50 be connected, this can be done for example via screw or Drucksetzfügeverbindungen.

The thus set roller blind system has a defined slack L2. This defined sag 12 is set so that it is on the one hand sufficiently large, to an unacceptable stiffness of the sliding elements in the guide rails 30a . 30b on the other hand, it is sufficiently small so as not to damage the aesthetic impression of the roller blind system.

In the device used in the 3a and 3b is shown, is an electrically operated knocker 12 provided, one in the vertical direction 6 displaceable pestle 14 having. By means of this knocker, it is possible before fixing the guide rails 60 at the frame 50 a vibration in the fabric 54 in order to possibly be able to solve the result distorting tensions.

In the described design, only the right-side holding device is 30b opposite the basist 10 displaced. In an alternative, not shown, both holding devices 30a . 30b displaced. It is particularly advantageous if both holding devices 30a . 30b through a common wheel 42 can be displaced in opposite directions. This can be achieved, for example, by the spindle of the screw drive 44 up to the left holding device 30a extends and there another screw is provided, but which is equipped with an opposite thread, so that a rotary motion on the setting wheel 42 leading to a displacement of the holding device 30b leads to the right, at the same time to a shift of the holding device 30a leads to the left.

The design, which in the 4a to 4c is basically similar to the above embodiment. Again, there is a sensor 20 ' for detecting the position of a sheet 54 intended. Again, there are two holding devices here again 30a . 30b in the transverse direction 4 are mutually displaceable, this in turn is achieved in that the right-side holding device 30b towards a base 10 is relocatable.

Deviating from the design of the 1 to 3b is the sensor 20 ' designed as a contact sensor. It is thus suitable for touching contact with the fabric 54 to be able to capture. This sensor 20 ' is just below the target level 9 of the fabric 54 arranged. Another difference is that in the design of the 4a to 4c no manual displaceability of the holding device 30b is provided. Instead, it's an electric motor 46 provided with the control unit 24 connected is.

In this embodiment, thus, the spacing of the holding devices takes place 30a . 30b and thus the guide rails 60 automated from each other. The control unit 24 controls the electric motor 46 as long as appropriate, until the fabric 54 in from the sensor 20 ' monitored middle segment the target level 9 has reached. The 4b and 4c clarify this. In the state of 4b are the holding devices 30a . 30b compared to the initial state of 4a already spaced further apart, wherein the sheet 54 still in contact with the sensor 20 ' stands. Only in the course of a superior shift of the holding device 30b opposite the base 10 it comes to the state of 4c in which the touch contact between the sensor 20 ' and the sheet 54 get lost. Once this condition is reached, the electric motor becomes 46 from the control unit 24 no longer energized. The holding devices 30a . 30b thus remain in the state of 4c ,

The controller then controls 24 a merely schematically illustrated fixing device 48 on, which are the frame segments 50 with the guide rails 60 permanently connected by means of a press-setting connection.

5 shows this connected state. The print-setting joints 70 that the guide rails 60 at the frame 50 permanently fix, ensure that the previously set optimal distance of the guide rails 60 permanently preserved.

A variant not shown for the embodiment according to the 4 and 5 provides that two touch sensors are provided, one of which is arranged below and one above the fabric. The slack is considered acceptable if both sensors are not in touch with the fabric. Thus, it can be ensured in particular with a manual influencing of the distance of the holding devices, that the slack is not only not too big, but also not too small.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007042196 A1 [0005]

Claims (13)

Method for adjusting a roller blind system, wherein the roller blind system comprises a winding shaft ( 52 ), a wound on the winding shaft in a jam state and in a functional state in a longitudinal direction ( 2 ) from the winding shaft ( 52 ) developable flexible sheet ( 54 ) and on both sides of the sheet guide rails ( 60 ) for guiding side edges ( 54a ) of the fabric ( 54 ), characterized by the steps of: A. transfer of the fabric ( 54 ) in the functional state in which the side edges ( 54a ) of the sheet through the guide rails ( 60 B. detecting a slack (L1, L2) of the fabric ( 54 ) in a detection direction ( 6 ), C. Distance of the guide rails ( 60 ) depending on the detected slack (L1, L2). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection of the slack (L1, L2) by means of at least one non-contact sensor ( 20 ) or by means of at least one sensor ( 20 ' ), which is used to detect contact with the fabric ( 54 ) is trained. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spacing of the guide rails ( 60 ) automated in step C depending on the detected in step B. Slack (L1, L2) occurs. Device for adjusting a roller blind system, wherein the roller blind system comprises a winding shaft ( 52 ), a wound on the winding shaft in a jam state and in a functional state in a longitudinal direction ( 2 ) from the winding shaft ( 52 ) developable flexible sheet ( 54 ) and on both sides of the sheet guide rails ( 60 ) for guiding side edges ( 54a ) of the fabric ( 54 ), characterized in that the device comprises: - a base ( 10 ), - two holding devices ( 30a . 30b ) for receiving in each case a guide rail ( 60 ), wherein for the purpose of changing the spacing of the holding devices ( 30a . 30b ) at least one holding device ( 30b ) compared to the base ( 10 ) in a longitudinal direction ( 2 ) orthogonal transverse direction 84 ) is displaceable, and - at least one sensor ( 20 . 20 ' ), which is designed and arranged such that it supports the slack (L1, L2) between the guide rails (L1, L2). 60 ) extending flexible sheet ( 54 ). Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the sensor ( 20 ) for detecting the sag (L1, L2) as a non-contact sensor ( 20 ) is trained. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the sensor ( 20 ' ) as a contact sensor ( 20 ' ) whose output signal varies depending on whether it is in touching contact with the sheet (US Pat. 54 ) is located. Device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by an acoustic or optical output device ( 26 ) for outputting a signal as a function of the sensor ( 20 . 20 ' ) detected sag (L1, L2). Device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that a control handle ( 42 ) is provided, by means of which at least one holding devices ( 30b ) compared to the base ( 10 ) is mechanically displaceable, wherein preferably both holding devices are mechanically displaceable relative to the base, in particular preferably synchronized with each other mechanically displaced. Device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that an electric motor ( 46 ) is provided, by means of which at least one of the holding devices ( 30b ) compared to the base ( 10 ) is displaceable. Device according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized by a knocker ( 14 ), which is opposite the base ( 10 ) is displaceable and arranged so that it mechanical impacts on the sheet ( 54 ) exercise. Device according to one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that a locking device is provided, by means of which the spacing of the holding devices or the guide rails received on the holding devices can be fixed. Device according to one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in that a fixing device ( 48 ) is provided, by means of which the guide rails ( 60 ) on a frame belonging to the roller blind system ( 50 ) can be permanently attached. Device according to one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that a control device ( 24 ) provided with the sensor ( 20 . 20 ' ) and for evaluating output signals of the sensor ( 20 . 20 ' ) is formed, wherein the control unit ( 24 ) is specially designed for: In dependence on the detected slack (L1, L2) the output device ( 26 ), - depending on the detected slack (L1, L2) the electric motor ( 46 ) for relocating at least one holding device ( 30b ), - after reaching a desired slack (L2) to transfer the locking device in a locked state, - after reaching a target slack (L2) by means of the fixing device ( 48 ) the guide rails ( 60 ) permanently on the frame ( 50 ) of the roller blind system and / or - the knocker ( 14 ) head for.

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