EP2785932B1

EP2785932B1 - Joint assembly for supporting an awning arm and awning provided therewith

Info

Publication number: EP2785932B1
Application number: EP12816370.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Karl Erik NORDMARK; Tord Daniel BOHLIN; Björn Christer SAMUELSSON
Original assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
Current assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
Priority date: 2011-11-30
Filing date: 2012-11-30
Publication date: 2020-08-05
Anticipated expiration: 2032-11-30
Also published as: WO2013081454A1; EP2785932A1; NL1039200C2

Description

The invention relates to a joint assembly for supporting an awning arm. The invention furthermore relates to an awning provided with such a joint assembly.
Known joint assemblies typically comprise a stationary body for coupling the assembly to a stationary part of the awning or the fixed world, and a coupling body for coupling the awning arm to the stationary body. The coupling body may be mounted to the stationary body in a rotatable way, around a first rotation axis. The awning arm may be mounted to the coupling body in a rotatable way, around a second rotation axis, which may for instance extend substantially perpendicular to the first rotation axis. Accordingly, in assembled condition, the awning arm may rotate in two different planes: around the second rotation axis to allow folding and unfolding of the arm during opening and closing of the awning screen, and around the first rotation axis during adjustment of the angular orientation (hereinafter: pitch angle) of the awning screen, e.g. in case of a low standing sun.
JP S61 166023 U describes a device for adjusting the inclination angle of an awning. Support arms of the awning extend from a rotatable support rod which is rotatably supported at each of its end by bearings. The bearing at one end is formed into a hollow box shape. A support shaft protruding at an end of the support rod is supported by being inserted into a bearing at one end and a mechanism is provided to rotate the support shaft.
DE 44 39 788 describes an awning having an outer drop rod and inner holders for the arms. Each holder has at least one support part which is to be mounted fixed and one bearing block designed to slide along same. On the underneath of the support part is a concave swivel bearing socket through which passes the screw spindle of the eyelet screw. This socket allows the pendulum-adjustable hold of the pressure member which has a complementary convex curved surface, and also the self-centering guide of the eyelet screw. The longitudinal gap provided in the support part for engagement of the eyelet of the eyelet screw extends continuously to the underneath of the support part between two side pieces thereof. These two side pieces each have a swivel socket on the underneath. The pressure member bridges the longitudinal gap and is supported by its two side areas in each of the two sockets.
Known joint assemblies can be roughly divided into two types: those that allow the pitch angle to be adjusted at any time after installation and those that allow such adjustment during installation only.
An example of the first type is known from EP2146023 , illustrated in Figure 9. In this joint assembly, the awning arm (1) is rotatably connected to a coupling body (2) which in turn is rotatably mounted between two stationary lugs (3) by means of two shafts (7a,b). The shafts (7a,b) extend through arcuate slots (22a,b) in the coupling body (2). Actuating means (5, 53) are provided for adjusting the position of the coupling body (2). The actuating means comprise a screw that engages a threaded hole in the coupling body (2). Rotation of the screw causes the coupling body (2) to travel along the screw. This motion is transferred into a rotation, by the shafts (7a,b) being guided in the arcuate slots (22a, b).
An advantage of this known arm joint assembly is that the pitch angle can be adjusted at any time, simply by rotating the screw. A disadvantage of this joint assembly is that there may be play between the coupling body (2) and the stationary lugs (3). In use, such play will be amplified by the awning arm and cause the opposite end of said arm to sway, e.g. under influence of the wind or some other external load. A further disadvantage of this joint assembly is that the moving parts lie exposed. As a consequence, said parts may be vulnerable to failure. Also, items may get caught between said parts which may create dangerous situations.
An example of the second joint assembly type is known from WO2009/027557 , illustrated in Figure 10. In this joint assembly, the awning arm is rotatably connected to a disc shaped coupling body (15). This coupling body (15) is mounted against one side of a stationary body (2) by means of a central shaft (18) that projects from the coupling body (15) through a central hole in the stationary body (2). Furthermore, a nut (21) is provided, that can be threaded on the free end of the shaft (18) so as to bear against the other side of the stationary body (2). Before tightening the nut (21) the coupling body (15) can be rotated to a desired angular position and locked against rotation by a blocking member (23).
An advantage of this joint assembly is that the coupling body (15) can be secured tightly against the stationary body (2), without play. A further advantage is that the joint assembly has a compact, smooth configuration, wherein the moving surfaces of the respective parts are covered by the stationary body, protected against external influences. A disadvantage of this joint assembly is that adjustment of the pitch angle requires disassembly of the nut and blocking member and thus is laborious.
Most awning manufacturers wish to offer joint assemblies of both types to provide their customers with a full range of choice. However, this increases the number of components that the manufacturer needs to keep in stock.
It is an object of the invention to provide a joint assembly of the above described types, wherein the disadvantages related to the known joint assemblies are at least partly overcome while maintaining advantages thereof.
It is a further object of the invention to allow a manufacturer to built joint assemblies of the first and second type, with a minimum of different components.
It is a further object of the invention to provide the public with a useful choice.
To this end, the present invention provides a joint assembly as defined in appended claim 1.
Thanks to such assembly, the coupling body can be positioned outside or partly outside the stationary body, whereas the movable body can be positioned inside or largely inside the stationary body, i.e. between the first and second web, protected against external influences.
According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the fastening means extend in or through the movable body. In such case, a ferrule or spring may be provided between said fastening means and the movable body. The ferrule or spring will be deformed and squeezed during tightening of the fastening means. This prevents over-tightening of the fastening means and as such prevents the pitch angle adjustability of the joint assembly from becoming impaired. It moreover eliminates play between the respective components. Accordingly, installation can be easy and foolproof and can therefore be done in situ by the customer. As a consequence, said components do not need to be pre-assembled by the manufacturer, but may be shipped to the customer as separate items, which generally is more space efficient.
According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the ferrule may have a chamfered edge. Such edge may help to insert and centre the ferrule in an opening of the movable body. It may further ensure that the ferrule will indeed extend between said opening and the fastening means in assembled condition. Alternatively or additionally, the opening in the movable body may have a chamfered edge, for the same reasons.
According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the movable body is rotatably mounted in the stationary body by means of at least one bearing. The bearing can take up loads that during use will be exerted on the movable body by the awning arm and will thus facilitate rotation of the movable body in a reliable way.
According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the second web is provided with a slot having an arcuate shape, allowing the fastening means to pass through. Such slot(s) can be shaped and dimensioned to guide and limit the rotational movement of the movable body, and with that, the maximum pitch angle.
According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the first and/or second web may comprise a recess for accommodating the coupling part and/or a fastening plate respectively. In assembled condition, the moving surfaces of the joint assembly will be "hidden" inside said recesses, which makes the assembly more safe (no risk of items becoming caught between said surfaces) and more robust (the surfaces are protected against dirt and other damaging influences). The recesses may further allow the joint assembly to have a compact, smooth appearance.
According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the mating surfaces of the recesses and the coupling part and/or fastening plate may have a conical or spherical shape. Thanks to such shape, there is some freedom during assembly to adjust the angular orientation of said parts relative to the recess.
The invention furthermore relates to an awning provided with a joint assembly according to the invention, and a kit of parts for assembling two different joint assemblies, with or without pitch angle adjustability.
Further advantageous embodiments of a joint assembly according to the invention, and an awning equipped therewith are set forth in the dependent claims.
To explain the invention, an exemplary embodiment thereof will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows, schematically, in perspective view, an awning with a joint assembly according to the invention;
Fig. 2 shows the joint assembly of Figure 1 in further detail;
Fig. 3 shows the joint assembly of Figure 2, from a different perspective angle;
Fig. 4 shows the joint assembly of Figure 3 in partly exploded view;
Fig. 5 shows the joint assembly of Figure 4, with part of the stationary body being removed, to show the movable body and actuating means;
Fig. 6 shows the joint assembly in cross sectional view, taken along line VI-VI in Figure 3;
Fig. 7 shows the joint assembly of Figure 6, in disassembled condition;
Fig. 8 shows a kit of parts for assembling two different joint assemblies with a minimum of different parts;
Fig. 9 shows a prior art joint assembly; and
Fig. 10 shows another prior art joint assembly.

In this description, identical or corresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals.
Figure 1 schematically shows an awning 1 according to the invention. The awning 1 comprises a roller 2, a screen 3 and two articulate arms 4 extending on opposite sides of the screen 3. The arms 4 can move between a folded condition wherein the screen 3 is retracted, and an unfolded condition wherein the screen 3 is extended (as shown in Figure 1). Biasing means may be provided (not shown) that bias the arms 4 towards their unfolded condition. Manual or power operated drive means may be provided (not shown) to rotate the roller 2 against said biasing force and wind up the screen 3. Blocking means may be provided (not shown) to block rotation of the roller 2 and hold the screen 3 in a retracted condition.
In the illustrated embodiment, the awning 1 further comprises a support structure 5, in the form of a beam (not visible) which is secured to the fixed world by means of suitable brackets 6. The roller 2 is connected to the support structure 5 by means of two side brackets 7 of which only one is visible in Figure 1. The arms 4 are connected to the support structure 5 by means of a joint assembly 10 which will be described in further detail below. The other end of the arms 4 may be associated to a distal edge of the screen 3 or a bottom rail 8 to which said distal edge may be secured. In an alternative embodiment, the roller 2 and/or arms 4 may be directly secured to the fixed world, instead of to the support structure 5.
Figures 2 to 7 show an embodiment of the joint assembly 10 of Figure 1. This joint assembly 10 allows the arm 4 to be rotated in two different planes: around a first rotation axis X₁ during folding and unfolding of the arm 4, and around a second rotation axis X₂ during adjustment of the pitch angle α (cf. Figure 1).
The joint assembly 10 comprises a stationary body 12, a movable body 14, a coupling body 15, actuating means 16 and fastening means 18.
The stationary body 12 comprises a bracket portion 13 for connection to the support structure 5, a first web 12A and a second web 12B which is positioned opposite the first web 12A, at some distance there from. The stationary body 12 further comprises a pitch shaft 17 that extends between the webs 12A,B. Its centre line coincides with the second rotation axis X₂.
In the illustrated embodiment, each web 12A,B is at its outward facing side provided with a conical recess 19A, respectively 19B, positioned concentrically relative to the pitch shaft 17. The illustrated recesses 19A,B are formed by an annular rim 21 of which the diameter gradually increases in a direction away from the web 12A,B. In an alternative embodiment, the recesses 19A,B may have a cylindrical shape or a spherical shape. Also, the recesses 19A,B may be designed to lie countersunk in the webs 12A,B.
In the illustrated embodiment, each web 12A,B further comprises two arcuate slots 22. The slots 22 are located in the respective recesses 19A,B, diametrically opposed relative to the pitch shaft 17. The arcuate length of the slots 22 determines the maximum angle over which the movable body 14 can be rotated and thus limits the maximum pitch angle α.
In the illustrated embodiment, the stationary body 12 further comprises several cover sections 12C, 12D, 12E which in assembled condition extend along the circumferential edge of the webs 12A,B, so as to close off the space there between. The cover sections may be formed as separate components (cf. 12C) or be integrally connected to one or both webs 12A,B (cf. 12D, E).
The movable body 14 is rotatably mounted on the pitch shaft 17 between the first and second web 12A,B, preferably by means of one or more bearings 23. The movable body 14 is provided with two openings 24, diametrically opposed relative to the pitch shaft 17. The diameter of the openings 24 corresponds to or is slightly smaller than the width of the arcuate slots 22 in the webs 12A,B. Their position is such that in assembled condition, the openings 24 can be aligned with the arcuate slots 22. Preferably, the openings 24 have chamfered edges 25 as can perhaps be best seen in Figure 7.
The movable body 14 further comprises a recess 26 for engaging the actuating means 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 26 is substantially +shaped (viewed from the edge of the body 14 in the direction of the pitch shaft 17).
The coupling body 15 comprises a hinge portion 28 with a second shaft 27 to which the arm 4 is rotatably connected. The centre line of this shaft 27 coincides with the first rotation axis X₁. The coupling body 15 further comprises a disc shaped plate 29, which is dimensioned to fit into the recess 19A of the first web 12A. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment the disc shaped plate 29 has a conical outer circumference. However, in other embodiments, the outer circumference may be cylindrical or part spherical. The outer circumference may further be serrated, as shown. The plate 29 comprises two threaded holes 30, which in assembled condition are aligned with the openings 24 in the movable body 14.
The actuating means 16 comprise, in the illustrated embodiment (see in particular Figure 5) a spindle 31 which is mounted in the stationary body 12 by means of a bearing 32 and a lock plate 33. The actuating means 16 further comprise a spindle nut 34 which travels along the spindle 31 upon rotation thereof. The spindle 31 and nut 34 engage the movable body 14 at the recess 26. The spindle 31 may further comprise an eyelet 35 or other suitable engaging means, for an external tool such as a crank handle. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the actuating means 16 may be designed differently, e.g. with a gear box or other transmission means.
The fastening means 18 comprise a disc shaped fastening plate 36, which is similar in shape as the disc shaped plate 29 of the coupling part 15, and like said plate 29 may have a conical and/or serrated outer circumference. The fastening plate 36 is provided with two openings 38 which in assembled condition are aligned with the openings 24 in the movable body 14 and the threaded holes 30 in the coupling body 15. The fastening means further comprise two screws 40 and four ferrules 42. Preferably, each ferrule 42 has one chamfered outer edge 44 as best seen in Figure 7. The ferrules 42 are preferably made of a material that is softer than the material of the other bodies, in particular the movable body 14. For instance, when the movable body 14 is made of steel, applicant has found that particular good results can be achieved if the ferrules 42 are made of brass or a similar alloy. Instead of ferrules 42, springs may be used (not shown).
To assemble the joint assembly 10, the movable body 14 is mounted between the webs 12A,B by means of the pitch shaft 17. Optionally, this assembly step can be done by the manufacturer. Next, the spindle 31 and spindle nut 34 are placed in the recess 26 of the movable body 14, and the spindle 31 is mounted in the stationary body 12 by means of the bearing 32 and the lock plate 33. Next, the actuating means 16 are operated to rotate the movable body 14 such that its openings 24 are aligned with the slots 22 in the webs 12A,B. Then, the stationary body 12 is closed with the cover sections 12C, D, E. Optionally, the aforementioned steps can be done by the manufacturer. Next, two ferrules 42 are inserted through the slots 22 in the first web 12A into a first end of the openings 24 of the movable body 12 and the other two ferrules 42 are inserted into the other end via the slots 22 in the second web 12B. The ferrules 42 are inserted such that their chamfered edge 44 faces the chamfered edge 25 of the respective openings 24. Next, the disc shaped plate 29 of the coupling body 15 is mounted in the recess 19A of the first web 12A and the fastening plate 36 is mounted in the recess 19B of the second web 12B. The plates 29, 36 are mounted such that the threaded holes 30, respectively the openings 38 are aligned with the openings 24 in the movable body 14 and the slots 22 in the webs 12A,B. Next, the screws 40 are inserted through said openings 38, 24, slots 22, ferrules 42, into the threaded holes 30. Next, the screws 40 are tightened so as to secure the coupling body 15 to the movable body 14. When tightening the screws 40, the ferrules 42 will be deformed and squeezed between the screws 40 and the surrounding material. Accordingly, play is eliminated. In addition, the ferrules 42 prevent the screws 40 from being over tightened (which would impair the rotatability of the movable body 14). Thus, the ferrules 42 allow easy, foolproof installation of the joint assembly 1, without the risk of over tightening the fastening means and resulting in an assembly without play.
To simplify installation even further, the ferrules 42 may be preinstalled in the movable body 14 by the manufacturer. Alternatively, the ferrules 42 may be integrally formed with the movable body 14 via suitable manufacturing techniques.
Once installed, the spindle 31 can be rotated, e.g. by means of a crank handle, causing the spindle nut 34 to travel up or down. This will cause the movable body 14 to be rotated around the pitch shaft 17, which in turn will cause the coupling body 15 with arm 4 to be rotated.
Figure 8 shows a kit of parts, including the same parts as shown in Figures 2-7, to build a joint assembly 10 as described above. The series of parts further comprises a second stationary body 112 which has an outer contour that substantially corresponds to or at least is similar to the first stationary body 12. More particularly, the second stationary body 112 comprises a bracket portion 113 for connection to the support structure 5, a first web 112A and a second web 112B. The second stationary body 112 does not house a movable body and subsequently the webs 112A,B may adjoin each other. Both webs 112A,B are provided with a similar recesses 119A,B as the webs 12A,B of the first stationary body 12. However, these recesses 119A,B do not have a bottom. Instead, they are designed as through holes.
With this second stationary body 112 a second joint assembly 110 can be built that differs over the earlier described joint assembly 10 in that it does not allow for adjustment of the pitch angle α at any time after installation. Instead, such pitch angle α must be set during installation of the assembly 110.
To assemble this second joint assembly 110, the disc shaped plate 29 of the coupling body 15 is mounted in the recess of the first web 12A in a desired angular position. Next the fastening plate 36 is mounted in the recess 119B of the second web 112B, such that its openings 38 are aligned with the threaded holes 30 in the plate 29. Next the screws 40' (which may be slightly shorter than the screws 40 used for the first joint assembly) are inserted through said openings 38 into the threaded holes 30 and tightened so as to secure the coupling body 15 to the stationary body 112. In this case, no ferrules 42 are needed, since over-tightening of the screws 40 is not an issue, i.e. cannot affect the functionality of this joint assembly 110, since the assembly is not intended to offer pitch angle adjustability.
Accordingly, thanks to the features of the present invention, in particular the way in which the coupling part 15 is mounted to one side 12A, 112A of the stationary body 12, 112, it is possible to create two different joint assembly types with a minimum of different components. In fact, only one additional stationary body 112 is needed to change the first joint assembly 10 into the second joint assembly 110. Thus, customers can be provided with more choice without serious affect on the manufacturer's stock keeping.
The invention is not in any way limited to the exemplary embodiments presented in the description and drawing. All combinations (of parts) of the embodiments shown and described are explicitly understood to be incorporated within this description and are explicitly understood to fall within the scope of the invention. Moreover, many variations are possible within the scope of the invention, as outlined by the claims.
For instance, the screws 40 may extend through the coupling body 15, first web 12A and movable body 14 only. In such case, the threaded holes 30 in the plate 29 of the coupling body 15 may be replaced by through openings, while the through openings 24 in the movable body 14 may be replaced by threaded blind holes. The screws 40 may then be inserted from the opposite side (the left side in Figures 5 and 6) and be tightened into the threaded holes in the movable body 14. The fastening plate 36 may be omitted, and the second web 12B can be completely closed, without arcuate slots 22, and without recess 19B. Also, only two ferrules 42 or springs may be used, between the screws 40 and the entrance of the threaded holes in the movable body 14.
According to an alternative embodiment, the fastening means may include only one screw 40 or more than two screws 40. In such case, the number of slots 21, openings 24, 38 and holes 30 can be adjusted accordingly.
According to another embodiment, the arm 4 is preassembled to the coupling body 15 by the manufacturer. In such case, the coupling body 15 may advantageously be provided with biasing means, e.g. a torsion spring (not shown), to bias the arm 4 to an angular position (with regard to the first rotation axis X₁) that corresponds to its unfolded position, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5 (as opposed to the arm's angular position in folded condition, which is shown in Figure 8). In such case, the arm 4 is preferably pre-assembled.
The joint assembly according to the invention is not limited for use with articulate arms, but may also advantageously be used with other awning arms, i.e. arms that do not fold during operation of the awning but are for instance of telescopic configuration.
These and many comparable variations are understood to fall within the scope of the invention as outlined by the claims.

Claims

Joint assembly (10) configured to support an awning arm (4) of an awning, comprising:
- a stationary body (12) for connecting the joint assembly to the fixed world, wherein the stationary body comprises a first web (12A) and an opposed second web (12B) and further comprises a pitch shaft (17) that extents between the first and second webs (12A, B) having a centre line which coincides with a rotation axis (X₂)

- a movable body (14), which in assembled condition is rotatably mounted on the pitch shaft (17) between the first and second web (12A,B), for adjusting a pitch angle (α) of the awning arm (4), the joint assembly (10) allowing the awning arm (4) to be rotated around said rotation axis (X₂) during adjustment of the pitch angle (a),

- actuating means (16), operatively connected to the movable body (14),

- a coupling body (15) for connecting the awning arm (4) to the movable body (14), and

- fastening means (18) for connecting the coupling body (15) to the movable body (14), wherein in assembled condition the fastening means pass through the first web (12A); wherein:
the first web (12A) is provided with a slot (22) having an arcuate shape and configured for passage of the fastening means (18) therethrough; and

the slot is dimensioned to limit rotation of the movable body (14), so as to limit the pitch angle (α).
Joint assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the second web (12B) is provided with a slot (22) having an arcuate shape and configured for passage of the fastening means (18) therethrough.
Joint assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a ferrule (42) or spring is provided which, in assembled condition, extends between the fastening means (18) and the movable body (14), wherein preferably the ferrule is made of a material that is softer and/or more resilient than that of the movable body and the fastening means, for instance brass or a similar alloy.
Joint assembly (10) according to claim 3, wherein the ferrule (42) has a chamfered outer edge (44).
Joint assembly (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the ferrule (42) extends in the slot (22) between the fastening means (18) and the first and/or second web (12A,B).
Joint assembly (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the movable body (14) comprises an opening (24) for receiving the fastening means (18), wherein the opening has a chamfered edge (25).
Joint assembly (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the movable body (14) is mounted between the first and second web (12A,B) by means of at least one (23) bearing.
Joint assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first web (12A) extends between the coupling body (15) and the movable body (14) in assembled condition.
Joint assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means (18) extends in or through the movable body (14).
Joint assembly (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means (18) comprise a fastening plate (36) which extends against an outward facing side of the second web (12B) in assembled condition.
Joint assembly (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the first web (12A) comprises a recess (19A) for accommodating the coupling body (15) or at least part thereof, in assembled condition, wherein preferably mating surfaces of the recess and coupling part have a conical or spherical shape.
Joint assembly (10) according to claims 10 or 11, wherein the second web (12B) comprises a recess (19B) for accommodating the fastening plate (36) or at least part thereof, in assembled condition, wherein preferably mating surfaces of the recess and fastening plate have a conical or spherical shape.
Joint assembly (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating means (16) comprise a spindle (31) and a travelling spindle nut (34), wherein the spindle nut is operatively connected to the movable body (14) so as to rotate the movable body when the spindle is operated.
Joint assembly (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second web (12A,B) are designed to form a protective housing around the movable body (14), in assembled condition and/or the first and second web are designed to form a protective housing around the actuating means (16), in assembled condition.
Awning (1), provided with at least one arm (4) and a joint assembly (10) according to anyone of claims 1-14.