EP3265624B1 - Fan-shaped sun or weather protection - Google Patents

Description

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to a fan-like sun or weather protection and in particular, but not exclusively, to a drive system for spreading the spars of such a fan-like sun or weather protection.

State of the art

A fan-shaped weather protection (hereinafter: fan) is, for example, from the European patent application EP0963495A2 known. Since it can be attached to a single point, it can be designed so that it can be rotated about several axes. In this respect, such weather protection arrangements can be set very flexibly and in a variety of ways. In order to provide the flexibility and versatility of such weather protection, a relatively complex, mechanical drive mechanism is used for the spreading and folding of the fan. The drive mechanism must be able to exert the forces that are required when opening, folding, rotating and tilting the protection. Furthermore, the drive mechanism must be able to withstand any high loads on the protection from wind, rain, snow, etc. As a result, the drive mechanisms used so far are complex and robust. Furthermore, the speed of movement when opening or closing the fan is very limited by its drive mechanism. Thus, there is a need for a simplified drive mechanism which allows the fan to be spread open or collapsed quickly.

the end US3298422A it is known to use a cylindrical helical spring for the automatic closing of a sunshade. The spring arranged in the central bearing of the ribs exerts a rotating force on the end of the outermost rib. This arrangement has the disadvantage that it is only suitable for smaller or lighter subjects. In the case of larger or heavier compartments, the parts that carry the torsional forces would have to be excessively large. Furthermore, the presence of the helical spring in the central mechanism brings further disadvantages, in which it becomes correspondingly more difficult to install further drive, tilting or rotating mechanisms.

In the case of umbrellas and similarly formed parasols, it is known to provide the supporting frame with gas springs in order, for example, to enable the umbrella to be opened automatically. Such an arrangement is in the introduction to the German utility model DE202012104640U1 mentioned. However, such a frame is not suitable for a fan-shaped sun protection.

the end WO2005 / 017298A2 it is known to drive a foldable mosquito net by means of an electric motor or a hydraulic cylinder. This arrangement has the disadvantage that it consumes electricity and must always be connected to an external energy source (power connection or hydraulic pump). Furthermore, in the WO2005 / 017298A2 there is no pre-tensioning of the opening or closing movement because a corresponding drive energy cannot be stored in the electric motor or in the hydraulic cylinder.

the end BE396458A It is known to provide a pretensioned closing of a fan-shaped sun protection by means of two spring shafts and two corresponding pull cables which run through the eyes of the spars. So that the parts do not have to be attached individually to a wall, the spring shafts are mounted on a board together with the storage of the spars. Because of the large table, or because of the firmly mounted spring shafts, this arrangement has the disadvantage that a versatile tilting or turning of the fan is difficult or impossible. Furthermore, the spring shafts, pull ropes and eyelets represent a relatively complicated and error-prone mechanism.

Brief description of the invention

the WO01 / 23692A2 discloses a generic weather protection device with the features of the preamble, wherein a clamping bracket is arranged at intermediate positions of two bars and has a joint attached in the center of the clamping bracket, which can be pretensioned with a torsion spring. This mechanically complex constructed biasing element, composed of the joint and the torsion spring, is arranged between the bars and directs the drive energy indirectly from the bars into the spring, whereby (drive) energy must also be used for a bending and stretching movement of the clamping bracket.

Brief description of the invention

In order to eliminate at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages in the prior art, the invention provides a fan-like sun or weather protection according to claim 1. Thanks to the pretensioning element, the fan can be spread open or folded up quickly and easily, and a complicated and expensive drive mechanism can be dispensed with.

• Figur 1 zeigt in einer schematischen Draufsicht ein erstes Beispiel eines erfindungsgemässen Fächer in einem aufgespreizten Zustand.
• Figur 2 zeigt in einer schematischen Draufsicht den in Fig. 1 abgebildeten Fächer in einem zusammengefalteten Zustand.
• Figur 3 zeigt in einer schematischen Draufsicht eine vergrösserte Darstellung des in Fig. 2 angedeuteten Ausschnitts A.
• Figur 4 zeigt in einer schematischen Seitenansicht den in Fig. 2 abgebildeten Fächer im geschlossenen Zustand.
• Figur 5 zeigt in einer schematischen Draufsicht eine vergrösserte Darstellung des in Fig. 4 angedeuteten Ausschnitts B.
• Figur 6 zeigt in einer schematischen Draufsicht ein zweites Beispiel eines erfindungsgemässen Fächers in einem aufgespreizten Zustand.
• Figur 7 zeigt in einer schematischen Draufsicht den in Fig. 6 abgebildeten Fächer in einem zusammengefalteten Zustand.
• Figur 8 zeigt in einer schematischen Draufsicht eine Variante des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels im aufgespreizten Zustand.
• Figur 9 zeigt in einer schematischen Draufsicht den in Fig. 8 abgebildeten Fächer in einem zusammengefalteten Zustand.
• Figur 10 zeigt in einer schematischen Draufsicht eine vergrösserte Darstellung des in Fig. 9 angedeuteten Ausschnitts C.
• Figur 11 zeigt in einer schematischen Seitenansicht den in Fig. 9 abgebildeten Fächer im zusammengefalteten Zustand.
• Figur 12 zeigt in einer schematischen Draufsicht eine vergrösserte Darstellung des in Fig. 11 angedeuteten Ausschnitts D.
• Figur 13 zeigt in einer schematischen Draufsicht ein Beispiel davon, wie einer der in den vorhergehenden abgebildeten Fächer auf abnehmbare Weise z.B. an einer Wand aufgehängt werden kann.
• Figur 14 zeigt in einer schematischen Seitenansicht die in Fig. 13 abgebildete beispielhafte Aufhängung.

The invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a first example of a fan according to the invention in an expanded state.
• Figure 2 shows in a schematic plan view the in Fig. 1 shown compartments in a folded state.
• Figure 3 shows in a schematic plan view an enlarged representation of the in Fig. 2 indicated section A.
• Figure 4 shows in a schematic side view the in Fig. 2 shown compartments when closed.
• Figure 5 shows in a schematic plan view an enlarged representation of the in Fig. 4 indicated section B.
• Figure 6 shows a schematic plan view of a second example of a fan according to the invention in an expanded state.
• Figure 7 shows in a schematic plan view the in Fig. 6 shown compartments in a folded state.
• Figure 8 shows a schematic plan view of a variant of the first exemplary embodiment in the spread-open state.
• Figure 9 shows in a schematic plan view the in Fig. 8 shown compartments in a folded state.
• Figure 10 shows in a schematic plan view an enlarged representation of the in Fig. 9 indicated section C.
• Figure 11 shows in a schematic side view the in Fig. 9 shown compartments in the folded state.
• Figure 12 shows in a schematic plan view an enlarged representation of the in Fig. 11 indicated section D.
• Figure 13 shows in a schematic plan view an example of how one of the compartments shown in the preceding can be hung in a detachable manner, for example on a wall.
• Figure 14 shows in a schematic side view the in Fig. 13 pictured exemplary suspension.

Detailed description of the invention

In the following detailed description, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described. The term "compartments" is understood as an expandable arrangement of at least two spars, the radial inner ends of which are mounted in a common node area, which spars run essentially radially outward in a common plane, and which extend in the circumferential direction, based on an axis running orthogonally to the plane in the nodal area, can be spread apart in the said plane and brought together to one another. In this way, the spars form a fan-like expandable frame, which is covered with a flexible or foldable fabric such as a tarpaulin, a net, a foil, a cloth or an assembly of, for example, plates or sheets can be provided. These various possible coverings of the compartment are hereinafter referred to collectively by the term "tarpaulin". Such a fan can form an area of at least one square meter or at least three square meters in the expanded state.

the Figures 1 to 3 show a compartment 1, which has several spars 2, 3, 7, 7 ', a tarpaulin 8 and a junction element 4. In this example, six bars are shown: two of them, 2, 3, are larger, rigid outer bars which transfer a large part of the weight of the compartment 1 to the junction element 4 and which can keep the tarpaulin 8 taut when the compartment is open. Four smaller bars 7, 7 'support and / or stiffen the tarpaulin 8 and each transfer a portion of the weight of the tarpaulin 8, in particular during the opening and closing of the compartment, to the node element 4. In this example, one, 3, is the Spars firmly connected to the junction element 4, the further spars 2, 7, 7 'being rotatably mounted in the junction element 4 at their ends located radially inward. For this purpose, the junction element 4 has a pivot bearing 15, 16 for each of the movable (rotatable) bars 2,7,7 '. The bars 2, 3, 7, 7 'and the pivot bearings are preferably arranged in such a way that the bars 2, 3, 7, 7' can lie essentially parallel to one another in the plane of the compartment 1 when the compartment 1 is closed. For this reason, the radially inner end of the spar 2 is provided with a tapered end part. The junction element 4 can, for example, have two parallel plates, between which the inner ends of the spars 2, 3, 7, 7 'are mounted. In this example, the spars 2, 7, 7 'are rotatably mounted about axes 15 and 16, respectively, the spar 3 being firmly connected to the junction element 4. The spar 3 can, however, also be rotatably mounted. The spar 3 can also be formed as the surface of a wall. In the latter case, too, it is referred to as the spar in this description. The junction element 4 is shown as a single element in which all spars are mounted. The junction element 4 can alternatively consist of several individual elements, each element being a spar or several bars can be stored. The node element 4, whether consisting of one or more physical elements, is referred to in this description as a functional element. The individual pivot axes of the spars can be essentially parallel to one another and, for example, coaxially or at spatial distances from one another, and are roughly referred to collectively as a common spreading axis of the fan. The respective radial positions along the first and second spars, where the prestressing element 5 is connected or supported to the first and second spars (also called intermediate positions), can be expressed as a radial distance from the inner end of the respective spar, or as a radial distance from the expansion axis will. Unless otherwise specified, the distance from the inner end and that from the expansion axis can be understood to be practically the same.

An elongated prestressing element 5, such as a gas pressure spring, extends between the bars 2 and 3. The gas pressure spring 5 is arranged in such a way that, when the fan is opened (as in FIG Fig. 1 shown) keeps the tarpaulin taut. In this state, the gas pressure spring has an elongated dimension of a ₁ . The gas pressure spring is connected to the bars 2 and 3 by means of swivel joints 11 and 12, for example. If the bars 2 and 3 are taken as first and second reference axes, respectively, the extended gas pressure spring 10 has a dimension of b ₁ along the second reference axis and a dimension of c ₁ along a y-axis lying in the plane and orthogonal to the second reference axis . In the expanded state of the fan, the prestressing element 5 is at an angle α ₁ to the second reference axis. The values a ₁ , b ₁ and c ₁ are preferably chosen such that the angle α _{1 is} at most 45 degrees, or preferably at most 35 degrees.

When compartment 1 is closed (as in Fig. 2 shown) the retracted gas pressure spring has an elongated dimension of a ₂ , a dimension along the second reference _{axis of b 2} and a dimension along the y-axis of c ₂ . When the compartment 1 is closed, it is Biasing element 5 at an angle α ₂ to the second reference axis. The values a ₂ , b ₂ and c ₂ are preferably chosen such that the angle α _{2 is} at least 5 degrees, or preferably at least 10 degrees.

The extent b ₁ is preferably greater, or preferably at least 1.5 times as large, or preferably at least 1.8 times as large as the first distance c ₁ . The length a _{1 of} the extended biasing element 5 ( Fig. 1 ) is preferably no more than twice, or preferably no more than 1.8 times as large as the length a _{2 of} the retracted prestressing element 5 ( Fig. 2 ).

When the spar 2 is moved along the circumferential direction 13 (hereinafter referred to as the closing direction), the gas pressure spring 5 is tensioned and thereby stores an amount of energy. Figure 2 shows the fan 1 of Fig. 1 in a closed (folded) state, in which a maximum amount of energy is stored in the gas pressure spring. In this example, the spars 2, 3, 7, 7 'have been brought together completely and are parallel to each other. In other variants, the closed or folded state could represent a partial closing or folding up, the spars 2, 3, 7, 7 'still being partially spread apart. It should be noted that the terms "close" and "closed" in this description and in the claims are used in the sense of bringing the spars together along the corresponding circumferential direction 13, and not in the sense of "locked" or "fastened together ".

The compartment 1 may have a locking device such as the locking pin 23 for holding the compartment 1 in the closed state. When the compartment is closed, the locking pin 23 engages in a hole or in a recess in the inclined end part of the spar 2.

When closed (see Fig. 2 ) the energy stored in the pretensioning element 5 (gas pressure spring in this example) is available for spreading the fan 1 along the circumferential direction 14 (hereinafter referred to as the opening direction).

The locking device described above can also serve as a release device, e.g. by moving the locking pin 23 out of the hole or out of the recess, whereupon the compartment 1 is spread open by means of the energy stored in the pretensioning element 5. The spreading is preferably carried out solely by the energy stored in the prestressing element 5, to be precise without any external mechanical drive force. The pretensioning element 5 is thus formed in such a way that it can store enough energy to drive the spreading open (or closing, depending on the design) of the compartment 1 between its closed state and its spread-open state. The release device is preferably designed so that it can be actuated from a distance of more than 1 m, such as with a rod or a remote control. Thus, for example, the compartment 1, which is hung on a wall at a height of e.g. 2.5 m, can be opened using the rod or the remote control. In another constellation of the compartment 1 (e.g. where the compartment 1 is attached to the floor), the release device can be designed so that it can be operated directly by hand.

The compartment 1 can have a damping device for damping the movement of the bars 2, 3, 7, 7 'when the compartment 1 is closed and / or when the compartment 1 is spread open. In the example shown, the gas pressure spring 5 also fulfills the function of the damping device. A separate damping device could, however, be arranged as one or more stand-alone elements or in the axes of rotation of the bars.

That in the Figures 1 to 3 The example shown shows an opening angle in the expanded state ( Fig. 1 ) of about 90 degrees. However, the opening angle can be larger or smaller than 90 degrees.

In the example shown, a prestressing element 5 is illustrated, which extends between the two outermost spars 2 and 3 in the circumferential direction. The pretensioning element 5 can alternatively be arranged between any two of the spars, the drive and tensioning force of the pretensioning element 5 being able to be transmitted to the other spars in a different manner if necessary. Several prestressing elements 5 be arranged between the spars 2, 3, 7, 7 ', for example in an overlapping arrangement, with each prestressing element 5 jumping over a spar to which another prestressing element is connected. In this way, the opening angle of the fan 1 can be made as large as desired, for example if the junction element 4 and / or the mounting of the inner ends of the bars 2, 3, 7, 7 'are also redesigned in a suitable manner.

In this description, the invention is explained with the aid of examples in which the tensioning energy stored in the pre-tensioning element is used to expand the fan 1. It should be noted, however, that the compartment 1 can alternatively be designed in such a way that the energy stored in the prestressing element 5 is used to close the compartment 1 instead of opening it. For example, a prestressing element 5 can be used, which is tightened when the prestressing element 5 expands linearly. In the latter case, the fan is held in the closed state by the tensioning force of the pretensioning element 5. In the expanded state of the fan 1, the spars can be kept expanded by another means.

In the Figures 1 to 3 a tilting mechanism 6, 9, 10, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 is also shown, which is now also with reference to the Figures 4 and 5 is explained. In order to serve as sun or weather protection, the compartment 1 is attached or suspended from a fastening point. The attachment point is in the Figures 1 to 5 not illustrated. A suitable fastening point can be, for example, a region of a wall, a column, a stand, a roof, a roof beam, a rafter or the floor. The tilting mechanism is used, if necessary, to change the angle of inclination of the fan, for example in order to achieve a desired shadow effect. However, the compartment 1 can be used without the tilting mechanism, specifically without the setting element 6.

For this purpose, the tilting mechanism has an adjusting element 6 which can be attached essentially rigidly to the fastening point. The compartment 1 is mounted on the setting element 6 by a rotary joint 17, the compartment 1 rotating about the axis X relative to the setting element 6 can. In order to increase the variety of setting options, the setting element can be provided with further axes of rotation or joints. The illustrated setting element 6 has several setting openings 20 into which an setting pin 19 can be moved in order to block the rotation of the fan 1. The adjustment pin 19 is actuated via an actuation element 9 and an actuation connection 18. In this example, the actuation connection is formed, for example, as a cord or chain 18, which can be pulled by means of the actuation element 9 (e.g. a rotatable shaft) in order to disengage the adjustment pin to be obtained from the corresponding adjustment opening. As in the case of the release device described above, the actuating element 9 can be designed so that it can be actuated by a user directly by hand and / or with a rod or other remote control. The actuation connection 18 can run at least partially through the spar 3, for example in an inner cavity of the spar 3.

In the example shown, the tilting mechanism has a second biasing element 10, such as a gas spring. This extends between the junction element 4 of the fan 1 and the setting element 6 in such a way that the second prestressing element 10 pre-loads the rotational movement of the fan 1 in a direction of rotation about the axis X. In this way, a relatively heavy fan can easily be moved in the stated direction of rotation, e.g. by a user.

In this example, a first end of the second prestressing element 10 is mounted on a first bracket 21 which is rigidly or integrally connected to the junction element 4. The second end of the second prestressing element 10 is mounted on a second arm 22, which is rigidly or integrally connected to the adjusting element 6.

the Figures 6 and 7 show a sun or weather protection 1, 1 ', which is essentially a mirrored version of the one in FIG Figures 1 to 5 shown fan is formed. Two compartments 1, 1 'share a common spar 3, which is rigid or integral with the common Node element 4 'is connected. In these figures, the adjustment element 6 is attached to a fastening point 33, such as a wall, a stand, a roof or the floor. The angle of inclination of the combined fan 1, 1 'can, as in relation to the example of FIG Figures 1 to 5 described, take place by actuating the actuating element 9. The movement of the fan 1, 1 ′ about the axis X is made considerably easier by the preloading second pretensioning element 10.

The one in the Figures 8 to 12 Subject 1 shown corresponds to subject 1 of the Figures 1 to 5 . In the execution of the Figures 8 to 12 however, the compartment 1 has a closing device 24, 25, 27, 34) for closing or folding the compartment 1. The bars 2, 3 are pulled together with a pulling means 25, such as a cord or a chain. The contraction is driven by a drive element 24, such as a crankshaft 24, 27 or a motor. The drive element 24 is preferably accommodated in the junction element 4 and, as in the case of the actuating element 9 described above and the triggering device 23, can be operated remotely. For this purpose, a drive ring 34 is provided which can be rotated, for example, with a hook at the end of a rod in order to close the compartment. The closing device can be configured in such a way that when the compartment is opened, the cord or chain 25 is withdrawn from the shaft 27 of the crankshaft or of the engine substantially with little or no resistance. The traction means 25 preferably runs at least partially through the spar 3.

the Figures 13 and 14 show how the fan 1 can be hung. The adjustment element 6 is provided with a first fastening element 29, and the fastening point 33 is provided with a corresponding second fastening element 30. The first and second fastening elements are designed so that they engage with one another to form a frictional suspension. In the example shown, the first fastening element 29 is formed as an elongated rod or tube, the second fastening element 30 being formed as a tube. The tube 30 is over the Rod or tube 29 pulled up and fastened with a releasable locking element (not shown) at least against a rotation about the axis X, preferably also against a movement along the rod or tube 29. The suspension shown is designed so that the fan 1 easily from the first fastening element 29 can be removed. The releasable locking element is designed so that it can be operated remotely, as with the actuating element 9 described above, with the release device 23 and with the drive element 24. Thanks to this remote-controlled locking element, it is possible for one person to detach the compartment from the suspension and take it down. The adjustment element 6 is reinforced with support plates 31, 32. The reference numeral 28 relates to connecting parts of the rotary joint 17.

Claims (15)

1. Fan-like sun or weather protection, hereinafter referred as to fan (1), which has a plurality of essentially radially in relation to the shape of the spread-out fan running spars (2, 3, 7, 7'), said spars (2, 3, 7 , 7') are movable between a closed and an expanded state of said fan (1), said spars (2, 3, 7, 7') are movable in a first movement (13, 14) from a first to the second of said two states and essentially in one plane, and wherein said spars (2, 3, 7, 7') are movable in a second movement (13, 14) from said second to said first of said states and substantially in said plane, wherein said spars (2, 3, 7, 7') comprise a first spar (2) and a second spar (3), said fan (1) having a first prestressing element (5), which is connected with said first spar (2) at a first radial intermediate position along said first spar (2) and is connected with said second spar (3) at a second radial intermediate position along said second spar, and said first prestressing element (5) is arranged between said first and second intermediate positions, characterized in that said first prestressing element (5) is designed such that it is during said first movement (13, 14) of said spars (2, 3, 7, 7') stores a drive energy of said first movement by linear expansion (a1) or by linear contraction and, that it drives said second movement (13, 14) by means of said stored drive energy.
2. Fan (1) according to claim 1, which has a damping element for damping said first and / or second movements (13, 14) of said spars (2, 3, 7, 7').
3. Fan (1) according to one of Claims 1 or 2, in which said first prestressing element (5) and / or said damping element has a gas pressure spring (5).
4. Fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein:

   each of said plurality of spars (2, 3, 7, 7 ') is mounted in a node element (4) of said fan (1);

   said fan having a first reference axis which runs along said first spar (2);

   said fan has a second reference axis which runs along the second spar (3);

   in said expanded state of said fan, said first and second axes intersect at a reference point;

   said first prestressing element (5) is mounted at said first intermediate position at a first distance (c₁) from said reference point (4) on said first spar (2) by means of a first swivel joint (11);

   said first prestressing element (5) is mounted at said second intermediate position at a second distance (b₁) from said reference point (4) on said second spar (3) by means of a second swivel joint (12); and

   said second distance (b₁) is greater, or preferably at least 1.5 times as large as, or preferably at least 1.8 times as large as said first distance (c₁).
5. Fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein:

   in said expanded state of said fan (1), a first axis of said first prestressing element (5) extending through the first and second bearings (11, 12) is at a first angle (α₁) to said second spar (3),

   and wherein said first angle (α₁) is at most 45 degrees,

   and / or

   in said closed state of said fan (1), said first axis is at a second angle (α₂) to said second spar (3), said second angle (α₂) being at least 5 degrees.
6. Fan (1) according to claim 4 or 5, in which:

   there is a third distance (a₁) between said first bearing (11) and said second bearing (12) in expanded state of said fan (1);

   in said closed state of said fan (1), there is a fourth distance (a₂) between the said first bearing (11) and said second bearing (12);

   said fourth distance (a₂) being at least 50% as large as said third distance (a₁).
7. Fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said first prestressing element (5) is set up in such a way as to be able to hold a tarpaulin (8) of said fan (1) taut in said expanded state of said fan (1).
8. Fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a first disengaging device (23) for activating said second movement (13, 14).
9. Fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a holding device (6, 17, 28, 32), said node element (4) being rotatable mounted about a tilting axis (X) running in the said plane on the holding device (6, 17, 28, 32), with an angle of inclination of said fan being adjustable in relation to the holding device (6, 17, 28, 32).
10. Fan (1) according to claim 9, which has a second prestressing element (10) for prestressing said rotation of said node element (4) about said tilting axis (X) with respect to said holding device (6, 17, 28, 32).
11. Fan (1) according to one of claims 9 or 10, in which said holding device (6, 17, 28, 32) has a latching element (19) and a plurality of latching openings or recesses (20), wherein, in the aforementioned setting of said angle of inclination, said latching element (19) can snap into one of said latching openings or recesses (20) while holding said fan (1) at the given angle of inclination.
12. Fan (1) according to claim 11, which has a release device (9, 18) for disengaging said latching element (19).
13. Fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a closing device (24, 25, 27, 34) for folding up said fan (1), said closing device (24, 25, 27, 34) having a drive mechanism (24, 34) and a pulling means (24, 25) for drawing together at least two of said spars (2, 3, 7, 7').
14. Fan (1) according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein at least a part of said release device (9, 18) or said pulling means (25) passes through a cavity within one (3) of said spars (2, 3, 7, 7').
15. Sun or weather protection, which has a first fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a second fan (1') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of said first and second spars (2, 3) of said first fan (1) is rigidly or integral connected with one of said first and second spars (2, 3) of said second fan (1'), and / or wherein said node element (4) of said first fan (1) is rigid or integral connected with said node element (4) of said second fan (1').

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