WO2011006874A1

WO2011006874A1 - Locking assembly, particularly for outdoor awnings

Info

Publication number: WO2011006874A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/059990
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefano Lazzarini
Original assignee: Fanani S.R.L.
Priority date: 2009-07-14
Filing date: 2010-07-12
Publication date: 2011-01-20
Also published as: EP2454438A1; IT1394671B1; ITBO20090451A1

Abstract

A locking assembly, particularly for outdoor awnings, awnings (2) preferably of the roll-up type and which have at least one transverse shaft provided with at least one pin (3); the pin (3) protrudes laterally from the shaft and can move along a guide (4) that defines the path for the unrolling and rolling-up of the awning (2). The locking assembly comprises a fixing pawl (6) that can be articulated to the guide (4) and which is kept elastically in interference along the path of the pin (3); the unrolling of the awning (2) causes the pin (3) to engage the pawl (6) in order to cause the oscillation of the latter and the consequent accommodation of the pin (3) in a seat (7) provided along the profile of the pawl (6), so as to form a configuration for the removable locking of the awning (2).

Description

LOCKING ASSEMBLY, PARTICULARLY FOR OUTDOOR AWNINGS Technical field

The present invention refers to a locking assembly, particularly for outdoor awnings.

Background Art

Nowadays the variety of outdoor awnings is increasingly wide and heterogeneous, able to satisfy a user base that is more attentive and demanding by means of recourse to attractive aesthetic choices (the result of specific research into materials, colourings, designs, et cetera) and/or through the capacity to optimally resolve specific technical problems.

With particular reference to roll-up awnings, one of the tasks that the makers typically must deal with is that of ensuring that the user can lock such awning in place once it has been completely unrolled from the roller (around which it is rolled up when it is not in use).

As is known, the movement of unrolling (and rolling up) the awning is guided by suitable grooved profiles that are located at the sides of such awning and inside which pins can run which protrude laterally from a rigid bar that is located on the opposite side of the awning from the roller.

In order to achieve the locking of the awning, specific paths are imposed on the pins which enable them to engage in suitable recesses that are formed in locking organs that are fixed to such guides at the stroke limit.

Such a solution is not, however, without drawbacks.

As noted above, to lock the awning it is necessary to impose a specific path on the pins: near the stroke limit (and the stop position) the pins therefore move in directions that are transversal with respect to the direction of unrolling of the awning.

To make this movement possible, the engagement between the pins and the grooved profiles has a play that can be extensive and which, although it makes the desired path possible, is also the potential cause of undesired flapping of the awning during unrolling and rolling up. Disclosure of the Invention

The aim of the present invention is to solve the above mentioned drawbacks, by providing an assembly that achieves the locking of the awning in a specific configuration practically and easily.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to devise an assembly that ensures the locking of the awning without compromising the correct movement of such awning during its unrolling and rolling up.

Another object of the invention is to devise a locking assembly that can be used on awnings that are unrolled in any direction (awnings which are vertical, horizontal or inclined at any angle).

A further object of the invention is to devise a locking assembly that ensures a high level of reliability in operation, even after possible deteriorations or wrinkling in the fabric of the awning,

A further object of the invention is to devise a locking assembly that can be easily made from elements and materials that are easily sourced on the market.

A further object of the invention is to devise a locking assembly that can be made at low cost and safely applied.

This aim and these objects and others that will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a locking assembly, particularly for outdoor awnings, awnings preferably of the roll-up type and having at least one transverse shaft provided with at least one pin that protrudes laterally and can move along a guide that defines the path for the unrolling and rolling-up of the awning, characterized in that it comprises a fixing pawl, which can be articulated to the guide and kept elastically in interference along the path of the pin, the unrolling of the awning causing the pin to engage said pawl in order to cause the oscillation of the latter and the consequent accommodation of the pin in a seat provided along the profile of said pawl, so as to form a configuration for the removable locking of the awning. Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the locking assembly according to the invention, illustrated by way of a non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective front view of a locking assembly according to the invention, installed on a roll-up awning;

Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the locking assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the locking assembly of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a sectional view of Figure 3, taken along the line IV-IV; Figure 5 is a perspective front view of a detail of the locking assembly according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a a perspective rear view of the detail of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is an exploded perspective front view of the detail of Figure

5;

Figure 8 is a front elevation view of the detail of Figure 5 and highlights the path of the pin with respect to the pawl.

Ways of carrying out the Invention

With reference to the figures, a locking assembly, according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, is particularly adapted for use on outdoor awnings 2, and preferably on awnings 2 of the roll-up type.

It should be made clear from this point onward that the use on roll-up awnings 2 constitutes a preferred but not exclusive application of the locking assembly 1 according to the invention. Constant reference will therefore be made to such application hereinafter in the present discussion, but the possibility (at least within the scope of protection claimed herein) is not excluded of using the locking assembly 1 on different types of awning 2, or on doors and windows and the like. With reference to the preferred application, the awning 2 has at least one transverse shaft that is in turn provided with at least one pin 3 that protrudes laterally and which is movable along a guide 4 that defines the path (rectilinear, curvilinear, polygonal or otherwise) of unrolling and rolling up of the awning 2.

In more detail, the pin 3 can simply constitute a sort of extension of the transverse shaft brought from the awning 2, or, as in the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the pin 3 can be fixed to a carriage 5 which in its turn carries and supports the transverse shaft and the awning 2 (accompanying it during the unrolling and rolling up).

According to the invention, the locking assembly 1 comprises a fixing pawl 6 that can be articulated to the guide 4 and which is kept elastically in interference along the path of the pin 3.

Unrolling the awning 2 thus brings the pin 3 (during its travel along the path defined by the guide 4) to intercept the pawl 6 so causing its oscillation and, consequently, the accommodation of the pin 3 in a seat 7 formed along the profile of the pawl 6, so forming a configuration for the removable locking of the awning 2.

In an exceptionally practical and easy manner, the locking is ensured by the elastic return of the pawl 6 to its original position, in which it is able to contrast a possible retraction of the pin 3.

In particular, with reference to the preferred application shown in the accompanying figures, the locking assembly 1 comprises two fixing pawls 6, which are arranged on opposite sides of the awning 2 at the stroke limit of the path of two respective pins 3 (and possibly in suitable spaces formed along the guide 4). The pins 3 in turn protrude from opposite sides of the transverse shaft and of the awning 2, and so determine a locking configuration that corresponds to the complete unrolling of the awning 2.

Usefully, the locking assembly 1 comprises means of tensioning the awning 2 that can be actuated at the accommodation of the pin 3 in the seat 7 to ensure the stable maintenance of the locking configuration defined above. In particular, such tensioning means are substantially constituted by a drive unit of the awning 2, to such unit being referred the task of controlling the unrolling and rolling up of the awning 2.

To determine the tensioning, it is sufficient that the drive unit, with the pin 3 accommodated in the seat 7, imposes the rolling up of a minimal portion of the awning 2 to bring the pin 3 into contact against the seat 7 with force, thus ensuring the stable maintenance of the locking configuration and forestalling the danger of inflexions of the awning 2 or of slipping out of the pin 3 out of the seat 7.

The tensioning of the awning 2 can have greater or lesser intensity according to the extent of the rolling up imposed upon the awning 2, which in turn is variable for example according to the specific application needs. In any case, during the rolling-up necessary for the tensioning, the thrust of the pin 3 against the pawl 6 is contrasted by the resistance of the pawl 6 and of the other components involved, which are dimensioned so as to guarantee the tensioning without risking breakages or in any case excessive stresses.

More specifically, according to a first possible embodiment, the drive unit is constituted by a motor, preferably of the electric type, that is functionally associated with a roller 8 of the awning 2; such motor is therefore actuatable on command to determine the rolling-up and unrolling of the awning 2 and a user can govern the operation for example by means of a simple switch or other control and actuation apparatus.

The control and actuation apparatus can also be able to store the number of turns of the motor that corresponds with the locking configuration, obtaining such information for example during the installation or in any case during the first use of the assembly 1. This therefore makes it possible for the apparatus, in subsequent uses, to automatically send the command for the minimal rolling-up necessary to ensure the tensioning of the awning 2. Alternatively, such command can be simply given by the user, once he or she has unrolled the awning 2 until the pin 3 is brought into the seat 7 of the pawl 6,

According to a different embodiment, the drive means is constituted by a winch that is functionally associated with the roller 8 of the awning 2. Such winch is in turn manually actuatable by a user by means of a suitable crank in order to produce the rolling-up and unrolling of the awning 2.

The tensioning of the awning 2 moved by the winch is produced by a direct action of the user, who acts on the crank to roll up the awning 2 for a minimal portion and achieve the aforementioned location of the pin 3 in the seat 7.

For example, the rolling-up of the awning 2 that ensures the desired tensioning affects a portion of awning 2 that can have a length that is preferably comprised between 1 cm and 15 cm, and such rolling up corresponds to a rotation of the roller 8 through an angle that is preferably comprised between 0° and 10°,

According to an embodiment of relevant practical interest, described for the purposes of non-limiting illustration of the application of the invention, the locking assembly 1 comprises at least one base plate 9 which can be fixed to the guide 4 (for example using threaded holes 10 formed along the plate 9, into which screws 11 can be inserted).

Each pawl 6 is therefore elastically articulated to a respective plate 9 about an axis that is perpendicular to such plate. In more detail, to implement the articulation of the pawl 6 to the plate 9, the fixing pawl 6 can be provided with a hinge 12 whose shape and dimensions are substantially consistent with those of the plate 9: the hinge 12 has a through hole 13 which allows the insertion of a threaded plug 14 the end of which is accommodated in a female screw 15 formed on the plate 9.

Moreover, as can be seen in particular from Figures 5 and 7, between the plug 14 and the through hole 13 a bushing 16, preferably self-lubricating, can be interposed to ensure an optimal rotation of the pawl 6 and to reduce the danger of wear such as to compromise, over time, the correct operation of the assembly 1 according to the invention.

As can be seen from Figures 5, 6 and 7, each plate 9 has a cavity that can accommodate a spring 17 that elastically acts on the fixing pawl 6. In more detail, the spring 17 develops an elastic reaction that can keep the pawl 6 in interference with the path of the pin 3.

More specifically, according to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the two ends of the spring 17, by axial action, abut against respective rods 18 that are fixed to the hinge 12: any rotation of the pawl 6 (in either one of the two directions) about the axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the plate 9 (and which is substantially defined by the threaded plug 14), thus brings one of the rods 18 to compress the spring 17, which thus develops an elastic reaction that tends to return the pawl 6 to its original configuration (of interference with the path of the pin 3).

Advantageously, the profile of each fixing pawl 6 has a first guiding portion 6a for the pin 3 : when, as an effect of the unrolling of the awning 2, the pin 3 intercepts the pawl 6, the subsequent advancement of the pin 3 along the path brings it to slide along the first portion 6a while the pawl 6, pushed by the pin 3, oscillates about the axis defined by the plug 14 until the accommodation of the pin 3 in the seat 7 in order to produce the locking configuration. The specific shape chosen for the first portion 6a enables the pawl 6 to behave substantially like a cam in order to guide the movement of the pin 3 in the final portion of its path, before reaching the locking configuration of the awning 2.

In addition, the profile of each pawl 6 comprises a second portion 6b for guiding the pin 3, which is opposed to the first portion: following the unrolling of a minimal portion of the awning 2, with the pin 3 accommodated in the seat 7 (and the awning 2 in locking configuration), the respective pin 3 slides on the second portion 6b with consequent oscillation of the pawl 6 (in the opposite direction to that of the rotation described previously) to disengage from the seat 7 and unlock the awning 2.

The operation of the locking assembly according to the invention is as follows.

When it is needed to use the awning 2, the user can act on the drive means (be it a motor, a crank or other means) to command the unrolling of the awning 2 from the roller 8, and enable the progressive covering of a window or the like.

During the unrolling, the pin 3 moves along the path defined by the guide 4, until it intercepts the fixing pawl 6, which is kept in a position of interference by the elastic action of the spring 17.

The further advancing of the pin 3 defeats the elastic action of the spring 17, the pawl 6 thus oscillates about its axis of rotation while the pin 3 slides along the first portion 6a of its profile, until it comes at the seat 7, in which it is accommodated.

The pushing action of the pin 3, contrasted by the elastic reaction of the spring 17, keeps the pin 3 in contact with the pawl 6 during the oscillation of such pawl, until the accommodation in the seat 7, at which point the thrust of the pin 3 is interrupted and the pawl 6 is returned to the initial arrangement, so providing a contrast to the possible withdrawal of the pin 3.

In this way the locking configuration of the awning 2 is produced, made more stable by the action of the tensioning means, which in the preferred embodiment are constituted by the drive means, which commands a minimal rolling up of the awning 2 to tension it and enable the pin 3 to come into contact with force against the seat 7, so preventing inflexions of the awning 2 and/or slipping out.

The locking configuration is thus obtained in a practical and easy manner, thanks to the action of the pawl 6 which, being kept elastically along the path of the pin 3, is automatically able to intercept it and subsequently ensure the locking. Moreover, the presence of the tensioning means is further guarantee of the production of an optimal locking.

The pin 3 is limited to travelling, integrally with the awning 2, the unrolling path defined by the guide 4 and it is not necessary to impose further movements, as happens when using known locking assemblies with consequent structural complications.

When the user wants to roll up the awning 2, he or she can command its minimal unrolling, to allow the pin 3 to slip out of the seat 7 and bring it to the second portion 6b of the profile of the pawl 6. Similarly to what has been seen for the first portion 6a, the pin 3 slides along the second portion 6b (which guides it by behaving substantially like a cam) while the pawl 6 oscillates.

After having travelled a first part of the path the pin 3 completely disengages from the pawl 6 to then travel the remaining part of the path, possibly until the complete rolling up of the awning 2 around the roller 8.

It should be noted that the locking and the subsequent unlocking are ensured by the cooperation of components that perform their function without resorting to the action of the force of gravity, as happens with some known types of locking assemblies. It follows from this that the application of the locking assembly 1 is possible on awnings 2 that extend in any direction and which have any path for unrolling and rolling up: in particular it is possible to use the assembly 1 to effectively lock, in a desired configuration, awnings 2 that are horizontal as well as vertical or inclined.

It should also be noted that the choice to achieve the locking of the awning 2 by means of sliding along the first path 6a until the accommodation in the seat 7 and the subsequent minimal rolling-up described in the above paragraphs ensures a correct operation of the assembly 1 even if the position in which the pin 3 is found at its stroke limit varies over time.

Indeed, it is widely known that the fabric of the awning 2 is subject to lengthening over time, and moreover the awning 2 can in some points be subjected to wrinkling or wizening. Following the occurrence of such phenomena, when the motor performs the number of turns stored as corresponding to the stroke limit, the pin 3 will be found in positions that are different from the previous ones.

Through the suitable dimensioning of the first portion 6a, and the decision to use a minimal rolling up of the awning 2 to achieve the locking, it is possible to compensate for the above mentioned variations of the position of the pin 3 (variations which can produce shifts of the position of the pin 3 at the stroke limit of even a few centimetres) and ensure in any case a correct operation of the assembly 1 according to the invention.

In practice it has been found that the locking assembly according to the invention fully achieves the intended aim, in that the choice to use a fixing pawl that is kept elastically in interference along the path of the pin protruding from the transverse shaft of the awning, in a practical and easy manner defines a locking configuration for such awning because the unrolling of the awning brings the pin to intercept the pawl, so causing its oscillation with the consequent accommodation of the pin in a seat formed along the profile of such pawl.

The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements,

In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be interchanged with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

In addition, it should be noted that anything found to be already known during the patenting process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.

In practice the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art. The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. BO2009A000451 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A locking assembly particularly for outdoor awnings, awnings (2) preferably of the roll-up type and having at least one transverse shaft provided with at least one pin (3) that protrudes laterally and can move along a guide (4) that defines the path for the unrolling and rolling-up of the awning (2), characterized in that it comprises a fixing pawl (6), which can be articulated to the guide (4) and kept elastically in interference along the path of the pin (3), the unrolling of the awning (2) causing the pin (3) to engage said pawl (6) in order to cause the oscillation of the latter and the consequent accommodation of the pin (3) in a seat (7) provided along the profile of said pawl (6), so as to form a configuration for the removable locking of the awning (2).

2. The locking assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two of said fixing pawls (6), which are arranged on opposite sides of the awning (2) at the stroke limit of the path of two respective pins (3) that protrude from opposite sides of the transverse shaft, in order to determine a locking configuration that corresponds to the complete unrolling of the awning (2).

3. The locking assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises means for tensioning the awning (2), which can be operated upon accommodation of the pin (3) in said seat (7) in order to ensure that said locking configuration is maintained stably.

4. The locking assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that said tensioning means are constituted substantially by a drive unit for the awning (2), which is adapted to actuate the unrolling and rolling-up thereof, a rolling-up of a minimal portion of the awning (2), with the pin (3) accommodated in said seat (7), causing the tensioning of said awning (2) in order to ensure that said locking configuration is maintained stably.

5. The locking assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that said drive unit is constituted by a motor, preferably of the electric type, which is functionally associated with a roll-up roller (8) for the awning (2), said motor being actuatable on command in order to produce the rolling~up and unrolling of the awning (2),

6. The locking assembly according to one or more of claims 1 to 4 and as an alternative to claim 5, characterized in that said drive unit is constituted by a winch functionally associated with a roller (8) for rolling up the awning (2), said winch being actuatable manually by means of an adapted crank in order to produce the rolling-up and unrolling of the awning (2).

7. The locking assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one base plate (9), which can be fixed to the guide (4), each one of said fixing pawls (6) being articulated elastically to a respective plate (9) around an axis that is perpendicular thereto.

8. The locking assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each one of said plates (9) has a cavity that is adapted to accommodate a spring (17) that acts elastically on said fixing pawl (6), in order to keep it in interference with respect to the path of the pin (3).

9. The locking assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said profile of each one of said fixing pawls (6) has a first guiding portion (6a) for the pin (3), the respective pin (3) sliding along said first portion (6a) during the oscillation of said pawl (6) until it is accommodated in said seat (7) in order to produce said locking configuration.

10, The locking assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said profile of each one of said pawls (6) comprises a second guiding portion (6b) for the pin (3), which is opposite to the first portion, as a consequence of the unrolling of a minimal portion of the awning (2), with the pin (3) accommodated in said seat (7), the respective pin (3) sliding on said second portion (6b) with a consequent oscillation of said pawl (6) in order to disengage from said seat (7) to release the awning (2).