Automatic device for folding and unfolding an awning

Abstract

An automated device for folding and unfolding an awning, comprising a telescopic tubular body (2) provided with an upper hook (1), characterized in that the telescopic tubular body (2) incorporates an electric motor (3) configured to drive an extension and retraction mechanism for the telescopic sections and a rotation transmission mechanism transmitted to the upper hook (1).

Description

AUTOMATED DEVICE FOR FOLDING AND UNFOLDING AN AWNING TECHNICAL SECTOR The present invention falls within the construction and sun protection sector, particularly within the systems and mechanisms for opening and closing awnings, canopies or textile covers, more specifically in mechanical and / or motorized assistance devices for the automation of their extension and retraction. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently, there are various awning operating systems, from manual cranks to electric motors. However, manual systems often require considerable physical effort, especially for large awnings or those installed at height, while motorized systems are expensive, require electrical installation, and need regular maintenance. There is no readily available, low-cost, and easy-to-install portable device that allows for the mechanical and assisted automation of the folding and unfolding of a conventional awning without the need for an electric motor or additional construction work. The present invention overcomes these limitations by means of an extendable pole-type device with an internal drive mechanism that multiplies the force and reduces the handling effort. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an automated telescopic drive device, configured as a motorized extendable pole for the automation of the folding and unfolding of an awning, whether for domestic, commercial or industrial use. The main objective of the invention is to provide the user with a portable, autonomous system without fixed wiring, which allows the manipulation of large awnings or those installed in hard-to-reach locations, without the need for significant physical effort or costly electrical or mechanical installations at the place of use. 1. Extendable main body The device consists of a motorized telescopic tube, composed of several sliding sections of lightweight and resistant material, preferably anodized aluminum, carbon fiber or magnesium alloy, which guarantees structural robustness and reduced weight. The extension mechanism is based on an internal motorized system that axially displaces the telescopic sections by means of a worm screw, guided by low-friction linear bearings, allowing the pole to be extended or retracted smoothly and precisely. The pole length is adjustable by the user between a minimum position of 127 cm and a maximum position of 300 cm, thus adapting to different heights, awning types and installation conditions. 2. Motorized extension and retraction mechanism The telescopic system is powered by a compact electric motor integrated into the pole structure and powered by an internal rechargeable battery. The motor is controlled by a dedicated button, ergonomically located on the lower handle, which activates or stops the extension or retraction movement as needed. To ensure safety during use, the device incorporates an automatic stop system that halts the motor upon reaching its maximum or minimum length, preventing mechanical damage. Optionally, the system can include position sensors or limit switches to ensure precise and controlled operation. 3. Hook attachment head At the top end, the pole incorporates a reinforced hook, made of stainless steel or high-strength alloy, designed to securely and reversibly attach to the awning's operating mechanism, such as the roller shaft or drive ring. The hook design may include a quick-locking system or safety latch, which prevents accidental disconnection during the swivel operation, providing greater reliability in windy or lateral traction conditions. 4. Bidirectional rotation system The pole incorporates a torque transmission mechanism that allows for controlled rotation of the awning's axle to open or retract the fabric. This mechanism may consist of an electric gearmotor coupled to the head or a spindle transmission system connected to the handle. At the base of the device are two direction buttons, which allow you to select the direction of rotation: Extension button, to unfold the awning fabric. Retraction button, to retract the tarpaulin. The user can thus easily manage the opening and closing, without additional manual effort. 5. Power supply and recharging The device has two complementary power sources: A fixed internal battery, housed within the tubular body, supplies the necessary power for the extension motor and swivel system. This battery attaches directly to the wall mounting bracket, allowing it to recharge as soon as the device is placed on the bracket. Removable external battery, independently rechargeable and replaceable when necessary. This external battery can be recharged via a USB Type-C port at a separate charging station, eliminating the need for fixed wiring or permanent connections at the awning location. This configuration improves portability and simplifies device maintenance. 6. Anchoring support and loading base For easy storage, protection, and recharging, the device includes an anchor bracket designed to be attached to a wall or supporting structure near the awning. The external battery connects to this bracket to allow the device to be recharged via a "click" mechanism. This support performs the following functions: To store and hold the pole when not in use, keeping it protected from bumps or falls. It serves as a charging base, integrating a USB Type-C connector or a magnetic contact to recharge the external battery while the device remains stored. Secure the external battery compartment, preventing loss or misplacement. 7. Advantages of the invention Thanks to this combination of features, the invention offers: Portable and autonomous operation, without construction work or fixed cabling installation. Precise, motorized length adjustment, adapted to different heights and awnings. Automated bidirectional rotation for convenient extension and retraction of the awning. Convenient charging via independent charging station and universal USB-C connection. Ergonomic and safe use, with intuitive controls located at the base of the stick. Overall, the device provides a practical, affordable, and easy-to-use solution for awning owners looking to modernize their operation without incurring high installation costs or relying on mains power. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings illustrate, through various views and details, a preferred embodiment of the automated extendable device for folding and unfolding an awning, showing its main components and their functional relationship: Figure 1. The figure shows the hook (1) located at the top end of the automatic extendable pole (2), designed to securely hook onto the corresponding part of the awning, allowing the transmission of the rotational movement for opening or closing. The automatic extendable pole (2) is shown in its entirety, including the motorized telescopic structure that allows its length to be adjusted from a minimum of 127 cm to a maximum of 300 cm. Associated with this telescopic structure are position sensors and limit switches (11), integrated inside the tubular body (2), configured to automatically stop the extension or retraction when the set maximum or minimum length is reached. Also visible is the electric motor (3), for extraction and rotation, housed inside the automatic extendable pole (2), responsible for both the automatic extension or retraction of the telescopic tube (2) and for generating the rotational movement in the hook (1) necessary to roll up or unroll the awning. The same figure also shows the plug-in rechargeable battery (4), integrated into the device and intended to supply the energy needed for the operation of the electric extraction and rotation motor (3), said battery (4) being functionally and structurally associated with a decorative base of the charging device (5), designed to house and protect the battery when the device is not in use, keeping it connected to the charging station (9). Figure 2. The figure shows the drive elements of the device, in particular, the extraction switch (6), arranged at the base of the automatic extendable pole (2), which allows the user to conveniently operate the electric motor (3) for extension or retraction of the pole. Also shown is the rotation switch (7), also located in the lower part of the pole (2), which controls the direction of the rotational movement of the hook (1) to extend or retract the awning. Figure 3. The figure shows the wall mount and charging station (9), designed to hold the automatic pole (2) when not in use, allowing for safe storage and facilitating the recharging of the plug-in rechargeable battery (4) in a fixed position. A removable rechargeable battery (8), separate from the main body, is also illustrated, demonstrating its portable nature and its possibility of independent recharging via USB type C connection. (10) This description details the functions and arrangement of each figure, facilitating the understanding of the whole and of each component element of the invention according to the technical report. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The following describes a specific and preferred embodiment of the automated extendable device for folding and unfolding an awning, with reference to the drawings accompanying this descriptive report. As shown in Figure 1, the device comprises an automatic extendable pole (2) consisting of a telescopic tubular body, preferably made of anodized aluminum or equivalent high-strength material, with anti-corrosion treatment to ensure its suitability for outdoor use. The tubular body (2) is divided into sliding sections guided by an internal motorized extension and retraction mechanism. This mechanism consists of a direct current electric motor (3) coupled to a lead screw that axially displaces the telescopic sections, allowing the pole length to be varied precisely and in a controlled manner between 127 cm and 300 cm. The upper end of the pole (2) is equipped with a stainless steel hook (1) mounted on an adjustable head. This hook allows for reversible connection of the pole to the awning's operating mechanism (roller shaft or ring), ensuring torque transmission during the opening and retraction of the awning. The hook may incorporate a quick-lock system to prevent accidental disconnection during use. The electric motor (3) for extraction and rotation is housed in the lower part of the main tube (2). This motor (3) performs a dual function: on the one hand, it drives the extension / retraction mechanism of the telescopic sections; on the other hand, it generates the bidirectional rotation movement that is transmitted to the upper hook (1) to perform the rolling or unrolling operation of the awning. As shown in Figure 2, at the base of the device there is a control unit, composed of 2 buttons (6) and (7): A pull switch (6) to activate the extension or retraction of the pole. A rotation switch (7) to operate the rotary movement of the awning shaft in the opening and retraction direction. As shown in Figure 3, the system is powered by an internal rechargeable battery (4), housed inside the tube (2) and sized to ensure several complete operations. In addition, a removable rechargeable battery (8) is available, designed for easy removal and independent charging via USB Type-C connection (10), eliminating the need for fixed wiring at the point of use. To ensure safe storage and orderly recharging, the invention incorporates a wall mount (9) that functions as both an anchor point and charging station. The wall mount secures the pole (2) when not in use, keeping it protected and upright, and allowing for storage and recharging of the internal battery (4). Additionally, the tubular body (2) integrates a decorative base (5) that houses the external battery (8) and facilitates its connection to the mains via a USB Type-C port (10). The described configuration allows the user to operate the awning fully automatically, adjusting the pole length (2), securely attaching it, and controlling the direction of rotation using the buttons on the base (6, 7), without requiring physical effort or expensive fixed installations. Optionally, the preferred embodiment may incorporate position sensors and limit switches (11), located inside the tubular body (2), and configured to automatically stop the extension or retraction motor (3) upon reaching its maximum or minimum length, as well as a protection system against overloads or overheating. This form of implementation ensures the technical feasibility, mass production and practical installation of the device, which constitutes a portable, autonomous and efficient solution for the automation of existing awnings, without the need for permanent structural modifications.

Claims

1. An automated device for folding and unfolding an awning, comprising a telescopic tubular body (2) provided with an upper hook (1), characterized in that the telescopic tubular body (2) incorporates an electric motor (3) configured to drive an extension and retraction mechanism for the telescopic sections and a rotation transmission mechanism transmitted to the upper hook (1).

2. An automated device for folding and unfolding an awning, according to claim 1, characterized in that the extension and retraction mechanism comprises a lead screw or worm gear driven by an electric motor (3), housed inside the tubular body (2), configured to vary the length of the device. 3.Automated device for folding and unfolding an awning, according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper hook (1) is orientable and comprises a mechanical locking system for its reversible coupling.

4. Automated device for folding and unfolding an awning, according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric motor (3) is bidirectional, connected to the upper hook (1), and comprises at least one rotary switch (7) arranged at the base of the tubular body (2).

5. Automated device for folding and unfolding an awning, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an internal rechargeable battery (4) housed inside the tubular body (2), and a removable external battery (8) with a USB Type-C charging connector (10). 6.Automated device for folding and unfolding an awning, according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a wall bracket (9) that vertically houses the tubular body (2) and serves as a charging station for the internal battery (4), including in the decorative base (5) of the tubular body (2) a housing for the external battery (8).

7. Automated device for folding and unfolding an awning, according to claim 1, characterized in that the base of the tubular body (2) comprises a control unit with an extension and retraction switch (6) and at least one rotation switch (7).

8. Automated device for folding and unfolding an awning, according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes position sensors and limit switches (11) associated with the telescopic mechanism and integrated into the tubular body (2). 9.Automated device for folding and unfolding an awning according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular body (2) is made of lightweight and resistant materials in anodized aluminum, the upper hook (1) in stainless steel and the remaining components are corrosion resistant, suitable for outdoor use.