A method for constructing a corner solar shading device and a corner solar shading device

Abstract

A corner solar shading device (1) having two solar shadings (4, 5) forming an angle (a) with respect to each other. The corner solar shading device comprises an alignment means with: a base wall for attachment to a ground surface; alignment elements for aligning the lower ends of a lateral guide (8) of each solar shading device; and a connecting part to which at least one of these lateral guides is attached. The corner solar shading device comprises a connecting tube (15) with: two walls to each of which one of the lateral guides is attached; and a free wall, connecting the two walls. A lower end of the connecting tube comprises a recess into which the alignment means fits. This allows the connecting tube to be mounted as the last element by means of a purely horizontal shift, which is advantageous when mounting the solar shadings in a cavity wall.

Description

[0001] A method for constructing a corner solar shading device and a corner solar shading device

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for constructing a corner solar shading device. The present invention further relates to a corner solar shading device. In particular, the corner solar shading device comprises either roll-up and roll-down screens or sliding blinds.

[0004] Prior art

[0005] Nowadays, buildings are increasingly being provided with windows wherein the primary and secondary panes meet at an angle, without a frame. This maximizes both the view to the outside and the light that enters.

[0006] However, problems arise if it is desired to provide such a corner window with a corner solar shading device. A corner solar shading device refers to a device, comprising two separate solar shadings, wherein the first solar shading is placed in front of the first panes and the second solar shading is placed in front of the second panes.

[0007] The solar shades can use roll-up and roll-down screens. These then serve as insect screens and / or solar shadings and / or blackout curtains, etc.

[0008] Solar shadings can also utilize Venetian blinds. These are mounted in a sliding manner, typically vertically. When extended, the individual slats of the Venetian blinds can be tilted. This allows for adjusting the light. A known Venetian blind for outdoor use is disclosed in EP0103766.

[0009] The solar shadings can also come in other forms, such as roller shutters.

[0010] Corner solar shadings are often used in the context of a covered area, such as a pergola, veranda, carport, pavilion, patio cover, etc. In such applications, a support post is placed on the corner, onto which the lateral guides are mounted or integrated. Examples thereof are disclosed in WO 2015 / 075609 and WO 2021 / 214677. This provides a robust solution, wherein the various loads of the solar shadings are effectively supported. However, these solutions are undesirable when installing a corner solar shading device in front of windows, wherein maximum visibility through the panes is desired at the corners.

[0011] In the context of a corner solar shading device, installed in front of a corner window, it is common practice to provide separate lateral guides that are connected to each other. They are attached to the housings using specially designed locking pins that extend downward from the housing to within the lateral guides. Examples thereof are disclosed in US 2014 / 262084. Given the asymmetrical arrangement of the lateral guides relative to each other, this is typically considered as less appealing. Attaching the individual lateral guides also presents problems that are detrimental to their strength. The asymmetry results in a system whose strength and stiffness are not the same for both lateral guides. Consequently, forces such as wind loads cannot be absorbed in the same way for both screens.

[0012] In the context of a corner solar shading device placed in front of a corner window, it is known to provide a separate corner profile for integrating lateral guides. Examples thereof are disclosed in WO 2023 / 021377, which discloses a corner solar shading device according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0013] The angle profile shown there is placed against the window and attached at the top and bottom to an external structure (e.g., the floor, a wall, etc.). Pins are installed between the angle profile and the housings.

[0014] This type of corner solar shading device is disadvantageous if the housings are to be integrated into the building's cavity wall. This creates (too) little space for the necessary placement of the corner profile and / or attaching pins. Furthermore, providing a specifically designed corner profile entails significant logistical and manufacturing challenges.

[0015] The problems outlined above also occur with blinds that are installed at an angle. Such systems are commercially available from Warema® under the name "Fenster-System-Raffstoren mit Schienenfuhrung". These systems also use a separate connecting column that is firmly attached on the existing window. There are also known solutions for angled roller shutters using a separate column, for example as disclosed in GB2139683 and DE20101390.

[0016] Description of the invention

[0017] It is an object of the present invention to provide a corner solar shading device that at least partially solves the disadvantages described above.

[0018] This object is achieved by a method for constructing a corner solar shading device comprising a first solar shading and a second solar shading forming an angle with respect to each other, the method comprising: a) providing the first solar shading and the second solar shading, an alignment means and a connecting tube, each solar shading comprising: a housing, a first lateral guide and a second lateral guide, each extending between an upper end and a lower end, and a wall infill, arranged in the housing and movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein a first side of the wall infill is guided in the first lateral guide and a second side of the wall infill is guided in the second lateral guide; b) attaching the housing and the first lateral guide of the first solar shading to an external support; c) attaching the upper end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading to the housing; d) determining the correct position of the lower end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading; e) placing the alignment means on a ground surface, based on the determined correct position, which alignment means comprises: a base wall, configured to be attached to a ground surface; a first alignment element, configured to align the lower end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading; a second alignment element, configured to align the lower end of the second lateral guide of the second solar shading; and a connecting part, configured to attach the lower end of at least one of the second lateral guides; f) placing the second lateral guide of the second solar shading based on the placed alignment means; g) attaching the housing of the second solar shading to an external support and attaching the upper end of the second lateral guide of the second solar shading thereto; h) attaching the upper end of the first lateral guide of the second solar shading to the housing; i) determining the correct position of the lower end of the first lateral guide of the second solar shading and attaching it to an external support; j) attaching the base wall of the alignment means to the ground surface and attaching the lower end of at least one of the second lateral guides to the connecting part; k) sliding the connecting tube over the installed alignment means, which connecting tube comprises: a first wall, configured to be attached to the second lateral guide and / or the housing of the first solar shading; a second wall, configured to be attached to the second lateral guide and / or the housing of the second solar shading; and a free wall, connecting the first wall and the second wall, wherein a lower end of the connecting tube comprises a recess, formed at least partially in the first wall and the second wall and into which the alignment means fits; and I) attaching the connecting tube to the second lateral guide and / or the housing of each solar shading.

[0019] This object is further achieved by a corner solar shading device comprising a first solar shading and a second solar shading which form an angle with respect to each other, wherein the first solar shading comprises: a housing, extending in a first direction; a first lateral guide and a second lateral guide, each extending in a second direction between an upper end and a lower end, wherein the first direction and the second direction are mutually perpendicular and together define a first plane; and a wall infill, arranged in the housing and movable along the second direction between an open position and a closed position, wherein a first side of the wall infill is guided in the first lateral guide and a second side of the wall infill is guided in the second lateral guide, wherein the second solar shading comprises: a housing, extending in a third direction; a first lateral guide and a second lateral guide, each extending in the second direction between an upper end and a lower end, wherein the second direction and the third direction are mutually perpendicular and together define a second plane forming said angle with respect to the first plane; and a wall infill, arranged in the housing and movable along the second direction, wherein a first side of the wall infill is guided in the first lateral guide and a second side of the wall infill is guided in the second lateral guide, wherein the second lateral guide of the first solar shading and the second lateral guide of the second solar shading are proximate each other, wherein the corner solar shading device further comprises: an alignment means, comprising: a base wall, configured to be attached to a ground surface; a first alignment element with which the lower end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading is aligned; a second alignment element with which the lower end of the second lateral guide of the second solar shading is aligned; and a connecting part to which the lower end of at least one of the second lateral guides is attached; and a connecting tube, extending in the second direction and comprising: a first wall, attached to the second lateral guide and / or the housing of the first solar shading; a second wall, attached to the second lateral guide and / or the housing of the second solar shading; and a free wall, connecting the first wall and the second wall, wherein a lower end of the connecting tube comprises a recess at least partially formed in the first wall and the second wall and within which the alignment means fits.

[0020] Such a method and corner solar shading device have several advantages.

[0021] Firstly, there is no need for specific solar shading components. Each solar shading is unchanged from known solar shadings, and standard components can therefore be used in the construction of the corner solar shading device according to the present invention.

[0022] The only specific components that are not standard are the connecting tube and the alignment tool. However, these components have a simple structure and are therefore easy to manufacture.

[0023] This allows third parties, under license, with little knowledge and knowhow to also manufacture the necessary components and thus offer the corner solar shading device.

[0024] Secondly, the connecting tube with a recess can be installed by simply sliding it horizontally. The recess matches the dimensions of the alignment tool.

[0025] Problems, due to lack of space when mounting in a cavity wall, are thus avoided. Thirdly, near the corner, there is only a connection between the alignment element and the ground surface. The connecting tube is not directly attached to any external support. Therefore, no mounting holes need to be made in the external support. This is especially advantageous when used on a balcony, as there are often restrictions regarding which, how many, how deep, etc., such mounting holes may be made.

[0026] An embodiment of the present invention is characterised in that step I) comprises: attaching the first wall of the connecting tube to the second lateral guide of the first solar shading; and attaching the second wall of the connecting tube to the second lateral guide of the second solar shading.

[0027] An embodiment of the present invention is characterised in that the first wall is attached to the second lateral guide of the first solar shading and the second wall is attached to the second lateral guide of the second solar shading.

[0028] In these embodiments, the connecting tube is connected to the second lateral guides of each solar shading. Loads, exerted on one of the wall infills (e.g., wind loads) are thus also supported by the other solar shading. Because both solar shadings form an angle with respect to each other, forces are transferred and absorbed in different directions, creating a stable and robust unit.

[0029] An embodiment of the present invention is characterised in that the attachment of the base wall of the alignment means to the ground surface in step j) takes place during step e) after the correct position of the alignment means has been determined.

[0030] This reduces the risk of the alignment tool being moved inadvertently during installation of the corner solar shading device.

[0031] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that said connecting part of the alignment means comprises: a first wall, configured to be attached to the lower end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading, wherein the first wall forms the first alignment element; and a second wall, configured to be attached to the lower end of the second lateral guide of the second solar shading, wherein the second wall forms the second alignment element, and wherein attaching the lower end of at least one of the second lateral guides to the connecting part of step j) comprises: attaching the first wall of the alignment means to the lower end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading; and attaching the second wall of the alignment means to the lower end of the second lateral guide of the second solar shading.

[0032] Each of the first and second walls of the alignment means thus constitutes an alignment element as well as the connecting part. Each wall therefore has a dual function: aligning and connecting. Moreover, the connection of two walls is more robust than the connection of one wall to one of the second lateral guides.

[0033] An embodiment of the present invention is characterised in that: attaching the first wall of the alignment means to the lower end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading from step j) takes place during step e); and / or attaching the second wall of the alignment means to the lower end of the second lateral guide of the second solar shading from step j) takes place during step f).

[0034] In step e), the correct position of the alignment tool is determined. By immediately attaching the second lateral guide of the first solar shading to the alignment tool in this step, you reduce the risk of unwanted movement of these elements relative to each other during the rest of the installation.

[0035] In step f), the second lateral guide of the second solar shading is installed. By immediately attaching the second lateral guide of the second solar shading to the alignment tool in this step, the risk of unwanted movement of these elements relative to each other during the rest of the installation is reduced.

[0036] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that steps f) and g) are performed together.

[0037] This is mainly of a practical nature as the second screen guide should be mainly vertical and the position of its upper end is inextricably linked to the placement of the housing. An embodiment of the present invention is characterised in that step k) comprises: sliding the connecting tube over the ground surface until the free wall abuts against the base wall of the alignment means.

[0038] Firstly, the sliding movement is easy to perform, and no additional space is required for tilting. The base wall also ensures the correct placement of the connecting tube, thus preventing incorrect installation.

[0039] An embodiment of the present invention is characterised in that: step d) comprises: determining a first shortest distance between the lower end of the first lateral guide and the upper end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading; and positioning the lower end of the second lateral guide in such way that the distance between this end and the upper end of the first lateral guide of the first solar shading is equal to the first shortest distance, and / or wherein step i) comprises: determining a second shortest distance between the lower end of the second lateral guide and the upper end of the first lateral guide of the second solar shading; and positioning the lower end of the first lateral guide such that the distance between this end and the upper end of the second lateral guide of the second solar shading is equal to the second shortest distance.

[0040] Using diagonals is an efficient and simple way to ensure that the lateral guides of a single solar shading are parallel to each other. This parallelism is essential for the correct sliding of the wall infill.

[0041] An embodiment of the present invention is characterised in that step b) and / or step d) and / or step i) comprises: using a spirit level to align one or more of the lateral guides.

[0042] Using a spirit level is an efficient and easy way to ensure that the lateral guides are vertical, which is typically the preferred orientation for a corner solar shading device.

[0043] An embodiment of the present invention is characterised in that the alignment means comprises: a first wall against which the lower end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading is attached, wherein the first wall forms the first alignment element; and a second wall against which the lower end of the second lateral guide of the second solar shading is attached, wherein the second wall forms the second alignment element.

[0044] Each of the first and second walls of the alignment means thus constitutes an alignment element as well as the connecting part. Each wall therefore has a dual function: aligning and connecting. Moreover, the connection of two walls is more robust than the connection of one wall to one of the second lateral guides.

[0045] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the first wall of the connecting tube, the second wall of the connecting tube and the free wall each extend in the second direction between an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end of the first wall of the connecting tube is adjacent to the first wall of the alignment means and the lower end of the second wall of the connecting tube is adjacent to the second wall of the alignment means, and wherein the lower end of the free wall abuts against the base wall.

[0046] The base wall therefore serves to ensure the correct placement of the connecting tube and thus prevents incorrect placement.

[0047] An embodiment of the present invention is characterised in that the lower end of the free wall has a first wall part and a second wall part, each of which abuts against a different part of the base wall, wherein a perpendicular to the first wall part makes an angle and is preferably perpendicular to a perpendicular to the second wall part.

[0048] The base wall of the alignment means is fixed to the ground surface and thus serves as a stop for the free wall of the connecting tube. By placing a stop on at least two wall parts, preferably at an angle to each other, the alignment means can absorb forces in different directions.

[0049] An embodiment of the present invention is characterised in that: the first wall and the second wall of the alignment means are each perpendicular to the base wall; and / or the first wall and the second wall form said angle with respect to each other; and / or the first wall of the alignment means is parallel to said second plane and the second wall of the alignment means is parallel to said first plane. These various features each ensure the simplest possible design of the alignment means. Preferably, this is a three-walled element with a horizontal base wall and two vertical walls that also form the corner of the corner screen device.

[0050] An embodiment of the present invention is characterised in that the corner solar shading device is arranged on an external support, which external support is part of a building, wherein the corner solar shading device is arranged on the outside of the building and forms an outside corner thereof.

[0051] An outside corner is the most common arrangement for a corner solar shading device.

[0052] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the recess is formed entirely in the first wall and the second wall of the connecting tube.

[0053] In other words, the recess is not formed in the free wall of the connecting tube. This is advantageous because the free wall is also the visible wall (at least when used as an outside corner). The recess and the alignment element are thus completely hidden from view.

[0054] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the alignment means fills the recess almost completely.

[0055] The connecting tube and the alignment means together form a beamshaped body for connecting the second screen guides.

[0056] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the first wall and the second wall of the connecting tube have a depth corresponding to that of a corresponding one of the second lateral guides.

[0057] This minimizes the dimensions of the connecting tube to those of each lateral guide. As a result, the connecting tube barely obstructs the light and view through the window.

[0058] An embodiment of the present invention is characterised in that the connecting tube is provided at its upper end with an additional cover, arranged on the free wall and corresponding to the shape of the housings. This is particularly relevant in applications wherein the housings are externally visible. The additional covering creates a seamless whole that is visually desirable.

[0059] An embodiment of the present invention is characterised in that each wall infill is formed by a screen that can be rolled up and down along the second direction.

[0060] The main application of the corner solar shading device according to the present invention is for use with screen solar shadings.

[0061] An embodiment of the present invention is characterised in that the corner solar shading device as described above is constructed according to the method as described above.

[0062] Short description of the drawings

[0063] The invention will be explained in further detail hereinafter with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings.

[0064] Figure 1 shows a corner solar shading device according to the present invention, wherein the wall infills are formed by roll-up and roll-down screens.

[0065] Figures 2A through 2I show various steps of a method according to the present invention for constructing the corner solar shading device of Figure 1 .

[0066] Figure 3 shows a detail of Figure 2C.

[0067] Figure 4 shows a detail of Figure 2F.

[0068] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the connecting tube and alignment means present in the corner solar shading device of Figure 1 .

[0069] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method according to the present invention for constructing the corner solar shading device of Figure 1 .

[0070] Figure 7 shows a corner solar shading arrangement according to the present invention with blinds forming the wall filler.

[0071] Embodiments of the invention The present invention will be described below using specific embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto and is defined solely by the claims. The drawings shown here are merely schematic representations and are not restrictive. In the drawings, the dimensions of certain components may be shown enlarged, meaning that the components in question are not shown to scale, and this is for illustrative purposes only. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual practical embodiments of the invention.

[0072] Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," "third," and the like are used in the description and claims to distinguish between like elements and not necessarily to indicate sequential or chronological order. These terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and embodiments of the invention may operate in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0073] Furthermore, terms such as "top," "bottom," "above," "below," "left," "right," and the like are used in the description and claims for descriptive purposes. The terms thus used are interchangeable as appropriate, and embodiments of the invention may operate in orientations other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0074] The term “comprising” and derivative terms, as used in the claims, shall not be construed as being limited to the means recited in any subsequent instance; the term does not exclude other elements or steps. The term shall be construed as specifying the listed features, integers, steps, or components referred to, without, however, excluding the presence or addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Therefore, the scope of an expression such as “a device comprising means A and B” is not limited solely to devices consisting purely of components A and B. Rather, what is meant is that, for the purposes of the present invention, the only relevant components are A and B.

[0075] The term “substantially” includes variations of + / - 10% or less, preferably + / -5% or less, more preferably + / -1 % or less, and even more preferably + / -0.1 % or less, from the specified state, insofar as the variations are applicable to functioning in the present invention. It is to be understood that the term “substantially A” is intended to also include “A.”

[0076] Figure 1 shows a corner solar shading device 1 according to the present invention, mounted on a ground surface 10 as an outside corner against an existing window device comprising a first glass panel 2 and a second glass panel 3 that form an angle a with respect to each other. In the embodiment shown, the glass panels 2 and 3 are arranged perpendicularly to each other so that the angle a is approximately 90°. However, this is not necessary, and other angles are possible.

[0077] The corner solar shading device 1 comprises a first solar shading 4 and a second solar shading 5. Each solar shading 4, 5 comprises a housing 6, a first lateral guide 7, a second lateral guide 8, and a screen 9 that can be rolled up and down in the housing. The solar shadings 4, 5 are known per se and commercially available and are therefore not described in detail. One of the advantages of the corner solar shading device 1 according to the present invention is that there is no need for specially adapted solar shadings for forming the solar shading device.

[0078] Figure 1 also indicates the various directions used in describing the present invention. There is direction 1 1 along which the screens 9 roll up or down. In practice, direction 1 1 corresponds to the upright or vertical direction. There is direction 12 along which the housing 6 of the first solar shading 4 extends. In practice, direction 12 is perpendicular to direction 1 1 . There is direction 13 along which the housing 6 of the second solar shading 5 extends. In practice, direction 13 is perpendicular to direction 1 1. Directions 12 and 13 form an angle a with respect to each other. In the embodiment shown, this angle a is approximately 90°, but other angles are possible depending on the window device.

[0079] The second lateral guides 9 of the solar shadings 4, 5 are located adjacent to each other, and a connecting tube 15 is fitted between them. The connecting tube 15 is shown in exploded view in Figure 5, along with the alignment means 14, which is attached to the ground surface 10. In the embodiment shown, the connecting tube 15 is constructed from a tubular profile 18 that extends between a lower end and an upper end. An additional cover 19 is provided at the upper end of the tubular profile 18. In the embodiment shown, these elements are attached to each other using conventional fasteners, such as bolts, nuts, etc. The advantage of such a division is that the tubular profile 18 can be manufactured by extrusion. In another embodiment, the tubular profile 18 and the cover 19 are integrally formed.

[0080] The tubular profile 18 comprises a first wall 20 against which the second lateral guide 8 of the first solar shading 4 is positioned, and a second wall 21 against which the second lateral guide 8 of the second solar shading 5 is positioned. The depth of these walls 20, 21 is therefore approximately the same as the depth of the lateral guides 8 to minimize obstruction of additional visibility through the window. The angle between the walls 20, 21 is approximately 90° in the embodiment shown, but is generally the complement of the angle a, namely 180°-a.

[0081] The tubular profile 18 also has a free wall 22 that connects the walls 20, 21 , thus forming a closed section. In the illustrated embodiment, an L- shaped free wall 22 is shown to create a tubular profile 18 with a square cross-section. The tubular profile can have a triangular or other cross-section. The free wall 22 can also be curved, e.g., convex or concave.

[0082] Cover 19 has a design that matches the housings 6 as shown in Figure 1 . This ensures an aesthetic finish of the corner solar shading device 1 . In the embodiment shown, cover 19 is also shaped to continue the square character of the tubular profile 18. With a different cross-section of the tubular profile 18, cover 19 can also be modified accordingly, for example, by following a triangular shape. It should be clear that cover 19 is entirely optional and can also be omitted. Especially in a situation wherein the corner solar shading device 1 is integrated into a building, e.g., in the cavity wall, cover 19 is unnecessary as it is completely hidden from view.

[0083] A crucial feature of connecting tube 15 is a recess 23 on the underside. This recess 23 is designed to allow connecting tube 15 to slide over alignment means 14 simply by horizontally shifting. The advantages of this will become clear below in the description of the method for assembling the corner solar shading device. An advantage of recess 23 is that, in the embodiment shown, it is formed entirely within the first and second walls 20,

[0084] 21 and is therefore hidden from view by the free wall 22.

[0085] Figure 5 also shows the alignment means 14 according to the most advantageous embodiment. The alignment means 14 shown comprises a base wall 25 in which a mounting opening 26 is present, allowing the alignment means 14 to be attached to the ground surface 10. The base wall 25 has a certain thickness so that its front side 30 serves as a stop for the free wall 22 of the connecting tube 15. The shape of the front side 30 of the base wall 25 is therefore consistent with the shape of the underside of the free wall 22. Since the free wall 22 abuts against the base wall 25 (which is fixedly attached to the ground surface 10), it is advantageous that the free wall

[0086] 22 has at least two wall parts that form an angle with each other and are preferably perpendicular. This ensures that lateral forces exerted on the connecting tube 15 (e.g. by wind loads on one or both solar shadings 4, 5) are transmitted to and counteracted by the base wall 25 of the alignment means 14, regardless of their direction.

[0087] The alignment means 14 further comprises a first wall 27 and a second wall 28. These walls 28, 29 are located in the assembled corner solar shading device 1 in the extension of the walls 20, 21 of the connecting tube 15. Each wall 28, 29 has a dual function, serving both as an alignment means and as a fastening means. More specifically, wall 27 serves to align and fasten the lower end of the second lateral guide 8 of the first solar shading 4, and wall 28 serves to align and fasten the lower end of the second lateral guide 8 of the second solar shading 5.

[0088] In another embodiment (not shown), only one of these walls is present, for example wall 27 for aligning and attaching the second lateral guide 8 of the first solar shading 4. Part of the function, i.e. alignment, of wall 28 can then be taken over by a side wall of the base wall 25. In yet another embodiment (not shown), both walls 27, 28 are omitted. Part of the function of walls 27, 28, namely alignment, can be performed by the side walls of the base wall 25. In that case, a means must be provided for attaching at least one of the second lateral guides 8 to the alignment means 14. This could be, for example, an additional wire opening in the base wall 25.

[0089] Figure 1 illustrates the corner solar shading device 1 in the form of an exterior corner for a window device, i.e., the device is placed on the outside of a building. It should be clear that its application is not limited to this. A corner solar shading device according to the present invention can also be used as an interior corner, for example, as a boundary for a balcony, wherein the corner solar shading device is placed on the inside of another structure.

[0090] The corner solar shading device according to the present invention can generally be installed against an existing building. Each solar shading is placed against a wall of the building. Alternatively, the corner solar shading device according to the present invention can be built into the building, wherein the housings and the first lateral guides are typically integrated into the cavity wall. It should therefore be understood that the term "housing" should not be interpreted as a virtually closed beam-shaped box, as in the embodiment shown. On the contrary, for example, when installed in a cavity wall, various parts of the wall can also serve as the housing.

[0091] A method 100 according to the present invention for building a corner solar shading device 1 according to the present invention is shown schematically in Figure 5 and the various steps are illustrated in Figures 2A through 2I for building the corner solar shading device 2 onto an existing corner panes 2, 3.

[0092] The mounting method 100 comprises, in step 105, providing the necessary components of the corner solar shading device 1 , namely: the first solar shading 4 and the second solar shading 5, in particular the components thereof, i.e. housing 6 and lateral guides 7, 8, the connecting tube 15 and the alignment means 14. In step 1 10, the housing 6 and the first lateral guide 7 of the first solar shading 4 are attached to an external support. This is shown in Figure 2A, wherein the first window 2 serves as an external support. In practice, these elements are aligned with each other and the external support so that they are mutually perpendicular and in the same plane, namely the plane defined by directions 11 , 12. In one embodiment, the housing 6 is located in a cavity wall, and the bottom of the housing 6 is substantially flush with the bottom of the cavity wall. In such an embodiment, attaching the housing 6 may simply involve placing mounting pieces (typically called end pieces) in the cavity wall to support the screen roller.

[0093] In step 1 10, the second lateral guide 8 of the first solar shading 4 is placed, after which its upper end is attached to the housing 6 in step 1 15. These steps can also be performed simultaneously. For this purpose, a mounting element, such as a bracket, end piece, etc., can be used to form a connection between the housing 6 and the second lateral guide 8. Even if the housing 6 is built into a cavity wall, it is easily accessible from below, and the lateral guide 8 should normally not (or only minimally) extend into the cavity wall. The lateral guide 8 can therefore be placed via a primarily horizontal shift. The resulting construction is shown in Figure 2A, and it should be noted that the second lateral guide 8 is only attached at the top.

[0094] In step 120, the correct position of the second lateral guide 8 is determined, particularly its lower end. For the correct functioning of the screen 9, it is essential that both lateral guides 7 and 8 are parallel to each other. In practice, the diagonals D are measured to ensure they are identical. A spirit level 33 can also be used for correct alignment. The execution of step 120 is shown in Figure 2B.

[0095] After the correct position of the lower end of the second lateral guide 8 of the first solar shading 4 has been determined, the method continues with step 125. In this step, the alignment tool 14 is placed as shown in Figure 2C. The detail shown in Figure 3 shows how the wall 27 of the alignment tool 14 is placed against the lateral guide 8. The positioning of wall 28 relative to the lateral guide 8 is also taken into account so that it is approximately aligned with the back thereof, as shown in Figure 3. This way, the position of the alignment tool 14 is accurately determined. The installer can now mark or similarly mark the mounting hole 26 on the ground surface 10 and / or create an opening in the ground surface 10 (e.g., with a drill).

[0096] Then, the method continues to steps 130, 135, 140.

[0097] In step 130, the second lateral guide 8 of the second solar shading 5 is positioned based on the position of the alignment means 14.

[0098] In step 135, the housing 6 and the first lateral guide 7 of the second solar shading 5 are attached to an external support. This is shown in Figure 2D, wherein the second window 3 serves as an external support. In practice, these elements are aligned with each other and the external support so that they are perpendicular to each other and in the same plane, namely the plane defined by directions 1 1 , 13. In one embodiment, the housing 6 is located in a cavity wall, and the bottom of the housing 6 is substantially flush with the bottom of the cavity wall.

[0099] In step 140, the upper end of the second lateral guide 8 is attached to the housing 6. For this purpose, a fastening element, e.g. a bracket, end piece, etc., can be used that forms a connection between the housing 6 and the second lateral guide 8. Even if the housing 6 is built into a cavity wall, it is easily accessible from below and the lateral guide 8 should normally not (or only minimally) extend into the cavity wall.

[0100] Steps 130, 135, 140 can be performed sequentially, simultaneously, or in any other order. In practice, housing 6 will be positioned simultaneously with the second lateral guide 8, after which housing 6 is attached to external support 3. The second lateral guide 8 can then be attached to housing 6. Afterward, the first lateral guide 7 is positioned and attached to housing 6, e.g., via a bracket.

[0101] The structure thus constructed is shown in Figure 2D. For the second solar shading 5, the upper end of each lateral guide 7, 8 is attached to the housing 6 or to the end piece placed in the cavity wall that forms part of the housing. The lower end of the second lateral guide 8 is positioned against the wall 28 of the alignment means 14, while the lower end of the first lateral guide 7 remains free. By using the alignment means 14, the second lateral guides 8 form an ideally aligned angle with each other.

[0102] In step 145, the correct position of the first lateral guide 7 is determined, particularly its lower end. For the correct functioning of the screen 9, it is essential that both lateral guides 7 and 8 are parallel to each other. In practice, the diagonals D are measured to ensure they are identical. A spirit level 33 can also be used for correct alignment. Step 145 is shown in Figure 2D. In practice, there is often some play in a corner solar shading device 1 , which, in the method shown, can be compensated for when placing the first lateral guide 7 and can be concealed, e.g., in the cavity wall or with silicone or similar material.

[0103] In the method shown, in step 150, the alignment means 14 is attached to the ground surface 10 after all lateral guides 7, 8 have been properly aligned. This is done using conventional fasteners 31 , as shown in Figure 2E.

[0104] In another embodiment, step 150 can already be performed during step 125 so that no deviation from the correctly determined position of the alignment means in step 125 is possible during the placement of the second solar shading 5 in steps 130, 135, 140, 145.

[0105] In step 155, the lower ends of the second lateral guides 8 are attached to the alignment means 14. This is shown in Figures 2F and 2G, with a detail in Figure 4. For this purpose, openings are made in the lateral guides 8 and the walls 27, 28. This can be done using tools, such as a drill 32, and is shown in detail in Figure 4. Afterward, fasteners 33 are used to fix the second lateral guides 8. The sequence of steps 150 and 155 can also be reversed if desired.

[0106] The method then proceeds to step 160, wherein the connecting tube 15 is slid over the alignment means 14 until it abuts the second lateral guides 8. This is shown in Figure 2H, wherein the corner solar shading device 1 is shown as a surface-mounted construction, providing ample space for placing the connecting tube 15. However, even in versions wherein the housings 6 are built into a cavity wall, it is easy to place the connecting tube 15, which, of course, does not have an additional cover 19. The recess 23 in the connecting tube 15 allows it to be placed purely via a horizontal slide over the alignment means 14 and under the cavity wall.

[0107] In the final step 165, the second lateral guides 8 are attached to the connecting tube 15. This is typically done by providing openings, e.g., using tool 32, and using conventional fasteners. In this way, the connecting tube 15 forms a corner connection between the second lateral guides 8. Lateral forces on one of the solar shadings 4 and 5 are thus borne by the connecting tube 15. This tube 15 is horizontally fixed by the alignment means at the bottom and is connected to the other solar shading on the other side. The connecting tube 15 thus ensures a sturdy and robust assembly for absorbing wind loads and other forces.

[0108] It is important to note that the connecting tube 15 itself is in no way directly connected to the external support 2, 3, nor to the alignment means 14. The second lateral guides 8 are also not themselves connected to the external support 2, 3. In addition, there is no need to attach the connecting tube 15 to the external support 2, 3 at the top.

[0109] Figure 7 shows a similar corner solar shading device mounted against an existing window 2, 3. The only difference from the device shown in Figure 1 is the wall infill 9, which is shaped like a Venetian blind. Such Venetian blinds 9 are slidable in the vertical direction 2 and can therefore be (almost) completely retracted into the housing 6. In the extended position, the individual slats 40 can be tilted about their longitudinal axis (i.e. , direction 12 or 13) to regulate the light incidence.

[0110] A corner solar shading device according to the present invention can also be used as an interior corner, for example, as a boundary for a balcony, wherein the corner solar shading device is placed on the inside of another structure. Especially in the context of a balcony, it is advantageous that only one connection to the existing structure is required in the corner, namely for the installation of the alignment means. This limits the need for openings, which can adversely affect the structural integrity of a balcony. As described above, a housing can also be formed by other elements, in particular by parts of the external support, e.g. a cavity wall.

[0111] While certain aspects of the present invention have been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is understood that these aspects may be implemented in other forms within the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method (100) for constructing a corner solar shading device (1 ) comprising a first solar shading (4) and a second solar shading (5) forming an angle (a) with respect to each other, the method comprising: a) providing (105) the first solar shading and the second solar shading, an alignment means (14) and a connecting tube (15), each solar shading comprising: a housing (6), a first lateral guide (7) and a second lateral guide (8), each extending between an upper end and a lower end, and a wall infill (9) arranged in the housing and movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein a first side of the wall infill is guided in the first lateral guide and a second side of the wall infill is guided in the second lateral guide; b) attaching (1 10) the housing and the first lateral guide of the first solar shading to an external support (2); c) attaching the upper end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading to the housing (1 15); d) determining (120) the correct position of the lower end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading; e) placing (125) the alignment means on a ground surface based on the determined correct position, which alignment means comprises: a base wall (25) configured to be attached to the ground surface (10); a first alignment element configured to align the lower end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading; a second alignment element configured to align the lower end of the second lateral guide of the second solar shading; and a connecting part configured to attach the lower end of at least one of the second lateral guides; f) placing (130) the second lateral guide of the second solar shading based on the placed alignment means;g) attaching (135) the housing of the second solar shading to an external support (3) and attaching the upper end of the second lateral guide of the second solar shading thereto; h) attaching the upper end of the first lateral guide of the second solar shading to the housing (140); i) determining (145) the correct position of the lower end of the first lateral guide of the second solar shading and attaching it to an external support; j) attaching (150) the base wall of the alignment means to the ground surface and attaching (155) the lower end of at least one of the second lateral guides to the connecting part; k) sliding the connecting tube (160) over the installed alignment means, which connecting tube comprises: a first wall (20) configured to be attached to the second lateral guide and / or the housing of the first solar shading; a second wall (21 ) configured to be attached to the second lateral guide and / or the housing of the second solar shading; and a free wall (22) connecting the first wall and the second wall, wherein a lower end of the connecting tube comprises a recess (23), formed at least partially in the first wall and the second wall and into which the alignment means fits; and l) attaching (165) the connecting tube to the second lateral guide and / or the housing of each solar shading2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein step I) comprises: attaching the first wall of the connecting tube to the second lateral guide of the first solar shading; and attaching the second wall of the connecting tube to the second lateral guide of the second solar shading.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attaching of the base wall of the alignment means to the ground surface in step j) takes placeduring step e) after the correct position of the alignment means has been determined.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said connecting part of the alignment means comprises: a first wall (27) configured to be attached to the lower end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading, wherein the first wall forms the first alignment element; and a second wall (28) configured to be attached to the lower end of the second lateral guide of the second solar shading, wherein the second wall forms the second alignment element, and wherein attaching of the lower end of at least one of the second lateral guides to the connecting part of step j) comprises: attaching the first wall of the alignment means to the lower end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading; and attaching the second wall of the alignment means to the lower end of the second lateral guide of the second solar shading.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: attaching the first wall of the alignment means to the lower end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading from step j) takes place during step e); and / or wherein attaching of the second wall of the alignment means to the lower end of the second lateral guide of the second solar shading from step j) takes place during step f).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein steps f) and g) are performed together.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein step k) comprises:sliding the connecting tube over the ground surface until the free wall abuts against the base wall of the alignment means.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein step d) comprises: determining a first shortest distance (D) between the lower end of the first lateral guide and the upper end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading; and positioning the lower end of the second lateral guide in such a way that the distance between this end and the upper end of the first lateral guide of the first solar shading is equal to the first shortest distance, and / or wherein step i) comprises: determining a second shortest distance (D) between the lower end of the second lateral guide and the upper end of the first lateral guide of the second solar shading; and positioning the lower end of the first lateral guide in such a way that the distance between this end and the upper end of the second lateral guide of the second solar shading is equal to the second shortest distance.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein step b) and / or step d) and / or step i) comprises: using a spirit level (33) to align one or more of the lateral guides.

10. A corner solar shading device (1 ) comprising a first solar shading (4) and a second solar shading (5) which form an angle (a) with respect to each other, wherein the first solar shading comprises: a housing (6) extending in a first direction (12); a first lateral guide (7) and a second lateral guide (8), each extending in a second direction (1 1 ) between an upper end and a lowerend, wherein the first direction and the second direction are mutually perpendicular and together define a first plane; and a wall infill (9) arranged in the housing and movable along the second direction between an open position and a closed position, wherein a first side of the wall infill is guided in the first lateral guide and a second side of the wall infill is guided in the second lateral guide wherein the second solar shading comprises: a housing (6) extending in a third direction (13); a first lateral guide (7) and a second lateral guide (8), each extending in the second direction between an upper end and a lower end, wherein the second direction and the third direction are mutually perpendicular and together define a second plane forming said angle with respect to the first plane; and a wall infill (9) arranged in the housing and movable along the second direction, wherein a first side of the wall infill is guided in the first lateral guide and a second side of the wall infill is guided in the second lateral guide, wherein the second lateral guide of the first solar shading and the second lateral guide of the second solar shading are proximate to each other, characterized in that the corner solar shading device further comprises: an alignment means (14), comprising: a base wall (25) configured to be attached to a ground surface (10); a first alignment element with which the lower end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading element is aligned; a second alignment element with which the lower end of the second lateral guide of the second solar shading is aligned; and a connecting part to which the lower end of at least one of the second lateral guides is attached; and a connecting tube (15), extending in the second direction and comprising:a first wall (20) attached to the second lateral guide and / or the housing of the first solar shading; a second wall (21 ) attached to the second lateral guide and / or the housing of the second solar shading; and a free wall (22) connecting the first wall and the second wall, wherein a lower end of the connecting tube comprises a recess (23) at least partially formed in the first wall and the second wall and within which the alignment means fits.11 . The corner solar shading device according to claim 10, characterised in that the alignment means comprises: a first wall (27) against which the lower end of the second lateral guide of the first solar shading is attached, wherein the first wall forms the first alignment element; and a second wall (28) against which the lower end of the second lateral guide of the second solar shading is attached, wherein the second wall forms the second alignment element.

12. The corner solar shading device according to claim 1 1 , characterised in that the first wall of the connecting tube, the second wall of the connecting tube and the free wall each extend in the second direction between an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end of the first wall of the connecting tube is adjacent to the first wall of the alignment means and the lower end of the second wall of the connecting tube is adjacent to the second wall of the alignment means, and wherein the lower end of the free wall abuts against the base wall.

13. The corner solar shading device according to claim 1 1 or 12, characterised in that the lower end of the free wall has a first wall part and a second wall part, each of which abuts against a different part of the base wall,wherein a perpendicular to the first wall part makes an angle and is preferably perpendicular to a perpendicular to the second wall part.

14. The corner solar shading device according to any one of claims 11 to13, characterised in that: the first wall and the second wall of the alignment means are each perpendicular to the base wall; and / or the first wall and the second wall form said angle with respect to each other; and / or the first wall of the alignment means is parallel to said second plane and the second wall of the alignment means is parallel to said first plane.

15. The corner solar shading device according to any one of claims 10 to14, characterised in that the corner solar shading device is arranged on an external support (2, 3), which external support is a part of a building, wherein the corner solar shading device is arranged on the outside of the building and forms an outside corner thereof.

16. The corner solar shading device according to any one of claims 10 to15, characterised in that the recess is formed entirely in the first wall and the second wall of the connecting tube.

17. The corner solar shading device according to any one of claims 10 to16, characterised in that the alignment means fills the recess substantially completely.

18. The corner solar shading device according to any one of claims 10 to17, characterised in that: the first wall and the second wall of the connecting tube have a depth corresponding to that of a corresponding one of the second lateral guides; and / orthe first wall is attached to the second lateral guide of the first solar shading and the second wall is attached to the second lateral guide of the second solar shading.

19. The corner solar shading device according to any one of claims 10 to18, characterised in that the connecting tube is provided at its upper end with an additional cover (19) arranged on the free wall and corresponding to the shape of the housings.

20. The corner solar shading device according to any one of claims 10 to19, characterised in that each wall infill is formed by a screen that can be rolled up and down along the second direction.21 . The corner solar shading device according to any one of claims 10 to 20, characterised in that the corner solar shading device is constructed according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

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