A crank arm mechanism for driving a sunshade to extend and retract

Abstract

This utility model relates to a retractable arm mechanism for driving a sunshade, belonging to the field of sunshade technology. It includes arm I and arm II, with a swivel joint between arm I and arm II. A fixed seat is located at the other end of arm I, and a connecting block is provided between the fixed seat and arm I. A push plate is located at the other end of arm II. The swivel joint includes a shaft connecting tube, on which an ear plate connecting tube is rotatably and interlockingly inserted. Arm I and arm II constitute the main body of the retractable arm. Their length and angular relationship determines the maximum extension distance and compactness of the sunshade when retracted. The swivel joint is the "joint" connecting arm I and arm II. The push plate is the end effector of the mechanism, directly connected to the frame of the sunshade. It features a simple structure, good operational stability, and high space utilization. It combines fixed, rotating, and sliding connections to achieve smooth extension and retraction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sunshade technology, specifically to a curved arm mechanism for driving the sunshade to extend and retract. Background Technology

[0002] Awnings offer comprehensive external shading capabilities, effectively blocking ultraviolet radiation, reducing indoor temperature, decreasing air conditioning load, and saving energy. Furthermore, while shielding from the scorching summer sun, they allow strong sunlight to diffuse into the room, making the interior bright but not glaring. Therefore, awnings are of great significance from both energy-saving and environmental protection perspectives.

[0003] Currently, most awnings used in architectural leisure products are fixed, meaning they are fixed to the building using a fixed bracket, and the awning is installed on the fixed bracket. The disadvantages are: 1. The awning cannot be retracted regardless of the weather or whether shading is needed; 2. Long-term exposure to wind and sun causes significant corrosion to the awning and the fixed bracket, resulting in a shorter lifespan; and it affects indoor lighting. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a curved arm mechanism for driving the extension and retraction of a sunshade. This mechanism features a simple structure, good operational stability, and high space utilization. It combines fixed, rotating, and sliding connections to achieve smooth extension and retraction.

[0005] The above-mentioned technical problems of this utility model are mainly solved by the following technical solutions:

[0006] A retractable arm mechanism for driving a sunshade includes arm I and arm II, with a swivel joint between arm I and arm II. A fixed seat is located at the other end of arm I, and a connecting block is provided between the fixed seat and arm I. A push plate is located at the other end of arm II. The swivel joint includes a shaft connecting tube, and an ear plate connecting tube is provided on the shaft connecting tube for rotatable engagement with the shaft connecting tube.

[0007] Arm I and Arm II constitute the main body of the articulated arm. Their length and angle relationship determines the maximum extension distance and compactness of the awning when retracted. The screw joint is the "joint" connecting Arm I and Arm II. The push plate is the end effector of the mechanism, directly connected to the awning frame.

[0008] Rotary snap-fit ​​connection refers to a connection where the ear plate connecting tube has a groove or spline inside, and the shaft connecting tube has a corresponding protrusion. After the two are inserted, relative rotation is possible, but axial disengagement is restricted. This ensures both smooth rotation and a stable connection, making it more durable and stable than a simple single-pin connection.

[0009] Preferably, the connecting block has a rotating shaft integrated with it on its side end, and an ear plate joint is provided between the rotating shaft and the arm I, which is pin-connected to the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is the fulcrum for the rotation of the arm I. The rotating shaft and the ear plate joint form a typical revolute joint, allowing the arm I to swing around the rotating shaft in a vertical plane.

[0010] Preferably, the connecting block is provided with a connecting through hole for connection and fixation with the fixing seat via a bolt and nut structure.

[0011] Preferably, the mounting base has a multi-slot structure, and screw holes are provided on both sides of the front end of the mounting base. The screw holes are used to securely fix the mounting base to the support frame using expansion screws or other means.

[0012] The multi-slot structure allows users to fine-tune the initial angle or position of each articulated arm mechanism during installation according to actual needs, in order to adapt to different installation scenarios or achieve the optimal shading angle, thus increasing installation flexibility.

[0013] Preferably, a shaft joint is provided between the push plate and the arm II, and an ear plate is provided between the upper and lower end faces of the push plate and the shaft joint, which is connected to the shaft joint by a pin.

[0014] The ear plate 11 is symmetrically integrated with the upper and lower end faces of the push plate 1, and is connected to the shaft joint via a pin. This forms a rotary joint, allowing the arm II to change angle during the pushing process.

[0015] Preferably, the push plate has several mounting holes on its end face. This provides multiple mounting points, ensuring a secure and reliable connection between the push plate and the front crossbeam of the sunshade, and effectively transmitting push and pull forces.

[0016] This invention can achieve the following effects:

[0017] This invention provides a curved arm mechanism for driving the extension and retraction of a sunshade. Compared with existing technologies, it features a simple structure, good operational stability, and high space utilization. It combines fixed, rotating, and sliding connections to achieve smooth extension and retraction.

[0018] Sturdy structure with strong load-bearing capacity:

[0019] Key connection points (such as the fixing base and connecting block, and the inside of the screw joint) all adopt bolt and nut or snap-fit ​​structure, rather than simple single-point welding, which provides extremely high structural strength and stability and can withstand the stress of the sunshade under wind load.

[0020] Multiple connections (such as the four mounting holes on the push plate) make the force distribution more even.

[0021] Flexible movement and smooth extension:

[0022] The mechanism uses rotary joints (pin + ear plate structure) in many places to ensure that the components can rotate smoothly relative to each other during movement and avoid jamming.

[0023] The design of the swivel joint is the essence; it is not only a rotating shaft, but its "clamp-in" method ensures accuracy and durability over long-term use, reducing wobbling and wear.

[0024] Modular design for easy maintenance:

[0025] The entire mechanism is composed of multiple independent modular components (connecting blocks, arms, swivel joints, push plates, etc.) assembled through detachable connections (bolts, pins).

[0026] If a component (such as the lug connector or screw connector) is damaged, it can be replaced individually without scrapping the entire mechanism, reducing maintenance costs and extending product life. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the connecting block and the fixing seat in this utility model.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the push plate in this utility model.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the screw-on component in this utility model.

[0032] In the diagram: push plate 1, connecting block 2, fixed seat 3, arm I 4, screw connector 5, arm II 6, ear plate joint 7, rotating shaft 8, connecting through hole 9, screw hole 10, ear plate 11, shaft joint 12, assembly hole 13, shaft connecting tube 14, ear plate connecting tube 15. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Example: Figure 1-5As shown, a retractable arm mechanism for driving a sunshade includes an arm I 4 and an arm II 6. A swivel joint 5 is provided between the arm I 4 and the arm II 6. The swivel joint 5 includes a shaft connecting tube 14, and an ear plate connecting tube 15 is provided on the shaft connecting tube 14 for rotatable engagement with the shaft connecting tube 14. A fixing seat 3 is provided at the other end of the arm I 4. The fixing seat 3 has a multi-slot structure, and screw holes 10 are provided on both sides of the front end of the fixing seat 3. A connecting block 2 is provided between the fixing seat 3 and the arm I 4. The connecting block 2 has a connecting through hole 9 for bolt and nut connection and fixation with the fixing seat 3. A rotating shaft 8 is provided on the side end of the connecting block 2, which is integrated with the connecting block 2. An ear plate joint 7 is provided between the rotating shaft 8 and the arm I 4 for pin connection with the rotating shaft 8. A push plate 1 is provided at the other end of the arm II 6. The end face of the push plate 1 has four assembly holes 13. A shaft joint 12 is provided between the push plate 1 and the arm Ⅱ6, and an ear plate 11 is provided between the upper and lower end faces of the push plate 1 and the shaft joint 12, which is connected to the shaft joint 12 by a pin.

[0035] Workflow:

[0036] (1) Initial state (collapsed):

[0037] Boom I4 and boom II6 are folded together and placed close to the wall.

[0038] The entire structure was positioned at a tight angle, with the awning fabric gathered up.

[0039] (2) Stretching process:

[0040] The drive unit (e.g., an electric actuator mounted on boom I4) starts working and generates thrust.

[0041] This thrust acts on boom Ⅱ6 or push plate 1, causing it to begin moving outward.

[0042] Under the action of thrust, boom Ⅱ6 rotates around the axis of the swivel joint 5, and at the same time pushes the push plate 1 forward through the shaft joint 12 and the ear plate 11.

[0043] Push plate 1 causes the front crossbeam of the sunshade to extend outward.

[0044] At the same time, the boom I4, driven by the swivel joint 5, swings outward around the swivel shaft 8 (fixed on the connecting block 2) at its end.

[0045] During this process, the ear plate connecting tube 15 and the shaft connecting tube 14 inside the rotating part 5 rotate relative to each other to adapt to the constantly changing angle between the two arms.

[0046] (3) Fully extended state:

[0047] Boom I4 and boom II6 were almost stretched into a straight line (or reached the designed maximum deployment angle).

[0048] Pusher 1 is pushed to its furthest point, and the awning fabric is fully unfolded, providing the maximum shading area.

[0049] (4) Contraction process:

[0050] The drive unit works in reverse to generate tension.

[0051] The entire process is reversed: push plate 1 is pulled back, boom Ⅱ6 and boom Ⅰ4 are folded in sequence, and finally return to the retracted state.

[0052] In summary, this articulated arm mechanism for driving the extension and retraction of the sunshade features a simple structure, good operational stability, and high space utilization. It combines fixed, rotating, and sliding connections to achieve smooth extension and retraction.

[0053] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0054] In summary, the above description is only a specific embodiment of the present utility model, but the structural features of the present utility model are not limited thereto. Any changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present utility model are covered by the patent scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A retractable arm mechanism for driving a sunshade to extend and retract, characterized in that: It includes boom I (4) and boom II (6), with a swivel joint (5) between boom I (4) and boom II (6), a fixed seat (3) at the other end of boom I (4), a connecting block (2) between the fixed seat (3) and boom I (4), and a push plate (1) at the other end of boom II (6); the swivel joint (5) includes a shaft connecting tube (14), and an ear plate connecting tube (15) is provided on the shaft connecting tube (14) for rotatable insertion.

2. The articulated arm mechanism for driving a sunshade to extend and retract according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting block (2) has a rotating shaft (8) integrated with the connecting block (2) on its side end, and the rotating shaft (8) and the arm I (4) are provided with an ear plate joint (7) that is pin-connected to the rotating shaft (8).

3. The articulated arm mechanism for driving a sunshade to extend and retract according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting block (2) is provided with a connecting through hole (9) that is connected and fixed to the fixed seat (3) with a bolt and nut structure.

4. The articulated arm mechanism for driving a sunshade to extend and retract according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing seat (3) has a multi-slot structure, and screw holes (10) are provided on both sides of the front end of the fixing seat (3).

5. The articulated arm mechanism for driving a sunshade to extend and retract according to claim 1, characterized in that: A shaft joint (12) is provided between the push plate (1) and the arm II (6), and an ear plate (11) is provided between the upper and lower end faces of the push plate (1) and the shaft joint (12) and is connected to the shaft joint (12) by a pin.

6. A retractable arm mechanism for driving a sunshade to extend and retract according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that: The push plate (1) has several assembly holes (13) on its end face.

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