Beam with sliding element and awning

Abstract

Beam, comprising: a beam profile (4) having a chamber (6); a prestressing element (5) as reinforcement of the beam profile, which is stored in the chamber and applies a prestress to the beam profile; and a sliding element (17) for supporting the prestressing element (5) in the chamber, wherein the sliding element (17) in the chamber (6) is contactable with the prestressing element (5) and is designed to compensate for a difference in thermal expansion between the prestressing element (5) and the beam profile (4).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a beam for an awning for holding and tensioning an awning fabric. Furthermore, the invention relates to an awning, in particular for a patio roof or a conservatory. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND Beams are commonly found in the context of patio roofs or conservatories, and also serve as tension beams for awnings. The tension beam is used to tension the awning when it is extended. Awnings are often installed under a roof structure, particularly to support the roof's infill panels and protect them from the elements. The awning can be made of a soft material, such as fabric or plastic. The fabric can be stored rolled up in an awning cassette and attached to the tension bar. Moving the tension bar away from the cassette stretches the awning fabric. To tension the awning and secure it to the roof structure, it can also be guided in guide rails. The tension beam must be designed to tension the awning fabric. It must also be sufficiently robust to prevent the tension beam from bending along its length. This is sometimes solved by using a correspondingly robust beam profile. However, these are correspondingly material-intensive. Overall, conventional tension beams are therefore quite heavy and have large external dimensions, making them visually prominent. This negatively impacts the appearance of the awning. Furthermore, the high weight necessitates a sufficiently robust design for the guide rails and mounting hardware to ensure the secure attachment and storage of the tension beam to the awning. Additionally, the different thermal expansion rates of the various components of the tension beam can occur, potentially leading to deformation or noise when heated. From EP 3 508 664 A1 a drawbar for an awning for holding and tensioning an awning fabric is known. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Against this background, the present invention aims to provide an improved beam and an improved awning. According to the invention, this problem is solved by a beam with the features of claim 1 and / or by an awning with the features of claim 9. Accordingly, the following is provided: A beam, in particular a tension beam for an awning for holding and tensioning an awning fabric, comprising: a beam profile having a chamber; a prestressing element as reinforcement of the beam profile, which is mounted in the chamber and applies a prestress to the beam profile; and a sliding element for mounting the prestressing element in the chamber, wherein the sliding element in the chamber is contactable with the prestressing element and is designed to compensate for different thermal expansion between the prestressing element and the beam profile. An awning comprising a tension beam formed by a beam as previously described and an awning fabric, wherein the awning fabric is stored in a wall box and the tension beam, in an extended state, is designed to tension the awning fabric between the wall box and the tension beam, wherein the tension beam has a beam profile and a pretensioning element, wherein the pretensioning element is designed both to compensate for deflection due to the self-weight of the beam profile and to compensate for bending due to tensile force of the awning fabric, wherein at least one sliding element is arranged between the pretensioning element and the beam profile. The underlying insight of the present invention is that the resulting forces from the tensile force through the awning fabric and from the weight of the drawbar are directed in different directions, in particular perpendicular to each other. The idea underlying the present invention is to provide a prestressing element as reinforcement of the beam profile, wherein a sliding element serves to compensate for a difference in thermal expansion between the prestressing element and the beam profile. In an awning, the prestressing element is designed to compensate for both deflection caused by the weight of the beam profile and bending caused by the tensile force of an awning fabric held in the mount. Advantageously, this prevents deflection of the beam if the prestressing element expands differently than the beam profile. Furthermore, it avoids noise generated by resulting tension forces, thus preventing unpleasant cracking noises or similar issues. According to the invention, the prestressing element can apply a prestress over a surface area to the beam profile, in particular through a surface contact between the prestressing element and the beam profile. Specifically, the surface contact can be configured differently along the length of the beam profile, resulting in prestressing forces of varying magnitudes along its length. The prestressing forces are oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the prestressing element. This allows the prestressing forces to manifest as compressive forces of varying magnitudes at different contact points between the prestressing element and the beam profile. The sliding element is provided within this surface contact, thus preventing direct contact between the prestressing element and the beam profile. The prestressing element can therefore be mounted in a quasi-floating manner within the beam profile. The sliding element can only be positioned in the area of ​​force transmission between the prestressing element and the beam profile. This prevents frictional forces between the prestressing element and the beam profile when one of the elements expands. In particular, the pretensioning of an awning should be designed such that any bending caused by the tensile force from the weight of the awning fabric in the extended position can be compensated for, so that the beam profile remains essentially free of deflection when the awning is extended. Additionally, the sliding element can prevent deflection due to heating or cooling. Furthermore, this method makes it advantageous to roll the awning fabric smoothly and without creases into the awning cassette when the awning is retracted, i.e., when the pull bar is moved towards the cassette. By preventing the pull bar from bending towards the cassette and thus preventing the awning from sagging, the awning can be rolled up almost wrinkle-free. The beam profile can have various designs, serving in particular for the static design of the beam or tension beam. The beam profile has a receptacle for the awning fabric, which can be shaped as a kind of hook that runs the entire length of the beam profile and into which the awning fabric is hung. The chamber allows for the particularly advantageous application of a force transverse to the longitudinal direction of the beam profile. Therefore, the prestressing element is specifically not designed as a tensioning element in the form of a steel cable that exerts the prestressing force in the longitudinal direction of the cable. Instead, the prestressing element is designed as a planar prestressing element that can generate a prestressing force on the beam element transverse to the longitudinal direction of the prestressing element through contact with the beam element. The chamber can be inclined with respect to a horizontal and a vertical plane in the assembled state, the planes running along a longitudinal direction of the beam profile. In particular, the chamber can be inclined such that it is aligned in the direction of a resultant force from its own weight and the tensile force of the awning fabric. If the pretensioning element is supported against the chamber, a pretensioning force can be transferred to the chamber and thus to the beam element. In particular, the force is transferred via a side surface of the chamber, on which a sliding element is arranged. The chamber preferably has a flat side that serves as a contact surface for transferring the pretensioning force and is designed as a bearing surface for the sliding element. The flat side, in particular referred to as the second side section, is preferably oriented transversely to the direction of the pretensioning force.In particular, the chamber has a cross-sectional shape that has two opposing flat sides, so that a prestressing force can be transmitted in two directions. The awning is specifically designed for use as a patio roof or a conservatory. Advantageous designs and further developments result from the further sub-claims as well as from the description with reference to the figures in the drawing. According to an advantageous embodiment, the chamber can extend longitudinally along the beam profile, comprising at least one pocket oriented longitudinally in which the sliding element can be received. This allows the sliding element to be held in the desired position before the prestressing element is inserted. Even during force transmission between the prestressing element and the beam profile, the sliding element can be held in the desired position to allow the prestressing element to slide relative to the beam profile. Slippage of the sliding element is thus prevented. The pocket is therefore designed to be open in such a way that direct contact between the sliding element and the prestressing element remains possible. According to an advantageous embodiment, the chamber can have two opposing pockets, each of which can accommodate a sliding element. This allows the prestressing element to be supported on two opposite sides, where it can transmit forces to the beam profile, via the sliding element. In particular, the force transmission occurs via a side surface of the chamber, on which a sliding element is arranged. The pockets are therefore preferably located on these side surfaces. The pockets are designed to be open in such a way that direct contact between each sliding element and the prestressing element remains possible. Advantageously, the prestressing element can be designed as a flat steel rail. A force can be transmitted to the chamber, particularly via the sliding element, via a short side edge of the flat steel rail's cross-section. This is achieved primarily by ensuring the flat steel rail is rigid in the direction of the prestressing force, allowing the force to be transmitted via the short side edge. The prestressing force is built up along a long side edge of the cross-section, with the long side running parallel to the direction of the prestressing force. The short side edge of the flat steel rail can be in contact with the flat surface of the chamber to transmit the prestressing force. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the chamber can have a rectangular cross-section, with at least one pocket formed on a short side of the rectangular shape. The pocket can therefore be formed as a partial area of ​​the chamber, the partial area maintaining an open connection to the chamber, so that direct contact between the sliding element and the preloading element remains possible. According to an advantageous embodiment, the at least one pocket can be formed by at least one projection, wherein the sliding element is held in the pocket by the projection. This allows the sliding element to abut the projection as a kind of stop and thus be held in position. For example, two projections can be provided, with one projection extending onto each side of the chamber. According to further training, the sliding element can have a length that is adjustable to, or adapted to, the length of the beam profile. Thus, the beam profile and the sliding element can have the same length. For example, the sliding element can also be pre-assembled or attached to the prestressing element or to the beam profile. According to one embodiment, the sliding element can create a floating bearing between the prestressing element and the beam profile. This prevents frictional forces between the beam profile and the prestressing element, thus eliminating noise generation. Furthermore, deflection due to differing thermal expansion can be prevented, as the prestressing element is allowed to move freely along the beam profile. According to one embodiment, the beam profile can be an extruded profile, and the chamber and the pockets or projections can be formed as part of the extruded profile. This allows for the production of a one-piece beam profile that already includes the chamber. According to one embodiment, the sliding element can prevent direct contact between the prestressing element and the beam profile, thus preventing noise generation caused by contact between the prestressing element and the beam profile. In an advantageous embodiment of the awning, the pretensioning element can, by being supported against the beam profile, apply a resulting pretensioning force to the beam profile against its own weight and against the tensile force, wherein the pretensioning force is oriented essentially transversely to a longitudinal direction of the beam profile, and wherein the pretensioning element is supported by the sliding element in a longitudinally floating manner within the beam profile. The same advantages apply to the awning as described for the beam. The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention. CONTENT OF THE DRAWING The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing. These show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of an awning; Fig. 2 a sectional view through a beam profile with a prestressing element; Fig. 3 a sectional view through a beam profile with a prestressing element; Fig. 4 a side view of a prestressing element; Fig. 5 a side view of different tension beams in different states of deformation; Fig. 6 a prestressing element with an auxiliary tool; Fig. 7 a prestressing element with an auxiliary tool; Fig. 8 a prestressing element with an auxiliary tool; Fig. 9 a sectional view through a beam profile with a prestressing element and sliding elements. The accompanying figures are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally equivalent and equally effective elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - are each provided with the same reference symbols. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an awning 2. The awning 2 has an awning fabric 3 that can be stretched between a tension bar 1 and a wall box 11. This creates different tensile forces 1 from the awning fabric 3. The tensile forces M1 are greatest in the middle section of the tension bar 1, so that in this section the tension bar 1 is deflected furthest by the awning fabric 3 in the plane E1 and in the opposite direction R1. Furthermore, the tension bar 1 has its own weight E, so that the tension bar 1 deflects in the plane E2 in the direction R2. These deflections in the different planes E1, E2 and directions R1, R2 can be prevented by the proposed devices and methods. The tension bar 1 is also guided in guide rails 14, so that the awning fabric 3 can be extended and retracted over a desired distance. Fig. 2 shows a sectional view through a beam profile 4 with a prestressing element 5. The beam profile 4 has a receptacle 13 for attaching the awning fabric 3. A chamber 6 is integrated into the beam profile 4 and is inclined at an angle 12. The angle 12 is aligned with respect to the horizontal plane, with the horizontal plane E1 running in the direction of R1. The chamber 6 extends almost the entire height of the beam profile 4 and has, in particular, a rectangular cross-section. The chamber 6 has two side surfaces 7a, 7b, which are arranged opposite each other within the chamber 6. A prestressing element 5, which is arranged within the chamber 6, bears against these side surfaces 7a, 7b. This allows a prestressing force to be transferred from the prestressing element 5 to the beam profile via the side surfaces 7a, 7b. The prestressing force is directed towards the chamber 6, i.e.,in the direction that describes the angle of attack 12. This allows a resulting counterforce to be built up, which is directed against the counterweight E of the tension beam 1 and against the tensile force M1 from the awning fabric 3. Fig. 3 shows another sectional view through a beam profile 4 with a prestressing element 5. The prestressing forces V1 and V2 are shown. These are formed by contact between the prestressing element 5 and the chamber 6, in particular by contact between the short side edge of the prestressing element 6 and second side sections 16 of the chamber 6. A protrusion 9 is formed on each of the first side sections 15 of the chamber 6, resulting in an installation opening 10 in the chamber 6. An auxiliary tool (shown in Fig. 6) can be inserted through this installation opening 10 to pull the prestressing element 5 into the chamber 6. Fig. 4 shows a side view of a prestressing element 5. The arc shape or curvature is visible in this side view. While the cross-section of the prestressing element 5 can have a constant cross-sectional shape over its entire length, i.e., in the longitudinal direction 8, the prestressing element 5 itself is curved. This means that a camber is formed. The camber can be described by a partial circle shape, which depends on a radius r. In this embodiment, the camber d is greatest in the central region of the prestressing element 5. The camber d can, for example, be from 0.5 mm to 40 mm. The camber d can also be from 0.5 mm to 30 mm, and in particular from 1 mm to 30 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the camber d can be 0.5 mm or 2 mm. These values ​​depend on the length of the prestressing element 5.The prestressing element 5 can, for example, have a length of 3 m to 10 m, in particular 5 m to 7 m, in particular 6 m. Fig. 5 shows a side view of different tension beams 1 in different states of deformation. In the topmost illustration, the tension beam 1 is shown with an upward deflection exerted by the prestressing force V2. This would be the case if the tension beam 1 were considered without its own weight. When the dead weight E is applied, the tension beam 1 is without any deflection, as shown in the second illustration. Consequently, the prestressing prevents deflection due to its own weight E. In the third illustration, viewed from above, a tension beam 1 is shown which, due to a prestressing force V1, experiences a deflection in the direction of the plane E1, which represents the plane of the awning fabric 3. When the awning is extended, the tensile force M1 from the awning fabric 3 acts on the tension beam 1.Due to the preload V1, deflection of the tension beam 1 is prevented, so that the tension beam 1 remains without deformation. A spring force F is shown at the outer ends of the tension beam, which describes the force when the awning is extended along the guide rails 14, see Fig. 1. Fig. 6 shows a preload element 5 with an auxiliary tool 21, wherein the auxiliary tool 21 is inserted into the preload element 5 to grip it. The auxiliary tool 21 comprises a shaft 25 with a head region 22. The head region can be coupled to the preload element 5. This can be achieved by forming a projection 24 on the head region 22, which is inserted into an undercut 23 of the preload element 5. Fig. 7 shows a pretensioning element 5 with an auxiliary tool 21, the auxiliary tool 21 being coupled to the pretensioning element 5. To grip the pretensioning element 5 with the auxiliary tool 21, the auxiliary tool 21, in particular the shaft 25, is rotated by 90° so that the projection 24 engages with the undercut 23. If the auxiliary tool 21 is now moved against the longitudinal direction 8 of the pretensioning element 5, the pretensioning element 5 can be drawn or pressed into the chamber 6 of the beam profile 4. The pretensioning element 5 has rounded corner areas to facilitate insertion into the chamber 6. Furthermore, the projection 24 has rounded corner areas to facilitate insertion of the auxiliary tool 21 into the undercut 23. Fig. 8 shows another representation of the preload element 5 with the auxiliary tool 21, wherein in representation (a) no anchoring is yet present, and in representation (b) an anchoring of the auxiliary tool 21 to the preload element 5 is present by rotation of the auxiliary tool 21. Figs. 6, 7 to 8 describe the assembly method by which a preload element 5, which, for example, has a shape as in Fig. 4, can be drawn into a chamber 6, which is shaped, for example, as in Figs. 2 and 3. Fig. 9 shows a sectional view through a beam profile 4 with a prestressing element 5 and sliding elements 17. The sliding elements 17 serve to support the prestressing element 5 in the chamber 6, with each sliding element 17 being in contact with the prestressing element 5 in the chamber 6. This allows for compensation of any difference in thermal expansion between the prestressing element 5 and the beam profile 4. The chamber 6 can, particularly in the two second side sections 16, each have a pocket 18 into which a sliding element 17 can be inserted. The pocket 18 can be formed by a projection 19 that extends from the inside of the chamber 6. The projection 19 can simultaneously serve to support the prestressing element 5 relative to the two first side sections 15.For this purpose, further projections 20 can be provided on the first side sections 15 of the chamber 6 to hold the prestressing element 5 centrally in the chamber 6 over its entire length. The projections 20 also ensure that only prestressing forces V1, V2 are transferred to the second side sections 16, and that the prestressing element 5 does not warp in the chamber 6. Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but can be modified in a variety of ways. In particular, the chamber 6 can be oriented in the beam profile 4 at an angle of attack 12 that differs from that shown. Reference symbol list 1 Tension beam 2 Awning 3 Awning fabric 4 Beam profile 5 Tensioning element 6 Chamber 7 Side surface 8 Longitudinal direction 9 Curvature 10 Mounting aid opening 11 Wall box 12 Angle bracket 13 Mounting 14 Guide rails 15 First side sections 16 Second side sections 17 Sliding element 18 Pocket 19 Projection 20 Projection 21 Auxiliary tool 22 Head area 23 Undercut 24 Projection 25 Shaft R1 Spatial direction R2 Spatial direction R3 Longitudinal direction E1 Horizontal plane E2 Vertical plane V1 Pretensioning force V2 Pretensioning force M1 Tensile force Awning fabric E Dead weight of tension beam F Spring force r Radius d Camber QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature EP 3 508 664 A1

[0007]

Claims

Beam, comprising: a beam profile (4) having a chamber (6); a prestressing element (5) as reinforcement of the beam profile, which is stored in the chamber and applies a prestress to the beam profile; and a sliding element (17) for supporting the prestressing element (5) in the chamber, wherein the sliding element (17) in the chamber (6) is contactable with the prestressing element (5) and is designed to compensate for a difference in thermal expansion between the prestressing element (5) and the beam profile (4). Beam according to claim 1, characterized in that the chamber (6) extends in the longitudinal direction (R3) of the beam profile (4), wherein the chamber (6) has at least one pocket (18) which is oriented in the longitudinal direction (R3) and in which the sliding element (17) can be received. Beam according to claim 1, characterized in that the chamber (6) has two opposing pockets (18) in each of which a sliding element (17) can be received. Beam according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the chamber (6) has a rectangular shape in cross-section, wherein the at least one pocket (18) is formed on a short side of the rectangular shape. Beam according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the at least one pocket (18) is formed by at least one projection (19), wherein the sliding element (17) is held in the pocket (18) by the projection (19). Beam according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding element (17) has a length which is adaptable to a length of the beam profile (4). Beam according to claim 6, characterized in that a floating bearing between the prestressing element (5) and the beam profile (4) can be formed by means of the sliding element (17). Beam according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the sliding element (17) prevents direct contact between the prestressing element (5) and the beam profile (4), so that noise generation through contact of the prestressing element (5) with the beam profile (4) can be prevented. Awning (2) comprising a tension beam (1) formed by a beam according to one of the preceding claims and an awning fabric (3), wherein the awning fabric (3) is stored in a wall box (11) and the tension beam (1) is designed in an extended state to tension the awning fabric (3) between the wall box (11) and the tension beam (1), wherein the tension beam (1) has a beam profile (4) and a pretensioning element (5), wherein the pretensioning element (5) is designed both to compensate for a deflection due to the dead weight (E) of the beam profile (4) and to compensate for a bending due to tensile force (M1) of the awning fabric (3), wherein at least one sliding element (17) is arranged between the pretensioning element (5) and the beam profile (4). Awning (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the prestressing element (5) applies a resultant prestressing force (V1, V2) to the beam profile (4) by supporting it against the beam profile (4) against its own weight (E) and against the tensile force (M1), wherein the prestressing force (V1, V2) is oriented substantially transversely to a longitudinal direction (R3) of the beam profile (4), and wherein the prestressing element (5) is mounted floating in the beam profile (4) by the sliding element (17) in the longitudinal direction (R3).

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