Standing umbrella with connecting device for detachable attachment of a power consumer

Abstract

A standing umbrella (1) comprising a connecting device (2) for detachably fastening a power consumer (4) to a shade component (6) of the standing umbrella (1), wherein the connecting device (2) comprises a first coupling part (8) which can be electrically and mechanically connected to the power consumer (4) and a second coupling part (10) which can be electrically and mechanically connected to the shade component (6), characterized in that the first coupling part (8) has a first plug element (12) with a first plug axis (A'), the second coupling part (10) has a second plug element (14) with a second plug axis (A''), wherein the connecting device (2) is configured such that by moving the first and second plug elements (12, 14) together with coaxial alignment of the first and second plug axes (A',A'') a retracted plug position with an electrical operative connection between the first coupling part (8) and the second coupling part (10) can be established, wherein by pivoting the first coupling part (8) with respect to the second coupling part (10) about the coaxially aligned first and second plug axes (A', A'') the connecting device (2) changes between an axially released plug position and an axially locked plug position.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a standing umbrella according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art

[0002] While standing parasols are primarily used to protect against excessive sunlight and heat, such umbrellas are also used in temperate climates as protection against the cold, for example, in the evenings or during cool weather. In addition to passive protection by reducing heat radiation and, if necessary, protection from rain, active measures in the form of various heating sources are also common. In particular, people outdoors under a parasol can be protected from unwanted hypothermia by installing one or more radiant heaters in the umbrella area.

[0003] For example, DE 102008027408 A1 describes a modular radiant heater with a plurality of heat sources, which are particularly intended for use on a standing umbrella. The radiant heaters mentioned are, in particular, electrically powered infrared heaters, which can be attached to a supporting element of the standing umbrella in various ways. Further details regarding the type of mechanical attachment of the radiant heater and the connection to a power source are not provided.

[0004] DE 102008019473 A1 describes a folding parasol equipped with radiant heaters. This comprises a central standpipe, in the upper part of which at least one electrically powered radiant heater is mounted, radiating its heat laterally.

[0005] Especially for larger parasols, such as those used in the hospitality and hotel industries, but also for rest areas or recreation areas outside of commercial buildings, it would be desirable to enable reliable and quick installation and removal of the heaters or any other power consumers. In particular, this should not require tools such as screwdrivers or electric pliers. Description of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to propose an improved standing umbrella with a connecting device for the detachable fastening of a power consumer to a shade component of the standing umbrella, which is able to overcome the weaknesses of the prior art.

[0007] This object is achieved by the standing umbrella according to claim 1.

[0008] The inventive free-standing umbrella is equipped with a connecting device for detachably attaching a power consumer to a canopy component of the free-standing umbrella. The connecting device comprises a first coupling part that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the power consumer, and a second coupling part that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the component. The first coupling part has a first plug element with a first plug axis A', and the second coupling part has a second plug element with a second plug axis A''.The connecting device is configured such that by moving the first and second plug members together with coaxial alignment of the first and second plug axes A', A'', a retracted plug position with an electrical operative connection between the first coupling part and the second coupling part is produced, wherein by pivoting the first coupling part with respect to the second coupling part about the coaxially aligned first and second plug axes A', A'', the connecting device changes between an axially released position and an axially locked position.

[0009] This at least avoids the disadvantages mentioned at the beginning.

[0010] The term “standing parasol” is to be understood in the broadest sense, but in particular includes various types of pole-supported parasols for outdoor use, especially parasols with parasol struts.

[0011] The terms "operably connected" and "operably connectable" are to be understood here as meaning that a mechanical and electrical connection exists or can be established that ensures reliable mechanical cohesion and a secure electrical connection, isolated from the environment, within the intended use. In the case of a standing umbrella with a radiant heater, the relevant components should remain securely connected to each other, shake-free and stable even in windy conditions, and an electrical supply to the radiant heater, for example, with 230 V mains voltage, should be guaranteed even outdoors.

[0012] Geometric terms such as “coaxial”, “horizontal” or “vertical” are not to be understood in the strict geometric sense, but rather within the framework of standard tolerances.

[0013] Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment (claim 2), the first and second connector members are designed such that in the axially locked connector position, coaxial separation is prevented by mutually protruding projections, whereas in the axially released connector position, coaxial separation is enabled by provided recesses.

[0015] It is particularly advantageous (claim 3) in the present field of application if the axially released plug position is present at a predetermined release pivot angle α0 about the coaxially aligned first and second plug axes A', A'' and wherein the axially locked plug position is present in a locking pivot angle range α1 to α2 about the coaxially aligned first and second plug axes A', A'', wherein the release pivot angle α0 lies outside the locking pivot angle range α1 to α2.

[0016] In other words, the two coupling parts can only be moved together or apart with a certain mutual alignment around the connector axes, which is defined by the aforementioned release pivot angle α0. It goes without saying that, for practical reasons, the released position exists over a certain tolerance range of a few angular degrees. This also facilitates the moving together of the two coupling parts. In contrast, the axially locked connector position exists within an entire range α1 to α2 of the pivot angle α. Without loss of generality, the release pivot angle α can be defined as 0°.

[0017] In some embodiments (claim 4), the locking pivot angle range then comprises a value range of 45° to 135° relative to the release pivot angle α0.

[0018] For a practical definition of the pivot angle α, it may be useful to assign a longitudinal axis L1 or L2 to each of the two connector links, with each of these longitudinal axes being orthogonal to the respective connector axis A' or A''. The pivot angle α can thus be defined as the angle between the longitudinal axes L1 and L2. The direction of the longitudinal axis in a connector link is obvious for elongated connector links, but can generally be freely selected. It should be understood, however, that for a comparative discussion of pivot positions or pivot angles, the same selection of the longitudinal axes L1 and L2 is always assumed.

[0019] It is also advantageous (claim 5) if a transition from the axially locked plug position to the axially released plug position is prevented or permitted by a releasable anti-rotation device. In particular, this can be achieved by a suitable snap-in or locking mechanism, which, for example, comprises a spring-loaded actuating element.

[0020] In some embodiments (claim 6), a first electrical cable connection is arranged between the first plug element and the power consumer. It is understood that, especially with regard to outdoor use, a correspondingly configured cable must be used.

[0021] Furthermore, in some embodiments (claim 7), a second electrical cable connection is arranged between the second plug element and the component. In particular, this can be an electrical cable connection within a structural element, such as a shielding strut designed as a hollow profile, which leads to a connection socket.

[0022] According to further embodiments (claim 8), the first coupling part is provided with a mounting element for the power consumer, which can be pivoted about a pivot axis (B) substantially orthogonal to the first plug axis A' between a home position and a tilted rest position, wherein the home position and the rest position are held by releasable retaining means. This allows the power consumer to be tilted into a rest position that is better protected against external influences.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment (claim 9), the umbrella component is an umbrella strut.

[0024] It is particularly advantageous (claim 10) if the umbrella strut is aligned approximately vertically when the umbrella is closed and at an inclination angle φ of 45° to 90° to the vertical when the umbrella is open. This will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment described with figures.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment (claim 11), the power consumer is a radiant heater. In some embodiments, this is a radiant heater powered by 230 V mains power.

[0026] The above-mentioned elements, as well as those claimed and described in the following embodiments, to be used according to the invention are not subject to any special exceptional conditions in their size, shape, use of materials and technical conception, so that the selection criteria known in the respective field of application can be applied without restriction. Short description of the drawings

[0027] Further details, advantages, and features of the subject matter of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings, in which the connection system according to the invention is explained using examples. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a standing umbrella with a connecting device for the detachable attachment of a power consumer to an umbrella component, in a perspective view; Fig. 2 the second coupling part of the connecting device of Fig. 1, in an exploded view; Fig. 3 the connecting device of Fig. 1, in a first pivoting position, in plan view; Fig. 4 the connecting device of Fig. 1, in a second swivel position, in plan view; Fig. 5 the connecting device of Fig. 1, in a third swivel position, in plan view; Fig. 6 the connecting device according to Fig. 1 with an associated radiant heater, in a decoupled, extended state, in a perspective view; Fig. 7 the first coupling part of the connecting device including radiant heater of Fig. 6, in an exploded view; Fig. 8 the connecting device of the Fig. 6 with heater and umbrella strut, in extended state, in a perspective view; Fig. 9 the connecting device with heater and umbrella strut of the Fig. 8, in the retracted state, in the axially released plug position at the specified release swivel angle, in a perspective view; Fig. 10 the connecting device with heater and umbrella strut of the Fig. 9, in the retracted state, in an axially locked plug position, in a first pivoting position of the locking pivoting angle range, in a perspective view; Fig. 11 the connecting device with heater and umbrella strut of the Fig. 10, with the heater tilted in the rest position, in a perspective view; and Fig. 12 the connecting device with heater and umbrella strut of the Fig. 10 in a second pivoting position of the locking pivoting angle range, with the umbrella strut inclined, in a perspective view. Ways to implement the invention

[0028] The Fig. The standing umbrella 1 shown only schematically in Figure 1 is equipped with a connecting device, generally designated as 2. This provides a detachable fastening of a power consumer 4 to a canopy component 6 of the standing umbrella 1. The connecting device 2 comprises a first coupling part 8 which can be electrically and mechanically connected to the power consumer 4, as well as a second coupling part 10 which can be electrically and mechanically connected to the canopy component 6. The first coupling part 8 has a first plug element 12 with a first plug axis A'. The second coupling part 10 has a second plug element 14 with a second plug axis A''. The connecting device 2 is configured such that by moving the first plug element 12 together with the second plug element 14 with coaxial alignment of the first and second plug axes A', A'', which are thus also collectively referred to as plug axis A, a Fig. 1 not shown, retracted plug position can be produced.

[0029] As also from Fig. 1, a first longitudinal axis L1 is indicated for the first connector member 8 and a second longitudinal axis L2 is indicated for the second connector member 10.

[0030] In the retracted plug position, an electrical connection is established between the first coupling part 8 and the second coupling part 10 by correspondingly interacting contact surfaces.

[0031] In the example shown, a first electrical cable connection 16 is arranged between the first connector element 12 and the power consumer 4. Furthermore, a second electrical cable connection 18 is arranged between the second connector element 14 and the shielding component 6.

[0032] In addition, the first coupling part 8 is equipped on its side facing away from the first plug element 12 with a mounting projection 20 for fastening the power consumer 4.

[0033] Finally, in the Fig. 1 also shows a protective cap 22, which can be attached to the second connector element 14 instead of the first connector element 12. In particular, this can prevent unwanted contamination of a second coupling element 10 left outdoors on the parasol 1 after removing the first coupling element 8.

[0034] As can be seen from the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the second plug element 14 comprises a pin-shaped inner piece 24 with a central contact socket 26, while the first plug element 12 comprises a matching sleeve-shaped inner piece 28 with a central contact pin 30. Plug connections of a similar type are used, for example, in household kettles.

[0035] In the exploded view of Fig. Figure 2 shows the basic structure of the second coupling part 10. The second plug element 14 is received between a base part 32 and a cover part 34 screwed to it. The cover part 34 is provided with a substantially circular recess 36, which leaves an annular region 38 free around the pin-shaped inner piece 24. Further details of the second coupling part 10 are explained below.

[0036] The mutual pivotability of the two coupling parts is in the Fig. 3 to 5, where the specified pivot angle between the first longitudinal axis L1 and the second longitudinal axis L2 is designated as α. In the embodiment shown here, the axially released plug position is according to Fig. 3 at a swivel angle α = - 45°. In this situation, the two coupling parts 8, 10 can be moved axially together or apart. By turning clockwise, a transition to the axially locked plug position takes place, whereby after turning 45°, the Fig. 4 is achieved with parallel alignment of the first and second longitudinal axes L1 and L2. By further turning clockwise by 90°, the Fig. 5 is achieved with a right-angled alignment of the first and second longitudinal axes L1 and L2. The axially locked connector position exists at least in the locking pivot angle range α = 0° to α = 90°. Appropriate detents are expediently provided for the positions at α = 0° and α = 90°. In the example shown, this is achieved by an annular collar 40 of the first connector member 12, which is provided with a first projection 42 and a second projection 44. The positions at α = 0° and α = 90° are held in a force-releasable manner by engaging one of the two projections 42, 44 in a corresponding projection of the second coupling part 10.

[0037] As particularly in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a releasable anti-rotation device 46 is actuated to transition from the axially locked plug position to the axially released plug position, i.e., to leave the locking swivel angle range α = 0° to α = 90° and back to the release swivel angle α = -45°. In the illustrated embodiment, the anti-rotation device 46 comprises a yoke-shaped swivel bracket 48 with a retaining spring 50 and an actuating lever 52.

[0038] The Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show an example of an embodiment with a power consumer 4 designed as a radiant heater. As in particular in the Fig. 7, the first coupling part 8 can be connected via the mounting projection 20 to a mounting element, designated overall as 54, for the power consumer 4. In the example shown, the mounting element 54 comprises a bracket 56 that can be screwed to the radiant heater 4 and a hinged pivot plate 58 that can be screwed to the mounting projection 20. In the assembled state, the bracket 56 can be pivoted with respect to the pivot plate 58 and thus with respect to the first plug axis A' about a substantially orthogonal pivot axis B. As a result, the radiant heater 4 can be moved between a basic position (as in Fig. 7) and a tilted rest position to protect the radiant heater when not in use. Conveniently, both the basic position and the rest position are held by releasable retaining means. In the example shown, this is achieved by axial displacement of the pivot plate 58 along the pivot axis B between a holding position and a release position. In the respective holding position, the pivot plate 58 engages in a corresponding notch in the holder 56 and remains there due to the action of a compression spring 60 until it is pushed out of the notch and thus into the release position by an axial force.

[0039] The practical handling of a standing umbrella with umbrella strut 6 and heater 4 is described in the Fig. 8 to 12 shown. List of reference symbols 1 standing umbrella 2 connecting device 4 electricity consumers 6 Umbrella component (umbrella strut) 8 first coupling part 10 second coupling part 12 first connector link 14 second connector element 16 first electrical cable connection 18 second electrical cable connection 20 mounting projection for 4 22 Protective cap 24 cone-shaped inner piece of 14 26 contact sockets of 14 28 sleeve-shaped inner piece of 12 30 contact pins of 12 32 base part of 10 34 cover part of 10 36 Omission 38 ring area 40 ring-shaped collar of 12 42 first lead 44 second lead 46 removable anti-rotation lock 48 swivel brackets 50 retaining spring 52 operating levers 54 Mounting element for 4 56 bracket of 54 58 swivel plate of 54 60 compression spring A' first plug axis A'' second connector axis B Swivel axis L1 Longitudinal axis of 8 L2 Longitudinal axis of 10 QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102008027408 A1

[0003] DE 102008019473 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] A standing umbrella (1) comprising a connecting device (2) for detachably fastening a power consumer (4) to a shade component (6) of the standing umbrella (1), wherein the connecting device (2) comprises a first coupling part (8) which can be electrically and mechanically connected to the power consumer (4) and a second coupling part (10) which can be electrically and mechanically connected to the shade component (6), characterized byin that the first coupling part (8) has a first plug member (12) with a first plug axis (A'), the second coupling part (10) has a second plug member (14) with a second plug axis (A''), wherein the connecting device (2) is configured such that by moving the first and second plug members (12, 14) together with coaxial alignment of the first and second plug axes (A', A''), a retracted plug position with an operative electrical connection between the first coupling part (8) and the second coupling part (10) can be produced, wherein by pivoting the first coupling part (8) with respect to the second coupling part (10) about the coaxially aligned first and second plug axes (A', A'') there is a change between an axially released plug position and an axially locked plug position of the connecting device (2). [2] Standing umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the first and second connector members (12, 14) are designed such that in the axially locked connector position, coaxial separation is prevented by mutually protruding projections, whereas in the axially released connector position, coaxial separation is enabled by provided recesses. [3] Standing umbrella according to claim 2, wherein the axially released plug position is present at a predetermined release pivot angle (α0) about the coaxially aligned first and second plug axes (A', A'') and wherein the axially locked plug position is present in a locking pivot angle range (α1 to α2) about the coaxially aligned first and second plug axes (A', A''), wherein the release pivot angle (α0) is outside the locking pivot angle range (α1 to α2). [4] Stand umbrella according to claim 3, wherein the locking pivot angle range (α1 to α2) covers a value range of 45° to 135° relative to the release pivot angle (α0). [5] Standing umbrella according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a transition from the axially locked plug position to the axially released plug position is prevented or ensured by a releasable anti-rotation device. [6] Standing umbrella according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a first electrical cable connection (16) is arranged between the first plug member (12) and the power consumer (4). [7] Standing umbrella according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a second electrical cable connection (18) is arranged between the second plug member (14) and the umbrella component (6). [8] Standing umbrella according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first coupling part (8) is provided with a mounting element (20) for the power consumer (4), which is pivotable about a pivot axis (B) substantially orthogonal to the first plug axis (A') between a basic position and a tilted rest position, wherein the basic position and the rest position are held by releasable holding means. [9] Standing umbrella according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the umbrella component (6) is an umbrella strut. [10] Standing umbrella according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the umbrella strut is aligned approximately vertically when the standing umbrella is closed and is aligned at an inclination angle (φ) of 45° to 90° to the vertical (V) when the standing umbrella is open. [11] Standing umbrella according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the power consumer (4) is designed as a radiant heater.

Images