Shading device

Abstract

Shading device (1), comprising: a first profile strip (2) and a second profile strip (3), each of which is connected to one another at one of its ends by means of a joint (4) and is pivotable relative to one another; and a fabric section (5) which is arranged between the two profile strips (2, 3) and can be clamped by relative pivoting of the two profile strips (2, 3); characterized by at least one drive device (10, 12), a relative pivoting of the profile strips (2, 3) and a stretching and / or folding of the fabric section (5) is effected.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a shading device in the form of a side shading device or a privacy screen, which is often also referred to as a balcony fan or folding wall screen.

[0002] Such a shading device comprises a first profile strip and a second profile strip, each of which is connected to one another at one of its ends by means of a joint and can be pivoted (bent) relative to one another. Furthermore, the shading device comprises a fabric section arranged between the two profile strips and which can be stretched by pivoting or bending the two profile strips relative to one another.

[0003] A shade device of this type is known from DE 80 29 061 U1. A particular disadvantage is that, when unfolded, a pin must be inserted into a corresponding hole to secure it against wind. If this is forgotten or the pin is missing, the folding wall screen may flip up in the wind, which poses a risk of injury and damage. Furthermore, unfolding the screen, in particular, can require considerable force.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of remedying this situation and developing a shading device of the type mentioned in such a way that simplified protection against wind influences, e.g., blowing up, is achieved, whereby the operation of the shading device is also to be made easier.

[0005] This object is achieved with a shading device according to the invention according to the main claim, which has the following features: a first profile strip and a second profile strip, each of which is connected to one another at one of its ends by means of a joint and can be pivoted or angled relative to one another, as well as a fabric section arranged between the two profile strips and can be stretched by relative pivoting of the two profile strips. The shading device according to the invention is further characterized by at least one drive device, by means of which a relative pivoting of the profile strips and an at least partial stretching and / or folding of the fabric section is effected.

[0006] In a possible embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the drive device is a spring element, by the spring action of which the relative pivoting of the profile strips and a stretching and / or folding of the fabric section can be effected.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, the drive device can comprise a motor means, preferably an electric motor, whereby the two profile strips can be pivoted relative to one another by motor, in particular against the spring action, for retracting and / or extending the shading device.

[0008] The spring element supports the opening and extending of the shading device through its spring action, making it easier to operate. Furthermore, the spring action automatically protects the shading device against wind influences, especially against being blown up, thus reducing the risk of damage or injury.

[0009] Advantageous developments of the shading device according to the invention are defined in the dependent claims: A further development of the shading device according to the invention is characterized in that the spring element is arranged in or on the first profile strip and is operatively connected to the second profile strip and / or the joint.

[0010] This allows for a compact design. If the spring element is located in the first profile strip, which can be designed as a hollow profile, it provides protection from external damaging influences and further reduces the risk of injury to the user, e.g., from pinching.

[0011] Another development of the shading device according to the invention is characterized in that the spring element is designed as a gas spring, preferably a gas tension spring. Such springs are particularly low-maintenance and durable. Alternatively, a gas pressure spring can also be used if a suitable deflection mechanism is used.

[0012] Yet another development of the shading device according to the invention is characterized in that the spring element is designed as a helical or coil spring, preferably as a helical tension spring. Such springs are particularly cost-effective. Alternatively, if a suitable deflection is used, a helical compression spring can also be used.

[0013] Yet another development of the shading device according to the invention is characterized in that the spring element on the one hand and the second profile strip and / or the joint on the other hand are operatively connected to one another by means of a first flexible connecting element, preferably a cable, in particular a wire cable, e.g. a steel cable.

[0014] With such a design, the spring action can be easily transferred from the spring element or the first profile strip to the second profile strip or to the joint to effect the relative pivoting mentioned above. The flexible connecting element can preferably be guided past the joint on the outside without restricting its mobility.

[0015] Another advantageous development of the shading device according to the invention is characterized in that the spring element is arranged directly in or on the joint and is operatively connected to both profile strips.

[0016] In such an embodiment of the invention, the provision of an additional, preferably flexible, connecting element can advantageously be dispensed with in order to simplify the construction.

[0017] A likewise advantageous development of the shading device according to the invention is characterized in that the joint itself is designed as a spring joint, wherein preferably the spring element is a bending spring or torsion spring.

[0018] In this way, a particularly compact and low-maintenance design of the shading device is achieved.

[0019] A particularly advantageous development of the shading device according to the invention is characterized in that at least one stiffening rod is arranged in the fabric section, which extends radially from the joint. In particular, several such stiffening rods can be provided, each of which then extends radially from the joint. These stiffening rods are preferably identical in design and, in particular, of the same length.

[0020] Such stiffening bars significantly increase the stability of the shading device in the area of the fabric section.

[0021] Another particularly advantageous development of the shading device according to the invention is characterized in that a free end of the first profile strip facing away from the joint and a free end of the second profile strip facing away from the joint are connected by a second flexible connecting element, preferably a cable, in particular a wire cable.

[0022] Such a flexible connecting element can be used in particular to further simplify the operation of the shading device, for example for motorization.

[0023] A further development of the shading device according to the invention based on this is characterized in that a guide element, preferably a deflection roller, is arranged at a free end of the stiffening rod or at least one of the plurality of stiffening rods. The aforementioned second flexible connecting element is advantageously guided via this guide element.

[0024] This ensures, in particular, secure guidance of the stiffening rod(s) when folding and unfolding (or retracting and extending) the shading device, without adversely damaging the second flexible connecting element.

[0025] With regard to its preferred use, another development of the shading device according to the invention is characterized in that at least one of the profile strips is designed for wall fastening or floor fastening, preferably the second profile strip.

[0026] For example, openings or mounting holes can be provided in the relevant profile strip for this purpose. In principle, it makes no difference whether the shading device is attached to a vertical wall, for example, and then folded down (lowered), or whether it is attached to a horizontal surface, for example, and then folded up (raised).

[0027] It has already been pointed out that an advantageous further development of the shading device according to the invention is characterized in that in a basic state the two profile strips are angled away from each other by the spring action, that is to say that the spring action has the tendency to pivot the two profile strips apart or to angle them away from each other, which facilitates operation and increases operational safety.

[0028] Preferably, with a corresponding development, the shading device also has a locking mechanism for securing the profile strips in their adjacent position against the spring action when the shading device is not needed. This locking mechanism can comprise a protective cover or the like that is pulled over the shading device in a folded position and holds it in said position.

[0029] In yet another embodiment of the shading device according to the invention, it is characterized in that a maximum angle (so-called projection angle) between the two profile strips is 90 degrees or—preferably—even 180 degrees. In principle, any maximum angle can be realized. Accordingly, the second flexible connecting element preferably has a suitable length to enable such a projection angle.

[0030] Of course, the fabric section must also be designed with the appropriate size.

[0031] In this way, the shading effect can be adapted to the given requirements and structural conditions.

[0032] Another advantageous development of the shading device according to the invention is characterized in that the two profile strips can be pivoted towards each other manually and / or by means of the motor means against the spring action in order to move the shading device together.

[0033] Such a design is particularly simple and therefore cost-effective to manufacture. When the shading device is manually closed, the spring element is pre-tensioned and can thus support the subsequent unfolding or extending process.

[0034] A particularly advantageous development of the shading device according to the invention additionally comprises the motor means, preferably an electric motor, by which the two profile strips can be pivoted relative to one another, preferably against the spring action, for retracting or folding and / or extending the shading device. The motor means is preferably designed to shorten an effective length of the second flexible connecting element. Conversely, the spring action assists the motor means when extending the shading device.

[0035] In this context, the term "effective length" refers to the actual length of the second flexible connecting element available between the two profile strips, which can be varied, for example, by winding it onto a cable drum operatively connected to the motor means or the like. For example, if the motor means is arranged on the second profile strip and the second flexible connecting element is fixed to the first profile strip, the first profile strip will move toward the second profile strip when the second flexible connecting element is effectively shortened.

[0036] The motorization makes operation of the shading device particularly easy and, in particular, can also be automated, e.g. in conjunction with a wind monitor or sunshine sensor.

[0037] In a further development of the invention, a sensor means can be provided by which the motor means can be controlled. In particular, the sensor means can detect whether the profile strip is running into an obstacle, whereupon the motor means is stopped. This reliably ensures that any part of a person's body located in the path of movement of the profile strip is not injured by the shading device.

[0038] However, the sensor device can additionally or alternatively also detect the environmental conditions (sunlight, wind, rain) in order to extend or retract the shading device depending on the detected status data.

[0039] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the drawing. Fig. 1 shows a possible embodiment of the shading device according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a detail corresponding to the letter “X” in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 shows another view of the subject of Fig. 2.

[0040] The same reference symbols denote the same or at least the same-functioning elements in all figures.

[0041] Fig. Figure 1 shows a shading device according to the invention in the manner of a folding wall screen or balcony fan, which is designated overall by the reference numeral 1. The shading device 1 comprises two profile strips, namely a first profile strip 2 and a second profile strip 3, which can essentially be identical in design (same length, same material, same profile, etc.). The profile strips 2, 3 can - without limitation - be made of aluminum, for example. In the embodiment shown, the second profile strip 3 is mounted on a vertical (building) wall (not shown). In principle, however, the first profile strip 2 could also be mounted on a horizontal (building) surface, e.g., on a balcony parapet.

[0042] When reference is made here and in the rest of the description to a “profile strip,” this does not necessarily mean a hollow profile strip; strips made of solid material also fall within the scope of the invention.

[0043] The two profile strips 2, 3 are connected to one another at each of their ends by means of a joint 4, in particular a pivot joint, in the direction of the double arrow P and in a plane, so that a (projection) angle α between the profile strips 2, 3 can be varied between the value 0 degrees and a maximum value of, for example, 90 degrees (as shown) or even 180 degrees. In principle, any (maximum) angle can be realized. The arrow P1 symbolizes a folding or retracting of the shading device 1, while the arrow P2 symbolizes a folding or extending (also referred to as raising).

[0044] A fabric section 5, e.g. made of polyester or the like, is arranged between the two profile strips 2, 3 and is connected to each of the two profile strips 2, 3, e.g. by means of a piping attached to the fabric section 5 (not shown) and a piping holder present on the profile strips 2, 3 (likewise not shown). Other types of fastening are known to those skilled in the art, which will not be discussed in detail here. The fabric section 5 can, for example, be opaque, windproof and / or UV-impermeable, depending on requirements. It is unfolded when unfolded (P2) and folded back together when folded in (P1).

[0045] The fabric section 5 is formed overall approximately in the shape of a circular sector or circular section (for the maximum angle of 90 degrees shown here, therefore in the shape of a quarter-circle sector), whereby it is formed in the manner of a fan from a number of (in this case, without limitation, three) triangular sections 5a, 5b, 5c, so that the said circular sector only approximately results. The triangular sections 5a, 5b, 5c are delimited from one another by pocket-shaped receptacles 6, into each of which a stiffening rod 7 is inserted. The stiffening rods 7 are slightly longer than the depth of the pocket-shaped receptacles 6 and thus protrude with their free ends 8 from the receptacles 6. This will be discussed further below, in particular with reference to the Fig. 2 will be discussed in more detail.

[0046] The stiffening bars 7 radiate from the joint 4 and can be pivotably connected in this area, e.g. to a mounting plate (not shown).

[0047] A flexible connecting element 9, preferably a wire rope, is guided over the free ends 8 of the stiffening bars 7 and is fastened at one end to the first profile strip 2 (at reference symbol A, i.e., at a free end of the first profile strip 2). In the region of its other end, the flexible connecting element 9 is operatively connected to a motor means 10, preferably an electric motor (at reference symbol B, i.e., at or near a free end of the second profile strip 3). As a result, the motor means 10 can change an effective length of the flexible connecting element 9 between points A and B, for example, by winding it onto a rope drum (not shown) driven by the motor means 10.In this way, the motor means 10 can pivot the first profile strip 2 in the direction of the arrow P1 towards the second, stationary profile strip 3 via the flexible connecting element 9, which corresponds to a folding or retracting of the shading device 1.

[0048] The said effective length of the flexible connecting element 9 between points A and B results (approximately) as the sum of the partial lengths of the flexible connecting element 9 or the distances between adjacent free ends 8 of the stiffening bars 7 plus the distances between point A and the adjacent (first) free end 8 as well as the (last) free end 8 and point B.

[0049] The motor means 10 is either arranged on the second profile strip 3 itself, preferably at its free end facing away from the joint 4, or it is fastened close to said free end of the second profile strip 3 to a wall (not shown) or the like, which also serves for mounting the shading device or the second profile strip 3. In this way, the two profile strips 2, 3 are effectively connected to one another by their respective free ends via the flexible connecting element 9.

[0050] The motor means 10 is preferably operatively connected to a sensor means 11, which may be a wind sensor, sunshine sensor, or the like (also in combination). The motor means 10 can be automatically controlled via the sensor means 11 to enable independent operation of the shading device 1—in particular, opening in sunshine, closing in (excessively strong) winds. Alternatively or additionally, the motor means can be configured such that the motor means 10 stops as soon as resistance, for example an obstacle, is detected during the extension and / or retraction of the shading device.

[0051] Of course, it is also possible, additionally or alternatively, to operate the motor means 10 via user command (by pressing a button, via an app, via voice or gesture control, or the like). Manual operation of the shading device 1 can also be provided, e.g., by means of a hand crank (not shown).

[0052] In contrast to the design in Fig. 1 also the possibility of completely dispensing with the motor means 10 and providing exclusively manual operation, ie manual actuation.

[0053] In order to support the unfolding or extending of the shading device 1, ie the partial or complete unfolding of the fabric section 5 and to achieve protection against wind influences (e.g. flapping up) in the extended position shown, a spring element 12 is arranged in or on the first profile strip 2, which in the Fig. 1 is shown in a disassembled state for improved visibility, from which it is connected to the first profile strip 2 according to arrow P3—in particular, inserted into it if the profile strip 2 is advantageously a hollow profile section. Of course, other fastening options are also available to the person skilled in the art.

[0054] The spring element 12 can be a spiral or helical spring or a gas spring, especially a gas tension spring. It is fixed at one end in or on the first profile strip 2 and at its other end via another flexible connecting element 13 (preferably again a (wire) cable) connected to the other, second profile strip 3 in such a way that when the angle α is reduced relative to the Fig. 1, the spring element 12 is (pre-)tensioned, whether by the motor means 10 or by manual operation. In this way, it is achieved in particular that, in a basic state, the two profile strips 2, 3 are angled from one another by the spring action of the spring element 12.

[0055] The corresponding pre-tension supports the opening (folding out) of the shading device 1, which is particularly helpful during manual operation, and ensures in the state according to Fig. 1, in which the first profile strip 2 regularly rests against a building element (e.g., a balcony parapet or a terrace surface), ensures that it does not flap upwards under the influence of wind. This also applies in the deviating case of a maximum (opening) angle α of, for example, 180 degrees.

[0056] In the Fig. 1, the flexible connecting element 13 is also shown in its still unconnected state for the purpose of improved visibility.

[0057] The spring element 12 can alternatively be arranged directly in the joint 4, or the joint 4 itself can be designed as a spring joint (e.g. with an integrated bending or torsion spring) in order to achieve the described advantages.

[0058] Fig. 2 shows that in the Fig. 1 detail marked “X”, which is preferably found in all stiffening bars 7.

[0059] As already described above, the stiffening rods 7 protrude with their respective free ends 8 from the receptacles 6 in the fabric section 5. Specifically, it is now provided that the stiffening rods 7 are hollow at least in the end region shown, whereby they can—without limitation—have a circular cross-section. The stiffening rods 7 can be closed at the ends by a cap 14 or the like.

[0060] Inside the stiffening bars 7, on an axis 15 which extends along a diameter of the stiffening bars 7 and perpendicular to the axis formed by the profile strips 2, 3 (cf. Fig. 1) spanned plane (which corresponds to the drawing plane of the Fig. 2), a guide element 16 in the form of a deflection pulley is rotatably mounted. The flexible connecting element 9 is guided over the guide element or deflection pulley 16. For this purpose, the stiffening bar 7 shown also has two openings or breakthroughs 17 which are diametrically opposite one another along a further diameter. This further diameter is oriented perpendicular to the diameter of the stiffening bar 7 mentioned above. The flexible connecting element 9 enters the stiffening bar 7 through one of the breakthroughs 17, is guided over the deflection pulley 16 and then exits the stiffening bar 7 again through the other breakthrough 17.

[0061] The Fig. 3 shows the detail according to the Fig. 2 from a different angle, namely from above, ie parallel to the longitudinal direction of the stiffening bar 7 (without the mentioned cap 14).

[0062] It is clearly visible in the Fig. 3, that the fabric section 5 is designed in two layers at least in the area shown for the purpose of forming the receptacles 6 for the stiffening rods 7.

[0063] The deflection roller 16 has a groove or recess 18 over its outer circumference for guiding the flexible connecting element 9. Tensioning the flexible connecting element 9 can help prevent the stiffening rods 7 from falling out of the receptacles 6 if they are not connected to the rest of the shading device 1 (particularly in the area of the joint 4, as already mentioned above). 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 80 29 061 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Shading device (1), comprising: a first profile strip (2) and a second profile strip (3), each of which is connected to one another at one of its ends by means of a joint (4) and is pivotable relative to one another; and a fabric section (5) which is arranged between the two profile strips (2, 3) and can be clamped by relative pivoting of the two profile strips (2, 3); characterized by at least one drive device (10, 12), a relative pivoting of the profile strips (2, 3) and a stretching and / or folding of the fabric section (5) is effected. [2] Shading device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the drive device is a spring element (12), by the spring action of which the relative pivoting of the profile strips (2, 3) and a stretching and / or folding of the fabric section (5) is effected. [3] Shading device (1) according to claim 2, characterized bythat the drive device is a motor means (10), preferably an electric motor, by means of which the two profile strips (2, 3) can be pivoted relative to one another in order to retract and / or extend the shading device (1). [4] Shading device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the spring element (12) is arranged in or on the first profile strip (2) and is operatively connected to the second profile strip (3). [5] Shading device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that the spring element (12) is designed as a gas spring, preferably as a gas tension spring. [6] Shading device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that the spring element (12) is designed as a helical spring, preferably as a helical tension spring. [7] Shading device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the spring element (12) and the second profile strip (3) are operatively connected to one another by means of a first flexible connecting element (13), preferably a cable, in particular a wire cable. [8] Shading device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the spring element is arranged in or on the joint (4) and is operatively connected to both profile strips (2, 3). [9] Shading device (1) according to claim 8, characterized by that the joint (4) is designed as a spring joint, wherein the spring element is preferably a bending spring or torsion spring. [10] Shading device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one stiffening rod (7), preferably a plurality of stiffening rods (7), is / are arranged in the fabric section (5), which radiates / radiate from the joint (4). [11] Shading device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a free end (A) of the first profile strip (2) facing away from the joint (4) and a free end of the second profile strip (3) facing away from the joint (4) are connected by a second flexible connecting element (9), preferably a cable, in particular a wire cable. [12] Shading device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by that a guide element (16), preferably a deflection roller, is arranged at a free end (8) of the exit bar (7) or at least one of the stiffening bars (7), over which the second flexible connecting element (9) is guided. [13] Shading device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one of the profile strips (2, 3) is designed for wall fastening or floor fastening, preferably the second profile strip (3). [14] Shading device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in a basic state the two profile strips (2, 3) are angled from each other by the spring action. [15] Shading device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a maximum angle (α) between the two profile strips (2, 3) is 90 degrees or 180 degrees, wherein preferably and with reference to claim 11 or 12 the second flexible connecting element (9) has a corresponding length. [16] Shading device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the two profile strips (2, 3) can be pivoted towards each other manually and / or by means of the motor means (10) against the spring action in order to move the shading device (1) together. [17] Shading device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the two profile strips (2, 3) can be pivoted relative to one another by means of the motor means (10) for retracting and / or extending the shading device (1) against the spring action, wherein preferably and with reference to claim 9 or claim 10 the motor means (10) is designed to shorten an effective length of the second flexible connecting element (9). [18] Shading device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a sensor means (11) is provided by means of which the motor means (10) can be controlled.

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