POWER DISCHARGE SYSTEM FOR A SHADING DEVICE AND SHADING DEVICE THEREFOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a power discharge system with guide bolts and at least one lateral guide rail for a shading device with a plurality of slats, wherein the slats can each be movably mounted in the at least one lateral guide rail by means of the guide bolts and each have at least one photovoltaic element for power generation.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a shading device with a plurality of slats, each of which is movably mounted in at least one lateral guide rail by means of guide bolts and each of which has at least one photovoltaic element for generating electricity.

[0003] Venetian blinds with slats mounted with photovoltaic elements (also called photovoltaic cells) are already known from the state of the art. Reference is made, for example, to documents DE 10 2007 031 236 A1 or DE 10 2014 200 359 A1.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known from the publication DE 21 2019 000 358 U1 to connect the slats with a conductor wire for current conduction. However, this conductor wire is visually unsightly and adversely affects the handling and functionality of the venetian blind.

[0005] Current conduction systems of this type are also known from publications EP 3690176 A1 and EP 3892813 A1. These systems lack busbars that extend the entire height of the shading device, so electrical contact is only made at specific points. Furthermore, the contact means are designed as simple contact pins.

[0006] The document CN 110107207 A also shows a photovoltaic blind in which the contact means are designed as spring-loaded pins, whereby the pins are only mounted in a simple sleeve.

[0007] Further prior art is provided in the documents CN 202047738 U, CN 110 094 153 B.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an alternative current conduction for a shading device with photovoltaic slats, in particular with improved contact means, as well as a shading device therefor.

[0009] This object is achieved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of subordinate claims.

[0010] The inventors have recognized that there is an alternative way to transfer the electrical energy generated in the photovoltaic elements on the movable slats of a Venetian blind or a Venetian blind to a power grid or power storage device and to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0011] The invention therefore describes the possibility of conducting current via the guide rail without complex wiring of the individual slats.

[0012] Electricity dissipation can be ensured by spring contacts on the guide pins of the lamellas and busbars in the form of flat bars in the guide rails. The spring contacts offer the possibility of compensating for installation tolerances, etc. A spring contact has a spring contact pin (plunger, spring, and casing) and a sleeve into which the pin is inserted. The sleeve facilitates replacement in the event of a spring contact defect. The spring contact sleeve can be inserted into the guide pin. The guide pin can be adapted accordingly: The guide pin can be supplemented with a recess for the sleeve, which lies on its horizontal axis of rotation when installed.This position is ideal for low mechanical stress on the spring contact pin and the guide pin during rotation of the slat and allows the use of a longer spring contact with more spring travel without making further major adjustments to the guide pin.

[0013] The flat bar is the counterpart to the spring contact. A copper flat bar is particularly suitable. An alternative to copper flat bars are aluminum flat bars, although these have poorer conductivity. The flat bar can be secured in the plastic insert of the guide rail using adhesive or retaining clips.

[0014] The electrical contacts of the photovoltaic elements can be connected to the spring contact by soldering the photovoltaic element to a solder notch at the end of the spring contact sleeve or, alternatively, using a copper conductor integrated into the guide pin. The copper conductor ends centrally on the underside of the guide pin, providing a solder contact point for the connection to the photovoltaic elements located on the slat.

[0015] An insulating layer can be applied to the lower end of the copper flat rod to prevent the risk of short circuits or electric shocks, even when installed on a metal window sill or a layer of water on the base.

[0016] This concept, consisting of one or more spring contacts in combination with one or more flat bars, ensures a varying installation tolerance with respect to the guide rails, depending on the stroke of the selected spring contact pin. The largest possible stroke is particularly important due to the significant length change of the lamellae due to thermal expansion and contraction. To ensure consistent production of the current collection system, the stroke of the spring contacts can be designed for maximum thermal expansion of the maximum available lamella size.

[0017] To allow the guide pins to continue stacking when the slats are raised, the head of the guide pin can be supplemented with a recess on the top. The width of the recess logically correlates with the width of the spring contact pin.

[0018] One problem arising from the electrical properties of the first generation of photovoltaic elements is that the voltage of a single lamination is too low for commercially available inverters. To increase the voltage, either a customized inverter or a DC boost converter should be used. However, both options entail additional costs and power losses. Alternatively, a parallel connection can be used, in which at least two lamination packs are connected in parallel. However, this parallel connection is not possible with a single spring contact per guide pin.

[0019] However, two spring contacts per guide pin can also be implemented.

[0020] This solves the problem of insufficient electrical voltage in the photovoltaic slats. Furthermore, two parallel flat copper rods can be installed in the guide rail, separated from each other by a (plastic) insulator. The insulator also fulfills the guiding function of the spring contact pins, which can be countersunk into the guide pins just like in the simple version.

[0021] The copper flat bars can, for example, be glued into the plastic insert or fixed using retaining clips integrated into the plastic insert of the guide rail.

[0022] To prevent the offset guide pins from rubbing against the guide rail, the guide pin can be widened. Firstly, the lateral flanks of the guide pin can be narrowed. In addition, the opening slot of the guide rail can be widened. The recess for the spring contact of the guide pin above it when stacked can be moved to either side of the head. Alternatively, the two upper wings on the head of the guide pin can be removed entirely. Secondly, the head of the guide pin can be widened so that it has a wider shape with sloping upper and lower edges. A hole for one spring contact can be inserted in the upper left and lower right wing.Active use of both spring contacts for electricity transmission is not mandatory, but it is an option and facilitates series production. However, with this spring contact design, the rotation of the slatted blind is generally limited to 90°. Depending on the shape of the guide rail or the size of the guide rail opening, the spring contact or its stroke is limited.

[0023] To increase flexibility when installing a Venetian blind or Venetian blind with power supply and further compensate for installation and manufacturing tolerances, conventional spacers can also be used to secure the guide rail. As an alternative to using spacers, the plastic insert in the guide rails or the flat rod in the plastic insert can also be variably attached.

[0024] The ends or heads of the spring contacts, which establish electrical contact, can have different shapes, for example, round, square, or plate-shaped. With a plate-shaped head, the plate or head can also be made of a conductive material and rub against an electrical conductor, such as a flat bar, attached to the left and / or right of the guide rail. The plates can be either square or round. However, a square plate will not rotate with the spring contact, but will remain in its original rotational state. In this case, the entire spring contact or plate should be rotatable relative to the guide pin.

[0025] As an alternative to spring contacts, wipers can be used as a contact medium. The wipers can be attached to the lamella and rub against the flat bar. Possible types of wipers include: Copper wire, see "Carrerabahn" Pickup with leaf spring, see "Märklin" railways Pantograph Spring with grinding unit Graphite glider, see motor with sliding contact

[0026] Furthermore, guide shoes can be used as electrical contact between the slat and the guide rail. The guide shoe can be constructed from a customized guide pin, a spring, a copper wiper, and the actual (metal) guide shoe. The guide pin can also be made of metal. With a metal instead of plastic design, no internal conductor is required, as the guide pin itself acts as the conductor.

[0027] Due to its location on an exterior facade, the weather resistance of the power conduction system is an important component of the design. To ensure longevity, external influences such as dirt and rain on the contact elements should be minimized to prevent contamination or corrosion. In addition to accelerated wear, the occurrence of contamination or corrosion can increase the electrical resistance of the conductors, leading to performance losses.

[0028] For example, brush strips or seals can be inserted into the openings of the guide rails, at least partially covering them. The guide pins can be easily moved by the brushes when the slats are raised and lowered. The brushes used should be water-repellent, highly flexible, weather- and temperature-resistant (ideally -30°C to +60°C), and UV-resistant. Brushes made of substitute materials such as polyamides, polyvinyl chlorides, polystyrenes, polyesters, or polypropylenes are particularly suitable. Nylon and Perlon have become the most popular polyamides. Polyamide is suitable, for example, for ceiling brushes, various paintbrushes, and brooms. Polyester fibers are very stiff and hardly absorb water. Polypropylene becomes brittle below 0°C and, if not plasticized, is environmentally safe.

[0029] Rubber seals or sealing lips can also be inserted into the guide rail openings. These can keep out more dirt and water and protect against self-contamination, as can happen with brittle brushes, for example. The rubber seals can also be attached to both sides of the openings and expand when a guide pin in the center of the two seals moves up or down. The rubber seals used should be water-repellent, permanently flexible, weather-resistant, especially UV-resistant, and temperature-resistant (ideally -30°C to +60°C), with the lowest possible coefficient of static friction.Rubber seals made of silicone rubber are particularly suitable due to their permanent elasticity with low compression set (absolutely elastic), high resistance to aging, very high UV and temperature resistance as well as full resistance to water-based and conventional paints.

[0030] Furthermore, flexible fabric panels can be installed between the guide pins of adjacent slats, which at least partially cover the openings of the guide rails when the venetian blind or Venetian blind is lowered. The fabric used should be water-repellent, flexible, weather- and temperature-resistant (ideally -30°C to +60°C), particularly UV-resistant, as well as tear-resistant and, if possible, breathable.

[0031] Different photovoltaic elements can be used on the slats. The various photovoltaic slat concepts can be divided according to the different technologies of the photovoltaic elements used. First-generation photovoltaic elements (wafer-based photovoltaic elements) and second-generation photovoltaic elements are characterized by the fact that they do not exceed the Shockley-Queisser (SQ) limit for single-band-section devices. Third-generation photovoltaic elements, on the other hand, have an efficiency potential above the SQ limit. The SQ limit describes the maximum achievable conversion efficiency of solar energy for a specific material. The limit is the benchmark against which new photovoltaic technologies are compared. A specific material has a specific band gap, which is responsible for the fact that only certain spectra of light can be absorbed.The remaining spectra cannot be absorbed and therefore cannot be used to convert them into electrical current (first- and second-generation photovoltaic elements). Third-generation photovoltaic elements circumvent this fact, for example, by using so-called tandem photovoltaic elements, in which several materials are used in different layers to also absorb the remaining spectra of light and convert them into electrical current.

[0032] First-generation conventional photovoltaic elements: First-generation photovoltaic elements, i.e., wafer-based photovoltaic elements, are used here. This technology is advantageous because, thanks to many years of research and its large market share, it offers a particularly high level of long-term testing, a very good price-performance ratio, and very high efficiency. A major disadvantage, however, is that mass-produced photovoltaic modules using this technology are only available in sizes that cannot be applied to the slats. Therefore, slats equipped with conventional photovoltaic elements must be manufactured in such a way that the photovoltaic elements are interconnected and laminated onto the raw slats themselves to form a module. Since individual standard photovoltaic elements are too large for the slats, they must be cut through.

[0033] Second- and third-generation photovoltaic elements: These photovoltaic elements have the advantage that, partly due to different manufacturing processes, they can be manufactured in almost any size with significantly fewer modifications to the manufacturing process. This allows the existing surface of the slats to be used more efficiently without any open spaces. A crucial disadvantage, however, is that, based on the current state of the art, second- and third-generation photovoltaic elements often cannot yet compete with first-generation photovoltaic elements in terms of efficiency. Some manufacturing processes allow the thin-film photovoltaic cell layer to be vapor-deposited directly onto the slats, which then act as a substrate. For this purpose, it may be beneficial to coat the slats in advance so that they have more suitable properties for their role as a substrate.The techniques used during the manufacturing process include thermal evaporation, sputter deposition, laser deposition and metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy.

[0034] Adhesive second- and third-generation photovoltaic elements: These also use second- and third-generation photovoltaic elements, but instead of being manufactured on the slats themselves, they are instead manufactured on a film and then glued onto the slats. This concept offers the crucial advantage of allowing for a spatial separation between the production of the slats and the production of the photovoltaic elements. The photovoltaic film can be manufactured by the meter and stored in the correct width and cut to size.

[0035] In addition, different slats can also be used. The use of slats that are less curved in the application area of ​​the photovoltaic elements, such as flat slats, can have positive effects. Firstly, the photovoltaic elements only have to adapt to a less pronounced bend, which simplifies the production process and reduces the demands on the photovoltaic elements themselves. Secondly, the photovoltaic elements can be more easily protected from external influences. It is crucial that the encapsulation of the photovoltaic cell layer adheres sufficiently strongly and reliably to the edges of the slats so that it can exert its encapsulating effect. Since expansion or contraction of the slats can lead to detachment at weak points, such as the edges, it is advisable to take special precautions here.For example, the encapsulation can be folded over one or more outer edges of the slats so that the film can also adhere to the underside of the slat. Since the flat slat has no flange on the outer edges, the film can be folded over without any problems. With a flanged slat, the film would not be easy to fold over and laminate, and the package height would increase further because the film would extend over the flange and thus further thicken the thickest part of the slat. The film can then be attached particularly firmly to the underside using other possible methods, such as gluing.

[0036] In order to increase the voltage when discharging the current generated in the photovoltaic elements and to compensate for losses during conversion, it is possible to connect several slats in series in different ways.

[0037] Accordingly, the inventors propose to improve a power conduction system with guide pins and at least one lateral guide rail for a shading device with a plurality of slats, in particular for a Venetian blind or a Venetian blind, wherein the slats can each be movably mounted in the at least one lateral guide rail by means of the guide pins, wherein the shading device has photovoltaic elements for generating power, wherein the photovoltaic elements can be electrically connected to the guide pins of the respective slat, wherein a total of at least two electrical busbars are present in the at least one guide rail, so that an electrical contact can be established with the photovoltaic elements of the slats by means of at least one contact means in order to conduct away the generated current, from which the at least one contact means protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the slat,wherein the head part has a recess at least on its upper side to enable space-saving stacking of the slats when the shading device is raised, and the contact means are designed as a spring contact pin, wherein the spring contact pin has at least one piston, a sleeve and an internal spring, and the sleeve is integrated into the guide pin, so that the guide pin serves as a sleeve and guide for the piston.

[0038] The power dissipation system according to the invention serves to feed the power generated in the photovoltaic elements of the slats into a power grid or a power storage unit. Depending on the design of the power dissipation system, an inverter is advantageously also provided. The shading device is preferably a Venetian blind or a Venetian blind, in particular a Venetian blind canopy. The invention is described below using a shading device designed as a Venetian blind.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, two lateral guide rails are formed, in which the guide pins are movably mounted. Accordingly, the two guide rails contain a total of at least two electrical busbars. The invention is described below for an embodiment with two laterally mounted guide rails. However, an embodiment with only one guide rail is also within the scope of the invention.

[0040] Like conventional venetian blinds, the slats of the Venetian blind are mounted on the side guide rails via guide pins located at the shorter longitudinal ends. As the slats are raised and lowered, the guide pins move within the guide rails.

[0041] The photovoltaic elements of the slats are electrically connected to the guide pins, for example, by means of a soldered or copper wire. One embodiment of the current conduction system therefore provides that the at least one photovoltaic element of a slat is electrically connected to the at least one contact means, for example, via a soldered connection or a cable connection.

[0042] According to the invention, at least two electrical busbars are provided in the two guide rails of a venetian blind or a slat pack. The movable guide pins, which are electrically connected to the photovoltaic elements, contact the fixed busbars, so that the generated current is discharged into the power grid or into a power storage unit. A sliding contact is preferably created between the guide pin and the busbar. Each slat has at least two contact means, i.e. at least one contact means at each longitudinal end, i.e. at least two per slat. The longitudinal ends of the slats are advantageously designed to be identical in terms of the number, arrangement, and design of the contact means. The contact means are attached to the guide pins of the slats. Thus, a guide pin advantageously has at least one contact means, which forms the electrical contact with the busbar.The contact means are advantageously mounted in a spring-loaded or at least partially movable manner in order to compensate for possible installation or manufacturing tolerances etc. of the venetian blind.

[0043] Each lamination is in contact with two differently polarized busbars. Various designs are available for this, with respect to the number of contact elements and / or busbars, as well as their design. For example, a guide pin can have one or two contact elements, and one or two busbars can be arranged in a guide rail.

[0044] A simple embodiment provides for a guide pin to have exactly one contact means. The contact means is preferably formed on the guide pin as an extension of the longitudinal axis of the lamella.

[0045] The contact means of adjacent lamellae can be arranged vertically one below the other on the guide bolts.

[0046] Alternatively, the contact means of adjacent lamellae can be arranged laterally offset from one another on the guide bolts.

[0047] Another embodiment provides for a guide pin to have two contact means. The contact means are preferably formed on the guide pin parallel to the extension of the longitudinal axis of the lamella.

[0048] Advantageously, in this design with two contact elements per guide pin, the contact elements are arranged diagonally offset. This means that the two contact elements on a guide pin are arranged laterally offset at different heights relative to a plane running through the surface of the slats.

[0049] Further variants and combinations of contact means, guide bolts, etc. are also possible and are within the scope of the invention.

[0050] Another simple embodiment provides exactly one busbar per guide rail. Preferably, the one busbar is arranged opposite the longitudinal opening in the guide rail.

[0051] Another embodiment provides two busbars in a guide rail. The two busbars are preferably arranged either side by side opposite the longitudinal opening or on both sides of the longitudinal opening in the guide rail.

[0052] An additional insert is preferably provided in each guide rail, into which the busbar(s) is / are fastened, for example, glued and / or clipped. The insert is preferably made of a non-conductive and insulating material such as plastic, or the like. To fasten the busbars in the insert, the insert preferably has retaining lugs that extend over at least part of the length of the insert or busbar. Advantageously, the retaining lugs are arranged in pairs opposite one another or offset from one another, so that the guide rail can be clipped between the retaining lugs.

[0053] The inserts are preferably formed in one piece and manufactured by means of an extrusion or pressing process.

[0054] In an embodiment with two busbars positioned side by side, the insert also serves as insulation between the two busbars, preferably forming insulation between two adjacent busbars. This insulator can, for example, be designed as a type of spacer between the two busbars.

[0055] According to the invention, the guide pins each have a disc-like head portion, from which the at least one contact means protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the slat. Furthermore, according to the invention, the head portions of adjacent slats are shaped in such a way that the head portions can be stacked as space-savingly as possible when the venetian blind is raised.

[0056] The busbars are generally made of a material with the best possible conductivity. A preferred embodiment uses a metal or alloy, such as copper or aluminum. Furthermore, the busbars are preferably designed as a flat strip or flat bar. Advantageously, one busbar extends the entire height of a guide rail.

[0057] As an alternative embodiment, the busbars can be designed as electrically conductive brushes.

[0058] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one lower end of the busbars is insulated to avoid a short circuit when installed in a metal window sill or in the event of rain, etc.

[0059] The contact elements on the guide pins can be designed in different ways. According to the invention, the contact elements are designed as spring contact pins, for example, with a round, square, or plate-shaped piston head. Other possible embodiments of the contact elements are as follows, according to the following list: copper wire, wiper with leaf springs, bracket current collector, spring with wiper unit, graphite slider, or sliding shoe. All embodiments of the contact elements are preferably spring-mounted or at least partially movable.

[0060] The embodiment of a contact device according to the invention is a spring contact pin. A particularly highly conductive material such as copper or aluminum is advantageously suitable for this purpose. The spring contact pin comprises a plunger with a round, square, or plate-like head, as well as a sleeve or casing and an internal spring. The sleeve is integrated into the guide pin, so that the guide pin serves as a sleeve and guide for the plunger. The head of the plunger is in contact with the contact rail and forms the electrical connection for current conduction.

[0061] A round or square plate is suitable for a plate-like piston head or a plate-like formation at the end of the piston. For example, the plate can contact a busbar on either side of the longitudinal opening of the guide rail. The disadvantage of square plates is that they do not rotate with the spring contact pin when the lamella rotates. However, this can be avoided by allowing the entire contact element, including the guide pin, to rotate relative to the lamella.

[0062] Furthermore, the current conduction system according to the invention is advantageously protected from weather influences such as rain, sunlight, etc. in order to ensure the longest possible service life with minimal wear.

[0063] One embodiment of the current conduction system therefore provides for rubber seals and / or brush seals to be inserted into at least some of the longitudinal openings of the guide rails. These seals do not completely close the longitudinal opening, but rather allow the guide pins to slide up and down through the seals.

[0064] The advantages of brush seals, for example made of nylon or Perlon, are: Easy implementation thanks to prefabricated strips that can be applied along the longitudinal openings; brush seals are weather- and water-resistant; the replacement of slats is not affected; and protection in all slat positions.

[0065] However, individual bristles can become loose and contaminate the busbars. Furthermore, a brush seal does not provide complete protection against the ingress of moisture and dust.

[0066] The advantages of rubber seals, for example made of silicone rubber, are: Protection against splash water and dirt; easy installation; the replacement of slats is not affected; protection in all slat positions

[0067] However, the material of the rubber seals must meet stringent requirements, as they must be permanently elastic and not become brittle. The friction between the guide pins and the seal is significantly greater with a rubber seal than with a brush seal.

[0068] Another embodiment of the current conduction system provides for a fabric insert to be arranged between the guide pins of adjacent slats. This insert is stretched when the slats are lowered and at least partially covers the openings of the guide rails. The fabric used is advantageously as flexible as possible, weather-resistant and breathable, as well as waterproof and UV-resistant.

[0069] The advantages of fabric inserts are: The longitudinal openings are covered to make them dust- and watertight; installation is possible with moderate effort; and any moisture that penetrates can evaporate.

[0070] However, a fabric insert only protects the longitudinal opening when the slats are lowered. Depending on the material, the individual fabric sections can fray at the sides. Replacing individual slats is made more difficult by the fabric inserts attached to the slats.

[0071] In an advantageous embodiment of the current discharge system according to the invention of a shading device with a plurality of slats with photovoltaic elements, it is proposed that at least two slats are electrically connected to one another in series to form a slat set, wherein the connection points between the two slats of a slat set are electrically coupled to one another in parallel via a respective busbar.

[0072] If several sets of slats are used in the shading device, each consisting of two slats connected in series, this can be achieved by having exactly two slats connected in series per set of slats, where: The equipotential connection points between the first slat and the second slat of a slat set are electrically connected via a busbar on a first side of the shading device, and each slat set is electrically connected to a positive and a negative busbar on the second side of the shading device opposite the first side. This results in the slats being arranged alternating in polarity from top to bottom.

[0073] If several sets of slats are used in the shading device, each consisting of three slats connected in series, this can be achieved by designing a current discharge system in such a way that each set of slats has exactly three slats connected in series, whereby: the potential-equal connection points between the respective first slats and the second slats are electrically connected via a first busbar on a first side of the shading device, the potential-equal connection points between the respective second slats and the third slats are electrically connected via a second busbar on a second side of the shading device opposite the first side, and each set of slats is electrically connected to a positive busbar and a negative busbar on one side of the shading device.

[0074] The invention also relates to a shading device, in particular a Venetian blind or a Venetian blind, at least comprising a curtain with a plurality of slats, each of which is movably mounted in at least one lateral guide rail by means of guide bolts and each of which has at least one photovoltaic element for generating electricity, wherein a power dissipation system according to the invention as described above is provided for dissipating the generated electricity.

[0075] The shading device is preferably a Venetian blind or a Venetian blind, in particular a Venetian blind canopy. The invention is further described with reference to a shading device designed as a Venetian blind.

[0076] The structure of the Venetian blind is similar to that of a conventional Venetian blind. Photovoltaic elements for electricity generation are mounted on the slats, either as a complete coating of the slats or as individual sections of the slats. Both conventional first-generation photovoltaic elements and second- or third-generation photovoltaic elements can be used.

[0077] One embodiment of the shading device, in particular a Venetian blind, provides that the curtain comprises at least a first slat pack and a second slat pack, wherein the slat packs are tilted differently around the respective longitudinal axes of the slats. This type of curtain is generally referred to as a two-part curtain. Preferably, an upper slat pack can be rotated or tilted separately from the remaining slats. For example, a lower section of the curtain can be completely closed to generate electricity, while an upper section remains open or at least partially open to allow daylight to enter a room.

[0078] In the following, the invention is described in more detail using the preferred embodiments with the aid of the figures, wherein only the features necessary for understanding the invention are shown or described.

[0079] They show in detail: FIG 1: a schematic cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis of a guide pin in a first embodiment, FIG 2: a schematic plan view of the guide pin according to the Figure 1 , FIG 3: a schematic cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide pin through the head part according to the Figure 1 , FIG 4: a schematic perspective view of the guide pin according to the Figure 1 , FIG 5: a schematic cross-sectional view of a guide rail with the guide pin according to the Figure 1 for current discharge, FIG 6: a schematic cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis of a guide pin in a second embodiment, FIG 7: a schematic plan view of the guide pin according to the Figure 6 , FIG 8: a schematic perspective view of the guide pin according to the Figure 6 , FIG 9: a schematic cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide pin according to the Figure 5, FIG 10: a schematic cross-sectional view of an insert for a guide rail with two guide pins according to the Figure 6 for current discharge, FIG 11: a schematic cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis of a guide pin in a third embodiment, FIG 12: a schematic plan view of the guide pin according to the Figure 11 , FIG 13: a schematic perspective view of the guide pin according to the Figure 11 , FIG 14: a schematic cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide pin according to the Figure 11 , FIG 15: a schematic cross-sectional view of an insert for a guide rail with two guide pins according to the Figure 11 for power dissipation, FIG 16: a schematic representation of a Venetian blind with power dissipation system and a first series connection of the slats, FIG 17: schematically simplified representation of the electrical series connection of the Venetian blind according to Figure 16, FIG 18: a schematic representation of a Venetian blind with current conduction system and a further series connection of the slats, and FIG 19: schematically simplified representation of the electrical series connection of the Venetian blind according to the Figure 17 .

[0080] The Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis of a guide pin 10 in a first embodiment. The guide pin 10 is connected at one end in the right-hand part of the image to an intermediate piece 6, to which the slat is attached. At the other end of the guide pin 10, it has a head part 11, which, when mounted, is arranged in the guide rail, see Figure 5. A spring contact pin 14 protrudes from the head part 11 in the longitudinal direction of the guide pin 10 and in extension of the longitudinal axis, which, when mounted, establishes the electrical contact between the photovoltaic elements on the slat and the busbar, see Figure 5 The photovoltaic elements of the slat, not shown here, are electrically connected to the spring contact pin 14 by means of an internal copper wire.

[0081] The spring contact pin 14 comprises a plunger 16 with a round plunger head 15, a sleeve 17, and an internal spring. The sleeve 17 is largely located within the head portion 11. Furthermore, the spring contact pin 14 is made of copper, which has good electrical conductivity.

[0082] In this embodiment, the head part 11 has a rectangular basic shape, as shown in the schematic plan view of the guide pin 10 in the Figure 2can be seen. The head part 11 has recesses 13 on the bottom and top as well as on the left and right, which form semicircular wings 12. In the cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide pin 10 in the Figure 3 The semicircular shape of the two wings 12 of the head section 11 as well as the upper and lower recesses 13 are particularly noticeable. The two recesses 13 serve primarily to allow the slats to be pushed together in the raised state to form the most compact and space-saving package possible, with the guide pins 10 of adjacent slats being positioned in the upper and lower recesses 13, respectively.

[0083] In the Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the guide pin 10 according to the Figure 1shown, but without a spring contact pin, whereby the shape of the head part 11 with the wings 12 formed by the recesses 13 can be seen. During stacking, the lower areas of the wings 12 of an upper slat are positioned in the upper recesses 13 of a lower slat, and the upper areas of the wings 12 of the upper slat are in turn positioned in the lower recesses 13 of the next upper slat, etc.

[0084] The Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a guide rail 1 of a not further shown Venetian blind with the guide pin 10 according to the Figure 1for power dissipation. An additional plastic insert 2 is inserted into the guide rail 1, narrowing the longitudinal opening 3 of the guide rail 1 and ensuring better guidance of the guide pin 10. The guide pin 10 protrudes through the longitudinal opening 3 into the guide rail 1, so that the head part 11 is arranged within the guide rail 1.

[0085] In this embodiment, exactly one busbar 4 is arranged opposite the longitudinal opening 3, extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 1. The busbar 4 is formed as a single piece, a flat copper bar. The flat bar is glued into the insert 2 for attachment.

[0086] The round piston head 15 of the spring contact pin 14 abuts the flat bar and moves along the flat bar as the vanes move up and down. Possible manufacturing tolerances or temperature-related changes in the length of the components are compensated for by the stroke of the spring-loaded piston head 15.

[0087] The current generated in the photovoltaic elements of the slats is conducted via a copper wire into the spring contact pin 14 and then via the flat bar. The current conduction system is connected to a power grid or a power storage system via an inverter, if necessary.

[0088] The Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis of a guide pin 20 and the Figure 7 a schematic plan view of the guide pin 20 in a second embodiment. The guide pin 20 according to the Figures 6 and 7differs only in the design of the head part 21 from the guide pin 10 of the Figure 1 . Therefore, the following will only discuss the differences between the various versions.

[0089] As shown in the perspective view of the Figure 8 and the cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide pin 20 of the Figure 9 As can be clearly seen, the head part 11 in this embodiment has two recesses 23 at the top and bottom, into which the guide pins 20 of the slats located above or below can be positioned laterally offset. This embodiment is used when two busbars or flat bars 4 are present in the guide rail 1, see Figure 10 .

[0090] In the Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an insert 2 for a guide rail not shown here with two guide pins 20 according to the Figure 6 for current conduction. On the side of the insert 3 opposite the longitudinal opening 3, two busbars 4.1, 4.2 in the form of flat bars are arranged parallel and spaced apart from one another. Between the two flat bars, the plastic insert 2 forms a projection 5 for insulating the two flat bars.

[0091] The spring contact pin 24 of the guide bolt 20 of an upper lamella contacts one flat bar, while the guide bolt 20 of a lower lamella contacts the other flat bar with the spring contact pin 24.

[0092] In the Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis of a guide pin 30 in a third embodiment and in the Figure 12 A schematic top view is shown. The following section will again focus on the differences from previous versions.

[0093] In this embodiment, the guide pin 30 has two spring contact pins 34, each of which protrudes from the head part 31 at an angle from a plane through the longitudinal axis of the lamella. The head part 31 has an S-like shape, with the piston 36 and piston head 35 of a spring contact pin 34 protruding forward from each S-wing 32. Due to the arrangement of the spring contact pins 34 offset obliquely to the longitudinal axis, their sleeves 37 are not integrated into the head part 31, but protrude from the other side thereof, see especially Figure 13 and Figure 14 .

[0094] When stacking the slats in the raised state, the S-wings 32 are positioned in the arched recesses 33 and vice versa

[0095] In the Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an insert 2 for a guide rail 1 not shown here with two guide pins 30 according to the Figure 11 for power dissipation.

[0096] For this embodiment, two busbars 4.1, 4.2 arranged parallel and spaced apart from one another are also designed in the form of flat bars with a projection 5 formed from the plastic insert 2 for insulation.

[0097] The two spring contact pins 34 of one guide bolt 30 each contact one of the two flat bars 4.

[0098] The Figure 16shows an embodiment according to the invention of the upper part of a Venetian blind with a slat box 8 and a curtain, the slats 7.1 and 7.2 of which are provided with photovoltaic elements, which are connected in series in sets and each form a slat set 7. Here, photovoltaic elements of the slats are connected in sets to the busbars 4+ and 4- for current discharge, whereby a connection of the photovoltaic elements to the busbar 4.z is established for each set in such a way that a total of one serial connection is created between the photovoltaic elements of the two slats 7.1 and 7.2 for each slat set 7, and thus the voltages U1 and U2 generated by the photovoltaic elements are added to a total voltage Uges and, ideally, doubled. As can be seen from the Figure 16As can be seen, the busbar for the intermediate potential 4z runs on one side in one guide rail 1, while the two current discharge rails 4+ and 4- run in the right guide rail 1.

[0099] For a clearer illustration, the schematic electrical circuit of the photovoltaic elements mounted on the slats 7.1 and 7.1 is shown in the Figure 16 again in the Figure 17shown. On the left is the negative or earthed busbar 4-, from which leads lead to the first slat 7.1 of a slat set 7. The first and second slats 7.1 and 7.2 are connected together with reversed polarity to the busbar 4.z, where a common intermediate potential of the voltage U1 is present between the first and second slats 7.1 and 7.2. The second slats 7.2 are then connected with the positive side of their photovoltaic elements with their voltage U2 to the busbar 4+, whereby a total voltage Uges = U1 + U2 is generated between the busbars 4- and 4+. The two busbars 4+ and 4- serve to discharge current with the potential of the total voltage Uges and combine the entire current output of the venetian blind according to the invention.

[0100] The Venetian blind according to the invention thus consists of a plurality of slat sets 7 connected in parallel, comprising serially connected slats 7.1 and 7.2, wherein the intermediate potential between all first slats 7.1 and all second slats 7.2 is interconnected.

[0101] Another embodiment of the Venetian blind according to the invention provides that three slats 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 of a slat set 7 are connected in series and the slat sets 7 of the entire Venetian blind are connected in parallel and the first, second and third slats 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 are connected in parallel. Such an embodiment is exemplified in Figure 18This shows the upper part of a Venetian blind with a slat box 8 with laterally arranged guide rails 1 designed according to the invention and three slat sets 7. Each slat set 7 contains a first, second and third slat 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3, each with a photovoltaic element arranged thereon. A busbar 4+ and 4- is arranged on the right and left in the guide rails, which on the one hand is connected to an external power connection and on the other hand electrically connects the slat sets 7. In addition, a busbar 4.z is arranged in each of the lateral guide rails 1, which connects the individual slats 7.1 to 7.2 and 7.2 to 7.3 in series and simultaneously connects all the first slats 7.1, all the second slats 7.2 and all the third slats 7.3 in parallel.

[0102] A schematic representation of this electrical circuit from the Figure 18 is in the Figure 19shown. There are four slat sets 7, each consisting of the three slats 7.1 to 7.3. These three slats 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 are connected in series with each other within each slat set 7. At the same time, the slat sets are each connected in parallel via busbars 4- and 4+. In addition, there is also a parallel connection to the same intermediate potentials of the individual slats 7.1 and 7.2 via the two busbars 4.z, whereby these busbars 4.z are each insulated from the outside. In this way, the achieved operating voltage Utotal can be increased to the sum of the individual voltages U1+U2+U3 of the first, second and third slats 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 in order to keep transmission losses as low as possible. At the same time, the current output of the slat sets 7 is summed up according to their number in the venetian blind.

[0103] Overall, the invention proposes a power dissipation system with guide pins and at least one lateral guide rail for a Venetian blind with a plurality of slats, each of which can be movably mounted in the lateral guide rails by means of the guide pins and each has at least one photovoltaic element for generating electricity, which can be electrically connected to the guide pins of the respective slat, wherein at least two electrical busbars are present in the two guide rails, so that electrical contact is established by at least one contact means with the photovoltaic elements of the slats in order to dissipate the generated electricity. Furthermore, a Venetian blind with a plurality of slats, each with at least one photovoltaic element for generating electricity, is proposed, wherein an inventive power dissipation system is present for dissipating the generated electricity.

[0104] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. List of reference symbols

[0105] 1 Guide rail 2 Insert 3 Longitudinal opening 4 Busbar 4+ positive busbar 4- negative busbar 4.z Busbar for intermediate potential 5 Insulator 6 Spacer for fastening the slat 7 Slat with photovoltaic element 7.1 First slat with photovoltaic element of a serial slat set 7.2 Second slat with photovoltaic element of a serial slat set 7.3 Third slat with photovoltaic element of a serial slat set 8 Slat box 9+ positive busbar 9- negative busbar 10, 20, 30 Guide pin 11, 21, 31 Head part 12, 22, 32 Wings 13, 23, 33 Recesses 14, 24, 34 Spring contact pin 15, 25, 35 Piston head 16, 26, 36 Piston 17, 27, 37 Sleeve

Claims

1. Current discharge system having guide pins (10, 20, 30) and at least one lateral guide rail (1) for a shading device having a multiplicity of slats (7), in particular for a Venetian blind or for a slatted blind, wherein the slats (7) can each be movably mounted in the at least one lateral guide rail (1) by means of the guide pins (10, 20, 30), wherein the shading device has photovoltaic elements for generating power, wherein the photovoltaic elements are electrically connectable to the guide pins (10, 20, 30) of the respective slat (7), wherein a total of at least two electrical busbars (4) are present in the at least one guide rail (1), with the result that electrical contact can be established by at least one contact means with the photovoltaic elements of the slats (7) in order to discharge the generated current, characterized in that 1.

1. the guide pins (10, 20, 30) each have a disc-like head part (11, 21, 31), from which the at least one contact means protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the slat, wherein the head part (11, 21, 31) has a cut-out (13, 23, 33) at least on its upper side, in order to enable space-saving stacking of the slats in the raised state of the shading device, and 1.

2. the contact means are in the form of a spring contact pin (14, 24, 34), wherein the spring contact pin (14, 24, 34) has at least one piston (16, 26, 36), a sleeve (17, 27, 37) and an inner spring, and the sleeve (17, 27, 37) is integrated into the guide pin (10, 20, 30), with the result that the guide pin (10, 20, 30) serves as a sleeve and guide for the piston (16, 26, 36).

2. Current discharge system according to the preceding Patent Claim 1, characterized in that two lateral guide rails (1) are formed and a total of at least two electrical busbars (4) are present in the two guide rails (1).

3. Current discharge system according to either of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that a guide pin (10, 20, 30) has at least one contact means (14, 24, 34) which forms the electrical contact with the busbar (4).

4. Current discharge system according to either of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that a guide pin (10, 20, 30) has exactly one contact means (14, 24, 34).

5. Current discharge system according to the preceding Patent Claim 4, characterized in that the in each case one contact means (14, 24, 34) of adjacent slats are arranged perpendicularly with respect to one another on the guide pins (10, 20, 30).

6. Current discharge system according to the preceding Patent Claim 4, characterized in that the in each case one contact means (14, 24, 34) of adjacent slats are arranged laterally offset from one another on the guide pins (10, 20, 30).

7. Current discharge system according to either of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that a guide pin (10, 20, 30) has two contact means (14, 24, 34).

8. Current discharge system according to the preceding Patent Claim 7, characterized in that the two contact means (14, 24, 34) are arranged on a guide pin (10, 20, 30) laterally offset at different heights relative to a plane running through the surface of the slats.

9. Current discharge system according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that rubber seals and / or brush seals are inserted at least in sections into the longitudinal openings (3) of the at least one guide rail (1).

10. Current discharge system according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a material insert is arranged in each case between the guide pins (10, 20, 30) of adjacent slats, the said material insert at least partially covering the longitudinal openings (3) of the at least one guide rail (1) in the lowered state of the slats.

11. Current discharge system according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that in each case at least two slats (7.1, 7.2, 7.3) are repeatedly electrically connected to one another in series to form in each case one slat set (7), wherein the connecting points (9) between the slats (7.1 with 7.2 and 7.2 with 7.3) are electrically coupled to one another in parallel via in each case one busbar (4.z).

12. Current discharge system according to the preceding Patent Claim 11, characterized in that exactly two serially connected slats (7.1, 7.2) are present per slat set (7), wherein: - the equal-potential connecting points (9) between the respective first slat (7.1) and the second slat (7.2) are electrically connected via a busbar (4.z) on a first side of the shading device, and - each slat set (7) is electrically connected to the positive and negative busbars (4+, 4-) on the second side of the shading device lying opposite the first side, wherein the polarity (+, -) of the slats in the shading device is configured in an alternating manner from top to bottom.

13. Current discharge system according to the preceding Patent Claim 11, characterized in that exactly three serially connected slats (7.1, 7.2, 7.3) are present per slat set (7), wherein: - the equal-potential connecting points (9) between the respective first slat (7.1) and the second slat (7.2) are electrically connected via a first busbar (4.z) on a first side of the shading device, - the equal-potential connecting points (9) between the respective second slat (7.2) and the third slat (7.3) are electrically connected via a second busbar (4.z) on a second side of the shading device lying opposite the first side, - each slat set (7) is electrically connected to a positive busbar (4+) and a negative busbar (4-) on in each case one side of the shading device.

14. Shading device, in particular a Venetian blind or a slatted blind, at least having a hanging with a multiplicity of slats which are each movably mounted in at least one lateral guide rail (1) by means of guide pins (10, 20, 30) and each have at least one photovoltaic element for generating power, characterized in that, in order to discharge the generated current, a current discharge system according to one of the preceding Patent Claims 1 to 13 is present.

15. Shading device according to the preceding Patent Claim 14, characterized in that the hanging comprises at least a first slat pack and a second slat pack, wherein the slat packs can be tilted differently about the respective longitudinal axes of the slats.