Pull bar for an awning as well as an awning with a pull bar

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a tension bar for an awning for holding and tensioning an awning fabric. Furthermore, the invention relates to an awning, in particular for a patio roof or a conservatory. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Awnings are commonly known as tension bars, which are used to tension the awning when it is extended. Awnings are often installed under a roof structure, particularly to support the roof's infill panels and protect them from the elements.

[0003] The awning can be made of a soft material, such as fabric or plastic. The fabric can be stored rolled up in an awning cassette and attached to the tension bar. Moving the tension bar away from the cassette stretches the awning fabric. To tension the awning and secure it to the roof structure, it can also be guided in guide rails.

[0004] The tension beam must be designed to tension the awning fabric. It must also be sufficiently stable to prevent the tension beam from bending along its length.

[0005] This is often solved by using a correspondingly robust beam profile. However, these are correspondingly material-intensive.

[0006] Overall, conventional tension bars are therefore quite heavy and have large external dimensions, making them visually prominent. This negatively impacts the appearance of the awning. Furthermore, the high weight necessitates a sufficiently robust design for the guide rails and mounting hardware to ensure the secure attachment and storage of the tension bar to the awning.

[0007] From EP 3 508 664 A1 a drawbar for an awning for holding and tensioning an awning fabric is known. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Against this background, the present invention aims to provide an improved tension beam. According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a tension beam with the features of claim 1 and / or by an awning with the features of claim 9.

[0009] Accordingly, the following is provided: A tension beam for an awning for holding and tensioning an awning fabric, in particular for a patio roof or a conservatory, with a beam profile that has a receptacle for an awning fabric, with a pretensioning element that is mounted in or on the beam profile and applies a pretension to the beam profile, wherein the pretensioning element is designed both to compensate for a deflection due to the dead weight of the beam profile and to compensate for a bending due to the tensile force of an awning fabric received in the receptacle.An awning, in particular for a patio roof or a conservatory, comprising a tension beam, an awning fabric held in the tension beam, an awning box which allows the awning fabric to be rolled up, and a guide device designed for extending and retracting the tension beam and the awning fabric, which supports the tension beam at one outer end, wherein the tension beam, in an extended state, is designed to tension the awning fabric between the awning box and the tension beam, and the pretensioning element is designed to compensate for deflection due to its own weight depending on the length of the beam profile and to compensate for bending due to the tensile force of the awning fabric, so that the beam profile is essentially free of deflection in the extended state.

[0010] The insight underlying the present invention is that the resulting forces from the tensile force through the awning fabric and from the weight of the drawbar are directed in different directions, in particular perpendicular to each other.

[0011] The idea underlying the present invention is to provide a prestressing element as reinforcement of the beam profile, which is designed to compensate for deflection due to the self-weight of the beam profile as well as for bending due to the tensile force of an awning fabric held in the receptacle.

[0012] In contrast to possible construction methods, in which the tension beam has horizontal reinforcement to transfer the forces from the awning fabric and vertical reinforcement to transfer the forces from the self-weight of the tension beam, according to the invention less reinforcement is used and thus the weight of the tension beam is reduced.

[0013] According to the invention, the prestressing element can apply a prestress over a surface area to the beam profile, in particular through surface contact between the prestressing element and the beam profile. Specifically, the surface contact can be configured differently along the length of the beam profile, resulting in prestressing forces of varying magnitudes along the length of the beam profile. The prestressing forces are oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the prestressing element. This allows the prestressing forces to manifest as compressive forces of varying magnitudes at different contact points between the prestressing element and the beam profile.

[0014] In particular, the prestressing should be designed in such a way that any bending caused by the tensile force from the weight of the awning fabric can be compensated for in an extended state, so that the beam profile remains essentially free of deflection in the extended state of the awning.

[0015] Furthermore, this method makes it advantageous to roll the awning fabric smoothly and without creases into the awning cassette when the awning is retracted, i.e., when the pull bar is moved towards the cassette. By preventing the pull bar from bending towards the cassette and thus preventing the awning from sagging, the awning can be rolled up almost wrinkle-free.

[0016] The beam profile can have different designs, serving in particular for the static design of the tension beam. The beam profile has a receptacle for the awning fabric, which can be shaped as a kind of hook that runs the entire length of the beam profile and into which the awning fabric is hung.

[0017] The awning is specifically designed for use as a patio roof or a conservatory.

[0018] Advantageous designs and further developments result from the further sub-claims as well as from the description with reference to the figures in the drawing.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the prestressing element can, by being supported on the beam profile, apply a resulting prestressing force to the beam profile against its own weight and against the tensile force, wherein the resulting prestressing force is oriented essentially transversely to a longitudinal direction of the beam profile. The prestressing element is therefore preferably oriented such that a resulting counterforce is exerted on the beam profile, which is directed against the beam profile's own weight and against any tensile force exerted by the awning fabric. This counterforce can prestress the tension beam so that, for example, it does not deflect despite its own weight and any tensile force. The direction of the resulting counterforce thus forms a force triangle consisting of the beam's own weight and the tensile force.

[0020] According to the invention, the beam profile has a chamber, wherein the prestressing element applies at least a prestressing force to the beam profile via contact with the chamber. This allows a force to be exerted particularly advantageously transversely to the longitudinal direction of the beam profile. The prestressing element is therefore not designed as a tensioning element in the form of a steel cable that exerts the prestressing force in the longitudinal direction of the cable. Instead, the prestressing element is designed as a planar prestressing element that can generate a prestressing force on the beam element transversely to the longitudinal direction of the prestressing element through contact with the beam element.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the chamber can be inclined with respect to a horizontal and a vertical plane in the assembled state, the planes passing through a longitudinal direction of the beam profile. The chamber can, in particular, be inclined such that it is aligned in the direction of a resultant force from its own weight and the tensile force of the awning fabric. If the pretensioning element now rests against the chamber, a pretensioning force can be transferred to the chamber and thus to the beam element. In particular, the force is transferred via a side surface of the chamber. The chamber preferably has a flat side that serves as a contact surface for transferring the pretensioning force. This flat side, in particular referred to as the second side section, is preferably oriented transversely to the direction of the pretensioning force.In particular, the chamber has a cross-sectional shape that has two opposing flat sides, so that a prestressing force can be transmitted in two directions.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, the chamber can extend over the entire length of the beam profile. This allows prestressing forces to be applied along the entire length of the beam profile, and these forces can also vary in magnitude. The magnitude is determined by the compressive force of the prestressing element on the chamber or on the flat surface of the chamber.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the prestressing element can be designed as a flat steel rail. In particular, a force can be transmitted to the chamber or beam profile via a short side edge of the flat steel rail's cross-section. This is achieved, in particular, by making the flat steel rail rigid in the direction of the prestressing force, so that the prestressing force can be transmitted via the short side edge. The prestressing force is built up via a long side edge of the cross-section, with the long side running parallel to the direction of the prestressing force. The short side edge of the flat steel rail can be in contact with the flat side of the chamber to transmit the prestressing force.

[0024] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the prestressing element can, in an unloaded state, describe a curvature and / or an arc shape, in particular a crescent shape. In cross-section, the prestressing element can therefore have a rectangular cross-section, with the curvature or arc shape being described in the longitudinal direction of the prestressing element. The cross-section can remain unchanged along the length of the prestressing element. In particular, the prestressing element can describe a partial circle shape at two opposite side edges, with a camber of, for example, 0.5 mm to 40 mm. The camber can also be 0.5 mm to 30 mm, in particular 1 mm to 30 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the camber can be 0.5 mm or 2 mm. The values ​​depend on the length of the prestressing element.The prestressing element can, for example, have a length of 3 m to 10 m, in particular 5 m to 7 m, in particular 6 m.

[0025] According to the invention, the prestressing element is contacted with the chamber section by section on two opposing side surfaces, the opposing side surfaces being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the prestressing element, so that opposing prestressing forces are exerted on the beam profile. This is achieved in particular by the curvature or arc shape, so that, for example, in edge regions the prestressing element can exert forces on the chamber in one direction, and in a central region the prestressing element can exert forces in another direction. This allows a central region of the beam element to be subjected to a particularly large prestressing force. This is especially advantageous because the greatest deflection from the beam element's own weight and the greatest deformation from a tensile force of the awning fabric result in the central region.

[0026] According to a further development, the chamber can have a bulge in its cross-section, allowing an auxiliary tool to be inserted along a length of the chamber during assembly when the preloading element is inserted before the preloading element makes contact. For example, the chamber can have a rectangular cross-section with a circular bulge in its central region. Consequently, an auxiliary tool with a larger cross-section than the preloading element can be inserted into the chamber.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the beam profile can be an extruded profile and the chamber can be formed as part of the extruded profile. This allows a one-piece beam profile to be produced that already includes the chamber.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the awning, the chamber can be inclined at an angle to the horizontal plane when installed. Furthermore, the resulting preload force can be influenced by the size of the chamber, particularly its length.

[0029] If the chamber's cross-section is longer, for example, a larger prestressing element can be inserted, which in turn exerts a greater prestressing force and can thus transfer it to the beam profile. The chamber can, in particular, extend essentially the entire height of the beam profile.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment of the awning, the angle of inclination can be adjusted in a direction that depends on the weight of the tension beam and the tensile force exerted by the awning fabric. The inclination is particularly dependent on the resulting force direction, which is the resultant force resulting from the weight of the beam element and the tensile force exerted by the awning fabric.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the awning, the angle of inclination can be between 10° and 80°, in particular between 30° and 70°, preferably between 40° and 60°. Other angles of inclination are also conceivable. The angle of inclination is to be considered with respect to a horizontal plane, in particular a horizontal plane that runs in the plane of the awning fabric when extended.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the awning, the curvature and / or arch shape, in particular a crescent shape, can be designed to compensate for the varying tensile force caused by the weight and / or sagging of the awning fabric along the length of the drawbar. This, in particular, prevents the drawbar from deflecting when extended. CONTENT OF THE DRAWING

[0033] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing. These figures show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of an awning; Fig. 2 a sectional view through a beam profile with a prestressing element; Fig. 3 a sectional view through a beam profile with a prestressing element; Fig. 4 a side view of a prestressing element; Fig. 5 a side view of different tension beams in different deformation states; Fig. 6 a prestressing element with an auxiliary tool; Fig. 7 a prestressing element with an auxiliary tool; Fig. 8 a prestressing element with an auxiliary tool; Fig. 9 a sectional view through a beam profile with a prestressing element and sliding elements.

[0034] The accompanying figures are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0035] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally equivalent and similarly acting elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - are each provided with the same reference symbols. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0036] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an awning 2. The awning 2 has an awning fabric 3 that can be stretched between a tension beam 1 and a wall box 11. Different tensile forces 1 arise from the awning fabric 3. The tensile forces M1 are greatest in the central region of the tension beam 1, causing the tension beam 1 to deflect furthest in this region due to the awning fabric 3 in the plane E1 and in the opposite direction R1. Furthermore, the tension beam 1 has its own weight E, causing it to deflect in the plane E2 in the direction R2. These deflections in the different planes E1, E2 and directions R1, R2 can be prevented by the proposed devices and methods. The tension beam 1 is also guided in guide rails 14, allowing the awning fabric 3 to be extended and retracted over a desired distance.

[0037] Fig. 2Figure 4 shows a sectional view through a beam profile 4 with a prestressing element 5. The beam profile 4 has a receptacle 13 for attaching the awning fabric 3. A chamber 6 is integrated into the beam profile 4 and is inclined at an angle 12. The angle 12 is aligned with respect to the horizontal plane, with the horizontal plane E1 running in the direction of R1. The chamber 6 extends almost the entire height of the beam profile 4 and has a rectangular cross-section. The chamber 6 has two side surfaces 7a, 7b, which are arranged opposite each other within the chamber 6. A prestressing element 5, which is located within the chamber 6, bears against these side surfaces 7a, 7b. This allows a prestressing force to be transferred from the prestressing element 5 to the beam profile 4 via the side surfaces 7a, 7b. The prestressing force is directed towards the chamber 6, i.e.,in the direction that describes the angle of attack 12. This allows a resulting counterforce to be built up, which is directed against the counterweight E of the tension beam 1 and against the tensile force M1 from the awning fabric 3.

[0038] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows another sectional view through a beam profile 4 with a prestressing element 5. The prestressing forces V1 and V2 are shown. These are formed by contact between the prestressing element 5 and the chamber 6, in particular by contact between the short side edge of the prestressing element 6 and second side sections 16 of the chamber 6. A bulge 9 is formed on each of the first side sections 15 of the chamber 6, resulting in an assembly opening 10 in the chamber 6. An auxiliary tool (shown in Figure 1) can be inserted through this assembly opening 10. Fig. 6 ) are introduced to draw the preload element 5 into the chamber 6.

[0039] Fig. 4Figure 1 shows a side view of a prestressing element 5. The arc shape or curvature is visible in this side view. While the cross-section of the prestressing element 5 can have a constant cross-sectional shape over its entire length, i.e., in the longitudinal direction 8, the prestressing element 5 itself is curved. This means that a camber is formed. The camber can be described by a partial circle shape, which depends on a radius r. In this embodiment, the camber d is greatest in the central region of the prestressing element 5. The camber d can, for example, be from 0.5 mm to 40 mm. The camber d can also be from 0.5 mm to 30 mm, and in particular from 1 mm to 30 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the camber d can be 0.5 mm or 2 mm. These values ​​depend on the length of the prestressing element 5.The prestressing element 5 can, for example, have a length of 3 m to 10 m, in particular 5 m to 7 m, in particular 6 m.

[0040] Fig. 5Figure 1 shows a side view of different tension beams 1 in different states of deformation. In the topmost illustration, the tension beam 1 is shown with an upward deflection exerted by the prestressing force V2. This would be the case if the tension beam 1 were considered without its own weight. When the dead weight E is applied, the tension beam 1 is without any camber, as shown in the second illustration. Consequently, the prestressing prevents deflection due to its own weight E. In the third illustration, viewed from above, a tension beam 1 is shown which, due to a prestressing force V1, experiences a deflection in the direction of the plane E1, which represents the plane of the awning fabric 3. When the awning is extended, the tensile force M1 from the awning fabric 3 acts on the tension beam 1.Due to the preload V1, deflection of the tension beam 1 is prevented, so that the tension beam 1 remains without deformation. A spring force F is shown at the outer ends of the tension beam, which describes the force when the awning is extended along the guide rails 14, see . Figure 1 .

[0041] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows a preload element 5 with an auxiliary tool 21, wherein the auxiliary tool 21 is inserted into the preload element 5 to grip it. The auxiliary tool 21 comprises a shaft 25 with a head region 22. The head region can be coupled to the preload element 5. This can be achieved by forming a projection 24 on the head region 22, which is inserted into an undercut 23 of the preload element 5.

[0042] Fig. 7Figure 5 shows a prestressing element 5 with an auxiliary tool 21, the auxiliary tool 21 being coupled to the prestressing element 5. To grip the prestressing element 5 with the auxiliary tool 21, the auxiliary tool 21, in particular the shaft 25, is rotated by 90° so that the projection 24 engages with the undercut 23. If the auxiliary tool 21 is now moved against the longitudinal direction 8 of the prestressing element 5, the prestressing element 5 can be drawn or pressed into the chamber 6 of the beam profile 4. The prestressing element 5 has rounded corner areas to facilitate insertion into the chamber 6. Furthermore, the projection 24 has rounded corner areas to facilitate insertion of the auxiliary tool 21 into the undercut 23.

[0043] Fig. 8Figure 1 shows another representation of the prestressing element 5 with the auxiliary tool 21, where in figure (a) no anchorage is yet present, and in figure (b) an anchorage of the auxiliary tool 21 with the prestressing element 5 is present by rotation of the auxiliary tool 21. Figures 6 to 8 The assembly method can be described by which a prestressing element 5, which for example has a shape as in Figure 4 exhibits, can be drawn into a chamber 6, which, for example, is like the one in the Figures 2 and 3 is formed.

[0044] Fig. 9Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view through a beam profile 4 with a prestressing element 5 and sliding elements 17. The sliding elements 17 serve to support the prestressing element 5 in the chamber 6, with each sliding element 17 being in contact with the prestressing element 5 in the chamber 6. This allows for compensation of any difference in thermal expansion between the prestressing element 5 and the beam profile 4. The chamber 6 can have a pocket 18 in each of its two second side sections 16, into which a sliding element 17 can be inserted. The pocket 18 can be formed by a projection 19 that extends from the inside of the chamber 6. The projection 19 can simultaneously serve to support the prestressing element 5 relative to the two first side sections 15.For this purpose, further projections 20 can be provided on the first side sections 15 of the chamber 6 to hold the prestressing element 5 centrally in the chamber 6 over its entire length. The projections 20 also ensure that only prestressing forces V1, V2 are transferred to the second side sections 16, and that the prestressing element 5 does not warp in the chamber 6.

[0045] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but can be modified in a variety of ways. In particular, the chamber 6 can be oriented in the beam profile 4 at an angle of attack 12 that differs from that shown. Reference symbol list

[0046] 1. Tension beam 2. Awning 3. Awning fabric 4. Beam profile 5. Tensioning element 6. Chamber 7. Side surface 8. Longitudinal direction 9. Curvature 10. Mounting aid opening 11. Wall box 12. Angle bracket 13. Mounting 14. Guide rails 15. First side sections 16. Second side sections 17. Sliding element 18. Pocket 19. Projection 20. Projection 21. Auxiliary tool 22. Head area 23. Undercut 24. Projection 25. Shaft R1 Spatial direction R2 Spatial direction R3 Longitudinal direction E1 Horizontal plane E2 Vertical plane V1 Pre-tension force V2 Pre-tension force M1 Tensile force Awning fabric EE Dead weight Tension beam F Spring force r Radius d Camber

Claims

1. Front bar (1) for an awning (2) for holding and tensioning an awning fabric (3), in particular for a patio roof or a conservatory, comprising: a beam profile (4) which has a receptacle (13) for an awning fabric (3); a bias element (5) which is mounted in or on the beam profile (4) and applies a bias to the beam profile, the bias element (5) being configured both to compensate for deflection due to the inherent weight (E) of the beam profile (4) and to compensate for bending due to tensile force (M1) of an awning fabric (3) received in the receptacle (13), the beam profile (4) having a chamber (6), and the bias element (5) applying at least one bias force (V1, V2) to the beam profile (4) via contact with the chamber (6), characterised in that the bias element (5) is contacted, in respective portions on two opposite side faces (7a, 7b), with the chamber (6), the opposite side faces (7a, 7b) being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (8) of the bias element (5) in such a way that opposing bias forces (V1, V2) are exerted on the beam profile (4).

2. Front bar (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the bias element (5), by way of bracing on the beam profile (4), applies a resultant bias force (V1, V2) to the beam profile (4) counter to the inherent weight (E) and counter to the tensile force (M1), the resultant bias force (V1, V2) being orientated substantially transverse to a longitudinal direction (R3) of the beam profile (4).

3. Front bar (1) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the chamber (6) is at an inclination to a horizontal and a vertical plane (E1, E2) in the assembled state, the planes (E1, E2) passing through a longitudinal direction (R3) of the beam profile (4).

4. Front bar (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the chamber (6) extends over the entire length of the beam profile (4).

5. Front bar (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bias element (5) is configured as a flat steel rail.

6. Front bar (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bias element (5), in an unloaded state, describes a curvature and / or an arc shape, in particular being crescent-shaped.

7. Front bar according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the chamber (6) has a bulge (9) in cross section, in such a way that during an assembly process, when the bias element (5) is being inserted into the chamber (6), an auxiliary tool (21) can be inserted over a length of the chamber (6) before the bias element (5) contacts the chamber (6).

8. Front bar according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the beam profile (4) is an extruded profile and the chamber (6) is formed as part of the extruded profile.

9. Awning (2), in particular for a patio roof or a conservatory, comprising: a front bar (1) according to any of the preceding claims; an awning fabric (3) received in the front bar; an awning box (11) which stores the awning fabric rollably; and a guide device, which is configured for extending and retracting the front bar and the awning fabric and supports the front bar at each outer end, wherein the front bar (1) is configured, in an extended state, to tension the awning fabric (3) between the awning box (11) and the front bar (3), and the bias element (5) is configured to compensate for deflection due to the inherent weight (E) as a function of a length of the beam profile (4) and to compensate for bending due to tensile force (M1) of the awning fabric (3), in such a way that the beam profile (4) is substantially free of deflection in the extended state.

10. Awning (2) according to claim 9, characterised in that the front bar (1) is configured according to either claim 3 or claim 4 and the chamber (6), in the assembled state, is inclined at an adjustment angle (12) to the horizontal plane (E1).

11. Awning (2) according to claim 10, characterised in that the adjustment angle (12) extends in a direction determined as a function of the inherent weight (E) of the front bar (1) and as a function of the tensile force (M1) through the awning fabric (3).

12. Awning (2) according to either claim 10 or claim 11, characterised in that the adjustment angle (12) is between 10° and 80°, in particular between 30° and 70°, preferably between 40° and 60°.

13. Awning (2) according to any of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the front bar (1) is configured according to claim 6 and the curvature and / or arc shape, in particular crescent shape, are configured to compensate for the different tensile force over the length of the front bar (1) due to the inherent weight and / or sagging of the awning fabric (3).