Valance with position sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to an awning (1) with an extendable extension profile (4), wherein the extension profile (4) has a valance shaft driven electrically by a valance shaft motor, from which a valance (12) can be unwound and extended downwards, wherein the awning (1) has at least one position sensor for detecting the orientation of the extension profile (4) and wherein the valance shaft motor of the valance shaft for extending and / or retracting the valance (12) is only controlled when the extension profile (4) is horizontally oriented. The invention further relates to a method for controlling such an awning (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an awning with an extendable extension profile, wherein the extension profile has a valance shaft driven by an electric motor by means of a valance shaft motor, from which a valance can be unwound and extended downwards.

[0002] Such awnings are well known. A valance of this type allows for shading a patio, even from sunlight that enters diagonally from the front.

[0003] Awnings are also known in which the extension profile is mounted on guide rails for movement in the extension direction. EP 3 354 817 A1 discloses an awning in which the extension profile is guided on guide rails for movement in the extension direction, and in which the front ends of the guide rails in the extension direction are supported by supports, with at least one support being adjustable in length. This makes it possible to drain rainwater by adjusting the length of one of the vertical supports. However, due to an extension profile tilted in this way, extending or retracting the valance could lead to wrinkles or even damage to the valance.

[0004] EP 2 458 107 B1 describes an awning according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] The object of the invention is to overcome these disadvantages and to develop an awning with a valance of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that damage to the valance and possible incorrect operation by a user are reliably prevented.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by an awning according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 10. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0007] Particularly advantageous in the case of the awning with an extendable extension profile, wherein the extension profile has a valance shaft driven by an electric motor by means of a valance shaft motor, from which a valance can be unwound and extended downwards, is that the awning has at least one position sensor for detecting the orientation of the extension profile and wherein the valance shaft motor of the valance shaft is only controlled to extend and / or retract the valance when the extension profile is horizontally or approximately horizontally aligned.

[0008] This means that the valance can only be extended or retracted when the extension profile is horizontal or approximately horizontal, whereby it is also possible to specify a limit value for a deviation from an exactly horizontal alignment, i.e. a definition of a maximum deviation from a horizontal alignment of the extension profile below a specified limit of, for example, + / - 5° or up to + / - 10° or up to + / - 15° deviation from an exactly horizontal alignment of the extension profile. This permissible deviation from an exactly horizontal alignment is covered in the sense of the invention by the term an approximately horizontal alignment. The limit value can also be individually definable. In particular, a definable limit value can be stored in a control unit for controlling the electric motor drive of the valance shaft for extending and / or retracting the valance.If the deviation from a perfectly horizontal alignment of the extension profile is smaller than the measurement sensitivity of the position sensor, a horizontal alignment of the extension profile is also assumed. The term "horizontal alignment" corresponds to the axis of the valance shaft from which the valance is unwound.

[0009] For the purposes of the invention, the term horizontal or approximately horizontal alignment thus covers both an exactly horizontal alignment and a not exactly horizontal alignment with a tolerable deviation from the horizontal.

[0010] The position sensor can be a so-called inclination sensor. An inclination sensor is a precision mechanical or electrical measuring device that establishes a precise reference to the vertical direction for a component, such as the extension profile in this case, or monitors changes in the angle of inclination. Thus, an inclination sensor can also be used to monitor deviations from a horizontal alignment of a component. For the purposes of the invention, the terms position sensor and inclination sensor are used synonymously.

[0011] By monitoring the horizontal alignment, any damage to the valance when extending and / or retracting the valance, i.e. when unwinding or winding the valance on the valance shaft, is prevented, which could occur if the valance shaft is positioned at an angle.

[0012] Conversely, if the current position of the extension profile deviates too greatly from a horizontal alignment, the electric motor drive of the valance shaft is not activated to extend and / or retract the valance.

[0013] The valance shaft can be accommodated by the extension profile and can be rotatably mounted, in particular, in the extension profile.

[0014] The awning's shading element can be unwound from a roller shaft mounted on a rotatable housing. This can be a cassette awning with a roller shaft mounted on a rotatable housing. The awning can also be a pergola awning with several profiles that can be moved along the guide rails in the extension direction, with flexible shading elements attached between the profiles.

[0015] In particular, the fabric shaft can be driven by an electric motor and / or the extension profile can be retracted and / or extended by means of an actuating means, in particular by means of a driven traction means.

[0016] According to the invention, the extension profile has a valance shaft from which a valance can be unwound. The valance can be designed either with or without guide elements, in particular vertically extending guide elements, and in particular can be freely suspended and extendable vertically downwards. Alternatively, the valance can be guided on, in particular, vertically arranged guide elements. A closing profile can be arranged at the front end of the valance in the extension direction. This closing profile can hang freely or, alternatively, be guided on, in particular, vertically arranged guide elements.

[0017] The awning can also be a so-called conservatory awning, in which the extension profile is guided on guide rails so that it can move in the extension direction. Alternatively, as mentioned, it can be a pergola awning, in which several cross profiles arranged transversely to the extension direction are guided on guide rails so that it can move in the extension direction, with a flexible shading element being arranged between each two adjacent cross profiles and the frontmost cross profile in the extension direction forming the extension profile according to the invention, which has the valance. Alternatively, the awning can be an articulated arm awning. In the case of an articulated arm awning, monitoring the horizontal alignment of the extension profile serves to protect the valance from possible wind loads and the resulting deflection of the extension profile from the horizontal.

[0018] This type of valance provides shade for a patio or conservatory, even from sunlight slanting in from the front. "Front" refers to the direction the extension profile extends. When the awning is fully retracted, the extension profile is positioned at the rear. When the awning is fully extended, the extension profile is moved as far forward as possible.

[0019] For the purposes of the invention, the terms "conservatory awning" and "awning" are used synonymously. In particular, as explained, the extension profile can be mounted on guide rails so that it can move.

[0020] Preferably, the position sensor for detecting the orientation of the extension profile is arranged in or on the extension profile.

[0021] The position sensor can in particular be a sensor for detecting and evaluating two or three spatial dimensions to determine the orientation of the extension profile.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the valance shaft is received by the extension profile and rotatably mounted, in particular, in the extension profile. According to the invention, the valance shaft being received by the extension profile means that the valance shaft is arranged in or on the extension profile. The extension profile is preferably formed by a hollow profile within which the valance shaft is received and rotatably mounted, so that the valance can be unwound from the valance shaft and extended downwards.

[0023] Preferably, the valance shaft motor of the valance shaft is actuated to extend and / or retract the valance by means of a radio remote control, wherein if the current position of the extension profile deviates too greatly from a horizontal alignment, a warning message is issued, in particular an optical and / or acoustic warning message, in particular that the warning message is transmitted to the radio remote control via a bidirectional radio connection and displayed on the radio remote control.

[0024] The valance can thus preferably be operated using a remote control. A bidirectional radio connection between the radio remote control and a control unit of the awning is particularly preferred. The awning can thus have a control unit. In particular, the control unit can be used to receive and process the radio remote control signals. In particular, the control unit can be used to evaluate the signal from the position sensor and control the valance's valance shaft motor, i.e., to extend or retract the valance by appropriately controlling the valance shaft motor.

[0025] Preferably, the extension profile is guided on guide rails so as to be movable in the extension direction, wherein the front ends of the guide rails in the extension direction are carried by supports, wherein at least one support is variable in length.

[0026] Due to the unilateral lowering of the awning due to the length change of one of the vertical supports, the extension profile is shifted from a horizontal position to a diagonal position between the guide rails. This one-sided lowering serves primarily to allow rainwater to drain away.

[0027] A length-adjustable support can have a spindle drive. Thus, the length change of the at least one length-adjustable support can be realized by means of a spindle drive. Such a spindle drive can be operated by a hand crank and / or driven by an electric motor.

[0028] Preferably, two guide rails are arranged, each supported by a length-adjustable support. Preferably, the front ends of the guide rails are each supported by the supports. The term "front end" encompasses the fact that the supports are offset backwards from the front ends along the guide rails by up to 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the length of the guide rails, starting from the front end of the guide rails. Accordingly, the guide rails can project beyond the plane spanned by the supports in the extension direction.

[0029] Particularly preferably, the awning has a rotatably mounted fabric shaft from which a fabric can be unwound, the front end of which in the extension direction (A) is fastened to the extension profile, wherein the fabric shaft is driven by means of a fabric shaft motor and the valance shaft is driven by means of the valance shaft motor, wherein the fabric shaft motor and the valance shaft motor are actuated by a control unit which is set up in such a way that an extension of the valance is only possible when the extension profile is fully extended and / or a retraction of the extension profile is only possible when the valance is fully retracted.

[0030] Preferably, both the fabric shaft and the valance shaft can each be driven by an electric motor, in particular by an electric motor that can be actuated by a remote control.

[0031] An intelligent control system ensures that the extension profile can only be retracted when the valance is retracted and / or extended when the valance is fully extended. This prevents the valance from being extended at a point where it is still above a roof or similar structure. Furthermore, damage to the valance is reliably prevented if the extension profile can only be retracted when the valance is retracted, i.e., if an extended valance has been retracted previously.

[0032] Preferably, the valance shaft motor is powered by an accumulator; in particular, the extension profile can have an accumulator for supplying power to the valance shaft motor.

[0033] In particular, the battery can be charged via contacts that are automatically closed when the extension profile is fully retracted and establish a connection to a power supply.

[0034] Alternatively or cumulatively, the battery can be charged inductively without contact, in particular in such a way that inductive charging of the battery occurs automatically when the extension profile is fully retracted.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the battery can be charged using at least one photovoltaic module. In particular, the photovoltaic module can be arranged in or on the extension profile. By arranging a photovoltaic module in or on the extension profile, complex wiring to the battery along guide rails or the like can be eliminated.

[0036] By installing a battery, it is no longer necessary to lay an electrical cable to the drop-down profile. The battery is regularly and sufficiently charged without this. Installation is simplified and there is no safety risk. It is recommended that the connection to the power source be made via electrical contacts when the sunshade is retracted. It is particularly advantageous if the connection to the power source is made by induction via coils when the sunshade is retracted, thus preventing insufficient contact.

[0037] What is particularly advantageous in the method for controlling an awning with an extension profile, wherein the extension profile has a valance shaft from which a valance can be unwound and extended downwards, is that the alignment of the extension profile relative to the horizontal is monitored by means of a position sensor and the valance shaft motor of the valance shaft is only controlled to extend and / or retract the valance when the extension profile is aligned horizontally, wherein if a definable limit value for a deviation of the alignment of the extension profile from the horizontal is exceeded, the extension and / or retraction of the valance does not take place or is interrupted.

[0038] Preferably, after receiving a control command for moving the valance, if a definable limit value for a deviation of the alignment of the extension profile from the horizontal is exceeded, the valance will not extend and / or retract, or the extension and / or retraction of the valance will be interrupted, and a warning message will be generated and issued. In particular, the warning message can be transmitted to a radio remote control via a bidirectional radio link and output visually and / or acoustically via the radio remote control.

[0039] Preferably, the alignment of the extension profile relative to the horizontal is continuously monitored during the retraction and / or extension of the valance by evaluating the signal from the position sensor. This allows, in particular, any wind loads to be detected and the valance to be protected.

[0040] Preferably, after receiving a control command for moving the valance, if a definable limit value for a deviation of the alignment of the extension profile from the horizontal is exceeded, an extension and / or retraction of the valance is not triggered and the received control command is deleted after a definable period of time.

[0041] Received control commands are therefore preferably only executed within a specific time period, provided the position and orientation of the extension profile allow the control command to be executed. If the control command cannot be executed, the command is deleted after a specific time period. This can, in particular, prevent accidental actuation of the valance.

[0042] Preferably, the valance can only be extended when the extension profile is fully extended and the extension profile can only be retracted when the valance is fully retracted.

[0043] Preferably, upon receipt of a control command to extend the valance, a check is first carried out to determine whether the extension profile is fully extended, in particular that the extension profile is first fully extended due to the control command before the valance is extended.

[0044] Preferably, upon receipt of a control command to retract the extension profile, a check is first carried out to determine whether the valance is fully retracted, in particular that the valance is first retracted due to the control command before the extension profile is retracted.

[0045] Such an intelligent control system ensures that the extension profile can only be retracted when the valance is retracted and / or that the valance can only be extended when the valance is fully extended. This prevents the valance from being extended at a point where it is still above a roof or similar structure. Furthermore, damage to the valance is reliably prevented if the extension profile can only be retracted when the valance is retracted, i.e., if an extended valance has previously been retracted.

[0046] The awning can have a central control unit. In particular, this central control unit can be configured to receive and process remote control commands and, in particular, to control a motor for moving the extension profile and / or a valance shaft motor for extending and retracting the valance. Furthermore, such a central control unit can be configured to evaluate the signal from the position sensor. In particular, the central control unit can be configured to generate and transmit a warning message when a limit value for the deflection of the extension profile relative to the horizontal is exceeded, in particular via a bidirectional radio connection to a remote control, in order to display the warning message via the remote control.

[0047] Alternatively, the awning can have a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit and / or the second control unit can be configured to receive and process remote control commands. Furthermore, the first control unit can be configured to control a motor for moving the extension profile. Furthermore, the second control unit can be configured to control a valance shaft motor for extending and retracting the valance.

[0048] In particular, the first control unit and / or the second control unit can be configured to evaluate the signal of the position sensor, in particular the first control unit and / or the second control unit can be configured to generate and transmit a warning message when a limit value for a deflection of the extension profile relative to the horizontal is exceeded, in particular via a bidirectional radio connection to a remote control in order to display the warning message by means of the remote control.

[0049] The first control unit and the second control unit can be connected wirelessly or wired. When a battery is provided to power the valance shaft motor, it is particularly advantageous if a control unit for controlling the valance shaft motor is simultaneously powered by the battery, and the control unit for controlling the valance shaft motor is wirelessly connected to a control unit for controlling a motor for moving the extension profile. This allows the intelligent control described above to be implemented without complex wiring.

[0050] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the figures and explained below. They show: Fig. 1: A perspective view of an awning with a one-sided lowered extension profile for draining rainwater; Fig. 2: A perspective view of an awning with a horizontal extension profile; Fig. 3: A perspective view of an awning with a one-sided lowered extension profile for draining rainwater; Fig. 4: A perspective view of an awning with a horizontal extension profile and a partially extended valance.

[0051] Figure 1shows a perspective view of an awning 1. At the rear end in the extension direction A, the awning 1 has a housing 2 in which a fabric shaft is rotatably mounted. The housing 2 can be attached to a building wall by means of fastening brackets. The awning fabric 3 can be unwound from the fabric shaft in the housing 2. The front end of the awning fabric 3 in the extension direction A is attached to the extension profile 4. The extension profile 4 and the fabric shaft are driven and synchronized by an electric motor using a fabric shaft motor to extend and retract the extension profile. To extend the extension profile 4, the extension profile is pulled in the extension direction A by means of a traction device. To retract the extension profile, the fabric shaft is driven so that the fabric 3 is wound back onto the fabric shaft and the extension profile 4 is accordingly moved against the extension direction A.

[0052] The extension profile 4 is guided on lateral guide rails 5, 6. The front ends of the guide rails 5, 6 in the extension direction are carried by supports 7, 8. One support 7 is adjustable in length by means of a hand crank 9, so that the Figure 1 The left end of the extension profile 4 can be lowered together with the guide rail 5. The connections between the guide rails 5, 6 and the housing 2, as well as the connections between the guide rails 5, 6 and the supports 7, 8 supporting the front ends of the guide rails 5, 6, are designed to be articulated and / or movable relative to one another in order to avoid stresses in the components due to deflection caused by one-sided lowering.

[0053] As in Figure 1 As indicated by the arrow 10, rainwater hitting the fabric 3 is directly drained away via the lowered side of the awning 1.

[0054] Figure 2shows perspective view of awning 1 after Figure 1 with a horizontally adjusted extension profile. In this case, the length-adjustable support 7 is adjusted to the same length as the non-adjustable support 8 using the hand crank 9, so that the extension profile 4 runs horizontally. In this case, a so-called water pocket can form when rainwater hits the fabric 3. Such a water pocket has a considerable mass and can lead to damage to the awning 1.

[0055] To drain the rainwater collected on the cloth 3, the length-adjustable support 7 can be adjusted by means of the hand crank 9 in the direction of arrow 11, so that the left end of the extension profile 4 is lowered, as shown in Figure 3is shown. Due to the one-sided lowering of the extension profile 4, the rainwater is now drained from the fabric 3 via the lowered side of the extension profile 4. This reliably prevents any damage caused by water accumulation on the fabric 3.

[0056] A valance shaft is integrated into the extension profile 4 of the awning 1, from which a valance 12 can be extended vertically downwards, as shown in Figure 4 with a partially extended valance 12.

[0057] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an awning 1 with horizontally adjusted extension profile 4 and partially extended valance 12. The awning 1 according to Figure 4 basically has the same structure as the awning 1 according to the Figures 1 to 3 . Only an additional stabilizing profile 13 to increase the stability is required for the awning 1 according to Figure 4 arranged between the guide rails 5, 6.

[0058] The valance shaft which holds the valance 12 is rotatably mounted in the extension profile 4 of the awning 1 and is driven by an electric motor by means of a valance shaft motor.

[0059] The extension and retraction of the extension profile 4 and the extension and retraction of the valance 12 are controlled by a control unit. The awning 1 has a control unit for controlling both the fabric shaft motor and the valance shaft motor. The control unit is configured such that the extension of the valance 12 is only possible when the extension profile 4 is fully extended in the extension direction A. Furthermore, the control unit is configured such that the retraction of the extension profile 4 against the extension direction A is only possible when the valance 12 is fully retracted. This prevents incorrect operation and damage to the awning 1.

[0060] The control unit also includes a radio receiver for receiving and processing remote control signals. A remote control is also assigned to the awning 1, by means of which the extension profile 4 and the valance 12 can be controlled and moved as desired by a user.

[0061] A position sensor is integrated into the extension profile 4, which detects the current position of the extension profile 4 and transmits it to the control unit. The position sensor can thus detect whether the extension profile is aligned horizontally or lowered on one side by adjusting the length-adjustable support 7. To avoid damaging the valance 12 and preventing creases, the valance 12 can only be extended and retracted when the extension profile 4 is set horizontally. For this purpose, the control unit evaluates the signal from the position sensor upon receipt of a radio remote control signal to move the valance 12. If the extension profile is aligned horizontally, the control unit triggers the movement of the valance by correspondingly controlling the valance shaft motor.However, if the evaluation of the position sensor signal determines that the deviation of the current alignment of the extension profile 4 from the horizontal exceeds a limit value, the command received by the radio remote control to protect the awning 1 and the valance 12 is not executed. Instead, a warning signal is generated by the control unit and transmitted to the radio remote control via a bidirectional radio connection and displayed on a display of the radio remote control. After a period of 10 seconds, the received command is deleted from the control unit to prevent accidental operation of the awning if the extension profile 4 is aligned horizontally again by subsequent operation of the adjustable support 7.

Claims

1. Awning (1) with an extendable extension profile (4), wherein the extension profile (4) has an electric motor driven valance shaft driven by means of a valance shaft motor, from which a valance (12) can be unrolled and extended downwards, characterized in that the awning (1) has at least one position sensor for detecting the alignment of the extension profile (4) and wherein controlling of the valance shaft motor of the valance shaft to extend and / or retract the valance (12) only occurs with a horizontally or almost horizontally aligned extension profile (4).

2. Awning (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the position sensor for detecting the alignment of the extension profile (4) is arranged in or on the extension profile (4).

3. Awning (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an actuation of the valance shaft motor of the valance shaft to extend and / or retract the valance (12) occurs by means of a wireless remote control, wherein, in the event of a significant deviation in the current position of the extension profile (4) from a horizontal alignment, a warning is issued, in particular a visible and / or audible warning, in particular in that the warning is transmitted via a bidirectional wireless link to the wireless remote control and is displayed on the wireless remote control.

4. Awning (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the extension profile is movably guided (4) on guide rails (5, 6) in the extension direction (A) and the front ends of the guide rails (5, 6) in the extension direction (A) are held by supports (7, 8), wherein at least one support (7) is variable in length.

5. Awning (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the awning (1) has a rotatably mounted roller tube, from which a cloth (3) can be unrolled, the front end of which in the extension direction (A) is attached to the extension profile (4), wherein the roller tube is driven by means of a roller tube shaft motor and the valance shaft is driven by means of the valance shaft motor, wherein the roller tube shaft motor and the valance shaft motor are actuated by a control unit, which is designed such that an extension of the valance (12) is only possible with a fully extended extension profile (4) and / or a retraction of the extension profile (4) is only possible with a fully retracted valance (12).

6. Awning (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the valance shaft motor is powered by a battery, in particular in that the extension profile (4) has a battery for powering the valance shaft motor.

7. Awning (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the valance shaft motor is powered by a battery, wherein the battery is charged via contacts, which are automatically closed when the extension profile (4) is fully retracted and create a connection to a power supply.

8. Awning (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the valance shaft motor is powered by a battery, wherein the battery is charged by wireless inductive charging, in particular in that inductive charging of the battery occurs automatically when the extension profile (4) is fully retracted.

9. Awning (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the valance shaft motor is powered by a battery, wherein the battery is charged by means of at least one photovoltaic module, in particular in that the photovoltaic module is arranged in or on the extension profile (4).

10. Method for controlling an awning (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that a monitoring of the alignment of the extension profile (4) relative to the horizontal occurs by means of a position sensor and controlling the valance shaft motor of the valance shaft to extend and / or retract the valance (12) only occurs with a horizontally aligned extension profile (4), wherein, in the event of a definable threshold being exceeded for a deviation in the alignment of the extension profile (4) from the horizontal, an extension and / or retraction of the valance (12) does not occur or is interrupted.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that after receiving a control command for a method of the valance (12), in the event of a definable threshold being exceeded for a deviation in the alignment of the extension profile (4) from the horizontal, an extension and / or retraction of the valance (12) does not occur or is interrupted and a warning is generated and issued, in particular in that the warning is transmitted via a bidirectional wireless link to a wireless remote control and visibly and / or audibly issued by means of the wireless remote control.

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that after receiving a control command for a method of the valance (12), in the event of a definable threshold being exceeded for a deviation in the alignment of the extension profile (4) from the horizontal, an extension and / or retraction of the valance (12) does not occur and the control command received is cancelled after a definable period of time has elapsed.

13. Method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that an extension of the valance (12) is only possible with a fully extended extension profile (4) and a retraction of the extension profile (4) is only possible with a fully retracted valance (12).

14. Method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that on receiving a control command to extend the valance (12) first a check occurs as to whether the extension profile (4) is fully extended, in particular in that a complete extension of the extension profile (4) first occurs before extending the valance (12) on the basis of the control command.

15. Method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that on receiving a control command to retract the extension profile (4) first a check occurs as to whether the valance (12) is fully retracted, in particular in that a retraction of the valance (12) first occurs before retracting the extension profile (4) on the basis of the control command.

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