Vertical shading system

Abstract

Vertical shading system comprising a pivoting arm with at least one valance and a bracket for attaching the vertical shading system to a supporting structure, wherein the bracket provides a pivot axis around which the pivoting arm can be pivoted from its vertical storage position to its horizontal shading position, in which the valance can hang vertically from it, wherein the pivoting arm has a bracket-side and a free end, wherein a latch is provided at the bracket-side end of the pivoting arm with which the pivoting arm can be locked to the bracket at least in its shading position and the latch can be released by actuating a pull-transmission means preferably running inside the pivoting arm, which ends in the vicinity of the free end of the pivoting arm.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vertical shading system according to the preamble of claim 1. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Awnings, and especially the now ubiquitous folding-arm awnings, are available in a wide variety of styles for providing shade. Awnings are also commonly used to improve the visibility of advertising billboards. These familiar awnings have arms that fold diagonally downwards from the fabric roller using a spindle or cable drive, keeping the awning fabric stretched in a shaded position above the heads of patio or balcony users.

[0003] When the sun is low in the east or already low in the west, a problem arises with conventional awnings: the awning fabric is underexposed by the low sun and therefore no longer provides shade. To remedy this problem, so-called side awnings are used.

[0004] Installing and using side awnings on balconies or terraces that are already covered by the house is often straightforward. In many cases, the approach involves mounting an additional awning in the form of a fabric roll-up cassette when not in use. The cassette is mounted to the building wall with the fabric roller positioned vertically.

[0005] The awning fabric, which is extended horizontally from the cassette for the purpose of shading, or the vertically extending pole that precedes it and keeps the awning fabric of the side awning fully stretched, is then hung on a support pillar that supports a balcony above the terrace or a canopy above the terrace or balcony.

[0006] For terraces or balconies that do not have an existing support pillar of the type described above to hold the awning fabric of the side awning taut, a vertical auxiliary post must be installed. Only in this way can the awning fabric of the side awning, which extends horizontally from its cassette, be secured so that it remains taut.

[0007] In the latter case, users have to make an unsightly or labor-intensive compromise: Either the vertical support post sticks up unattractively above the balcony railing to which it is mounted, like a bare flagpole, day in and day out, or the vertical support post has to be attached and detached before and after each use of the side awning, which is inconvenient.

[0008] Therefore, solutions have already been proposed in which the side awning, or its awning fabric, is suspended from the main awning, such as a folding-arm or drop-arm awning. However, due to the length and / or angle variability of folding-arm and drop-arm awnings, these solutions are also not without their problems. They, too, either require compromises regarding usability or result in a complex and failure-prone construction.

[0009] A clear example of this is the well-known construction, which the Fig. 8 shows.

[0010] DE 20 2009 001 503 U1 describes a side awning with an awning arm that includes an awning shaft rotatable about its longitudinal axis and an awning fabric that can be wound up on the awning shaft.

[0011] DE 197 19 583 A1 describes an awning with an awning cassette in which the awning fabric can be wound onto a fabric shaft.

[0012] DE 35 08 851 A1 describes a fan-shaped, unfolded wind or sun protection device with a drive mechanism.

[0013] DE 20 2023 101 611 U1 describes an awning system for shading a building with a main awning and a side awning. TASK OF INVENTION

[0014] In light of the foregoing, the object of the invention is to provide a vertical shading system for an awning system that can be subsequently added to a main awning without having to take into account its structural design. THE INVENTIONAL SOLUTION

[0015] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. For this purpose, a vertical shading system is proposed, consisting of a swivel arm with at least one valance and a bracket for attaching the vertical shading system to a supporting structure.

[0016] The console provides a pivot axis around which the swivel arm can be pivoted from its vertical storage position (relative to its longitudinal axis L) to its horizontal shading position, in which the valance can hang vertically from it, with the swivel arm having a console-side and a free end (seen in the direction of its longitudinal axis).

[0017] The vertical shading system is characterized by a locking mechanism at the end of the swivel arm on the console side, which moves with the arm and allows the swivel arm to be locked to the console, at least in its shading position. The locking mechanism can also be released by actuating a pull-through linkage, preferably located inside the swivel arm. This pull-through linkage terminates near the free end of the swivel arm.

[0018] The aforementioned locking mechanism can thus be used, on the one hand, to secure the swivel arm, at least in its shading position. On the other hand, it can also be easily released using a simple pull-action mechanism to free the swivel arm. This "release" is preferably achieved by actuating the pull-action mechanism, so that the associated locking mechanism moves at least far enough to release the swivel arm from its locked position.

[0019] This allows for the simple provision of a vertical shading system that is convenient and easy to use.

[0020] In the context of the invention, the term "valance" refers to an extended valance, which consists of a valance and the awning attached to it.

[0021] The term "close range" has both a broad and a narrow meaning in this case. In its broader sense, "close range" encompasses the area from the center of the swivel arm, measured along its longitudinal axis L, to beyond the free end of the swivel arm. In its narrower sense, "close range" refers to the last 1 / 6, or better yet, the last 1 / 10 of the swivel arm before its free end. PREFERRED FURTHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the vertical shading system consists in the fact that the pull transmission means is or comprises a rope or cord, and a rotatable axis is provided near the free end of the pivot arm around which the rope or cord can be wound to lift the bar. In this way, a mechanism for lifting the bar can be provided in a simple manner.

[0023] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the rotatable axis is mounted in the swivel arm and terminates outside the swivel arm in such a way that an awning crank, preferably with a hook, can be attached to rotate the axis so that the latch is released. This eliminates the need for a separate operating mechanism, and the awning crank can be used to rotate the swivel arm into its horizontal position, which may be located far overhead. The same procedure can then be performed after releasing the latch and subsequently swinging the arm back down.

[0024] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the console and latch are designed so that the swivel arm can be pivoted from its vertical storage position into a position where its longitudinal axis L forms an angle between 30° and 60°, or even better, 45% + / - 5%, to the horizontal. Unfolding the valance is significantly more convenient, especially when the swivel arm is in a horizontal position well above the user's head. When the swivel arm assumes its vertical position, it preferably hangs vertically. This makes its free end easily accessible to the user. The user grasps the swivel arm and pivots it from its 6 o'clock position, for example, to its 8 o'clock position, where the swivel arm first locks into place. Now the user can release the swivel arm and has both hands free to attach the valance's crank to an eyelet using its hook.Now the user can easily raise the swivel arm (even quite high) using the crank until it locks into its horizontal position well above the user's head. Retracting the valance is even easier. The operator threads the hook of the awning crank into the designated eyelet at the end of the rotating axle and turns the axle with the crank. This winds the rope or cord a short distance and releases the locking mechanism. The swivel arm can then be lowered.

[0025] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the bracket is designed to offer at least four different locking positions, such that when the bracket is attached to a structure with a vertically oriented bracket flange, it allows the swivel arm to be locked in a first and a second locking position, wherein the longitudinal axis L of the swivel arm is horizontal in one of these locking positions, and when it is attached to a structure with a horizontally oriented bracket flange, it allows the swivel arm to be locked in a third and a fourth locking position, wherein the longitudinal axis L of the swivel arm is horizontal in one of these locking positions. In this way, one type of bracket can be used for both horizontal and vertical mounting.

[0026] Further possible designs, functions and advantages will result from the dependent claims and / or the following description of the exemplary embodiment and / or from the figures. LIST OF FIGURES

[0027] The Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the vertical shading system with a console with two latches in a cutaway side view with the swivel arm in the stowed position. Figure 2 shows the vertical shading system made of Fig. 1 in a cutaway side view with the swivel arm in an unlatched intermediate position. Figure 3 shows the vertical shading system made of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a cutaway side view with the swivel arm in a locked intermediate position. Figure 4 shows the vertical shading system made of Figs. 1 to 3 in a cutaway side view with the swivel arm in the shading position. Figure 5Figure 1 shows a second embodiment of the vertical shading system with a console featuring four latches in a three-dimensional view. Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the console and the console-side end of the swivel arm of the vertical shading system. Fig. 5 in a three-dimensional view. Figure 7 The console of the vertical shading system is shown. Fig. 5 in a three-dimensional view. Figure 8 demonstrates the state of the art of an awning system with side shading. PREFERRED EXAMPLES

[0028] First, the figures show Figs. 1 to 4A first embodiment of the vertical shading system 1. This consists of a swivel arm 2 with at least one valance 15 and a bracket 3 for attaching the vertical shading system to a supporting structure. In this first embodiment shown, the supporting structure is preferably designed such that the bracket 3, and in particular the bracket flange 10, can be vertically attached to it; for example, a wall or a vertical post. The valance 15 is not shown in the illustration for clarity. Figs. 1 to 4 shown, but can be found in Fig. 5 The valance 15 is preferably a roller awning, which can be rolled up, at least for the most part, in or on the swivel arm 2. In the latter case, a cassette is usually attached to the swivel arm, into which the valance can be rolled when not in use.

[0029] The console 3 provides a pivot axis 4 around which the swivel arm 2 moves from its vertical stow position relative to the longitudinal axis L (see Fig. 1 ) into its horizontal shading position (see Fig. 4 ) can be swivelled. In this horizontal shading position, the valance 15 can hang vertically from the swivel arm 2, at least when it is unrolled.

[0030] The swivel arm 2 has (viewed in the direction of its longitudinal axis L) a bracket-side end 5 and a free end 6, with a locking bar 7 being provided on the bracket-side end 5 of the swivel arm 2, moving with it. This locking bar 7 allows the swivel arm 2 to be locked, at least in its shading position (see Fig. 4 ) can be locked on the console 3 and the bolt 7 can be released by actuating a pull transmission means 8 which preferably runs inside the swivel arm 2.

[0031] This release is preferably achieved by pulling on the tension transmission element, so that the associated latch releases at least enough to free the pivot arm 2 from its locking position. The tension transmission element 8 preferably terminates near the free end 6 of the pivot arm. The tension transmission element 8 is or preferably comprises a rope or cord made of textile or metal. Alternatively, a (thin) pull rod would also be conceivable. Furthermore, a rotatable axis 9 is preferably provided near the free end 6 of the pivot arm 2, around which the tension transmission element 8 can be wound to release the latch 7.

[0032] This rotatable shaft 9 is preferably designed as a winding shaft for tensile transmission means 8 - preferably in the form of a rope or cord - and also preferably includes an eyelet 14 (see Fig. 4), into which an awning crank can preferably be attached. The rotatable axis 9 is also preferably mounted in the swivel arm 2 and ends outside the swivel arm 2 in such a way that the awning crank, preferably forming a hook, can be attached to the eyelet 14 in order to rotate the axis so that the latch 7 is lifted.

[0033] The bracket 3 preferably consists of the bracket flange 10, which is attached to the supporting structure – preferably by bolting – and preferably two identical bracket cheeks 11, which are attached to the bracket flange 10. The bracket 3 also includes catches 12, which extend between the bracket cheeks 11 and which are attached to or in the bracket cheeks 11 – preferably by mortising them. In the first embodiment shown, the bracket 3 includes two catches 12, which is why a vertical shading system 1 equipped with this bracket 3 is preferably used only in the vertical orientation of the bracket flange 10 – for example, on a wall or a vertical post. A bracket 3 with four catches 12, on the other hand, can be used in both vertical and horizontal orientations (for example, on a ceiling), which is explained in more detail in the second embodiment.

[0034] The bolt 7 can also preferably be pivoted about a pivot axis 16; for example by pulling via the pull transmission means 8. In addition, the bolt 7 preferably comprises a projection on which a spring element 13 can be attached, which preferably supports the pivoting of the bolt 7 against the interior of the pivot arm 2.

[0035] In the first embodiment, the swivel arm 2 is removed from the stowed position (see Fig. 1 ) thus, in a first step, preferably pivoted so far that the bolt 7 abuts a notch 12 (see Fig. 2As the pivot arm 2 is pivoted further, the latch 7 is displaced by the pressure of the corresponding detent 12 and preferably pivoted about its pivot axis 16 such that the latch 7 pivots past the end face of the corresponding detent 12. Due to the spring action of the spring element 13, the latch 7 then engages with the detent 12; preferably such that the latch 7 rests below the detent and prevents further pivoting of the pivot arm towards its stowed position without actuating the tension transmission means 8. This engaged or locked intermediate position is in Fig. 3 shown. This locked intermediate position is preferably reached by the user manually pivoting the swivel arm out of its stowed position. In the stowed position, the free end 6 of the long swivel arm 2 is usually easily accessible to the user.

[0036] In this locked intermediate position, the longitudinal axis L of the swivel arm 2 preferably has an angle between 30° and 60° and preferably 45% + / - 5% to the horizontal.

[0037] After locking in this intermediate position, the user can release the swivel arm 2 and has both hands free to attach the awning crank of the valance 15 with its hook to the eyelet 14, which the rotatable axis 9 – preferably with a winding shaft for a rope or cord – forms on the outside. Now the user can easily and conveniently lift the swivel arm 2 with the awning crank, even far above its normal reach, until the swivel arm 2 locks into its horizontal position (see Fig. 4 This locking mechanism works according to the same principle as the first locked intermediate position.

[0038] With the aforementioned awning crank, which can be hooked into the eyelet 14, the user can also operate the pull-through device 8 while turning the awning crank, preferably by winding a rope or cord onto the rotatable axle 9. This partially winds up the pull-through device 8 – preferably the rope or cord – releases the latch 7, and frees the swivel arm 2. The swivel arm 2 can then be lowered, preferably with at least partial assistance from the awning crank as a support and guide rod.

[0039] The second embodiment of the vertical shading system 1 is shown in the figures. Figs. 5 to 7This can be seen. This functions analogously to the first embodiment, but has four detents 12 instead of the two detents 12 of the first embodiment. This enables the correct functioning of the vertical shading system 1 with a vertical mounting of the bracket flange 10 as well as with a horizontal mounting (for example, on the ceiling). Thus, this bracket 3 can be used for both vertical and horizontal mounting and is not limited to one mounting type.

[0040] This bracket 3 thus offers at least four different locking positions, such that when the bracket 3 is attached to a structure with its vertically oriented bracket flange 10, it allows the locking of the pivot arm 2 in a first and a second locking position (analogous to the first embodiment), wherein the longitudinal axis L of the pivot arm 2 runs horizontally in one of these locking positions. However, when it is attached to a structure with its horizontally oriented bracket flange 10, locking of the pivot arm 2 in a third and a fourth locking position is also permitted, wherein the longitudinal axis L of the pivot arm runs horizontally in one of these locking positions.

[0041] The Fig. 7Figure 1 clearly shows the detents 12 of such a console 3, which preferably has four detents 12, these detents 12 preferably being inclined relative to the console flange 10 – as already shown in the first embodiment. This ensures the desired locking of the latch 7 and also the desired horizontal and / or vertical position of the pivot arm 2. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0042] 1 Vertical shading system 2 Swivel arm 3 Bracket 4 Swivel axis of the bracket 5 Bracket-side end of the swivel arm 6 Free end of the swivel arm 7 Latch 8 Tension transmission means 9 Rotating axis 10 Bracket flange 11 Bracket side 12 Latch 13 Spring element 14 Eyelet 15 Valance 16 Swivel axis of the latch Longitudinal axis of the swivel arm

Claims

1. Vertical shading system (1) consisting of a swivel arm (2) with at least one valance (15) and a bracket (3) for attaching the vertical shading system (1) to a supporting building, wherein the bracket (3) provides a swivel axis (4) about which the swivel arm (2) can be swivelled from its vertical stowed position into its horizontal shading position, in which the valance (15) can hang vertically from it, wherein the swivel arm (2) has a bracket-side end (5) and a free end (6), characterised in that a bolt (7) is provided on the bracket-side end (5) of the swivel arm (2), with which the swivel arm (2) can be locked to the bracket (3) at least in its shading position, and the bolt (7) can be lifted by actuating a tension transmission means (8) preferably extending inside the swivel arm (2), which ends in the vicinity of the free end (6) of the swivel arm (2).

2. Vertical shading system (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the tension transmission means (8) is or comprises a rope or cord, and a rotatable axle (9) is provided in the vicinity of the free end (6) of the swivel arm (2), around which the rope or cord can be wound to lift the bolt (7).

3. Vertical shading system (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the rotatable axle (9) is mounted in the swivel arm (2) and ends outside the swivel arm (2) in such a way that an awning crank, preferably forming a hook, can be attached to rotate the rotatable axle (9) so that the bolt (7) is lifted.

4. Vertical shading system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bracket (3) and the bolt (7) are designed such that the swivel arm (2) can be swivelled from its vertical storage position into a position in which its longitudinal axis (L) forms an angle of between 30° and 60°, and preferably 45% + / - 5%, to the horizontal, and locked in that position.

5. Vertical shading system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bracket (3) is designed to offer at least four different locking positions, such that the bracket (3), when it is attached to a building with the bracket flange (10) aligned vertically, allows the swivel arm (2) to be locked in a first and a second locking position, with the longitudinal axis (L) of the swivel arm (2) running horizontally in one of these locking positions, and when it is attached to a building with the bracket flange (10) aligned horizontally, it allows the swivel arm (2) to be locked in a third and a fourth locking position, with the longitudinal axis (L) of the swivel arm (2) running horizontally in one of these locking positions.

6. Vertical shading system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bolt (7) is mounted in the swivel arm (2) so that it can pivot about a pivot axis (16).

7. Vertical shading system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a spring element (13) is attached directly or indirectly to the bolt (7).

8. Vertical shading system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bracket (3) has a bracket flange (10) and two opposing bracket cheeks (11) between which detents (12) extend.

9. Vertical shading system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rotatable axle (9) has an eyelet (14) - preferably for threading an awning crank.

10. Vertical shading system (1) according to claim 2 or according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 9 if dependent on claim 2, characterised in that the rotatable axle (9) has at least one bearing bushing, a spacer tube and a rope clamp.

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