Device for deploying the cloth of an awning

Abstract

The invention relates to a device used for deploying the fabric of an awning, said device comprising: - An arm (1), - The arm extending lengthwise by means of a first element (10) and a second element (11) connected to each other by means of an articulated link (12) so as to be able to pivot relative to each other to give the arm (1) a folded position and an unfolded position, - At least one tension assembly arranged to store elastic energy intended to allow the arm (1) to unfold, - Said tension assembly comprising at least one tension link on which elastic means are attached under prestress, - A sheath (4), - An electrical connection (5) extending along the length of said arm, - Said sheath (4) comprising at least a second conduit (43) through which said electrical connection (5) passes lengthwise.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device used for deploying the fabric of an awning. State of the art

[0002] An awning consists of a fabric that can be unrolled over a more or less extensive area to protect oneself from the sun or inclement weather.

[0003] In a known manner, as described for example in patent application FR2887284A1 , An awning uses a complete deployment system to unroll or roll up the fabric.

[0004] The deployment system typically consists of a fixed frame designed to be mounted on a building wall. This frame supports a roller onto which the fabric is wound, and a motor that drives the roller to wind or unwind the fabric. The system also includes a sliding weight bar that pulls the fabric when it is unfurled. The system generally incorporates two deployment mechanisms arranged in parallel, which drive the weight bar and tension the fabric when it is fully unfurled.

[0005] Each deployment device includes an arm having a first fixed end connected to the chassis by an articulated link and a second mobile end connected to the load bar by another articulated link.

[0006] Between its first and second ends, the arm extends lengthwise by means of a first element and a second element connected by a central hinge, allowing it to pivot relative to each other between a folded and unfolded position. The arm is in its folded position when the fabric is rolled up and unfolds progressively as the fabric is unrolled. To move the arm from its folded to its unfolded position, the device includes a pre-stressed tensioning system designed to store elastic energy, enabling the arm to unfold from its folded to its unfolded position. This tensioning system includes a tension link (cable, chain, or other) to which pre-stressed elastic elements are attached.

[0007] As described in patent application FR2887284A1 and in patent application EP1942236A2 ,The device may include a sheath arranged at the joint to pass the tension link (the cable) along the arm.

[0008] This sheath is made of a flexible material so that it deforms when the arm is bent or unbent.

[0009] Recently, it has been proposed to equip awnings with electrical functions, including lighting, for example by positioning LEDs along the front bar. This function requires running a power cable from the fixed frame to these LEDs.

[0010] For practical reasons, the electrical cable is integrated into at least one of the arms of the two deployment devices. However, this integration is often unsatisfactory from both a functional and aesthetic point of view, particularly at the central articulated joint of the arm.

[0011] The aim of the invention is to propose a deployment device in which the integration of an electrical connection is satisfactory, from a functional and aesthetic point of view. Description of the invention

[0012] This goal is achieved by a device used for deploying the fabric of an awning, said device comprising: An arm having a first fixed end intended to be connected to a frame and a second movable end intended to be connected to a load bar used to unroll the awning fabric; between its first and second ends, the arm extending lengthwise by means of a first element and a second element connected to each other by means of an articulated joint so as to be able to pivot relative to each other to give the arm a folded and an unfolded position; at least one tension assembly arranged to store elastic energy intended to allow the arm to unfold from its folded position to its unfolded position; said tension assembly comprising at least one tension link on which elastic means are suspended under prestress; the tension assembly extending between the first fixed end of the arm and the second movable end of the arm.A sheath extending lengthwise over at least part of the first arm element, through the articulated joint, and over at least part of the second arm element, said sheath being made of a flexible material to deform during the pivoting of the arm, said sheath comprising at least one first conduit through which the tension link passes lengthwise; an electrical connection extending along the length of said arm; said sheath comprising at least one second conduit through which the electrical connection passes lengthwise.

[0013] Depending on one particular feature, the tension link consists of a cable, a ribbon, or a chain.

[0014] According to another feature, the tension link is a cable, the cable having a first fixing end forming a loop so as to form two distinct strands passing respectively through said first conduit and a third conduit (41) of the sheath, each strand having a free end on which is hung a spring of said elastic means.

[0015] According to another peculiarity, the first conduit, the second conduit and the third conduit are each made in the sheath in a longitudinal direction when the arm is in the unfolded position.

[0016] According to another feature, the first, second, and third conduits are arranged with their longitudinal direction lying in the same plane. According to another feature, the device includes means for retaining the sheath in position on said arm.

[0017] Another distinctive feature is that the electrical connection includes several wires. Another distinctive feature is that the sheath contains several other conduits for other electrical connections.

[0018] According to another feature, the device includes means for retaining the tension link on said arm.

[0019] According to another feature, the first element includes an external housing with a longitudinal tube adapted to carry the electrical connection, upstream of the sheath.

[0020] The invention also relates to a system for deploying the fabric of an awning, comprising A fixed frame, A roller on which the canvas is intended to be wound, An electric motor intended to drive the roller to unwind or wind the canvas, A load bar allowing the canvas to be pulled when it is unwound, At least two devices used for the deployment of the canvas, each device comprising at least one articulated arm mounted between the fixed frame and the load bar, the arm being capable of taking a folded position when the canvas is completely wound up, and of unfolding to an unfolded position to push the load bar and tension the canvas when the canvas is unwound, Each device used for the deployment of the canvas being as defined above. Brief description of the figures

[0021] Other features and advantages will appear in the detailed description that follows, in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which: There figure 1shows the device of the invention, with its arm in a folded position; The figure 2 shows the device of the invention, with its arm in the extended position; The figure 3 shows, by means of an exploded view, the device of the invention, with its arm in the folded position, this view showing in particular the mechanical and electrical structure of the device; The figures 4A to 4C show, in isolation, the mechanical and electrical structure of the device; The Figures 5A to 5C show several distinct views illustrating the sheath used in the device of the invention for the passage of the cable and the electrical connection; Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0022] The invention applies to a device used for deploying the fabric of an awning.

[0023] The deployment of the network is carried out by a deployment system which includes: A fixed frame, usually fixed to the wall, A roller onto which the canvas is wound, An electric motor to drive the roller to unwind or wind the canvas, A load bar to pull the canvas when it is unrolled, the load bar extending lengthwise along an axis parallel to the plane of the canvas and the fixing wall, At least two devices used for deployment, each device comprising at least one articulated arm mounted between the fixed frame and the load bar, the arm being able to take a folded position when the canvas is completely rolled up, and to unfold to an unfolded position to push the load bar and tension the canvas when the canvas is unrolled.

[0024] The invention relates more particularly to the architecture of such a device used for deploying the web.

[0025] More specifically, with reference to the figure 1 and to the figure 2 Each device therefore comprises an arm 1 having a first end 100 intended to be fixed to the fixed frame and a second end 110 intended to be fixed to the load bar. The arm 1 consists of a first element 10 intended to be fixed to the fixed frame by the first end of the arm and a second element 11 intended to be fixed to the load bar.

[0026] The two elements 10 and 11 cooperate to form a hinged joint 12, arranged to allow the arm 1 to pivot between its two positions. Naturally, to pivot at its hinged joint, the arm is also pivotally mounted at both ends: its first end 100, fixed to the fixed frame, and its second end 110, mounted to the load bar. The pivots are advantageously arranged along directions transverse to the plane of the canvas. They are not necessarily perpendicular to this plane. When extended, the arm may move away from the canvas.

[0027] Thanks to the central articulated link 12 of the arm 1, the first element 10 and the second element 11 of the arm are able to pivot relative to each other.

[0028] The first element each includes an external housing 101 (for the first element), 111 (for the second element) forming an external fairing, for example in aluminium, enclosing the mechanism of each element of the arm and fitting onto the articulated link.

[0029] Any architecture that allows for this articulated connection 12 can be considered.

[0030] The device also includes a pivoting actuation mechanism for the arm between its two positions.

[0031] When in its unfolded position, the arm can form a V between its two elements, as the axes of the different articulated links are not necessarily parallel to each other.

[0032] As shown on Figure 3, Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4CThe arm 1 actuation mechanism includes a tension assembly designed to mechanically move arm 1 to its extended position, thus tensioning the fabric. When the fabric is rolled up by actuating the roller with the motor, the system reverses the tension assembly to fold each arm 1.

[0033] This tension assembly of the device advantageously includes at least one tension link. In the context of the invention, this tension link is a cable 2. Some solutions use several cables in parallel and are entirely adaptable to the device of the invention. Similarly, it would also be possible to replace each cable with another type of link, for example, a chain, a ribbon, or equivalent.

[0034] The cable 2 used in the device is divided into two separate strands 20, 21 by forming a loop 22. This loop 22 forms a first attachment end of the cable 2. The two strands 20, 21 formed by the loop each terminate in a free end 200, 210 onto which a spring 300, 310 is attached. Each spring is pre-stressed when the arm is folded so that it can move the arm 1 towards its unfolded position. The two springs 300, 310 can have different spring constants to manage the dynamics of the arm's deployment.

[0035] The tension assembly is attached via each spring 300, 310 to the first end 100 of the arm 1, located on the side of the fixed chassis and via the loop 22 formed by the cable 2 to the second end of the arm.

[0036] The tension assembly extends at least over part of the first element 10 of the arm 1, continues through the articulated link 12 between the two arms, and then, at least in part, along the second element 11 of the arm 1.

[0037] Within the scope of the invention, as shown in the Figure 5A, Figure 5B and Figure 5C The device comprises a sheath 4 through which the two strands 20, 21 of the cable pass. Advantageously, it is a single piece that fits inside the arm, so as to pass through the articulated joint 12. The sheath 4 is made of a material chosen to be sufficiently flexible to deform at the articulated joint 12 when the arm 1 is folded. This material may be rubber or an equivalent. The two strands 20, 21 pass through the sheath 4 in parallel. The sheath 4 is advantageously provided with two longitudinal conduits 40, 41, each through which a separate strand 20, 21 of the cable passes.

[0038] The device may include means for retaining the sheath in position within each arm element, so as to remain in place during arm pivoting. These retaining means include, for example, locking sleeves 42 positioned at the outlet of each conduit 40, 41 of the sheath 4, each designed to cooperate with a housing on the body of the element.

[0039] The device may also include, on each strand 20, 21 of the cable, on the side of its fixing loop 22, a retaining sleeve 23 for the cable in the second element. The cable 2 thus remains in place during the pivoting of the arm 1, its variation in length being absorbed by the springs.

[0040] According to the invention, the sheath 4 comprises at least one other longitudinal conduit 43 through which an electrical connection 5 is inserted. The electrical connection 5 may comprise several separate electrical wires 50, 51 grouped within a single cable or several cables passing through the same dedicated longitudinal conduit 43 of the sheath. It would also be possible to provide a separate longitudinal conduit within the sheath 4 for each electrical connection.

[0041] The sheath 4 is positioned so as to pass over the outside of the articulated joint 12 of the arm. It thus follows the external curvature of the articulated joint 12 when the arm is pivoted into its folded position.

[0042] According to the invention, to take into account the variation in length of the electrical connection 5 during the pivoting movement of the arm 1, the electrical connection 5 is lengthened upstream or downstream of the sheath 4, so as to maintain slack 52 ( figure 4B), thus allowing the pivoting movement of arm 1 to be followed without damage and without traction likely to damage the installation.

[0043] According to one particular aspect of the invention, the three longitudinal conduits are arranged superimposed along the same plane P, perpendicular to the plane of the fabric. According to another aspect of the invention, the longitudinal conduit 43, dedicated to the passage of the electrical connection 5, is positioned between the two other longitudinal conduits 40, 41, each dedicated to the passage of a separate strand 20, 21 of the cable 2.

[0044] By conduit, we must understand an independent channel having a closed cross-section and extending over a length sufficient to longitudinally accommodate one or more wires of the electrical connection.

[0045] It should be noted that the option of using only one cable 2 forming two separate strands saves space, compared to other options with multiple cables.

[0046] Sheath 4 also provides additional protection for the electrical connection.

[0047] According to one particular feature, the external housing 101 of the first element 10 may also include an internal longitudinal tube 102, closed by a plastic strip 103, pierced, for example, with one or more holes 104 to allow the electrical connection 5 to pass into the tube 102, at the outlet of the sheath 4. The figure 4CThis demonstrates the specific architecture. The electrical connection 5 is thus isolated, both electrically and mechanically, from the springs 300 and 310 along the first element 10 of the arm. This tube 102 accommodates the electrical connection upstream of the sheath 4, the latter being dedicated to the passage of the electrical connection at the level of the articulated joint 12.

[0048] The solution presented by the invention offers numerous advantages, including: A simplified solution for routing the cable(s) for the tension assembly and electrical connection; A particularly aesthetically pleasing solution; A solution that allows for the simple addition of electrical functionality to an awning;

Claims

1. Device used for deploying the fabric of an awning, said device comprising: - An arm (1) having a first fixed end (100) intended to be connected to a frame and a second movable end (110) intended to be connected to a load bar used to unroll the fabric of the awning, - Between its first end (100) and its second end (110), the arm extending lengthwise by means of a first element (10) and a second element (11) connected to each other by means of an articulated joint (12) so as to be able to pivot relative to each other to give the arm (1) a folded position and an unfolded position, - At least one tension assembly arranged to store elastic energy intended to allow the arm (1) to unfold from its folded position to its unfolded position, - Said tension assembly comprising at least one tension link on which elastic means are suspended under prestress.the tension assembly extending between the first fixed end (100) of the arm and the second movable end (110) of the arm, - A sheath (4) extending lengthwise over at least a portion of the first element (10) of the arm, through the articulated joint (12), and over at least a portion of the second element (11) of the arm, said sheath (4) being made of a flexible material to deform during the pivoting of the arm, said sheath comprising at least one first conduit (40) through which the tension link passes lengthwise, - An electrical connection (5) extending along the length of said arm, - , Characterized in that said sheath (4) includes at least a second conduit (43) through which said electrical connection (5) passes lengthwise.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the tension link comprises a cable (2), a ribbon or a chain.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the tension link is a cable (2) and in thatthe cable has a first fixing end forming a loop (22) so as to form two separate strands (20, 21) passing respectively through said first conduit (40) and a third conduit (41) of the sheath, each strand (20, 21) having a free end (200, 210) on which is hung a spring (300, 310) of said elastic means.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that The first conduit (40), the second conduit (41) and the third conduit (43) are each made in the sheath in a longitudinal direction when the arm is in the unfolded position.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first conduit (40), the second conduit (41) and the third conduit (40) are arranged with their longitudinal direction located in the same plane (P).

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatit includes means for holding the sheath (4) in position on said arm (1).

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electrical connection (5) comprises several electrical wires (50, 51).

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sheath (4) contains several other conduits dedicated to the passage of other electrical connections.

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that It includes means for retaining the tension link on said arm.

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first element includes an external housing (101) equipped with a longitudinal tube (102) adapted to carry the electrical connection (5), upstream of the sheath (4).

11. Awning fabric deployment system, comprising: - A fixed frame, - A roller onto which the fabric is wound, - An electric motor for driving the roller to unwind or wind the fabric, - A weight bar for pulling the fabric when it is unrolled, - At least two devices used for deploying the fabric, each device comprising at least one articulated arm (1) mounted between the fixed frame and the weight bar, the arm being capable of assuming a folded position when the fabric is fully rolled up, and of unfolding to an unfolded position to push the weight bar and tension the fabric when the fabric is unrolled, - Characterized in that each device used for deploying the web is as defined in one of claims 1 to 10.

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