Coupling element

Abstract

Screen device comprising a protective casing, a screen roller and a screen which is rollable onto and unrollable from the screen roller and which is attached on one of its sides to the screen roller, wherein the screen device further comprises a motor which is connected to the protective casing on one side and is connected to the screen roller on the other in order to force a rotation of the screen roller relative to the protective casing, wherein the screen device further comprises a motor cable which is connected to the motor for the purpose of supplying energy to the motor, wherein the motor is connected to the protective casing via a coupling element, wherein the coupling element provides a space in which the motor cable extends at least partially and in which the motor cable is movable between a first position in which a first segment of the motor cable is situated inside the space, and a second position in which the first segment and a second segment of the motor cable is situated inside the space.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a screen device comprising a protective casing, a screen roller and a screen which is rollable onto and unrollable from the screen roller and which is attached on one of its sides to the screen roller, wherein the screen device further comprises a motor which is connected to the protective casing on one side and is connected to the screen roller on the other in order to force a rotation of the screen roller relative to the protective casing, wherein the screen device further comprises a motor cable which is connected to the motor for the purpose of supplying energy to the motor, wherein the motor is connected to the protective casing via a coupling element.

[0002] Following initial installation, a screen device must be mountable and demountable at least partially in order to replace components such as motor or screen. The protective casing typically remains largely in place here, while components such as the motor, the screen roller, the screen and so on can be mounted in and demounted from the protective casing. A problem is here the motor cable which supplies the motor with energy. On one hand, this motor cable must not block any moving parts of the screen device in mounted state. On the other hand, this motor cable must provide sufficient freedom during demounting for removing components from each other. It is particularly when the motor is powered via a battery, and the battery is charged with a solar panel, that a plurality of cables are present in the screen device, wherein the solar panel is typically connected to the protective casing and the motor is typically provided in the screen roller. Such an arrangement makes the above stated problem even more complicated.

[0003] WO2023187503 describes a solution to this problem and describes a screen device wherein spring contacts are provided between different parts of the protective casing so that the motor is connected in the mounted position of the protective casing and so that, during demounting, the contacts interrupt the motor cable and removal of components is thus possible.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide a simpler and cheaper solution to the above stated problem.

[0005] For this purpose the invention provides a screen device which is characterized in that the coupling element provides a space in which the motor cable extends at least partially and in which the motor cable is movable between a first position in which only a first segment of the motor cable is situated inside the space, and a second position in which the first segment and a second segment of the motor cable are situated inside the space.

[0006] The motor is connected to the protective casing via a coupling element. The motor cable is typically connected to the motor in a vicinity of this coupling element. The invention relates to provision of a space which the cable can be partially pushed into and pulled out of following initial installation of the screen device. In other words, the coupling element provides a space in which a first segment of the motor cable is situated at all times, in a first and in a second position, and in which a second segment of the motor cable is situated only in a second position. This indicates that the second segment of the motor cable is movable into and out of the space. In other words, this second segment can be pushed into and pulled out of the space during mounting and demounting of the screen device. In practice this space allows the cable to be mounted in or on the screen device, wherein the second segment provides the manoeuvring space required to handle the cable when the protective casing is opened. When closing the protective casing, the second segment of the cable can move in the space so as to be enclosed thereby. The protective casing can thus be closed and the portion of the cable, the second segment, that was required for handling and mounting the cable, can be received in this space provided by the coupling element. In the mounted state the cable will thus be situated in a space provided for this purpose and will thus not block or impede any moving parts. When opening the protective casing, wherein an element of the protective casing is typically moved away from the screen device, to which element the motor cable is typically attached, the second segment of the motor cable moves out of the space in order to give the cable the free length necessary for being handled.

[0007] The invention is based here on the insight that the free length required by the cable during mounting and demounting of the screen device is rather limited, whereby this free length can be accommodated dynamically in simple and inexpensive manner by a space provided in or by the coupling element. Preferably, the cable has a connector and the free length serves to couple and / or uncouple the connector.

[0008] The protective casing preferably comprises a removable casing profile for providing access to the screen and the motor. The motor cable is preferably connected to the removable casing profile, such that the motor cable is in the second position when the casing profile is mounted and the motor cable is in the first position when the casing profile is demounted. Connecting the motor cable to the removable casing profile, for instance when a solar panel is mounted onto this casing profile, but also if a power cable were to be run via this casing profile, enables the motor cable to be moved relative to the coupling element in controlled manner.

[0009] The coupling element preferably comprises a collar which forms a shield between the motor and the space. The space for the motor cable is then provided between the collar on one side and the inner side of the protective casing on the other, more specifically the inner side of one of the two end pieces of the protective casing. This does not mean that no other parts can be provided to further demarcate the space, as is further described below.

[0010] In mounted state the coupling element is preferably connected fixedly to the motor. The coupling element is preferably connected fixedly to the motor via connecting means, selected from a screw, a rivet, a pin, a nail and a clamp. Alternatively, the coupling element is integrated in the head of the motor. As further alternative, the coupling element can be snapped onto the head of the motor.

[0011] The coupling element is preferably shape-compatible with an inner side of the protective casing. It is implicit here that the shape differs from a circle. The shape-compatibility prevents a rotation of the coupling element relative to the protective casing. The shape-compatibility allows for a simple mounting here in that the coupling element can be placed in its position on the inner side of the protective casing in the correct orientation. Preferably, the inner side of the protective casing has protrusions and the coupling element has a shape for fitting between the protrusions and thereby preventing rotation of the coupling element relative to the protective casing.

[0012] A passage is preferably provided in the collar for the motor cable. The motor cable is connected with one side to the motor. This can be done via a fixed connection or via a connector, wherein the motor cable has at one end a connector which fits onto the motor in order to thus connect the motor cable to the motor. Providing the collar with a passage for the motor cable enables the motor cable to enter the space via the passage. The motor cable thereby enters the space in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal side of the casing in that the collar lies transversely of the longitudinal side of the casing. This passage is preferably provided in the form of a slot which extends to a peripheral outer end of the collar, so that the motor cable can be carried via the slot to its end position during mounting.

[0013] The motor cable preferably further has a connector for connecting an energy source. The motor cable then extends between the motor on one side and the connector on the other. The first and second segment lie between the motor and the connector. The connector can be provided directly downstream of the second segment, or another piece of motor cable can be provided between the second segment and the connector.

[0014] The space preferably has an opening toward a longitudinal side of the casing, such that the second segment of the motor cable is movable into and out of the space via the opening. A casing profile is typically removed during mounting and demounting of the protective casing. Directing the opening toward a longitudinal side of the casing enables the motor cable to move out of the space in simple manner during demounting and to move into the space during mounting of the casing profile. This is because, when removing a casing profile, this casing profile is typically moved away from the casing in a direction transversely of the longitudinal direction of the casing. The casing profile and the motor cable can then move in the same direction in simple manner via the opening provided in the space.

[0015] The motor preferably further comprises an integrated battery. Alternatively, a battery is integrated in the protective casing or in the guide of the screen device. The screen device preferably further comprises a solar panel which is connected to the motor cable in order to supply energy to the motor. A solar panel is typically connected to a casing profile. This casing profile is typically removed from the protective casing during mounting and demounting of the protective casing. The solar panel is typically connected to the motor via a connector in order to supply energy to the motor, typically with a battery as energy buffer between the motor and the solar panel. In order to connect the connector to the solar panel some freedom of movement of the motor cable is necessary. This freedom of movement can be provided in extremely simple manner by pulling the second segment of the motor cable from the space. The battery can here be positioned on the motor side or on the solar panel side of the space. This second segment will not impede proper operation of the screen device in the mounted state because this second segment can then be wholly accommodated in the space. Connecting the solar panel during mounting and demounting of the screen device thus becomes extremely simple.

[0016] The space is preferably bounded wholly by the coupling element. This implies that, in addition to the collar on the side of the motor, the coupling element also has a second collar on the side of the inner side of the protective casing. The space is formed between these two collars. These collars can be connected to each other at the position of a periphery in order to thus also bound a periphery of the space. There is a passage in the collar for allowing the motor cable to enter the space at the position of the motor. Provided between the collars is an opening along which the second segment of the cable can move into and out of the space. The motor cable extends in the space between this passage and opening.

[0017] The invention further relates to a set for use in a screen device, wherein the set comprises a motor, a motor cable, a battery, a solar panel and a coupling element, wherein the coupling element provides during use a space in which the motor cable extends at least partially and in which the motor cable is movable between a first position in which a first segment of the motor cable is situated inside the space, and a second position in which the first segment and a second segment of the motor cable is situated inside the space. Preferably, the motor and the battery are provided in one housing and the solar panel is connected to the motor cable during use in order to supply energy to the battery. The advantages and effects of this set have been described at length above with reference to the screen device and apply identically, particularly when this set is used in a screen device.

[0018] The invention will now be further described on the basis of one or more exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0019] In the drawings: figure 1 shows a screen device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; figure 2 shows a coupling element according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, mounted in a screen device; figures 3A and 3B show different positions in which a cable can extend in the coupling element; figures 4A and 4B show a detailed embodiment of a motor and a coupling element according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; figures 5A, 5B and 5C show a detailed embodiment of an inner side of the protective casing and a corresponding coupling element; figure 6 shows a set of a motor, a battery and a solar panel with a coupling element according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] The same or similar elements are designated in the drawing with the same reference numerals.

[0021] Figure 1 shows a screen device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Only those components of the screen device that are useful in elucidating the essence of the invention are shown here. It will be apparent to the skilled person that all manner of screen devices, both screens and roller blinds, can be envisaged. Screen devices can optionally be provided here with lateral guides for guiding the screen under the protective casing. Screen devices can optionally also be provided here with a bottom slat on the screen. Because these things are less relevant to the essence of the invention, they are not shown. This is however not to say or imply that these components are less important to the screen device as a whole.

[0022] The screen device 1 of figure 1 has a protective casing 2, three elements of which are shown separately. The fixed casing profiles 2a, the removable casing profile 2b and the side elements 2c are thus shown. In the shown embodiment the front casing profile 2b is removable from the other casing profiles 2a and side elements 2c, although it is also possible to provide the lower, upper, rear or combinations of these profiles removably. This depends on the manner in which the screen device is integrated or constructed.

[0023] The fixed casing profiles 2a are those casing profiles that extend in the longitudinal direction of the casing and are intended, after initial installation of the screen device on, in or at a building, to remain mounted even when components such as motor, screen, screen roller and so on are demounted from the screen device. The removable casing profile 2b, this can be one profile but can also be a plurality of profiles, is the casing profile that extends in the longitudinal direction of the casing and is intended, after initial installation of the screen device on, in or at a building, to be at least partially removed or displaced when the screen device is demounted. It will be apparent here that the profile can be pivoted in some cases, similarly to opening a door, wherein the profile is not removed but is displaced in order to provide access to the inner side of the protective casing. In other cases, the profile can be removed from the protective casing wholly or in parts in order to provide access to the inner side of the protective casing.

[0024] The side elements 2c, also known commercially as consoles, can take different forms. These can be profiles lying in line with the profiles of the lateral guides. Alternatively, these can be elements which are folded or milled or injection moulded or 3D-printed or cast or otherwise formed and which have the function of connecting the fixed and removeable casing profiles 2a and 2b at the position of their outer ends and to close the protective casing at its longitudinal ends. The side elements 2c also have the function of mounting the screen roller. For this purpose the side elements 2c are typically provided with a shape on the inner side to facilitate mounting of the screen roller. This shape can comprise of protrusions and / or positioning ribs and / or other shapes. This will be further elucidated below.

[0025] Provided in screen device 1 is a screen roller 3 with a screen 4. The screen 4 is connected with one of its sides to the screen roller 3 and can be rolled onto the screen roller 3 and unrolled from the screen roller 3. The screen can be a cloth or a roller blind. This is known in the field of screen devices and will therefore not be further elucidated in this description.

[0026] Further provided in screen device 1 is a motor 5. The motor is preferably of the tube motor type and is provided to be placed largely in the screen roller. A tube motor is an elongate electric motor, the housing of which is tubular so that the motor fits largely in the screen roller, this being a hollow shaft. The tube motor is coupled to the screen roller by making use of an adapter and a carrier. The carrier is here typically provided on the distal end of the motor and the carrier is typically provided to transmit a torque of the motor to the screen roller. The adapter is typically provided on the proximal end of the motor and typically drives a mechanism which serves to set the end points of the motor therewith. Proximally, the motor is further connected via a motor bracket to the protective casing so that the motor is fixed relative to the protective casing. In this way the motor housing is stationary in the protective casing while the distal head of the motor, to which the carrier is connected, can rotate and so drive the screen roller. Although this arrangement is typical for tube motors, it is not essential to the invention. What is essential is that the motor is connected on one side to the protective casing and is connected on the other side to the screen roller in order to thus bring about a rotation of the screen roller in the protective casing.

[0027] In screen device 1 motor 5 is connected to a motor cable 6. The primary function of the motor cable 6 is to supply energy to the motor. In the case of a motor without energy storage, for instance a motor which is connected to the mains electricity, this means to supply the energy required to make the engine run at the moment that the motor is active. In the case of a motor with an at least partially integrated energy storage, for instance a motor with a battery which is connected to a solar panel, this means to supply for charging the energy storage. This latter motor can then use energy from the energy storage to make the motor run. In any case, the primary function of motor cable 6 is to supply energy to the motor, irrespective of whether this is synchronous or asynchronous with use of the motor and irrespective of whether further control signals travel through this cable 6.

[0028] Motor 5 is connected to protective casing 2 via a coupling piece 7. Cable 6 typically also runs partially through this coupling piece, i.e. this coupling piece is located at the position where the motor 5 exits screen roller 3. Figure 1 further shows that a solar panel 22 is connected via the cable 6 to the motor 5. The figure illustrates here that a certain length of free cable 6 must be provided between the coupling piece 7 on one side and the removable casing profile 2b on the other in order to be able to mount and demount the screen device. This will be further elucidated below.

[0029] Figure 2 shows a detail view of a connection between a motor 5 and a side element 2c of a protective casing 2. The figure shows the coupling element 7 which is connected to the side element 2c owing to its shape. This is further elucidated below with reference to a specific example. In principle the coupling element 7 has a shape which differs from a circle so that a shape-compatibility between the coupling element 7 on one hand and the inner side of the side element 2c on the other can prevent a rotation of coupling element 7 relative to side element 2c. This is only shown minimally in the figure so as not to make the figure needlessly complex.

[0030] In figure 2 the longitudinal direction of motor 5 is designated with an arrow in the motor, this simultaneously being the direction in which cable 6 exits motor 5. The cable exits motor 5 and then ends up almost immediately in coupling element 7. In coupling element 7 the cable is bent in order to exit coupling element 7 in a direction transversely of the longitudinal direction, which transverse direction is designated with arrow 9. Because the cable is movable in this transverse direction, arrow 9 is also indicative for the movement of cable 6. The invention further provides a space 8 which is provided in coupling element 7, which space 8 allows cable 6 to move in the coupling element as will be elucidated below with reference to figures 3A and 3B.

[0031] The space 8 is provided by the coupling element 7. This means that space 8 is not present as such without coupling element 7. More specifically, the function of space 8 cannot be fulfilled without coupling element 7. This is not to say that there would not be room to create a space without coupling element 7. Coupling element 7 provides for the demarcation of space 8, directly or indirectly, which is required for correct functioning of the space 8. For this purpose coupling element 7 preferably provides a collar for demarcating the space 8 on the side of motor 5. A collar is defined as a radial widening or protruding edge on a substantially cylindrical object, which provides a functional surface for demarcating the space 8 at least partially in the context of the coupling element 7. The collar can be formed integrally with coupling element 7 or can be formed by attaching a separate annular element to a coupling element base in order to thus form coupling element 7. This collar may have openings and / or slots. Coupling element 7 preferably further provides a peripheral edge, further elucidated below, for giving the space 8 a peripheral boundary. This peripheral edge need not be formed continuously either to be functional. An opening through which the cable can move into and out of space 8 is even provided explicitly in the peripheral edge. Coupling element 7 preferably has a further collar on the side of the side element 2a of the protective casing in order to bound the space 8 on the side of the protective casing. Alternatively however, the side element 2a itself provides for the bounding of the space 8 on the side of the protective casing. In this latter case the coupling element 7 provides via its peripheral edge for a connection between the collar on the side of the motor on one side and the side element 2a of the protective casing on the other. Coupling element 7 thus still provides for demarcation of space 8, at least partially indirectly. Yet another alternative is the peripheral edge formed on or by the side element 2a of the protective casing so that coupling element 7 forms only the collar on the side of motor 5.

[0032] Space 8 can be described as a doughnut-shaped or disc-shaped chamber inside which a cable can move. The cable is typically unable to roll up or unroll in the chamber, which is understood to mean that the cable typically does not have the ability for any rotation in the chamber beyond the rotation or bend initially provided. The initially provided rotation or bend can however be formed in a tight bend and in a wide bend, so that the amount of cable situated in the space can be changed. When the rotation or bend is in a tight bend, the cable will take the smallest possible form inside space 8 and extend therethrough along the shortest possible distance from the inlet to the outlet of space 8. When the rotation or bend is in a wide bend, the cable will take the largest possible form inside space 8 and extend therethrough along the longest possible distance from the inlet to the outlet of space 8. This is possible without the cable taking a special form to enable becoming longer and shorter, for instance a spiral form. This is because such special forms are expensive and are difficult to use in a protective casing of a screen device. This principle is further elucidated in figures 3A and 3B, discussed further below.

[0033] Figures 3A and 3B both show the space 8 of the coupling element 7. The figures also both show the cable 6, where two segments are designated. These segments are theoretical segments, and in practice the cable typically continues in one piece without any visual distinction between the segments. The first segment 10 is the segment lying closest to motor 5. This first segment 10 is always situated in the space 8, irrespective of how the cable moves in the space 8. The movement to or away from the coupling element 7 is designated in figures 3A and 3B with arrow 9. The figures show here a second segment 11 of the cable 6. In figure 3A this second segment 11 is situated outside the space 8 and in figure 3B it is situated inside the space 8 of the coupling element.

[0034] In figures 3A and 3B cable 6 takes the same bend between the inlet and the outlet of space 8. In figure 3A however, cable 6 takes the bend at the smallest possible location so that the cable in space 8 is short. In figure 3B cable 6 takes the bend at the largest possible location so that the cable in space 8 is long. The skilled person will appreciate that the cable is movable into and out of space 8 over a limited distance via movement 9. In figures 3A and 3B this limited distance is the second segment 11 of cable 6. The second segment 11 is preferably at least 10 cm, more preferably at least 15 cm, most preferably at least 20 cm. The second segment 11 is preferably a maximum of 100 cm, more preferably a maximum of 50 cm, most preferably a maximum of 30 cm. The second segment 11 is measured here as the length of the cable 6 situated outside space 8 when the cable is extended to maximum extent, as shown in figure 3A, and which is situated inside space 8 when the cable is inserted to maximum extent, as shown in figure 3B. The figure shows roughly 1 rotation of cable 6 in the space. By providing more initial rotations, for instance one and a half or two rotations, the length of the second segment 11 can be influenced in simple manner without changing the diameter of the space.

[0035] Figure 4A shows schematically a tube motor 5. The head of the tube motor 5, also referred to as the proximal end, typically has connecting holes 12 for connecting a coupling element 7. Cable 6 is further typically connected to the head of the motor, and the cable exits the head of motor 5 in the longitudinal direction of the motor. Cable 6 can be connected fixedly to motor 5 or can be connected to motor 5 via a connector. The tube motor can have a shaft which extends partially from the motor, although this is not essential. Figure 4B shows schematically a corresponding coupling element 7. The shown coupling element is not necessarily a realistic representation of a real coupling element 7 in that the shown coupling element 7 has a shape very similar to that of a circle, this making a form fit with a side element difficult or impossible. The shape of the coupling element 7 is however irrelevant in explaining the operating principles and coupling between motor 5 and coupling element 7.

[0036] The coupling element 7 of figure 4B has a collar on the side of motor 5, in which two corresponding connecting holes 13, these corresponding with the connecting holes 12 in motor 5, are provided. Via these connecting holes 13 and 12 the coupling element 7 can be connected fixedly to the motor. Provided in this collar is a slot 15 which extends from the peripheral edge to a position where cable 6 exits the motor. In this way cable 6 can enter coupling element 7 directly when coupling element 7 is connected to the motor. Coupling element 7 further has a peripheral edge 14 which is interrupted at at least one position so as to provide an opening 16. The cable 6, which enters the space 8 of coupling element 7 via the slot 15, can also exit the space again via this opening 16. In other words, the construction of coupling element 7 with slot 15 and opening 16 allows a cable 6 to extend through the space inside coupling element 7 between this slot 15 and this opening 16. The space 8 inside coupling element 7 here further allows the cable to move inside the space 8 in order to achieve the above elucidated effect.

[0037] Figure 5 shows schematically a side element 2c of a protective casing and a coupling element 7 according to specific embodiment fitting therein. The side element 2c has a plurality of protrusions 19. Coupling element 7 has a peripheral edge 14 with deformations 20 which fit between the protrusions 19. A shape-compatibility is thus achieved between the side element 2c and the coupling element 7, this preventing rotation between coupling element 7 and side element 2c. The skilled person will appreciate that a shape-compatibility with this function can be obtained in different ways, and the invention is therefore not limited to the shown compatibility. Figure 5A shows the side element and shows that the side element 2c also has a central protrusion 18 in addition to the peripheral protrusions 19. This central protrusion 18 is optional. If this central protrusion 18 were to have a shape differing from a round shape, the shape-compatibility can be obtained via this protrusion and the peripheral edge of the coupling element can still be round.

[0038] Figure 5B shows a base of the coupling element 7 and figure 5C show a cover of the coupling element 7. The base and the cover together form the coupling element which wholly forms the space 8. The base, shown in figure 5B, provides here for a collar on the side of the motor and for the peripheral edge 14. The cover, shown in figure 5C, provides for a collar on the side of the side element 2c of the protective casing. Figures 5B and 5C further show corresponding connecting holes whereby the cover can be attached onto the base. The skilled person will appreciate that there are different connecting options, including screws, staples, rivets, adhesives, snap connections and so on. The base, shown in figure 5B, further has corresponding connecting holes 13 for connecting the coupling element to the motor. The base also has slot 15 for allowing the cable to enter space 8. The coupling element 7 with the base and the cover functions as described at length above.

[0039] Figure 6 shows a set of a motor 5 with matching coupling element 7 and a solar panel 22. The motor 5 is of the type that has an integrated battery, which is represented schematically by showing motor 5 in two parts, one part motor 5 and one part battery 21. The relative position and ratio of motor and battery is irrelevant to this description and is only illustrated as a concept and not limitatively. The motor has a motor cable 6 which is connectable via a connector 23 to a cable of the solar panel 22. As described above, the solar panel is typically hung on or close to an outer side of the protective casing 2. Motor 5 is provided to be placed in the screen roller. When mounting and demounting the screen device, the connector 23 can be used to connect the solar panel to the motor 5 and battery 21, and to uncouple them. By further providing a coupling element 7 which can function as intermediate element between the motor 5 on one hand and the protective casing on the other, and which comprises the space 8 for cable 6 described at length above, a system can be provided which can be integrated into a screen device in simple manner, irrespective of the type of screen device, in order to automate the screen device. To automate is in this case understood to mean that the screen of the screen device can be moved upward and downward by the motor.

[0040] In the embodiment of figure 6 a plurality of different coupling elements 7 can be provided which fit in different side elements 2c. In other words, a plurality of coupling elements 7 with different shapes can be provided so as to be shape-compatible with different protective casings of screen devices. Each of the different coupling elements 7 is of course provided to be connected to the motor 5 and has the space 8, the essential features and preferred features with their associated functions of which have been described at length above.

[0041] The feature that the coupling element provides a space in which the motor cable extends at least partially and in which the motor cable is movable between a first position in which only a first segment of the motor cable is situated inside the space, and a second position in which the first segment and a second segment of the motor cable are situated inside the space, will be explained in more detail below. This feature comprises a plurality of sub-features, which will each be discussed separately and then together below.

[0042] A first technical sub-feature is that the coupling element provides a space in which the motor cable extends at least partially. A space is a physical location, a demarcated area, large or small, inside which or outside which things can lie. A space is a technical feature that can be identified in an apparatus or device.

[0043] It is further specified in the relevant sub-feature that the coupling element provides the space. This means that it must be possible for the space to be identified not just anywhere, but in relation to the coupling element. This first sub-feature further describes a motor cable, this being a clear technical feature.

[0044] In this first sub-feature the mutual relation between the space and the motor cable is also specified, i.e. the motor cable extends in the space. This is also a technical feature that can be determined objectively.

[0045] A second technical sub-feature is that there is a first position in which only a first segment of the motor cable is situated inside the space. This position relates to a first specific mutual relation between the space and the motor cable. This feature specifies a situation in which only a first segment of the motor cable is situated inside the space. The word only is understood to mean here that other segments of the motor cable are situated outside the space. It is possible to assess objectively which part of the motor cable is situated inside the space, and therefore also which part of the motor cable is situated outside the space, and this position can therefore be determined objectively. This is therefore not a functional feature but a technical feature.

[0046] A third technical sub-feature is that there is a second position in which the first segment and a second segment of the motor cable are situated inside the space. This position relates to a second specific mutual relation between the space and the motor cable. This feature specifies a situation in which both the first segment and a second segment of the motor cable are situated in the space. This position is thus clearly distinguished from the first position. It is possible to once again assess objectively which part of the motor cable is situated inside the space, and therefore also which part of the motor cable is situated outside the space, and this position can therefore be determined objectively. This is therefore not a functional feature but a technical feature.

[0047] The difference between the first position and the second position can be explained and understood in simple manner and can be determined objectively in that, in the first position, the proportion of cable situated inside the space is smaller than the proportion of cable situated inside the space in the second position. The portion of the cable that is situated inside the space in the second position but not in the first position is then the second segment.

[0048] A fourth technical sub-feature is that the motor cable is moveable between a first position ... and a second position. Being movable is a technical feature that can be determined objectively. This indicates the absence of a rigid or strong connection which prevents movement. In this feature being moveable is specified further in that the cable must be able to move between the first position and the second position. It has been demonstrated above that the first and the second position can be determined objectively. It also follows from this that the movement of the cable between the first and second position can be determined objectively. The above described exemplary embodiments serve solely for the purpose of illustrating the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection.

Claims

1. Screen device comprising a protective casing, a screen roller and a screen which is rollable onto and unrollable from the screen roller and which is attached on one of its sides to the screen roller, wherein the screen device further comprises a motor which is connected to the protective casing on one side and is connected to the screen roller on the other in order to force a rotation of the screen roller relative to the protective casing, wherein the screen device further comprises a motor cable which is connected to the motor for the purpose of supplying energy to the motor, wherein the motor is connected to the protective casing via a coupling element, characterized in that the coupling element provides a space in which the motor cable extends at least partially and in which the motor cable is movable between a first position in which only a first segment of the motor cable is situated inside the space, and a second position in which the first segment and a second segment of the motor cable are situated inside the space.

2. Screen device according to claim 1, wherein the protective casing comprises a removable casing profile for providing access to the screen and the motor.

3. Screen device according to the foregoing claim, wherein the motor cable is connected to the removable casing profile, such that the motor cable is in the second position when the casing profile is mounted and the motor cable is in the first position when the casing profile is demounted.

4. Screen device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the coupling element comprises a collar which forms a shield between the motor and the space and wherein a passage is provided in the collar for the motor cable.

5. Screen device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein in mounted state the coupling element is connected fixedly to the motor.

6. Screen device according to the foregoing claim, wherein the coupling element is connected fixedly to the motor via connecting means selected from a screw, a rivet, a pin, a nail and a clamp.

7. Screen device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the coupling element is shape-compatible with an inner side of the protective casing.

8. Screen device according to the foregoing claim, wherein the inner side of the protective casing has protrusions and wherein the coupling element has a shape for fitting between the protrusions and thereby preventing rotation of the coupling element relative to the protective casing.

9. Screen device according to the foregoing claim, wherein the motor cable further has a connector for connecting an energy source.

10. Screen device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the space has an opening toward a longitudinal side of the casing, such that the second segment of the motor cable is movable into and out of the space via the opening.

11. Screen device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the screen device further comprises a solar panel which is connected to the motor cable in order to supply energy to the motor.

12. Screen device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the space is bounded wholly by the coupling element.

13. Set for use in a screen device, wherein the set comprises a motor, a motor cable, a battery, a solar panel and a coupling element, wherein the coupling element provides during use a space in which the motor cable extends at least partially and in which the motor cable is movable between a first position in which a first segment of the motor cable is situated inside the space, and a second position in which the first segment and a second segment of the motor cable is situated inside the space.

14. Set according to the foregoing claim, wherein the motor and the battery are provided in one housing and wherein the solar panel is connected to the motor cable during use in order to supply energy to the battery.

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