Device used for deploying the fabric 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 joint (12) so as to be able to pivot relative to each other to give the arm (1) a folded 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 under prestress are suspended, 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. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Device used for deploying the fabric of an awning. 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 includes 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 FR288 7284A1, an awning uses a complete deployment system to unroll or roll up the fabric.

[0004] The deployment system generally comprises a fixed frame intended to be mounted on the wall of a building. This fixed frame carries a roller onto which the fabric is wound, and a motor capable of operating the roller to wind or unwind the fabric. The system also includes a movable load bar that moves in a linear fashion and is actuated to pull the fabric when it is unfurled. The system generally comprises two deployment devices arranged in parallel, which drive the load bar and tension the fabric when it is fully unfurled.

[0005] Each deployment device comprises an arm having a first fixed end connected to the chassis by an articulated link and a second movable 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 articulated joint, allowing it to pivot relative to each other between a folded and an 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 tension assembly pre-stressed to store elastic energy, enabling the arm to unfold from its folded to its unfolded position. This tension assembly includes a tension link (cable, chain, or other) to which pre-stressed elastic means 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, particularly lighting functions, for example by positioning light-emitting diodes along the front bar. This function requires running a power cable from the fixed frame to these light-emitting diodes.

[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 a functional or aesthetic point of view, particularly at the central articulated joint of the arm.

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

[0012] This objective 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 end and its second end, the arm extends 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 prestressing means are attached, 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 element of the arm, through the articulated joint, and over at least part of the second element of the arm, said sheath being made of a flexible material to deform during the pivoting of the arm, said sheath comprising at least a first conduit traversed lengthwise by the tension link, - An electrical connection extending along the length of said arm, - Said sheath comprising at least a second conduit through which said electrical connection passes lengthwise.

[0013] According to one particular feature, the tension link comprises 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 feature, 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 conduit, the second conduit and the third conduit are arranged with their longitudinal direction located in the same plane.

[0017] According to another feature, the device includes means for holding the sheath in position on said arm.

[0018] According to another feature, the electrical connection comprises several electrical wires.

[0019] According to another feature, the sheath includes several other conduits dedicated to passages of other electrical connections.

[0020] According to another feature, the device includes means for retaining the tension link on said arm.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The invention also relates to a system for deploying the fabric of an awning, comprising - A fixed chassis, - A roller onto which the canvas is designed to be wound, - An electric motor designed to drive the reel to unwind or roll up the canvas, - A load bar for pulling the canvas when it is unrolled, - At least two devices used for deploying the web, each device comprising at least one articulated arm mounted between the fixed frame and the load bar, the arm being capable of assuming a folded position when the canvas is fully rolled up, and of unfolding to an unfolded position to push the load bar and tension the canvas when the canvas is unrolled, - Each device used for the deployment of the web being as defined above. Brief description of the figures

[0023] Other features and advantages will become apparent in the detailed description that follows, given in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Fig. 1 shows the device of the invention, with its arm in the folded position; - Fig. 2 shows the device of the invention, with its arm in the unfolded position; - Fig. 3 shows, by way 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; - Figures 4A to 4C show in isolation the mechanical and electrical structure of the device; - 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;

[0024] Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0025] The invention applies to a device used for deploying the fabric of an awning.

[0026] The deployment of the web is carried out by a deployment system which includes: - A fixed frame, usually attached to the wall, - A roller onto which the canvas is wound, - An electric motor designed to drive the roller to unroll or roll up the canvas, - A load bar allowing the canvas to be pulled when 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 fully rolled up, and to unfold to an unfolded position to push the load bar and tension the canvas when the canvas is unrolled.

[0027] The invention relates more particularly to the architecture of such a device used for deploying the web.

[0028] More precisely, with reference to [Fig.1] and [Fig.2], each device therefore comprises an arm 1 having a first end 100 intended to be fixed to the fixed chassis and a second end 110 intended to be fixed to the load bar.

[0029] The arm 1 consists of a first element 10 intended to be fixed to the fixed chassis by the first end of the arm and a second element 11 intended to be fixed to the load bar.

[0030] The two elements 10 and 11 cooperate to form an articulated joint 12, arranged to allow the arm 1 to pivot between its two positions. Naturally, in order to pivot at its articulated joint, the arm is also pivotally mounted at both ends, that is, at its first end 100 fixed to the fixed frame and at its second end 110 mounted on the load bar. The pivots are advantageously arranged in directions transverse to the plane of the canvas. They are not necessarily perpendicular to this plane. When extended, the arm can move away from the canvas.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The first element each comprises 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.

[0033] Any architecture enabling this articulated connection 12 to be made can be considered.

[0034] The device also includes a pivoting actuation mechanism for the arm between its two positions.

[0035] When in its unfolded position, the arm can form a V between its two elements, the axes of the different articulated links not necessarily being parallel to each other.

[0036] As shown in [Fig. 3], [Fig. 4A], [Fig. 4B], and [Fig. 4C], the 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 wound up by actuating the winder with the motor, the system moves against the tension assembly to fold each arm 1.

[0037] This tension assembly of the device advantageously comprises 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.

[0038] 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 may have different spring constants to manage the dynamics of the arm's deployment.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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, then, at least in part, along the second element 11 of the arm 1.

[0041] In the context of the invention, as shown in [Fig. 5A], [Fig. 5B], and [Fig. 5C], the device comprises a sheath 4 through which the two strands 20, 21 of the cable pass. It is advantageously in the form of a single piece that fits within 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 may be a rubber-type material or equivalent. The two strands 20, 21 pass through the sheath 4 in parallel. The sheath 4 is advantageously provided with two first longitudinal conduits 40, 41, each through which a separate strand 20, 21 of the cable passes.

[0042] The device may include means for retaining the sheath in position within each element of the arm, so as to remain in place during the pivoting of the arm. 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 present on the body of the element.

[0043] The device may also include, on each strand 20, 21 of the cable, on the side of its fastening 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.

[0044] 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 the same 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 in the sheath 4 for each electrical connection.

[0045] 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 towards its folded position.

[0046] According to the invention, to take into account the variation in length of the electrical link 5 during the pivoting movement of the arm 1, the electrical link 5 is extended upstream or downstream of the sheath 4, so as to keep some slack 52 ([Fig.4B]), thus allowing to follow the pivoting movement of the arm 1, without damage and without traction likely to damage the installation.

[0047] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the three longitudinal conduits are arranged in a superimposed manner along the same plane P, perpendicular to the plane of the canvas.

[0048] According to another aspect of the invention, the longitudinal conduit 43 dedicated to the passage of the electrical link 5 is positioned between the two other longitudinal conduits 40, 41 each dedicated to the passage of a strand 20, 21 separate from the cable 2.

[0049] 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.

[0050] It should be noted that the option of using only one cable 2 forming two distinct strands saves space, compared to other options with multiple cables.

[0051] The sheath 4 also provides additional protection to the electrical connection.

[0052] 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 through the inside of the tube 102, at the exit of the sheath 4. [Fig. 4C] shows this specific design. The electrical connection 5 is thus electrically and mechanically isolated from the springs 300, 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.

[0053] The solution of the invention has many advantages, including: - A simplified solution for the passage of the cable(s) of the tension assembly and the electrical connection; - A particularly aesthetically pleasing solution; - A solution that allows for the simple addition of electrical functionality to an awning;

Claims

Demands

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 prestressed elastic means are suspended, 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 pivoting of the arm, said sheath comprising at least one first conduit (40) traversed lengthwise by the tension link, - An electrical connection (5) extending along the length of said arm, - Characterized in that said sheath (4) comprises at least one second conduit (43) traversed lengthwise by said electrical connection (5).

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 that the 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 that it comprises 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) comprises 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 comprises 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 comprises an external housing (101) having a longitudinal tube (102) adapted to carry the electrical connection (5), upstream of the sheath (4).

11. A system for deploying the fabric of a retractable awning, 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 load bar for pulling the fabric when it is unfurled, At least two devices used for deploying the canvas, each device comprising at least one articulated arm (1) mounted between the fixed frame and the load bar, the arm being capable of taking a folded position when the canvas is fully rolled up, and of unfolding to an unfolded position to push the load bar and tension the canvas when the canvas is unrolled, Characterized in that each device used for deploying the canvas is as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images