Method for tensioning a multi-part articulated arm of an awning, and articulated arm for an awning

Abstract

A multi-part articulated arm and method for tensioning a multi-part articulated arm of an awning are provided. At least one first arm link and a second arm link are connected to one another in an articulated manner by an arm joint. A spring is connected to the first arm link and then guided along the articulated arm, around or through the arm joint, to the second arm link, whereupon the spring device is tensioned by a tensioning device and then connected to the second arm link, so that the multi-part articulated arm is pre-tensioned into an extended position by the spring. Prior to tensioning, the spring device is connected to a holding part and the tensioning device is then brought into engagement with the holding part, whereupon the holding part is subjected to a tensile force and then fitted in behind at least one protrusion of the second arm link.

Description

[0001] This nonprovisional application is a continuation of international application no. PCT / EP2024 / 071087, which was filed on Jul. 25, 2024, and which claims priority to German patent application no. 10 2023 120 181.6, which was filed in Germany on Jul. 28, 2023, and which are both herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a method for tensioning a multi-part articulated arm of an awning, wherein the articulated arm has a first arm link and a second arm link which are connected to one another in an articulated manner by an arm joint, wherein a spring device is connected to the first arm link and then guided along the articulated arm around or through the arm joint to the second arm link, whereupon the spring device is tensioned by a tensioning device and then connected to the second arm link, so that the multi-part articulated arm is pre-tensioned into an extended position by the spring device, wherein prior to tensioning the spring device is connected, in its end region facing the second arm link, to a holding part, and wherein the tensioning device is then brought into engagement with the holding part and then the holding part is subjected to a tensile force and then fitted in behind at least one protrusion of the second arm link.

[0003] The invention also relates to an articulated arm for an awning with a first arm link and a second arm link, which are connected to each other in an articulated manner by an arm joint, wherein a spring device is connected to the first arm link, is guided along the articulated arm around or through the arm joint to the second arm link and is connected in its end region facing the second arm link to a holding part which is held by the second arm link, wherein the holding part has at least one engagement portion with which the holding part is fitted in behind at least one protrusion of the second arm link.Description of the Background Art

[0004] One constructive option for unwinding and winding an awning fabric from and onto the awning's fabric shaft is to use pre-tensioned, multi-part articulated arms. For example, a multi-part articulated arm is connected with its first arm link to a lead bar which is attached in articulated fashion to an edge of the awning fabric opposite the fabric shaft, and is connected with its second arm link to a support device of the awning and is held thereby.

[0005] In the state in which the awning fabric is unwound from the fabric shaft, the articulated arm is in the extended position, i.e., the awning fabric is tensioned. By a rotational movement of the fabric roller, the awning fabric can be wound onto the fabric shaft against the tension force of the articulated arms, wherein the arm links of the articulated arm are folded together. With a counter-rotating movement of the fabric shaft, the awning fabric is unwound, so that the arm links of the articulated arm are folded out again by the spring device and the articulated arm is returned to its extended position.

[0006] Essential for this function is the pre-tensioned articulated arm, which is in the extended position when the awning fabric is unwound. For this to take place, the multi-part articulated arm must be pre-tensioned before being mounted on the awning, which can be done using a tensioning device. The tensioning device is attached to the spring device, and the spring device is pulled along the articulated arm and is thereby pre-tensioned, in order to then be attached to the second arm link.

[0007] From DE 4225299 A1, it is known to arrange a spring element in the form of a coil spring in the arm link facing away from the lead bar and to bring it into engagement with a protrusion via a pull strap. At the opposite end of the spring element another pull strap is attached, which is guided over the arm joint and fitted into a tube stub facing the lead bar, close to the arm joint, behind a protrusion. Subsequently, a tube-shaped housing of the first arm link is inserted onto the tube stub and mounted on it. This procedure requires a large number of steps, as does in particular the subsequent mounting of the tube-shaped housing of the first arm link, and is therefore time-consuming.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method by which the tensioning of the spring device and its attachment to one of the arm links of the articulated arm can be carried out in a simple and reliable manner.

[0009] The object is achieved in accordance with the invention by a method, which is characterized in that the tensioning device is inserted into the second arm link through an opening therein before being brought into engagement with the holding part.

[0010] The protrusion extending from the second arm link acts as a retaining element for the holding part, so that the articulated arm is held in the extended position by the spring device.

[0011] The spring device is preferably connected at one end to the first arm link and at another, opposite end to the holding part. The spring device can be laid along the articulated arm, i.e., along the arm links and around or through the arm joint, whereupon the holding part for tensioning is releasably connected to the tensioning device inside or outside the second arm link. The tensioning device applies the tensile force required to tension the spring device, so that the holding part is pulled towards the end region of the second arm link. Once the holding part has been pulled past the protrusion, it can be fitted behind the protrusion or attached to it. The tensioning device is then detached from the holding part and preferably removed. The articulated arm can then be mounted on the awning.

[0012] It is provided here that the tensioning device is inserted into the second arm link through an opening therein before being brought into engagement with the holding part. For this purpose, the holding part can already be in its starting position in the second arm link before the tensioning device is inserted into the second arm link and brought into engagement with the holding part. Alternatively, it can be provided that the holding part is brought into engagement with the tensioning device outside the second arm link. Optionally, the spring device can be guided inside both the first arm link and the second arm link and then connected to the holding part. By inserting the tensioning device through the opening in the second arm link, the housing of the second arm link can be pre-assembled, thus eliminating the assembly step of subsequently attaching the housing to a tube stub.

[0013] In an example of the invention, it is provided that the tensioning device is inserted into the second arm link at an end thereof opposite the arm joint. It can be provided here that the holding part is brought into engagement with the protrusion at an end portion of the second arm link opposite the arm joint.

[0014] Preferably, according to an example of the invention, a pull plate, in particular made of steel, can be used as the holding part. If a pull plate is used as a holding part, the pull plate can have recesses that allow it to easily grip behind the protrusion and / or be pulled along the ramp portions during tensioning.

[0015] In order to constructively engage the tensioning device with the holding part, an example of the invention can provide that the tensioning device engages in at least one pull recess of the holding part, preferably in a releasable manner. Preferably the same applies to the spring device, which, according to an optional example of the invention, preferably engages releasably in at least one spring recess of the holding part. In this process, both the spring device and the tensioning device can engage independently of each other in recesses (spring recess, pull recess) in two opposite end regions of the holding part, for example by hooks.

[0016] The spring device is preferably constructed in multiple parts. It has at least one spring element, in particular in the form of a coil spring or a helical spring, wherein the spring element is connected by a first transmission link, for example in the form of a pull strap, to the outer first arm link. The first transmission link is guided through or around the arm joint and is connected to the spring element in the interior of the second arm link. On the side of the spring element opposite the first transmission link, a second transmission link can be provided, in particular in the form of a pull rod, via which the spring device engages with the holding part. The spring element can however also be in direct engagement with the holding part.

[0017] In further examples of the spring device, a plurality of, and in particular two, spring elements can also be provided. The two spring elements are preferably connected in parallel in terms of force, i.e., both spring elements engage indirectly or directly at the first transmission link or at the holding part. At their opposite end, facing the holding part, both spring elements are in direct or indirect engagement with the holding part. A corresponding holding part can be plate-shaped and have two spring recesses in its end facing the spring device, into which the two spring elements engage, preferably independently of each other. In its opposite end region, the holding part has a pull recess for engagement with the tensioning device and, in a central region, at least one engagement portion for engagement with the protrusion.

[0018] The two spring elements can be arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the spring device and thus in the longitudinal direction of the second arm link, so that they are not directly next to each other, but lie axially one behind the other with a slight offset. This has the advantage that the spring device requires little installation space perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the spring elements.

[0019] Preferably, it can be provided that the holding part is pulled over a ramp portion of the second arm link during tensioning by the tensioning device, before the holding part is fitted in behind the protrusion or attached to it.

[0020] Due to the ramp portion, the holding part is pulled continuously and smoothly from its starting position, in which no tensile force is yet applied to the holding part, by the tensioning device along the ramp portion that leads to the protrusion. When the holding part is pulled over the ramp portion, the holding element is preferably deflected transversely to the longitudinal axis of the arm link or transversely to the line of action of the tensile force. Once the holding part has been pulled over the protrusion, it falls or snaps into place behind it automatically. Preferably, the protrusion in the portion behind which the holding part engages has a recess in which the holding part can engage. Alternatively, the holding part can be adjusted transversely to the longitudinal axis, in particular by a corresponding movement of the tensioning device, so that the holding part does not snap into place, but is guided in a controlled manner behind the protrusion and set down there. It is also possible to perform a combination of the two aforementioned movements.

[0021] In order to easily pull the holding part behind the protrusion, an advantageous example of the invention provides that the holding part is guided along guide portions of the second arm link. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the tensioning device is guided by the second arm link.

[0022] The guide portions prevent the holding part from becoming jammed or caught on or in the second arm link during tensioning. Preferably, the holding part is adapted to the guide portions in such a way that it can be moved transversely to the second arm link without play or with only a small amount of play for the holding part and can only be pulled along the guide portions along the second arm link.

[0023] In the following an exemplary tensioning process according to the method of the invention is explained. It can be provided that the two preferably prefabricated arm parts are first arranged side-by-side in a parallel position and fixed in this orientation before the spring device is tensioned. The spring device is preferably already, in a previous method step, fastened to the first arm part, in the interior thereof, by the first transmission link, for example a pull strap inside the first arm part, and is led over or through the arm joint into the interior of the second arm part. There the first transmission element is in engagement with the spring element or spring elements, in particular in the form of one or more coil springs. At the opposite end of the spring element or elements, a second transmission link can be provided, in particular in the form of a pull strap or a pull rod. At the end of the first arm part facing away from the arm joint, the tensioning device is inserted with a hook part into the interior of the first arm part through the frontal opening, and enters into engagement with the holding element, which is connected to the second transmission element and / or to one or more spring elements. A tensile force is then applied using the tensioning device, which tensions the spring device. As a result of the tensile force, the spring device elongates until the holding part can be fitted in behind the protrusions of the second arm part. Subsequently, the tensioning device with its hook part disengages from the holding part and is axially pulled out from the second arm part. In this way, not only is the spring device tensioned, but the arm parts, which are secured in their position adjacent to each other, are practically ready for transport and no longer need to be folded together against the force of the spring device.

[0024] In an articulated arm in accordance with the invention, the holding part has at least one engagement portion with which the holding part is fitted in behind at least one protrusion of the second arm link. In order to access the holding part in the interior of the second arm link, an advantageous aspect of the invention can provide that the second arm link has an opening through which the tensioning device can be inserted into the interior of the second arm link. Through the opening, the holding part is accessible even after tensioning the spring device, and it can also be controlled whether the holding part is correctly fitted in behind the protrusion.

[0025] The protrusion preferably has a recess into which the holding part can engage with its engagement portions, from which engagement it then cannot independently release itself. This is advantageous when movements of the articulated arm, in a normal operating state, exert tensile forces on the spring device and the fitted-in holding part.

[0026] Preferably, according to an example of the invention, the holding part can be located in an interior space of the second arm link when in the fitted state. By positioning the holding part in the interior of the second arm link, the mechanism for tensioning the spring device can be arranged and concealed from outside the second arm link, in a space-saving manner.

[0027] Preferably, the opening is formed at the axial end of the second arm link opposite the arm joint.

[0028] The protrusion can be formed on the axial end region, opposite the arm joint, of the second arm link, in the interior of the second arm link.

[0029] In order to allow the holding part to be reliably fitted in behind the protrusion, an example of the invention can provide that the second arm link has a ramp portion in its interior. The ramp portion has a slope in the direction of the protrusion, wherein the holding part is pulled along the ramp portion to the protrusion when the spring device is tensioned and is fitted in behind the protrusion there, or automatically engages behind the protrusion. The ramp portion enables continuous tensioning until the fitting.

[0030] According to an example, it can be provided that the spring device is fitted into at least one spring recess of the holding part with its end region facing the second arm link.

[0031] Preferably, the holding part can be designed as a pull plate and made of steel. The spring device can engage by hooking in at least one recess.

[0032] Optionally or alternatively, the first arm link can also have the holding part, which can be fitted in using the pulling device and behind the protrusion.

[0033] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the spring device has at least two spring elements connected in parallel in terms of force, in particular in the form of coil springs, which are offset from one another in the axial direction of the second arm link and are thus arranged one behind the other.

[0034] Preferably, the holding part has a separate spring recess for each spring element.

[0035] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the holding part has at least one securing protrusion by which an axial movement of the holding part in its fitted-in state is restricted in the direction of the end of the second arm link opposite the arm joint.

[0036] An awning has a fabric shaft on which an awning fabric can be wound, and at least one multi-part articulated arm, which is designed according to the invention.

[0037] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes, combinations, and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an awning with two articulated arms,

[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective sectional view of an end region of a second arm link in accordance with FIG. 1,

[0041] FIG. 3 is a holding part in accordance with FIG. 2,

[0042] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the second arm link in a first phase of the method according to the invention,

[0043] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the second arm link in a second phase of the method according to the invention,

[0044] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the second arm link in a 3rd phase of the method according to the invention,

[0045] FIG. 7 shows a holding part in accordance with a first variant,

[0046] FIG. 8 is a perspective sectional view of the end region with a holding part in accordance with FIG. 7,

[0047] FIG. 9 shows a holding part in accordance with a second variant, and

[0048] FIG. 10 is a side view of a spring device with two spring elements arranged in parallel and a holding part in accordance with FIG. 9.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an articulated arm awning 10 having a horizontally extending fabric shaft 23 which is rotatably held on a support device 25, which can be a building wall, a beam, or other support.

[0050] An awning fabric 24 is attached to the fabric shaft 23 with an inner end facing the fabric shaft 23 and can be wound up onto and unwound from said shaft.

[0051] At the opposite end, the awning fabric 24 is connected to a horizontally running lead bar 26. The lead bar 26 is connected to a drive device, which in the illustrated example is formed by two spring-loaded, two-part articulated arms 11. Each articulated arm 11 has an outer first arm link 11a and an inner second arm link 11b. The outer first arm link 11a is connected at its end facing the lead bar 26 via a joint device 27a to the lead bar 26. The inner second arm link 11b is directly or indirectly connected at its inner end facing the fabric shaft 23 to the support device 25 by a joint device 27b in an articulated manner. At its opposite end, the second arm link 11b is connected to the first arm link 11a via an arm joint 12. Each articulated arm 11 is pre-tensioned in its extended position, i.e., in a position in which the awning fabric 24 is stretched as far as possible, by a spring device 13 (see FIG. 2) not shown in FIG. 1, in a known manner.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows a perspective sectional view of an end region of the second arm link 11b in accordance with FIG. 1, showing only an end region of the second arm link 11b facing the fabric shaft 23. Alternatively or optionally, the following also applies to the first arm link 11a, which is held in an end region facing the lead bar 26.

[0053] The second arm link 11b has in its end region the joint device 27b, with which it is mounted in articulated fashion and held on the support device 25. The joint device 27b is inserted into a tube-shaped housing 28 of the second arm link 11b, connected to it via a fit, and has guide portions 17 in a region of the housing 28 facing the interior 22, which portions lead into ramp portions 16 in a direction facing away from the interior 22. The ramp portions 16 have a slope and end at two protrusions 15.

[0054] The spring device 13 is located in the interior 22 of the housing 28, which device engages with a hook 30 in a spring recess 20 of a plate-shaped holding part 14. The holding part 14 in the interior 22 of the housing 28 is fitted in behind the two protrusions 15 of the joint device 27 with two engagement portions 21. The holding part 14 is accessible from the outside by a user, through an opening 18 formed in the axial end region of the second arm link 11b in the joint device 27, for the attachment of a tensioning device 40 which can be brought into engagement with a pull recess 19 of the holding part 14 and which can pull the holding part 14 by a tensile force F in the direction of the opening 18 and fit it behind the protrusions 15. FIG. 2 shows only one hook part 41 of the tensioning device, as an example.

[0055] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the holding part 14 in accordance with FIG. 2, which is plate-shaped and has the spring recess 20 in a region facing the spring device 13, on the left in accordance with FIG. 3, into which the spring device 13 can engage by hooking. In an opposite end region, the holding part 14 has the pull recess 19, which can be brought into engagement with the hook part 41 of the tensioning device 40. The two end regions are connected by a central portion 29, which tapers in the direction of the pull recess 19 by depressions at the engagement portions 21, with which the holding part 14 can engage behind the protrusions 15.

[0056] In its end region at the left in accordance with FIG. 3, which in the fitted-in state of the holding part 14 is arranged on the side of the protrusions 15 facing away from the opening 18, two securing protrusions 35 are formed on the holding part 14. These securing protrusions 35 prevent the holding part 14 from moving out of the second arm link 11b through the opening 18 if the spring device 20 tears or breaks and the holding part 14 is then subjected to a force directed towards the opening 18 as a result of any remaining spring tension. In this case, the securing protrusions 35 rest against the inner end faces of the ramp portions 16, thereby stopping the movement of the holding portion 14.

[0057] FIG. 4 to 6 show sectional views of the second arm link 11b in different

[0058] phases and at different times of the method according to the invention, with all three figures showing the tube-shaped housing 28 into which the joint device 27 is inserted and to which it is connected. In its interior 22, the housing 28 has the plate-like holding part 14 by which the spring device 13 is tensioned and which has the spring recess 20 and the pull recess 19.

[0059] The joint device 27 has, in a portion which abuts an inner wall 31 of the interior 22 of the housing 28, the protrusion 15 which extends towards the center of the interior 22, behind which the holding part 14 is fitted in. In order for the holding part 14 to engage behind the protrusion 15, the protrusion 15 has an undercut 33 behind which the holding part 14 can be fitted in with its engagement portions 21.

[0060] FIG. 4 shows the holding part 14 in its starting position in its non-fitted-in state in the interior 22 of the housing 28. Through the front opening 18 of the joint device 27, the tensioning device 40 shown in FIG. 2 can be inserted into the interior 22 of the housing 28 and brought into hooking engagement with the holding part 14 at the pull recess 19.

[0061] When the tensioning device 40 is engaged with the holding part 14, it can exert a tensile force F on the holding part 14 in the direction of the opening 18 or the protrusions 15, and can thus pull the holding part 14 over the ramp portions 16 to the protrusions 15, as shown in FIG. 5. The displacement of the holding part 14 tensions the spring device 13, which, in accordance with FIGS. 5 and 6, engages in the spring recess 20 of the holding part 14 with the hook 30.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, the holding part 14 is fitted in and the spring device 13 is tensioned. The tensioning device 40 is pulled back through the opening 18. In this state, the holding part 14 engages with its engagement portions 21 in the undercuts 33 of the two protrusions 15 between which the holding part 14 is fitted. The spring device 13, due to its tension, causes the holding part 14 to remain fitted in behind the protrusions 15.

[0063] FIG. 7 shows a holding part 14 in accordance with an example, wherein the holding part 14 has a single recess 34 in the center, which acts both as the spring recess 20 and as the engagement portion 21. In an end region (at right in FIG. 7) offset to the individual recess 34, the holding part 14 has two depressions which act as pull recesses 19 in which the tensioning device 40 can engage.

[0064] FIG. 8 shows a perspective sectional view of the end region of the second arm link 11b with the holding part 14 in accordance with FIG. 7. The second arm link 11b also has the tube-shaped housing 28 and the joint device 27, which device is inserted into the housing 28 and is connected to the housing 28 by a fit.

[0065] The joint device 27 has a single protrusion 15 on a wall portion 32, which protrusion extends in the direction of an interior 22 of the housing 28. The holding part 14 in accordance with FIG. 7 is fitted in with its engagement portion 21 behind the protrusion 15, wherein the spring device 13 engages with a pull rod in the interior 22 of the housing 28 by hooking into the spring recess 20 of the holding part 14, which recess is formed with the engagement portion 21 in the common recess 34.

[0066] In order to tension the spring device 13, the joint device 27 has an end face opening 18 through which a tensioning device of the indicated type (not shown in FIG. 8) can be inserted into the interior 22 of the housing 28 and the joint device 27 for tensioning. The tensioning device can be brought into engagement with the pull recesses 19 of the holding part 14 during tensioning, so that the tensioning device can tension the spring device 13 and fit the holding part 14 in behind the protrusion 15 via its engagement portion 21.

[0067] The spring device 13 is preferably constructed in multiple parts. It has at least one spring element, in particular in the form of a coil spring or a helical spring, wherein the spring element is connected by a first transmission link, for example, in the form of a pull strap, to the outer first arm link 11a. The first transmission link is guided through or around the arm joint 12 and is connected to the spring element in the interior 22 of the second arm link 11b. On the side of the spring element opposite the first transmission link, a second transmission link can be provided, in particular in the form of the already-shown pull rod, via which the spring device stands in engagement with the holding part 14.

[0068] In a further example of the spring device 13, a plurality of, in particular two, spring elements 13a and 13b can also be provided, as shown in FIG. 10. The two spring elements 13a and 13b are connected in parallel in terms of force, i.e., both spring elements 13a and 13b engage indirectly or directly at the first transmission link. At their opposite end, facing the holding part 14, the two spring elements 13a and 13b engage directly or indirectly with the holding part 14. A corresponding holding part 14 is shown in FIG. 9. This part is plate-shaped and has two spring recesses 20a and 20b in its left end, which faces the spring device 13 as shown in FIG. 9, into which the two spring elements 13a and 13b engage independently of each other. In its opposite end region (at right in FIG. 9), the holding part 14 has the already-explained pull recess 19, and in a central region it has the already-explained engagement portions 21.

[0069] As can be seen from FIG. 10, the two spring elements 13a, 13b are arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the spring device and thus in the longitudinal direction of the second arm link, so that they are not directly next to each other, but lie axially one after the other with a slight offset. This has the advantage that the spring device 13 requires little installation space perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the spring elements 13a and 13b.

[0070] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for tensioning a multi-part articulated arm of an awning, the articulated arm having a first arm link and a second arm link that are connectable to one another in an articulated manner by an arm joint, the method comprising:connecting a spring to the first arm link and then guiding the spring along the articulated arm around or through the arm joint to the second arm link;tensioning the spring by a tensioning device;connecting the spring to the second arm link so that the multi-part articulated arm is pre-tensioned into an extended position by the spring;connecting, prior to tensioning, the spring in an end region facing the second arm link to a holding part;bringing the tensioning device into engagement with the holding part such that the holding part is subjected to a tensile force and fitted in behind at least one protrusion of the second arm link; andintroducing the tensioning device into the second arm link through an opening in the second arm link before being brought into engagement with the holding part.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning device is introduced into the second arm link at an end thereof opposite the arm joint.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the holding part is brought into engagement with the protrusion at an end portion of the second arm link opposite the arm joint.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein a pull plate is used as the holding part.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning device engages in at least one pull recess of the holding part.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the spring engages in at least one spring recess of the holding part.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the spring has at least two spring elements connected in parallel and arranged offset from each other in an axial direction of the second arm link, which spring elements are successively brought into engagement with a corresponding one of spring recesses of the holding part.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, during tensioning by the tensioning device, the holding part is pulled over a ramp portion of the second arm link before the holding part is fitted in behind the protrusion.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the two arm links are arranged next to each other in a parallel position and fixed in this orientation before the spring is tensioned.

10. An articulated arm for an awning, the articulated arm comprising:a first arm link;a second arm link, the first and second arm link being connected to each other in an articulated manner by an arm joint;a spring is connected to the first arm link and is guided along the articulated arm around or through the arm joint to the second arm link and is connected in an end region facing the second arm link to a holding part which is held by the second arm link,wherein the holding part has at least one engagement portion with which the holding part is fitted in behind at least one protrusion of the second arm link, andwherein the second arm link has an opening through which a tensioning device for tensioning said spring is adapted to be introduced into an interior of the second arm link.

11. The articulated arm according to claim 10, wherein the holding part in the fitted-in state is arranged in an interior of the second arm link.

12. The articulated arm according to claim 10, wherein the opening is formed at an axial end of the second arm link opposite the arm joint.

13. The articulated arm according to claim 10, wherein the protrusion is formed in the interior of the second arm link at an axial end region of the second arm link opposite the arm joint.

14. The articulated arm according to claim 10, wherein the second arm link has a ramp portion in its interior.

15. The articulated arm according to claim 10, wherein the holding part is formed as a pull plate.

16. The articulated arm according to claim 10, wherein the spring is fitted with its end region facing the second arm link into at least one spring recess of the holding part.

17. The articulated arm according to claim 10, wherein the spring has at least two spring elements that are connected in parallel and are arranged offset from each other in the axial direction of the second arm link.

18. The articulated arm according to claim 17, wherein the holding part has a separate spring recess for each spring element.

19. The articulated arm according to claim 10, wherein the holding part has at least one securing protrusion via which an axial movement of the holding part in its fitted-in state is restricted in a direction of the end of the second arm link opposite the arm joint.

20. An awning comprising:a fabric shaft on which an awning fabric is adapted to be wound; andat least one multi-part articulated arm according to claim 10.

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