EP3798382A1 - Arm for awning - Google Patents

Abstract

Arm (B) with interlocking and fixing means between the main body (1) and its end (2), the main body (1) has a channel (12), and the end (2) has an end interlocking (21) for its interlocking in the channel (12) and on the other hand an articulation (22), the interlocking and fixing means comprise an internal projection (13a) in the hollow (12) of the profile ( 1) and at least one screw hole (14a) which has the longitudinal direction (L), and at the end (2), a fitting channel (22a) for housing the inner projection (13a), a surface support (23a) with an orifice (24a) and disposed adjacent to the interlocking channel (22a) d; a screw (25a) so that the main body (1) and the end (2) can be reversibly coupled and fixed to each other. The invention also relates to a method of assembling this arm.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to an improved arm for awnings, and in particular to an arm the length of which can be easily adjusted, and the assembly of which is very simple. In addition, it has structural and aesthetic advantages.

BACKGROUND

Several types of arms are already known which allow a blind to be attached to the wall of a window, a terrace, etc. These generally include a joint and a hollow profile interlocked with each other, so that once assembled they cannot be disassembled. Certain known interlocking methods include the use of adhesives between two unidirectional components or clips, that is to say, elastic elements or forks which interlock in a notch. Usually these arms need to be fitted by a professional or by two people.

One of the disadvantages of these arms is that any mistakes made during the construction of the arm cannot be corrected later. For example, if the two joints which support the blind at its ends are not parallel, the inclination of the blind may be visible, in particular in the case of very wide blinds. Another drawback is that the components housed within the hollow section, such as the springs, cannot be repaired or replaced once the arm is assembled.

One of the known methods of releasably coupling the joint to the hollow section is the use of screws inserted in a direction transverse to the direction of the interlocking. These screws are inserted on a visible side of the arm to allow access for tools. The disadvantages of arms mounted in this way are that the screw reduces the mechanical integrity of the profile, is visible and can corrode, causing discolorations.

The document US4208846 presents a removable blind with an aluminum structure and a set of substantially vertical plates resting on the structure. To facilitate assembly and disassembly, screws are provided on the outer sides which connect several profiles transversely. The screws are very visible and can weaken the structure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

• au moins une saillie intérieure disposée dans le creux du profilé et pourvue d'au moins un orifice de vissage qui a la direction longitudinale ; et
• disposé à l'extrémité de bras, au moins un canal d'emboîtement de logement de la saillie intérieure, au moins une surface d'appui pourvue d'au moins un orifice et disposée adjacente au canal d'emboîtement de logement de la saillie intérieure ; et
• au moins une vis ;

de sorte que le corps principal et l'extrémité de bras puissent être couplés et fixés l'un à l'autre de façon réversible en introduisant l'extrémité d'emboîtement dans le profilé creux, de sorte que la saillie intérieure soit logée dans le canal d'emboîtement de logement de la saillie intérieure, en insérant la vis dans l'orifice, en appuyant sa tête sur la surface d'appui et en vissant son filetage dans l'orifice de vissage de la saillie intérieure.To overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art, the present invention provides an arm provided with a main body which defines a longitudinal direction, an arm end and means for interlocking and fixing between the main body and the arm. end of the arm, in which the main body is a hollow section so as to define a channel therein, and the end of the arm comprises, on the one hand, an interlocking end for its interlocking in the channel of the hollow profile and, on the other hand, an articulation, in which the interlocking and fixing means between the main body and the end of the arm consist of:

• at least one internal projection arranged in the hollow of the profile and provided with at least one screw hole which has the longitudinal direction; and
• arranged at the end of the arm, at least one interlocking channel for housing the inner projection, at least one bearing surface provided with at least one orifice and arranged adjacent to the interlocking channel for housing the inner projection ; and
• at least one screw;

so that the main body and the arm end can be reversibly coupled and fixed to each other by inserting the interlocking end into the hollow profile, so that the inner protrusion is seated in the interlocking channel for housing the inner protrusion, inserting the screw into the hole, resting its head on the bearing surface and screwing its thread into the screw hole of the inner protrusion.

The housing of the internal projection in the hollow of the profile allows it to be hidden as well as the screw. Inserting the screw longitudinally to couple the end of the arm to the main body also conceals the screw and avoids weakening the arm structure as it would not be necessary to form transverse hollows. in the structure. The only part of the screw that is visible from the outside is the head. So if the screw corrodes, the visibility of the screw will be minimal and the screw can be replaced. The arm can be assembled using widely available tools and does not require the services of a person skilled in the art. Also, in the event of an error during assembly, it can be corrected by removing the screw and reassembling it.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm, in which the at least one interior projection is made of aluminum and has a constant section.

This allows the inner surface of the inner protrusion to be screwed in with the insertion of a threaded screw of a more rigid material, for example a steel screw.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm, in which the at least one bearing surface is provided in a transition between the interlocking end and the joint.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm, in which the bearing surface is provided adjacent to the joint.

This allows the operator to access the bearing surface with a tool for mounting or removing the screw, while the visibility of the screw head is reduced by the joint which can be on one side of the screw. bearing surface or may include two parts on either side.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm, in which the channel comprises at least one longitudinal projection for guiding and securing the end of the arm in the channel.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm, wherein the interlocking end comprises at least one longitudinal groove for accommodating the at least one longitudinal protrusion.

The longitudinal guide projection and the longitudinal groove for accommodating the projection stabilize the structure during its assembly before the insertion of the screw by the operator. This simplifies mounting the arm so that it can be mounted by one person.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm, in which the interlocking end is a U-shaped profile.

This limits the weight of the interlocking end and leaves a hollow space where other components of the arm can be accommodated, for example one or more interior protrusions or longitudinal guide protrusions.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm, in which the interlocking end comprises three U-shaped walls, so as to define an upper wing and a lower wing connected by a web, in which the 'at least one longitudinal protrusion is accommodated in a space between the upper wing and the lower wing.

In this aspect of the invention, the longitudinal protrusion may be located just adjacent to one of the wings, thereby serving to guide the interlocking end.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm, wherein the interlocking end comprises a transverse wall at one end, wherein the transverse wall comprises at least two notches for accommodating the at least one interior projection and the at least one longitudinal projection.

Notches are an alternative to longitudinal grooves when the arm has another geometry that does not resemble a U, for example when it does not have a continuous longitudinal wall in the area of the inner protrusion.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm, in which the arm comprises two internal projections arranged in the hollow of the profile and provided with two screw holes which have the longitudinal direction; and arranged at the end of the arm, two upper and lower interlocking channels for housing the internal projections, two bearing surfaces provided with respective orifices and arranged adjacent to the upper and lower interlocking channels for housing the internal projections; and two screws.

The use of two screws on each arm improves the stability of the structure.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm in which the interlocking end includes an anchor hole for anchoring an adjustable tension system for regulating the tension of a pull member of the blind.

Shade arms can include a variety of tensioning systems to keep the arms of a shade unfolded in the absence of external forces. These can be anchored to the ends of the arms, in this case they are anchored in a hole at the interlocking end.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm in which the interlocking end also comprises a longitudinal channel for accommodating an adjustable tension system, the adjustable tension system comprising an adjustable length section connected. to an elastic element, the adjustable length section being anchored in the anchoring hole.

The geometry of the interlocking end is configured to accommodate the tension system so that it is not visible from the outside. The longitudinal configuration avoids the need to weaken the structure by creating transverse hollows. The longitudinal channel accommodates a section of adjustable length for manually adjusting the tension on an elastic member such as a spring. This section can be an endless screw connected by means of a ring to the spring, this spring being anchored at its other end to another component of the blind. The longitudinal channel may have a threaded interior surface or may be aluminum and have a constant interior section.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm in which the anchor hole is located in a transition between the interlocking end and the joint to support a head of an adjustable length section, the head provided with a socket for a tool and the head resting on the anchoring hole.

This tool can be, for example, an Allen key, which facilitates the assembly, disassembly or regulation of the adjustable length section. Locating the anchor hole in the transition between the interlocking end and the hinge helps minimize visibility of the adjustable length section.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of a blind which comprises two arms according to any one of the preceding claims.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of a method of assembling an arm which comprises: inserting the end of the arm into the main body along the direction, then inserting the arm. at least one screw in at least one channel formed by the at least one hole, the at least one screw hole and the at least one projection.

Mounting the arm in these two steps allows a relatively stable structure to be formed in the first place, by inserting the end of the arm into the main body, so that a second person is not needed to stabilize the various components in the body. their positions when inserting the screws. This facilitates the assembly of the arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• La figure 1 montre en perspective les composants qui forment un bras selon un premier mode de réalisation.
• La figure 2 montre en perspective le bras assemblé du premier mode de réalisation.
• La figure 3 montre en perspective les composants qui forment un bras selon un deuxième mode de réalisation.
• La figure 4 montre en perspective le bras assemblé du deuxième mode de réalisation.
• La figure 5 montre en perspective les composants qui forment un bras selon un troisième mode de réalisation.
• La figure 6 montre en perspective les composants qui forment un bras selon un quatrième mode de réalisation.
• La figure 7 montre en perspective le bras assemblé du quatrième mode de réalisation.

To complete the description and with the aim of facilitating a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to examples of practical embodiments of the arm for awnings of the invention, a set of figures is accompanied as an integral part of the description. , in which, by way of illustration and without limitation, the following has been shown:

• The figure 1 shows in perspective the components which form an arm according to a first embodiment.
• The figure 2 shows in perspective the assembled arm of the first embodiment.
• The figure 3 shows in perspective the components which form an arm according to a second embodiment.
• The figure 4 shows in perspective the assembled arm of the second mode of production.
• The figure 5 shows in perspective the components which form an arm according to a third embodiment.
• The figure 6 shows in perspective the components which form an arm according to a fourth embodiment.
• The figure 7 shows in perspective the assembled arm of the fourth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The figure 1 shows the three main components of an arm B according to a first embodiment before being assembled: a main body 1, an arm end 2 and a screw 25a. The main body 1 is a hollow section with a channel 12 inside. The end 2 of the arm carries on one side a socket end 21 so that the latter can fit into the channel 12, sliding it in the direction L. The main body 1 can be coupled to the channel 12. end of the arm 2 by means of the screw 25a, an internal projection 13a, a screw hole 14a, a bearing surface 23a and an orifice 24a.

The inner projection 13a has the shape of a hollow half-cylinder oriented longitudinally on an inner surface of the channel 12, in the direction L of interlocking. In this embodiment, the inner protrusion 13a is on a first surface of the channel 12. The screw hole 14a is formed by the end of the inner protrusion 13a which is closer to the end of the arm 2. The screw holes are formed by the end of the inner protrusion 13a. parts 13a and 14a can have a threaded or smooth inner surface before the interlocking of 1 and 2. The bearing surface 23a is at the end 2 of the arm and includes an orifice 24a oriented so as to be able to form a channel rectilinear with the inner projection 13a and the orifice 14a.

The screw 25a can be inserted into the channel formed by 24a, 14a and 13a. The screw includes a thread 27a and a head 26a. The entry of the thread 27a of the screw into the channel can screw the inner surface of this channel. The head 26a rests on the bearing surface 23a.

The end 2 of the arm also comprises an articulation 22 at the end furthest from the main body 1. The articulation 22 is formed of two parts and comprises a channel passing through the two parts. The arm end 2 also includes longitudinal grooves on the outer surface of the interlocking end 21 to accommodate protruding structures on the surface. of the channel 12 and stabilize the interlocking of the components 1 and 2. The position of the end 2 of the arm in the channel 12 is also fixed by longitudinal projections 28 on the interior surface of the channel 12. In this embodiment, the channel 12 comprises three projections 28.

The figure 2 shows the arm B of the first embodiment assembled. The assembly is carried out by inserting the end 2 of the arm into the main body 1 along the direction L, then inserting the screw into the channel formed by 24a, 14a and 13a.

The figure 3 shows the three main components of an arm B according to a second embodiment before being assembled: a main body 1, an arm end 2 and a screw 25a. In this embodiment, the inner protrusion 13a is on a second surface of the channel 12. The interlocking end 21 includes a interlocking channel 22a for accommodating the inner protrusion 13a. The interlocking end 21 also includes two longitudinal grooves 29 to accommodate two of the four protrusions 28. The remaining two protrusions are housed in the hollow space on one side of the interlocking end 21 (not visible on the figure). figure 3 ). This embodiment comprises a one-piece articulation 22 with a channel.

The figure 4 shows the arm B of the second embodiment assembled. The assembly is carried out as described above.

The figure 5 shows the three main components 1, 2, 25a of an arm B according to a third embodiment before being assembled. In this embodiment, the interlocking end 21 comprises an interlocking channel 22a for accommodating the inner projection 13a. Two parallel surfaces of the interlocking end 21 are concave to accommodate the four projections 28 in the hollow created by said surfaces. The articulation 22 is further from the orifice 24a, leaving more room for the operator to manipulate the screw 25a with the corresponding tools.

The figure 6 shows the three main components 1, 2, 25a of an arm B according to a fourth embodiment before being assembled. In this embodiment, the interlocking end 21 is substantially hollow, comprising a transverse wall at one end. This wall comprises notches of different sizes to accommodate the projection 13a and the projections 28. The interlocking end 21 further comprises a longitudinal channel 32 passing through the component 21 and leading to the hollow space 12 in the body. Main 1. Channel 32 can accommodate an adjustable tension system (not shown in the figures) for regulating the tension of a pull member of the blind. The adjustable tension system may include an adjustable length section connected to an elastic member, the adjustable length section being anchored in an anchoring hole 30. The adjustable length section may also include a head provided with a socket for a fitting. tool (for example, an Allen key), with the head resting on the anchoring hole 30.

The figure 6 also shows two hinges 22 with the orifice 24a on the surface which connects the two hinges. Thus, the operator can access the port 24a and the screw 25a to assemble or disassemble the unit.

The figure 7 shows the arm B of the fourth embodiment assembled. The assembly is carried out as described above.

In this text, the word "includes" and its variants (such as "including", etc.) should not be interpreted in a limiting way, namely, they do not exclude the possibility that what is described includes other elements. , steps etc.

On the other hand, the invention is not limited to the concrete embodiments which have been described but also encompasses, for example, the variants which can be produced by a person skilled in the art (for example, as regards the choice of materials, dimensions , components, configuration, etc.), in what emerges from the claims.

Claims (15)

Arm (B) provided with a main body (1) which defines a longitudinal direction (L), an arm end (2) and interlocking and fixing means between the main body (1) and the end ( 2) arm, in which the main body (1) is a profile (11) hollow so as to define a channel (12) inside, and the end (2) of the arm comprises, on the one hand, an interlocking end (21) for its interlocking in the channel (12) of the hollow section (11) and, on the other hand, an articulation (22), characterized in that the interlocking and fixing means between the main body (1) and the end (2) of arms consist of: - at least one internal projection (13a) arranged in the hollow (12) of the profile (1) and provided with at least one screw hole (14a) which has the longitudinal direction (L); and - Arranged at the end (2) of the arm, at least one interlocking channel (22a) for housing the internal projection (13a), at least one bearing surface (23a) provided with at least one orifice ( 24a) and disposed adjacent to the interlocking channel (22a) for housing the interior projection (13a); and - at least one screw (25a); so that the main body (1) and the arm end (2) can be reversibly coupled and fixed to each other by inserting the interlocking end (21) into the profile (11) hollow, so that the inner protrusion (13a) is housed in the interlocking channel (22a) housing the inner protrusion (13a), inserting the screw (25a) into the hole (24a), pressing its head (26a) on the bearing surface (23a) and by screwing its thread (27a) into the screw hole (14a) of the inner projection (13a). Arm (B) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inner projection (13a) is made of aluminum and has a constant section. Arm (B) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one bearing surface (23a) is provided in a transition between the interlocking end (21) and the joint (22). Arm (B) according to claim 1, wherein the bearing surface (23a) is provided adjacent to the joint (22). Arm (B) according to claim 1, in which the channel (12) comprises at least one longitudinal projection (28) for guiding and fixing the end (2) of the arm in the channel (12). Arm (B) according to claim 5, wherein the interlocking end (21) comprises at least one longitudinal groove (29) for accommodating the at least one longitudinal projection (28). Arm (B) according to claim 1, in which the interlocking end (21) is a U-shaped profile. Arm (B) according to claim 5, in which the interlocking end (21) comprises three U-shaped walls, so as to define an upper wing and a lower wing connected by a web, in which the at least a longitudinal protrusion (28) is accommodated in a space between the upper wing and the lower wing. An arm (B) according to claim 5, wherein the interlocking end (21) comprises a transverse wall at one end, wherein the transverse wall comprises at least two notches for accommodating the at least one inner protrusion (13a) and the at least one longitudinal projection (28). Arm (B) according to Claim 1, in which the arm comprises two internal projections (13a) arranged in the hollow (12) of the profile (1) and provided with two screw holes (14a) which have the longitudinal direction; and arranged at the end (2) of the arm, two upper (22a) and lower interlocking channels for housing the internal projections (13a), two bearing surfaces (23a) provided with respective orifices (24a) and arranged adjacent to the upper (22a) and lower interlocking channels for housing the interior projections (13a); and two screws (25a). Arm (B) according to claim 1, wherein the interlocking end (21) comprises an anchoring hole (30) for anchoring an adjustable tension system for regulating the tension of a pulling element of the blind . Arm (B) according to claim 11, wherein the interlocking end (21) also comprises a longitudinal channel for housing an adjustable tension system, the adjustable tension system comprising a section of adjustable length connected to a elastic element, the adjustable length section being anchored in the anchoring hole (30). An arm (B) according to claim 12, wherein the anchoring hole (30) is located in a transition between the interlocking end (21) and the joint (22) for supporting a head of a section adjustable in length, the head provided with a socket for a tool and the head resting on the anchoring hole (30). Store which comprises two arms according to any one of the preceding claims. A method of assembling an arm (B) according to claim 1, which comprises: inserting the end (2) of the arm into the main body (1) along the direction (L), then the insertion of the at least one screw (25a) in at least one channel formed by the at least one orifice (24a), the at least one screwing orifice (14a) and the at least one projection (13a).

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