Awning assembly and control system

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a retractable and extendable awning and a control system for automatically extending and retracting the awning.

Retractable and extendable awnings are generally known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,075,385, 1,804,550, GB 1 175 723, GB 2 042 058, EP 0 084 076, EP 0 125 727, EP 0 489 186 and EP 0 795 660.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has as an object to eliminate inconveniences of the prior art by providing such an awning with improved features.

In accordance with this invention, a retractable and extendable awning, includes at least one arm support bracket, at least one arm having first and second pivoting arm sections, a front bar, a roller adapted to be mounted for rotation, a fabric cloth for winding about and unwinding from the roller, wherein the first arm section has a first end pivotally linked to the bearing support and a second end, the second arm section having a first end pivotally linked to the second end of the first arm section and a second end pivotally linked to the front bar.

According to another aspect of the invention, the front bar of the awning is provided with a weather sensor unit comprising a sensor which can detect movement of the front bar as a result of wind. Advantageously, the sensor unit is also provided with a light sensor, a rain sensor and a wind sensor. The additional wind sensor may be provided in addition to the movement sensor as this can only detect the presence of wind with the awning in an extended position. With the danger of wind removed it would be desirable if the awning can be extended automatically rather than manually. Hence the additional wind sensor which makes this possible. The movement sensor detects all vertical movements or shocks of the extended awning. If such movements occur outside of a predefined range a signal can be produced to effect retraction of the awning to prevent it from being damaged. The movement sensor can be based on the principle using a conductive fluid and two electrical contacts. If the fluid as a result of movement contacts both contacts an electrical connection is made. The number of electrical contacts within a given time frame can be used to detect movement. The viscosity of the conductive fluid determines the sensitivity of this type of movement sensor. Preferably the wind sensor is selected to be highly sensitive, whereas the movement or shock sensor can be of a much lower sensitivity. The wind sensor can be included in a wind catching body which is movably mounted with respect to the sensor unit. Such a wind catching body is preferably shaped to catch wind from all possible directions. Known wind detecting devices do only detect wind in a horizontal direction and are mostly mounted at a location remote from the awning which also does not help in recognising the actual danger level to which an individual awning may at times be exposed. Often gusts of wind blow vertically upward with respect to a facade of a building which carries the awning and this can be particularly dangerous if undetected. The present invention will cope with this situation more adequately. The sensor unit preferably communicates by means of wireless transmission with a control unit, which advantageously can be positioned indoor, and preferably the sensor unit is also programmed in a manner to save power. The sensor unit further comprises circuitry which at idle is in a sleep mode and consumes only 10 microamperes. An IRQ-pin is used to force a processor out of this sleep mode. This can be made to happen once for every 10 seconds or so. Upon awakening the unit will read the measurements of its sensors and compare these with threshold values stored in an internal table. Only when one of the values exceeds the specified threshold the unit will establish communication with either an indoor or outdoor control unit. Additionally the sensor unit will also establish communication with the control unit every one to five minutes, or so, to send a ‘live’ signal even without having to report a surpassing of a threshold value. The circuitry thereby enables the control unit to detect proper operation and communication of the sensor unit. During such predefined periodic communications the control unit can also transmit any new settings of threshold values to the sensor unit. Power supply for the sensor unit circuitry is provided by a rechargeable battery or accumulator which is charged by a solar cell. To economise on the investment for solar cells the solar cell is preferably composed of four individual cells. To allow charging of the battery with a relatively low voltage of 2 V, a step-up converter is used. This enables charging under even very low light levels, while under excessive light conditions the charging current will be limited to prevent damage to the battery.

According to yet another aspect of the invention an awning is, further provided with an indoor control unit. Upon installation particular settings for the outdoor weather sensor unit, such as sun and wind can be downloaded from the control unit to the sensor unit and stored at both ends in a programmable memory, such as an EEPROM, which memorises these settings. Only if the sensor unit detects a value outside of these settings it will establish communication with the control unit, so as to minimise transmissions between the two devices and the power consumption required thereby. If however the control unit does not receive the standard periodic “live”-signal transmission it will retract the awning and switch itself into manual mode. A suitable message may be displayed on a display device of the control unit to indicate this. The indoor control unit preferably is connected to mains supply and includes a transformer and a triac control for an electric motor incorporated in the awning or like sun protective device. Conveniently a high frequency circuit for wireless transmission of signals can be combined with the high voltage circuit board in the control unit. Another circuit board can be provided for the low voltage section of the control unit. The low voltage circuit board thereby contains the logical controls which can be fed by a low voltage, such as 5 V DC. These include a processor, a liquid crystal display, switches and optionally a temperature sensor. The processor comprises a control algorithm, a routine for decoding switch actuations and a display driver. To obtain an as adaptable as possible arrangement, the display driver and decoder for the switch matrix are included in a timer. An internal serial port is used for communication with a transceiver module. To control an electric motor for moving the awning from a retracted into an extended position and vice-versa a revolution counter and a power surge detection may be employed to detect the appropriate end positions of the awning. Such end position controls are usually incorporated in the electric motor units. An IRQ input and routine are however reserved in the control unit for the possible inclusion of an optional motor control in the control unit if so desired. It then also becomes possible to program the power surge (measured by a triac), which should result in the motor to cut out, with the help of the control unit. A main program algorithm has only a reduced number of tasks, which improves clarity and reliability. The main program thus includes two programming modes and decision sequences for intellectual control.

According to a still further aspect of the invention an awning is provided that further includes a hand-held remote control transmitter.

The invention also provides a control system in particular for an awning as referred to above, which includes at least one of a weather sensor, an indoor control unit and optionally a hand-held remote control transmitter, all preferably as referred to above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description below of particular embodiments and the drawings thereof, in which:

FIG. 1

is a general perspective view of a retractable arm awning of this invention in an extended position;

FIG. 2

is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of support bracket for the awning of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 3

is a schematic side view of a slightly modified, second embodiment of support bracket for the awning of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 4

is a schematic side view of a further, third embodiment of support bracket for the awning of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 5

is a schematic side view of a fourth embodiment of support bracket for the awning of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 6

is a detailed top perspective view of the first embodiment of support bracket of

FIG. 2

;

FIG. 7

is a detailed side elevation view of the support bracket of

FIG. 6

;

FIG. 8

is a detailed side elevation view of the second embodiment of support bracket of

FIG. 3

;

FIG. 9

is a detailed bottom perspective view of the second embodiment of support bracket of

FIG. 8

;

FIG. 10

is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of support bracket, taken along line X—X in

FIG. 7

;

FIG. 11

is a is a front elevation view of an optional alternative embodiment of the bushing of the support bracket of

FIGS. 7 and 10

;

FIG. 12

is a vertical cross-sectional view of the bushing of

FIG. 11

;

FIGS. 13 and 14

are perspective view from opposite sides of the bushing of

FIG. 11

;

FIG. 15

is a vertical cross-sectional view of the awning of

FIG. 1

in a retracted position;

FIG. 16

is a top elevation view of one of the articulated arms of the awning of

FIG. 1

in a retracted position;

FIG. 17

is an elevation view of the arm of

FIG. 16

;

FIGS. 18 and 19

are perspective view from opposite sides of the arm of

FIG. 16

;

FIGS. 20 and 21

are perspective view from opposite sides of a first, rear end plug element of a rear section of the arm of

FIG. 16

;

FIG. 22

is a perspective view of a second, front-end plug element of a rear section of the arm of

FIG. 16

, forming part of the central pivot swivel;

FIG. 23

is a perspective view of a third, rear end plug of a front section of the arm of

FIG. 16

, forming part of the central pivot swivel;

FIG. 24

is a perspective view of a fourth, front-end plug of a front section of the arm of

FIG. 16

;

FIG. 25

is a vertical cross-sectional view, taken along line XXV—XXV in

FIG. 26

, of the front-end plug of the front arm section of

FIG. 24

;

FIG. 26

is an enlarged fragmentary elevation view of the front-end plug of the front arm section of

FIG. 24

;

FIG. 27

is a perspective fragmentary view of the rear section of the arm of

FIG. 16

, with the rear section partly broken away to show its connection to the rear end plug of

FIGS. 20 and 21

, inserted into it;

FIG. 28

is a front perspective view of an outdoor weather sensor unit which can be mounted on the front of the front bar of the awning of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 29

is a front perspective view of an indoor control unit which can be in communication with the weather sensor unit of

FIG. 28

;

FIG. 30

is a schematic representation of the circuitry of the outdoor weather sensor unit of

FIG. 28

;

FIGS. 30

a

and

30

b

show an alternative schematic representation of the circuitry of the outdoor weather sensor unit of

FIG. 28

;

FIG. 31

is a schematic representation of the low voltage section of the circuitry of the indoor control unit of

FIG. 29

;

FIG. 31

a

shows an alternative circuit arrangement to the low voltage circuitry of

FIG. 31

;

FIG. 32

is a schematic representation of the high voltage section of the circuitry of the indoor control unit of

FIG. 29

;

FIG. 32

a

shows an alternative schematic representation of the high voltage section of the circuitry of the indoor control unit of

FIG. 29

;

FIG. 33

is a flow chart of the operation of the processor of the outdoor weather sensor unit of

FIG. 28

;

FIG. 34

is a flow chart of the main program operation of the indoor control unit of

FIG. 29

;

FIG. 35

is a flow chart of the programming mode operation subroutine of the indoor control unit of

FIG. 29

;

FIG. 36

is a flow chart of the installation mode operation sub-routine of the indoor control unit of

FIG. 29

;

FIG. 37

is a flow chart of the manual mode operation sub-routine of the indoor control unit of

FIG. 29

;

FIG. 38

is a flow chart of the auto mode operation sub-routine of the indoor control unit of

FIG. 29

;

FIG. 39

is a top perspective view of an optional hand-held wireless remote control transmitter which can be used to operate the indoor control unit of

FIG. 29

;

FIG. 40

is a flow chart of the operation of the remote control transmitter of

FIG. 39

;

FIG. 41

is a schematic representation of the circuitry of the hand-held remote control transmitter of

FIG. 39

;

FIG. 41

a

is a further embodiment of the transmitter circuit of FIG.

41

and part of a remote control transmitter as shown in

FIG. 39

;

FIG. 42

is a schematic representation of the arrangement of devices used with the above described embodiments;

FIG. 43

is a schematic representation of an alternative arrangement of devices used with the above described embodiments; and

FIG. 44

is a schematic representation of a simplified arrangement of devices used with the above described embodiments.

In these Figures, corresponding parts in different embodiments are referred to by corresponding names and by the same last two reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1

shows a retractable arm awning

1

of the general type with which the present invention is concerned. The awning

1

of

FIG. 1

has a wall mount cassette

3

housing a roller

5

from which a fabric cloth

7

in the extended position of the awning is extending and supported by a collapsible support system comprising a front bar

9

connected to a front edge of the fabric cloth

7

and two collapsible arms

11

,

13

. Each of the collapsible arms

11

,

13

is hingeably mounted from a corresponding arm support bracket

15

and

17

respectively and comprises first and second pivoting arm sections

19

,

23

and

21

,

25

respectively. Each of the first and second arm sections are joined by a central pivot swivel

27

,

29

respectively and the second arm sections

21

,

25

are hingeably joined to the rear side of the front bar

9

. The front bar

9

preferably, but not necessarily, is shaped as a lid to close the opening

31

in the cassette

3

from which the fabric cloth and collapsible frame extend, when the awning is in a retracted position.

The awning of

FIG. 1

preferably includes some mechanism for adjusting the angle

33

at which the awning extends from a building wall (not shown).

FIGS. 2 through 5

schematically show different forms of arm support brackets as referred to by numerals

15

,

17

in FIG.

1

.

FIG. 2

represents a first embodiment of arm support bracket

115

having a base part

35

and a link

37

pivotally attached thereto by means of pivot pin

39

. The link

37

has means for pivotally attaching a first arm section

19

or

23

as will be discussed below but for clarity such means are deleted from

FIGS. 2 through 5

. A screw spindle

41

, upon rotation by a suitable tool in either of two opposite rotational directions, adjusts the angle

47

between the vertical and the link

37

and thereby the angle of extension

33

as indicated in FIG.

1

. The base part

35

has a square recess

49

at its rear end which can be attached over a square section bar extending along the width of the awning (not shown, but conventional in awnings).

FIG. 3

shows a slightly modified second embodiment of support bracket

215

which is generally identical to that of

FIG. 2

, but for the addition of a gear box

51

with an eyelet coupler

53

to be driven by an extension crank rod (not shown, but conventional in the operation of awnings). Driving the screw spindle

41

through gearbox

51

will allow ready angular adjustments by a conventional crank rod from a remote position that is convenient to the operator, rather than having to revert to tools.

FIG. 4

shows a further third embodiment of arm support bracket

315

, which is generally very similar to the basic bracket

115

of FIG.

2

. Support bracket

315

uses a different form of base part

55

, which attaches directly to a building wall or to the structure of a wall mount cassette (numeral

3

in

FIG. 1

) without using any square section bar, such as in the previously described embodiments. In all other respects the angular adjustment through a screw spindle

41

is similar to that of

FIGS. 2 and 3

. Likewise the support bracket

315

of

FIG. 4

could be modified with a gearbox

51

such as shown in

FIG. 3

for the second embodiment

215

.

Finally

FIG. 5

shows as a fourth embodiment yet another form of support bracket

415

, which does not use a screw spindle for angular adjustment. Support bracket

415

shown with a similar base part

55

as the bracket of

FIG. 4

could alternatively also be provided with a base part

35

such as the bracket of

FIG. 2 and 3

. The angular adjustment of the link

37

of bracket

415

is effected by means of a lockable gas spring

57

, which has one end attached to the bushing

45

and another end pivotally attached to a suitable fixed structure such as the building wall or to the base part

55

. Locking gas springs of a suitable type are obtainable under the trade designation KALLER from Strömsholmen AB of Sweden or under the trade designation BLOC-O-LIFT from Stabilus of Germany. Such lockable gas springs not only provide the appropriate angular adjustment of the link

37

but also provide for cushioning of any forces acting on the awning in its extended position. Means for cushioning can also be incorporated in the bushing

45

, but this will be described in reference to FIG.

10

.

FIGS. 6 and 7

are a perspective top view and a side elevation respectively of the support bracket

115

of FIG.

2

. The same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts. It is seen from

FIG. 6

that the screw spindle

41

has a polygonal driving head

42

at a forward end protruding or reachably exposed through the bushing

45

. Such a polygonal driving head

42

can be a hexagonal cavity which can be driven by a regular allen key wrench, but clearly other driving ends for other convenient tools known to the skilled person can be selected.

The bushing

45

is further shown to have a body

59

and a pivot pin

61

, which conveniently can be screw threaded in the body

59

to be removable and hence be provided with a polygonal driving head or cavity. The link

37

is provided with a bearing section

63

with a through bore

65

for receiving a pivot pin for hingeably connecting the first pivoting arm sections (

19

or

23

in

FIG. 1

) of a collapsible awing arm (

11

or

13

in FIG.

1

).

The link

37

of an awning can be made in right-hand and left-hand versions with the through bore

65

on different sides depending in the arc of movement of the awning arm, but it is also conceivable to use a single type of link with a through bore such as

65

on each opposite side.

FIG. 7

shows a side elevation of support bracket

115

generally similar to the embodiment of the schematic view of FIG.

2

. Here it is seen that the screw spindle

41

can effectively define two sections

67

and

69

. The first section

67

can be provided with a male screw thread and engage a female screw thread in the bushing

45

. The second section

69

can have a non-circular cross section for driving engagement by either a tool or other driving means. It is further seen from

FIGS. 6 and 7

that the rear end of the base part

35

is provided with screw fasteners

71

,

73

spanning across the open ended square recess

49

for clampingly forcing the opposite legs

75

,

77

together on a square bar or the like (not shown, but conventional) to attach the support bracket.

FIGS. 8 and 9

show a side view and a perspective bottom view, respectively, of the second embodiment of support bracket

215

, also shown schematically in FIG.

3

. Basically the embodiment of

FIGS. 8 and 9

is identical to that of

FIGS. 6 and 7

, except for the addition of the gear box

51

engaging the screw spindle

41

and allowing adjustment thereof by driving the eyelet coupler

53

. The reference numerals in

FIGS. 8 and 9

are otherwise used identically to those in

FIGS. 2

,

6

and

7

. It should be noticed in this regard that an existing embodiment according to

FIGS. 6 and 7

can be modified by the addition of a gearbox

51

to the embodiment of

FIGS. 8 and 9

.

FIG. 10

is a cross section of the support bracket

115

of the embodiment of

FIG. 7

in the direction of arrows X—X and serves to illustrate a first optional form of bushing

145

suitable to replace any of the bushings

45

as described with respect to

FIGS. 2 through 9

. The bushing

145

comprises in a concentric arrangement a rigid inner bushing

147

, a resilient intermediate bushing

149

and a rigid outer bushing

151

. The outer bushing

151

carries female screw thread for engaging the male screw thread

67

of the screw spindle

41

. The male screw threaded portion

67

of the screw is however freely movable through the inner bushing

147

, which is pivotally retained in the link

37

by opposite screwed-in pivot pins

61

,

62

.

Any forces that act on the link

37

in the axial direction of the screw spindle

41

will be cushioned by the resilient intermediate bushing

149

and thereby would prevent damage to the screw spindle or its mounting in the base part

35

.

With respect to the mounting of the screw spindle

41

in the base part

35

,

FIG. 10

also serves to illustrate a feature shared in common with the other embodiments but not yet visible in any of the previous illustrations. The second section

69

of the screw spindle

41

, having a hexagonal cross-section for engagement by the gearbox

51

or the like drive means, is further provided with a ball shaped head

79

which is engaged in an axial cavity of the transverse pin

43

. An intermediate neck portion

81

can extend from the cavity and be position therein through an axial slot coextending with the axial cavity in the transverse pin

43

. Once engaged in the cavity of the transverse pin

43

, the ball shaped head

79

is retained therein by a locking screw

83

.

FIGS. 11 through 14

show yet another second optional embodiment

245

for the bushing (generally numbered

45

in FIGS.

2

through

9

). It is sometimes desirable that a particular adjusted angle of extension (angle

33

in

FIG. 1

) and hence the angle of link

37

(angle

47

in

FIGS. 7 and 8

) is cancelled when the collapsible arms (

11

,

13

in

FIG. 1

) reach the retracted position, so that the front bar (

9

in

FIG. 1

) may abut against and close the cassette opening (

31

in

FIG. 1

) in a predefined angular orientation. One such mechanism is described in GB 2042058 and uses a transversely movable locking bolt which is moved by the awning arm through a linking rod. It has been found that transverse movement of such a locking bolt can be somewhat difficult if this is at the same time also forced against the screw spindle element. The bushing arrangement

245

of

FIGS. 11 through 14

can overcome this drawback and would also result in a very compact arrangement. To this end the bushing

245

has an inner bushing

247

and a concentric hollow outer bushing

251

. Accommodated in a cavity of the inner bushing is threaded nut

249

adapted to engage the screw-threaded section

67

of the screw spindle

41

. The nut

249

as best shown in

FIG. 12

is also contoured to allow accommodation within the hollow interior of the hollow outer bushing

251

. The inner bushing

247

is provided with an opening

253

large enough to allow unhindered axial movement of the screw spindle

41

, but small enough to prevent passage of the nut

249

. The outer bushing

251

is provided with a first perimeter opening

255

of a size large enough to allow passage of the nut

249

. The outer bushing

251

is also provided with a second perimeter opening

257

on an opposite side and aligned with the first perimeter opening

255

. The second perimeter opening

257

is of a size large enough to allow certain relative rotational movement of the outer bushing

251

in respect of the inner bushing

247

with the screw spindle

41

in position and extending through the second perimeter opening

257

. All of

FIGS. 11 through 14

show the bushing element

247

and the outer bushing

251

. If upon retraction of the awning the outer bushing

251

were rotated from the position shown in

FIG. 12

to a position in which the nut

249

could escape through the first perimeter opening

255

, then the locked position of the link (

37

in

FIGS. 2 through 10

) would be cancelled for the purpose described herein above. To this end the outer bushing

251

may be provided with a flange portion

259

in one of its axial ends, from which flange portion a lever arm

261

may extend (see in particular FIGS.

13

and

14

). The lever arm

261

may have an opening for engagement by a linking rod or the like (not shown, but known to the skilled person from GB 2042058) operatively connecting it to a confronting awning arm. Although the angular rotational movement of the outer bushing

251

may optionally be limited by the size of the second perimeter opening

257

and the screw spindle

41

extending therethrough it may also be convenient to have a separate indexing means for this. As shown in

FIGS. 11

,

13

and

14

such indexing means may comprise one or more radially extending pins

265

,

267

on the inner bushing

247

and one or more corresponding annular recesses

269

,

271

on the outer bushing

251

.

FIG. 15

shows a cross section through one form of awning according to the present invention, which is shown in a retracted position. In this position the front bar

9

acts as a lid to close the forward opening of cassette box

3

, which houses the entire awning mechanism in its retracted position. It is seen that the cassette

3

houses a roller

5

on which the awning cloth is wound. A square section bar or rod

85

is used in this embodiment to mount the various awning components, notably the arm support brackets.

A wall mount bracket

87

is used to fix the square section bar

85

in position with respect to a vertical building surface (not shown, but conventional and known to the skilled person). The square bar

85

further receives at least two base parts

35

of the appropriate arm support brackets (

15

and

17

in FIG.

1

).

FIG. 15

also illustrates a version of awning incorporating a lockable gas spring

57

such as schematically shown in the embodiment of FIG.

5

. This gas spring

57

is of an appropriate type as supplied by the firms of Stabilus or of Strömsholmen AB is of a variety that can be locked in any desired position of telescopic adjustment in a manner commonly found in adjustable office seats and typing chairs. Further

FIG. 15

shows the attachment of the front bar

9

to the second section

25

of the collapsible awning arm. To this end the second section

25

carries a front pivot pin

89

onto which an arcuate mounting plate

91

is hingeably mounted. The mounting plate is affixed by suitable fasteners (not shown but conventional) to a correspondingly inwardly arcuate rear surface of the front bar

9

. The abutting arcuate surfaces of the mounting plate

91

and the front bar

9

allow for accurate angular adjustment of the front bar

9

, so that it closes the cassette

3

in the correct orientation.

Also shown in

FIG. 15

is another eyelet coupler

92

through which the awning can be driven into an extended position or from an extended position to a retracted position by means of a conventional crank rod (not shown). The eyelet coupler

92

through a shaft and an appropriate gear transmission drives the roller

5

in a conventional manner to wind or unwind the awning cloth. Extension of the awning cloth will further be promoted in that the collapsible awning arms are resiliently biased towards the extended position as will be further explained herein below. The skilled person will also instantly recognise that the roller

5

can be driven by any electric motor, such as through a tube-type motor or the like. Suitable motors are widely available for this purpose from amongst others the firms of: ELERO Antriebs- und Sonnenschutztechnik GmbH, Becker-Antriebe GmbH or SOMFY.

For a description of a suitable collapsible arm for use in a collapsible frame according to the invention reference will now be made to

FIGS. 16

though

27

.

FIG. 16

shows a top plan view of a collapsible awning arm corresponding to awning arm

13

of FIG.

1

.

Arm

13

has a first pivoting section

23

and a second pivoting section

25

. The first and second pivoting sections are joined to one another by a central pivot swivel

29

and the front pivot pin

89

connects mounting plate

91

to an opposite end of the second pivoting section

25

.

An end of the first arm section

23

opposite of the central pivot swivel

29

carries a forked end

93

for hingeably attaching to the bearing section

63

, as shown in

FIGS. 6 through 9

, of any of the arm support brackets. In this regard a hinge pin (not shown, but conventional) will be inserted through respective openings

95

,

96

in an aligned arrangement with the through bore

65

of one of the arm support brackets

115

,

215

,

315

or

415

. The first and second arm sections

23

,

25

each comprise a length of tubular profile

97

,

99

respectively, which can each be of an appropriate length in relation to the desired drop of the awning and the extended length of the awning cloth (

7

in FIGS.

1

and

15

). The variability of the arm length is indicated by interruptions of the tubular profiles

97

and

99

in

FIGS. 16 through 19

.

The forked end

93

is in the form of a first end plug element

101

, which partly engages into the hollow interior of the tubular profile

97

. The central pivot swivel

29

is an assembly of second and third plug elements

103

,

105

. The front pivot pin

89

and mounting plate

91

are hingeably mounted on yet another, fourth plug element

107

.

FIG. 17

shows a front elevation of the awning arm of FIG.

16

and

FIGS. 18 and 19

show perspective views of the same awning arm from opposite directions.

FIG. 17

allows the recognition of a spring tensioned flexible element

109

which extends around the central pivot swivel and which biases the first and second arm sections

23

,

25

towards a straightened longitudinally aligned position. The flexible element

109

can be spring tensioned by one or more tension springs housed in one or each of the tubular profiles

97

and/or

99

in a conventional manner. Suitable arrangements for biasing awning arms into an extended position are described a.o. in GB 1175723; EP 0125727; EP 0489186 and EP 0795660. In particular these documents show the arrangement of tension springs and the use of different forms of flexible elements, such as cables; chains and flexible belts or strips. The skilled person may additionally be aware of still further suitable constructions and further description is considered therefor to be redundant.

FIGS. 17 and 19

in particular show that the arcuate mounting plate

91

is provided with vertically extending arcuate slots

111

,

113

. The slots

111

,

113

can receive fasteners for adjustably attaching the front bar

9

(

FIGS. 1 and 15

) to the mounting plate

91

.

FIGS. 20 and 21

show perspective views from opposite directions of the first end plug element

101

, before it is mounted in the tubular profiles (

97

in FIGS.

16

through

19

). Such a component can be conveniently formed as a moulding in metal or optionally plastic. The first end plug

101

includes a plug-in end

121

, which can additionally be provided with anchoring openings

123

for attachment of an arm biasing tension spring (not shown, but described in GB 1175723; EP 0125727; EP 0489186 and EP 0795660. Also provided on the plug in end

121

is a generally T-shaped channel arrangement

125

which is in communication with an opening

127

. The opening

127

will be in an exposed position after mounting of the first end plug

101

in the tubular profile

97

. The T-shaped channel arrangement

125

can be extended along the edges of the plug-in end at

129

and

131

. The opening

127

and channel arrangement are for a purpose to be explained in reference to

FIG. 27

below.

FIG. 22

shows the second plug element

103

which forms part of the central pivot swivel

29

. The second end plug element

103

is provided with a T-shaped channel arrangement

133

similar to that of the first plug element described in reference to

FIGS. 20 and 21

. The channel arrangement

133

is on a similar plug-in end

135

and communicates with an exposed opening (similar to

127

of FIGS.

20

,

21

but not visible in the view according to FIG.

22

). It is further apparent from

FIG. 22

that the second plug element

103

is provided with a hinge body

137

having a central hinge bore

139

for co-operation with the third plug element

105

illustrated in FIG.

23

.

The third plug element

105

illustrated in

FIG. 23

is provided with a plug-in end

161

which is generally similar to the plug-in end

135

of

FIG. 22

, but shown from an opposite side. A similar T-shaped channel arrangement

163

is provided on the plug-in end

161

, but most of it is positioned on the reverse side, which is not visible in the view of FIG.

23

. Also, in the third plug element

105

the channel arrangement will be communicating with an opening similar to opening

127

of

FIGS. 20 and 21

but this again is hidden from view in FIG.

23

. Since these features are generally identical to those already described in reference to

FIGS. 20 through 22

, and will be further explained in reference to

FIG. 27

, further description at this point is considered unnecessary.

FIG. 23

also shows that element

105

is further provided with hinge ears

165

,

167

for receiving the hinge body

137

therebetween. Further, the hinge ears

165

,

167

are each provided with a relevant opening

169

,

171

for alignment with the central hinge bore

139

whereupon a conventional hinge pin (not shown) can be inserted to hingeably connect the second and third plug elements

103

,

105

.

FIGS. 24 through 26

show an assembly of the fourth plug element

107

and mounting plate

91

.

FIG. 24

generally also shows the front pivot pin

89

which can have an additional angular compensation feature that will be explained in reference to FIG.

25

.

FIG. 24

further shows that the fourth plug element

107

also has a plug-in end

173

by which it can be inserted into the tubular profile

99

, which is partly broken away to show this. The plug-in end

173

is again substantially similar to those described in reference to the structures of

FIGS. 20

though

23

and further features thereof will be explained in reference to FIG.

27

. The exposed portion of the fourth plug element

107

as shown in

FIG. 24

also has a pivot pin receiving protrusion

175

received between upper and lower hinge ears

177

,

179

extending from the rear side of the mounting plate

91

and held together by the front pivot pin

89

.

FIG. 26

shows an enlarged fragmentary front elevation of the fourth plug element

107

and mounting plate

91

assembly as represented in FIG.

17

and

FIG. 25

shows a cross section through the same assembly in accordance with the line XXV—XXV in FIG.

26

.

FIG. 25

in particular shows the angular compensation feature for the front pivot pin

89

. The front pivot pin

89

in this regard includes a central axle

181

which has a screwdriver slot

183

at its bottom end. The axle

181

is engaged in a collar

185

by means of a male screw thread on the axle

181

and female screw thread on the inner bore of the collar

185

. The collar

185

is both rotatably and axially pivotally held by its upper outer circumference with which it is engaged in a bore of the lower hinge ear

179

. It is possible to retract (or engage) the central axle

181

from (or into) engagement with the upper hinge ear

177

by unscrewing (or screwing home) the axle

181

with respect to the collar

185

. In the upper hinge ear

177

there is engaged a transverse angle compensating bearing element

187

which has a bearing cavity for rotatably receiving the upper end of the central axle

181

. The bearing element

187

is generally formed as a cylindrical body with its outer circumference mated to a horizontal bore in the upper hinge ear

177

. The bearing element

187

is horizontally slidable in respect of the upper hinge ear

177

. This results in some limited angular lost motion between the mounting plate

91

and the front awning arm section

25

. Conveniently the amount of lost motion is about 7 degrees, which would enable to cope with most of the misalignments encountered with the front bar

9

and the cassette

3

upon full retraction of the awning. The skilled person can devise alternative angle adjustment means for adjusting the angle of the mounting plate

91

in respect of the front pivot

89

and the previously described arrangement is nothing more than one possible solution.

FIG. 27

illustrates a novel technique for affixing the plug-in ends of the plug elements to the ends of the tubular profiles. Although

FIG. 27

shows this in particular for the first end plug element

101

and the first tubular profile

97

a similar arrangement will be used for the second, third and fourth plug elements

103

,

105

,

107

as well as for the second tubular profile

99

. It has been known for awnings to affix such plug element by means of glue or adhesives but it has so far always been necessary to apply the glue before assembly of the plug and profile parts. This has made control over the glue connection very difficult in that too small an amount of glue was bound to be scraped off and removed from the critical areas. An excessive amount of glue has likewise resulted in ineffective connections and in an uneconomic use of usually expensive adhesive compositions. According to the present invention the plug element

101

is first inserted into an end of the tubular profile

97

as shown in

FIG. 27

, but yet without adhesive material. Only after assembly a suitable glue or adhesive is injected through opening

127

(see

FIGS. 20 and 21

) and a bead of glue or adhesive

189

is formed in the T-shaped channel formation

125

. This has resulted in a much improved distribution of the adhesive material as well as in a more economic use thereof.

FIGS. 28 through 38

illustrate a novel arrangement for the automatic control of electrically operated awnings.

FIG. 28

shows a weather sensor unit

421

for mounting onto the front bar of awning (front bar

9

in FIGS.

1

and

15

). The sensor unit

421

on its front face carries a wind sensor

423

in the form of a resiliently movably mounted wind catching body, shaped as a hollow housing. A first electronic movement sensor such as a motion switch sold by Assemtech Europe Ltd under part number MS 24 is incorporated into the hollow wind catching body

423

. The sensor unit

421

further houses a solar panel

425

which can extend to both sides of a central housing

427

. The solar panel charges an accumulator or battery (

477

in FIG.

30

), which forms the power supply for the entire sensor unit. Further, the sensor unit

421

houses a water sensor

429

for sensing rain, a light sensor and a temperature sensor which will be further identified in reference to

FIG. 30

which shows the electronic circuit of the sensor unit

421

. Optionally, a shock sensor may additionally be included in the sensor unit

421

.

Further the sensor unit

421

includes an antenna or the like for wireless transmission of parameter values to an indoor control unit.

FIG. 29

shows an indoor control unit

431

having a display device

433

for displaying parameter values, which may in part have been transmitted to it from the outdoor weather sensor unit

421

. The control unit

431

also has a number of buttons for selecting different functions and for making adjustments. The programming buttons for adjustments of threshold values are normally covered by a pivotable lid

435

. With the pivotable lid

435

closed, only a limited number of buttons is exposed and these include a button

437

for selecting the mode of the display device

433

, and an auto/manual mode selection button

439

, a stop button

441

for interrupting the operation of the control unit and preferably somewhat larger buttons for manually selecting deployment or extension

443

and for manually selecting retraction of the sun protection device

445

. Adjustments of various settings can be obtained by a number of buttons behind the pivotable lid

435

. These include selector buttons for setting the sensitivity by changing a threshold value of the wind sensor

447

, the sun sensor

449

, the optional shock sensor

451

and a programming enter button

453

. After selection each of these switches combines with a tumbler switch

455

for either increasing or decreasing the sensitivity of the selected sensor. By subsequently actuating the enter button

453

any change in sensitivity threshold can be stored. The control unit

431

also has an installation program switch

446

, which is only reachable for operation by inserting a pin or a needle through a restricted opening. This prevents accidental operation by the intended user. The function of the program installation switch is described below with reference to FIG.

36

.

The adjusted settings are subsequently transmitted from the control unit

431

to the outdoor sensor unit

421

. The wireless transmission between the units

421

and

431

effectively eliminates any requirement for cabling between these units and hence significantly promotes an efficient installation of the awning as well as an improved reliability.

The control unit

431

additionally controls the power supply to an electric motor for operating the awning as will be discussed in reference to FIG.

32

. Further details of the weather sensor unit

421

will become apparent from a discussion of its circuitry shown in FIG.

30

and those of the control unit

431

from a discussion of its circuitry shown in

FIGS. 31 and 32

.

FIG. 30

shows the circuitry of the outdoor weather sensor unit

421

which includes a shock sensor

461

. The shock sensor determines movement of a front bar

9

in

FIGS. 1 and 15

) which may go beyond the notice of a motion sensor

463

(for wind sensor

423

). Also included in the circuit of

FIG. 30

are a light sensor

465

, a water sensor

467

for detecting rain and a temperature sensor

469

for assisting the light sensor in determining sunshine levels. Each of these sensors feeds a processor

471

which decides, on the basis of stored threshold values, whether or not the awning will be operated to extend or to retract. The processor

471

to this end communicates with a memory device

472

and a transceiver

473

, which is connected to an antenna

475

for radio frequency signals. Other forms of wireless transmissions are conceivable and these would include infra-red or ultra-sound, but in the environment of an outdoor awning some preference is given to radio frequency waves and hence the presence of an antenna

475

, which can conveniently be incorporated on a printed circuit board and as such may be positioned behind the solar panel

425

of the sensor unit

421

. The memory device

472

preferably is an EEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read-only memory) for storing threshold values for the sensor readings.

The solar panel

425

will continuously charge, depending on the ambient light conditions, an accumulator

477

which will also take care of the temporary power requirements of the sensor unit

421

. The accumulator

477

preferably is a Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)-type battery. NiMH battery chemistry stores up to 40% more power than conventional Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable batteries and can deliver this power much more quickly. NiMH batteries unlike NiCd have no memory effects, they will store almost the same amount of power for their entire lifetime. NiMH rechargeable batteries last through 500-1000 recharge/discharge cycles and are considered perfect for high drain electronics. Temporary power requirements thereby may exceed the instantaneous capacity of the solar panel. Preferably a charging circuit between the solar panel

425

and the rechargeable battery

477

includes a DC to DC step-up converter. A preferred form of step-up converter for use with solar panels and NiMH-type accumulators uses one or two MOSFET semiconductor elements in combination with a Schottky diode. As discussed above the motion sensor

463

incorporated in wind sensor

423

can be an omni-directional motion switch MS 24 from Assemtech Europe Ltd. Alternatively the wind sensor

423

can be in the form of a piezo element, which can be regarded as a voltage source with a large capacity. An appropriate amplifier circuit ensures that strongly varying signals, such as noise of air moving past the piezo-sensor, cause pulses which lower the voltage on an exit capacitor. The higher the speed of wind, the lower the voltage of the capacitor. This output is connected to the processor

471

. The shock sensor

461

conveniently can be a lesser sensitive motion switch and preferably is a device sold by the Comus Group of companies as their part number CM 4400-1.

FIGS. 30

a

and

30

b

show a circuit arrangement alternative to that of FIG.

30

. Like components have been indicated by similar reference numerals with a suffix “a”. Shock sensor

461

a

is connected to the “SHOCK” terminal of central processing unit

471

a.

Wind and motion sensor

463

a

(

423

in

FIG. 28

) is a piezo sensor and connects to the “WIND” terminal of central processor

471

a.

Light sensor

465

a,

rain sensor

467

a

(

429

in

FIG. 28

) and temperature sensor

469

a

are positioned conveniently on a separate sensor circuit board, the circuit of which is illustrated in

FIG. 30

b.

The circuit of

FIG. 30

b

connects to the circuit of

FIG. 30

a

through a 12-pins male and female connectors “HDR_

12

”.

Also shown in

FIG. 30

b

is a further connector “HDR_

6

”, which connects to the connector “HDR_

12

”. This further connector “HDR_

6

” is a Flash program connector for the externally writable data memory integrated in processor unit

471

a.

This memory replaces the external memory

472

of the

FIG. 30

embodiment. A transceiver unit

473

a

connects to antenna

475

a

. Particularly advantageous is the “Low Voltage Solar Converter Unit”, which connects the solar panel

425

a

to a battery assembly

477

a

. The “Low Voltage Solar Converter” includes a step-up DC-to-DC converter (sometimes also called a voltage increasing chopper). The main components of the step-up converter are: inductor/inductance L

4

; semiconductor switch T

4

and supplemental N-channel MOSFET T

2

; diode D

1

(Schottky ZHCS 750) and capacitor/capacitance in the form of high capacity elco C

23

compensated for low resistance by additional capacitors C

19

and C

20

.

Semiconductor switch T

4

operates the step-up converter at those times when the voltage is too low to operate the MOSFET switch T

2

. Switch T

4

is operated by an oscillator circuit as indicated in

FIG. 30

a

by a dash-dotted box. The output of the oscillator connects to the “STARTUP_OSC>>” connector of the step-up converter where Schottky diode D

3

(ZHCS750) adds the output voltage of the solar panel

425

a

to the pulsed voltage generated by the oscillator. The resulting voltage is offered to the base of T

4

.

As soon as the voltage offered to the step-up converter is high enough for the MOSFET switch T

2

to operate, the oscillator output is grounded through semiconductor T

3

of the oscillator circuit. Then the MOSFET T

2

is controlled from the “N_GATE>>” output of the central micro processor

471

a

and a further P-channel MOSFET T

1

is controlled from the “P_GATE>>” output of the processor

471

a

to take over from the Schottky diode D

1

. The P and N gates of the processor

471

a

are software driven.

In this manner a particularly advantageous step-up converter has been obtained. The alternative use of semi-conductor switches T

4

and T

2

provides for a register or compound step-up converter that has optimal characteristics for each of a low voltage and a higher voltage range.

The provision of Schottky diode D

3

enables to offer an as high as possible voltage to the base of the low voltage semiconductor switch T

4

. The additional MOSFET switch T

1

, which is positioned in parallel to diode D

1

, allows to eliminate the losses which normally occur in diodes such as D

1

.

FIG. 31

shows the low voltage circuitry of the indoor control unit

431

which includes a processor

481

connected to an oscillator

483

. Further the processor

481

is connected to the display device

433

through a data bus

482

and 8-bits latches

484

and also to an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only-Memory)

485

. Optionally but not necessarily the circuitry of

FIG. 31

can be provided with test and/or programming connectors such as

487

,

489

and

491

. Further an array of light emitting diodes (LED's)

493

may be provided for illumination of the display

433

. For connection to the high voltage circuitry there is an 8-pins male connector

495

.

FIG. 31

a

shows an alternative circuit arrangement to the low voltage circuitry of FIG.

31

. Similar components have been indicated by like reference numerals carrying a suffix “a”. Switches SW

1

through SW

12

w

are similar to those in FIG.

31

and generally correspond to the buttons and switches shown in

FIG. 29

on the control unit

431

as follows:

SW

1

=

447

(wind)

SW

2

=

437

(display)

SW

3

=

446

(installers programming switch)

SW

4

=

449

(sun)

SW

5

=

439

(auto/manual)

SW

6

and SW

7

=

455

(sensitivity + and −)

SW

8

=

451

(shock)

SW

9

=

453

(enter)

SW

10

=

443

(extension/roll out)

SW

11

=

441

(stop/interrupt)

SW

12

=

445

(retraction/roll in)

A processor

481

a

is responsive to software including steps according to any one of the flow charts according to

FIGS. 34-37

and through a data bus

482

a

is connected to an EEPROM device

485

a

and a LCD-display

433

a

. The LCD display

433

a

is controlled through six 8-bits latches

484

a

. The circuit of

FIG. 31

a

further includes a number of optional test or programming connectors

487

a

,

489

a

,

491

a

, of which the latter is intended for the display device

433

a.

Also shown in

FIG. 31

a

is an additional BUZZER, which signals the execution of a programming or adjusting step to a user. The component “U

3

” in

FIG. 31

a

and “NEWSHAPE” in

FIG. 31

represents a temperature sensor for measuring the indoor temperature.

FIG. 32

shows the high voltage section of the circuitry of the control unit

431

with a corresponding 8-pins female connector

496

for connection to the low voltage section. The high voltage or power section has a 220V mains supply

501

, an earth connector

503

, a motor current connector for retraction

505

and a motor current connector for extension

507

.

Additional motor control circuitry is normally integrated in the conventional drive motor units but could alternatively also be integrated on the circuit board of

FIG. 32

beyond the connectors

505

and

507

. This is optional and depends on the type of motor unit used.

Further the high voltage circuitry of

FIG. 32

includes a transformer

509

and a transceiver

511

and antenna

513

for communication with the sensor unit

421

.

FIG. 32

a

is generally similar to the previously disclosed high voltage power section circuit of FIG.

32

. Again an 8-pins connector

496

a

connects to the printed circuit board of the low voltage circuitry of

FIG. 31

a

at

495

a

. Like components have been designated by like reference numerals provided with the suffix “a”.

FIG. 33

shows a flow chart for the processor

471

of the sensor unit

421

of

FIGS. 28 and 30

. In step

601

a wake-up signal is produced which initialises the processor

471

in step

603

. In step

605

the processor

471

determines whether or not the sensor unit

421

is in a programming mode. If it is not, step

607

measures the amount of light, step

609

measures the temperature, step

611

determines the presence of wind, step

613

determines the presence of shocks and step

615

determines the presence of rain by use of the various sensors described hereinabove. Subsequently, step

617

compares the measurements with the predefined thresholds.

Since it is conceivable that an awning or the like window covering with a wireless transmitting sensor unit as disclosed is going to be used in the vicinity of another similar device, it is desirable that each of such devices would only respond to its associated control unit and not to any other transmitters or control units in its neighbourhood. Therefore each control unit

431

will be given an individual one of a number of different channels. Upon installation it will then be necessary for the transmitter of the sensor unit to identify itself to its respective control unit. This is why step

605

checks for the presence of a programming instruction. If this is detected, step

619

requests transmission of address information from the control unit and with step

621

is set to receive channel information from the control unit

431

. Such programming instructions can be given by short-circuiting the conductive contacts of the water/rain sensor (

429

in

FIG. 28

;

467

in FIG.

30

), which can be recognised by the processor

471

as a programming instruction. If step

623

determines that transmission channel information is not received within a specified delay, step

625

will return the sensor unit

421

to its sleep mode. If the specified delay is not found to have lapsed by step

623

, then step

627

will continue to look for transmission channel settings until step

629

continues with a confirmation of such setting or until step

623

determines the lapse of the predefined delay for receiving such settings. Step

627

thus checks the receipt of channel settings and repeats steps

621

and

623

for as long as the programming instruction is valid. Once channel information has been received, step

629

confirms such receipt to the control unit

431

and step

631

takes the address information from the received channel settings transmission. Step

632

then stores the channel address in the memory (EEPROM)

472

of the sensor unit

421

. After this step

633

returns the sensor unit

421

to its sleep mode. Returning now to step

617

, which compares the sensor values with the stored thresholds in the EEPROM

472

, if this determination does not indicate any necessary activity (that would result from exceeding of any of the thresholds) steps

635

and

637

will return the sensor unit

421

to its sleep mode as long as a predefined period of time (i.e. 1 to 5 minutes) has not passed. As soon as step

635

determines the lapse of the predefined time interval it communicates with the control unit

431

through steps

639

,

641

and

643

. Also if the determination at step

617

indicates measurements surpassing the pre-set threshold; then also the sensor unit

421

communicates with the control unit

431

through steps

639

,

641

and

643

. Upon such communication, step

645

checks whether a response from the control unit

431

is received within a pre-set time frame and if not it will return the sensor unit

421

to its sleeping mode in step

647

. If step

645

and

649

have determined that a message has been received from the control unit then step

651

saves the new settings and step

653

returns the sensor unit

421

to its sleep mode. Within the present time frame steps

643

,

645

and

649

will repeatedly be cycled so that the receipt of new settings from the control unit

431

may be intercepted.

FIG. 34

shows the basic flow chart for the control unit

431

and its processor

481

. After connecting the unit to a power supply, represented by step

655

, the unit will be initialised at step

657

. Then a continuous cycle starts which continuously checks the selected mode of operation. In step

659

it is determined whether a programming mode has been selected and if so step

661

will revert to the program mode sub-routine shown in FIG.

35

.

If no programming mode is detected in step

659

then step

663

determines whether an installation mode has been selected. If this is found to be the case step

665

refers to the installation sub-routine of FIG.

36

. Otherwise the cycle will continue at step

667

to check whether the manual mode has been selected by switch

439

. If such proves to be the case step

669

will enter the manual mode sub-routine of FIG.

37

. Otherwise the cycle continuous to step

671

to find out whether the automatic mode is selected by switch

439

to refer to the subroutine of FIG.

38

through step

673

or to repeat the above described cycle from step

659

.

FIG. 35

shows the programming mode sub-routine for the control unit

431

, which starts at step

661

. The processor

481

at step

675

selects a relevant sensor settings from its table stored in EEPROM

485

in response one of the selector buttons

447

,

449

or

451

having been actuated and step

677

displays this sensor setting on the display

433

. Step

679

thereupon determines whether another actuation of a program button has been effected to select a different setting for display. If this is positive, step

681

will select the relevant value from the table setting and display this. Once the operator does not depress a program button for another selection step

683

determines whether the tumbler switch

455

is depressed to increase the current value and if so to add in step

685

one value increment and in step

687

to display the increased value. If however step

683

does not recognise actuation of the switch

455

towards increasing, step

689

will determine actuation of switch

455

in the decreasing direction and if positive through steps

691

and

693

lowers and displays the adjusted value.

Irrespective of the determination at step

689

the subroutine will be continued with step

695

which determines whether the stop button

441

may have been depressed and if so step

697

returns to step

663

in the main program. Otherwise the subroutine will continue and check as step

699

whether the enter button

453

has been depressed. If the enter button

453

has not been depressed the sub-routine repeats from step

677

. When the enter button has been depressed the subroutine continues with step

701

. Step

701

awaits the receipt of an information package from the outdoor sensor unit

421

. After 20 seconds, step

703

, through step

705

will display an error in display device

433

whereupon step

707

returns to the main program to continue at step

663

.

Until such time step

709

will determine whether any information package is received in full and return to step

701

or continue at step

711

. In step

711

a modified information package is prepared, containing any new limits, which subsequently in step

713

are sent to the outdoor sensor unit

421

. Step

715

awaits a confirmation of receipt by the sensor unit

421

and if this is not obtained within a predefined time span in step

717

, then step

719

indicates an error in display device

433

, after which step

721

returns to the main program to continue at step

663

(FIG.

34

). During the predefined time span step

723

will determine the presence of a recognisable receipt confirmation of the information package or return to step

715

for another cycle. If a correct confirmation is received step

725

will store the new settings also in its EEPROM

485

. Step

727

will thereafter return to the main program and continue with step

663

.

FIG. 36

illustrates the installation sub-routine, which allows fine adjustments upon installation in contrast to the course adjustments permitted by the user and described with respect to FIG.

35

.

Step

663

in the main program (

FIG. 34

) detects whether the installation program switch (

446

in

FIG. 29

) has been actuated and continues at step

665

with the sub-routine of FIG.

36

. Conveniently the program switch is only reachable for operation by inserting a pin or a needle through a restricted opening. This prevents accidental actuation by the intended user. Step

729

then selects a first one of either an address, light sensor setting; a shock sensor setting or a wind sensor setting from a memory table and continues in step

731

with displaying the relevant value on the display device

433

. Switch

733

detects whether the installers switch

446

has been additionally actuated and if so at step

735

selects the next value from the memory table and repeat the cycle with displaying this next value at step

731

. If step

733

does not detect any further actuation of the installers switch

446

it continues with step

737

with determining the actuation of the sensitivity switch

455

for an increase. If so steps

739

and

741

adjust to the table value and the adjusted value is displayed in the display

433

. If no actuation of the sensitivity switch

455

towards an increased value can be determined the program continues at step

743

, which determines the actuation of switch

455

towards any decrease of the displayed table value. If so the value is decreased accordingly and stored in the table at step

745

and displayed at step

747

. If no actuation of sensitivity switch

455

can be determined at all the program continues at step

749

and determines whether perhaps the stop button

441

has been depressed. If so step

751

returns to the main program (

FIG. 34

) to continue with step

667

. If the stop button

441

has not been actuated step

753

checks whether perhaps the enter button

453

has been actuated to give an enter instruction. If this is not the case the same cycle is repeated from step

731

. If an enter instruction is received through actuation of the enter button

453

the program will continue with step

755

to receive an information package with current settings from the outdoor unit

421

(

FIGS. 28

,

30

and

33

). If step

757

determines a receipt failure after 20 seconds step

759

will display an error message on the display

433

and step

761

will return to the main program to continue with step

667

. Otherwise step

763

will repeat the cycle from step

755

until a complete information package has been received. After this step

765

will add any new limits and address to prepare a new information package for sending to the outdoor unit

421

. Step

767

will subsequently send the modified information package and step

769

will await a confirmation transmittal from the outdoor unit

421

. Step

771

will check whether the predefined time frame for the receipt of a confirmation has lapsed and if so step

773

will display and error message in the display

433

and return with step

775

to the main program to continue at step

667

. Step

777

will repeat the previous cycle from step

769

until a full confirmation has been received, in which case optionally step

779

may check the confirmation of an optional remote control unit (to be described in reference to

FIGS. 39 and 40

) has also confirmed receipt of the new set of information. If not, step

779

recycles from step

767

by resending the information package. If steps

777

and

779

have been positively concluded then step

781

will store the values in EEPROM

485

and step

783

will return to the main program to continue with step

667

.

FIG. 37

depicts the flow-chart of the manual mode sub-routine reverted to from step

669

of the main program of FIG.

34

. Step

669

in

FIG. 37

starts the manual mode selected by button

439

of the control unit. Step

785

determines whether the sensor unit has transmitted any exceeding of the shock sensor threshold value. If so step

787

activates the retraction control. Thereafter step

789

returns to the main program to continue at step

671

. If no excess shock has been reported step

791

checks whether the rain sensor (

429

in

FIG. 28

;

467

in

FIG. 30

) has been activated or not. Activation of the rain sensor results in step

793

to instruct retraction of the awning and step

795

to return to the main program to proceed with step

671

. If no rain has been reported step

797

checks whether retraction button

445

has been depressed. If not the sub-routine continues at step

801

and also after instructing the retraction of the awning in step

799

upon a positive signal in step

797

. Step

801

determines whether perhaps the extension button

443

has been actuated, in which case step

803

instructs the extension of the awning. Either directly from step

801

or via step

803

the next step

805

checks activation of the stop button

441

to interrupt at step

807

any extension or retraction under progress. If no interruption has occurred or after interruption has been effected the sub-routine of

FIG. 37

at step

809

returns to the main program of

FIG. 34

to continue with step

671

.

FIG. 38

shows the auto mode sub-routine which follows step

673

of the main program. Step

673

activates the auto mode and step

811

checks the transmitted measurement values of the shock sensor

461

. Step

813

corresponds to step

787

of the manual sub-routine of FIG.

37

and step

815

continues the main program at step

659

. Steps

817

through step

821

also result in a similar sequence to that of steps

791

through

795

of the manual sub-routine of

FIG. 37

except that step

821

continues the main program with step

659

. Step

823

, with which the sub-routine of

FIG. 38

continues if no excessive shock or the presence of rain is reported, is an additional step specific for the auto mode operation of FIG.

38

. Step

823

checks exceeding of a predefined level of light from the light sensor

465

. If positive this will result in step

825

to instruct extension of the awning. If not or following step

825

a further additional auto-mode step

827

checks whether a predefined value of the wind sensor

463

has been exceeded. If positive step

829

will instruct retraction of the awning and continue with step

831

. If step

827

results in a negative determination the sub-routine will also continue with step

831

. Steps

831

through

843

are identical to steps

797

through

809

of the manual sub-routine of

FIG. 37

except that the return step

843

continues the main program (

FIG. 34

) with step

659

rather than step

671

. For a further explanation of these steps reference is therefore made to the preceding description of FIG.

37

.

FIG. 39

illustrates an optional wireless remote control transmitter

901

. The transmitter

901

is conveniently shaped reminiscent to the right hand portion of the indoor control unit

431

and carries the operational buttons in an identical lay-out. Button

903

operates the retraction of the awning and corresponds to button

445

of the control unit

431

. Button

905

operates the extension of the awning and corresponds to button

443

of the control unit

431

. Button

907

is a stop button to interrupt previously given instructions and is similar in function to button

441

of the control unit

431

. Button

909

is the auto or manual mode selector button and corresponds to button

439

of the control unit

431

. Using this arrangement of similarly positioned buttons on the remote control transmitter

901

makes for a user-friendly operation. Also the replicated exterior design enhances easy recognition of the present remote transmitter amongst several remote control transmitters as these may be encountered in modern households. In a forward end

911

of the transmitter

901

a window may be provided through which either infrared light or ultra-sound emitted for wireless transmission of any instructions.

Also the transmitter

901

may be arranged with a suitable antenna and use radio frequency signals. As such transmitters usually fed by one or more batteries are conventional and the skilled person will readily recognise a suitable arrangement for such a device. A detailed discussion of the necessary circuitry is thereby largely redundant. It is however useful to duplicate some of the programmable features from the control unit

431

also in the remote control transmitter

901

.

As shown in

FIG. 40

the remote control transmitter may be arranged to carry out a number of program steps. Step

915

comes into operation as soon as one of the buttons on the transmitter is depressed. This connects the power source in the form of one or more batteries (not shown) to the circuitry of the transmitter. Step

917

initialises and step

919

recognises which of the buttons has been depressed. At step

921

it is determined whether also at the same time a programming switch is activated. Such a programming switch can be hidden from normal use in the battery compartment.

The function of such a programming is to identify the remote control to the control unit upon installation, as will be described separately hereinbelow. Under normal consumer operation the programming switch will not be operated and step

923

will download the address information previously programmed from an EEPROM. Subsequently steps

925

will combine this address information with instructions relating to the relevant depressed actuation button

903

,

905

,

907

or

909

and assemble this into an instruction package to be sent to the control unit

431

.

Step

927

will transmit this package and step

929

will pause for a while before restarting the cycles at step

927

. This cycles is endless and will be continued for as long as the operating person depresses one of the button on the remote control transmitter

901

. After the button is released the cycle steps because the power source is disconnected. Reapplying any of the buttons will result in the program to restart at step

915

.

Since it is conceivable that an awning or the like window covering with a remote control as disclosed is going to be used in the vicinity of another one it is desirable that each of such devices would only respond to its associated remote control transmitter and not another transmitter in its neighbourhood. Therefore each control unit

431

will be given an individual one of 256 different addresses. Upon installation it will then be necessary for the transmitter to introduce itself to its respective control unit. This is why step

921

checks for the simultaneous actuation of a programming switch. If this is detected, step

931

requests transmission of address information from the control unit and with step

933

is set to receive address information from the control unit. Step

935

checks the receipt of such address information and repeats steps

933

and

935

as long as the same buttons are depressed and until address information is received. Once address information has been received step

937

confirms such receipt to the control unit

431

and step

939

takes the address information from the received transmission. Step

941

then stores the address information in the EEPROM of the transmitter

901

. As long as the buttons and programming switch are not released the cycle is repeated from step

933

onward. After release of the buttons, which disconnects the power source any subsequent actuation of any of the buttons

903

,

905

,

907

or

909

will again start the program from step

915

.

FIG. 41

shows one possible form of circuitry for the hand-held transmitter

901

, which incorporates a controller

951

, a transceiver

953

and a radio frequency antenna

955

. Actuation of one of the buttons

903

,

905

,

907

, or

909

results in a power supply to be connected to the controller

951

via the transistor

957

. The controller

951

using the programmed sequence of

FIG. 40

thereupon will establish wireless communication with the control unit

431

.

FIG. 41

a

is a further embodiment of the transmitter circuit of FIG.

41

and part of a remote control transmitter as shown in FIG.

39

. Like reference numerals are provided again with suffix “a”. The feed supply stabilisation shown separate from the circuit is actually connected thereto at its “VDD”, “VCC” and “GND” terminals. The controller or processor

951

a

is responsive to the programmed sequence of FIG.

40

.

In addition to the components already disclosed and discussed with respect to

FIG. 41

there are now additional switches/buttons SW

5

, SW

6

and SW

7

for remote programming and adjustment of the control unit

431

. The switches SW

5

through SW

7

can be hidden on the transmitter

901

behind a lid or may be positioned on the bottom side thereof (not visible in FIG.

39

).

Switch SW

5

enables one to generate a random address and to communicate this address to the nearest control unit. For this purpose a 22K resistor has been included in the connection between terminal “PA

6

” of processor

951

a

and terminal “RF_PWR” of transceiver

953

a

. This 22K resistor limits the power of the transmitter in only its program mode to ensure that only the nearest control unit

431

responds to the transmitted signals and thereby the transmission does not alter the setting of any nearby further control unit.

Switch SW

6

depending on a combined use with switch SW

5

has the functions of either changing the direction of retraction or extension or programs the end “switch” for the extension or outward movement.

Switch SW

7

in a similar way has the function of programming an end “switch” for the retraction or inward movement while alternatively it has the function of setting an amount of reverse rotation after operation of an inward end “switch” to release the tension in a wound fabric. The latter feature is particularly advantageous if the control system is applied to an awning of roller blind. It is further recognised in

FIG. 41

a,

that headers “J

1

” and “J

4

” are optional test connectors, while header “J

2

” is a jumper, which can be used to select the control of a motor unit in the manner described above. This further use of the remote controller

901

will be described in reference to

FIGS. 42

,

43

and

44

.

FIG. 42

is a schematic representation of the arrangement of devices used with the above described embodiments. Shown in

FIG. 42

is that each of a sensor unit

421

and a remote control

901

may be in wireless communication with a control/operation unit

431

. The control unit

431

as shown in

FIG. 42

is wired between a mains power supply

975

and a motor

977

for driving a sun protective device, such as an awning or a blind.

FIG. 43

shows an alternative arrangement in which the control unit

431

has been split in a control section

431

A and a power section

431

B, each with its own respective power supply

975

A and

975

B respectively. The control section

431

A is now also in wireless communication with the power section

431

B. The power supply

975

A to the control section

431

A may optionally be from batteries or the like, while the power supply

975

B to the power section

431

B and ultimately to motor

977

may be a regular 220 Volts main supply. The arrangement according to

FIG. 43

would allow the shortest possible wiring, while the power section

431

B may conveniently be enclosed in the motor housing or be accommodated close to it in the housing of a sun protection device.

FIG. 44

illustrates a simplified arrangement in which the sensor unit

421

and the control section

431

A with its power supply

975

A have been deleted.

If now as described with respect to

FIG. 41

a

the Jumper is set for direct control of a motor unit the remote control transmitter

901

may be readily adapted for control of an elaborate version according to

FIG. 43

or a simplified version in accordance with FIG.

44

.

It is thus believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. The term comprising when used in this description or the appended claims should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense but rather in an inclusive sense. Features which are not specifically or explicitly described or claimed may be additionally included in the structure according to the present invention without deviating from its scope.

The invention is further not limited to any embodiment herein described and, within the purview of the skilled person, modifications are possible which should be considered within the scope of the appended claims. Equally all kinematic inversions are to be considered within the scope of the present invention.

Reference to either axially, radially or tangentially if used in the above is generally in relation to rotatable or cylindrical bodies of elements described.

Where in the above reference is made to longitudinal or lateral this is in reference to the length or width directions respectively of elements which have an oblong or otherwise elongate appearance in the accompanying drawings. This interpretation however has only been used for ease of reference and should not be construed as a limitation of the shape of such elements. Expressions, such as right, left, horizontal, vertical, above, below, upper, lower, top, bottom or the like if used in reference to the construction as illustrated in the accompanying drawings are relevant only to the relative positions and in a different orientation of the construction should be interpreted in accordance with comparable relative positions.

Claims

1. Retractable and extendable sun protection device, including at least one arm support bracket, at least one arm having first and second pivoting arm sections, a front bar, a roller adapted to be mounted for rotation, a fabric cloth for winding about and unwinding from the roller, wherein the first pivoting arm section has a first end pivotally linked to a bearing support and a second end, the second pivoting arm section has a first end pivotally linked to the second end of the first pivoting arm section and a second end pivotally linked to the front bar, wherein the first pivoting arm section and the second pivoting arm section include first, second, third and fourth plug elements, wherein the first, second, third and fourth plug elements are connected to the respective first and second pivoting arm sections by means of an adhesive composition and are each provided with a channel arrangement on a plug-in end that communicates with an opening exposed exteriorly of the first and second pivoting arm sections and wherein the adhesive composition is located in the channel arrangement, said sun protection device further including a control system for moving the sun protection device between retracted and extended positions.
2. Sun protection device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second pivoting arm sections include first and second tubular profiles and wherein the first and second plug elements are inserted in the first tubular profile, while the third and fourth plug elements are inserted in the second tubular profile.
3. Sun protection device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one arm support bracket includes a base part, a link pivotally connected to the base part, a bushing connected to the link and a spindle adjustably supporting the link from the base part.
4. Sun protection device according to claim 3, wherein the bushing is resiliently connected to the spindle.
5. Sun protection device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the bushing has relatively rotatable inner and outer bushings.
6. Sun protection device according to claim 3, wherein the spindle accepts a drive means.
7. Sun protection device according to claim 6, wherein the drive means includes a transmission.
8. Sun protection device according to claim 7, wherein the transmission is a gear box.
9. Sun protection device according to claim 3, wherein the spindle includes a lockable gas spring having an operable valve.
10. Sun protection device according to claim 1, further including a control system having in combination a sensor unit comprising at least one sensor, and a control unit, wherein the sensor unit is provided with a solar cell and a rechargeable battery as a sole means of power supply and wherein the sensor unit and the control unit communicate with one another by means of wireless signal transmission for moving the sun protection device between retracted and extended positions.
11. Sun protection device according to claim 10, wherein the front bar is provided with the sensor unit.
12. Sun protection device according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a means for moving the sun protection device between retracted and extended positions and wherein the control unit is adapted to be physically connected to the means for moving the sun protection device.
13. A retractable and extendable sun protection device, comprising:a front bar; a roller adapted to be mounted for rotation; a fabric cloth for winding about and unwinding from the roller; at least one arm support bracket; and at least one arm having first and second pivoting arm sections, wherein the first pivoting arm section has a first end pivotally linked to a bearing support and a second end, and the second pivoting arm section has a first end pivotally linked to the second end of the first pivoting arm section and a second end pivotally linked to the front bar; wherein the first pivoting arm section and the second pivoting arm section include first, second, third, and fourth plug elements, each provided with a channel arrangement on a plug-in end that communicates with an opening exposed exteriorly of the first and second pivoting arm sections; and wherein said sun protection device includes a control system for moving the sun protection device between retracted and extended positions.
14. The retractable and extendable sun protection device according to claim 13, wherein an adhesive is located in the channel arrangement.
15. A retractable and extendable sun protection device, comprising:a front bar; a roller adapted to be mounted for rotation; a fabric cloth for winding about and unwinding from the roller; at least one arm support bracket; and at least one arm having first and second pivoting arm sections, wherein the first pivoting arm section has a first end pivotally linked to a bearing support and a second end, and the second pivoting arm section has a first end pivotally linked to the second end of the first pivoting arm section and a second end pivotally linked to the front bar; wherein the first pivoting arm section and the second pivoting arm section include first, second, third, and fourth plug elements, each provided with a channel arrangement on a plug-in end that communicates with an opening exposed exteriorly of the first and second pivoting arm sections; wherein the first, second, third, and fourth plug elements are connected with the respective first and second pivoting arm sections by means of an adhesive composition; and wherein said sun protection device includes a control system for moving the sun protection device between retracted and extended positions.
16. A retractable and extendable sun protection device, comprising:a front bar; a roller adapted to be mounted for rotation; a fabric cloth for winding about and unwinding from the roller; at least one arm support bracket; and at least one arm having first and second pivoting arm sections, wherein the first pivoting arm section has a first end pivotally linked to a bearing support and a second end, and the second pivoting arm section has a first end pivotally linked to the second end of the first pivoting arm section and a second end pivotally linked to the front bar; wherein the first pivoting arm section and the second pivoting arm section include first, second, third, and fourth plug elements, each provided with a channel arrangement on a plug-in end that communicates with an opening exposed exteriorly of the first and second pivoting arm sections; wherein the first and second pivoting arm sections include first and second tubular profiles and wherein the first and second plug elements are inserted in the first tubular profile, and the third and fourth plug elements are inserted in the second tubular profile; and wherein said sun protection device includes a control system for moving the sun protection device between retracted and extended positions.
17. A retractable and extendable sun protection device, comprising:a front bar; a roller adapted to be mounted for rotation; a fabric cloth for winding about and unwinding from the roller; at least one arm support bracket; and at least one arm having first and second pivoting arm sections, wherein the first pivoting arm section has a first end pivotally linked to a bearing support and a second end, and the second pivoting arm section has a first end pivotally linked to the second end of the first pivoting arm section and a second end pivotally linked to the front bar; wherein the first pivoting arm section and the second pivoting arm section include first, second, third, and fourth plug elements, each provided with a channel arrangement on a plug-in end that communicates with an opening exposed exteriorly of the first and second pivoting arm sections; wherein the first pivoting arm section and the second pivoting arm section include first and second tubular profiles, and wherein the first and second plug elements are inserted in the first tubular profile, and the third and fourth plug elements are inserted in the second tubular profile; wherein the first, second, third, and fourth plug elements are connected with the respective first and second pivoting arm sections by means of an adhesive composition; and wherein said sun protection device includes a control system for moving the sun protection device between refracted and extended positions.
18. A retractable and extendable sun protection device, comprising:a front bar; a roller adapted to be mounted for rotation; a fabric cloth for winding about and unwinding from the roller; at least one arm support bracket including a base part, a link pivotally connected to the base part, a spindle adjustably supporting the link from the base part, and a bushing connected to the link, and wherein the bushing has relatively rotatable inner and outer bushings; at least one arm having first and second pivoting arm sections, wherein the first pivoting arm section has a first end pivotally linked to a bearing support and a second end, and the second pivoting arm section has a first end pivotally linked to the second end of the first pivoting arm section and a second end pivotally linked to the front bar; and wherein said sun protection device includes a control system for moving the sun protection device between retracted and extended positions.
19. A retractable and extendable sun protection device, comprising:a front bar; a roller adapted to be mounted for rotation; a fabric cloth for winding about and unwinding from the roller; at least one arm support bracket; and at least one arm having first and second pivoting arm sections, wherein the first pivoting arm section has a first end pivotally linked to a bearing support and a second end, and the second pivoting arm section has a first end pivotally linked to the second end of the first pivoting arm section and a second end pivotally linked to the front bar; wherein the first pivoting arm section and the second pivoting arm section include first, second, third, and fourth plug elements, each connected with the respective first and second pivoting arm sections by means of an adhesive composition; and wherein said sun protection device includes a control system for moving the sun protection device between retracted and extended positions.
20. The retractable and extendable sun protection device according to claim 19, wherein the first pivoting arm section and the second pivoting arm section include first and second tubular profiles, and wherein the first and second plug elements are inserted in the first tubular profile, and the third and fourth plug elements are inserted in the second tubular profile.

Priority Claims (1)

Number	Date	Country	Kind
00200304	Jan 2000	EP

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/773,078, filed Jan. 31, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,069 This application is also related to, and claims priority from, European patent application EP 00200304.4, filed Jan. 31, 2000, entitled “AWNING ASSEMBLY AND CONTROL SYSTEM.” These applications are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

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Awning assembly and control system

Information

Patent Number

Date Filed

Date Issued

Inventors

Original Assignees

Examiners

Agents

CPC

US Classifications

Field of Search

US