ES1240534U - FOLDING ARM (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

1. Arm (B) provided with a main body (1) defining a longitudinal direction (L), an arm end (2) and coupling and fixing means between the main body (1) and the end (2) of arm, in which the main body (1) is a hollow profile (11) so that a channel (12) is defined inside it, and the arm end (2) comprises on one side a fitting end (21 ) for fitting in the channel (12) of the hollow profile (11) and on the other hand a joint (22), characterized in that the coupling and fixing means between the main body (1) and the end (2) of the arm They 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) having the longitudinal direction (L); and - arranged at the end (2) of the arm, at least one fitting channel (22a) for housing the inner projection (13a), at least one support surface (23a) provided with at least one hole (24a) and arranged adjacent to the engagement channel (22a) for housing the inner projection (13a); and - at least one screw (25a); so that the main body (1) and the arm end (2) can be coupled and fixed to each other in a reversible way by inserting the fitting end (21) into the hollow profile (11), so that the inner projection (13a) is housed in the fitting channel (22a) for housing the inner projection (13a), by inserting the screw (25a) in the hole (24a), supporting its head (26a) on the support surface (23a). ) and threading of its thread (27a) in the screw hole (14a) of the inner projection (13a).

Description

DESCRIPTION

FOLDING ARM

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The present invention relates to an improved awning arm, and especially an arm whose length can be easily adjusted, and whose assembly is very simple. In addition, it presents structural and aesthetic advantages.

BACKGROUND

Several types of arms are already known that allow the fixing of an awning to the wall of a window, terrace etc. These usually comprise a joint and a hollow profile fitted together, so that once assembled they cannot be disassembled. Some known coupling methods include the use of glue between two components or unidirectional clips, ie elastic elements or forks that fit into a notch. Normally, these arms have to be mounted by a professional or by two people.

A disadvantage of these arms is that any error introduced during the construction of the arm cannot be remedied later. For example, if the two joints that hold the awning at its ends do not turn out to be parallel, the inclination in the awning may be visible, especially in very wide awnings. Another disadvantage is that components housed within the hollow profile, such as springs, cannot be repaired or replaced once the arm is assembled.

One of the known methods for detachably coupling the joint with the hollow profile is the use of screws inserted in a transverse direction relative to the direction of the engagement. These screws are inserted into a visible side of the arm to allow access to tools. Disadvantages of the arms mounted in this way are that the screw reduces the mechanical integrity of the profile, is visible and can corrode, causing discoloration.

US4208846 presents a removable awning with an aluminum structure and a series of substantially vertical plates supported by the structure. To facilitate assembly and disassembly, thymes are provided on the outer sides that join several profiles crosswise. The screws are very visible and can weaken the structure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

To overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art, the present invention proposes an arm provided with a main body that defines a longitudinal direction, an arm end and coupling and fixing means between the main body and the arm end, in which the main body is a hollow profile so that a channel is defined in its interior, and the arm end comprises on the one hand a fitting end for its fitting in the hollow profile channel and on the other hand a joint, in which The coupling and fixing means between the main body and the arm end are constituted by:

- at least one inner projection disposed in the profile recess and provided with at least one screw hole having the longitudinal direction; Y

- disposed at the end of the arm, at least one housing engagement channel of the inner boss, at least one support surface provided with at least one hole and disposed adjacent to the housing engagement channel of the inner boss; Y

- 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 fitting end into the hollow profile, so that the inner projection is housed in the housing fitting groove of the inner projection , by inserting the screw into the hole, resting its head on the support surface and tapping its fillet into the screw hole of the inner projection.

The housing of the inner projection in the hollow of the profile allows to hide it and the screw. The insertion of the screw longitudinally to engage the end of the arm with the main body also allows the screw to be hidden and prevents weakening the structure of the arm since it would not be necessary to form transverse holes in the structure. The only part of the screw that is visible outside is the head. Therefore, in case of screw corrosion, the visibility of this will be minimal and the screw can be replaced. The arm can be assembled with the help of widely available tools and does not require the services of an ex officio person. Also, in case of error during the assembly, this can be corrected by disassembling the thyme and mounting it again.

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

This allows the inner surface of the inner projection to be threaded with the insertion of a screw 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 support surface is provided in a transition between the fitting end and the joint.

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

Thus, the operator can access the support surface with a tool to mount or disassemble the screw, while the visibility of the screw head is reduced by the joint that can be on one side of the support surface or can comprise two parts both sides.

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

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm, in which the fitting end comprises at least one longitudinal groove to accommodate the at least one longitudinal projection.

The longitudinal guide projection and the longitudinal groove to accommodate the projection stabilize the structure during assembly before the screw is inserted by the operator. This simplifies the assembly of the arm so that it can be mounted by a single person.

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

This allows to limit the weight of the lace end and leaves a hollow space where it can accommodate other arm components, for example one or more inner projections or longitudinal guide projections.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm, in which the fitting end comprises three U-shaped walls, so that an upper wing and a lower wing joined by a soul are defined, in which the at least one Longitudinal projection is housed in a space between the upper wing and the lower wing.

In this aspect of the invention, the longitudinal projection can be located just next to one of the wings, thus serving to guide the fitting end.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm, in which the fitting end comprises a transverse wall at one end, in which the transverse wall comprises at least two notches to accommodate the at least one inner projection and the at least a longitudinal projection.

The notches are an alternative to the 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 projection.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm, in which the arm comprises two inner projections arranged in the profile recess and provided with two screw holes having the longitudinal direction; and arranged at the arm end, two upper and lower socket channels for accommodation of the inner projections, two support surfaces provided with two holes and arranged adjacent to the upper and lower socket channels for housing the inner 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 fitting end comprises an anchoring hole for anchoring an adjustable tension system for regulating the tension of a tension element of the awning.

The awning arms may comprise a variety of tension systems to keep the arms of an awning deployed in the absence of external forces. These they can be anchored to the ends of the arms, in this case they are anchored in a hole in the lace end.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm in which the fitting end also comprises a longitudinal channel for the accommodation of 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 anchor hole.

The geometry of the fitting 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 creating transverse holes. The longitudinal channel houses a section of adjustable length to manually adjust the tension in an elastic element such as a spring. This section may be an endless screw connected by a ring to the spring, this spring being anchored at its other end to another component of the awning. The longitudinal channel can have a threaded inner surface or it can be made of aluminum and have a constant inner section.

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

This tool can be, for example, an Allen key, which facilitates the assembly, disassembly or regulation of the adjustable length section. Placing the anchor hole in the transition between the fitting end and the joint minimizes the visibility of the adjustable length section.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of a canopy comprising two arms according to any of the preceding claims.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of an arm assembly method comprising: inserting the end of the arm into the main body along the direction, then inserting the at least one screw into at least one channel formed at least one hole, the at least one screw hole and the at least one projection.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to some examples of practical embodiment of the awning arm of the invention, a set of figures in the accompanying part of the description is accompanied the one that with illustrative and non-limiting character, has represented the following:

Figure 1 shows in perspective the components that form an arm according to a first embodiment.

Figure 2 shows in perspective the assembled arm of the first embodiment.

Figure 3 shows in perspective the components that form an arm according to a second embodiment.

Figure 4 shows in perspective the assembled arm of the second embodiment.

Figure 5 shows in perspective the components that form an arm according to a third embodiment.

Figure 6 shows in perspective the components that form an arm according to a fourth embodiment.

Figure 7 shows in perspective the assembled arm of the fourth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED REALIZATIONS OF THE INVENTION

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 thyme 25a. The main body 1 is a hollow profile with a channel 12 inside. The arm end 2 has on one side a fitting end 21 so that it can fit into the channel 12, sliding it along the direction L. The main body 1 can be coupled to the end of the arm 2 by means of the screw 25a, an inner projection 13a, a screw hole 14a, a bearing surface 23a and a hole 24a.

The inner projection 13 has the shape of a hollow semi-cylinder oriented longitudinally on an inner surface of the channel 12, in the direction L of engagement. In this embodiment, the inner boss 13a is located on a first surface of the channel 12. The screw hole 14a is formed by the end of the inner boss 13a that is closer to the end of the arm 2. The parts 13a and 14a may have a threaded or smooth inner surface before coupling 1 and 2. The bearing surface 23a is located at the arm end 2 and includes a hole 24a oriented so that it can form a rectilinear channel with the inner boss 13a and the hole 14a .

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

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

Figure 2 shows assembled the arm B of the first embodiment. 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.

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 thyme 25a. In this embodiment the inner projection 13a is located on a second surface of the channel 12. The fitting end 21 comprises a fitting channel 22a for housing the inner projection 13a. The fitting end 21 also comprises two longitudinal grooves 29 to accommodate two of the four projections 28. The remaining two projections are housed in the hollow space on one side of the fitting end 21 (not visible in Figure 3). This embodiment comprises a single part joint 22 with a channel.

Figure 4 shows assembled the arm B of the second embodiment. The assembly is done as described above.

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 fitting end 21 comprises a fitting channel 22a to accommodate the inner boss 13a. Two parallel surfaces of the fitting end 21 are concave to accommodate the four projections 28 in the recess created by said surfaces. The joint 22 is further away from the hole 24a, leaving more space for the operator to manipulate the screw 25a with the corresponding tools.

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 fitting end 21 is substantially hollow, comprising a transverse wall at one end. This wall comprises notches of various sizes to accommodate the projection 13a and the projections 28. The fitting end 21 additionally comprises a longitudinal channel 32 crossing the component 21 and leading to the hollow space 12 in the main body 1. The channel 32 can accommodate a Adjustable tension system (not shown in the figures) for the regulation of the tension of a tension element of the awning. The adjustable tension system may comprise an adjustable length section connected to an elastic element, the adjustable length section being anchored in an anchor hole 30. The adjustable length section may also comprise a head provided with a tool socket ( for example, an Allen key), the head resting on the anchor hole 30.

Figure 6 also shows two joints 22 with the hole 24a on the surface that Connect the two joints. In this way, the operator can access hole 24a and thyme 25a to assemble or disassemble the unit.

Figure 7 shows assembled the arm B of the fourth embodiment. The assembly is done as described above.

In this text, the word "understand" and its variants (such as "understanding", etc.) should not be construed as excluding, that is, 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 specific embodiments that have been described but also covers, for example, the variants that can be made by the average person skilled in the art (for example, in terms of the choice of materials, dimensions , components, configuration, etc.), within what follows from the claims.

Claims (14)

Arm (B) provided with a main body (1) defining a longitudinal direction (L), an arm end (2) and coupling and fixing means between the main body (1) and the arm end (2), wherein the main body (1) is a hollow profile (11) so that a channel (12) is defined therein, and the arm end (2) comprises on the one hand a fitting end (21) for its fitting in the channel (12) of the hollow profile (11) and on the other hand a joint (22), characterized in that the coupling and fixing means between the main body (1) and the arm end (2) are constituted by: - at least one inner projection (13a) disposed in the recess (12) of the profile (1) and provided with at least one screw hole (14a) having the longitudinal direction (L); Y - arranged at the arm end (2), at least one socket channel (22a) for housing the inner boss (13a), at least one support surface (23a) provided with at least one hole (24a) and arranged adjacent to the socket channel (22a) for housing the inner projection (13a); Y - at least one screw (25a); so that the main body (1) and the arm end (2) can be reversibly coupled and fixed together by inserting the fitting end (21) into the hollow profile (11), so that the inner projection (13a) is housed in the socket channel (22a) for housing the inner boss (13a), by inserting the screw (25a) into the hole (24a), supporting its head (26a) on the support surface (23a) ) and threading its fillet (27a) into the screw hole (14a) of the inner projection (13a). 2. Arm (B) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inner projection (13a) is made of aluminum and has a constant section. 3. Arm (B) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one bearing surface (23a) is provided in a transition between the fitting end (21) and the joint (22). 4. Arm (B) according to claim 1, wherein the support surface (23a) is provided adjacent to the joint (22). 5. Arm (B) according to claim 1, wherein the channel (12) comprises at least one longitudinal projection (28) for guiding and fixing the arm end (2) in the channel (12). 6. Arm (B) according to claim 5, wherein the engagement end (21) comprises at least one longitudinal groove (29) for housing the at least one longitudinal shoulder (28). 7. Arm (B) according to claim 1, wherein the fitting end (21) is a U-shaped profile. 8. Arm (B) according to claim 5, wherein the fitting end (21) comprises three U-shaped walls, so that an upper wing and a lower wing connected by a soul are defined, in which the at least one longitudinal projection (28) is housed in a space between the upper wing and the lower wing. 9. Arm (B) according to claim 5, wherein the fitting end (21) comprises a transverse wall at one end, wherein the transverse wall comprises at least two notches to accommodate the at least one inner projection (13a ) and the at least one longitudinal projection (28). 10. Arm (B) according to claim 1, wherein the arm comprises two inner projections (13a) disposed in the recess (12) of the profile (1) and provided with two screw holes (14a) having the longitudinal direction ; and arranged at the end (2) of the arm, two channels of upper socket (22a) and lower housing of the inner projections (13a), two support surfaces (23a) provided with two holes (24a) and arranged adjacent to the upper fitting channels (22a) and lower housing of the inner projections (13a); and two screws (25a). 11. Arm (B) according to claim 1, wherein the fitting end (21) comprises an anchoring hole (30) for anchoring an adjustable tension system for the tension regulation of a tension element of the awning. 12. Arm (B) according to claim 11, wherein the fitting end (21) also comprises a longitudinal channel for accommodating an adjustable tension system, the adjustable tension system comprising an adjustable length section connected to a elastic element, the section of adjustable length being anchored in the anchoring hole (30). 13. Arm (B) according to claim 12, wherein the anchoring hole (30) is located in a transition between the fitting end (21) and the joint (22) to support a head of an adjustable length section , the head provided with a socket for a tool and the head resting on the anchor hole (30). 14. Awning comprising two arms according to any of the preceding claims.