U.S. patent application number 13/666647 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-22 for folding facade or folding awning arrangement and actuating device for the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to BELU AG. The applicant listed for this patent is Belu AG. Invention is credited to Bernhard Lucas.
Application Number | 20130213586 13/666647 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39719850 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130213586 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lucas; Bernhard |
August 22, 2013 |
FOLDING FACADE OR FOLDING AWNING ARRANGEMENT AND ACTUATING DEVICE
FOR THE SAME
Abstract
A folding facade or folding awning arrangement includes at least
two facade or awning elements, wherein a first facade or awning
element is fixed on a building so that it can pivot about an axis,
and wherein a second facade or awning element is pivotally held
about a second displaceable axis and can be displaced along guides
by means of a drive member, and wherein further a first collapsing
edge of the first facade or awning element is pivotally connected
to a second collapsing edge of the second facade and awning element
to form a collapsing joint and can be moved in a manner released
from the guides, collapsing transversely to the facade. The
arrangement further includes at least one collapsible/fold-out
and/or locking means. Safe operation is achieved in that at least
one pivoting actuating element is provided in the form of a
collapsing/fold-out, pulling/drawing, and/or locking means.
Inventors: |
Lucas; Bernhard;
(Lingen/Ems, DE) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Belu AG; |
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US |
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Assignee: |
BELU AG
Lingen/Ems
DE
|
Family ID: |
39719850 |
Appl. No.: |
13/666647 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12596335 |
Jul 20, 2010 |
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PCT/EP2008/003029 |
Apr 16, 2008 |
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13666647 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
160/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B 65/0021 20130101;
E05D 13/12 20130101; E04F 13/08 20130101; E05Y 2201/232 20130101;
E04F 10/10 20130101; Y02B 10/20 20130101; E05D 15/262 20130101;
E06B 3/481 20130101; E05D 13/14 20130101; E05Y 2900/132 20130101;
E06B 9/0669 20130101; E05Y 2201/426 20130101; F24S 20/66 20180501;
E05Y 2201/412 20130101; E05Y 2201/22 20130101; E05D 15/264
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/54 |
International
Class: |
E04F 10/10 20060101
E04F010/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 16, 2007 |
DE |
102007005558.7 |
Oct 4, 2007 |
DE |
102007047626.6 |
Claims
1-12. (canceled)
13. A folding awning arrangement, comprising: at least two
generally rigid awning elements provided in pairs, of which a first
awning element can be fastened to an associated building so as to
pivot around one of a vertical or horizontal first axis near a
first element edge, and of which a second awning element is held so
as to pivot around a second axis, which can be displaced one of
vertically or horizontally, transversely to itself, near a second
element edge, and can be displaced along guides that are arranged
in pairs, perpendicular to the second element edge; and the second
element edge can be moved along the guides toward and away from the
first element edge of the first awning element by a drive element;
and in which a first fold-out edge of the first awning element, the
first fold-out edge being situated opposite and parallel to the
first element edge, is pivotably connected to a second fold-out
edge of the second awning element, said second fold-out edge being
situated opposite and parallel to the second element edge, thereby
forming a fold-out joint, and, when released from the guides, can
be moved in the manner of a folding out transversely to the
arrangement; further comprising at least one locking means thereby
forming a working arrangement in which the at least one locking
means is pivotable and acts between one of the at least two awning
elements and an associated area that is one of closed or covered by
the folding awning arrangement; the at least one locking means is
fastened at one end to one of the associated building and of the at
least one of the at least two awning elements and is displaceable
relative to one of the associated building and of the at least one
of the at least two awning elements and can be displaced to a
working position by at least one carrier directly connected to the
drive element and can be brought into and out of contact with the
at least one carrier when the at least two awning elements are in
or near to an extended position.
14. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein a locking lever draws in
and locks the folding awning arrangement when the at least two
awning elements are in or near to the extended position, the
locking lever is connected to at least one fold-out lever.
15. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein the at least one carrier
engages with one of a fold-out lever and a locking lever forming
the fold-out and locking means.
16. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein the drive element is
associated with a free travel zone, in such a way that at the start
of opening movement, the drive element actuates first the locking
lever in one of releasing fashion, without tensile forces being
exerted on the second element edge of the second awning element
that has this edge, which is to be moved.
17. The arrangement of claim 16, wherein the free travel zone is a
section of a tension element with stops at both ends, and further
including a guide for guiding the section of the tension
element.
18. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein the at least one carrier
has pawl-shaped separate stops for upward and downward
movement.
19. The arrangement of claim 14, wherein the at least one carrier
has pawl-shaped separate stops for upward and downward
movement.
20. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein the locking means has a
pawl element provided for two operating directions, for detachably
partially encompassing the at least one carrier of the drive
element.
21. The arrangement of claim 14, wherein the locking means has a
pawl element provided for two operating directions, for detachably
partially encompassing the at least one carrier of the drive
element.
22. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein the drive element can be
moved and turned along at least one of the guides.
23. The arrangement of claim 22, wherein the drive element is
guided so as to rotate over upper and lower turning means.
24. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein the at least one locking
means comprises a two-arm lever for locking is pivotably mounted to
one of the associated building and of the at least one of the at
least two awning elements and wherein one end cooperates with the
at least one carrier and the other end serves at its unattached end
for locking the at least two awning elements.
25. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein the at least one locking
means comprises a two-arm lever with dual function for
locking/unlocking is pivotably mounted to the associated building
and one end cooperates as a pawl element with the at least one
carrier and the other end serves at its unattached end for locking
the at least two awning elements.
26. A folding awning arrangement comprising: at least two fold-out
awning elements provided in pairs including a first element and a
second element, the first element being fastened to an associated
building so as to pivot around one of a vertical or horizontal
first axis near a first element edge, and the second element held
so as to pivot around a second axis, which can be displaced one of
vertically or horizontally, transversely to itself, near a second
element edge, and can be displaced along guides that are arranged
in pairs, generally perpendicular to the second element edge, the
second element edge being moveable along the guides toward and away
from the first element edge by a drive element, and a first
fold-out edge of the first element is situated opposite and
parallel to the first element edge and is pivotably connected to a
second fold-out edge of the second element, the second fold-out
edge being situated opposite and parallel to the second element
edge, thereby forming a fold-out joint, and, when released from the
guides, is moveable in the manner of a folding out transversely to
the awning arrangement; further comprising at least one actuating
means, thereby forming a working arrangement in which the at least
one actuating means acts between one of the elements and an
associated area that is closed or covered by the folding awning
arrangement; the drive element is directly equipped with at least
one carrier, which engages with the at least one actuating means;
the actuating means is fastened at one end to one of the associated
building and of the at least one of the at least two awning
elements and is displaceable relative to one of the associated
building and of the at least one of the at least two awning
elements, and the actuating means can be displaced by the at least
one carrier, along an opposite structural component of the working
arrangement to a working position in which at least a locking or
unlocking of at least one folding joint can be achieved, and a
locking lever is connected to a stop of the opposite structural
component of the working arrangement, when the at least two awning
elements are in or near an extended position, and can be shifted
back to a released position by direct engagement with the at least
one carrier.
27. The arrangement of claim 26, wherein the locking lever serves
at its unattached end for both drawing in and locking/unlocking the
at least two awning elements.
28. The arrangement of claim 26, wherein the locking lever serves
at its unattached end for both folding out and locking/unlocking
the at least two awning elements.
29. The arrangement of claim 26, wherein the locking lever serves
at its unattached end for any of drawing in, locking/unlocking and
for folding out the at least two awning elements.
30. The arrangement of claim 26, wherein the at least one carrier
engages with at least one locking/unlocking means forming the
actuating means.
31. The arrangement of claim 26, wherein the drive element can be
moved and turned on at least one of the guides.
32. The arrangement of claim 31, wherein the drive element is
guided so as to rotate over upper and lower turning means.
33. A folding awning arrangement, comprising: at least two
generally rigid awning elements provided in pairs, of which a first
awning element can be fastened to an associated building so as to
pivot around one of a vertical or horizontal first axis near a
first element edge, and of which a second awning element is held so
as to pivot around a second axis, which can be displaced one of
vertically or horizontally, transversely to itself, near a second
element edge, and can be displaced along guides that are arranged
in pairs, perpendicular to the second element edge and the second
element edge can be moved along the guides toward and away from the
first element edge of the first awning element by a drive element
and in which a first fold-out edge of the first awning element,
which is situated opposite and parallel to the first element edge,
is pivotably connected to a second fold-out edge of the second
awning element, which is situated opposite and parallel to the
second element edge, thereby forming a fold-out joint, and, when
released from the guides, can be moved in the manner of a folding
out transversely to the arrangement; and further comprising a
working arrangement which acts between one of the at least two
awning elements and an associated area that is one of closed or
covered by the folding awning arrangement, the working arrangement
is directly fastened and displaceable relative to one of the
associated building and of the at least one of the at least two
awning elements and can be displaced to a working position by a
carrier directly connected to the drive element and can be brought
into and out of contact with the carrier when the at least two
awning elements are in or near an extended position.
34. The arrangement of claim 33, wherein the working arrangement
includes: a pivotable fold-out lever having one end fastened to at
least one of the at least two awning elements and an opposite,
unattached end displaceable to a working position by the carrier,
the fold-out lever being brought into and out of contact with the
carrier when the at least two awning elements are in or near an
extended position, and a locking lever configured to draw in and
lock/unlock the folding awning arrangement when the at least two
awning elements are in or near an extended position, the locking
lever being connected to the fold-out lever; the locking lever and
the fold-out lever thereby forming actuating means.
35. The arrangement of claim 34, wherein the carrier engages with
one of the fold-out lever and the locking lever.
36. The arrangement of claim 33, wherein the working arrangement
has a pawl element provided for two operating directions, for
detachably partially encompassing the carrier.
37. The arrangement of claim 34, wherein the working arrangement
has a pawl element provided for two operating directions, for
detachably partially encompassing the carrier.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/596,335, filed 16 Oct. 2009, which
application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date
of International Application No. PCT/EP2008/003029, filed 16 Apr.
2008, which application claims priority to and the benefit of the
filing date of German Application No. 20 2007 005558.7 filed 16
Apr. 2007 and German Application No. 10 2007 047626.6, filed 4 Oct.
2007, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference into the
specification of this application.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a folding facade or folding awning
arrangement, and an operating mechanism for folding facade or
folding awning assemblies.
TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
[0003] Folding facade or folding awning arrangements of this type
are already known in the form of hangar doors, in the area of store
fronts, such as for sidewalk cafes, or as means for protecting
against light and/or heat on windows or doors. In most cases they
are comprised of only two inherently rigid facade or awning
elements, which are arranged in front of an opening of a building,
such as a door or doorway, or in front of a window, to allow said
opening to be closed up or covered and opened up again. They can be
moved horizontally or vertically by folding and unfolding. In the
case of vertical movement, the uppermost facade or awning element,
which is attached with respect to the building so as to pivot
around a horizontal axis near its upper edge, is attached at its
lower edge to a facade or awning element located beneath the first,
so as to pivot along an axis which is also horizontal, and so as to
be capable of folding out transversely to the facade. The lower
edge of the lowest facade or awning element is held in vertical
guides and is moved upward via tension elements during opening.
This causes the attachment joint (folding or fold-out joint) to
fold out toward the upper facade or awning element (usually
outward), forming an approximately triangular roof together with
the lower facade or awning element when fully opened, said roof
projecting substantially horizontally and serving as protection
against weather or sun. For closing, it is usually necessary only
to release the tension element used for opening, and to allow the
lowest fastening point to drop downward, thereby lowering the
facade or awning elements automatically by virtue of their own
weight. With the proper configuration of the hinges or joints and
the point of attachment of the tension element on the lower
section, and with a proper suspension of the upper section based
upon its center of gravity, the folding facade or folding awning
arrangement will extend in a straight line when fully lowered.
Because there is no direct guidance in the folding area between the
facade or awning elements, a locking mechanism for the closed
position can be provided for purposes of stabilization, for example
against wind pressure, wind suction or vibrations. Currently, such
mechanisms are usually provided only for relatively heavy facade
elements, for example as manual or electric locking mechanisms.
[0004] To allow the folding facade or folding awning arrangement to
be reopened, it must be transferred from the extended position of
closure into a folding position, before the tension element can
effect the continued opening. Folding out of the extended
dead-center position between the adjacent elements in the folding
area is usually achieved using fold-out rollers arranged in the
folding area, which hold the stressed tension element in the closed
position in a non-extended, i.e., folded out position. When the
tension element is placed under tensile stress under these
conditions, it moves back to its extended position, pressing
horizontally against the fold-out rollers and causing a first
folding out of the extended position of the adjacent facade or
awning element in the attachment joint. Alternatively, the folding
out process can be effected via a separate, for example
electrically actuated, mechanism. Locking mechanisms known in the
market, which are integrated into the area of attachment of the
tension element at the lower edge of a folding facade arrangement,
have proven inadequate in preventing vibrations and noise, and as
lacking the power to support pulling in during the closing process
or pushing out during the opening process.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One of the aspects of the invention is to configure facade
or awning arrangements of this type in such a way as to make them
comfortable, especially with respect to opening, closing and
keeping them closed, and to make them easy to operate. Other
aspects of the invention consist in locking the closed arrangement
such that it becomes largely vibration-free or low-vibration,
and/or improving its initial outward/inward folding, and/or
promoting its inward movement to an extended position.
[0006] According to one aspect of the invention a lever-like or
length-adjustable actuating element, for example, such as a
fold-out, drawing and/or locking means, is placed in contact with
an actuated carrier in the fold locking area of the folding
arrangement, near the extended position of the folding arrangement,
and actuating it.
[0007] The actuating element is provided as a pivotable fold-out,
drawing and/or locking means, which acts between one of the facade
or awning elements and the part of the building which is closed or
covered by the facade or awning arrangement, one end of which is
fastened with respect to the building or with respect to at least
one of the facade or awning elements. At its opposite, unattached
end, the actuating element--in the form of a fold-out means--can be
displaced along the opposite structural component, in other words a
facade or awning element or the opening edge, under direct or
indirect contact, pivoting into an active position in which a
folding out of the attachment joint is achieved by means of a
carrier, actuated by the tension or pressure element. In this, the
unattached end of a lever-like fold-out means can be moved over a
stationary, inclined surface, and/or the fold-out means undergoes
an enlargement of its effective length, or its unattached end area
is detachably supported on the actuated carrier. In particular, the
unattached end can be raised and/or lowered by the carrier. If the
actuating element is or comprises a drawing and/or locking means,
this is connected to a locking or drawing stop in or near the
extended position of the folding arrangement, and is returned by
the actuated carrier to an unlocked position.
[0008] With the invention, both vertically and horizontally movable
facade or awning elements can be folded out and/or locked, wherein
in the closed position, a vertical, inclined, or horizontal plane
can be spanned by the folding elements.
[0009] A folding facade arrangement within the context of the
invention generally refers to a covering or closing arrangement for
covering, closing and/or opening up a building surface or opening.
The building opening can be the entry and exit area of a parking
garage, an opening to a retail shop, a restaurant, a sports arena,
etc., wherein the facade elements of the folding facade arrangement
assume the job of forming a gate or a door or some other facade
front for opening and closing an opening in a building, regardless
of whether they fit in visually with the other building facade s in
a particular manner, or whether they act as a door, a gate, a
window, or the like. Likewise, a folding roof or folding facade
arrangement can serve as a roof for a terrace area or similar area
in a horizontal or inclined alignment, in order to protect from
above against the effects of weather and--when opened--to uncover
the area. The uses can also be applied inside a building. For this
application, more than two facade elements are more frequently
linked with one another so as to be foldable, with two of these
folding out in pairs, and guided at the respective other ends. The
fold-out points are locked when the arrangement is closed. Multiple
carriers can also be moved, spaced from one another, with each of
these being assigned to a pair of facade elements, so that a single
drive is sufficient for moving a multi-element folding facade or
folding awning assembly.
[0010] Within the context of the invention, a folding awning
arrangement is generally understood as an arrangement in which
inherently rigid awning elements cover any area of a building
front, in other words even a straight or inclined roof or terrace
area, such as a window shutter, a door shutter, a curtain facade,
etc., so that the areas of a building section that are opened up
when the folding awning arrangement is opened, especially a
building front, can be closed again on the building side, and, if
necessary, can be specifically opened, such as the opening and
non-opening window areas of a glass-front facade, for example.
[0011] Within the context of the invention, the facade or awning
elements can be closed panels, which serve as light, sound, heat
and/or burglary protection, as solar-cell absorption surfaces, and
the like, but can also consist of panels with openings, having
spaced louvers or holes, for example. So-called accordion shutters,
which are known in the market, are considered both folding facades
and folding awning assemblies within the context of this invention.
The aforementioned protective functions can be further improved if
the parallel guiding edges of the facade or awning elements are or
will be equipped with edge protecting elements, such as links which
project outward, for example, or inward.
[0012] In addition, a building or part of a building or area of a
building within the context of the invention also refers to any
open or closed supporting structure which accommodates or supports
a folding facade or folding awning arrangement according to the
invention.
[0013] Of course, certain deviations in the angle between the
guides and the element edges of 90.degree. and/or deviations in the
parallel alignment of element edges situated opposite one another
has no negative impact on the intended purpose as defined, and is
also encompassed by the teaching of the invention.
[0014] When the actuating element, especially a tension or pressure
element for opening the folding facade or folding awning
arrangement, is moved along the guide, the carrier that is attached
to it engages in a suitable manner with the fold-out means
(hereinafter called the fold-out lever) and pivots it from an
initial position in relation to the guide, for example tilted
downward (when the facade or awning elements are in the extended
position) during the opening movement to a substantially
right-angled active position in relation to the guide, resulting in
an increased distance between the facade or awning elements and the
building, in other words a folding out of the facade or awning
elements from their closed extended position. The same effect is
achieved when a stationary contact surface for the unattached lever
end is tilted in the fold-out direction, i.e., inclined toward the
guide for the second element edge. The best power ratios are
achieved when the fold-out lever is arranged near the folding area
of the folding facade or folding awning arrangement. When the
rocker pivot of the fold-out lever is located on one of the moved
facade or awning elements, and accordingly, the unattached lever
end must be displaced in relation to the building, the displacement
zone can be arranged in a particularly functionally secure manner
in or on the guide on the building side, which is nevertheless
necessary for opening. This supported displacement can be sliding
or rolling (FIG. 5), or seated on the carrier (FIG. 13). To enable
safe operation (opening and closing), for example even under heavy
winds, the fold-out or locking lever can be equipped with a bumper,
at least in the area of its unattached end, for its stops on a
component fixed to the building: In this context, the bumper,
configured as a roller, for example, can also assume a dual
function.
[0015] In order to first achieve a sufficient horizontal folding
out of the folding facade or folding awning arrangement during
opening, before significant tensile forces are exerted on the lower
facade section, the tension element can be equipped with an
extension or free travel zone such that when the tension element is
first actuated, although the fold-out lever is already actuated
and/or a locking means is released, no or no significant tensile
forces are exerted on the end of the lower facade section to be
moved. A spring assembly which acts on the tension element can
prevent a "slack cable situation" during this fold-out phase in the
unstressed or only lightly stressed area of the tension element if
gravity in combination with a free travel zone, such as an
elongated hole, is not suited to the second element edge in the
working area. To transfer pivoting force to the fold-out lever, the
tension or pressure element of the actuating element can be
equipped with at least one carrier, which acts on the fold-out
lever on one side or on both sides.
[0016] The actuating element, especially a tension and/or pressure
element, can be freely selected, for the most part. It can comprise
a hauling cable, but may also comprise a chain or a toothed rod, a
toothed belt, a belt with friction lining, a spring assembly, a
movable weight, a rotating tension and/or pressure element, or some
other elongated drive transfer element. The actuating element can
also be guided so as to rotate over upper and lower turning means,
and can consist of a combination of a toothed belt on a first
partial length and a cable on a second partial length, which has
independent inventive significance. It can be equipped with one or
more carrier(s), or can enable a carrying function via a
single-sided or double-sided positive connection. A carrying
function can be implemented via one or more carriers, which are or
can be provided on the actuating element, and which fit relatively
easily with a turning or winding point due to their size and
configuration. In this manner, accordion-like facade or awning
elements, i.e., linked with one another, can be folded up and
down--while a plurality of separate facade or awning elements can
also be opened and closed using a single actuating element. With
larger carriers, such as pawl elements for example, or with an
articulated assembly that can be actuated as a unit via the
actuating element, it can be expedient for the carrier 18C, which
is embodied as a sliding element or roller apparatus, for example,
to be uncoupled from the drive element 18 when it reaches
approximately the area of an upper or lower turning point, a
winding of the drive element 18, or the like.
[0017] Once the folding facade or folding awning arrangement has
been folded out far enough, the fold-out lever is out of engagement
with its abutting piece on the building or folding element side. To
then transfer the fold-out lever back to its starting position, in
which it is again in its functional position for a new opening
process, the fold-out lever can be appropriately balanced by a
counterweight, or can be returned to a desired functional position,
for example under the force of a spring.
[0018] In principle, it is possible to assign the fold-out lever a
dual function, and to use it simultaneously for locking the folding
facade or folding awning arrangement in its extended position--or
vice versa. For this purpose, especially a lever arrangement
comprised of two pivotable levers, which are non-rotatably
connected to one another and have the same pivoting axis, can be
provided, one of which is used for folding out and the other for
drawing in and/or locking.
[0019] In order to ensure particularly strong closing forces, a
locking and/or drawing means--hereinafter referred to as the
locking and/or drawing lever--is proposed, which cooperates with a
locking stop, and which is first pivoted out of its locked position
by a carrier when the folding facade or folding awning arrangement
is being opened, without this causing any significant horizontal
folding out of the folding facade arrangement.
[0020] With this arrangement it is also possible to arrange the
pivoting joint of the locking lever on one of the facade or awning
elements, and to arrange the locking stop on the building side. The
opposite arrangement is also possible here, however. The mode of
operation of the carrier and of the tension or pressure element
which drives or moves it with an initial movement, without acting
on the moved end of the facade or awning element is the same in
principle as with the fold-out lever. Moreover, the locking and/or
drawing assembly has independent inventive significance.
[0021] To expand the functions of the fold-out lever by the
functions of locking--or conversely to expand the locking by the
function of the outer lever, a two-component lever assembly can be
provided, in which the pivoting joint of the fold-out lever is
arranged on an intermediate lever having a locking function,
wherein the lever assembly is again actuated via a tension or
pressure element. With this arrangement, the tension or pressure
element, when first actuated, moves the intermediate lever, which
serves as a locking lever, out of its locked position, making it
possible for the folding facade or folding awning arrangement to be
folded out horizontally. As the action of the tension or pressure
element on the fold-out lever continues, the folding out is
effected in a single step with the opening movement of the facade
or awning elements, wherein any additional actuation for releasing
and/or folding out is spared.
[0022] If the operating mechanism (locking and/or fold-out
apparatus) for the folding facade or folding awning arrangement is
located at the edge of the facade or awning elements such that it
cooperates with at least one of the lateral guides for the moved
facade or awning ends, the visible area of the facade or awning
elements on both of their sides (inside and outside) remains free
of visually disruptive mechanical components, and a dual purpose of
the guides and the tension or pressure elements is achieved. The
guides can also be housed in a visually pleasing manner, with a
guide slot for the opening function and a recess for engagement and
for actuation of the actuating element remaining visible.
[0023] In a further improvement of the invention it can be
desirable
[0024] for the fold-out lever to be located near the assigned
fold-out joint;
[0025] for the rocker pivot of the fold-out lever to be arranged on
one of the facade or awning elements;
[0026] for the fold-out lever to have means for drawing and/or for
locking the folding facade or folding awning arrangement with the
facade or awning elements in an extended position;
[0027] for a dual-component, linked lever assembly, comprised of
the fold-out lever and an intermediate or coupling lever, to be
provided;
[0028] for the intermediate or coupling lever to be a locking lever
comprising a locking means;
[0029] for the tension or pressure element to act on the two-part
lever assembly, especially on the fold-out means, such that first,
when the facade or awning elements are released, the drawing and/or
locking means are displaced out of the working position in which
folding out is prevented, and the fold-out movement follows;
[0030] for a drawing and/or locking of at least one of the facade
or awning elements to be provided with respect to at least one of
the guides in the locking means that effect the extended position,
and for at least one means to be provided, which will bring the
locking means out of engagement at the start of the opening
movement;
[0031] for at least one means for bringing out of engagement to be
provided on the tension or pressure element;
[0032] for the extension zone to comprise a spring assembly which
acts on the tension element;
[0033] for a free travel zone to comprise an elongated hole; for
the drive element to be provided with the at least one carrier;
[0034] for at least one carrier element to be provided at the
unattached fold-out lever end;
[0035] for the awning elements to have visible areas made of
transparent, translucent or perforated material and/or comprised of
heat-insulating panels and/or sound absorbing panels and/or
burglar-proof panels;
[0036] for at least one of the awning elements to be a solar cell
substrate or to be embodied as a solar cell or a solar cell
assembly;
[0037] for the fold-out lever to have a stop for limiting the
pivoting angle of the fold-out lever in relation to an intermediate
lever or a pivotable locking means of the linked lever
assembly;
[0038] for a pivotable intermediate lever or a pivotable locking
lever to be configured as two components with lever elements that
can pivot in relation to one another, and for the lever components
to assume an angular position relative to one another in the locked
position which serves as the arresting means;
[0039] for the drive element to be endless;
[0040] for a rotating cable/toothed belt combination or a rotating
roller chain to be provided as the drive element;
[0041] for at least one fold-out lever, which is seated on one of
the facade or awning elements, to form an articulated assembly
which is stressed in the extended position and promotes folding
out, and which in the compressed position is shortened in its
active length over a stressing element, through a carrier which
moves with the actuating means, drawing in the at least one facade
or awning element;
[0042] for a steering lever to be provided for controlling the
movement of the fold-out lever with respect to the locking lever,
which is pivoted by the drive element and independently of the
fold-out lever;
[0043] for a carrier embodied as a sliding element or rolling
apparatus, such as a movable pawl element, to be uncoupleable from
the actuating element when it reaches approximately the area of an
upper turning point, a winding point of the actuating element, or
the like;
[0044] for at least one edge of the facade or awning element that
is parallel to the guide to be provided with and/or protected by
edge protection elements, for example with at least one link
projecting outward or, preferably, inward;
[0045] for a fold-out or locking lever that is present to be
provided at least in the area of its unattached end with a bumper
for its impact against a component that is fixed to the
building;
[0046] for a pawl element to be provided on one of the facade or
awning elements, which on one hand is embodied by an opening pawl,
especially formed from the rear side of the one facade or awning
element, and on the other hand is embodied by a closing pawl, which
is especially formed with the help of a tab or some element with an
equivalent function which projects from the rear side of the one
facade or awning element, and guarantees the engagement of the
unattached end in the interior of the pawl.
[0047] The aforementioned components, described in the exemplary
embodiments and to be used according to the invention, are subject
in terms of their size, configuration, choice of materials, and
technical design to no particular exceptional conditions, so that
the criteria for selection known in the area of application can be
applied without restriction.
[0048] Additional details, characterizing features and advantages
of the invention are specified in the subordinate claims and in the
following description of the connected drawings and table, in
which--by way of example--exemplary embodiments of a horizontal
folding facade arrangement are represented.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] The drawings show
[0050] FIG. 1 a perspective view of a horizontal folding facade or
folding awning arrangement in an extended, closed position;
[0051] FIG. 2 a first exemplary embodiment of a combined release
and fold-out arrangement of a folding facade or folding awning
arrangement, corresponding to a right side view of FIG. 1;
[0052] FIG. 3A-3F a second exemplary embodiment of a combined
release and fold-out arrangement of a folding facade or folding
awning arrangement, corresponding to a right side view of FIG. 1A
as a sequence of movements for closing (FIGS. 3A-3C) and for
opening (FIGS. 3D-3F);
[0053] FIG. 4A-B a third exemplary embodiment of a folding facade
or folding awning arrangement, in which FIG. 4A shows the entire
arrangement from above and in detail and FIG. 4B shows a vertical
sectional view of the release and fold-out arrangement--section
along the line IVB-IVB according to FIG. 4A;
[0054] FIG. 5A-5E an additional embodiment of a folding facade or
folding awning arrangement and an actuating element for this, a
closing and opening sequence in the sectional representation of
FIG. 3 (FIGS. 5A through 5E) and corresponding to the sectional
representation of FIG. 4A (FIG. 5F);
[0055] FIG. 6A-6C another alternative embodiment of a folding
facade or folding awning arrangement in a view from the outside
(FIG. 6A), in a vertical sectional representation A-A according to
FIG. 6A (FIG. 6B) and in another vertical sectional representation
B-B according to FIG. 6A (FIG. 6C);
[0056] FIG. 7A-7C yet another embodiment of a folding facade or
folding awning arrangement from a side view and partially opened
(FIG. 7A) and in two working positions of the operating mechanism
in a vertical sectional representation corresponding to FIG. 3,
wherein FIG. 7B represents the situation at the start of the
locking phase and FIG. 7C represents the situation at the end of
the locking phase;
[0057] FIG. 8A/B an articulated operating mechanism for a folding
facade or folding awning arrangement in a vertical sectional
representation corresponding to FIG. 3, wherein FIG. 8A represents
an extended position and FIG. 8B represents the drawing phase, also
corresponding to the fold-out phase;
[0058] FIG. 9A-9D another operating mechanism similar to that of
FIG. 3, but with guide rails which open up laterally (and not
frontally), wherein FIG. 9A shows a plan view from the outside,
FIG. 9C shows the start of the drawing phase in a lateral vertical
section, corresponding to FIG. 3, FIG. 9B shows the extended
position at the start of the release process in a lateral vertical
section (section A-A according to FIG. 9A) and FIG. 9D shows the
operating mechanism in a horizontal section (section B-B according
to FIG. 9A);
[0059] FIG. 10 a further exemplary embodiment of an operating
mechanism in the lateral vertical section according to FIG. 3 with
a steering lever;
[0060] FIG. 11 a further operating mechanism for a folding facade
or folding awning arrangement in a lateral sectional representation
according to FIG. 3, with a single-arm lever with dual function
(locking and folding out) and
[0061] FIG. 12A-C yet another operating mechanism for a folding
facade or folding awning arrangement in a lateral sectional
representation corresponding to FIG. 3 with a double-arm lever with
dual function (locking and folding out);
[0062] FIG. 13A-J a further alternative embodiment of a folding
facade or folding awning arrangement in a side view in an opening
sequence (FIGS. 13A-E) and in a closing sequence (FIGS. 13F-J),
partially shown in detail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0063] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
the purpose of illustrating exemplary embodiments of the invention
only and not for the purpose of limiting same,
[0064] FIG. 1 shows a folding facade or folding awning arrangement,
which can be used both for the openable closing of building
openings and as an openable curtain facade. It comprises two facade
or awning elements 12A and 12B provided in pairs, which can be
inherently rigid, of which the first, in this exemplary embodiment
the uppermost, facade or awning element 12A is indirectly fastened
to a building, labeled 1, so as to be pivotable around a stationary
and in this case horizontal axis 12A'. Fastening is implemented via
elongated, rod-shaped profiled support pieces 16E, which are
equipped with guides 16A and 16B and are fastened to the building
1. The axis 12A' is seated with respect to the two guides 16A and
16B. The second facade or awning element 12B, in the case of this
exemplary embodiment the lower facade, is held at its end near its
(second) element edge 13, i.e., in this case at the lower end, in
one of the guides 16A and 16B each, and can be displaced
vertically, and thereby pivoted in the direction of the double
arrow S.sub.2 during raising. Opposite and substantially parallel
to the element edge 13B, the second facade or awning element 12B
has a (second) fold-out edge 15A, adjacent to which a (first)
fold-out edge 15A of the adjacent first facade or awning element
12A is located, which is arranged substantially parallel to the
stationary pivoting axis 12A'. Near these two fold-out edges, a
single- or multi-part fold-out joint 14A, 14B is provided, which
pivotably connects the two fold-out edges 15A, 15B with one
another, but leaves them released from the guides 16A and 16B, so
that a folding out (see double arrow A) toward the facade is
possible.
[0065] An opening and closing of this folding facade or folding
awning arrangement is effected in that, ordinarily, an elongated
drive element, such as tension element 18A, is arranged along the
guides 16A and 16B and can be actuated in a suitable manner, for
example by winding or rotating motions (FIG. 13), or by
displacement or some other linear motion. The tension element is
fastened near the unattached element edge 13, for example in the
area of guide rollers 17 arranged at the end there, which run in
the guides 16A and 16B. They are arranged in pairs and spaced
vertically on a guide carriage or sliding element (cf., FIG. 6C),
which thereby remains angularly rigid.
[0066] In this manner, the sequence of movements for opening, and
the reverse sequence of movements for closing, indicated in FIG. 1A
and completed in FIG. 1B, can be executed. The guides 16A and 16B
are located near the lateral edges of the facade or awning elements
12A and 12B. In this manner, a larger, lined facade can be
constructed, which can consist of both stationary and the movable
elements 12A and 12B illustrated here. Naturally, embodiments such
as a large gate with a door or the like can also be realized.
[0067] The facade or awning elements 12A and 12B can be very
differently constructed and can serve different purposes, for
example as burglary and/or noise protection plates, as inoperative,
transparent or translucent curtain facades with or without
perforations, in other words as climate control means. They can
also serve as heat insulating or heat-proof plates to protect
against thermal radiation during the day or against night-time heat
emission from the building 1. They can also serve as solar panels
or the like, wherein for this purpose the first facade or awning
element 12A is principally used and can be adjusted as the day
progresses based upon the angle of the sun's rays. They can also
have perforated plates, stretched screen or fabric elements, or
louvered arrangements comprised of spaced shade louvers as a
surface element, optionally with a frame.
[0068] The upper fulcrum of the upper folding element can be
positioned independently of an input shaft responsible for both
sides of the arrangement. In all the figures, however, this fulcrum
is shown inside a bracket, together with the input shaft mount.
[0069] The fulcrum positions can be completely different. In this
manner, depending upon the selection, a smaller or larger folding
angle can be achieved. Only the distance between the drive shaft
and the lower edge of the folding element 12 B (13 B) is
predetermined based upon the free travel, the height of the running
carriage, and the cable connection.
[0070] It is also possible for the drive shaft and the lateral
guide rails to be drawn higher, lying hidden behind the facade for
this reason.
[0071] In order to achieve the greatest possible depth to the fixed
structural component in the raised position for a solar panel or
for rain protection or solar protection paneling, the paneling of
the upper folding element (12 A) can project beyond the lower end
(15 A)--at most to the lower edge 13 B of the lower folding
element. The embodiment can then be configured such that, rather
than the lower facade element (12 B), only 2 perpendicular profiled
arms on the left and right are used, which are connected at the
bottom to the carriage and at the top to the upper facade element
12 A in an articulated manner.
[0072] The folding joint 14A, 14B can be configured as a continuous
profiled belt. The facade or awning elements 12A and 12B can be
free of visually disruptive attachments, because the operating
mechanism described in what follows (see Detail "A") can be housed
directly in the area of one or both side edges of the facade or
awning elements in a flat configuration, so that, maintaining a
spacing joint, additional facade lining elements or folding facade
or folding awning assemblies can be attached, without aesthetically
disruptive mechanical components.
[0073] Whereas the operating mechanism illustrated in Detail "A" of
FIG. 1A will be specified in greater detail in connection with FIG.
3, in what follows a first exemplary embodiment of an operating
mechanism will be described in reference to FIG. 2: Inside each
guide chamber 16D for the guide 16A, 16B, a guide roller 17 or
guide roller assembly, optionally configured in pairs, can be moved
near the ends of the second element edge 13B in a known manner. A
tension element 18A, embodied in the exemplary variant as a wire
cable, also extends in the guide chamber 16D and has a carrier 18C,
which can be moved upward and/or downward (double arrow H) with the
tension element 18A.
[0074] In the area of the folding joint 14A, 14B, a balanced
fold-out lever 20 is seated so as to pivot on its rocker pivot 20B
on at least one side edge of the first facade or awning element 12A
near the first fold-out edge 15A and (in the extended position of
the facade and awning elements shown in FIG. 2) is tilted downward.
Its unattached end 20A is held in contact with the rear wall (16D')
of the guide chamber 16D of the guide 16A by means of a
counterweight, or alternatively a spring assembly. The unattached
end of the fold-out lever 20, which is flat in structure, extends
through the conventional guide slot 17A (in this case on the front
side), through which the guide roller 17 is also tied to the facade
or awning element 12A, 12B.
[0075] The function of the fold-out lever 20 is as follows: When
the carrier 18C in the represented case comes into contact with the
guide 16D from below on the fold-out lever 20 and continues to move
in the opening direction, in this case upward, the unattached lever
end 20A is pushed along the rear wall 16D' of the guide 16D,
pivoting the fold-out lever 20 upward, thereby increasing the
distance from the fold-out edge 15A that pivots around the axis
12A'. Only after this initial fold-out or drawing-out process has
been implemented does the upward tensile action of the lower end of
the tension element 18A on the unattached element edge 13 begin.
Because of the initial folding out process which has already been
executed, the folding out process can now continue without
friction, opening the folding facade or folding awning arrangement
toward the fully opened state shown in FIG. 1B. So that the tension
element 18A will be held sufficiently taut even during the initial
folding-out motion, as the fold-out lever 20 pivots upward, an
extension zone 22 of the tension element 18A, not illustrated in
detail in the drawing is provided, which can be embodied, for
example, as a spring or weight assembly. This extension zone holds
the tension element 18A under tension in a flexible (spring) or
inflexible (weight) manner. Because of the low amount of force
required to move the fold-out lever, a slack cable section of the
tension element can be prevented by holding the cable taut during
the initial fold-out phase, and can reach full tensile stress for
raising the second element edge 13B at the end of the initial
fold-out path.
[0076] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, a locking device is
also provided, which secures the facade or awning elements against
transverse movement in the area of the folding joint 14A, 14B in
the illustrated extended position. In this, a locking lever 24A,
which is pivotably attached to the first facade or awning element
12A near the folding joint, and a locking stop 24B, which is
stationary attached to the guide 16A, serve as the locking means. A
lever surface 24A', which also serves as the sliding surface for
locking with the locking stop 24B, also serves as the stop for the
carrier 18C for opening. During an opening movement, the carrier
18C first comes in contact with this lever surface 24A, raising the
locking lever 24A out of the locking position. Only then does the
carrier 18C come into contact with the fold-out lever 20, in order
to initiate the fold-out process described further above. However,
a locking of this type can also be used as such without the
fold-out lever.
[0077] The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1A will be specified in
greater detail in what follows, within the context of the sequence
of movements of FIG. 3A through 3F: In contrast to the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 2, in this exemplary embodiment the (also
balanced) fold-out lever 20 is pivotably attached with its rocking
pivot 20B near the unattached end of a locking means, and with the
locking lever 24A, which serves as an intermediate lever, forms a
two-component lever assembly, such that first the intermediate
lever is brought to the release position in the opening movement,
before the advancing carrier 18C initiates the fold-out motion, as
was already essentially described in connection with FIG. 2. The
fold-out sequence of FIGS. 3D through 3F shows the still locked
extended position FIG. 3D, the already released, dead-center
position of the fold-out lever 20, assumed for the first folding
out (FIG. 3E), and a definite folded out position, in which the
unattached element edge 13 is already raised a certain amount. The
closure sequence according to FIGS. 3A through 3C illustrates how,
in the closing movement to the extended position of the facade or
awning elements 12A and 12B, the lever surface 24A' serves as the
gliding surface to the locking stop 24B. After snapping into the
locked position (FIG. 3B), the carrier 18C moves downward past the
curved outer surface of the output lever 24, until it reaches a
position below the unattached end area 20A of the output lever 20
(FIG. 3C). With this, the closing process is completed and the
carrier 20C is in a position below the fold-out lever 20, so that
when it is raised again, it reaches a position below the fold-out
lever 20 and the locking means linked with it.
[0078] The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 4A/B differs
from the preceding essentially in that a flat belt with a
sufficiently rough surface is used as the pressure-resistant
tension element 18A, so that an independent carrier is not needed
to carry the unattached end 20A of the fold-out lever 20 along
during the opening motion. A stop 20C ensures a limit to the
pivoting of the fold-out lever 20, which is equipped with a
counterweight 20D. During the closing process, the tension element
18B moves downward without difficulty (with the unattached end 20A
of the fold-out lever 20 resting against it).
[0079] The compact internal structure of the guide 16A is
discernible from the Detail "A" of FIG. 4A, in which the drive
element 18, the guide rollers 17 for the second facade or awning
element, and the part of the fold-out lever 20 that projects into
the guide chamber 16D is housed. In addition, an edge protection
element 12C is provided on one of the side edges of the facade or
awning elements 12A/12B with a land that faces toward the guide,
which can be provided on the guide as an alternative or as a
supplement (land 12C').
[0080] The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5A through 5F differs from
the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A-3F in that an unbalanced
fold-out lever 20 is used, and in that this fold-out lever has a
pawl element 20E. In this exemplary embodiment, the fold-out lever
20 can be placed in an extended position (FIG. 5A) under spring
tension relative to the locking lever 24A, and the locking means is
placed, under spring tension, in an initial position, tilted
slightly upward (FIG. 5A). As is apparent from FIG. 5A, during the
closing process the carrier 18C enters the pawl element 20E and
pivots downward as the fold-out lever 20 continues to move
downward, wherein a contact surface 20F of the fold-out lever 20''
near its rocking pivot 20B advances or enables the drawing of the
fold-out joint 14A, 14B into the extended and locked position (FIG.
5B). Once the locking process is completed, in other words when the
locking means 24A is engaged in the locking stop (FIG. 5C), the
carrier 18C can also move back out of the pawl element 20E
(downward) if necessary, however this is not absolutely necessary
for continued functioning, as is apparent from the carrier position
in FIG. 5D. Starting from this position (FIG. 5D), the carrier
effects an upward pivoting of the locking lever 24A as the drive
element 18 is raised to the opening pawl 20E situated opposite the
closing pawl 20E', while the opening pawl 20E' is still sliding
against the rear wall of the guide chamber 16D, thereby still
preventing an upward pivoting of the fold-out lever 20 in this
phase. Only when the locking means 24A is unattached in front of
the locking stop 24B can the fold-out lever 20 pivot upward under
the tension of the carrier 18C, thereby effecting the desired
increase in the distance between the rocking pivot 20B of the
fold-out lever and the guide (FIG. 5E). As the raising of the
carrier 18C continues, the carrier is again released from the pawl
element 20E and the facade or awning elements 12A, 12B can be moved
further into the open position as folding out continues.
[0081] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6A through 6C, a pawl
element 20E which functions in a manner comparable to FIG. 5 is
provided, wherein, in contrast to FIG. 5, the fold-out lever is
balanced with a counterweight (cf., FIG. 4) and has a stop 20C,
which prevents further pivoting of the fold-out lever 20 in
relation to the locking lever 24A when said fold-out lever is
resting on the locking lever. This exemplary embodiment further
shows a sliding element 17B in the form of a carriage equipped with
two rollers spaced from one another in guide directions, the side
arm 17B' of which engages through the slot 17A in the guide and
forms a pivoting axis 12B' with the second facade or awning element
12B near its unattached element edge 13. In this manner, a smooth
and vibration-free opening and closing movement is ensured, even
with greater horizontal distances between the guide and the second
facade or awning element. A wedge-shaped elongated hole 17C which
expands toward the top creates a free travel zone during the
opening and closing movement, so that locking and release can take
place without transverse movement of the folding joint. The wedge
shape of the elongated hole minimizes the risk of vibration with a
fully locked folding joint. Also discernible from this exemplary
embodiment is that the profiled support 16E of the guides 16A, 16B
can also extend to the side, outside of the facade or awning
elements 12A, 12B, in other words it can visually encompass these
to the side, forming a uniform front with their exterior surface.
In this manner, static and aesthetic aspects of a facade configured
according to the invention can be taken into account. FIG. 6 (along
with FIG. 12) also shows that the drive element 18 can also be
advantageously rotated on at least one of the guides 16A, 16B
(turning rollers 18D, 18E), especially rotating continuously,
allowing the carrier(s) 18C to be moved very precisely but simply
in both directions.
[0082] The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7A-7C also has a pawl
element (20E) at the unattached end of the fold-out lever 20. In
contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiment, the locking lever
24A is configured in two parts and consists of the linked lever
elements 24', 24'', which are pivotably connected to one another.
In this embodiment, relatively large fold-out paths (also referred
to as "folding paths") can be realized, as is apparent from the
side view shown in FIG. 7B. At the same time, the additional lever
element 24'' can already be situated in an earlier closure stage on
the locking stop 24B, and can actively support drawing the folding
joint 14A, 14B toward the guide, i.e., assuming the extended
position. The relative pivoting of the two lever elements 24', 24''
that this entails causes these two elements to form an
approximately hook-shaped element which engages behind the locking
stop 24B at the end of the closing movement (FIG. 7C).
[0083] The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8A/B shows a fold-out lever
in the form of an articulated assembly, in which a spring assembly
201 in the form of a tension spring moves past an extended position
of the articulated assembly (FIG. 8B) when no counterforce is being
applied. A counterforce is created by a tension arrangement (FIG.
8B) acting transversally to the spring assembly, which in the
illustrated exemplary embodiment can consist of a flexible tension
element, such as a cable, with a hook 20H' at its end, and is
arranged such that the tension cable can lie around a stationary
locking stop 24B. Starting from the opened position (FIG. 8B) it is
apparent that the carrier 18C of the drive element 18 can engage
the hook 20H', and carries it along, so that the articulated
assembly 20G is compressed against the tensile force of the spring
assembly 201, thereby drawing the facade or awning elements 12A,
12B to the extended position, wherein the articulated assembly, as
is illustrated, can be supported against the locking stop 24B, for
example (FIG. 8A). In this manner, locking in the extended position
is ensured, and vibrations are held within very narrow limits due
to the flexible pre-stressing of the spring. Nevertheless, impact
stresses can be absorbed in order to protect the assembly. For
opening, the carrier 18C is raised and folding out can begin
without delay, supported by the articulated assembly 20G.
[0084] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9A through 9D, the
difference from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 consists, for
one, in that the fold-out lever is not balanced and that the guide
slot 17A of the guides 16A and 16B points toward the side and
therefore disrupts the front view less when the facade is opened.
The carrier 18C must then (as shown) be moved out of the guide
chamber or--depending upon the configuration of the fold-out
lever--inserted into it from the side, or a window in the front
area of the guide must ensure an engagement of the fold-out lever
in the guide chamber in the corresponding zone. The sliding or
rolling surface 16D' located to the side of the guide is equipped
with a bumper 20A' (as with FIG. 10) or is configured as such, at
least in the necessary elongated area, so as to muffle noises
and/or to soften impacts.
[0085] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, a linking lever 25
is pivotably attached at one end to the first facade or awning
element 12A, spaced from the rocking pivot 24C of the locking lever
24. At its second end, the linking lever is pivotably attached to
the fold-out lever 20, thereby creating a four-point linking
assembly, which allows control of the movement of the fold-out
lever 22 based upon the pivoting movement of the locking lever 24.
In this exemplary embodiment, the locking stop 24B can also be
shifted to an area of the guide 16A/B or the associated profiled
support 16E. To enable the carrier 18C to move past the locking
lever 24 as it moves downward, a tilting lever 26 is provided,
which allows the carrier to pass downward, and makes it possible
for the carrier to carry along the locking lever 24 as it moves
upward. In addition, the tilting lever 26 is balanced or held under
elastic pretension.
[0086] The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11 shows a lateral
sectional representation of an operating arrangement for a folding
facade or folding awning arrangement corresponding to FIG. 3, with
a single-arm lever 24, 20 with a dual function (locking and folding
out) and a sliding or rolling surface 16D', embodied as a sliding
plane--oriented at an angle in relation to the guide 16A--on which
the unattached end 20A of the combined locking/fold-out lever is
supported, shifting in fold-out direction A as the carrier 180
continues to raise it, as shown in FIG. 11.
[0087] FIG. 12A through 12C show an operating mechanism for a
folding facade or folding awning arrangement with a two-arm lever
with dual functions (locking and folding out) as a sequence of
motions. Contrary to the preceding examples, a rocking pivot holder
27 arranged fixed to the building supports the rocking pivot 24C,
20B of the fold-out and locking lever 20, 24, one end of which, as
a pawl element 20E, cooperates in the manner already described
above with a carrier 18C which projects laterally out of the slot
17A of the guide 16A. The part of the two-arm lever disposed on the
other side of the rocker pivot 24C, 20B serves at its unattached
end 20A both for drawing in (cf., FIG. 12A/B) the facade or awning
elements 12A, 12B and for folding (cf., FIG. 12B/C) out of the
extended position, as indicated by arrows R and F in FIG. 12B. This
is carried out in cooperation with a pawl element 24D'', provided
on one of the facade or awning elements 12A, 12B, with an opening
pawl 24D' formed from the rear side of the one facade or awning
element, and with the help of a tab or some element with equivalent
action, acting as a closing pawl 24D'', which projects from the
rear side of the one facade or awning element, and which allows the
engagement of the unattached end 20A, embodied as a roller, into
the interior of the pawl. The unattached tab end can be embodied as
flexible, thereby effecting a smooth drawing in (FIG. 12B) and a
cushioning at the end of the closure path by a flexible abutting
piece fixed to the building. This exemplary embodiment also shows
an endlessly rotating drive element 18, 18A, 18B, which, in
contrast to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, is advantageously
embodied with laterally oriented slots 17A and as a box-shaped,
closed, and fully integrated support and guide element.
[0088] FIGS. 13A and 13J show a further embodiment of the
invention, according to which--in contrast to the preceding
exemplary embodiments--a carrier element 20', such as a bolt,
projects transversely at the unattached end of the fold-out lever
20 and the carrier 18C is configured as a pawl with upper and lower
stops 18C', 18C'', of which one or the other cooperates with the
carrier element 20'. The drive element 18 is a combination of a
tension element 18A' in the form of a cable or wire or some other
material and a tension element 18A'' in the form of a toothed belt,
said combination traveling around upper and lower turning elements
(turning rollers 18D, 18E), and passing at the upper turning point
around a motor-driven turning roller 18E, embodied as a toothed
pulley, which is actuable on both sides. The cable component is
guided around the lower turning roller 18D and has upper and lower
stops 19A, 19B near its coupling element 18F with the toothed belt.
Between these stops, the cable component is guided with sufficient
radial play through an elongated channel 21A in a rollable slot 21,
which has upper and lower counter stops. This results in a free
travel arrangement for releasing and folding out, and vice
versa--as will be specified further below. The height of the
carriage 21 can be adjusted via rolling on its guide rollers 17 in
the guide 16A or 16B, and the carriage is seated so as to be
pivotable in relation to the lower facade or awning element 12B
near its lower element edge 13B. The fold-out lever 20 is
non-rotatably connected to a shaft 20K, which is laterally offset
from the fold-out lever and non-rotatably supports a locking lever
24, which is crescent-shaped, for example, so that the two levers
can be pivoted only together by means of the shaft 20K, and point
in approximately the same direction. A spring, which is not
discernible here, forces this lever assembly against a stop, such
that the fold-out lever 20 in the stop position is spaced at
approximately a right angle from the facade or awning element (12A)
to which it is pivotably allocated (see FIGS. 13D and 13F and 13G).
A locking stop 24B is fastened in a height-adjustable fashion to
the guide 16A or 16B, and the locking lever 24 is able to engage
behind it. Alternatively, only the fold-out lever is able to pivot
in relation to the intermediate or coupling lever 23 and the
locking lever, if applicable, against the force of a restoring
spring; in this, the locking lever can therefore be rigidly
fastened to the intermediate or coupling lever 23 or embodied to
form a single component with it.
[0089] The operating sequence for opening is then such that in the
closed and locked position (FIG. 13A) the toothed belt 18A'' pulls
the carrier element 20' of the fold-out lever downward as far as
possible, via the optionally height-adjustable carrier 18C that is
connected to said belt, and the cable component is placed with its
upper stop in contact with the corresponding counter-stop of the
carriage 21. With the initial upward movement of the toothed belt,
the carrier 18C first moves from the bottom with its lower stop
against the carrier element 20', and then pushes the still
relatively steep fold-out lever 20, and thereby also the locking
lever 24, upward slightly, causing the locking lever 24 to
disengage from the locking position with the locking stop 24B (FIG.
13B). This occurs when the drive element 18 is in the free travel
phase, as is discernible at the lower end of the drawing.
[0090] In order to generate favorable locking forces with the least
possible friction and to give the fold-out lever 20 a more
favorable inclined position (transverse component) for folding out
early in the process, the shared, flexible shaft 20K of the
fold-out/locking lever assembly is attached to an intermediate or
coupling lever 23, the other end of which is rotatably held and
mounted on the one facade or awning element. It is locking position
extended transversely to the facade element and lies with its end
surface on the guide 16A/B, separated by a bumper 28. In the
folded-out positions, the intermediate lever is arranged pivoted 90
degrees, for example, in contact with the facade element and
approximately parallel thereto. Other pivoting levers are also
possible and can also be dependent upon the active angle of the
drawing and locking levers.
[0091] As the carrier 18C continues to rise, the fold-out lever 20
reaches the position shown in FIG. 13C, in which the lower end of
the free travel path of the cable component is also reached. As the
cable component continues to rise, it raises the carriage 21 via
its lower carrier 19B. This results in further folding out, and the
unattached end of the fold-out lever 20 is then released from the
carrier 18C. The spring on the shaft 20K of the fold-out lever 20
can then pivot it upward as far as possible, so that the stop
element 20' continues to rise slightly and can then separate
laterally from the carrier 180 (FIG. 13D). As the drive element 18
continues to rise, the arrangement moves into the maximum opening
position shown in FIG. 13E.
[0092] During closure from this opening position, the folding
facade arrangement is lowered by the force of gravity when the
carrier 18C is lowered. When the fold-out lever 20, which projects
at approximately a right angle, reaches the carrier 18C, it thus
arrives at a position in which its carrier element 20' is between
the upper and lower stops 18C', 18C'' (FIG. 13G). As the carrier
18C is further lowered (FIG. 13H), the free travel arrangement
again becomes active and pivots the carrier of the fold-out/locking
lever arrangement downward. The locking lever thereby reaches a
point behind the stationary locking stop 24B and supports the
drawing in of the facade element to the guide, despite a still
relatively large fold-in angle, until the unlocked, extended
position of the facade arrangement shown in FIG. 13I is reached. In
this position, the free travel path of the drive element 18 has not
yet been fully traveled. Further downward travel of the carrier 18C
forces the locking lever 24 into its safe locked position (FIG.
13J). It has been found that opening after locking is also possible
without the movable intermediate or coupling lever (23) if the
fold-out lever, the bumper (28) and/or the locking pin are/is
flexible in configuration. Under certain circumstances, a rubber
bushing on the locking pin or a flexible bushing on the shared
shaft pin (20K) is sufficient. A flexible locking lever (24) is
also possible. Without flexible locking pins or pins, the
intermediate or coupling lever (23) must pivot during opening high
enough for the locking lever (24) to be forced out of a clamped
position. This currently corresponds to a pivoting range for the
intermediate lever of approximately 30.degree..
[0093] The invention has been specified in detail in reference to a
number of exemplary embodiments, however it is in no way limited by
these and can be implemented in a plurality of additional
forms.
[0094] It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed
and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be
desirably combined into many other different systems or
applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or
unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or
improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in
the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following
claims.
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