Motorized awning installation and method of controlling such an installation

Abstract

This motorized awning installation (I) comprises a winding tube ( 1 ) containing an actuator ( 6 ) for turning this tube, and a load bar ( 5 ) supported by hinged arms ( 4 ). An awning fabric ( 3 ) is attached to the load bar ( 5 ) and is capable of being selectively wound up onto the winding tube ( 1 ). Means ( 11 ) are provided for locking at least one hinged arm ( 4 ) in several positions corresponding to total or partial extension of the awning. This makes it possible to lock the arms ( 4 ) in the extended configuration and to tension the fabric when stopping the awning.

1 . A motorized awning installation comprising a winding tube containing an actuator for turning this tube, and a load bar supported by hinged arms, an awning fabric being attached to the load bar and being capable of being selectively wound up onto the winding tube, wherein said installation comprises means for locking at least one hinged arm in several positions corresponding to total or partial extension of the awning.  
   
   
       2 . The installation as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the locking means are electromechanical.  
   
   
       3 . The installation as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the locking means comprise a locking member capable of engaging with a component which moves relative to the arm as a function of its extension, this member being subjected to the action of an electromagnet activatable as a function of the operation of a winding-tube driving actuator.  
   
   
       4 . The installation as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the locking means are activatable by the tension of the fabric.  
   
   
       5 . The installation as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein it comprises a solar panel supplying electricity to a winding-tube driving actuator.  
   
   
       6 . The installation as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein it comprises a control unit capable of actuating the locking means and controlling the winding-tube drive means.  
   
   
       7 . A method of controlling a motorized awning installation comprising a winding tube and a load bar supported by hinged arms, an awning fabric being attached to the load bar and being able to be selectively wound up onto the winding tube, wherein said method comprises, after stopping a movement of extension or retraction of the awning in a fully or partially extended position, the following stages: 
 a) locking at least one of the arms in the stopped position, and    b) tensioning the fabric by a complementary winding up of the fabric onto the tube.    
   
   
       8 . The method as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein, in stage b), the complementary winding up of the fabric is performed through a predetermined angle of rotation.  
   
   
       9 . The method as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein, in stage b), the complementary winding up of the fabric is performed until a predetermined fabric tension is obtained.  
   
   
       10 . The method as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein, in stage b), the complementary winding up of the fabric is performed for a predetermined period.  
   
   
       11 . The method as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the fabric tension obtained in stage b) is used to lock the arm in stage a).