AUTOMATIC BLOCKING SYSTEM FOR RETRACTABLE SCREENS

Abstract

 A locking device (100) for blocking a retractable screen (600) comprises:
- a fixed portion (102), and a movable portion (103) connected to a pin (101), the movable portion being movable with respect to the fixed portion,
- an engaging mechanism for providing engagement between the fixed portion (102) and the movable portion (103), the engaging mechanism allowing a first configuration of the movable portion relative to the fixed portion wherein the pin (101) is extended for blocking the screen (600), and a second configuration of the movable portion relative to the fixed portion wherein pin (101) is retracted for unblocking the screen (600),
- a cycling mechanism including a force member configured to provide a force between the movable portion (103) and the fixed portion (102) in a predetermined direction, the cycling mechanism adapted to provide a transition of the movable portion from the first configuration to the second configuration by moving the movable portion with respect to the fixed portion in a direction against the force and then releasing it, and from the second configuration to the first configuration by moving the movable portion in the same direction and releasing it.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of retractable, for example windable, screens, more particularly to blocking devices for such retractable screens. More specifically it relates to automatic mechanical blocking devices for blocking retractable screens such as panels, vertical closures, curtains and the like, and to retractable screens including such blocking devices.

Background of the invention

[0002] Retractable screen installations are a common accessory of buildings and housing, such as awnings, canopies, sunscreens, curtains, sun sails, etc. A retractable screen installation may also provide an enclosed space, for example a tent, a gazebo, etc. Creating portable or non-permanent enclosures or spaces using retractable screens or panels is a very popular option, which makes the retractable solutions very attractive for outdoor use. Other solutions may include retractable screens for protecting solar panels from rain or dust, or for efficiently blocking or reducing sunlight exposure through a window. In other words, it is preferred to block the sunlight in order to prevent it from entering the building, so that it does not heat up the curtain or a panel within the building, which would then cause thermal dissipation to the air inside the building.

[0003] The screen may be manufactured from flexible material, such as for instance fabric (e.g. textiles) or plastics material, and it may allow or block light. The screen may be transparent, partially transparent, or opaque to visible light. Particular types of screens, when closed, may block wind and rain. Usually the materials used for these screens are light weight, which presents few inconveniences for outdoor use.

[0004] For example, wind may lift and/or bend the screen, thus interrupting the primary function of the screen. In some cases, the screen may become deformed, or may even tear or break. This problem is alleviated by including fixed runners which hold the screen in place at the side thereof. However, the runners are often insufficient, as the screen may be forced out of the runners by heavy gusts of wind.

[0005] A typical solution for outdoor curtains and panels is substituting the flexible screen by panels of heavy material, such as blinds or aluminum strips, or even non-movable walls. These are usually opaque, if made of metal there may be expansion and dilatations when exposed to sunlight and heat, which may result in mechanical issues, and in some cases they are more cumbersome to install. A different solution is providing a flexible panel, usually with runners for holding its sides, and a weighting bar for tensioning the panel.

Summary of the invention

[0006] It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a locking device for blocking a retractable screen, a blocking system for a retractable screen and a retractable screen system including the blocking system, which provides effective blocking of the screen and resistance against wind, and is easy to handle.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a locking device for blocking a retractable screen. The locking device comprises a fixed portion, and a movable portion connected to a pin, the movable portion being movable with respect to the fixed portion; and an engaging mechanism for providing engagement between the fixed portion and the movable portion, the engaging mechanism allowing a first configuration of the movable portion relative to the fixed portion wherein the pin is extended for blocking the screen, and a second configuration of the movable portion relative to the fixed portion wherein the pin is retracted for unblocking the screen. The locking device further comprises a cycling mechanism including a force member configured to provide a force between the movable portion and the fixed portion in a predetermined direction. Hereto, the cycling mechanism is adapted to provide a transition of the movable portion from the first configuration to the second configuration by moving the movable portion with respect to the fixed portion in a direction against the force and then releasing it, and from the second configuration to the first configuration by moving the movable portion in the same direction and releasing it.

[0008] It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the locking action is provided by the same relative motion of two portions of the mechanism, allowing locking the pin in a retracted position and extending the pin, or vice versa, by the same motion.

[0009] In the locking device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the cycling mechanism may be adapted to provide a cyclic sequential transition between the first and second configuration upon sequential pushing in and releasing of the pin.

[0010] It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a self-locking device can be provided, by using the pin itself to set its position.

[0011] In the locking device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the movable portion may be a slidable element, and the fixed portion may be a sleeve for housing the slidable element. In such embodiment, the engaging mechanism may comprise a resilient tab in one of the portions and a shaped hole in the other of the portions for releasably engaging the resilient tab. The shaped hole may then further comprise a first portion for allowing the resilient tab in a first axial position, for providing the first configuration of the pin, where the pin is extended, and a second portion for fixing the resilient tab at a second axial position different from the first axial position, for holding the pin in the second configuration, where the pin is retracted. The cycling mechanism then comprises a slot comprised in the shaped hole, for allowing the resilient tab to slide from the first portion to the second portion upon pushing in the pin while in the first configuration; and an edge of the shaped hole, for releasing and disengaging the resilient tab outside the shaped hole upon pushing in the pin while in the second configuration, and for allowing transitioning the tab to the first portion upon release.

[0012] It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the locking action is provided in a compact way by sliding the movable portion (slidable element) relative to the fixed portion. It is a further advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the engaging and cycling mechanism are provided by a resilient tab on the slidable element and the shaped hole and slot on the sleeve, which is easy to provide, e.g. by molding or stamping.

[0013] The locking device of embodiments of the present invention may further comprise a manual control for manually setting the pin in the first or in the second configuration. This way, the locking can be activated or deactivated manually, for example for maintenance, or for locking the position of the screen in any of a plurality of predetermined positions.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a blocking system for a retractable screen. The blocking system comprises a locking device in accordance with any one of the embodiments of the first aspect; and a contact body including a contact portion for providing contact and pushing to the pin, and a recess for receiving the pin and blocking the movement of the movable holder in at least one direction. The locking device and the contact portion are arranged to provide pushing and release of the extended pin, respectively of the retracted pin, to allow retracting the pin, respectively to allow extending the pin when the pin is released.

[0015] It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a screen can be securely and tightly fixed in position, for example in closed position, thus for instance reducing the chance of damage by wind.

[0016] The blocking system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may further comprise a protrusion defining the recess between said protrusion and the contact portion. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the pin only needs to contact the contact portion of the blocking system and the protrusion, thus reducing friction and stress on both the pin and the frame.

[0017] In the blocking system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the contact portion may comprise a surface with a straight slope. Such contact portion is advantageously easy to manufacture.

[0018] In the blocking system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the pin may comprise a sloped surface with a slope corresponding to the slope of the contact portion, for providing a contact area for sliding the pin over the contact portion, the contact area being common to the pin and the surface of the contact portion. It is an advantage of such embodiments that the pin can slide easily into the recess without setting pressure therein.

[0019] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a retractable screen system comprising a screen, a frame for sliding the screen and a movable holder for holding the screen and providing sliding thereof over the frame. The screen system includes the blocking system of any one of the embodiments of the second aspect.

[0020] It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a screen can be provided with an effective blockage and fixture against wind.

[0021] In the retractable screen system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the frame may comprise the contact body and the recess of the blocking system, and the movable holder may comprise the locking device; or the frame may comprise the locking device, and the movable holder may comprise the contact body and the recess of the blocking system.

[0022] It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the system is provided in a compact frame with only a contact portion, with no extra movable pieces, allowing fast assembly and substitution of the locking device with no need to completely disassemble the frame.

[0023] The retractable screen system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may further comprise a motor for driving deployment of the screen in a first direction or retraction of the screen in a second direction. This means that the winding and unwinding of the screen can be done by the motor.

[0024] The retractable screen system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may further comprise at least one detector for detecting the limit of movement of the screen and the blocking thereof, and a controller programmed to change the direction of the motor when the limit of unwinding is detected or when a large resistance to the movement is detected upon starting the movement, and to stop the motor if a large resistance to the movement is detected during movement. This way, the winding and unwinding of the screen can be automated.

[0025] In the retractable screen system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the at least one detector may be a torque sensor. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that only a single sensor is required for providing automatized locking and unlocking of the screen.

[0026] Particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims and with features of other dependent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.

[0027] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

Brief description of the drawings

[0028] 

FIG 1 illustrates a locking device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 2 illustrates a locking device transitioning from a first configuration with the pin extended to a second configuration with the pin retracted in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 3 illustrates a locking device transitioning from a second configuration with the pin retracted to a first configuration with the pin extended in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 4 illustrates a blocking system for a retractable screen, including a locking device in a tensioning bar and a recess for engaging the pin of the locking device in an upright frame, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 5 and FIG 6 illustrate the retractable screen system and its functioning when the pin is retracted and the screen is rolled down, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 7 and FIG 8 illustrate the retractable screen system and its functioning when the pin is retracted and the screen in rolled down, showing the first steps of the cycling between the second retracted configuration and the first extended configuration, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 9 and FIG 10 illustrate the retractable screen system and its functioning when the pin is fully pushed in and the screen in rolled down to the limit, showing the automatic change of winding direction when the limit is detected, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 11 and FIG 12 illustrate the retractable screen system and its functioning when the pin is released and moves to the first configuration where the pin is extended, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 13 and FIG 14 illustrate the retractable screen system locked and blocked securely against wind, where the pin is extended and engaging a recess and the movement of the screen is blocked until reception of an instruction from a manual or remote control, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 15 and FIG 16 illustrate the retractable screen system and its functioning when the screen is instructed to move, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 17 and FIG 18 illustrate the retractable screen system and its functioning where the pin starts transitioning between the first configuration (extended pin) to the second configuration, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 19 and FIG 20 illustrate the retractable screen system and its functioning when the pin is fully pushed in and the screen is rolled down to the limit, showing the automatic change of winding direction when the limit is detected, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 21 and FIG 22 illustrate the retractable screen system and its functioning when the pin is released while in the second configuration, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG 23 and FIG 24 illustrate the retractable screen system and its functioning when the pin is released while in the second configuration, where the pin is retracted and not engaging the recess, thus allowing winding the screen in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] The drawings are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes.

[0030] Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0031] In the different drawings, the same reference signs refer to the same or analogous elements.

Detailed description of illustrative embodiments

[0032] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0033] The terms first, second and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0034] Moreover, the terms top, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

[0035] It is to be noticed that the term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. The term "comprising" therefore covers the situation where only the stated features are present and the situation where these features and one or more other features are present. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be interpreted as being limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0036] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0037] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0038] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0039] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0040] The present invention relates to closure and blocking of retractable panels or screens, which advantageously provides high resistance against wind while still allowing flexible, lightweight materials to be used, such as polymer, glass fiber, glass cloth, textiles and the like. The blocking can be automatic and safe. For example, the present invention can provide automatic blocking when the screen is completely deployed (closed), and it can provide automatic release when requested to retract (open). The system is compact, and the required elements can be fitted in a small volume, for example in a thin frame and/or in a tensioning bar of the screen, which holds the screen and provides tension to the material of the screen.

[0041] The locking device includes a pin which can be extended and retracted cyclically upon moving a movable portion with respect to a fixed portion of the mechanism. This can be done upon exerting pressure on the pin itself (pushing in). The pin can be blocked, so the movement of the screen is blocked in one direction, for example, the winding direction. Thus the screen cannot be "rolled up" when blocked.

[0042] In some embodiments, at least a small amount of movement is allowed in the opposite direction (e.g. unwinding direction), for allowing the pin to contact a contact body situated at a predetermined position, providing the pressure on the pin, thus making it retract or extend.

[0043] The system can be highly automated, without the need of complex programming of controllers or self-learning algorithms. The system may be compatible with manual control, for example manual blocking of the screen at a predetermined position.

[0044] Although in some embodiments of the present invention reference is made to "winding" and "unwinding" of "windable screens", the present invention is not limited by the actual mechanism of retraction, as the present invention can be applied to any type of deployment and retraction of retractable screens, whether the screens are actually wound or folded, and regardless of the type of screen, whether it is a textile screen or a screen formed by rigid stripes of material connected to each other.

[0045] Moreover, although the invention is mainly applicable to vertical windable screens, it can be applied to awnings, canopies, protection of solar panels, and any other (not necessarily vertical) use where blockage of a screen is desired.

[0046] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a locking device for blocking a screen, for example for fixing the position of a screen. The locking device includes a retractable pin which can be extended in a first position, in order to block the screen. The pin can also be retracted in a second position.

[0047] The locking device comprises two parts, a movable part (connected to the pin) and a fixed part, which can engage the movable part. It is noted that the fixed part is fixed with respect to the housing including the mechanism, for example it may be fixed to a tensioning bar which may move when the screen is being deployed or retracted, but the fixed part does not move with respect to the tensioning bar.

[0048] In order to provide a transition from the first to the second position, the movable part can be moved in one direction with respect to the fixed portion. The pin is retracted.

[0049] In order to provide a transition from the second to the first position, the movable part again can be moved in one and the same direction with respect to the fixed portion, and the pin extends.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, for providing the transition from the first to the second configuration, the pin can be pushed in, and the pin is then held in the second position, even after the act of pushing stopped. Furthermore, for providing the transition from the second to the first configuration, the pin can be pushed in again, even when the pin was already retracted. The pin transitions from a retracted position to an extended position when the pushing action stops and the pin is released.

[0051] FIG 1 shows a locking device 100 . The locking device 100 includes a retractable pin 101. A sleeve acting as the fixed portion 102 serves as a housing for the slidable, elongated element being the movable portion 103 (e.g. a bar, or a cylinder or the like), of which only small portions are shown in the figure. The locking device 100 includes an engaging mechanism 104 for engaging the slidable, elongated element (movable portion 103) and the sleeve (fixed portion 102), comprising a shaped hole 105 in the sleeve and a resilient tab 106 protruding from the movable portion 103.

[0052] The resilient tab 106 may include a clip, an elastic arm, a torsional spring, etc. The shaped hole 105 includes a first region or portion 107, and a second region or portion 108. The resilient tab 106 can rest and/or be held at any of these first or second regions. These portions 107, 108 may be separated by a distance D along the axis X of the slidable element.

[0053] In the first configuration, the pin 101 is extended and the tab 106 rests in the first portion 107 of the shaped hole 105.

[0054] In the second configuration, the pin 101 is retracted, and its movable portion 103 is being held by the tab 106 which is "trapped" in the second portion 108. It is to be noted that the pin 101 may be held in that position by the tab 106 and by an external force keeping the tab against the borders of the shaped hole 105, for example a spring member or the like between the sleeve and the elongated body, for example a spring (not shown) at the side of the sleeve opposite to the pin.

[0055] The locking device may provide sequential transitions from the first to the second configurations, and from the second to the first, in both cases by providing the same movement and release of the movable portion 103 (elongated element) with respect to the fixed portion 102 (sleeve), and more in particular by pushing in (and releasing) the retractable pin 101.

[0056] FIG 2 shows a transition from the first, extended, configuration, to the second, retracted, configuration. The top drawing 201 shows the extended pin 101 and the tab 106 resting in the first portion 107 of the shaped hole 105.

[0057] The middle drawing 202 shows the pin during full pushing in. The pin 101 travelled a distance S (see middle part of FIG 2, but also FIG 1), and the resilient tab 106 travelled back through a slot 109 of the shaped hole 105. The pushing action surpassed a transitional threshold and the tab 106 is at the end of the slot 109, so cycling of to the second configuration can be provided in the last step of the FIG 2.

[0058] More specifically, when the pushing action is released, the pin 101 starts extending again, biased by the spring member in the fixed portion 102 (sleeve), but the resilient tab 106, due to its resilience, pushes against the border of the shaped hole 105 and becomes "trapped" in the second portion 108 of the shaped hole 105, as shown in the bottom drawing 203. This stops the extension of the pin 101, which remains retracted at a distance with respect to the fully extended pin, the distance being the distance between the positions at which the tab 106 can rest in the first and second configuration, or roughly the same as the distance D between the first and second portions 107, 108. It is to be noted that the tab 106 may push against the border of the shaped hole 105 due to a clip attached to the tab, or by a torsional elastic force over the tab or the whole elongated body, etc. For example, in the bottom drawing 203, an elastic arm 111 fixed to the slidable body is shown as part of the movable portion, within the sleeve.

[0059] FIG 3 shows a transition from the second, retracted, configuration to the first, extended, configuration. The top figure 301 corresponds to the bottom figure 203 of FIG 2 (retracted configuration).

[0060] The middle figure 302 shows the result of the pushing action on the pin 101, starting from a second configuration when the pin is retracted. The resilient tab 106 has been pushed against the hole edge 112. Because the tab 106 is resilient, the force of the pushing action on the pin forces the tab 106 out of the hole, into a space existing between the elongated element and the sleeve (so the tab is forced into the sleeve). At this point the transitional threshold is crossed again, so when the pin is released, cycling from the second to the first configuration can be provided. The tab 106 is shown with dashed lines, to show that it is out of view into the sleeve (fixed portion 102). The elastic arm 111 lowers down due to its elasticity. In some embodiments of the present invention, the tab 106 and/or the edge 112 may be shaped so as to reduce the stress in the tab and edge, for example they may be filed to allow easily driving the tab into the sleeve.

[0061] The bottom drawing 303 shows the result of releasing the pin 101. When the pushing action is released, the pin starts extending. Because the tab is held inside the sleeve and the elastic arm 111 is lowered down, it slides under the second portion 108 so it is not engaged with the hole there. The pin continues extending (for example due to the force exerted by the spring member), and the tab engages again the hole 105 in its first portion 107, because the hole is shaped so the tab 106 can engage the hole while the elastic arm 111 is lowered down. In some embodiments of the present invention, a ridge may be included in the elongated body for keeping the tab into the sleeve until the tab reaches the first portion 107 of the hole 105.

[0062] The present invention is not limited to the examples of FIG 1, FIG 2 and FIG 3. In embodiments of the present invention, the shaped hole may be provided in the movable portion and the resilient tab in the fixed portion. In some embodiments, the locking device may include any suitable movable portion 103 which can slide with respect to a fixed portion 102, both of which can engage in two configurations (which provide an extended and respectively retracted pin), as long as transition from the first to second configurations, and from the second to the first, can be executed both by exerting a predetermined pushing action on the pin (a pushing action over at least a predetermined distance) and subsequently releasing the pin.

[0063] However, it is preferred that the movement of the movable part with respect to the fixed portion is a sliding movement, and that the portions are elongated and can partially fit within each other. This way, a highly compact locking device can be provided which can be fit in a tensioning bar or the like.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described with reference to a shaped hole 105 on a sleeve and a resilient tab 106, other methods can be applied. For example, US3205863 discloses a projecting and retracting mechanism similar to one that can be used in embodiments of the present invention. It includes a cam body (which may be part of a movable portion) with diametrically opposite pairs of cam surfaces. These surfaces are successively engageable by fingers to impart unidirectional rotational movement and longitudinal reciprocating movement to the cam body and a connected body, when a push button (which, in embodiments of the present invention, may be the pin) is repeatedly depressed to align alternate cam surfaces with stationary stop members (which may be part of a fixed portion). Thus, the cycling mechanism allows to cycle the pin from an extended position to a retracted position and vice-versa by pushing the pin.

[0065] It is underlined that the pin in a retracted position can still be further pushed in. The pin can be pushed in to a transitional threshold 110, at least to a point in which the cycling mechanism is activated (in the case of the FIG 1 to FIG 3, by providing the tab over the second portion in the case of FIG 2, and by drawing the tab into the sleeve in case of FIG 3). The transitional threshold for cycling from the first to the second configuration may be the same or different as the transitional threshold for cycling from the second to the first configuration.

[0066] FIG 1 shows an optional manual control 120 (e.g. a knob) which provides manual control of the locking device. For example, the knob 120 may be linked to the movable portion 103, and may allow a user to provide manually relative motion of the movable portion 103 with respect to the fixed portion 102 (e.g. relative motion of the elongated element within the sleeve). Thus, a user may cycle manually from the first to the second configuration, and vice versa, with no need to manually push the pin 101, which may not be easily reachable in an assembled screen system.

[0067] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a blocking system for blocking a retractable screen.

[0068] The blocking system according to embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention includes a locking device according to embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, and an element, or contact body, with a contact portion, for contacting and exerting pressure on the pin of the locking device during relative motion of the pin against the contact portion of the contact body. Moreover, the contact body includes a recess for engaging the pin while the pin is extended. Typically, the contact portion may extend from the recess.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, the recess and the contact body are static, provided for example in an upright frame of a screen system (see below), while the locking device is included in the movable holder, for example holding the screen at its bottom edge. In some embodiments (not illustrated in the drawings), the recess and the contact body are provided in the movable holder, while the locking device is included in the frame. The choice of one or the other depends on the particular application or preference of the user.

[0070] FIG 4 shows a blocking system 430. The blocking system comprises a contact body 401, with a protrusion 402 and a recess 403. The contact body 401 may be included in an upright frame 400 of a screen system. The blocking system 430 also comprises a locking device 100 of embodiments of the previous aspect. The locking device may be included in a tensioning bar 410 of the screen system, which can be engaged with or fitted to the frame. For example, the frame may include runners or the like, which can engage to lips or sliders of the tensioning bar.

[0071] The recess 403 blocks the movement of the screen in one direction when the pin 101 of the locking device 100 is engaged in the recess. It also securely attaches the screen to the frame, providing sufficient resistance to wind.

[0072] However, the movement of the screen in the opposite direction (unwinding, for instance) is allowed, so the pin 101 can contact the contact body 401. The contact body includes a contact portion 404. This contact portion 404 may comprise a material strong enough to provide pushing to the pin 101 with low or no deformation. For example, the contact body 401 may be a sloped body, which may for instance be fitted in the upright frame 400. It is arranged so it contacts the pin 101 when the pin moves out of the recess 403 in a predetermined direction. The contact portion 404 comprises, in the embodiment illustrated, a planar sloped surface which corresponds to a slope of a contact surface 121 provided on the pin 101. This reduces stresses, providing good contact and pushing on the pin with low risk of damage. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the contact portion 404 of the contact body 401 may have a different slope, or may be curved, or it may not be a surface but a corner or the like.

[0073] While the pin 101 is outside the recess 403, it is usually not extended, but either retracted or pushed in. However, during installation or in manual mode (by activating the knob 120) it may happen that the pin extends totally, while the tensioning bar 100 is for instance up in the frame 400, over the protrusion 402. This optional protrusion 402 allows providing the recess 403 within a predetermined distance F from the inner wall of the frame 400. Thanks to this, the pin 101, even in its most extended position, can be arranged so it does not contact the inner wall of the frame 400 to securely engage a recess on the frame. Because the pin does not touch the inner walls of the frame, friction is avoided, hence avoiding damage on the pin or frame. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the recess may be included in the frame. The extended pin should, in these cases, reach the recess. Moreover the frame may optionally include extra recesses, for blocking (e.g. manually blocking) the position of the screen at different heights, if desired.

[0074] The locking device 100 and the recess 403 are arranged so the extended pin 101 engages the recess for providing sufficient stability, while the retracted pin does not engage the recess, allowing winding up the screen.

[0075] Additionally, the contact portion 404 and the locking device 100 are arranged to push in the pin 101 while extended, but also while retracted. The pushing action is sufficient to push the pin beyond the transitional threshold 110 (middle drawing 202 of FIG 2) when the screen is unwound beyond a predetermined point of the contact portion 404 past the recess 403, ensuring cycling between the configurations (first configuration with pin extended to second configuration with pin retracted, and vice versa). This will be explained with more detail in the following aspects of the present invention.

[0076] In a third aspect, a retractable screen system is provided. The screen system includes a movable holder for holding the screen, for example a frame, or a tensioning bar, e.g. a bar, which may include a weight to provide tensioning of the screen, which is especially useful in case of screens made of textile materials, flexible materials, and the like. The screen system also includes an upright frame which holds, and provides guiding, to the movable holder. For example, the upright frame may comprise two guide beams including runners or the like, to fit a tensioning bar which holds and tightens the screen. The upright frame may also hold the sides of the screen. The screen system according to embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention further includes the blocking system in accordance with embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, and further includes an automatized screen deployment (e.g. winding/unwinding) system, for example including a motor for deploying the screen in a first direction or retracting the screen in an opposite direction. For example, it may be a winding motor, for winding the screen onto a roll.

[0077] In some embodiments, the system includes at least one detector for detecting the limit of movement of the screen, for example when the screen is completely deployed, for example when the screen holder (e.g. the tensioning bar) travels to the limit of the frame, for example when the tensioning bar reaches the floor. The same detector, or a different detector, may further detect that the screen in blocked with the pin engaged to the recess.

[0078] The tensioning bar may include a weight, so as to provide tension to the screen. The screen may unroll by the motor and by the weight of the tensioning bar.

[0079] The detector may include optical sensors, magnetic, electric sensors, accelerometers, sensors for sensing status of the motor, for example a torque sensor, etc. It is preferably a torque sensor, as it can be used to detect that the screen reached the limit and whether it is blocked.

[0080] The system may include an interface for instructing the motor to unwind or wind the screen ("down" and "up" instructions). A controller may be included to convert the instructions of a user into a response of the motor.

[0081] The combination of the detector with a controller for controlling the motor provides in an easy way a highly automated system. The controller may be programmed to change the direction of the screen upon detecting that the screen reaches the limit (e.g. when the tensioning bar reaches the floor). The controller may be programmed also to stop the movement when resistance against the movement is detected over a threshold (for example, normal frictions may not be considered enough to stop the movement). Additionally, the controller may be programmed to change the direction of the movement if, upon receiving an instruction to unwind or wind the screen, a high resistance against the movement is detected.

[0082] An example of the functioning of the retractable screen system 500 is described with reference to the following figures.

[0083] FIG 5 shows the pin 101 locked in a retracted position. As shown in FIG 6, the screen 600 is instructed to lower, for example by using the interface 601. The controller may be programmed to actuate the motor upon continuous actuation of the interface 601, but it is preferable that only one short actuation (pushing the button 602 once) suffices. The screen lowers, and the pin 101 moves towards the contact portion 404, which in this case is a sloped surface of the body 401.

[0084] FIG 7 shows the pin 101 contacting the contact portion 404. The screen continues unrolling, as the detector has not yet detected a resistance to movement larger than a predetermined resistance threshold. The threshold can be programmed to be larger than the friction forces between the pin and the contact portion. At this point, the screen 600 is reaching its limit (the tensioning bar 410 approaches the floor 800) as shown in FIG 8, and the pin 101 is being pushed in thanks to the slope of the contact portion 404.

[0085] FIG 9 shows that, after the pin 101 has surpasses a particular point 900 of the contact portion 404 of the body 401, the locking device has cycled from the first to the second configuration (with reference to the description of FIG 3, the transitional threshold from the second to the first configuration is surpassed, corresponding to the middle drawing 302), allowing the pin to extend upon a future releasing of the pushing action. The particular point 900 may be arranged taking into account the shape and dimensions of the body and the locking device; in this case the length of the slope and its inclination should provide a pushing action for a distance at which the pin 101 surpasses the transitional threshold 110 for that configurational transition of the locking device 100. For example, this distance may be the same or slightly smaller (to ensure that the threshold is surpassed without submitting the hole or the tab to stresses) as the distance S between the first portion of the shaped hole and the end of the slot 109, as shown in FIG 1 and FIG 2. It is to be noted that the manual control 120 (e.g. knob) is shown as fully retracted.

[0086] At this point, as shown in FIG 10, the limit of unwinding of the screen 600 can be detected (e.g. by detecting that the tensioning bar touches the floor, or a sudden change in torque, etc.) so the controller gives the instruction of stopping the movement and starting the opposite movement, thus rolling back the screen 600.

[0087] FIG 11 shows the pin 101 returning and being released. The pushing action is slowly being released while the screen 600 starts raising as shown in FIG 12.

[0088] FIG 13 shows the engagement of the pin 101 with the recess 403. In this case, the locking device was cycled from the second configuration, where the pin was retracted, to the first configuration, so the pin extends fully and fits the recess 403. Now, a strong and/or sudden resistance against the movement is detected, so the controller stops the movement as shown in FIG 14 (no arrow), the screen 600 being blocked and being secured against wind. In some embodiments, the motor is locked too. The motor may provide enough tension on the screen so it is stable against wind.

[0089] The distance travelled by the screen between the moment when the screen starts rolling back (FIG 10) and the moment when the pin engages the recess (FIG 14) can be tuned, so wind does not freely pass under the screen. Additionally in some embodiments the tensioning bar may include a flexible closure for contacting the floor, such as for instance a rubber strip, so there is no free space between the screen or holder thereof when the pin is engaged in the recess.

[0090] In FIG 15 is shown that, while the pin 101 engages the recess 403, the screen is securely fixed to the frame against wind. Additionally the engagement between the recess 403 and the pin 101 also blocks the winding of the screen. However, it is possible to unwind again the screen by moving the screen down, as the movement is only blocked in one direction. In fact, in order to be able to roll up the screen again, the screen must first move down to push the pin in again.

[0091] In some embodiments of the present invention, the winding and unwinding of the screen is automated. It is possible to obtain a smart system in which, as represented in FIG 16, if the pin is engaged in the recess, no matter which actuation is done in the interface 601, the result will be the same: unwinding the screen (arrow down).

[0092] More in detail, if the controller is instructed to unwind the screen while being locked, because this movement is allowed, the screen will be rolled down. However, if the controller is instructed to roll up (or wind up, or retract) the screen while being locked, a high resistance against this movement is detected, so the controller changes the movement and brings the screen down, unwinding it. This second option is more intuitive for a user. The user observes that the screen is deployed and desires to wind up the screen, and actuates the interface with the option 'up'. However, the screen is blocked, so it is rolled down. This provides pushing to the pin which retracts, the screen reaches its limit and rolls back up, as originally instructed intuitively by the user. But in this case, the pin is fixed in a retracted position, so it does not engage the recess of the frame, allowing completely winding up the screen. With reference to the figures:
Starting from a locked screen with the pin engaged in the recess (FIG 15), either by instructing winding or unwinding the screen, the result will be to unwind the screen. While unwinding the screen, FIG 17 shows the pin 101 being pushed in again due to the surface of the contact portion 404 as before, further pushing on the pin 101, while the screen 600 moves down as shown in FIG 18.

[0093] As shown in FIG 19, the pin 101 is pushed in again past the particular point 900, which causes the full retraction of the movable portion of the locking device 100 as in FIG 9. The locking device is ready to cycle from the second configuration to the first, upon release of the pushing action, as shown in the middle drawing 202 of FIG 2.

[0094] The movement downwards (unwinding the screen 600) continues with no further unnecessary pushing of the pin 101 thanks to the shape provided to the contact portion 404. Then as shown in FIG 20, the screen may reach the limit of unwinding, which is detected by the sensor 2001 so the controller 2002 changes again the movement of the rotor 2000 driven by the motor and brings the screen 600 up.

[0095] FIG 21 shows the pushing action on the pin 101 being released while the screen 600 moves up as shown in FIG 22. The engagement mechanism of the locking device 100 will lock and hold the movable part with respect to the fixed part in a second configuration with respect to the fixed portion, in which the pin is retracted as shown in the bottom drawing 203 of FIG 2.

[0096] FIG 23 shows the effect of the second configuration. The retracted pin protrudes enough from the holder (in this case, the tensioning bar 410) so it can contact the body again in a future unwinding of the screen, so it can be pushed in by the contact body beyond the point in which the locking device can cycle. However, it is retracted enough so it leaves enough distance from the recess (e.g. from the edge of the protrusion 402 providing the recess 403) so that the retracted pin 101 does not engage the recess anymore.

[0097] As shown in FIG 24, the screen 600 has complete freedom to unwind as much as desired, even completely.

[0098] In order to simplify the drawings, the rotor 2000 including a detector 2001 (e.g. a torque sensor) and controller 2002 are only shown in FIG 20. The controller may be a simple controller with no need of complex algorithms, just the instructions to (a) change the direction of the rotor when:

• the limit of unwinding is detected or
• when a large resistance to the movement is detected upon starting the movement, and to (b) stop the rotor if a large resistance to the movement is detected during movement.

[0099] The rotor may be driven by a motor.

[0100] As mentioned before, a manual control of the locking device may be provided and connected directly to the pin, e.g. to the elongated body of the pin. The manual control may allow to manually disengage or engage the pin into the recess. This may cause that the pin can be extended along the frame beyond the recess for blocking a completely deployed screen, which may happen during installation but not in normal utilization of the screen.

[0101] Additionally, the frame may include other recesses at predetermined heights of the frame. While the height of the screen can be selected and fixed manually or by a motor, the manual control and the locking device of the tensioning bar allows locking the screen in a blocked position predetermined by the further recesses along the frame, improving stability and resistance against outdoor conditions (e.g. wind) in a position different from the closed configuration of the screen.

[0102] As shown in FIG 5 and further figures, in order to reduce the chance of damage of the pin, or of the locking device or of the recess and/or protrusion thereof, the protrusion 402 may include a slip surface to facilitate slipping of the extended pin 101 over the protrusion. If the pin includes a sloped surface for engaging a sloped surface of the contact portion, the slip surface may have the same slope as the contact portion.

[0103] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a screen complying with European standard EN 13561 of standard blinds and awnings published on May 2015

Claims

1. A locking device (100) for blocking a retractable screen (600), the locking device comprising:

- a fixed portion (102), and a movable portion (103) connected to a pin (101), the movable portion being movable with respect to the fixed portion,

- an engaging mechanism for providing engagement between the fixed portion (102) and the movable portion (103), the engaging mechanism allowing a first configuration of the movable portion relative to the fixed portion wherein the pin (101) is extended for blocking the screen (600), and a second configuration of the movable portion relative to the fixed portion wherein the pin (101) is retracted for unblocking the screen (600),
wherein the locking device (100) further comprises

- a cycling mechanism including a force member configured to provide a force between the movable portion (103) and the fixed portion (102) in a predetermined direction, the cycling mechanism adapted to provide a transition of the movable portion from the first configuration to the second configuration by moving the movable portion with respect to the fixed portion in a direction against the force and then releasing it, and from the second configuration to the first configuration by moving the movable portion in the same direction and releasing it.

2. The locking device of the previous claim, wherein the cycling mechanism is adapted to provide a cyclic sequential transition between the first and second configurations upon sequential pushing in and releasing of the pin (101).

3. The locking device of any one of the previous claims, wherein the movable portion (103) is a slidable element, and the fixed portion (102) is a sleeve for housing the slidable element,
the engaging mechanism comprising a resilient tab (106) in one of the portions and a shaped hole (105) in the other of the portions for releasably engaging the resilient tab (106), the shaped hole (105) further comprising:

- a first portion (107) for allowing the resilient tab in a first axial position, for providing the first configuration of the pin (101), where the pin (101) is extended, and

- a second portion (108) for fixing the resilient tab (106) at a second axial position different from the first, for holding the pin (101) in the second configuration, where the pin (101) is retracted,
the cycling mechanism comprising

- a slot (109) comprised in the shaped hole (105), for allowing the resilient tab (106) to slide from the first portion (107) to the second portion (108) upon pushing in the pin (101) while in the first configuration, and

- an edge (112) of the shaped hole (105), for releasing and disengaging the resilient tab (106) outside the shaped hole (105) upon pushing in the pin while in the second configuration, and for allowing transitioning the tab (106) to the first portion (107) upon release.

4. The locking device of any one of the previous claims, further comprising a manual control (120) for manually setting the pin in the first or second configuration.

5. A blocking system (430) for a retractable screen, comprising

- the locking device (100) of any one of the previous claims,

- a contact body (401) including a contact portion (404) for providing contact and pushing to the pin (101), and a recess (403) for receiving the pin (101) and blocking the movement of the movable holder (410) in at least one direction,

wherein the locking device (100) and the contact portion (404) are arranged to provide pushing and release of the extended pin (101), respectively of the retracted pin (101), to allow retracting the pin (101), respectively to allow extending the pin (101) when the pin (101) is released.

6. The blocking system (430) of claim 5, further comprising a protrusion (402) defining the recess (403) between said protrusion (402) and the contact portion (404).

7. The blocking system of any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the contact portion (404) comprises a surface with a straight slope.

8. The blocking system of claim 7, wherein the pin (101) comprises a sloped surface (121) with a slope corresponding to the slope of the contact portion (404), for providing a contact area for sliding the pin (101) over the contact portion (404), the contact area being common to the pin and the surface of the contact portion (404).

9. A retractable screen system (500) comprising a screen (600), a frame (400) for sliding the screen (600) and a movable holder (410) for holding the screen and providing sliding thereof over the frame (400),
the screen system including the blocking system (430) of any one of claims 5 to 8.

10. The retractable screen system (500) of claim 9,
wherein the frame (400) comprises the contact body (401) and the recess (403) of the blocking system, and the movable holder (410) comprises the locking device (100), or wherein the frame (400) comprises the locking device (100), and the movable holder (410) comprises the contact body (401) and the recess (403) of the blocking system.

11. The retractable screen system (500) of any of claims 9 or 10, further comprising a motor for driving deployment of the screen (600) in a first direction or retraction of the screen (600) in a second direction.

12. The retractable screen system (500) of claim 11, further comprising at least one detector (2001) for detecting the limit of movement of the screen and the blocking thereof, and a controller (2002) programmed to change the direction of the motor when the limit of unwinding is detected or when a large resistance to the movement is detected upon starting the movement, and to stop the motor if a large resistance to the movement is detected during movement.

13. The retractable screen system (500) of the previous claim, wherein the at least one detector (2001) is a torque sensor.

Drawing