Abstract:
A rotating mechanism characterized by a drive arrangement which provides rotating, hoisting and dropping functions with just a single drive.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a drive arrangement and a rotating mechanism for an advertising or information medium. 
         [0002]    Numerous devices for fixing round flags, advertising banners and the like in various shapes and sizes are known. 
         [0003]    For example, DE 20 2008 007 013 U1 describes a flag bearer with a rotating function, whereby the latter is achieved using an electric motor. The flag bearer is modular in the sense that it can be placed on known flagpoles. 
         [0004]    Another path is taken by the invention described in DE 298 13 071 U1 in which the rotation is achieved by means of thermals, or more specifically by means of a ventilator inside a rotating display. 
         [0005]    DE 199 06 141 A1 describes an advertising medium, the shape of which takes into account wind conditions. The object of the invention is to provide an advertising or information medium which is easy to read in both calm conditions and heavy winds. This object is achieved by designing the advertising medium in the shape of a rigid wing, which is easy to read when the weather is calm due to its rigidity and easy to read in heavy winds due to the advantageous shape. 
         [0006]    The disadvantage of all known mechanisms of this type is the fact that they do not offer any protection against damage when the wind is strong. With the exception of its aerodynamic design, DE 199 06 141 A1 does not provide any protection against strong wind. 
         [0007]    The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a mechanism is to be provided which can prevent damage to the round flag and/or the flagpole in the case of unfavourable weather conditions, especially strong wind. A mechanism should preferably further be provided which carries out the rotation of the round flag and any necessary measures to prevent damage, preferably independently. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The features of the present invention enable the object to be achieved. A mechanism for the rotation of an advertising or information medium of any shape, in particular a round flag, has a dropping function in order to avoid damage to the round flag and/or the flagpole or the flag mounting. 
         [0009]    A mechanism in accordance with the invention typically has a rotating function for the advertising or information medium. In a preferred embodiment an electric motor is provided to achieve this rotating function. However, it is conceivable to use another motor, a ventilator or a thermal generated in another way or for example solar energy to achieve the rotation. 
         [0010]    The dropping function in accordance with the invention is preferably activated in the case of strong winds without the assistance of a user. In a typical embodiment, a wind gauge is provided for this purpose which triggers a drop once a threshold value is exceeded. 
         [0011]    The dropping function is preferably achieved in such a manner that the dropping can be carried out following an activation of the dropping function on the basis of the net weight of the advertising or information medium, in particular the round flag. However, in order to ensure the dropping of the advertising or information medium and/or the securing or storage of this after dropping, it is conceivable to use other elements or procedures not defined in greater detail here in addition to or instead of the net weight. 
         [0012]    In an operating condition in which the advertising or information medium is hoisted, the latter is preferably held in the operating condition by means of one or more electromagnetic clamps. In this embodiment, the activation of the dropping function is achieved by means of switching off the electromagnet. Due to the use of an electromagnet, this dropping function is advantageously also activated in the case of a power failure. Of course any other holding mechanism which is suitable to be controlled and to enable the dropping function can also be used. 
         [0013]    It should be noted at this point that the dropping function can also be realised in another manner. It is conceivable, for example, that the dropping of the advertising or information medium is not controlled once a detector has determined that a threshold value has been exceeded. Instead, the dropping can occur as a result of the strength of the wind itself. In this case, the mounting would be designed such that it no longer bears the advertising or information medium from a certain wind speed, resulting in a dropping in order to avoid damage. The dropping function could then be deemed to be a reversible predetermined breaking point to a certain extent. 
         [0014]    Furthermore, it is also conceivable to combine a non-controlled mounting with a dropping function of this type with a controlled dropping function. 
         [0015]    Furthermore, the dropping function can also be realised in the sense of a lowering or shortening function, for example if the advertising or information medium may be damaged as a result of being dropped. For example, a reversal of a hoisting function described below could be used to lower the advertising or information medium. Other means are also conceivable which are suitable to lower the advertising or information medium in as gentle a manner as possible after dropping. 
         [0016]    In this procedure, the lowering or shortening function is preferably realised such that the advertising or information medium is moved in the direction of the ground on which the mast is standing if it is lowered or shortened. Alternatively or in addition to this, however, in another embodiment, it is conceivable that the lowering or shortening function draws in the advertising or information medium in a manner similar to that of a ship&#39;s sail, in other words along the mast in a position distant from the ground. This can, for example, serve to make the advertising or information medium inaccessible to unauthorised persons. 
         [0017]    Shortening or lowering within the scope of the present invention therefore preferably means decreasing the surface of the advertising or information medium that is exposed to the weather conditions, in particular the wind conditions, when hoisted. 
         [0018]    The present invention therefore comprises providing either a passive dropping function, in particular as a result of the net weight of the advertising or information medium, or an active dropping function in the sense of a lowering or shortening function. It is also possible to combine the active and passive dropping functions in a mechanism. 
         [0019]    There should be no limits set on the shortening or lowering function within the scope of the present invention. It is therefore possible to provide the lowering or shortening function by means of a motor, in particular an electric motor, provided separately and solely for this function. It is also possible to provide the lowering or shortening function by means of the specific arrangement of the components and devices responsible for the hoisting function described below. With regard to this, tapes can be considered in particular which are fixed to the advertising or information medium such that they enable a sail-like shortening. 
         [0020]    The hoisting function is further provided in a typical embodiment. By means of an appropriate design of the hoisting function, for example using the sensors, position measurement devices or the like described in greater detail below, this can be used, following successful dropping, shortening or storage of the advertising or information medium, to place the latter in the operating condition. 
         [0021]    In a typical embodiment, hoisting of the advertising or information medium is carried out by means of the hoisting function by means of said advertising or information medium being drawn upwards, whereby an electronic system equipped with sensors monitored whether it reaches the upper end position in a predetermined, adjustable amount of time. If this is not the case, it is conceivable in particular to activate the dropping function and immediately afterwards the hoisting function. On the second attempt to hoist the advertising or information medium, the electronic system is used to determine whether the predetermined upper end position is reached within the time set out. If the upper end position is once again not reached, the mechanism preferably switches off entirely. 
         [0022]    The design of the drive unit in accordance with the invention ensures that the rotating function is inactive while the hoisting function is active. Furthermore, targeted switching off is used, in particular on the part of the electronic system, to ensure that the rotating function and the hoisting function are inactive during a dropping process. 
         [0023]    In accordance with an embodiment, drive unit refers to all parts of the mechanism with the exception of a base or a base part to be described below. 
         [0024]    It is conceivable to design the number of motor rotations to be adjustable. Furthermore, it is conceivable to design the number of motor rotations to be different for the various functions and adjustable. 
         [0025]    If the upper end position is not reached, there is no reversal of the direction of the motor. 
         [0026]    The hoisting function is preferably activated when the wind speed threshold value falls below a certain point. 
         [0027]    The embodiments described above are suitable, individually or in appropriate combination, to protect advertising or information media, in particular round flags and/or flagpoles or other mountings of advertising or information media and the like from damage caused by strong winds. In a preferred embodiment, the dropping function is activated when the wind speed exceeds a certain level. The advertising or information medium is dropped, protecting it from damage. If the wind gauge provided registers the wind speed falling below a certain point after dropping, the hoisting function is activated and the advertising or information medium is returned to the operating condition. 
         [0028]    The mechanism is therefore always capable of guaranteeing a promotionally effective presentation of the advertising space when the wind speed is below a threshold value, above which damage can be expected. In other words, a mechanism in accordance with the invention is capable of ensuring the presentation of the advertising space over a maximum period of time while simultaneously minimising the risk of damage caused by strong winds. 
         [0029]    Of course it is also conceivable to adjust the wind gauge or in particular the threshold values to local conditions. When doing this, the shape, design and stability of the advertising or information medium and/or the flagpole or mounting to which it is assigned and the typical wind and weather conditions at the location of the advertising or information medium can all play a role. Furthermore, the wind gauge can be designed such that the threshold values may not be exceeded or fallen below over a specific period of time in order to activate the drop or hoisting function. In this way, it is possible to avoid the dropping and/or hoisting functions from being frequently activated one after the other in the case of wind strengths that fluctuate about at least one of the threshold values set over a long period of time. 
         [0030]    It is further conceivable to use other sensors, for example rain or light sensors. When using these sensors, the focus can be on both advertising and safety. In terms of advertising, it is conceivable to present an advertisement for ice cream only when the sun is shining and to drop this when it is raining. In terms of safety, it is conceivable to activate the dropping function when it is raining. When doing this, it is necessary to take into account that rain will not damage the advertising or information medium, but strong winds often follow rain and these may damage the advertising or information medium. 
         [0031]    If the wind gauge is damaged, for example as a result of hail or other weather conditions, a movement sensor assigned to the flagpole can contribute to the safety of the advertising or information medium. If the wind gauge is damaged and can therefore no longer register strong winds, the flag will remain hoisted even in strong winds. The energy in the wind which strikes the flag will also move the flagpole or shake the mast. This shaking is then registered by the movement sensor, in turn leading to an activation of the dropping function. A drop triggered by the movement sensor on the mast should preferably occur even if the wind gauge does not rotate, for example as a result of damage. The idea here is that the electronic system checks whether the wind gauge is rotating if there is any shaking. 
         [0032]    The idea is also that the dropping function will also be activated if the motor is braked too sharply while the rotating function is active. This can be as a result of various external influences, with the advertising or information medium being held on to by children who are playing or catching on trees or bushes being named here by way of example. 
         [0033]    In a preferred embodiment of the mechanism in accordance with the invention, just one drive unit, in particular just one motor, is provided to supply the rotating function and the hoisting function. In this way, a mechanism which is as efficient as possible in terms of space and cost can be realised. However, it is also conceivable to provide several drive units for the various functions without straying from the nature and scope of the invention. 
         [0034]    In an embodiment of the mechanism with just one drive units, gears are preferably provided for the use of a motor torque for the hoisting and rotating function. Several functions of the mechanism and the associated gears can be driven in a simple manner by a single motor shaft by means of a coupling, for example an electromagnetic coupling, a ball catch and/or freewheel bearings. The gears which are used can for example be epicyclic or bevel gears. 
         [0035]    The hoisting function is not required on a sustained basis in a typical embodiment. The gears that are responsible for the hoisting function are therefore advantageously connected to the motor shaft by means of the coupling, in particular the electromagnetic coupling or the ball catch. 
         [0036]    In a preferred embodiment, the gears, which are often active over extended periods of time and which are assigned to the rotating function, are connected to the motor shaft by means of a freewheel bearing. The direction of rotation of the motor can therefore be used to control whether the rotating function is active. 
         [0037]    However, other types of torque transmission or quick-break are also conceivable instead of the gears and the coupling described above. 
         [0038]    The mechanism in accordance with the invention does not depend on the design of the advertising or information medium. The latter are therefore also conceivable in many known and other forms, sizes etc., for example in the form of conventional flags of any dimensions, in the form of packaging such as drinks containers or in the form of another product to be advertised. 
         [0039]    The mechanism is preferably designed such that it is suitable to be assembled on, for example, existing flagpoles or the like in a simple manner. 
         [0040]    The mounting of the parts of the mechanism which rotate relative to one another can be carried out in various ways. In addition to a ball bearing, a plain bearing should for example also be covered by the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0041]    Further advantages, features and details of the invention arise from the description of preferred embodiments and the drawings in which: 
           [0042]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an advertising or information medium with an assigned rotating mechanism when hoisted; 
           [0043]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a rotating mechanism in accordance with  FIG. 1  without the advertising space; 
           [0044]      FIG. 3  is a perspective partial view of the advertising or information medium in accordance with  FIG. 1  when hoisted; 
           [0045]      FIG. 4  is a partial section through a perspective partial view of a drive unit and a lifting part when hoisted; 
           [0046]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a drive unit and a lifting part when hoisted; 
           [0047]      FIG. 6  is a section through a perspective view of a drive unit and a lifting part when hoisted; 
           [0048]      FIG. 7  is a section through a perspective view in accordance with  FIG. 6  but with a wind gauge and control units; 
           [0049]      FIG. 8  is a perspective partial view of a fixing mechanism on the side facing the direction of rotation and a side view of a fixing mechanism on the advertisement side; 
           [0050]      FIG. 9   a  is a perspective view of a lower end of the rotating mechanism; 
           [0051]      FIG. 9   b  is two schematic partial views in accordance with  FIG. 9   a;    
           [0052]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 11  is a section through a further embodiment of the invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 12  is a section through a further embodiment of the invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 13  is a section through a partial view of an alternative embodiment of a drive unit; 
           [0056]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view in accordance with  FIG. 14  [sic]. 
           [0057]      FIG. 15   a  is a section through an arrangement comprising a motor shaft  11 . 2 , a ball catch  76  and an electromagnetic clamp  24 . 2  when closed; 
           [0058]      FIG. 15   b  is an arrangement in accordance with  FIG. 15   a  when open; 
           [0059]      FIG. 16  is an exploded view in accordance with  FIG. 15 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0060]      FIG. 1  shows an advertising or information medium  1  when hoisted. The drive unit  8  is at an upper end of the mechanism. Furthermore, an advertising space  7  and a flagpole  2  can be identified. 
         [0061]      FIG. 2  shows a rotating mechanism  49  mounted on the flagpole  2  without an advertising space fixed to it. The fixing devices  50  on the rotating mechanism side can easily be identified. They are connected to the drive unit  8  or to a retaining ring  51  by means of struts  46 . 
         [0062]    The partial view shown in  FIG. 3  shows an upper part of the advertising or information medium when hoisted. The advertising space is connected to the rotating mechanism by means of a fixing device  48  on the advertising space side via the fixing device  50  on the side facing the direction of rotation. The fixing device is in turn fixed to the upper lifting part  23  by means of struts  46 . A wind gauge  6  is further mounted on an upper end of a cover of a drive unit  8 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 4  shows a drive unit  8  without a cover and an upper lifting part  23 . The upper lifting part  23  is in an upper end position, so the rotating mechanism, shown here merely in section, is hoisted. The drive unit  8  and the upper lifting part  23  are connected to one another via two tapes  20 . The tapes  20  are fixed to a mounting  47  which is fixed to the receiving ring  43 . Two rolls  21  on the outside of a roll mount  29  on the drive unit  8  mount the tapes  20  at opposite ends, A retaining clip  18  is assigned to each of the rolls  21 . The rolls are each mounted on a shaft  57  which passes through the roll mount  29 . The shaft  57  is assigned to a bevel gear  9  inside the drive unit  8 . 
         [0064]    It should be noted here that the present invention is not limited to an embodiment with two tapes. Rather, the provision of just one tape and the provision of more than two tapes should also be covered by the present invention. Instead of tapes, ropes and/or cords, for example, which carry out the function of the tapes can be considered. 
         [0065]    Recesses  56  are moulded into the receiving ring  43  of the upper lifting part  23 . Starting from the recesses  56  and mounted in these the lifting part has struts  46 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 5  shows a section through a side view of the mechanism. The upper lifting part  23  is in the upper end position, the rotating mechanism is therefore hoisted. At an upper end of the drive unit  8  the mounting base  34  with the wind gauge  6  placed on it can be identified. A cover  33  which encloses the roll mount  29  is also shown. In the inside, the planetary gears  15  and the bevel gears  9  are shown. There is an electric motor  4  underneath the gears  9 ,  15 . Control units can be seen underneath the electric motor  4 . 
         [0067]    Struts  46  mounted in recesses are fixed on the receiving ring  43  of the upper lifting part  23 . The struts  46  bear the fixing device  50  on the side on which the rotating mechanism is arranged. 
         [0068]      FIG. 6  shows a section through a perspective view of the drive unit  8  with the upper lifting part  23  without a cover. 
         [0069]    The receiving ring  43  comprises a first half shell  72  and a second half shell  73 . Pipe clamps  74  are also provided. 
         [0070]    A mounting plate  31  is arranged in the centre at the top on the roll mount  29  with a luster terminal  32  fixed on said mounting plate. 
         [0071]    Two opposing rolls  21  are arranged on the outside of the roll mount  29 . The rolls  21  are each mounted on a shaft  57 , whereby the shaft passes through the roll mount  29 . Inside the roll mount  29 , a gear wheel  58  is assigned to each shaft, with each gear wheel meshing with a further gear wheel  59 . In this arrangement, the gear wheel  59  is mounted on the drive shaft  30  of the bevel gear  9 . A bevel wheel  22  is mounted on an end of the drive shaft  30  which is opposite the end which bears the gear wheel  59 . The bevel wheels  22  of both drive shafts  30  are meshed with a further bevel wheel  22  mounted on the end of a coupling shaft  16 . The coupling shaft  16  is mounted in an anchor sub-plate  27  by means of a plain bearing  28 . 
         [0072]    The coupling shaft  16  is connected to the motor shaft  11  by means of an electromagnetic coupling  10 . The electromagnetic coupling  10  has an anchor part  10   a , a rotor  10   b  and a support disc  10   c . The motor drive  11  is further connected to the electric motor  4  by means of a motor coupling  38 . A motor torsion protection  39 , an adapter ring and a torsion pin  41  are assigned to the electric motor  4 . The motor shaft  11  is mounted on a web  17  and the coupling shaft  16  is mounted on an anchor sub-plate  27  by means of a plain bearing  28 . 
         [0073]    The sun wheel  13  of the planet gear  15  is mounted on the motor shaft  11 . A freewheel bearing  14  is pressed onto the sun wheel  13 . 
         [0074]    There is a slipring enclosure  37  underneath the electric motor  4 , which slipring enclosure is fixed on an anchor sub-plate  36 . Mounting on the anchor sub-plate  36  on the base part  64  is achieved by means of spacing rollers  35 . 
         [0075]    The upper lifting part  23  has a receiving ring  43  with recesses  56  for the struts. A mounting  47  is also moulded to it to fix the tape  20 . Electromagnetic clamps attached to the base part  64  by means of a screw  75  come into contact with the upper end position of the upper lifting part  23  of the drive unit  8  shown in  FIG. 6 . Furthermore, in the upper end position pins  45  in the drive unit  8  mesh with pin recesses  60  in the lifting part. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 13 to 16  show an alternative embodiment in which the coupling  10  is replaced by a ball catch  76 . In this embodiment, the bevel wheel  22 . 2  is mounted on the end of the motor drive  11 . 2  and no coupling shaft  16  is provided. The bevel wheel  22 . 2  which is mounted on the end of the motor shaft  11 . 2  is meshed with two bevel wheels  22 . 2  which are placed on end of two drive shafts  30 . 2 . A roll  21 . 2  is placed on the other end of the two drive shafts  30 . 2 . As can clearly be seen in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the ball catch  76  comprises a ring adapter  77  with ball pans  78 , four balls  79 , one ball mount  80 , one anchor  81  with recesses  84  and a surrounding overhang  87  and a torsion plate  82 . The bevel wheel  22 . 2  placed on the end of the motor shaft  11 . 2  is connected to the ring adapter  77  by means of three screws. An electromagnetic clamp  24 . 2  is arranged above the torsion plate  82 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 7  shows a section through a perspective view of the rotating mechanism with a mounting base  34 , wind gauge  6  and control units  44 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 8  is a perspective partial view, not to scale, of a fixing device  50  on the side on which the rotating mechanism is arranged and a side view of a fixing device  48  on the advertising space side. The fixing device  50  on the side on which the rotating mechanism is arranged comprises two rings  61 , the position of which relative to one another is determined by means of retaining clamps  55 . The fixing device  48  on the advertising space side comprises an end region of a round flag  7 . This end region is sewn into a surrounding loop  52 , whereby the loop  52  contains a hose, for example a pneumatic hose  53 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 9   a  shows a lower end of the rotating mechanism without a cloth when hoisted. A retaining ring  51  is attached to the mast  2  below the lower lifting part  62 . There is a distance A between the lower lifting part  62  and the retaining ring  51 . The lower lifting part  62  comprises two receiving rings  43  with recesses  56  to fix the struts  46 . In turn, the struts  46  bear the fixing device  50  on the side on which the rotating mechanism  50  is arranged. 
         [0080]      FIG. 9   b  is a schematic view of the two rings  61  with retention clamps when closed and when open. 
         [0081]      FIG. 10  and  FIG. 12  show grid sheet metal  66  with noses  67  in addition to ramps  68  and electromagnets  65 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 11  clearly shows a plain bearing  69 . 
         [0083]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 to 12 , the functionality of the mechanism in accordance with the invention can be explained as follows: 
         [0084]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3  and  8 , the rotating mechanism  49  serves on the one hand to fix the round flag  7  to the mast  2 . In order to do this, the rotating mechanism  49  is first fixed to a mast  2  for a flag. The round flag  7  is then connected to the fixing device  50  on the side on which the rotating mechanism is arranged with the help of the fixing device  48  on the advertising space side. In order to create this connection, the two rings  61  held together by retaining clamps  55  are opened at one point. It is expedient if, in order to do this, retaining clamps  55  which are screws in or connected in another reversible manner are provided in addition to the welded retaining clamps  55 . The rings  61  are preferably opened at a point at which two retaining clamps  55  in a pair arranged adjacent to one another and reversibly connected to one another are provided. The rings  61  are not closed, but rather each have two end sections  71  which face one another. The two retaining clamps  55  which are reversibly connected to one another are each assigned to an end section  71 . 
         [0085]    In order to connect the round flag  7  to the fixing device  50 , the connection between the retaining clamps  55  which are reversibly connected to one another is broken. Starting with the end sections  71 , the round flag  7  is then connected to the fixing device  50  by means of the round flag  7  being pushed between the two rings  61  such that the round flag is prevented from sliding between the rings  61  by the hose  53  and the round flag  7  is therefore securely mounted in the fixing device  50 . The rings  61  are then fixed again by means of the retaining clamps  55  which are to be reversibly connected to one another. The cloth  7  is fixed to the rotating mechanism  49  by the largest diameter D of the fixing device  48  on the advertising space side being chosen to be larger than the gap  54 . The cloth  7 , the advertising space side of which has a fixing device  48  with loops  52  on both ends, is fixed to both fixing devices  50  on the side on which the rotating mechanism is arranged in the manner described above. 
         [0086]    In addition to a hose  53  other means can be considered for this which are suitable to fix the cloth  7  to the rotating mechanism  49  as described above. 
         [0087]    If the cloth is clamped in the fixing device  50  which is assigned to the lower lifting part  62  and is on the side on which the rotating mechanism is arranged shown in  FIG. 9 , the cloth will be stretched as a result of the new weight of the lower lifting part  62 . In order to do this, the receiving ring  43  of the lower lifting part  62  is mounted in a sliding manner on the mast  2 . The dimensions of the cloth are further selected such that the receiving ring  43  of the lower lifting part when hoisted is at a distance A from the retaining ring  51 . The net weight of the lower lifting part  62  is therefore the sole weight acting on the cloth, streamlining the cloth. 
         [0088]    The functionality of the rotating mechanism  49  with the rotating, hoisting and dropping function can be derived from  FIGS. 3 to 7 . The drive unit  8  of the rotating mechanism  49  is fixed to the upper end of the mast  2 . The upper end of said mast bears a wind gauge. When hoisted, the upper lifting part  23  lies on the drive unit  8 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , this places the electromagnetic clamps  24  in direct contact with the upper lifting part  23  and the pins  45  mesh with the pin recesses  60 . This means that the upper lifting part  23  is held in the correct position relative to the drive unit  8 . The rotating function, which is active when the flag is hoisted, is enabled by means of a transfer of a motor torque to the web  17  by means of the planet wheels of the planet gear  15 . The roll mount  29  and the web  17  both rotate, and when hoisted the round flag  7  also rotates. The reason for this is the fact that the upper end of said round flag is connected to the upper lifting part  23  by the struts  46 , which in turn are connected to the drive unit  8  in a torsion-protected manner when the flag is hoisted by means of the electromagnetic clamps  24  and the meshing of the pins  45 . 
         [0089]    The rotating function is only active when the direction of motor rotation is selected in which the freewheel bearing  14  inside the sun wheel  13  is blocked. If the other direction of motor rotation is selected, the freewheel bearing  14  enables a rotation of the motor shaft  11  without the sun wheel  13  being rotated. 
         [0090]    Furthermore, the electromagnetic coupling  10  and the ball catch  76  are not closed while the rotating function is active. This means there is no torque transmission from the motor shaft  11  to the coupling shaft  16  or from the motor shaft  11 . 2  to the ball mount  80 . As shown below, this torque transmission would cause a rotation of the drive shafts  30 ,  30 . 2  of the rolls  21 ,  21 . 2 . If the wind gauge  6  registers that a pre-set threshold value has been exceeded, the dropping function is activated. Stopping the electric motor  4  stops the rotation of the motor shaft  11 , resulting in a cessation of torque transmission to one of the gears  9 ,  15 . The electromagnetic clamps  24  are switched off, resulting in the upper lifting part  23  sliding down the mast  2  as a result of its own weight. The lower lifting part  62  also slides downwards and comes to a stop on the retaining ring  51 . The upper lifting part  23  comes to a stop on the lower lifting part  62 . The round flag  7  which is fixed to the two lifting parts  23 ,  62  is therefore lowered and stored in a manner protected from the wind following a successful drop. 
         [0091]    If the wind gauge  6  registers that the wind has fallen below a pre-set threshold value, the hoisting function is activated. The electric motor  4  is activated, rotating in the direction in which the freewheel bearing  14  is not blocked. This means there is no torque transmission via the planet gears  15  and no rotation. However, the electromagnetic coupling  10  and the ball catch  76  are closed, so the torque of the motor shaft  11  or  11 . 2  is transferred to the coupling shaft  16  or to the ball mount  80 . As shown below, torque transmission to the rolls  21  occurs via the bevel gears  9 . Both tapes  20  are therefore rolled up, whereby as a result of the attachment of the end of the tape  20  not mounted on the roll  21  to the mounting  47  the upper lifting part  23  is hoisted up the mast  2 . 
         [0092]    It should be noted that a lowering or shortening function can for example be provided by hoisting the lower lifting part  62 , as lifting the lower lifting part  62  results in a reduction of the area of the advertising or information medium  1  which is exposed to the wind. 
         [0093]    In accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , there is torque transmission from the motor shaft  11  to the rolls  21  when the electromagnetic coupling  10  is closed. The rotation of the motor shaft  11  then causes a rotation of the coupling shaft  16 , which lies on the end of the bevel wheel  22 . The rotation of the bevel wheel  22  which lies on the coupling shaft  16  in turn causes a rotation of the two bevel wheels  22  which lie on the ends of the two drive shafts  30 . The torque is transferred to the shafts  57  and therefore to the rolls  21  mounted on the ends of the shafts  57  by means of gear wheels  58 ,  59 . 
         [0094]    In accordance with the alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13 to 16 , torque transmission also occurs from the motor shaft  11 . 2  to the rolls  21 . 2  when the ball catch  76 , which in accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13 to 16  replaces the function of the electromagnetic coupling, is closed. As can be seen from the comparison of  FIGS. 15   a  and  15   b , the torsion plate  82  which is in operative connection with the anchor  81  lies on the electromagnets  24 . 2  when closed as a result of the action of force. The torsion plate  82  is preferably connected to the anchor  81  in a in a freely rotating manner. Opposite the position shown in  FIG. 15   b , the electromagnet  24 . 2  causes the torsion plate, and along with it the anchor  81  move towards the electromagnets  24 . 2  in the direction of the arrow  86 . A form fit between the torsion plate  82  and the anchor  81  causes the action of the force of the electromagnets  24 . 2  on the torsion plate  82  to also cause a movement of the anchor  81  in the direction of the arrow  86 . 
         [0095]    When open, as shown in  FIG. 15   b , there is no torque transmission from the motor shaft  11 . 2  to the bevel wheel  22 . 2 . The ball mount  80  is connected, for example screwed, to the motor shaft  11 . 2 , and rotates along with it. However, there is no positive locking connection between the ball mount  80  and the ring adapter  77 . The ring adapter  77  therefore remains open. When open, the balls  79  carried along by the ball mount  80  are not in a position to create a connection between the ball mount  80  and the ring adapter  79  [sic], as they are able to avoid the motor shaft  11 . 2  by moving in a radial outward direction due to their intended central longitudinal axis rather than coming to a stop in the ball pans  78 . This avoidance of the balls  79  is made still easier by the recesses  84 . However, it is also possible to do without the recesses  84 . 
         [0096]    When open as shown in  FIG. 15   a , the balls  79  cannot move in a radial outward direction or into the recesses  84 . Rather, the balls are held in the ring pans  79  by the overhang  87 . In this way, the ball mount  80  creates a positive locking connection with the ring adapter  77 , which is conveyed into the ball pans  78  by the balls  79 . 
         [0097]    When closed, a rotation of the motor shaft  11 . 2  therefore causes a rotation of the ring adapter  77 . In turn, the ring adapter  77  is connected to the bevel wheel  22 . 2  by means of one or more screws  83 , which bevel wheel  22 . 2  therefore also rotates along with the motor shaft  11 . 2  when closed. 
         [0098]    The action of force, which is transferred to the balls  79  by the overhang  87  and the latter of which drives the ball pans  78  when closed, can be affected by a selected position of the torsion plate  82  or the anchor  81  along the direction of the arrow  86 . By selecting a position appropriately at which the ball  79  with which the overhang  87  makes contact, the action of the force on the ball  79  can be selected to be greater or smaller. 
         [0099]      FIGS. 10 and 12  show the function of the grid sheet metal. If the upper lifting part  23  moves in the direction of an arrow  70 , a nose  67  of the grid sheet metal is guided over a ramp  68 . After passing the ramp, the grid sheet metal is held in position by a magnet  65 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 11  shows a device having a plain bearing  69 .