Patent Abstract:
This invention relates to a retractable and extendable awning and a control system for automatically extending and retracting the awning. In a retractable fabric awning a front of the awning fabric is attached to a movable front bar, movably mounted at the wall of a building by retractable arms. The rear of the fabric is unrolled from a roll of the fabric on the building wall when the arms move the front bar away from the building. The awning features a weather sensor unit on its front bar. The weather sensor unit can detect excessive wind and mechanical shocks and also sunlight and rain. The sensor is in wireless (via radio frequency) communication with an indoor control unit which can automatically retract the front bar during windy, rainy and/or low sunlight conditions and extend the front bar during calm and sunny conditions.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This invention is related to, and claims priority from, European patent application EP 00200304.4, filed Jan. 31, 2000, entitled “AWNING ASSEMBLY AND CONTROL SYSTEM”, and incorporates the prior application in its entirety herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a retractable and extendable awning and a control system for automatically extending and retracting the awning. 
     Retractable and extendable awnings are generally known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,075,385, 1,804,550, GB 1 175 723, GB 2 042 058, EP 0 084 076, EP 0 125 727, EP 0 489 186 and EP 0 795 660. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has as an object to eliminate inconveniences of the prior art by providing such an awning with improved features. 
     In accordance with this invention, a retractable and extendable awning, includes at least one arm support bracket, at least one arm having first and second pivoting arm sections, a front bar, a roller adapted to be mounted for rotation, a fabric cloth for winding about and unwinding from the roller, wherein the first arm section has a first end pivotally linked to the bearing support and a second end, the second arm section having a first end pivotally linked to the second end of the first arm section and a second end pivotally linked to the front bar. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the front bar of the awning is provided with a weather sensor unit comprising a sensor which can detect movement of the front bar as a result of wind. Advantageously, the sensor unit is also provided with a light sensor, a rain sensor and a wind sensor. The additional wind sensor may be provided in addition to the movement sensor as this can only detect the presence of wind with the awning in an extended position. With the danger of wind removed it would be desirable if the awning can be extended automatically rather than manually. Hence the additional wind sensor which makes this possible. The movement sensor detects all vertical movements or shocks of the extended awning. If such movements occur outside of a predefined range a signal can be produced to effect retraction of the awning to prevent it from being damaged. The movement sensor can be based on the principle using a conductive fluid and two electrical contacts. If the fluid as a result of movement contacts both contacts an electrical connection is made. The number of electrical contacts within a given time frame can be used to detect movement. The viscosity of the conductive fluid determines the sensitivity of this type of movement sensor. Preferably the wind sensor is selected to be highly sensitive, whereas the movement or shock sensor can be of a much lower sensitivity. The wind sensor can be included in a wind catching body which is movably mounted with respect to the sensor unit. Such a wind catching body is preferably shaped to catch wind from all possible directions. Known wind detecting devices do only detect wind in a horizontal direction and are mostly mounted at a location remote from the awning which also does not help in recognising the actual danger level to which an individual awning may at times be exposed. Often gusts of wind blow vertically upward with respect to a facade of a building which carries the awning and this can be particularly dangerous if undetected. The present invention will cope with this situation more adequately. The sensor unit preferably communicates by means of wireless transmission with a control unit, which advantageously can be positioned indoor, and preferably the sensor unit is also programmed in a manner to save power. The sensor unit further comprises circuitry which at idle is in a sleep mode and consumes only 10 microamperes. An IRQ-pin is used to force a processor out of this sleep mode. This can be made to happen once for every 10 seconds or so. Upon awakening the unit will read the measurements of its sensors and compare these with threshold values stored in an internal table. Only when one of the values exceeds the specified threshold the unit will establish communication with either an indoor or outdoor control unit. Additionally the sensor unit will also establish communication with the control unit every one to five minutes, or so, to send a ‘live’ signal even without having to report a surpassing of a threshold value. The circuitry thereby enables the control unit to detect proper operation and communication of the sensor unit. During such predefined periodic communications the control unit can also transmit any new settings of threshold values to the sensor unit. Power supply for the sensor unit circuitry is provided by a rechargeable battery or accumulator which is charged by a solar cell. To economise on the investment for solar cells the solar cell is preferably composed of four individual cells. To allow charging of the battery with a relatively low voltage of 2 V, a step-up converter is used. This enables charging under even very low light levels, while under excessive light conditions the charging current will be limited to prevent damage to the battery. 
     According to yet another aspect of the invention an awning is, further provided with an indoor control unit. Upon installation particular settings for the outdoor weather sensor unit, such as sun and wind can be downloaded from the control unit to the sensor unit and stored at both ends in a programmable memory, such as an EEPROM, which memorises these settings. Only if the sensor unit detects a value outside of these settings it will establish communication with the control unit, so as to minimise transmissions between the two devices and the power consumption required thereby. If however the control unit does not receive the standard periodic “live”-signal transmission it will retract the awning and switch itself into manual mode. A suitable message may be displayed on a display device of the control unit to indicate this. The indoor control unit preferably is connected to mains supply and includes a transformer and a triac control for an electric motor incorporated in the awning or like sun protective device. Conveniently a high frequency circuit for wireless transmission of signals can be combined with the high voltage circuit board in the control unit. Another circuit board can be provided for the low voltage section of the control unit. The low voltage circuit board thereby contains the logical controls which can be fed by a low voltage, such as 5 V DC. These include a processor, a liquid crystal display, switches and optionally a temperature sensor. The processor comprises a control algorithm, a routine for decoding switch actuations and a display driver. To obtain an as adaptable as possible arrangement, the display driver and decoder for the switch matrix are included in a timer. An internal serial port is used for communication with a transceiver module. To control an electric motor for moving the awning from a retracted into an extended position and vice-versa a revolution counter and a power surge detection may be employed to detect the appropriate end positions of the awning. Such end position controls are usually incorporated in the electric motor units. An IRQ input and routine are however reserved in the control unit for the possible inclusion of an optional motor control in the control unit if so desired. It then also becomes possible to program the power surge (measured by a triac), which should result in the motor to cut out, with the help of the control unit. A main program algorithm has only a reduced number of tasks, which improves clarity and reliability. The main program thus includes two programming modes and decision sequences for intellectual control. 
     According to a still further aspect of the invention an awning is provided that further includes a hand-held remote control transmitter. 
     The invention also provides a control system in particular for an awning as referred to above, which includes at least one of a weather sensor, an indoor control unit and optionally a hand-held remote control transmitter, all preferably as referred to above. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Further aspects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description below of particular embodiments and the drawings thereof, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of a retractable arm awning of this invention in an extended position; 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of support bracket for the awning of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a slightly modified, second embodiment of support bracket for the awning of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a further, third embodiment of support bracket for the awning of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a fourth embodiment of support bracket for the awning of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is a detailed top perspective view of the first embodiment of support bracket of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 7 is a detailed side elevation view of the support bracket of FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 8 is a detailed side elevation view of the second embodiment of support bracket of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 9 is a detailed bottom perspective view of the second embodiment of support bracket of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of support bracket, taken along line X—X in FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 11 is a is a front elevation view of an optional alternative embodiment of the bushing of the support bracket of FIGS. 7 and 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a vertical cross- sectional view of the bushing of FIG. 11; 
     FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective view from opposite sides of the bushing of FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the awning of FIG. 1 in a retracted position; 
     FIG. 16 is a top elevation view of one of the articulated arms of the awning of FIG. 1 in a retracted position; 
     FIG. 17 is an elevation view of the arm of FIG. 16; 
     FIGS. 18 and 19 are perspective view from opposite sides of the arm of FIG. 16; 
     FIGS. 20 and 21 are perspective view from opposite sides of a first, rear end plug element of a rear section of the arm of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a second, front-end plug element of a rear section of the arm of FIG. 16, forming part of the central pivot swivel; 
     FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a third, rear end plug of a front section of the arm of FIG. 16, forming part of the central pivot swivel; 
     FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a fourth, front-end plug of a front section of the arm of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 25 is a vertical cross-sectional view, taken along line XXV—XXV in FIG. 26, of the front-end plug of the front arm section of FIG. 24; 
     FIG. 26 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation view of the front-end plug of the front arm section of FIG. 24; 
     FIG. 27 is a perspective fragmentary view of the rear section of the arm of FIG. 16, with the rear section partly broken away to show its connection to the rear end plug of FIGS. 20 and 21, inserted into it; 
     FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of an outdoor weather sensor unit which can be mounted on the front of the front bar of the awning of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of an indoor control unit which can be in communication with the weather sensor unit of FIG. 28; 
     FIG. 30 is a schematic representation of the circuitry of the outdoor weather sensor unit of FIG. 28; 
     FIGS. 30 a  and  30   b  are schematic representations of the circuitry of an alternative embodiment outdoor weather sensor unit; 
     FIG. 31 a  is a schematic representation of the circuitry of an alternative embodiment low voltage section of the indoor control unit; 
     FIG. 32 is a schematic reprensentation of the high voltage section of the circuitry of the indoor control unit of FIG. 29; 
     FIG. 32 a  is a schematic representation of the circuitry of an alternative embodiment high voltage section of the indoor control unit; 
     FIG. 33 is a flow chart of the operation of the processor of the outdoor weather sensor unit of FIG. 28; 
     FIG. 34 is a flow chart of the main program operation of the indoor control unit of FIG. 29; 
     FIG. 35 is a flow chart of the programming mode operation sub-routine of the indoor control unit of FIG. 29; 
     FIG. 36 is a flow chart of the installation mode operation sub-routine of the indoor control unit of FIG. 29; 
     FIG. 37 is a flow chart of the manual mode operation sub-routine of the indoor control unit of FIG. 29; 
     FIG. 38 is a flow chart of the auto mode operation sub-routine of the indoor control unit of FIG. 29; 
     FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of an optional hand-held wireless remote control transmitter which can be used to operate the indoor control unit of FIG. 29; 
     FIG. 40 is a flow chart of the operation of the remote control transmitter of FIG. 39; and 
     FIG. 41 is a schematic representation of the circuitry of the hand-held remote control transmitter of FIG. 39; 
     FIG. 41 a  is a schematic representation of the circuitry of an alternative embodiment hand-held remote control transmitter; 
     FIG. 42 is a schematic representation of the arrangement of the devices used with the awning control system; 
     FIG. 43 is a schematic representation of an alternative arrangement of the devices used with the awning control system; 
     FIG. 44 is a schematic representation of another alternative arrangement of the devices used with the awning control system. 
    
    
     In these Figures, corresponding parts in different embodiments are referred to by corresponding names and by the same last two reference numerals. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1 shows a retractable arm awning  1  of the general type with which the present invention is concerned. The awning  1  of FIG. 1 has a wall mount cassette  3  housing a roller  5  from which a fabric cloth  7  in the extended position of the awning is extending and supported by a collapsible support system comprising a front bar  9  connected to a front edge of the fabric cloth  7  and two collapsible arms  11 ,  13 . Each of the collapsible arms  11 ,  13  is hingeably mounted from a corresponding arm support bracket  15  and  17  respectively and comprises first and second pivoting arm sections  19 ,  23  and  21 ,  25  respectively. Each of the first and second arm sections are joined by a central pivot swivel  27 ,  29  respectively and the second arm sections  21 ,  25  are hingeably joined to the rear side of the front bar  9 . The front bar  9  preferably, but not necessarily, is shaped as a lid to close the opening  31  in the cassette  3  from which the fabric cloth and collapsible frame extend, when the awning is in a retracted position. 
     The awning of FIG. 1 preferably includes some mechanism for adjusting the angle  33  at which the awning extends from a building wall (not shown). 
     FIGS. 2 through 5 schematically show different forms of arm support brackets as referred to by numerals  15 ,  17  in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 2 represents a first embodiment of arm support bracket  115  having a base part  35  and a link  37  pivotally attached thereto by means of pivot pin  39 . The link  37  has means for pivotally attaching a first arm section  19  or  23  as will be discussed below but for clarity such means are deleted from FIGS. 2 through 5. A screw spindle  41 , upon rotation by a suitable tool in either of two opposite rotational directions, adjusts the angle  47  between the vertical and the link  37  and thereby the angle of extension  33  as indicated in FIG.  1 . The base part  35  has a square recess  49  at its rear end which can be attached over a square section bar extending along the width of the awning (not shown, but conventional in awnings). 
     FIG. 3 shows a slightly modified second embodiment of support bracket  215  which is generally identical to that of FIG. 2, but for the addition of a gear box  51  with an eyelet coupler  53  to be driven by an extension crank rod (not shown, but conventional in the operation of awnings). Driving the screw spindle  41  through gearbox  51  will allow ready angular adjustments by a conventional crank rod from a remote position that is convenient to the operator, rather than having to revert to tools. 
     FIG. 4 shows a further third embodiment of arm support bracket  315 , which is generally very similar to the basic bracket  115  of FIG.  2 . Support bracket  315  uses a different form of base part  55 , which attaches directly to a building wall or to the structure of a wall mount cassette (numeral  3  in FIG. 1) without using any square section bar, such as in the previously described embodiments. In all other respects the angular adjustment through a screw spindle  41  is similar to that of FIGS. 2 and 3. Likewise the support bracket  315  of FIG. 4 could be modified with a gearbox  51  such as shown in FIG. 3 for the second embodiment  215 . 
     Finally FIG. 5 shows as a fourth embodiment yet another form of support bracket  415 , which does not use a screw spindle for angular adjustment. Support bracket  415  shown with a similar base part  55  as the bracket of FIG. 4 could alternatively also be provided with a base part  35  such as the bracket of FIGS. 2 and 3. The angular adjustment of the link  37  of bracket  415  is effected by means of a lockable gas spring  57 , which has one end attached to the bushing  45  and another end pivotally attached to a suitable fixed structure such as the building wall or to the base part  55 . Locking gas springs of a suitable type are obtainable under the trade designation KALLER from Strömsholmen AB of Sweden or under the trade designation BLOC-O-LIFT from Stabilus of Germany. Such lockable gas springs not only provide the appropriate angular adjustment of the link  37  but also provide for cushioning of any forces acting on the awning in its extended position. Means for cushioning can also be incorporated in the bushing  45 , but this will be described in reference to FIG.  10 . 
     FIGS. 6 and 7 are a perspective top view and a side elevation respectively of the support bracket  115  of FIG.  2 . The same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts. It is seen from FIG. 6 that the screw spindle  41  has a polygonal driving head  42  at a forward end protruding or reachably exposed through the bushing  45 . Such a polygonal driving head  42  can be a hexagonal cavity which can be driven by a regular allen key wrench, but clearly other driving ends for other convenient tools known to the skilled person can be selected. 
     The bushing  45  is further shown to have a body  59  and a pivot pin  61 , which conveniently can be screw threaded in the body  59  to be removable and hence be provided with a polygonal driving head or cavity. The link  37  is provided with a bearing section  63  with a through bore  65  for receiving a pivot pin for hingeably connecting the first pivoting arm sections ( 19  or  23  in FIG. 1) of a collapsible awing arm ( 11  or  13  in FIG.  1 ). 
     The link  37  of an awning can be made in right-hand and left-hand versions with the through bore  65  on different sides depending in the arc of movement of the awning arm, but it is also conceivable to use a single type of link with a through bore such as  65 ) on each opposite side. 
     FIG. 7 shows a side elevation of support bracket  115  generally similar to the embodiment of the schematic view of FIG.  2 . Here it is seen that the screw spindle  41  can effectively define two sections  67  and  69 . The first section  67  can be provided with a male screw thread and engage a female screw thread in the bushing  45 . The second section  69  can have a non-circular cross section for driving engagement by either a tool or other driving means. It is further seen from FIGS. 6 and 7 that the rear end of the base part  35  is provided with screw fasteners  71 ,  73  spanning across the open ended square recess  49  for clampingly forcing the opposite legs  75 ,  77  together on a square bar or the like (not shown, but conventional) to attach the support bracket. 
     FIGS. 8 and 9 show a side view and a perspective bottom view, respectively, of the second embodiment of support bracket  215 , also shown schematically in FIG.  3 . Basically the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 is identical to that of FIGS. 6 and 7, except for the addition of the gear box  51  engaging the screw spindle  41  and allowing adjustment thereof by driving the eyelet coupler  53 . The reference numerals in FIGS. 8 and 9 are otherwise used identically to those in FIGS. 2,  6  and  7 . It should be noticed in this regard that an existing embodiment according to FIGS. 6 and 7 can be modified by the addition of a gearbox  51  to the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9. 
     FIG. 10 is a cross section of the support bracket  115  of the embodiment of FIG. 7 in the direction of arrows X—X and serves to illustrate a first optional form of bushing  145  suitable to replace any of the bushings  45  as described with respect to FIGS. 2 through 9. The bushing  145  comprises in a concentric arrangement a rigid inner bushing  147 , a resilient intermediate bushing  149  and a rigid outer bushing  151 . The outer bushing  151  carries female screw thread for engaging the male screw thread  67  of the screw spindle  41 . The male screw threaded portion  67  of the screw is however freely movable through the inner bushing  147 , which is pivotally retained in the link  37  by opposite screwed-in pivot pins  61 ,  62 . 
     Any forces that act on the link  37  in the axial direction of the screw spindle  41  will be cushioned by the resilient intermediate bushing  149  and thereby would prevent damage to the screw spindle or its mounting in the base part  35 . With respect to the mounting of the screw spindle  41  in the base part  35 , FIG. 10 also serves to illustrate a feature shared in common with the other embodiments but not yet visible in any of the previous illustrations. The second section  69  of the screw spindle  41 , having a hexagonal cross-section for engagement by the gearbox  51  or the like drive means, is further provided with a ball shaped head  79  which is engaged in an axial cavity of the transverse pin  43 . An intermediate neck portion  81  can extend from the cavity and be position therein through an axial slot coextending with the axial cavity in the transverse pin  43 . Once engaged in the cavity of the transverse pin  43 , the ball shaped head  79  is retained therein by a locking screw  83 . 
     FIGS. 11 through 14 show yet another second optional embodiment  245  for the bushing (generally numbered  45  in FIGS.  2  through  9 ). It is sometimes desirable that a particular adjusted angle of extension (angle  33  in FIG. 1) and hence the angle of link  37  (angle  47  in FIGS. 7 and 8) is cancelled when the collapsible arms ( 11 , 13  in FIG. 1) reach the retracted position, so that the front bar ( 9  in FIG. 1) may abut against and close the cassette opening ( 31  in FIG. 1) in a predefined angular orientation. One such mechanism is described in GB 2042058 and uses a transversely movable locking bolt which is moved by the awning arm through a linking rod. It has been found that transverse movement of such a locking bolt can be somewhat difficult if this is at the same time also forced against the screw spindle element. The bushing arrangement  245  of FIGS. 11 through 14 can overcome this drawback and would also result in a very compact arrangement. To this end the bushing  245  has an inner bushing  247  and a concentric hollow outer bushing  251 . Accommodated in a cavity of the inner bushing is threaded nut  249  adapted to engage the screw-threaded section  67  of the screw spindle  41 . The nut  249  as best shown in FIG. 12 is also contoured to allow accommodation within the hollow interior of the hollow outer bushing  251 . The inner bushing  247  is provided with an opening  253  large enough to allow unhindered axial movement of the screw spindle  41 , but small enough to prevent passage of the nut  249 . The outer bushing  251  is provided with a first perimeter opening  255  of a size large enough to allow passage of the nut  249 . The outer bushing  251  is also provided with a second perimeter opening  257  on an opposite side and aligned with the first perimeter opening  255 . The second perimeter opening  257  is of a size large enough to allow certain relative rotational movement of the outer bushing  251  in respect of the inner bushing  247  with the screw spindle  41  in position and extending through the second perimeter opening  257 . All of FIGS. 11 through 14 show the bushing element  247  and the outer bushing  251 . If upon retraction of the awning the outer bushing  251  were rotated from the position shown in FIG. 12 to a position in which the nut  249  could escape through the first perimeter opening  255 , then the locked position of the link ( 37  in FIGS. 2 through 10) would be cancelled for the purpose described herein above. To this end the outer bushing  251  may be provided with a flange portion  259  in one of its axial ends, from which flange portion a lever arm  261  may extend (see in particular FIGS.  13  and  14 ). The lever arm  261  may have an opening for engagement by a linking rod or the like (not shown, but known to the skilled person from GB 2042058) operatively connecting it to a confronting awning arm. Although the angular rotational movement of the outer bushing  251  may optionally be limited by the size of the second perimeter opening  257  and the screw spindle  41  extending therethrough it may also be convenient to have a separate indexing means for this. As shown in FIGS. 11,  13  and  14  such indexing means may comprise one or more radially extending pins  265 ,  267  on the inner bushing  27  and one or more corresponding annular recesses  269 ,  271  on the outer bushing  251 . 
     FIG. 15 shows a cross section through one form of awning according to the present invention, which is shown in a retracted position. In this position the front bar  9  acts as a lid to close the forward opening of cassette box  3 , which houses the entire awning mechanism in its retracted position. It is seen that the cassette  3  houses a roller  5  on which the awning cloth is wound. A square section bar or rod  85  is used in this embodiment to mount the various awning components, notably the arm support brackets. 
     A wall mount bracket  87  is used to fix the square section bar  85  in position with respect to a vertical building surface (not shown, but conventional and known to the skilled person). The square bar  85  further receives at least two base parts  35  of the appropriate arm support brackets ( 15  and  17  in FIG.  1 ). FIG. 15 also illustrates a version of awning incorporating a lockable gas spring  57  such as schematically shown in the embodiment of FIG.  5 . This gas spring  57  is of an appropriate type as supplied by the firms of Stabilus or of Strömsholmen AB is of a variety that can be locked in any desired position of telescopic adjustment in a manner commonly found in adjustable office seats and typing chairs. Further FIG. 15 shows the attachment of the front bar  9  to the second section  25  of the collapsible awning arm. To this end the second section  25  carries a front pivot pin  89  onto which an arcuate mounting plate  91  is hingeably mounted. The mounting plate is affixed by suitable fasteners (not shown but conventional) to a correspondingly inwardly arcuate rear surface of the front bar  9 . The abutting arcuate surfaces of the mounting plate  91  and the front bar  9  allow for accurate angular adjustment of the front bar  9 , so that it closes the cassette  3  in the correct orientation. 
     Also shown in FIG. 15 is another eyelet coupler  92  through which the awning can be driven into an extended position or from an extended position to a retracted position by means of a conventional crank rod (not shown). The eyelet coupler  92  through a shaft and an appropriate gear transmission drives the roller  5  in a conventional manner to wind or unwind the awning cloth. Extension of the awning cloth will further be promoted in that the collapsible awning arms are resiliently biased towards the extended position as will be further explained herein below. The skilled person will also instantly recognise that the roller  5  can be driven by any electric motor, such as through a tube-type motor or the like. Suitable motors are widely available for this purpose from amongst others the firms of: ELERO Antriebs-und Sonnenschutztechnik GmbH, Becker-Antriebe GmbH or SOMFY. 
     For a description of a suitable collapsible arm for use in a collapsible frame according to the invention reference will now be made to FIGS. 16 though  27 . FIG. 16 shows a top plan view of a collapsible awning arm corresponding to awning arm  13  of FIG.  1 . 
     Arm  13  has a first pivoting section  23  and a second pivoting section  25 . The first and second pivoting sections are joined to one another by a central pivot swivel  29  and the front pivot pin  89  connects mounting plate  91  to an opposite end of the second pivoting section  25 . 
     An end of the first arm section  23  opposite of the central pivot swivel  29  carries a forked end  93  for hingeably attaching to the bearing section  63  of any of the arm support brackets of FIGS. 2 through 9. In this regard a hinge pin (not shown, but conventional) will be inserted through respective openings  95 ,  96  in an aligned arrangement with the through bore  65  of one of the arm support brackets  115 ,  215 ,  315  or  415 . The first and second arm sections  23 ,  25  each comprise a length of tubular profile  97 ,  99  respectively, which can each be of an appropriate length in relation to the desired drop of the awning and the extended length of the awning cloth ( 7  in FIGS.  1  and  15 ). The variability of the arm length is indicated by interruptions of the tubular profiles  97  and  99  in FIGS. 16 through 19. 
     The forked end  97  is in the form of a first end plug element  101 , which partly engages into the hollow interior of the tubular profile  97 . The central pivot swivel  29  is an assembly of second and third plug elements  103 ,  105 . The front pivot pin  89  and mounting plate  91  are hingeably mounted on yet another, fourth plug element  107 . FIG. 17 shows a front elevation of the awning arm of FIG.  16  and FIGS. 18 and 19 show perspective views of the same awning arm from opposite directions. FIG. 17 allows the recognition of spring tensioned flexible fourth plug element  109  which extends around the central pivot swivel and which biases the first and second arm sections  23 ,  25  towards a straightened longitudinally aligned position. The flexible fourth plug element  107  can be spring tensioned by one or more tension springs housed in one or each of the tubular profiles  97  and/or  99  in a conventional manner. Suitable arrangements for biasing awning arms into an extended position are described, for example, in GB 1.175.723; EP 0.125.727; EP 0.489.186 and EP 0.795.660. In particular these documents show the arrangement of tension springs and the use of different forms of flexible elements, such as cables; chains and flexible belts or strips. The skilled person may additionally be aware of still further suitable constructions and further description is considered therefore to be redundant. 
     FIGS. 17 and 19 in particular show that the arcuate mounting plate  91  is provided with vertically extending arcuate slots  111 ,  113 . The slots  111 , 113  can receive fasteners for adjustably attaching the front bar  9  (FIGS. 1 and 15) to the mounting plate  91 . 
     FIGS. 20 and 21 show perspective views from opposite directions of the first end plug element  101 , before it is mounted in the tubular profiles ( 97  in FIGS.  16  through  19 ). Such a component can be conveniently formed as a moulding in metal or optionally plastic. The first end plug  101  includes a plug-in end  121 , which can additionally be provided with anchoring openings  123  for attachment of an arm biasing tension spring (not shown, but described in GB 1.175.723; EP 0.125.727; EP 0.489.186 and EP 0.795.660). Also provided on the plug in end  121  is a generally T-shaped channel arrangement  125  which is in communication with an opening  127 . The opening  127  will be in an exposed position after mounting of the first end plug  101  in the tubular profile  97 . The T-shaped channel arrangement  125  can be extended along the edges of the plug-in end at  129  and  131 . The opening  127  and channel arrangement are for a purpose to be explained in reference to FIG. 27 below. 
     FIG. 22 shows the second plug element  103  which forms part of the central pivot swivel  29 . The second end plug element  103  is provided with a T-shaped channel arrangement  133  similar to that of the first plug element described in reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. The channel arrangement  133  is on a similar plug-in end  135  and communicates with an exposed opening (similar to  127  of FIGS.  20 , 21  but not visible in the view according to FIG.  22 ). It is further apparent from FIG. 22 that the second plug element  103  is provided with a hinge body  137  having a central hinge bore  139  for co-operation with the third plug element  105  illustrated in FIG.  23 . 
     The third plug element  105  illustrated in FIG. 23 is provided with a plug in end  161  which is generally similar to the plug-in end  135  of FIG. 22, but shown from an opposite side. A similar T-shaped channel arrangement  163  is provided on the plug-in end  135 , but most of it is positioned on the reverse side, which is not visible in the view of FIG. 23 Also, in the third plug element  105  the channel arrangement will be communicating with an opening similar to opening  127  of FIGS. 20 and 21 but this again is hidden from view in FIG.  23 . Since these features are generally identical to those already described in reference to FIGS. 20 through 22, and will be further explained in reference to FIG. 27, further description at this point is considered unnecessary. FIG. 23 also shows that element  105  is further provided with hinge ears  165 ,  167  for receiving the hinge body  137  therebetween. Further, the hinge ears  165 ,  167  are each provided with a relevant opening  169 ,  176  for alignment with the central hinge bore  139  whereupon a conventional hinge pin (not shown) can be inserted to hingeably connect the second and third plug elements  103 ,  105 . 
     FIGS. 24 through 26 show an assembly of the fourth plug element  107  and mounting plate  91 . FIG. 24 generally also shows the front pivot pin  89  which can have an additional angular compensation feature that will be explained in reference to FIG.  25 . FIG. 24 further shows that the fourth plug element  107  also has a plug-in end  173  by which it can be inserted into the tubular profile  99 , which is partly broken away to show this. The plug-in end  173  is again substantially similar to those described in reference to the structures of FIGS. 20 though  23  and further features thereof will be explained in reference to FIG.  27 . The exposed portion of the fourth plug element  107  as shown in FIG. 24 also has a pivot pin receiving protrusion  175  received between upper and lower hinge ears  177 ,  179  extending from the rear side of the mounting plate  91  and held together by the front pivot pin  89 . 
     FIG. 26 shows an enlarged fragmentary front elevation of the fourth plug element  107  and mounting plate  91  assembly as represented in FIG.  17  and FIG. 25 shows a cross section through the same assembly in accordance with the line XXV—XXV in FIG.  26 . FIG. 25 in particular shows the angular compensation feature for the front pivot pin  89 . The front pivot pin  89  in this regard includes a central axle  181  which has a screwdriver slot  183  at its bottom end. The axle  181  is engaged in a collar  185  by means of a male screw thread on the axle  181  and female screw thread on the inner bore of the collar  185 . The collar  185  is both rotatably and axially pivotally held by its upper outer circumference with which it is engaged in a bore of the lower hinge ear  179 . It is possible to retract (or engage) the central axle  181  from (or into) engagement with the upper hinge ear  177  by unscrewing (or screwing home) the axle  181  with respect to the collar  185 . In the upper hinge ear  177  there is engaged a transverse angle compensating bearing element  187  which has a bearing cavity for rotatably receiving the upper end of the central axle  181 . The bearing element  187  is generally formed as a cylindrical body with its outer circumference mated to a horizontal bore in the upper hinge ear  177 . The bearing element  187  is horizontally slidable in respect of the upper hinge ear  177 . This results in some limited angular lost motion between the mounting plate  91  and the front awning arm section  25 . Conveniently the amount of lost motion is about 7 degrees, which would enable to cope with most of the misalignments encountered with the front bar  9  and the cassette  3  upon full retraction of the awning. The skilled person can devise alternative angle adjustment means for adjusting the angle of the mounting plate  91  in respect of the front pivot  89  and the previously described arrangement is nothing more than one possible solution. 
     FIG. 27 illustrates a novel technique for affixing the plug-in ends of the plug elements to the ends of the tubular profiles. Although FIG. 27 shows this in particular for the first end plug element  101  and the first tubular profile  97  a similar arrangement will be used for the second, third and fourth plug elements  103 ,  105 ,  107  as well as for the second tubular profile  99 . It has been known for awnings to affix such plug element by means of glue or adhesives but it has so far always been necessary to apply the glue before assembly of the plug and profile parts. This has made control over the glue connection very difficult in that too small an amount of glue was bound to be scraped off and removed from the critical areas. An excessive amount of glue has likewise resulted in ineffective connections and in an uneconomic use of usually expensive adhesive compositions. According to the present invention the plug element  101  is first inserted into an end of the tubular profile  97  as shown in FIG. 27, but yet without adhesive material. Only after assembly a suitable glue or adhesive is injected through opening  127  (see FIGS. 20 and 21) and a bead of glue or adhesive  189  is formed in the T-shaped channel formation  125 . This has resulted in a much improved distribution of the adhesive material as well as in a more economic use thereof. 
     FIGS. 28 through 38 illustrate a novel arrangement for the automatic control of electrically operated awnings. FIG. 28 shows a weather sensor unit  421  for mounting onto the front bar of awning (front bar  9  in FIGS.  1  and  15 ). The sensor unit  421  on its front face carries a wind sensor  423  in the form of a resiliently movably mounted wind catching body, shaped as a hollow housing. A first electronic movement sensor such as a motion switch sold by Assemtech Europe Ltd under part number MS  24  is incorporated into the hollow wind catching body  423 . The sensor unit  421  further houses a solar panel  425  which can extend to both sides of a central housing  427 . The solar panel charges an accumulator or battery ( 477  in FIG.  30 ), which forms the power supply for the entire sensor unit. Further, the sensor unit  421  houses a water sensor  429  for sensing rain, a light sensor and a temperature sensor which will be further identified in reference to FIG. 30 which shows the electronic circuit of the sensor unit  421 . Optionally, a shock sensor may additionally be included in the sensor unit  421 . 
     Further the sensor unit  421  includes an antenna or the like for wireless transmission of parameter values to an indoor control unit. 
     FIG. 29 shows an indoor control unit  431  having a display device  433  for displaying parameter values, which may in part have been transmitted to it from the outdoor weather sensor unit  421 . The control unit  431  also has a number of buttons for selecting different functions and for making adjustments. The programming buttons for adjustments of threshold values are normally covered by a pivotable lid  435 . With the pivotable lid  435  closed, only a limited number of buttons is exposed and these include a button  437  for selecting the mode of the display device  433 , and an auto/manual mode selection button  439 , a stop button  441  for interrupting the operation of the control unit and preferably somewhat larger buttons for manually selecting deployment or extension  443  and for manually selecting retraction of the sun protection device  445 . Adjustments of various settings can be obtained by a number of buttons behind the pivotable lid  435 . These include selector buttons for setting the sensitivity by changing a threshold value of the wind sensor  447 , the sun sensor  449 , the optional shock sensor  451  and a programming enter button  453 . After selection each of these switches combines with a tumbler switch  455  for either increasing or decreasing the sensitivity of the selected sensor. By subsequently actuating the enter button  453  any change in sensitivity threshold can be stored. The adjusted settings are subsequently transmitted from the control unit  431  to the outdoor sensor unit  421 . The wireless transmission between the units  421  and  431  effectively eliminates any requirement for cabling between these units and hence significantly promotes an efficient installation of the awning as well as an improved reliability. 
     The control unit  431  additionally controls the power supply to an electric motor for operating the awning as will be discussed in reference to FIG.  32 . Further details of the weather sensor unit  421  will become apparent from a discussion of its circuitry shown in FIG.  30  and those of the control unit  431  from a discussion of its circuitry shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. 
     FIG. 30 shows the circuitry of the outdoor weather sensor unit  421  which includes a shock sensor  461 . The shock sensor determines movement of a front bar ( 3  in FIGS. 1 and 15) which may go beyond the notice of a motion sensor  463  (for wind sensor  423 ). Also included in the circuit of FIG. 30 are a light sensor  465 , a water sensor  467  for detecting rain and a temperature sensor  469  for assisting the light sensor in determining sunshine levels. Each of these sensors feeds a processor  471  which decides, on the basis of stored threshold values, whether or not the awning will be operated to extend or to retract. The processor  471  to this end communicates with a memory device  472  and a transceiver  473 , which is connected to an antenna  475  for radio frequency signals. Other forms of wireless transmissions are conceivable and these would include infra-red or ultra-sound, but in the environment of an outdoor awning some preference is given to radio frequency waves and hence the presence of an antenna  475 , which can conveniently be incorporated on a printed circuit board and as such may be positioned behind the solar panel  425  of the sensor unit  421 . The memory device  472  preferably is an EEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read-only memory) for storing threshold values for the sensor readings. 
     The solar panel  425  will continuously charge, depending on the ambient light conditions, an accumulator  477  which will also take care of the temporary power requirements of the sensor unit  421 . The accumulator  477  preferably is a Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)-type battery. NiMH battery chemistry stores up to 40% more power than conventional Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable batteries and can deliver this power much more quickly. NiMH batteries unlike NiCd have no memory effects, they will store almost the same amount of power for their entire lifetime. NiMH rechargeable batteries last through 500-1000 recharge/discharge cycles and are considered perfect for high drain electronics. Temporary power requirements thereby may exceed the instantaneous capacity of the solar panel. Preferably a charging circuit between the solar panel  425  and the accumulator  477  includes a DC to DC step-up converter. A preferred form of step-up converter for use with solar panels and NiMH-type accumulators uses one or two MOSFET semiconductor elements in combination with a Schottky diode. As discussed above the motion sensor  463  incorporated in wind sensor  423  can be an omni-directional motion switch MS  24  from Assemtech Europe Ltd. Alternatively the wind sensor  423  can be in the form of a piezo element, which can be regarded as a voltage source with a large capacity. An appropriate amplifier circuit ensures that strongly varying signals, such as noise of air moving past the piezo-sensor, cause pulses which lower the voltage on an exit capacitor. The higher the speed of wind, the lower the voltage of the capacitor. This output is connected to the processor  471 . The shock sensor  461  conveniently can be a lesser sensitive motion switch and preferably is a device sold by the Comus Group of companies as their part number CM 4400-1. 
     FIGS. 30 a  and  30   b  show a circuit arrangement alternative to that of FIG.  30 . Like components have been indicated by similar reference numerals with a suffix “a”. Shock sensor  461   a  is connected to the “SHOCK” terminal of central processing unit  471   a . Wind and motion sensor  463   a  ( 423  in FIG. 28) is a piezo sensor and connects to the “WIND” terminal of central processor  471 . Light sensor  465   a , water (or rain) sensor  467   a  ( 429  in FIG. 28) and temperature sensor  469   a  are positioned conveniently on a separate sensor circuit board, the circuit of which is illustrated in FIG. 30 b . The circuit of FIG. 30 b  connects to the circuit of FIG. 30 a  through a 12-pins male and female connectors “HDR — 12”. 
     Also shown in FIG. 30 b  is a further connector “HDR — 6”, which connects to the connector “HDR — 12”. This further connector “HDR — 6” is a Flash program connector for the externally writable data memory integrated in processor unit  471   a . This memory replaces the external memory device  472  of the FIG. 30 embodiment. A transceiver unit  473   a  connects to antenna  475   a . Particularly advantageous is the “Low Voltage Solar Converter Unit”, which connects the solar panel  425   a  to a battery assembly  477   a . The “Low Voltage Solar Converter” includes a step-up DC-to-DC converter (sometimes also called a voltage increasing chopper). The main components of the step-up converter are: inductor/inductance L 4 ; semiconductor switch T 4  and supplemental N-channel MOSFET T 2 ; diode D 1  (Schottky ZHCS 750) and capacitor/capacitance in the form of high capacity elco C 23  compensated for low resistance by additional capacitors C 19  and C 20 . 
     Semiconductor switch T 4  operates the step-up converter at those times when the voltage is too low to operate the MOSFET switch T 2 . Switch T 4  is operated by an oscillator circuit as indicated in FIG. 30 a  by a dash-dotted box. The output of the oscillator connects to the “STARTUP_OSC&gt;&gt;” connector of the step-up converter where Schottky diode D 3  (ZHCS750) adds the output voltage of the solar panel  425   a  to the pulsed voltage generated by the oscillator. The resulting voltage is offered to the base of T 4 . 
     As soon as the voltage offered to the step-up converter is high enough for the MOSFET switch T 2  to operate, the oscillator output is grounded through semiconductor T 3  of the oscillator circuit. Then the MOSFET T 2  is controlled from the “N_GATE&gt;&gt;” output of the central micro processor  471   a  and a further P-channel MOSFET T 1  is controlled from the “P_GATE&gt;&gt;” output of the processor  471   a  to take over from the Schottky diode D 1 . The P and N gates of the processor  471   a  are software driven. 
     In this manner a particularly advantageous step-up converter has been obtained. The alternative use of semi-conductor switches T 4  and T 2  provides for a register or compound step-up converter that has optimal characteristics for each of a low voltage and a higher voltage range. 
     The provision of Schottky diode D 3  enables to offer an as high as possible voltage to the base of the low voltage semiconductor switch T 4 . The additional MOSFET switch T 1 , which is positioned in parallel to diode D 1 , allows to eliminate the losses which normally occur in diodes such as D 1 . 
     FIG. 31 shows the low voltage circuitry of the indoor control unit  431  which includes a processor  481  connected to an oscillator  483 . Further the processor  481  is connected to the display device  433  through a data bus  482  and 8-bits latches  484  and also to an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only-Memory)  485 . Optionally but not necessarily the circuitry of FIG. 31 can be provided with test and/or programming connectors such as  487 ,  489  and  491 . Further an array of light emitting diodes (LED&#39;s)  493  may be provided for illumination of the display  433 . For connection to the high voltage circuitry there is an 8-pins male connector  495 . 
     FIG. 31 a  shows an alternative circuit arrangement to the low voltage circuitry of FIG.  31 . Similar components have been indicated by like reference numerals carrying a suffix “a”. Switches SW 1  through SW 12   w  are similar to those in FIG.  31  and generally correspond to the buttons and switches shown in FIG. 29 on the control unit  431  as follows: 
     SW  1 = 447  (wind) 
     SW  2 = 437  (display) 
     SW  3 = 446  (installers programming switch) 
     SW  4 = 449  (sun) 
     SW  5 = 439  (auto/manual) 
     SW  6  and SW 7 = 455  (sensitivity +and −) 
     SW  8 = 451  (shock) 
     SW  9 = 453  (enter) 
     SW  10 = 443  (extension/roll out) 
     SW  11 = 441  (stop/interrupt) 
     SW  12 = 445  (retraction/roll in) 
     A processor  481   a  is responsive to software including steps according to any one of the flow charts according to FIGS. 34-37 and through a data bus  482   a  is connected to an EEPROM device  485   a  and a LCD-display  433   a . The LCD display  433   a  is controlled through six 8-bits latches  484   a . The circuit of FIG. 31 a  further includes a number of optional test or programming connectors  487   a ,  489   a ,  491   a , of which the latter is intended for the display device  433   a.    
     Also shown in FIG. 31 a  is an additional BUZZER, which signals the execution of a programming or adjusting step to a user. The component “U3” in FIG. 31 a  and “NEWSHAPE” in FIG. 31 represents a temperature sensor for measuring the indoor temperature. 
     FIG. 32 shows the high voltage section of the circuitry of the control unit  431  with a corresponding 8-pins female connector  496  for connection to the low voltage section. The high voltage or power section has a 220V mains supply  501 , an earth connector  503 , a motor current connector for retraction  505  and a motor current connector for extension  507 . 
     Additional motor control circuitry is normally integrated in the conventional drive motor units but could alternatively also be integrated on the circuit board of FIG. 32 beyond the connectors  505  and  507 . This is optional and depends on the type of motor unit used. 
     Further the high voltage circuitry of FIG. 32 includes a transformer  509  and a transceiver  511  and antenna  513  for communication with the sensor unit  421 . 
     FIG. 32 a  is generally similar to the previously disclosed high voltage power section circuit of FIG.  32 . Again an 8-pins connector  496   a  connects to the printed circuit board of the low voltage circuitry of FIG. 31 a  at  495   a . Like components have been designated by like reference numerals provided with the suffix “a”. 
     FIG. 33 shows a flow chart for the processor  471  of the sensor unit  421  of FIGS. 28 and 30. In step  601  a wake-up signal is produced which initializes the processor  471  in step  603 . In step  605  the processor  471  determines whether or not the sensor unit  421  is in a programming mode. If it is not, step  607  measures the amount of light, step  609  measures the temperature, step  611  determines the presence of wind, step  613  determines the presence of shocks and step  615  determines the presence of rain by use of the various sensors described hereinabove. Subsequently, step  617  compares the measurements with the predefined thresholds. 
     Since it is conceivable that an awning or the like window covering with a wireless transmitting sensor unit as disclosed is going to be used in the vicinity of another similar device, it is desirable that each of such devices would only respond to its associated control unit and not to any other transmitters or control units in its neighborhood. Therefore each control unit  431  will be given an individual one of a number of different channels. Upon installation it will then be necessary for the transmitter of the sensor unit to identify itself to its respective control unit. This is why step  605  checks for the presence of a programming instruction. If this is detected, step  619  requests transmission of address information from the control unit and with step  621  is set to receive channel information from the control unit  431 . Such programming instructions can be given by short-circuiting the conductive contacts of the water/rain sensor ( 429  in FIG. 28;  467  in FIG.  30 ), which can be recognised by the processor  471  as a programming instruction. If step  623  determines that transmission channel information is not received within a specified delay, step  625  will return the sensor unit  421  to its sleep mode. If the specified delay is not found to have lapsed by step  623 , then step  627  will continue to look for transmission channel settings until step  629  continues with a confirmation of such setting or until step  623  determines the lapse of the predefined delay for receiving such settings. Step  627  thus checks the receipt of channel settings and repeats steps  621  and  623  for as long as the programming instruction is valid. Once channel information has been received, step  629  confirms such receipt to the control unit  431  and step  631  takes the address information from the received channel settings transmission. Step  632  then stores the channel address in the memory device (EEPROM)  472  of the sensor unit  421 . After this step  633  returns the sensor unit  421  to its sleep mode. Returning now to step  617 , which compares the sensor values with the stored thresholds in the memory device ( EEPROM)  472 , if this determination does not indicate any necessary activity (that would result from exceeding of any of the thresholds) steps  635  and  637  will return the sensor unit  421  to its sleep mode as long as a predefined period of time (i.e. 1 to 5 minutes) has not passed. As soon as step  635  determines the lapse of the predefined time interval it communicates with the control unit  431  through steps  639 ,  641  and  643 . Also if the determination at step  617  indicates measurements surpassing the pre-set threshold; then also the sensor unit  421  communicates with the control unit  431  through steps  639 ,  641  and  643 . Upon such communication, step  645  checks whether a response from the control unit  431  is received within a pre-set time frame and if not it will return the sensor unit  421  to its sleeping mode. If step  645  and  649  have determined that a message has been received from the control unit then step  651  saves the new settings and step  653  returns the sensor unit  421  to its sleep mode. Within the present time frame steps  643 ,  645  and  649  will repeatedly be cycled so that the receipt of new settings from the control unit  431  may be intercepted. 
     FIG. 34 shows the basic flow chart for the control unit  431  and its processor  481 . After connecting the unit to a power supply, represented by step  655 , the unit will be initialised at step  657 . Then a continuous cycle starts which continuously checks the selected mode of operation. In step  659  it is determined whether a programming mode has been selected and if so step  661  will revert to the program mode sub-routine shown in FIG.  35 . 
     If no programming mode is detected in step  659  then step  663  determines whether an installation mode has been selected. If this is found to be the case step  665  refers to the installation sub-routine of FIG.  36 . Otherwise the cycle will continue at step  667  to check whether the manual mode has been selected by switch  439 . If such proves to be the case step  669  will enter the manual mode subroutine of FIG.  37 . Otherwise the cycle continuous to step  671  to find out whether the automatic mode is selected by switch  439  to refer to the subroutine of FIG.  38  through step  673  or to repeat the above described cycle from step  659 . 
     FIG. 35 shows the programming mode sub-routine for the control unit  431 , which starts at step  661 . The processor  481  at step  675  selects a relevant sensor settings from its table stored in EEPROM  485  in response one of the selector buttons  447 ,  449  or  451  having been actuated and step  677  displays this sensor setting on the display  433 . Step  679  thereupon determines whether another actuation of a program button has been effected to select a different setting for display. If this is positive, step  681  will select the relevant value from the table setting and display this. Once the operator does not depress a program button for another selection step  683  determines whether the tumbler switch  455  is depressed to increase the current value and if so to add in step  685  one value increment and in step  687  to display the increased value. If however step  683  does not recognise actuation of the switch  455  towards increasing, step  689  will determine actuation of switch  455  in the decreasing direction and if positive through steps  691  and  693  lowers and displays the adjusted value. 
     Irrespective of the determination at step  689  the subroutine will be continued with step  695  which determines whether the stop button  441  may have been depressed and if so step  697  returns to step  663  in the main program. Otherwise the subroutine will continue and check as step  699  whether the enter button  453  has been depressed. If the enter button  453  has not been depressed the sub-routine repeats from step  677 . When the enter button has been depressed the subroutine continues with step  701 . Step  701  awaits the receipt of an information package from the outdoor sensor unit  421 . After  20  seconds, step  703 , through step  705  will display an error in display device  433  whereupon step  707  returns to the main program to continue at step  663 . 
     Until such time step  709  will determine whether any information package is received in full and return to step  701  or continue at step  711 . In step  711   a  modified information package is prepared, containing any new limits, which subsequently in step  713  are sent to the outdoor sensor unit  421 . Step  715  awaits a confirmation of receipt by the sensor unit  421  and if this is not obtained within a predefined time span step  719  indicates an error in display device  433 , after which step  721  returns to the main program to continue at step  663  (FIG.  34 ). During the predefined time span step  723  will determine the presence of a recognisable receipt confirmation of the information package or return to step  715  for another cycle. If a correct confirmation is received step  725  will store the new settings also in its EEPROM  485 . Step  727  will thereafter return to the main program and continue with step  663 . 
     FIG. 36 illustrates the installation sub-routine, which allows fine adjustments upon installation in contrast to the course adjustments permitted by the user and described with respect to FIG.  35 . 
     Step  663  in the main program (FIG. 34) detects whether the installation program switch ( 446  in FIG. 29) has been actuated and continues at step  665  with the sub-routine of FIG.  36 . Conveniently the program switch is only reachable for operation by inserting a pin or a needle through a restricted opening. This prevents accidental actuation by the intended user. Step  729  then selects a first one of either an address, light sensor setting; a shock sensor setting or a wind sensor setting from a memory table and continues in step  731  with displaying the relevant value on the display device  433 . Switch  733  detects whether the installers switch  446  has been additionally actuated and if so at step  735  selects the next value from the memory table and repeat the cycle with displaying this next value at step  731 . If step  733  does not detect any further actuation of the installers switch  446  it continues with step  737  with determining the actuation of the sensitivity switch  455  for an increase. If so steps  739  and  741  adjust to the table value and the adjusted value is displayed in the display  433 . If no actuation of the sensitivity switch  455  towards an increased value can be determined the program continues at step  743 , which determines the actuation of switch  455  towards any decrease of the displayed table value. If so the value is decreased accordingly and stored in the table at step  745  and displayed at step  747 . If no actuation of sensitivity switch  455  can be determined at all the program continues at step  749  and determines whether perhaps the stop button  441  has been depressed. If so step  751  returns to the main program (FIG. 34) to continue with step  667 . If the stop button  441  has not been actuated step  753  checks whether perhaps the enter button  453  has been actuated to give an enter instruction. If this is not the case the same cycle is repeated from step  731 . If an enter instruction is received through actuation of the enter button  453  the program will continue with step  755  to receive an information package with current settings from the outdoor unit  421  (FIGS. 28,  30  and  33 ). If step  757  determines a receipt failure after  20  seconds step  759  will display an error message on the display  433  and step  761  will return to the main program to continue with step  667 . Otherwise step  763  will repeat the cycle from step  755  until a complete information package has been received. After this step  765  will add any new limits and address to prepare a new information package for sending to the outdoor unit  421 . Step  767  will subsequently send the modified information package and step  769  will await a confirmation transmittal from the outdoor unit  421 . Step  771  will check whether the predefined time frame for the receipt of a confirmation has lapsed and if so will display and error message in the display  433  and return with step  775  to the main program to continue at step  667 . Step  777  will repeat the previous cycle from step  769  until a full confirmation has been received, in which case optionally step  779  may check the confirmation of an optional remote control unit (to be described in reference to FIGS. 39 and 40) has also confirmed receipt of the new set of information. If not, step  779  recycles from step  767  by resending the information package. If steps  777  and  779  have been positively concluded then step  781  will store the values in EEPROM  485  and step  783  will return to the main program to continue with step  667 . 
     FIG. 37 depicts the flow-chart of the manual mode sub-routine reverted to from step  669  of the main program of FIG.  34 . Step  669  in FIG. 37 starts the manual mode selected by button  439  of the control unit. Step  785  determines whether the sensor unit has transmitted any exceeding of the shock sensor threshold value. If so step  787  activates the retraction control. Thereafter step  789  returns to the main program to continue at step  671 . If no excess shock has been reported step  791  checks whether the water (or rain) sensor ( 429  in FIG. 28;  467  in FIG. 30) has been activated or not. Activation of the rain sensor results in step  793  to instruct retraction of the awning and step  795  to return to the main program to proceed with step  671 . If no rain has been reported step  797  checks whether retraction button  445  has been depressed. If not the subroutine continues at step  801  and also after instructing the retraction of the awning upon a positive signal in step  797 . Step  801  determines whether perhaps the extension button  443  has been actuated, in which case step  807  instructs the extension of the awning. Either directly from step  801  or via step  807  the next step  805  checks activation of the stop button  441  to interrupt at step  807  any extension or retraction under progress. If no interruption has occurred or after interruption has been effected the sub-routine of FIG. 37 at step  809  returns to the main program of FIG. 34 to continue with step  671 . 
     FIG. 38 shows the auto mode sub-routine which follows step  673  of the main program. Step  673  activates the auto mode and step  811  checks the transmitted measurement values of the shock sensor  461 . Step  813  corresponds to step  787  of the manual sub-routine of FIG.  37  and step  815  continues the main program at step  659 . Steps  817  through step  821  also result in a similar sequence to that of steps  791  through  793  of the manual sub-routine of FIG. 37 except that step  821  continues the main program with step  659 . Step  823 , with which the sub-routine of FIG. 38 continues if no excessive shock or the presence of rain is reported, is an additional step specific for the auto mode operation of FIG.  38 . Step  823  checks exceeding of a predefined level of light from the light sensor  465 . If positive this will result in step  825  to instruct extension of the awning. If not or following step  825  a further additional auto-mode step  827  checks whether a predefined value of the wind sensor  423  has been exceeded. If positive step  829  will instruct retraction of the awning and continue with step  831 . If step  827  results in a negative determination the sub-routine will also continue with step  831 . Steps  831  through  843  are identical to steps  797  through  809  of the manual sub-routine of FIG. 37 except that the return step  843  continues the main program (FIG. 34) with step  659  rather than step  671 . For a further explanation of these steps reference is therefore made to the preceding description of FIG.  37 . 
     FIG. 39 illustrates an optional wireless remote control transmitter  901 . The transmitter  901  is conveniently shaped reminiscent to the right hand portion of the indoor control unit  431  and carries the operational buttons in an identical lay-out. Button  903  operates the retraction of the awning and corresponds to button  445  of the control unit  431 . Button  905  operates the extension of the awning and corresponds to button  443  of the control unit  431 . Button  907  is a stop button to interrupt previously given instructions and is similar in function to button  441  of the control unit  431 . Button  909  is the auto or manual mode selector button and corresponds to button  439  of the control unit  431 . Using this arrangement of similarly positioned buttons on the remote control transmitter  901  makes for a user-friendly operation. Also the replicated exterior design enhances easy recognition of the present remote transmitter amongst several remote control transmitters as these may be encountered in modern households. In a forward end  911  of the transmitter  901  a window may be provided through which either infrared light or ultra-sound emitted for wireless transmission of any instructions. 
     Also the transmitter  901  may be arranged with a suitable antenna and use radio frequency signals. As such transmitters usually fed by one or more batteries are conventional and the skilled person will readily recognise a suitable arrangement for such a device. A detailed discussion of the necessary circuitry is thereby largely redundant. It is however useful to duplicate some of the programmable features from the control unit  431  also in the remote control transmitter  901 . 
     As shown in FIG. 40 the remote control transmitter may be arranged to carry out a number of program steps. Step  915  comes into operation as soon as one of the buttons on the transmitter is depressed. This connects the power source in the form of one or more batteries (not shown) to the circuitry of the transmitter. Step  917  initializes and step  919  recognises which of the buttons has been depressed. At step  921  it is determined whether also at the same time a programming switch is activated. Such a programming switch can be hidden from normal use in the battery compartment. 
     The function of such a programming is to identify the remote control to the control unit upon installation, as will be described separately hereinbelow. Under normal consumer operation the programming switch will not be operated and step  923  will download the address information previously programmed from an EEPROM. Subsequently steps  925  will combine this address information with instructions relating to the relevant depressed actuation button  903 ,  905 ,  907  or  909  and assemble this into an instruction package to be sent to the control unit  431 . 
     Step  927  will transmit this package and step  929  will pause for a while before restarting the cycles at step  927 . This cycles is endless and will be continued for as long as the operating person depresses one of the button on the remote control transmitter  901 . After the button is released the cycles stops because the power source is disconnected. Reapplying any of the buttons will result in the program to restart at step  915 . 
     Since it is conceivable that an awning or the like window covering with a remote control as disclosed is going to be used in the vicinity of another one it is desirable that each of such devices would only respond to its associated remote control transmitter and not another transmitter in its neighbourhood. Therefore each control unit  431  will be given an individual one of  256  different addresses. Upon installation it will then be necessary for the transmitter to introduce itself to its respective control unit. This is why step  921  checks for the simultaneous actuation of a programming switch. If this is detected, step  931  requests transmission of address information from the control unit and with step  933  is set to receive address information from the control unit. Step  935  checks the receipt of such address information and repeats steps  933  and  935  as long as the same buttons are depressed and until address information is received. Once address information has been received step  937  confirms such receipt to the control unit  431  and step  939  takes the address information from the received transmission. Step  941  then stores the address information in the EEPROM of the transmitter  901 . As long as the buttons and programming switch are not released the cycle is repeated from step  933  onward. After release of the buttons, which disconnects the power source any subsequent actuation of any of the buttons  903 ,  905 ,  907  or  909  will again start the program from step  915 . 
     FIG. 41 shows one possible form of circuitry for the hand-held transmitter  901 , which incorporates a controller  951 , a transceiver  953  and a radio frequency antenna  955 . Actuation of one of the buttons  903 ,  905 ,  907 , or  909  results in a power supply to be connected to the controller  951  via the transistor  957 . The controller  951  using the programmed sequence of FIG. 40 thereupon will establish wireless communication with the control unit  431 . 
     FIG. 41 a  is a further embodiment of the transmitter circuit of FIG.  41  and part of a remote control transmitter as shown in FIG.  39 . Like reference numerals are provided again with suffix “a”. The feed supply stabilisation shown separate from the circuit is actually connected thereto at its “VDD”, “VCC” and “GND” terminals. The controller or processor  95   a  is responsive to the programmed sequence of FIG.  40 . 
     In addition to the components already disclosed and discussed with respect to FIG. 41 there are now additional switches/buttons SW 5 , SW 6  and SW 7  for remote programming and adjustment of the control unit  431 . The switches SW 5  through SW 7  can be hidden on the transmitter  901  behind a lid or may be positioned on the bottom side thereof (not visible in FIG.  39 ). 
     Switch SW 5  enables one to generate a random address and to communicate this address to the nearest control unit. For this purpose a 22K resistor has been included in the connection between terminal “PA6” of processor  951   a  and terminal “RF_PWR” of transceiver  953   a . This 22K resistor limits the power of the transmitter in only its program mode to ensure that only the nearest control unit  431  responds to the transmitted signals and thereby the transmission does not alter the setting of any nearby further control unit. Switch SW 6  depending on a combined use with switch SW 5  has the functions of either changing the direction of retraction or extension or programs the end “switch” for the extension or outward movement. 
     Switch SW 7  in a similar way has the function of programming an end “switch” for the retraction or inward movement while alternatively it has the function of setting an amount of reverse rotation after operation of an inward end “switch” to release the tension in a wound fabric. The latter feature is particularly advantageous if the control system is applied to an awning of roller blind. It is further recognised in FIG. 41 a , that headers “J1” and “J4” are optional test connectors, while header “J2” is a jumper, which can be used to select the control of a motor unit  431  in the manner described above. This further use of the remote controller  901  will be described in reference to FIGS. 42,  43  and  44 . 
     FIG. 42 is a schematic representation of the arrangement of devices used with the above described embodiments. Shown in FIG. 42 is that each of a sensor unit  421  and a remote control  901  may be in wireless communication with a control/operation unit  431 . The control unit  431  as shown in FIG. 42 is wired between a mains power supply  975  and a motor  977  for driving a sun protective device, such as an awning or a blind. 
     FIG. 43 shows an alternative arrangement in which the control unit  431  has been split in a control section  431 A and a power section  431 B, each with its own respective power supply  975 A and  975 B respectively. The control section  431 A is now also in wireless communication with the power section  431 B. The power supply  975 A to the control section  431 A may optionally be from batteries or the like, while the power supply  975 B to the power section  431 B and ultimately to motor  977  may be a regular 220 Volts main supply. The arrangement according to FIG. 43 would allow the shortest possible wiring, while the power section  431 B may conveniently be enclosed in the motor housing or be accommodated close to it in the housing of a sun protection device. 
     FIG. 44 illustrates a simplified arrangement in which the sensor unit  421  and the control section  431 A with its power supply  975 A have been deleted. 
     If now as described with respect to FIG. 41 a  the Jumper is set for direct control of a motor unit the remote control transmitter  901  may be readily adapted for control of an elaborate version according to FIG. 43 or a simplified version in accordance with FIG.  44 . 
     It is thus believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. The term comprising when used in this description or the appended claims should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense but rather in an inclusive sense. Features which are not specifically or explicitly described or claimed may be additionally included in the structure according to the present invention without deviating from its scope. 
     The invention is further not limited to any embodiment herein described and, within the purview of the skilled person, modifications are possible which should be considered within the scope of the appended claims. Equally all kinematic inversions are to be considered within the scope of the present invention. 
     Reference to either axially, radially or tangentially if used in the above is generally in relation to rotatable or cylindrical bodies of elements described. 
     Where in the above reference is made to longitudinal or lateral this is in reference to the length or width directions respectively of elements which have an oblong or otherwise elongate appearance in the accompanying drawings. This interpretation however has only been used for ease of reference and should not be construed as a limitation of the shape of such elements. Expressions, such as right, left, horizontal, vertical, above, below, upper, lower, top, bottom or the like if used in reference to the construction as illustrated in the accompanying drawings are relevant only to the relative positions and in a different orientation of the construction should be interpreted in accordance with comparable relative positions.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4