EP0216680B2 - Spring device for opening and closing shutter means for door or window openings - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for opening and closing a building bay shutter means of the type defined in the preamble of claim 1 and also known from US-A-1 617771.

The blackout shutters such as doors and windows are generally operated by hand to open and close them. In the closed position, they must be held by a suitable lock. In the open position, they must also be blocked to avoid being actuated by the wind.

Conventionally, the shutters have a vertical pivot axis, and are folded against the outside face of the wall in the open position, so that the corresponding blocking devices are difficult or dangerous to access. There are also flaps with a horizontal axis located above the bay, their opening is made painful by the fact that you have to fight against their weight.

It has been proposed, in the case of doors with a vertical axis, to equip them with a device comprising a spring. In US-A-1.617.771, this device has a neutral position, and the spring tends to move the door from neutral to drive it either towards the closed position or towards an open position, where it is folded down against the outside face of a wall. Such a device is hardly usable for shutters of building bays, since the spring, if it was powerful enough to resist the action of the wind, would impart to the shutters unacceptable speeds of movement.

DE-A-2,420,178 also discloses a device for opening and closing a means for closing an opening provided in a building ceiling of the skylight type for retractable staircase, comprising a spring constituted by 'a cylinder closed at both ends, containing a compressed gas and a certain amount of oil, and in which can move back and forth a piston secured to a rod which leaves the enclosure by a tight seal. In the open position of the skylight, the rod outlet is in the lower part of the spring to lubricate the seal.

The pneumatic spring, or gas, constituted by this cylinder with the compressed gas which it contains and the piston with its rod is connected by one end directly to the periphery of the bay, and, by its other end, by means of obturation through a system of articulated rods. This rod system is arranged so that the open position corresponds to a neutral position, where the spring exerts no torque tending to rotate the shutter means.

The object of the invention is to provide a spring device for opening and closing means with a vertical pivot axis for closing building bays which combines the simplicity and robustness qualities of conventional spring devices with the advantages inherent in the gas spring, namely mainly the possibility of combining a large force with movements at controlled speed and damped at the end of the stroke, and which retains these advantages for a period compatible with the requirements of the building.

• le ressort est constitué d'un cylindre fermé à ses deux extrémités, contenant un gaz comprimé et une certaine quantité d'huile, et dans laquelle peut se déplacer à vaet-vient un piston solidaire d'une tige qui sort de l'enceinte par un joint étanche,
• les points d'articulation du ressort sont disposés de telle façon que ledit ressort est incliné en permanence par rapport à l'horizontale avec la sortie de la tige en partie basse, et l'huile est maintenue près de la sortie de la tige.

To this end, the invention provides a device of the type indicated above and comprising a spring acting in compression, articulated on the one hand on the periphery of the bay and, on the other hand, on the closure means in one point away from the pivot axis of this closure means, said spring being arranged so that during its pivoting the closure means passes through a neutral point, where the three articulations of the closure means and the spring on the wall and the spring on the closure means are aligned, the spring developing forces which tend to move the closure means towards the closed or open position when it is outside the neutral position, characterized in that:

• the spring consists of a cylinder closed at its two ends, containing a compressed gas and a certain amount of oil, and in which can move back and forth a piston secured to a rod which leaves the enclosure by a tight seal,
• the points of articulation of the spring are arranged in such a way that said spring is permanently inclined with respect to the horizontal with the outlet of the rod in the lower part, and the oil is kept close to the outlet of the rod.

By looking for the causes of failure of attempts to transpose the gas spring into the building, the inventors have indeed discovered that there is a lubrication problem. To have a long life, a gas spring must contain a certain quantity of oil which must be able to collect on that of the bottoms of the cylinder which is crossed by the piston rod, in order to lubricate this latter. This is easy in gas springs mounted on motor vehicles, where the large displacement of the tailgate moves the spring from a head-up position to a head-down position, but this cannot be achieved by replacing purely and simply the coil spring of US-A-1,617,771, for example, by a gas spring arranged in the same way. In fact, in this patent, the coil spring is arranged horizontally, and consequently, the gas spring arranged in the same way would not have its rod lubricated.

On the contrary, in building techniques, it is necessary for the gas spring to be constantly oriented in such a way that the oil is in contact with the rod, since the shutter means can remain in the open position or closing for very long periods.

Preferably, when the shutter means constitutes a flap with a vertical pivot axis, the res pneumatic spell is articulated on the lintel of the bay.

According to a preferred method, the air spring is articulated on the closure means and on the periphery of the opening by means of ball joints, which are preferably of the plastic cage type. The advantage of this arrangement is that it is possible to tolerate warping such as it can occur after prolonged use, without any discomfort for the operation of the device. In the case of such a deformation, the dead center mentioned above is that where the straight line joining the centers of the spherical articulations meets the straight line which constitutes the axis of the articulation of the flap on the frame of the opening. . According to an advantageous arrangement, it is provided that at least one pneumatic spring is provided with a position detector which can be connected to means capable of giving the alarm in the event of unwanted opening.

This modality makes it possible to dispense with installing special detectors, very visible, and therefore easy to neutralize.

According to another advantageous modality, the pneumatic spring can be of the lockable type in an intermediate position, and comprising for this a valve which opens or closes the communication between the two faces of the piston, which makes it possible to stop the means of obturation at degree of openness you want.

Other particular embodiments appear in the other dependent claims.

• Figures 1 et 2 sont des vues en élévation et en coupe horizontale de volets de fenêtre du type traditionnel à axe de pivotement vertical équipé d'un ressort pneumatique conformément à l'invention.
• Figure 3 est une coupe horizontale à plus grande échelle montrant le détail, des articulations d'un des ressorts pneumatiques.
• Figure 4 est une vue en élévation correspondant à la figure 3.
• Figure 5 est une vue en coupe verticale d'une fenêtre équipée d'un volet pivotant sur un axe horizontal, et équipé d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention.
• Figure 6 est une vue agrandie d'une partie de la figure 5.
• Figure 7 est une vue de l'objet de la figure 5, suivant une direction perpendiculaire, avec coupe partielle.

The present invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of practical examples illustrated with the aid of the figures among which:

• Figures 1 and 2 are views in elevation and in horizontal section of window shutters of the traditional type with vertical pivot axis equipped with a pneumatic spring according to the invention.
• Figure 3 is a horizontal section on a larger scale showing the detail of the joints of one of the air springs.
• Figure 4 is an elevational view corresponding to Figure 3.
• Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view of a window equipped with a pivoting flap on a horizontal axis, and equipped with a device according to the invention.
• Figure 6 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 5.
• Figure 7 is a view of the object of Figure 5, in a perpendicular direction, with partial section.

As seen in Figures 1 and 2, each of the shutters 1 of a window, which are articulated by hinges 2 on the window frame, is associated with an air spring 3 filled with gas under pressure and constantly tending to extension. Each of the springs 3 is articulated, on the one hand, in 4 on the shutter and, on the other hand, in 5 on the lintel of the bay. The articulation 4 on the flap is provided on a fitting 6 fixed to the flap, so that this articulation 4 is at a certain distance from the line of the hinges 2 of the flap, line around which the rotation of the latter takes place.

This creates a lever arm determining the moment of the torque to which the flap is subjected by the pneumatic spring and will be chosen according to the thrust exerted by this spring to obtain the best action. It may also be noted that, in the pivoting of the flap, the articulation 4 describes the circular arc 7 whose radius must be compatible with the possibilities of extension and the shortening of the pneumatic spring.

We also observe, by examining FIG. 3, that in the pivoting of the flap, there is an intermediate position represented in broken lines for which the three joints 2, 4 and 5 are aligned (FIG. 3, giving a neutral position .

On one side of this position, the air spring thrust tends to determine the complete opening of the shutter which is locked against the wall permanently at the end of the opening (position shown in solid lines in Figure 3 ). On the contrary, on the other side of this position, the thrust of the spring tends to close the shutter and keep it closed (position shown in phantom in the upper part of FIG. 3).

The maneuvers for opening and closing the shutters are thus simplified to the extreme, since it suffices for the user to initiate the opening or closing by hand, the air springs being responsible for following a automatically. To start the operation of the shutters, each of them will be provided with a handle 8 placed at the most convenient place.

It can be noted that due to the timing of the equalization of the pressures on either side of the piston of the air spring, the movements are made without abruptness. The time delay can also be adapted to requirements by adjusting calibrated passages between the faces of the piston.

We also note that the air springs are arranged at the top of the opening, so that they are not very visible.

We see in Figures 1 and 4 the inclined position of the air springs between their joints 4 and 5. This inclination is useful to ensure the smooth opening movement from beyond neutral, when the air spring contains a certain amount of oil which dampens the movement of the piston at the end of the extension stroke. The inclination of the air spring in fact keeps this oil near the rod outlet, where it also has the role of permanently lubricating the seal, which is thus more durable, as has been explained above.

As seen in Figures 3 and 4, the rod 3a of the piston 3b shown in dotted lines can be hidden by a tube 3c moving telescopically on the cylinder 3d of the spring, in which the piston.

The pneumatic springs can be of the lockable type in an intermediate position and for this purpose comprise a valve, opening or closing the communication between, the two faces of the piston, which makes it possible to stop the flaps at mid-opening if desired.

They can also be associated with an electrical contactor triggered in the shutter opening stroke to activate an alarm device.

FIG. 5 shows a shutter fitted with the device of the invention and which is of the "projection" type, that is to say that its axis of articulation is horizontal and placed in the upper part of the window frame, while in FIGS. 1 to 4, these were shutters with a vertical axis, these axes being arranged on each side of the opening.

The references 1, 2 and 3 respectively designate the flap, the articulation, and the air spring. These parts are shown in dashes in the open position. We can see that the air spring is always oriented with the rod down, which improves its longevity thanks to the oil it contains, and which comes to lubricate the seal, as was said above. The references 4 and 5 designate the articulations connecting the air spring 3 respectively to the shutter 1 and to the window frame. The joints 4 and 5 are ball joints, and in the practical embodiment, these are plastic cage joints, with automatic snap-in to facilitate assembly, that is to say comprising a ball joint trapped in a cage, which comprises, for retaining the ball joint, a portion of elastic ring of steel or similar material, which is mounted in the housing of the cage where it can slide parallel to the central axis thereof and be further provided with two symmetrically arranged heels, of substantially frustoconical shape, so as to converge towards said axis, said housing having, in addition to the part allowing the above-mentioned sliding of the ring, bearing surfaces for the heels which they prevent from moving away from each other and releasing the patella.

The advantage of these ball joints compared to joints comprising a simple pivot axis of the conventional type and that, if a warping means that, considering FIG. 7, the axes of joints 4 and 5 are not located on the even vertical, it does not result in any additional friction, and that the operation is always satisfactory.

As can be seen in Figures 6 and 7, the piston rod 3 is hidden by a tube 3c, which moves telescopically on the 3d cylinder of the spring. This protective tube prevents any deterioration of the piston rod by the effect of shock, dirt, or during the deposition of a layer of paint.

3rd holes drilled at its base prevent the accumulation of water inside this tube.

The air spring 3 is provided with an electrical position detection device of the type described in patent FR-A-2,571,109 in the name of the Applicant, which is adjusted to close a contact when the elongation of the air spring 3 reaches a value between that which corresponds to the closed position visible in solid lines in FIG. 5, and the open position, visible in dashes in the same figure.

FIG. 6 shows the electrical cable for the output of the pneumatic spring at FIG. 6. It can be seen that this cable is not very visible and can in practice be completely hidden behind the fitting 11 which supports the joint 5.

Figures 6 and 7 show the detail of a sutomatic locking device of the shutter in the closed position. This device comprises: a plate 12, held by screws 13 against the flap 1. A blocking part 14 is forced to move vertically by sliding on the part 12, thanks to an elongated projection 15 carried by the part 12, and which cooperates with an elongated opening 16 of the part 14. The latter is moreover held by a head screw 17. The lower part of the part 14 comprises an oblique part 18, which cooperates with the fitting 19 carrying the ball joint 4 , so that when the shutter approaches the closed position, a vertical wing 20, perpendicular to the plane of the shutter, and which is part of the lock 19, lifts the part 14. When the shutter reaches the closed position , the wing 20 exceeds the end of the oblique part 18, and the part 14 falls back, preventing the flap from deviating from the closed position, thanks to a vertical surface 21 which comes to bear on the opposite face of the wing 20.

If one wishes to open the shutter again, it suffices to manually raise the part 14. This comprises a wing folded horizontally 22, which facilitates this operation.

The device which has just been described refers more particularly to the closing of shutters. It is clear that it is also applicable for other uses, such as in particular the opening and closing of window frames.

Claims (8)

1. Device for opening and closing a shutter means having a vertical pivoting axis (1) for a structural opening, having a spring (3) acting in compression, articulated on the one hand on the periphery of the opening and, on the other hand, on the shutter means at a point distant from the axis of pivoting (2) of the said shutter means, the said spring being arranged such that during its pivoting the shutter means passes through a neutral position, where the three joints (2, 4, 5) of the shutter means and of the spring on the periphery of the opening and of the spring on the shutter means are aligned, the spring generating forces which tend to displace the shutter means towards the closed position or towards the open position when it is outside the neutral position, characterized in that:

the spring (3) consists of a cylinder (3d) closed at its two ends, containing a compressed gas and a certain quantity of oil, and in which a piston (3b), integral with a rod (3a) which leaves the enclosure through a leaktight seal, can be displaced to and fro,

the points of articulation (4, 5) of the spring (3) are arranged such that the said spring is permanently inclined relative to the horizontal with the exit of the rod (3a) in the lower part, and the oil is maintained near the exit of the rod.

2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that, for a shutter means forming a shutter with a vertical axis of pivoting, the spring (3) is articulated on the head of the opening.

3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring (3) is of the type which can be locked in an intermediate position, and having for this purpose a valve which opens or closes the communication between the two faces of the piston, which enables the shutter means to be stopped at the desired extent of opening.

4. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the spring (3) is articulated on the shutter means (1) and on the periphery of the opening via

5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the ball-and-socket joints (4, 5) are of the type having a plastic socket and with automatic snap- fastening.

6. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the spring (3) is provided with a position detector which may be connected to means capable of raising the alarm in the event of undesired openings.

7. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the rod of the spring (3) is protected by a tube (3c) which is displaced telescopically on the cylinder (3d) of the spring and which is provided at its base with holes (3e) for the removal of the water.

8. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises an automatic catch- fastening system carrying a movable piece (14) integral with the shutter means (1) and compelled to be displaced approximately vertically when the shutter means is close to its closed position, this piece having at its lower part an oblique surface (18) which interacts with a stationary piece (20) in order to raise the movable piece when it is displaced towards the closed position, and a vertical surface (21) which interacts with the same stationary piece in order to prevent the reverse displacement.

Images