AU2020102199A4

AU2020102199A4 - Door handle actuation system and range of systems

Info

Publication number: AU2020102199A4
Application number: AU2020102199A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Erwan Chauvin; Alexandre Jaillard
Original assignee: Probent
Current assignee: Probent
Priority date: 2020-05-04
Filing date: 2020-09-10
Publication date: 2020-10-22
Anticipated expiration: 2028-08-27
Also published as: AU2020223746A1; EP3907354A1

Abstract

The door handle actuation system comprises a base (11) attached to a door panel, a pedal (14) movable relative to the base (11) between a rest configuration and an actuation configuration, and a actuator (23) connected both to the pedal (14) and to the door handle. Movement of the pedal (14) from its rest configuration to its actuation configuration imparts a moment of force to the door handle about its axis of rotation. The base (11) comprises two parallel side wings (13) which enclose the panel and a central web (12) which connects the two side wings (13) to each other. Abstract Fig. 2 1/3 [Fig. 1] Iz 6 85 9 7 [Fig. 2] 23a 23b 13b 12

Description

1/3

[Fig. 1] Iz 6

85

9

7

[Fig. 2]

23a 23b

13b

DOOR HANDLE ACTUATION SYSTEM AND RANGE OF SYSTEMS

[1] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[2] The present invention relates to door handle actuation systems.

[3] TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[4] More specifically, the invention relates to a door handle pedal actuation system.

[5] In the field of real estate, it is known to separate two spaces of a building by a door. A door typically comprises a frame, fixed to the wall, and a panel movable relative to the frame between a closed configuration and an open configuration.

[6] There are many door cinematics. For example, there are sectional garage doors that go from their closed configuration to their open configuration by sliding in a rail comprising a horizontal portion on the ceiling and a vertical portion.

[7] The invention is of particular interest for doors the panel of which is articulated on the frame around a vertical axis. In addition, in the closed configuration, a retractable bolt mounted on the panel is engaged in a notch of the frame to secure the frame to the panel. This bolt is biased in the closed configuration by a spring. Opening the door requires a person to disengage the bolt from the frame notch by overcoming the elastic force. This effort is very often overcome by means of a door handle comprising an axis of rotation orthogonal to the panel, connected to the bolt, and actuable by the person. The person's action on the handle causes it to rotate with respect to its axis. This movement is transmitted to the bolt which is retracted, disengaged from the notch, allowing the door to open. If the handle is released, the spring returns the bolt to the extended configuration, and the handle to its rest configuration.

[8] Such doors are very common.

[9] The invention thus aims to provide such a door in a simple manner with a hand-free opening system.

[10] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[11] Thus, the invention relates to a system for operating a door handle having an axis of rotation, comprising:

- a base intended to be fixed on a door panel,

- a pedal movably mounted relative to the base between a rest configuration and an actuation configuration,

- an actuator comprising a first portion connected to the pedal, and a second portion which can be connected to a door handle so that a movement of the pedal from its rest configuration to its actuation configuration imparts to said door handle a moment of force around the axis of rotation, wherein the base comprises two parallel side wings arranged on either side of the panel and enclosing the latter and a central web interconnecting the two side wings.

[12] Thanks to these arrangements, such a door can be equipped with a hand-free opening system without making any drilling in the panel. The system is therefore easy to install, and can be uninstalled, when it is no longer needed, without any negative aesthetic impact on the panel.

[13] According to different aspects, it is possible to provide for one and / or the other of the provisions below.

[14] According to one embodiment, said base comprises a U-shaped part, the core of the U-shaped part forming the central web.

[15] According to one embodiment, at least one side wing, in particular each side wing, comprises a deformable portion on the side of the panel.

[16] According to one embodiment, said at least one side wing comprises a clamping system adapted to compress the deformable portion in intimate contact with the panel.

[17] According to one embodiment, a side wing, in particular each side wing, comprises an internal portion facing the panel and an external portion, the internal portion of a wing being arranged between the external portion of this wing and the panel , the external portion being integral with the central web, the side wing further comprising a clamping system for fixing the external portion to the internal portion.

[18] According to one embodiment, the actuation system comprises a hinge connecting the pedal to a side wing of the base.

[19] According to one embodiment, the hinge comprises a first plate welded to the pedal, a second plate articulated relative to the first plate, and welded to the side wing, an axis and a hinge secured respectively to one or the other of the first and second plates.

[20] According to one embodiment, the first portion of the actuator is connected to the pedal at a transverse edge thereof.

[21] According to one embodiment, the pedal further comprises an actuator link interface at a transverse edge opposite the transverse edge connected to the first portion of the actuator.

[22] According to one embodiment, the pedal is a first pedal mounted on a first side of the panel, the actuator is a first actuator connected to the first pedal and to a first door handle on the first side of the panel, the actuation system further comprising:

- a second pedal mounted on a second side of the panel, movable relative to the base between a rest configuration and an actuation configuration,

- a second actuator comprising a first portion connected to the second pedal, and a second portion connectable to a second door handle on the second side of the panel, and having the same axis of rotation, so that a movement of the second pedal from its rest configuration to its actuation configuration imparts to said second door handle a moment of force about its axis of rotation.

[23] In another aspect, the invention relates to a range of actuation systems, the central webs of the actuation systems defining different spacings between the side wings.

[24] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[25] Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, described briefly below:

[26] [Fig. 1] shows schematically a door, in open configuration, suitable for the implementation of the invention.

[27] [Fig. 2] is a side view of a first embodiment.

[28] [Fig. 3] is a detailed perspective view of part of the embodiment of Figure 2.

[29] [Fig. 4] is a view similar to Figure 3 in the absence of a panel.

[30] [Fig. 5] is a detailed perspective view of another part of the embodiment of Figure 2.

[31] [Fig. 6] is a view similar to Figure 5 for another embodiment.

[32] In the drawings, identical references designate identical or similar articles.

[33] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[34] Figure 1 schematically shows a door 1 of the type suitable for the present invention. The door 1 is fixed on a wall 2 of a building which separates two spaces 3 and 4. The door 1 comprises a frame 5, fixed on the wall 2, and a panel 6 movable relative to the frame 5 between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration, the panel prevents moving through the door between spaces 3 and 4. In the open configuration, as shown in figure 1, it is possible to pass between spaces 3 and 4. The panel 6 is articulated with respect to the frame 5 around a vertical axis Z. The articulation is made for example by means of hinges. According to one embodiment, the panel 6 can be moved in its open configuration in only one of the two spaces. However, as a variant, the panel 6 can be moved in its open configuration in the two spaces. It is possible (not shown) for a return means, such as a spring, to be used to return the panel to its closed configuration.

[35] The door 1 can be kept in the closed configuration by cooperation of a bolt 7 of the panel 6 in a notch 8 of the frame 5. The bolt 7 is biased in the active position by a spring not shown of an internal mechanism to the panel 6. In this active position, the bolt 7 protrudes from the edge of the panel 6.

[36] With the panel 6 in the closed configuration, and the bolt 7 in the active position, it is engaged in the notch 8, so as to prevent the panel from being moved to its open configuration.

[37] It is possible to change the bolt 7 from its active configuration to a configuration retracted in the panel 6, by an actuation by the user against the force imparted by the spring. To do this, the panel comprises a handle 9, which can be actuated by the user to move the bolt into the retracted configuration. The handle 9 can be moved by rotation about an axis of rotation Y orthogonal to the panel. Actuation of the handle 9 around the axis of rotation Y against the force applied by the spring causes the bolt to change from its active configuration to its retracted configuration. The panel is then free to be moved to its active configuration, without the bolt cooperating with the notch to block this movement.

[38] If the user releases the handle 9, the spring returns the bolt 7 to its active configuration, and the handle 9 to its starting position.

[39] The handle 9 is typically disposed between 0.8 and 1.5 meters above the ground, to allow its actuation by hand by a standing adult human user.

[40] Although this is not visible in Figure 1, a handle 9 is typically used on each side of the door, in order to be able to open the door from each of the two spaces. The two handles share the same Y axis of rotation.

[41] The bolt 7 is typically provided approximately at the level of the handle, but other configurations are possible, as long as a mechanism transmits the actuating movement of the handle to the bolt.

[42] Door 1 can also include a locking system but, in the context of the invention, the locking system is in its unlocked configuration.

[43] Figure 2 schematically shows a door handle actuation system according to a first embodiment. The actuation system is represented by the reference 10.

[44] The actuation system 10 is fixed to the panel without any drilling of the panel. Therefore, it is easy to assemble, and is compatible with a large number of various panels. In particular, it is assembled at the lower end of the panel, and under the handle, therefore on the side of the panel opposite to the hinge in the transverse direction of the panel (X direction).

[45] In the example shown, the panel 6 has an assembly portion for assembly to the actuating system which has two surfaces 6a, 6b parallel to each other. In the remainder of the description, the reference "a" is used to designate an object located on one side of the panel, and the reference "b" to designate an object located on the other side of the panel. In the example presented, the actuation system 10 is symmetrical with respect to the median plane of the panel, although, as discussed below, this symmetry is not imperative in the context of the invention.

[46] The assembly of the actuator system 10 to the panel 6 is shown in more detail in Figure 3 for this embodiment.

[47] The actuation system 10 comprises a base 11fixed on the panel 6. The base 11 has a U-shape, with a central web 12, and two side wings 13a, 13b extending on each side of the central web 12 therefrom. Each side wing 13a, 13b has an internal face which faces, respectively, the surface 6a, 6b of the panel.

[48] As can be seen in particular in Figure 3, the actuation system 10 comprises a pedal 14 intended to be actuated by foot by a user to open the door. The pedal 14 visible in Figure 3 on the side of the panel bearing the reference "a" can also be referenced 14a.

[49] The pedal 14a is movably mounted on the base 11 between a rest configuration, shown in Figure 3, and an actuation configuration. In particular, the pedal 14a is assembled to the side wing 13a of the base 11. According to this embodiment, the pedal 14a is mounted to pivot relative to the side wing 13a about a pivot axis X. The reference frame XYZ forms a orthonormal reference frame of the panel.

[50] In the present case, a hinge 15 is used for the pivotal mounting of the pedal 14 on the side wing 13. The hinge 15 comprises a first plate 16 welded to the pedal 14, a second plate 17 articulated relative to the first plate 16, and welded to the side flange 13, an axis 18 oriented along the axis X and a hinge 19 secured respectively to one or other of the first and second plates 16, 17. The hinge 19 forms a bearing for pivoting of the axle 18.

[51] The rest configuration of the pedal 14, shown in Figure 3, corresponds to the starting position of the handle 9 and therefore to the active configuration of the bolt 7.

[52] In the actuation configuration, pedal 14 has rotated an angle of a few degrees (up to 45) about the X axis relative to the rest configuration of Figure 3.

[53] The pedal 14 is for example made in the form of a plate extending from a connecting portion 20 away from the panel 6. In addition, the pedal 14 may include a return 21forming an angle with the plate, and extending substantially upward. The end 22 of the return 21forms an actuating portion intended to cooperate with the user's foot. The end 22 can be serrated to increase friction with the user's shoe. The end 22 is located at most 15 centimeters above the central web 12, so that it can be actuated by the user's foot without the latter having to provide an excessive effort to lift the leg.

[54] The pedal 14 is assembled to an actuator 23. More specifically, the actuator 23 has a first portion (in this case, a first end), integral with the pedal 14 and a second portion (in this case, a second end), integral with the handle 9, as will be described below. The actuator is rigid and of fixed length between these two portions, so that a displacement of the first portion causes a displacement of the second portion.

[55] In this example, the actuator 23 includes a cable. The cable is assembled to the pedal by means of an interface. For example, the cable passes through an opening 24 made in the pedal 14. A stop 25 is secured to the cable under the pedal 14. The stop 25 can, for example, be secured to the cable after the cable has been inserted through the opening 24.

[56] The opening 24 is for example made on the edge of the pedal, on the side of the pedal closest to the vertical pivot axis Z of the panel. This allows to operate the foot pedal without snagging the cable with one's foot.

[57] According to an exemplary embodiment, the base 11 comprises a U-shaped part 26. The U shaped part comprises a core 27, and two side wings 28a, 28b parallel to each other, and extending from the core 27. The U-shaped part 26 is for example made from a sheet metal part shaped, for example by stamping. The sheet has a thickness of between 1.5 and 2.5 millimeters (mm). The core 27 of the U-shaped part forms the central web 12 of the base 11. Other geometries are possible, when the part comprises a central portion facing the edge of the panel, and two portions extending on either side of it.

[58] The side wing 13 of the base may further include a block 29. The block 29 comprises a deformable part 30, for example made of elastomer, facing the surface 6a of the panel. The deformable part 30 is interposed between the wing 28 of the U-shaped part 26 and the surface 6a of the panel. A clamping system 31 is used to clamp the side wing 13 on the panel. During this tightening, the deformable part 30 is compressed in intimate contact with the panel 6. This system makes it possible to fix the actuation system 10 on the panel 6, without drilling the panel, by adapting to panels of different thicknesses, and compensating for various irregularities in the shape of the panel.

[59] The side wing 13 of the base thus comprises the block 29 forming an internal portion facing the panel and an opposite external portion, formed by the wing 28 of the U-profile. The external portion is integral with the central web 12 of the base. The side wing 13 of the base further comprises a device for fixing the external portion to the internal portion.

[60] According to an exemplary embodiment, the block 29 comprises a metal plate 32 integral with the deformable part 30. For example, the deformable part 30 is molded onto the metal plate 32. The clamping system 31 comprises one or more screws 33 which are screwed into the block 29 through the wing 28, and keep the wing 28 tight on the panel 6. The screws 33 are arranged under the pedal 14, and are thus protected from inadvertent impacts with the foot. Thus, on the one hand, the external portion and the internal portion of the side wing 13 of the base are secured together, and on the other hand the side wings 13 of the base enclose the panel.

[61] The embodiment presented here is symmetrical. It therefore has a pedal 14 on each side. The pedals 14 are for example made identical. An opening 24 is provided on each side of the pedal 14, so as to be able to assemble the actuator either on the right or on the left, depending on the side of the panel on which the pedal is placed.

[62] Figure 5 now shows the attachment of the actuator 23 to the handle 9. The handle 9 is here a lever handle.

[63] The cable goes around the handle lever 9, and is attached to it by means of a clamp 34 (shown loose in Figure 5). If necessary, a sheath 35 is placed around the cable, and is in contact with the handle 9, in order to increase the friction between the actuator and the lever, to prevent the loop formed at the end of the actuator from disengaging from the lever.

[64] The foot actuation of the pedal 14a will thus generate a moment of force on the handle 9 around the Y axis, which will retract the bolt (not visible in FIG. 5) against the spring bias. It can be noted that, in the case of a symmetrical system, the actuation movement will be transmitted to the pedal on the other side of the panel. The door can then be opened, for example by pulling or pushing on the pedal with one's foot.

[65] The system does not prevent one from opening the door with one's hand if one prefers.

[66] According to one variant, the system is not necessarily symmetrical. The pedal is provided on one side only.

[67] Figure 6 shows the connection of the actuator 23 to a round handle 9. It is then possible to provide a clamp ring 36 comprising a coating 37 increasing the friction. The cable is assembled to the clamp ring 36, for example by means of the clamp 34.

[68] The system which has just been described can be installed very easily, without making any drilling on the panel. The U-shaped part 26 is slid under the panel until it is approximately under the handle. A block is inserted between the wing of the U-piece and the surface of the panel. The system is assembled by clamping by means of the clamping system 31. A cable is inserted into the opening 24, and is temporarily assembled to the handle. The cable end is attached under the opening at the lower end of the cable. The cable is clamped on the handle using the clamp.

[69] It is possible, where appropriate, to provide a range of products comprising a plurality of products which differ by the dimension of the central web 12 of the base 11, that is to say of the central core 27 of the U-shaped part 26, depending on the dimension of the thickness of the panel 6. It is thus possible to provide a U-shaped part whose side wings are spaced apart by about 40 mm, and a U-shaped part whose side wings are spaced on the order of 60 mm, or even a range of U shaped parts having other dimensions, such as, typically, 30 mm, 50 mm, 45 mm, 55 mm. Thus, with all identical actuators, all identical blocks, all identical pedals, and U-shaped parts of different dimensions, a very large majority of doors can be fitted with systems according to the invention.

[70] According to another aspect, independent of the first, the invention therefore relates to a system for actuating a door handle having an axis of rotation, comprising:

- a base intended to be fixed on a door panel,

- a pedal mounted to pivot with respect to the base between a rest configuration and an actuation configuration via a hinge,

- an actuator comprising a first portion connected to the pedal, and a second portion connectable to a door handle so that a movement of the pedal from its rest configuration to its actuation configuration impart to said door handle a moment of force around the axis of rotation.

References

Door 1

Wall 2

Spaces 3, 4

Frame 5

panel 6

Bolt 7

Notch 8

Handle 9

Actuation system 10

Base 11

Central web 12

Side wing 13

Pedal 14

Hinge 15

Plate 16, 17

Axis 18

Hinge 19

Connecting portion 20

Return 21

End 22

Actuator 23

Opening 24

Stop 25

U-shape part 26

Core 27

Wing 28

Block 29

Deformable part 30

Clamping system 31

metal plate 32

Screw 33

Clamp 34

Sheath 35

Clamp ring 36

Claims

1. System for operating a door handle having an axis of rotation, comprising:

- a base (11) intended to be fixed on a door panel,

- a pedal (14) movably mounted relative to the base (11) between a rest configuration and an actuation configuration,

- an actuator (23) comprising a first portion connected to the pedal (14), and a second portion which can be connected to a door handle so that a movement of the pedal (14) from its rest configuration to its actuation configuration imparts to said door handle a moment of force around the axis of rotation,

wherein the base (11) comprises two parallel side wings (13) arranged on either side of the panel and enclosing the latter and a central web (12) interconnecting the two side wings (13).

2. The actuation system of claim 1, wherein said base (11) comprises a U-shaped part (26), the core (27) of the U-shaped part forming the central web (12).

3. An actuating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one side wing (13), in particular each side wing, comprises a deformable portion (30) on the side of the panel.

4. An actuation system according to claim 3, wherein said at least one side wing (13) comprises a clamping system (31) adapted to compress the deformable portion (30) in intimate contact with the panel.

5. Actuating system according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a side wing (13), in particular each side wing (13), comprises an internal portion facing the panel and an external portion, the internal portion of a wing (13) being arranged between the external portion of this wing and the panel, the external portion being integral with the central web (12), the side wing (13) further comprising a clamping system( 31) for fixing the external portion to the internal portion.

6. An actuation system according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a hinge (15) connecting the pedal (14) to a side wing (13) of the base (11).

7. An actuation system according to claim 6, wherein the hinge (15) comprises a first plate (16) welded to the pedal (14), a second plate (17) articulated relative to the first plate (16), and welded to the side wing (13), an axis (18) and a hinge (19) secured respectively to one or the other of the first and second plates (16, 17).

8. An actuation system according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first portion of the actuator (23) is connected to the pedal (14) at a transverse edge thereof.

9. The actuation system of claim 8, wherein the pedal (14) further comprises an actuator link interface at a transverse edge opposite the transverse edge connected to the first portion of the actuator (23).

10. An actuation system according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pedal (14) is a first pedal (14a) mounted on a first side of the panel, wherein the actuator is a first actuator (23a) connected to the first pedal and to a first door handle on the first side of the panel, the actuation system further comprising:

- a second pedal (14b) mounted on a second side of the panel, movable relative to the base (11) between a rest configuration and an actuation configuration,

- a second actuator (23b) comprising a first portion connected to the second pedal (14b), and a second portion connectable to a second door handle on the second side of the panel, and having the same axis of rotation (Y), so that a displacement of the second pedal (14b) from its rest configuration to its actuation configuration imparts to said second door handle a moment of force about its axis of rotation.

11. A range of actuation systems each according to one of claims 1 to 10, the central webs of the actuation systems defining different spacings between the side wings.

[Fig. 2]

[Fig. 1] 1/3

[Fig. 4]

[Fig. 3] 2/3

[Fig. 6]

[Fig. 5] 3/3