AU2021218196A1 - Panel operator with latch - Google Patents

Panel operator with latch Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2021218196A1
AU2021218196A1 AU2021218196A AU2021218196A AU2021218196A1 AU 2021218196 A1 AU2021218196 A1 AU 2021218196A1 AU 2021218196 A AU2021218196 A AU 2021218196A AU 2021218196 A AU2021218196 A AU 2021218196A AU 2021218196 A1 AU2021218196 A1 AU 2021218196A1
Authority
AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
panel
actuator
latch tongue
frame
keeper
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
AU2021218196A
Inventor
Mitchell Biro
Niels Verhaar
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Alchin and Long Group Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Alchin and Long Group Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2021901363A external-priority patent/AU2021901363A0/en
Application filed by Alchin and Long Group Pty Ltd filed Critical Alchin and Long Group Pty Ltd
Publication of AU2021218196A1 publication Critical patent/AU2021218196A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/32—Arrangements of wings characterised by the manner of movement; Arrangements of movable wings in openings; Features of wings or frames relating solely to the manner of movement of the wing
    • E06B3/34—Arrangements of wings characterised by the manner of movement; Arrangements of movable wings in openings; Features of wings or frames relating solely to the manner of movement of the wing with only one kind of movement
    • E06B3/38—Arrangements of wings characterised by the manner of movement; Arrangements of movable wings in openings; Features of wings or frames relating solely to the manner of movement of the wing with only one kind of movement with a horizontal axis of rotation at the top or bottom of the opening
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B65/00—Locks or fastenings for special use
    • E05B65/06—Locks or fastenings for special use for swing doors or windows, i.e. opening inwards and outwards
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
    • E05C17/00—Devices for holding wings open; Devices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wing; Braking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith
    • E05C17/02—Devices for holding wings open; Devices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wing; Braking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means
    • E05C17/04—Devices for holding wings open; Devices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wing; Braking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing
    • E05C17/30—Devices for holding wings open; Devices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wing; Braking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing of extensible, e.g. telescopic, construction
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
    • E05C3/00—Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively
    • E05C3/12—Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively with latching action
    • E05C3/16—Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively with latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the latch
    • E05C3/22—Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively with latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the latch the bolt being spring controlled
    • E05C3/30—Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively with latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the latch the bolt being spring controlled in the form of a hook
    • E05C3/34—Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively with latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the latch the bolt being spring controlled in the form of a hook with simultaneously operating double bolts
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/32—Arrangements of wings characterised by the manner of movement; Arrangements of movable wings in openings; Features of wings or frames relating solely to the manner of movement of the wing
    • E06B3/325—Wings opening towards the outside

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closing And Opening Devices For Wings, And Checks For Wings (AREA)

Abstract

A panel operator (10) for a panel (4) pivotally supported by a frame (2) for pivoting movement about a pivot axis (5) between an open position and a closed position with respect to a panel opening (3) provided by the frame. The operator includes an actuator (11) extending between the panel (4) and the frame (2) for selectively moving the panel (4) between the open and closed positions, the actuator having a first end pivotally connected to the frame at a position toward the pivot axis of the panel and a second end pivotally connected to the panel at a position spaced from the pivot axis via a latch assembly (20). The latch assembly (20) comprises an actuator linkage (22) moveable between an extended position and a retracted position under urging of the actuator (11); a latch tongue (24) configured for movement between a latched position to engage a keeper (26) on the frame (2) to retain the panel (4) in the closed position, and a free position spaced from the keeper (26) and to allow the panel (4) to move from the closed position toward the open position, the latch tongue (24) including a deflection surface (30) to engage a complementary deflection surface (32) on the keeper (26) as the panel moves toward the closed position and to thereby deflect the latch tongue (24) from the latched position toward the free position; and wherein the latch tongue (24) is biased toward the latching position; and wherein the actuator linkage (22) is configured to hold the latch tongue (24) in the free position when the linkage (22) is in the extended position, and to allow the latch tongue (24) to move between the latching position and the free position when the linkage (22) is in the retracted position. Fig 1. 5/8 Ot (4 000 N,) rj 40 0. AH24(27321979_1):SCP

Description

5/8
Ot (4
000
N,)
rj 40
0.
AH24(27321979_1):SCP
PANEL OPERATOR WITH LATCH
Field
[0001] The present invention relates to movable panel opening and securing mechanisms, particularly opening and securing mechanisms for opening and securing windows and doors.
Background
[0002] Pivotally mounted window and door assemblies include a frame to which there is pivotally attached a pivoted panel or sash, typically comprising a glass panel housed in a sash frame formed of sash members.
[0003] In awning windows, the pivoted panel is hingedly attached adjacent an upper sash member and pivots about a generally horizontal axis, whereas casement windows and doors pivot about a vertical sash member.
[0004] It is common to move the pivoted window (and door) panels manually by means of a handle attached to the panel, between an open and closed position with respect to the frame. However manually moving a panel requires access to the handle limiting the height at which the windows may be installed above the floor and may be an unsuitable solution for large and or heavy panels. Furthermore, manually operation does not allow for automation which is increasingly desirable in modem energy efficient buildings.
[0005] Other means of operating windows and panels include winders prevent the pivoted window panel opening beyond a predetermined limit or by means of window winders, with a securing mechanism to restrain the panel in a predetermined position commonly a closed position. However, in the case of some windows, such as large pivoted window panels, securing the window at a single point on the frame may be insufficient to restrain the window adequately. For instance, if a person leans against the window at a location remote from the latch or due to high wind loads commonly experienced by elevated widows of multi-level buildings.
[0006] It is therefore desirable, and in some instances, it is a regulatory requirement, for windows to have multiple securing points spaced around the window panel. However, securing at multiple points require each point to be activated individually and it is not uncommon for users to activate only one securing point out of convenience.
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.
Summary of Invention
[0008] In a first aspect, there is provided a panel operator for a panel pivotally supported by a frame for pivoting movement about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position with respect to a panel opening provided by the frame, the operator including: an actuator extending between the panel and the frame for selectively moving the panel between the open and closed positions, said actuator having a first end pivotally connected to the frame at a position toward the pivot axis of said panel and a second end pivotally connected to the panel at a position spaced from the pivot axis via a latch assembly comprising: an actuator linkage moveable between an extended position and a retracted position under urging of said actuator; a latch tongue configured for movement between a latched position to engage a keeper on the frame to retain the panel in the closed position, and a free position spaced from the keeper and to allow the panel to move from the closed position toward the open position, said latch tongue including a deflection surface to engage a complementary deflection surface on said keeper as the panel moves toward the closed position and to thereby deflect the latch tongue from the latched position toward the free position; and a bias member for urging said latch tongue toward the latching position; and wherein said actuator linkage is configured to hold the latch tongue in the free position when the linkage is in the extended position, and to allow the latch tongue to move between the latching position and the free position when the linkage is in the retracted position.
[0009] Preferably, the actuator is a linear actuator movable to extend and retract thereby selectively to vary a spacing between the first and second end thereof.
[0010] Preferably the latch assembly comprises a base attached to said panel at least partially housing the actuator linkage and wherein said actuator linkage includes: an actuator link pivotally connected to the base at a first end and to the actuator at a second end, said actuator link movable between positions in abutment with an opening stop surface and a closing stop surface corresponding respectively to the extended and a retracted positions of the actuator linkage; and a connecting link connecting the actuator link to the latch tongue.
[0011] Preferably the connecting link is pivotally connected to the actuator link and pivotally and slidably connected to the latch tongue.
[0012] Preferably the latch tongue extends generally normal to the plane of the panel and is pivotally mounted on an axis parallel to the panel pivot axis.
[0013] Preferably the panel is a window panel including a panel frame.
[0014] In another aspect, there is provided a panel operator to extend between a frame and a panel pivotally supported by the frame for pivoting movement about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position with respect to a panel opening provided by the frame, the operator including: an actuator for selectively moving the panel between the open and closed positions, said actuator having a proximal end connected to the frame at a position toward the pivot axis of said panel and a distal end connected to the panel at a position spaced from the pivot axis via a latch assembly comprising: an actuator linkage moveable between an extended position and a retracted position under urging of said actuator; and a latch tongue configured for movement under influence of the actuator between a latching position to engage a keeper on the frame to retain the panel in the closed position and a free position spaced from the keeper and to allow the panel to move from the closed position toward the open position; a keeper positioned on the frame, said keeper movable between a first position wherein the keeper is latchable with the latch tongue when the latch tongue is in the latching position and the panel is in the closed position so as to retain the panel in the closed position, and a second position to allow passage of the latch tongue as the panel moves to the closed position from the open position; and wherein the latch tongue includes a deflection surface to engage said keeper as the panel moves from the open position to the closed position and deflect the keeper from the first position to the second position; and wherein the keeper is biased toward the first position.
[0015] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".
Brief Description of Drawings
[0016] Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an awning window panel and frame including a panel latch and operator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, with the window panel shown in a closed position, and the latch tongue in the latched position;
[0018] Figure 2 is a detailed view of Figure 1;
[0019] Figure 3 is another detailed view of Figure 1;
[0020] Figure 4 is another perspective view of Figure 1, wherein the panel is shown in the open position;
[0021] Figure 5 is a side detail view of the panel latch mechanism of Figure 1, wherein the latch tongue is in the latched position and the linkage is in the closing position;
[0022] Figure 6 is a side cutaway view of Figure 5 wherein one side plate of the base is removed to reveal the internal linkage components;
[0023] Figure 7 and 8 are perspective views from the front and rear respectively, of the panel latch mechanism shown in Figure 4 and 5 wherein one side plate of the base is removed to reveal the internal linkage components;
[0024] Figures 9 to 12 are sequential views displaying the panel latch mechanism shown in Figure 6 in an opening sequence wherein the linkage is moving from a latched state to an unlatched state;
[0025] Figures 13 to 18 are sequential views displaying the panel latch mechanism shown in Figure 6 in a closing sequence wherein the linkage is moving from an unlatched state to a latched state.
Description of Embodiments
[0026] In the accompanying drawings, there is schematically depicted a panel assembly 1. The panel assembly 1 includes a frame 2 surrounding a panel opening 3 that is closed by means of a panel 4. In this embodiment the panel 4 is a window panel pivotally attached along its upper edge to the frame 2 for angular movement about a generally horizontal axis 5. In other embodiments, the panel may be a door or access panel and mounted to pivot along a vertical edge, or adjacent, or midway between parallel edges.
[0027] The window assembly frame 2 includes upper and lower sill member 2a and 2b respectively, and a pair of vertical frame members 2c and 2d. The panel 4 includes a panel frame 6 that supports one or more glass panes 7. The panel frame 6 includes upper and lower horizontal sash members 6a and 6b respectively and a pair of vertical sash members 6c and 6d.
[0028] A panel operator 10 extends between the window frame 2 and the panel 4 for selectively moving the window panel 4 between a closed position as seen in Figure 1 and an open position as seen in Figure 4, with respect to the panel opening 3 provided by the frame 2, and for latching the panel in the closed position.
[0029] The panel operator 10 comprises an actuator 11 for selectively moving the panel 4 between the open and closed positions. In this embodiment the actuator 11 is a linear actuator and includes a first end 12 connected to the panel frame 6 at a position toward the pivot axis 5 of said panel 4 and a second end 13 connected, by means of a latch assembly 20, to the panel 4 at a position spaced from the pivot axis 5.
[0030] The latch assembly 20 comprises an actuator linkage 22 moveable between an extended position and a retracted position under urging of the actuator 11 and a latch tongue 24 mounted for movement between a latching position and a free position. In the latching position (shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5 to 8) the latch tongue 24 is disposed for latching engagement with a keeper 26 on the frame 2 when the panel 4 is in the closed position so as to retain the panel 4 in the closed position. In the free position (seen in Figures 10 to 13), the latch tongue 24 is spaced from engagement with the keeper 26 allowing the panel 4 to move from the closed position toward the open position without the latch tongue 24 contacting the keeper 26.
[0031] In this embodiment, the latch tongue 24 includes a hook formation 28 and a deflection surface 30 to engage a complementary deflection surface 32 on the keeper 26 as the panel 4 moves toward the closed position and thereby to deflect the latch tongue 24 from the latched position to the free position against the bias of the spring. The hook formation 28 includes a hook tip 34 and a latching surface 36 for engaging a complementary latching surface 38 on the keeper 26. Preferably at least one of the latching surfaces 36, 38 are acutely angled to promote latching engagement and prevent the latch tongue 24 sliding from engagement with the keeper 26 under a panel opening force.
[0032] The latch tongue 24 is biased toward the latching position. In this embodiment the latch assembly 20 further includes a resilient member in the form of a coil spring 40 connected to the latch tongue 24 biasing it towards the latching position.
[0033] Under certain conditions however, the latch tongue 24 is held in the free position against the bias of the coil spring 40. In particular, the actuator linkage 22 is configured to hold the latch tongue 24 in the free position when the actuator linkage 22 is in the extended position, and to allow the latch tongue 24 to move between the latching position and the free position when the actuator linkage 22 is in the retracted position.
[0034] In this embodiment the actuator 11 is a linear actuator in the form of an electric powered strut connected to extend between the panel 4 and the surrounding frame 2 such that extending and retracting of the actuator 11 causes the panel 4 to open and close respectively. The actuator 11 includes an elongate shaft 14 telescopically received within a sleeve 15. Each of the shaft 14 and sleeve 15 include a mounting point at respective distal ends (12 & 13). Powered activation of the actuator 11 selectively causes the shaft 14 to extend from or retract within the sleeve 15 thereby varying the spacing between the mounting points. In other embodiments other types of actuators, particularly other linear actuators may be used.
[0035] With reference to Detail A shown in Figure 2, first end 12 of the actuator 11 is pivotally mounted by means of a respective mounting point to a vertical frame member 2c via a bracket 16 attached to the frame 2 with fasteners 17. An electrical connection 18 for powering and controlling the actuator 11 may be provided from the frame 2 to the actuator 11 through or adjacent the bracket 16.
[0036] The second end 13 of the actuator 11 is connected to the panel 4, and in this embodiment to vertical sash member 6c via the actuator linkage 22 as can be seen in Detail B shown in Figure 3. Detailed views of the actuator linkage 22 and keeper 26 are provided in Figures 5 to 8. In these figures, the relative position of the actuator linkage 22 on the panel 4 and keeper 26 on the frame 2 are displayed as if the panel 4 were in a closed position with the latch tongue 24 in the latching position engaged with the keeper 26, however, as illustrated, the panel 4 and frame 2 have been omitted.
[0037] The actuator linkage 22 includes an actuator link 42, a connecting link 44 extending between the actuator link 42 and the latch tongue 24 and the spring 40. In this embodiment, the actuator linkage 22 is supported by and at least partially housed within a base 46 which itself is to be housed within a cavity of the vertical sash member of the panel frame 6.
[0038] The base 46 includes a pair of parallel side plates 48 held apart by at least one traverse web 50 extending therebetween. In this embodiment the base 46 further includes a cover plate 52 which is connected to the web 50 by a pair of threaded connectors 54. Apertures in the cover plate 52 are provided for receiving a pair of mounting screws 56 to fix the base 46 to the vertical sash member 2c such that a portion of the latch assembly 20 including the side plates 26, the spring 40 and the connecting link 44 are housed within the frame 6, and hidden by the cover plate 52 . Figures 6 - 8 show the latch assembly 20 with the near side parallel side plate 48 of the base 46 omitted so that the latch assembly 20 and linkage components 21 may be seen.
[0039] The latch tongue 24 includes a generally elongate body 58 pivotally mounted to the base 46 at mounting end 60 thereof by means of a first mounting pin 62 received within a first pair of aligned apertures 64 provided through the side plates 48 of the base 46. The hook formation 28 and deflection surface 30 are disposed at a free end 66 of the body 58 opposite the mounting end 60. As can be seen with reference to Figures 3 and 6, the latch tongue 24 extends generally normal to the plane of panel 4 from the mounting end 46 through an opening 68 in the cover plate 52 to the free end 66.
[0040] The actuator link 42 includes an elongate bifurcated body 70 having a pair of parallel link arms 72 connected at a mounting end 74 by a transverse web 76 and extending to a fork end 78. In this way the actuator link 42 lends itself to manufacture by stamping of sheet metal. The actuator link 42 is pivotally mounted to the base 46 at mounting end 74 thereof by means of a second mounting pin 80 received within a second pair 82 of aligned apertures provided through the side plates 48 of the base 46. The actuator link body 70 extends through a second opening 84 in the cover plate 52 to the fork end 78 opposite the mounting end 74 which is equipped with a pair of eyelets 86 providing a mounting point therebetween for pivotally connecting a second end of the actuator 11 via a threaded connector 88 and nut 90. As can be seen with reference to Figures 3 and 8, the actuator link 42 extends generally normal to the plane of panel 4. Pivoting motion of the actuator link 42 is limited in each direction by abutment of the actuator link body on stop surfaces formed by end peripheries of the opening 84 in the cover plate 52. The upper stop surface, or surface nearest the panel pivot axis provides a closing stop 92 while the lower surface furthest from the panel pivot axis provides an opening stop 94.
[0041] In this embodiment, both the first and second mounting pins (62 and 80) are arranged parallel to one another and preferably parallel to the panel pivot axis 5. The latch tongue extends 24 generally normal to the plane of the panel 4. In alternative embodiments however, the latch tongue may extend in the plane of the panel 4 either generally radially form the panel pivot axis 5 or generally radially therefrom.
[0042] The connecting link 44 connects the actuator link 42 to the latch tongue 24 and includes a bifurcated elongate connecting link body 96 having a pair of parallel link arms 98 connected at one end by a transverse web 100. The connecting link 44 is pivotally mounted to the actuator link 42 at a first end thereof by means of pivot pin 102 and pivotally and slidably connected to latch tongue 24 by means of sliding pin 104 mounted within a slotted aperture 106 in the latch tongue 24 at a second end thereof, opposite the first end. In this way movement of the actuator link 42 is transferred to the latch tongue 24 with some lost motion. In this embodiment the slotted aperture 106 is arranged in the latch tongue 24 body and configured such that the latch tongue 24 is held in the free position when the actuator link 42 is in the extended position, however, when the actuator link 42 is in the retracted position, the latch tongue 24 is able to pivot about second mounting pin 80 notwithstanding bias of the spring 40. As with the actuator link 42, the bifurcated body 70 of the connecting link 44 provides for a balanced application of force through the body 70 and particularly through the pivot joints.
[0043] The spring 40 extends between a mounting point 108 on the base 46 to a mounting aperture 110 on the latch tongue 24 to urge the latch tongue 24 toward the actuator link 42 or more particularly, into engagement with the keeper 26 (seen in Figure 3) when the panel 4 is in the closed position. The spring 40 is housed between the parallel link arms 98 of the bifurcated connecting link body 96. As also seen in Figure 3, in this embodiment the keeper 26 is in the form of a post formation fixed on a bracket base 26a to vertical frame members 2c by threaded connectors.
[0044] An opening sequence of the widow panel 4 is displayed in Figures 9 to 12 with reference to the panel latch mechanism.
[0045] In Figure 9 the panel 4 is in the closed position, the actuator 11 (not shown) is fully retracted and is holding the actuator link 42 against the closing stop 92 in the retracted position as represented by arrow R. The latch tongue 24 is in the latching position engaged with the keeper 26 under urging of the spring 40. It will be noted however that the sliding pin 104 sits against the lower end of the slotted aperture 106 in the latch tongue body 58 thereby allowing the latch tongue 24 to pivot toward the free position against the bias of the spring 40. It will be appreciated that while both the actuator 11 and the engagement of the latch tongue 24 with the keeper 26 prevent the panel 4 moving from the closed position, the latch tongue 24 with the keeper 26 will typically provide a substantially more secure holding force than the actuator 11.
[0046] Figure 10 shows the actuator 11 powered to extend as represented by arrow E. The window panel 4 remains closed while the latch tongue 24 remains engaged with the keeper 26. Under urging of the extending actuator 11, the actuator link 42 pivots anticlockwise (on page) about mounting pin 80. In turn, the connecting link 44 moves the latch tongue 24 to rotate anticlockwise (on page) toward the free position disengaged from the keeper 26. It is noted that the sliding pin 104 is held against the lower end of the slotted aperture 106.
[0047] Referring to Figure 11, once the actuator link reaches its full travel by abutting the opening stop 94, further extension of the actuator 11 can only be accommodated by the panel 4 moving away from the closed position toward the open position represented by arrow 0. At this point the latch tongue 24 is held in the free position enabling movement of the panel 4 without interference.
[0048] As showing in Figure 12, continued extension of the actuator 11 opens the window panel 4 to the desired position to complete opening.
[0049] A closing sequence of the widow panel 4 is displayed in Figures 13 to 18 with reference to the panel latch mechanism.
[0050] Referring to Figure 13, the panel 4 is shown in an open position held by the extended actuator 11 (not shown) represented by arrow E. It will be appreciated that for the purposes of convenience only, in the figure, the linkage which is supported by the panel 4 (not shown) and the keeper 26 on the frame (not shown) are illustrated to be closely spaced. In practice however, the spacing may vary, particularly such that the linkage and keeper 26 are separated by a larger distance as would be the case if the window panel 4 was wide open. In any event, as shown in Figure 13, the latch tongue 24 is held in the free position by the extended actuator 11 and actuator link 42.
[0051] In Figure 14 the actuator 11 (not shown) is powered to retract as represented by arrow R. Under urging of the retracting actuator 11, the actuator link 42 pivots clockwise (on page) about mounting pin 80. In turn, the connecting link 44 releases the latch tongue 24 which rotates clockwise (on page) toward the latching position under influence of the spring 40. That is to say, the spring 40 holds the latch tongue 24 such that the sliding pin 104 is held against the lower end of the slotted aperture 106.
[0052] Once the actuator link 42 reaches its full limit of travel by abutting the closing stop 92, the window panel 4 moves towards the closed position represented by arrow C. In Figure 15 the panel 4 has closed to a position in which the latch tongue 24 contacts the keeper 26, or more particularly the deflection surface 30 on the latch tongue 24 abuts the complementary deflection surface 32 on the keeper 26.
[0053] With reference to Figure 16, since the deflection surface 30 on the keeper 26 is set at an angle, further retraction of the actuator 11 and movement of the window panel 4 toward the closed position, deflects the latch tongue 24 to rotate anticlockwise (on page) downwards underneath keeper 26. Movement of the latch tongue 24 is allowed by sliding of the pin 104 within the slotted aperture 106, however, is resisted by the bias of the spring 40.
[0054] Maximum deflection of the latch tongue 24 is shown in Figure 17 where the tip 34 of the hook formation 31 passes the keeper 26. In this position the pin 104 is positioned in the top end of the slotted aperture 106.
[0055] As the window panel 4 reaches the closed position shown in Figure 18, the hook tip 34 passes the keeper 26 so that the latch tongue 24 is allowed to pivot back toward the latching position under bias of the spring 40. The window panel 4 secured in the closed position by engagement of the latch tongue 24 with the keeper 26 to prevent the panel 4 moving from the closed position.
[0056] As can be seen in Figure 1, in this embodiment two panel operators 11 are provided, one corresponding to each side of the window. Smaller and/or lighter panels may only require the uses of a single actuator.
[0057] In the embodiment described above, the latch tongue 24 is biased toward a latching position and the actuator linkage 22 is configured to hold the latch tongue 24 in the free position when the linkage is in the opening position, and to allow the latch tongue 24 to move between the latching position and the free position when the linkage is in the closing position.
[0058] In other embodiments however, the latch tongue 24 is movable under influence of the actuator 11 between a latching position to engage a keeper 26 on the frame to retain the panel 4 in the closed position and a free position spaced from the keeper 26 and to allow the panel 4 to move from the closed position toward the open position. Rather than the latch tongue 24 being provided with a degree of lost motion and biased toward the latched position, the keeper 26, positioned on the frame, is movable between a first position wherein the keeper 26 is latchable with the latch tongue 24 when the latch tongue 24 is in the latching position and the panel 4 is in the closed position so as to retain the panel 4 in the closed position, and a second position to allow passage of the latch tongue 24 as the panel 4 moves to the closed position from the open position. The keeper 26 is biased toward the first position and both it and the latch tongue 24 include complementary a deflection surfaces which deflect the keeper 26 towards the second position as the panel 4 moves from the open position to the closed position.

Claims (5)

1. A panel operator for a panel pivotally supported by a frame for pivoting movement about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position with respect to a panel opening provided by the frame, the operator including: an actuator extending between the panel and the frame for selectively moving the panel between the open and closed positions, said actuator having a first end pivotally connected to the frame at a position toward the pivot axis of said panel and a second end pivotally connected to the panel at a position spaced from the pivot axis via a latch assembly comprising: an actuator linkage moveable between an extended position and a retracted position under urging of said actuator; a latch tongue configured for movement between a latched position to engage a keeper on the frame to retain the panel in the closed position, and a free position spaced from the keeper and to allow the panel to move from the closed position toward the open position, said latch tongue including a deflection surface to engage a complementary deflection surface on said keeper as the panel moves toward the closed position and to thereby deflect the latch tongue from the latched position toward the free position; and a bias member for urging said latch tongue toward the latching position; and wherein said actuator linkage is configured to hold the latch tongue in the free position when the linkage is in the extended position, and to allow the latch tongue to move between the latching position and the free position when the linkage is in the retracted position.
2. A panel operator according to claim 1 wherein the actuator is a linear actuator movable to extend and retract thereby selectively to vary a spacing between the first and second end thereof.
3. A panel operator according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the latch assembly comprises a base attached to said panel at least partially housing the actuator linkage and wherein said actuator linkage includes: an actuator link pivotally connected to the base at a first end and to the actuator at a second end, said actuator link movable between positions in abutment with an opening stop surface and a closing stop surface corresponding respectively to the extended and a retracted positions of the actuator linkage; and a connecting link connecting the actuator link to the latch tongue.
4. A panel operator according to claim 3 wherein the connecting link is pivotally connected to the actuator link and pivotally and slidably connected to the latch tongue.
5. A panel operator to extend between a frame and a panel pivotally supported by the frame for pivoting movement about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position with respect to a panel opening provided by the frame, the operator including: an actuator for selectively moving the panel between the open and closed positions, said actuator having a proximal end connected to the frame at a position toward the pivot axis of said panel and a distal end connected to the panel at a position spaced from the pivot axis via a latch assembly comprising: an actuator linkage moveable between an extended position and a retracted position under urging of said actuator; and a latch tongue configured for movement under influence of the actuator between a latching position to engage a keeper on the frame to retain the panel in the closed position and a free position spaced from the keeper and to allow the panel to move from the closed position toward the open position; a keeper positioned on the frame, said keeper movable between a first position wherein the keeper is latchable with the latch tongue when the latch tongue is in the latching position and the panel is in the closed position so as to retain the panel in the closed position, and a second position to allow passage of the latch tongue as the panel moves to the closed position from the open position; and wherein the latch tongue includes a deflection surface to engage said keeper as the panel moves from the open position to the closed position and deflect the keeper from the first position to the second position; and wherein the keeper is biased toward the first position.
Alchin Long Group IP Pty Limited
Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person
SPRUSON&FERGUSON
AU2021218196A 2021-05-07 2021-08-20 Panel operator with latch Pending AU2021218196A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2021901363 2021-05-07
AU2021901363A AU2021901363A0 (en) 2021-05-07 Panel operator with latch

Publications (1)

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AU2021218196A1 true AU2021218196A1 (en) 2022-11-24

Family

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Family Applications (1)

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Country Status (1)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2021218196A1 (en)

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