EP1770234B1 - Espagnolette or similar - Google Patents

Abstract

The lock (1) consists of a housing (4) containing a nut (2) that rotates about its axis to control a locking element such as a bolt or rod, either directly or indirectly. The nut is divided along a line perpendicular to its axis into two sections (2A, 2B) that can rotate relative to one another, and have an elastic element (11) between them that holds them at an angle to one another. The lock also has a hub with a central hole to receive a square-section actuating rod (9) turned by a knob or handle, and each of the nut sections carries part of the hub.

Description

The invention relates to a locking device of the lock, espagnolette-lock or other type, comprising, rotatably mounted in a housing, a follower for controlling any locking member of the bolt type, operating rod or the like.

The present invention relates to the field of building hardware and relates, in particular, to the locking mechanism mechanism lock type, espagnolette, espagnolette lock or the like, incorporating as a control member, a follower.

Precisely, many lock fittings are known which are rotatably mounted in a housing, a follower for the control of locking or unlocking, as the case may be, of a dead bolt, a latch bolt, a latch an operating rod or other. Such a fitting is for example known from the document WO-A-96/29494 . The peculiarity of such a follower consists in that it comprises a hub usually traversed, axially, an opening for the passage of a handle maneuvering square or control button on which the user acts to ensure control unlocking or locking.

In this connection, this hub of the follower is usually equipped, peripherally, with a drive finger and / or a toothing and / or other drive member, while the opening for the passage of maneuvering square is positioned angularly relative to these or these members so that in the locking or unlocking position, the control handle comes to adopt a position, as the case, horizontal or vertical.

It turns out that due to an approximate adjustment between the section of the opening and that of the square maneuver, it has a certain angular clearance with respect to the nut and even to assume that the entire control mechanism of the locking fitting can be designed without play, the control handle, while it should be strictly horizontal, for example in a locking situation of said fitting, is presented to the user with a certain inclination particularly unsightly.

Apart from this problem of aesthetics, the presence of clearance between a maneuvering square and a follower substantially modifies the conditions for controlling locking and / or unlocking.

For example, if, to ensure the locking of a espagnolette, the user must control the rotation of the handle, from a horizontal position, pushing the handle in a strictly vertical position, the user may feel perfectly accomplished this command locking of the fitting, while he should have continued his movement to catch the angular differential related to the aforementioned game and ensure the perfect engagement of the locking members controlled in their respective locks. In contrast, when unlocking this game may be at the origin of an imperfect opening command in which said locking members are not completely clear of their striker. Thus, when the user, persuaded to have brought his control handle in this unlocking position, meets a resistance to the opening of a door or window type joinery, it will be tempted to force this maneuver by binding the organs locking mechanism, which, in the long run, can interfere with the proper functioning of the hardware.

To this must be added the amplification that this disadvantage can experience through a functional game between the follower itself and the controlled components, for example, the game that can result between the toothing of a follower and that of a rack on which it comes to join for the order in translation of operating rods or the like or the rotational drive of another gear.

A toothed wheel subdivided according to a junction plane perpendicular to its axis of rotation, the parts of which are movable in rotation with respect to one another and comprising elastic means pushing the parts into an angular offset position, is known from the document GB-A-177, 529 .

The present invention is able to respond to the aforementioned problem through a solution that is particularly surprising because of the benefits it provides.

Thus, the invention relates to a locking device of the lock type, espagnolette, espagnolette lock or other, comprising, mounted in a housing around an axis of rotation, a follower for the control, direct or indirect, of an organ locking device, of the bolt or rod type, characterized in that said follower is subdivided, along a junction plane perpendicular to its axis of rotation, into at least a first part and a second part of a nut that can be rotated one by relative to the other, resilient means repulsion pushing said follower parts in an angular position offset.

In particular, the follower has a hub through which an opening for the passage of a maneuvering square of a handle or a control button, each follower portion having a hub portion.

It is well understood that for the engagement of the operating square of the handle or the control knob in these hub portions, the openings, of square section, in each of the latter must not have angular offset, otherwise this insertion square maneuver is made impossible.

However, in order to obtain this angular alignment of the hub parts, and thus of the follower parts, the elastic means, pushing them naturally back into an offset position, are necessarily put under stress.

Precisely, this constraint comes to apply in the form of opposing pairs of follower parts on the square of maneuvering the handle or the control button, maintaining it without play relative to the follower.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the follower of this locking device also comprises, in combination, the elastic means for compensating for its axial clearance in the housing in which it is mounted.

According to one characteristic of the invention, these elastic means for compensating the axial clearance are defined, substantially, by the defined elastic means capable of pushing the follower parts into their angular offset position.

According to another feature of the invention, the follower further comprises indexing means retractable from its position in the housing.

• la figure 1 est une représentation schématisée et en plan d'un dispositif de verrouillage conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de dessus de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe selon III-III de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 4 illustre de manière schématisée et en perspective le fouillot composé de deux parties mobiles en rotation l'une par rapport à l'autre et maintenues décalées angulairement au travers de moyens élastiques ;
• la figure 5 illustre de manière schématisée et en coupe un dispositif de verrouillage exécuté selon un autre mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 6 est une vue de dessus de la figure 5 ;
• la figure 7 illustre de manière schématisée et en perspective les deux parties de fouillot;
• la figure 8 illustre, de manière schématisée, l'engagement des moyens élastiques de répulsion repoussant les parties de fouillot en position de décalage angulaire, ces moyens élastiques contribuant également à l'indexation de la position du fouillot dans le boîtier et à la compensation de son jeu axial dans ce dernier.

The present invention will be better understood on reading the following description with reference to the appended drawings illustrating exemplary embodiments.

• the figure 1 is a schematic representation in plan of a locking device according to the invention;
• the figure 2 is a top view of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 is a sectional view along III-III of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 4 illustrates diagrammatically and in perspective the follower composed of two parts movable in rotation relative to one another and maintained angularly offset through elastic means;
• the figure 5 illustrates schematically and in section a locking device executed according to another embodiment;
• the figure 6 is a top view of the figure 5 ;
• the figure 7 illustrates schematically and in perspective the two parts of fouillot;
• the figure 8 illustrates, schematically, the engagement of the elastic repulsion means pushing the follower parts in the angular offset position, these elastic means also contributing to the indexing of the position of the follower in the housing and the compensation of its axial clearance in this last.

As shown in the figures of the accompanying drawings, the present invention relates to the field of locking devices such as lock, espagnolette, espagnolette lock or the like.

Such a locking device 1 comprises a control mechanism housed in a housing 4 and usually comprising a follower 2 for controlling any locking member, such as a bolt, operating rod or the like.

This follower 2 comprises a hub 3 for its rotational mounting in the casing 4 of the locking device 1.

Of course, various embodiments can be adopted for maintaining this follower 2 in rotation. Thus, the hub 3 can be protruding on either side of the latter to keep it rotated in openings 5 adapted in walls. 6, 7, of the housing 4.

Other configurations are possible. In particular, these walls 6, 7 of the housing 4 may have, internally, an annular rim intended to cooperate with an annular groove that then comprises, on either side the hub 3.

Usually, again, it is crossed by an opening 8 for the passage of an operating square 9 of a handle or a control button. In other words, through this handle or this control button, the user rotates the operating square 9 which drives in its stroke the follower 2 acting on the control mechanism of the locking device 1 for unlocking or lock.

According to a feature of the invention, the follower 2 is subdivided, along a junction plane perpendicular to its axis of rotation X, into at least a first portion 2A and a second follower portion 2B rotatable relative to one another. the other, preferably in a limited angular travel, between a position angularly offset P1, for example visible in the Figures 3 and 4 and in a position in which these follower portions 2A, 2B are instead aligned.

As recalled above, the hub 3 is usually traversed by an opening 8 for the passage of the operating square 9. Advantageously, each follower portion 2A, 2B has a hub portion 10A, 10B. Also, in the offset position P1, the openings, of square section, 8A and 8B, respectively of the hub portion 10A and 10B, are angularly offset, whereas in the aligned position these openings 8A, 8B are strictly in the extension of one another.

According to the invention again, elastic repulsion means 11 are provided to precisely push the follower portions 2A, 2B in their offset position P1. Also, through them, the hub portions 10A, 10B exert opposing pairs on the square maneuver 9 introduced into their respective opening 8A, 8B. It follows a tightening of the opening 8 of the hub 3 around said maneuvering square 9.

This one is thus without game compared to the follower 2.

As already indicated above, the follower 2 carries, peripherally, at least one drive member such as a toothing 12 or other control finger for driving any locking element.

These driving members may be associated with only one of the follower parts 2A, 2B, just as they can be separated at the latter.

However, in an original design according to the invention, at least one control member, in this case all the teeth of a toothing 12, as in the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 4 , or only one of these teeth, or even a control finger, as illustrated in the Figures 5 to 8 corresponding to another embodiment, is subdivided into two parts 12A, 12B each associated with a follower portion 2A, 2B, so that an angular offset between them creates, moreover, an offset between the two parts teeth 12A, 12B.

In sum, the two embodiments shown illustrate that this subdivision can be done according to a junction plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation X or in a plane parallel to this axis.

Consequently, a tooth 13 of this toothing 12 (or a control finger) has a total width 14 greater than its nominal width 14A determined according to the size of the openings, for example of the rack with which said toothing 12 is brought to cooperate.

Exactly, this nominal width 14A is defined taking into account a functional clearance necessary to allow the meshing of the toothing 12 on the rack. However, precisely, if this functional game is essential, it is at the origin of a relative mobility, for example of an operating rod with respect to the follower 2 which can lead, when an order is exerted on the latter , in an incomplete actuation of said operating rod, so in a locking or unlocking which is not total.

Exactly, the present invention overcomes this disadvantage insofar as the width 14 of a tooth 13 can be adjusted, strictly, to the size of an opening in a rack that includes, for example a rod maneuvering or an easel of transmission. However, the absence of play does not prevent operation because of the elastic repulsion means 11 which, in the event of stress for the engagement of a tooth 13 in said rack, are able to absorb this constraint. allowing the width 14 of said tooth 13 to be adjusted. More exactly, under the effect of this constraint, the two tooth portions 12A, 12B are capable of being pushed against the action of the elastic repulsion means 11 in a alignment position relative to each other until the tooth or teeth 13 reach their nominal width 14A.

In any event, once the constraint is relaxed, at least partially, and the tooth or teeth 13 are suitably engaged in the corresponding opening or openings of a rack, under the impetus of the elastic repulsion means 11, this or these teeth 13 come occupy a maximum space without play.

As illustrated in the embodiment corresponding to Figures 1 to 4 , the elastic repulsion means 11 can be present in the form of a silentbloc 15 interposed between two locking jaws 16A, 16B equipping, respectively, a follower portion 2A, 2B, a hub portion 10A, 10B or a drive wheel portion.

In a very particularly advantageous manner, each of these locking jaws 16A, 16B still constitutes abutment means which, in cooperation with the other follower part with respect to that which this jaw equips, limits the angular phase shift.

So, as visible in the Figures 1 to 4 , a locking jaw 16A, 16B of a follower portion 2A, 2B extends beyond the junction plane to cooperate with a recess 17B, 17A, which is precisely equipped the other follower portion 2B, 2A.

In the embodiment illustrated in the Figures 5 to 8 , the elastic repulsion means 11 are defined by a simple rubber block 18 interposed in a notch 19 between two locking jaws 20A, 20B defined, substantially, by a first 12A and a second portion 12B of a tooth 12 or the like drive member which carries peripherally, respectively, follower parts 2A, 2B. In fact, they each carry, in part, the toothing 12 or drive finger contributing to the control, an operating rod, a locking bolt or other through the follower 2.

Moreover, each of these tooth portions defines stop means limiting the angular offset of the follower portions 2A, 2B.

Thus, as visible in the figure 5 these tooth portions are provided for abutting one against the other on the side diametrically opposed to the notch 19.

According to the invention, the locking device 1 also comprises indexing means 31 of the follower position 2 in the case 4. In particular, according to the invention, these indexing means 31 are associated with the elastic means of repulsion. 11.

More particularly, they consist of at least one tab 32 projecting from one side and / or the other of the follower 2 to cooperate, directly or indirectly, with one or the other wall 6, 7 of the housing 4.

In particular, in the embodiment corresponding to the Figures 1 to 4 , at the bottom of housing 33 are provided one or more notches 34 in which can engage a tongue 32. This is secured in breakable manner to the elastic means of repulsion 11, in this case the silentbloc 15. In other words, during a first rotation of the follower 2, these tongues 32 are sectioned with respect to the rubber mount 15.

In the embodiment corresponding to Figures 5 to 8 , the tongues 32 defining the indexing means 31 consist of blocking shoes 35 extending laterally to the follower 2 and which is secured to the block silentbloc 18. Again, this wedge silentbloc 18 is secured in a breakable manner with these pads 35.

Advantageously, this or these pads 35 further constitute elastic means for compensating the axial play of the follower 2 in the casing 4 of the locking device 1.

Thus, such shoes 35, made of an elastic material, may be able to maintain under slight axial stress this follower 2.

In the embodiment corresponding to Figures 1 to 4 , it is illustrated the mounting of the follower 2 in its housing 4. In particular, the two follower parts 2A, 2B are juxtaposed. It is then engaged, between the jaws 16A, 16B the silentblock 15. Preferably, it is engaged under stress between said jaws with the aid of a suitable tool. In addition, to prevent it being able to disengage radially, said jaws 16A, 16B, may each carry, at their free end, a retaining flange 36A, 36B. The follower 2 thus preassembled is engaged in its housing 4 inside which it is immobilized in rotation through the indexing means 31.

In the embodiment corresponding to Figures 5 to 8 once the two follower parts 2A, 2B have been assembled, they are engaged in the one-piece housing 4. It is then inserted, between the jaws 20A, 20B defined by a tooth 12, the rubber block 18, and the axial locking pads 35 of which it is secured in a breakable manner, immobilizing the assembly in a predefined position until first manipulation of the locking device 1.

As is apparent from the foregoing description, the present invention responds particularly advantageously to the problem.

Claims (16)

1. Lock fitting (1) of the type lock, espagnolette or the like, comprising, mounted in a casing (4) about an axis of rotation (X), a tumbler (2) for directly or indirectly controlling a locking member, of the bolt or rod type, said tumbler (2) being subdivided, following a junction plane perpendicular to its axis of rotation (X), into at least a first part (2A) and a second part (2B) of a tumbler, wherein the tumbler parts (2A, 2B) are movable in rotation with respect to each other, elastic repulsion means (11) pushing said tumbler parts (2A, 2B) into a shifted angular position.
2. Lock fitting according to claim 1, wherein the tumbler parts (2A, 2B) are movable in rotation with respect to each other according to a limited angular travel length, between an angularly shifted position (P1) and a position in which said parts (2A, 2B) are aligned.
3. Lock fitting according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a hub (3) provided with an opening (8) for the passing through of an operating square (9) of a handle or a control knob, wherein each tumbler part (2A, 2B) comprises a hub part (10A, 10B) provided with an opening (8A, 8B) for the passing through of the operating square (9).
4. Lock fitting according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a tumbler (2) carrying, on its periphery, at least one driving organ, such as a toothing (12) or another control finger for driving any locking element, wherein the driving organ or organs are associated with only one of the tumbler parts (2A, 2B).
5. Lock fitting according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 3, comprising a tumbler (2) carrying, on its periphery, at least one driving organ, such as a toothing (12) or another control finger for driving any locking element, wherein each tumbler part (2A, 2B) comprises at least one driving organ.
6. Lock fitting according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 3, comprising a tumbler (2) carrying, on its periphery, at least one driving organ, such as a toothing (12) or another control finger for driving any locking element, wherein at least one control organ is subdivided into two parts (12A, 12B) each associated with one tumbler part (2A, 2B).
7. Lock fitting according to claim 6, wherein the two control-organ parts (12A, 12B) are subdivided according to a junction plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (X) of the tumbler (2).
8. Lock fitting according to claim 6, wherein the two control-organ parts (12A, 12B) are subdivided according to a plane parallel to the axis of rotation (X) of the tumbler (2).
9. Lock fitting according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic repulsion means (11) are in the form of a silent-bloc (15) intercalated between two blocking jaws (16A, 16B) equipping, respectively, a tumbler part (2A, 2B).
10. Lock fitting according to any of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the elastic repulsion means (11) are formed by a silent-bloc wedge (18) intercalated in a notch (19) between two blocking jaws (20A, 20B) defined by a first part (12A) and a second part (12B) of a driving organ (12), such as a tooth of a toothing or a control finger, which the tumbler parts (2A, 2B) respectively carry on the periphery.
11. Lock fitting according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises means for indexing (31) the position of the tumbler (2) in the casing (4).
12. Lock fitting according to claim 11, wherein the indexing means (31) are associated with the elastic repulsion means (11).
13. Lock fitting according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the indexing means (31) are comprised of shearable tongue means (32) projecting on one side and/or the other of the tumbler (2) in order to co-operate, directly or indirectly, with either wall (6, 7) of the casing (4).
14. Lock fitting according to claim 13, wherein the tongue or tongues (32) defining the indexing means (31) consist of blocking shoes (35) extending laterally with respect to the tumbler (2).
15. Lock fitting according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises elastic means for compensating for the axial backlash of the tumbler (2) in the casing (4).
16. Lock fitting according to claims 14 and 15, wherein the elastic compensation means are substantially formed by the blocking shoe or shoes (35) made out of an elastic material.

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