EP1960626A1

EP1960626A1 - Link mechanism for a reversible window, door or the like

Info

Publication number: EP1960626A1
Application number: EP06824474A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Torbjörn STRAND
Original assignee: Assa AB
Current assignee: Assa Oem AB
Priority date: 2005-11-25
Filing date: 2006-11-24
Publication date: 2008-08-27
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-24
Also published as: EP1960626B1; SE0502587L; WO2007061362A1; EP1960626A4; DK1960626T3; SE530170C2

Abstract

A link mechanism for a reversible window, door or the like, which window or the like is pivotal around an essentially- horizontal axis. The link mechanism comprises a first (10), a second (20) and a third (30) link arm. The first link arm is pivotally connectable to the frame (1) at a first fulcrum (11) and the second link arm is pivotally connectable to the frame at a second fulcrum (21). The third link arm is pivotally connected to the first and second link arms at a third (31) and fourth (32) fulcrum respectively. The third link arm is further pivotally connectable to the sash (2) at a fifth (33) fulcrum. The second (21), third (31) and fourth (32) fulcrums are arranged below the fifth (33) fulcrum and the first (11) fulcrum is arranged above the fifth (33) fulcrum during the entire length of stroke of the link mechanism.

Description

Link mechanism for reversible windows, doors and the like

Technical field The invention relates to a link or hinge mechanism for reversible windows, doors and the like according to the preamble to Claim 1.

The invention also relates to a fitting and a window with such a hinge mechanism.

Background art

Reversible windows are frequently used in dwellings and public buildings. In addition to these windows being able to be opened to admit fresh air, it is also possible to pivot the sash through almost 180° around a vertical or horizontal axis so that the outside of the window faces inwards. In this way, it is possible for a person who is inside the window to clean the outside of the window.

With one type of reversible window, the upper or lower ends of the sides of the sash can move in vertical tracks that are arranged in the side jambs of the window frame. In addition, the sides of the sash are attached to the side jambs of the window frame by means of two hinge mechanisms or fittings and can rotate around a horizontal axis that is defined by pivot pins on the hinge mechanisms. By moving the vertically- movable ends of the sides of the sash upwards or downwards, the sash is moved outwards while, at the same time, it is pivoted around its horizontal axis.

In order to make the window easy to operate, it is desirable for the hinge mechanism and the sash to be well-balanced, so that as little effort as possible is required to pivot it through up to 180° and back. In addition, it should be possible to lock the sash in an open position, in such a way that it can be released, to admit fresh air with a relatively small opening angle, so that, for example, small children cannot climb out through the window in this position. To make it safe for children, it is also desirable that the lock that holds the sash in the position to admit fresh air does not give way, even if large forces are applied to the sash in an outward direction.

In addition, the hinge mechanism should be simple to fit to window frames and sides of sashes of a standard type, without requiring special modifications to be carried out. It is, of course, also extremely important that the hinge mechanisms should be durable and reliable. It is particularly important that the gap between the window frame and the side of the sash can be kept as small as possible, even with the hinge mechanism fitted in between. For reasons associated with manufacturing costs of both the hinge mechanism and the finished window, it is desirable that one and the same type and size of hinge mechanism can be used when manufacturing windows that vary in size within as wide a range as possible.

Current technology EP 0 542 050 Al describes a fitting for windows that have a side of a sash with an upper or lower end that can move along the window frame and that can be pivoted through 180° around a horizontal axis. The fitting comprises a frame plate that has tracks to guide the movable end of the side of the sash. The fitting also comprises a hinge mechanism that is attached to the frame plate and to the side of the sash. The hinge mechanism comprises a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm, each with a first end that is attached to the frame plate in such a way that it can pivot, and a third pivot arm that is attached to the other ends of the first and second pivot arms in the vicinity of its first end, in such a way that it can pivot. The third pivot arm also comprises a pivot pin that defines the axis of rotation of the sash and that is located at the other end of the third pivot arm.

With the fitting described in EP 0 542 050 Al, all the pivot arms and the pivot attachment points are on the opposite half of the side of the sash to the movable end of the side of the sash, when the window is in the closed position.

This fitting has a great advantage in that the outer plane of the side of the sash pivots around the axis of rotation and never passes the third pivot arm. Accordingly, it is possible for the frame around the sash to be provided with a weather strip that is arranged on the outside and that projects sideways to cover part of the gap between the sash and the window frame in the closed position, and in particular to cover the third pivot arm that is arranged in this gap.

The fitting described above has, however, proved to have the serious limitation that the compressive forces that arise on the shorter of the two pivot arms that are attached to the frame plate are very large. In particular in the case of large and heavy windows, it has been the case that the compressive forces that act on the short pivot arm when the sash is in the fully open horizontal position have a tendency to deform this short pivot arm. In practice, it has therefore been necessary to supplement the fitting described above with various types of devices to reduce these forces.

US 4,616,443 describes a fitting for reversible windows, which fitting comprises a first, upper pivot arm and a second, lower pivot arm, each with a first end that is attached to the window frame by means of a frame plate in such a way that it can pivot. A third pivot arm is attached to the other ends of the first and second pivot arms in such a way that it can pivot . With the fitting described in US 4,616,443, the first upper pivot arm is shorter than the distance between the attachment points of the first and the second pivot arms to the window frame. These attachment points are positioned vertically in line with each other. In addition, the fitting is designed in such a way that, in the closed position, the first and second pivot arms are vertically in line with each other. Such a design has problems, as, when the window is opened from a closed position, the second lower pivot arm does not have any guide and there is accordingly a risk that it will pivot inwards instead of outwards as intended to enable the window to open. The relatively short length of the first upper pivot arm also means that one and the same fitting can only be used for different windows with heights that fall within a relatively narrow range .

Disclosure of invention

An object of the invention is to provide a hinge mechanism for windows, doors and the like that are reversible around a horizontal axis, which hinge mechanism fulfils the requirements concerning dimensions for being fitted in windows of standard type and that is durable and reliable, even when used with large and heavy sashes.

Another object is to provide a hinge mechanism that is such that it makes possible an advantageous distribution of the load, so that the dimensions of the parts comprised in the mechanism can be kept small.

Yet another object is to provide a hinge mechanism that is such that it enables the sash to be well balanced, so that only a small effort is required to pivot the window and return it to the starting position.

Another object is to provide a hinge mechanism that is such that the risk of the pivot arms having a tendency to pivot in the wrong direction when the window is opened from a closed position is reduced or completely eliminated.

Yet another object is to provide a hinge mechanism that is such that it enables one and the same hinge mechanism to be used for windows that vary in size within a relatively wide range.

Yet another object is to provide a hinge mechanism that is such that simple and secure locking of the sash in a position to admit fresh air and simple releasing of this locked position are made possible.

Other objects are to provide a fitting for reversible windows and a window with such a hinge mechanism.

These and other objects are obtained with a hinge mechanism of the type that is described in the preamble to Claim 1 and that has the characteristics described in the claim.

As the first pivot arm is attached by means of the first pivot point at a level above the fifth pivot point, while the other pivot arms and pivot points are arranged at a level below the fifth pivot point, an advantageous distribution of the load on the hinge mechanism is obtained and the sash or the frame around the sash is well-balanced. Due to the design of the hinge mechanism, the fifth pivot point moves along an essentially straight horizontal line throughout the full movement of the hinge mechanism. What is stated above regarding the positions at a level above and below the fifth pivot point thus applies for all the positions that the hinge mechanism can assume when it is mounted in a vertical window. According to the invention, the first pivot arm can be made essentially longer than the second pivot arm, which contributes to an advantageous distribution of forces on the pivot arms and the attachment points. In particular, a very advantageous leverage ratio for the third pivot arm is obtained, which prevents too large compressive forces arising in the second pivot arm, even when the sash is in its fully open horizontal position. In addition, with the hinge mechanism according to the invention, the outer plane of the sash is pivoted around the third pivot arm throughout the whole of the movement and never crosses it. Accordingly, the frame around the sash can be provided with a cover flange that projects sideways and extends around the sash and covers a part of the gap between the window frame and the sash in the closed position.

As the second pivot arm comprises a stop against which the first pivot arm rests when the hinge mechanism is in its fully closed position, the risk is prevented of the pivot arms pivoting in the wrong direction when they are opening from the closed position. The stop on the second pivot arm also enables the pivot point of the second pivot arm on the window frame to be positioned inside the vertical line through the pivot point of the first pivot arm on the window frame, which further contributes to preventing the hinge mechanism from pivoting in the wrong direction and, in particular, the second pivot arm from pivoting in the wrong direction. In addition, the stop enables the first pivot arm to extend past the pivot point of the second pivot arm on the window frame when in the closed position. By this means, the length of the first pivot arm can be further increased, which also increases the range of window heights that can be served by one and the same size of hinge mechanism.

The first pivot arm has suitably a hook that engages with a spring-loaded locking device that is attached to the window frame, to prevent the sash being pivoted outwards from a position to admit fresh air that is defined by the locking arrangement. By mounting the locking device only a short distance above the second pivot point, the risk is reduced of the first pivot arm bending, even when very large forces are applied to the sash in the locked position.

Additional advantages and characteristics of the hinge mechanism according to the invention are apparent from the following detailed description and from the claims.

In addition, the invention relates to a fitting and a window with such a hinge mechanism.

Brief description of drawings

In the following, exemplifying embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a sectional view in perspective of a window provided with a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view from the side of the window shown in Figure 1 in the closed position.

Figure 3 is a sectional view corresponding to Figure 2 and shows the window in a position to admit fresh air.

Figure 4 is a sectional view corresponding to Figure 2 and shows the window in a fully open position.

Figure 5 is a sectional view corresponding to Figure 2 and shows the window in a position in which it can be cleaned.

Figure 6 is a partial enlargement taken from Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a section along the line A-A in Figure 6. Method according to the invention

The window shown in Figure 1 that can open outwards comprises a window frame 1, a sash 2 and a fitting 3 by- means of which the sash 2 is attached to the window frame 1 in such a way that it can pivot . Figure 1 shows the window when the sash has assumed a partially open position, corresponding to it being pivoted through approximately 45° from the closed position illustrated in Figure 2. It will be recognized that the part of the window not shown in the drawings is designed in a corresponding way.

There is a vertical track 4 in the side jamb running the full height of the window frame 1. At the upper end of the side of the sash 2, there is a pin 5 that projects sideways. The free end of the pin 5 runs in the track 4 and in this way guides the movement of the upper end of the side of the sash 2 along the track.

The frame around the sash 2 comprises a cover flange 2a that projects sideways and extends around the whole sash and covers a part of the gap between the window frame 1 and the sash 2 in the closed position.

The fitting 3 comprises a frame plate 6 and a hinge mechanism according to the invention. The frame plate 6 is attached to the side jamb of the window frame by means of screws . The hinge mechanism that is arranged on the frame plate 6 comprises a first pivot arm 10, a second pivot arm 20 and a third pivot arm 30. The first pivot arm or long arm 10 is attached to the frame plate 6 at a first pivot point 11 in such a way that it can pivot. The pivot point 11 is defined by a rivet that extends through the frame plate 6 and the first pivot arm in the vicinity of its upper end. The second pivot arm or short arm 20 is attached in the vicinity of its upper end, in such a way that it can pivot, to the frame plate 6 at a second pivot point 21 that is below the first pivot point and is in the form of a rivet. As shown most clearly in Figure 4, the second pivot point 21 is, in addition, arranged inside the vertical line through the first pivot point 11 in the direction towards the track 4. The third pivot arm or arm attached to the side of the sash 30 is attached in the vicinity of its lower end to the lower end of the short arm 20 at a third pivot point 31 in the form of a rivet, in such a way that it can pivot. The arm attached to the side of the sash 30 is also attached to the lower end of the first pivot arm 10 a little way in from the third pivot point 31, at a fourth pivot point 32, in the form of a rivet, in such a way that it can pivot. The arm attached to the side of the sash also comprises a pivot pin 33 that is attached to the end opposite to the third pivot point 31 by means of a riveted joint, to which pivot pin the side of the sash is attached and around which pivot pin the sash can pivot .

As shown most clearly in Figure 1, the long arm 10 and the short arm 20 are arranged in the same vertical plane. The arm attached to the side of the sash 30 is arranged in a vertical plane that is inside the vertical plane of the long arm and the short arm, that is closer to the side of the sash.

The short arm 20 has a cut-out 22 that is open towards the long arm 10 and extends a little way in from the upper end of the short arm 20. This cut-out 22 forms a stop in which the lower end of the long arm 10 rests when the window is in the closed position. In this way, any tendencies of the hinge mechanism to be pivoted inwards from the closed position are counteracted in a simple and effective way. The fact that the pivot point 21 of the short arm 20 with the window frame is positioned within the vertical line through the pivot point 11 of the long arm 10 also helps to counteract the tendency of the short arm 20 and hence the whole hinge mechanism to pivot in the wrong direction when opening the window from the closed position. In addition, the cut-out 22 allows the long arm 10 to extend past the upper end of the short arm 20 in the closed position and to overlap the short arm 20. By this means, the length of the long arm 10 can be further increased, which makes the window better balanced and also means that one and the same fitting can be used with windows with a wide range of heights.

A spring-loaded locking device 7 is arranged on the frame plate 6 a short distance above the second pivot point 21. As is shown most clearly in Figures 6 and 7, the locking device 7 comprises a spring-loaded catch 8 which is received in a housing 9 that is attached in a through hole in the frame plate and projects out from the side of the frame plate that faces towards the window frame 1. The catch 8 projects out of the housing 9 and has a slide surface 8a on the projecting part that is chamfered in an outward direction towards the outside of the window, a contact surface 8e that faces inwards and a lever 8b that projects downwards. A spring 9a that makes contact with the bottom of the housing and is received in a recess 8c in the catch 8 presses the catch in an inward direction, away from the window frame. A pin 9b is screwed into a hole that passes through the wall of the housing and projects into a groove 8d in the catch, to prevent the catch coming out of the housing 9 or from rotating.

A locking hook 12, that interacts with the locking device 7 and has an engagement cut-out 12a, is attached to the long arm 10, in such a way that it projects out from the long arm in a direction towards the locking device 7.

As shown clearly by the figures, the first pivot point 11 of the long arm 10 is arranged at a considerable distance from and above the attachment point 21 of the short arm 20 on the frame plate 6. With the hinge mechanism according to the invention, a very advantageous movement of the pivot pin 33 is obtained, as the pivot pin moves essentially along a horizontal straight line throughout the whole of the movement of the hinge mechanism. In the example illustrated, the pivot pin 33 is attached approximately 5 mm above the horizontal centre line of the side of the sash. The pivot pin 33 will thus move along a horizontal line approximately on a level with the centre of the side of the sash and the window frame, throughout the whole of the movement of the hinge mechanism.

As the attachment point 11 of the long arm 10 on the frame plate 6 is arranged above this line, while the corresponding attachment point 21 of the short arm 20 is arranged below this line, it is possible to design the long arm with a considerably longer length than what has previously been possible for this type of hinge mechanism. This provides a very advantageous distribution of the load on the pivot arms comprised in the hinge mechanism. In particular, this design means that the difference between the leverage forces that arise on the arm attached to the side of the sash 30 on both sides of the fourth pivot point 32, can be kept relatively small. With the hinge mechanism according to the invention, the leverage force that arises between the third pivot point 31 and the fourth pivot point 32 can be kept larger than a third of the leverage force that arises between the fourth pivot point 32 and the fifth pivot point 33. The compressive force that arises on the short arm 20 in the fully open position is therefore reduced considerably in comparison with previously-known solutions. Accordingly, there is no risk of the short arm being deformed, as has previously been the case.

As the pivot pin moves in an essentially straight horizontal line, the centre of gravity of the sash is not raised or lowered significantly during the movement. As a result, a very small effort is required to achieve the reversing movement. In the example illustrated, the pivot pin is attached approximately 5 mm above the horizontal centre line of the side of the sash. This is to enable the lower part of the frame around the sash to rest against the upper part of the window frame and thereby form a gap at the lower part of the window frame when the sash is completely reversed - that is pivoted through almost 180°. The reversal of the sash thus requires a certain effort that corresponds to raising the sash only 10 mm. If it is considered desirable, the pivot pin can, however, be attached at the horizontal centre line of the side of the sash so that, in principle, no effort is required at all to reverse the sash.

With the hinge mechanism according to the invention, a very well-balanced suspension of the sash is thus obtained, that requires very little effort to reverse it. In addition, the well-balanced distribution of the load enables relatively thin pivot arms to be used, that can be contained in a relatively narrow gap between the window frame and the side of the sash. The hinge mechanism according to the invention also enables a cover flange 2a that projects sideways to be arranged around the sash without this obstructing the hinge mechanism.

Figure 2 illustrates how the sash is pivoted from the closed position to the completely reversed position. In the closed position shown in Figure 2, the lower end of the long arm 10 rests against the short arm 20, by making contact with this in the cut-out 22 (not shown) . At the same time, the catch 8 of the locking device is held pressed in by contact with the long arm 10 (not shown) . The sash is thereby free to move. By applying an outward-directed force on the lower part of the side of the sash, this part is pressed outwards, while at the same time the upper part of the side of the sash with the pin 5 moves along the track 4.

When the sash has reached the position to admit fresh air shown in Figure 3, the spring 9a presses out the catch 8, so that the contact surface 8b engages with the engagement cut-out 12a on the locking hook 12. Further movement of the sash 2 in an outward direction is thereby prevented, but it can be pulled inwards, whereupon the locking hook 12 comes into contact with the chamfered slide surface 8a and presses in the locking device 8 in the direction towards the housing 9. The locking hook 12 and the locking device 7 are designed to maintain the locked position, even if such large forces as approximately 550 N are applied to the lower part of the sash in an outward direction. In order to be able to continue to pivot the sash outwards, it is necessary for the catch 8 to be pressed inwards towards the housing by, for example, applying finger pressure on the lever 8b.

Continued pivoting of the sash 2 in an outward direction brings the sash to the fully open position shown in Figure 3. As indicated in Figure 3, due to the design of the hinge mechanism, the pivot pin 33 moves in an essentially horizontal straight line. In the fully open position, the load on the hinge mechanism is greatest. Due to the relatively long length of the long arm 10, that results in an advantageous leverage ratio for the arm attached to the side of the sash 30, this large load does not, however, give rise to any significant compressive forces in the short arm 20.

With continued pivoting of the sash 2, this assumes the position for cleaning the window illustrated in Figure 5, in which the outside of the sash faces inwards so that the outside of a pane of glass supported in the frame around the sash is easily accessible. In this position, the catch 8 is again in engagement with the locking hook 12, whereby the sash is held in the position for cleaning the window, even if a considerable force is applied to the pane of glass or to the sash while cleaning it .

By releasing the engagement of the catch 8 with the locking hook 12, as described above, it is possible to return the window to the closed position shown in Figure 2. During this return movement, the locking hook 12 and the long arm 10 come into contact with the chamfered slide surface 8b on the catch 8, that is thereby pressed into the housing and enables the sash to be freely returned to the closed position.

An advantage of the locking arrangement described above is that there is very little risk of nipping fingers, in comparison with previously-known locking devices. In addition, unlike previously-known corresponding arrangements, it is very simple to understand how the locking device works, just by looking at it. Thus, no special instructions or explanations are required regarding how a user is to release the two locked positions. By, for example, colouring the lever a colour that differs from the rest of the fitting, such as green or red, its function is made even clearer.

Yet another special advantage of the hinge mechanism and fitting according to the invention is that one and the same hinge mechanism and one and the same fitting can be used without modifications for windows of different heights. For example, by manufacturing the fitting shown above in only six different sizes, it can be used for all heights within the range 485 - 1598 mm. In addition, one and the same size and type of frame plate can be used for several of these different sizes of fitting.

An exemplifying embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described above. In this embodiment, the hinge mechanism constitutes a part of a fitting that also comprises a frame plate. It will be recognized, however, that the frame plate can be omitted if so required. In this case, the hinge mechanism and the locking device can be attached directly to the window frame. According to another embodiment, the fitting can comprise a frame plate or the like in which the track is arranged.

It will be recognized that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be varied freely within the framework of the following claims.

Claims

1. Hinge mechanism for reversible windows, doors and the like that comprise a sash (2) and a frame (1) , which sash has an, in the closed position upper end which is guidedly displaceable along the frame to enable the sash to be reversed by pivoting it around an essentially horizontal axis, which hinge mechanism comprises

- a first pivot arm (10) that is pivotally attachable to the frame at a first pivot point (11) ,

- a second pivot arm (20) that is pivotally attachable to the frame at a second pivot point (21) ,

- a third pivot arm (30) that is pivotally attached to the second pivot arm (20) at a third pivot point (31) , that is pivotally attached to the first pivot arm (10) at a fourth pivot point (32) , and that, at a fifth pivot point (33) , which fifth pivot point (33) is on the opposite side of the fourth pivot point (32) to the third pivot point (31) , is pivotally attachable to the sash (2), essentially centrally between the upper and lower ends of the sash, in which hinge mechanism the second pivot point (21) , third pivot point (31) and fourth pivot point (32) are positioned at a level below the fifth pivot point (33) in the mounted position, and the first pivot point (11) is positioned on a level above the fifth pivot point (33) throughout the full movement of the hinge mechanism, characterized in that the second pivot arm (20) comprises a stop (22) against which the first pivot arm (10) rests when the hinge mechanism is in its fully closed position, corresponding to the closed position for the sash (2) .

2. Hinge mechanism according to Claim 1, wherein the distance between the third pivot point (31) and the fourth pivot point (32) is greater than a third of the distance between the fourth pivot point (32) and the fifth pivot point.

3. Hinge mechanism according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the first pivot arm (10) and the second pivot arm (20) are arranged in the same plane.

4. Hinge mechanism according to any one of Claims 1-3, comprising a locking hook (12) that is arranged on the first pivot arm (10) to engage with a spring-loaded movable locking device (7) in such a way that it can be released, which locking device (7) is fixed in relation to the frame (1) .

5. Hinge mechanism according to Claim 4, wherein the locking device (7) is mountable at a short distance from the second pivot point (21) and above this.

6. Fitting comprising a hinge mechanism according to any one of Claims 1-5 and a frame plate (6) to which the first pivot arm (10) and the second pivot arm (20) are pivotally attached at the first pivot point (11) and the second pivot point (21) .

7. Window comprising a sash, a window frame and a hinge mechanism according to any one of Claims 1-5.

8. Window comprising a sash, a window frame and a fitting according to Claim 6.