EP2508704A2 - Window closer - Google Patents

Abstract

The closure device (10) includes a traction unit (16) which is associated with a drive unit (30). The traction unit is set in driving connection with one end (17) of the object (11), through a coil spring (26). The drive unit is comprised of an electric drive which is connected to the traction unit, such that the electric drive is moved in the closing direction, in combination with the drive unit. A self-locking gear (28) of the drive unit is comprised of worm drives (33,34).

Description

The invention relates to a closing device for the automatic closing of wings of windows, doors, flaps or the like objects, preferably on buildings.

Open windows, doors, e.g. Balcony doors, or the like, are often forgotten after a ventilation process to close. Especially in toilet rooms this is a problem. However, the problem is generally both in terms of loss of valuable heating heat, as well as safety aspects.

It is known to provide wings of doors or windows with automatic closing devices. For example, the utility model discloses DE 87 15 737 U1 a locking device with a spring-loaded and a time-delayed release. When opening a spring accumulator is tensioned, the spring energy is sufficient to close the window. After a certain time interval, the time delay device releases the spring accumulator so that the window closes. The time delay device is designed in the form of a mechanical movement.

Such solutions are set to a timing. Other influencing factors, such as wind, temperature and the like, can not be taken into account. In addition, the spring accumulator must be designed extremely strong to the necessary force to close the window apply, which in turn makes it difficult to open the window.

It is an object of the invention to remedy this situation and to provide an improved locking device.

The locking device according to the invention according to claim 1 solves this problem:

The closing device according to the invention has a traction device with a traction means, which is in communication with a drive device in order, if necessary, to move the object to be closed in the closing direction. The drive device has both a spring and an electric drive, which act both at the same time both on the traction means in case of need. In a preferred embodiment, the electric drive device has a dual function. It regulates the speed when closing the window or other object, so that the spring-loaded close the object at a reasonable speed, but at least not abruptly. The electric drive runs with low, possibly even negative load. The power required to move the object comes at least largely from the spring accumulator. It can also come completely from the spring store. The electric drive acts as an inhibitor. Preferably, only towards the end of the movement, when closing the object, for example, when snapping a window, the spring-loaded and the electric drive act together in the drive direction to jointly apply the highest possible closing force. The resulting load on the electric drive is short in time. Corresponding low is the consumption of electrical energy.

This concept makes it possible to reduce the required electrical storage capacity of a possibly provided electric accumulator or a battery to very low values while still ensuring long-term autonomous operation. For example, it has been found that a 9 volt block battery is sufficient to operate the locking device according to the invention. If the locking mechanism is operated daily, for example, only one or a few times, the power consumption occurring in the mean time can be kept below the self-discharge of the battery or only insignificantly above it. This also opens up the possibility of the solar power supply of the closing device, for example via one or more solar cells, which serve for charging the accumulator or other memory which may be present.

The electrical regulation of closing opens up another possibility. The locking device can be operated time-dependent or dependent on other factors. It can be connected to a rain sensor, a wind sensor, a glass breakage sensor or other sensors. It can be provided with a radio remote control to allow, for example, in the care area bedridden or otherwise immobile persons closing the window. The locking device can also be integrated into a network system in order, for example, to be able to monitor the closing state of the windows from a central station and, if necessary, be able to change it.

In principle, it is possible to activate the control device, which contains, for example, a microcontroller, only after the object has been opened and to de-energize it after closing. For this purpose, a switch may be provided on the unlocking, which only turns on the control device, after which the Turns off control device after completion of the closing process again. As a microcontroller can also be used very low power operable designs (eg MSP430), which allows a battery-backed operation of the controller and thus full or at least limited network capability.

The drive of the closing device preferably has a self-locking gear. Such a transmission may be a sliding gear or other self-locking gear. In the preferred case it is a worm gear. The associated worm is preferably connected directly to the output shaft of the electric motor. In this way it is achieved that other gears of the drive device run at low speed, and thus wear and low noise.

Preferably, the electric drive is an electric motor, preferably a rotating electric motor. He can support the self-locking of the self-locking gear, if he has a certain cogging torque. Preferably, the electric motor is a permanent-magnet DC motor in brush type, or brushless type.

The drive device preferably includes a coupling which can establish and interrupt the drive connection between the traction means and the electric motor. Preferably, the clutch is arranged between a self-locking part of the transmission and the traction means. This makes it possible to render the blocking effect of the self-locking gear at least temporarily ineffective by selectively disengaging the coupling device for the traction means. Thus, the clutch can be used to the closing device for opening the window or other object.

The drive device, in particular the spring drive device, is preferably associated with a motion damper. The motion damper interacts with the traction means in such a way that over-rapid retraction of the traction means is prevented even when the clutch is disengaged. When the clutch is disengaged, the motion damper assumes the task of slowing down the pulling movement on the traction means, which otherwise belongs to the electric drive and is taken over by it.

The drive means is preferably a motion damper e.g. hydraulic design. Preferably, it is a rotary damper having, for example, an impeller stirring in a viscous fluid, which is connected to the transmission of the drive device.

The traction means is preferably a flexible traction means, such as a traction resistant flexible plastic wire, a flexible tensile rope, e.g. from plastic threads or wires, a plastic band, a metal band, a chain or the like. As a traction means can also be a rigid traction means, such as a pull rod apply. A flexible traction means is preferably wound on a corresponding spool to exert the pulling action. In the case of a tension rod, with or without gearing, the pulling action can be exercised by gears or friction wheels, between which the tension rod is moved and which are driven accordingly.

Preferably, the spring accumulator is formed by a spiral spring, which is preferably arranged in the winding coil of the drive means of the traction means.

Further preferred details of embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the drawings, description or claims.

• Fig. 1 ein Fenster in Offenstellung mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Schließeinrichtung im schematisierten Vertikalschnitt,
• Fig. 2 die Schließeinrichtung nach Fig. 1 in Seitenansicht,
• Fig. 3 die Schließeinrichtung nach Fig. 2 als schematisiertes Funktionsbild,
• Fig. 4 die Kupplungseinrichtung der Schließeinrichtung nach Fig. 3 in gesonderter Darstellung,
• Fig. 5 die Kupplungseinrichtung in einer größeren schematisierten Darstellung,
• Fig. 6 den Federspeicher in einer gesonderten Ansicht und
• Fig. 7 ein Prinzipbild der erfindungsgemäßen Schließeinrichtung.

Show it:

• Fig. 1 a window in the open position with a closing device according to the invention in a schematic vertical section,
• Fig. 2 the locking device after Fig. 1 in side view,
• Fig. 3 the locking device after Fig. 2 as a schematic functional picture,
• Fig. 4 the coupling device of the locking device according to Fig. 3 in a separate presentation,
• Fig. 5 the coupling device in a larger schematic representation,
• Fig. 6 the spring accumulator in a separate view and
• Fig. 7 a schematic diagram of the locking device according to the invention.

In Fig. 1 As an example of an object 11 to be closed with the closing device 10 according to the invention, a window 12 is illustrated which is arranged in a building wall 13. The window 12 is shown with the window sash 14 open. In the present embodiment, it is tilted. However, the locking device 10 is generally applicable, for example, also for closing of the vertical pivot axis in the open position pivoted casements, for closing doors or similar applications.

The locking device 10 can be placed on the sash 14, the window frame 15 or other suitable location. It is only essential that it is arranged so that the pulling of a pulling means 16 in the closing device 10 causes the closing of the window 12.

The traction means 16 in the present case is a flexible plastic wire, for example made of a polyamide 66. It is fastened at one end 17 to the window frame or at another suitable location. Its other end is caught in the locking device 10 and is pulled into the window 12 to close it.

The locking device 10 has an unlocking mechanism, e.g. can be actuated via a release cord 18. The unlocking cord 18 depends, for example, freely on the locking device 10. It can serve to release the locking device 10 for opening the window 12.

Fig. 2 illustrates the locking device 10 with a lower housing part 19 and a if necessary removable housing top 20. The latter may include or provide access to elements 21 for operation, adjustment of closing times, time delays and the like.

The internal structure of the locking device 10 is off Fig. 3 schematically visible. The traction means 16 in the form of a band of a monofilament drawstring 22, a rope or the like, passes over a deflection roller 23 to a winding coil 24. Preferably, this is connected to one end of a spring means 25 which may be formed, for example in the form of a coil spring 26. In a space-saving design, the coil spring 26 is housed in a chamber which is formed in the reel spool 24.

The reel spool 24 has a sprocket 27, which belongs to a transmission 28. This establishes a drive connection between the reel spool 24 and an electric motor 29. The spring means 25 and the electric motor 29 with the gear 28 together form a drive means 30 which serves to wind the traction means 16 and thereby close the object 11. Furthermore, this drive device 30 can also be used to hold the object 11 in the closed position.

The gear 28 preferably includes a plurality of gears or pairs of gears 31, 32, 33, which form a reduction gear from the viewpoint of the motor 29 to implement the rapid rotation of the motor 29 in a slow, vigorous rotation of the reel spool 24. The gear 33 meshes with a worm 34 which sits on the motor shaft. The worm 34 and the gear 33 form a self-locking gear.

The gear 31, preferably directly with the Sprocket 27 meshes forms a coupling in the present embodiment. This is how it is Fig. 4 indicates, not only rotatable but also mounted axially movable. For this purpose it sits axially displaceable on a pin or pin 35, which may optionally also carry a compression spring. The compression spring or other spring means biases the gear 31 axially in the direction of engagement.

The gear 31 can be brought into and out of engagement with the ring gear 27 and the gear 32 and thereby forms a coupling 36, as shown Fig. 5 seen. The gear 31 has a collar 37 with a bearing groove into which a shift fork 38 engages. It serves for the axial movement of the gear 31. The shift fork 38 is for this purpose connected to a sliding block 39 which is movable along the axis of rotation 40 of the gear 31. The sliding block 39 has, for example, an inclined recess 41 for actuation, in which a projection 42, a pin or other means can engage positively. The projection 42 is formed, for example, on a slider 43 ( Fig. 3 ), which can be moved against the action of a spring, for example a tension spring 44, by the unlocking cord 18. The direction of movement is in Fig. 5 along the dashed line 45 and illustrated by an arrow 46. The movement of the slider 43 in the direction of the arrow 46 generates a movement of the sliding block 39 in the direction of the arrow 47.

The drive means 30 may also include a damper 48 which prevents too fast rotation of the reel spool 24 regardless of the on or off state of the clutch 36. This damper 48 is for example a rotary damper, which meshes with the ring gear 27 via a gear 49. He is so dimensioned that he the rotation of the reel spool 24, which normally occurs during the closing movement, does little or no hindrance, while it significantly slows down faster rotations. It is thus designed as a speed-dependent, preferably hydrodynamic brake.

Fig. 6 illustrates the reel spool 24 and its chamber 50 for receiving the coil spring 26. The latter is fixed with one end 52 to the reel spool 24 and with another end 51 on the axis.

The motor 29 is connected to a control device 53 in connection. This is on the one hand electrically powered by a battery 54 and on the other hand with controls 55 in connection, by means of which, for example, the time can be set which must pass until the locking device 10 initiates the closing operation after opening.

Fig. 7 shows again a functional diagram of the locking device 10 according to the invention. Between the traction means and the self-locking part of the transmission 28, the preferably biased in the coupling position clutch 36 is arranged. As can be seen, the control device 53 may be provided in addition to the controls 21 with further inputs and outputs that allow communication with the environment. By way of example, the control device 53 can have a network connection 56 in order, for example, to be integrated into a computer network. It is also possible to provide a radio antenna 57 or other wireless transmission means, such as infrared emitters or receivers, for example, to be controlled by a remote control or central office. A connection 58 may also be provided for one or more sensors, for example for a rain sensor 59.

Also, a solar cell 60 can be connected to the control device 53, for example as a brightness sensor or to recharge a battery (battery 54) or other energy storage.

The locking device 10 described so far operates as follows:

If the window is closed, it can be opened by first pulling the release cord 18 and then manually opening the window. The pulling of the release cord 18 causes a displacement of the slider 43 against the force of the spring 44. In this case, the in Fig. 5 apparent sliding block 39 moves in the direction of the arrow 47, whereby the gear 31 is disengaged from the ring gear 27 and / or the gear 32. In other words, the clutch 36 opens. Thus, the rotation of the reel spool 24 against the force of the coil spring 26 is released. When opening the object 11 thus (preferably biased) coil spring 26 (further) is stretched. After releasing the unlocking cord 18, the clutch 36 engages again. The window sash 14 or the other object can now be released. The coil spring 26 can not rotate the reel spool 24 in the winding direction. The gear 28 does not allow rotation. The worm 34 locks a rotation of the gear 33 and thus ultimately a rotation of the reel spool 24th

By opening the window 12 or another event, such as a key press on the locking device 10, the control device 53 has been activated so far that it monitors, for example, a time-out and then closes the window 12 again. For example, is a preset or set time value expired, the motor 29 is energized so that it turns. He ultimately turns in a direction in which he gives way to the driving action of the coil spring 26. The pull cord 22 is wound up and the window 12 closes. The power for closing the window 12 comes mainly from the coil spring 26. The motor 29 thus runs without significant load. He only specifies the closing speed. However, at the end of the closing stroke, it may be used to tighten the window 12 firmly. It is then switched off, for example by monitoring the motor current. If this exceeds a limit, eg because it is blocked, this is interpreted as a sign for the complete closure of the window 12 and the engine is switched off.

Alternatively or additionally, the motor 29 can be switched off even after a certain period of time, for example, to prevent that when the battery is widely discharged, which is no longer able to provide a sufficiently high short-circuit current, the motor 29 still de-energized and the battery is spared again.

It is also possible to switch the control device 53 completely de-energized when not in use. In this case, the operation of the control device can be limited in time. For example, upon actuation of the unlocking cord 18, the power supply to the control device 53 can be temporarily released, for example by the slide 43 mechanically or magnetically actuating a switch, for example a protective tube contact switch. The control device 53 first receives a current pulse via this, in order to then remain energized until completion of the closing process.

The locking device 10 according to the invention combines a spring drive with an electric drive. After the spring force of the spring drive decreases when closing, the motor 29 provides via the gear 28 for a fixed closing pressure, which, however, must be spent only for a very short time. By this arrangement, the motor 29 is operated virtually idle and thus allows a long life of the battery 54. Due to the self-locking design of the gear 28, it is not possible to simply push the window 12 from the outside. An additional lock, as may be necessary for other locking devices, can be omitted here.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

closing device

11

object

12

window

13

housewall

14

casement

15

window frame

16

traction means

17

Window-side end of the traction means 16

18

release cord

19

Housing bottom

20

Housing top

21

controls

22

drawstring

23

idler pulley

24

winding reel

25

spring means

26

spiral spring

27

sprocket

28

transmission

29

electric motor

30

driving means

31

Gear meshes with sprocket 27

32

Gear (pair), one meshes with gear 31

33

Gear (pair), one meshes with gear pair 32

34

Snail meshes with gear of gear pair 33

35

spigot

36

clutch

37

Federation

38

shift fork

39

sceneshifter

40

axis of rotation

41

recess

42

head Start

43

pusher

44

feather

45

direction

46

Arrow of movement of the slider 43

47

Arrow of the movement of the slide gate 39

48

damper

49

gear

50

chamber

51

First end of the coil spring 26th

52

Second end of the coil spring 26

53

control device

54

battery

55

controls

56

Network Connection

57

radio antenna

58

connection

59

rain sensor

Claims (10)

Locking device (10) for the automatic closing of windows (12), doors, flaps or the like objects (11),
with a traction device which comprises a traction means (16) and a drive means (30) associated with the traction means (16), the traction means (16) being in drive connection with the drive means (30) and having an end (17) with the object (Fig. 11) is connected,
wherein the drive device (30) has a spring-loaded memory (26) acting in the closing direction,
characterized in that
the drive device (30) has an electric drive which is connected to the traction means (16) in order to move it in the closing direction. Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive has a self-locking gear (28). Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the self-locking gear (28) includes a worm gear (34, 33). Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric drive comprises an electric motor (29). Locking device according to claim 4, characterized in that the drive means (30) includes a coupling (36) to establish the drive connection between the traction means (16) and the electric motor (29) and to interrupt. Locking device according to claim 5, characterized in that the coupling (36) by an actuating device (18) is arbitrarily switched on and disengaged. Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive device (30) includes a movement damper (49). Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement damper (49) is a hydraulic damper. Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pulling device comprises a winding spool (24) and a flexible traction means (16) which is wound onto the spool (24) during the closing operation. Locking device according to claim 9, characterized in that the spring accumulator (26) in the winding spool (24) is arranged.

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