EP2569497B1

EP2569497B1 - Door having a device for openable latching of the door

Info

Publication number: EP2569497B1
Application number: EP11796042.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bo Nilsson
Original assignee: Svetsbo AB
Current assignee: SVETSBO AB
Priority date: 2010-05-14
Filing date: 2011-05-03
Publication date: 2018-08-01
Anticipated expiration: 2031-05-03
Also published as: EP2569497A4; EP2569497A1; WO2011159223A1; SE534049C2; SE1050474A1

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a door having a device for openable latching of the door. Devices of this type are used when it is desirable to keep an openable element, such as a door, a window, a hatch or similar, in closed position while it simultaneously is possible to open it by means of a control device, for example in the form of a door handle, doorknob, push bar, push plate or similar. For example, devices of this type are used for emergency exit doors, fire doors, smoke separation doors and similar. Such types of doors are commonly arranged with latch function or similar only, so that the door is kept in closed position by means of the latch but can be opened fast and easy when required.

PRIOR ART

There are several different types of devices for openable latching of an openable element such as a door in the prior art. Such a type of device is a conventional locking device having a latch function. Such a prior art locking device comprises a lock housing having a latch, such as a spring bolt or similar, being movable between a protruded position and a retracted position, and a pivotable arm cooperating with the latch and connecting the latch with a control device, such as a door handle or similar, for operating the latch. Further, the latch is arranged with a strike surface for cooperation with an element of a door frame, such as a striking plate or similar, so that the latch is displaced automatically towards its retracted position when cooperating with the element of the door frame so that the door can be closed without the latch being brought to its retracted position by means of the control device. Generally, the latch is spring-loaded towards the protruding position.
US4709950 discloses a locking device according to the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the locking device has a pivotal lever which causes a latch bolt to rotate. A release is incorporated in the latch bolt and allows the latch bolt to rotate when the release engages a door strike.
A disadvantage of such devices for openable latching of an openable element according to prior art is that they are unreliable due to their structure.
A problem with such devices according to prior art is that they are susceptible to wear and outer stress. For example, there is a considerable risk that parts of the device break due to vibrations or that a spring in the lock housing breaks, which can result in a jammed device and that a door associated with the device cannot be opened. Hence, there is a considerable risk that wear and outer stress make the device unusable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to avoid the disadvantages presented above and problems of the prior art and provide a door having a safe and durable device for openable latching of the door. The door according to the invention results, for example, in that doors for emergency exits and similar can be latched in a safe way while it simultaneously is ensured that such door can be opened when needed.
The present invention comprises a door having a device for openable latching of the door, a control device for operating the device, and a connection connecting the device and the control device, wherein the device comprises a latch housing having a latch being adjustable between a protruding position and a retracted position, and a movably arranged arm cooperating with the latch, wherein a first portion of the arm is connected to the control device for operating the latch through the arm, wherein a second portion of the arm is arranged with a blocking surface for engaging a portion of the latch in the protruding position of the latch and thereby forming a blocking function for preventing the latch from being displaced into the latch housing due to a force acting upon an outer side of the latch outside the latch housing, and wherein the device comprises a movably unblocking element having a strike surface for cooperation with an element outside the latch housing, and a portion for cooperation with the arm, wherein the unblocking element is arranged for unblocking the blocking function when a force is applied on the strike surface of the unblocking element, characterised in that the latch is spring biased towards its protruding position through the arm, the connection and the control device. Hence, the device functions as a safe and reliable latch function having only a small number of movable parts and wherein the latch is kept in its protruded position in a reliable way also in environments of great outer stress. For example, the latch resists shocks and other forces in environments such as traffic tunnels and similar. For example, the device can be arranged without a return spring and other parts that can jam a door. The latch can be a so called spring bolt, which resists outer pressure on the latch by means of the unblocking element. Hence, the latch and the unblocking element can function as a spring bolt which fall back into the latch housing when struck by an element outside the latch housing, such as a wall edge, frame or similar.
The latch can be connected to the latch housing through a first pivot and the unblocking element can be connected to the latch through a second pivot, wherein the latch is pivotable between its protruded and retracted position and wherein the unblocking element is pivotable towards the arm to unblock the blocking function. Hence, the unblocking element can displace the arm in relation to the latch to free the latch from the blocking function, so that the latch can be turned around the first pivot towards its retracted position. The unblocking element can be arranged with a first leg and a second leg arranged in an angle to the first leg, wherein one end of the first leg is connected to the latch through the second pivot and wherein a free end of the second leg forms the portion for cooperation with the arm. Hence, the unblocking element can be L-shaped. The latch can be arranged with a recess for receiving the unblocking element, so that the unblocking element is displaceable by rotation into the recess due to force acting upon the strike surface of the unblocking element. The recess can be L-shaped corresponding to the unblocking element, so that the unblocking element can be rotated into the recess.
The latch can be arranged with a space for receiving a second portion of the arm when adjusted from the protruding position to the retracted position. The space can comprise a first side and a second side opposite the first side, so that the arm cooperates with the first side when the device is adjusted to unlatched position in which the latch is in its retracted position by cooperation with an element outside the latch housing, such as a frame, and so that the arm cooperates with the second side when the device is adjusted to unlatched position by means of the control device. Hence, the first side of the space of the latch pushes the arm during adjustment to unlatched position by means of a spring bolt function due to an outer force from an element outside the latch housing, such as a frame, wherein the arm pushes on the second side of the space of the latch during adjustment to unlatched position by operating the control device.
The device can be entirely mechanical. Hence, a simple and safe device is provided which can be made reliable and durable also in environments wherein outer stress in the form of high humidity, considerable pressure differences or substantial changes in temperature is common. Also the control device and a connection between the control device and the device can be mechanical. Alternatively, the control device, the connection and/or the device comprise one or more electrically controlled components. The components of the device, i.e. the latch housing, the arm, the latch and the unblocking element, can be arranged in metal, such as stainless steel, and can be massive. Alternatively, the components are arranged in a durable composite or plastic material.
The openable element is a door, such as an emergency exit door, fire door, smoke separation door or similar.
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the embodiments below, the appended drawings and the dependent claims.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described more in detail with the aid of embodiments and with reference to the appended drawings, in which

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a door provided with a device for openable latching of the door according to one embodiment of the present invention,
Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a latch housing with a latch, an arm and an unblocking element arranged therein,
Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the device according to Fig. 2 from another angle,
Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the device without the latch housing, showing the latch, the arm and the unblocking element of the device according to one embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view according to Fig. 4 from another angle,
Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the arm,
Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the arm from another angle,
Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the unblocking element,
Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the unblocking element from another angle,
Fig. 10 is a schematic section view of the device according to one embodiment of the invention, in which the device is illustrated in its latched position,
Fig. 11 is a schematic section view according to Fig. 10, in which the device is illustrated in its unlatched position, and
Fig. 12-17 is a series of schematic section views of the device according to one embodiment of the invention, in which the device is illustrated when adjusted from its latched position to its unlatched position by cooperation with an element outside the latch housing.

THE INVENTION

Referring to Fig. 1 an openable element in the form of a door 10 having a device 11 for openable latching of the door 10 is illustrated schematically according to one embodiment of the invention. For example, the door 10 is an emergency exit door, fire door, smoke separation door or similar. Alternatively, the door 10 is a conventional door for use in residential buildings or public buildings. Alternatively, the door 10 is a door or a hatch for closing a space in the form of a cabinet, box or similar. Alternatively, the openable element is a window.
The device 11 comprises a latch function, which is described more in detail below. The device 11 is connected to a control device 12 for operating the latch function. For example, the control device is a door handle, doorknob, push bar, push plate or similar. In the illustrated embodiment the door 10 is provided with three devices 11, wherein the door 10 is provided with a three-point latching. Alternatively, the door 10 is provided with one-point, two-point, four-point or five-point latching or any desirable number of devices 11. The device 11 cooperates with an element 13, such as an element 13 of a door frame 14. For example, the element 13 is arranged as a door frame 14 having a conventional recess. For example, the element 13 is a conventional striking-plate or similar. Alternatively, the element 13 is arranged as an exterior sleeve or similar for cooperation with the device 11. For example, the device 11 is connected to the control device 12 by means of a conventional connection 15, such as a square tube or similar.
Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 the device 11 is illustrated schematically according to one embodiment of the present invention. The device 11 comprises a latch housing 16, a latch 17, an arm 18 and an unblocking element 19. In the embodiment of Figs. 2 and 3 the latch housing 16 is provided with wings 20 having holes 21 arranged therein to facilitate connection with a door 10, such as mounting on the door 10. Alternatively, the latch housing 16 is for mounting in a door 10 or a door leaf, wherein the wings 20 with the holes 21 can be eliminated or be arranged differently.
The latch 17 is rotatable in the latch housing 16, so that the latch 17 is adjustable between a protruding position, in which the device 11 is in a latched position for cooperation with the element 13 outside the latch housing 16 so that the door 10 can be kept at the door frame 14, and a retracted position, in which the device 11 is in an unlatched position and the latch 17 can be disengaged from the element 13 outside the latch housing 16 so that the door 10 can be opened. The latch 17 is connected to or suspended in the latch housing 16 through a first pivot 22 around which the latch can be turned between the protruded position and the retracted position, which is described more in detail below. The arm 18 is arranged inside the latch housing 16. The latch housing 16 according to the illustrated embodiment is arranged with an aperture 23 for the connection 15, so that the connection 15 extends through the aperture 23 and connects the arm 18 to the control device 12 for adjusting the latch 17 between the protruding position and the retracted position. The latch housing 16 further comprises an aperture or open side 24 through which the latch 17 can protrude. For example, the latch housing 16, the latch 17, the arm 18 and the unblocking element 19 are arranged in metal, such as stainless steel.
Referring to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 the latch 17, the arm 18 and the unblocking element 19 are illustrated without the latch housing 16. The arm 18 is rotatable in the latch housing 16 and is arranged for connection with the control device 12 through the connection 15, so that operation of the control device 12 results in rotation of the arm 18 around a joint coinciding with the connection 15. In the illustrated embodiment the arm 18 is provided with a hole 25 for receiving the connection 15, so that the connection 15 can be brought into the aperture for connection with the arm 18 in such a way that operation of the control device 12 results in rotation of the connection 15 which in turn results in rotation of the arm 18 around a joint coinciding with the hole 25. The hole 25 is, for example, arranged in a first portion 26 of the arm 18, wherein a second portion 27 extends from the first portion 26 for cooperation with the latch 17. The latch 17 is arranged with a space 28 for receiving the second portion 27 of the arm 18 when the latch 17 is in its retracted position.
The unblocking element 19 is movably connected to the latch 17, so that the unblocking element 19 is displaceable in relation to the latch 17. In the illustrated embodiment the unblocking element 19 is rotatably connected to the latch 17 through a second pivot 29, wherein the unblocking element 19 is rotatable in relation to the latch 17 around the second pivot 29. Further, the latch 17 is arranged with a recess 30 for receiving the unblocking element 19, wherein the unblocking element 19 is displaceable into the recess 30. The recess 30 is, for example, arranged in an outer side 31 of the latch 17, so that the unblocking element 19 is rotatable from a position projecting from the outer side 31 of the latch 17 and into the recess 30. For example, the recess 30 is arranged in a central portion of the outer side 31 of the latch 17.
Referring to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 the arm 18 is illustrated schematically according to one embodiment of the invention. The arm 18 comprises the first portion 26 for connection to the connection 15, and the second portion 27 extending from the first portion 26. For example, the first portion 26 is wider than the second portion 27, wherein the first portion 26 is formed with a substantially straight side 32 and a rounded side 33. The first portion is connected to one end of the second portion 27 through a tapered portion 34, wherein the opposite end of the second portion 27 is provided with an inclined side 35, a substantially straight side 36 and a blocking surface 37 connecting the inclined side 35 and the substantially straight side 36.
Referring to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 the unblocking element 19 is illustrated schematically according to one embodiment of the invention. The unblocking element 19 is arranged with a first leg 38 and a second leg 39 arranged in an angle to the first leg 38 forming an L-shape, wherein a first end of the first leg 38 is connected to the latch 17 through the second pivot 29 and a free end of the second leg 39 forms a portion 40 for cooperation with the arm 18. One side of the first leg 38 in a direction opposite the extension of the second leg 39 forms a strike surface 41 for cooperation with the element 13 of the door frame 14.
Referring to Fig. 10 the device 11 is schematically illustrated in its latched position in which the latch 17 is in its protruding position and protrudes outside the latch housing 16 to be able to cooperate with the element 13 of the door frame 14, so that the door 10 can be kept in a closed position. The device 11 is spring biased towards its latched position by means of a return spring, which return spring, for example, cooperates directly with the control device 12 and is not arranged inside the latch housing 16 and is not included in the device 11. Hence, the arm 18 is spring biased in a direction illustrated by means of arrow A in Fig. 10, wherein the latch 17, for example through the control device 12, the connection 15 and the arm 18, is spring biased towards its protruding position, which direction is illustrated by means of arrow B in Fig. 10, a spring simultaneously being excluded from the device 11. In the latched position of the device 11 the second portion 27 of the arm 18 engages the portion 40 of the unblocking element 19 for cooperation with the arm 18, so that the unblocking element 19 is kept in a projecting position. Simultaneously, the second portion 27 of the arm 18 engages a portion of the latch 17 forming a blocking function, so that the latch 17 is kept in its protruding position and cannot be displaced into the latch housing 16 by any force acting directly upon the latch 17 or solely on the latch 17. Hence, the blocking function is arranged so that the latch 17 cannot be displaced into the latch housing 16 by any force acting upon the outer side 31 of the latch 17, i.e. the surface protruding outside the latch housing 16 in the latched position of the device 11 and which is displaced between a first plane and a second plane arranged in an angle to the first plane when adjusted between the latched and unlatched positions of the device 11. The outer side 31 extends substantially along or in parallel to the strike surface 41 of the unblocking element 19. Hence, in the latched position of the device 11 the inclined surface 35 of the arm 18 engages the portion 40 of the unblocking element 19 for cooperation with the arm 18 while the blocking surface 37 of the arm 18 engages a portion of the latch 17 in its protruded position, forming a blocking function to prevent the latch 17 from being displaced into the latch housing 16 due to a force acting upon the outer side 31 of the latch 17. For example, the blocking surface 37 engages an edge portion 42 at a first side 43 in the space 28 of the latch 17. In the latched position of the device 11 the strike surface 41 of the unblocking element 19 extends somewhat beyond the outer side 31 of the latch 17.
Referring to Fig. 11 the device 11 is illustrated schematically in its unlatched position, wherein the latch 17 is in its retracted position to be able to pass the element 13 of the door frame 14. When operating the control device 12 the arm 18 is rotated around its fulcrum in the hole 25 into the space 28 of the latch 17, as illustrated by means of arrow C in Fig. 11, while bringing the latch 17 along therewith, wherein the latch 17 is rotated around the first pivot 22 towards its retracted position in a direction illustrated by means of arrow D. Hence, the arm 18 is rotated so that the second portion 27 of the arm 18 engages the space 28, wherein the straight side 36 of the second portion 27 of the arm 18 pushes a second side 44 of the space 28 of the latch 17 opposite the first side 43, so that the latch 17 is rotated in a direction opposite the direction of the arm 18. The unblocking element 19, which is arranged in the recess 30 of the latch 17, follows the latch 17. In the unlatched position of the device 11 the second portion 27 of the arm 18 is received in the space 28 of the latch 17 and engages at least the second side 44 of the latch 17 in the space 28. For example, the first side 43 in the space 28 of the latch 17 is arranged substantially in parallel to the second side 44. An outer portion of the first side 43 is, for example, curved for cooperation with the second portion 27 of the arm 18 and particularly the inclined side 35 of the arm 18. An outer edge portion of the second side 44 is, for example, rounded for cooperation with the straight side 36 of the second portion 27 of the arm 18.
In the illustrated embodiment the arm 18 is provided with an indentation 45 for receiving the free end of the unblocking element 19 with the portion 40 when required. When the operation of the control device 12 is terminated the device 11 is returned to its latched position as illustrated in Fig. 10 wherein the latch is in its protruded position by spring action.
Referring to Figs. 12-17 adjustment of the device 11 from its latched position to its unlatched position by cooperation with an element 13 of a door frame 14 or similar is illustrated. When the door 10 provided with the device 11 is brought towards the element 13 in the direction of arrow E the element 13 will engage the strike surface 41 of the unblocking element 19, wherein the unblocking element 19 is displaced into the recess 30 of the latch 17. For example, the recess 30 is L-shaped, wherein the first leg 38 of the unblocking element 19 extends substantially along the outer side 31 of the latch 17 and the second leg 39 extends into the latch housing 16 in a direction towards the arm 18. In the latched position of the device 11 the striking surface 41 of the unblocking element 19 projects, for example, from the latch 17, so that the strike surface 41 is arranged beyond the outer side 31 of the latch 17 and so that the strike surface 41 first engages the element 13. The unblocking element 19 is rotated around the second pivot 29 into the recess 30 in a direction illustrated by means of arrow F in Fig. 12. The second pivot 29 is, for example, arranged between the first pivot 22 and the outer side 31 of the latch 17. When the unblocking element 19 is rotated into the recess 30 in the direction of arrow F the portion 40 of the unblocking element 19 pushes the second portion 27 or inclined side 35 of the arm 18, wherein the arm 18 is rotated around its fulcrum in the hole 25 in a direction towards the space 28 of the latch 17, which direction is illustrated by means of arrow G, while overcoming the spring action in opposite direction. The unblocking element 19 forces the arm 18 in a direction towards the space 28 of the latch 17, so that the latch 17 is disengaged from the blocking surface 37 of the arm 18. Hence, the unblocking element 19 is arranged for cooperating with the arm 18 to cancel the blocking function formed by the arm 18 when the strike surface 41 of the unblocking element 19 engages the element 13. When the latch 17 has been disengaged from the blocking surface 37 of the arm 18, as illustrated in Fig. 13, the latch 17 is rotatable into its retracted position by cooperation with the element 13 of the door frame 14, wherein the second portion 27 of the arm 18 is received in the space 28. The blocking surface 37 is displaced towards the space 28, so that the latch 17 is disengaged from it and can be rotated towards its retracted position, which is illustrated in Fig. 13-16. When the latch 17 has been disengaged from the blocking surface 37 the latch 17 will instead engage the inclined side 35 adjacent the blocking surface 37, so that the arm 18 can be rotated into the space 28 when the latch is pushed towards its retracted position by cooperation with the element 13. When the unblocking element 19 has been rotated into the recess 30 the strike surface 41 extends, for example, along the outer side 31 of the latch 17, wherein the element 13 cooperates with the outer side 31 of the latch during the continued retraction of the latch 17, as illustrated in Figs. 13-16, wherein the second portion 27 of the arm 18 is rotated into the space 28. Alternatively, the unblocking element 19 has moved further into the recess 30, so that the strike surface 41 is arranged somewhat under the outer side 31 of the latch 17. Alternatively, the unblocking element 19 is still projecting beyond the outer side 31 of the latch 17, wherein the rotation of the latch 17 is obtained through the unblocking element 19. When the outer side 31 of the latch 17 has passed the element 13 or a part thereof the device 11 is returned, through spring action by means of an external spring, to its latched position in which the latch 17 is in its protruding position, as illustrated by means of the arrows H and J in Fig. 17.

Claims

A door (10) having a device (11) for openable latching of the door (10), a control device (12) for operating the device (11), and a connection (15) connecting the device (11) and the control device (12), wherein the device (11) comprises a latch housing (16) having a latch (17) being adjustable between a protruding position and a retracted position, and a movable arm (18) cooperating with the latch (17), wherein a first portion (26) of the arm (18) is connected to the control device (12) for operating the latch (17) through the arm (18), wherein a second portion (27) of the arm (18) is arranged with a blocking surface (37) for engaging a portion (42) of the latch (17) in the protruding position of the latch and thereby forming a blocking function for preventing the latch (17) from being displaced into the latch housing (16) due to a force acting upon an outer side (31) of the latch (17) outside the latch housing (16), and wherein the device (11) comprises a movable unblocking element (19) having a strike surface (41) for cooperation with an element (13) outside the latch housing (16), and a portion (40) for cooperation with the arm (18), wherein the unblocking element (19) is arranged for unblocking the blocking function when a force is applied on the strike surface (41) of the unblocking element (19), characterised in that the latch (17) is spring biased towards its protruding position through the arm (18), the connection (15) and the control device (12).
A door according to claim 1, wherein the latch (17) is connected to the latch housing (16) through a first pivot (22).
A door according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the unblocking element (19) is connected to the latch (17) through a second pivot (29).
A door according to claim 3, wherein the unblocking element (19) is arranged with a first leg (38) and a second leg (39) arranged in an angle to the first leg (38), wherein one end of the first leg (38) is connected to the latch through the second pivot (29) and wherein a free end of the second leg (39) forms the portion (40) for cooperation with the arm (18).
A door according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the latch (17) is arranged with a recess (30) for receiving the unblocking element (19), so that the unblocking element (19) is displaceable into the recess (30) due to a force acting upon the strike surface (41) of the unblocking element (19).
A door according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the latch (17) is arranged with a space (28) for receiving the second portion (27) of the arm (18) when the latch is adjusted from the protruding position to the retracted position.
A door according to any of the preceding claims and an element (13) outside the latch housing (16), wherein the element (13) outside the latch housing (16) is a door frame (14).
A door according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device (11) is mechanical.
A door according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the arm (18) is connected to the control device (12) through the connection (15), so that operation of the control device (12) results in rotation of the arm (18) around a joint coinciding with the connection (15).
A door according to claim 9, wherein the arm (18) is provided with a hole (25) for receiving the connection (15).
A door according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion (27) of the arm (18) is provided with an inclined side (35) and a substantially straight side (36), wherein the blocking surface (37) connects the inclined side (35) and the substantially straight side (36), wherein the inclined surface (35) engages the portion (40) of the unblocking element (19) while the blocking surface (37) engages a portion of the latch (17) in the latched position of the device (11).