FR2638779A1 - Device for manoeuvring, simultaneously or otherwise, manually or using a motor, the two shutters of a building opening - Google Patents

Abstract

The device includes an extension rod consisting of two concentric tubes 1 and 2 and of an internal spring 3, articulated at each of its ends to each of the two shutters. It also includes a means for manually controlling the movements of the shutters which means consists of a flexible link 4 fixed at each of its ends to each of the shutters, and a pneumatic, hydraulic or cable-operated internal motorised control means.

Description

 The difficulties of handling the classic wooden shutters for closing the bays arise when we want to press and lock these shutters against the wall or from there, when we want to unlock them and start closing them.

These maneuvers are always painful or dangerous (subluxation of the hip)
Sometimes a chain or a handle is added to each flap to help with their individual handling.

 But this does not avoid having to bend over in an inconvenient manner to grasp and operate these handles or chains.

 French patent application 85 12875 recommends, in order to avoid having to lock the flaps in the open position, to use a neutral point device according to the principle implemented by US patent Al 617771 relating to the open or closed keeping of a relates to US Patent 3,698,464 and German Patent 24,20,178.

 Application 85 12875 describes a device comprising a pneumatic spring acting in compression, articulated on the one hand on the lintel of the opening and on the other hand on the flap at a point spaced from the axis of the hinges and located projecting on the front face of the open shutter, the spring being arranged in such a way that, during its pivoting, the shutter passes through a point. said neutral, or the three articulations articulation of the shutter on the wall, of the spring on the shutter and of the spring on the lintel, are aligned. Outside this position, the spring exerts on the shutter a force tending to make it close or open.

 The major drawback of the 85 12875 solution is that it requires two devices for racks with two flaps, which is the most common case.

 It also requires the creation of anchor points in the lintel using specific tools, these anchor points which can be difficult to execute in a friable or hard plaster or granite material for example, with sufficient robustness without damaging the lintel.

 It also requires the use, at the ends of the spring, of expensive or fragile joints of the ball-joint type since the angle with the horizontal, of the spring varies during the operation of the bay.

 By increasing the torque to overcome to take off the shutters from the wall, that is to say at the most painful moment. the operation of the shutter without integrating a gripping means more convenient than those existing, this system is regressing on some systems not requiring an additional traction effort at this painful moment.

 The high position claimed by 85 12875 is explained by the desire for discretion linked to the aesthetic prejudice of not barring the bay (see 85 12875 p4 line 10). The position at the bottom of the bay would remove the possibility of placing utility or decorative objects there as is often done.

The purpose of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks and to propose a manual or motorized, semi-automatic or automatic device for the opening or closing of the two shutters of a bay and which is easy to install without work on the bay
This invention overcomes the prejudice of barring the bay by placing preferentially but not necessarily, this partial closure at the usual level of grab bars where it is not considered unsightly. We even know that it is visually necessary for some people, when the bottom of the bay is low above the floor, that the eye has a horizontal barrier. sort of visual guardrail allowing you to approach the bay without apprehension.

It also overcomes, thanks to a simple and very effective means of controlling the movements of the flaps, the prejudice against the use of coil springs (cf. observation note of 28-08-1986 concerning application 85 12875 and relating to the patent US Al 617771)
In the case where it is placed at the low level of the bay, it does not clutter it when the shutters are open. and is, from the outside, practically invisible because it is confused with the bottom of the window - It allows, by a particularly easy manual maneuver the detachment of the shutters from the wall, the most painful phase of the closing of a shutter. to an easy operation closed window in its automated version. arising naturally and inexpensively from its manual version f
It then allows, being placed at the top of the bay, in the case of a French window, the maneuver closed French window without the bar being obstructing the passage
It can be used as a support bar for moderate use to place a clothes dryer or directly put laundry to dry without presenting a danger to a young careless child who would support it.

 The purposes described above are achieved by the fact that the device proposed for opening and closing the two shutters of a bay of a building, pivoting around hinges with a vertical axis is characterized in that it comprises a bar BE extension consisting schematically of two concentric tubes 1 and 2, mounted telescopically, provided with an internal extension means 3 and articulated at each of its ends to one of the shutters of the opening by means of a piece of connection 6 in relief on the flap and a shaft 5 of vertical axis connecting the end considered 34 of the bar to the connection piece 6.

 Figures I .2 2, .4,5,6, 7 and 8 show in an obvious way, being an accessory device of an object as simple and universally known as a pair of wooden shutters, the arrangement and the operation of the BE extension bar.

 Figure 5 clearly shows that when the shutters are open the lower part of the bay is clear.

 The elementary operation of the extension bar is clearly shown in FIG. 5 where we see a hand Ml grasping one end of the bar and exerting a diagonal pull. According to a feature of the invention, the device also has a link inextensible flexible 4, fixed to each of the flaps and allowing extremely easy maneuvering of the extension bar as can be seen in FIGS. 5, 6, il 12, and 13.

 It consists of a cord or cable or a metal or plastic chain without this being limiting.

 It can be simple, for example a galvanized steel chain 4 slightly stretched when the shutters are open. between two pieces 26 in relief on these shutters. FIG. 36 and 37 show a jumper 26 terminated by two threads and fixed to a flap by two nuts 26a. These pieces 26 can be confused with the connecting pieces 6 and more particularly with the articulation shafts 5, which has the merit of the simplicity and total integration of this flexible link 4 with the extension bar BE.

 It can be complex (FIG. 9) and constituted by a loop formed by a cord or a chain passing through 2 pulleys 27 each fixed on one of the flaps. A knot or a fitting 54, FIG. 37a, enables the two ends of the cord 4a to be joined and ensures its tension.

 This arrangement is very advantageous mechanically. Indeed, if one exerts a traction on the two strands simultaneously, one finds oneself in the conditions of a simple flexible link, but if one exerts on one of the two strands a perpendicular traction one mechanically constitutes a set of two hoists. Indeed in a theoretical situation, if the traction is exerted perpendicular to the strand in its middle, the resulting lateral forces are transmitted by the two pulleys to a point T of the second strand.

These efforts being equal, the second strand will remain stationary and the point T seems linked to the plane of the figure.

 In this situation, it can be seen that the lateral forces are each applied to a single hoist, the point T being fixed. The force applied to each flap is therefore twice the lateral force resulting from the traction in the middle of a simple flexible link 4, and this at least during the essential phase of takeoff of the flaps. Then the angle of traction on the hoist increases, the component of the force applied to the flap decreases, but always remains greater than that obtained by a simple flexible link.

 Figures 38 and 39 show another arrangement. A cord 4b forms with pulleys 27 fixed on each flap, a hoist allowing effortless maneuvering and possibly crossing the wall or the bottom of the window, for closing the window closed.

The flaps are maneuvered either by direct traction on all the strands of the hoist, considered as an elementary flexible link 4, or on the end of the cord 4b. A piece 53 threaded on the cord and blocked on this cord by a screw 53a, or a simple knot of this cord 4b is in abutment against the carcass 54 of the last pulley crossed by the cord, pulley linked to one of the flaps and in particular having as shaft the shaft 5 of articulation of the bar on the part 6. This carcass is actuated in rotation by a spring 55 centered on the shaft 5 and supported by a hole 55a and on the carcass 54 by a hole 55b, to rotate this carcass in the direction of the free strand of the cord. , when the flaps are open, the part 53 is in abutment on the part 54 and the strands of the hoist are slightly stretched thanks to the adjustment of the part 53 ′
This flexible link system directly connecting the two shutters is completely different from the use and analysis of the chains and handles usually placed on each shutter. It transforms an easy movement of traction perpendicular to the flexible link into two simultaneous pulls on the fasteners to the shutters, and this with a maximum lever arm apart, in the most inconvenient leaning position at the time of closing, unlike chains and handles for which the operation is the most difficult and least effective at this moment of start of traction, because the active lever arm is then weak; and that from any point of the flexible link 4.

 Figures 11, 12, and 13 illustrate this point.

 FIGS. 11 and 13 show how a person placed at a point in the bay will exert his effort, on the one hand on individual chains 28, and on the other hand on the flexible link 4. In case 28b, it can clearly be seen that the active lever arm at the start of the traction boils down to the radius of the hinge of the flap. It is better in the case of the right hand, but it remains lower than the lever arm OA 'obtained with the flexible link 4.

 It is easy to see in FIG. 11 that when the shutters are fully opened and placed on the wall, there is effortlessly precise control of the movement and thus easily overcomes the prejudice of use of the coil springs. It is also remarkable that this control is done simultaneously on the two flaps with one hand.

 At the time of closing, the movement is easily controlled and a soft and silent closing is always carried out with one hand (Figure 12).

 FIG. 13 shows that it is possible, in order to further reduce the necessary tractive effort, to increase the lever arm by possibly using fixing pieces 26 in more relief on the flap than piece 6. But in this case we see that this increase in the lever arm has little or no interest for individual chains.

In the case illustrated by 28b, the active lever arm of the chain is independent of the relief of the part 26 on the flap because this chain presses on the hinge. This scenario is the frequent one where access to the bay can only be done on the side of this bay.

 Figure 13 clearly shows the different cases (The extension bar is not shown). At the limit L, the active lever is reduced to the radius of the hinge.

 Without departing from the invention, there will be added to the extension bar BE a very simple device allowing it to be shortened remotely.

 We know the motion transmissions constituted by a flexible incompressible sheath in which a cable or a cord circulates. The best known example is that of cable sheaths ensuring the transmission of braking forces on bicycles.

 Figures 14 and 15 show the adaptation of such a device on an extension bar.

FIG. 14 shows that by making the end 45 of the sheath integral with the tube 1 by a piece 46 and the end 47 of the cable integral with the tube 2. thanks to a piece 48, the BE extension bar is shortened by pulling the other end 49 of the cable or the cord, the sheath can be either held by hand by its second end 50 or fixed on the window frame for example, using a coin 51
In the case of a fairly rigid steel cable, so as not to damage it by pushing its movable end 47 towards the fixed part 46, during operation of the bar by traction on the flexible link 4, permanent tension is caused of this cable by a device or a force exerted on its end 49.

 The device shown in Figure 15 without limitation is a sufficiently heavy handle 52 fixed to the other end of the cable. In this way, when the pieces 48 and 46 come together, the cable always remains stretched between 46 and 48.

Figures 6 and 8 show the passage through neutral which can be simultaneous for the two flaps or successive for each of them and be done with different closing angles #
Figures 1, 16, 18. 19, 20. 24, 25, and 26 show possible embodiments of this bar.

 Figure 1 shows realization A. The extension means 3 is a coil spring guided externally by the internal wall of the tubes 1 and 2, with minimum buckling in 2 and more important in 1 of greater diameter. The ring 8, integral with 1 and the bevelled ring 9. integral with 2, ensure correct sliding of the tubes although their use is not obligated. The chamfer of 9 allows to re-center the turns when they pass from 1 to 2 during the compression phase. It is the most economical arrangement. The spring 3 is supported on the cylindrical end piece Il # that and pierced with a diametral hole 34. 1 secured by the shaft 5 and a cylindrical end piece 10 also pierced with a diameter hole 34, and integral with the tube 2 by means of another shaft 5. Holes 34 at the ends of 1 and 2 allow the passage of the shafts 5 which are not included.

 FIG. 16 shows a variant B where the spring 3 is guided internally by a cylindrical piece 12 integral with 11.

 FIG. 17 shows an arrangement C in which the spring 3 is guided internally over its entire length by a piece 12 secured to 11 and sliding in the ring 13 secured to the tube 2. The spring 3 is in abutment on the parts 11 and 13. It is the best solution for the longevity of the spring 3 fully guided from the inside and also the most easily motorizable.

 FIG. 18 shows an arrangement D in which the internal extension means is an air spring. The sealing ring 15 integral with the tube 2 traps a pressurized gas in the chambers 16a and 16b between the ring 15 and the end piece 11.

 FIG. 19 shows an arrangement E where a conventional pneumatic spring 17 is housed in the tube 2 and immobilized by the partition 18 integral with 2; its piston exerts its action on the part 11 linked to the tube 1 by the shaft 5.

 The tube 2 penetrates sufficiently into the tube 1 to allow exerting a force perpendicular to the bar corresponding for example to the support of a child. Under the effect of such an effort the internal friction forces increase and there will be no movement.

For this purpose the tube 2 penetrates into the open flaps position, at least ten percent of its length in the tube 1
As the BE extension bar is subject to bad weather and various types of pollution from the outside environment, it is necessary to provide protection against contamination, water ingress and the effects of frost.

 FIG. 24 shows a tube 29 secured to the tube 2 by a ring 30 pierced by two diametrically opposite holes 34 and partially covering the tube 1 telescopically. A possible ring 31 integral with the tube 29 provides guidance and a primary seal. Indeed, taking into account the soiling which can deposit on the tube 1, the economic surface condition required by the sale price of the assembly and the absence of maintenance that the users are entitled to expect from a system linked to traditional shutters, it is difficult to envisage a perfect seal with a ten-year guarantee.

The ring 8 reinforces the protection against the arrival of water inside the tube 1
Figure 23 shows a particular arrangement of the ring 8 increasing the protection against water. The ring 8 is provided with a groove which tends to cause water infiltrations to descend to the low level of the ring. The water deflected by the groove 8 is entrained towards the lower part of the tube 29 while protecting the tube 2. Openings 32 allow the flow of water accumulated in 29 to the outside. '
The freezing water increases in volume. An ice ring can form between the tubes 1 and 29 and prevent the operation of the extension bar BE by opposing the relative movement of the tubes 1 and 29.

 Figures 22, 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d show the means employed to overcome the difficulty presented by the freeze.

 The protective tube 29 is split in its entire length in its lower part by a slot 33. The ring 31 is deleted or replaced by a flexible ring.

The tube 29 is integral with the tube 2 by a single point 34 of attachment to the upper part of the part 30, and in abutment on this part 30.

When closing or opening the shutters, under the resistant effect of ice or frost, tensions are induced in the split tube 29 and it deforms by widening its lower slot. The tube 29 peels off and slides freely on the tube 1
FIGS. 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d show particular non-limiting embodiments of the tube 29. In embodiment b of 29, the longitudinal folding allows the evacuation of the drops of water which cannot penetrate into the tube 29. The drawings are sections perpendicular to the axis, at the level of the fixing hole 34. In embodiment 22d, the tube 29 is split on the side and a part 33a, linked to the upper edge of the slot, seals.

 It is necessary to provide an adjustment of the dimensions of the bar. This adjustment can be provided at both ends or at just one. The following description is given for the end of tube 2 but can be transposed to tube 1. A tapped part 2b is linked to 2. The adjustment is obtained, after release of the possible tube 29, by rotation of the tube 2 around the threaded rod 2a and blocking of the lock nut 2c. The threaded rod 2a is linked to the cylindrical end piece 30 by welding or screwing.

 A very interesting feature of the SE extension bar is its great ease of motorization without departing from the precise scope of the invention.

 Indeed the dimensions of the bar, of the order of the width of the bay, and are diameter which must ensure its solidity, allow the accommodation of annexed or integrated devices which do not modify its external appearance and do not modify either its operation by simple pull on the flexible link 4.

 We can put in this bar without modifying its external appearance, a conventional double-acting oil or air cylinder which, under the effect of external pressure, would even make the spring 4 unnecessary even a permanent residual pressure keeping the flaps against the Wall . But then in the event of an external pressure failure, the bar could not function.

 Figures 25 and 26 show, without limitation, two modes of motorization allowing perfectly normal operation of the bar manually without their help.

 Figure 25 shows the arrangement C shown in Figure 17. We connect the inside of the piece 12 to the outside of the extension bar by a pipe 23, we practice at the other end of this piece 12 an orifice 22 opening into the tube 2 and this piece is closed 12 by a piston 21 which forms, with the ring 13 linked to 2, an enclosure into which a fluid compressed at pressure P can be introduced via the pipe 23. For a sufficient value of P, parts 13 and 21 move away and there is a shortening of the extension bar. The control of the exhaust of the fluid allows the control of the extension phase which succeeds the shortening phase. And this without any modification of the manual operation of the bar in case P is zero or insufficient.

 Figure 26 shows the arrangement D with air spring.

A valve 20 is added to the spring, connected to the outside of the extension bar by a tube 23 and which can allow compressed gas to penetrate inside the chamber 16b, through a hole 22 in the tube 12a, when its pressure d admission is greater than a pressure P4. The piston 14 of the air spring is pierced with a channel 35 communicating inside the tube 12a at the end of which is a second valve 19 letting the compressed gas escape from the chamber 16a when its pressure P2 is greater than an adjustable pressure P1
Due to the leak inherent in the operation of the pneumatic spring, formed in the piston 14 or between this piston and the wall of the tube 1 the pressure P3 between 14 and 15 is less than P4 but greater than the pressure P2 prevailing in the main chamber 16a and at the inlet of the valve 19 situated at the end of the tube 12a and closing off the tube 12.

 If the flow rate of the gas introduced by the valve 20 is sufficient, P3 can take a value sufficient for the pressure difference between the two faces of the movable piston 14 to compensate for the difference in the active surfaces of the two faces of this piston. The force exerted by the piston then changes direction and the extension bar tends to shorten.

 If at any time during automatic operation the pressure at the inlet of the valve drops below P4, the pressures P3 and P2 are balanced thanks to the functional leak of the piston 14, and the spring regains its initial properties allowing control extension bar manually. In the event of insufficient flow from the valve 20, the spring operates again in expansion, but with less force.

The pressure P2 cannot exceed the opening pressure P1 of the valve
19.

 Such an air spring where the internal pressure is restored at each operation can be content with a less expensive construction than that of a conventional air spring whose sealing must be ensured for life.

When under the effect of an external fluid,. the extension bar
contractor brings the flaps to a position such that the different axes of rotation already
seen are aligned, we are in neutral. From this position,
the fluid supply is removed either manually or automatically, and the
barre resumes its normal extension action. If the angular momentum of the flaps is
sufficient, these will continue their movement during the extension of the bar,
then the bar will activate them to their extreme opening or closing positions. It is
may only for an external cause, wind for example, both their neutral. In this
the one who reaches it first will continue to move while the other, the bar
becoming again in extension, could be stopped and set out again in opposite direction.

 To avoid this, we have (Figures 27 to 35) between each end of the extension bar BE and the corresponding part 6 a secondary spring 24 arranged to create a secondary dead center which will help the passage of the main dead center.

 To fully understand the operation of the secondary dead center it should be noted that during the complete movement of a shutter the extension bar BE performs a rotational movement of 180 degrees relative to the part 6 and around the shaft 5 linking this bar to part 6. If any device linked to 6 and to the BE extension bar helps this rotation in the direction in which it occurs when the shutter closes or opens, this device will help to close or open the shutter.

 Four particular embodiments are described here without being limiting.

 In an embodiment A, each secondary spring 24 is connected to one end of the bar BE by a piece 37 which can pivot in a housing 25 so that the spring 24 moves in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the piece 5 . The other end of the spring is provided with a part 36 caused to follow a profile of the part 6. This profile has two hollow positions A and B capable of blocking the part 36 during its movement, if it is operated in the desired direction.

Under these circumstances the part 36 is in abutment in A or B and the spring 24 is actuated in compression during the rotational movements of the bar BE around the shafts 5, under the effect of the shortening of this bar due to the action of an external fluid. There is then passage through a secondary dead center when 5, 25 and A or B are aligned. There are therefore for each flap two secondary dead centers which can be positioned on either side of the main dead center as shown in Figures 28 and 29
In these figures, the position of the bar BE and the springs 24 for the position shutters pressed against the wall is shown in dotted lines.

 Figure 28 shows the right pane V1 closing, when passing the main dead center. The position of the secondary dead center has been crossed under the action of the shortening bar and the compressed spring 24 assists in closing the shutter.

 Figures 27 to 31 show this particular embodiment.

 We see, Figure 28, that the spring 24 in compression, linked by 36 in B to the piece 6 and by 37 to the bar helps the rotation of the bar in the direction of the arrow by pushing its end. The bar therefore tends, in this case, to be applied against the shutter in the closed position. The spring 24, when its end 36 is at B therefore helps the shutter to cross the neutral point in a closing movement.

 We see, figure 29 the opposite case. The end 36 of the spring 24 being at A the compressed spring 24 pushes the bar in rotation away from the flap. The bar moving away from the shutter when the shutter opens, the spring 24 in this position, will help to pass the main dead center in the opening movement of the shutter.

 Figure 30 shows the extension bar BE in the open flap position and Figure 31 in the closed flap position.

The part 30a provided with the spring 24 which can pivot around the shaft 37 is provided with a shaft 42 on which two springs 43 and 44 are arranged. The spring 43 allows (fig 30) to press the spring 24 and the part 36 against the part C of the profile ABCD and the spring 44 (fig 31) makes it possible to press the spring 24 and its end piece against the part D of the profile
ABCD.

 When, from these extreme positions, the closing or opening movements begin, it is seen that the pieces 36 will come to lodge in the recesses A or B of the profile ABCD. The movement continuing, the springs 24 will be compressed, going through a maximum compression point which is the secondary dead center, then by relaxing will help the movement of the shutter.

The closing or opening movements continuing, the springs 43 and 44 which held the springs 24 in the standby position will cease their action since the spring 24 will have pivoted and the piece 36 will move along the profile ABCD, from
B in A in the case of closing and A in B in the case of opening. The pieces 36 then being actuated in traction against the profile ABCD will not be immobilized by the recesses A or B.

 Under the action of the springs 43 and 44 at the end of the movement, the pieces 36 and the springs 24 will be pressed against the parts C or D of the profile ABCD, the arrangement of FIG. 30 becoming that of FIG. 31, and vice versa.

 We see in Figure 32 and 33 a different arrangement B with at each end of the bar two springs 24 linked at A and B to the part 6, being able to pivot around the shafts A and B and being able, by additional springs 43 to be positioned on standby interception of trees 37. The mode of action is similar to that described above.

 When the part 37 comes into contact with the end 36a of the spring 24, this spring is compressed, passes through a point of maximum compression and relaxes by pushing the part 37. Then the part 36a is abandoned by the shaft 37 and the spring 24, under the influence of the spring 43 returns to its initial waiting position. In a rotation in the opposite direction, the part 37 pushes the spring 24 which then returns to its standby position.

 Each spring 43 is a clothespin type spring fixed at one of its ends to the end 24a of each spring 24 by holes 24m or 24n parallel to the axes of the shafts A or B around which the springs 24 rotate. Their other end is fixed to the part 43m or 43n linked to 6 in a fixed or adjustable manner to adjust the waiting position of the springs 24. Its spiral part is free.

 Figure 34 shows another possible variant C. A roller 37c is free to rotate around the shaft 37 and during the rotational movement of the bar around the shaft 5 encounters a part 36c or 36d actuated in the direction of the arrow by a spring 24c or 24d. there is also a neutral point. By way of example, the spring 24d is a coil spring and the spring 24c is a spring of the clothespin type whose spiral is threaded on the shaft A linked to 6 around which the part 36c rotates. The part 36d rotates around the tree B linked to 6.

In FIG. 35, embodiment D, we see pieces 36e free in rotation around the shafts A and B linked to 6 and carrying at their other end a roller 36f free in rotation
These parts 36e are actuated in rotation in the direction of the arrow by a spring 24e acting in traction. and with stops 24a limiting their movements. At the end of the extension bar is fixed a cam 37d. Such an assembly has a neutral point.

 Indeed when the extension bar makes a half turn around the shaft 5 the part 30d meets the two rollers 36f, pushes them back and is then, after passing through the top of the cam, pushed back by them.

 The systems of Figures 33 and 34 are reversible. Neutral will be felt in both directions of rotation. In a sense it promotes the passage of the main dead center. and in the other it offers a resistant passage during the extension movement of the bar.

We know that when a bay has two classic wooden shutters, one of these must be provided with a covering piece 38 coming during the closure apply to the second to ensure it remains closed .11 is therefore necessary that the flap 1 having this covering piece 38 closes with a certain delay on the other so that the piece 38 does not interfere with the closing and is well disposed on the flap V2
This is obtained by playing on the relative positions of the shafts 5 on each of the flaps
It can be seen in FIGS. 5, 28 and 29 that the axis of the part 5 and the axis of the hinges of the flap V1 determine a plane P which, with the plane of the flap, forms a dihedron of angle A. This angle A depends on the position of the part 5 with respect to the hinge-flap assembly. The positioning of the shaft 5 relative to the hinge shutter assembly can be obtained either by placing 5 of 6, the pieces 6 of the two shutters having symmetrical positions, or by different positions of the pieces 6 on each shutter, the pieces 5 being in the same position on the two pieces 6. either by the combination of the two modes.

 By moving the piece 6 away from the edge of the shutter, we see, all other things being equal. that the angle A decreases.

FIG. 8 represents the extension bar at the main dead center with a different closing angle A1 and A2 for each flap, This is obtained by positioning the piece 6 of the flap V1 closer to the edge of the flap than for the flap V2 . The opening angles of the flaps are the angles A1 and A2 seen above since all the points of articulation are aligned with the main dead center.

 The shutter V1 having the covering part 38 here makes an opening angle at neutral greater than that of the shutter V2.

When the extension bar closes the shutters, it can be seen that the shutter V2 closes first and that it can therefore be covered by the covering piece 38 of the shutter V 1
The shutters pressed against the wall are not perfectly parallel to this wall because of the presence of the hinges. Therefore in the case where a room 6 is offset from the other to allow the successive closing of the shutters, we can to restore a rigorous parallelism of the bar and the plane of the wall put a wedge between the room 6 most away from the edge of its shutter and this shutter. But the practical dimensions of the bays. hinge shutters and the extension bar show that this slight deviation from parallelism will not be noticed.

Claims (31)

Claims  1. Device for opening and closing two shutters of a bay in a building, pivotable around hinges or hinges with a vertical axis characterized in that it comprises (fig 1 and 4) an extension bar provided with a spring and articulated at each of its ends on one of said flaps.  2. Device according to 1, characterized in that (FIGS. 4 and 5) the articulations of the extension bar on the flaps have axes parallel to the axes of the hinges and are placed at a certain distance from the said hinges so that during the pivoting of the shutters. each of the flaps passes through a neutral point, where the articulations of the extension bar and the hinges of the said flap are in the same plane, the spring developing forces which tend to move the said flap towards the closed or closed position. opening when the said flap is out of neutral.  3. Device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that the outer tube 1 covers the inner tube 2 over more than 10% of the length of said tube 2.  4. Device according to claim 3 characterized in that (fig 1) two tubes 1 and 2 mounted telescopically and terminated respectively by cylindrical parts 11 and 10, pierced with a diametrical hole 34. and which are connected to them by shafts 5 contain a coil spring 3 exerting pressure on each of the parts 10 and 11.  5. Device according to claims 1 and 4 characterized in that (fig 16) a tube (12) linked to the part 11 guides the spring (3) internally when the said spring is not in the tube (2) where it is guided outwardly.  6. Device according to claim 5 characterized in that (fig 17) that the tube (12) passes through a ring (13) integral with (2) and against which the spring (3) exerts its pressure, the said tube 12 guiding the spring internally over its entire length  7. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that (fig18) the tube (2) and its end piece (11) form the body of a pneumatic spring whose piston (12) is secured to (1) by the annular piece (10) thanks to the shaft (5) housed in the holes (34), the lateral mechanical resistance of the assembly being due to the telescopic tubes (1) and (2).  8. Device according to claim (1) characterized in that (fig19) a pneumatic spring (17) is housed in the tube (2) and exerts its action between a ring (18) linked to <2) and the end piece {11) from 1) .  9. Device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that (fig 2 and 2a) the extension bar is articulated at each of its ends, by a shaft (5) with an axis parallel to the axis of the hinges, on a support (6) fixed on the corresponding flap and projecting from the front of said flap when said flap is open.  10. Device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that it comprises (fig 36 and 37) in addition a flexible link (4) fixed at each of its ends to each of the flaps at a point on the flap remote from the hinges and on the face before the shutter in the open position, the said link is thus arranged in such a way that the shutters being open. a single pull exerted perpendicularly to said link and at any point on this link causes the two flaps to close.  11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that (fig 13) the said flexible link (4) is fixed at each of its ends on the said support (6).  12. Device according to claims 10 and it characterized in that the flexible link is fixed to the shaft (5) allowing the articulation of the extension bar and the part (6).  13. Device according to claim 3; 4. 5 characterized in that (fig 3a and 4) the flexible link comprises at least at one of its ends, an adjustment piece so that the flexible link is slightly stretched when the flaps are open.  14 - Device according to claim 5 characterized in that (fig 13) the flexible link (4d) is fixed on the part (6) at a point further from the shutter than the shaft (5).  15 - Device according to one of claims de-lO to 14 characterized in that (fig 10) the flexible link is a cord (4b) forming, with a single or multiple pulley fixed on each component a hoist so that if the end of the cord located outside the hoist is pulled. the hoist is activated and the shutters are closed by exerting a very low force thanks to the said hoist.  16. Device according to one of claims from 10 to 14 characterized in that (fig 9) the flexible link (4a) passes through two pulleys each fixed to one of the flaps and is closed on itself by a knot or a connecting piece (54) allowing the tension of said cord to be adjusted, so as to form an endless belt linked to the two pulleys.  17. Device according to claims 15 and 16 characterized in that (fig 4, 6, 9 and 10) the pulleys of each flap have as their shaft the articulation shaft (5) of each flap on the extension bar,  18. Device according to claims 1, 2 and 9 characterized in that (fig 14) a flexible incompressible sheath inside which slides a cord or a steel cable. is secured to one of its ends (45) of the tube (1) using the part (46). and its cord or cable, by the corresponding end (47) integral with the tube (2) using a piece (48), so that by a pull on the other end (49) of the cord or cable you can shorten the extension bar by causing the shutters to be operated remotely.  19. Device according to claim 18 characterized in that (fig 15), either a weight (52) or any other tensioning means is fixed to the end (49) of the cable ensuring the permanent tension of the cable so that. during a shortening of the extension bar under the effect of a pull on the flexible link, the cable slides in its sheath under the effect of weight or any other means.  20. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that (fig 21) a tube (29) of diameter greater than the tube (1) being concentric with it, covering it in part, and secured to the tube (2) by an annular piece (30) and pierced by two diametrically opposite holes and the shaft 5, having at its free end covering (1), a chamfer such that its outside diameter is recessed on its inside diameter or is terminated by a ring having an identically arranged chamfer.  21. Device according to claim 20 characterized in that (fig 22, 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d) a tube (29) of diameter greater than the tube (1) and partially covering it, secured to the tube 2 by a piece (30 ) to which it is attached. by a single point 34 and with a slight play, at the upper part of said piece (30) and on which it is freely in abutment over its entire circumference, is split longitudinally to ensure sufficient deformation to take off the tubes 29 and 1 bound by frost.  22. Device according to claims 6 and 7 characterized in that an internal pneumatic or hydraulic means (Figures 26 and 26) supplied from the outside can overcome the effort of extension of the internal spring and cause the shortening of the bar while allowing the manual operation in the event of an interruption of the external fluid supply.  23. Device according to claim 6 characterized in that (fig 25) a tube (12) guiding in the tube (1) a compressed spring (3),, connected at one of its ends to the piece (11) integral with the tube (1 ), and communicating to the outside by a tube (23) fixed at this end is provided at its other end, sealingly crossing a ring (13) connected to the tube (2), with an orifice (22) and d '' a piston (21) ensuring a seal between it and said tube (2), and forming with said ring (13) a sealed chamber in which a fluid can be brought from outside by the tube (23) so that, if the pressure of the fluid on the piston is greater than the force exerted by the spring (3), the bar shortens.  24. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that (fig 26), on the one hand an orifice (22) pierced at the end of the tube 12 in the vicinity of the piston 14 is connected by the tube 12 and the tube 23 to a valve ( 20) and on the other hand a channel (35) drilled in the piston (14) communicating the chamber (16a) by the tube 12a to a valve (19), said valve 20 allowing the passage of a gas arriving by the tube (23b) towards the tube (23)  when the inlet pressure is greater than a given pressure P4 and said valve (19) allowing the gas contained in (16a) to exit when the pressure thereof is greater than a given pressure Pî in such a way that when the flow rate of the valve (20) is sufficient, the pressure P3 in the chamber limited (16b) by (15) and (read) is sufficient to compensate for the functional losses of the piston (14) and allow movement  ment of this piston by causing the shortening of the bar.  25. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that an external pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder allows the shortening of the bar while allowing manual operation by traction on the flexible link.  26. Device according to claim 9 characterized in that (fig 27 to 35) is disposed at each end of the extension bar and on each corresponding piece 6, a means of assistance in passing the main dead center of each flap, consisting of '' at least a single spring (24) actuating a contact piece, and arranged so that during the closing or opening movements of the flaps by shortening the extension bar by remote operation, and therefore the relative rotation of the bar BE with respect to the part 6 around the shaft 5, the said spring (24) or the part which it actuates passes through a neutral point before passing through the main neutral point, and which it helps by relaxing, when passing said main dead center.  27. Device according to claim 26 characterized in that (fig 27 to 31) is arranged at each end of the extension bar, a spring (24) movable in rotation in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft (5) and which meets, during the rotation of the bar and follows, with the help of two positioning springs (43) and (44) a profile ABCD comprising two resistant points A and B. generating, by compression of said spring (24), two dead points.  28. Device according to claim 26 characterized in that (fig 32 and 33) a part (37) fixed to the end of the extension bar intercepts, during the rotation of said bar, two springs (24) linked to the part (6) and held in the standby position by springs (43), and compresses them by ensuring two dead centers.  29. Device according to claim 26 characterized in that (fig 34) a roller (37c) fixed at the end of the extension bar on the piece (30a) free to rotate in a plane perpendicular to the shaft (5), meets during the rotation of the extension bar two moving parts 36c pressed by springs (24c) or (24d), and pushes them back by rolling over them ensuring two dead points.  30 . Device according to claim 26 characterized in that (fig 35) a cam (30d) fixed to the end of the bar meets during the rotation of the bar two rollers (36f) connected to (6) by parts (36e ) rotating around a shaft A or B and pressed against the roller by a spring (24e) exerting simultaneous traction on the two parts (36e) whose strokes are limited by the parts (24g) linked to (6) and repels them by ensuring two dead spots.  31. Device according to claim 9 characterized in that (fig 5, 6 and 8) the angle A of the dihedral formed by the plane defined by the axis of the hinges of a flap and the axis of the shaft (5) and the plane of the flap itself is larger, for the flap V1 carrying the covering part 38 than for the other so that, when the flaps are closed under the effect of the shortening of the bar operated remotely, the two flaps form, on passing the main dead center. with the plane of the wall, diedres of different angles, the shutter V1 carrying the covering piece (38), determining an angle greater than the shutter V2; in this way, at the end of the closing movement, under the effect of the extension of the bar, the flap V2 closes before the flap V1 and can be covered by the piece (38).