GB2436118A

GB2436118A - Espagnolette mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2436118A
Application number: GB0605488A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Terence James Dolman
Original assignee: Trojan Hardware and Design Ltd
Current assignee: Trojan Hardware and Design Ltd
Priority date: 2006-03-18
Filing date: 2006-03-18
Publication date: 2007-09-19
Also published as: GB0605488D0

Abstract

An espagnolette mechanism has a main drive acting on a first limb 12 which carries a first bolt. A second limb 20 carrying a second bolt is driven from the first limb 12. As shown racks 46, 46a on the limbs are interconnected by pinions 54 so that the limbs (and the respective bolts) move in opposite directions. The main drive preferably acts on a pair of first limbs 12 extending in opposite directions.

Description

I

Espacinolettes The present invention relates to espagnolettes.

Espagnolette mechanisms are used, for example, in the construction of doors and windows. An espagnolette provides a coupling between a handle and locking arrangements on the window or door, allowing locking arrangements at several positions to be released or engaged by the operation of a single handle, thereby increasing security without inconvenience to the user.

An aspect of the present invention provides an espagnolette mechanism having:-a first limb carrying a first bolt member; a drive arrangement for coupling the limb to a handle for driving the first limb to move the first bolt member between first and second positions; a second limb carrying a second bolt member; and a transmission arrangement coupling the limbs to cause the second limb to be driven by movement of the first limb, to move the second bolt member between first and second positions.

The transmission arrangement may couple the limbs to move in different directions. The different directions may be chosen so that the bolt members move toward or away from each other as the limbs move. The different directions may be opposite directions.

The limbs may each have a rack portion, the transmission arrangement including at least one pinion arrangement which engages both rack portions to couple the limbs. The rack portions may be provided at adjacent ends of respective limbs. The pinion arrangement may include at least one pinion wheel which engages both rack portions. The pinion arrangement may include at least two pinion wheels which engage both rack portions. The two pinion wheels may be spaced to have teeth which are out of alignment. The teeth may be out of alignment by substantially one half of the angle between the teeth.

The rack portions may extend to either side of the pinion arrangement.

There may be retainers to prevent the rack portions moving out of engagement with the pinion arrangement. The rack portions may be arranged to slide in a channel, the walls of the channel serving as retainers. The pinion arrangement may be mounted on the channel.

The limbs may be elongate bars, the first limb extending from the drive arrangement to the transmission arrangement, and the second limb extending away from the transmission arrangement. The elongate bars may be substantially coplanar. The limbs may run in a channel. The limbs may be retained therein by channel lips. The channel may engage the limbs to prevent the limbs twisting.

Examples of the present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figs. Ia and lb are a side elevation of an espagnolette mechanism, the two drawings being divided at approximately the mid point along the length of the mechanism; Figs. 2a and 2b and Figs. 3a and 3b correspond with Fig. I, showing the obscured face and the exposed face, respectively; Figs. 4 and 5 correspond with Figs. I and 3, respectively, showing one end of the mechanism on an enlarged scale; Figs. 6, 7 and 8 correspond with Fig. 2, showing one end of the mechanism on at enlarged scale and in different working positions, and with a cover component removed from Figs. 6 and 8; and Fig. 9 is a section along the line 9-9 of Fig. 7.

Figs. Ito 3 show an espagnolette mechanism 10 having two first limbs 12 each carrying a first bolt member 14 and extending in opposite directions from a drive arrangement 16 for coupling the limbs 12 to a handle 18 indicated by broken lines in Fig. I only. Driving the first limbs 12 by means of the drive arrangement 16 moves the first bolt members 14 between first and second positions, as will be described.

Second limbs 20 carry second bolts 22.

Transmission arrangements 24 couple the first limbs 12 to respective second limbs 20 to cause the second limbs 20 to be driven by movement of the first limbs 12, to move the second bolts 22 between first and second positions, as will be described.

In more detail, the drive arrangement 16 has a housing 26 through which a cog 28 is exposed, the cog 28 having a square aperture 30 for receiving a bar for connecting the handle 18 to turn the cog 28. Within the housing 26, a drive chain conveys rotary motion of the cog 28 to the first limbs 12, causing the limbs 12 to move away from the housing 26 and away from each other, or towards the housing 26 and towards each other. A suitable mechanism 29 for the drive arrangement 16 is indicated highly schematically in Fig. 1.

It can readily be seen from Figs. I to 3 that the mechanisms at both ends of the mechanism 10 are equivalent to each other. Accordingly, having described how the drive arrangement 16 allows the handle 18 to be used to move both first limbs 12, it is only necessary to describe one end of the mechanism 10 in more detail and with particular reference to the enlarged views of Figs. 4 to 9. Mechanisms at the other end of the mechanism 10 correspond with those to be described, as can be seen from Figs. I to 3.

In this example, the limb 12 is a generally flat strip of metal, such as stainless steel. The limb 12 is contained within a channel 32 (Fig. 9) by channel walls 34 and lips 36. Accordingly, the limb 12 can slide along the channel 32 but is retained within the channel 32 by the channel lips 36.

Engagement of the limb 12 by the channel 32, particularly the lips 36, prevents the limb 12 from twisting.

Countersunk apertures 38 are provided in the floor 40 of the channel 32 at positions corresponding with slots 42 in the limb 12, allowing fixings (not shown) to be introduced from the exposed face (Fig. 5) of the mechanism 10 to mount the mechanism 10 to a door or window. The slots 42 allow the limb 12 to slide past fixings in the apertures 38.

The limb 12 is the full width of the channel 32 along substantially the whole of the length of the limb 12, except at the end region furthest from the drive 16. At this end, the limb 12 narrows to form a rebate 44 and then narrows further to form a projecting finger 46. The first bolt 14 is mounted at the centre line of the limb 12, between the finger 46 and the rebate 44. A slot 48 in the channel floor 40 allows the bolt 14 to slide with the limb 12, relative to the channel 32.

The inwardly facing edge of the finger 46 is formed as a rack 50 having a line of teeth 52.

The second limb 20 is also a generally flat strip of metal, such as stainless steel. The limb 20 is contained within the channel 32 by the channel walls 34 and lips 36. Accordingly, the limb 20 can slide along the channel 32 but is retained within the channel 32 by the channel lips 36. Engagement of the limb 20 by the channel 32, particularly the lips 36, prevents the limb 20 from twisting.

A countersunk aperture 38a is provided in the floor 40 of the channel 32 at a position corresponding with a slot 42a in the limb 20, allowing a fixing (not shown) to be introduced from the exposed face (Fig. 5) of the mechanism to mount the mechanism 10 to a door or window. The slot 42a allows the limb 20 to slide past fixings in the aperture 38a.

The limb 20 is the full width of the channel 32 along substantially the whole of the length of the limb 20, except at the end region nearest the drive 16. At this end, the limb 20 narrows to form a rebate 44a and then narrows further to form a projecting finger 46a. The second bolt 22 is mounted at the centre line of the limb 20, between the finger 46a and the rebate 44a. A slot 48a in the channel floor 40 allows the bolt 22 to slide with the limb 20, relative to the channel 32.

The inwardly facing edge of the finger 46a is formed as a rack 50a having a line of teeth 52a.

The racks 50, 50a form part of the transmission arrangement 24, which also includes a pinion arrangement. In this example, the pinion arrangement has two pinion wheels 54. Both pinions 54 are mounted for rotation on the floor 40 and have teeth 56 which engage both racks 50, 50a as the pinions 54 turn. It can be seen from Fig. 6 that the pinions 54 are out of alignment about their rotation axis. Thus, one pinion 54 is illustrated with teeth 56 projecting generally transversely of the length of the channel 32, to be received between adjacent teeth 52 of the racks 50, 50a. The other pinion 54 is turned through one half of the angle between adjacent teeth 56, so that at the transverse line across the channel 32, through the centre of the pinion 54, teeth 52 of the racks 50, 50a are projecting between adjacent teeth 56 of the pinion 54.

The transmission arrangement 24 is covered by a cover plate 58, secured to the channel 32.

The limbs 12, 20 and the transmission arrangement 24 operate as follows.

In this example, the operation is described from an initial position as illustrated in Figs. 4 -7. The limb 12 has been withdrawn to its extreme position closest to the drive 16. The limb 20 is at its extreme position furthest from the drive 16. Accordingly, the bolts 14, 22 are at their furthest separation. The bolts 14, 22 are at one end of the slots 48, 48a. Operation of the handle 18 can now be used to advance the limb 12 away from the drive 16. The limb 12 slides along the channel 32, causing the finger 46 to move past the pinions 54. Engagement of the teeth 52, 56 causes the pinions 54 to turn. Furthermore, engagement of the pinions 54 with the teeth 52 of the rack 50a cause the second limb 20 to be driven by this movement of the first limb 12. Since the racks 50, 50a are on opposite sides of the pinions 54, this coupling results in the limbs 12, 20 moving in different directions. In this example, the limbs 12, 20 move in opposite directions, toward each other.

Accordingly, the bolts 14, 22 are carried toward each other.

As the limbs 12, 20 approach each other, each of the fingers 46, 46a extends into the rebate 44a, 44 of the other limb 20, 12, until the limbs 12, 20 reach their other extreme position, illustrated in Fig. 8. In this position, the first limb 12 has moved to its extreme position furthest from the drive arrangement 16 and the second limb 20 has been drawn to its extreme position closest to the drive arrangement 16, by the motion coupled through the transmission arrangement 24. Accordingly, in the position of Fig. 8, the bolts 14, 22 are at their closest spacing, at the other ends of the slots 48, 48a.

The mechanism can be returned to the original condition (Figs. 4 -7) by turning the handle 18 in the other direction to withdraw the limb 12 toward the drive arrangement 16. Again, this movement is coupled to the second limb 12, 20, through the transmission arrangement 24, causing the second limb 20 to be driven away from the drive arrangement 16, until the condition of Figs. 4-7 is recovered.

During the motion which has been described, the limbs 12 are retained by the channel 32 against twisting, even when under load. The limbs 12, 20 have the full width and depth of the channel 32, except in the region of the transmission arrangement 24, so that the strength of the limbs 12, 20 is substantially maximised, within the dimensions set by the channel 32. The limbs 12, 20 do not move past each other, in close proximity, except when the racks 50, 50a move in the rebates 44, 44a, so that the limbs 12, 20 do not need to be reduced in size to accommodate the other limb, and opportunity for either limb rubbing on or wearing the other limb is limited to any contact which may arise between the racks 50, 50a and the rebates 44, 44a. In the region of the transmission arrangements 24, the limbs 12, 20 do not extend fully across the channel 32, but the fingers 46 are entrapped between the channel 32 and the pinions 54. Thus, the fingers 46, 46a are retained by the channel walls against splaying or otherwise moving out of engagement with the pinions 54. The limbs 12, 20 are substantially coplanar, resulting in a low profile arrangement (Fig. 9). The fingers 46, 46a and the pinions 54 are also accommodated within the same plane.

The mechanism and apparatus which have been described allow the handle 18 to move the bolts 14, 20 together or apart. For use, the espagnolette mechanism 10 is installed so that this movement of the limbs 12, 20 brings them into and out of engagement with keeps (not shown), retaining heads 60 being provided on the bolts 14, 20 to hold the mechanism 10 against the keeps, when engaged, or to release the mechanism 10 from engagement with the keeps, when moved to the other extreme positions.

Movement of the two bolts 14, 20 is coordinated by the operation of the transmission 24. The use of a corresponding arrangement at the other end of the mechanism 10 allows two pairs of bolts 14, 20 to be coordinated, to provide coordinated locking of the mechanism 10 at two positions remote from the handle 18.

A third locking position can be created, close to the drive arrangement 16, by mounting a further bolt (not shown) on one or both of the first limbs 12, to either side of the drive arrangement 16, to engage with respective keeps.

Many variations and modifications can be made to the apparatus described above, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In particular, many different shapes, forms, sizes and relative sizes can be devised for the various components.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. An espagnolette mechanism having:-a first limb carrying a first bolt member; a drive arrangement for coupling the limb to a handle for driving the first limb to move the first bolt member between first and second positions; a second limb carrying a second bolt member; and 1 0 a transmission arrangement coupling the limbs to cause the second limb to be driven by movement of the first limb, to move the second bolt member between first and second positions.
2. A mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the transmission 1 5 arrangement couples the limbs to move in different directions.
3. A mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the different directions are chosen so that the bolt members move toward or away from each other as the limbs move.
4. A mechanism according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the different directions are opposite directions. * S. * S S S...
5. A mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the limbs S...

each have a rack portion, the transmission arrangement including at east one pinion arrangement which engages both rack portions to couple the limbs.

S

S S

:
6. A mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the rack portions are provided at adjacent ends of respective limbs.

*S 130
7. A mechanism according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the pinion arrangement includes at least one pinion wheel which engages both rack portions.
8. A mechanism according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the pinion arrangement includes at least two pinion wheels which engage both rack portions.
9. A mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the two pinion wheels are spaced to have teeth which are out of alignment.
10. A mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the teeth are of alignment by substantially one half of the angle between the teeth.
11. A mechanism according to any of claims 5 to 10, wherein the rack portions extend to either side of the pinion arrangement.
12. A mechanism according to any of claims 5 to 11, further comprising retainers to prevent the rack portions moving out of engagement with the pinion arrangement.

: *.
13. A mechanism according to any of claims 5 to 12, wherein the rack S.,.

***..* portions are arranged to slide in a channel, the walls of the channel serving as S...

retainers.

*...SS

S S

14. A mechanism according to claim 13, wherein the pinion arrangement is :: mounted on the channel.

15. A mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the limbs are elongate bars, the first limb extending from the drive arrangement to the transmission arrangement, and the second limb extending away from the transmission arrangement.

16. A mechanism according to claim 15, wherein the elongate bars are substantially coplanar.

17. A mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the limbs run in a channel.

18. A mechanism according to claim 17, wherein the limbs are retained therein by channel lips.

19. A mechanism according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the channel 1 5 engages the limbs to prevent the limbs twisting.

20. An espagnolette mechanism substantially as described above, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

21. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims. * ** * * * Is.. * SIS * . I...

I..... * I

I..... * I S.. * I S I. S S. 5 *5 S 55