GB2614261A

GB2614261A - Spindle

Info

Publication number: GB2614261A
Application number: GB2118782.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jennings David; Mcloughlin John
Original assignee: UAP Ltd
Current assignee: UAP Ltd
Priority date: 2021-12-22
Filing date: 2021-12-22
Publication date: 2023-07-05

Abstract

A spindle having first and second parts 2, 3 each with at least one longitudinally extending finger 2a, 3a engaging with finger of respective spindle part to transmit rotation of one spindle part to the other whilst providing longitudinal adjustment of spindle length, the spindle parts overlapping to form an outer contour of the spindle. Preferably a spring 4 bias urges the spindle halves apart longitudinally. Preferably each spindle half includes at least two fingers the spindle halves being identical in shape and length providing hermaphroditic coupling. A sleeve of folded sheet material may surround the spindle, the sleeve having complementary inter-engaging tabs and indentations (13, 14fig.14)

Description

SPINDLE

The invention relates to spindles for locks, such as door locks, window locks, or the like.

Spindles used in door lock apparatuses or the like are rigidly connected to handles or the like for operation of the lock apparatus. Such spindles serve to transmit a rotary actuation of the handle to a transmission mechanism in the lock apparatus, wherein the transmission mechanism includes a driver and a follower to convert the rotary movement of the spindle to a linear displacement of a lock bolt or latch of the lock apparatus. Specifically, when the handle is turned to open a door, window or the like, the spindle turns, simultaneously turning the driver. The driver in turn transfers the torsional force applied to the spindle to the follower, which is linked to the lock bolt or latch. The lock bolt or latch is thus retreated to allow the door, window or the like to be operated.

13 Since door panels and the like have different thicknesses, the distance between opposing handles to be fitted varies accordingly, requiring that several spindles of different lengths have to be manufactured, stored and carried for assembly for different windows or doors. As a result, the number of spindle variants to be provided is disadvantageously increased.

In order to address this issue, a spindle that is divided into two parts in its longitudinal axis and configured to be compressible/extendable is proposed. EP3156564A1 discloses a divided spindle that is essentially constructed in two parts, namely, a handle part and a gear part. The gear part has a receiving hole into which an insertion section of the handle part is inserted. In this way, the handle part and the gear part mutually overlap in the longitudinal axis. The extent of the overlap and thus the length of the spindle can vary depending on the thickness of a door panel. Further, in order to transmit the torsional force from a handle, four axially extending ribs are formed on the insertion section, and four corresponding grooves are formed on the inner surface of the receiving hole.

A drawback with this known spindle is sufficient torque transmission may not be achieved. In order to achieve sufficient torque transmission, the height of the ribs and the depth of the grooves need to be increased, which increases the cross-sectional dimensions of the spindle. However, there is a limitation to the cross-sectional dimensions of the spindle so as to be compatible with the corresponding cam mechanism in a lock apparatus. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a variable length spindle, which overcomes the drawbacks of the conventional divided spindle, and more specifically to provide a divided spindle having an overlapping portion capable of achieving sufficient torque transmission.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of the attached claims. In particular, the present invention provides a spindle which comprises a first spindle part; and a to second spindle part engageable with the first spindle part to overlap with the first spindle part in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the spindle. The first spindle part and the second spindle part constitute respective mating parts with respect to each other. The first spindle part comprises one or more first fingers extending in the longitudinal direction toward the mating part, and the second spindle part comprises one or more second fingers extending in the longitudinal direction toward the mating part. The one or more first fingers and the one or more second fingers are shaped such that the first spindle part and the second spindle part are engaged in a non-rotational manner around the longitudinal axis with each other but are mutually movable along the longitudinal direction. The one or more first fingers and the one or more second fingers are further shaped to complement each other to define at least a part of an outer contour of the spindle at an overlapping portion of the first and second spindle parts. Owing to the fact that the first fingers and the second fingers, which form large part of the overlapping portion, engage with each other to transmit the rotational force, sufficient torque transmission can be achieved. Surprisingly, it also turns out that this new design may allow for tools to easily access the spindle to be manufactured, facilitating its production compared with the conventional, complex divided spindles in which the engaging grooves should be cut inside the hole.

In some preferable embodiments, the spindle further comprises a sleeve for accommodating at least the overlapping portion of the first spindle part and the second spindle part. According to this feature, the shape of the spindle during use and/or handling can be suitably maintained. It is also expected that the torque transmissibility during use will be improved with the sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGS

Detailed discussion of preferred embodiments directed to one of ordinary skill in the art are set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example divided spindle in an extended state according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2A shows a side view of the divided spindle of FIG. 1; FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary latch mechanism, which may be applied to the spindle in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 shows a front view of the divided spindle of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the divided spindle along line A-A in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 shows another cross-sectional view of the divided spindle along line B-B in FIG. 2A; FIG. 6 shows another cross-sectional view of the divided spindle along line C-C in FIG. 2A; FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an example divided spindle with a sleeve in an extended state according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 shows another perspective view of the example divided spindle of FIG. 7; FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the example divided spindle of FIG. 7 in a compressed state; FIG. 10 shows another perspective view of the example divided spindle of FIG. 7; FIG. 11 shows a front view of a pre-formed sheet material used for making the sleeve of FIG. 7; FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an example divided spindle in a variation with a sleeve; FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a pre-formed sheet material used for the sleeve of FIG. 12; and FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an example divided spindle in another variation with a sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the embodiments, not as a limitation of the present disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that aspects of the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations.

The concept of the present invention is to offer a single spindle assembly that is compressible and extendable, depending on panel thicknesses to which the spindle is fitted. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example divided spindle in an extended state according to an embodiment of the present invention. The spindle 1 may be a component of a lock apparatus (not shown) for a door or the like (not shown). For the operation of the lock apparatus, any type of handle, such as a lever handle, a door knob or the like, can mechanically interact with at least one end of the spindle 1. In door applications, for example, two handles, i.e., an interior-side handle and an exterior-side handle, may be attached on both sides of the door and interact with each end of the spindle 1. In windows applications, however, a sole handle, i.e., an interior-side handle, may be attached to only one side of the window and interact with one end of the spindle 1. In such applications, the other end, with which a handle does not interact, may be supported by a bearing or support in the lock apparatus. In any case, each end of the spindle 1 has a shape and size suitable for being coupled with a handle, a bearing, or the like. In the illustrated example, each end of the spindle 1 has a quadrangular cross section, particularly a square cross section, but the shape and size of the ends are not limited thereto.

Although not shown, the spindle 1 serves to activate a latch assembly of a lock apparatus to be installed within the thickness of a door panel or the like. The latch assembly typically includes a latch which is engageable with a corresponding recess in a door frame or the like. The latch is slidably retained in a boss and is spring-loaded in the forward direction (that being the direction to engage with the recess in the door frame), so that when the latch is pushed into the boss and then released, it springs right back into place. The latch assembly further includes a transmission mechanism that includes one or more cam drivers and a follower. The one or more cam drivers may include a receptacle through which the spindle 1 passes and engages therewith in a non-rotational manner. To this end, the receptacle of the cam driver and the outer contour of the spindle 1 have shapes substantially corresponding to each other. The illustrated spindle 1 is substantially square in cross section at the location to be coupled with the receptacle of the cam driver. The shape of the coupling location of the spindle 1 is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, an ellipse, or the like. That is, any cross-sectional shape is possible for the spindle 1 as long as it fits to the receptacle of the cam driver or the like.

In order to provide the compressible and extendable spindle 1, the spindle 1 has a first spindle part 2, and a second spindle part 3 that is connectable to the first spindle part 2 to overlap with the first spindle part 2 in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the divided spindle 1. Hereinafter, the direction of the longitudinal axis of the divided spindle 1 may also be referred as a "longitudinal direction". The first spindle part 2 and the second spindle part 3 constitute respective mating parts with respect to each other. Each spindle part 2, 3 may be made of metal such as steel or brass although rigid plastics and ceramics can also be used.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 to 6, the first spindle part 2 comprises one or more (here: two) first fingers 2a extending in the longitudinal direction toward the mating part, and the second spindle part 3 comprises one or more (here: two) second fingers 3a extending in the longitudinal direction toward the mating part.

The one or more first fingers 2a and the one or more second fingers 3a are shaped in such a manner that the first spindle part 2 and the second spindle part 3 are engaged in a non-rotational manner around the longitudinal axis with each other but are mutually movable with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction.

The one or more first fingers 2a and the one or more second fingers 3a are further shaped to complement each other to define at least a part (here: complete) of an outer contour Cl (see FIG. 6) of an overlapping portion of the first and second spindle parts 2, 3.

Owing to the fact that the first fingers 2a and the second fingers 3a, which form substantial parts of the overlapping portion, engage with each other to transmit the rotational force, sufficient torque transmission can be achieved between the one or more first fingers 2a and the one or more second fingers 3a. Each finger 2a, 3a may include a segmental outer face OF2a, OF3a that defines a part of the outer contour to Cl of the divided spindle 1 at the overlapping portion of the first and second spindle parts 2, 3.

The fact that the segmental outer face OF2a, OF3a of each finger 2a, 3a defines a part of the outer contour Cl of the overlapping portion means that the one or more fingers 2a, 3a are not covered by the mating part 2, 3, so that the thickness or diameter of the overlapping portion of the first spindle part 2 and the second spindle part 3 can be smaller than the conventional divided spindle, in which one part should be inserted into the other part. This ensures that the thickness or diameter of the overlapping portion is further reduced without deterioration of the transmissible torsional force between the first and second spindle parts 2, 3.

Further advantageous features are illustrated in connection with FIG. 6. As shown in this figure, a favourable torsional force transmission can be achieved between the first spindle part 2 and the second spindle part 3 if each finger 2a, 3a further includes two side faces SF2a, SF3a extending from both ends of the segmental outer face OF2a, OF3a, each of which coming into contact with the side face SF2a, SF3a of the corresponding finger 2a, 3a of the mating part. In other words, the side face SF2a of the first finger 2a can be slidably contacted with the side face SF3a of the adjacent second finger 3a, and vice versa.

A further favourable torsional force transmission can be achieved between the first spindle part 2 and the second spindle part 3 if at least one of the two side faces SF2a, SF3a of the finger 2, 3 extends in a radial direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. More preferably, both of the two side faces SF2a, SF3a of each finger 2a, 3a extends in said radial direction. In the illustrated example, virtual extension lines from the two side faces SF2a, SF3a of each finger 2a, 3a intersect each other at an angle (hereinafter referred also as "centre angle") of 90 degrees. In other words, each finger 2a, 3a has a substantially fan shape with an approximately 90 degree centre angle in the cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. It will be easily understood that the centre angle varies depending on the number of fingers 2a, 3a, that is, the centre angle decreases as the number of fingers 2a, 3a increases, and vice versa. In one example where each spindle part 2, 3 has three fingers 2a, 3a, respectively, i.e. the spindle 1 has six fingers 2a, 3a in total, each centre angle of the fingers 2a, 3a may be 60 degrees. It should be noted that some or all of these fingers 2a, 3a may have different central angles from each other.

to A further favourable torsional force transmission can be achieved between the first spindle part 2 and the second spindle part 3 if the first spindle part 2 comprises two or more first fingers 2a, and the second spindle part 2 comprises two or more second fingers 3a. This ensures that the torsional force can be distributed over the fingers 2a, 3a, and thus a stable torsional force transmission is achieved during operation.

As best seen in FIG. 5, each first finger 2a may be defined by two first cutouts 2b, which are formed in the first spindle part 2, each cutout 2b being shaped and sized to receive the second finger 3a. Likewise, each second finger 3a may be defined by two second cutouts 3b, which are formed in the second spindle part 3, each cutout 3b being shaped and sized to receive the first finger 2a. This offers a space-saving arrangement for the first and second fingers 2a, 3a at the overlapping portion. This also allows that the fingers 2a, 3a may be formed at the same time as the formation of the cutouts 2b, 3b, thereby increasing production rate of the spindle 1. FIG. 6 illustrates that, when assembled, the first fingers 2a and the second fingers 3a may be arranged in an alternate manner viewed around the longitudinal axis.

23 In a further preferable arrangement, the two or more first fingers 2a include at least one pair of first fingers 2a, which are opposed to each other with the longitudinal axis interposed therebetween, and the two or more second fingers 3a include at least one pair of second fingers 3a, which are opposed to each other with the longitudinal axis interposed therebetween. In other words, the fingers 2a, 3a are placed symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis. Such a symmetry arrangement allows for more favourable distribution of the torsional force between the first and second parts 2, 3 during operation.

The production cost of the spindle 1 can be significantly reduced if the first spindle part 2 and the second spindle part 3 are identical in shape and size with each other. Due to the shared design, the same process for the formation of the fingers 2a, 3a and cutouts 2b, 3b may be applied. It should be noted, however, that the first spindle part 2 and the second spindle part 3 may have different shapes from each other.

Further, the overlapping portion, which is to be engaged with the cam driver, needs not to be limited to being in the centre of the spindle 1 in the longitudinal direction. The first spindle part 1 may be shorter than the second spindle part 2, or the first spindle part 1 may be longer than the second spindle part 2. In either case, the overlapping portion may be located off-centre when viewed in the longitudinal direction.

In one example, the overlapping portion of the first and second parts 2, 3 may have a substantially quadrangular cross section, such as a square cross section. As discussed above, however, the profile of the overlapping portion is not limited thereto, and may take other shapes, such as a triangle, pentagon, hexagon, or the like, depending on the shape of the receptacle of the cam driver with which the divided spindle 1 is to be engaged. Further, the fingers 2a, 3a and the cutouts 2b, 3b need not be rotational symmetric to create the substantially square contour Cl of the spindle 1.

In some embodiments, the divided spindle 1 may further comprise an urging means configured to push the first part 2 and the second part 3 away from each other along the longitudinal direction. The urging means ensures a degree of compression within the lock apparatus, even in the thickest door panel. That is, the urging means ensures access to the spindle 1 inserted in the thickest door panel, when assembling the lock apparatus. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the urging means may comprise a coil spring 4. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the coil spring 4 may be located radially inside the one or more first fingers 2a and the one or more second fingers 3a. This ensures that the provision of the spring 4 does not affect the thickness or diameter of the spindle 1.

The coil spring 4 can be compressed or extended in a stable manner, if the one or more first fingers 2a and/or the one or second fingers 3a are so configured as to retain the spring 4 radially there-inside. To this end, as best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, each finger 2a, 3a may include a supporting inner face IF2a, IF3a for the spring 4 on the opposite side of the outer face OF2a, OF3a. Preferably, each supporting inner face IF2a, IF3a includes a curved surface along the outer periphery of the coil spring 4, the curved surface ideally matching the outer surface of the coil spring 4. More stable compression/extension operation of the spindle 1 can be achieved, if the coil spring 4 is centred to align with the longitudinal axis of the spindle 1. It is also worth mentioning that, as can be seen in FIG. 5, said paired fingers 2a, 3a, which are opposed to each other with the longitudinal axis interposed therebetween, are favourable in retaining the coil spring 4 therebetween.

A latch mechanism may be arranged so as to work between the mating parts 2, 3. The latch mechanism prevents the mating parts 2, 3 from coming apart under the force of the spring 4, once it is released from compression. An exemplary latch to mechanism is illustrated in FIG. 2B. The latch mechanism includes barbs 5 provided on the respective fingers 2a, 3a. Each barb 5 may be provided at the distal portion of the finger 2a, 3a. Once the barb 5 of one finger engages with the barb 5 of the other finger, the mating parts 2, 3 can be prevented from coming apart under the force of the spring 4.

With reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, an exemplary spindle in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is described. This spindle has, in general, the same configuration as the spindle described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, except that an additional feature for reinforcing or strengthening the spindle is provided. Detailed description of each element will be omitted by adding the same reference numerals as those given to the spindle described above.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show perspective views of the exemplary divided spindle 10 in an extended state from different angles. FIGS. 9 and 10 show perspective views of the example divided spindle 10 in a compressed state. These figures show that the spindle 10 has a sleeve 12 for accommodating at least the overlapping portion of the first spindle part 2 and the second spindle part 3. The sleeve 12 serves to not only guide the sliding movement of the first and second spindle parts 2, 3 in the longitudinal direction, but also to strengthen the divided spindle 10.

A small clearance may be maintained between the inside of the sleeve 12 and the first and second spindle parts 2, 3 to allow the sliding movements of the first and second spindle parts 2 and 3 therewithin. Preferably, the sleeve 12 exposes one or both ends of the spindle 10, so that the torque from a handle may directly be applied to the one or more ends of the spindle 10. Steps 2c, 3c as shown in FIGs. 7 and 8, may be formed at the ends of the spindle 10 to reduce the width or diameter of the spindle so that the ends of the spindle 10 are flush with the outer surface of the sleeve 12.

With reference to FIG. 11, a pre-formed sheet material 12P is illustrated. A constant cross-section may be maintained by folding the sheet material 12P and crimping in place. The sheet material 12P may take a flat-bottomed U-shape; in other words, two of the folds may already have been made in a separate pressing or forming operation. There are then a number of options in the way that the remaining bend(s) need(s) to be performed. The main choice is whether the two opening edges of the folded sheet 12P are to abut at a corner of the square profile or somewhere along one of the to faces. If these edges are at the corner, then the "U" section may have one extension arm matching the width of the face of the square profile of the spindle 10, the other extension arm of the "U" being approximately twice as long, so that when folded over or down, it completes the notional square profile. In such a case, there will be only three bends needed: the two preformed bends and the third, closing bend.

Alternatively, as illustrated, the sides of the "U" profile may be nominally equal, so that both sides need to be bent and closed around the spindle parts 2, 3.

In either case, there may be a separating line 12a between the abutting edges. This would mean, in engineering terms, that the "torsion box" would not be closed, so ultimate strength against a torsional force would be less than a fully closed sleeve.

With that in mind, it is preferable to add means of inter-engagement between the two abutting edges. Although welding could achieve this, it is evident that the underlying metal could also become attached, thus completely negating the whole purpose of the assembly.

A variant sleeve 12' as illustrated in FIG. 12, therefore, comprises an additional feature for inter-engaging the abutting edges of the sleeve 12'. Specifically, at least one (here: both) of the abutting edges has one or more tabs 13 that protrude toward the opposite edge, and said opposite edge has one or more indentions 14 to receive the corresponding tabs 13 -in a manner of interlocking crenellations. The inter-engagement of the adjacent tabs 13 provides resistance to torsional forces during use.

FIG. 13 shows an example sheet material 12P' suitable for producing the sleeve 12' of FIG. 12. The sheet material 12P' may be pre-formed into a U shape prior to the final bending process. The tabs 13 and indentions 14 are arranged in a way that they alternate in the longitudinal direction, that is formed as crenellations, and that the tabs 13 on one edge align with the indentions 14 on the other edge, and vice versa. Although the tabs 13 and the indentions 14 are rectangular in shape in the illustrated example, these may take any shape as long as they appropriately engage with either other.

Further resistance to torsional forces can be achieved if the one or more tabs 13 and the one or more indentations 14 are shaped to provide a sort of jigsaw lug engagement. FIG. 14 discloses another variant sleeve 12" that embodies said jigsaw to piece lug engagement. Each tab 13 may include one or more overhangs 15 that allow the adjacent tabs 13 to engage complementarily therewith in the circumferential direction. This arrangement may also successfully limit/prevent the unwanted "spring-back" effect that is well understood in the metalworking industries, when the sheet material brought in the bending/pressing process into the sleeve form.

Although only one overhang 15 is provided on each side of the tab 13 in the illustrated example, two or more overhangs 15 may be provided on each side of the tab 13 (not shown).

Although not shown, the sleeve can be implemented in different ways. For example, it can be a completely closed sleeve without the separating line 12a. Such a closed sleeve may be formed by extrusion. The placement of the first spindle part 2 and the second spindle part 3 into the sleeve can be conducted from the openings at the respective ends of the sleeve.

It is conceivable that a mechanism, such as a latch, may be provided inside the sleeve to hold the positions of the first spindle part 2 and the second spindle part 3 once compressed to the proper positions.

It is also conceivable that the sleeve be divided into two or more parts in the longitudinal direction. These sleeve parts may be detachably or non-detachably connected with each other.

It is evident that the invention is not limited to the examples mentioned in the description and can be implemented in many other different embodiments within the scope of the claims as appended.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A spindle, comprising: a first spindle part; and a second spindle part engageable with the first spindle part to overlap with the first spindle part in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the spindle, wherein the first spindle part and the second spindle part constitute respective mating parts with respect to each other, wherein the first spindle part comprises one or more first fingers extending in the longitudinal direction toward the mating part, wherein the second spindle part comprises one or more second fingers extending in the longitudinal direction toward the mating part, wherein the one or more first fingers and the one or more second fingers are shaped such that the first spindle part and the second spindle part are engaged in a non-rotational manner around the longitudinal axis with each other but are mutually movable along the longitudinal direction, and wherein the one or more first fingers and the one or more second fingers are further shaped to complement each other to define at least a part of an outer contour of the spindle at an overlapping portion of the first and second spindle parts.
2. The spindle according to claim 1, wherein each finger includes a segmental outer face that defines a part of the outer contour of the overlapping portion.
3. The spindle according to claim 2, wherein each finger further includes two side faces extending from both ends of the segmental outer face, each side face of the fingers on the first spindle part coming into contact with a corresponding side face of a corresponding finger of the second spindle part in the mating part.
4. The spindle according to claim 3, wherein each of the two side faces extends in a radial direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.
5. The spindle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising two or more first fingers, each of which is as said first finger, and two or more second fingers, each of which is as said second finger.
6. The spindle according to claim 5, wherein, when assembled, the first fingers and the second fingers are arranged in an alternate manner viewed around the longitudinal axis.
7. The spindle according to claim 5 or 6, wherein each first finger is defined by two first cutouts, which are formed in the first spindle part, each cutout being shaped and sized to receive the second finger, and wherein each second finger is defined by two second cutouts, which are formed in the second spindle part, each cutout being shaped and sized to receive the first finger.
8. The spindle according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the two or more first fingers include at least one pair of first fingers, which are opposed to each other with the longitudinal axis interposed therebetween, and wherein the two or more second fingers include at least one pair of second fingers, which are opposed to each other with the longitudinal axis interposed therebetween.
9. The spindle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first spindle part and the second spindle part are identical in shape and size with each other.
10. The spindle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the overlapping portion is substantially quadrangular in cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.
11. The spindle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an urging means configured to push the first spindle part and the second spindle part away from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis.to
12. The spindle according to claim 11, wherein the urging means comprises a coil spring.
13. The spindle according to claim 12, wherein the coil spring is located radially inside the one or more first fingers and the one or more second fingers.
14. The spindle according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the one or more first fingers 13 and/or the one or second fingers are so configured as to retain the spring radially there-inside.
15. The spindle according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the coil spring is centred to align with the longitudinal axis.
16. The spindle according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a sleeve to accommodate at least the overlapping portion.
17. The spindle according to claim 16, wherein the sleeve has a separating line extending from one end to the other end of the sleeve, along the longitudinal axis.
18. The spindle according to claim 17, wherein the sleeve has one or more tabs on at least one of edges defined by the separating line, the one or more tabs protruding toward the opposite side edge, whereas said opposite edge has one or more indentions each shaped to receive the corresponding tab.
19. The spindle according to claim 18, wherein the one or more tabs and the one or more indentations are so configured as to engage in a circumferential direction of the sleeve via one or more overhangs.
20. A lock apparatus for a door or window, comprising: a spindle according to any one of claims 1 to 19; and a latch assembly, the latch assembly including a latch to be engaged with a corresponding door frame, and a transmission mechanism for actuating the latch, wherein the transmission mechanism includes one or more cam drivers and a follower, the one or more cam drivers including a receptacle through which the spindle passes and engages.
21. A door comprising a lock apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a handle which is adapted to mechanically interact with one end of the spindle.