WO2013105850A1

WO2013105850A1 - Operating device to control and drive a closing and/or locking mechanism of a door, window or panel.

Info

Publication number: WO2013105850A1
Application number: PCT/NL2013/050005
Authority: WO
Inventors: Albertus Abraham Petrus De Groot
Original assignee: Handels-En Beheermaatschappij A.A. De Groot Uithoorn B.V.
Priority date: 2012-01-09
Filing date: 2013-01-07
Publication date: 2013-07-18
Also published as: GB201200223D0; GB2498340A; EP2802722A1

Abstract

An operating device to control and drive a closing and/or locking mechanism of a door, a window or a panel, comprises a manually operable pusher (8), a rotator having a provision (15) for connection with a closing and/or locking mechanism, a translation-to- rotation mechanism provided between the pusher (8) and the rotator such that a translational movement of the pusher (8) in an axial direction (14) results in a rotational movement of the rotator around said axial direction (14), and a first spring (7) positioned in the axial direction (14) between the pusher (8) and the rotator. Furthermore a two-position switch locking mechanism is provided in between the pusher (8) and the rotator.

Description

Title: Operating device to control and drive a closing and/or locking mechanism of a door, window or panel.

The invention relates to an operating device to control and drive a closing and/or locking mechanism of a door, window, panel or the like, in particular of the manually operable type.

For example, the majority of doors will be closed, opened, locked and unlocked by a closing and locking mechanism - where a jamb prevents the door from swinging to both sides and the locking and blocking mechanism is fitted in an end face of the door, controlling the engagement and disengagement between the door and the jamb of the door.

An example of these common closing and locking mechanisms, also referred to as door locks is shown in fig. 1 , and there has been given the reference numeral (16). The mechanism can be fitted in the end face of the door and are driven by radial

movement/rotation of an axle fitted to the lock by a bushed lead-through (22 and 23) sticking out on both sides of the door leaf. These are fitted, for example, to door handles and/or locker-indicators to indicate whether the mechanism is locked or unlocked. It is common for these connecting axles to use 7 and 8 mm square bars. The radial movement/rotation drives the latch bolt (21) and/or dead bolt (20) to block and lock the door in position.

It is usually the case that the internal mechanism of the closing and locking mechanism contains a return spring connected to the latch bolt that also operates the door handle. So if the handle is released by hand after applying, the handle and the latch bolt (21) return to the original position. For the locker-indicator, of for example a toilet door, the closing and locking mechanism doesn't provide an automatic return as the locker-indicator needs to stay in closed mode, and a specific manual action is required to operate the dead bolt (20).

Door handles are usually rotated by bare hand, and in a next stage the door is opened or closed. Toilet locker-indicators are usually small grips and the required torque for the radial movement/rotation can be high, especially for those who are less capable like disabled, children and elderly people. These handles and locker-indicators are applied by bare fingers and hand, and as is well known, in public areas bacteria and infections are easily passed, transferred and spread by use of these handles and locker-indicators.

For over 100 years the possibility to use a push and pull action to operate a door handle has been put down in patents - for example a spindle mechanism is set in place to convert a linear movement of a door handle into a radial movement to accommodate a latch mechanism and to operate a latch bolt. Examples are DE33429 C (1885 of C.Douglas and H.Witaker), US455334A (1891 A.lske), FR813745 A (1937 R.Turner). More recent examples are GB2170552A and FR2955882.

A disadvantage with those known solutions is that they have rather complex and/or vulnerable constructions, which may be expensive to manufacture. When using one of these known solutions on the above described common closing and locking mechanisms, it remains necessary for the locker-indicators to be designed as grips for which the required operating torque is high. Furthermore, the locker-indicators are then still to be applied by bare fingers and hand, and bacteria and infections are easily passed, transferred and spread by them.

The present invention aims to at least partly overcome one or more of the above disadvantages or to provide a usable alternative. In particular the invention aims to provide a user-friendly and cost-efficient operating device with which doors, windows, panels and the like can be opened and locked in a hygienic manner.

This aim is achieved by the operating device according to claim 1. The operating device comprises a manually operable pusher and a rotator. The rotator has a provision for connection with a closing and/or locking mechanism, in particular for connection to an axle of a common type of closing and/or locking mechanism as described above. A translation-to- rotation mechanism is provided between the pusher and the rotator such that a translational movement of the pusher in an axial direction results in a rotational movement of the rotator around said axial direction. A first spring is positioned in the axial direction between the pusher and the rotator. According to the inventive thought a two-position switch locking mechanism is provided in between the pusher and the rotator. The two-position switch locking mechanism is designed to provide for an outer release position of the pusher relative to the rotator, and for an inner blocking position of the pusher relative to the rotator. A switching from the outer release position towards the inner blocking positions is

automatically obtained by a manual inward pushing in the axial direction of the pusher relative to the rotator, followed by a release of the pusher. Subsequently, a switching from the inner blocking position back towards the outer release position again is automatically obtained by yet another manual inward pushing in the axial direction of the pusher relative to the rotator followed by a release of the pusher. With this the first spring acts as energy buffer which stores energy the first time the pusher is pushed inwards and which releases this energy again after the pusher has been pushed inwards the second time and then has been released again.

Thus the invention provides a device that drives, rotates and controls an axle of a closing and/or locking mechanism by applying a small linear load to, for example locks for doors, windows, panels, toilets, and emergency exits. The device controls the lock to open, close, unlock and secure instead of the usual rotation of a handle, grip or the like.

The device converts a linear movement into a radial movement. The device includes a holding mechanism and self-driven return mechanism. The invention includes a spring, to force the device back into the top position holding the mutual axle in relative position to the device. The device also includes an internal blocking/unblocking mechanism (the two- position switch locking mechanism) that holds the mutual axle in a different radial position. These positions of the device /axle correspond with a latch bolt and/or dead bolt to secure a door, window or panel in an open or locked position.

So, after pushing a knob (the pusher) of the device from the top position towards the door leaf, the axle rotates, forcing the device into the inner blocked position preventing further axle rotation. The internal blocking/unblocking mechanism can be released by a small push on the knob and the spring drives and resets the device and the door mechanism back into the top position, rotating the axle in the same action, in the opposite direction.

The axial load needed to operate the device - as a push action is required - can be done with the fingers, hand, hand palm, elbow: basically anything or any tool or instrument. The benefit is that the often difficult rotation of most common handles, and the actual use of the fingers and hand can be avoided, by pushing the knob with, for example, the elbow or forearm. For the return action back to the top position, so releasing the locking position, a small push is enough to let the spring of the device take over the action. Therefore, the only manual action required to open, close, lock, unlock or secure is a push on the knob of the device. With this device the use of bare fingers for operating a toilet lock is no longer required so that the spreading, transferring and passing of bacteria and infections can be reduced. This is of great importance for health in general and is particularly important in hospitals where the spread of infection can have severe consequences for those with low immune systems.

In addition the small push with a small load is easy to do, for children and for those with less rotation power or clamping power.

Also, if the device is fitted to replace the toilet lock, the door handle and the knob can then be operated by one hand using the thumb for the knob of the device and the rest of the hand to operate the door handle. This will be of great benefit for those situations where extra stability is required. Examples include elderly and disabled people and ship and trains.

If used to replace, for example, the toilet door handle, the device can be set to positioning the latch or dead bolt in either a locked or unlocked position.

In a preferred embodiment the translation-to-rotation mechanism comprises a worm bushing with a worm groove and a matching worm of a worm shaft, positioned in the same axial direction, wherein the worm bushing is restricted to move radial relative to the worm shaft, and wherein the worm shaft is restricted to move axial relative to the worm bushing, or vice versa. When either the worm bushing either the worm shaft moves axial, the mating worm and worm groove rotates the other one of the worm bushing and worm shaft. The first spring in this embodiment is positioned in axial direction between the worm bushing and the worm shaft to force the worm shaft away.

In a further embodiment the locking mechanism comprises a rotor with inclined surfaces on splines, mating with inclined surfaces of teeth of the pusher in the same axial direction.

A benefit of the device fitted in the configuration where the deadbolt is in the locked position and the device is in the top position, is the possibility to reset the dead bolt into the unlocked position from the outside of the toilet. This can be achieved by rotating the mutual connected axle - in most cases a square 7 or 8 mm bar - connecting the rotator, for example the worm shaft, and the bushed lead-through of the closing and/or locking mechanism from the outside door leaf. The rotation of the axle from the outside operates the closing and/or locking mechanism by forcing the latch or dead bolt into the unlocked position. During this action the connected rotator, for example the worm shaft, is forced to rotate, and can rotate, forcing the worm bushing by pulling towards the lock, or - when the internal friction is different - the worm shaft rotates and the starts of the worm shaft slide into the grooves of the worm bushing, or a combination of these two actions. The door can be therefore opened from the outside easily and the device won't be damaged.

In a preferred embodiment an indication or marking is provided on the pusher or onto a cover of the pusher. This allows the user of the device to recognise whether the device is in the locked or unlocked mode. If the marking is positioned on a lower part of the pusher or cover , it will not be visible when the device is in an inner blocked position but will be visible in a top position. Therefore there can be no confusion, unlike the case with current door handles where there is no visible difference on the handle itself.

A colour such as white, green or red on the marking part or area confirms free and open or closed and occupied.

Further preferred embodiments are stated in the dependent subclaims.

The invention also relates to an assembly of a door, a window or a panel equipped with a closing and/or locking mechanism and an operating device mounted thereto.

The invention shall now be explained in further detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 :

This figure shows a common closing and locking mechanism/door lock (16) meant to be fitted in an end face of a door, of which a sliding of latch bolt (21) in and out a door pin, can be operated by rotation of a connecting axle (not shown) that can be inserted/connected to number 22. The mechanism has also a dead bolt (20) for locking the jamb of the door with a lock pin of a (toilet) locker, that can be operated by rotation of a connecting axle (not shown) that can be inserted/connected to number 23.

- Figure 2:

This figure shows a worm bushing (1) with a worm groove (13) matching starts of a worm (6) of a worm shaft (2). A spring (7) is positioned in between. A hole (15) - here a square - in the worm shaft (2) is to accommodate a connecting axle. Number 14 is indicating a mutual axial direction. Number 3 are splines of the worm bushing (1).

- Figure 3:

This figure shows that the various parts are positioned in the axial direction (14). The splines (3) of the worm bushing (1) are designed to slide in splines (4) of a body (5) and an end-stop (12) is shown. A rotor (9) is mating the worm bushing (1) and is free of relative rotation and surfaces (25) of splines (18) are mating surfaces with teeth (19) of a pusher (8). - Figure 4:

This figure shows a cross cut of the device in a top position, as is the worm bushing (1). The splines (3) of the worm bushing (1) are slid within the splines (4) of the body (5). The spring (7) is clearly positioned between the worm bushing (1) and worm shaft (2) and has decompressed, and the worm shaft (2) has a provision (24) for the spring (7). Number 15 is the square hole in the worm shaft (2) to fit a connecting axle. The worm bushing (1), the rotor (9) and the pusher (8) are relative positioned in axial direction. The figure shows that the starts of the worm (6) are fitted in the worm grooves (13) of the worm bushing (1). A pulling spring (10) is connecting to the pusher (8) and the worm bushing (1).

- Figure 5:

This figure shows a cross cut of the device in an inner blocking position, where the worm bushing (1) is blocked by the rotor (9), as the surfaces (25) of the splines (18) are blocked by blocking splines (28) of the body (5).

- Figure 6:

This figure shows a side cross cut where the rotor (9) and body (5) are shown separate, indicating the top position. The splines (18) of the rotor (9) are slid into deep splines (17) of the body (5).

- Figure 7:

This figure is demonstrating 2 parts exclusive, and the relative position of the rotor (9) and the pusher (8).

- Figure 7a:

This figure shows that the teeth (19) of the pusher (8) and the splines (18) of the rotor (9) are positioned in axial line, as the teeth (19) and the splines (18) are both sliding within the deep splines (17) of the body (5) (not shown). The width of the deep splines (17) limits parts (19) and (18) to move radial.

- Figure 7b:

This figure demonstrates the next stage as the pusher (8) has forced the rotor (9) out of the splines (17) of the body (5) and the teeth (19) of the pusher are still within these splines (17), and so not free to move radial. As the rotor (9) is no longer limited to move radial and/or axial, the mating inclined surfaces surface (25) of the splines (18) of the rotor (9) and the surfaces of the teeth (19) of the pusher (8), are directing the rotor (9) to move radial and axial (1 1) as the rotor (9) is forced towards the pusher (8) by the spring (7) forcing the connected worm bushing (1) to the rotor (9). There is also a second option, and that is when the pressure of the spring (7) is cancelled by rotating the axle from the outside. In that case the small spring (10) is there to cause a pressure between the respective parts.

- Figure 7c:

This figure demonstrates the movement (1 1) as a resultant of the slide of the inclined mating surfaces (25) of the splines (18) of the rotor (9), mating the inclined surfaces of the teeth (19) of the pusher (8), containing radial movement (29) and axial movement (30), as described in 7B, with arrows.

- Figure 8:

This figure shows a crosscut of further movement in axial direction towards the top position for the rotor (9) and the body (5), demonstrating a nearly achieved blocking position of the rotor (9), after further rotating and axial movement. As the surfaces (25) of the splines (18) of the rotor (9) slide along surfaces (27) of splines of the body (5), towards the blocking splines (28). The rotor (9) will be held into blocking position and prevented for further axial and radial movement.

- Figure 9:

After being held in blocking position (the result of figure 8), this figure shows the next stage as the pusher (8) is pushed and the mating rotor (9) is pushed out of the blocking splines (28). A side crosscut of the body (5) and the rotor (9) after the splines (18) of the rotor (9) are being pushed in axial direction out of the blocking splines (28) by the teeth (19) of the pusher (8), and the followed movement (1 1) in radial and axial direction of the rotor. The next stage is that the rotor (9) is forced into axial direction towards top position as the spring (7) decompresses, and the surfaces (25) of the splines (18) will meet the surfaces (27) of the splines of the body (5), and force the rotor (9) to rotate further in axial and radial direction (1 1), into the deep splines (17) of the body (5) back into top position.

- Figure 10A: Here is demonstrated the device and the lower part and visible part of the pusher (35) and a cover (36) in top position, such that the pusher (35) is partly shown, serving as indication means. - Figure 10B:

This figure shows the device in inner position, such that only the top of the cover (36) is visible.

- Figure 1 1 :

This figure shows a cross-section of an assembly and fitting of a base (34) to the body (5) with the use of clickers (33) and mating grooves (32). Also is shown a pin-hole connection between a pin (31) of the body (5) and a mating hole (26) of the base (34).

- Figure 12:

This figure shows the base (34) and extensions (38) to position the device relative to a closing and/or locking mechanism as to be fitted in rosettes or doorplates.

- Figure 13:

This figure shows a connection between the pusher (8) and the worm bushing (1). The connection is fitted based on a bayonet catch (39).

- Figure 14:

This figures shows a configuration of a short version design.

In fig. 1 the common type of closing and/or locking mechanism is shown which has been given the reference numeral (16). This mechanism (16) can be placed inside a suitable recess of a door. An operating device as shown in fig. 4 and 5 can be fitted to the door at the location of either a connecting axle which has been placed inside the bushed lead- through (22) for operation of the latch bolt (21), either a connecting axle which has been placed inside the bushed lead-through (23) for operation of the dead bolt (20).

The operating device comprises a worm bushing (1) with a worm groove (13) to accommodate the start or starts of a worm (6) of a worm shaft (2) in a same mutual axial direction (14). It is noted that in a variant, the worm shaft can be provided with the worm groove, while the worm bushing gets provided with the worm. The relative axial and radial moves of the worm bushing (1) and worm shaft (2) as assembled are restricted, as the worm bushing (1) is restricted to rotate radial but free to move axial, and the worm shaft (2) is restricted to move axial, but free to move radial.

One possible configuration is to have splines (3) on the outer side of the worm bushing (1), mating with splines (4) of a body (5), so the worm bushing (1) can slide axial, and is prevented to move radial, relative to the body (5), and as the device is fitted to the door leaf, by means of the body (5), also relative to the closing and/or locking mechanism (16).

It is preferred that the worm shaft (2) has more than one start of the worm (6). One of the favourable configurations of the device having 3 starts of the worm (6), as the forces in a triangle provides stability and spreads the forces.

It is preferable that the device can be assembled and configured as a complete unit, to be used for handles or toilet locks, and fitted as such a complete unit on the door leaf, while preferably at the same time getting actively connected to the latch or dead bolt via the respective connecting axle.

We appoint a top position (see figure 4) , where the worm bushing (1) is positioned and blocked from further axial movement away relative to the worm shaft (2) and relative to the door leaf, but connected to the worm shaft (2) by the starts of the worm (6).

A compression spring (7) puts a load on the worm bushing (1) in the axial direction (14) relative to the worm shaft (2). A rotor (9) and a pusher (8) grip into each other via a complementary toothing and thus are releasably connected in axial direction. Splines (18) of the rotor (9) and teeth (19) of the pusher (8) are positioned in top position of deep unblocking splines (17) of the body (5). The splines (3) of the worm bushing (1) are slidable through the splines (4) of the body (5).

In said top position as shown in figure 4, the pusher 8 and rotor (9) are prevented to move further outward in the axial direction (14). Since, in a fitted position of the device, that is to say with the body (5) mounted against a door leaf, the worm shaft (2) lies against this door leaf, the spring (7) pushes the worm bushing (1) outward in the axial direction (14) with its splines (3) against inner end parts of the mating splines (4) provided inside the body (5). The worm bushing (1) is then also held in the top position (figure 4).

Starting from this top position (figure 4). As soon as the pusher (8) is manually axial forced inwards, that is to say towards the door leaf, the connected rotor (9) transfers the load to the worm bushing (1), the worm bushing (1) moves axial and the worm groove (13) of the worm bushing (1) is now forced over the starts of the worm (6) of the worm shaft (2), resulting in a radial rotation of the worm shaft (2) as it is restricted of axial movement but free to rotate. This rotation is well able to drive the connecting axle connected to the closing and/or locking mechanism (16).

The worm shaft (2) can be connected to the connecting axle in various manners. One of the favourable alternatives is that the worm shaft (2) has a provision (15), like a profiled recess, to accommodate the mutual connection, like fitting around the complementary profiled connecting axle, like the square bar commonly used.

Depending on whether a right or left thread is used for the worm (6) and worm groove (13) of the device, and the choice to establish either locking or opening, a rotation of the worm shaft (2) is able to drive the closing and/or locking mechanism and to thus either engage or disengage the closing and/or locking mechanism (16) by moving the latch bolt (21) or dead bolt (20).

By pushing the pusher (8) inwardly, the rotor (9) is also pushed inwardly, as is the worm bushing (1). With this the spring (7) is compressed. During the inward movement, the spiral shape of the worm groove (13) inside the worm bushing (1) causes the worm shaft (2) to rotate around its central axis, and to thus operate the closing and/or locking mechanism (16).

After having pushed the pusher (8) completely inwardly - towards the door leaf - till it blocks, a releasing of the manual force on the pusher (8) results in a movement of the worm bushing (1) outwardly again, as the spring (7) decompresses and thus forces the worm bushing (1) away from the worm shaft (2). Since the worm shaft (2) is prevented to move axial, this results in a reverse radial movement of the worm shaft (2), back in the direction of the top position. The spring (7) drives the device into reverse. The benefit of the

decompression of the spring (7), is that no pulling action is required to drive the device in reverse, and so the manual operation of the device is limited to pushing actions.

One of the favourable springs is a compression spring (7) fitted in a centre of the worm bushing (1) and the worm shaft (2) as shown in figure 2, strong enough to drive the device and the closing and/or locking mechanism (16). Here the worm shaft (2) has a provision (24), in this case a recess, in the worm shaft (2) to guide the spring and limit the movement in radial direction of the spring (7) during compressing and decompressing. This position of the spring (7) has the benefit to create a relative stable movement and balance force between the worm bushing (1) and the worm shaft (2), and prevents the worm shaft (2) from moving relative in axial direction in relation to the door leaf during the decompression stage.

The operating device has two positions, both controlled by the position of the worm bushing (1). One is the top position (figure 4) and the other is an inner blocked position (figure 5). In the inner blocked position, the worm bushing (1) is kept in an inner blocked position because of the rotor (9) being blocked by shallow blocking splines (28) of the body (5). See fig. 8. This provides blocking the worm bushing (1) in an inner blocked position relative to the worm shaft (2), and thus prevents it from returning fully back into the top position as was shown in figure 4, and therefore at the same time prevents the worm shaft (2) to fully rotate back in reverse. This inner blocked position is shown in figure 5.

Starting in the genuine top position the pusher (8) can be manually forced in axial direction towards the worm shaft (2), and the teeth (19) on the pusher (8) are then sliding axially inwards within the deep unblocking splines (17) of the body (5). These teeth (19) are pushing the splines (18) of the rotor (9), and the rotor (9) forces the worm bushing (1) into axial inward movement, and forcing the worm shaft (2) to rotate. The signal to reduce the manual force on the pusher (8) towards the door leaf, is either the circumstance that the pusher (8) is blocked for further movement in axial direction, or nearly bottomed out and a sudden reduction of back pressure is recorded, as soon as the splines (18) of the rotor (9) are fully slided out of the deep unblocking splines (17) of the body (5).

The rotor (9) rotates over a small angle (corresponding to the width of the splines (18) as an inclined surface (25) of the splines (18) of the rotor (9), slides along the teeth (19) of the pusher (8), and the rotor (9) moves along a path (1 1) both in the radial direction (29) and in the axial direction (30), as indicated in figure 7C, towards genuine position (figure 7B en 7C), forced by the decompressed spring (7) lifting the worm bushing (1) and the rotor (9) in the direction of the top position.

Upon releasing the manual force on the pusher (8), the spring (7) decompresses further, and pushes the worm bushing (1) and the rotor (9) in axial direction in the direction of the top position. As the rotor (9) has rotated, the inclined surfaces (25) of the splines (18) of the rotor (9) meet inclined surfaces (27) of the splines of the body (5) in axial direction, and drives the splines (18) of the rotor (9) into axial and radial movement (1 1) into the shallow blocking splines (28). This results in an axial blockade of the rotor (9) against inner ends of the shallow blocking splines (28), and because of that also in an axial blockade of the worm bushing (1) to move further outwards in the axial direction (14). The device is now in the inner blocked position, as shown in figure 5.

The blocked position can be released by a exerting a small inward push to the pusher (8) causing the worm bushing (1) to move inwards relative to the worm shaft (2) and relative towards the door leaf. Pushing the pusher (8), the rotor (9) is forced with its splines (18) out of the shallow blocking splines (28), and no longer being restricted of radial movement. The inclined surfaces (25) of the splines (18) of the rotor (9), slide along the teeth (19) of the pusher (8) and the rotor (9) moves into the axial and radial movement path towards genuine position (figure 7B en 7C). The rotor (9) is no longer blocked with its splines (18) by the shallow blocking splines (28) but is now able again to enter the deep unblocking splines (17) therewith, and the spring (7) is free to decompress as no longer being held in position by the rotor (9).

The spring (7) now has the freedom to decompresses and move the device fully back into the top position while at the same time driving and rotating the connecting axle. It forces the worm bushing (1) away from the worm shaft (2) again and therefore drive the worm shaft (2) to rotate, which in turn causes the connecting axle to rotate. The closing and/or locking mechanism is then driven in reverse, and so are the latch bolt (21) or dead bolt (20). Thus the device is brought back into its top position (figure 4). If the device is used as a toilet lock, it is often necessary/desired that it can be operated from the outside, in case of emergencies. For this a provision is made to rotate the mutual connecting axle from the outside. An extended part such as an indicator, provides to rotate the axle by a groove or similar to be applied for example by a screwdriver or a coin. Forcing the axle to rotate, the reverse action of the toilet locker can be achieved, and so disengagement between latch and jamb of the door.

One of the favourable configurations the device provides is the alternative method of releasing a locked position of the door, corresponding with the device as in figure 5. This is obtained by adding a constant small load in the axial direction (14) between the surfaces of the teeth (19) of the pusher (8) and the inclined surfaces (25) of the splines (18) of the rotor (9). A favourable configuration is a spring (10) positioned between the pusher (8) and the worm bushing (1) to establish this small load. See figures 4 and 5.

When the device has put the door in locked position, this position can be changed in unlocked if, from the other side of the door, the mutual connecting axle of the closing and locking mechanism - which is connected to the worm shaft (2) - is rotated. A small angle of rotation of about 15 centigrade's of the connecting axle and therefore of the worm shaft (2) suffices, and results in a pulling action of the worm shaft (2) relative to the worm bushing (1) as the starts of the worm (6) slide and so the worm bushing (1) moves axial towards the worm shaft (2). As in this configuration the worm bushing (1) is connected to the pusher (8) by the additional connection like the pulling spring (10), the teeth (19) of the pusher (8) are forcing the splines (18) of the rotor (9) out of the shallow blocking splines (28) of the body (5). The rotor (9) is now attached to the teeth (19) of the pusher (8) resulting in a

combination of rotation and axial movement as in figure 7B. Releasing the manual force further on the connecting axle, gives the spring (7) the freedom to decompress further, and to push the worm bushing (1) and the connected rotor (9) in axial direction towards the genuine position. As the rotor (9) has rotated, the inclined surfaces (25) of the splines (18) of the rotor (9) meet the inclined surfaces (27) of the splines of the body (5) in axial direction (figure 9), and drives the splines of the rotor (9) into further axial and radial movement path (11) against the inclined surfaces (27) into deep splines (17) back into the top position (figure 4). The blockade is released and so is the locking position of the mechanism and the door.

In figure 10 a variant is shown in which an indication or marking is provided on the pusher (8) or cover (36) of the pusher. This allows the user of the device to recognise whether the device is in the locked or unlocked mode. If the marking is positioned on an inner part (35) of the pusher (8) or cover (36), it will not be visible when the device is in the inner blocked position (figure 10B) but will be visible in the top position (figure 10A).

Therefore there can be no confusion, unlike the case with current door handles where there is no visible difference on the handle itself. A colour such as white, green or red on the marking part or area as in figure (10A) confirms free and open or closed and occupied.

In an alternative configuration, as shown in figure 1 1 and 12, the device includes a base (34). Thus the device is assembled as a complete assembled/closed unit, such that the parts thereof are all fitted in relative position. The base (34) is designed to be fitted in restricted positions with extensions (38) to have a good functioning operating device. This secures the assembly and functionality. The preferred configuration is as the base (34) and body (5) are fitted together based on a fastening/clicking system. This means that the base (34) has clickers (33) and the body (5) has corresponding grooves (32) so that during the axial assembling, the clickers (33) bend slightly and then relax as soon as the clickers (33) match with the grooves (32). The design of the clickers (33) and grooves (32) is focussed on blocking in the opposite axial direction thus preventing the loosening of the parts. To block the assembled base (34) and body (5) for radial direction relative to the body (5), the body (5) and base (34) have a pin-hole (31 and 26) connection in axial direction.

In another alternative configuration, as shown in figure 13, a direct connection is provided between the worm bushing (1) and the pusher (8). Here the connection is to establish that the position of the pusher (8) indicates in all times the position of the worm bushing (1). Pending of the way the device is fitted and positioned, in the inner blocked position, gravity or centrifugal force can slide the pusher (8) towards its top position (figure 4), as it can slide freely within the splines (17) of the body (5). This can confuse the user, and therefore a fitting by a connection based on for example a bayonet catch (39) to make visible at all times the position of the worm bushing (1), is preferred. This connection also is able to guide the position of the decompression spring (7).

In yet another alternative configuration, as shown in figure 14, a shorter version of the device is foreseen, based on the principle that the splines (3) of the worm bushing (1) can slide within splines of the body (5), which are now shared with the teeth (19) of the pusher (8) and the splines (18) of the rotor (9).

In this configuration the rotor (9) is slightly different designed, such that it is no longer blocked in axial direction. Also the worm bushing (1) has splines (3) to accommodate the splines (17) of the body such that it is no longer necessary that the movement of the worm bushing (1) in the axial direction (14) is taken place outside the splines (17, 28) of the body (5), and for that reason the total height of the device may advantageously result in a shorter version.

In this configuration for the shorter version, the splines (18) of the rotor (9) have a smaller diameter as the inner diameter of the body (5), such that the rotor (9) can rotate, as no longer being blocked by the splines of the body (17 and 28). After being released from the blocking position, the splines (18) of the rotor (9) and the splines (3) of the worm bushing (1) slide within the deeper splines (40) of this shorter configuration back into the genuine top position.

The splines (3) of the worm bushing (1) in this configuration have a wider diameter as the splines (18) of the rotor (9) to accommodate the deeper splines of the body (40) and so be free to move axial, but restricted to move radial.

Thus figure 14 demonstrates the rotor (9), with the splines (18) of the rotor. The outer diameter of these splines (18) are related to the inner diameter of the body (5), such that the rotor (9) can rotate within the body (5). The teeth (19) of the pusher, the splines (18) of the rotor and the splines (3) of the worm bushing, all use the low version deeper splines (40) of the body (5), such that the worm bushing is prevented from rotation. The axial direction is indicated with 14, and for indicational means the worm shaft (2) is shown.

Besides the shown embodiments numerous variants or further configurations are possible. For example the shapes and/or dimensions of the various parts may differ. Also another type of two-position switch mechanism can be used. For example one in which the pusher and body are equipped with a click-in/click-out biased pin-groove system. In such a system the groove is formed as an endless loop having an inner and an outer resting position into which the pin is forced by means of a spring force. When the pusher is clicked- in, the pin runs through the groove in the direction of a part of the groove giving access to the inner resting position. The pin then automatically is forced to move towards and stay in this inner resting position (click-in) by the spring force when the pusher is then released again. When the pusher is then clicked-in again, the pin runs further through the groove in the direction of a part of the groove giving access to the outer resting position. The pin then automatically is forced to move towards and stay in this outer resting position (click-out) by the spring force when the pusher is then released again. Another alternative configuration is where the functions of the worm shaft and worm bushing are exchanged, so that the worm shaft is restricted from axial movement, and free to move radial and the worm shaft is restricted from radial movement and free to move axial. It is also possible to use different types of translation-to-rotation mechanisms, like one with a rack-and-pinion drive

mechanism.

Thus according to the invention a user-friendly and hygienic solution is offered for easily be able to provide a translation-to-rotation operating device which is equipped with a click-in/click-out mechanism, and which is particularly suitable to be used in combination with a toilet door locking mechanism.

Claims

1. An operating device to control and drive a closing and/or locking mechanism of a door, a window or a panel, comprising:

- a manually operable pusher (8);

- a rotator having a provision (15) for connection with a closing and/or locking mechanism; - a translation-to-rotation mechanism provided between the pusher (8) and the rotator such that a translational movement of the pusher (8) in an axial direction (14) results in a rotational movement of the rotator around said axial direction (14); and

- a first spring (7) positioned in the axial direction (14) between the pusher (8) and the rotator,

characterized in that,

a two-position switch locking mechanism is provided in between the pusher (8) and the rotator.

2. An operating device according to claim 1 , wherein the translation-to-rotation mechanism comprises:

- a worm bushing (1) and a worm shaft (2), positioned in the same axial direction (14), the worm bushing (1) being restricted to move radial relative to the worm shaft (2), and the worm shaft (2) being restricted to move axial relative to the worm bushing (1), or vice versa, such that as one of the worm bushing (1) and worm shaft (2) moves axial, a mating worm (6) and worm groove (13) thereof rotates the other one of the worm bushing (1) and worm shaft (2), the first spring (7) being positioned in axial direction (14) between the worm bushing (1) and the worm shaft (2) to force the worm shaft (2) away.

3. An operating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a rotor (9) with inclined surfaces (25) on splines (18), mating with inclined surfaces (25) of teeth (19) of the pusher (8) in the same axial direction (14).

4. An operating device according to claim 3, wherein a second spring (10) is provided between the pusher (8) and the worm bushing (1) in axial direction (14), for imparting a load on the mating surfaces of the rotor (9) and the pusher (8).

5. An operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first spring (7) is designed to at least overcome an internal resistance and friction of the device, and therefore be able to drive the device and closing and/or locking mechanism.

6. An operating device according to one of the preceding claims 2-5, wherein the worm shaft (2) has the provision (15) to fit an axle, for establishing a connection to the closing and/or locking mechanism.

5 7. An operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pusher (8) is provided with indication means such that the indication means are visible as the device is in a top position, and not visible as the device is in an inner blocking position.

8. An operating device according to claim 7, wherein the indication means is a coloured 10 surface part of the pusher (8) or a cover (36) mounted to the pusher (8).

9. An operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a body (5) is provided inside which the pusher (8), the rotator, the translation-to-rotation mechanism and the two-position switch locking mechanism are housed for together forming an assembly,

15 fitting means being provided for fitting the assembly to a door, a window or a panel at a location of a closing and/or locking mechanism.

10. An operating device according to claim 8, wherein a base (34) is provided which is mounted against an inner part of the body (5) and which is provided with the fitting means.

20

1 1. An operating device according to claim 10, wherein a pin and hole fitment is provided between the body (5) and the base (34).

12. An operating device according to claims 10 or 1 1 , wherein teeth of the pusher (8), 25 splines (18) of a rotor (9), and splines (3) of a worm bushing (1) all are designed to

cooperate with a common set of splines (40) of the body (5).

13. An operating device according to one of the preceding claims 2-12, wherein a connection is provided between the pusher (8) and a worm bushing (1), such that the

30 position of the pusher (8) is in all times indicating an axial position of the worm bushing (1).

14. An operating device according to claim 13, wherein the connection is a bayonet catch.

35 15. Assembly of a door, a window or a panel equipped with a closing and/or locking mechanism and an operating device according to one of the preceding claims mounted thereto.