GB2156896A - Fastening for a window or door - Google Patents

Abstract

A fastening for a casement window or door consists essentially of a drive rod carrying at least one locking member (10) and mounted by means of at least two mounting elements (12) on the outside of a casement member (2) in the space (3) between the casement member and the fixed frame using fixing elements which traverse the mounting elements (12). If the casement member has a groove (7) to receive the fastening each mounting piece (12) is provided with a spacing element (6) the width of which is substantially equal to the width of the groove while its height corresponds substantially to the depth of the groove. If the fastening is merely applied against the outside face of a web of the casement member, then the spacing elements (6) are removed prior to assembly. To actuate the drive rod which is preferably constructed in two parts, a gear mechanism (13) is employed which can be mounted on and rigidly secured to the outer surface of the casement member. To facilitate assembly, the mounting elements (12) which pass through elongate holes (22,23,24,25) in the drive rod are fixed relative to the drive rod prior to assembly by means of shearable elements. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Fitting for a window, door or the like This invention relates to a fitting for a window, door orthe like, ofthe kind comprising a drive rod displaceable by means of a gear mechanism and carrying at least one locking member cooperating with a rigid closure plate orthe like, said drive rod having at least two elongated holes spaced from each other in the direction of displacement ofthe rod. Such fittings are already known in various forms. Normally they are incorporated in the space between a casement and a fixed frame. In this case, they are generally formed to suit the profiles of the frames. The fitting is preferably mounted on the casement frame. In this case, the closure plates or the like are provided on the fixed frame.Assembly must be effected in such a way that the fitting is reliably held and its movable elements are capable of carrying outthe required movements without hindrance. Furthermore, it is desirable, for example, to ensure that the drive rods are protected by a suitable covering, the slide rail or the like normally used serving also to safeguard those parts of the fitting disposed behind it, against dirt, paint and the like. Furthermore, the drive rod is required to move relative to the frame member and possibly also to the covering bar. For this reason, the drive rod or the like has elongated holes through which fixing elements are able to pass.

The aforesaid fittings are relatively complicated and expensive. This is true not only of the manufacture of the parts but also oftheir assembly. This expenditure is however, not always justified.

Consequently, the principal object of the invention is to provide a fitting of the type described with which locking of a window casement or doorto a fixed frame is possible in known manner by displacement of a locking member or members, such fitting being characterised by a particularly simple construction capabletproblem-free and rapid assembly.

To this end, according to the invention, it is proposed to construct a fitting of the kind referred to in the preamble to claim 1, in accordance with the characterising part of that claim. The mounting elements are indeed displaceably mounted on the drive rod but are removable, although not immediately, at least. To this extent, after the mounting elements have been fitted on the frame, the drive rod is not only securely held but is also mounted for displacement to the necessary degree. Certainly, care must be taken to ensure that the mounting elements are so mounted thatthedrive rod can perform its full length of travel by means ofthe gear mechanism to carry out the locking and unlocking operations envisaged.This means that, for example, two mounting elements are, during assembly, both disposed at the same end of their elongated holes, in other words, for example, at the bottom end of each elongated hole, in relation to the direction of use. By reason ofthe guide grooves, an automatic gap between the drive rod and the associated face ofthe frame member is guaranteed.

Thus, there is also a reduction in friction during displacement ofthe drive rod relative to the mounting elements. These latter are however, relatively short so that the overall friction is quite small, which is why no special actuating force is needed to operate the gear mechanism.

The height ofthe spacing element can either be adapted to or already corresponds to the depth of groove normally provided in a synthetic plastics or aluminium frame assembled from profiled sections.

Therefore, if the profile has such a groove, then the spacing elements extend approximately to the bottom thereofwhilethe associated mounting elements are externally braced against the profile on either side of this groove. As already mentioned, the mounting elements still provide the required gap between the drive rod and the profile outer face.

If such a groove is not provided in the profile, then the fitting could be placed on the screw-on surface of a profile member butthis would not result in a reliable fitment which would withstand appreciable loads.

Therefore, with profiles which have no drive rod groove, it is a good idea to remove the spacing elements priorto assembly. This is particularly easy if the spacing element according to afurtherfeatureof the invention, is detachably mounted on the mounting element. Detachable fitting can be effected in known manner, particular store being set by simple and problem-free handling. Furthermore, when the spacing element is removed, the mounting element should still provide a suitably flat surface againstwhich the profile can be applied.

A furtherfeature of the invention resides in each spacing element and its associated mounting element being held together by a press stud-like connection, the press stud preferably being mounted on the spacing element. This embodiment guarantees a flat bearing surfaceforthe mounting element after removal ofthe spacing element. The latter advan tageouslytakes the form of a journal having central bore for the fixing element. If the material usedforthe spacing element is a synthetic plastics material, then it should ideally be relatively hard. On the other hand, the press stud must be so shaped and dimensioned that it can yield in resilient fashion when it is engaged and released. Suchflexibilitycan be achieved, for example, by two cruciformly disposed slots.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, each mounting element is constructed in two parts made of a hard and wear-resistantsynthetic plastics material. Alternatively, the mounting and spacing elements can be manufactured from metal.

Thetwo-partconstruction ofthe mounting elements aids assembly. One part of each mounting element is applied to the drive rod from one side while the other part is fitted from the other side. Both have to be so connected to each other as to withstand any degree of loading which might occur.

A particularly advantageous assembly ofthe two parts of a mounting element can be achieved if they are connected to each other in press stud fashion, for example by means of two press stud fasteners. One is iocated for example on one side and the other on the other side ofthe through bore forthe fixing means.

The halves ofthe press studs can be integrally moulded on the relevant parts. This causes no problem if the two parts ofthe mounting element are made of synthetic plastics material.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the part of the mounting elementfor application to the window orthe like is of plate-like construction and has two press studs disposed one on either side of its central bore, while the other part ofthe mounting element which is applied to the outside ofthe drive rod has a T-shaped cross-section and two press stud sockets.

The T-shaped cross-section of the other part ofthe mounting element can be provided by making a cut at right-anglesto the longitudinal axis of the drive rod.

The longitudinal web oftheTthusforms a cursor which substantially traverses the elongate hole.

In afurtherfeature ofthe invention, the drive rod may be constructed in two parts, coupled together by a connecting plate and each part being provided with at leasttwo mounting elements. In this way, each part ofthe drive rod is guided at at least two points in the direction of displacement of the rod. The two-part construction with the interposed connecting plate also hasafurtheradvantage. If the connection between each drive rod partandthe associated end of the connecting plate is made pivotal orseparable,then the fitting can be folded up fortransport into at least two parts of equal length which is only approximately half that of its installed length. Consequently, the connecting plate is not made unnecessarily long.

In fact, the length ofthe connecting plate is only variable within limits and can be dependent on the construction ofthe gear mechanism.

In this connection, according to a furtherfeature of the invention, the ends ofthe two drive rod parts which are nearest each other each carries a coupling elementwhich is connected to a matching coupling element on the gear mechanism aftertraversing an elongate hole in the connecting plate, the length of which hole corresponds substantiallyto the travel of the gear mechanism.The spacing of the coupling elements on the gear mechanism is determined by their construction and the required travel ofthe gear mechanism.To this extent, too, the reciprocal spacing ofthe coupling elements is determined by the dimensioning ofthe gears.This accordingly results in a connecting plate of pre-set minimum length, which determines the width of the folded-up frame at the relevant location. Forthe rest, the coupling elements may be so constructed, or corresponding elements, for example, circlips, can be so applied to them that the plateandthe two drive rod parts are heldtogether in captive fashion. Instead of circlips, it is possible to use integrally moulded outer collars. Forthe rest, it is preferred that the coupling elements should be riveted to the associated ends ofthe drive rod parts.

In another embodiment of the invention each coupling eíement may be formed as a jou rnal and each associated coupling element on the gear mechanism may be formed as a fork or the like which can be applied transversely ofthe journal axis. The fork may constitute the bifurcated end of a drive part.

The plane of movement ofthe fork will ih any case extend transvesely, preferably at a right-angle, to the longitudinal axis of the journal.

In a further embodiment of the invention, thetwo forks or the like may be displaceable in opposition to each other and the gear mechanism provided with a rotating handle. Rotation ofthis latteristransmitted via suitable elements, for example, gearwheels, racks, levers and the like, to the forks or bifurcated ends of the drive parts. Movement in opposite directions is preferably achieved by one rack meshing with the top and another with the bottom of a pinion. It is also possible however, to employ a known type of lever transmission operating in this way. In the alternative embodiment illustrated, the locking journals of one drive rod part move for instance downwards during the locking stroke while those of the other drive rod part are moved upwards during locking.Thus the lower locking member or members move upwards during the unlocking stroke and downwards during the locking stroke andthe closure plates must be disposed or constructed accordingly. Instead of this, however, it is possible to use a different type of gear mechanism sothatduring the locking stroke all locking elements move in the same direction for example, upwardly.

The rotating handle is expediently constructed as a crankedsingle-armed lever. It can be of relatively small dimensions and its shape makes it particularly suitableforfitting in windows which are to be opened outwardly, because it avoids the hand striking any upward projection on the casement frame profile.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, on fitting each mounting element is removably but non-displaceably secured in a predetermined position in the elongate hole, and more particularly in the position which it occupies in relation to the elongate hole in the drive rod when the latter is in the open position. Then the fitting needs only to be applied to the corresponding frame memberandfittedthereto by means ofthe screws or otherfixing elements. Each screw is passed through the hole in a mounting element and preferably screwed into the frame member. The fitting automatically assumesthe correct position. At the same time, too, correct operation is guaranteed.It is sufficient if, for example, the centre ofthe casement is marked and then the centre ofthe fitting orthe centre ofthe connecting plate is aligned with this mark on the frame. The position of all the fixing screws or the like will thus be automatically correct. The gear mechanism should be aligned in the same way ifthe corresponding aperturesorthe like are notalreadyprovided.

Anotherfeature of the invention provides foreach mounting element to be removably but non-displaceably held in place by a shearable element provided on or integrally moulded with the mountingelement,the elongate hole having a locking notch orthe likeforthe shearable element. By virtue of the employment of a shearelement, the user ofthe fitting does not need to worry where in the elongate hole he locatesthe mounting element during assembly. It avoids incorrect assembly and this is particularly advantageous in the case of drive rod parts which move in opposite directions.On the other hand, shearelements are simple parEs which do not occasion any cost worth mentioning either in terms of material or in terms of fitting. Afterthefitting has been installed, they are shea red offthe fi rst time the fitting is operated. The fitting is then used in the normal way. Because this fitting is usually mounted in the open condition, there is no dangerof anyparts oftheshearelement subsequently interfering with the operation.

A particularly advantageous solution is forth shear elementto be integrally moulded on the partofthe mounting element which is remote from the spacing element.

In this case, the latter is preferably made of synthetic plastics material.

The invention will be described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show embodiments ofthe invention and in which: Fig. is a perspective and expioded view of the fitting in the closed position but without closure plates orthe like on the fixed frame; Fig. 2 is a corresponding view with the fitting open; Fig. 3 is a section through those members of an outwardly opening window which are on the closure side and which have a smooth screw-in surface on the casement profile; Fig. 4 is a corresponding section through a window having a groove in the casement profile to receive the fitting; Fig. 5 shows, on an enlarged scale, a longitudinal section th rough a mounting element; Fig. 6 shows this mounting element viewed from below; and Fig. 7 is a side view of the mounting element.

Both theframe 1 and 1a and the casement 2 or 2a are constructed in known manner from synthetic plastics or aluminium profiled sections. In the space 4 between the casement and the frame is a fitting 3 or3a according to the invention. The fitting 3a is mounted directly on the web portion5 of the profile and fixed thereto while the fitting 3 has spacing elements 6 engaging in a groove 7 disposed substantially in the middle of the profiled web portion 8. Otherwise, the fitting 3 is mounted in a similarwayto the fitting 3a on the outside ofthe profiled web portion 8.

Essential component parts of the fitting are a drive rod 9with the locking members 1 Owhich cooperate with closure plates 11 or the like on the casement side oftheframe and mounting elements 12 and gear mechanism 1 for actuating the drive rod.

In preferred manner, the drive rod consists oftwo preferably identical parts 14 and 15. They are connected to each other by a connecting plate 16.

Journal-like coupling elements 17 and 18which are fixed to the mutually facing ends ofthe drive rod parts 14 and 15 and project in the opposite direction to the locking members pass th rough elongate holes 19,20 in the connecting plate 16. Acollar21 on each coupling element or a circlip inserted into a corresponding groove prevents movement ofthe connecting plate axially of the associated coupling element 17, 18.

Adjacent their ends, the drive rod parts 14 and 15 haveelongateholes22, 23 and 24,25 respectively.

Each of those holes is traversed by one of the mounting elements 12, i.e. wherrthe mounting elements w are rigidly mounteclon the casement, each drive rod part is displaceably mounted on two stationary mounting elements.

Each mounting element has two oppositely directed open edged guide grooves 26 and 27 engaged by webs 28,29 on opposite sides of the elongate hole 22, 23,24 or 25. Accordingly, maximum displacement of each drive rod part is limited to the total length of the elongate holes 22,23 or 24,25 less the extent of the mounting elements 12 in the plane ofthe elongate holes. The elongate holes 19 and 20 in the connecting plate 16 are also dimensioned accordingly.

Itis preferablyforeach mounting element 12to be constructed in two parts, the two parts being connected to each other in press stud fashion. One part 30 which can be applied against the window or the webS is plate-like and has two integrally moulded press studs 32 and 33 disposed on opposite sides of a central bore. The other part 34 of each mounting element 12 is applied against that side of the drive rod 9 which is its outer side in its position of use and has a T-shaped cross-section (Fig. 7) and two press stud sockets 35 and 36 (Fig. 5). They are constructed in known manner, the integrally moulded press studs having, as usuai, a thickened head and preferably a cruciformly slotted shank. The thickened head engages behind a shoulder in the stepped bore of each socket 35,36.

The part 34 of each mounting element 12 also has a central bore 37 which is preferably chamfered at its outer end to accommodate the head of a screw or other fixing element.

Each spacing element 6 is detachably secured to the part 30 of each mounting element 12, preferably by means of a further press stud fastening. Thus, one and the same fitting can be optionally used on a profile with or a profile without a groove 7 (Fig. 4). In the case of a "smooth" profile, as shown in Fig. 3, the spacing elements 6 are unclipped or removed prior to assembly. The press stud fastening between a spacing element 6 and the part 30 of a mounting element 12 is constructed in a similar mannerto that between the parts 30 and 34 of a mounting element 12. Furthermore, each spacing element 6 also has a through bore 38 to receive one of the fixing elements.

The coupling elements 17 and 18 on the mutually facing ends ofthe two drive rod parts are, as already explained, designed to couple the drive rod to the gear mechanism 13. The latter is provided with coupling elements 39 and 40 of bifurcate form which are pushed onto the coupling elements 17 and 18 in the direction ofthe arrow 41. Figs. 1 and 2 showthat when the handle 42 is pivoted in the direction of the arrow 43 the coupling elements 39 and 40 move towards each other causing displacement of the drive rod parts 14 and 15 in the direction ofthe arrows 44,45. Conversion of the rotary movement of the gear operating handle 42 which, as can be seen from the drawing, is of cranked form, is effected in known manner, for example, through a pinion mounted on the spindle of the rotating handle 42 and meshing with two racks rigidly connected to the coupling elements 39,40 and engaging the pinion at points 1800 apart.

It will be understood from the foregoing that it is expedient during assembly for the coupling elements 39 and 40 to be located at predetermined points, for example, attheir minimum distance apart, the cou pling elements 17,18 also being maintained at their minimum spacing. Asa result, coupling ofthedrive rod to the gear mechanism 13 is facilitated. In orderto maintain this predetermined location ofthe coupling elements 17and 18during assemblyandthusthe location ofthe locking elements 10in relation to the closure plates 11,the mounting elements 12, prior to assembly, are held by a shearable element 46 in their extreme positions of displacement shown in Fig. 2.

This element46 is of stud-like form and is preferably integrally mouldedwith a mounting element 12 of the part34thereof. It engages laterally in a notch 47 provided adjacent one end ofthe elongate hole 22 in the drive rod 9. Priorto shearing off, therefore, the drive rod and its mounting elements 12 are held against movement. To instal the fitting, it is expedient to ensure that the centre ofthe fitting indicated for example, by a mark on the connecting plate 16, is opposite the centre of the casement or casement member. Thefixing screws or like elements arethen introduced and after coupling to the gear mechanism 13, initial acutation will cause all the elements 46 to shear off. As already stated, the coupling elements 17, 18 and the coupling elements 39,40 will occupy the positions shown in Fig. 2 during assembly. This is the unlocked position ofthe fitting. In this position, the two halves ofthe drive rod engage each other so that extension ofthe entire drive rod from this position is guaranteed.

Claims (15)

1. Afitting for a window, door orthe like, comprising a drive rod displaceable by means of a gear mechanism and carrying at least one locking member cooperating with a rigid closure plate orthe like, said drive rod having at least two elongate holes spaced apart in the direction of its displacement, characterised buy a mounting element secured in each of at least two of said elongate holes and comprising two parallel guide groovesforthe edges ofthe elongate holes and a through bore for a fixing element to which a spacing element projecting from the side of the drive rod oppositethat provided with the locking members, is secu red, the length of each elongate hole corresponding approximatelytothe length ofthe mounting element plus the length oftravel ofthe drive rod.

2. Afitting as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the spacing elementis removablysecuredto the mounting element.

3. Afitting as claimed in claim 1 or2, characterised inthatthespacing elementandthe mounting element are held together by a press stud-like connection, the press stud being disposed on the spacing element.

4. Afitting according to any preceding claim, characterised in thatthe mounting element is constructed in two parts.

5. Afitting according to claim 4, characterised in thatthetwopartsofthemounting element are connected to each other by means of two press stud fasteners.

6. Afitting according to claim 5, characterised in that one part of the mounting element is to be applied to the window or the like and is of plate-like construction having two press studs disposed one on each side of a central bore and the other part of the mounting element is to be applied to the outer face of the drive rod and has a T-shaped cross-section and two press stud sockets.

7. Afitting according to claim 6, characterised in that the drive rod is of two-part construction, the two parts being coupled by a connecting plate and each part having at least two mounting elements secured thereon.

8. Afitting according to claim 7, characterised in that the adjacent ends ofthetwo drive rod parts carries a coupling elementfor cooperation with one of two complementary coupling elements on the gear mechanism and each coupling element on a drive rod part traverses an elongate hole in the connecting plate, the unoccupied length of which hole corresponds substantiallyto the travel ofthe gear mechanism.

9. Afitting according to claim 8, characterised in that each coupling element on a drive rod part is constructed as ajournal while each coupling element on the gear mechanism is forked and can be fitted in a direction transverseto the journal axis.

10. Afitting according to claim 9, characterised in thatthe two forked coupling members are displaceable in opposite directions and in that the gear mechanism has a rotatable handle.

11. Afitting according to claim 10, characterised in thatthe rotatable handle is a cranked single-armed lever.

12. Afitting according to any one of claims 6to 11, characterised in that each mounting element is non-displaceably but detachably secured in the associated elongate hole in the drive rod at the location which it assumes when the fitting is open.

13. A fitting according to claim 12, characterised in that each mounting element is non-displaceably but detachably retained in position by a shear element on or integrally moulded with the mounting element, each elongate hole having a notch orthe likefor engagement by the shear element.

14. Afitting according to claim 13, characterised in thattheshearelement is integrally moulded on said other part ofthe mounting element.

15. Afitting for a window, door or the like, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing.