Device for assisting the closing and opening of a lift-slide element and lift-slide element equipped with the device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for assisting the closing and opening of a sliding element. The device comprises a base body for mounting on a sash frame of a sliding element, an axially extending first pretensioning element having a first end hinged on the base body and a second end, an axially extending second pretensioning element having a first end hinged on the base body and a second end, a switching mechanism having a first defined end switching position and a second defined end switching position, the first end of the first pretensioning element being coupled to the first end of the second pretensioning element by means of the mechanism. Here, the switching mechanism has an unstable equilibrium position between its two end switching positions, wherein the two pretensioning elements are aligned with each other only in the unstable equilibrium position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for assisting in the closing and opening of a lifting sliding element. According to the invention, the device specifically assists in closing the lifting sliding element, allowing the lifting sliding element or its fan (Schiebeflügel) to move as gently as possible to its closed position. Similarly, the device assists in opening the lifting sliding element, allowing it to move from the closed position to its open position with the least possible force. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional lifting sliding elements, such as lifting sliding doors, can weigh up to 400 kg or more. This can result in a correspondingly large force being required to move the sliding door's sash, for example, when opening the door from its closed position. Once the sash begins to move, its weight generates considerable kinetic energy, which can cause it to collide with the blendrahmen when the door is closed, potentially damaging the door, especially at high impact velocities. The same problem arises when the door is fully open, as the sash also impacts the blendrahmen upon reaching the open position. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a device that can open the lifting sliding element with only a small force and can also gently close the lifting sliding element.

[0004] The objective is achieved by a device according to one aspect of the invention, the device being used to assist in the closing and opening of a lifting sliding element, such as a lifting sliding door or a lifting sliding window.

[0005] The device for assisting in the closing and opening of a lifting sliding element according to the present invention comprises: a base designed for attachment to a fan frame of the lifting sliding element. Two axially extending pretensioning elements are hinged to the base, such that they do not need to be separately mounted on the fan frame of the lifting sliding element. Specifically, the device has an axially extending first pretensioning element, such as a first gas spring, having a first end and a second end hinged to the base. The device also includes an axially extending second pretensioning element, such as a second gas spring, having a first end and a second end hinged to the base. Because the two pretensioning elements are hinged to and supported by the base, the device can be operated and mounted integrally on the lifting sliding element or its fan frame, such that the two pretensioning elements do not need to be operated and mounted separately on the lifting sliding element.

[0006] Furthermore, the device has a switching mechanism that can switch between a first end switching position and a second end switching position. If the switching mechanism moves, for example, from its first end switching position to its second end switching position, the switching mechanism cannot move beyond the second end switching position. This also applies to the switching process of the switching mechanism moving from its second end switching position to its first end switching position, wherein the switching mechanism cannot move beyond its first end switching position.

[0007] The switching mechanism serves as a connecting joint between the two pretensioning elements, because the first end of the first pretensioning element is connected to the first end of the second pretensioning element via the switching mechanism when the first and / or second pretensioning element is pretensioned. Regardless of the position or deflection of the two pretensioning elements, they always interact with each other, because one pretensioning element applies a pretensioning force to the other pretensioning element via the switching mechanism, and vice versa.

[0008] The switching mechanism is designed so that it has only one unstable equilibrium position between its two switching positions. The two pretensioning elements are therefore aligned with each other only in this unstable equilibrium position, and thus axially aligned. On the other hand, away from or outside the unstable equilibrium position of the switching mechanism, the two pretensioning elements are not axially aligned with each other, resulting in only the components of the pretensioning elements acting in the axial extension direction of the other pretensioning element interacting. For example, if the second pretensioning element deflects relative to the first pretensioning element, only the component aligned with the first pretensioning element is transmitted from the second pretensioning element to the first pretensioning element.

[0009] If, in a position of the device, for example, the second pretensioning element is deflected relative to the first pretensioning element, and the first pretensioning element is compressed more than the second pretensioning element, then the pretensioning force applied by the first pretensioning element in that position is always greater than the component of the force exerted by the second pretensioning element in the direction of the first pretensioning element. This can be used to achieve the effect that, when the device is mounted on the lifting sliding element, and the first end of the first pretensioning element is supported on a fixed or stationary support, the first pretensioning element in the switching position at the first end of the switching mechanism pushes the lifting sliding element in the direction of the closed position against the pretensioning force of the second pretensioning element.

[0010] Conversely, when the first end of the second pretensioning element is supported on a fixed or stationary support, the second pretensioning element, which is switched at the second end of the switching mechanism, can overcome the pretensioning force of the first pretensioning element and push the lifting sliding element in the direction of the open position of the lifting sliding element.

[0011] Similarly, the device can also be used to ensure that the lifting sliding element smoothly occupies its open position without impacting the frame. In this case, when the first end of the second pretensioning element is supported on a fixed or stationary support, the second pretensioning element, in the second end switching position of the switching mechanism, overcomes the pretension force of the first pretensioning element and pushes the lifting sliding element in the open position direction. Conversely, when the first end of the first pretensioning element is supported on a fixed or stationary support, the first pretensioning element, in the first end switching position of the switching mechanism, can overcome the pretension force of the second pretensioning element and push the lifting sliding element in the closed position direction.

[0012] As described above, the main function of the switching mechanism is to deflect one pretensioning element relative to another. For example, if the second pretensioning element deflects relative to the first pretensioning element during the closing process of the lifting sliding element, the first pretensioning element pushes the sliding fan of the lifting sliding element into its closed position, preferably until the pretensioning force applied by the first pretensioning element is balanced with the component force of the second pretensioning element, wherein this component force is aligned with the first pretensioning element. In this way, the lifting sliding element can be gently closed by the first pretensioning element without the risk of the sliding fan of the lifting sliding element colliding with the frame.

[0013] If the switching mechanism cannot be switched, the device according to the invention will not assist in the subsequent opening of the sliding element, because in this case, the sliding fan will always be pushed towards its closed position by the first pre-tensioning element.

[0014] Therefore, if the switching mechanism moves from the closed position of the lifting sliding element to its second end switching position according to the invention, the first pretensioning element deflects relative to the second pretensioning element. As a result, the component of the force exerted by the first pretensioning element in the direction of the second pretensioning element is less than the pretension force of the second pretensioning element. Therefore, the second pretensioning element is now able to overcome the pretensioning effect of the first pretensioning element to open the sliding fan of the lifting sliding element or push the sliding fan towards its open position.

[0015] Therefore, since the switching mechanism is integrated into the device according to the invention, the lifting sliding element can be gently closed and effortlessly opened by using the device according to the invention.

[0016] Therefore, depending on the direction of movement of the lifting sliding element, the stationary support on which the first or second pretensioning element rests does not collide with the first pretensioning element when the lifting sliding element opens. The support can be configured, according to an embodiment, to be axially flexible and perpendicular to the axial extensions of the two pretensioning elements. Therefore, if the support comes into contact with the first pretensioning element during the opening of the lifting sliding element, it can be pushed back, for example, by the first pretensioning element.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the switching mechanism may, for example, have an angled L-shaped switching element, also referred to herein as an angle element, which can pivot between two end switching positions. In this embodiment, the switching element or angle element has a first leg and a second leg, which are preferably aligned substantially perpendicularly to each other. A first end of a first pretensioning element is hinged to the free end of the first leg, and a first end of a second pretensioning element is hinged to the free end of the second leg. Therefore, if the switching mechanism, and in particular its switching element, is in, for example, the first end switching position, the first pretensioning element can be indirectly supported on the support via the first leg of the switching element. On the other hand, if the switching mechanism, and in particular the switching element, is in the second end switching position, the second pretensioning element can be indirectly supported on the support via the second leg of the switching element.

[0018] To ensure that a given pretensioning element has a defined deflection relative to another pretensioning element, according to another embodiment, a first leg may form a first stop, with the first pretensioning element contacting the first stop at a first end switching position. Similarly, a second leg may form a second stop, with the second pretensioning element contacting the second stop at a second end switching position. Therefore, the stops ensure that the switching element cannot pivot beyond its corresponding end switching position, resulting in a defined deflection of the corresponding pretensioning element relative to the corresponding other pretensioning element.

[0019] Since the two pretensioning elements are hinged to the base at their respective second ends and are in a state of mutual pretension, according to another embodiment, the switching mechanism can be movably mounted on the base and fixed to the base against lifting forces. This prevents the two pretensioning elements from simultaneously deflecting or buckling relative to each other. For this purpose, a rotary joint that can be displaced along the base can be provided, with the intersection of the two legs of the switching element located on the rotation axis of the rotary joint.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the two pretensioning elements can be designed with identical construction and, in particular, have the same spring stiffness. The use of structurally identical components for the two pretensioning elements is specifically attributed to the function of the switching mechanism, as this ensures that, depending on the switching position of the mechanism, the spring force of one pretensioning element can overcome the component of the force exerted by the other pretensioning element in the same direction as the pretensioning element.

[0021] As described above, the switching mechanism is in its first switching position during the opening of the lifting sliding element, and the switching mechanism must move to its second switching position to open the lifting sliding element. This switching of the switching mechanism to its second switching position can be achieved by applying opening pulses (Öffnungsimpuls) to the fan of the lifting sliding element, thereby switching the switching mechanism to its second switching position, since the switching mechanism is supported on the support in the closed position of the lifting sliding element.

[0022] However, additionally or alternatively, the device according to the invention may further include an actuation mechanism that interacts with the switching mechanism in the closed position of the lifting sliding element, such that when the lifting sliding element is lowered, the switching mechanism pivots from its first end switching position to its second position. For example, the switching element may be forcibly coupled to a gear of the lifting sliding element, through which the switching element can be raised and lowered, such that when the lifting sliding element or its fan is lowered, the switching element automatically switches to its second end switching position. If the fan of the lifting sliding element is raised again to its closed position after being lowered, the switching element is already in its second end position, resulting in the first pretensioning element deflecting relative to the second pretensioning element, and thus the second pretensioning element can push the fan into its open position. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 A view showing a sliding door without a fixed panel according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 Shown at magnification Figure 1 The detail "A";

[0026] Figure 3 A view of the device according to the invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 4 Three views are shown illustrating the device according to the invention in different states during the closing of the lifting sliding element;

[0028] Figure 5 Three views illustrating the device according to the invention in different states during the opening of the lifting sliding element; and

[0029] Figure 6 Two views are shown illustrating two additional states of the device according to the invention during further opening of the lifting sliding element. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following will first refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The basic structure of the device 50 according to the invention and its positioning on the lifting sliding door 10 will be explained, and then referred to Figures 4 to 6 The operating modes of the device 10 according to the present invention are described.

[0031] Figure 1 A lifting sliding element is shown, more precisely, a lifting sliding door 10 with a surrounding frame 12, which houses a sliding fan 14 that is guided within the frame 12 to move along the upper support leg 18 and lower support leg 20 of the frame 12. The sliding fan 14 further includes a fan frame 16 that houses the glass of the sliding fan 14.

[0032] from Figure 2 Specifically, it can be seen that an elongated, upward-opening groove 24 exists in the upper support leg 22 of the fan frame 16, which is used to accommodate the base 52 of the device 50 according to the invention, including the pretensioning elements 54, 56 and the switching mechanism 58. However, a downward-opening groove 26 is formed in the upper support leg 18 of the frame 12, in which the support 60 of the device 50 according to the invention is arranged and mounted. However, as an alternative to the configuration shown here, the base 52 of the device 50 according to the invention, including the pretensioning elements 54, 56 and the switching mechanism 58, can also be arranged in the downward-opening groove 26 of the frame, and the support 60 can be arranged in the upward-opening groove 24 of the fan frame 16 without impairing the function of the device.

[0033] The following will refer to Figure 3 The structure of the device 50 according to the invention will be explained in more detail below. From Figure 3As can be seen from the illustrations, as described above, the device 50 according to the invention has a base 52, which to some extent serves as a housing or support for the device 50, since the base 52 accommodates other components of the device 50. Specifically, the device 50 includes an axially extending first pretensioning element 54, here a first pneumatic spring 54, and an axially extending second pretensioning element 56, here a second pneumatic spring 56. The two pneumatic springs 54, 56 have a conventional structure, each having a plunger guided in a cylinder. The first pneumatic spring 54 has a first end 62 and a second end 64, wherein the second end 64 is hinged to the base 52. Similarly, the second pneumatic spring 56 has a first end 66 and a second end 68, the second end 68 being hinged to the base 52, see details below. Figure 4 Conversely, the first end 62 of the first gas spring 54 is connected to the first end 66 of the second gas spring 56 via a switching mechanism 58, which is described in more detail below.

[0034] In device 50, such as Figure 3 In the state shown, the first pneumatic spring 54 is almost fully tensioned or compressed, while the second pneumatic spring 56 is almost fully extended, which means that the two pneumatic springs 54 and 56 are connected to each other under pretension via the switching mechanism 58.

[0035] The switching mechanism 58 is essentially an angled L-shaped element 70, having a first leg 72 and a second leg 74 extending substantially perpendicularly thereto. The first end 62 of the first pneumatic spring 54 is hinged to the free end of the first leg 72, while the first end 66 of the second pneumatic spring 56 is hinged to the free end of the second leg 74.

[0036] As indicated by the static notation of a floating bearing, the angle element 70 is movably mounted on the base 52 via a rotary joint 26 that is displaceable along the base 52, and is thereby fixed thereto to counteract the lifting force. The axis of rotation of the rotary joint 76 coincides with the intersection of the two legs 72, 74 of the angle element 70, such that the angle element 70 can rotate around the axis of rotation of the rotary joint 76 according to... Figure 4 The third view of the first end switches positions and according to Figure 3 Switch between the second end of the third view and the switching position.

[0037] The following will refer to Figures 3 to 6 The operating modes of the device 50 according to the invention are discussed, and further features of the device 50 are also discussed herein.

[0038] If the sliding door 10 is raised and the sliding fan 14 is closed by the device 50 installed on the sliding fan 14, such as Figure 4 As shown by the arrow pointing to the right in the first view, the corner element 70 of the switching mechanism 58, and in particular the second leg 74 of the corner element 70, are connected to the... Figure 4 The first view shows the contact between the support 60 attached to the frame 70. If the closing movement continues now, it will cause the angle element 70 to rotate around the rotary joint 76 from the position according to... Figure 4 The second end of the first view in the middle is switched to a counterclockwise position and deflected according to... Figure 4 Switch the position of the first end of the third view in the middle.

[0039] According to Figure 4 In the third view, at the first end switching position, the first gas spring 54 is now supported on the support 60. Because the first gas spring 54 is almost fully compressed, it pushes the sliding fan 14 further to the right to its closed position until it reaches... Figure 5 In the position shown in the first view, the first pneumatic spring 54 is almost fully extended and the second pneumatic spring 56 is almost fully compressed.

[0040] Because the second gas spring 56 deflects relative to the longitudinal axis of the first gas spring 54 to the corner element 70, Figure 4 The first end of the third view is switched, so the pretension force of the first gas spring 54 is only offset by the horizontal component of the pretension force of the second gas spring 56. Therefore, although the pretension force decreases when the first gas spring 54 is extended, the second gas spring 56 can be almost completely compressed, as... Figure 5 As shown in the first view. Figure 5 In the first view, the pretension of the first gas spring 54 is balanced with the horizontal component of the second gas spring 56, which has the effect of allowing the sliding fan 14 to close gently without colliding with the door 12.

[0041] If you want to turn on the sliding fan 14 again now, you can manually apply an opening pulse to the sliding fan 14, such as... Figure 5 As shown by the arrow pointing to the left in the first view. The result is that the corner element 70 pivots clockwise around the rotary joint 76 until the second leg 74 of the corner element 70 contacts the support 60, as per [reference to...]. Figure 5 Third view. Since the first gas spring 54 is deflected relative to the second gas spring 56 at this position, the pretension force of the compressed second gas spring 56 only overcomes the component of the pretension force of the first gas spring 54 aligned with the second gas spring 56. Therefore, the second gas spring 56 can therefore be adjusted according to... Figure 5 The third view to Figure 6 The first view extends and is supported on the support 60, causing the sliding fan 14 to open automatically after an opening pulse is applied.

[0042] As described above, the device 50 according to the invention can be used to prevent the sliding fan 14 from colliding with the frame 70 when closed. The same device 50 can also be used to prevent the sliding fan 14 from colliding with the frame 70 on the other side when open, for which only a second support needs to be provided near the open position, and two gas springs 54, 56 can be alternately supported on the second support in a corresponding manner.

[0043] As can be seen from the above views, the corner element 70 therefore has an unstable equilibrium position between its two end positions, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the intermediate view. Away from this unstable equilibrium position, either the first gas spring 54 deflects relative to the second gas spring 56, or the second gas spring 56 deflects relative to the first gas spring 54. As a result, the corresponding undeflected gas springs 54 and 56 push the slide fan 14 towards its open or closed position. For this purpose, the corresponding undeflected gas springs 54 and 56 are supported on the support 60, thereby overcoming the component force of the deflected gas springs 56 and 54 aligned with the undeflected gas springs 54 and 56. Therefore, the first gas spring 54, at the first end of the corner element 70, overcomes the pretension force of the second gas spring 56 to push the slide fan 14 in the direction of the closed position, while the second gas spring 56, at the second end of the corner element 70, overcomes the pretension force of the first gas spring 54 to push and lift the slide fan 14 of the sliding element 10 in the direction of the open position.

[0044] To prevent the corner element 70 from pivoting beyond its first or second end switching position, a first stop (not shown in more detail here) can be formed on the first leg 72 of the corner element 70, with a first pneumatic spring contacting the first stop in the first end switching position. Correspondingly, a second stop (not shown in more detail here) can be formed on the second leg 74 of the corner element 70, with a second pneumatic spring 56 contacting the second stop in the second end switching position.

[0045] Although the corner element 70 of the switching mechanism 58 can be transferred to its second end switching position in the manner described above by a manually applied opening pulse, the device 50 may also have an actuation mechanism, in which the switching mechanism 58, in particular its corner element 70, interacts with the actuation mechanism at least in the closed position of the lifting sliding element, such that when the sliding fan 14 of the lifting sliding element 10 descends, the corner element 70 is transferred from its first end switching position to its second end switching position. For example, the corner element 70 may be forcibly connected to a gear of the lifting sliding element 10, by which the sliding fan 14 can be raised and lowered, such that when the sliding fan 14 descends, the corner element 70 is transferred to its second end switching position.

[0046] List of reference numerals

[0047] 10 Lifting Sliding Door

[0048] 12

[0049] 14 sliding fans

[0050] 16-sector frame

[0051] The upper support leg of 1812

[0052] 2012 lower support leg

[0053] 2216's upper support leg

[0054] The groove in 2422

[0055] The groove in 2618

[0056] 50 devices

[0057] 52 matrix

[0058] 54 First pretensioning element, first gas spring

[0059] 56 Second pretensioning element, second gas spring

[0060] 58 Switching Mechanism

[0061] 60 supports

[0062] The first end of 6254

[0063] The second end of 6454

[0064] The first end of 6656

[0065] The second end of 6856

[0066] 70-angle component / switching component

[0067] 7270's first leg

[0068] 7470's second leg

[0069] 76 rotary joint.

Claims

1. A device (50) for assisting the closing and opening of a lifting sliding element (10), the device comprising: - a base body (52) designed to be attached to a sash (16) of a lifting sliding element (10); - an axially extending first pretensioning element (54) having a first end (62) hinged to the base body (52) and a second end (64); - an axially extending second pretensioning element (56) having a first end (66) hinged to the base body (52) and a second end (68); and - a switching mechanism (58) having a first defined end switching position and a second defined end switching position, the first end (62) of the first pretensioning element (54) being coupled to the first end (66) of the second pretensioning element (56) by the switching mechanism (58) in the case of pretensioning of the first and / or second pretensioning element (56); wherein the switching mechanism (58) has an unstable equilibrium position between its two end switching positions, wherein the first pretensioning element (54) and the second pretensioning element (56) are aligned with each other only in the unstable equilibrium position, wherein the switching mechanism (58) has an angularly L-shaped switching element (70) having a first leg (72) and a second leg (74), which are aligned substantially perpendicularly to each other, wherein the first end (62) of the first pretensioning element (54) is hinged to the free end of the first leg (72) and the first end (66) of the second pretensioning element (56) is hinged to the free end of the second leg (74), wherein the switching mechanism (58) is displaceably mounted on the base body (52) and is fixed on the base body against lifting forces.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the state in which the device is mounted on a lifting sliding element (10), the first pretensioning element (54) in the first end switching position of the switching mechanism (58) pushes the lifting sliding element (10) in the direction of the closed position of the lifting sliding element against the pretensioning force of the second pretensioning element (56) and the second pretensioning element (56) in the second end switching position of the switching mechanism (58) pushes the lifting sliding element (10) in the direction of the open position of the lifting sliding element against the pretensioning force of the first pretensioning element (54).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The device (50) further includes a support (60) designed for attachment to a fixed component, wherein a first end (62) of the first pretensioning element (54) is supported on the support (60) to push the lifting sliding element (10) in the closed position direction against the pretensioning force of the second pretensioning element (56), and a first end (66) of the second pretensioning element (56) is supported on the support (60) to push the lifting sliding element (10) in the open position direction against the pretensioning force of the first pretensioning element (54).

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, Its features are, The support (60) is designed such that the axial extension of the support (60) perpendicular to the first pretensioning element (54) and the second pretensioning element (56) is elastic and flexible.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, Its features are, The first leg (72) forms a first stop, the first pretensioning element (54) contacts the first stop at the first end switching position, and the second leg (74) forms a second stop, the second pretensioning element (56) contacts the second stop at the second end switching position.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, Its features are, The switching mechanism (58) is displaceable on the base (52) and fixed to the base against lifting force via a rotary joint (76) that is displaceable relative to the base (52). The intersection of the two legs of the switching element is located on the rotation axis of the rotary joint.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, Its features are, The first pretensioning element (54) and the second pretensioning element (56) are structurally identical and have the same spring stiffness.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, Its features are, The first pretensioning element (54) and the second pretensioning element (56) are pretensioned regardless of their position / deflection.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, Its features are, In the closed position of the lifting sliding element (10), the pretension force of the first pretension element (54) and the pretension force of the second pretension element (56) are balanced in the direction of the first pretension element (54).

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, Its features are, The device (50) includes an actuation mechanism, and the switching mechanism (58) interacts with the actuation mechanism in the closed position of the lifting sliding element (10) such that when the lifting sliding element (10) is lowered, the switching mechanism (58) pivots from its first end switching position to its second end switching position.

11. A lifting sliding element (10) having a device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, the base (52) of the device being attached to a sector (16) or frame (12) of the lifting sliding element (10).

12. The lifting sliding element according to claim 11, Its features are, The fan frame (16) includes an upper fan support leg (22), in which an upwardly opening groove (24) is formed, and in which the base (52) or support (60) of the device (50), including the first pre-tensioning element (54), the second pre-tensioning element (56), and the switching mechanism (58), is arranged.

13. The lifting sliding element according to claim 12, Its features are, The support (60) or the base (52) of the device (50) including the first pretensioning element (54) and the second pretensioning element (56) and the switching mechanism (58) is arranged in a downwardly opening groove (26), which is formed in the upper leg (18) of the frame (12) of the lifting sliding element (10).

Images