Handle assembly and system

Abstract

A handle assembly (12a, 12b), the handle assembly (12a, 12b) comprising: a base structure (26a, 26b) for fixing to an access member (18a, 18b); an actuating element (38a, 38b); a spring (40a, 40b); and a handle (28a, 28b); wherein the actuation element is rotatable together with the spring and the handle relative to the base structure about an axis of rotation (30) between a first actuation position (54a) and a second actuation position (54b); wherein, when the operating element is in the first operating position and the second operating position, the handle can rotate around the rotation axis relative to the operating element against deformation of the spring; and wherein the base structure comprises a first stop (48a) arranged to be engaged by the actuation element to define a first actuation position and a second stop (48b) arranged to be engaged by the actuation element to define a second actuation position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to handles for door leaves or the like. In particular, a handle assembly and a system including two handle assemblies are provided. Background Art

[0002] There are four different types of operation of door leaves, namely right-hand (RH), left-hand (LH), right-hand reverse (RHR) and left-hand reverse (LHR). Some prior art locking systems rely on dedicated components depending on the operation of the door leaf. In other words, the hardware of the locking system used for the first type of operation is different from the hardware of the locking system used for the second type of operation. This makes it necessary to produce a relatively large number of components and to provide stocks for these components. In addition, the customer may not always know the operation of the door leaf when ordering a locking system.

[0003] In order to avoid creating a dedicated handle assembly for each type of manipulation, the handle can be positioned in a desired position during installation, thereby providing a specific manipulation. However, the process of manipulating the handle assembly during installation can be complicated and there is a risk of introducing errors into the installation. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved handle assembly.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved system comprising two handle assemblies.

[0006] These objects are achieved by a handle assembly according to the appended claim 1 and a system according to the appended claim 14 .

[0007] The invention is based on the recognition that by providing a handle assembly having different stops for an actuating element which can be rotated relative to a base structure for setting the actuation of the handle assembly, the installer can easily set the actuation during installation, the risk of error being low and any subsequent screw introduction being simplified.

[0008] According to a first aspect, a handle assembly is provided, which includes: a base structure, which is used to be fixed to an entry member; an operating element; a spring; and a handle; wherein the operating element can rotate together with the spring and the handle relative to the base structure around a rotation axis between a first operating position and a second operating position; wherein, when the operating element is in the first operating position and the second operating position, the handle can rotate relative to the operating element around the rotation axis against deformation of the spring; and wherein the base structure includes a first stopper and a second stopper, the first stopper being arranged to be engaged by the operating element to define the first operating position, and the second stopper being arranged to be engaged by the operating element to define the second operating position.

[0009] When the operating element adopts the first operating position and the second operating position, the handle assembly adopts the first operating part and the second operating part respectively. For each of the first operating part and the second operating part, the spring can be used as a return spring for returning the handle to the intermediate position after manual actuation.

[0010] The first stop and the second stop enable the operating element to be accurately positioned relative to the rest of the handle assembly at each manipulation. For example, where the operating element includes one or more operating holes, by positioning the operating element in either of the first and second operating positions, the operating holes can be easily aligned with one or more additional holes for receiving a screw therein. In addition, the engagement between the operating element and either of the first and second stops enables the tolerance requirements for the screw and the associated hole to be relaxed.

[0011] When the manipulation element has been positioned in either the first manipulation position or the second manipulation position to select the first manipulation portion or the second manipulation portion, the manipulation element may be fixed to the base structure, for example, by one or more screws. When the manipulation element is fixed to the base structure, the handle assembly may provide a bidirectional handle return. The manipulation element may be concentric with the axis of rotation.

[0012] The handle assembly may be asymmetric relative to a plane including the axis of rotation and aligned with the handle when the steering element is in either of the first and second steering positions.For the inside and outside handle assemblies according to the first aspect, the steering element and the spring may be identical.

[0013] The base structure may include a housing. The manipulation element and the spring may be positioned inside the base structure.

[0014] The manipulation element may have a generally cylindrical shape or a cylindrical shape. The manipulation element may have a circular outer surface. The outer surface and / or the manipulation element may be concentric with the axis of rotation.

[0015] The spring may be a torsion spring. The spring may comprise an elongated spring element forming two legs and a coiled portion between the two legs. The coiled portion may be concentric with the axis of rotation. The manipulation element may be arranged to engage the two legs.

[0016] The handle may be elongated.When the handle assembly is mounted in the door leaf, the handle may have a main extension in a horizontal plane in a mid-position for each of the first operating part and the second operating part.

[0017] The operating element may comprise an engagement structure arranged to engage the first stop in the first operating position and to engage the second stop in the second operating position.The engagement structure may be a protruding structure protruding from the rest of the engagement structure, eg parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0018] The base structure may include an aperture. In this case, the manipulation element may be seated in the aperture.

[0019] The base structure and the manipulation element may form a sliding contact bearing for supporting the manipulation element during rotation relative to the base structure.The sliding contact bearing may comprise a circular outer surface of the manipulation element and a circular inner surface of the base structure.

[0020] The operating element can be rotated between the first operating position and the second operating position by at least 150 degrees, such as 180 degrees. For a relatively minimal deformation of the spring, the handle can be aligned with the operating element in each of the first operating position and the second operating position.

[0021] The handle assembly may include an input member fixed to the handle or formed integrally with the handle. In this case, the spring, such as a coiled portion thereof, may enclose the input member. Furthermore, the operating element may enclose the spring. The input member, the spring and the operating element may form an operating mechanism package that may be rotated by the handle during installation to set the operation of the handle assembly.

[0022] The input member may be positioned inside the base structure. The input member may engage two legs of the spring. The input member may be identical for the inside handle assembly and the outside handle assembly according to the first aspect. The input member may be concentric with the axis of rotation and rotatable about the axis of rotation.

[0023] The base structure may include an escutcheon.

[0024] The base structure may include a cover. When the handle assembly is installed in a door leaf, the cover may face the door leaf and may optionally contact the door leaf. The cover may be made of a metal sheet.

[0025] The cover may be secured to the escutcheon.

[0026] The cover may include a first stopper and a second stopper.For the inside handle assembly and the outside handle assembly according to the first aspect, the cover may or may not be the same.

[0027] The base structure may comprise a main base hole. In this case, the steering element may comprise a first steering hole arranged to align with the main base hole in the first steering position and a second steering hole arranged to align with the main base hole in the second steering position.

[0028] The base structure may include a secondary base hole. In this case, the second manipulation hole may be arranged to align with the secondary base hole in the first manipulation position, and the first manipulation hole may be arranged to align with the secondary base hole in the second manipulation position. The first manipulation hole and the second manipulation hole may be through holes or blind holes. The base hole may be a through hole or a blind hole.

[0029] The operating element may be arranged to engage the base structure in each of the first operating position and the second operating position by a snap fit. The snap fit enables the operating element to be locked in either of the first operating position and the second operating position, thereby preventing the operating element from rotating about the rotation axis. Thus, the operating element does not necessarily have to be fixed with a fastener, such as a bolt or a screw, engaging the base hole. The snap fit may be useful in an outside handle assembly for a relatively thick door leaf when the fastener passing through the inside handle assembly does not reach the outside handle assembly.

[0030] According to one example, the snap fit comprises a seat and a tab for engaging the seat. Each tab may be arranged in the manipulation element and each seat may be arranged in the base structure, or each tab may be arranged in the base structure and each seat may be arranged in the manipulation element.

[0031] The handle assembly can be configured so that the snap fit can be manually released using a tool such as a screwdriver. For this purpose, the base structure can, for example, include an opening for accessing the tab with a tool. When the snap fit has been released, the manipulation of the handle can be changed by rotating the manipulation element. For example, the snap fit can be released during installation of the handle assembly.

[0032] According to a second aspect, a system is provided, comprising the handle assembly according to the first aspect as an inside handle assembly and the handle assembly according to the first aspect as an outside handle assembly.

[0033] The system may be a handle system. The system may include a locking device, such as a lock housing. In this case, the system may be a locking system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Other details, advantages and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1a : schematically shows a side view of a system including an inner handle assembly having a first operating portion and an outer handle assembly;

[0036] Figure 1b : schematically shows an outer side view of an outer handle assembly;

[0037] Figure 1c: schematically shows an inside view of the inside handle assembly;

[0038] Figure 2a : schematically shows a side view of the system when the inner handle assembly and the outer handle assembly have a second operating portion;

[0039] Figure 2b : schematically shows Figure 2a an inside view of the inside handle assembly;

[0040] Figure 2c : schematically shows Figure 2a An outside view of the outside handle assembly in FIG.

[0041] Figure 3 : schematically shows an outer perspective view of an inner handle assembly having a first operating portion;

[0042] Figure 4 : schematically shows Figure 3 A partial outer perspective view of the inner handle assembly;

[0043] Figure 5 : A perspective view schematically showing a spring of an inner handle assembly;

[0044] Figure 6 : schematically shows an inside perspective view of a cover of an inside handle assembly;

[0045] Figure 7 : A schematic perspective view of the outer side of the escutcheon of the inner handle assembly;

[0046] Figure 8 : schematically shows an outer perspective view of an operating mechanism of an inner handle assembly including an operating element, a spring and an input member;

[0047] Fig. 9 : schematically shows an inner stereogram of the operating mechanism;

[0048] Fig.10 : schematically shows a partial outer side view of the inner handle assembly with a second operating portion;

[0049] Fig.11 : schematically shows a partial inner perspective view of an outer handle assembly having a first operating portion;

[0050] Fig.12 : schematically shows Fig.11 Another partial inside stereoscopic view of the outside handle assembly;

[0051] Fig.13 : schematically shows an outside perspective view of a cover of an outside handle assembly; and

[0052] Fig.14 : Schematically shows a partial inside stereoscopic view of an outside handle assembly having a second operating portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] In the following, a handle assembly and a system including two handle assemblies will be described. The same or similar reference numerals will be used to indicate the same or similar structural features.

[0054] Figure 1a A side view of the system 10 is schematically represented. The system 10 includes an inside handle assembly 12a and an outside handle assembly 12b. Each of the inside handle assembly 12a and the outside handle assembly 12b is an example of a handle assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0055] The system 10 also includes a locking device 14, illustrated here as a lock housing. The locking device 14 includes a latch 16 for engaging with a striker (not shown) in the frame.

[0056] exist Figure 1a , the system 10 is installed in a door leaf 18a. The door leaf 18a is an example of an entry member according to the present disclosure. The inside handle assembly 12a is positioned on the inside 20 of the door leaf 18a. The outside handle assembly 12b is positioned on the outside 22 of the door leaf 18a. The locking device 14 is received in a recess (not shown) in the door leaf 18a.

[0057] The system 10 of this example also includes a first screw 24a and a second screw 24b. The screws 24a and 24b secure the inside handle assembly 12a and the outside handle assembly 12b to the door leaf 18a and the locking device 14.

[0058] The inside handle assembly 12a of this example includes a base structure 26a fixed to the door leaf 18a and an elongated handle 28a that can rotate relative to the base structure 26a about a rotation axis 30. The base structure 26a of this example includes an escutcheon 32a. Figure 1a In the embodiment of the present invention, the inner handle assembly 12a has a first operating portion 34a.

[0059] The outside handle assembly 12b of this example includes a base structure 26b fixed to the door leaf 18a and an elongated handle 28b that can rotate relative to the base structure 26b about the rotation axis 30. The base structure 26b of this example includes an escutcheon 32b. As shown, the escutcheon 32b has a different design than the escutcheon 32a. Figure 1a In the embodiment of the present invention, the outside handle assembly 12b also has a first operating portion 34a.

[0060] Figure 1b Schematically shows an outside view of the outside handle assembly 12b. Figure 1bAs shown in FIG. 1 , the outside handle assembly 12 b is relative to a plane ( FIG. 2 ) that includes the rotation axis 30 and is aligned with the handle 28 b. Figure 1b The horizontal plane in the figure is asymmetric.

[0061] Figure 1c The inside view of the inside handle assembly 12a is schematically shown. Figure 1c As shown in FIG. 1 , the inner handle assembly 12 a is also relative to a plane ( 28 a ) that includes the rotation axis 30 and is aligned with the handle 28 a. Figure 1c The escutcheon 32a of this example includes a main escutcheon hole 36a and a secondary escutcheon hole 36b. As shown, in this example, the main escutcheon hole 36a is positioned above the rotation axis 30, and the secondary escutcheon hole 36b is positioned below the rotation axis 30. According to the present disclosure, the main escutcheon hole 36a and the secondary escutcheon hole 36b are examples of a main base hole and a secondary base hole, respectively. The main escutcheon hole 36a and the secondary escutcheon hole 36b of this example are through holes for receiving the first screw 24a and the second screw 24b therethrough, respectively.

[0062] Figure 2a A side view of the system 10 is schematically shown. Figure 2a In FIG. 1 , the system 10 is mounted to a door leaf 18b that is different from the door leaf 18a. The door leaf 18b is another example of an access member according to the present disclosure. Figure 2a In the embodiment of the present invention, each of the inside handle assembly 12a and the outside handle assembly 12b has a second operating portion 34b.

[0063] Figure 2b Schematically shows Figure 2a an inside view of the inside handle assembly 12a in FIG. 1 , and Figure 2c Schematically shows Figure 2a An outside view of the outside handle assembly 12b in FIG.

[0064] Figure 3 Schematically shows an external perspective view of the inside handle assembly 12a having a first operating portion 34a. The inside handle assembly 12a also includes an operating element 38a and a spring 40a. As shown, in this example, the operating element 38a and the spring 40a are positioned inside the base structure 26a.

[0065] In addition to the escutcheon 32a, the base structure 26a of this example also includes a plate 42a. The plate 42a is an example of a cover according to the present disclosure. When the inside handle assembly 12a is mounted to the door leaf 18a, the plate 42a faces and contacts the door leaf 18a. The plate 42a is fixed to the escutcheon 32a by four plate screws 44. The plate 42a of this example has a main extension transverse to the rotation axis 30.

[0066] The plate 42a includes a main cover hole 46a and a sub-cover hole 46b. According to the present disclosure, the main cover hole 46a and the sub-cover hole 46b are other examples of the main base hole and the sub-base hole, respectively. The main cover hole 46a and the sub-cover hole 46b of this example are through holes for receiving the first screw 24a and the second screw 24b therethrough, respectively.

[0067] The base structure 26a further comprises a first stop 48a and a second stop 48b. In this example, the first stop 48a and the second stop 48b are arranged in the plate 42a.

[0068] The example inside handle assembly 12a also includes an input member 50. The input member 50 is illustrated here as a shaft fixed to the handle 28a and concentric with the rotation axis 30. The input member 50 includes an opening 52. The opening 52 can be used to engage a shaft (not shown) of the locking device 14.

[0069] Figure 4 Schematically shows Figure 3 A partial outside stereoscopic view of the inner handle assembly 12a in FIG. Figure 3 The view in Figure 4 The difference is that the plate 42a has been removed to more clearly show the operating element 38a, the spring 40a and here also the input member 50. Figure 4 , the operating element 38a is in the first operating position 54a. In the first operating position 54a, the operating element 38a contacts the first stop 48a. When the operating element 38a adopts the first operating position 54a, the inner handle assembly 12a adopts the first operating portion 34a.

[0070] The operating element 38a of this example includes an engagement structure 56. The engagement structure 56 is a protruding structure arranged to engage the first stop member 48a and the second stop member 48b respectively. The engagement structure 56 of this example includes a first section 58a, a second section 58b and a tab 60 located between the first section 58a and the second section 58b. In the first operating position 54a of this example, the first section 58a contacts the first stop member 48a. Figure 4 As shown in , the tabs 60 of this example extend generally parallel to the axis of rotation 30 .

[0071] The base structure 26a of this example also includes an aperture 62. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 6 , the operating element 38 a is seated in the aperture 62 . The operating element 38 a of this example has a generally cylindrical shape and is concentric with the axis of rotation 30 .

[0072] The operating element 38a of this example includes a first operating hole 64a and a second operating hole 64b. In the first operating position 54a of the operating element 38a, when the first section 58a contacts the first stop 48a, the first operating hole 64a is aligned with the primary escutcheon hole 36a and the primary cover hole 46a, and the second operating hole 64b is aligned with the secondary escutcheon hole 36b and the secondary cover hole 46b. The first screw 24a can now be inserted through the primary escutcheon hole 36a, the first operating hole 64a, and the primary cover hole 46a in sequence. The second screw 24b can now be inserted through the secondary escutcheon hole 36b, the second operating hole 64b, and the secondary cover hole 46b in sequence.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 5 , the spring 40a encloses the input member 50 and is received inside the operating element 38a. The spring 40a is illustrated here as a torsion spring.

[0074] Figure 5 A perspective view of the spring 40a is schematically shown. The spring 40a of this example includes a coiled portion 66 , a first leg 68a and a second leg 68b. The coiled portion 66 of this example surrounds the input member 50 and is concentric with the axis of rotation 30 .

[0075] The spring 40a and the operating element 38a have substantially equal lengths along the rotation axis 30. For example, the length of the coiled portion 66 along the rotation axis 30 may differ by less than 50% of the length of the operating element 38a along the rotation axis 30. This facilitates a compact design.

[0076] Figure 6 The internal perspective view of the plate 42a is schematically shown. The plate 42a of this example is made of a metal sheet. Figure 6 In the figure, the first stopper 48a and the second stopper 48b can be more clearly seen.

[0077] Figure 7 The external stereogram of the escutcheon 32a is schematically shown. Figure 7 In the embodiment of the present invention, the orifice 62 can be more clearly seen. The orifice 62 is arranged in the circular inner surface 70.

[0078] Figure 8 The outside perspective view of the operating mechanism 72 is schematically shown, and Fig. 9 The inside perspective view of the operating mechanism 72 is schematically shown. Figure 8 and Fig. 9, the operating mechanism 72 includes an operating element 38a, a spring 40a and an input member 50. The operating element 38a includes a circular outer surface 74 that is concentric with the rotation axis 30. The outer surface 74 of the operating element 38a is in sliding contact with the inner surface 70 of the escutcheon 32a. A sliding contact bearing is thereby provided for rotationally supporting the operating element 38a for rotation about the rotation axis 30 relative to the base structure 26a.

[0079] exist Figure 8 In FIG. 5 , the engagement structure 56 can be seen more clearly. Figure 8 It is also shown that the input member 50 comprises a first input spring structure 76a for engaging the first leg 68a. Furthermore, the first leg 68a engages the first operating spring structure 78a of the operating element 38a. The first input spring structure 76a is here formed integrally with the input member 50. As an alternative, the first input spring structure 76a may be provided by a separate component fixed to the input member 50 or directly to the handle 28a.

[0080] Fig. 9 The input member 50 is shown to include a second input spring structure 76b for engaging the second leg 68b. In addition, the second leg 68b engages a second operating spring structure 78b of the operating element 38a.

[0081] When the operating element 38a is fixed to the base structure 26a, the input member 50 can rotate relative to the operating element 38a against the deformation of the spring 40a. Fig. 9 In the case of a counterclockwise rotation about the rotation axis 30 shown in FIG, the second input spring structure 76b and the second leg 68b travel along the recess 80 in the actuating element 38a.

[0082] Due to the first stop 48a, the operating element 38a can be easily positioned in the first operating position 54a so that the first operating hole 64a is aligned with the primary escutcheon hole 36a and the primary cover hole 46a, and the second operating hole 64b is aligned with the secondary escutcheon hole 36b and the secondary cover hole 46b. The first screw 24a can now be easily inserted through the primary escutcheon hole 36a, the first operating hole 64a, and the primary cover hole 46a, and the second screw 24b can now be easily inserted through the secondary escutcheon hole 36b, the second operating hole 64b, and the secondary cover hole 46b. The first screw 24a and the second screw 24b can then be tightened to secure the base structure 26a to the door leaf 18a and lock the operating element 38a to prevent rotation about the rotation axis 30.

[0083] Fig.10 A partial outer side view of the inner handle assembly 12a having the second operating portion 34b is schematically shown. Fig.104, the operating element 38a is in the second operating position 54b. Before the operating element 38a is fixed, the handle 28a has been rotated together with the input member 50, the spring 40a and the operating element 38a, such as manually by the installer, so that the operating element 38a is rotated about the rotation axis 30 from the first operating position 54a to the second operating position 54b. In the second operating position 54b, the operating element 38a contacts the second stop 48b. When the operating element 38a adopts the second operating position 54b, the inside handle assembly 12a adopts the second operating portion 34b.

[0084] Thus, the handle 28a can be manually rotated to provide the desired control portions 34a and 34b during installation. Due to the first stop 48a and the second stop 48b, the rotation of the handle 28a is limited to 180 degrees about the rotation axis 30. The installer installing the inside handle assembly 12a does not have to consider the function of the control element 38a. However, when the handle 28a is rotated to provide the first control portion 34a and the second control portion 34b, the installer will feel when the control element 38a engages the corresponding first stop 48a and the second stop 48b.

[0085] The operating mechanism 72 will rotate with the handle 28a. Therefore, the input member 50, the spring 40a and the operating element 38a rotate with the handle 28a. When the desired operating portion 34a or 34b is set, the operating element 38a is rotationally fixed relative to the base structure 26a, for example, by inserting the first screw 24a and the second screw 24b. When the operating element 38a is locked to prevent rotation about the rotation axis 30, the handle 28a can be rotated in both directions about the rotation axis 30 against the deformation of the spring 40a.

[0086] In the second operating position 54b of this example, the second section 58b of the engagement structure 56 contacts the second stop 48b. In addition, in the second operating position 54b of the operating element 38a, when the second section 58b contacts the second stop 48b, the first operating hole 64a is aligned with the secondary escutcheon hole 36b and the secondary cover hole 46b, and the second operating hole 64b is aligned with the primary escutcheon hole 36a and the primary cover hole 46a. The first screw 24a can now be inserted through the primary escutcheon hole 36a, the second operating hole 64b, and the primary cover hole 46a in sequence. The second screw 24b can now be inserted through the secondary escutcheon hole 36b, the first operating hole 64a, and the secondary cover hole 46b in sequence.

[0087] In the first operating portion 34a, depression of the handle 28a will cause the first leg 68a to be driven by the first input spring structure 76a, while the second leg 68b is held stationary by the second operating spring structure 78b. As a result, the spring 40a deforms and provides for the handle to return when the user releases the handle 28a. Therefore, when the operating element 38a is in the first operating position 54a, the handle 28a can be rotated relative to the operating element 38a about the rotation axis 30 against the deformation of the spring 40a. In the first operating position 54a of the operating element 38a, the operating element 38a will be stopped by the first stop 48a even if the screws 24a and 24b are not installed.

[0088] In the second operating portion 34b, depression of the handle 28a will cause the second leg 68b to be driven by the second input spring structure 76b, while the first leg 68a is held stationary by the first operating spring structure 78a. The spring 40a is thereby deformed and provides for a return of the handle when the user also releases the handle 28a in the second operating portion 34b. Thus, when the operating element 38a is in the second operating position 54b, the handle 28a can be rotated about the axis of rotation 30 relative to the operating element 38a against the deformation of the spring 40a. In the second operating position 54b of the operating element 38a, the operating element 38a will be stopped by the second stop 48b even if the screws 24a and 24b are not installed.

[0089] Fig.11 A partial inside perspective view of an outside handle assembly 12b having a first control portion 34a is schematically shown. The outside handle assembly 12b can be largely or entirely identical to the inside handle assembly 12a. The outside handle assembly 12b also includes a control element 38b. The control element 38b can be identical to the control element 38a.

[0090] The outside handle assembly 12b also includes a plate 42b. The plate 42b is another example of a cover according to the present disclosure. The plate 42b may be the same as or different from the plate 42a.

[0091] In this example, the plate 42b differs from the plate 42a in that the plate 42b additionally comprises a first seat 82a and a second seat 82b. The tab 60 of the operating element 38b is arranged to be received in the first seat 82a and the second seat 82b by snap fit in the first operating position 54a and the second operating position 54b, respectively.

[0092] The plate 42b also includes a main cover hole 84a and a secondary cover hole 84b. According to the present disclosure, the main cover hole 84a and the secondary cover hole 84b are other examples of the main base hole and the secondary base hole, respectively. Each of the main cover hole 84a and the secondary cover hole 84b is a threaded through hole for being threadedly engaged by the first screw 24a and the second screw 24b, respectively.

[0093] Fig.12 Schematically shows Fig.11 Another partial inside stereoscopic view of the outside handle assembly 12b in FIG. Fig.12 , plate 42b has been removed to increase visibility. The outside handle assembly 12b also includes a spring 40b that is identical to spring 40a.

[0094] For the first operating portion 34a of the inside handle assembly 12a and the outside handle assembly 12b, the first screw 24a can pass through the main escutcheon hole 36a, the first operating hole 64a of the operating element 38a, the main cover hole 46a, the main cover hole 84a and enter the first operating hole 64a of the operating element 38b, and the second screw 24b can pass through the secondary escutcheon hole 36b, the second operating hole 64b of the operating element 38a, the secondary cover hole 46b, the secondary cover hole 84b and enter the second operating hole 64b of the second operating element 38b. The snap fit between the operating element 38b and the base structure 26b is very advantageous in the case where the door leaf 18a has a large thickness so that the first screw 24a and the second screw 24b do not reach the operating element 38b.

[0095] Fig.13 The outside perspective view of the plate 42b is schematically shown. Fig.13 In the figure, the first seat 82a and the second seat 82b can be more clearly seen. As shown, each of the first seat 82a and the second seat 82b includes an opening. Fig.12 In the first operating position 54a of the operating element 38b shown in FIG, the tab 60 engages the first seat 82a with a snap fit. This snap fit can be released by inserting a screwdriver through the first seat 82a to release the tab 60.

[0096] Fig.14 A partial inside perspective view of the outside handle assembly 12b with the second operating portion 34b when the operating element 38b adopts the second operating position 54b is schematically shown. In the second operating position 54b, the tab 60 engages the second seat 82b with a snap fit. In addition, this snap fit can be released by inserting a screwdriver through the second seat 82b to release the tab 60. Therefore, the operating element 38b is arranged to engage the base structure 26b by a snap fit in each of the first operating position 54a and the second operating position 54b.

[0097] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to what has been described above. For example, it will be understood that the size of the components can be varied as required. Therefore, this means that the present invention can only be limited by the scope of the claims attached hereto.

Claims

1. A handle assembly (12a, 12b), the handle assembly (12a, 12b) comprising: - a base structure (26a, 26b) for fixing to an access member (18a, 18b); - an operating element (38a, 38b); - springs (40a, 40b); as well as - handles (28a, 28b); wherein the operating element (38a, 38b) is rotatable together with the spring (40a, 40b) and the handle (28a, 28b) relative to the base structure (26a, 26b) about the rotation axis (30) between a first operating position (54a) and a second operating position (54b); wherein, when the operating element (38a, 38b) is in the first operating position (54a) and the second operating position (54b), the handle (28a, 28b) can resist the deformation of the spring (40a, 40b) and rotate relative to the operating element (38a, 38b) around the rotation axis (30); and Wherein, the base structure (26a, 26b) includes a first stopper (48a) and a second stopper (48b), the first stopper (48a) being arranged to be engaged by the operating element (38a, 38b) to define the first operating position (54a), and the second stopper (48b) being arranged to be engaged by the operating element (38a, 38b) to define the second operating position (54b).

2. The handle assembly (12a, 12b) according to claim 1, wherein: The operating element (38a, 38b) comprises an engagement structure (56) arranged to engage the first stop (48a) in the first operating position (54a) and to engage the second stop (48b) in the second operating position (54b).

3. The handle assembly (12a, 12b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The base structure (26a, 26b) includes an aperture (62), and wherein the manipulation element (38a, 38b) is seated in the aperture (62).

4. The handle assembly (12a, 12b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The base structure (26a, 26b) and the operating element (38a, 38b) form a sliding contact bearing (70, 74) for supporting the operating element (38a, 38b) during rotation relative to the base structure (26a, 26b).

5. The handle assembly (12a, 12b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The operating element (38a, 38b) is rotatable between the first operating position (54a) and the second operating position (54b) by at least 150 degrees, for example 180 degrees.

6. The handle assembly (12a, 12b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The handle assembly (12a, 12b) includes an input member (50) fixed to or formed integrally with the handle (28a, 28b), wherein the spring (40a, 40b) encloses the input member (50), and wherein the operating element (38a, 38b) encloses the spring (40a, 40b).

7. The handle assembly (12a, 12b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The base structure (26a, 26b) includes an escutcheon (32a, 32b).

8. The handle assembly (12a, 12b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The base structure (26a, 26b) includes a cover (42a, 42b).

9. The handle assembly (12a, 12b) according to claims 7 and 8, wherein: The cover (42a, 42b) is fixed to the escutcheon (32a, 32b).

10. The handle assembly (12a, 12b) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The cover (42a, 42b) includes the first stopper (48a) and the second stopper (48b).

11. The handle assembly (12a, 12b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The base structure (26a, 26b) includes a main base hole (36a, 46a, 84a), and wherein the operating element (38a, 38b) includes a first operating hole (64a) and a second operating hole (64b), the first operating hole (64a) being arranged to be aligned with the main base hole (36a, 46a, 84a) in the first operating position (54a), and the second operating hole (64b) being arranged to be aligned with the main base hole (36a, 46a, 84a) in the second operating position (54b).

12. The handle assembly (12a, 12b) according to claim 11, wherein: The base structure (26a, 26b) includes a secondary base hole (36b, 46b, 84b), wherein the second manipulation hole (64b) is arranged to be aligned with the secondary base hole (36b, 46b, 84b) in the first manipulation position (54a), and wherein the first manipulation hole (64a) is arranged to be aligned with the secondary base hole (36b, 46b, 84b) in the second manipulation position (54b).

13. The handle assembly (12b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The operating element (38b) is arranged to engage the base structure (26b) by a snap fit in each of the first operating position (54a) and the second operating position (54b).

14. A system (10) comprising the handle assembly (12a) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 as an inside handle assembly and the handle assembly (12b) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 as an outside handle assembly.

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