SAFETY DEVICE FOR ONE SASH OF A WINDOW OR DOOR ASSEMBLY AND WINDOW OR DOOR ASSEMBLY

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a locking device for a sash of a window or door assembly, in which the sash is mounted on the frame so as to be movable about at least one axis within a defined range of motion, wherein the locking device comprises: a first fitting for connection to the frame, a second fitting for connection to the sash, a cable which is connected to the first fitting and to the second fitting and which is only effective for transferring the weight of the sash to the frame and securing the sash to the frame when the sash is positioned outside the defined range of motion, and an energy absorption device for absorbing kinetic energy of the sash, wherein the energy absorption device has an end piece associated with the cable and a deformation area associated with one of the fittings.wherein - when the wing is arranged outside the intended movement space - the end piece plastically deforms the deformation area to absorb the kinetic energy, according to EP 3 060 737 A1.,

[0002] Window or door assemblies with a sash that can be moved relative to a frame have at least one axis around which the sash can move relative to the frame. The sash can be, for example, a casement sash, a tilt sash, or a tilt-and-turn sash. The hardware used in such assemblies for turning and / or tilting a sash is now so sophisticated that incorrect operation can be largely ruled out. Nevertheless, it is conceivable that a sash could unintentionally detach from the frame and thus leave its intended range of motion, for example, due to unusual load conditions, which can occur in extreme weather conditions or due to forced entry (burglary).

[0003] For this purpose, it is known from EP 3 060 737 A1 to use a safety device comprising a cable connected at one end to a frame-side fitting and at the other end to a sash-side fitting. During normal operation of the sash and its movement around the provided axes, the cable is inactive. In the very rare (but possible) event that, for example, one of the fittings should fail, the sash falls from the frame and is held in place by the cable. This prevents a sash from falling from its installation point to an impact surface inside or outside a building and potentially causing significant damage.

[0004] It should also be considered that building construction is seeing a continuous trend towards very large window areas and the highest possible thermal insulation values. This contributes to the fact that the sashes installed in a frame can be very heavy, so that if such a sash falls, it generates a very high kinetic energy. Therefore, there is a risk that a sash secured to a frame only by a cable could still fall, for example, if one of the cable fittings or a frame-side or sash-side anchorage of a cable fitting fails. In this context, EP 3 060 737 A1 proposes dissipating the kinetic energy through an energy absorption device, whereby the kinetic energy is absorbed by a stepped arrangement of deformable ribs.

[0005] Another safety device is known from EP 4 108 878 A1.

[0006] Based on this, the present invention aims to provide a safety device that enables particularly effective energy absorption.

[0007] This problem is solved by a safety device having the features of claim 1.

[0008] According to the invention, continuous contact with the deformation material of the deformation area is maintained along the movement of the end piece along an axis of movement. This has the advantage that the kinetic energy of the wing is continuously dissipated without any intermediate increase. Furthermore, the continuous contact prevents rotation of the end piece and the cable around the axis of movement. This has the advantage that, in the event of a safety event, the cable is subjected exclusively to tensile stress. In this way, the cable can transmit higher tensile forces in the event of a safety event, at least compared to a state in which the cable would be subjected not only to tension but also to torsion.

[0009] Overall, the continuous reduction of kinetic energy makes it possible to use comparatively small and simply constructed components (especially end pieces and deformation areas).

[0010] A preferred embodiment provides that the sleeve is associated with the first fitting. This has the advantage that the energy absorption device remains stationary on the frame during normal operation of the sash.

[0011] The end piece preferably has a bolt or is designed as a bolt. The bolt is preferably rotationally symmetrical. For example, the bolt has a cylindrical shape. The bolt can also be spherical or conical.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the deformation area has at least one sleeve or is designed as a sleeve. The sleeve is supported by the fitting to which the deformation area is assigned.

[0013] For continuous energy dissipation, according to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one sleeve has an annular weakening area which can be compressed in a direction parallel to the axis of movement to absorb kinetic energy. The annular weakening area can adjoin one or more reinforcement areas, which are preferably also annular in shape.

[0014] In addition, it is possible that the at least one sleeve can be deformed by the insertion of the end piece into the at least one sleeve and / or by sliding or inserting the at least one sleeve onto or into an additional sleeve. The aforementioned possibilities also allow for plastic deformation of at least the sleeve, and possibly also the additional sleeve, initiated by a deformation force exerted by the rope via the end piece on the deformation area.

[0015] It is further preferred if the end piece has an end section – preferably tapering radially along the axis of movement – ​​which interacts with an insertion section of the at least one sleeve – preferably narrowing radially along the axis of movement – ​​and / or if the at least one sleeve has an end section that interacts with a contact section of the at least one additional sleeve. The aforementioned features facilitate the dissipation of kinetic energy. These features thus contribute to ensuring that the rope is not subjected to a maximum tensile force suddenly, but rather that this tensile force builds up gradually through deformation of the insertion section of the at least one sleeve and / or the sleeve end section and / or the contact section of the at least one additional sleeve.

[0016] A preferred embodiment provides that the end piece and the deformation area are made of materials with different degrees of deformation. It is particularly preferred if the deformation area is made of a material that is more easily deformable than the end piece.

[0017] A preferred material pairing involves aluminum or an aluminum alloy on the one hand and steel or a steel alloy on the other.

[0018] One embodiment of the invention provides that the deformation area has an internal thread and that the end piece has an external thread. These thread geometries enable continuous force transmission along a helical contact path.

[0019] One embodiment of the invention provides that the deformation area has an internal thread. It is preferred that the end piece has an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the internal thread, but smaller than the outer diameter of the internal thread.

[0020] One embodiment of the invention provides that the end piece has an external thread. It is preferred that the sleeve has an inner diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the external thread, but smaller than the outer diameter of the external thread.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the deformation area has an internal thread and the end piece has an external thread, wherein the internal and external threads have different thread pitches. In this way, energy can be continuously dissipated via the flanks of the external and internal threads, these flanks initially only contacting each other at a single point of contact due to the different thread pitches. As the wing's kinetic energy dissipates and as the end piece moves along the axis of movement, the contact area increases, with a leading edge of the contact area shifting helically around the axis of movement.

[0022] The invention further relates to a window or door arrangement with a sash which is mounted on a frame so as to be movable about at least one axis within a specified movement range and further comprises a locking device as described above.

[0023] Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the graphic representation of a preferred embodiment.

[0024] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a window or door assembly with a locking device; Fig. 2 an exploded view of parts of the locking device; Fig. 3 a vertical section of parts of the locking device in a ready state of the locking device; Fig. 4 a Fig. 3 Section marked IV in enlarged view; Fig. 5 a in Fig. 4 Section marked V in a further enlarged view; Fig. 6a one of the Fig. 3 Corresponding representation of parts of another embodiment of a safety device; Fig. 6 legs in Fig. 6a Section labelled VIb shown in an enlarged view. Fig. 7a one of the Fig. 3Corresponding representation of parts of another embodiment of a safety device; Fig. 7 legs in Fig. 7a Section labelled VIIb in enlarged view; Fig. 8a one of the Fig. 3 corresponding representation of parts of another embodiment of a safety device; Fig. 8 legs in Fig. 8a Section designated VIIIb in enlarged view; Fig. 9a one of the Fig. 3 corresponding representation of parts of another embodiment of a safety device; and Fig. 9 legs in Fig. 9a Enlarged view of the section labeled IXb.

[0025] One embodiment of a window or door arrangement is in Figure 1 The arrangement 10 is collectively designated by reference numerals 10. It comprises a frame 12, which is in particular fixed to a building, and a sash 14, for example a window sash or a door sash, which is mounted on the frame 12.

[0026] The wing 14 is movable about an axis 16 relative to the frame 12. The axis 16 can, for example, be a pivot axis; in that case, the wing 14 is a pivoting wing.

[0027] In embodiments not shown, axis 16 can be a tilting axis. In this case, wing 14 is a tilting wing. Furthermore, it is possible that multiple axes are provided and wing 14 is a tilting / rotating wing movable about several axes.

[0028] A sash fitting 18 is provided for mounting the sash 14 on the frame 12. In the case of a sash 14 that is rotatably mounted on the frame 12, the sash fitting 18 is a pivot fitting.

[0029] Independently of and in addition to the sash fitting 18, a locking device 20 is provided. The locking device is not effective during normal operation of the arrangement 10 (i.e., as long as the sash 14 is rotated about the axis 16 relative to the frame 12 as intended); the locking device 20 is only effective if the sash 14 leaves its intended range of motion.

[0030] The locking device 20 comprises a first fitting 22, which is firmly connected to the frame 12, for example by screws. The first fitting 22 can protrude from a frame area or be recessed in a rebate of the frame 12.

[0031] The locking device 20 comprises a second fitting 24, which is firmly connected to a frame profile of the wing 14, for example by being screwed to it.

[0032] The locking device 20 further comprises a cable 26, which is connected to both the first fitting 22 and the second fitting 24, but is simultaneously flexible and allows movement of the second fitting 24 (which is movable together with the sash 14) relative to the first fitting 22 (which is fixed to the frame 12). Thus, the locking device 20 does not affect the intended movement of the sash 14 within its intended range of motion.

[0033] The end of the rope 26 that is connected to the second fitting 24 has, for example, a thickening (known per se and therefore not shown) that interacts with a back side of the second fitting 24.

[0034] In Figure 2 A section of the safety device 20 is shown, wherein the first fitting 22, the rope 26 and parts of an energy absorption device 28 are shown.

[0035] The first fitting 22 extends along an axis 30, which, in the installed position on an arrangement 10, preferably runs in a vertical direction. The first fitting 22 comprises a housing 32, which is, for example, made of a steel alloy.

[0036] The housing 32 has connecting sections 34, for example in the form of through holes, which enable the housing 32 to be firmly anchored to a frame member 36 of the frame 12, compare Figure 1 .

[0037] The housing 32 comprises a receiving space 38 extending parallel to the axis of extension 30, which is bounded at its end (preferably in the lower installation position) by a stepped shoulder 40. The installation space 38 is provided at its end with an opening 42, which, in the installation position of the locking device 20, is preferably located below the stepped shoulder 40.

[0038] The energy absorption device 28 extends along a movement axis 44 and includes a deformation area 46 and an end piece 48 connected to the rope 26.

[0039] The preforming area 46 is designed in the form of a sleeve 50 which has an internal thread 52 at least along part of its length measured parallel to the axis of movement 44, compare Figures 3 , 4 and 5 .

[0040] The end piece 48 is preferably designed as a bolt 54 which has an external thread 56 at least along part of its length measured parallel to the axis of movement 44, compare Figures 2 to 5 The external thread 56 has a thread pitch that differs from the thread pitch of the internal thread 52 of the sleeve 50.

[0041] The bolt 54 comprises a cylindrical section 58, which preferably has no thread and whose diameter is in any case smaller than a free internal diameter of the internal thread 52 of the sleeve 50.

[0042] The internal thread 52 of the sleeve 50 extends over a first partial length 60 of the sleeve 50 (preferably the lower part in the installed position), compare Figures 3 and 4 . Over a second partial length 62, which differs from the first (preferably the upper part in the installed position), the sleeve 50 has a hollow cylindrical receiving section 64 (compare Figures 4 and 5 ).

[0043] The receiving section 64 preferably has no thread. The inner diameter of the receiving section 64 is in any case larger than the outer diameter of the external thread 56 of the bolt 54.

[0044] The receiving section 64 serves to arrange the external thread 56 of the bolt 54, preferably over its entire partial length 62 (compare Figures 3 and4 The external thread 56 is freely movable along the axis of movement 44 within the receiving section 64.

[0045] In the ready state of the locking device, the bolt 54 is arranged inside the sleeve 50. In this state, due to the different thread pitches, the first thread flank 66 of the external thread 56 (preferably the lower end in the installed position) and the first thread flank 68 of the internal thread 52 (preferably the upper end in the installed position) only contact each other at a first point of contact. Figures 4 and 5, where the first point of contact lies in the plane of the drawing. Threads 52 and 56 are not screwed together and, due to their different thread pitches, cannot be screwed together. In this way, the end piece 48 is secured against rotation about the axis of movement 44 relative to the deformation area 46 during movement along the axis of movement 44 relative to the deformation area 46.

[0046] This engagement of the thread flanks 66 and 68 at the first point of contact occurs over a bearing depth of 84, which may be smaller compared to a standard bearing depth of 86 of a standard thread pairing, compare Figure 5 For example, the external thread 56 is a pointed thread and the internal thread 52 is a flat thread.

[0047] The deformation area 46 and the end piece 48 are made of different materials. For example, the sleeve 50 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy; for example, the bolt 54 is made of steel or a steel alloy.

[0048] The sleeve 50 has an annular boundary surface 70, which is dimensioned such that, when the sleeve 50 is arranged in the receiving space 38 of the first fitting 22, it rests on the stepped shoulder 40, compare Figures 2 and 3 .

[0049] The rope 26 is connected to the bolt 54 at its end facing the fitting 22. It is possible that the rope 26 passes through the entire bolt 54 and that one end 72 extends beyond the bolt 54, compare Figure 4 .

[0050] Starting from the bolt 54, the cable 26 passes through a (lower, in the installed position) section of the sleeve 50 and through the opening 42 to a passage 74 in the housing 32 of the first fitting 22. The passage 74 allows the cable 26 to be guided in a rear clearance 76 of the first fitting 22, see figure. Figures 2 and 3 .

[0051] In the event of a safety malfunction, for example, a failure of the sash fitting 18, the sash 14 could detach from the frame 12. This is prevented by the safety device 20. If the sash 14 leaves its intended range of motion, it pulls the cable 26 via the second fitting, which in turn pulls on the bolt 54. Due to the bearing of the end-end first flank 66 of the external thread 56 of the bolt 54 on the end-end first flank 68 of the internal thread 52 of the sleeve 50 at the first point of contact, the external thread 56 of the bolt 54 transmits kinetic energy and a weight force of the sash 14 to the weakened internal thread 52.This fails gradually, whereby a contact surface between the external thread 56 and the internal thread 52 expands helically around the axis of movement 44 from the first point of contact discussed above, which is accompanied by a continuous dissipation of energy within a region 78 extending along the axis of movement 44, compare . Figure 3 .

[0052] The area 78 is adjacent to the opening 42 by a safety stop 80, which prevents the external thread 56 of the bolt 54 from leaving the receiving space 38 through the opening 42.

[0053] Preferably, the area 78 is so long that only a part of the area 78 is used for a complete dissipation of the kinetic energy of a falling wing 14; the safety stop 80 is therefore only required in the event that, with full use of the length of the area 78, some kinetic energy of the wing 14 should not be completely dissipated.

[0054] Following a safety event, the intentionally weakened internal thread 52 of the sleeve 50 shears off and is destroyed. After subsequent repair and assembly of the sash 14, frame 12, and sash fitting 18, the safety device 20 can be restored to its functional readiness. In the best-case scenario, it is sufficient to replace the destroyed sleeve 50 with a new one.

[0055] In the Figures 6a to 9bFurther embodiments of safety devices 20 are shown. For the structure and function of the safety devices 20 according to Figures 6a to 9b Reference is also made to the above description of the safety device 20 according to Figures 1 to 5 Reference is made to this. Therefore, only features not already described above with reference to this are described below. Figures 1 to 5 were discussed.

[0056] In the embodiment of the safety device 20 according to Figures 6a and 6b The deformation area 46 also has an internal thread 52. The internal thread 52 interacts with an end piece 48 in the form of a bolt 54, which does not have an external thread but rather an annular projection 82 extending within a plane perpendicular to the axis of movement 44. The projection 82 has an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the internal thread 52 but larger than the inner diameter of the internal thread 52.

[0057] In the event of a locking situation, the projection 82 initially comes into contact only at a point on a flank of the internal thread 52, whereby this initially only point-like contact expands continuously and helically around the axis of movement 44.

[0058] Regarding the safety device 20 according to Figures 7a and 7b Neither the end piece 48 in the form of a bolt 54 nor the deformation area 46 in the form of the sleeve 50 has a thread. The bolt 54 is cylindrical and has at its end facing the sleeve 50 an end piece end section 84 that tapers radially along the axis of movement 44 and interacts with an insertion section 86 of the sleeve 50 that also narrows radially along the axis of movement 44.

[0059] Sections 84 and 86 are in contact with each other via a funnel-shaped and annular contact surface. In the event of a safety event, the end section 84, guided by the insertion section 86, penetrates a cavity 88 of the sleeve 50, whereby at least the sleeve 50 is deformed, and possibly also the end section 48.

[0060] The sleeve 50 of the embodiment according to Figures 7a and 7b is essentially cylindrical in shape. The safety device 20 according to Figures 8a and 8b Figure 1 shows a sleeve 50 which, viewed along the axis of movement 44 of the end piece 48, has at least one annular weakening area 90 with a lower wall thickness, which, viewed along the axis of movement 44, is arranged between annular reinforcement areas 92 and 94 with a higher wall thickness. In the event of a safety event, the weakening area 90 is compressed as a result of the impact by the end piece 48.

[0061] The special feature of the safety device 20 according to Figures 9a and 9b The feature consists in the fact that, in addition to the sleeve 50 and spaced apart from the end piece 48, an additional sleeve 96 is provided, which is also part of the deformation area 46. The sleeve 50 has a sleeve end section 98 facing the additional sleeve 96, which interacts with a contact section 100 of the additional sleeve 96 facing the sleeve 50.

[0062] In the event of a safety failure, the rope 26 is subjected to tensile stress, causing the end piece 48, in the form of a bolt 54, to exert a compressive force on the end of the sleeve 50 facing the end piece 48. This force is transmitted via the sleeve end section 98 to the contact section 100 of the auxiliary sleeve 96. It is possible that only the sleeve 50, only the auxiliary sleeve 96, or both the sleeve 50 and the auxiliary sleeve 96 are deformed.

Claims

1. Securing device (20) for a sash (14) of a window assembly or door assembly (10) in which the sash (14) is mounted on a frame (12) so as to be movable about at least one axle (18) within a target movement area, the securing device (20) comprising: a first fitting (22) for connection to the frame (12), a second fitting (24) for connection to the sash (14), a cable (26) which is connected to the first fitting (22) and to the second fitting (24) and is effective for transferring the weight of the sash (14) to the frame (12) and secures the sash (14) to the frame (12) only when the sash (14) is arranged outside of the target movement area, and an energy absorption device (28) for absorbing kinetic energy of the sash (14), the energy absorption device (28) having an end piece (48) associated with the cable (26) and a deformation region (46) associated with one of the fittings (22, 24), the end piece (48) plastically deforming the deformation region (46) to absorb the kinetic energy when the sash (14) is arranged outside of the target movement area, the end piece (48) and the deformation region (46) being in continuous physical contact with one another along a movement axis (44) of the end piece (48) so that energy can be continuously dissipated along the movement axis (44) without an intermediate increase in the kinetic energy of the sash (14), and the end piece (48) and the deformation region (46) are secured against free relative rotation about the movement axis (44), characterized in that - the deformation region (46) has at least one sleeve (50) and the at least one sleeve (50) has an annular weakening region (90) which can be compressed in a direction parallel to the movement axis (44) in order to absorb kinetic energy, and / or - in that the deformation region (46) has an internal thread (52) and the end piece (48) has an external thread (56), the internal thread (52) and the external thread (56) having different thread pitches.

2. Securing device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sleeve (50) is associated with the first fitting (22).

3. Securing device (20) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end piece (48) has a bolt (54).

4. Securing device (20) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sleeve (50) can be deformed by penetration of the end piece (48) into the at least one sleeve (50) and / or by sliding or inserting the at least one sleeve (50) onto or into an additional sleeve (96).

5. Securing device (20) according to claim 4, characterized in that the end piece (48) has an end piece end portion (84) which preferably tapers radially along the movement axis (44) and interacts with an insertion portion (86), which preferably narrows radially along the movement axis (44), of the at least one sleeve (50), and / or in that the at least one sleeve (50) has a sleeve end portion (98) which interacts with a contact portion (100) of the at least one additional sleeve (96).

6. Securing device (20) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end piece (48) and the deformation region (46) are produced from materials which have varying degrees of deformability.

7. Securing device (20) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation region (46) is produced from a more easily deformable material than that of the end piece (48).

8. Securing device (20) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the different materials are aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and steel or a steel alloy.

9. Window assembly or door assembly (10) comprising a sash (14) mounted on a frame (12) so as to be movable about at least one axle (18) within a target movement area, further comprising a securing device (20) according to any of the preceding claims.