End fitting for a push chain

Abstract

The invention relates to an end fitting (4) for the free end section (18) of a multi-link push chain (2) of a chain push drive (1) for an opening closure (5) of a building opening, which can be stiffened during push operation. The end fitting (4) has a mounting element (19) that can be attached to a closing part (6, 7) of the opening closure (5), a chain receptacle (21) for the end section (18), and a force / torque transmitter (23) that forces the push chain (2) into a stiff back bend (12) during push operation. The mounting element (19) and the chain receptacle (21) are pivotably connected to each other about a pivot axis (25), with the force / torque transmitter (23) moving the mounting element (19) and the chain receptacle (21) about the pivot axis (25) during push operation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an end fitting for a push chain, a chain push drive and an opening closure with the features in the independent claims.

[0002] Chain push drives for windows, doors, flaps, or other opening closures in buildings are known from practice. These consist of a drive unit with a housing and a multi-link push chain that can be stiffened during pushing operation. The chain links of the push chain have chain plates that are pivotally connected to one another via chain pins and their pin axes. At the free end, the push chain carries a bow-shaped mouthpiece that can be freely rotated on an end fitting. It can rotate about an axis running perpendicular to the chain pins. The end fitting can be mounted on one locking part of the opening closure, with the housing and the drive unit of the chain push being mounted on the other locking part. Such chain push drives are arranged on a main closing edge of the opening closure. The main closing edge is opposite the bearings of the opening closure.DE 295 14 179 U1 discloses an example of an end fitting.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to demonstrate an improved chain push technology.

[0004] The invention solves this problem with the features in the independent claims.

[0005] The claimed chain push technology, ie the end fitting and the chain push drive, has various advantages.

[0006] The chain push technology can be used universally on opening locks. It can be installed and used on a main closing edge or on the usually multiple secondary closing edges. Installation on a secondary closing edge allows for larger opening angles of the opening lock with the same push chain length. Installation on a secondary closing edge often has less potential for interference than installation on a main closing edge.

[0007] The end fitting, equipped with a force / torque sensor, can actively force the push chain into a rigid back bend. This reliably stiffens the push chain. This stiffening effect can also be reliably achieved when the end fitting is mounted on a secondary closing edge.

[0008] A conventional push chain cannot be securely braced when installed on a secondary closing edge of an opening closure, such as a window or flap, with vertically aligned bearings or bearing axes. Due to its vertical chain pin axes, the extending push chain lacks sufficient stiffening support and buckles during pushing operation. Conventional push chains can be used if the dead weight of the non-stationary or moving locking part supports the pushing movement. Conventional chain push drives are used on flaps or windows that have bottom-mounted bearings with horizontally aligned axle bearings.

[0009] The active support end fitting can be mounted between the end of the push chain and a locking part of the opening lock. It can be mounted either on the stationary or non-stationary locking part, or on the frame or sash of the opening lock.

[0010] The moment or force generated by the force / torque sensor can be supported on the locking part of the opening lock and can be directed against the back of the push chain. The active end fitting can, for example, take up the last chain link at the free end of the push chain and apply the force or moment to it. The last chain link can be moved and, in particular, rotated in such a way that the back stops of the chain links come into supporting engagement with one another and the chain assumes a supporting and stiffening back position and back bend. The stiffened push chain has a curved course, with the chain back being arranged on the inside of the curve or pointing towards the center of the curvature. When the push chain is retracted, the curvature can be eliminated again under the tensile load and the push chain can be brought into a straight position.

[0011] The claimed end fitting comprises an attachment and a chain receiver. The attachment can be mounted on a stationary or non-stationary locking part. The chain receiver serves to accommodate the end section of the push chain. It can be designed in any suitable manner for this purpose. It can accommodate an end link of the push chain in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. The attachment and the chain receiver are mounted on one another so that they can pivot relative to one another about an axis of rotation. With relative rotation, the axis of rotation can be aligned parallel to the chain pin axes. For the design of the end fitting with attachment and chain receiver, there are various variations possible, including a base or console / rotating part and a rotating block.

[0012] The force / torque sensor acts between the attachment and the chain support and is also located between the attachment and the chain support. The force / torque sensor moves the attachment and the chain support relative to each other during push operation, thereby forcing the push chain into the bend and the rigid back bend. The loaded end fitting can be connected to a chain push drive during original equipment. The end fitting can also be retrofitted or converted to an existing, conventional chain push drive. The chain support can be replaced with the conventional bow-shaped nosepiece.

[0013] The chain drive can be adapted to the required end fitting. For this purpose, the outlet opening on the chain drive housing can be widened beyond the chain width. Furthermore, a run-on bevel for the push chain can be provided at the chain outlet. These designs accommodate the chain curvature created in the back bend. The push chain can extend diagonally from the chain drive housing and can transition smoothly into the back bend and curve. This can further promote and secure the take-up of the back bend and curve.

[0014] During traction operation, the push chain can re-enter the housing of the chain push drive in a substantially vertical orientation. This adapted chain push drive and the end fitting constitute a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention.

[0015] This design also benefits the smooth running of the chain, reduced chain wear, reduced energy consumption, and improved chain stability. It is also advantageous if the push chain has countersunk chain pins that are essentially flush with the top of the link plates or protrude only slightly above the plate surface.

[0016] The claimed chain push technology can be successfully used on all types of opening locks. It is irrelevant whether the bearing axis of the opening lock is vertical, horizontal, or inclined. The claimed chain push technology can ensure secure stiffening of the push chain in push operation in all installation positions. Installation on a secondary closing edge of an opening lock is particularly advantageous. This can be, in particular, an opening lock in the form of a window, flap, or door with an upright bearing axis.

[0017] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0018] For the claimed chain push technology, the following configurations are also advantageous individually or in combination.

[0019] The claimed end fitting can be mounted or can be mounted between the free end area or the last chain link of the multi-link push chain, which can be stiffened in push operation, and a locking part of the opening lock.

[0020] The force / torque sensor can move the attachment and the chain support relative to each other during push operation. In particular, it can rotate the attachment and the chain support relative to each other during push operation around the aforementioned rotation axis.

[0021] In the case of a movable opening closure of a building opening, e.g. a window, a door or a flap, the chain drive and the end fitting can be arranged on a secondary closing edge of the opening closure.

[0022] The invention is illustrated schematically and by way of example in the drawings. In detail: Figure 1: a plan view of an opening closure of a building opening with a chain drive and an end fitting in a front view, Figures 2 and 3: a plan view of the opening closure according to arrow II,III of Figure 1 in closed and open position, Figure 4: a broken and enlarged view of the chain drive and the end fitting arranged on a secondary closing edge, Figure 5: a broken and enlarged side view of the opening lock according to arrow V of Figure 1, Figure 6: a perspective view of the end fitting in solid representation, Figure 7: a transparent representation of the end fitting of Figure 6 and Figure 8: a transparent representation of a variant of the end fitting of Figure 6 and 7 .

[0023] The invention relates to an end fitting (4) for a push chain (2) of a chain push drive (1). The invention further relates to the chain push drive (1) equipped with an end fitting (4). The invention also extends to an opening closure (5) for a building opening having such an end fitting (4) and a chain push drive (1).

[0024] Figure 1 shows an opening closure (5) for a building opening with an attached chain drive (1) and an end fitting (4). Figures 2 and 3 show a top view of the arrangement of Figure 1 according to arrow II,III of Figure 1 . In Figure 2 is a closed position and in Figure 3an opening position of the opening closure (5) is shown. Figure 5 shows a front view of the arrangement of Figure 1 according to arrow V of Figure 1 .

[0025] The opening closure (5) consists of movably connected closure parts (6, 7). These are, for example, a stationary frame (6) and a non-stationary or movable sash (7). Between the closure parts (6, 7) are arranged one or more bearings (8). In the embodiment shown, these have a vertical orientation of their bearing axes. In the example shown, the opening closure (5) is designed as a window with lateral window bearings (8) and a vertical axis of rotation. The window sash (7) is in Figure 1Indicated by dashed lines in a partially open position. The opening closure (5) is described below as a window with a frame (6) and a sash (7). The description applies analogously to other types of opening closures (5) and arrangements of bearings (8) and bearing axes.

[0026] In the variants of Figures 1 to 5 The chain drive (1) and the end fitting (4) are arranged on a secondary closing edge (29) of the window (5). This is, for example, the lower and horizontal window edge aligned perpendicular to the bearing axes. Alternatively or additionally, the chain drive (1) and the end fitting (4) can also be arranged on the upper horizontal secondary closing edge (29). They can also be arranged on the vertical main closing edge opposite the bearings (8).

[0027] The chain drive (1) comprises a drive unit (3) and a push chain (2). The drive unit (3) and a chain station are housed in a housing (9) of the chain drive (1), which has, for example, an elongated, cuboid-like shape. The push chain (2) exits the housing (9) at a chain outlet (10), which is located on a side wall and in the central area of ​​the housing (9). Figures 2 to 4 illustrates this exemplary arrangement. Alternatively, other designs of the housing (9) and chain outlet (10) are possible. A chain drive (1) can also have several, e.g., two, push chains (2).

[0028] The push chain (2) can be stiffened during push operation and during extension with push force. The end fitting (4) described below is provided for this purpose.

[0029] The push chain (2) has according to Figure 4 and 5several chain links (13) that are connected to one another in an articulated manner. The chain links (13) each have link plates (16) and back stops (17), as well as chain pins (14) with pin axes (15). The chain links (13) can have inner and outer link plates (16) that overlap one another in the pin area.

[0030] The back stops (17) serve to stiffen the push chain (2) during push operation. The chain links (13) can support each other at the back stops (17) and prevent the push chain (2) from buckling under push load.

[0031] Due to the end fitting (4) described below, the push chain (2) assumes a position in Figure 3 and 4shown curvature and rigid back bend (12), in which the drive and thrust force as well as the extension movement can be transmitted to the wing (7). The chain back (11) and the back stops (17) arranged here point in the direction of the center of curvature (not shown) or are arranged on the inside of the curvature of the bent or curved push chain (2). In the arrangement of the chain push drive (1) shown, the pin axes (15) of the chain pins (14) have an upright, in particular vertical, orientation and are arranged and aligned parallel to the bearing axes of the bearings (8).

[0032] The drive unit (3) of the chain drive (1) is not shown in detail. It has a chain station in which the retracted push chain (2) can be accommodated. It can be laid in a meander with two or more curved strands. The drive movement of the push chain (2) is generated via a suitable drive, in particular an electric motor with a gearbox, and a drive means, e.g., a sprocket.

[0033] An outlet opening (28) is arranged at the chain outlet (10). Figure 4 As illustrated, the outlet opening (28) has a width that is greater than the chain width. Furthermore, an outlet slope (27) is arranged in the housing (9) at the chain outlet (10), against which the push chain (2), which runs diagonally out of the housing (9) due to the back bend (12), can rest and be supported during push operation.

[0034] The end fitting (4) is arranged at the free end area (18) of the push chain (2). It has a force / torque sensor (23) which forces the push chain (2) into a rigid back bend (12) and into a curved position during push operation. In the illustrated embodiment, a moment (M) acts, which is Figure 1 , 3 and 4 is indicated. The moment (M) generated by the force / torque sensor (23) is supported on the locking part (6,7), here on the wing (7), and is directed against the chain back (11).

[0035] The end fitting (4) is arranged and mounted between the end section (18) and the movable closure part (7) or the wing of the opening closure (5). The end fitting (4) has an attachment means (19) that can be mounted and fastened to the wing (7) with screws or other fastening means. The end fitting (4) also has a chain holder (21) with which the end section (18) of the push chain (2) can be received. The end section (18) can be formed, for example, by the last chain link (13).

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing (9) of the chain drive (1) is mounted on the frame (6), and the end fitting (4) is mounted on the outside of the leaf (7). The housing (9) of the chain drive (1) can be mounted on the outside of the frame (6) or recessed into the frame (6), e.g., in a hollow frame profile. Figure 2, 3 and 4show the various mounting options. The arrangement can also be reversed, with the end fitting (4) mounted on the frame (6) and the housing (9) and drive unit (3) of the chain drive (1) mounted on the sash (7).

[0037] In the embodiment shown, the push chain (2) extending laterally from the housing (9) extends under the wing (7) and is received on the end fitting (4) mounted on the outer end face of the wing (7).

[0038] Figure 6 and 7 illustrate an exemplary design of a first variant of the end fitting (4). The attachment (19) to be mounted or already mounted on the locking element (6, 7), in particular on the sash (7), is designed as a base (20). This base has screw openings or other fastening options on its front side. The base (20) extends transversely to the main plane of the sash (7).

[0039] The chain holder (21) is designed, for example, as a rotating block (22). It is arranged at the outer free end area of ​​the attachment (19) and below it. A bearing (26) is arranged between the attachment (19) or base (20) and the chain holder (21) or rotating block (22). The chain holder (21) can rotate about an upright axis of rotation (25) relative to the stationary attachment (19) fastened to the wing (7). The axis of rotation (25) runs parallel to the pin axes (15) and to the bearing axes of the bearings (8).

[0040] The chain holder (21) has according to Figure 6 and 7a receiving opening (30) adapted to the chain link contour and an indicated fastening means (31) for the end region (18), in particular the last chain link (13). The fastening means (31) is, for example, a screw running transversely to said receiving opening (30), which can be clamped against the last chain link (13) or inserted through it. The chain plates (16) can have a through-hole (not shown) for this purpose.

[0041] The chain holder (21) can accommodate the end section (18) of the push chain (2) in a force-locking and form-locking manner as described above. A rotational movement of the chain holder (21) about the rotation axis (25) is transmitted to the end section (18) or the last chain link (13) and rotates it in such a way that in push operation the push chain (2) Figure 3 and 4 shown back bend (12).

[0042] Alternatively, other configurations of the chain support (21) are possible. The end region (18) does not have to be formed by a last chain link (13). It can be formed by an attachment at the end of the chain, in particular at the last chain link (13).

[0043] The force / torque sensor (23) acts between the attachment (19) and the chain holder (21). During pushing operation, it transmits a force and a movement to the chain holder (21) to generate the aforementioned back bend (12). The force / torque sensor (23) can be arranged between the attachment (19) and the chain holder (21).

[0044] In the example shown by Figure 6 and 7The force / torque sensor (23) has a spring arrangement (24). This is, for example, a torsion spring, which is arranged between the chain holder (21) and the front end of the attachment (19) in corresponding spring holders. The torsion spring is arranged concentrically to the rotation axis (25). The spring arrangement (24), in particular the torsion spring, can be pre-tensioned. For this purpose, a Figure 6 and 7 The clamping device (32) indicated, e.g., a clamping screw, may be present. It can also axially hold and connect the attachment (19) and the chain holder (21).

[0045] The force / torque sensor (23) is arranged and designed such that, when the tension is released, it rotates the chain holder (21) about the axis (25) and generates the back bend (12). It is designed such that this function is present over the entire extension path of the push chain (2). When the push chain (2) retracts into the housing (9), the aforementioned rotation is canceled, and the push chain (2), which is curved during push operation, is again aligned straight and perpendicular to the housing's longitudinal axis. During this reverse rotation of the chain holder (21), the force / torque sensor (23) is retensioned.

[0046] Figure 8shows an exemplary embodiment of a second variant of the end fitting (4). The attachment means (19) is formed by a bracket (33) and a rotating part (34) fastened thereto, in particular screwed thereto. Depending on the kinematics, the bracket (33) can be fastened, e.g., screwed, to one of the closure parts (6, 7) in a suitable manner. The bracket (33), which is angled, for example, can have a fastening flange, in particular a screw flange, at the free end for this purpose.

[0047] The rotating part (34) is mounted at the other end of the console, for example, suspended. It can be mounted in a similar way to the front part of the base (20) in the first variant of Figure 6 and 7 The rotating part (34) can accommodate the force-torque sensor (23), in particular the spring arrangement (24), at least in part, in an internal cavity. The aforementioned clamping means (32), in particular a clamping screw, can also be present.

[0048] As in the first variant, the chain holder (21) is designed as a rotating block (22) and is pivotally mounted about the rotation axis (25) by means of the bearing (26) on the rotating part (34) of the attachment (19). The rotating part (34) and the rotating block (22) can have a different external shape in the second variant. For example, they are cylindrical. They have the same external diameter and are aligned with one another along the axis (25). This rounded external contour has advantages over the first variant in terms of attractive design and abutting edges or crush gaps. The function of the two shown variants of the end stop (4) is otherwise the same.

[0049] Modifications of the embodiment shown and described are possible in various ways.

[0050] In another embodiment not shown, the end fitting (4) can be concealed in a fold of a closure element (6, 7). Furthermore, it is possible to design the attachment means (19) as a pin and to arrange it on the associated closure element (6, 7), particularly in the aforementioned fold. The chain receptacle (21) can be rotatably received on this pin. It can be designed, for example, as a sleeve and mounted on the cylindrical pin. The connection between the rotatable sleeve and the end region (18) can be designed in any suitable manner. The rotatable sleeve or the chain receptacle (21) can, for example, be inserted into a chain link (13) and can replace the chain pin (14). In these or other cases, the force / torque sensor (23) can be designed as a linear spring arrangement. It can, for example, be arranged in the fold or elsewhere on the associated closure element (6, 7) and aligned along its longitudinal extent.The force / torque sensor can be supported on the locking element (6, 7) and act on the chain retainer (21) or possibly directly on the end section (18), in particular the last chain link (13). This can, for example, be a compressive force that rotates the end section (18) such that the back bend (12) is assumed.

[0051] In a further variant, the base-like attachment (19), for example, can have a joint and be designed to be bendable. The front part of the attachment can form the chain holder (21). In such an embodiment, the force / torque sensor can also have a spring arrangement, formed, for example, by a tension spring, which generates the bent or pivoted position of the chain holder (21).

[0052] The design and arrangement of the force / torque sensor (23) can also vary. Instead of a spring arrangement (24), any other force and displacement generating means can be used. This can have resilient properties and represent a passive element. Alternatively, an active design of the force / torque sensor (23) with an element driven by an external energy supply, e.g., a cylinder, a piezo element, a motor element, or the like, is possible.

[0053] In a further modification, it is possible to create the back bend (12) by displacing the chain holder (21) and the end region (18) along a predetermined path. This can be done, for example, by displacing it along a curved and / or straight link track or guide track. In this case, an appropriately directed force can be applied by a suitable force / torque transmitter (23). This can, for example, be a pushing or pulling force instead of a torque in the embodiment shown. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the features of the previously described embodiment and the aforementioned modifications and variants as desired within the scope of the claims and to exchange them if necessary. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0054] 1 Chain drive 2 Push chain 3 Drive unit 4 End fitting 5 Opening lock, window 6 Locking part, frame 7 Locking part, sash 8 Bearing 9 Housing 10 Chain outlet 11 Chain back 12 Back bend 13 Chain link 14 Chain pin 15 Pin axis 16 Chain plate 17 Back stop 18 End area 19 Attachment 20 Base 21 Chain holder 22 Rotating block 23 Force / torque sensor 24 Spring arrangement 25 Rotating axis 26 Bearing 27 Outlet bevel 28 Outlet opening 29 Secondary closing edge 30 Receptacle opening 31 Fastening means, screw 32 Clamping means, clamping screw 33 Bracket 34 Rotating part

Claims

1. End fitting for the free end region (18), formed by a last chain link (13) of a multi-link push chain (2) which is able to be stiffened during push operation, of a chain push drive (1) for an opening closure (5) of a building opening, wherein the end fitting (4) has a force / torque generator (23) which actively forces the push chain (2) into a rigid back bend (12) during push operation, wherein the end fitting (4) has an attachment means (19) which is able to be fastened to a closure part (6, 7) of the opening closure (5), and a chain receptacle (21) for the end region (18) formed by the last chain link (13), wherein the attachment means (19) and the chain receptacle (21) are mounted on one another (26) so as to be pivotable relative to one another about a rotation axis (25), wherein the force / torque generator (23) moves the attachment means (19) and the chain receptacle (21) relative to one another about the rotation axis (25) during push operation, wherein the force / torque generator (23) has a tensionable spring assembly (24), characterized in that the chain receptacle (21) has a dimensionally adapted receptacle opening (30) and a fastening means (31) for the last chain link (13) of the push chain (2), wherein the chain receptacle (21) can receive the last chain link (13) of the push chain (2) in a form-fitting manner, wherein the force / torque generator (23) is disposed and acts between the attachment means (19) and the chain receptacle (21).

2. End fitting according to Claim 1, characterized in that the torque (M), or the force, generated by the force / torque generator (23) is able to be supported on the closure part (6, 7) of the opening closure (5) and is directed counter to a chain back (11) of the push chain (2).

3. End fitting according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the push chain (2) has a plurality of chain links (13) which are connected to one another in an articulated manner and have back stops (17) and chain pins (14) having pin axes (15), wherein the rotation axis (25) is aligned parallel to the pin axes (15).

4. End fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pretensionable force / torque generator (23) has a clamping means (32).

5. End fitting according one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment means (19) is designed as a base (20) which is able to be assembled on the front side on a closure part (6, 7) of the opening closure (5), or as a console (33) with a rotary part (34).

6. End fitting according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chain receptacle (21) is designed as a rotary block (22) and is rotatably mounted by way of a bearing (26) on the attachment means (19), in particular on the base (20) or rotary part (34).

7. Chain push drive having a multi-link push chain (2) which is able to be stiffened during push operation, and having an end fitting (4) for the free end region (18) of the push chain (2), characterized in that the end fitting (4) is designed according to one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. Chain push drive according to Claim 7, characterized in that the chain push drive (1) has a housing (9) with a chain outlet (10).

9. Chain push drive according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that an outlet opening (28) widened beyond the chain width and a run-on bevel (27) are disposed on the chain outlet (10), said outlet opening and run-on bevel being adapted to an oblique exiting of the push chain (2) so as to correspond to the curvature of the rigid back bend (12) of the latter during push operation.

10. Opening closure of a building opening with a stationary closure part (6), in particular a frame, and a non-stationary closure part (7), in particular a movable leaf, wherein a chain push drive (1) is disposed between the closure parts (6, 7) on the opening closure (5), characterized in that the chain push drive (1) is designed according to one of Claims 7 to 9 and an end fitting (4) according to one of Claims 1 to 6 is provided.

11. Opening closure according to Claim 10, characterized in that the housing of the chain push drive (1) is assembled on the external side, or so as to be recessed, on the stationary closure part (6).

12. Opening closure according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that and the end fitting (4) is mounted on the external side or in a rebate on the non-stationary closure part (7).

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