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

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for assisting the closing and opening of a lift-and-slide element. The device comprises a basic body for mounting on a wing frame of a lift-and-slide element; an axially extending first preloading element having a first end and a second end, which is articulated on a basic body; an axially extending second preloading element having a first end and a second end, which is articulated on the basic body; and a switching mechanism having a first and a second defined end switching position, via which mechanism the first end of the first preloading element is coupled to the first end of the second preloading element. Here, the switching mechanism has an unstable equilibrium position between its two end switching positions, wherein the two preloading elements are aligned with one another only in the unstable equilibrium position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for assisting the closing and opening of a lift-and-slide element according to the preamble of claim 1, as is essentially known from EP 2 157 267 A1. The device according to the invention particularly assists the closing of the lift-and-slide element by allowing the lift-and-slide element or its sliding panel to move as smoothly as possible into its closed position. Likewise, the device assists the opening of the lift-and-slide element by allowing it to move from the closed position toward its open position with the least possible effort.

[0002] Conventional lift-and-slide elements, such as lift-and-slide doors, can weigh up to 400 kg or more. This can result in a correspondingly large amount of force being required to set the sliding sash of such a lift-and-slide door in motion, as is the case, for example, when opening the lift-and-slide door from its closed position. However, once the sash of such a lift-and-slide door has been set in motion, its weight means it exhibits considerable kinetic energy. This can cause the sliding sash to strike the frame upon reaching the closed position when the lift-and-slide door is closed. This can lead to damage to the lift-and-slide door, particularly at higher impact speeds.The same problem also arises when such a lift-sliding door is fully opened, as the sliding sash can also hit the frame when it reaches the open position.

[0003] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device with which a lifting-sliding element can be opened with only little effort and which at the same time enables a gentle closing of the lifting-sliding element.

[0004] This object is achieved with a device having the features of claim 1 for assisting the closing and opening of a lift-and-slide element such as a lift-and-slide door or a lift-and-slide window.

[0005] The device according to the invention for assisting the closing and opening of a lift-and-slide element comprises a base body designed for attachment to a sash frame of a lift-and-slide element. Two axially extending prestressing elements are hinged to the base body, so that they do not have to be mounted individually on the sash frame of the lift-and-slide element. In particular, the device has an axially extending first prestressing element, such as a first gas pressure spring, which has a first end and a second end that is hinged to the base body. Furthermore, the device has an axially extending second prestressing element, such as a second gas pressure spring, which has a first end and a second end that is hinged to the base body.Because the two pre-tensioning elements are hinged to the base body and thus carried by it, the device can be handled in its entirety and mounted on a lifting-sliding element or its sliding wing, so that the two pre-tensioning elements do not have to be handled individually and mounted on the lifting-sliding element.

[0006] Furthermore, the device has a switching mechanism which can be switched between a first limit switching position and a second limit switching position and which is slidably mounted on the base body and secured there against lifting forces. If, for example, the switching mechanism is transferred from its first limit switching position to its second limit switching position, the switching mechanism cannot move beyond the second limit switching position. The same applies to a switching process of the switching mechanism starting from its second limit switching position towards its first limit switching position, in which the switching mechanism cannot be moved beyond its first limit switching position. According to the invention, the switching mechanism has an L-shaped angled switching element, which is also referred to here as an angle element, which in turn can be pivoted between the two limit switching positions.The switching or angle element has a first and a second leg, which are preferably aligned substantially perpendicular to each other. The first end of the first prestressing element is hinged to the free end of the first leg, whereas the first end of the second prestressing element is hinged to the free end of the second leg.

[0007] The switching mechanism serves as a coupling link between the two preload elements, since the first end of the first preload element is coupled to the first end of the second preload element via the switching mechanism under a preload of the first and / or second preload element. Regardless of the position or deflection of the two preload elements, they are thus always interacting with each other, since one preload element applies a preload force to the other preload element via the switching mechanism, and vice versa.

[0008] The switching mechanism is designed in such a way that it has only a single unstable equilibrium position between its two end switching positions. The two preload elements are therefore only aligned with one another in the unstable equilibrium position in question and are thus axially aligned. Beyond or outside the unstable equilibrium position of the switching mechanism, however, the two preload elements are not axially aligned with one another, which means that only the force component of one preload element that acts in the direction of the axial extension of the other preload element interacts with it. If, for example, the second preload element is deflected relative to the first preload element, only the force component that is aligned with the first preload element is transferred from the second preload element to the first preload element.

[0009] If, for example, in one position of the device the second prestressing element is deflected relative to the first prestressing element, which is more compressed than the second prestressing element, then in this position the prestressing force exerted by the first prestressing element is always greater than the force component of the second prestressing element acting in the direction of the first prestressing element. This can be exploited in such a way that when the device is mounted on a lifting / sliding element, the first prestressing element, in the first end switching position of the switching mechanism, urges the lifting / sliding element towards its closed position against the prestressing force of the second prestressing element when the first end of the first prestressing element is supported on a fixed or stationary abutment.

[0010] In contrast, in the second end switching position of the switching mechanism, the second pre-tensioning element can urge the lifting-sliding element towards its opening position against the pre-tensioning force of the first pre-tensioning element if the first end of the second pre-tensioning element is supported on a fixed or stationary abutment.

[0011] Likewise, the device can also be used to ensure that the lift-and-slide element smoothly assumes its open position without colliding with the frame. In this case, the second prestressing element, in the second end position of the switching mechanism, urges the lift-and-slide element toward its open position against the prestressing force of the first prestressing element when the first end of the second prestressing element is supported on a fixed or stationary abutment. In contrast, the first prestressing element, in the first end position of the switching mechanism, can urge the lift-and-slide element toward its closed position against the prestressing force of the second prestressing element when the first end of the first prestressing element is supported on a fixed or stationary abutment.

[0012] As already explained, the function of the switching mechanism essentially consists in deflecting one pre-tensioning element relative to the other pre-tensioning element. Therefore, if, for example, the second pre-tensioning element is deflected relative to the first pre-tensioning element during the closing process of the lift-and-slide element, the first pre-tensioning element urges the sliding sash of the lift-and-slide element into its closed position, preferably until the pre-tensioning force exerted by the first pre-tensioning element is in balance with the force component of the second pre-tensioning element, which is aligned with the first pre-tensioning element. This allows the lift-and-slide element to be closed gently by means of the first pre-tensioning element, without there being any risk of the sliding sash of the lift-and-slide element hitting the frame.

[0013] If it were not possible to switch the switching mechanism, the device according to the invention would not be able to support a subsequent opening of the lifting-sliding element, since in this case the sliding sash would always be urged towards its closed position by the first pre-tensioning element.

[0014] Therefore, if the switching mechanism is transferred to its second limit position in the closed position of the lift-and-slide element in the manner according to the invention, the first preload element is deflected relative to the second preload element, with the result that the force component exerted by the first preload element, which acts in the direction of the second preload element, is now less than its preload force. Thus, the second preload element is now able to open the sliding sash of the lift-and-slide element, or to urge it toward its open position, counter to the preload effect of the first preload element.

[0015] It is therefore due to the integration of the switching mechanism into the device according to the invention that a lifting-sliding element can be closed gently and also opened without any significant effort by means of the device according to the invention.

[0016] To prevent the stationary abutment, on which either the first or second pre-tensioning element rests depending on the direction of movement of the lifting-sliding element, from colliding with the first pre-tensioning element when the lifting-sliding element opens, one embodiment can provide the abutment with an axially flexible design perpendicular to the axial extension of the two pre-tensioning elements. The abutment can thus be pushed back, for example, by the first pre-tensioning element when it comes into contact with it during the opening process of the lifting-sliding element.

[0017] Therefore, if the switching mechanism and in particular its switching element is in the first limit switching position, for example, the first preload element can be supported indirectly on the abutment via the first leg of the switching element. If, in contrast, the switching mechanism and in particular the switching element is in the second limit switching position, the second preload element can be supported indirectly on the abutment via the second legs of the switching element.

[0018] To ensure that the respective pre-tensioning element has a defined deflection relative to the other pre-tensioning element, according to a further embodiment it can be provided that the first leg forms a first stop with which the first pre-tensioning element comes into contact in the first limit switching position. Likewise, the second leg can form a second stop with which the second pre-tensioning element comes into contact in the second limit switching position. The stops in question can thus ensure that the switching element cannot be pivoted beyond its respective limit switching position, so that the respectively deflected pre-tensioning element has a defined deflection relative to the other pre-tensioning element.

[0019] Since the two preload elements are hinged to the base body at their respective second ends and are subject to mutual preload, the switching mechanism is slidably mounted on the base body and secured against lifting forces. This prevents both preload elements from simultaneously deflecting or buckling relative to each other. In particular, a pivot joint that can be moved along the base body can be provided for this purpose, with the intersection point of the two legs of the switching element on its axis of rotation.

[0020] According to yet another embodiment, the two preload elements can be of identical construction and, in particular, have the same spring stiffness. The fact that identical components can be used for the two preload elements is again due in particular to the function of the switching mechanism, since this ensures that, depending on the switching position of the switching mechanism, the spring force of one preload element overcomes the force component of the other preload element acting in the direction of the same preload element.

[0021] As previously explained, the switching mechanism is in its first limit position during the opening of the lift-and-slide element, whereas the switching mechanism must be moved to its second limit position to open the lift-and-slide element. This switching of the switching mechanism to its second limit position can be achieved by imparting an opening impulse to the wing of the lift-and-slide element, which results in the switching mechanism being switched to its second limit position due to the fact that it rests against the abutment in the closed position of the lift-and-slide element.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, however, the device according to the invention can also comprise an actuating mechanism with which the switching mechanism interacts in the closed position of the lifting-sliding element such that when the lifting-sliding element is lowered, the switching mechanism is pivoted from its first limit position to its second position. For example, the switching element can be positively coupled to the gear mechanism of the lifting-sliding element, by means of which the element can be raised and lowered, such that when the lifting-sliding element or its sliding wing is lowered, the switching element is automatically switched to its second limit position.Therefore, if the sash of the lift-slide element is raised again in its closed position after it has been lowered, the switching element is already in its second end position with the result that the first pre-tensioning element is deflected relative to the second pre-tensioning element and the second pre-tensioning element can thus push the sash into its open position.

[0023] In the following, the invention will now be described purely by way of example with reference to the drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows a view of a lift-and-slide door according to the invention without a fixed leaf; Fig. 2 shows detail "A" of the figure in an enlarged view; Fig. 3 shows a view of the device according to the invention; Fig. 4 shows three views showing different states of the device according to the invention during the closing of a lift-and-slide element; Fig. 5 shows three views showing different states of the device according to the invention during the opening of a lift-and-slide element; and Fig. 6 shows two further views showing two states of the device according to the invention during the further opening of a lift-and-slide element.

[0024] In the following, with reference to the Figures 1, 2 and 3 the basic structure of the device 50 according to the invention and its positioning on a lifting-sliding door 10 will be discussed, before then referring to the Figures 4 to 6the functioning of the device 10 according to the invention is explained.

[0025] The Fig. 1 shows a lift-and-slide element, and more precisely, a lift-and-slide door 10 with a surrounding frame 12, which accommodates a sliding sash 14, which is guided within the frame 12 so as to be displaceable along an upper leg 18 and a lower leg 20 of the frame 12. The sliding sash 14, in turn, comprises a sash frame 16, which accommodates the glazing of the sliding sash 14.

[0026] As in particular the Fig. 2can be removed, an elongated, upwardly open recess 24 is formed in the upper leg 22 of the sash frame 16, which serves to accommodate the base body 52 of the device 50 according to the invention, including its pre-tensioning elements 54, 56 and its switching mechanism 58. In the upper leg 18 of the frame 12, on the other hand, a downwardly open recess 26 is formed, in which the abutment 60 of the device 50 according to the invention is arranged and mounted. As an alternative to the embodiment shown here, however, the base body 52 of the device 50 according to the invention, including its pre-tensioning elements 54, 56 and its switching mechanism 58, can also be arranged in the downwardly open recess 26 of the frame and the abutment 60 can be arranged in the upwardly open recess 24 of the sash frame 16, without this impairing the function of the device.

[0027] In the following, with reference to the Fig. 3 the structure of the device 50 according to the invention is explained in more detail. As the illustration of the Fig. 3can be removed, the device 50 according to the invention, as already mentioned above, has a base body 52 which serves as a type of housing or carrier for the device 50 according to the invention, since this base body 52 accommodates the other components of the device 50. In particular, the device 50 has an axially extending first prestressing element 54, which in this case is a first gas pressure spring 54, and an axially extending second prestressing element 56, which in this case is a second gas pressure spring 56. The two gas pressure springs 54, 56 have a conventional design, each with a plunger piston that is guided in a cylinder. The first gas pressure spring 54 has a first end 62 and a second end 64, wherein the second end 64 is connected to the base body 52 in an articulated manner.Likewise, the second gas pressure spring 56 has a first end 66 and a second end 68, wherein the second end 68 is pivotally connected to the base body 52, see in particular also the . Fig. 4 . In contrast, the first end 62 of the first gas pressure spring 54 is coupled to the first end 66 of the second gas pressure spring 56 via the switching mechanism 58, which will be described in more detail below.

[0028] In the Fig. 3 In the illustrated state of the device 50, the first gas pressure spring 54 is almost completely tensioned or compressed, whereas the second gas pressure spring 56 is almost completely extended, which means that the two gas pressure springs 54, 56 are coupled to one another under pretension via the switching mechanism 58.

[0029] The switching mechanism 58 is essentially an L-shaped angled element 70, which has a first leg 72 and a second leg 74 extending substantially perpendicular thereto. The first end 62 of the first gas pressure spring 54 is articulated to the free end of the first leg 72, whereas the first end 66 of the second gas pressure spring 56 is articulated to the free end of the second leg 74.

[0030] As indicated by the static symbol of a floating bearing, the angle element 70 is mounted on the base body 52 by means of a pivot joint 26 that is movable along the base body 52 and is thereby secured against lifting forces. The axis of rotation of the pivot joint 76 coincides with the intersection point of the two legs 72, 74 of the angle element 70, so that the angle element 70 can be rotated about the axis of rotation of the pivot joint 76 between a first limit switching position according to the third illustration of the Fig. 4 and a second limit switch position according to the third illustration of the Fig. 3 can be switched.

[0031] In the following, with reference to the Fig. 3 to 6 the functioning of the device 50 according to the invention will be discussed, with further features of the device 50 also being discussed.

[0032] If the sliding leaf 14 of a lift-sliding door 10 is closed with a device 50 mounted on the sliding leaf 14, as shown in the first illustration of the Fig. 4 is indicated by the arrow to the right, the angle element 70 of the switching mechanism 58 and in particular the second leg 74 of the angle element 70 with the abutment 60 attached to the frame 70 according to the first illustration of the Fig. 4 If the closing movement is now continued, the angle element 70 will move from its second limit switch position according to the first illustration of the Fig. 4 counterclockwise around the swivel joint 76 to its first end position according to the third illustration of the Fig. 4 is swiveled.

[0033] In the first limit switch position according to the third illustration of the Fig. 4the first gas pressure spring 54 is now supported on the abutment 60, which, due to the fact that the first gas pressure spring 54 is almost completely compressed, leads to the first gas pressure spring 54 pushing the sliding sash 14 further to the right into its closed position, until the Fig. 5 shown position is reached, in which the first gas pressure spring 54 is almost fully extended and the second gas pressure spring 56 is almost fully compressed.

[0034] Since in the first limit switch position according to the third illustration the Fig. 4of the angle element 70, the second gas pressure spring 56 is deflected relative to the longitudinal axis of the first gas pressure spring 54, the preload force of the first gas pressure spring 54 is only counteracted by the horizontal component of the preload force of the second gas pressure spring 56, so that despite the decreasing preload force when extending the first gas pressure spring 54, the second gas pressure spring 56 can be almost completely compressed, as the first representation of the Fig. 5 In the first illustration of the Fig. 5 The pre-tensioning force of the first gas pressure spring 54 is thus in equilibrium with the horizontal component of the second gas pressure spring 56, which has the effect that the sliding sash 14 can be closed gently without hitting the frame 12.

[0035] If the sliding sash 14 is to be opened again, an opening impulse can be applied manually to the sliding sash 14, as shown in the first illustration of the Fig. 5 by the arrow pointing to the left. This results in the angle element 70 being pivoted clockwise around the pivot joint 76 until the second leg 74 of the angle element 70 is in contact with the abutment 60 according to the third illustration of the Fig. 5 comes into contact. Since in this position the first gas pressure spring 54 is deflected relative to the second gas pressure spring 56, the preload force of the compressed second gas pressure spring 56 is only opposed by the force component of the preload force of the first gas pressure spring 54, which is aligned with the second gas pressure spring 56. The second gas pressure spring 56 can thus move according to the transition from the third representation of the Fig. 5 to the first presentation of the Fig. 6 expand and thereby support themselves on the abutment 60 with the result that the sliding sash 14 is opened automatically after the opening impulse has been received.

[0036] As previously explained, the device 50 according to the invention can prevent the sliding sash 14 from striking the frame 70 when closing. The same device 50 can also prevent the sliding sash 14 from striking the frame 70 on the other side when opening, for which purpose a second abutment would only have to be provided near the open position, on which the two gas pressure springs 54, 56 can be alternately supported in a corresponding manner.

[0037] As can be seen from the above illustrations, the angle element 70 has a labile equilibrium position between its two end positions, as shown in the middle illustration of the Fig. 4 and 5is shown. Beyond this unstable equilibrium position, either the first gas pressure spring 54 is deflected relative to the second gas pressure spring 56 or the second gas pressure spring 56 is deflected relative to the first gas pressure spring 54, with the result that the respective undeflected gas pressure spring 54, 56 can urge the sliding sash 14 in the direction of its open or closed position, for which purpose the respective undeflected gas pressure spring 54, 56 is supported on the abutment 60 and in doing so overcomes the force component of the respective deflected gas pressure spring 56, 54, which is aligned with the respective undeflected gas pressure spring 54, 56.In the first end switching position of the angle element 70, the first gas pressure spring 54 thus urges the sliding wing 14 toward its closed position against the pretensioning force of the second gas pressure spring 56, whereas in the second end switching position of the angle element 70, the second gas pressure spring 56 urges the sliding wing 14 of the lifting-sliding element 10 toward its open position against the pretensioning force of the first gas pressure spring 54.

[0038] To prevent the angle element 70 from being pivoted beyond its first or second limit position, a first stop (not shown in detail here) can be formed on the first leg 72 of the angle element 70, against which the first gas pressure spring engages in the first limit position. Similarly, a second stop (not shown in detail here) can be formed on the second leg 74 of the angle element 70, against which the second gas pressure spring 56 engages in the second limit position.

[0039] Although the angle element 70 of the switching mechanism 58 can be moved into its second limit position by a manually induced opening impulse in the manner described above, the device 50 can also have an actuating mechanism with which the switching mechanism 58, and in particular its angle element 70, interacts, at least in the closed position of the lifting / sliding element, in such a way that when the sliding sash 14 of the lifting / sliding element 10 is lowered, the angle element 70 is moved from its first limit position to its second limit position. For example, the angle element 70 can be positively coupled to the gear of the lifting / sliding element 10, by means of which the sliding sash 14 can be raised and lowered, in such a way that when the sliding sash 14 is lowered, the angle element 70 is moved into its second limit position. List of reference symbols

[0040] 10Lift-sliding door 12Frame 14Sliding sash 16Sash frame 18Upper leg of 12 20Lower leg of 12 22Upper leg of 16 24Recess in 22 26Recess in 18 50Device 52Base body 54First preload element, first gas spring 56Second preload element, second gas spring 58Switching mechanism 60Abutment 62First end of 54 64Second end of 54 66First end of 56 68Second end of 56 70Angle element / Switching element 72First leg of 70 74Second leg of 70 76Swivel joint

Claims

1. An apparatus (50) for assisting the closing and opening of a lift and slide element (10) such as a lift and slide door (10) or a lift and slide window, said apparatus (50) comprising: - a base body (52) which is configured for attachment to a leaf frame (16) of a lift and slide element (10); - an axially extending first preloading element (54), in particular a first gas pressure spring (54), which has a first end (62) and a second end (64) which is connected in an articulated manner to the base body (52); - an axially extending second preloading element (56), in particular a second gas pressure spring (56), which has a first end (66) and a second end (68) which is connected in an articulated manner to the base body (52); and - a switchover mechanism (58) comprising a first and a second defined end switching position, via which switchover mechanism (58) the first end (62) of the first preloading element (54) is coupled to the first end (66) of the second preloading element (56) under a preload of the first and / or the second preloading element (56), characterized in that the switchover mechanism (58) has an unstable equilibrium position between its two end switching positions, with the two preloading elements (54, 56) being aligned with one another only in the unstable equilibrium position; in that the switchover mechanism (58) has a switchover element (70) which is angled in an L shape and which comprises a first and a second limb (72, 74), which are preferably oriented substantially perpendicular to one another, with the first end (62) of the first preloading element (54) being connected in an articulated manner to the free end of the first limb (72) and the first end (66) of the second preloading element (56) being connected in an articulated manner to the free end of the second limb (74); and in that the switchover mechanism (58) is displaceably supported at the base body (52) and is secured thereat against lifting forces.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the state of the apparatus mounted at a lift and slide element (10), the first preloading element (54) in the first end switching position of the switchover mechanism (58) urges the lift and slide element (10) against the preloading force of the second preloading element (56) towards the closed position of said lift and slide element (10) and the second preloading element (56) in the second end switching position of the switchover mechanism (58) urges the lift and slide element against the preloading force of the first preloading element (54) towards the open position of said lift and slide element (10).

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the apparatus (50) further comprises an abutment (60) which is configured for fastening to a fixed-position component, in particular to a ceiling or a frame (12) of the lift and slide element (10), with the first end (62) of the first preloading element (54) being supported at the abutment (60) in order to urge the lift and slide element (10) against the preloading force of the second preloading element (56) towards the closed position of said lift and slide element (10), and the first end (66) of the second preloading element (56) being supported at the abutment (60) in order to urge the lift and slide element (10) against the preloading force of the first preloading element (54) towards the open position of said lift and slide element (10).

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the abutment (60) is designed as elastically yielding perpendicular to the axial extent of the two preloading elements (54, 56).

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first limb (72) forms a first abutment with which the first preloading element (54) comes into contact in the first end switching position and the second limb (74) forms a second abutment with which the second preloading element (56) comes into contact in the second end switching position.

6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switchover element (70) of the switchover mechanism (58) is displaceably supported at the base body (52) and is secured thereat against lifting forces, and indeed in particular by means of a pivot joint (76) which is displaceable with respect to the base body (52) and on whose axis of rotation the point of intersection of the two limbs of the switchover element lies.

7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two preloading elements (54, 56) are identical in design and in particular have the same spring stiffness.

8. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two preloading elements (54, 56) are preloaded irrespective of their position / deflection.

9. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the closed position of the lift and slide element (10), the preloading force of the first preloading element (54) is in equilibrium with the force component of the preloading force of the second preloading element (56) that acts in the direction of the first preloading element (54).

10. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus (50) comprises an actuating mechanism with which the switchover mechanism (58) cooperates in the closed position of the lift and slide element (10) such that, on the lowering of the lift and slide element (10), the switchover mechanism (58) is pivoted from its first end switching position into its second end switching position.

11. A lift and slide element (10), in particular a lift and slide door (10) or a lift and slide window, comprising an apparatus (50) according to at least one of the preceding claims, the base body (52) of said apparatus (50) being fastened to the leaf frame (16) or to the frame (12) of the lift and slide element (10).

12. A lift and slide element according to claim 11, characterized in that the leaf frame (16) comprises an upper leaf limb (22) in which an upwardly open recess (24) is formed, in which recess the base body (52) of the apparatus (50), including the two preloading elements (54, 56) and the switchover mechanism (58), or the abutment (60) is arranged.

13. A lift and slide element according to claim 12, characterized in that the abutment (60) or the base body (52) of the apparatus (50), including the two preloading elements (54, 56) and the switchover mechanism (58), is arranged in a downwardly open recess (26) which is formed in an upper limb (18) of the frame (12) of the lift and slide element (10).

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