shutter latch

Abstract

Title: Shutter Latch The invention relates to a latch (1) comprising a support (40) on which a finger (30) is positioned, a movable part (20) extending along a longitudinal direction (L), the movable part being rotatably mounted on the finger about a pivot axis (P), the pivot axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a return device (10) configured to return the movable part to a rest position when it is pivoted about a first direction (d1), characterized in that the return device is configured to return the movable part to a rest position when it is pivoted about a second direction (d2) opposite to the first direction (d1). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1B

Description

Title of the invention: Shutter latch technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of shutter closures, particularly for interior windows. Its particular application will be the closure of hinged shutters, preferably for equipping the interior part of windows or French doors. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In the field of joinery, there are many devices that allow a leaf to be held in an open position against a wall, for example against a wall.

[0003] These devices are generally configured for shutters that block an opening in a wall where, for example, a window is located. Most of these devices are configured for exterior shutters and are therefore designed to prevent the deployed shutter from closing due to wind. However, they have the disadvantage of being complex and are unsuitable for holding an interior shutter in the closed position.

[0004] Some retaining devices are, however, configured for interior window sashes. Generally, these devices are latches, including a return spring, allowing movement in a direction of a bolt configured to cooperate with a strike plate positioned on a wall.

[0005] However, this type of device has the disadvantage of being dependent on the orientation and side of the shutter. Since the movement is in only one direction, there are two latch models: one for a shutter positioned on the right and another for a shutter positioned on the left. This means that the latch positioning and the model to purchase must be considered beforehand.

[0006] An object of the present invention is therefore to propose a solution enabling a latch to be positioned regardless of the orientation of the shutter.

[0007] The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from an examination of the following description and accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages may be incorporated. SUMMARY

[0008] To achieve this objective, according to a first aspect, a latch comprising: • a support on which a finger is positioned, • a moving part extending along a longitudinal direction, the moving part being mounted for rotation on the finger about a pivot axis, the pivot axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, • a return device configured to return the moving part to a rest position when it is rotated in a first direction, characterized in that the return device is configured to return the moving part to a rest position when it is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0009] Thus, the invention provides a bidirectional latch. Indeed, integrating a bidirectional return mechanism into a latch allows for locking in two opposite directions within the same plane. The invention therefore offers the advantage of easy installation regardless of the shutter lock's position. In fact, the orientation of a shutter, such as left or right, does not require a specific orientation of the latch as presented in the invention. This bidirectional return mechanism also offers the surprising advantage of easier maintenance compared to prior art latches. Since the bidirectional return mechanism is easily removable from the latch, the latch can be replaced if a failure or wear is observed.

[0010] According to another aspect, a flap is provided equipped with at least one latch according to the invention, the flap being configured to be locked in a closed position by the latch.

[0011] Thus, the invention allows it to be positioned on any shutter so as to allow it to be locked in a closed position and thus obstruct the light coming from the window. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012] The aims, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof, which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0013] [Fig.1A] Fig.1A represents the lock in the locked position and according to a first orientation according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0014] [Fig.1B] Fig.1B represents the lock in the unlocked position and in a second position according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] [Fig.2A] Figures 2A and 2B respectively represent a cross-sectional view and a side view of the lock according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] [Fig.2B]

[0017] [Fig.3A] Figures 3A to 3D represent the positioning of a lock according to an embodiment of the invention on a door leaf and cooperating with a strike plate.

[0018] [Fig.3B]

[0019] [Fig.3C]

[0020] [Fig.3D]

[0021] The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to scale with practical applications. In particular, the dimensions are not representative of reality. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Before beginning a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features which may possibly be used in association or alternatively are stated below.

[0023] According to one example, the return device includes at least one elastically deformable element. This allows the return device to return to its initial position and thus allows the latch to move through several degrees of freedom.

[0024] According to one example, the return device is a bidirectional spring. This allows, with a single element, the movement of the latch in two directions.

[0025] According to one example, the first direction and the second direction are contained in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0026] This allows two movements to be performed in a single plane with a single latch. Furthermore, it allows the latch to be positioned in two different configurations so that a single latch model can be used regardless of its positioning.

[0027] According to one example, the return device includes a first arm configured to return the moving part to a rest position when it is rotated in the first direction and a second arm configured to return the moving part to a rest position when it is rotated in the second direction.

[0028] This first of all allows for a single means of performing two movements, and therefore for a latch configured to perform two opposing movements and configurable according to its positioning. Thus, a single return device allows for movement in two different opposing directions.

[0029] According to one example, the first arm of the return device is supported on a first slice of the moving part and in which the second arm of the return device is supported on a second slice of the moving part, the first slice being opposite the second slice.

[0030] This allows, during the following movement dl or d2, the moving part to return to its rest position. This rest position can be a locking position with a strike plate.

[0031] According to one example, the latch comprising a stud positioned on the support and configured so as to at least partially retain the return device.

[0032] This allows the return device to be fixed remotely and thus allows movement to be carried out along the two directions dl and d2.

[0033] According to one example, the pin is positioned in alignment with the finger along its longitudinal direction. This allows for a bidirectional return mechanism and thus enables movement in two opposite directions. Furthermore, it allows for a single mechanism regardless of the latch's position.

[0034] According to one example, the spring includes a helical portion positioned between the first arm and the second arm, the helical portion being mounted on the stud.

[0035] This allows for a bidirectional spring and therefore a latch capable of moving in two opposite directions.

[0036] According to one example, the finger includes a groove configured so as to hold the first arm and the second arm of the return device against the stop.

[0037] This makes it possible to position at least partially the return device such as a spring against the moving part so as to allow easy movement in the first and second directions.

[0038] According to one example, the finger includes a chamfer at its distal end. The chamfer allows for the easy insertion of the return device, such as a spring, onto the latch. It can also, but is not limited to, facilitate maintenance of the latch in the event of a failure, for example, when replacing the spring.

[0039] According to one example, a preload is applied to the spring before it is positioned in the latch. This ensures that the spring is in constant contact with the moving part, thus ensuring smooth movement in both directions.

[0040] According to one example, the support comprises a support height hl, the support height hl being parallel to the first direction and in which at least the finger is positioned at a finger height h2, with h2 = hl / 2.

[0041] At least part of the elements of the latch are then positioned in a central manner to allow rotation along the first and second directions.

[0042] According to one example, the support includes a head, the head being configured to provide a stop, preferably a stop against a side of a window shutter and including a slot configured to contain the movable part when it is pivoted in the first and second directions.

[0043] The slot thus allows degrees of freedom for the moving part. More precisely, the slot is configured so as to allow the moving part to move along the first and second directions.

[0044] According to one example, the head and the support are a single piece. Preferably, the head is positioned at one end of the support and is configured to allow the moving part to pass through. This allows the latch to be a single piece that is easily installed regardless of the direction in which the moving part is desired to move.

[0045] For example, the latch includes a strike plate configured to cooperate with the moving part. This allows the window shutter to be locked in the closed position and blocks the light coming from the windows. This device can therefore be installed on interior shutters when exterior shutters cannot be installed.

[0046] In the following description, the term "on" does not necessarily mean "directly on." Thus, when it is stated that a part or component A is supported "on" a part or component B, this does not mean that parts or components A and B are necessarily in direct contact with each other. These parts or components A and B may be either in direct contact or supported by each other via one or more other parts. The same applies to other expressions such as, for example, the expression "A acts on B," which may mean "A acts directly on B" or "A acts on B via one or more other parts."

[0047] In this document, when two parts are described as distinct, it means that these parts are separate. They are: • positioned at a distance from each other, and / or • mobile relative to each other and / or • joined together by being fixed by added elements, this fixing being removable or not.

[0048] A single-piece unit cannot therefore be made up of two separate parts.

[0049] In this document, the term "fixed" used to describe the connection between two parts means that the two parts are linked / fixed to each other with respect to all degrees of freedom, unless explicitly specified otherwise. For example, if it is stated that two parts are fixed in translation along a direction X, this means that the parts can be movable relative to each other except along the direction X. In other words, if one part is moved along the direction X, the other part moves in the same direction.

[0050] In this document, a dimension or longitudinal direction shall be understood as the longest dimension of the object.

[0051] In the detailed description that follows, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "longitudinal," "transverse," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "inside," and "outside" may be used. These terms should be interpreted relatively in relation to the normal position of the strike plate and / or the latch and / or the door leaf and / or the wall. For example, the term "longitudinal" corresponds to the width of the latch, and the term "vertical" corresponds to the height of the latch.

[0052] In the following description, the notion of recalling an element is understood as the return to a starting position following the application of a force on that element.

[0053] A latch 1 is generally configured to lock a hinged leaf 3, such as a door, window, or shutter, in the closed position. To achieve this, it may include at least one movable part 20 configured to cooperate with a fixed strike plate 2. The latch 1 according to the invention will now be described with reference to Figures IA to 2B.

[0054] The latch 1 includes a support 40. The support 40 is generally configured to support the other elements of the latch 1. The support 40 can also allow the latch 1 to be fixed to a leaf 3. The support 40 can thus have a parallelepiped shape. The support 40 can have at least two main faces. The support 40 can thus have a first face configured to support the elements of the latch 1. It can also have a second face, opposite its first face, configured to face, for example, a wall.

[0055] The latch 1 also includes a finger 30. The finger 30 is positioned on the support 40. More precisely, the finger 30 is positioned on the first face of the support 40.

[0056] The latch 1 comprises a movable part 20. The movable part 20 extends along a longitudinal direction L. The movable part 20 is rotatably mounted on the finger 30 about a pivot axis P. The pivot axis P is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the movable part 20 can act as a bolt of the latch 1.

[0057] According to one example, the movable part 20 is a parallelepiped-shaped movable part extending from a first end to a second end. The movable part 20 can extend between its first end and its second end along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the movable part 20 can be movably fixed by its first end to the finger 30. The movable part 20 can extend between its first end and its second end in front of the finger 30 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0058] According to one example, the movable part 20 may have a gripping element 21 at its second end. The gripping element 21 may be configured so as to allow a user to make the moving part 20 perform at least one movement.

[0059] The latch 1 also includes a return device 10. A return device 10 is understood to be an elastic element configured to return to its position when it is no longer subjected to stress. Thus, the return device 10 may include at least one elastically deformable element. An elastically deformable element may be a spring or a blade. The return device 10 may include at least one spring element. Preferably, the return device 10 includes several spring elements. The return device 10 may thus comprise several parts. The return device 10 is configured to allow the return of another element.

[0060] By way of example, the return device 10 can be a bidirectional spring 10. The spring 10 can then be a single spring 10 comprising several parts allowing for several movements. The spring element(s) can be helical or in the form of a component, such as a blade, deformable in bending or torsion.

[0061] In the following description and with reference to the figures, and in a non-restrictive manner, the return device 10 corresponds to the spring 10.

[0062] According to one example, the spring 10 can be configured to return the movable part 20 to a rest position when it is rotated along a first direction d1. The spring 10 is a so-called bidirectional spring. The spring 10 is thus configured to return the movable part 20 to a rest position when it is rotated along a second direction d2. The second direction d2 being opposite to the first direction d1.

[0063] According to one example, the first direction dl and the second direction d2 lie in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. More precisely, the first direction dl and the second direction d2 correspond to directions of force reflecting a direction of rotation about the pivot axis P. This allows, with a single latch 1, two movements to be performed in a single plane. Furthermore, this allows the latch 1 to be positioned in two configurations so that a single latch 1 model can be used regardless of its positioning.

[0064] In order to return the movable part 20 to its rest position, according to one example, the spring 10 comprises several parts. Thus, the spring 10 may include a first arm 10a. The first arm 10a of the spring 10 may be configured to return the movable part to a rest position when it is pivoted in the first direction dl. To do this, the first arm 10a may then be at least partially in contact with a first slice 20a of the movable part 20. More precisely, the first arm 10a may be at least partially supported by the first slice 20a.

[0065] According to one example, the spring 10 also includes a second arm 10b. The second arm 10b can then be configured to return the moving part 20 to a rest position when it is pivoted along the second direction d2. Thus, similarly to the first arm 10a, the second arm 10b is at least partially in contact with a second slice 20b of the moving part 20. More precisely, the second arm 10b can be at least partially supported by the second slice 20b. Preferably, the first slice 20a is opposite the second slice 20b of the moving part 20.

[0066] The first arm 10a and the second arm 10b thus allow a single means to perform two movements: a first movement along the first direction dl and a second along the second direction d2. Therefore, the spring 10 can allow a latch 1 to be configured to perform two opposing movements, configurable according to its positioning. Thus, a single spring 10 allows movement in two different, opposing directions dl and d2.

[0067] According to one example, the movable part 20 extends between the first section 20a and the second section 20b along its vertical dimension. Similarly, the movable part 20 extends vertically between the first arm 10a of the spring 10 and the second arm 10b of the spring 10. Thus, during movement induced by a user by movement of the gripping element 21 along the first direction d1 or along the second direction d2, the movable part 20 will return to its rest position. This rest position can be a locking position with a latch 2. Therefore, the movable part 20 has a vertical dimension less than the dimension between the first arm 10a and the second arm 10b.

[0068] According to one example, the latch 1 includes a stud 11. The stud 11 can be positioned on the support 40. More precisely, the stud 11 can be positioned on the first face of the support 40. The stud 11 can then be configured so as to at least partially retain the spring 10. More precisely, the stud 11 can hold a helical portion 10c of the spring 10. The helical portion 10c is positioned along a vertical dimension between the first arm 10a and the second arm 10b. Thus, the spring 10 is bidirectional and therefore allows the latch 1 to move in two opposite directions d1, d2.

[0069] According to one example, the stud 11 is positioned aligned with the finger 30 along the longitudinal direction L. More precisely, the stud 11 is positioned behind the finger 30 along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, with the stud 11 located behind the finger 30, the spring 10 is fixed offset from the pivot axis P. This allows the moving part 20 to move along the first direction d1 and the second direction d2. Furthermore, this allows for a single device regardless of the position of the latch 1.

[0070] According to one example, the finger 30 includes a groove 32. The groove 32 can then be configured so as to hold the first arm 10a and the second arm 10b of the spring 10 against the stop. More precisely, the groove 32 makes it possible to lock the first arm 10a and the second arm 10b between a portion of the finger 30 and the first face of the support 40. The groove 32 thus makes it possible to position the spring 10 at least partially against the moving part 20 so as to allow easy movement in the first and second directions while preventing misalignment of the spring 10.

[0071] According to one example, the finger 30 also includes a chamfer 31 at its distal end. The chamfer 31 allows for the easy insertion of the spring 10 onto the latch 1. It can also, but is not limited to, facilitate maintenance of the latch 1 in the event of a failure, for example, when replacing the spring 10.

[0072] According to one example, a pre-stress is applied to the spring 10 before positioning it in the latch 1. This ensures that the spring 10 is in good contact with the moving part 20 so as to ensure good movement in the first direction dl and in the second direction d2.

[0073] According to one example, the support 40 has a support height hl. The support height hl is parallel to the first direction dl. Similarly, the support height hl corresponds to the vertical dimension of the support 40. In order to achieve movement in the first direction dl and in the second direction d2, preferably, at least the finger 30 is positioned at a finger height h2. The finger height h2 is preferably the height of the center of the finger 30. The finger height h2 is preferably equal to the support height hl divided by 2. Similarly, the pin 11 and the moving part 20 can be positioned at the finger height h2. Thus, at least some of the components of the latch 1 are then positioned centered on the support 40.The centered position of at least finger 30, preferably finger 30, the moving part 20, the stud 11 and the spring 10 allows for movement along the first direction dl and along the second direction d2 in a symmetrical manner.

[0074] According to one example, the support 40 includes a headplate 50. The headplate 50 can be configured to provide a stop. Preferably, the headplate 50 provides a stop against one side of a window shutter 3. The headplate 50 preferably extends over the height of the support hl. The headplate 50 also preferably extends in a plane perpendicular to the first face of the support 40. The headplate 50 can then be positioned in front of the finger 30 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0075] According to one example, the head 50 includes a slot 51. The slot 51 can be configured to contain the movable part 20 when it is pivoted along the first direction d1 and the second direction d2. Thus, the slot 51 can extend along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The slot 51 can The slot 51 can also extend along a dimension preferably smaller than the support dimension hl. The slot 51 thus allows degrees of freedom for the moving part 20. More precisely, the slot 51 can be configured to allow the moving part 20 to move along the first direction dl and the second direction d2. Preferably, in its rest position, the moving part 20 is in the middle of the slot's height, giving the same possible range of motion in both directions, i.e., in practice, in both possible working directions of the moving part depending on the mounting direction.

[0076] According to one example, the head 50 and the support 40 form a single piece. Preferably, the head 50 is positioned at one end of the support 40 and is configured to allow the moving part 20 to pass through. This allows the latch 1 to be a single piece that is easily installed regardless of the direction in which the movement of the moving part 20 is desired.

[0077] According to another aspect, a flap 3 is provided equipped with at least one latch 1. The flap 3 can then be configured to be locked in a closed position by the latch 1. An example of the positioning of the latch 1 is shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

[0078] According to one example, the flap 3 has a cavity 3a. The cavity 3a can be configured so as to contain at least part of the latch 1. Preferably, the cavity 3a is configured to encompass at least one of the finger 30, the stud 11, the moving part 20.

[0079] According to one example, the support 40 is fixed to the flap 3. Preferably, the cavity has a vertical dimension less than the support height hl. The support 40 may then include at least one, preferably several, through openings 41 configured to accommodate fastening devices 42. The fastening devices 42 can then be configured to fix the support 40, and therefore the latch 1, to the flap 3.

[0080] To be locked in the closed position, the latch includes a strike plate 2. The strike plate 2 can then be configured to cooperate with the moving part 20. This allows the window shutter 3 to be locked in the closed position. An example of movement along a first direction dl of the moving part 20 and cooperation of the moving part 20 with the strike plate 2 is shown in Figures 3C and 3D.

[0081] NUMERICAL REFERENCES 1. latch 10. Return device / bidirectional spring 10a. First spring arm 10b. Second spring arm 10c. helical portion 11. stem 20. Moving part 20a. First tranche 20b. second tranche 21. Gripping element 30. finger 31. chamfer 32. throat 40. support 41. Through openings 42. fastening device 50. Headboard 51. slot 2. latch 3. section 3a. cavity P. pivot axis L. longitudinal direction dl. first direction d2. Second direction hl. support height h2. finger positioning height on the plate

Claims

Demands

1. Latch (1) comprising: • a support (40) on which a finger (30) is positioned, • a movable part (20) extending along a longitudinal direction (L), the movable part (20) being mounted for rotation on the finger (30) about a pivot axis (P), the pivot axis (P) being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), • a return device (10) configured to return the movable part (20) to a rest position when it is pivoted along a first direction (d1), characterized in that the return device (10) is configured to return the movable part (20) to a rest position when it is pivoted along a second direction (d2) opposite to the first direction (d1).

2. Latch (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the return device (10) comprises at least one elastically deformable element.

3. Latch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the return device (10) is a bidirectional spring.

4. Latch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first direction (dl) and the second direction (d2) are included in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L).

5. Latch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the return device (10) comprises a first arm (10a) configured to return the movable part (20) to a rest position when it is pivoted along the first direction (d1) and a second arm (10b) configured to return the movable part (20) to a rest position when it is pivoted along the second direction (d2).

6. Latch (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first arm (10a) of the return device (10) bears against a first slice (20a) of the moving part (20) and wherein the second arm (10b) of the return device (10) bears against a second slice (20b) of the movable part (20), the first slice (20a) being opposite the second slice (20b).

7. Latch (1) according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the finger (30) includes a groove (32) configured to hold the first arm (10a) and the second arm (10b) of the return device (10) against the stop.

8. Latch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a stud (11) positioned on the support (40) and configured so as to at least partially retain the return device (10).

9. Latch (1) according to the preceding claim and claims 3 and 5 in combination, wherein the spring (10) comprises a helical portion (10c) positioned between the first arm (10a) and the second arm (10b), the helical portion being mounted on the stud (H).

10. Latch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the finger (30) includes a chamfer (31) at its distal end.

11. Latch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (40) comprises a support height hl, the support height hl being parallel to the first direction (dl) and wherein at least the finger (30) is positioned at a finger height h2, with h2 = h 1 / 2.

12. Latch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (40) comprises a faceplate (50), the faceplate (50) being configured to provide a stop and comprising a slot (51) configured to contain the movable part (20) when pivoted in the first direction (d1) and the second direction (d2).

13. Latch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a strike plate (2) configured to cooperate with the moving part (20).

14. Flap (3) equipped with at least one latch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, flap (3) being configured to be locked in a closed position by the latch (1).

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