Opening and closing mechanism for a multipoint lock

Abstract

Title: Opening and Closing Device for a Multipoint Lock The invention relates to a device (1) for opening and closing a multipoint lock intended to lock and unlock a door leaf (2000) relative to a frame (1000). The device (1) comprises a rack (200), a main pinion (100), and two locking pinions (300a, 300b), each integral with a movable latching element (350a, 350b). The main pinion can drive the rack in a locking direction and in an unlocking direction, which causes the movable latching elements (350a, 350b) to move from a retracted position to an engaged position, and vice versa.The rack has two sets of teeth (210a, 210b), each configured to mesh with a locking pinion (300a, 300b) and oriented in opposite directions, so that the rack causes the locking pinions (300a, 300b) to rotate simultaneously in opposite directions. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1A.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for opening and closing a multipoint lock technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of equipment for openings, particularly of the window or French window type, usable in the building sector. It relates to an opening and closing device for a multipoint lock that can be fitted to a stile of a door leaf.

[0002] One application relates to sliding bays or windows, comprising at least one sash mounted in horizontal translation relative to a frame. Another application relates to windows or French doors comprising at least one opening sash mounted in rotation relative to a frame. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] There are many locking and unlocking systems for a sash relative to a frame of a window.

[0004] In order to meet the increased security needs, most windows installed today are locked with multipoint locks.

[0005] Existing multipoint locks, however, have certain drawbacks. In particular, most multipoint locks are actually made up of a plurality of single-point locking devices. Installing the various devices on the same window and the mechanical elements connecting them requires a high level of precision to ensure the coordination of the locking elements. This significantly increases the complexity of the overall locking system and its dwell time.

[0006] Moreover, some multipoint locks have elements that attach to the frame that are relatively easy to pick.

[0007] It is also noted that certain prior art locks can be locked and unlocked regardless of the sash's position, and in particular even when the sash is not in the closed position relative to the frame. A user wishing to close and lock their window may therefore think they have performed these actions even though they have operated the locking mechanism in mid-air, a few millimeters or centimeters from the frame.

[0008] The invention aims to solve at least one of the problems mentioned above, and preferably simultaneously all the problems identified. SUMMARY

[0009] To achieve this objective, a first object of the invention relates to an opening and closing device for a multipoint lock intended to lock and unlock a leaf relative to a frame, the device comprising: a. a rack and pinion, b. a pinion, called the main pinion, which can be locked in rotation with a handle, c. a first locking pinion fixed to a first moving element hanging, d. a second locking pinion attached to a second movable latching element.

[0010] The rack meshes with the main pinion, the first locking pinion, and the second locking pinion. The main pinion is configured to drive the rack in a so-called main direction, the main pinion driving the rack in a locking direction when it rotates in a first direction of drive, and in an unlocking direction opposite to the locking direction when it rotates in a second direction of drive opposite to the first direction of drive.

[0011] A movement of the rack in the locking direction along the main direction causes the first and second moving hooking elements to move from a retracted position to an engaged position in which each moving hooking element is able to be inserted into a complementary part of the frame, and a movement of the rack in the unlocking direction along the main direction causes the first and second moving hooking elements to move from the engaged position to the retracted position.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention which can be implemented in combination or independently of the first and second aspects of the invention, the rack has a first set of teeth configured to mesh with the first locking pinion and a second set of teeth configured to mesh with the second locking pinion, the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth being oriented in opposite directions, so that when the rack moves along the main direction, it causes, in a main plane, the simultaneous rotation of the first locking pinion and the second locking pinion in opposite directions of rotation.

[0013] The orientation of the tooth assemblies in opposite directions allows the movable attachment elements to rotate in opposite directions as well. The movable attachment elements can thus interact with complementary elements of the frame according to opposite kinematics: for example, a first movable attachment element can attach to a frame element from above and a second The movable element engages another element of the frame, this time from below. Consequently, an operator attempting to gain access to the window from the outside by lifting or lowering the sash to unlock it relative to the frame would be unable to do so. Reversing the mobility of the locking pinions, and therefore of the movable locking elements, thus increases the level of security. The present invention allows the use of only a single rack to provide this reversed mobility. Furthermore, the device according to the invention is more compact than prior art devices. Two locking points are indeed present in a single device. As previously stated, most prior art devices contain only one locking point, and to ensure locking at multiple points, it is necessary to install multiple devices.The invention makes it possible to limit the complexity of the system and the installation time for the same number of locking points.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the invention which can be implemented in combination or independently of the first and third aspects of the invention, the rack has a tooth called an anti-picking tooth, the anti-picking tooth being configured to form a thrust surface on the top of a drive tooth of the main pinion when the rack is subjected to a force directed in the unlocking direction.

[0015] The anti-picking tooth thus prevents the rack from moving when it begins to move due to an external factor other than a command at the main pinion. This aspect of the invention therefore provides an increased level of safety for the device.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the invention which can be implemented in combination or independently of the first and second aspects of the invention, the device further comprises a locking finger and a return element capable of moving the locking finger from a retracted position to a deployed position when a drive tooth of the main pinion acts on the return element, the locking finger, when in the deployed position, being intended to protrude from an internal face of the leaf intended to be opposite the frame, the locking finger and the return element being configured to prevent the rack from moving when the locking finger is in the deployed position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] 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:

[0018] [Fig.1A] Fig.1A represents the device according to the invention in a locked state.

[0019] [Fig.1B] Fig.1B represents the device according to the invention in an unlocked state.

[0020] [Fig. 2A] [Fig. 2A] is an enlargement of [Fig. 1A] showing the interaction between the main pinion and the rack. This figure illustrates, in particular, a situation in which an anti-locking tooth on the rack blocks the kinematics of the device.

[0021] [Fig.2B] [Fig.2B] illustrates a situation in which the main pinion is freed from the anti-locking tooth. It thus illustrates the initiation of the rack drive movement by the main pinion.

[0022] [Fig.3] Fig.3 represents the device according to the invention when it is installed on a sliding leaf and locks the latter relative to a frame.

[0023] 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

[0024] Before proceeding with a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively are listed below:

[0025] According to one embodiment, the rack forms at least two bends between the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth.

[0026] According to one embodiment, when the first movable hooking element and the second movable hooking element are in the retracted position, the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth are on either side of the first movable hooking element and the second movable hooking element.

[0027] According to an advantageous example, the main pinion has at least one tooth called a drive tooth, each drive tooth being intended to mesh with a notch in the rack, the width of at least one drive tooth being less than that of the notch which it meshes, so that when the main pinion rotates in rotation in the first direction of drive, said drive tooth makes a stroke in said notch in the rack before driving the rack.

[0028] According to one example, when the main pinion rotates in the first direction of drive, the drive tooth achieves a radial stroke of at least 4°, preferably of at least 6°, for example 8°, in said notch of the rack before driving the rack.

[0029] According to one example, the locking finger is configured to retract from the deployed position to the retracted position when the sash is pressed against the frame by a user, and to allow movement of the rack when it is in the retracted position.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the rack has a first end at which the rack meshes with the main pinion, a second end at which the rack drives the second locking pinion, and a central region at which the rack drives the first locking pinion, the first end and the second end being located on either side of the central region.

[0031] A coordinate system, preferably orthonormal, comprising the X, Y, and Z axes is shown in Figures IA, 2A, and 3A. The Z direction may be designated as the "vertical Z direction." The plane defined by the X and Z directions may be designated as the "principal plane XZ," the "window plane XZ," the "mullion plane XZ," or sometimes the "sash plane XZ."

[0032] The present invention can be used to equip a door leaf, for example, one made of aluminum, plastic, and / or wood. This could be a French door or a window. The invention can be implemented for sliding doors or for hinged doors. Generally, a door leaf comprises a frame and a pane of one or more glazed surfaces. Two vertical frame elements, called mullions, are arranged on either side of the pane in a lateral direction. The two other frame elements are horizontally extending rails. In the case of sliding doors, the frame is guided in translation relative to the fixed frame. In the case of hinged doors, the frame is mounted to rotate relative to the fixed frame. In both cases, the fixed frame itself comprises a frame that defines an opening.In the closed position of this opening, the sash is brought into contact with a corresponding jamb of the frame. For safety reasons, a locking device is provided. This device immobilizes the sash relative to the frame by means of a lock. It is typically operated mechanically by the user, for example via a handle.

[0033] The present invention relates to such an opening and closing device. This device will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures.

[0034] Figures IA and IB illustrate the device according to the invention in different positions. [Fig. 1A] illustrates the system in a locked state, and [Fig. 1B] in an unlocked state.

[0035] The device according to the invention comprises a rack 200. This rack 200 first meshes with a main pinion 100. This main pinion 100 is typically rotationally fixed to a handle 50. A rotational movement applied to the handle 50 produces a rotation of the main pinion 100, and, the latter meshing with the rack 200, a translation of the latter is produced. Figures 2A and 2B, which will be described later, illustrate the initiation of such a movement.

[0036] The rotation of the main pinion 100 causes the translation of the rack 200 in a direction called the main direction Z. The main direction Z typically corresponds to the vertical direction, parallel to the uprights of the leaf 2000 and the frame 1000.

[0037] When the main pinion 100 rotates in a first direction of drive (corresponding in the figures, for illustration purposes only, to the counter-clockwise direction), it drives the rack 200 in a direction called the locking direction along the main direction Z. When the main pinion 100 rotates in the opposite direction, called the second direction of drive (clockwise in the figures), it drives the rack 200 in a direction called the unlocking direction, opposite to the locking direction.

[0038] The rack 20 also meshes with pinions that control the actuation of movable locking elements designed to lock the leaf 2000 relative to the frame 1000. The rack 200 thus meshes, for example, with a pinion called the first locking pinion 300a and a pinion called the second locking pinion 300b. The first locking pinion 300a is integral with a first movable locking element 350a. The second locking pinion 300b is integral with a second movable locking element 350b.

[0039] The rack 200 is configured to cause the locking pinions 300a and 300b to rotate in opposite directions. When the rack 200 moves in the locking direction, it causes the first locking pinion 300a to rotate in a first direction (corresponding, in the figures for illustrative purposes only, to the counterclockwise direction), and the second locking pinion 300b to rotate in a second direction (clockwise in the figures) opposite to the first direction of rotation. Conversely, when the rack 200 moves in the unlocking direction, the first locking pinion 300a rotates in the second direction of rotation, and the second locking pinion 300b rotates in the first direction of rotation.

[0040] The rack 200 meshes with the first locking pinion 300a and the second locking pinion 300b respectively via a first set of teeth 210a and a second set of teeth 210b. In order to allow the locking pinions 300a and 300b to be driven in opposite directions, these two The tooth sets 210a and 210b are oriented in opposite directions. The first tooth set 210a and the second tooth set 210b can thus be located on opposite faces 21la and 211b of the rack 200. The faces 21la and 211b of the rack 200, which carry the two tooth sets 210a and 210b, are, for example, located respectively on a first branch 200a and a second branch 200b of the rack 200. These two branches 200a and 200b typically extend mainly along the principal direction Z. They can be connected by an intermediate portion 200c of the rack 200. Typically, the intermediate portion 200c is connected by an elbow to the first branch 200a and by another elbow to the second branch 200b. The intermediate portion 200c can itself form one or more bends, as shown in figures IA and IB.Advantageously, the intermediate portion 200c has an overall shape inclined relative to the principal direction Z. The first and second branches 200a, 200b are thus offset in the plane of the leaf, along the direction perpendicular to the principal direction Z (the X direction in the figures). The faces 21a, 211b carrying the two sets of teeth 210a, 210b can therefore be aligned with each other. Typically, the sets of teeth 210a, 210b are offset relative to each other along the principal direction Z.

[0041] The main gear 220 by which the rack 200 meshes with the main pinion 100 is advantageously located on one of the first branch 200a and the second branch 200b, or in line with the latter. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the main gear 220 is located on the first branch 200a.

[0042] The rack 200 preferably forms a single unit. Thus, it is preferably made entirely from a single material. For example, the first arm 200a, the intermediate portion 200c, and the second arm 200c are made from a single piece. They preferably come from a single material. The rack 200 as a whole can be obtained by mechanical operations (which may include cutting and / or stamping and / or bending steps) applied to the same part.

[0043] When the main pinion 100 drives the rack 200, and the rack rotates the locking pinions 300a, 300b, these pinions also rotate the movable latching elements 350a, 350b to which they are attached. When the rack 200 is driven in the locking direction, the movable latching elements 350a move from a retracted position ([Fig. 1B]) to an engaged position ([Fig. 1A]). Conversely, when the rack 200 is driven by the main pinion 100 in the unlocking direction, the movable latching elements 350a move from the engaged position ([Fig. 1A]) to the retracted position ([Fig. 1B]). In In the engaged position, the movable attachment elements 350a, 350b protrude from an internal face of the sash intended to be opposite the frame 1000.

[0044] The movable attachment elements 350a, 350b are configured so that, when in the engaged position, they can interfere with additional attachment elements located on the upright 1000. The movable attachment elements 350a, 350b can, for example, take the form of claws, as illustrated in the figures.

[0045] Figure 3 illustrates device 1 once installed on a leaf 2000. In the figure, and without limitation, device 1 is installed on a leaf 2000 mounted to slide relative to a frame 1000. Device 1 is in a locked state allowing the leaf 2000 to be locked relative to the frame 1000.

[0046] The various mobilities presented above are desired when they are generated by a command on the handle 50. However, they may be undesired when an operator operates parts other than the handle 50. This is particularly the case if an operator attempts to disengage the movable attachment elements 350a, 650b from the additional attachment elements located on the upright 1000 from the outside of the building.

[0047] In the context of a traditional rack and pinion device, which is reversible, it could easily place the moving hooking elements in the retracted position and rotate the handle 50.

[0048] To find a solution to this problem, figures 2A and 2B present an option allowing the unlocking of device 1 only if the command comes from handle 50, located inside the building.

[0049] In [Fig. 2A], the main pinion 100 is shown at rest, i.e., no rotation is applied to it about its axis 25. However, a force is applied to the rack 200, along the main direction Z and in the unlocking direction. This force mimics that which could be applied by an operator attempting to unlock the device from outside the building.

[0050] To prevent the force applied to the rack 200 from causing the main pinion 100 to rotate by meshing between the main gear 220 of the rack 200 and the drive teeth 125 of the main pinion 100, the main gear 220 of the rack 200 is provided to have a tooth whose shape is configured to prevent this rotation. This tooth is designated the anti-picking tooth 221.

[0051] To ensure this locking function, the anti-picking tooth 221 typically has a height h22i greater than the height h222 of the other teeth 222 of the main gear 220. These heights are typically measured along the direction according to which teeth 221, 222 protrude relative to the body of the rack (direction X on the figures).

[0052] Preferably, we have h22i > l,5*h222

[0053] For example, we can have: h222 = 2 mm and h22i = 3 mm.

[0054] Thanks to its particular shape, when the rack 200 is driven in the unlocking direction by an element other than the main pinion 100, the anti-hooking tooth 221 comes to rest against the top 1251 of a drive tooth 125 of the main pinion 100 before the latter could be inserted into the corresponding notch.

[0055] Thus, when the rack 200 is subjected to a force in the unlocking direction, and not due to the rotation of the main pinion 100 but to an external action, the kinematic chain is interrupted by the stop between the anti-hooking tooth 221 and the opposite drive tooth.

[0056] To allow the release of the main pinion 100, in one example, the main pinion 100 advantageously has at least one drive tooth 125* with dimensions smaller than the notch 225* that it is intended to mesh with. This particular drive tooth can be designated as the safety tooth 125*. The difference between the dimensions of the safety tooth 125* and those of the notch 225* can be expressed by an angular clearance, called the safety clearance a, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Figure 2A illustrates the safety tooth 125* just engaged in the corresponding notch 225*, that is, at the beginning of its travel in the notch 225*. It is then very close to, and possibly in contact with, a first inner flank 225*a of the notch 225*. A space is then present between the safety tooth 125* and the second inner flank 225*b of the notch 225*, opposite the first inner flank 225*a.This space can be measured by an angle whose apex is theoretically located at the center of the main pinion 100, and delimited by the safety tooth 125* and the second inner flank 225*b of the notch 225*. This angle corresponds to the angular clearance a.

[0057] It is understood that the angular clearance may have been measured at other times during the travel of the safety tooth 125* in the notch 225*. For the sake of simplicity and clarity, it has been preferred to illustrate the angular clearance at the beginning of the travel of the safety tooth 125* in the notch opposite it. At other times, the angular clearance would be physically distributed on either side of the safety tooth 125*. As illustrated in [Fig. 2B], at the end of the travel of the safety tooth 125* in the notch 225*, the safety clearance is located between the safety tooth 125* and the first inner flank 225*a of the notch 225*.

[0058] Advantageously, the safety clearance a is greater than or equal to 4°, preferably greater than or equal to 6°, for example equal to 8°.

[0059] The presence of the safety clearance ensures that when the main pinion 100 rotates, typically driven by the handle 50 and therefore by a legitimate operator, the tooth initially in the locking position of the anti-picking tooth 221 moves, releases the latter, and engages in its designated notch. The gearing between the main pinion 100 and the rack 200 can then proceed.

[0060] Typically, in a rack and pinion system, the teeth of the pinion and the complementary notches of the rack are sized to limit the backlash between the pinion and the rack, thereby maximizing the transmission of motion from one part to the other. The advantageous embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, therefore differs from conventional rack and pinion systems by offering an increased level of safety.

[0061] Another aspect of the invention, which can be implemented in combination with or independently of the preceding aspects, will now be described with reference to Figures IA and IB. This aspect of the invention corresponds to an anti-mishandling system that prevents locking until the leaf 2000 is closed relative to the frame 1000.

[0062] To this end, advantageously, the device 1 includes a so-called locking finger element 400 and a return element 450 tending to maintain the locking finger in a deployed position, as shown in [Fig.1B].

[0063] When the device 1 is installed on the leaf 2000 and the locking finger 400 is in the deployed position ([Fig.1B]), the latter is in projection relative to the leaf 2000. Typically, it is in projection relative to an internal face 2001 of the leaf 2000 which is opposite the frame 1000, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0064] The locking finger 400 includes a protrusion 410 adapted to cooperate with a notch in the rack 200, typically a so-called locking notch 223 of the main gear 220. In the deployed position, the protrusion 410 of the locking finger is inserted into the locking notch 223. The protrusion 410 thus makes it possible to block the movement of the rack and therefore to prevent the locking of the device 1.

[0065] The locking notch 223 may optionally be the notch 225* engaging the drive tooth 125*, as is the case in the example illustrated in figures IA and IB.

[0066] When the locking finger 400 is pressed against the return element 450, typically when the sash 1000 is brought against the frame, the return element 450 is compressed and the locking finger 400 is pushed into a retracted position ([Fig. 1A]). The protrusion 410 is then outside the locking notch 223, which makes it possible to translate the rack 200.

[0067] The presence of the locking finger 400 prevents the device from locking when the leaf 2000 is not in the closed position relative to the frame 1000.

[0068] The present invention also relates to a method for locking a leaf 2000 relative to a frame 1000 comprising the following steps: a. Provide a 2000 leaf mounted, preferably in translation, on a 1000 frame, the 2000 leaf being equipped with a device 1 as described above comprising a locking finger 400 and a return element 450 for this locking finger 400, b. Move the sash 2000 from an open position relative to the frame 1000, in which the locking finger 400 is held in the deployed position by the return element 450, to a closed position relative to the frame 1000, so that the pressure of the locking finger 400 against the frame 1000 compresses the return element 450 and the locking finger 400 moves into its retracted position, c. Lock the leaf 2000 relative to the frame 1000 by rotating the main pinion 100 in the first direction of rotation, typically via a handle 50 fixed in rotation to the main pinion 100.

[0069] The movement of the leaf 2000 from the open position to the closed position is typically done by bringing an internal face 2001 into contact with the frame 1000.

[0070] Through the different embodiments described above, it appears that the present invention provides a compact and robust solution for locking and unlocking a leaf relative to a frame.

[0071] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the invention.

Claims

1. Demands Device (1) for opening and closing a multipoint lock intended to lock and unlock a leaf (2000) relative to a frame (1000), the device (1) comprising: • a rack (200), • a pinion, called the main pinion (100), which can be locked in rotation with a handle, • a first locking pinion (300a) integral with a first movable latching element (350a), • a second locking pinion (300b) integral with a second movable latching element (350b), the rack (200) engaging the main pinion (100), the first locking pinion (300a) and the second locking pinion (300b), the main pinion (100) being configured to be able to drive the rack (200) in a so-called main direction (Z), the main pinion (100) driving the rack (200) in a locking direction when it rotates in a first direction of drive, and in an unlocking direction opposite to the locking direction when it rotates in a second direction of drive opposite to the first direction of drive, a displacement of the rack (200) in the locking direction in the main direction (Z) causing the first movable hooking element (350a) and the second movable hooking element (350b) to move from a retracted position to an engaged position in which each movable hooking element (350a, 350b) is able to be inserted into a complementary part of the frame,and a movement of the rack in the unlocking direction along the main direction causing the movement of the first movable locking element (350a) and the second movable locking element (350b) from the engaged position to the retracted position, characterized in that the rack (200) has a first set of teeth (210a) configured to mesh with the first locking pinion (300a) and a second set of teeth (210b) configured to mesh with the second locking pinion (300b), the first set of teeth (210a) and the second set of teeth (210b) being oriented in opposite directions, so that when the rack (200) moves along the main direction (Z), it causes, in a main plane (XZ), the simultaneous rotation of the first locking pinion (300a) and the second locking pinion (300b) in opposite directions of rotation.

2. Device according to the preceding claim in which the rack (200) forms at least two bends between the first set of teeth (210a) and the second set of teeth (210b).

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, when the first movable hooking element (350a) and the second movable hooking element (350b) are in the retracted position, the first set of teeth (210a) and the second set of teeth (210b) are on either side of the first movable hooking element (350a) and the second movable hooking element (350b).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rack (200) has an anti-picking tooth (221), the anti-picking tooth (221) being configured to form a thrust surface on the top (1251) of a drive tooth (125) of the main pinion (100) when the rack is subjected to a force directed in the unlocking direction.

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the main pinion (100) has at least one tooth called a drive tooth (125), each drive tooth (125) being intended to mesh with a notch in the rack (200), the width of at least one drive tooth (125*) being less than that of the notch which it meshes, so that when the main pinion (100) rotates in the first direction of drive, said drive tooth (125) makes a stroke in said notch in the rack before driving the rack (200).

6. Device according to the preceding claim in which, when the main pinion (100) rotates in rotation in the first direction of drive, the drive tooth (125) makes a radial stroke of at least 4°, preferably of at least 6°, for example of 8°, in said notch of the rack before driving the rack (200).

7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a locking finger (400) and a return element (450) capable of driving the locking finger (400) from a retracted position to a deployed position when a drive tooth (125) of the main pinion (100) acts on the return element (450), the locking finger (400), when in the deployed position, being intended to protrude from an internal face (2001) of the leaf (2000) intended to be opposite the frame (1000), the locking finger (400) and the return element (450) being configured to prevent the rack (200) from moving when the locking finger (400) is in the deployed position.

8. Device according to the preceding claim wherein the locking finger (400) is configured to retract from the deployed position to the retracted position when the sash is pressed against the frame by a user, and to allow movement of the rack (200) when it is in the retracted position.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rack (200) is monobloc.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rack (200) has a first end at which the rack (200) meshes with the main pinion (100), a second end at which the rack (200) drives the second locking pinion (300b), and a central region at which the rack (200) drives the first locking pinion (300a), the first end and the second end being located on either side of the central region.

11. Leaf (2000) equipped with a device according to any one of the preceding claims.

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