Handle shell
The handle shell with a modular design and integrated sensors addresses the challenge of integrating advanced door functions without compromising aesthetics, ensuring easy installation and efficient operation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2025/051246
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-02-14
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing door fitting technologies compromise the aesthetic appearance of buildings while failing to provide a simple, modular, and efficient integration of necessary functions such as user authentication and operational feedback.
A handle shell composed of a subframe and functional module, with a collar and snap-in connection, incorporating touch-sensitive and vibration sensors, LED lighting, and an electrically actuated locking device, allowing for a screwless installation and seamless integration with the building's profile.
Facilitates easy installation, maintains thermal insulation, provides operational feedback, and ensures minimal visual impact while offering advanced user authentication and control through sensors and a control center.
Smart Images

Figure EP2025051246_21082025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Handle shell
[0002] AT 15371 U1 discloses a door with a door leaf pivotally mounted in a frame and a locking device. The locking device comprises a latch and a latch on the door leaf, and a strike plate on the frame that receives the latch. Associated with the locking device is a control unit and a connected actuator for unlocking or opening the locking device. The control unit has a capacitive sensor that can be switched on and off. This sensor responds to capacitance changes resulting from the handling of a handle arranged on the door leaf to pivot the door leaf, and controls the actuator depending on the handling of the handle. The latch is spring-loaded into its locked position and is forced back into the locking device when the leaf is closed.When the door leaf is inserted into the frame, the latch engages the strike plate and secures the leaf to the frame until the next handle operation. In a first embodiment, the actuator is an electric door opener with a pivoting locking plate that provides a locking edge for the latch. A second embodiment provides for the actuator to engage directly with the latch, retracting it into the locking mechanism.
[0003] DE 10206968 A1 discloses a method for detecting the operation of a handle for a door or window, which has a capacitive sensor with a capacitance that can be changed by operating the handle and which emits sensor signals corresponding to the capacitance. The values of a sensor variable, represented by the sensor signal and corresponding to the capacitance, are monitored. Operation of the handle by a person is detected, and a corresponding operating signal is output if, as at least one condition, a change in the sensor variable compared to a base value within a predetermined first time interval exceeds a predetermined trigger threshold. In a second time interval, a second base value is determined and used to adjust the sensor variable so that changed environmental conditions can be taken into account.In addition to the aforementioned method, DE 10206968 A1 also shows the necessary sensor signal evaluation device which has a memory unit for storing a base value and a trigger threshold value.
[0004] DE 20122749 U1 discloses a window or door fitting that incorporates a fingerprint sensor for user identification. The door fitting is designed for the exterior of the building and is intended to feed the fingerprint sensor data to an evaluation device. Based on the acquired data, a release device is activated, allowing the movement of a door handle, profile cylinder, or rotary knob from a non-operational position to an operational position. The data can also contain authorizations for certain types of opening of the leaf. The release device is disclosed as a magnetic coupling. Manual operation of a lock is to be achieved via a locking cylinder.
[0005] DE 9301315 U1 discloses a handle with lighting on the back of a handle facing the visible surface of the sash. Switches are mounted on the handle; these switches are activated when the handle plate is grasped, activating a light directed at the locking cylinder. In addition to transmitting tensile and compressive forces to the sash, the handle thus functions as a lighting device. A similar design is proposed in DE 29901350 U1.
[0006] DE 19650092 A1 also provides a light source for illuminating a lock, which is activated when an operator grasps it. For this purpose, the handle is equipped with a capacitive sensor and connected to a control device. At the same time, the handle provides the mechanical means for coupling to the lock.
[0007] In DE 19830023 A1, the door lock lighting is integrated into a handle fitting and is switched on and off via a proximity switch. Fingerprint sensors, keypad locks, or card readers are proposed for user identification.
[0008] DE 20014556 U1 concerns a door handle in which switches, actuators, and light sources are integrated. The door handle serves as a communication interface and a receptacle for manual or sensor-operated switches. Identification sensors (chip cards and transponder keys) are also provided, allowing locking and unlocking. A technology module is intended to evaluate and forward the data from the handle.
[0009] EP 3960966 A1 discloses a fitting assembly in which a pull handle has a handling section with a manually operable operating element or a detector for gripping. The operating element or the sensor is connected to a signal generator that outputs an operating element or sensor signal. A further development provides for a drive unit in the form of a locking unit to be attached to the leaf. An identical embodiment is known from DE 10114214 A1, in which sensors for detecting fingerprints are arranged on the handle unit. The handle unit forms part of an access control system and is used to capture a user's biometric data. The data is compared with data in a storage device and, depending on the identification, releases the handle unit.
[0010] Based on the state of the art, a solution is sought to find an easy-to-install fitting arrangement that provides all the necessary functions and only minimally impairs the appearance of the building's closure.
[0011] To achieve this object, the invention provides the features of claim 1.
[0012] In order to achieve a simple modular structure, the handle shell is composed of several parts and consists of at least a subframe and the functional module.
[0013] In order to cover the edge of the opening, the subframe is provided with a collar that forms the outer edge of the company like a flange.
[0014] The insulating function of the hollow profile is maintained if the company has a circumferential seal.
[0015] The functional module forms one or more support bars that protrude toward the lower frame and rest against it. This provides mechanical stability to the handle shell.
[0016] Installation is further facilitated if the frame has a rectangular cross-section and fastening clamps are provided at the longitudinal ends, which clamp behind the visible web of a hollow profile bar. The fitting assembly can be accommodated in a rectangular recess in the sash profile.
[0017] To signal the readiness status and to make the fitting arrangement recognizable, the functional module is illuminated by at least one lighting element.
[0018] To maintain a closed design, the functional module is provided with a transparent or semi-transparent section. Improved functionality is ensured by arranging a distance sensor in the base of the functional module (8). A person approaching the building lock can thus indicate an impending operation and indicate the operating status or prepare for locking.
[0019] In order to detect actuation of the fitting arrangement, a touch-sensitive contact sensor is installed in the undercut area of the handle bar.
[0020] In order to provide the operator with actuation feedback, a vibration sensor is arranged in the handle bar, which is suitable for generating a haptic signal in the handle bar.
[0021] In order to evaluate the signals from the sensors and to achieve a reaction, a transmitter is installed in the functional module to transmit sensor signals to a control center.
[0022] In order to eliminate the need for manually operated mechanical actuating devices, it is intended that an electrically operated locking device is assigned to the control unit.
[0023] To achieve a screwless connection of the individual components, the functional module and the subframe are connected to each other via a snap-in connection. The functional module in the subframe is at least partially overlapped by a cover profile. This design allows the functional module to be attached to the subframe without any visible screw connections.
[0024] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for operating a door element with an actuating device and an electrically actuated locking device controlled by a control center.
[0025] A method for operating a door element comprises at least a first authentication process, during which the control device receives the information that unlocking is permitted and the definition of a time window in which unlocking can occur. Furthermore, the method can include a method step that evaluates sensor signals from one or more distance sensors and causes the control device to partially release the locking.
[0026] In addition, a method step can be provided which makes use of the actuating device dependent on the presence of an authentication device in the environment.
[0027] Further advantageous embodiments are shown in the drawings. They show:
[0028] Fig. 1 a building closure element with a fitting arrangement,
[0029] Fig. 2 a fitting arrangement in individual representation,
[0030] Fig. 3 shows a fitting arrangement according to Fig. 2 in an installation situation in section along the line lll-lll in Fig. 1,
[0031] Fig. 4 shows a cross-section of the fitting arrangement according to Fig. 3 in an individual part view,
[0032] Fig. 5 an exploded view of the individual parts of the handle shell,
[0033] Fig. 6 a side view of the handle shell,
[0034] Fig. 7 is a view of the handle shell with an emergency operating lever, and Fig. 8 is a view of the handle shell with an additional module frame.
[0035] Figure 1 shows a building closure element 1 with a frame 2 and a sash 3. The sash 3 is pivotally mounted on the frame 2 via hinge elements (not shown). The sash 2 is lined with a panel 4. The sash 3 also has a fitting arrangement in the form of a recessed handle 5 and a locking mechanism (not visible here).
[0036] In the enlarged view of the grip shell 5 according to Fig. 2, it can be seen that the grip shell 5 is flat, rectangular in shape and forms a trough-like depression 6. The trough-like depression 6 extends below a flange-like collar 7 and is closed in the base by a functional module 8. A handle bar 9 stretches in an arc above the functional module 8. The handle bar 9 forms an undercut area 10 into which an operator can engage with their hand, as shown in Fig. 3. The handle bar 9 forms a pull handle that is arranged as a rigid handle bar 9 above a flat tray.
[0037] Fig. 3 shows the installation situation of the fitting arrangement with the recessed handle 5. The frame 2 and sash 3 are therefore constructed from hollow profile bars that form several consecutive chambers for the purpose of thermal insulation. In a visible web 11 of the sash 3 on the inside of the building, an installation opening 12 is provided, into which the recessed handle 5 partially inserts with a subframe 13. The collar 7 rests on the visible web 11. In the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 3, the collar 7 is raised so that the subframe 13 inserts less deeply into the installation opening 12. The chamber 14 therefore remains undamaged.
[0038] In a plane offset from the visible web 11, a locking mechanism 16 is housed in a pocket opening into a rebate 17. The pocket can be created by milling in the rebate 17. The collar 7 rests flange-like on the visible web 11 with a seal 18. The edge of the installation opening 12 is covered by the collar 7, so that machining inaccuracies and unevenness of the installation opening are concealed. The seal 18 is provided to seal the chamber 14. The insulating function of the hollow profile is maintained if the subframe 13 has the seal 18.
[0039] The subframe 13 accommodates the functional module 8 and forms a housing 19. The functional module 8 forms a base for the open subframe 13. For this purpose, the lower pan 13 and the visible pan 8 are connected to one another in a locking manner. The functional module 8 has two spaced-apart walls and provides the closed housing 19. The thermal insulation function of the wing spar is retained despite the installation opening 12. The functional module 8 protrudes with a leg 20 below the handle bar 9 and locks onto the leg 21 of the handle bar 9. The functional module 8 thus forms the rear grip part of the handle bar 9 facing the undercut area 10.
[0040] The structure of the fitting assembly is shown in detail in Fig. 4. The gripping strip 9 forms the undercut area 10, above which a vibration sensor 22 is accommodated in the leg 20. The vibration sensor 22 is mounted in the slightly curved gripping strip 9 at the zenith point of the curvature, so that upon engaging the undercut area 10 and triggering the vibration sensor 22, a noticeable vibration of the gripping strip 9 occurs.
[0041] A contact sensor 23 is mounted in the leg 20. The contact sensor 23 detects the contact of a hand with the leg 20. An alternative embodiment also provides other positioning options.
[0042] As shown in Fig. 4, the housing 19 provides installation space for electronic components. The functional module 8 is supported on the subframe 13 and, in addition to the leg 20, forms a base 24 running transversely thereto. The leg 20 and the base 24 are connected to one another via a web 25. The base 24 is partially covered by a leg 26 of a cover profile 27. The cover profile 27 abuts an edge 28 of the functional module 8. Fig. 4 shows that the circuit boards 29, 30 are housed in the housing 19. In addition to the components for controlling the vibration sensor 22 and the contact sensor 23, lighting devices are also mounted on the circuit board 29 or 30. The base 24, the web 25, and the leg 20 are made of transparent or semi-transparent material, so that the lights can be used to indicate the operating status of the fitting assembly. The light source(s) is / are designed as LEDs.
[0043] The overall structure of the handle shell 5 is shown in Fig. 5. The subframe 13 overlaps the functional module 8. The functional module 8 is latched to the underside of the subframe 13. The cover profile 27 overlaps the subframe 13 and latches against the subframe 3 and the functional module 8. Thus, the cover profile 27 covers fastening elements that are installed in the opening of the profile bar during assembly of the subframe 13.
[0044] The operating device is installed with the cover profile 27 not yet locked in place. The subframe 13 has a rectangular cross-section and fastening clamps 31 at its longitudinal ends, which clamp behind the visible web 11 of the hollow profile bar. The recessed handle 5 can thus be accommodated in the rectangular installation opening 12 of the sash profile. Additional fastening elements can be screws, which are covered by the cover profile 27, which is then attached.
[0045] The cover profile 27 is preferably attached to the subframe 13 without tools and can also be removed without tools. A receptacle for one or more energy storage devices (in the form of accumulators) can be attached to the subframe 13, which are concealed by the cover profile 27 and accessible after its removal.
[0046] Fig. 7 shows a recessed handle 5 to which a manual actuating element 32 can be coupled for emergency operation. The lower frame 13 and / or the functional module 8 is or are provided with a bore 33 through which the polygon 34 of the actuating element 32 can be coupled to the locking mechanism 16. The bore 33 is accessible after removing the cover profile 27. The actuating element 32 can also be designed as a tool, e.g., as a hexagon pin. Fig. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the modular design. A spacer frame 35 can be seen, which can be attached below the lower frame 13 to reduce the penetration depth of the recessed handle 5 into the sash profile. This is useful for particularly narrow sash profiles.
[0047] The circuit boards 29 and 30 contain a control device 36 for evaluating the contact sensor 23 and controlling the vibration sensor 22 and the lighting. A distance sensor (not shown here) is also installed in the functional module 8. This improves the function of the recessed handle 5, allowing a person approaching the building closure element 1 to prepare for an impending unlocking. For example, locking engagements from locking engagement elements can be retracted, leaving the locking mechanism 16 with only one latch engaged, which secures the sash 3 to the frame. In the event of partial unlocking, a changed locking situation can also be signaled via the lighting.
[0048] To provide the operator with actuation feedback in addition to the visual signaling, a vibration sensor 22 is provided, located in the leg 20. The vibration sensor is controlled by the control unit. The control unit evaluates the signals from the contact sensor 23 and the distance sensor and, directly or indirectly via a control center, triggers a reaction from the locking mechanism 16. The control unit also includes a transmitter that interacts with the locking mechanism 16 and the control center.
[0049] The transmitter can also transmit the sensor signals to a control center.
[0050] In order to eliminate the need for manually operated mechanical actuating devices and mechanical connecting elements in the normal operating state, it is provided that an electrically actuated locking device 16 is assigned to the control device or the control center.
[0051] From Fig. 3, it can also be seen that a handle bar 37 is attached to the outside of the wing of the building closure element 1. The handle bar 37 is provided with an external sensor 38. The external sensor 38 is preferably a radio switch that is wirelessly connected to the control device or control center. After authentication of the operator via a transponder, fingerprint sensor, or other biometric identification means, the control device releases the locking device 16 and transmits an opening signal to the locking device 16. A cable connection can also be provided.
[0052] The fitting arrangement enables an operating method of a building closure element 1 with an actuating device and an electrically actuated locking device controlled by a control device or a control center.
[0053] The method for operating the building closure element 1 can comprise a first authentication process in which the control device receives the information that unlocking is permitted and the definition of a time window in which unlocking can take place.
[0054] Furthermore, the method can include a method step that evaluates sensor signals from one or more distance sensors and causes the control device to partially release the locking mechanism. This can be advantageously used to ensure that a person approaching the building closure element 1 causes the locking elements to retract via the locking mechanism 16, so that upon actuation of the contact sensor 23, only one latch holds the leaf in a closed position.
[0055] In addition, a method step can be provided which makes actuation of the actuating device dependent on the presence of an authentication device in the environment.
[0056] In addition to the latch described above, a releasable catch can also be provided, which keeps the door closed in an unlocked position. The latch is automatically released when a person approaches. A catch is not required in this case.
[0057] This corresponds to a day trap function.
[0058] 1 building closure element
[0059] 2 frame
[0060] 3 wings
[0061] 4 Filling
[0062] 5 handle shell
[0063] 6 Deepening
[0064] 7 collars
[0065] 8 Function module
[0066] 9 Handle bar
[0067] 10 Undercut area
[0068] 11 Viewing walkway
[0069] 12 Installation opening
[0070] 13 subframes
[0071] 14 chamber
[0072] 16 Locking
[0073] 17 fold
[0074] 18 Seal
[0075] 19 housings
[0076] 20 legs
[0077] 21 legs
[0078] 22 vibration sensors
[0079] 23 Contact sensor
[0080] 24 Floor
[0081] 25 bridge
[0082] 26 legs
[0083] 27 Cover profile
[0084] 28 edge
[0085] 29 circuit board
[0086] 30 boards
[0087] 31 mounting clips
[0088] 32 Actuating element
[0089] 33 Hole
[0090] 34 polygon
[0091] 35 spacer frames
[0092] 36 Control device 37 Handlebar
[0093] 38 outdoor sensor
Claims
Claims 1. Fitting arrangement for a building closure element (1), such as a window or a door, which has a frame (2) and a sash (3) movable relative to the frame (2), with a handle shell (5) to be attached to the sash (3), which has a handle bar (9) designed to be grasped by a person, wherein at least one contact sensor (20) designed to detect an impending or ongoing grasping of the handle bar (9) is arranged on the handle shell (5), wherein the fitting arrangement has a signal transmitter which is connected to at least one sensor (20) and is designed to output an electrical or electromagnetic control element signal and / or sensor signal upon manual actuation of at least one control element and / or upon grasping of the handle bar (9) detected by the contact sensor (20), characterized in thatthat the handle bar (9) is arranged on a functional module (8) as a pull handle and the handle bar forms an undercut area (10) and accommodates the contact sensor (20)., 2. Fitting arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle shell (5) is composed of several parts and consists of at least a subframe (13) and the functional module (8).
3. Fitting arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lower frame (13) has a collar (7) which forms the outer edge of the lower frame (13) in a flange-like manner.
4. Fitting arrangement according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lower frame (13) has a circumferential seal (18).
5. Fitting arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the functional module (8) forms one or more support webs (21) which project in the direction of the lower frame (13) and are supported thereon.
6. Fitting arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the lower frame (13) has a rectangular cross-section and fastening clamps (24) are provided at the longitudinal ends, which clampingly engage behind a visible web (11) of a hollow profile bar.
7. Fitting arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the functional module (8) is illuminated by at least one lighting element (27).
8. Fitting arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the functional module (8) has a transparent or semi-transparent section.
9. Fitting arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a distance sensor is arranged in the functional module (8).
10. Fitting arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a touch-sensitive contact sensor (23) is mounted in the undercut area (10) of the handle strip (9).
11. Fitting arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a vibration transmitter (22) is arranged in the handle bar (9), which is suitable for generating a haptic signal in the handle bar (9).
12. Fitting arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a transmitter is mounted in the functional module (8) in order to transmit sensor signals to a control center.
13. Fitting arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that an electrically actuated locking device (16) is assigned to the control center.
14. Fitting arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the functional module (8) and the subframe (13) are connected to one another via a snap-in connection.
15. Fitting arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the functional module (8) in the subframe (13) is at least partially overlapped by a cover profile (27).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
door with a locking device
AT15371U1
Method, for detecting operation of door or window handle, requires capacitive sensor with capacitance varied by operation of handle
DE10206968A1
Illuminated house door lock
DE19650092A1
Door lock lighting system to illuminate keyhole or keypad
DE19830023A1
outside door handle
DE20014556U1