This application claims priority to European application No. 06 077010.4 filed Nov. 13, 2006.
The invention relates to an assembly comprising a moveable panel, for example a swinging door or window, and a latching mechanism for latching the panel to at least one nearby element in case the panel is in a first, particularly closed, position, the latching mechanism being provided with at least one first latch and with operating means for moving the latch out of a first lateral side of the panel from a panel-releasing position to a panel-latching position and vice-versa
Such an assembly is commonly known from the prior art and comprises a single latch mechanism, for example to latch a door to a doorpost. A disadvantage of this prior art latching mechanism is that it does not provide a strong latching. Besides, the single latch mechanism can not provide a good fire resistance to the assembly.
Another assembly is known from the prior art and comprises an espagnolet type bolt mechanism. In the espagnolet type assembly, two swinging doors (or windows) are latched to a frame using elongated rods, that are translatable up and down into a respective doorframe (or window frame) and vice-versa. The espagnolet type assembly also has various disadvantages. Particularly, the latching provided by the known espagnolet type mechanism is relatively weak and not very burglar-proof. Besides, the espagnolet type latch is not very durable, takes in relatively much space, and can not provide a good fire resistance.
The present invention aims to alleviate at least part of the mentioned problems. Particularly, the invention aims to provide an improves assembly that can provide a durable latching.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the assembly according to the preamble of claim 1 is characterised in that the at least one first latch is dimensioned such that it extends along substantially the entire first lateral side of the panel.
Thus, a durable, sturdy and burglar proof latching can be provided by the latching mechanism. Also, an advantage is that the first latch can provide a relatively good fire-resistance, for example to firmly hold a panel in its first position to prevent thermal distortion of the panel, particularly in the case that the panel is in a closest position to close a respective frame opening (for example door-opening or window-opening), to prevent a further spreading of a fire.
Yet another advantage is that the first latch can serve to substantially close or seal a slit, extending alongside the panel when the panel is in its first position. Thus, the latch can provide an air draft prevention means in a simple manner. For example, the latch can provide good isolation (for example thermal and/or sound isolation) between the panel and an adjoining construction or element.
The present invention has various applications, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. In an advantageous embodiment, the panel of the assembly can be a door or window of a building. Alternatively, for example, the assembly can relate to furniture, for example in case the panel is a panel of a storage compartment or a cabinet. In a preferred embodiment, the panel can be a swivelling or swinging panel, for example a swinging door, which is hingingly connected at one side to a suitable frame member or another element.
According to an advantageous embodiment, the first lateral side of the panel is provided with at least one longitudinal groove which receives the at least one first latch when that latch is in the respective panel-releasing position. For example, the first latch can be substantially retracted into the panel in the case that no latching is required. Via operating the respective operating means, the latch can be moved at least partly away from the panel towards the nearby element for latching the panel to that element. In this way, the latch can be simply mounted into the panel, particularly into the first lateral side thereof, so that a front side or back side of the panel can be kept intact. Preferably, the longitudinal groove is provided with a latch receiving profile, for example a U-shaped metal or steel profile. The profile can act as a latch holder and can guide the first latch to respective operating positions.
In a further embodiment, the mentioned at least one nearby element can comprise a latching aperture to receive the at least one first latch when that latch is in the latching position and the first panel is in its first position, wherein the at least one nearby element comprises one or both of:
For example, the present assembly can include a single panel that is moveably coupled to a respective frame. In an alternative embodiment, a frame is provided with two panels, or more. In the latter case, at least one latching mechanism can be provided to latch the two panels to each other, particularly along opposite lateral sides of the panels, in which case the at least one first latch can seal a slit extending between the panels. Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, the at least one first latch also latches the two panels to the respective (door or window) frame, for example at upper and lower sides of the panels.
In a further embodiment, the latching mechanism comprises guiding means to guide each first latch from a panel-releasing position to a panel-latching position and vice-versa. The guiding means can preferably be configured to guide an end part of each first latch towards a latching position wherein the end part of the latch reaches away from the panel in a first direction that is perpendicular to the first lateral side of the panel and also in a second direction that is parallel to the first lateral side of the panel.
For example, the end part of the first latch can serve to cooperate with several nearby elements, for example to a nearby horizontal frame part and to a nearby vertical frame part in the case the panel is to be latched to a respective frame only, or, in an alternative embodiment, to a nearby horizontal frame part and to a nearby panel part of another moveable panel in the case the latching mechanism is be provided to latch the two panels to each other as well.
In yet a further embodiment, the assembly is characterised by two first latches, the two latches being aligned with respect to each other, and being moveable over a certain distance away from each other, in a direction parallel to the first lateral side of the panel, by the operating means when these latches are moved to the latching positions, wherein the overall length of the two first latches is preferably equal to the length of the first lateral side of the panel.
Besides, advantageously, the latching mechanism can comprise at least one second latch that is moveable from a panel-releasing position to a panel-latching position and vice-versa, wherein the at least one second latch extends along a second lateral side of the panel, wherein the at least one first latch and the at least one second latch cooperate to move the at least second latch upon movement of the at least first latch. For example, a second latch can extend in a substantial perpendicular direction with respect to a longitudinal direction of the first latches. In this way, the panel can be latched to respective nearby elements along various sides, to provide a very durable, fire-resistant panel latching.
The operating means can be configured in various ways, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. Several advantageous embodiments of the operating means have been described in the dependent claims and will also be explained below, with reference to the drawings.
The present invention can be marketed in various ways. For example, the assembly can be provided in an assembled or at least part disassembled condition. Also, the assembly can be of a modular configuration. Besides, there can be provided a separate latching mechanism of the assembly according to any of the claims 1-12, wherein the latching mechanism can be mounted to a panel (an for example the nearly element) to provide an assembly according to the invention.
Further elaborations of the invention are described in the dependent claims. The invention will presently be explained with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawing. Therein shows:
Similar or corresponding features are denoted by similar or corresponding reference signs in the present patent application.
Alternatively, the assembly can also be provided with a horizontally orientated panel, or a panel orientated in a different manner, when the panel is in the first position as will be appreciated by the skilled person. In the present embodiment, at one vertical side (not shown), for example, the panel 1 can be pivotally connected to a vertical frame part (not shown) of a frame that abuts a respective opening or passage for receiving the panel 1.
The embodiment of
Advantageously, the first latches 11a, 11b are dimensioned such that they extend along substantially an entire first lateral side 4 of the panel 1. In the present embodiment, this first lateral side 4 is a vertical lateral panel surface that extends opposite the element 2 in the case that the panel 1 is in the closed position, and when that element 2 is in the position as shown in
Besides, the first latches 11a, 11b can move from the first lateral side 4 of the panel 1, partly towards the opposite element 2, and vice-versa back towards the panel 1. Preferably, the first latches 11a, 11b can move out of the first lateral side 4 of the panel 1 and vice-versa, as in the present embodiments (in the case that the latches are integrates in the panel 1).
As follows from
In one embodiment, the latches 11 can only move in horizontal direction (indicated by an arrow X) out of the panel and backwards. However, advantageously, the configuration is such that the two latches 11a, 11b also move over a certain distance away from each other, in directions Z (indicated by arrows Z in
The first lateral side 4 of the panel 1 is preferably provided with an opening, particularly a longitudinal groove 18 (or grooves 18), which receives the first latches 11 when that latches 11 are in the respective panel-releasing position. In that case, the latches 11 can preferably be located completely inside the panel 1, to allow movement of the panel 1. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal groove 18 is provided with a latch receiving profile 19, for example a metal or steel profile 19 having a substantially U-shaped cross-section (see
For receiving the parts of the latches 11a, 11b, that protrude horizontally from the panel 1 when the latches 11 are in their latching positions, the element 2 comprises an elongated latching aperture 5. The overall length of this latching aperture 5 is, for example, at least about the same as the length L of the first lateral side 4 of the panel 1. Besides, the vertical latching aperture 5 can be reinforced with a vertical latching profile 6, for example made of metal or steel, which profile can have a substantially U-shaped horizontal cross-section (see
In a further embodiment, the vertical latching profile 6 can be provided with dedicated hook members (not shown) facing the panel 1 when it is in the first panel position, and the latches 11a, 11b can be provided with hooking apertures (not shown), or vice-versa, to cooperate with each other in the case the latches 11a, 11b have been moved into the latching profile 6. Such hook members and hooking apertures can engage each other to provide a further blocking of the latches 11a, 11b in a longitudinal direction thereof, for example to relieve longitudinal forces (i.e. strain or pull relieve).
Advantageously, the elongated latching aperture 5, or its optional vertical reinforcing profile 6, can be provided with or at least be partly filled by a sealing material (not shown), for example a resilient material, foam material, a rubber strip, resilient plastic material or a different suitable sealant. The configuration of the sealing material can be such that the latches 11a, 11b can be partly forced into that material (in a horizontal direction)—or at least make a substantially uninterrupted contact with that material—as a result of a latching procedure (in case the latches 11 have been brought to the positions shown in
For receiving upper and lower end parts 12 of the latches 11a, 11b, that protrude vertically (upwardly and downwardly) with respect to upper and lower sides of the panel 1 when the latches 11 are in their latching positions (the two latch end parts being faced away from each other), the opposite upper and lower frame members 8 can also comprise latching apertures 9a, that may be reinforced by respective latching profiles 9b which can receive the latch end parts 12. As follows from the drawings, the latches 11 can have curved, convex, upper and lower end surfaces, and the respective apertures 9a and/or reinforcing profiles 9b can have respective curved concave shapes, to match the shape of the latch end parts, and to allow a relatively tight fit of the latch end parts 12 into the respective receiving apertures 9a (i.e. profiles 9b).
In the present embodiment, one mentioned nearby element 2 extends vertically, opposite the first lateral side 4 of the panel 1 in the case the panel is in the first position (see
In an alternative embodiment, the nearby element 2 can be a moveable panel as well, for example a swinging door, leaf or window of a building, or a swinging part of a cabinet, or an other type of panel. In the latter case, the latching mechanism 10 can provide simultaneous latching of both panels 1, 2 to the upper and lower frame members 10, as will be clear from the following. For example a second moveable panel 2 can be arranged with a respective lateral side opposite the first lateral side 4 of the first moveable panel 1 when the panels are in respective first positions.
The first latches 11a, 11b can be made of various materials, and can be dimensioned in various ways. Preferably, each latch 11a, 11b comprises a durable, elongated, preferably continuous, metal or steel bar to provide a strong latching of the panel 1. Also, for example, the first latches 11a, 11b can be solid latching members, or can be hollow to save material. In each case, preferably, the outer end parts 12 of the latches are solid latching parts, for example robust solid metal or steel parts 12, to provide a robust latching at upper and lower panel edges In the case that latching requirements are less strict, the latches 11a, 11b can also be made of wood, plastic and/or other materials.
In an embodiment, each of the two latching members 11 can have a length of about half the length L of a respective first lateral side of the panel 1 or more. For example, the two latches 11a, 11b can have the same lengths, in which case their opposite ends will preferably meet each other near the vertical middle of the panel when the latches 11 are in the panel-releasing position (see
Besides, each latching member 11 can have various dimensions and shapes. For example, each latching member 11 can have a width measured perpendicularly to a respective lateral side 4 of the panel of at least 2 cm, and can preferably have a thickness of at least 5 mm. Also, the application of other dimensions is within the scope of the invention. In each case, preferably, the thickness and width of the latch 11 can be much smaller than its length, for example by a factor of at least 10×, and particularly by a factor of at least 50×. The skilled person will appreciate that such dimensions can also depend on the dimensions of the panel 1. Besides, as follows from the drawing, preferably, an outer surface of each latch that is faced away from the panel 1 can be convex and curved (viewed in a horizontal cross-section), for example rounded, to allow a smooth sliding into an opposite latching profile 6.
In the present embodiment (
More particularly, the guiding means comprise guiding cams 17a and guiding slits 17b, in cooperating arrangement to allow the described guiding of the latches 11a, 11b. In the present embodiment, each latch 11 is provided with a single guiding slit 17b and the panel 1 is provided with the respective guiding cams 17a, for example horizontal cylindrical protrusions 17a, that protrude/extend into the slits 17b. Clearly, the configuration can also be reversed, wherein a latch 11 is provided with a guiding cam and the panel 1 is provided with a respective guiding slit. Particularly, in the present embodiment, the guiding cams 17a are located short distances away from upper and lower edges of the panel 1. Each of the guiding slits 17b extends obliquely with respect to the first lateral side 4 of the panel 1, and with respect to the longitudinal directions of the latches 11. A slope of each guiding slit 17b can include, for example, an angle α in the range of about 25°-75° (about 45° in the present embodiment), or a different angle, with respect to a respective horizontal plane. The configuration is particularly such that the guiding slits 17b are directed towards the latching apertures 9a (and optional latching profiles 9b) of the upper and lower frame members 8 when the panel 1 is in its first (closest) position, to provide the proper guiding of the outer latch end parts 12.
Advantageous embodiments of the operating means 13 will be described below and are shown in
When the operating member 30 is moved back towards the first operating position, from the second operating position, the operating arms (i.e. cam followers) 16 are moved inwardly, into the panel 1, as well as vertically towards each other, leading to the inward movement of the elongated vertical latches 11a, 11b, to their initial panel-releasing positions.
Preferably, during an operation to move the latches 11 towards the latching positions, the latches 11 are first being moved outwardly at their nearby inner end parts and shortly thereafter (i.e., with a relatively short delay) also at the outer end parts 12 due to the guiding provided by the guiding means 17, such that the latches 11 have small tilted orientations (e.g. of several degrees) with respect to the opposite latching aperture 5 and respective vertical latching profile 6. In that case, each latch 11a, 11b can ‘cut’ into the opposite latching profile 6 (similar to ‘a knife cutting through paper’), in which case preferably the inner end part of each latch 11 reaches the latching profile 6 first, and neighbouring latch parts of that latch follow subsequently, in linear sequence and in a continuous manner, until the respective outer latch part 12 reaches the latching profile 6 last. In this way, operation of each latch 11 can be carried out in a reliable manner. The present embodiment can also provide a good thermal and/or sound isolation to a panel/frame assembly, as follows from the above.
In the embodiment of
In the
The function of the second latches 21 with respect to the horizontal frame parts 8 can be similar to the function of the first latches with respect to the vertical element 2. For example, the second latches 21 can latch the panel 1 to the horizontal frame parts 8 and/or to seal or isolate horizontal slits extending between the upper and lower sides of the panel 1 and those horizontal frame parts 8. As in the embodiment of
Besides, in the second embodiment, the latching mechanism also comprises guiding means 27 to assist in guiding each second latch 21 from the panel-releasing position to the respective panel-latching position and vice-versa. More particularly, these guiding means can comprise guiding cams 27a and guiding slits 27b, in cooperating arrangement to allow the described guiding of the latches 11a, 11b. In the present embodiment, and end part 22 of each second latch 21 is provided with a single guiding slit 27b and the panel 1 is provided with the respective guiding cams 27a, the guiding slits 27b extending substantially parallel to the above-mentioned guiding slits 17b of the first latches. Also, preferably, spring members/spring means 39 are provided to counteract outward movement of the second latches via resilient or spring forces, to assist in returning the second latches 21 to their panel-releasing positions. Besides, preferably, the end parts 22 of the second latches 21A, 21B that are faced away from the outer end parts 12 of the first latches can be solid latching parts, for example robust solid metal or steel parts 22, to provide a robust latching at respective upper and lower panel edges. Thus, in case the outer end parts 12 of the first latches 11 are have a robust configuration as well, the panel 1 can be firmly held at its four edges by the latching mechanism.
In a further embodiment, there can also be provided further blocking profiles and/or isolating elements (for example anti-theft/burglar or anti-tampering profiles, and/or isolating strips) extending along a vertical lateral panel side (not shown) that is faced away from the first lateral side 4 of the panel 1. In that case, the panel 1 can be blocked into a first positions along all four lateral sides, and/or the panel 1 can be well isolated (with respect to an adjoining construction, panels and/or frame members) along all four lateral sides. Such
Particularly, the first latches 11a, 11b and the second latches 21A, 21B can cooperate to move the second latches 21 upon movement of the first latches 11. To this aim, in the present embodiment, the second latches 21A, 21B are simply coupled to the outer end parts 12 of the first latches 11a, 11b, as is clearly visible in
The function of the latches 21′ of the second panel 2 with respect to the horizontal frame parts 8 can be the same as the function of the second latches 21 of the first panel 1 with respect to the horizontal frame parts 8, for example to provide a latching function and/or to seal horizontal slits extending between the upper and lower sides of the second panel 2 and those horizontal frame parts 8. As in the embodiment of
Also, in the present third embodiment, opposite end parts 22′, 32 of each of the latches 21A′, 21B′ the second panel 2 preferably have a solid configuration, and can be example metal or steel end parts 22′, 23.
Guiding means 27a′, 27b′ are provided to assist in guiding each latch 21A′, 21B′ of the second panel 2 towards the opposite latch receiving openings of the upper and lower frame member 8 (not shown). In the present embodiment, these guiding means 27a′, 27b′ are configured to guide the latches 21A′, 21B′ from first positions) wherein the latches 21A′, 21B′ are located within the second panel 2, towards second positions (see
The two latches 21A′, 21B′ of the second panel 2 can cooperate with the outer end parts 12 of the first latches 11 of the first panel 1, to be pushed thereby from respective second-panel releasing positions to second-panel latching position (only the latter positions of the upper and lower latch 21A′, 2113′ of the second panel 2 are shown). Particularly, first end parts 32 of the second panel latches 21A′, 21B′ can be reached and pushed away from the first panel 1 by the outer end parts 12 of the first latches 11a, 11b, during operation, to operate the latches 21A′, 2113′ of the second panel 2. Also, the second panel 2 can be provided with spring means 39′ to counteract the outward movement of the respective latching members 21A′, 21B′, and to return these latching members 21A′, 21B′ to their second-panel releasing positions in the case that the outer end parts 12 of the first latches 11a, 11b of the first panel 1 are returned to their panel-releasing positions.
The embodiment of
Operating Mechanism Embodiments
The operating means of the assembly according to the invention can be configured in various ways. A relatively durable, very compact and reliable embodiment is shown in
In the present embodiment, the operating means 30 are provided with a rotatable shaft 38, extending concentrically along the rotation axis R, wherein the two cams 33a, 33b of the operating means are rotationally fixed with respect to the shaft 38. In this embodiment, the shaft 38 can be rotated by manual operation of the operating member 30. For example, the cams 33a, 33b can be provided with cam apertures 49 to receive the shaft, the apertures having rotationally fixed relationships with respect to the rotational position of the shaft 38, for example via application of suitable locking shapes of the shaft 49 and cams apertures 49 (such as the square cross-sectional shapes of shaft and cam apertures as shown in the drawings).
In the present embodiment, each of these cams 33a, 33b is of a mirror-symmetrical configuration with respect to a centre line, and has an outer contour being substantially 8-shaped. Also, the two cams 33a, 33b have exactly the same shape and dimensions, in this embodiment.
Particularly, the outer contour of each cam 33a, 33b has a first circle section 34a, 34b, wherein a virtual centre C1, C1′ of each first circle section 34a, 34b is located eccentrically with respect to the rotation axis R (the first circle section is provided by a first cam part of the 8-shaped cam). Also, as follows from the drawing, the outer contour of each cam 33a, 33b comprises a second circle section 44a, 44b that is concentric with respect to the rotation axis R (the second circle section is provided by a second cam part of the 8-shaped cam, that is also provided with the cam aperture 49).
Also, after assembly, the virtual centres C1, C1′ of the first circle sections 34a, 34b of the outer contours of the two cams 33a, 33b are located off-line with respect to each other when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis R. Particularly, the angle included by virtual lines extending between those centres C1, C1′ and the rotation axis R can be about 90°, as in the present embodiment (see
Also, for example, each of the 8-shaped cams 33a, 33b can be made of metal or steel plate material, or be cast or moulded into the desired shape. Preferably, each cam 33a, 33b is relatively thin, for example having a thickness T in the range of about 1-5 mm (see also
Besides, there are provided two translatable cam followers 16a, 16b that are integrally, unmovable, fixed to the respective first latches 11a, 11b, via end parts 59a, 59b of the cam followers 16a, 16b.
In this embodiment, the cam followers 16a, 16b have respective cam receiving apertures 46a, 46b that fully enclose the respective cams 33a, 33b, viewed in a longitudinal cross-section (and also viewed in front view, as in
The cam followers 16a, 16b can also, for example, be made of metal or steel plate material, or be cast or moulded into the desired shape. Preferably, parts of each cam follower 16a, 16b that abut the cam receiving apertures 46a, 46b are relatively thin, for example having a thickness in the range of about 1-5 mm, such as a range of 2-3 mm, measured in the direction parallel to the rotation axis R. For example, the thickness of the part of each cam follower 16a, 16b that abut the respective cam receiving aperture 46a, 46b can be the same as the thickness of the respective cam 33a, 33b, to be received in that aperture 46a, 46b.
Particularly, the aperture 46a, 46b of each cam follower 16a, 16b has an inner contour with a first circle section 54 that rotatably receives, and particularly slidingly abuts, the first circle section 34a, 34b of the outer contour of the respective cam 33a, 33b, to move the first latches 11 between the releasing and latching position upon rotation of the first cams 33a, 33b between theirs first and second positions, respectively.
Moreover, the inner contour of the aperture 46 of each translatable cam follower 16 has a second circle section 55 which is configured to be guided along the second circle section 44a, 44b of the outer contour of the respective cam 33a, 33b upon rotation of the cam 33a, 33b. Also, a virtual centre C2 of the second circle section of the inner contour of the aperture 46 of each translatable cam follower 16 coincides with the virtual centre C1, C1′ of the first circle section 34a of the outer contour of the respective cam 33a, 33b.
Besides, in the present embodiment, each cam follower acts as a stop, to limit maximum movement of the respective 8-shaped cam 33 between the respective first and second cam position (see the drawing). To this aim, the inner contour of each cam receiving aperture 46a, 46b has a first circle section stop face 57a, 57b, to stop the respective cam 33a, 33b in its first position, and a second circle section stop face 58a, 58b, to stop the cam in its second position (see
During operation, the operating shaft 38 can be rotated, leading to rotation of the two cams 33. For example,
By rotating the shaft 38 (in clockwise-direction in the views of
During operation, at each position of the cam 33 with respect to the cam follower 16, relatively large circle sections of the opposite surfaces of the cam and cam follower remain in contact with each other, allowing relatively high loading of these components and providing improved durability. Moreover, as is mentioned above, the present mechanical operating mechanism can be made relatively compact and of a relatively small number components.
Also, the present embodiment comprises respective cam followers 116a, 116b, each having a first aperture 146a, 146b to receive a respective first cam part 133a 133b, and a second aperture 146a′, 146b′ to receive and guide a respective second cam part 133a′, 133b′. The first and second apertures of each cam follower are also separate, i.e. spaced-apart, from each other. Each cam follower 116a, 116b is pivotally coupled to the intermediate cam plate 333 via the respective first cam parts 133a, 133b and first apertures 146a, 146b. Each second cam aperture 146a′, 146b′ is shaped to guide the respective second cylindrical cam part 183a′, 133b′ of the cam plate 333 from a first position—wherein the respective cam part 133a′, 133b′ is located against a first stop section 157a, 157b to a second position—wherein the cam part 133a′, 133b′ is located against a second stop section 158a, 158b. The second apertures 146a′, 146b′ (that are partly open at one side, in the present embodiment) are shaped such, particularly concerning the arrangement of the stop faces 157, 158 thereof, that the cam followers 116 can rotate over about 90° with respect to the cam plate 333 during operation, which also leads to limiting the rotation of the operating shaft 58 to about 90°. Also, a major part of each second cam receiving aperture 146a′, 146b′ has substantially the shape of a circle section, viewed in front view, to guide the respective second cam part along part of a circular path, the centre of the path coinciding with the centre of the respective first cam aperture 146a, 146b.
As in the above embodiments, the cam parts 133 and cam followers 116 can be made relatively compact, measured in parallel with the rotation axis R. The operation of the embodiment of
For example, in an embodiment, the locking means can be configured to hold and block the cams 33 of the operating means in their second positions. In the embodiment of
In particular, the blocking plate 80 is pivotally coupled to a pivot axis 84, extending in parallel with a rotation axis of the intermediate cam plate 233. After assembly, the lock 90 extends through an aperture of the blocking plate 80, such that the lock member 92 can cooperate with a concave inner edge 80a of the blocking plate 80 to shift that plate 80 to a blocking and unblocking position, in case of operation of the lock 90. The blocking plate 280 comprises a blocking cam 81 for cooperation with the intermediate cam plate 233, and a first blocking notch 82 for cooperation with a fixed blocking part 88 of the housing H. Also, the blocking plate comprises a second blocking notch 83, located near the first blocking notch 82, for cooperation with the lock pawl 92.
The intermediate cam plate 283 of the present embodiment is provided with an outer notch 285 that is moved away from the first blocking cam 81 of the blocking plate 280 when the cam plate 233 is in its first position, as in
The cam plate 233 can be released by returning the lock pawl 92 in opposite direction, via operation of the lock 90, so that the blocking plate 80 can be returned to the initial position shown in
It is self-evident that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described. Various modifications are possible within the framework of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
It is to be understood that in the present application, the term “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps. Also, each of the terms “a” and “an” does not exclude a plurality. Any reference sign(s) in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
As follows from the above embodiments, the assembly can be of a modular type, wherein various components can be assembled or added to the assembly at desired assembly times.
For example, each panel 1 can be designed in different manners and comprise, for instance, a horizontal sliding panel, vertical sliding panel, push panel, swinging panel, swivelling panel, pivot panel, saloon panel, revolving panel, overhead panel, machine doors, emergency exit doors, or the like. The panel can be manufactured from various materials, for example wood, steel of metal and be built up from, for instance, various elements and/or profiles. Besides, the panel 1, or part thereof, can be made of plastic. The same holds for a respective frame 8 or other construction, that abuts the panel or enclosed a respective passageway. Particularly, the present invention can be applied in a simple manner to wooden panels, for example in panels (and frames) that are already assembled and/or mounted in a building or of furniture. Also, the present invention is particularly advantageous to be implemented in double doors and/or fire exits, since various latches can be operated with a single operating means (for example via one manually operating member 30 or the operating shaft 38, or electrically using a motor to rotate the operating shaft 38).
Also, for example, in each embodiment, the operating means can also comprise a housing H (see
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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06077010 | Nov 2006 | EP | regional |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20080150303 A1 | Jun 2008 | US |