Abstract
A blocking mechanism for a handle arrangement comprising, at least one catch member arranged on a first shaft extending along a first axis, a blocking member arranged on a second shaft extending along a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are substantially perpendicular to each other, wherein the blocking member is rotatable around the second axis between a blocking position, in which it is engageable with the catch member to prevent the catch member from rotation around the first axis, and an unblocked position in which rotation of the catch member is enabled.
Claims
1. A blocking mechanism for a handle arrangement, comprising, at least one catch member arranged on a first shaft extending along a first axis (A); a blocking member arranged on a second shaft extending along a second axis (B), wherein the first axis and the second axis are displaced perpendicular to each other, wherein the blocking member is rotatable around the second axis (B) between a blocking position, in which position the blocking member is engageable with the catch member to prevent the catch member from rotation around the first axis (A) such that the acting force caused by the applied torque of rotation of the catch member is exerted axially along the second shaft, and an unblocked position in which rotation of the catch member is enabled, wherein the second shaft is placed relative to the first shaft such that a force exerted by the catch member onto the blocking member in the blocking position is an axial force on the second shaft.
2. (canceled)
3. The blocking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the blocking member extends along three perpendicular axes, a third axis (X), a fourth axis (Y) and the second axis (B), wherein said third axis (X) being substantially parallel to the first axis (A) when the blocking member is in a blocking position, wherein said blocking member is wider along said third axis (X) than along said fourth axis (Y).
4. The blocking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the catch member has at least one recess or opening, said catch member comprising a receiving surface bounding each said recess or opening and configured for engaging with the blocking member when said blocking member is in the blocking position.
5. The blocking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the catch member is substantially disc shaped.
6. The blocking mechanism according claim 1, wherein said blocking mechanism comprises two catch members arranged a distance apart on the first shaft.
7. The blocking mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the catch members are substantially identical in shape.
8. The blocking mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the catch member comprises a flange arranged a distance apart from the at least one receiving surface, such that the flange and the receiving surface abut the blocking member on opposite sides of the blocking member when the blocking member is in a blocking position.
9. The blocking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the blocking member is substantially shaped as a modified cuboid, modified such that at least two surfaces of the cuboid are cylindrical surfaces, the modified cuboid comprising at least a first and a second flat surface arranged on opposite sides of the modified cuboid, said first and second flat surfaces extending along planes substantially perpendicular to the second axis (B); at least two cylindrical surfaces arranged on opposite sides of the modified cuboid, wherein the symmetry axis of the curvature of the first and the second cylindrical surfaces are parallel to the second axis (B).
10. The blocking mechanism according to, wherein the second shaft comprises a pressure absorbing flange or groove extending along a plane substantially perpendicular to the second axis (B).
11. The blocking mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a halting member connected to a spring, said spring pushing the halting member toward the catch member, wherein said catch member comprises at least one recess configured for receiving said halting member such that the catch member is kept in a stationary position when the halting member is pushed into one of the at least one recesses configured for receiving said halting member.
12. The blocking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the second shaft comprises a cavity, in which cavity a hardened pin is arranged.
13. A handle arrangement for arrangement to a door or a window, wherein said handle arrangement comprises a blocking mechanism according to claim 1.
14. A swing handle arrangement for arrangement to a door or a window, said swing handle arrangement comprising a blocking mechanism according to claim 1; a swing handle rotatable around a joint arranged to the first shaft of the blocking mechanism, wherein the blocking mechanism further comprises a second blocking member, also rotatable around the second axis (B) between a blocking position, in which it engages with the swing handle, and an unblocked position, in which the swing handle is released from the second blocking member and rotatable around said joint.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The invention will in the following be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:
[0040] FIGS. 1a-c show views of a blocking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIGS. 2a-c show perspective views of the blocking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIGS. 3a-c show views of a blocking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIGS. 4a-c show side views of a blocking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] FIGS. 5a-c show side views of a blocking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c show side views of a blocking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] FIGS. 7a-d show views of a blocking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIGS. 8a-e show views of a blocking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIGS. 9a-c show views of a blocking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIGS. 10a, 10b show perspective views of a blocking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] FIGS. 11a-c show perspective views of a blocking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] FIGS. 12a-b show views of a handle arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] FIGS. 13a-c shows side views of a blocking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] FIGS. 14a-b show views of a handle arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] FIGS. 15a-c show side views of a blocking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 16a-b show perspective views of a blocking mechanism arranged to a swing handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0056] The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.
[0057] FIG. 1a illustrates a blocking mechanism 1 for arrangement to a handle arrangement 100 according to some disclosed embodiments. The blocking mechanism comprises two parallel catch members 2a, 2b arranged on a first shaft 4 and a blocking member 3 arranged on a second shaft 5 extending in two opposite directions relative the second shaft. The catch members 2a, 2b and the first shaft 4 are rotatable around a first axis A. The blocking member 3 and the second shaft 5 are rotatable around a second axis B. Each catch member 2a, 2b has a recess 21 and a receiving surface 23 inside each recess 21. The blocking member 3 is cylinder-shaped and is arranged on the second shaft 5 such that the symmetry axis of the blocking member 3 is arranged along a third axis C that is perpendicular to the second axis B. When the blocking member 3 is in a blocking position, meaning, each end of the blocking member 3 is residing in separate unobstructed rotation volumes of each respective catch member 2a, 2b, the ends of the blocking member 3 are abutting the receiving surface of each catch member.
[0058] The blocking mechanism 1 also comprises a pressure absorbing flange 52 arranged on the second shaft 5. The catch member also has a halting recess 25. These will be described more in detail below. Furthermore, FIG. 1b and FIG. 1c illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 viewed from alternate perspectives. FIG. 1b illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 viewed from the side in the direction of the first axis A, and FIG. 1c illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 viewed from the top in the direction of the second axis B.
[0059] FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate the rotation of the blocking member 3 depicted in FIG. 1a, 1b, 1c as it rotates from a blocking position to an unblocked position. FIG. 2a illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 when the blocking member 3 are in a blocking position, more specifically, a maximally blocking position as they are maximally engaging with each respective catch member 2a, 2b, abutting each receiving surface 23 of each catch members 2a, 2b. The blocking member 3 in contact with the receiving surface 23 will thereby prevent the catch members 2a, 2b from being rotated along a direction D, and thereby also preventing the first shaft 4 from being rotated. A handle attached to the first axis 4 is thereby prevented from being operated along the rotational direction D. The two catch members 2a, 2b, when the first shaft 4 is tried to be rotated in direction D around axis A, puts force on the blocking member 3 symmetrically around the second axis B. Shear forces on the second shaft 5 is thereby avoided.
[0060] FIG. 2b illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 when the blocking member 3 and the second shaft 5 have been rotated 90 degrees around the second axis B such that the third axis C is perpendicular to the first axis A. In this position, the blocking member 3 is in an unblocked position as they have been rotated out of each respective unobstructed rotation volume of each of the catch members 2a, 2b.
[0061] FIG. 2c illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 configured as in FIG. 2b when the catch members 2 and the first shaft 4 have been rotated in direction D around the first axis A. As can be seen, the blocking member 3 do not obstruct the catch members 2a, 2b from being rotated around the first axis, thus allowing for free, unobstructed rotation around the first axis A.
[0062] FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d illustrate a blocking mechanism 1 according to one of the embodiments. The blocking mechanism 1 comprises a catch member 2 arranged on a first shaft 4, rotatable around a first axis A, and a blocking member 3 arranged on a second shaft 5, rotatable around a second axis B. In this embodiment, the blocking member 3 abuts the receiving surfaces 23a, 23b when in a blocking position. FIG. 3a illustrates the blocking mechanism viewed from the side in direction along the first axis A. FIG. 3b illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 viewed from the front. FIG. 3c illustrates the blocking mechanism as viewed from the top and FIG. 3d illustrates a cross section M-M.
[0063] The blocking member 3 is formed as an integrated part of the second shaft 5. The blocking member 3 is formed by a partly cutout section of the shaft 5 at the end of the second shaft 5 facing towards the catch member 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the second shaft 5 is circular, and the cutout of the blocking member 3 provides a half circle shaped blocking member 3 as seen in FIG. 3d. However, the shaft 5 and the blocking member 3 may have other shapes provided in the same way.
[0064] FIG. 4a, 4b, 4c illustrates the rotation of the blocking member 3 depicted in FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d as it rotates from a blocking position to an unblocked position. FIG. 4a illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 when the blocking member 3 is in a blocking position, wherein the blocking member 3 abuts the receiving surfaces 23a, 23b of the catch member 2. When the blocking member 3 is rotated around the second axis B into an unblocked position, as in FIG. 4b, the catch member 2 and the first shaft 4 are free to rotate around the first axis A as shown in FIG. 4c.
[0065] FIG. 5a, 5b, 5c illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 according to one of the embodiments. The blocking mechanism 1 comprises two parallel catch members 2 arranged a distance apart on a first shaft 4, rotatable around a first axis A, and a blocking member 3 arranged on a second shaft 5, rotatable around a second axis B. The catch members 2 each comprises an extending member 22. The blocking member 3 is cylinder shaped and placed on opposite sides of the second shaft axially along the third axis C. FIG. 5a illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 viewed in the direction along the first axis A. FIG. 5b illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 viewed from the front. FIG. 5c illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 as viewed from the top, in the direction along the second axis B. Compared to the embodiment in FIGS. 1-2, the embodiment of FIG. 5 comprises catch members 2 with extending members 22 instead of recesses. In the same way as in the previous embodiment, the blocking member 3 abuts a surface of the extending member 22 in order to prevent the catch members 2 and the first shaft from rotating around the first axis A, when the blocking member 3 is in the blocking position. The shape of the extending member 22 may differ, but may still extend radially further than other sections of the catch member 2.
[0066] FIG. 6a, 6b, 6c illustrates the rotation of the blocking member depicted in FIG. 5a, 5b, 5c as it rotates from a blocking position to an unblocked position. FIG. 6a illustrates the blocking mechanism when the blocking member 3 is in a blocking position, wherein the blocking member 3 abuts the extending member 22 of each catch member 2. When the blocking member 3 is rotated around the second axis B into an unblocked position, as in FIG. 6b, the catch member 2 is free to rotate around the first axis A as shown in FIG. 6c.
[0067] FIG. 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 according to one of the embodiments. The blocking mechanism 1 comprises a catch member 2 arranged on a first shaft 4, rotatable around a first axis A, and a blocking member 3 arranged on a second shaft 5, rotatable around a second axis B. The catch member 2, shaped as a disc, has an opening 26 connecting the two circular surfaces. The blocking member 3 is configured to be arranged into said opening 26 when the blocking member 3 is in a blocking position. FIG. 7a illustrates the blocking mechanism as viewed in the direction along the first axis A. FIG. 7b illustrates the blocking mechanism as viewed from the front. FIG. 7c illustrates the blocking mechanism as viewed from the top, in the direction of the second axis B. FIG. 7d illustrates a cross section N-N of the blocking mechanism 1, and the characteristics of the opening 26 and the blocking member 3 when in a blocking position.
[0068] FIGS. 8a, 8b, 8c illustrates the rotation of the blocking member 3 depicted in FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d as it rotates from a blocking position to an unblocked position. FIGS. 8d and 8e illustrates the cross-section N-N as the blocking member 3 is moved from a blocking position to an unblocked position. FIG. 8a, 8d illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 when the blocking member 3 is in a blocking position, wherein the blocking member 3 is engaged with the opening 26 of the catch member 2. When the blocking member 3 is rotated around the second axis B into an unblocked position, as in FIG. 8b, 8d, the catch member 2 is free to rotate around the first axis A as shown in FIG. 8c. As seen in FIGS. 7d, 8e, the opening 26 has a shape of a cylindrical cutout to correspond to the shape and movement of the blocking member 3 as it moves into the opening 26 and the blocking position.
[0069] The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7-8 may also comprise two catch members 2, each comprising an opening 26, and the blocking member 3 may extend in both directions symmetrically on either side of second axis B such that it extends into openings 26 of both catch members 2 when in a blocking position.
[0070] FIGS. 9a, 9b, 9c illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 according to one of the embodiments. The blocking mechanism 1 comprises two parallel catch members 2a, 2b arranged a distance a part on a first shaft 4 rotatable around a first axis A, and a blocking member 3 arranged on a second shaft 5, rotatable around a second axis B. The catch members 2a, 2b, shaped substantially as discs, each has a recess 21 which together are configured to contain a portion of the blocking member 3 when the blocking member 3 is in a blocking position. Said blocking member 3 substantially has a cuboid shape, albeit having been modified to have two curved surfaces configured for abut each recess of the catch member when in a blocking position. The blocking member 3 comprises two flat surfaces, a top surface and a bottom surface, configured to move along separate planes during rotation, wherein both planes are perpendicular to the second axis B. FIG. 9a illustrates a perspective view of the blocking mechanism. FIG. 9b illustrates the blocking mechanism as viewed in the direction of the first axis A. FIG. 9c illustrates the blocking mechanism as viewed from the top, in the direction of the second axis B.
[0071] FIGS. 10a, 10b illustrates a zoomed in portion of the blocking member 3 of the blocking mechanism 1 depicted in FIGS. 9a, 9b, 9c. FIG. 10a shows the blocking member 3 when it is in a blocking position and FIG. 10b shows the blocking member 3 when the blocking member 3 is in an unblocked position and the catch member 2 has been rotated around the first axis A. As previously discussed, the blocking member 3 has two flat surfaces, the top surface 31 and the bottom surface 32, as well as two curved surfaces 33, 34. The blocking member 3 further has two flat side surfaces 35 (one not shown). The receiving surface 27a of each catch member 2a, 2b is configured to receive the bottom surface 32, while the receiving surfaces 27b, 27c of each catch member 2a, 2b is configured to receive each respective curved surface 33, 34. Each catch member 2a, 2b also comprises a flange 24 configured to abut the top surface 31 when the blocking member 3 is in a blocking position. The flange 24 prevents the catch member 2a, 2b to rotate in any direction when the blocking member 3 is in a blocking position. The rotation of the blocking member 3 as it rotates from a blocking position to an unblocked position is illustrated in FIGS. 11a, 11b, 11c.
[0072] FIGS. 12a, 12b illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 depicted in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 2c when it has been arranged to a handle arrangement 100. FIG. 13a, 13b, 13c illustrate the same configuration of blocking mechanism 1 as the blocking member 3 is rotated from a blocking position to an unblocked position. When the blocking member 3 is in a blocking position as illustrated in FIG. 13a, the halting member 7 is pressed toward the catch members 2a, 2b, into the recess 25, by a spring 8. Said spring 8 and halting member 7 are configured to keep the catch member 2a, 2b in its current position while the blocking member 3 is rotated into an unblocked position, even if the catch member is subjected to a torque caused by gravity acting on the center of mass of the catch member which given the recess may be shifted away from its rotational center. When a sufficient torque is acting on the first shaft, enough to move the halting member out of the recess, the first shaft starts turning, and consequently the catch members as well, as illustrated in FIG. 13c.
[0073] FIG. 14a, 14b illustrates the blocking mechanism 1 depicted in FIG. 9a, 9b, 9c, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b,11c when it has been arranged to a handle arrangement 100. FIG. 15a, 15b, 15c illustrate the same configuration of blocking mechanism as the blocking member 3 is rotated from a blocking position to an unblocked position.
[0074] The handle arrangements 100 illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 14 further comprises an electric motor 60 configured to rotate the second shaft 5. The configuration of the blocking mechanism 1 according to any of the embodiments provide a compact arrangement which may be suitable for low height handle arrangement with an electrically controlled blocking. Since the blocking member 3 is rotated around the second axis B, the second shaft 5 can be directly connected to the drive shaft of the electric motor 60. There is no need to transform the rotational movement of the electric motor 60 into e.g. a longitudinal movement. The handle housing of the handle arrangement 100 may further comprise the necessary electronic circuits to control the electric motor and the function of the blocking mechanism 1. Such electronic circuits may include means for wireless control of the blocking mechanism via the electric motor 60. The electronic circuits may further comprise means for detecting the position of the second shaft 5. Such detection may be used for the control of the electric motor 60, to determine when to start or stop the rotation of the second shaft 5. In one embodiment, the electronic circuits may comprise a positioning circuit which optically may determine a distance from a positioning diode to the second shaft, and the second shaft may comprise a recess providing a changed distance to the positioning diode. The position of the recess on the second shaft may be predetermined to correspond to a specific position of the blocking member. The second shaft 5 may comprise more than one recess of different depths to enable determination of a plurality of positions.
[0075] FIG. 16a and FIG. 16b illustrate the blocking mechanism 1 when arranged to a swing handle arrangement 200. The swing handle arrangement 200 comprises a swing handle 201 rotatable around a joint 202 and a locking member 203 rotatable at least partly around a fifth axis E. The swing handle arrangement 200 comprising the blocking mechanism 1 may be arranged to an openable element, such as a door or a window or the like. The illustrated swing handle arrangement 200 may further comprise a handle housing (not shown) in which the blocking mechanism 1 can be arranged. The swing handle 201 can be locked to the handle housing by means of the locking member 203. The locking member 203 may, in a locking position, engage with the handle housing to prevent the swing handle 201 from being moved relative to the handle housing. When arranged to said openable element, in its locking position, the locking member 203 prevents the swing handle 201 to rotate around the joint 202. The blocking mechanism 1 further comprises a second blocking member 9, also rotatable around the second axis B between a blocking position and an unblocked position, in which the swing handle 201 is released from the handle housing and rotatable around said joint 202.
[0076] The first blocking member 3 and the second blocking member 9 are arranged to the second shaft such that both the first 3 and the second blocking member 9 is in a blocking position at the same time, as showed in FIG. 16a. In this configuration, the swing handle 201 is blocked in place, locked to the handle housing, and cannot rotate around its joint 202 or around the first axis A. When the second shaft 5 is rotated, e.g. by an electric motor 60, both the first blocking member 3 and the second blocking member 9 is rotated toward an unblocked position. When reaching the unblocked position, the second blocking member 9 engages with the locking member 203 causing the locking member 203 to release the swing handle 201 from the handle housing. When the swing handle 201 is released from the handle housing, it may be lifted to a released position as illustrated in FIG. 16b. At rotation of the second shaft 5 to rotate the second blocking member 9 to the unblocked position, releasing the swing handle 201, the first blocking member 3 also rotates to its unblocked position. The swing handle 201 may then be rotated around the first axis A thus allowing the openable element to be opened.
[0077] The locking member 203 may be spring biased such that the swing handle 201 swings open to the position showed in FIG. 16b when the second blocking member 9 engages with the locking member 203 in the unblocked position. A user of the swing handle arrangement 200 is thereby visually notified that the swing handle arrangement 200 is opened and opening of the openable element is enabled. Alternatively, the user may be otherwise visually notified of the swing handle arrangement 200 being opened, e.g. by a light indication on the swing handle arrangement 200. Such visual notification may be activated when the second blocking member 9 has moved to the unblocked position, thereby enabling the swing handle 201 to be rotated around the joint 202.
[0078] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.
