AU2012254945B2

AU2012254945B2 - Window winder

Info

Publication number: AU2012254945B2
Application number: AU2012254945A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Graeme Bryne; David Li
Original assignee: PACIFIC ENTPR AUST Pty Ltd
Current assignee: PACIFIC ENTERPRISES (AUST) Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-10-07
Filing date: 2012-11-19
Publication date: 2015-01-22
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-06
Also published as: AU2012254945A1

Abstract

A window winder including a casing 15, an operating arm 31 pivotally mounted to the casing and a drive means 41, 32 able to drive the operating arm 31 to effect a substantially pivoting motion and allow opening of a window connected to a distal 5 end of the operating arm. The window winder further includes a locking means including a key lock 51 and a detent 52 for movement between a non-engaging position and an engaging position of mating surfaces 57, 35 with one or more moving pans 32 of the window winder to thereby allow free movement or to provide a locking position to prevent opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating 10 arm. f&'ir~-b I-' / - - - - I'..'. / ('1 / g-% / - N / ~,' t~J / V 1' 7; f-i / ('I --- U

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents ct 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT APPLICANT: Pacific Enterprises (Aust) Pty Ltd INVENTION TITLE: WINDOW WINDER The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: - Window winder This invention relates to a window opening mechanism for a casement and awning 5 window, which causes the window sash to move between open and closed positions. It particularly relates to an improved locking means for such a window winder. A casement window is a window that opens around hinges on one side of the window sash. It will either open out to the right or to the left. An awning window is a window 10 that opens around the hinges at the top of the window sash. A casement window can be placed alone or in combination to form a bay window, Having casement windows installed in combination with an awning window will allow for different airflow and ventilation throughout the building, 15 There are two fundamental types of window opening mechanisms for casement type or awning type windows. The first type of window opening mechanisms is a window winder that uses a chain enclosed in a casing in a serpentine form and connected at one end to a hinged 20 window such that by varying the length of the chain extending from the casing the degree of openness of the window is varied. Generally, such mechanisms are used on awning type windows, which are pivotally hinged at a top portion with the window winder being attached to the windowsill and a chain extending from and attached to a bottom portion of the window so that it is able to pivot outwards around the top hinge. 25 The second type of window opening mechanisms is for casement-type windows wherein a linkage is connected between the window frame and the window sash an moves the window sash between open and closed positions by a pivoting movement. This pivoting movement can connect to a further intermediate linear or bent arm. Still 30 further there can be opposing pivoting arms connecting to intermediate linear or bent arms engaging the sash window for awning windows. In opening movement of the window sash, one edge thereof is caused to move outwardly from the window frame, while the other edge of the window is suitably supported by hinged structure along the side of the window sash to the window frame. It has been found that although locking mechanism are known on chain window there 5 are not known any locking mechanism for pivot arm window winders. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a locking mechanism for pivot arm window winders. It is more particularly an object of the invention to provide a locking mechanism for use on awning pivot arm window closures. 10 In accordance with the invention there is provided a window winder including a casing, an operating arm pivotally mounted to the casing and- a drive means able to drive the operating arm to effect a substantially pivoting motion and allow opening of a window connected to a distal end of the operating arm, the window winder further 15 including a locking means including a detent for movement between a non-engaging position and an engaging position of one or more moving parts of the window winder to thereby allow free movement or to provide a locking position to prevent opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm, 20 The drive means can include a gear wheel connected to the pivot end of the operating arm and which cooperates with a drive gear able to be manually or automatically controlled. The gear wheel can be integral with the operating arm. 25 The drive gear includes a worm gear able to cooperate with the gear wheel. The drive means preferably includes a handle such that rotation of the handle operates the drive means to open or close a window connected to the distal end of the operating arm. 30 The detent of the locking means can in one form engage the operating arm to provide the locking position and prevent opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm. The detent is spring biased such that activation of the locking means to a locking position urges the detent to engage the operating arm, The detent 2 includes a mating surface angled to the direction of travel of the detent and engages a corresponding mating surface on the drive means, In particular the detent can include a mating surface angled to the direction of travel of the detent and engages a corresponding mating surface on the operating arm. The planar mating surface is 5 angled to the direction of travel of the detent and engages a corresponding planar mating surface on the operating arm. The corresponding mating surface on the operating arm is on a gear wheel of the drive means such that it forms an outer surface of the gear wheel adjacent a toothed portion and is at a radially inward position to the teeth of the toothed portion of the gear wheel. 10 The detent of the locking means in another form causes locking of an element of the drive gear to provide locking position of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm, 15 The detent can include a sliding means with a sloping upper surface that engages a shaped element with a mating surface to engage a corresponding mating surface of the drive gear or associated element to prevent operation of the drive gear and thereby provide a locking position of the window attached to the distal end of the operating arm. 20 The locking means includes a lock slide for sliding into the engaging position of one or more moving parts of the window winder to thereby allow free movement or to prevent further opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm. The locking means can operate when the window, connected to the distal end of 25 the operating arm, is located at partially open positions. The locking means can include a lock barrel for activation by key. The locking barrel can cooperate with the detent such that key activation instigates 30 motion of the detent to or from the locking position, 3 The motion can be an active motion caused by the key movement, Alternatively the locking means can include a resilient means such that key activation of the locking barrel can allow the resilient means to effect motion. 5 The gear means can comprise a gear wheel connected to the pivot mount end of the operating arm and which cooperates with the drive means. The gear means can be integral with the operating arm. 10 The drive means can comprise a worm gear able to cooperate with the gear means. The drive means can be attached to the handle such that rotation of the handle rotates the drive means to rotate the gear means to open or close a window connected to the distal end of the operating arm. I5 The invention also provides a window winder suitable for a casement and awning window sash which is mounted adjacent one edge thereof for substantially pivoting movement relative to a window frame the window winder including, a casing and an operating arm pivotally mounted to the casing and having a gear means including a 20 gear wheel having a plurality of teeth and a non tooth engagement surface, the window winder further including a handle with drive means for engaging the teeth of the gear wheel to drive the gear means to effect a substantially pivoting motion and allow opening of a window connected to a distal end of the operating arm, the window winder further including a locking means including a detent for movement 25 between a non-engaging position spaced from the gear wheel and an engaging position for contact with the engaging surface of the gear wheel of the window winder to thereby allow free movement or to prevent further opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm. 30 The locking means can be key activated. The detent can include a lock slide for sliding into contact with the engaging surface of the gear wheel of the window winder to thereby prevent further opening of the 4 window connected to the distal end of the operating arm. The detent can be resiliently mounted such that key activation allows the detent to slide into contact with the engaging surface. 5 A window winder for a casement and awning window sash which is mounted adjacent one edge thereof for substantially pivoting movement relative to a window frame, the window winder including, a casing and an operating arm pivotally mounted to the casing and having a gear means, the window winder further including a handle with drive means able to drive the gear means to effect a substantially pivoting motion and 10 allow opening of a window connected to a distal end of the operating arm, the window winder further including a locking means including a detent for movement between a non-engaging position and an engaging position of the drive means of the window winder to prevent further opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm, 15 The gear means can comprise a worm gear mounted on a spigot and having an engaging surface spaced from the worm gear and engageable by the detent means. The engaging surface can be a gear wheel with teeth for meshing with teeth on the 20 detent means to prevent further rotation of the spigot and therefore prevent rotation of the worm gear and prevent further driving of the gear means to prevent further opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm. It can be seen. that the window opening mechanism has improved performance 25 advantages in opening and closing of the window as well as better locking action in holding the window sash in a secure fixed, partially open position. In order that the invention is more readily understood various embodiments will be described by way of illustration only with reference to the drawings wherein: 30 FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a single operating arm window winder in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; 5 FIGURE 2 is an exploded view of the window winder of FIGURE 1 with a first locking means in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the open casing of the window winder of FIGURE 1 showing the locking means in an unlocked position and with -the worm 5 gear and key lock removed for clarity; FIGURE 4 is a cross sectional view of the locking means of the open casing of the window winder of FIGURE 3 with the key lock; FIGURE 5 is a plan view of the open casing of the window winder of FIGURE 1 showing the locking means in a locked position and with the worm gear 10 and key lock removed for clarity; FIGURE 6 is a cross sectional view of the locking means of the open casing of the window winder of FIGURE 5 with the key lock; FIGURE 7 is a plan view of the open casing of the window winder of FIGURE 1 showing a second locking means effecting motion of the worm gear and 15 with the key lock removed for clarity in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 8.ia a cross sectional view of the locking means of FIGURE 7 in an unlocked position and showing the key lock; FIGURE 9 is a cross sectional view of the locking means of FIGURE 7 in a 20 locked position and showing the key lock FIGURE 10 is a partial perspective view of the detent and worm gear of the locking means of FIGURE 7 in an unlocked position; FIGURE 11 is a partial perspective view of the detent and worm gear of the locking means of FIGURE 7 in a locked position; 25 FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of a double operating arm window winder in accordance with a third and fourth embodiment of the invention; and FIGURE 13 is a plan view of the window winder of FIGURE 12 with a first locking means in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. 30 Referring to the drawings and particularly a first embodiment of the invention shown in FIGURES 1 to 6, there is shown a pivot arm type window winder for use in opening and closing a casement and awning window by substantially pivoting movement between a closed position and an open position. This movement of the 6 window is provided by mounting the structure of the single operating arm window winder I I on the window sill at the bottom of the window (not shown). The window winder includes a casing 15 from the rear of which extends an elbow shaped operating arm 16. A rotatable crank handle 17 extends from a top of the casing 15. Spaced 5 from the handle 17 and mounted integral with the top surface of the casing IS is a locking means 18. The operating movement features as shown in Figures 2 and 3 are mounted to the casing 15 between a bottom casing plate 21 and a covering casing top 22. 10 The drive means for moving the window attached to the distal end of a pivotable operating arm 31 includes a drive gear 41 engaging a gear wheel 32 connected to he operating arm 31. 15 The operating arm 31 has an elbow near an end formed as an integral gear wheel 32, which is pivotally mounted by pivot pin 38 through central opening 33 of the gear wheel 32 into central cavity 23 of the bottom casing plate 21. The gear wheel 32 lies substantially flat on the bottom casing plate 21 and includes a plurality of teeth 34 around about 50% of the circumference. At or near one end of the teeth 34 is a 20 substantially linear engagement surface 35 falling within the radius of the teeth from the central pivot. The drive gear is in the form of a worm gear 41 having spiral worm 43 o a lower end of a spindle 42 with central drive tooth means 44 and top end handle engaging 25 frictional ribs 45. The worm gear 41 is mounted in angled cavity 24 of the bottom casing plate 21 and extends into an upper angled chamber 26 protruding from the top of the covering casing top 22. The worm gear 41 has at a lower end the descending spiral wonn 43 and the central drive tooth means 44 is included only for second locking option. In position the top handle frictional engaging ribs 45 protrude out an 30 opening 27 of the upper angled chamber 26 and tightly engages with the handle 17. The rotatable handle 17 is manually operable to rotate the worm gear 41, which engages the gear wheel 32 for pivoting of the operating arm 31 between a retracted 7 position and a fully extended position to effect a substantially pivoting motion and allow opening of a window connected to a distal end of the operating arm 31. The window winder further includes a locking means, In one form shown in Figures 5 I to 6 the locking means operates with regard the gear wheel 32. In another form shown in Figures 7 to l Ithe locking means operates with regard the worm gear 41 connected to the handle 17. These two forms will be further described. However it should be noted that other forms readily envisaged are included within the scope of this invention. 10 The window winder locking means 50 includes a key lock barrel 51 able to be mounted in circular opening 29 in the covering casing top 22. At a lower end of the lock barrel is a protruding pin 54 that rotates upon turning of the workings of the lock barrel by the matching key. The locking means 50 further includes a detent 52 in the I5 form of an elongated rectangular stepped lock slide that extends down to a lower step. The upper step has a side angled planar mating surface 57 with a curved front edge. The lock slide fits in a substantially rectangular cavity 25 in the bottom casing plate 21 and is able to be longitudinally moved, The mating surface 57 is at an angle to the longitudinal direction of slide. Preferably it is of the order of 30*. 20 In use the movement of the lock slide 52 effects movement of the end having the side angled mating surface 57 such that the mating surface moves between a non-engaging position as shown in Figures 3 and 4 and an engaging position of a corresponding mating surface 35 of the gear wheel 32 as shown in Figures 5 and 6. A spring 53 25 engaging an end of the detent distal from the lock urges the movement of the lock slide to the locking position if allowed by the key lock 51. The detent 52 of the looking means 50 thereby is able to engage the drive means and more particularly the substantially linear engagement mating surface 35 forming a 30 portion of the circumferential outer surface o the gear wheel 32 adjacent a toothed portion. The mating surface 35 is distanced to fall within the radius of the teeth from toothed portion of the central pivot connected to the distal end of the operating arm 31 and can engage the side angled mating surface 57 of the lock slide 52 8 The mating of the two linear mating surfaces provides a solid immovable locking. Further the use of such two surfaces allows for any slight variations of the window winder 11 being mounted to the window sill. The tolerance means that slight variation in fitting will not affect the rigid locking of the window by the mating of the 5 two linear surfaces. Referring to Figures 7 to l Ithe locking means operates with regard the worm gear on the handle. The window winder is substantially the same as the window winder I I and the same reference numeral applies for similar parts. The gear means includes the 10 gear wheel 32 having a plurality of teeth 34 but need not have a non-tooth engagement surface. As shown in Figure 7 the spiral worm 43 of the worm gear drive means 41 engages the teeth 34 of the gear wheel 32 to drive the gear means to effect a substantially pivoting motion of the operating arm 31 and allow opening of a window connected to a distal end thereof. 15 The window winder further includes a locking means 61 including a detent 62 for movement between a non-engaging position spaced from the worm gear 41 of the drive means and an engaging position for contact with the central drive tooth means 44 of the drive means 41 of the window winder I I to prevent further opening of the 20 window connected to the distal end of the operating arm 31. The locking means is key activated. The detent is a stepped lock slide 62 at one side for interengaging with the protruding pin 54 of the lock 51 The other end of the detent includes an incline for effecting a rise of second detent part 63 having a 25 concave shaped top surface 64 for meshing with the central drive tooth means 44 of the drive means 41. Thereby in engagement the meshing prevents further rotation of the worm gear 41 and thereby prevents further pivotal motion of the operating arm 31 and the window remains locked in position. The detent is further resiliently mounted by two springs 65 acting between the casing and the second detent part 63 in 30 opposition to the detent slide. In a further variation the window winder can be used on a double arm pivotal action window winder such as shown in Figures 12 and 13. Either form of the locking 9 means can be used. As can be understood only one of the pivoting arms needs to be controlled as the rigid connection of the window to both pivoting arms results in locking of the entire arrangement. 5 It should be understood that the above description is of preferred embodiments of the invention and included as illustration only it is not limiting of the invention. Clearly there are variations of the window winder structure and function, which -would be understood by. a person skilled in the art without any inventiveness and such variations are included within the scope of this invention as defined in he following 10 claims. 10

Claims

1. A window winder for a casement and awning window sash which is mounted adjacent one edge thereof for substantially pivoting movement relative to a window frame, the window winder including a casing, an operating arm pivotally mounted to the casing and a drive means able to drive the operating arm to effect a substantially pivoting motion and allow opening of a window connected to a distal end of the operating arm, the window winder further including a locking means including a detent for movement between a non-engaging position and an engaging position of one or more moving parts of the window winder to thereby allow free movement or to provide a locking position to prevent opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm.

2. A window winder according to claim 1 wherein the drive means includes a gear wheel connected to the pivot end of the operating arm and which cooperates with a drive gear able to be manually or automatically controlled; the drive gear includes a worm gear able to cooperate with the gear wheel and a handle such that rotation of the handle operates the drive means to open or close a window connected to the distal end of the operating arm wherein the detent of the locking means engages the operating arm to provide the locking position and prevent opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm.

3. A window winder according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the detent is spring biased such that activation of the locking means to a locking position urges the detent to engage the operating arm and wherein the locking means includes a lock barrel for activation by key and the locking barrel cooperates with the detent such that key activation instigates motion of the detent to or from the locking position.

4. A window winder according to claim 1 suitable for a casement and awning window sash which is mounted adjacent one edge thereof for substantially pivoting movement relative to a window frame the window winder including, a casing and an operating arm pivotally mounted to the casing and having a gear means including a gear wheel having a plurality of teeth and a non tooth engagement surface, the window winder further including a handle with worm gear for engaging the teeth of the gear wheel to drive the gear means to effect a substantially pivoting motion and allow opening of a window connected to a distal end of the operating arm, the window winder further including a locking means including a detent for movement between a non-engaging position spaced from the gear wheel and an engaging position for contact with the engaging surface of the gear wheel of the window winder to thereby allow free movement or to prevent further opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm.

5. A window winder according to claim 1 for a casement and awning window sash which is mounted adjacent one edge thereof for substantially pivoting movement relative to a window frame, the window winder including, a casing and an operating arm pivotally mounted to the casing and having a gear means, the window winder further including a handle with drive means able to drive the gear means to effect a substantially pivoting motion and allow opening of a window connected to a distal end of the operating arm, the window winder further including a locking means including a 12 detent for movement between a non-engaging position and an engaging position of the drive means of the window winder to prevent further opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm; wherein the gear means includes a worm gear mounted on a spigot and having an engaging surface spaced from the worm gear and engageable by the detent means and the engaging surface is a gear wheel with teeth for meshing with teeth on the detent means to prevent further rotation of the spigot and therefore prevent rotation of the worm gear and prevent further driving of the gear means to prevent further opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm.

6. A window winder according to claim 1 wherein the locking means includes a fixed locking such that the operating arm is prevented from further opening.

7. A window winder according to claim 1 wherein the locking means includes a closable locking such that the operating arm is prevented from rotating in one direction and therefore cannot be opened further but can ratchet the other direction to rotate the operating arm in the other direction and allow further closing.

8. A window winder according to claim 1 wherein the closable locking includes a ratchet means associated with drive means that is engaged with a corresponding ratchet means on the detent.

9. A window winder according to claim 1 wherein the closable locking includes a slide means forming corresponding ratchet means on the detent.

10. A window winder according to claim 1 wherein the closable locking includes a ratchet central drive tooth means on a drive means having a worm gear forming corresponding ratchet means on the detent.

11. A window winder according to claim 1 wherein the drive means includes a gear wheel connected to the pivot end of the operating arm and which cooperates with a drive gear able to be manually or automatically controlled.

12. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the gear wheel is integral with the operating arm.

13. A window winder according to claim 8 wherein the drive gear includes a worm gear able to cooperate with the gear wheel. 13

14. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the drive means includes a handle such that rotation of the handle operates the drive means to open or close a window connected to the distal end of the operating arm.

15. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the detent of the locking means engages the operating arm to provide the locking position and prevent opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm.

16. A window winder according to claim 15 wherein the detent is spring biased such that activation of the locking means to a locking position urges the detent to engage the operating arm.

17. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the detent includes a mating surface angled to the direction of travel of the detent and engages a corresponding mating surface on the drive means.

18. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the detent includes a mating surface angled to the direction of travel of the detent and engages a corresponding mating surface on the operating arm.

19. A window winder according to claim 18 wherein the detent includes a planar mating surface angled to the direction of travel of the detent and engages a corresponding planar mating surface on the operating arm.

20. A window winder according to claim 19 wherein the corresponding mating surface on the operating arm is on a gear wheel of the drive means such that it forms an outer surface of the gear wheel adjacent a toothed portion and is at a radially inward position to the teeth of the toothed portion of the gear wheel.

21. A window winder according to claim 1 wherein the detent of the locking means causes locking of an element of the drive gear to provide locking position of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm.

22. A window winder according to claim 21 wherein the detent is a sliding means with a sloping upper surface that engages a shaped element with a mating surface to engage a corresponding mating surface of the drive gear or associated element to prevent operation of the drive gear and thereby provide a locking position of the window attached to the distal end of the operating arm.

23. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the locking means includes a lock slide for sliding into the engaging position of one or more moving parts of the window winder to thereby allow free movement or to prevent further opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm. 14

24. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the locking means can operate when the window, connected to the distal end of the operating arm, is located at partially open positions.

25. A window winder according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the locking means includes a lock barrel for activation by key.

26. A window winder according to claim 25 wherein the locking barrel cooperates with the detent such that key activation instigates motion of the detent to or from the locking position.

27. A window winder according to claim26 wherein the motion is an active motion caused by the key movement.

28. A window winder according to claim 27 wherein the locking means includes a resilient means such that key activation of the locking barrel allows the resilient means to effect motion.

29. A window winder suitable for a casement and awning window sash which is mounted adjacent one edge thereof for substantially pivoting movement relative to a window frame the window winder including, a casing and an operating arm pivotally mounted to the casing and having a gear means including a gear wheel having a plurality of teeth and a non tooth engagement surface, the window winder further including a handle with worm gear for engaging the teeth of the gear wheel to drive the gear means to effect a substantially pivoting motion and allow opening of a window connected to a distal end of the operating arm, the window winder further including a locking means including a detent for movement between a non-engaging position spaced from the gear wheel and an engaging position for contact with the engaging surface of the gear wheel of the window winder to thereby allow free movement or to prevent further opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm.

30. A window winder according to claim 29 wherein the locking means is key activated.

31. A window winder according to claim 29 wherein the detent includes a lock slide for sliding into contact with the engaging surface of the gear wheel of the window winder to thereby prevent further opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm.

32. A window winder according to claim 29 wherein the detent is resiliently mounted such that key activation allows the detent to slide into contact with the engaging surface.

33. A window winder for a casement and awning window sash which is mounted adjacent one edge thereof for substantially pivoting movement relative to a window frame, the window winder including, a casing and an operating arm pivotally mounted to the casing and having a gear means, 15 the window winder further including a handle with drive means able to drive the gear means to effect a substantially pivoting motion and allow opening of a window connected to a distal end of the operating arm, the window winder further including a locking means including a detent for movement between a non-engaging position and an engaging position of the drive means of the window winder to prevent further opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm.

34. A window winder according to claim 33 wherein the gear means includes a worm gear mounted on a spigot and having an engaging surface spaced from the worm gear and engageable by the detent means.

35. A window winder according to claim 34 wherein the engaging surface is a gear wheel with teeth for meshing with teeth on the detent means to prevent further rotation of the spigot and therefore prevent rotation of the worm gear and prevent further driving of the gear means to prevent further opening of the window connected to the distal end of the operating arm.