AU784941B2 - Spindle assembly for window mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Our Ref:7638580 P/00/011 Regulation 3:2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT IP Australia Documents received on 7 SEP 2001 S. No: Applicant(s): Address for Service: Peter William Harkins Tobruk Homestead RMB 116 Old Northern Road Maroota New South Wales 2756 Australia DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Trade Mark Attorneys Level 10, 10 Barrack Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Spindle assembly for window mechanism Invention Title: The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 5020 PWw~nXs\ ySWia i0i 61 Scptmbw 2001 -1- SPINDLE ASSEMBLY FOR WINDOW

MECHANISM

This invention relates generally to mechanisms which, for example, are suitable for opening and closing windows and doors.

In applicant's International Patent Specification No. W099/28582 (PCT/AU98/00 9 82 there is described a spindle assembly for use with a window winding mechanism. The spindle assembly includes a spool which is adapted to receive opening and closing cables thereon which form part of the mechanism. The spool is rotated by a manually operated handle rotation of which causes opening or closing of the window.

The spindle assembly also includes a stop or ratchet mechanism which limits movement of the window in some circumstances. The spool is mounted for limited axial movement relative to a spindle housing and is biased toward the handle by an axial compression spring. The coupling between the handle and spool is by way of a cam driver and cam receiver which is arranged to cause the limited axial movement. The handle is also adapted for limited relative rotation to the spool. The stop ratchet mechanism includes two ring-shaped cogs each having teeth thereon, one cog being fixed 20 to the housing and coaxial with the spool, and the other cog affixed to the end of the spool so that the teeth on the cogs can intermesh. In one arrangement the teeth are generally of a saw tooth shape which enables a ratcheting action such that, whilst the cogs are pressed together by way of the axial compression spring, the spool can rotate under a load determined by the compression spring strength in one direction, but is prevented from 25 rotating in the other direction as a result of the meshing teeth. In other words, the spool can rotate in a ratchet fashion in the closing direction of the window mechanism, but not in the opening direction. This means that, if the window is open and is acted upon by a strong wind or external force such as a person leaning on the window, the window opening/closing mechanism allows the window to close to a vented position by virtue of the ratchet action of the cogs and compression spring. However, the intermeshing teeth of the fixed and movable cogs prevent the window mechanism from being forced further into P kWPrOCS\DY! '.p-.cU-tuur uiindl p. dc-S SI I-b. 2001 -2the open condition. In another arrangement the teeth may be of square tooth form so that when meshed rotation in either direction is inhibited. The cam coupling between the handle and spool is provided to enable manual operation of the spindle mechanism to overcome the intermeshing teeth of the cogs in order to open (and close) the window.

Accordingly, a first portion of the rotation of the handle in either rotational direction causes inter-acting cam surfaces on the cam driver and cam receiver to move the spool in an axial direction against the bias of axial compression spring in order to separate the teeth of the fixed and movable cogs. This then allows further rotation of the handle to cause corresponding rotation of the spool for opening (or closing) of the window mechanism.

Once the handle is released, the action of the compression spring forces the spool back into its original axial position where the teeth of fixed and movable cogs intermesh.

Whilst the mechanism described above has been found to function perfectly well a problem has been found to occur immediately prior to the window becoming completely closed or in areas where there is some force on the sash preventing any tension on the cable in the winding direction. As the ratchet sections approach one another there is a S•tendency when the slack in the cable increases for the ratchet teeth on the spool to partially engage and run over the teeth on the housing. This can cause an undesirable noise for a portion of the closing procedure.

It has further been found desirable in window mechanisms of this general type to have a locking arrangement which inhibits operation of the mechanism.

oo It is an object according to one aspect of the present invention to provide a lock 25 mechanism which inhibits rotation of the spool by the handle.

It is another object according to another aspect of the present invention to provide an arrangement which alleviates the aforementioned problem.

It is another object according to yet another aspect of the present invention to provide an improved handle mounting.

WPpOCSrokspeciclhmtinsspmdme~pm dw-5 Seplembo 2001 -3- According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a spindle assembly suitable for use in a window mechanism, the spindle assembly including, a housing, a spool mounted for rotation relative to the housing about a rotation axis, a handle operable to rotate the spool, spool locking means for releasably locking the spool against rotation in at least one direction of rotation, a regulator for causing axial movement of the spool in response to rotation of the handle, biasing means for urging the spool locking means into a lock position and handle control means including a control bar movable between a handle operative position and a handle inoperative position such that when in the handle inoperative position axial movement of the spool by the handle is inhibited and when in the operative position rotation of the handle can cause axial movement of the spool.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a spindle assembly suitable for use in a window mechanism, the spindle assembly including, a housing, a spool mounted for rotation relative to the housing about a rotation axis, a handle operable to rotate the spool, spool locking means for releasably locking the spool against rotation in at least one direction of rotation, a regulator for causing axial movement of the spool in response to rotation of the handle, biasing means for urging the locking means 20 into a lock position and brake means arranged so that it can adopt a braking position in which it applies a braking force to the spool and a further position in which the braking force is at least lessened.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a spindle 25 assembly suitable for use in a window mechanism, the spindle assembly including, a housing, a spool mounted for rotation relative to the housing about a rotation axis, and a handle operable to rotate the spool, the handle including a coupling spigot adapted to cooperate with a coupling aperture in the spool so that the parts are connected together so that rotation of the handle causes rotation of the spool.

In one preferred form of the invention the control bar includes two sections of P NWPDOC5XYDYrpckwcasfinhwinssc pm doo.0 Scpmbr 2001 -4different thickness, the control bar being movable relative to the housing so that it can adopt the handle operative and handle inoperative positions. In the handle operative position, the thicker section of the bar is disposed so that the regulator will operate in respect to rotation of the handle to cause axial displacement of the spool relative to the housing. In the handle inoperative position the thinner section of the bar is disposed so that the regulator will note operate in response to rotation of the handle.

The control bar may be operatively connected to a key lockable element so that when locked movement of the control bar is prevented.

Preferably, the spigot includes ribs on the outer surface thereof which are engageable with complimentary slots in the coupling aperture in the spool so that relative axial movement between the two parts is permitted but relative rotation is inhibited.

Preferably, the spool locking means includes a ratchet mechanism which in one form allows rotation of the spool in one direction by application of tension on the one of the cables and prevents rotation of the spool in the other direction upon application of tension on the other of the cables. The ratchet mechanism may be similar to that described in W099/28582.

IOOOO

Preferably, the regulator includes a cam assembly operable to disengage the ratchet mechanism and permit the rotation of the spool. The cam assembly operates in a similar fashion to that described in W099/28582.

25 Preferably, the brake means comprises a spring which in one position bears on a portion of the spool to provide a braking force. Preferably, the spring is generally Ushaped and is adapted to be disposed within a slot within the housing. When a braking force is applied to the spool this tends to inhibit the tendency for the ratchet teeth on the spool to only partially engage the ratchet teeth on the other part.

!'kWPDOCSYS\ped,,*janm.ndI pm dc-5 Scpt-l.c 2001 Preferred embodiments of the invention will be hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and in those drawings: Figure 1 is a schematic partial view of a mechanism for opening and closing windows having a handle control mechanism according to the present invention with the control mechanism with the mechanism in the handle operative position; Figure 2 is a similar view to that of Figure 1 with the mechanism in the handle inoperative position; Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the handle control mechanism according to one preferred embodiment in a handle inoperative position; Figure 4 is a similar view to that of Figure 3 with the handle control mechanism in a handle operative position; Figure 5 is an exploded view of the spindle assembly according to one form of the invention; Figure 6 is a schematic sectional end view of the assembly; Figure 7 is a schematic side elevation of the spool shown in Figure 1 in a first operating position; and 25 Figure 8 is a further side elevation of the spool shown in Figure 1 in a second operating position; Referring to Figures 1 and 2 there is partially illustrated a window operating mechanism 1 comprising a main body 2 including a spool housing 16 operable by a handle 20. The spook housing has a spool 12 therein which is adapted to receive cables 4 thereon which form part of the mechanism.

P WPD0CDYS"%ftCICVkinSl W pM do-S Scptmbr 2W -6- Referring in particular to Figures 5 to 8 of the drawings there is shown a spindle assembly generally indicated at 10 comprising a spool 12 and a spool axle 14. The spool is at least partially receivable within or carried by a spool housing 16 (See Figures 2 and The assembly further includes a handle 20 having a coupling spigot 22 with a series of ribs 24 on the external surface thereof and an aperture 25 which is adapted to receive the spool axle therein. The spigot 22 is adapted to be received in an aperture in the spool which has grooves or spaces each receiving a respective one of the ribs. The grooves in the spool are wider than the ribs 24 so that there can be limited relative rotation between the spool and handle for reasons which will become hereinafter apparent. The spool is mounted so that it can provide for limited axial movement relative to the housing.

The assembly further includes co-operating stop or ratchet teeth sections 30 and 31 which in one position intermesh (See Figure One tooth section 30 is formed on the spool housing 16 and the other tooth section 31 is formed on an end of the spool. The intermeshing teeth may be complementary saw tooth in shape. This enables a ratcheting action such that whilst the teeth are in engagement with one another, rotation of the spool is prevented in at least one direction. An axial spring 33 urges the teeth into engagement with one another.

oeo i S• A cam coupling 35 between the handle 20 and spool 12 causes axial movement of *the spool so that the ratchet teeth can be disengaged. The cam coupling 35 includes ring elements 36 and 37, one element 36 being receivable on the spigot 25 within the housing 16 and the other element forming part of an extension of the spool 12. Each element has 25 a co-operating camming surface 41 and 42 thereon. Rotation of the handle in either direction causes an initial relative rotation between the elements 36 and 37 causing the spool to move axially against spring 33. This axial movement causes disengagement of the ratchet teeth. The spool will then be in the position shown in Figure 2. Release of handle causes the spool to adopt the positions shown in Figure 3 so that relative rotation between the housing and the spool in at least one direction is inhibited.

P %WPDOCSDYS nV-ki-pinddl p. 6-5 S A-b. 2001 -7- A braking mechanism 50 is disposed within the housing, the braking mechanism being in the form of a U-shaped spring 51 which can move into engagement with a section 38 of the spool to provide a braking force thereon. As best seen in Figures 2 and 3 the spool has an end projection 38 having sections of different diameter. Axial movement of the spool causes the spring to be adjacent that portion of projection 38 of lesser diameter whereby the braking action of the spring 51 is lessened (Figure 2) or the spring 51 is adjacent that portion of the extension 38 of greater diameter whereupon the spring 51 applies a braking force to the spool.

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, a handle control mechanism generally indicated at 60 is mounted to the main body 2 and includes a control bar 62 having sections of different thickness. The bar 62 includes a slot 63 therein through which the handle spigot 22 can pass. The control bar 62 is mounted for sliding movement through slots in the housing 16 •between a handle inoperative position as shown in Figures I and 3 and a handle operative position as shown in Figures 2 and 4 ~When in the handle inoperative position as shown in Figures 1 and 3 rotation of the handle and spigot 22 will cause the freely axially movable ring element 36 to be displaced into the region of the housing 39 which is formed as a result of the positioning of the .oeooi thinner section of the bar 61. Thus, the spool cannot move axially and rotation is thereby prevented as a result of the intermeshing of the teeth 30 and 31.

S-When in the handle operative position as shown in Figures 2 and 4 displacement of ring element 36 is prevented as a result of the position of the thicker section of the control bar 61. Thus rotation of the handle will cause axial displacement of the spool as a result of the initial relative rotation between ring elements 36 and 37. A key lock 65 is arranged to lock the control bar in a selected position.

As best seen in Figures 1 and 2 the key lock 65 includes a barrel 66 rotatable by key 67, the barrel having a tang 68 which is locatable within a slot 71 in an end 72 of the control bar 61.

P.NWPDOCS ARS NPECIF\763H58l1_ H~H.n, I PSPA_&n-dd pgo dM4QM6Alb -8- The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Finally, various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be incorporated into the various constructions and arrangements of parts without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

Claims (8)

1. A spindle assembly suitable for use in a window mechanism, the spindle assembly including, a housing, a spool mounted for rotation relative to the housing about a rotation axis, a handle operable to rotate the spool, spool locking means for releasably locking the spool against rotation in at least one direction of rotation, a regulator for causing axial movement of the spool in response to rotation of the handle, biasing means for urging the spool locking means into a lock position and handle control means including a control bar movable between a handle operative position and a handle inoperative position such that when in the handle inoperative position axial movement of the spool by the handle is inhibited and when in the operative position rotation of the handle can cause axial movement of the spool.

2. A spindle assembly according to claim 1 wherein the control bar includes two sections of different thickness, the control bar being movable relative to the housing so that it can adopt the handle operative and handle inoperative positions, the arrangement being such in the handle operative position, the thicker section of the bar is disposed so that the "regulator will operate in respect to rotation of the handle to cause axial displacement of the spool relative to the housing and in the handle inoperative position the thinner section of the bar is disposed so that the regulator will note operate in response to rotation of the handle.

3. A spindle assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the control bar is operatively connected to a key lockable element so that when locked movement of the control bar is inhibited.

4. A spindle assembly according to any preceding claim wherein said spool locking means includes a ratchet mechanism which in one form allows rotation of the spool in one direction by application of tension on the one of the cables and prevents rotation of the spool in the other direction upon application of tension on the other of the cables.

P \WPDOCS1ARSX5PEC1F\763SSIOPv,, P,1 _I SPA_.-,n d pg. dm2A)61J0 A spindle assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the regulator includes a cam assembly operable to disengage the ratchet mechanism and permit the rotation of the spool.

6. A spindle assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the brake means comprises a spring which in one position bears on a portion of the spool to provide a braking force.

7. A spindle assembly according to claim 6 wherein the spring is generally U-shaped and is adapted to be disposed within a slot within the housing, when a braking force is applied to the spool this tends to inhibit the tendency for the ratchet teeth on the spool to only partially engage the ratchet teeth on the other part.

8. A spindle assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the 15 accompanying drawings. Dated this 2 nd day of June 2006 PETER WILLIAM HARKINS S 20 By Its Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE o *ag *e o