GB2564755A

GB2564755A - Twin cam espagnolette

Info

Publication number: GB2564755A
Application number: GB1808287.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shenton Nigel; Sehdeva Richard
Original assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Current assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Priority date: 2017-05-19
Filing date: 2018-05-21
Publication date: 2019-01-23
Also published as: GB201808287D0; GB201708055D0; IE20180150A1

Abstract

An operating assembly for an espagnolette fastening system, having a first drive bar 630 connected to a first pair of locking cams 632 and a second drive bar 640 connected to a second pair of locking cams 642. The first drive bar and first locking cams are driveable in a first direction, and the second drive bar and the second locking cams are driveable in a second, opposite direction. Preferably the drive bars are driven by a rack and pinion system comprising two gear assemblies. The first gear assembly 622 is moved via a handle and comprises a drive gear 650 which engages with a first rack 654 connected to the first drive bar. A second gear assembly comprises a second rack 656 connected to the second drive bar 640 and a third rack 660 connected to the first drive bar and a motion reversing gear 658 engagable with the second and third racks. Preferably the drive gear and motion reversing gear have axes perpendicular to each other. The drive bars may overlap for a majority of their distance in a lengthwise direction.

Description

Twin Cam Espagnolette

Technical Field

The invention relates to locking systems for windows and doors. Specifically, the invention relates to, but need not be limited to, espagnolette-type lock assemblies for windows.

Background

Espagnolette-type locks are well-known for use with window assemblies for both private and commercial buildings. They are commonly fitted to the leading edge of a hinged window leaf. Typically, espagnolette locks are usually characterised by a slidable body for fitting to the window leaf which carries projections for engaging with the window frame. The mechanism is often driven by a handle or knob which can be rotated to selectively lock and unlock the window, although motorised versions are also known.

Modern espagnolette locks often comprise multiple locking cams spread along the length of the lock so as to provide additional locking points and thus greater security. As such they are also often referred to as multi-point locks or MPLs. In simple configurations, the locking cams travel in the same direction during locking. This arrangement is undesirable, since it is possible for the window leaf to be lifted out of alignment by the force applied through the espagnolette lock. This effect is worsened by the flexibility in modern hinges and friction stays, which could even be damaged or bent by the lifting action.

Prior art document GB2300665 describes an arrangement with two espagnolette drive bars which are driven in opposite directions and each provided with a locking pin. During a locking operation, the pins travel in opposite directions to engage the frame, negating the lifting effect.

A further espagnolette-type lock, for example the ProLinea Twin Cam Espag sold by

Mila®, is provided with locking cams arranged in pairs. Each pair is provided with a reversing gear mechanism so that each cam in the pair moves in opposite directions.

The present invention attempts to address or ameliorate one or more of the problems with espagnolette type locks and locking assemblies, or provide a useful alternative.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an operating assembly for an espagnolette fastening system. The operating assembly may comprise a first pair of locking cams. The operating assembly may comprise a second pair of locking cams. The first and second pair of locking cams may comprise a first and second locking cam. The operating assembly may comprise a first drive bar. The first drive bar may be connected to the first locking cams. The operating assembly may comprise a second drive bar. The second drive bar may be connected to the second locking cams. The first drive bar may be driveable in a first direction. The first locking cams may be driving in the first direction. The second drive bar may be driveable in a second direction. The second cams may be driven in the second direction. The second direction may be opposite the first direction.

The invention is advantageous, since it provides a way of driving pairs of locking cams in alternative directions without requiring multiple gear assemblies. Driving the cams in alternative/different directions negates the lifting effect of single directional assemblies. Furthermore, such gear assemblies can be complex, making the manufacture complex and increasing cost. The present invention is thus a simple way to achieve a dual direction espagnolette, while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

In one series of embodiments, said drive bars and/or said locking cams are driveable in said first and second directions during a locking operation of the operating assembly. Said drive bars and/or said locking cams may be driveable in said first and second directions during an unlocking operation of the operating assembly. Said drive bars may be drivable in said first and second directions during a locking operation, and may each be drivable in the opposite respective directions during an unlocking operation.

The said drive bars and/or said locking cams may be driveable in said first and second directions simultaneously.

The first pair of locking cams may form a first locking region. The second pair of locking cams may form a second locking region. The first and second drive bars may extend the full distance between the first and second locking regions.

In one series of embodiments, the operating assembly is elongate, and the first pair of locking cams may be located toward a first end, and the second pair of locking cams may be located toward a second end. By “located toward a first end”, it is intended that the pair of locking cams is closer to a first end than to a second end. Optionally, the first pair of locking cams may be located at or adjacent a first terminal end of the operating assembly and/or said drive bars. Optionally, the second pair of locking cams may be located at or adjacent a second terminal end of the operating assembly and/or said drive bars. This can increase the security by providing multiple locking points over a large area.

The operating assembly may further comprise a gearbox connected to and configured to drive the first and second drive bars. The gearbox may be located between the first and second pair of locking cams. The gearbox may be located centrally (e.g. toward the centre of the operating assembly).

The gearbox may be an offset gearbox. The term “offset gearbox”, as understood in the field, refers to a gearbox which is not located in a central longitudinal plane which bisects the operating assembly. For example, the operating assembly may comprise a central plane which bisects the operating assembly along its longitudinal axis and the offset gearbox may lie in a plane parallel to the central plane of the operating assembly. The gearbox may be spaced transversely from the central plane of the operating assembly.

Offset gearboxes are typically much thinner than inline gearboxes. Customers looking for espagnolette locks fortheir windows are constrained by the routing profile provided by the window fabricator. Offset and inline espagnolette locks are not interchangeable. It is thus desired to provided an inline gearbox which has, at least, the functionality of conventional larger inline gearboxes, or even greater functionality.

The offset gearbox may have a width less than half the width of said drive bars. The offset gearbox may have a face which shares an edge with an edge of one or both of said drive bars. The offset gearbox may have a width of less than 8mm. The offset gearbox may have a width of <7mm, <6mm, <5mm, or <4mm.

In an alternative embodiment, the gearbox may be an inline gearbox. The term “inline gearbox”, as understood in the field, refers to a gearbox which extends in a central longitudinal plane which bisects the operating assembly. The inline gearbox may have a width equal to the width of said drive bars.

The gearbox may comprise a gear assembly configured to drive the first and second drive bars in first and second directions. The first and second directions may be relative to the gearbox.

The gear assembly may comprise: a first rack connected to or formed on the first drive bar; a second rack connected to or formed on the second drive bar; and a drive gear operatively connectable to the first and second racks.

Optionally, the gear assembly further comprises: a rack body connected to or formed on the first drive bar, wherein the first rack is located on the rack body and engageable with the drive gear, wherein the rack body further comprises a third rack; and a motion reversing gear engageable with the third rack; and wherein the motion reversing gear is engageable with and drives the second rack.

These gear assemblies are advantageous, since they can be produced much thinner than existing espagnolette gear assemblies, and thus fit in an offset gearbox. Conventionally, gear assemblies which can drive multiple drive bars in opposite directions have only been achievable with inline gearboxes.

One of said drive bars may comprise a rack aperture or cutout, and the gear assembly may be configured so that the first or second rack projects through the rack aperture. For example, the first drive bar may comprise a rack aperture or cutout, and the second rack may project through the rack aperture or cutout. Alternatively, the second drive bar may comprise a rack aperture or cutout and the rack body may project through the rack aperture or cutout.

The drive gear may be a cam, crank, or a circular gear. The cam may comprise teeth. The drive gear may comprise a partial gear, wherein teeth are provided around a portion of the circumference of the drive gear. Optionally, the drive gear and/or the motion reversing gear may comprise a circular gear. The drive gear and/or the motion reversing gear may be a pinion. The drive gear and the first rack, and/or the motion reversing gear and the second and/or third rack may form rack and pinion assemblies.

The racks may comprise linear gears. The third rack may be located on the opposite side of the rack body relative to the first rack. The drive gear and the motion reversing gear may lie in a single plane.

Optionally, all of the gears and racks may lie in a single plane. One advantage is the gear assembly can be thin, and thus fit within an offset gearbox.

The operating assembly may further comprise a handle configured to drive the gearbox. The handle may be configured to drive the drive gear. The handle may be configured to rotate the drive gear. For example, the drive gear may comprise an aperture for receiving a spindle of the handle. The aperture may have a square cross section.

The first and second drive bars may overlap and/or may be adjacent along a portion of the operating assembly extending from the first pair of locking cams to the second pair of locking cams. Optionally, the first and second drive bars may overlap and/or may be adjacent along the majority of their length. The first and second drive bars may overlap along their length extending between the two furthest locking cams. The first and second drive bars may overlap in an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the drive bars.

An advantage of the overlapping arrangement is that the drive bars can drive multiple locking cams in different directions across the length of the overlapping region.

The drive bars may define a lengthwise axis and may overlap and/or may be adjacent in an axis transverse to their lengthwise axis.

Optionally, one of said drive bars comprises at least one slot or cutout, and wherein the locking cams connected to the other of said drive bars project through the at least one slot or cutout.

The operating assembly may further comprise at least one further pair of locking cams, comprising a first locking cam connected to the first drive bar and a second locking cam connected to the second drive bar. The further pair of locking cams may be located between the first and second pairs of locking cams. One advantage of further locking cams is an increase in security, and when installed, the window leaf can be more securely held in the locked position. This is particularly advantageous when the operating assembly is very long.

The operating assembly may further comprise one or more unpaired locking cams connected to the first and/or second drive bar.

The first and second drive bars may each comprise at least one fixing slot or fixing cutout, through which a mechanical fastener can extend, for fixing the operating assembly to a door or window leaf or frame. In some embodiments, fixing slots may be provided at each end of the operating assembly and/or fixing slots may be provided between the ends of the operating assembly. The mechanical fastener may be a screw, bolt, rivet, or any other suitable fastener. This may provide a simple method to attach the operating assembly to a window leaf.

The operating assembly may further comprise at least one fixing plate, the fixing plate comprising: a first surface for abutting a first surface of the drive bars; a second surface for abutting a second surface of the drive bars; and a spacer connecting the first and second surfaces; wherein the spacer extends through the fixing slots or fixing cutouts in the first and second drive bars and comprises an aperture therethrough for the mechanical fastener. Optionally, the operating assembly may comprise more than one fixing plate. For example, the operating assembly may comprise multiple fixing slots or fixing cutouts, each provided with a fixing plate. The fixing plate may prevent a user overtightening the mechanical fasteners used to connect the operating assembly to the window leaf, and thus may ensure smooth and easy actuation of the drive bars.

The locking cams may comprise roller cams and/or mushroom cams.

The operating assembly may be configured so that during a locking operation, the first and second locking cams move toward each other. One advantage of this arrangement is that the keep can be kept small, and thus save cost and material.

Optionally, the maximum distance between the first and second locking cams is 10cm. For example, the distance between the first and second locking cam in each pair may be restricted so that they cannot be moved further than 10cm apart. The maximum distance between the first and second locking cams may correspond to the operating assembly being in an unlocked position. One advantage of this arrangement is that the testing standards for espagnolette locks consider locking cams spaced more than 10cm apart to be separate locking points, and are thus subject to a separate force test. By keeping the locking points 10cm or closer from each other, they can spread the force from such a test and thus the operating assembly is more likely to pass the test, and provide better security.

The operating assembly may be configured to fit within a recess in a window or door e.g. within a eurogroove. The operating assembly and/or said drive bars may have a width of 16mm. This may make the operating assembly easy to fit.

In one series of embodiments, the operating assembly comprises a first gear assembly. The first gear assembly may be configured to drive the first drive bar in a first direction. The operating assembly may further comprise a second gear assembly. The second gear assembly may be engaged with the first drive bar and configured to drive the second drive bar in the second direction. The first gear assembly may be located in the or a gearbox.

The first gear assembly may comprise a first rack connected to or formed on the first drive bar. The first gear assembly may comprise a drive gear operatively connectable to the first rack.

The second gear assembly may comprise a second rack connected to or formed on the second drive bar. The second gear assembly may comprise a third rack connected to or formed on the first drive bar. The second gear assembly may comprise at least one motion reversing gear engageable with the third rack and configured to drive the second rack. Some embodiments may comprise a pair of motion reversing gears.

The at least one motion reversing gear may have a rotational axis perpendicular to, or angled from, the rotational axis of the drive gear. The at least one motion reversing gear may have a rotational axis perpendicular to, or angled from, the length direction of the first and second drive bars.

In some embodiments, the first gear assembly comprises a drive gear; and the second gear assembly comprises at least one motion reversing gear. The at least one motion reversing gear may have a rotational axis perpendicular to, or angled from, the rotational axis of the drive gear.

The second gear assembly may be located on the opposite side of the first and second drive bars relative to the first gear assembly, or may be housed between the first and second drive bars. The third rack may be located and/or partially received within a cutout within the second drive bar.

The second gear assembly may be provided within an opening in the gearbox shell, for example, within a or the cover plate. The operating assembly may further comprise a fascia plate. The fascia plate may be configured to cover or close the opening.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an espagnolette fastening system comprising an operating assembly as described herein, and at least one keep plate configured to interlock with one or more of the locking cams.

The keep plate may be configured to interlock with the all of the locking cams. Alternatively, a plurality of keep plates may be provided. In some embodiments, at least one keep plate is configured to be engaged by the first and second locking cams of one of said pairs of locking cams.

In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an espagnolette fastening system comprising first and second espagnolette drive bars, wherein the first and second espagnolette drive bars are simultaneously drivable in opposite directions; and wherein the first and second drive bars overlap or are and/or are adjacent along the majority of the length of the espagnolette fastening system.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a door or window assembly comprising: a door or window leaf; a door or window frame; and an operating assembly as described herein, or an espagnolette fastening system as described herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following Figures in which:

Figure 1 is an end-on view of an operating assembly;

Figure 2 is a cross section through the operating assembly of Figure 1 in the plane A-A;

Figure 3 is a close up of the region B of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a cross section through the operating assembly of Figure 1 in the plane B-B;

Figure 5A is a partial cutaway of an operating assembly;

Figure 5B is a further partial cutaway of an operating assembly;

Figure 6A is partial cutaway of an operating assembly; and

Figure 6B is a partial cutaway of the operating assembly of Figure 6A.

Specific Description

Turning now to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an operating assembly 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

The operating assembly has a gearbox 20, a first drive bar 30 and a second drive bar 40. The gearbox 20 is located approximately in the middle of the length of the two drive bars 30, 40. The drive bars 30, 40 are both elongated metal strips, typically formed from steel, such as stainless steel. The drive bars 30, 40 are approximately the same length, and can be provided in a range of sizes depending on the size of the window leaf to which they are to be attached. The length of the drive bars 30, 40 is their longest dimension. The drive bars 30, 40 have a narrow width W1, compared to their length. Their width is typically approximately 16mm in order for the operating assembly 1 to fit within a conventional euro-profile recces in a door or window leaf. The thickness of the drive bars 30, 40 can vary, and is typically approximately 1mm thick. The drive bars 30, 40 are thus long and thin plates.

The first and second drive bars 30, 40 are aligned so that they overlap along their length. The first and second drive bars 30, 40 each have flat surfaces which are abutted against each other. Preferably, the surfaces are the face of the drive bar 30, 40 defined by the length and width. Both drive bars 30, 40 extend through a region of the gearbox 20 as described below. The first drive bar 30 is positioned to the rear of the second drive bar 40. That is, when installed in a door or window leaf (not shown) the second drive bar 40 is the outermost drive bar, and thus extends over the top of the first drive bar 30.

Spaced along the length of the drive bars 30, 40 are a series of locking cams 32, 42. The locking cams 32, 42 project away from the drive bars 30, 40. The locking cams 32, 42 are provided in pairs, with a pair located toward each end of the drive bars 30, 40. The locking cams 32, 42 are mushroom cams, since they are made up of a stem and a head which is wider than the stem. The mushroom cams thus have a T-shaped crosssection.

At a first end 2 of the operating assembly 1, there is provided a first pair of locking cams, made up of a first locking cam 32 and a second locking cam 42. The first locking cam 32 is connected to the first drive bar 30. The second locking cam 42 is connected to the second drive bar 40. At a second end 3 of the operating assembly 1, there is provided a second pair of locking cams, also made up of a first locking cam 32 and a second locking cam 42 as described above.

In Figures 1 and 2, the second drive bar 40 forms the outermost surface of the operating assembly. Thus, the second locking cams 42 are fixed directly on and project from the second drive bar 40. The second drive bar 40 is provided with cam slots 43 through which the first locking cams 32 extend. The slots are aligned lengthwise of the second drive bar 40, thus permitting the first locking cams 32 with a degree of relative movement i.e. the first locking cams 32 can move longitudinally relative to the second drive bar 40.

Toward the terminal end of the drive bars 30, 40 at the first end 2 of the operating assembly is a pair of fixing slots 31, 41 provided in the first and second drive bars 30, 40 respectively. The fixing slots 31, 41 are aligned so that they overlap, and a mechanical fastener (not shown) can be inserted through the slots 31, 41 in order to attach the end of the drive bars 30, 40 to a door or window leaf. The slots 31, 41 are provided with a fixing plate 10. The fixing plate 10 is formed of a first surface 11, in this case a square plate, and a second surface 12, also a square plate. The first and second surfaces are connected by a spacer 13, which extends through the fixing slots 31, 41. The spacer 13 is a rigid tube, and maintains the first and second surfaces a fixed distance apart. The first and second surfaces 11,12 are wider than the fixing slots 31, 41, thereby preventing the removal of the fixing plate 10 from the operating assembly 1. The fixing plate 10 is configured so that a mechanical fastener (not shown), for example a screw, can be inserted through the spacer 13 and into a door or window leaf in order to fix the operating assembly to the leaf. The head of the mechanical fastener would thus engage the first surface 11 ofthe fixing plate 10. The fixing plate 10 thus provides a method of fitting the operating assembly 1 without restricting the movement of the drive bars 30, 40, since the spacer extends through the fixing slots 31, 41. A rigid spacer 13 and second surface 12 is used to prevent tightening of the fastener from clamping the drive bars 30, 40 against the door or window leaf, which would impede the movement of the drive bars 30, 40.

At the second end 3 of the operating assembly 1 the fixing is simplified. Instead of a separate fixing slot 41 and cam slot 43, the slots 41, 43 are combined into a single slot in the second drive bar 40 which performs both functions. Thus the locking cam 32 and the fixing plate 10 both extend through the same slot in the second drive bar 40.

Turning now to Figure 3, the first and second locking cams 32, 42 will be described further. Each ofthe locking cams 32, 42 have a mushroom cam structure, with a shaft 321,421 and a flanged head 323, 423. When engaging a keep (not shown) the flanged head can be used to pull the locking assembly tightly onto the keep. Each cam has a rivet fixing 325, 425 connecting the cam to their respective drive bar. In alternative embodiments (not shown) the rivet fixing cam be replaced with an alternative mechanical fastener, or they could be fixed via welding or brazing for example. The first rivet fixing 325 has an elongated stem which projects through the cam slot 43.

The rivet fixings 325, 425 are located eccentrically of the central axis C of the locking cams. Each cam is provided with a drive surface 327, 427, in this case hexagonal recess for receiving an alien key. A user can thus adjust the lateral position (i.e. in the widthwise axis W) of the locking cams 32, 42 by rotating them around their rivet fixings. This allows adjustment of the operating assembly relative to a keep, and when installed in a window assembly, means that adjustment of the locking assembly can be achieved, and the compression of any peripheral seals can be maintained.

Turning now to Figures 4, 5A and 5B, the gearbox 20 and the method of operation will be described.

The gearbox 20 is broadly formed of two cooperating shell portions, 21A and 21B. In Figures 5A and 5B, only first shell portion 21A is shown, and a second shell portion (21B) has been removed for the purpose of explanation.

Espagnolette-type locking assemblies are typically provided in either offset or inline varieties. An inline gearbox is one which extends in the central plane bisecting the locking assembly (i.e. the plane A-A). In contrast, offset gearboxes are “offset” from this central plane, and are positioned at the side of the drive bars. Inline gearboxes often extend the full width of the locking assembly, or approximately the full width. Offset gearboxes, however, are much thinner in order to fit within an alternative profile cut or extruded into the window leaf. Typically, an offset gear box has a face which shares an edge with the side or edge of the drive bars. As best shown in Figure 4, the gearbox 20 is an offset gearbox. The gearbox 20 is located to one side of the assembly, and has a width W2 less than half the width W1 of the locking assembly 1.

The gearbox 20 houses a gear assembly 22. Figure 5A shows the gear assembly 22 and the drive bars 30, 40 and locking cams 32, 42 in the unlocked position. Figure 5B shows the gear assembly 22 and the drive bars 30, 40 and locking cams 32, 42 in the locked position.

The gear assembly 22 comprises a set of gears and racks configured to drive the first and second drive bars 30, 40 in different directions. The gear assembly 22 consists of a drive gear 50, a rack body 52 with a first rack 54 provided on a first side, a third rack provided on the opposite side to the first, a motion reversing gear 58 and a second rack 56.

The drive gear 50 is a partial gear, provided with teeth 501 over a quarter section of its circumference. The teeth 501 engage the first rack 54. Each face of the drive gear 50 is provided with a stepped portion 503 which has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the central region 505 of the drive gear 50. The two stepped portions 503 project away from the central region 505 axially of the drive gear 50. The stepped portions 503 are configured to locate the drive gear 50 within a pair of drive gear apertures (not shown) in the gearbox 20 (i.e. in the first shell portion 21A and the second shell portion 21B) and thus retain the drive gear 50 in position. The drive gear 50 has a square aperture 507 extending axially therethrough. The square aperture 507 is configured to receive a drive spindle (for example from a handle, not shown), to thereby rotate the drive gear 50 upon rotation of the drive spindle.

The rack body 52 is fixed to the rear surface of the first drive bar 30. The rack body 52 has a first rack 54, comprising a series of teeth and grooves for cooperating with the teeth 501 of the drive gear 50. On the opposite side of the rack body 52 is provided the third rack 60, which is formed as a series of teeth and grooves which engage the motion reversing gear 58.

The motion reversing gear 58 is a small pinion cog. Similarly to the drive gear 50, each face of the motion reversing gear 58 is provided with a stepped portion 581 projecting from the face and with a narrower diameter. The stepped portions 581 are received within motion reversing gear apertures (not shown) in the gearbox (i.e. in the first shell portion 21A and the second shell portion 21B) and retain the motion reversing gear 58 is position. The stepped portions 503, 581 also act as an axle/fulcrum around which the drive gear 50 and motion reversing gear 58 can rotate.

The second rack 56 is located on the opposite side of the motion reversing gear 58, relative to the third rack 60, and is connected to the second drive bar 40. Thus, the second and third racks 56, 60 sandwich the motion reversing gear 58. The second and third racks 56, 60 are configured to be parallel. The second rack 56 extends through a cutout 34 in the first drive bar 30. Thus the second rack 56 is able to extend through the first drive bar 30 and engage the motion reversing gear 58, and move longitudinally relative to the first drive bar 30.

The first shell portion 21A is formed of a first plate section 23. It has a rear lip 25 at a rear edge. The rear lip 25 forms the back face of the gearbox 20. The rear lip 25 projects from the first plate section 23 at a right angle (i.e. widthwise of the operating assembly).

At the opposite edge (i.e. the front edge) of the first plate section 23 is a drive bar channel 27. The drive bar channel 27 houses the drive bars 30, 40. The drive bar channel 27 has a shelf 28 (see Figure 2) which projects from the first plate section 23 and extends across the drive bars 30, 40. The shelf wraps around the edge of the drive bars 30, 40 and extends back across the drive bars 30, 40, thus forming a cover plate 29. The drive bar channel 27 provides the “offset” of the gearbox 20. Because the drive bar channel 27 extends at a right angle away from the first plate section, it means the majority of the gearbox 20 is located to the side of the drive bars 30, 40 (i.e. widthwise). The gearbox 20 thus has an L-shaped cross-section.

The gearbox 20 also has a second shell portion 21B which is configured to fit with the first shell portion 21A and thus close the gearbox 20.

Both the first and second shell portions 21A, 21B are provided with a series of holes and slots, which will be described with reference to the first shell portion 21A. These will be described with further reference to Figure 2, which shows the rear face of the first shell portion 21A. The second shell portion 21B has equivalent holes and slots in the same alignment in order to fit with the gear assembly 22.

Firstly, a drive gear aperture 232 is provided in the first and second shell portions 21A, 21B which engages the stepped portions 503 of the drive gear 50 as described above.

Next, a pair of fixing holes 231 are provided. The first shell portion 21A is provided with threaded inserts 234 which fit with the fixing holes 231. The threaded inserts 234 are configured to receive mechanical fasteners (not shown), such as screws or bolts, from a handle unit. The mechanical fasteners thus retain the handle in position relative to the gear assembly 22 and with a handle spindle engaged with the drive gear 50.

Both shell portions are also provided with first and third slots 233, 235. The first and third slots 233, 235 are linear apertures which are parallel. The first and third slots 233, 235 are configured to receive first and third sliders 523, 525. The third slot 235 is located rearward of the first slot 233. The first and third sliders 523, 525 are teeth formed in pairs, with one of each pair formed on opposite sides of the rack body 52. The slots 233, 235 and sliders 523, 525 are configured to permit the longitudinal motion of the sliders 523, 525 and thus the rack body 52 and the first drive bar 30 to which it is connected.

A second slot (not shown) is provided in the second shell portion 21B. The second slot is configured to receive the second slider 561 formed on the second rack 56. The first shell portion 21A is not provided with a second slot, and instead the reverse face of the second slider 561 simply slides against the first plate section 23. The second slot and the second slider 561 extend parallel with the first and third slots and sliders 233, 235, 523, 525.

With reference to both Figures 5A and 5B, the operation of the operating assembly 1 will be described. Relative directions such as left and right, clockwise and anticlockwise are used with reference to Figures 5A and 5B, are not limiting and are to aid the description only.

Typically a user will turn a handle (not shown), although the rotation may come from an alternative source. This rotation will, via a spindle (not shown) engaged with the drive gear 50, rotate the drive gear 50. As shown in Figure 5A, the gear assembly 22 is in its open position. When the assembly is to be closed or locked, the user will turn the handle, driving the drive gear 50 anticlockwise. The drive gear 50 thus drives the first rack 54 in a first direction, e.g. to the left. Because the first drive bar 30 is connected to the first rack 54 via the rack body 52, it too is moved in the first direction. This movement of the first drive bar 30 means that both of the first locking cams 32 are moved in the first direction.

The movement of the rack body 52 also causes the third rack 60 to drive the motion reversing gear 58 in a clockwise direction. In turn, the clockwise rotation of the motion reversing gear 58 drives the second rack 56 in a second direction e.g. to the right.

Similarly to the first drive bar 30, the second drive bar 40 is driven in the second direction (the right) by the motion of the second rack 56. Thus both of the second locking cams 42 are driven in the second direction. The operating assembly 1 is thus operable to move the first locking cams 32 in a first direction and the second locking cams 42 in a second, opposite direction. This is shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 5A.

In the pictured embodiment, during a closing/locking operation (as described above) the locking cams 32, 42 in each pair move toward each other. In use, they would engage with a keep provided in the frame to lock the door or window leaf against the frame. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second locking cams 32, 42 could move away from each other during a closing/locking operation. The former arrangement is preferred, since the size of the keep can be minimised.

The first and second locking cams 32, 42 in each pair are configured so that when they are located the furthest distance apart (for example, in an unlocked position) they are 10cm apart or closer.

In further embodiments (not shown) more than two pairs of first and second locking cams can be used. For example, the operating assembly may have one or more pairs of first and second locking cams located between the two pairs.

Turning now to Figures 6A and 6B, there is shown a further embodiment of an operating assembly 600 according to the invention. The operating assembly 600 has many features in common with the operating assembly 1 described above, and descriptions of shared features are not repeated herein.

The operating assembly 600 has a gearbox 620, a first drive bar 630 and a second drive bar 640. Both drive bars 630, 640 extend through a region of the gearbox 620 as described previously, and are provided with locking cams 632, 642 as described above. The drive bars 630, 640 and thus operating assembly 600 functions in substantially the same manner as operating assembly 1. The difference between operating assembly 600 and operating assembly 1 is the configuration of the gearbox 620 and the corresponding portions of the first and second drive bars 630, 640. The operating assembly 600 is provided with a fixing plate 610 at either end of the gearbox

620. The location and number of fixing plates 610 is can vary without affecting the invention.

The gearbox 620 is broadly formed of two cooperating shell portions. In Figures 6A and 6B, only first shell portion 621A is shown, and a second shell portion (not shown) has been removed for the purpose of explanation. The gearbox 620 is an offset gearbox, although alternative embodiments of the invention may comprise inline gearboxes. The first shell portion 621A is similar to the first shell portion 21 discussed above, and is formed of a first plate section 623, rear lip 625, drive bar channel 627, shelf (not shown, but equivalent to shelf 28 of Figures 2 and 4) and a cover plate 629. The cover plate 629 differs from the cover plate 29 of operating assembly 1, in that the cover plate 629 is provided with an opening 626 thereby exposing the outer surface of the first and second drive bars 630, 640.

The gearbox 620 houses a first gear assembly 622. The first gear assembly can be considered to be a drive gear assembly, and comprises a drive gear 650 and a first rack 654. The drive gear 650 is substantially the same as the drive gear 50 described above, and is retained within the gearbox 650 in the same way. The teeth of the drive gear 650 and the first rack 654 are meshed so that rotation of the drive gear 650 by a user (for example via a handle as described above) drives the first rack 654 laterally relative to the gearbox 620. The first rack 654 is fixed to the first drive bar 630 and housed within the gearbox 620. Thus by driving the drive gear 650, a user is able to drive the first drive bar relative to the gearbox 620, e.g. in the lengthwise direction of the first drive bar. The rotation of the drive gear 650 can be restricted by the position of blocks 671 within the gearbox which are located so as to contact one of the teeth of the drive gear 650, in this case the end teeth, which abut opposing blocks to provide a limit of rotation and thus respectively prevent further rotation in each rotational direction. The blocks thus prevent a user from over rotating the handle and potentially damaging the gear mechanisms 622, 624 or locking cams 632, 642 within the operating assembly 600.

Figure 6A shows the gear assembly 622 and the drive bars 630, 640 and locking cams

632, 642 in the unlocked position. Figure 6B shows the gear assembly 622 and the drive bars 630, 640 and locking cams 632, 642 in the locked position. As is shown in the orientation of Figure 6A, the drive gear 650 is driven anti-clockwise to drive the first rack to the left hand side, to arrive at the position as shown in Figure 6B.

The operating assembly 600 is further provided with a second gear assembly 624. The second gear assembly is provided on the opposite side of the drive bars 630, 640 compared to the first gear assembly 622. The second gear assembly 624 is received within the opening 626 in the cover plate 629. When the operating assembly 600 is installed in a window for example, the second gear assembly 624 is thus adjacent to or forms the leading edge of the window leaf.

The second gear assembly 624 can be considered to be a reversing assembly, and comprises a second rack 656, a pair of motion reversing gears 658 and a third rack 660. The second gear assembly is configured to drive the second drive bar 640 in a direction opposite to the motion of the first drive bar 630.

The third rack 660 is fixed to the first drive bar 630, on the opposite side relative to the first rack 654. As shown, a pair of mechanical fasteners 659 connect the third rack 660 and first drive bar 630, and preferably extend into the first rack 654 in order to fix all three components together. The mechanical fasteners 659 may be screws, bolts or rivets, or any other suitable means. The teeth of the third rack 660 are meshed with the two motion reversing gears 658, which act as slave pinions and are rotated by the motion of the third rack 660. The third rack 660 is received within a first cutout 634A provided in the second drive bar 640 and projects therethrough so that the top edge of the third rack is also received within the opening 626 in the cover plate 629.

The teeth of the two motion reversing gears 658 are meshed with the teeth of the second rack 656. The second rack 656 is fixed to the second drive bar 640 and is received within the opening 626 in the cover plate 659. The second rack 656 is located on the opposite side of the motion reversing gears 658 relative to the third rack 660, and thus is driven in the opposite direction as described previously. The axis of rotation of the motion reversing gears 658 is perpendicular to the axis of the drive gear 650. The axis of rotation of the motion reversing gears 658 is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the first and second drive bars 630, 640.

The motion reversing gears 658 each have a toothed region 661 located between axle portions 663. The toothed regions 661 are configured to align and mesh with the teeth of the second and third racks 656, 660. The axle portions 663 closest to the gearbox 620 (the lower axle portions as shown) are received within a second cutout 634B within the second drive bar 640 and extend through a slot 634C located in the first drive bar 630. The axle portions are then retained in position relative to the gearbox 620, either by sitting within a recess (not shown) or by extending through a small hole (not shown) in the shelf. The upper (as shown) axle portions 663 project away from the gearbox 620 and extend above the opening 626. A fascia plate (not shown) can be positioned over the opening 626 and configured to retain the upper axle portions 663 within either a recess or hole. The fascia plate can be fixable to the cover plate by pegs 670, for example, in a press fit or interference fit, although other mechanical fasteners such as bolts, screws or rivets may be used. In some embodiments, the fascia plate may be omitted to expose the second gear assembly 624.

Thus, in use, to actuate the operating assembly 600, a user would drive the drive gear 650 to drive the motion of the first rack 654 and thus first drive bar 630. The motion of the first drive bar 630 is reversed by the motion reversing gears 658 and thus drives the opposite movement of the second drive bar 640, with both first and second drive bars 620, 640 moving in the lengthwise direction of the bars, but in opposite directions.

The general operating principle of operating assembly 1, 600 is the same for both embodiments. By using a first and second drive bar 630, 640, the need for multiple gear assemblies located adjacent to the pairs of locking cams 632, 642 is negated, thus providing a simpler and cheaper to manufacture alternative to existing espagnolette locking mechanisms.

However, the second embodiment 600 has a number of further advantages over the first embodiment 1.

In the second embodiment 600 the direction reversing mechanism is moved out of the gearbox 620 and the axis of rotation of the motion reversing gears is rotated. Each change permits a size reduction, but the combined configuration is particularly advantageous, since it permits an even more compact gearbox. For example, the distance between the drive bars and the drive gear, and/or the spindle hole in the drive gear, can be minimised. Thus the operating mechanism can be attachable to window leafs with only narrow frames supporting the glazing. Alternatively, since there are fewer components within the gearbox 620, the drive gear 650 can be increased in size thus increasing the leverage which can be applied by a handle to the locking mechanisms, thus permitting a smooth and easy to actuate operating assembly. In some embodiments, a combination of the smaller gearbox and increased drive gear size can be provided.

Furthermore, the configuration shown in Figure 6A and 6B can be more resistant to wear and maintenance issues.

Although two motion reversing gears 658 are shown in Figures 6A-B, some embodiments may be provided with only one. Two motion reversing gears 658 may be advantageous since the force applied through each gear is reduced and thus degradation and wear is reduced over time. The double gear arrangement also reduces slipping of the gears due to wearing of the teeth of either the motion reversing gears 658 or the second and third racks 656, 660.

In a further embodiment, since the second gear assembly 624 is provided on the outer face of the operating assembly, it would be easily accessible when installed on a window leaf (by removing the fascia plate if provided), and thus maintenance of the operating assembly is possible without first requiring the operating assembly 600 be removed from the window.

It will be appreciated that features of the first and second embodiments may be combined in any possible combination.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An operating assembly for an espagnolette fastening system, the operating assembly comprising:

a first pair and a second pair of locking cams, each pair comprising a first and second locking cam;

a first drive bar connected to the first locking cams; and a second drive bar connected to the second locking cams; wherein the first drive bar and first locking cams are driveable in a first direction, and the second drive bar and the second locking cams are driveable in a second, opposite direction.

2. The operating assembly according to claim 1, wherein said drive bars and said locking cams are driveable in said first and second directions during a locking operation of the operating assembly.

3. The operating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said drive bars and said locking cams are driveable in said first and second directions simultaneously.

4. The operating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating assembly is elongate, and wherein the first pair of locking cams is located toward a first end, and the second pair of locking cams is located toward a second end.

5. The operating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a gearbox connected to and configured to drive the first and second drive bars.

6. The operating assembly according to claim 5, wherein the gearbox is located between the first and second pair of locking cams.

7. The operating assembly according to either of claims 5 or 6, wherein the gearbox is an offset gearbox.

8. The operating assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising a handle configured to drive the gearbox.

9. The operating assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the gearbox comprises:

a gear assembly configured to drive the first and second drive bars in first and second directions.

10. The operating assembly of claim 9, wherein the gear assembly comprises:

a first rack connected to or formed on the first drive bar;

a second rack connected to or formed on the second drive bar; and a drive gear operatively connectable to the first and second racks.

11. The operating assembly of claim 10, wherein the gear assembly further comprises:

a rack body connected to or formed on the first drive bar, wherein the first rack is located on the rack body and engageable with the drive gear, wherein the rack body further comprises a third rack; and a motion reversing gear engageable with the third rack; and wherein the motion reversing gear is engageable with and drives the second rack.

12. The operating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising:

a first gear assembly and a second gear assembly.

13. The operating assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first gear assembly is configured to drive the first drive bar in a first direction; and the second gear assembly is engaged with the first drive bar and configured to drive the second drive bar in the second direction.

14. The operating assembly according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the first gear assembly comprises a first rack connected to or formed on the first drive bar; and a drive gear operatively connectable to the first rack.

15. The operating assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the second gear assembly comprises:

a second rack connected to or formed on the second drive bar;

a third rack connected to or formed on the first drive bar; and at least one motion reversing gear engageable with the third rack and configured to drive the second rack.

16. The operating assembly according to claims 14 and 15, wherein the at least one motion reversing gear has a rotational axis perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive gear.

17. The operating assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first gear assembly comprises a drive gear; and the second gear assembly comprises at least one motion reversing gear, wherein the at least one motion reversing gear has a rotational axis perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive gear.

18. The operating assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the second gear assembly is located on the opposite side of the first and second drive bars relative to the first gear assembly.

19. The operating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second drive bars overlap and/or are adjacent along a portion of the operating assembly extending from the first pair of locking cams to the second pair of locking cams.

20. The operating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second drive bars overlap and/or are adjacent along the majority of their length.

21. The operating assembly according to either of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein said drive bars define a lengthwise axis and overlap and/or are adjacent in an axis transverse to their lengthwise axis.

22. The operating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of said drive bars comprises at least one slot or cutout, and wherein the locking cams connected to the other of said drive bars project through the at least one slot or cutout.

23. The operating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one further pair of locking cams, comprising a first locking cam connected to the first drive bar and a second locking cam connected to the second drive bar.

24. The operating assembly according to claim 23, wherein the further pair of locking cams is located between the first and second pairs of locking cams.

25. The operating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second drive bars each comprise at least one fixing slot or fixing cutout, through which a mechanical fastener can extend, for fixing the operating assembly to a door or window leaf or frame.

26. The operating assembly of claim 25, further comprising at least one fixing plate, the fixing plate comprising:

a first surface for abutting a first surface of the drive bars, a second surface for abutting a second surface of the drive bars, and a spacer connecting the first and second surfaces, wherein the spacer extends through the fixing slots or fixing cutouts in the first and second drive bars and comprises an aperture therethrough for the mechanical fastener.

27. The operating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, configured so that during a locking operation, the first and second locking cams move toward each other.

28. The operating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum distance between the first and second locking cams is 10cm.

29. An espagnolette fastening system comprising an operating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, and at least one keep plate configured to interlock with one or more of the locking cams.

5

30. An espagnolette fastening system comprising first and second espagnolette drive bars, wherein the first and second espagnolette drive bars are simultaneously drivable in opposite directions; and wherein the first and second drive bars overlap or are and/or are adjacent along the majority of the length of the espagnolette fastening system.

31. A door or window assembly comprising:

a door or window leaf;

a door or window frame; and an operating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 28, or an

15 espagnolette fastening system according to claim 29 or 30.