Abstract:
The invention relates to a rotary handle for a closing mechanism of a sash of a window, a leaf of a door, or the like, particularly a sliding sash or leaf, comprising an actuating grip, which in the neutral position can be disposed such that it is retracted in the sash or leaf at least partially with regard to the height and which can be pivoted from the neutral position in a working position as a folding grip such that it protrudes, wherein in the working position it can be rotated about a rotational axis. An operating element is provided, which is used to bring about a coupling or decoupling position in relation to a control element, which rotates together with the actuating grip in the coupling position and does not rotate along in the decoupling position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of EP 07016030, filed Aug. 15, 2007, which application is herein expressly incorporated by reference. 
       FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a rotary handle for a closing mechanism of a sash of a window, a leaf of a door, or the like, particularly a sliding sash or leaf, comprising an actuating grip, which in the neutral position can be disposed such that it is retracted in the sash or leaf at least partially with regard to the height and which can be pivoted from the neutral position into a working position as a folding grip such that it protrudes, wherein in the working position it can be rotated about a rotational axis. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
         [0004]    A rotary handle of the type mentioned above is known from DE 102 04 744 A1. It comprises an actuating grip, which in the resting position rests in the associated casement or leaf in a recessed manner and can be folded out of this resting position into a working position, so that at least a region of the actuating grip protrudes from the plane of the casement or leaf. Thereafter, the actuating grip can be rotated while actuating the closing mechanism. By retracting the actuating grip, an adjoining sash or leaf can be moved past the first sash or leaf in a parallel manner at a short distance without resulting in interference with the rotary handle. A prerequisite, however, is that the rotary handle is first returned to the original rotational position while actuating the closing mechanism and is then folded into the recessed position. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    It is the object of the invention to create a rotary handle of the type mentioned above, which has even more diverse applications and is even less interfering. 
         [0006]    This object is achieved according to the invention by an operating element, which brings about a coupling or decoupling position in relation to a control element, which rotates together with the actuating grip in the coupling position and does not rotate along in the decoupling position. As a result of this configuration, the actuating grip can be coupled to or decoupled from the control element in any desired rotational position, so that it can always be returned to the neutral position, which is the retracted position, regardless of the operating position of the control element effected by the rotational position. Therefore, it can be moved into the neutral position in the locked state, for example. If the sash or leaf was unlocked by bringing about the corresponding rotational position of the actuating grip, which is to say if the operating position is an unlocked position, the actuating grip can still be moved into the neutral position, which is to say the retracted position, by decoupling it from the control element remaining in the unlocked position so that also in this operating position the actuating grip does not protrude laterally from the sash or leaf in an interfering manner. The same applies to other operating positions, which may be selected by rotating the actuating grip. Due to the invention, thus the position of the control element is independent from the current position of the actuating grip. 
         [0007]    According to a refinement of the invention, it is provided that the actuating grip comprises the operating element. Since the operating element is located on the actuating grip, particularly simple, preferably single-handed operation is possible because the operating element—if desired—can also be actuated as the actuating grip is seized. 
         [0008]    According to a refinement of the invention, it is provided that the operating element is a sliding element. In this way, very simple actuation of the operating element by a sliding motion is possible. Preferably, the hand of the user encloses the actuating grip, wherein he can actuate the sliding element with his thumb. 
         [0009]    It is advantageous to configure the actuating grip and/or the operating element as a manually actuatable component, or as manually actuatable components. In such a case, or in these cases, the rotary handle is then actuated manually by the user. If a motor-driven actuation is to be performed, the rotary handle can also be driven by a motor in relation to the actuating grip and/or the operating element. 
         [0010]    According to one refinement of the invention, the operating element interacts with a swivel element, which engages in the control element in a coupling position and is disengaged from the control element in a decoupling position. Thus, by means of the operating element the position of the swivel element can be influenced such that a coupling is established between the actuating grip and the control element, so that upon rotating the actuating grip a corresponding rotational movement of the control element is performed, or that by decoupling, which is to say by actuation of the operating element such that the swivel element is disengaged from the control element, a rotational movement of the actuating grip is possible without carrying along the control element. It thus remains in the respective position. The actuating grip, however, can be returned, for example, from the working position to the neutral position and therefore has a retracted, non-interfering position. 
         [0011]    A refinement of the invention provides that the swivel element is supported pivotably about a pivot axis. The actuating grip is preferably likewise supported foldably about this pivot axis as a folding grip. Accordingly, the pivot axis forms a common axis for the swivel element and the actuating grip. 
         [0012]    It is advantageous to couple the operating element to a slide or to configure the element with a slide, wherein the slide interacts with the swivel element. A displacement of the slide causes the swivel element to assume the coupling position, or decoupling position. 
         [0013]    As already mentioned above, the swivel element preferably also rotates when the actuating grip is rotated about the rotational axis thereof. If the swivel element is not coupled to the control element, the actuating grip and swivel element are rotated without the control element being rotated as well. If a coupling exists between the swivel element and control element, upon rotation of the actuating grip the control element is carried along via the swivel element. 
         [0014]    It is preferred to bring about the coupling or decoupling position with the operating element independently from the rotational position of the actuating grip. This—as already mentioned above—results in independence of the positions from the actuating grip and control element, provided that the decoupling position is present. If the coupling position has been selected, a rotation of the actuating grip brings about a movement of the control element as well. 
         [0015]    The control element preferably has a control pin, particularly a polygonal pin, with a square pin being preferred. It serves the non-rotatable simultaneous movement of a closing actuating element, such as a gear wheel, the teeth of which mesh with recesses of driving rods. 
         [0016]    According to a refinement of the invention, it is provided that the control element interacts with a rotational detent position device. Due to the rotational detent positions, the control element can be perceptibly rotated into defined position, for example into a locked position and an unlocked position. These two positions can be perceived by the user due to the rotational detent position device, however they can also be overcome by applying a corresponding, slightly higher force. 
         [0017]    A refinement of the invention is characterized by a housing, in which the actuating grip in the neutral position can be retracted at least partially with respect to the height thereof. The housing is particularly configured as a built-in housing. 
         [0018]    As already mentioned above, the actuating grip in the neutral position is located completely or substantially retracted in the housing, particularly the built-in housing. If the actuating grip is in the working position, the longitudinal extension thereof forms an acute angle with the longitudinal extension of the housing. 
         [0019]    Furthermore, it is advantageous to support the control element in the housing in a floating manner. In particular, it is provided that the control element is supported axially in the housing in a spring-loaded manner by means of a spring. It is preferred to provide that the spring acts between the control element and a rotary part rotatably supported in the housing. In particular, it is provided that the spring applies a force to a bearing ball, which is supported on the rotary part or on the control element. It may particularly be provided that the bearing ball with a partial ball surface rests in a bearing depression of the rotary part or control element. Based on the support of the control element in the housing described above, it is achieved in particular that tolerances, misalignment and the like can be compensated for in relation to the closing mechanism to be coupled. In particular, it is provided that the actuating grip is pivotably supported on the rotary part. 
         [0020]    Finally, the invention relates to a method for actuating a closing mechanism of a sash of a window, a leaf of a door, or the like, particularly a sliding sash or leaf, by means of a rotary handle, which is configured particularly as described above. 
         [0021]    Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
           [0023]    The figures illustrate the invention based on an embodiment, wherein: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a rotary handle for a closing mechanism of a sash of a window, a leaf of a door, or the like, particularly a sliding sash or leaf, 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the rotary handle according to  FIG. 1 , 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of the rotary handle according to  FIG. 1 , 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a face view from above of the rotary handle according to  FIG. 1 , 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a longitudinal section of the rotary handle in the neutral position, 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a longitudinal section of the rotary handle in the working position, 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the rotary handle in a partially cut view, 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a longitudinal section of the rotary handle in the region of a control element of the rotary handle, 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the rotary handle, 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the rotary handle and a partial longitudinal section of the rotary handle, each in the neutral positions, 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  are illustrations corresponding to  FIG. 10 , however in the working positions, with the actuating grip not rotated, 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  are illustrations corresponding to  FIG. 11 , however with the actuating grip rotated, 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  are illustrations corresponding to  FIG. 12 , however after actuating an operating element provided on the actuating grip, 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  are illustrations corresponding to  FIG. 12 , however with a rotation of the actuating grip by 180°, 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  are illustrations corresponding to  FIG. 14 , however with the operating element being actuated. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]    The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1  shows the front view of a rotary handle  1 , by which a closing mechanism, which is not shown, of a sash of a window, or a leaf of a door, or the like, particularly a sliding sash or leaf, can be actuated. The rotary handle  1  has an actuating grip  3  configured as a folding grip  2 . The rotary handle  1  comprises a housing  4 , which is configured as a built-in housing  5 . A front plate  6  has an overlapping edge  7  such that a retracted installation of the rotary handle  1  in a corresponding recess of the sliding sash or leaf is possible, wherein only the overlapping edge  7  is supported on the top of the sliding sash or leaf. 
         [0041]    In  FIG. 1 , the folding grip  2  is in the neutral position, in which the top 8 thereof is aligned with the top 9 of the front plate  6 . As is apparent from  FIG. 1 , the rotary handle  1  has an elongated configuration and accordingly also the actuating grip  3  has an elongated shape. The grip, however, does not extend with the lower end region  10  to the lower associated end  11  of the housing  4 , so that an engaging cavity  12  is formed. The user can thus reach in the engaging cavity  12  using a finger and apply a force to the bottom and/or the lower edge region of the actuating grip  3  in order to displace it into the folded position according to  FIG. 6 . This folded position represents a working position. On the actuating grip  3  an operating element  13  is provided, which the user can preferably actuate using the thumb. The operating element is configured as a sliding element  14  and in  FIG. 1  is in a non-effective engagement position. This engagement position is not effective because the actuating grip  3  is in the neutral position. 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  shows a side view of the built-in housing  5 , wherein the actuating grip  3  is in the neutral position. A control element  16  protrudes from the back  15  of the built-in housing, the element being supported rotatably about a rotational axis  17 . The control element  16  preferably has a control pin  18 , particularly a polygonal pin  19 , preferably a square pin  20 . When inserting the rotary handle  1  in the recess of the sliding sash or leaf, the control element  16  non-rotatably couples to a corresponding actuating element of a closing mechanism of the sliding sash or leaf such that a rotation of the control element brings about an actuation of the closing mechanism. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  shows a rear view of the rotary handle  1 . The housing  4  is closed in the upper region by a back wall  21 . The back wall  21  is held by four threaded screws  22 . The configuration of the control element  16  as a square pin  20  is clearly apparent from  FIG. 3 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  shows a face view of the rotary handle  1 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  shows a longitudinal section of the inside structure of the rotary handle  1 . The actuating grip  3  can be pivoted about a pivot axis  23 , which is formed by a bearing peg  24 , wherein the two pivot end positions (neutral position and working position) are apparent from a comparison of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The bearing peg  24  is disposed on a rotating part  25 , which can be rotated about the rotational axis  17 , preferably 360°. A swivel element  26  is pivotally supported about the pivot axis  23 . To this end, the bearing peg  24  penetrates a receiving bore  27  of the swivel element. At a distance from the pivot axis  23 , the swivel element  26  has a control surface  28 , which is configured as a beveled surface  29 . Facing away therefrom—opposite from the pivot axis  23 —is an end  30  of the swivel element  26  for simultaneous movement. The operating element  13  configured as the sliding element  14  is coupled to a slide  31 , wherein the slide  31  is supported longitudinally displaceably on the actuating grip  3  and preferably on one end  32  comprises a control surface  33 , which is configured as a beveled surface  34 . The slide  31  is prestressed in the direction of the operating element  13  (arrow  37 ) by means of a spring  35 , which is configured as a helical compression spring  36 . For this purpose, the helical compression spring  36  is supported both by the actuating grip  3  and by the slide  31 . The operating element  13  configured as the sliding element  14  is displaceably supported on the actuating grip  3  in the direction of the double arrow  38 —just as the slide  31 . 
         [0046]    The control element  16  comprises the square pin  20  mentioned above, to which a round cross-section  39  having a larger cross-section connects, which is supported rotatably about the rotational axis  17  in a bearing pot  40 . The bearing pot  40  is located inside the housing  4  in a non-rotatable position. It has two diametrically opposed spring chambers  41 . Furthermore, the bearing pot  40  penetrates the back  15  of the housing  4  with a pipe extension  42 . In the two spring chambers  41 , which are closed to the rear by the back  15  of the housing  4 , springs  43  are located, which are configured as helical compression springs  44 . The two helical compression springs  44  each apply a force to a detent ball  45 , wherein the two detent balls  45 —according to FIG.  8 —can enter detent recesses  46  on the circumference of a flange  47  of the control element  16  as a function of the rotational position of the control element  16  and thereby define preferred positions of the control element  16 . The flange  47  is configured substantially disk-shaped and connects to the round cross-section  39 . The flange  47  at the back  48  thereof has a recess  49 . From the back  48 , a blind hole  50  extends coaxially to the rotational axis  17  and receives a spring  51 , which is configured as a helical compression spring  52  and applies a force to a bearing ball  53 , which is thereby pushed against the rotary part  25  and with a partial ball surface rests in a conforming bearing depression  54  of the rotary part  25 . Due to the action of the spring force of the helical compression spring  52 , the control element  16  is transferred in the direction of the arrow  55  ( FIG. 5 ). It rests—depending on the operating state—with the flange  47  thereof on the bearing pot  40  and pushes the same likewise in the direction of the arrow  55  so that it is pressed against the inside of the back  15  of the housing  4 . From all this it is apparent that the control element  16  is supported in the housing  4  to a certain degree in a floating manner, so that potentially present tolerances, positional errors and misalignment with respect to the coupling to the aforementioned closing mechanism occurring by means of the square pin  20  can be compensated for. 
         [0047]    Due to three fastening bores  56 , the housing  4  configured as a built-in housing  5  can be fastened in the retracted position to the sliding sash or leaf mentioned above by means of suitable fastening screws. “Retracted position” shall mean that the top of the front plate  6  is aligned, or substantially aligned, with the corresponding surface of the sliding sash or leaf. 
         [0048]    According to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , an inner bearing part  57  is located inside the housing  4 , the part being made of a first bearing part  58  and a second bearing part  59  and screwed to the housing  4  by means of four threaded screws  60 . 
         [0049]    The design of the rotary handle  1  is particularly apparent from the exploded view of  FIG. 9 . It shows, among other things, that the rotary part  25  comprises bearing blocks  61 , which the bearing peg  24  penetrates. A friction ring  62  receives the edge of the rotary part  25  and supports the rotary part  25  in a receptacle  63  of the inner bearing part  15 . One of the fastening bores  56  is configured in an insert part  64 , which can be inserted in the housing  4 . The slide  31  is held on the actuating grip  3  by means of a back cover  65 . The rocker-like swivel element  26  is associated with a spring  66 , which according to arrow  67  in  FIG. 5  rotates the swivel element  26  clockwise about the pivot axis  23 , whereby the control surfaces  28  and  33  move on top of each other. A spring  68 , which is configured as a helical compression spring  69 , applies a force to the back of the actuating grip  23  by being appropriately supported on an inside surface of the housing  4  such that the actuating grip  3  is pushed about the pivot axis  23  in the direction of the neutral position according to  FIG. 5 . The associated fastening bore  56  can be covered by means of a clip-like screw head cover  70 . 
         [0050]    This configuration produces the following function: If the rotary handle  1  according to  FIG. 5  is in the neutral position, which is to say the actuating grip  3  is folded in, the rotary handle in this state is aligned with the sliding sash of a window, or leaf of a door, or the like, in which it is installed in a retracted manner. Since no part of the rotary handle protrudes, the sliding sashes or leaves of multi-sash or multi-leaf arrangements can be positioned very close adjacent to each other and slid past each other, without resulting in any interference of the rotary handle with the passing sash or leaf. If the associated closing mechanism is to be actuated by means of the rotary handle, the user reaches in the engaging cavity  12  with a finger and pivots the actuating grip  3  into the working position, which is apparent from  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  also shows that by pivoting the actuating grip  3  about the pivot axis  23 , the end  30  of the swivel element  26  for simultaneous movement enters the recess  49  of the control element  16 . In this way, a rotary coupling is created between the actuating grip  3 , which is supported rotatably about the rotational axis  17  by means of the rotary part  25 , and the control element  16 .  FIG. 6  shows that in this situation the operating element  13  assumes a position that is supported by the spring  35 , wherein as a result of the displacement of the actuating grip  3  from the neutral position to the working position the slide  31  shifts the swivel element  26  such that is couples with the control element  16 . 
         [0051]    The situation according to  FIG. 5  is again shown in a perspective top view and partial sectional view in  FIG. 10 . The situation according to  FIG. 6  is likewise shown in a perspective view and partial sectional view in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 7  illustrates the inside design of the rotary handle  1  based on a partially cut perspective illustration of the rotary handle  1 . The actuating grip  3  is in the neutral position in this example. 
         [0052]      FIG. 12  shows a rotated position of the actuating grip  3  of the rotary handle  1 , which can be brought about from the situation according to  FIG. 11 . For this purpose, the user—starting from the situation according to FIG.  11 —rotates the actuating pin  3  about the rotational axis  17 . The swivel element  26  carries the control element  16  along, so that by means of the square pin  20  a closing mechanism of the sash or leaf can be actuated. For example, in this way the closing mechanism can be displaced from the locked position to the unlocked position. It is now possible, for example, to displace the sliding sash or leaf from a closed position to an open position. In order to eliminate any interfering protrusion of the actuating grip  3  from the housing  4 , it is possible now—according to FIG.  13 —by actuating the operating element  13  to displace the slide  31  such that the control surface  33  thereof leaves the control surface  28  of the swivel element  26  and applies a force to an abutting actuating surface  71  of the swivel element  16  such that it pivots about the bearing peg  24  against the action of the spring  66 , whereby the end for simultaneous movement  30  exits the recess  49  of the control element  16  and therefore no coupling exists any longer between the actuating grip  3  and the control element  16 . It is thus possible to displace the actuating grip  3  into the position according to  FIG. 11  and fold it into the position according to  FIG. 10 , without modifying the position of the control element  16 . As a result, no interfering elements protrude laterally from the sash or leaf, and therefore an adjacent sash or leaf, for example, can be moved past the sash or leaf at a very close distance. 
         [0053]    According to  FIG. 14  it is also possible to perform not only a 90° rotation of the actuating grip  3  and the control element  16 , but also a 180° rotation, for example. Also in the position according to  FIG. 14 , decoupling of the actuating grip  3  from the control element  16  can be performed by operating the operating element  13 . The operating element  13  is preferably actuated by the thumb of the user. From the position according to  FIG. 15 , the actuating grip  3  can be returned to the position according to  FIG. 10  without displacing the control element  16  from the 180° rotational position. Of course other rotational angles can be implemented as well. The different rotational angles are preferably identified by slight detent actions of the detent balls  15 , which can enter accordingly provided detent recesses  46  of the flange  47  of the control element  16 . 
         [0054]    If the sliding sash or leaf is to be locked again by an appropriate actuation of the closing mechanism, the actuating grip  3  is first displaced from the position according to  FIG. 10  into the position according to  FIG. 11 , with the operating element  13  actuated, then—with a 90° rotation—rotated into the position according to  FIG. 13 , then the coupling position with the control element  13  is brought about by actuating the operating element  13 , and finally, while carrying along the control element  16 , it is moved to the position according to  FIG. 11  and then pivoted into the neutral position according to  FIG. 10 .