Patent Description:
The invention further relates to a locking arrangement for locking a rotatable element about a rotating movement defined by the rotation axis of the element.

Floor to ceiling veranda glazing and balcony glazing above the banister railing of a balcony are some examples of such structures or arrangements that can comprise at least one such element, i.e. a glass pane with any fittings and mouldings that can be opened and closed by rotating an element about its axis of rotation. The structure or arrangement as described above usually also comprises at least one other element, i.e. a second glass pane with any fittings and mouldings attached thereto and being both displaceable in an essentially horizontal direction and rotatable about its axis of rotation when subsequent to being displaced the element is in a defined horizontal position in the said arrangement. The said arrangement typically also comprises a lower guide arranged in connection with the lower part of the elements for supporting said elements and guiding any displacement on the lower part of the elements, and an upper guide arranged in connection with the upper part of said elements for suspending said elements and for guiding any displacement on the upper parts of the elements.

Conventionally, an at least openable and closable element as described above comprises at least one latch apparatus used for locking the element in place at the desired position in relation to the rotating movement of the element defined by the axis of rotation of the element together with an external connecting part forming a part of the structure or arrangement. In closed position of the element the external connecting part of the latch apparatus is usually formed by some portion of said lower and/or upper guide. In opened position of the element said connecting part can be a part separately arranged to each lower and/or upper guide or the structure of the balcony. Said latch apparatus is usually operated through a yarn, fibre strand or other operating means suitable for transmitting pulling tension, whereby pulling said operating means displaces the locking bolt from connection with the connecting part of the latch apparatus for rotating the element into the desired position. When the operating means is released, the locking bolt returns to locking position in connection with the connecting part of the latch apparatus relating to the position in question.

As far as safe locking of the elements is concerned it is essential that the tension of the operating means is suitable for allowing sufficient locking of the locking bolt of the latch apparatus into connection with its connecting part. At the same time it must be possible to open the latch apparatus without excessive force. Conventionally the tension of the operating means is adjusted by making several knots to it at a distance from each other and locking the operating means through screw fastening in connection with the latch apparatus. This is, however, a highly work-intensive and slow method of adjusting the tension of the operating means.

<CIT> discloses a multipoint lucking assembly including a first latch device, a second latch device, and a mortise assembly coupled to the first and second latch devices. The mortise assembly may comprise a first transmission coupled to the first latch device via a first flexible member, a second transmission coupled to the second latch device via a second flexible member, and an actuation assembly operable to actuate the first and second transmissions. At least one of the transmissions comprises a slack removal device operable to remove slack in the flexible member to which it is coupled, thereby ensuring proper transmission of pulling forces between the transmission and the latch device.

The aim of the invention is to provide a novel type of latch apparatus and locking arrangement for locking a rotatable element about the rotation movement of the element defined by the axis of rotation of the element.

The solution according to the invention is characterized by what is stated in independent claims.

The invention is based on that the latch apparatus comprises a tension adjuster arranged to be rotatable about at least one axis for adjusting the tension of the operating means.

The advantage of a solution according to the invention is the simple way of carrying out tension adjustment, providing a reliable and easy to use solution for adjusting the tension of the operating means.

Some embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

In the following the invention is described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings, in which.

In the figures, some embodiments of the invention are shown in simplified form for reasons of clarity. Similar parts are denoted with identical reference numbers in the figures.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of glazing arrangement <NUM> seen from the front. A glazing arrangement <NUM> as shown in <FIG> can generally form e.g. a veranda glazing extending from floor to ceiling or a balcony glazing arranged above the rail of the balcony.

The glazing arrangement <NUM> according to <FIG> comprises two glass elements arranged side by side on the same line in horizontal direction, i.e. the first glass element <NUM> and the second glass element <NUM>'. Each glass element <NUM>, <NUM>' comprises a glass pane <NUM> and a lower moulding <NUM> at the lower edge of the glass pane <NUM>, in connection with which any fittings necessary for arranging the glass element <NUM>, <NUM>' in connection with the lower guide or rail <NUM> forming a part of the glazing arrangement <NUM> can be fastened, with the lower guide or rail <NUM> participating in supporting the elements <NUM>, <NUM>' and guiding any displacement of the elements <NUM>, <NUM>' on the lower part. The upper edge of each glass pane <NUM> further comprises an upper moulding <NUM>, in connection with which any fittings necessary for arranging the glass element <NUM>, <NUM>' in connection with the upper guide or rail <NUM> being a part of the glazing arrangement <NUM> can be fastened, with the upper guide or rail <NUM> participating in supporting the elements <NUM>, <NUM>' and guiding any displacement of the elements <NUM>, <NUM>' on the upper part. The said lower mouldings <NUM> and upper mouldings <NUM> are not necessary, if the said fittings can be attached directly to the glass pane <NUM>. For reason of clarity the said fittings are not shown in <FIG>.

In a glazing arrangement <NUM> according to <FIG> the left-hand glass element <NUM>, i.e. the first glass element <NUM> is arranged to be supported by and/or suspended from the lower and upper guides <NUM>, <NUM> so that it is locked into place in the longitudinal direction of the lower and upper guides <NUM>, <NUM> marked with arrow L. In other words, in normal usage scenarios of the glazing arrangement <NUM> the first glass element <NUM> is not movable along the longitudinal direction L of the lower and upper guides <NUM>, <NUM>. The first glass element <NUM> is, however, arranged by its left edge <NUM>, i.e. its rear edge <NUM> to be in connection with the lower and upper guides <NUM>, <NUM> so that the first glass element <NUM> can be rotated into an open position and back to the closed position shown in <FIG> so that the essentially vertical axis of rotation X, shown with a dotted line, of the glass element <NUM>, in relation to which the glass element <NUM> can be rotated, is positioned essentially at the location of the rear edge <NUM> of the glass element <NUM> or in the vicinity thereof. The said axis of rotation X can be carried out by means of, for example, hinge fittings arranged at the rear edge <NUM> of the glass element <NUM>'or in the vicinity thereof at the lower and upper part of the glass element <NUM>. The said hinge fittings and their attachment to both the glass element <NUM> and the lower and upper guides <NUM>, <NUM> are known as such to one skilled in the art, and for reasons of clarity they have not been shown in more detail in <FIG>. Typically, an element such as shown here, is hinged by one of its vertical edges or in the vicinity thereof, such as in <FIG>, whereby the said hinge arrangement defines an essentially vertical axis of rotation at the said vertical edge of the element or in the vicinity thereof. This does not, however, exclude cases where the hinge arrangement is possible by the horizontal edge of the element or the vicinity thereof.

In a glazing arrangement <NUM> according to <FIG> the right-hand glass element <NUM>', i.e. the second glass element <NUM>' is positioned to be supported by and/or suspended from the lower and upper guides <NUM>, <NUM> so that the glass element <NUM>' can be displaced under the direction of the lower and upper guides <NUM>, <NUM> in the longitudinal direction L of the lower and upper guides <NUM>, <NUM> both left, i.e. towards the first glass element <NUM> and back to the right, i.e. away from the first glass element <NUM>, when the first glass element <NUM> is rotated into its opened position.

In a glazing arrangement <NUM> according to <FIG> the first glass element <NUM> further comprises a locking arrangement <NUM> arranged at its right edge <NUM>, i.e. the front edge <NUM> or in the vicinity thereof, opposite to the left edge <NUM>, i.e. the rear edge <NUM> of the glass element <NUM>, by means of which the first glass element <NUM> can be locked in relation to the rotation movement of the glass element <NUM> defined by the axis of rotation X.

In the embodiment according to <FIG> the locking arrangement <NUM> comprises a first locking arrangement part <NUM> arranged to the first end edge of the element <NUM> defined by the axis of rotation X of the glass element <NUM> in the direction of the element <NUM>, in the case of <FIG> the upper edge of the glass element <NUM>, such as the upper moulding <NUM>. The first locking arrangement part <NUM> comprises a locking bolt, whereby the glass element <NUM> can be locked by its upper part through the first locking arrangement part <NUM> to resist unintended rotation of the glass element <NUM>. Further, the locking arrangement <NUM> according to <FIG> comprises a second locking arrangement part <NUM> arranged to the second end edge of the of the element <NUM>, opposite the first end edge of the element <NUM>, defined by the axis of rotation X of the glass element <NUM> in the direction of the element <NUM>, in the case of <FIG> the lower part of the glass element <NUM>, such as the lower moulding <NUM>. The second locking arrangement part <NUM> comprises a locking bolt, whereby the glass element <NUM> can be locked by its lower part through the second locking arrangement part <NUM> to resist unintended rotation of the glass element <NUM>.

The locking arrangement <NUM> according to <FIG> further comprises an operating means <NUM> of the locking arrangement <NUM> that can be, for example, yarn, fibre string or other means suitable for transmitting pulling tension. Thus, the locking bolts of the said locking arrangement parts <NUM>, <NUM> can be moved away from connection with the external connecting parts of the locking arrangement parts <NUM>, <NUM> for rotating the glass element <NUM> into the desired position about its axis of rotation by transmitting pulling tension through the operating means <NUM> to the first locking arrangement part <NUM> and the second locking arrangement part <NUM>. Correspondingly, the effect of pulling tension on the first locking arrangement part <NUM> and the second locking arrangement part <NUM> can be ended by releasing the operating means <NUM>, whereby the locking bolts of the locking arrangement parts <NUM>, <NUM> can return back to the locking positions in connection with the connecting parts participating in the locking for locking the glass element <NUM> to the desired position in relation to the axis of rotation X.

According to one embodiment the locking arrangement <NUM> according to <FIG> provided with a locking arrangement <NUM> according to <FIG> is arranged to form a veranda glazing extending from floor to ceiling, whereby the first locking arrangement part <NUM> and the second locking arrangement part <NUM> are latch apparatuses <NUM> as described later in this description in, for example, <FIG>, that transmit the force allowing locking the glass element <NUM> into the desired position in relation to its axis of rotation X. There can also be a handle or other similar opening device between the first <NUM> and the second <NUM> locking arrangement part for providing the pulling tension to the operating means <NUM>.

According to another embodiment the locking arrangement <NUM> according to <FIG> provided with a locking arrangement <NUM> according to <FIG> is arranged to form a balcony glazing above the balcony rail, whereby the first locking arrangement part <NUM> is a latch apparatus <NUM> as described later in this description in, for example, <FIG>, that transmit the force allowing locking the glass element <NUM> into the desired position in relation to its axis of rotation X and the second locking arrangement part <NUM> is a safety lock to prevent unintended rotation of the glass element <NUM> by using the operating means <NUM> of the locking arrangement <NUM> only. The necessary pulling tension of the operating means <NUM> can be provided by the said safety lock.

<FIG> illustrates as a schematical three-dimensional view a latch apparatus <NUM> that can be used in glazing arrangements <NUM> of the type shown in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates schematically a latch apparatus of <FIG> seen essentially perpendicularly from the side. In <FIG> the latch apparatus <NUM> is shown in the operation position, in which the connecting piece of the latch apparatus <NUM>, via which the latch apparatus <NUM> provides the above-mentioned locking in the desired position of the glass element <NUM> in relation to the rotation movement of the glass element <NUM> defined by the axis of rotation X of the glass element <NUM>, will be positioned above the latch apparatus <NUM>. Thus, <FIG> can be considered to illustrate the latch apparatus <NUM> in the operational position corresponding to the first locking arrangement part <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic illustration of a latch apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> seen diagonally from above from the left-hand side and <FIG> is a schematic illustration of a latch apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> seen essentially perpendicularly from below.

The main components of the latch apparatus <NUM> are body <NUM>, locking bolt <NUM>, auxiliary body <NUM> and tension adjuster <NUM> for adjusting the tension of the operating means <NUM>. The operating means <NUM> forms a means via which the latch apparatus <NUM> can be operated and the auxiliary body <NUM> forms a means via which the tension adjuster <NUM> is arranged to be a part of the latch apparatus <NUM>.

The body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> comprises a first end 20a, designed to be aligned towards the connecting piece of the latch apparatus <NUM>, and a second end 20b, designed to be aligned towards the operating means <NUM> arranged in connection with the latch apparatus <NUM>. The body <NUM> further comprises a fastening support <NUM>, via which the latch apparatus <NUM> can be supported and fastened to the glass element <NUM>, such as to the lower or upper moulding <NUM>, <NUM> thereof. The fastening support <NUM> comprises a fastening opening <NUM>, arranged to receive e.g. a screw or a similar fastening means, through which the latch apparatus <NUM> can be fastened essentially unmovably to the glass element <NUM>. The direction between the first end 20a and the second end 20b of the body <NUM> defines the direction A parallel with the longitudinal axis of the body <NUM>.

The body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> is a structure with an essentially U-shaped cross-section in direction perpendicular to the direction A of its longitudinal axis, with one side essentially open, inside which, into a space defined by the structure, the locking bolt <NUM>, auxiliary body <NUM> and tension adjuster <NUM> are at least partially arranged. In a latch apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> the operating means <NUM> is fastened in connection with the tension adjuster <NUM>, while a slot <NUM> (<FIG>) located at the other end of the <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> helps in getting a means suitable for operating the tension adjuster <NUM> into contact with the tension adjuster <NUM>.

The locking bolt <NUM>, auxiliary body <NUM> and the tension adjuster <NUM> are arranged in connection with each other so that by causing a pulling tension into the operating means <NUM>, a simultaneous movement of the locking bolt <NUM>, auxiliary body <NUM> and the tension adjuster <NUM> is caused in the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the latch apparatus <NUM> from the direction of the first end 20a of the frame <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> towards the second end 20b of the frame <NUM>, whereby the locking bolt <NUM> can move away from connection with the connecting piece of the latch apparatus <NUM> and the glass element <NUM> can be rotated about its axis of rotation X. An elastic means <NUM> is arranged between the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> and the locking bolt <NUM>, providing a spring force against which the locking bolt <NUM>, auxiliary body <NUM> and the tension adjuster <NUM> is moved when opening the latch apparatus <NUM>. When the operating means <NUM> is released, the locking bolt <NUM>, auxiliary body <NUM> and tension adjuster <NUM> move, caused by the spring force accumulated in the elastic element <NUM>, essentially parallel with the longitudinal axis A of the latch apparatus <NUM> back to the direction of the first end 20b of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> for bringing the locking bolt <NUM> back into contact with the connecting piece of the latch apparatus <NUM> for locking the glass element <NUM> into the desired position in relation to its axis of rotation X.

In the latch apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> the elastic means <NUM> is a helical spring extending essentially in the longitudinal direction A of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM>, but the said helical spring can also be replaced by other solutions accomplishing the corresponding task. The structures and mutual arrangements of the locking bolt <NUM>, auxiliary body <NUM> and tension adjuster <NUM> shown in <FIG> are illustrated in more detail in <FIG>. The supporting method of the elastic means <NUM> to the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> and the locking bolt <NUM> is also disclosed in more detail in, for example, <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates schematically a latch apparatus <NUM> according to <FIG> seen diagonally from above in partial cross-section, with the latch apparatus <NUM> being turned upside down in relation to <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates schematically a latch apparatus <NUM> according to <FIG> seen diagonally from the side in partial cross-section, with the latch apparatus <NUM> being turned upside down in relation to <FIG>. In <FIG> and <FIG> the latch apparatus <NUM> is shown in the operation position in which the connecting piece of the latch apparatus <NUM>, via which the latch apparatus <NUM> provides the above-mentioned locking in the desired position of the element in relation to the rotation movement of the element defined by the axis of rotation X of the element, will be positioned above the latch apparatus <NUM>. Thus, <FIG> and <FIG> can be considered to illustrate the latch apparatus <NUM> in the operational position corresponding to the second locking arrangement part <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates schematically a part of the latch apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> seen diagonally from below in partial cross-section and without the locking bolt <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates schematically the tension adjuster <NUM> used in the latch apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> seen from the side.

The locking bolt <NUM> comprises a body <NUM>, having a first end 31a arranged to point in the direction shown by the first end 20a of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM>, i.e. upwards in the operation position of the latch apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and downwards in the operation position of the latch apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The body <NUM> of the locking bolt <NUM> further comprises a second end 31b arranged to point in the direction of the second end 20b of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM>, i.e. towards the second end 20b of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> in the operation position of the latch apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and upwards in the operation position of the latch apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The direction between the first end 31a and the second end 31b of the body <NUM> of the locking bolt <NUM> defines the direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the locking bolt <NUM>, the direction being essentially parallel with the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM>, when the locking bolt <NUM> is installed in the latch apparatus <NUM>.

The first end 31a of the body <NUM> of the locking bolt <NUM> is provided with a bolt part <NUM> extending towards the direction of the said first end 31a, the bolt part being an integral structure with the body <NUM> in the embodiment shown in the figures and via which the locking bolt <NUM> and consequently the latch apparatus <NUM> are locked into the connecting piece, thus locking the glass element <NUM> into place in the desired position in relation to the rotation movement of the glass element <NUM> defined by the axis of rotation X of the glass element <NUM>.

The second end 31b of the body <NUM> of the locking bolt <NUM> is provided with an adapter shape <NUM>, which together with the mating shape in the auxiliary body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> is arranged to provide a form locking between the locking bolt <NUM> and the auxiliary body <NUM> causing the locking bolt <NUM> and the auxiliary frame <NUM> to be fastened to each other so that when the latch apparatus <NUM> is operated, they move together parallel with the longitudinal axis A of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM>.

The locking bolt <NUM> further comprises in the first end 31a of the body <NUM> a support protrusion <NUM>, which is arranged essentially perpendicularly to the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the locking bolt <NUM> and extending outwards from the body <NUM> of the locking bolt <NUM>, the protrusion being designed to support the elastic means <NUM> arranged between body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the locking bolt <NUM> on the portion of the locking bolt <NUM>. The body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> comprises on the portion of the body <NUM> between the ends 20a, 20b a support protrusion <NUM> directed essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A of the body <NUM> towards the internal space of the body <NUM> defined by the body <NUM>, the protrusion being designed to support the elastic means <NUM> on the portion of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM>. When the elastic means <NUM> is, as shown in figures, a helical spring, the support protrusion <NUM> in the locking bolt <NUM> can comprise a support <NUM> extending towards the second end 31b of the body <NUM> of the locking bolt <NUM> and arranged inside the helical spring and the support protrusion <NUM> located in the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> can correspondingly comprise a support <NUM> located inside the helical spring and extending towards the first end 20a of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM>, the said supports <NUM>, <NUM> supporting the helical springs in lateral direction against displacement and slips.

The auxiliary body <NUM> comprises the body structure <NUM>, having a first end 41a arranged to point in the direction of the first end 20a of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM>, i.e. upwards in the operation position of the latch apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and downwards in the operation position of the latch apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Simultaneously the first end 41a of the body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body <NUM> is directed towards the second end 31b of the body <NUM> of the locking bolt <NUM>. The body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body <NUM> further comprises a second end 31b arranged to point in the direction of the second end 20b of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM>, i.e. towards the second end 20b of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> in the operation position of the latch apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and upwards in the operation position of the latch apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In practice the auxiliary body <NUM> is thus arranged between the locking bolt <NUM> and the second end 20b of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM>. The direction between the first end 41a and the second end 41b of the auxiliary body <NUM> body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body40 defines the direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the auxiliary body <NUM>, the direction being essentially parallel with the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM>, when the auxiliary body <NUM> is installed in the latch apparatus <NUM>.

The first end 41a of the body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body <NUM> is provided with an adapter shape <NUM> directed towards the said first end 41a, i.e. the first end 20a of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> and at the same time towards the locking bolt <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> that together with the above-mentioned adapter shape <NUM> in the locking bolt <NUM> is designed to form the above-mentioned form locking between the locking bolt <NUM> and the auxiliary body <NUM>, through which the locking bolt <NUM> and the auxiliary body <NUM> are fastened to each other so that when the latch apparatus <NUM> is operated, they move together in the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM>. The fastening between the locking bolt <NUM> and the auxiliary body <NUM> can additionally be secured by means of a separate locking means, such as am assembly screw, the head of which is located in a countersunk hole in the bolt part <NUM> and the tip is screwed into the auxiliary body <NUM>. For the sake of clarity the said screw is not shown in the figures.

The auxiliary body <NUM> further comprises a mating area compatible with the adjustment area provided in the tension adjuster <NUM> in the vicinity of the first end 41a of the body structure <NUM>, in connection with which the adjustment area of the tension adjuster <NUM> can be arranged so that when the tension adjuster <NUM> is operated, the adjustment area of the tension adjuster <NUM> can move in relation to the mating area while the said adjustment area and mating area are otherwise locked with each other. In the auxiliary body <NUM> shown in the figures the said mating area comprises a locking tooth <NUM>, causing a possible locking position of the tension adjuster <NUM> for locking the tension adjuster <NUM> to be essentially immovable in relation to its axis of rotation, preventing unintended rotation of the tension adjuster <NUM> about its axis of rotation. In the solution shown in the figures the locking tooth <NUM> is an integral part or shape of the body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body <NUM> and it has been arranged, in a way described later in more detail, to mesh with the adjustment toothing <NUM> forming the adjustment area of the tension adjuster <NUM> arranged in the first end 51a of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM>.

The auxiliary body <NUM> further comprises a pressure claw <NUM> essentially on the opposite side of the body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body <NUM> in relation to the locking tooth <NUM> so that a free space <NUM> is provided between the locking tooth <NUM> and the pressure claw <NUM> for receiving the tension adjuster <NUM> into the auxiliary body <NUM>. The pressure claw <NUM> comprises a first end 44a facing the first end 41a of the body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body <NUM> and a second end 44b facing the second end 41b of the body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body <NUM>. The second end 44b of the pressure claw <NUM> is essentially permanently connected to the body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body <NUM> and the first end 44a of the locking bolt <NUM> is essentially free. The pressure claw <NUM> is curved in the longitudinal direction between the first end 44a and the second end 44b of the pressure claw <NUM>, the direction being essentially parallel with the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> so that the first end 44a of the pressure claw <NUM> is directed towards the free space <NUM> on the centre part of the auxiliary body <NUM> in a curved way in relation to the second end 44b of the pressure claw <NUM>. The said pressure claw <NUM> is arranged as a part of the of the body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body <NUM> by its second end 44b so that attachment between the pressure claw <NUM> and the body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body <NUM> is elastic, forming the axis of rotation of the pressure claw <NUM> at the junction point of the body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body <NUM> and the second end 44b of the pressure claw <NUM> and that a spring force is exerted on the pressure claw <NUM> in relation to the said axis of rotation of the pressure claw <NUM>, pressing the first end 44a of the pressure claw <NUM> towards the locking tooth <NUM>. In normal operation scenario of the latch element <NUM> the said spring force presses the first end 51a of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM> against the locking tooth <NUM>, but allows the first end 44a of the pressure claw <NUM> to turn away from the locking tooth <NUM> when necessary for turning the tension adjuster <NUM> about its axis of rotation for adjusting the tension of the operating means <NUM>. Thus the pressure claw <NUM> forms the elastic support means according to one embodiment, helping to lock the adjustment area of the tension adjuster <NUM> essentially in its place in relation to the mating area of the adjustment area of the tension adjuster <NUM> comprising the locking tooth <NUM>.

The auxiliary body <NUM> further comprises at the second of 41b the body structure <NUM> thereof an opening <NUM> arranged to receive the tension adjuster <NUM> and to support it at the second end 41b of the body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body <NUM>.

With reference especially o <FIG>, the tension adjuster <NUM> disclosed in <FIG> comprises an elongated body <NUM> having a first end 51a in the longitudinal direction, designed to be directed in the direction of the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> or, in other words, towards the first end 41a of the body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary frame <NUM>, i.e. upwards in the operation position of the latch apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> and downwards in the operation position of the latch apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>. The body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM> further comprises a second end 51b designed to point in the direction of the second end <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM>, in other words towards the second end <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> or towards the second end 41b of the body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body <NUM> in the operation position of the latch apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG>, i.e. upwards in the operation position of the latch apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The direction between the first end 51a and the second end 51b of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM> defines the central axis Z of the tension adjuster <NUM> parallel with the longitudinal direction between the first end 51a and the second end 51b of the tension adjuster <NUM>. When the tension adjuster <NUM> is installed in the latch apparatus <NUM> inside the auxiliary body <NUM> in the free space <NUM> reserved for the tension adjuster <NUM>, the central axis Z is positioned essentially parallel with the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> and forming an axis of rotation of the tension adjuster <NUM>, about which the tension adjuster <NUM> can be rotated when operating the tension adjuster <NUM>.

The outer diameters of the first end 51a and the second end 51b of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM> are dimensioned larger than the outer diameter of the shank 51c of the body <NUM> between the first end 51a and the second end 51b, whereby on the part of the shank 51c of the body <NUM> between the ends 51a, 51b there remains an empty space for receiving the operating means <NUM> around the shank 51c of the body <NUM> as described later in more detail. The tension adjuster <NUM> shown in <FIG> thus forms a tension adjuster <NUM> with a roll-like structure.

The first end 51a of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM> is provided on the outer circumference of the end 51a an adjustment area of the tension adjuster <NUM> extending in the direction of the outer circumference and comprising adjustment toothing <NUM> with one or more adjustment teeth <NUM> in the direction of the outer circumference of the tension adjuster <NUM>. The said adjustment toothing <NUM> is designed to be arranged in contact with the locking tooth <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM> in the auxiliary body <NUM>. Simultaneously the pressure claw <NUM> in the auxiliary body <NUM> and especially its first end 44a is arranged to press the adjustment toothing <NUM> located at the first end 51a of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM> against the locking tooth <NUM>, thus preventing unintended rotation of the tension adjuster <NUM> and the adjustment toothing <NUM> therein in relation to the locking tooth <NUM>.

The second end 51b of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM>, the outer circumference thereof, is provided with a support surface <NUM>, through which the tension adjuster <NUM> is form-lockingly supported to an opening <NUM> located at the second end 41b of the body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body <NUM> for thus supporting the tension adjuster <NUM> to the auxiliary body <NUM> by its second end 51b. The support surface <NUM> comprises a conical surface <NUM> tapering towards the second end 51b of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM>, which allows turning the tension adjuster <NUM> into an angled position in its longitudinal direction between the first end 51a and the second end 51bso that the adjustment toothing <NUM> at the first end 51a of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM> can be removed from meshing with the locking tooth <NUM>.

The second end 51b of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM> forms or comprises a head that in the shown embodiments comprises an indentation <NUM> extending in the direction of the central axis Z of the tension adjuster <NUM> and being open towards the second end 51b of the second end 51b of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM>, via which the tension adjuster <NUM> can be rotated about its axis of rotation Z for adjusting the tension of the operating means <NUM>. The indentation <NUM> can be formed with a predefined cross-section so that it can only receive an object having a corresponding form, such as a conventional tool, for operating the tension adjuster <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in the figures the indentation has the shape of an Allen key, whereby the tension adjuster <NUM> can be operated by means of a conventional Allen key of a suitable diameter. The shape of the indentation <NUM> can, however, be selected as desired. Instead of the indentation <NUM> the head of the tension adjuster <NUM> can comprise a protrusion arranged to extend from the opening <NUM> at the second end 41b of the body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body <NUM> to outside the auxiliary body <NUM>, where by the tension adjuster <NUM> can be operated by means of a conventional tool or a tool designed for this particular use.

The tension adjuster <NUM> further comprises an open slot <NUM> extending essentially in the direction between the first end 51a and the second end 51b of the body <NUM> and comprising at the side of the shank 51c of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM> an opening forming the said slot <NUM>, while the first end 57a of the said slot <NUM> thus passes through the wall of the body <NUM> at the shank 51c thereof. The said slot <NUM> further comprises a second opening at the bottom of the indentation <NUM>, forming the other end 57b of the said slot <NUM>, the slot <NUM> thus passing through the second end 51b of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM> at the bottom of the indentation <NUM>.

The tension adjuster <NUM> can also be, for example, an essentially open through hole <NUM> between the slot <NUM> at the shank 51c of the body <NUM> and the first end 51a of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM>, extending through the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM> essentially perpendicularly in relation to the longitudinal direction or centre axis Z of the tension adjuster <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates schematically two different embodiments for arranging the operating means <NUM> in connection with the tension adjuster <NUM> provided in the latch apparatus <NUM>. According to the first embodiment the operating means <NUM> is pushed through an opening <NUM> at the second end 41b of the body structure <NUM> of the auxiliary body <NUM> to the inside of the auxiliary body <NUM>. Inside the auxiliary body <NUM> the operating means <NUM> is arranged to run via control shelf <NUM> further to the slot <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM> at the first end 57a thereof and further through the slot <NUM> so that the operating means <NUM> exits from the second end 57b of the slot <NUM>. The shown direction of movement of the operating means <NUM> in the latch apparatus <NUM> has been schematically clarified by arrow symbols arranged in connection with the operating means <NUM>. After this, the operating means <NUM> is pulled away from the indentation <NUM> and pre-tensioned, subsequent to which the tension adjuster <NUM> is rotated about its axis of rotation Z, until the tension of the operating means <NUM> correct. After this, the operating means <NUM> is cut as close to the indentation of the tension adjuster <NUM> as possible. This embodiment for arranging the operating means <NUM> into connection with the latch apparatus <NUM> can primarily be used, with reference to <FIG>, at the upper part of balcony glazing or veranda glazing in connection with the latch apparatus <NUM> forming the first locking arrangement part <NUM>, while the pre-tensioning and tension adjustment of the operating means <NUM> during installation as well as possible later tension adjustment during use being usually accomplished in these glazings by means of the latch apparatus <NUM> and the tension adjuster <NUM> arranged therein forming the first locking arrangement part <NUM> and being located at the upper part of the glazing. As the thickness of a typical operating means, such as yarn, fibre strand or the like is typically about <NUM>, such as <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>, this does not in practice prevent installing the tool <NUM> into the indentation as necessary.

In another embodiment, instead of using the slot <NUM> for arranging the operating means <NUM> in connection with the tension adjuster <NUM>, the operating means <NUM> is arranged to run through the through hole <NUM>, as schematically shown with a dotted line in <FIG>, and tied around the shank 51c of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM>. Subsequent to this, the tension adjuster <NUM> is rotated a couple of turns around its axis of rotation Z for fastening the operating means <NUM> tightly around the shank 51cof the tension adjuster <NUM>. This embodiment for arranging the operating means <NUM> into connection with the latch apparatus <NUM> can primarily be used, with reference to <FIG>, at the lower part of veranda glazing in connection with the latch apparatus <NUM> forming the second locking arrangement part <NUM>, because the pre-tensioning and tension adjustment of the operating means <NUM> during installation as well as possible later tension adjustment during use is usually accomplished in these glazings by means of the latch apparatus <NUM> and the tension adjuster <NUM> arranged therein forming the first locking arrangement part <NUM> and being located at the upper part of the glazing.

In its basic position the locking bolt <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> as well as the auxiliary body <NUM> and the tension adjuster <NUM> is set against the first end 20a of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> due to spring tension accumulated in the elastic means <NUM>, in other words the first end 31a of the body <NUM> of the locking bolt <NUM> is against the first end <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM>. Thereby the bolt part <NUM> of the locking bolt <NUM> extends at the first end 20a of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> outside the body <NUM> so that it can mesh with the connecting piece of the latch apparatus <NUM>, thereby locking the glass element <NUM> into the desired position in relation to the axis of rotation X of the glass element <NUM>. At the same time there is a free distance between the auxiliary body <NUM> and the second end 20b of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> allowing opening the latch means <NUM> as described in the following paragraph.

To rotate the glass element <NUM> about its axis of rotation X pulling tension is exerted on the operating means <NUM> for opening the locking caused by the latch apparatus <NUM>. The said pulling tension is transmitted by the control shelf <NUM> to the auxiliary body <NUM> as well as the shank 51c of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM>, causing the locking bolt <NUM>, auxiliary body <NUM> and the tension adjuster <NUM> to move essentially simultaneously towards the second end 20b of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> as a consequence of the interconnections between the locking bolt <NUM>, auxiliary frame <NUM> and the tension adjuster <NUM> to the extent that the bolt part <NUM> of the locking bolt <NUM> moves to inside of the body structure <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM>, i.e. away from meshing with the connecting piece of the latch apparatus <NUM>. Thereby the glass element <NUM> can be rotated to the desired position about its axis of rotation X.

When the glass element <NUM> is rotated about its axis of rotation X to the desired position, the operating means <NUM> is released, whereby the locking bolt <NUM>, auxiliary body <NUM> and the tension adjuster <NUM> are moved back towards first end 20a of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> by the spring force accumulated into the elastic means <NUM> so that the first end 31a of the body <NUM> of the locking bolt <NUM> is set against the first end 20a of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM>, whereby the bolt part <NUM> of the locking bolt <NUM> again extends at the first end 20a of the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> outside the body <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> so that it can mesh with the connecting piece of the latch apparatus <NUM> corresponding to the position of the glass element <NUM>. Thus, the locking bolt <NUM> can be moved to the position providing the opening of the latch apparatus <NUM> via a force effect exerted on the operating means <NUM> transmitting pulling tension and arrangeable to be in connection with the latch apparatus <NUM> and back to the position providing the locking of the latch apparatus <NUM> as a response to a termination of the force effect exerted on the operating means <NUM>.

As far as safe locking of the glass element <NUM> is concerned, it is essential that the tension of the operating means <NUM> is suitable for allowing sufficient locking of the locking bolt <NUM> of the latch apparatus <NUM> into connection with its connecting part. At the same time, it must be possible to open the latch apparatus <NUM> without excessive force. Thereby the simple and easy to use solution disclosed in this description for adjusting the tension <NUM> facilitates achieving the above-mentioned effects.

The tension of the operating means <NUM> can be increased by rotating the tension adjuster <NUM> about its axis of rotation Z in the first direction, a clockwise direction schematically marked by reference CW in <FIG>, when the user is viewing the tension adjuster <NUM> from below with the latch apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> in operating position. When the tension of the operating means <NUM> is increased, a suitable tool is placed in the indentation <NUM> for rotating the tension adjuster <NUM>, by means of which the tension adjuster <NUM> can be rotated about its axis of rotation Z so that the operating means <NUM> is wrapped around the shank 51c of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM>, whereby the proportion of length of the operating means <NUM> outside the latch apparatus <NUM> decreases in relation to the total length of the operating means <NUM>. Thereby, when rotating the tension adjuster <NUM>, due to its elastic structure the pressure claw <NUM> moves away from the locking tooth <NUM> and allows the adjustment toothing <NUM> to move away past the locking tooth <NUM>, while the locking tooth <NUM> at the same time prevents unintended rotation of the tension adjuster <NUM> to the opposite direction in relation to its axis of rotation Z, i.e. counterclockwise CCW in <FIG>. The tension of the operating means <NUM> is set so that the operating means <NUM> reacts well to the pulling tension exerted on it, but at the same time allows the bolt port <NUM> of the locking bolt <NUM> to sufficiently lock into its connecting piece.

The tension of the operating means <NUM> can then be reduced by rotating the tension adjuster <NUM> into a second direction, opposite the first direction, in relation to its axis of rotation Z, counterclockwise with reference to <FIG>. When the tension of the operating means <NUM> is reduced, a suitable tool is placed into the indentation <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM>, by means of which the tension adjuster <NUM> is rotated into a slanted position in relation to the direction of the first end 51a and the second end 51b so that the first end 51a of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM> is pressed against the pressure claw <NUM>. Thereby the elastic structure of the pressure claw <NUM> causes the adjustment toothing of the tension adjuster <NUM> to move away from meshing with the locking tooth <NUM>, whereby the tension adjuster <NUM> can be freely rotated counterclockwise, whereby the operating means <NUM> is allowed to rotate away from around the shank 51c of the body <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM>, whereby the proportion of length of the operating means <NUM> outside the latch apparatus <NUM> in relation to the total length of the operating means <NUM> increases and the tension of operating means <NUM> decreases. When the tension of the operating means <NUM> is correct, the tool can be removed from the indentation <NUM>, whereby the adjustment toothing <NUM> of the tension adjuster <NUM> is again brought to mesh with the locking tooth <NUM>.

In a latch apparatus <NUM> according to the description the tension of the operating means <NUM> can be adjusted by means of a reliable and easy to use solution.

The locking bolt <NUM>, auxiliary body <NUM> and the tension adjuster <NUM> can be made of a number of materials. Typically, the locking bolt <NUM> is made of metal or plastic and the auxiliary body <NUM> and the tension adjuster <NUM> are made of plastic, whereby the said parts can easily be manufactured by using mould casting technique.

In addition to balcony and veranda glazing, the latch apparatus <NUM> and the locking arrangement <NUM> as described above can be used, for example, for glazings forming at least a part of the outer wall as well as intermediate wall and door structures comprising a number of adjacent elements. Instead of being glass elements, the elements of these intermediate wall or door structures can also be elements made of non-transparent materials.

Claim 1:
A latch apparatus (<NUM>), comprising
a body (<NUM>),
wherein
the latch apparatus (<NUM>) comprises a locking bolt (<NUM>) arranged movably in relation to the body (<NUM>), the locking bolt (<NUM>) being movable via an operating means (<NUM>) transmitting pulling tension that can be arranged in connection with the latch apparatus (<NUM>), which locking bolt (<NUM>) is movable to a position providing an opening of the latch apparatus (<NUM>) via a force effect exerted on the operating means (<NUM>) transmitting pulling tension, and back to a position providing a locking of the latch apparatus (<NUM>) as a response to a termination of the force effect exerted on the operating means (<NUM>), and
wherein the latch apparatus (<NUM>) comprises a tension adjuster (<NUM>) arranged to be rotatable in relation to at least one axis for adjusting the tension of the operating means (<NUM>),
characterized in that the latch apparatus (<NUM>) comprises an auxiliary body (<NUM>), the auxiliary body (<NUM>) being connected to the locking bolt (<NUM>) so that the auxiliary body (<NUM>) and the locking bolt (<NUM>) are arranged to move in relation to the body (<NUM>) of the latch apparatus (<NUM>) when connected to each other when using the operating means (<NUM>), and that the tension adjuster (<NUM>) is located in the auxiliary body (<NUM>), and
the auxiliary body (<NUM>) comprises a mating area and pressure claw (<NUM>) compatible with the adjustment area of the tension adjuster (<NUM>).