Patent ID: 12203288

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In the following description of illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The driven lock systems, fenestration units including the driven lock systems, and methods of operating the driven lock systems described herein may be used with a variety of different fenestration units that include movable panels with lock assemblies. Fenestration units in the form of windows may include one or more horizontally sliding panels (i.e., sashes), one or more vertically moving panels (in, e.g., a double hung window, a single hung window, etc.), and/or one or more rotating panels (in, e.g., a casement window, transom, etc.). Fenestration units in the form of doors may include one or more movable panels, the one or more movable panels may include one or more horizontally sliding panels (e.g., patio doors, sliding doors, gliding doors, multi-glide doors, lift and slide doors, etc.), one or more vertically movable door panels, and/or one or more rotating movable panels. The movable panels in fenestration units as described herein slide and/or rotate between closed and open positions within a fenestration unit frame.

One illustrative embodiment of a fenestration unit100including a movable panel102which is movable within the fenestration unit frame101between open and closed positions. In the depicted embodiment, the movable panel102is in a closed position with one illustrative embodiment of a driven lock system110as described herein located in a panel frame member104of the movable panel102. A corresponding lock receiver106is located in the fenestration unit frame member against which panel frame member104is positioned when the movable panel102is in the closed position.

The lock receiver106may, in one or more embodiments, include connections as will be described herein such that power may be provided to the driven lock system110when the movable panel102is in its closed position. In particular, in one or more embodiments a power source191may be connected to the driven lock system110through receiver106when the movable panel102is in its closed position. In one or more embodiments, the receiver106may also serve as connections for a control unit190to provide control signals to the driven lock system110and/or receive control signals from the driven lock system110.

Another illustrative embodiment of a fenestration unit100′ is depicted inFIGS.2and3. The fenestration unit100′ includes a movable panel102′ that rotates into and out of a closed position within the fenestration unit frame101′, with the movable panel102′ being depicted in an open position inFIG.3. The movable panel102′ includes a driven lock system110′ as described herein located in a panel frame member104′ of the movable panel102′. A corresponding lock receiver106′ is located in the fenestration unit frame member against which panel frame member104′ is positioned when the movable panel102′ is in the closed position.

As discussed in connection with fenestration unit100, fenestration unit100′ also includes a lock receiver106′ that may, in one or more embodiments, include connections for power of the driven lock system110′ when, for example, the movable panel102′ is in its closed position. In particular, in one or more embodiments, a power source191′ may be connected to the driven lock system110′ through receiver106′ when the movable panel102′ is in its closed position. In one or more embodiments, the receiver106′ may also serve as connections for a control unit190′ to provide control signals to the driven lock system110′ and/or receive control signals from the driven lock system110′.

One illustrative embodiment of a driven lock system as described herein is depicted inFIGS.4and5within a panel frame member104of a movable panel of a fenestration unit as described herein. A portion of the panel frame member104is removed to expose components of the driven lock system located within panel frame member104inFIG.5because, when installed within a panel frame member as depicted inFIG.4, many components of the illustrative embodiment of the depicted driven lock system are not visible.

Among those components that are depicted inFIG.4is a manual actuator12mounted in an escutcheon plate14on one surface of the panel frame member104. Also visible in the view depicted inFIG.4are lock elements22of a lock mechanism20located within the panel frame member104. Further, a panel electrical connector108is also depicted on panel frame member104.

The depicted manual actuator12is in the form of a slide that moves in a linear direction along, e.g., axis101when moving the lock between a locked and unlocked state. In one or more alternative embodiments, manual actuators used in connection with driven lock systems as described herein may take any suitable form, e.g., rotating knobs, rotating levers, push actuators, pull actuators, etc. the depicted manual actuator12in the form of a slide may provide a reduced profile or width as compared with many other manual actuators that could be mounted on the panel frame member104for use with a driven lock system as described herein.

The depicted lock mechanism20is a multipoint lock mechanism which may, as depicted inFIGS.4and5, be in the form of a mortise lock mechanism located within a mortise in the panel frame member104, although lock mechanisms used in one or more embodiments of driven lock systems as described herein may or may not be mortise lock mechanisms.

The depicted lock mechanism20includes a pair of lock elements22in the form of hooks/deadbolts that selectively extend from or retract into the lock mechanism20through openings23to move the lock mechanism between its locked and unlocked states. The depicted illustrative embodiment of lock mechanism20includes an actuating control having a slot24configured to receive a drive tail or tung26such that the actuating control can be rotated about lock mechanism axis121using the drive tail26to move the lock elements22between their locked and unlocked states. Drive tail26is, as described herein, operably connected with the manual actuator and the drive assembly as described herein for rotation needed to move the lock elements22between their locked and unlocked states. Such features and mechanisms are well known in lock mechanisms and will not be described in more detail herein.

A complementary keeper may be provided in the lock receiver (see, e.g., lock receiver106or106′ inFIGS.1and2described above), with the lock elements22engaging the keeper or keepers to prevent opening of a movable panel of a fenestration unit as described herein. Although the depicted lock mechanism20is a multipoint lock mechanism, lock mechanisms used in one or more alternative embodiments of driven lock systems as described herein may include only a single lock element or three or more lock elements as needed or desired.

The depicted illustrative embodiment of lock elements22of lock mechanism20are in a locked state when extended from the lock mechanism as depicted in, e.g.,FIGS.4and5, and in an unlocked state when retracted within the lock mechanism20. In one or more embodiments, the lock elements22may rotate into and out of their extended and retracted positions, with one of the lock elements22being depicted in a retracted position22′ inFIG.5(in broken lines). Alternatively, the lock elements of lock mechanisms used in one or more embodiments of driven lock systems as described herein may translate between their locked and unlocked states or the lock elements may both translate and rotate between their locked and unlocked states. Further, one or more embodiments of lock mechanisms used in driven lock systems as described herein may remain completely within the boundaries of a panel frame member when moving between their locked and unlocked states, i.e., extension of lock elements out of a lock mechanism as depicted in the illustrative embodiment ofFIGS.4and5is not required.

The depicted illustrative embodiment of panel electrical connector108as seen inFIG.4may take a variety of different forms. In the depicted embodiment, the panel electrical connector108includes multiple contacts each of which may provide one or more different pathways for power and/or control signals. In particular, control signals may be provided to components of the driven lock system through the contacts of panel electrical connector108and/or control signals may be received from components of the driven lock system through the contacts of panel electrical connector108.

Although the depicted panel electrical connector108includes contacts in the form of contact pads, one or more alternative embodiments of driven lock systems as described herein may include electrical connectors in any suitable form including, e.g., pins, blades, sockets, slots, etc. Regardless of the particular form of the contacts of a panel electrical connector108used in one or more embodiments of a driven lock system as described herein, the contacts of the panel electrical connector should be compatible with the complementary connector provided on the fenestration unit frame in, e.g., lock receiver106or any other structure provided to make contact with the panel electrical connector108.

Also depicted in the view ofFIG.5are portions of the lock actuator assembly50as well as the drive assembly60. These components of the depicted illustrative embodiment of a driven lock system as described herein are depicted inFIG.6after removal from the panel frame member104and the lock mechanism20. In particular, the lock actuator assembly50includes the escutcheon plate14in which the manual actuator12(as seen in, e.g.,FIG.4) is located. The manual actuator12is not depicted inFIG.6because it is on the opposite side of the escutcheon plate14.

Other components of the illustrative embodiment of the lock actuator assembly50include a slide arm30along with drive discs40and44. Drive disc40includes a boss42that protrudes from drive disc40, while drive disk44includes a boss46that protrudes from drive disc44. Slide arm30includes slot32that receives boss42of drive disc40, while slot34of slide arm30receives boss46of drive disc44. Translational movement of slide arm30along axis101is constrained by interaction between slots32and34and bosses42and46as well as, in the depicted illustrative embodiment, fasteners43and47which assist in retaining the slide arm30in position with the drive discs40and44, as well as escutcheon plate14. Further details of the constructions and interactions of the depicted illustrative embodiment of escutcheon plate14, slide arm30and drive discs40and44may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,482,035 (Wolf).

The drive disc40is operably connected to drive tail26which, as seen inFIG.5, is operably connected with the lock mechanism20such that rotation of the drive disc40rotates drive tail26about the lock mechanism axis121to move the lock elements22between their locked and unlocked states.

With reference to bothFIGS.6and7, translational movement of slide arm30is converted to rotary motion using a pin and slot arrangement which operably connects the slide arm30with the drive disc40.FIG.7depicts the lock actuator assembly50after removal of the drive assembly60to allow for viewing of additional features on lock actuator assembly50.

Rotation of the drive disc40about lock mechanism axis121is, in the depicted illustrative embodiment caused by translational movement of the slide arm30along axis101. In particular, drive disc40includes a pin41, while slide arm30includes a slot36in which pin41is located. Movement of the slide arm30to the left in the view ofFIG.6causes slot36two engage pin41causing drive disc40to rotate about lock mechanism axis121. Slide arm30is, in the depicted embodiment, operably connected to the manual actuator12which, when moved in translation along axis101, causes slide arm30to also move in translation along that axis. Details with respect to the connection of the slide arm30to manual actuator12such that translational movement of the manual actuator12causes corresponding translational movement of the slide arm30can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,482,035 (Wolf).

As depicted in bothFIGS.6and7, slide arm30includes a pair of slots into which a pin on drive disc40may be received to convert translational movement of the slide arm30to rotational movement of the drive tail26. It should be noted that the pin41as seen inFIGS.6and7is located in the opposing slots36on slide arm30. The two opposing slots36are provided for universality such that the slide arm and associated lock actuator assembly50can be used in either a right or left-handed configuration as needed.

Another difference betweenFIGS.6and7is that the location of the pin41is also changed betweenFIGS.6and7. In particular, pin41is located closer to drive disc44inFIG.6, while pin41is located further away from drive disc44inFIG.7. That difference is caused by movement of the slide arm30from its position as seen inFIG.6to its position as seen inFIG.7. In particular, slide arm30causes movement of pin41and corresponding rotation of drive disc40as the slide arm30is moved to the left along axis101from its position inFIG.6to its position inFIG.7.

In one or more embodiments of driven lock systems as described herein, a lock actuator assembly including a slide arm30may be described as moving between a locked position and an unlocked position. The slide arm30may, in one or more embodiments, be in its locked position when the lock elements22of the lock mechanism20are in their locked state. Similarly, the slide arm30may, in one or more embodiments, be in its unlocked position when the lock elements22of the lock mechanism20are in their unlocked state. For example, the slide arm30as depicted inFIG.6may be described as being in its unlocked position while the slide arm30as seen inFIG.7is in its locked position or vice versa, i.e., the slide arm30as depicted inFIG.6may be described as being in its locked position while the slide arm30as seen inFIG.7is in its unlocked position.

One or more embodiments of driven lock systems as described herein may also include a lock mechanism state sensor that is configured to detect when the lock element or elements of a driven lock system are in the locked or unlocked state. Detection of the locked or unlocked state of the lock mechanism can be used during control of the drive assembly.

In the illustrative embodiment of the driven lock system as depicted inFIG.6, the lock mechanism state sensor may be provided by components provided on the slide arm30. In particular, the depicted embodiment of lock mechanism state sensor includes components configured to determine the position of the slide arm30which, as described herein, can be moved from a locked position to an unlocked position where the locked position and the unlocked position correspond with the locked state and unlocked state, respectively, of the lock elements of the driven lock system. The depicted lock mechanism state sensor includes a sensor70and trigger72where the trigger72moves towards and away from the sensor70as the slide arm30moves between its locked and unlocked positions.

The sensor70and trigger72may take any form capable of detecting when the selected components of the driven lock system indicate that the lock element is in its locked state and/or its unlocked state. Although the illustrative embodiment of the lock mechanism status sensor depicted inFIG.6may be in the form of a magnetic switch that is configured to sense a trigger in the form of a permanent magnet, the lock mechanism status sensors used in connection with the driven lock systems described herein may be provided in any suitable form that may or may not require a separate trigger to detect the position of a component, e.g., an electro-mechanical switch (e.g., microswitch, etc.), an acoustical sensor, an RFID device, an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, direct electrical contacts (e.g., in which one or more components of the driven lock system span a pair of contacts to complete a circuit), etc.

As discussed herein, the lock mechanism state sensor may be operably coupled to a control unit provided as a part of the drive assembly60, provided as a part of the sensor70itself, or is located remote from both the drive assembly and the sensor, e.g., a control unit located elsewhere on the movable panel (e.g., on the lock actuator assembly, in the lock mechanism, elsewhere in the panel frame, etc.), on or in the fenestration unit frame, or elsewhere.

The depicted illustrative embodiment of the drive assembly60as depicted inFIG.6includes a driven actuator66that is configured to move the drive assembly60between an extended configuration, a neutral configuration, and a shortened configuration. In one or more embodiments, the drive assembly60is operably connected to the lock elements22of the lock mechanism20such that movement of the drive assembly between its various configurations can be used to move the lock elements22between their locked and unlocked states. In particular, the drive assembly60may include a first end62and a second end64, with the driven actuator66being used to change the distance between the first end62and the second end64. Those changes in distance correspond to the extended configuration, the neutral configuration and the shortened configuration as discussed herein.

The driven actuator66used in the drive assemblies of driven lock systems as described herein may take a variety of different forms. Examples of potentially suitable linear actuators that may be used to change the distance between two points such as, e.g., the first end62and the second end64include but are not limited to: electric motor driven linear actuators (with or without gearboxes), solenoids, piezo electric actuators, magnetic actuators, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, etc.

The illustrative embodiment of drive assembly60is depicted inFIGS.8and9after being removed from the lock actuator assembly50. The illustrative embodiment of drive assembly60as depicted in those figures includes a driven actuator66that defines a driven actuator distance between the first end62and a second end64. The driven actuator distance between the first end62and the second end64changes based on movement of arm68of the illustrative embodiment of driven actuator66. In particular, arm68may either extend farther from the housing to increase the distance between the first end62and the second end64, or the arm68may retract into the housing of the depicted illustrative embodiment of driven actuator66to reduce the distance between the first end62and the second end64.

The driven actuator66is provided on a drive assembly plate52that, as depicted in, e.g.,FIG.6, is mounted on the lock actuator assembly50. In the depicted illustrative embodiment, the drive assembly plate52also carries the position sensor70, although other arrangements for mounting of the position sensor70may be provided in alternative embodiments of driven lock systems as described herein. One potential benefit of mounting position sensor70on the depicted embodiment of drive assembly plate52is that drive assembly plate52remains stationary relative to the escutcheon plate14along which slide arm30moves in translation as discussed herein.

The depicted illustrative embodiment of driven lock system for a fenestration unit includes a drive assembly60that is operably coupled to a rotating lock link56attached to the first end of the driven actuator66. The rotating lock link56rotates about axis131and is, itself, operably attached to drive tail58which also rotates about axis131when rotating lock link56rotates. The depicted illustrative embodiment of drive assembly60also includes a rotating stop link54attached to the second end64of the driven actuator66. Rotating stop link54rotates about axis151at a fixed location on the drive assembly plate52.

As discussed herein, the drive assemblies of driven lock systems as described herein can be used to move the lock elements between their locked and unlocked states. In the depicted illustrative embodiment of drive assembly60, increasing or decreasing the distance between the first end62and the second end64of the driven actuator66can cause rotating link56two rotate about axis131. As noted above, rotation of lock link56causes corresponding rotation of drive tail58which moves the lock element of an attached lock mechanism between its locked and unlocked states.

Referring back toFIGS.6and7, the depicted illustrative embodiment of drive assembly60is operably connected to the slide arm30of lock actuator assembly50through drive tail58. In particular, drive tail58is received in drive tail slot48(see, e.g.,FIG.7) of drive disc44of the depicted illustrative embodiment of lock actuator assembly50. As a result, rotation of drive tail58about axis131causes corresponding rotation of drive disc44about that axis.

Rotation of the drive tail58and drive disc44about axis131is converted to translational movement of slide arm30along axis101using a pin and slot arrangement that operably connects the drive disc44with the slide arm30. In particular, drive disc44includes a pin45, while slide arm30includes a slot38in which pin45is located. Rotation of the drive disc44about axis131causes slide arm30to move along axis101. In particular, clockwise rotation of drive disc44about axis131inFIG.7will cause slide arm30to move downward as depicted in that view which corresponds to the position of slide arm30as depicted inFIG.6. Correspondingly, counterclockwise rotation of drive disc44after such clockwise rotation will result in a return of the slide arm30to its position as seen inFIG.7.

The above discussion describes the interaction between drive disc44and slide arm30during actuation by the drive assembly60. Interaction between the drive disc44and the slide arm30may also be caused by the manual actuator12which, in the depicted embodiment, is operably connected to slide arm30. Movement of the slide arm30in translation along axis101using the manual actuator12will also cause drive disc44to rotate about axis131. Details with respect to the connection of the slide arm30to manual actuator12such that translational movement of the manual actuator12causes corresponding translational movement of the slide arm30can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,482,035 (Wolf).

As depicted in bothFIG.7, slide arm30includes a pair of slots38into which pin45on drive disc44may be received to convert translational movement of the slide arm30to rotational movement of the drive tail58and its attached rotating lock link56about axis131. The two opposing slots38are provided for universality such that the slide arm30and associated lock actuator assembly50can be used in either a right or left-handed configuration as needed.

The interaction between drive tail58and rotating lock link56with drive disc44moves the slide arm30of the depicted illustrative embodiment of lock actuator assembly50between its locked position and unlocked position. As a result, rotation of the rotating lock link56by the driven actuator66of drive assembly60can be used to move the slide arm30between its locked position and unlocked position. As discussed herein, the slide arm30can, through drive disc40, move lock elements22of the lock mechanism20between their locked and unlocked states. It is through this series of connections that the depicted illustrative embodiment of drive assembly60can be used to move the lock elements of lock mechanisms of the depicted illustrative embodiment of the driven lock system between its locked and unlocked states.

Another optional feature of one or more embodiments of drive assemblies used in connection with driven lock systems as described herein is the rotating stop link54connected to the second end64of the driven actuator66of the drive assembly60. Rotating stop link54is rotationally connected to the second end64of the driven actuator66and is also rotationally connected to the drive assembly base plate52such that rotating stop link54rotates about axis151.

As will be discussed in more detail elsewhere herein, driven actuator66, including its first end62and second end64are moved during manual operation of the lock actuator assembly to which the drive assembly60is attached. As a result, both the first end62and second end64of the driven actuator must move during manual operation. Rotating stop link54provides one mechanism to accommodate movement of the second end64of driven actuator66of drive assembly60. Movement of the second end64of the driven actuator66cannot, however, be unlimited. Rather, the second end64of the driven actuator66must be constrained for movement between two positions such that the driven actuator66can exert the forces necessary to move the lock elements between their locked and unlocked states as the drive assembly is moved from its neutral configuration to its extended configuration or its shortened configuration.

In the depicted illustrative embodiment in which second end64of driven actuator66is attached to base plate52using rotating stop link54, base plate52also includes a front stop53and a rear stop55that constrain rotation of the rotating stop link54between a forward position in which the rotating stop link54meets the front stop53and a rearward position in which the rotating stop link54meets the rear stop55(as seen in, e.g.,FIG.8).

Although a rotating stop link and associated stops are depicted in connection with the driven actuator66, many other structures that provide for movement of the second end64of the driven actuator66between forward and rearward positions could be used in place of the rotating stop link and associated stops used in the depicted illustrative embodiment. For example, second end64could be operably connected to base plate52using a slot and pin arrangement or any other suitable mechanical structures. Use of a rotating stop link and associated stops may, however, provide advantages such as limiting potential binding which could increase the forces necessary to move the driven lock system between its locked and unlocked states as well as providing a more robust long-lasting mechanical system by relying on rotation rather than translational movement.

The effect on a drive assembly of one or more embodiments of a driven lock system during use of a manual actuator of a lock actuator assembly of the driven lock system to move lock elements between their locked and unlocked states can be described in connection withFIGS.10and11. In particular, drive assembly60, in its neutral configuration, is shown in both the forward and rearward positions that correspond to the locked and unlocked states of the associated lock mechanism of the driven lock system.

As discussed herein, the drive assemblies used in driven lock systems as described herein may be particularly advantageous because manual operation of the lock system to lock or unlock a movable panel does not, in one or more embodiments, change the distance between the first end and the second end of the drive assembly. In other words, the drive assemblies of driven lock systems as described herein may essentially function as a fixed length link or other mechanical component that also preferably does not appreciably add to the force required to manually move the lock system between its locked and unlocked states.

With reference toFIG.10, the drive assembly60is shown in its rearward position in which rotating stop link54bears against rear stop55of drive assembly base plate52. In that position, rotating lock link56is also rotated towards the rear stop55of the drive assembly plate52.FIG.11depicts the drive assembly60in its forward position in which the rotating stop link54bears against the front stop53on the drive assembly base plate52. With the driven actuator66move forward, rotating lock link56is also rotated away from the rear stop55of the drive assembly plate with that rotation occurring around axis131.

Movement of the drive assembly60as shown between the two positions depicted inFIGS.10and11while the drive assembly60remains in its neutral configuration can, in one or more embodiments, be caused by use of the manual actuator of lock actuator assembly to move the lock elements between their locked and unlocked states. The distance between the first end62and second end64of the driven actuator66does not change because the drive assembly60remains in its neutral configuration. As a result, the driven actuator66of the drive assembly60moves between its two positions as depicted inFIGS.10and11when the lock elements of a lock mechanism of a driven lock system as described herein are moved between their locked and unlocked states using the manual actuator of the lock actuator assembly.

Movement of the drive actuator66as shown between the two positions depicted inFIGS.10and11is, in the depicted illustrative embodiment, caused by rotation of the drive disc44of lock actuator assembly50due to translational movement of the slide arm30caused by manual actuator12as described herein. In particular, as manual actuator12moves and causes slide arm30to move along axis101as discussed herein, drive disc44is rotated about axis131. Rotation of drive disc44about axis131causes drive tail58which is operably connected to rotating lock link56to also rotate about axis131. Rotation of lock link56causes movement of first end62of drive actuator66between the two positions depicted inFIGS.10and11.

With the effects of manual operation of the driven lock system on the depicted illustrative embodiment of drive assembly60discussed,FIGS.12and13are provided to illustrate driven operation of one or more embodiments of the driven lock systems described herein using the drive assembly60.

FIG.12depicts the drive assembly60in its extended configuration, whileFIG.13depicts the drive assembly60in its shortened configuration. As discussed herein, the first end62and second end64of the driven actuator66are located farther away from each other when the drive assembly60is in its extended configuration as depicted inFIG.12than when the drive assembly60is in its neutral configuration as depicted in, e.g.,FIG.10.

Movement of the depicted illustrative embodiment of drive assembly60from its neutral configuration as seen inFIG.10to its extended configuration as seen inFIG.12can be used to change the lock element between its locked and unlocked states. In particular, extension of arm68of driven actuator66to increase the distance between the first end62and the second end64of the driven actuator causes rotating lock link56to rotate about axis131. As discussed herein, rotating lock link56is operably connected to drive disc44(see, e.g.,FIGS.6and7) using drive tail58. As a result, drive disc44also rotates about axis131which causes slide arm30to move in translation. Movement of slide arm30, in turn, causes drive disc40to rotate about axis121which causes lock elements22of the lock mechanism20to move between their locked and unlocked states as discussed herein.

The depicted illustrative embodiment of drive assembly60is capable of forcing rotation of the rotating lock link56and drive disc44to cause slide arm30to move along axis101which, in turn, causes rotation of drive disc40to move the lock elements22of lock mechanism20between their locked and unlocked states because the second end64of the driven actuator66is constrained from further rearward movement (i.e. movement away from axis131) by rear stop54. As a result, forces generated by the driven actuator66when moving to its extended configuration as seen inFIG.12can be transferred to rotating lock link56for operation of the driven lock system as described herein.

FIG.13depicts the drive assembly60in its shortened configuration and movement of the depicted illustrative embodiment of drive assembly60from its neutral configuration as seen inFIG.11to its extended configuration as seen inFIG.13can be used to change the lock elements of the depicted illustrative embodiment of driven lock system between their locked and unlocked states. In particular, retraction of arm68of driven actuator66to decrease the distance between the first end62and the second end64of the driven actuator66causes rotating lock link56to rotate about axis131. As discussed herein, rotating lock link56is operably connected to drive disc44(see, e.g.,FIGS.6and7using drive tail58. As a result, drive disc44also rotates about axis131, which causes slide arm30to move in translation. Movement of slide arm30, in turn, causes drive disc40to rotate about axis121, which causes lock elements22of the lock mechanism20to move between their locked and unlocked states as discussed herein.

The depicted illustrative embodiment of drive assembly60is capable of forcing rotation of the rotating lock link56and drive disc44to cause slide arm30to move along axis101which, in turn, causes rotation of drive disc42move lock elements22of lock mechanism20between their locked and unlocked states because the second end64of the driven actuator66is constrained from further forward movement (i.e. movement toward the axis131) by front stop53. As a result, forces generated by the driven actuator66when moving to its shortened configuration as seen inFIG.13can be transferred to rotating lock link56for operation of the driven lock system as described herein

As discussed herein, one or more embodiments of drive assemblies used in one or more embodiments of driven lock systems as described herein, such as, e.g., drive assembly60, may be configured to return to a neutral configuration after moving to either an extended configuration or a shortened configuration. Depending on the construction of the driven actuator66used in the drive assembly60, returning the drive assembly60to its neutral configuration from either the retracted or extended configurations may be active, i.e., the driven actuator66may, in one or more embodiments, be used to return the drive assembly60to the neutral configuration. In alternative embodiments, the drive assembly60and driven actuator66may be configured to passively return the drive assembly60to its neutral configuration (through the use of, e.g., springs, pistons, elastomeric members, etc. that are arranged to bias the drive assembly60in its neutral configuration in the absence of external forces acting on the drive assembly60) such that the driven actuator66is not activated during return of the drive assembly60to its neutral configuration.

In one or more embodiments of drive assemblies as described herein, the drive assembly may include a drive assembly configuration sensor capable of detecting when the drive assembly is in the neutral configuration. Such a configuration sensor may, in one or more embodiments, take the form of a position sensor which may, in or more embodiments, be located within the driven actuator itself (e.g., a micro linear actuator with a built-in position feedback potentiometer, etc.). Alternatively, a drive assembly configuration sensor in one or more embodiments of a drive assembly as described herein may include position sensing apparatus outside of the driven actuator that is configured to detect when the drive assembly is in the neutral configuration and communicate that information to one or both of a driven actuator and control unit.

In other words, after operation of the drive assembly60to its extended configuration as seen in, e.g.,FIG.12, the driven actuator66returns the drive assembly60to its neutral configuration. After operation of the drive assembly60to its shortened configuration as seen in, e.g.,FIG.13, the driven actuator66returns the drive assembly62its neutral configuration. With the drive assembly60back in its neutral configuration, manual operation of the driven lock system using a manual actuator as described herein can be performed.

The depicted illustrative embodiments of a driven lock system as described herein and as depicted inFIGS.4-13may be particularly well-suited for and adapted to use in the lock assemblies as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,482,035 (although keyed operation of the lock assemblies as described in that document may not be possible without further adaptation of the driven lock systems as described herein). It should, however, be understood that the driven lock systems as described herein may be used with other lock assemblies as well.

One illustrative alternative embodiment of a drive assembly incorporated into a different lock assembly is depicted inFIGS.14A and14B. The illustrative embodiment of a lock actuator assembly depicted in those figures includes a housing214carrying a manual actuator212in the form of a lever that rotates about lock axis221to move a lock mechanism (not shown) between its locked and unlocked states as described herein using a drive tail258(seeFIG.14B) that is rotated about axis221by the manual actuator212.

A drive assembly260is depicted within the housing214and is operably connected to the lock element of a lock mechanism also using drive tail258in manner similar to drive assembly60as discussed herein. For example, the drive assembly260includes a driven actuator266mounted on drive assembly base plate252, with the driven actuator266moving along axis201as the drive assembly260is moved during actuation by, e.g., the manual actuator212in a manner similar to the movement of driven actuator66of drive assembly60. Driven actuator266moves along axis201because of rotation of a lock link256about axis221and rotation of a stop link (not shown) about axis251in, e.g., a manner similar to the operation of links54and56of drive assembly60.

The driven actuator266of drive assembly260can be moved from its neutral configuration to either a shortened configuration or an extended configuration to drive the lock elements between their locked and unlocked states in, e.g., a manner similar to that discussed herein in connection with drive assembly60.

The drive assembly260also includes a lock mechanism status sensor270that may, in one or more embodiments, detect the locked or unlocked status of a lock element of a lock mechanism operably connector to the lock actuator depicted inFIGS.14A and14B.

Another alternative embodiment of a drive assembly that may be used in a driven lock system as described herein is depicted inFIGS.15-21. The drive assembly360is depicted inFIGS.15-21after being removed from a lock actuator assembly. e.g., lock actuator assembly50as depicted inFIGS.5-7and discussed above.

The illustrative embodiment of drive assembly360as depicted inFIGS.15-21includes a driven actuator366that rotates a drive link350about a drive link axis351. The driven actuator366is provided on a drive assembly plate362that can be mounted on a lock actuator assembly50. Although not depicted inFIGS.15-21, the drive assembly plate362may also carry a position sensor used to detect a position of various components of the driven lock system to determine whether the lock mechanism is in the locked or unlocked state as described herein.

The driven actuator used in the drive assemblies of driven lock systems in which a drive link is rotated as described herein may take a variety of different forms. Examples of potentially suitable drive actuators that may be used to rotate the drive link include but are not limited to: electric motors (with or without gearboxes), linear actuators with components capable of converting linear movement to rotational movement, solenoids, piezo electric actuators, magnetic actuators, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, etc.

The depicted illustrative embodiment of drive assembly360is operably connected to a lock element of a lock mechanism through a rotating lock link356. The lock link356rotates about axis331and is, itself, operably attached to drive tail358which also rotates about axis331when lock link356rotates.

Referring back toFIGS.6and7, driver assembly360may be operably connected to the slide arm30of lock actuator assembly50through drive tail358in a manner similar to that discussed herein with respect to drive assembly60. In particular, drive tail358may be received in drive tail slot48(see, e.g.,FIG.7) of drive disc44of the depicted illustrative embodiment of lock actuator assembly50. As a result, rotation of drive tail358about axis131/331(with both axes131and331being the same when drive assembly360is attached to lock actuator assembly50) would cause corresponding rotation of drive disc44about that axis131/331.

Rotation of the drive tail358and drive disc44about axis131/331would be converted to translational movement of slide arm30along axis101using a pin and slot arrangement that operably connects the drive disc44with the slide arm30. In particular, drive disc44includes a pin45, while slide arm30includes a slot38in which pin45is located. Rotation of the drive disc44about axis131/331causes slide arm30to move along axis101. In particular, clockwise rotation of drive disc44about axis131/331inFIG.7will cause slide arm30to move downward as depicted in that view which corresponds to the position of slide arm30as depicted inFIG.6. Correspondingly, counterclockwise rotation of drive disc44after such clockwise rotation will result in a return of the slide arm30to its position as seen inFIG.7.

The above discussion describes the interaction between drive disc44and slide arm30during actuation by the drive assembly60. Interaction between the drive disc44and the slide arm30may also be caused by the manual actuator12which, in the depicted embodiment, is operably connected to slide arm30. Movement of the slide arm30in translation along axis101using the manual actuator12will also cause drive disc44to rotate about axis131. Details with respect to the connection of the slide arm30to manual actuator12such that translational movement of the manual actuator12causes corresponding translational movement of the slide arm30can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,482,035 (Wolf).

The illustrative embodiment of drive assembly360depicted inFIGS.15-21is operably connected to the lock element of lock mechanism through the lock link356that is rotatable about lock link axis331. Similar to drive assembly60, illustrative embodiment of drive assembly360also includes a driven actuator366that is configured to move the drive assembly360between an extended configuration, a neutral configuration, and a shortened configuration as part of the process of driving the lock element of the attached lock mechanism between its locked and unlocked states using driven actuator366, while also allowing for manual operation of the lock mechanism without requiring that the driven actuator366be back driven during manual operation as discussed herein.

In the depicted illustrative embodiment, the drive link350includes a drive link slot352. The drive actuator366is configured to rotate the drive link350about drive link axis351between a shortened position (as seen in, e.g.,FIG.20) and an extended position (as seen in, e.g.,FIG.18). The drive link slot352is located closer to the lock link axis331when the drive link350is in the shortened position depicted inFIG.20than when drive link350is in the extended position as depicted inFIG.18. The drive link350is in the shortened position when the drive assembly360is in the shortened configuration, and the drive link350is in the extended position when the drive assembly360is in the extended configuration.

The depicted illustrative embodiment of drive assembly360also includes a transfer arm354having a lock end353connected to the lock link356and a drive end355connected to the drive link350. In one or more embodiments, the drive end355of the transfer arm354is connected to and configured for movement within the drive link slot352as the drive link350moves between the shortened position and the extend position.

In the depicted illustrative embodiment of drive assembly360, the drive link350may also be rotated into a neutral position between the shortened position and the extended position. The drive link350is depicted in its neutral position inFIGS.15-17,19and21. When the lock link350is in its neutral position manual operation of the lock mechanism between its locked and unlocked states can be performed without requiring back driving of the driven actuator366.

Manual operation of a lock mechanism operably attached to the drive assembly360and its effect on drive assembly360is illustrated inFIGS.15-16. For example, lock link356and associated drive tail358as depicted inFIG.15may be in a rotational position corresponding to one of a locked/unlocked state of a lock mechanism to which drive assembly360is attached. The drive link350is in its neutral position inFIG.15with the drive end355located at one end of drive link slot352which, in the depicted illustrative embodiment, is the end of drive link slot352closest to lock link axis331.

Manual operation of the lock mechanism to move the lock element from its locked/unlocked state as depicted inFIG.15to the opposite state as depicted inFIG.16results in rotation of the lock link356and drive tail358about lock link axis331such that lock link356is moved into the position depicted inFIG.16. Rotation of lock link356about lock link axis331moves transfer arm354to the right as seen inFIG.16because, as discussed herein, transfer arm354is operably attached to lock link356at its lock end353. Movement of transfer arm354results in movement of the drive end355of transfer arm354to the opposite end of drive link slot352.

Because drive link350is in its neutral position inFIGS.15-16, rotation of lock link356and corresponding movement of transfer arm354does not result in any rotational movement of drive link350about drive link axis351. In other words, the drive link350remains in the neutral position when moving the lock element of attached lock mechanism between the locked and unlocked states using a manual actuator. As a result, a user manually operating a lock mechanism to lock and/or unlock the lock mechanism attached to drive assembly360would effectively feel no resistance to that movement from drive actuator366of drive assembly360.

The illustrative embodiment of drive assembly360is depicted under driven operation inFIGS.17-19. For example, lock link356and associated drive tail358as depicted inFIG.17may be in a rotational position corresponding to one of a locked/unlocked state of a lock mechanism to which drive assembly360is attached. Again, drive link350is in its neutral position inFIG.17with the drive end355located at one end of drive link slot352which, in the depicted illustrative embodiment, is the end of drive link slot352closest to lock link axis331.

Driven operation of the lock mechanism to move the lock element from its locked/unlocked state as depicted inFIG.17to the opposite state as depicted inFIGS.18-19requires rotation of the lock link356and drive tail358about lock link axis331such that lock link356is moved into the position depicted inFIGS.18-19. Rotation of lock link356about lock link axis331is caused by rotation of drive link350to its extended position as seen inFIG.18. Drive actuator366is used to rotate drive link350about drive link axis351to its extended position from the neutral position ofFIG.17. Rotation of drive link350to its extended position as seen inFIG.18moves transfer arm354to the right such that drive end355of transfer arm354moves away from lock link axis331. Lock end353of transfer arm354is operably attached to lock link356such that movement of transfer arm354by drive link350causes corresponding rotation of lock link356about lock link axis331.

Driven operation of the lock mechanism as depicted inFIGS.17-18is followed by rotation of drive link350back to its neutral position as seen inFIG.19. That movement causes drive end355of transfer arm354to move within drive link slot352, but does not cause transfer arm354to move such that lock link356remains in the position to which it was moved by rotation of drive link350to its extended position. Furthermore, rotation of drive link350to its neutral position as depicted inFIG.19once again places drive assembly360in a configuration that allows for manual operation of an attached lock mechanism without requiring back driving of the drive actuator366of drive assembly360as described herein.

Driven operation of the drive assembly362move an attached lock mechanism from the locked/unlocked state as depicted inFIG.19to its opposite state is depicted inFIGS.20-21. In particular, operation of drive actuator366to rotate drive link350about drive link axis351from its neutral position as seen inFIG.19to its shortened position as seen inFIG.20forces lock link356to rotate about lock link axis331through a force applied by transfer arm354which is connected at its lock end353to lock link356and connected to drive link350at its drive end355. As discussed herein, rotation of lock link356about lock link axis331will move the attached lock mechanism between its locked and unlocked states.

Again, driven operation of the drive link350to its shortened position by drive actuator366is, in one or more embodiments, followed by rotation of drive link350in the opposite direction such that drive link350returns to its neutral position as seen inFIG.21. As discussed herein, rotation of drive link350to its neutral position as depicted inFIG.21allows for manual operation of an attached lock mechanism without requiring back driving of the drive actuator366of drive assembly360as described herein. Rotation of the drive link350back to its neutral position does result in movement of drive end355of transfer arm354through drive link slot352, but does not cause any corresponding rotation of lock link356.

In one or more embodiments of a drive assembly such as illustrative embodiment of drive assembly360, movement of the drive assembly360from the shortened configuration as seen inFIG.20to the extended configuration as seen inFIG.18would rotate the lock link356in a first direction about the lock link axis331to move the lock element of an attached lock mechanism between the locked state and the unlocked state; and movement of the drive assembly360from the extended configuration as seen inFIG.18to the shortened configuration as seen inFIG.20would rotate the lock link356in a second direction about the lock link axis331to move the lock element of an attached lock mechanism between the locked state and the unlocked state, wherein the first and second directions are opposite directions.

One illustrative embodiment of a control unit490that may be used in one or more embodiments of a drive system as described herein is depicted inFIG.22. The control unit490may be provided in any suitable form and may, for example, include a power supply (in the form of one or more of, e.g., AC line power, battery and/or solar, capacitive, etc.), memory and a controller. The controller may, for example, be in the form of one or more microprocessors, Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), Digital Signal Processors (DSP), microcontrollers, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) state machines, etc. The control units may include one or more of any suitable input devices configured to allow a user to operate the drive system (e.g., keyboards, touchscreens, mice, trackballs, buttons, etc.), as well as display devices configured to convey information to a user (e.g., LCD displays, monitors, indicator lights, audible devices (e.g., speakers, buzzers, sirens, etc.) etc.).

In the depicted embodiment, the control unit490is connected to various components that may be found in one or more of the drive assemblies described herein. As depicted inFIG.22, the control unit490is operably connected to the driven actuator466of a drive assembly, as well as a lock mechanism state sensor470. Also depicted inFIG.22is a drive assembly configuration sensor465that may be integrated into the driven actuator466as depicted or, alternatively, may be located outside of driven actuator466with a separate line of communication to the control unit490.

Also depicted inFIG.22is an optional communication unit492which may be used to transmit and/or receive control signals through one or more of mechanical, hydraulic, wired and/or wireless connections (including any suitable electromagnetic signal, light, etc.). Such control signals may include signals used for operation of the drive assemblies and/or signals meant to communicate a status of the drive assemblies and/or lock mechanisms. In one or more alternative embodiments, the communication unit492may be configured for wireless control of the driven lock systems as described herein using, e.g., a smart phone or other wireless control device through any suitable wireless communication protocol (including, but not limited to: Bluetooth, ZigBee, a wireless local area network (WLAN), WiFi, RF, etc.).

Although depicted as separate units inFIG.22, in one or more embodiments the control unit490and/or communication unit492may be integrated into the driven actuator466or the lock mechanism state sensor470. Where the control unit490and/or communication unit492are provided separately from the driven actuator466and/or lock mechanism state sensor470, the control unit490and/or communication unit492may still be packaged with the drive assembly460such that all of the components, i.e., the control unit490and/or communication unit492may be located within a panel frame member along with the driven lock systems. In such an embodiment, a panel electrical connector, if provided, may be used solely to provide power to the various components of the driven lock system.

Alternatively, the control unit490and/or communication unit492may be located remote from the drive assembly460, e.g., on or in a fenestration unit frame carrying the movable panel in which the driven lock system is located or elsewhere. In such embodiments, the panel electrical connectors as described herein may be used to provide power and to transmit signals to and/or from the drive assemblies and/or lock mechanism state sensors as described herein.

The complete disclosure of the patents, patent documents, and publications identified herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each were individually incorporated. To the extent there is a conflict or discrepancy between this document and the disclosure in any such incorporated document, this document will control.

Illustrative embodiments of the hinged window assemblies and drive systems are discussed herein with some possible variations described. These and other variations and modifications in the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, and it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the claims provided below and equivalents thereof. It should also be understood that this invention also may be suitably practiced in the absence of any element not specifically disclosed as necessary herein.