Field of the invention

The invention relates to a handle construction. The invention also relates to a panel system.

Background of the invention

Various panel systems can be placed in connection with a building, for example in connection with a balcony, a terrace or a canopy of a building. It is often a panel made of glass or a similar material, the system comprising several panels. Panel systems can also be placed inside a building, for example as walls.

The panel systems typically comprise at least one profile, typically an upper profile, and normally also a lower profile. The profile is used as a guide track; inside which are placed the movable hinge devices and guides, on which the panel, in turn, is mounted. The panel moves along the guide track by means of said hinge devices and guides.

The upper and lower profiles are normally horizontal and fastened to the structures of e.g. a building. The lower profile can be placed on the floor level or higher than that, for example on the edge of a balcony. By the hinge devices, the single panels can be opened and closed, whereby they are turned around a normally horizontal rotation axis. By means of the guides in the panel, the panel remains e.g. closed, and when the guide is allowed to come out of the profile, the opening of the panel is possible.

The hinge devices may be provided with locking devices for locking the panels to the profile or to another panel. The panels can also be transferrable and openable to a single bundle when a large opening is to be opened in the system for the purpose of airing or passage. Typically, at least one panel is provided with a latch assembly for locking the panel in a closed position. By releasing the latch assembly, the panel can be turned to the open position. The latch assembly is controlled manually. The panel provided with the latch assembly is typically a stationary panel and, for example, the outermost panel in the panel system. Consequently, said panel can be opened and closed, but it does not move along the guide track.

Some latch assemblies are presented in documents EP 1085153 A2, EP 1437473 A1 and WO 2010/098688 At. WO 2004/011752 A1 discloses a latch assembly which comprises a rotary handle mechanism, reciprocating latches, and a wire control.

The handle mechanisms of prior art do not allow their versatile use with various latch assembly configurations or as a part of the latch assembly mechanism.

Brief summary of the invention

The aim of the solution presented in this description is to eliminate the above described problems of prior art.

The handle structure according to the invention is presented in claim 1. A panel system according to the invention is presented in claim 20. The presented solution can be applied in various panel systems which can be placed in connection with a building, for example a balcony, a terrace, a shelter, or a canopy. Said panel system can also be placed in connection with a terrace, a shelter or a canopy separate from a building, for example in the form of wall structures. In an example, it is a panel made of glass or a similar material which is particularly transparent, the system comprising several panels.

The presented solution can also be applied in various panel systems which can also be placed inside the building, for example as walls separating rooms from each other. The panel system can also be provided with a door opening. The height of the panel system may vary in such a way that the lower profile is on the floor level or higher than that, for example at the height of a railing. The panel system may extend from the floor to the ceiling. One or more panels may form an entrance or an open window. According to an embodiment, the presented solution is a handle structure which comprises a frame, a rotary part integrated in the frame and configured to turn around an axis of rotation, and a handle swivelled to the body and turnable manually. The handle is connected to the rotary part by a coupling whose function is to convert the rocking motion of the handle to a rotational motion of the rotary part.

In an example, the handle is configured to rotate around such a rotation axis which is substantially transverse to the rotation axis of the rotary part. In an example, the rotary part comprises a protrusion supported to the handle.

The advantage is a good functional solution for the user, and by means of the handle the panel can be easily pulled open by a single ergonomic pulling motion.

In an example, the handle structure also comprises a latch assembly. In an example, the latch assembly comprises at least one reciprocating latch, wherein the latch is connected to the rotary part by means of a coupling whose function is to convert the rotational motion of the rotary part to a movement of the latch back into the frame.

Advantages include a compact structure and a possibility to fasten the handle structure, for example, to a fillet on the panel.

In an example, one or more wires, chains or filaments, that is, a device for transmitting a pulling force and being preferably flexible, are connected to the rotary part. The rotary part is configured to pull said wire, chain or filament when the rotary part is turned either counterclockwise or clockwise. In an example, said wire, chain or filament is connected to a separate latch assembly which is spaced from the handle structure and controllable by a pulling force transmitted by said wire, chain or filament. The advantage is that one handle can be used for controlling one or more latch assemblies in such a way that they function simultaneously. The latch assemblies can be placed in connection with both the upper edge and the lower edge of the panel, wherein the locking is secured and efficient.

In an example, the handle structure is connected to a panel which can be opened and closed. In an example, the handle structure comprises, on the opposite side of the panel, a second frame and a second rotary part provided in the second frame and configured to rotate around a second rotation axis. Said rotary parts are connected to each other, or they constitute an integrated element in such a way that they are forced to rotate in phase with each other and together. In an example, the handle structure also comprises a second handle which is swivelled to the second frame in a rocking manner and which can be turned manually. The second handle is connected to the second rotary part by a coupling whose function is to convert the rocking motion of the second handle to a rotational motion of the second rotary part.

Advantages include versatile uses of the handle structure, because it can be placed on one side or both sides of the panel, and on either side of the panel in relation to e.g. the wire.

The presented solution is, according to an embodiment, a panel system comprising at least one sheet-like panel which is substantially vertical and configured to turn to an open position and back to a closed position; an upper profile which is substantially horizontal and supports the panel from above, wherein the panel, when opened and closed, is turned in relation to the upper profile; and a handle structure which is connected to the panel or a fillet on the panel. The handle structure is provided with a frame and a rotary part which is in the frame and is configured to turn around a rotation axis, as well as a handle which is swivelled to the frame in a rocking manner and which can be turned manually. The handle is connected to the rotary part by a coupling whose function is to convert the rocking motion of the handle to a rotational motion of the rotary part.

In an example, the handle is configured to turn around such a rotation axis that is horizontal and substantially transverse to the rotation axis of the rotary part; and the rotation axis of the rotary part is horizontal and perpendicular to the plane formed by the panel.

The advantage is a good functional solution for the user, and by means of the handle the panel can be easily pulled open by a single ergonomic pulling motion.

In an example, one or more wires, chains or filaments, that is, devices for transmitting a pulling force and being preferably flexible, are connected to the rotary part. The rotary part is configured to pull said wire, chain or filament when the rotary part is turned either counterclockwise or clockwise. Said wire, chain or filament is connected to a separate latch assembly which is controllable by a pulling force transmitted by said wire, chain or filament. The latch assembly is connected to the panel or a fillet on the panel, and configured to engage the upper profile.

The advantage is that one handle can be used for controlling one or more latch assemblies in such a way that they function simultaneously. The latch assembly can be placed in connection with the upper edge of the panel, and the handle can be placed lower, wherein it is at a height suitable for the user.

In an example, the panel system is configured to form a glazing system for a balcony or a terrace. Description of the drawings

In the following, the presented solution will be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings. Fig. 1 shows an example of a panel system which applies the handle structure according to the solution and in which all the panels are closed, parallel and placed one after another, seen in a slanted view from above, Fig. 2 shows the panel system of the example shown in Fig. 1 , with one panel opened. Fig. 3 shows an example of a handle structure according to the solution, which also comprises a latch assembly, seen in a slanted view from above.

Fig. 4 shows another example of a handle structure according to the solution, seen in a slanted view from above.

Fig. 5 shows the example of Fig. 3 seen in a side view.

Fig. 6 shows the example of Fig. 3, when the handle is lifted up for opening the panel, seen in a side view.

Fig. 7 shows the example of Fig. 3 seen in a slanted view from below.

Fig. 8 shows the example of Fig. 3, when the handle is lifted up for opening the panel, seen in a slanted view from below.

Fig. 9 shows the example of Fig. 3 in an exploded view.

Fig. 10 shows a third example of a handle structure according to the solution, seen in a slanted view from above.

Fig. 1 shows the example of Fig. 10 seen in a side view.

Fig. 12 shows a fourth example of a handle structure according to the solution, seen in a slanted view from above.

Detailed description of different embodiments of the invention

Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a panel system applying the presented solution. It is, for example, a balcony glazing. The system comprises two or more panels 3. When closed, the panels are preferably aligned and placed one after the other or almost one after the other, wherein they constitute a wall or a window, or an entrance that can be opened. W

7

The system comprises a lower profile 2 and an upper profile 1 which are parallel and spaced from each other, and placed on top of each other in the vertical direction. The panels 3 are placed between the lower profile 2 and the upper profile 1 in such a way that the panels are vertical. The lower 5 profile 2 is fastened onto, for example, a floor or a corresponding structure, or, for example, onto a railing or a corresponding structure higher than that. The upper profile 1 is fastened to a ceiling or a corresponding structure, for example on a lower structure of a balcony. In an example, the lower profile 2 is embedded in a floor or a corresponding structure. The lower profile 2 is not0 necessary, or it can be replaced by a kind of a guide track which is followed by the lower profile or onto which the panel 3 is supported.

In an example, such as in Fig. 1 , the outermost panel 3 remains stationary, wherein said panel 3 is not movable along the lower and upper profiles.5 However, the panel 3 can be opened in such a way that it is turned around a vertical rotation axis. Said rotation axis is transverse to the longitudinal directions of the lower and upper profiles. In an example, the stationary panel 3 is part of said wall when the panel 3 is closed. 0 The upper edge of the panel 3 is provided with a hinge device placed inside the upper profile 1 and allowing the opening of the panel 3 to the position shown in Fig. 2. The hinge device of the outermost panel 3 is not movable along the upper profile 1 when locked to the upper profile 1 . 5 The lower edge of the panel 3 is provided with a hinge device placed inside or on top of the lower profile 2 and allowing the opening of the panel 3 to the position shown in Fig. 2. If the hinge device is locked to the lower profile 2, it is not movable along the lower profile 2. 0 Furthermore, the upper and/or lower edge of the panel 3 is preferably provided with a fillet which has been fastened to the panel and to which the hinge devices, the guides, the latch assembly, and the other parts can be fastened, for example by means of screws or nuts. 5 According to an example, such as in Figs. 1 and 2, a latch assembly 4 is fastened to the upper edge of the panel 3, engaging the upper profile 1 at a locking point 7 and preventing the opening of the panel 3. Furthermore, the examples of Figs. 1 and 2 comprise a latch assembly 5 fastened to the lower edge of the panel 3, to engage the lower profile 2 and to prevent the opening of the panel. According to an example, the latch assembly engages the adjacent panel which may be provided with devices having a suitable locking point. According to an example, either the latch assembly 3 or the latch assembly 4 is only used. The latch assembly is fastened directly to the panel 3 or to a fillet on the panel, for example a fillet on the lower edge or the upper edge of the panel.

The latch assembly 3 and/or 4 is controlled by a handle 6 which controls one or more latch assemblies by means of a pulling force transmitted by e.g. a wire, a chain or a filament 22. When the handle is gripped, it swings and transmits the movement to e.g. a wire which opens the latch assembly, and the panel can be pulled open. The handle 6 and the handle structure connected to it is fastened directly to the panel 3, for example in the middle part of the panel, or to a fillet on the panel, for example a fillet on the lower edge of the panel. According to an example, the handle 6 is in the same structure as the latch assembly and is fastened directly to the panel 3 or to a fillet on the panel.

Figures 3 and 5 to 9 show one solution for a structure that comprises both a handle and a latch assembly. The structure comprises a frame 1 1 to which the handle 10 is swivelled in a rocking manner. The handle rocks and pivots around a rotation axis X. Typically, the rotation axis X is horizontal and/or parallel to the plane formed by the panel. The handle has a limited movement, and in the example of Fig. 5, the handle 10 is turned manually upwards to open the panel. The handle 10 is, for example, a plate-like formed piece, under which finger tips can be placed.

Furthermore, the frame 11 comprises fastening devices 14 for fastening the structure to the panel, in this case to a fillet on the panel. The frame is also provided with one or more latches 2, 13 of the latch assembly, engaging the upper profile, the lower profile or the adjacent panel. The latch is movable back and forth, in and out of the latch assembly. Typically, the latch moves in the horizontal direction and/or in parallel with the plane formed by the panel. When the structure comprises two latches 12 and 13, they move in opposite directions and are placed on opposite sides of the structure. Preferably, the latch tends continuously and by its own force to protrude outwards from the frame 11 and to maintain the locking. Said force is preferably generated by a spring, for example a pressure spring which is placed inside the frame 11 and pushes one or more latches. The latch is further connected to a rotary part 16 placed inside the frame 11 and configured to rotate around a rotation axis Y. The part 16 has a limited rotational motion. Typically, the rotation axis Y is horizontal and/or perpendicular to the plane formed by the panel. Preferably, the rotation axis Y is substantially transverse to the rotation axis X and substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the latch.

The part 16 is connected to one or more latches, preferably so that the rotational motion of the part 6 forces the latch to retract deeper in the frame 11 so that the latch would disengage, for example, from the lower profile and allow the opening of the panel. Furthermore, the part 16 is connected to the latch preferably so that the protrusion of the latch outwards forces the part 16 to rotate in an opposite direction of rotation. The force that forces the latch to protrude outwards, is generated by a spring effective on the latch either directly or via the part 16. For example, said spring tends to continuously turn the part 16 to a given position that forces the latch to protrude outwards, and to resist the turning of the part. In another example, the spring is placed between the frame and the latch.

The part 16 is provided with one or more protrusions 20 or 21 , for example pins, placed at the end of the part 16 or its end surface, supported to the latch, for example in a slot in the latch, and converting the rotational motion of the part 16 to a linear motion, and/or converting the linear motion of the latch to a rotational motion of the part 16. The handle 10 is connected to the part 16 preferably so that the rocking motion of the handle 10 forces the part 16 to turn in a direction which, in turn, makes the latch retract deeper in the frame 1 1 so that the latch would disengage from e.g. the lower profile and allow the opening of the panel.

The part 16 is provided with one or more protrusions 17, for example pins, placed at the end of the part 16 or its end surface, supported to the handle 10, for example to a protrusion 15 or a slot in the handle, and converting the rocking motion of the handle 10 to a rotational motion of the part 16, and/or converting the rotational motion of the part 16 to a rocking motion of the handle 10. In an example, the handle 10 can return to its original position, for example by means of a spring, irrespective of the rotational position of the part 16.

According to the example shown in Figs. 5 to 8, lifting the handle 10 generates a rocking motion of the handle 10, a rotational motion of the part 16, as well as a linear motion of the latch 2 and/or the latch 13, enabling the opening of the panel.

In the coupling between the part 16 and the latch, or, on the other hand, in the coupling between the part 16 and the handle 10, it is also possible to utilize a cogging, a lever or another mechanical coupling instead of said protrusion that pushes and is pushed. Said protrusion extends in the direction of the rotation axis Y, but alternatively, it can also extend radially with respect to the rotational axis Y. In a solution, the part 16 is provided with, for example, one or more wires, chains or filaments 22 which transmit the pulling force to one or more separate latch assemblies. The part 16 generates the pulling force when the part 16 is forced to rotate, for example manually by means of the handle 10. Said wire, chain or filament is connected to the part 16 in such a way that the rotation of the part 16 in a given direction (either counterclockwise or clockwise) will tighten it, and the rotation of the part 16 in the opposite direction will, in turn, slacken it. The latch assembly acts by means of the pulling force effective during the tightening. The part 16 comprises devices, to which said wire, chain or filament can be fastened and led downwards and/or upwards, for example through an opening or slot in the handle. In an example, said wire, chain or filament is partly threaded around the part 16.

Figure 4 shows a solution for a structure comprising the handle 10 and the rotary part but no latch assembly, for example latches. Said structure is, for example, such that it corresponds to the structure of Figs. 3 and 5 to 9 and the above described principles of operation. Said structure is capable of guiding a separate latch assembly, spaced from the structure of Fig. 4, by means of the wire, chain or filament 22.

Said separate latch assembly is, for example, such that it corresponds to the structure of Figs. 3 and 5 to 9 and the above described principles of operation, but the handle is missing from the structure. Thus, said wire, chain or filament is connected to the part 16 preferably so that a pulling force forces the part 16 to rotate in a direction which, in turn, makes the latch retract deeper in the frame so that the latch would disengage from e.g. the upper profile and allow the opening of the panel.

The structure of Fig. 4 comprises a frame 18 which is also provided with fastening devices 9 for fastening the structure to the panel, in this case an opening in the panel. The fastening device 19 can also be used as a frame which is placed on the opposite side of the panel and to which other necessary parts, such as a handle, are fastened. Figures 10 and 11 show a solution for a structure comprising the handle 10 and the rotary part but no latch assembly, for example latches. Said structure is, for example, such that it corresponds to the structure of Figs. 3 and 5 to 9 and the above described principles of operation. Said structure is capable of guiding a separate latch assembly, spaced from the structure of Fig. 10, whose operation has been described above, by means of the wire, chain or filament.

As shown in Figs. 10 and 11 , a corresponding structure with a frame, a handle and a rotary part, is provided on the opposite side of the panel. The frames 18 of the structures are used as fastening devices, by means of which the structures are fastened to the panel and/or each other in such a way that the structures remain stationary in the panel. Preferably, the panel comprises an opening, through which the structure extends. The handle 10 on the opposite side swings and rotates around the rotation axis X2, and the rotation axes X and X2 are preferably parallel. According to an example, the rotary parts on opposite sides have rotation axes which are parallel and preferably also congruent.

In an example, the rotary parts of two structures on opposite sides of the panel, corresponding to e.g. the rotary part 16 shown in Fig. 9, are connected to each other as shown in Fig. 12. The rotary parts are forced to rotate in phase with each other and together. According to an example, either one or both of the rotary parts are configured to pull the same separate latch assembly, so that the structure of e.g. Figs. 10 and can be used to open the panel from either side, if both of them are both provided with a handle. In an example, one of the two structures does not comprise a handle according to Fig. 12 but it can be provided with, for example, a frame corresponding to the frame 18. In the example of Fig. 12, it is possible that the handle 0 and e.g. the wire, chain or filament are placed on opposite sides of the panel. Said wire, chain or filament is connected to the part 6 as presented above.

The rotary parts of the structures on opposite sides of the panel may differ structurally from each other. Instead of two interlocked rotary parts it is possible to use a single uniform component, or a rotary part consisting of one or more components and extending from one structure to the other. In an example, said rotary part also extends through the panel, for example through an opening provided in it.

In an example, the upper profile and/or the lower profile, or also other corresponding guide tracks and profiles, are made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy and have an elongated shape. Other materials and metals are also feasible.

The fillets of the panels are, according to an example, made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy, and have an elongated shape. The fillets preferably extend from one vertical edge to the other vertical edge of the panel. Other materials and metals are also feasible. The hinge devices, the latch assemblies and the guides, as well as the above presented structures are preferably pieces made of plastic material, and other materials, such as metal, are also feasible.

In an example, the panel is made of tempered glass. Other glass materials and sheet-like materials are also feasible. The panel is preferably transparent, but also non-transparent panels are feasible. The presented panel system and its different embodiments, as well as the above-presented structures of the handle and the latch assembly, are not limited solely to the examples shown in the appended drawings or particularly described in the above description, or referred to in the description. The above-presented features can also be combined and implemented in various combinations not presented in the examples above, to form a desired structure.

The different embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the appended claims.