Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a suspension device for turnable windows. The invention also relates to a window that includes two such suspension devices.

Background of the invention and prior art

Turnable windows are widely used in dwellings and in public buildings. In addition to enabling these windows to be opened to provide fresh air, it is also possible to rotate the window sash by almost 180° around a vertical or horizontal axis so that the outside of the window is turned inside. This also permits, among other things, easy cleaning of the outside of the window by a person standing inside the window.

In one type of turnable window, the upper or lower ends of the sash are movably guided in vertical channels disposed in the side members of the window frame. The sash is also secured to the side members of the window frame by two linkage mechanisms or fittings and can be rotated around a horizontal axis defined by axis pins on the linkage mechanisms. Displacement of the vertically displaceable end of the sash upwards or downwards simultaneously moves the other end of the sash outwards as the frame is rotated around the horizontal axis.

EP 0 542 050 Al, WO 2007/061362 Al and EP 1 975 356 A2 describe various suspension devices for windows in which the upper or lower end of the sash is displaceably guided along the frame and is rotatable through about 180° around a horizontal axis. All of these suspension devices involve a linkage mechanism attached to a side member of the frame by means of a frame plate. The suspension devices are attached to the window frame in that the frame plates are screwed rigidly to the vertical side members of the frame. The linkage

I RECORD COPY-TRANSLATION

I (riu!e 12,4) mechanisms include a first and a second linkage arm, with a first end of which that is rotatably attached to the frame plate, and a third linkage arm which is rotatably attached in the proximity of a first end to the second ends of the first and second linkage arms. The third linkage arm also includes an axial pin that defines the rotational axis of the sash and that is placed at the second end of the third linkage arm.

Brief description of the invention

One object of the present invention is to provide an improved suspension device for turnable windows.

Another object is to provide a suspension device of this type which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Yet another object is to provide a suspension device of this type which contains a relatively small number of components.

Furthermore another object is to provide a suspension device of this type that is simple and quick to install.

A further object is to provide a suspension device of this type that is reliable and safe in use.

These and other aims are achieved with a suspension device of the kind defined in the preamble of claim 1 and having the special features defined in the characterizing clause of said claim.

The suspension device is intended for windows having a window frame and a window sash. The suspension device has a first, second and a third linkage arm. The third linkage arm is rotatably attached to a respective first end of the first and second linkage arms. The third linkage arm also comprises an axis pin by means of which a window sash is rotatably attachable to the suspension device. According to the invention, the first and second linkage arms, at their respective second ends, each have retaining pins projecting laterally, which retaining pins are arranged so as to provide for attachment of the respective linkage arm to a window frame by introduction of the retaining pins into a respective recess in the window frame. The retaining pins also define an axis of rotation for the respective linkage arm.

As a result of the retaining pins disposed on the first and second linkage arms, the linkage arms and thus the entire suspension device can be attached directly to the window frame. As a result, the frame plates necessary according to the prior art can be completely eliminated. This means considerable savings in manufacturing, as relates to both material costs and the necessary manufacturing and

installation operations. The suspension device according to the invention also considerably facilitates the installation in a window. Because the retaining pins can be mounted to the frame by introducing them into corresponding recesses disposed in the frame, the entire suspension device can be mounted very quickly and simply in a window frame by simply introducing the retaining pins into previously prepared recesses in the frame. In this way the screw operations previously required for fixing the frame plate to the frame is completely avoided. Because the retaining pins define the axes of rotation around which the first and second linkage arms are rotatable relative to the window frame, one and the same component can be used both for fixing in the frame and to provide for the necessary rotation of the two linkage arms.

The suspension device may comprise a first and a second sleeve, each of which sleeves being shaped for retention in one of the said recesses formed in the window frame and arranged to accommodate one of the said retaining pins . The sleeves can be simply designed, on one hand for being themselves permanently mounted in the recesses, and on the other hand for securely retaining the retaining pins . For example, the sleeves may be made of a different material from the two retaining pins and the window frame, which permits the sleeves to be mounted in the frame and to reliably retain the retaining pins.

The retaining pins and the sleeves can have cooperating snap- fit elements for snap-fitting of the retaining pins in the respective sleeve. This results simultaneously in both simple assembly through simple introduction of the retaining pins into the sleeves mounted in the frame, and secure retention of the retaining pins in the sleeve and thus in the frame.

The said snap-fit elements can comprise a bead extending inside each sleeve and an waist disposed on each retaining pin. In this way, simple assembly and reliable retention of the retaining pins in the sleeves are achieved, which also permits rotation of the retaining pins relative to the sleeves .

The retaining pins and sleeves can have rotationally

symmetrical cross sections, perpendicular to the respective axis of rotation. This process permits easy manufacture of the retaining pins and sleeves, while the relative rotation between these is made possible in a simple manner.

The sleeves may constitute bushing sleeves that permit relative rotation between the respective sleeve and the retaining pin accommodated therein. In this way, the rotation of further retaining pins relative to the respective sleeve is made possible and secured.

The sleeves may be made from a polymeric material. By

selecting a suitable polymeric material, abrasion-resistant sleeves with low friction are obtained, which provide for good manoeuvrability and a long useful life of the suspension device .

The sleeves may exhibit at least one outer, outwardly

projecting flange for fixation of the sleeve in the recess in the window frame. In this way, reliable retention of the sleeves in the frames is achieved.

The first and second linkage arms may have recesses pointing toward and co-operating with one another, wherein the recess in the first linkage arm is arranged such that, in the closed position, it accommodates a portion of the second linkage arm, and the recess in the second linkage arm is arranged such that, in the closed position, it accommodates a portion of the first linkage arm. In this way it is ensured, in a simple manner, that the suspension device has a relatively small structural depth in the opening direction of the window and at the same time, the first and second linkage arms can be given sufficient dimensions to exhibit adequate strength.

The suspension device may comprise a locking arrangement with a first and a second co-operating engagement member to provide releasable locking of the linkage arms in a partially open position, wherein the second linkage arm is shorter than the first linkage arm, the first engagement member is attachable to the frame, and the second engagement member is disposed on the first end of the second linkage arm, or at the fixation of the third linkage arm at the second linkage arm. In this way it is accomplished that the forces transferred to the

suspension device when pressure is applied to the window in the locked, partially open position will act on the shorter and more stable of the two linkage arms, which is rotatably attached to the frame. In this way the problem associated with previously known suspension devices is reduced, which is caused by such forces being absorbed by the longer and weaker linkage arm, potentially causing deformation of the said linkage arm.

The suspension device may exhibit a latching recess arranged in the first linkage arm, which is longer than the second linkage arm, which latching recess is arranged such that, in the closed position it accommodates in a locking manner a latch bolt disposed movable at the window sash. By arranging that a latch bolt disposed movable at the window sash, which for example can be connected to or comprise part of an espagnolette mounted on the sash, will mesh with the first linkage arm, increased security is provided for the suspension device in latching the window.

The latching recess arranged in the first linkage arm may be disposed such that in the closed position it is located above the axis pin of the third linkage arm. In this way a locking point is provided which is located on the other side of the window's axis of rotation in relation to the usual locking point or points that are normally arranged on the lower part of the sash. In this way, breaking into a locked window is made considerably more difficult.

The invention also relates to a window that includes a frame, a sash, and two suspension devices of this type, as defined in claim 13.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be made apparent by the following detailed descriptions of example embodiments and by the claims.

Brief description of Figures

In the following, an example description of one embodiment of the invention will be presented with reference to the figures, wherein : Fig. 1 is a perspective view from the outside, which shows a half window provided with a suspension device according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view from the inside of the window shown in Fig. 1.

Figs. 3-5 are a partial enlargements of the exploded view in Fig. 2 and shows the mounting of various linkage arms of the suspension devices.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of part of the suspension device shown in Figs. 1-5.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the suspension device shown in Figs. 1-6.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged exploded perspective view showing a component of the suspension device.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the component shown in Fig. 8 and a part co-operating with this component.

Detailed description of the example embodiment

The figures show various parts and embodiments of the

suspension device according to the invention. Each figure shows only one suspension device, but it is apparent that a turnable window is mounted on a frame by means of two opposing suspension devices.

Figs 1 and 2 show a window comprising a frame 1 with a frame side piece la, a sash 2 and a suspension device 3 according to a first embodiment of the invention. For the sake of clarity, the figures show only half of the window and one suspension device. In the example shown, the sash is made of PVC and the frame of wood. However, the invention can also be applied to windows comprising other materials such as aluminium, steel and other polymeric materials, as well as various combinations of materials.

The suspension device 3 includes a first linkage arm 10 that is a long arm, a second linkage arm 20 that is a short arm, and a third linkage arm 30 that is a sash arm. The third linkage arm 30 is rotatably attached to respective first ends 11, 21 of the first 10 and second 20 linkage arms. This attachment is accomplished by means of axis pins 4, 5 which pass through the third linkage arm 30 and the first 10 or second 20 linkage arm. In the example shown, all the linkage arms are made of metal.

The first linkage arm 10 is mounted via its second end 12, which is opposite from the first end 11, to the frame side piece la. In the corresponding manner, the second linkage arm 20, via its second end 22 which is opposite the first end 21, is attached to the frame side piece la, below the first linkage arm 10. The third linkage arm 30 is rotatably attached via a first end 31 to the sash 2 along the horizontal centre line of the sash. A slide arrangement 40 is attached to an upper part of the sash 2. The slide arrangement 40 comprises a slide 41 which is guided moveably accommodated in a track 42 that is

accommodated in the frame side piece la. The slide arrangement 40 and the track 42 guide the upper part of the sash 2 in such a way that the sash 2 is rotated around the axis of rotation as defined by the rotatable fastening of the rotatable third linkage arm 30 to the sash 2 when the sash is caused to rotate relative to the frame. In this way the sash 2 can be made to pivot through nearly 180° from the closed position, so that the outside of the window will be pivoted inward. Figs. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate how the first 10, second 20 and third 30 linkage arms are attached to the frame side piece la and the sash 2 respectively.

Referring to Fig. 3, in the following the fixation of the first linkage arm 10 to the frame side piece la will be described. The first linkage arm 10 has, at its other end 12, a retaining pin 13 projecting laterally towards the frame side piece la. The retaining pin 13 is made of metal and extends through the first linkage arm 10 and is permanently attached to it by press-fitting or stamping. The retaining pin is rotationally symmetrical around a longitudinal axis [and] has a first part 14 distal to the first linkage arm with a first diameter. Between the first part 14 and the first linkage arm 10 a centre part 15 is disposed, which has a smaller diameter than the first part. A conical part 16 tapering in the direction away from the first linkage arm 10 is disposed at the far end of the retaining pin 13.

The frame side piece has a first recess lb which, in the example shown, is comprised of a cylindrical drilled-out portion. A rotationally symmetrical sleeve 17 is introduced into and accommodated in the first recess lb. The sleeve is made of a polymeric material that has a relatively high abrasion resistance and low friction against metal. The external dimension of the sleeve 17 is designed to allow pressure fitting into the recess lb. For stable retention of the sleeve 17 in the recess lb, the sleeve 17 has a number of radially outwardly projecting flanges 18 that extend around the sleeve. The flanges 18 have a certain elasticity which permits deformation when the sleeve 17 is pressed into the recess lb and thus brings about stable retention of the sleeve in the recess lb. The sleeve also has a central axial passage 19 into which the retaining pin 13 can be introduced. In the passage 19 there is a radially inwardly extending elastic bead (not shown) . The bead defines an inner diameter which is less than the outer of the first part 14 of the retaining pin but is substantially the same size as or somewhat larger than the outer diameter of the centre part 15 of the retaining pin 13.

The first part 14 and the middle part 15 of the retaining pin 13 and the internal bead of the sleeve 17 represent cooperating snap-fit elements, by means of which the retaining pin 13 can be readily introduced into and fastened within the sleeve 17.

The sleeve 17 thus comprises a fastening and retaining bushing which ensures stable fastening of the retaining pin 13 and thus of the suspension device to the frame side piece and at the same time permits rotation of the retaining pin 13 and thus of the first linkage arm 10 relative to the frame side piece la around an axis of rotation that is defined by the retaining pin 13. In this way, very simple installation of the suspension device in the frame is made possible, and at the same time the suspension device can be produced with a minimum of components included and with relatively low weight. The snap-in fastening of the retaining pin 13 into the sleeve 17 additionally means that the retaining pin 13 and thus the suspension device can be easily removed from the frame if this should become desirable. To achieve this, it is sufficient for the retaining pin 13, after the sash 2 has been removed from at least one of the two suspension devices making up a window, to be drawn axially out of the sleeve 17, so that the interior bead will snap loose from its engagement with the middle part 15 and the first part 16 of the retaining pin 13.

As is apparent from Figure 4, the second linkage arm 20 is fastened on the frame side piece with a retaining pin 23 which corresponds completely to the retaining pin 13 and a sleeve 27 that is introduced into a recess lc and corresponds completely to the sleeve 17. In the corresponding manner, the third linkage arm 30 is also fastened to the sash 2 with a retaining pin 33 which corresponds completely to the retaining pin 13 and a sleeve 37 that is introduced into a recess 2a and corresponds completely to a sleeve 17. Corresponding details of the retaining pins 23 and 33 and of the sleeves 27 and 37 have been given reference numbers with the same last digits in the Figures as the corresponding parts in Fig. 4. To avoid unnecessary repetition, these items, which correspond

completely to the retaining pins 23, 33 and sleeves 27, 37, will not be described in further detail here.

As is most clearly apparent from Figs. 6 and 7, the first linkage arm 10 has a recess 51 in the vicinity of its first end 11 and open toward the second linkage arm 20. The other linkage arm correspondingly has, in the vicinity of its other end 22, a recess 52 that is open toward the first linkage arm. As is most clearly apparent from Fig. 7, both of the recesses 51 and 52 are disposed such that a broader part of the second linkage arm, which broader part is disposed outside of the recess 52, in the closed position can be accommodated within the recess 51 of the first linkage arm. Correspondingly, a broader part of the first linkage arm 10, which broader part is arranged outside of the recess 51, in the closed position can be accommodated within the recess 52 of the other linkage arm. In this way it is made possible for the combined widths, parallel to the direction of opening of the sash, of the first 10 and second 20 linkage arms to be kept relatively small, and at the same time it allows most of the first linkage arm 10, designed as the long arm, to be made with a relatively large width. In this way it is possible for the installed width of the suspension device to be reduced without significantly affecting the strength or rigidity of the first linkage arm 10.

Figures 8 and 9 show in detail a locking device 60,, which is disposed inset into the sash side piece la and which has a displaceable spring-loaded first engaging element 61. A second engaging element 62 is disposed on the first end 21 of the second linkage arm 20. The two engaging elements 61, 62 are disposed so as to undergo releasable locking engagement when the sash is rotated into a partially open, so-called airing position. In this locked position, the first end 21 of the second linkage arm 20 is held firmly on the sash side piece la, whereupon the entire articulation mechanism formed by the linkage arms 10, 20, 30 is blocked against moving. By manually displacing the first engaging element 61 from engagement with the second engaging element 62, it is possible to release the second linkage arm 20 and thus the entire articulation mechanism for continued rotation of the sash 2. Because the second engaging element is disposed on the second linkage arm 20, which is designed as the short arm, the forces applied to move the sash into the locked state are absorbed by the relatively rigid and strong second linkage arm 20. This simply and effectively prevents the problem of deformation and damage which is caused in suspension devices of the prior art by the fact that the second engaging element was disposed on the relatively weak long arm.

In what follows another embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In this embodiment, a continuous latching recess 70 is made in the first linkage arm 10. The latching recess 70 is disposed such that it is located above the horizontal axis of rotation of the sash when the window is closed. The latching recess 70 is disposed so as to latch against a first latch bolt (not shown) moveably disposed on the sash. The first latch bolt is connected, by an

espagnolette inset into the sash, with an operating handle at the bottom of the sash. For convenience, the operating handle is also connected to at least one lower, second latch bolt disposed in the sash for engaging with a strike plate or the like in a sill of the frame. When the window is in the closed position, the first latch bolt can be brought by means of the handle into contact with the latching recess 70 disposed in the first linkage arm. In this way, in addition to the latching engagement between the lower second latch bolt and the sill of the frame, an upper latching engagement is produced between the first latch bolt and the first linkage arm 10. This extra latching engagement has proven especially advantageous, since it means that the second locking

engagement is provided above the axis of rotation of the sash, in other words, on the side of the axis of rotation of the sash opposite the side with which the second latch bolt engages .

Exemplified embodiments of the suspension device have been provided in the preceding. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but can be varied freely within the framework of the claims that follow. The frames and sashes with which the suspension device is used can be made of a number of different materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic, as well as combinations of these and second materials. The number of linkage arms can also be varied, and can comprise more or fewer than the three that are shown in the preceding examples.