GB703965A - Improvements in operating devices for windows or other vertically slidable elements provided with automatic locking means - Google Patents

Abstract

703,965. Locking rods. ETABLISSEMENTS G. KLEIN & CIE. March 20, 1952 [March 21, 1951], No. 7180/52. Class 80 (3) [Also in Group XXV] In an operating device for windows or other vertically sliding elements which are adapted to be held in any position by automatic locking means, there are interposed between the locking means and a part operatively connected with the slidable element, elastic means which normally keep the locking means operative, and rigid means which bring the locking means out of action when the sliding element is moved by a force capable of overcoming the action of the elastic means. In the example shown, a sliding window 1 is connected through chains 4 and sprockets 5 to a shaft 6 on which is mounted a balancing device constituted by a torsion spring 7. The automatic locking means includes a braking spring 11 which acts by expansion of its turns against a fixed sleeve 12, both ends of the spring being bent inwardly to form radial fingers 13, 14, Fig. 4. A sleeve 15, pinned to the shaft 6, has longitudinal extensions 22<SP>1</SP> and 22<SP>2</SP>, one longer than the other, with a groove between them. Each of the fingers 13, 14 of the spring bears against an edge of one of the extensions, so that rotation of the shaft 6 in either direction causes diametral contraction and consequent release of the spring. A stabilizing spring 17 is fixed at one end to a member 18 keyed to shaft 6 and at the other end to a sleeve 21 freely rotatable on the shaft and having a projection 23 located opposite the extension 22<SP>2</SP>. Urged by spring 17, projection 23 bears against finger 13 of spring 11 and tends to expand it into firm contact with sleeve 12, thus holding window in adjusted position. When the window is forcibly raised or lowered, rotation of the shaft 6 causes release of the spring, through the contact of one or other of the projections 22<SP>1</SP>, 22<SP>2</SP> with one of the fingers 13, 14. To adjust the tension of spring 17, a rod 24 is screwed into member 18 to hold it fixed, the screw 19 keying member 18 to shaft 6 is removed, and the shaft rotated to effect adjustment of the tension. In a modification the spring 11 is replaced by a ball-clutch device as shown in Fig. 6, in which extensions 15<SP>1</SP> project from the sleeve which is pinned to the shaft, and wings 21' project from the sleeve which is free on the shaft but urged by the locking spring in the direction to wedge the balls 11' between the fixed sleeve 12 and cam surfaces 30.