Door or window unit

Abstract

A door or window unit comprising a support (2), an openable leaf (3), mounted on the support (2), movable relative to the support (2), and comprising a panel (6), and a locking device (14) comprising: a constraining mechanism (15), mounted at an upper edge (4) or a lower edge (5) of the openable leaf (3) and switchable between an engaging configuration and a disengaging configuration; an operating mechanism (16), mounted at a main face (7), (8) of the panel (6) and switchable between a home configuration and a working configuration; and a connecting element (17), which mechanically connects the operating mechanism (16) and the constraining mechanism (15). The connecting element (17) comprises a first end (18), constrained to the operating mechanism (16), a second end (19), constrained to the constraining mechanism (15), and an intermediate portion (20), facing a first lateral face (9) of the panel (6).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a door or window unit of the type which comprises a support, fixable in use to a building, an openable leaf, mounted on the support and movable between a closing position and an opening position, and a locking device, for locking the leaf in the closing position. In particular, this invention was developed with reference to glass wall door or window units commonly used for transforming balconies, porticoes, open galleries and the like into verandas (for example, slide and stack glass door or window units), above all door or window units in which the leaves are mainly defined by a glass panel, but without that limiting the scope of this invention to this specific type of application.

[0002] This invention is intended for door or window units in which the locking device comprises an operating mechanism, which is mounted on a main face of the panel of the leaf (at a height which can be easily reachable for the user), and a constraining mechanism which is mounted at an upper edge or a lower edge of the leaf and is configured like a spring latch.

[0003] In general, the operating mechanism and the constraining mechanism are vertically aligned and are mechanically connected to each other in such a way that operation of the operating mechanism by the user allows the functioning of the constraining mechanism to be controlled.

[0004] In particular, in some embodiments the operating mechanism and the constraining mechanism are mechanically connected to each other by means of a metal cable, usually made of steel, which is positioned on the main face of the panel and which is constrained both to the operating mechanism and to the constraining mechanism: during the movement of the operating mechanism, the metal cable is under tension and transmits the motion to the constraining mechanism until a configuration of disengagement from the support is reached to allow opening of the openable leaf.

[0005] In other embodiments, for the connecting element between the operating mechanism and the constraining mechanism, rather than a metal cable, a rigid rod is used, often made of transparent plastic material, positioned in the same way.

[0006] The use of a metal cable or of a transparent plastic rod is intended to make the connecting element as invisible as possible, so as to minimise the impact of the locking device on the aesthetics of the door or window unit (in fact, in most applications the leaves are entirely or almost entirely made of transparent glass).

[0007] However, these prior art solutions have several disadvantages.

[0008] First, since the connecting element projects relative to the main face of the panel, the user may inadvertently bump into it (for example, with a hand) loosening it and / or deforming it, even slightly, but just enough to cause it to malfunction or simply in such a way as to cause accidental opening of the leaf. Therefore, care must be taken even when the panel needs to be cleaned.

[0009] Second, despite the use of either metal cables or transparent rigid rods, the presence of the connecting element at the main face of the panel negatively affects the overall aesthetics of the door or window unit, especially since the panels usually used in these applications are glass panels, and therefore the connecting element is visible both from the inside and from the outside.

[0010] In this context the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to provide a door or window unit which at least partly overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0011] In particular, the technical purpose of this invention is to provide a door or window unit in which the locking device is less exposed to risks of malfunction or of accidental operation than in the prior art door or window units. Furthermore, the technical purpose of this invention is to provide a door or window unit which is aesthetically more appealing than the prior art door or window units.

[0012] The technical purpose and the aims indicated are substantially achieved by a door or window unit in accordance with what is described in the independent claim. Particular embodiments of this invention are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0013] Further characteristics and the advantages of this invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of several preferred, non-limiting embodiments of a door or window unit illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a door or window unit according to a first embodiment of this invention, with an openable leaf in a closing position; Figure 2 shows the door or window unit of Figure 1 with the openable leaf in an opening position; Figure 3 is an axonometric view of a door or window unit according to a second embodiment of this invention, with the openable leaf in the closing position; Figure 4 partly shows the door or window unit of Figure 3 with the openable leaf in the opening position; Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the detail V of Figure 1; Figure 6 is an axonometric exploded view of an operating mechanism visible in Figure 5; Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the detail VII of Figure 3; Figure 8 is an axonometric exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the operating mechanism visible in Figure 7; Figure 9 is an axonometric exploded view of the operating mechanism of Figure 8; Figures 10 and 11 are axonometric views of two further embodiments of a first movable element which is part of the operating mechanism of Figure 9; Figure 12 is an enlarged view of the detail XII of Figure 2; Figure 13 is an axonometric exploded view of a constraining mechanism visible in Figure 12; Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the detail XIV of Figure 4; Figure 15 is an axonometric exploded view of a constraining mechanism visible in Figure 14; Figure 16 is an axonometric view of a further embodiment of the operating mechanism; Figure 17 is a front view of the operating mechanism of Figure 16; Figure 18 is an axonometric exploded view of the operating mechanism of Figure 16; Figures 19 and 21 show, respectively, in a side view and in an axonometric view, the operating mechanism of Figure 16 sectioned according to the section line XIX-XIX; Figure 20 is an enlarged view of the detail XX of Figure 19; Figure 22 is a partial axonometric view of a door or window unit according to a third embodiment of this invention, with the openable leaf in the opening position; Figure 23 is an enlarged view of the detail XXIII of Figure 22; and Figure 24 is an axonometric view of a constraining mechanism visible in Figure 23.

[0014] With reference to the above-mentioned figures the reference number 1 is used to indicate in its entirety a door or window unit according to this invention.

[0015] That door or window unit 1 comprises first a support 2, which is fixable in use to a building (not illustrated in the figures), and an openable leaf 3, which is mounted on the support 2, which has an upper edge 4 and a lower edge 5 and which is movable, relative to the support 2, between a closing position and an opening position. Figures 1 and 3 show a door or window unit 1 with the openable leaf 3 in the closing position; Figures 2, 4 and 22, in contrast, show a door or window unit 1 with the openable leaf 3 in the opening position. In particular, in some embodiments such as those shown in the figures, the door or window unit 1 is of the type which, as well as the openable leaf 3 to which reference will be made below and to which this invention is applied, comprises a plurality of additional leaves 84 which, after the openable leaf 3 has been opened, can be made to slide until they make contact with the openable leaf 3 then in turn be opened in a way similar to the openable leaf 3 for stacking on it and on each other when they are all open. By way of example, the figures show a door or window unit with three leaves: a first leaf on the left is the openable leaf 3 to which this invention relates which is rotatable relative to the support 2 between the closing position and the opening position around its own axis of rotation; the second and third leaves (that is, the central leaf and the leaf on the right) are in contrast additional leaves 84 which are slidable relative to the support 2 towards the openable leaf 3. Each additional leaf is associated with the support 2 both by means of stable hooking units (placed at its vertical edge directed towards the openable leaf 3) whose function is both to guide their sliding along the support 2 and to allow them to rotate relative to the support 2 when they are at the end of stroke towards the openable leaf 3, and by means of reversible hooking units which are slidably coupled to the support 2 during the sliding of the additional leaf along the support 2 and which can in contrast disengage from the support when the additional leaf is at the end of stroke and they are at a passage 85 made in the support 2. This type of door or window unit is in any case known in itself and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0016] It should be emphasised that said embodiment, although the only one shown in the figures, shall not be understood as limiting for this invention, since it may also be applied in the case in which the leaves are not sliding leaves (for example, in the case in which the second leaf and the third leaf are fixed relative to the support 2), as in the case of door or window units 1 with a single openable leaf 3.

[0017] The openable leaf 3 comprises a panel 6 which has both two main faces 7, 8, which face in opposite directions, and two lateral faces 9, 10 (a first lateral face 9 and a second lateral face 10) which are transversal to the main faces 7, 8 and which define a thickness of the panel 6.

[0018] In general, the panel 6 has two main dimensions (height and width) which are much greater than the thickness and which are defined by the two main faces 7, 8 (respectively, a first main face 7 and a second main face 8). Those main faces 7, 8 advantageously define a main lying plane of the openable leaf 3, which is preferably parallel to the two main faces 7, 8. The lying plane, and the main faces 7, 8, and the lateral faces 9, 10, in use are positioned vertically. Moreover, when the openable leaf 3 is in the closing position, the main faces 7, 8 are facing one inwards (in particular, the first main face 7) and one outwards (in particular, the second main face 8).

[0019] Also identifiable in the panel 6 are an upper face 11 and a lower face 12 which also extend transversally to the main faces 7, 8 and to the main lying plane and which, during use, are positioned horizontally.

[0020] Preferably, moreover, the openable leaf 3 comprises a frame 13, which is fixed to the panel 6. In some embodiments, the frame 13 defines a complete frame around the panel 6 extending at the lateral faces 9, 10, at the upper face 11 and at the lower face 12. In the preferred embodiments, such as those illustrated in the figures, in contrast the frame 13 only extends at the upper face 11 and / or at the lower face 12, whilst it is not present at the lateral faces 9, 10. When the frame 13 is present, the openable leaf 3 is connected to the support 2 at the frame 13; in the embodiments illustrated, the frame 13 is hinged to the support 2 according to a vertical axis of rotation positioned near the second lateral face 10.

[0021] In accordance with this invention, the door or window unit 1 also comprises a locking device 14 which in turn comprises a constraining mechanism 15 and an operating mechanism 16 which, preferably, are substantially vertically aligned.

[0022] The constraining mechanism 15 is mounted on the openable leaf 3 at the upper edge 4 (Figures 2 and 4) or at the lower edge 5 (Figure 22), and is switchable between an engaging configuration and a disengaging configuration. When the openable leaf 3 is in the closing position, the constraining mechanism 15, when it is in the engaging configuration, prevents a movement of the openable leaf 3 towards the opening position and, when it is in the disengaging configuration, allows the movement of the openable leaf 3 towards the opening position. The operating mechanism 16, in contrast, is mounted at one of the main faces 7, 8 of the panel 6 in a position spaced apart from the upper edge 4 and from the lower edge 5 of the openable leaf 3 and advantageously adjacent to the first lateral face 9; preferably, the operating mechanism 16 extends as far as the edge shared by the main face 7, 8 and the first lateral face 9 and, advantageously covers it. Moreover, the operating mechanism 16 is switchable between a home configuration and a working configuration and is mechanically connected to the constraining mechanism 15 for switching the constraining mechanism 15 from the engaging configuration to the disengaging configuration in the ways described in more detail below.

[0023] Moreover, the locking device 14 comprises a connecting element 17, which mechanically connects the operating mechanism 16 and the constraining mechanism 15 in such a way that a switching of the operating mechanism 16 from the home configuration to the working configuration causes a switching of the constraining mechanism 15 from the engaging configuration to the disengaging configuration, and that a switching of the operating mechanism 16 from the working configuration to the home configuration causes or allows a switching of the constraining mechanism 15 from the disengaging configuration to the engaging configuration.

[0024] That connecting element 17 comprises a first end 18, which is constrained to the operating mechanism 16, a second end 19, which is constrained to the constraining mechanism 15, and an intermediate portion 20, which extends from the first end 18 to the second end 19. The intermediate portion 20 is completely facing the first lateral face 9 of the panel 6 (the one that the operating mechanism 16 is adjacent to) and slides along that first lateral face 9, when the operating mechanism 16 switches between the home configuration and the working configuration. Advantageously the intermediate portion 20 may slide on the first lateral face 9 or may be spaced apart from it with a minimum clearance. Preferably, the connecting element 17 has a main line of extension which is parallel to the first lateral face 9 of the panel 6 which is faced by the intermediate portion 20.

[0025] In the embodiments illustrated, the connecting element 17 is advantageously a rigid element, where the expression "rigid element" means that, during normal use, the connecting element 17 is not subjected to very noticeable deformations. In particular, in the preferred embodiments the connecting element 17 is made of metal material. For example, the connecting element 17 may advantageously be a thin plate, where the term "thin plate" means an element which, of the three dimensions, has one which is dominant (in this case, the vertical length) and one which is smaller (in this case, the thickness); the third dimension (in this case, the width) in contrast is an intermediate dimension between the dominant dimension and the smaller dimension. Moreover, preferably, the thin plate has a pair of main surfaces which are substantially flat and parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the connecting element 17 defines its own main lying plane which is advantageously parallel to the first lateral face 9 of the panel 6 which is faced by the intermediate portion 20. Moreover, the main lying plane of the connecting element 17 is preferably perpendicular to the lying plane of the panel 6.

[0026] However, alternative embodiments are possible in which, in contrast, the connecting element 17 is a flexible element. In particular, it is possible for the connecting element 17 to be a cable such as, for example, a cable made of metal material. It should be noticed that for a switching of the operating mechanism 16 from the working configuration to the home configuration to cause a switching of the constraining mechanism 15 from the disengaging configuration to the engaging configuration it is necessary to use a rigid connecting element 17, whilst in the case of use of a flexible connecting element 17, the switching of the operating mechanism 16 from the working configuration to the home configuration only allows the switching of the constraining mechanism 15 from the disengaging configuration which must therefore be obtained in another way (for example by means of a second elastic element 67 associated with the constraining mechanism 15).

[0027] Advantageously, the locking device 14 comprises first constraining means 21 for constraining the first end 18 of the connecting element 17 to the operating mechanism 16, and second constraining means 22 for constraining the second end 19 of the connecting element 17 to the constraining mechanism 15. In the embodiments illustrated, the first constraining means 21 comprise at least one first screw 23 which is inserted into a respective first through hole 24 made in the connecting element 17 at the first end 18 and into a respective second hole 25 (in some embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 9, a pair of first screws 23 inserted into respective first holes 24 and second holes 25) made in the operating mechanism 16 (more precisely in a movable part of it, as described in more detail below), and the second constraining means 22 comprise a second screw 26 which is inserted into a third through hole 27 made at the second end 19 of the connecting element 17 and into a fourth hole 28 made in the constraining mechanism 15 (more precisely in a movable part of it, as described in more detail below).

[0028] In the preferred embodiments, the openable leaf 3 also comprises an edge covering gasket 29 which is mounted at the first lateral face 9. Preferably, in these embodiments the intermediate portion 20 of the connecting element is housed in a compartment 30 which is delimited between the edge covering gasket 29 and the first lateral face 9.

[0029] As regards the operating mechanism 16, in the preferred embodiments it comprises a first fixing element 31, which is fixed to the panel 6, and a first movable element 32, which is coupled to the first fixing element 31, which is movable relative to the first fixing element 31 between a home position and a working position, and to which the first end 18 of the connecting element 17 is preferably constrained. The first movable element 32 is in the home position when the operating mechanism 16 is in the home configuration, and the first movable element 32 is in the working position when the operating mechanism 16 is in the working configuration.

[0030] Preferably, in some embodiments such as those illustrated in the figures, the first movable element 32 is movable relative to the first fixing element 31, along a first line of movement which is straight. Moreover, that line of movement is advantageously parallel to the main line of extension of the connecting element 17 (therefore advantageously vertical in many embodiments).

[0031] In other embodiments the first movable element 32 rotates relative to the first fixing element 31.

[0032] In use, the first movable element 32 can advantageously be operated manually by a user. In particular, during use the first movable element 32 can be moved, at least from the home position to the working position, by a user. In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 6, the operating mechanism 16 comprises a first elastic element 33, mounted between the first fixing element 31 and the first movable element 32, which is operatively associated with the first movable element 32 and which pushes the first movable element 32 towards the home position. Advantageously, the first elastic element 33 pushes the first movable element 32 from the working position to the home position when the operating mechanism 16 is not subjected to external stresses which keep the first movable element 32 in the working position. Preferably, the first elastic element 33 is a compression spring. In other embodiments, in contrast, the first elastic element 33 is an element different from a compression spring, such as a tension spring. However, alternative embodiments are possible in which the first elastic element 33 is not present, and in which even the movement of the first movable element 32 from the working position to the home position is performed manually by the user directly operating the first movable element 32 moving it from the working position to the home position (such as, for example, in the embodiments of the operating mechanism 16 shown in Figures 7 to 11), or it is obtained as a result of switching of the constraining mechanism 15 from the disengaging configuration to the engaging configuration (switching obtainable, for example, by means of a second elastic element 67).

[0033] It should be emphasised that various embodiments of the first movable element 32 are possible, some of which are shown in the figures.

[0034] For example, in some embodiments such as those shown in the accompanying figures, the first movable element 32 comprises a hooking portion 34, to which the first end 18 of the connecting element 17 is constrained, and a grip portion 35, which is configured to be gripped by the user.

[0035] In these embodiments, the pair of first holes 24 is made in the first hooking portion 34, and the grip portion 35 has an ergonomic shape to facilitate gripping by the user.

[0036] In some embodiments the grip portion 35 is made in one piece with the hooking portion 34.

[0037] Figures 7 to 11 show four possible embodiments of the first movable element 32, which have grip portions 35, with different shapes: the first (shown in Figure 8 and 9) in which it is coplanar with the hooking portion 34 and has a through hole into which the user can insert a finger; the second (shown in Figure 10), in which the grip portion 35 is substantially L-shaped, and the third (shown in Figure 11) in which the grip portion 35 is T-shaped and defines a teardrop-shaped knob. Finally, the embodiment of Figure 7 differs from that of Figures 8 and 9 only in terms of the outer shape of the grip portion 35.

[0038] In other embodiments of the first movable element 32, such as that visible in Figures 5 and 6, the hooking portion 34 and the grip portion 35 are in contrast defined by two bodies which are separate and are securely constrained to each other, with the hooking portion 34 also defining a first pin 36 on which the grip portion 35 is mounted (in Figure 6 a washer 37 is mounted on the first pin 36 interposed between the hooking portion 34 and the grip portion 35).

[0039] Similarly to this embodiment, also in the further embodiment of the first movable element 32 shown in Figures 16 to 21 (described in more detail below), in which the first movable element 32 comprises a hooking portion 34 and two grip portions 35 positioned on opposite main faces 7, 8 of the panel 6 (to allow the leaf 3 to be opened from both sides), the hooking portion 34 and each grip portion 35 are defined by separate bodies securely constrained to each other. However, in this embodiment, at one of the main faces 7, 8, the first movable element 32 also comprises a first intermediate body 38 which is interposed between the hooking portion 34 and the grip portion 35 and to which both of the portions are constrained (in other words, the hooking portion 34 and the grip portion 35 are not directly constrained to each other, instead they are constrained to each other because they are both constrained to the first intermediate body 38); moreover that first intermediate body 38 defines both a fifth through hole 40, into which a stopping element 58 is inserted, and a cavity 39 into which an anchoring element 62 which acts on the stopping element 58 is inserted (both the anchoring element 62 and the stopping element 58 will be described in detail below).

[0040] Again with reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 16 to 21, the hooking portion 34 comprises a first part 41, which is elongate (horizontally) and which has a first end zone 42, and a second end zone 43 which are positioned on opposite sides of the panel 3, and a second part 44, which is made in one piece with the first part 41 and into which a guiding body 50 described below is inserted, with clearance. As is clearly visible in the figures, in this embodiment there are two first elastic elements 33, each abutting against the second part 44 of the hooking portion 34 and against the first fixing element 31; the presence of the two first elastic elements 33 has the function of rendering the operating mechanism 16 usable both in association with a constraining mechanism 15 associated with the upper edge 4, and in association with a constraining mechanism 15 associated with the lower edge 5 (in each installation, however, only one of the two first elastic elements 33 pushes the first movable element 32 from the working position towards the home position).

[0041] Advantageously, with respect to the constraint of the first end 18 of the connecting element 17 to the operating mechanism 16, in some embodiments such as those described above, the panel 6 has a recess at its first lateral face 9, in such a way as to allow the first movable element 32 to face the connecting element 17 as well as the movement of the movable element 32. In some embodiments, in which the edge covering gasket 29 is present, advantageously that edge covering gasket 29 is interrupted at the first end 18 of the connecting element 17 to allow the presence and the movement of the first movable element 32.

[0042] As regards the first fixing element 31, it is fixed to the panel 6 according to known ways. For example, in some cases the first fixing element 31 is glued to the panel 6; in other cases, in contrast, the first fixing element 31 is fixed to the panel 6 using fixing means such as screws.

[0043] Moreover, in some embodiments (such as that shown in Figures 5 and 6) the first fixing element 31 comprises a supporting body 45, which is fixed to the panel 6 and which is coupled to the first movable element 32, and one or more covering bodies 46, 47, which are coupled to the supporting body 45 and which substantially act as aesthetic covers.

[0044] In some embodiments, the supporting body 45 advantageously comprises two separate bodies, respectively, a first supporting portion 48 and a second supporting portion 49 which between them at least partly contain the first movable element 32.

[0045] In some embodiments, for example that of Figure 6, the first supporting portion 48 is in contact with the panel 6 and fixed to it, and the second supporting portion 49 is fixed to the first supporting portion 48. The covering bodies 46, 47 in contrast preferably comprise a first covering body 46 which is fixed to the main face 7, 8 opposite that on which the first movable element 32 is positioned (for example, the second main face 8), and a second covering body 47 which is fixed to the supporting body 45 and which covers the internal components hiding them from view. Advantageously, the first covering body 46 may be simply glued to the panel 6 or be fixed by means of screws (for example through screws which screw into the supporting body 45 or into the second covering body 47 placed at the other main face 7). Moreover, in the embodiment of Figure 6 (as in the embodiment shown in Figure 18) the first fixing element 31 comprises a guiding body 50 to which the first movable element 32 is slidably coupled (in particular at the hooking portion 34), for guiding the movement of the first movable element 32 between the home position and the working position, and on which the first elastic element 33 is also mounted to keep the first elastic element 33 aligned along the line of movement of the first movable element 32. The guiding body 50 is advantageously fixed relative to the supporting body 45 and is substantially pin-shaped.

[0046] However, other embodiments are possible, for example that shown in Figures 8 and 9, in which a monolithic supporting body 45 at the first main face 7, and only the first covering body 46 fixed to the opposite main face (the second main face 8) are present.

[0047] In yet other embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 18, the fixing of the first fixing element 31 to the panel 6 is obtained by means of the supporting body 45 which comprises the first supporting portion 48 and the second supporting portion 49 which clamp the panel 6 between them. In particular, the first supporting portion 48 comprises a C-shaped frame which is facing the first main face 7 and which surrounds a projecting part 51, also C-shaped, which is inserted into a recess (not visible in the figures) shaped to match it and made in the panel 6, at the first lateral face 9. The second supporting portion 49 in contrast extends mainly flat. In the projecting portion 51 holes are made for housing the guiding body 50 (inside the C-shape). Advantageously, moreover, a first gasket 52 is interposed between the first supporting portion 48 and the first main face 7 of the panel 6, and a second gasket 53 is interposed between the second supporting portion 49 and the second main face 8 of the panel 6. Moreover, in that embodiment the first fixing element 31 comprises an abutting body 54 which is inserted into a third seat 55 made in the first covering body 46 and which extends mainly along a vertical line. The function of the abutting body 54 is to prevent the openable leaf 3 from moving beyond the closing position; in other embodiments that function is in contrast performed by the supporting body 45 (Figures 7 to 11) or by the first covering body 46 (Figure 6).

[0048] In some embodiments, such as those shown in the figures, the first fixing element 31 defines a first sliding slot 56 and the first movable element 32 is slidably inserted in the first sliding slot 56. In these embodiments, during the movement of the first movable element 32 between the home position and the working position, the first movable element 32 slides in the first sliding slot 56. In the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9, the single body which defines the hooking portion 34 and the grip portion 35 is slidably inserted in the first sliding slot 56. In other embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 6, in contrast it is the first pin 36 (defined by the hooking portion 34) which is slidably inserted in the first sliding slot 56. In this case, during the movement of the first movable element 32 between the home position and the working position, the first pin 36 slides in the first sliding slot 56.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 7 to 9, the first sliding slot 56 is defined by the supporting body 45; in other embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 5 and 6, a first sliding slot 56 is defined both by the second supporting portion 49 and by the second covering body 47 (which are superposed on each other); in yet other embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 16 to 21, in contrast, a first sliding slot 56 is defined both in the first supporting portion 48 and in the first covering body 46.

[0050] As is clearly visible for example from Figures 5 and 6, in some embodiments the first fixing element 31 also comprises a resting body 57 which is advantageously ergonomically shaped to facilitate gripping by the user who hooks one finger (for example the index finger) to the resting body 57 and with another finger (for example the thumb) acts on the grip portion 35 (obviously, rather than two fingers of the same hand, the user may even use two hands). For example, in the figures the resting body 57 has a curved profile and is fixed below the supporting body 45.

[0051] In the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9, only the supporting body 45 and the first covering body 46 are present, whilst neither other covering bodies nor the resting body 57 are present.

[0052] In some embodiments, the locking device 14 also comprises a stopping element 58 which is associated with the operating mechanism 16 and which is movable between an operating position and a non-operating position. When the stopping element 58 is in the operating position, the stopping element 58 prevents the switching of the operating mechanism 16 from the home configuration to the working configuration. In contrast, when the stopping element 58 is in the non-operating position, the stopping element 58 allows the switching of the operating mechanism 16 from the home configuration to the working configuration.

[0053] Advantageously, the stopping element 58 is movable, between the operating position and the non-operating position, by means of a translation along a stopping line 59 which is preferably perpendicular to the first line of movement of the first movable element 32.

[0054] In the embodiment shown in Figures 16 to 21, when the stopping element 58 is in the non-operating position (Figures 19 to 21), the stopping element 58 is movable, together with the first movable element 32, from the home position to the working position, and, when the stopping element 58 is in the operating position (not illustrated), the stopping element 58 prevents the movement of the first movable element 32 by abutting against the first fixing element 31. Advantageously, the stopping element 58 comprises an operating body 60, which extends mainly along the stopping line 59, and an outer body 61, which is constrained to the operating body 60 and which allows the movement of the stopping element 58 by the user. For example, the stopping element 58 can be moved from the non-operating position to the operating position by pressing the outer body 61 towards the panel 6 with the thumb, and the stopping element 58 can be moved from the operating position to the non-operating position by holding, and pulling, the outer body 61 away from the panel 6 with the thumb and index finger.

[0055] Preferably, the locking device 14 also advantageously comprises an anchoring element 62 configured to keep the stopping element 58 in the operating position or in the non-operating position in the absence of external stresses. In particular, the anchoring element 62 is advantageously a spring plunger (in the figures the spring of the spring plunger is not shown in order to make the figures easier to understand): during the movement of the stopping element 58 between the operating position and the non-operating position, the spring of the spring plunger is compressed; when, in contrast, the stopping element 58 is in one of the positions, either operating or non-operating, the spring of the spring plunger is extended (or less compressed) and the ball 83 of the spring plunger engages in a seat 63, 64 made in the stopping element 58. In fact, the stopping element 58 has a first seat 63 and a second seat 64 which are spaced apart from each other along the stopping line 59, with the first seat 63 nearer the panel 6 than the second seat 64. For example, the first seat 63 and the second seat 64 are shaped like grooves (advantageously circular) made in the stopping element 58. Preferably, when the stopping element 58 is in the non-operating position, the anchoring element 62 engages the first seat 63 of the stopping element 58; in contrast, when the stopping element 58 is in the operating position, the anchoring element 62 engages the second seat 64 of the stopping element 58.

[0056] It should be emphasised that those described are only some of the possible embodiments of the operating mechanism 16 and that this invention shall not be understood as being limited to that.

[0057] As regards the constraining mechanism 15, in contrast, it advantageously comprises a second fixing element 65, which is fixed to the openable leaf 3, and a second movable element 66, which is mounted on the second fixing element 65 and to which the second end 19 of the connecting element 17 is constrained. In some embodiments, the constraining mechanism 15 is mounted on the openable leaf 3 at the upper edge 4 (as for example in the embodiments shown in Figures 14 and 15 and in Figures 16 and 17), and in other embodiments the constraining mechanism 15 is mounted on the openable leaf 3 at the lower edge 5 (as for example in the embodiment shown in Figures 22, 23 and 24). It should be noticed that, appropriately adapted, any of the different embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures may be adopted, irrespective of whether the constraining mechanism 15 is mounted at the upper edge 4 or at the lower edge 5.

[0058] Advantageously the second movable element 66 is movable, relative to the second fixing element 65, between an engaging position and a disengaging position. The second movable element 66 is in the engaging position when the constraining mechanism 15 is in the engaging configuration, and the second movable element 66 is in the disengaging position when the constraining mechanism 15 is in the disengaging configuration.

[0059] In the preferred embodiments, the constraining mechanism 15 also comprises a second elastic element 67, which is coupled to the second movable element 66 and which pushes the second movable element 66 towards the engaging position. In these embodiments, advantageously the second movable element 66 is configured like a spring latch and, when it makes contact with the support 2 during the movement of the openable leaf 3 from the opening position to the closing position, it is moved, initially, from the engaging position to the disengaging position as a result of an inclined plane interaction between the second movable element 66 and the support 2 and, then, from the disengaging position to the engaging position by the second elastic element 67 when the interaction with the support 2 ends (the second movable element 66 "is released" from the disengaging position to the engaging position as soon as the openable leaf 6 reaches the closing position). Advantageously, the inclined plane interaction between the second movable element 66 and the support 2 causes a gradual movement of the second movable element 66 from the engaging position towards the disengaging position and a consequent deformation (for example, a compression) of the second elastic element 67. In some embodiments such as that shown in Figures 12 and 13 that interaction is due to the fact that the second movable element 66 (in particular, an abutting head 69 of the second movable element 66) has an inclined surface: the movement of the openable leaf 3 from the opening position to the closing position causes sliding of the abutting head 69 against the support 2, which is fixed, and the consequent gradual movement of the second movable element 66 towards the disengaging position (with the above-mentioned deformation of the second elastic element 67). When the openable leaf 3 reaches the closing position, there is no longer an inclined plane interaction between the second movable element 66 and the support 2: therefore, the second elastic element 67 returns to the initial configuration, returning the second movable element 66 to the engaging position.

[0060] Similarly, even the second movable element 66 visible in the embodiment shown in Figures 14 and 15 is configured like a spring latch. However, unlike what was described above, in this case it is the support 2 which has taper portions 82 which (in the lower part are not visible in the figures) are inclined, whilst the surface of the second movable element 66 which makes contact with the support 2 is substantially flat (apart from a rounded area at the edge to prevent jamming during operation). In this case too, during the movement of the openable leaf 3 from the opening position to the closing position the second movable element 66 (in particular, a base portion 70 of the second movable element 66) slides on the taper portions 82 of the support 2 causing the movement of the second movable element 66 from the engaging position to the disengaging position. Similarly to what was described for the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13, in the embodiment shown in Figures 14 and 15 too, when the openable leaf 3 reaches the closing position, there is no longer an inclined plane interaction between the second movable element 66 and the taper portions 82 of the support 2 and the second elastic element 67 therefore returns to the initial configuration, returning the second movable element 66 to the engaging position.

[0061] Advantageously, the support 2 may also have a similar structure if the second movable element 66 is configured as shown in Figure 24.

[0062] It should be emphasised that the functioning of a spring latch is known to a person expert in the sector and that, for this reason, it will not be described in further detail.

[0063] In the preferred embodiments, the second elastic element 67 is advantageously a compression spring and is switchable between an extended configuration and a compressed configuration, with the second elastic element 67 in the extended configuration when the second movable element 66 is in the engaging position, and with the second elastic element 67 in contrast in the compressed configuration when the second movable element 66 is in the disengaging position.

[0064] However, further alternative embodiments are possible in which, for example, the second elastic element 67 is a tension spring.

[0065] For the second movable element 66 too there are various possible embodiments. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 13 the second movable element 66 comprises a central leg 68 and an abutting head 69 which are made in one piece. Advantageously, the central leg 68 is guided inside the second fixing element 65 during the movement of the second movable element 66 between the engaging position and the disengaging position and the abutting head 69 is faceted. In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, in contrast, the second movable element 66 comprises a base portion 70 (which acts as a spring latch) and a cantilever portion 71, which is made substantially as a hollow cylinder and which is guided on the outer part of the second fixing element 65 during the movement of the second movable element 66 between the engaging position and the disengaging position.

[0066] In contrast, as regards the second fixing element 65, it is advantageously fixed to the openable leaf 3 according to known ways. For example, in the embodiments shown in which the frame 13 comprises a metal profile, the second fixing element 65 is fixed using fixing means to the frame 13 of the panel 6.

[0067] In the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13, the second fixing element 65 comprises a fixing base 72, a third covering body 73 and a second intermediate body 74. Advantageously, the fixing base 72 has a coupling portion 75, which is slidably associated with the frame 13 and fixed in position preferably with a pair of grub screws, and a guiding portion 76 which defines a housing 77 in which the second elastic element 67 and part of the second movable element 66 (part of the central leg 68) are housed. The housing 77 is shaped in such a way as to guide the movement of the second movable element 66 between the engaging position and the disengaging position and advantageously defines a second sliding slot 78 (described in more detail below). Preferably, moreover, the second intermediate body 74 is fixed to the fixing base 72 (at the guiding portion 76), whilst fixed to the second intermediate body 74 is the third covering body 73 which, when the leaf is in the closing position, has the function of covering the passage 85 made in the support 2 whose function is to allow both the constraining mechanism 15, and the reversible hooking units of the additional leaves 84 to pass.

[0068] However, other embodiments are possible, for example the one shown in Figures 14 and 15, in which the second intermediate body 74 is not present, and in which the third covering body 73 is directly fixed to the fixing base 72.

[0069] In this embodiment, moreover, the guiding portion 76 does not internally define a guide for the second movable element 66, instead it is the outer surface of the guiding portion 76 which acts as a guide. In contrast, mounted inside the guiding portion 76 is the second elastic element 67 which acts against a peg 79 which is fixed to the second movable element 66 and which is inserted through two opposite second sliding slots 78 which are made in the guiding portion 76.

[0070] In some embodiments (Figures 14-15 and 23), moreover, the second fixing element 65 comprises a recessed portion 80 whilst the second movable element 66 comprises a projecting portion 81.

[0071] In some embodiments, the recessed portion 80 and the projecting portion 81 cause a mechanical constraint to keep the second movable element 66 and the second fixing element 65 coupled during assembly of the constraining mechanism 15, in particular by means of a snap-on coupling.

[0072] Preferably, the second fixing element 65 comprises a plurality of recessed portions 80, and the second movable element 66 comprises a plurality of projecting portions 81, there being the same number of recessed portions 80 as projecting portions 81 (for example, there are four in the figure).

[0073] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 23, advantageously moreover the recessed portion 80 and the projecting portion 81 act as an end of stroke stop for the movement of the second movable element 66. In this case, when the constraining mechanism 15 is in the engaging configuration, the projecting portion 81 is mechanically abutting against the recessed portion 80. That can be clearly seen for example in Figure 23.

[0074] Preferably, the projecting portion 81 is defined by a cantilever projecting tooth, and the recessed portion 80 defines an undercut relative to the line along which the second movable element 66 is movable between the engaging position and the disengaging position, to block that movement. Advantageously, the recessed portion 80 is kept mechanically abutting against the projecting portion 81 by the second elastic element 67, when the second movable element 66 is in the engaging position.

[0075] In the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13, the second fixing element 65 defines the second sliding slot 78 the second constraining means 22 are slidably inserted in the second sliding slot 78. In this case, the movement of the second movable element 66 between the engaging position and the disengaging position causes a sliding of the second constraining means 22 in the second sliding slot 78.

[0076] Similarly, in the embodiment shown in Figures 14 and 15 too, the second fixing element 65 defines the second sliding slot 78. In particular, the second sliding slot is made in the guiding portion 76 of the second fixing element 65 (as already described).

[0077] The functioning of the various elements of which this invention is constituted has already been explained in the context of the preceding structural description.

[0078] This invention brings important advantages.

[0079] Thanks to this invention it has been possible to make a door or window unit which, first, is less exposed to risks of malfunction or of accidental operation compared with prior art door or window units and which, second, is aesthetically more appealing than the prior art door or window units.

[0080] Finally, it should be noticed that this invention is relatively easy to produce and that even the cost linked to implementing the invention is not very high. The invention described above may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

[0081] All details may be substituted with other technically equivalent elements and the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions of the various components, may vary according to requirements.

Claims

1. A door or window unit comprising a support (2), which is fixable in use to a building, and an openable leaf (3), which is mounted on the support (2) and which has an upper edge (4) and a lower edge (5), said openable leaf (3) being movable relative to the support (2) between a closing position and an opening position and comprising a panel (6) which has two main faces (7), (8) facing in opposite directions and two lateral faces (9), (10) transversal to the main faces (7), (8) which define its thickness, and wherein the door or window unit (1) also comprises a locking device (14) which comprises: - a constraining mechanism (15), which is mounted on the openable leaf (3) at the upper edge (4) or at the lower edge (5) and which is switchable between an engaging configuration and a disengaging configuration, and wherein, when the openable leaf (3) is in the closing position, the constraining mechanism (15) prevents a movement of the openable leaf (3) towards the opening position when it is in the engaging configuration and allows the movement of the openable leaf (3) towards the opening position when it is in the disengaging configuration; - an operating mechanism (16), which is mounted at one of the main faces (7), (8) of the panel (6) in a position spaced apart from the upper edge (4) and from the lower edge (5) of the openable leaf (3), which is manually switchable between a home configuration and a working configuration; and - a connecting element (17), which mechanically connects the operating mechanism (16) and the constraining mechanism (15) in such a way that a switching of the operating mechanism (16) from the home configuration to the working configuration causes a switching of the constraining mechanism (15) from the engaging configuration to the disengaging configuration, and that a switching of the operating mechanism (16) from the working configuration to the home configuration causes or allows a switching of the constraining mechanism (15) from the disengaging configuration to the engaging configuration; and wherein the connecting element (17) comprises a first end (18), which is constrained to the operating mechanism (16), a second end (19), which is constrained to the constraining mechanism (15) and an intermediate portion (20) which extends from the first end (18) to the second end (19), which is completely facing a first lateral face (9) of the panel (6) and which slides along that first lateral face (9) when the operating mechanism (16) switches between the home configuration and the working configuration.

2. The door or window unit according to claim 1, wherein said connecting element (17) is a rigid element.

3. The door or window unit according to claim 1, wherein said connecting element (17) is a flexible element.

4. The door or window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the openable leaf (3) also comprises an edge covering gasket (29) mounted at the first lateral face (9) which is faced by the intermediate portion (20) of the connecting element (17), and wherein the intermediate portion (20) of the connecting element is housed in a compartment (30) delimited between the edge covering gasket (29) and the first lateral face (9).

5. The door or window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operating mechanism (16) comprises: a first fixing element (31), which is fixed to the panel (6); and a first movable element (32), which is coupled to the first fixing element (31) and which is movable, relative to the first fixing element (31), between a home position and a working position, the first movable element (32) being in the home position when the operating mechanism (16) is in the home configuration, and the first movable element (32) being in the working position when the operating mechanism (16) is in the working configuration, and wherein the first end (18) of the connecting element (17) is constrained to the first movable element (32).

6. The door or window unit according to claim 5, wherein the operating mechanism (16) also comprises a first elastic element (33) which is operatively associated with the first movable element (32) and which pushes the first movable element (32) towards the home position.

7. The door or window unit according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first movable element (32) is movable relative to the first fixing element (31) along a first line of movement which is straight.

8. The door or window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the locking device (14) also comprises a stopping element (58) which is associated with the operating mechanism (16) and is movable relative to the operating mechanism (16) between an operating position, in which it prevents the switching of the operating mechanism (16) from the home configuration to the working configuration, and a non-operating position, in which it allows the switching of the operating mechanism (16) from the home configuration to the working configuration.

9. The door or window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the constraining mechanism (15) comprises a second fixing element (65), which is fixed to the panel (6), and a second movable element (66), which is mounted on the second fixing element (65) and which is movable, relative to the second fixing element (65), between an engaging position and a disengaging position, the second movable element (66) being in the engaging position when the constraining mechanism (15) is in the engaging configuration, and the second movable element (66) being in the disengaging position when the constraining mechanism (15) is in the disengaging configuration, and wherein the second end (19) of the connecting element (17) is constrained to the second movable element (66).

10. The door or window unit according to claim 9, wherein the constraining mechanism (15) also comprises a second elastic element (67), which is coupled to the second fixing element (65) and which pushes the second movable element (66) towards the engaging position.

11. The door or window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the panel (6) is made of glass.

12. The door or window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the intermediate portion (20) slides on the first lateral face (9) when the operating mechanism (16) switches between the home configuration and the working configuration.

13. The door or window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the panel (6) also has an upper face (11) and a lower face (12) which extend transversally to the main faces (7), (8) and wherein the openable leaf (3) comprises a frame (13) which is fixed to the panel (6) and which only extends at the upper face (11) and / or at the lower face (12).

14. The door or window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the openable leaf (3) consists of the panel (6).

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