LOCK WITH FRONT FACE COVER ELEMENT OF A RECESSED PART OF IT

Abstract

A lock case (1) is a first embedded part (1) of a lock, and a strike plate or counter-case is a second embedded part of the lock. A bolt equipped with a latch bolt (30) is housed in the lock case (1) and is movable between a first retracted position and a second partially extended position. At least one embedded part (1) includes a cover element (12) for the respective front face (11) of the embedded part (1), equipped with its own through hole (120) corresponding to a through hole (10) in the front face (112) of the other embedded part (1). When the cover element (12) is positioned next to the front face (11), magnetic interaction means between said cover element (12) and the embedded part (1) act as means for removably attaching and / or securing said cover element (12) to the respective embedded part (1). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: LOCK WITH COVERING ELEMENT FOR THE FRONT FACE OF A RECESSED PART THEREOF

[0001] The present invention relates to a lock with an element for covering the front face of a recessed part thereof.

[0002] Locks normally comprise a housing, which can be inserted into a cutout obtained in the leaf of a door, and a counter-housing (or a striker) which can be inserted into a cutout obtained in the doorway or in a leaf of an additional door. A lock, equipped with a latch bolt at one end, is movable between a retracted position in the housing, in which the latch bolt is inside the latter, and a partially extracted position from the housing, in which the latch bolt is extracted from the housing and, when the leaf of the additional door is closed against the doorway or against the corresponding door leaf, is inserted into a corresponding seat made in the counter-housing (or the striker).The engagement of the latch bolt in the corresponding seat determines a mechanical relocking and the impossibility of opening the door by simply pressing on the door leaf, requiring the use of a handle.

[0003] The housing represents a part of the lock that can be inserted into the door leaf. In turn, the respective counter-housing (or strike plate) represents a part of the lock that can be inserted into the doorway or into any leaf of an additional door.

[0004] The two recessed parts of the lock have a respective front face equipped with a through hole for the passage of the corresponding lock and / or latch bolt. When the door is closed, the front faces of the two recessed parts (case and corresponding counter-case or striker) of the lock face each other, the corresponding through holes for the latch bolt being positioned in correspondence with each other. The front faces of the two recessed parts of the lock generally comprise functional elements (such as holes for fixing screws, stop and blocking elements, etc.) which are visible on the front face itself, which results in a suboptimal visual effect when the door is open, and therefore the front faces are visible.

[0005] To solve this problem, the application on the front face in question of a covering element is known, this covering element also being equipped with a through hole corresponding to that made on the front face for the passage of the latch bolt. Said covering element is fixed to the front face by means of mechanical locking or engagement means, in some cases also using screws. These mechanical elements are sometimes imprecise in use, or difficult to use or disassemble. In the case of screw means, the heads of the screws are visible even after the front face of the recessed part of the lock has been covered.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a lock with a covering element for the front face of a recessed part thereof, which can easily be applied to the front face and removed therefrom, and without causing any adverse visual effect on the latter.

[0007] These and other objects, which will become more apparent from the following description, are achieved, in accordance with the present invention, by a lock with a covering element for the front face of a recessed portion thereof having structural and functional features according to the appended independent claims, further embodiments thereof being identified in the appended and corresponding dependent claims. The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of the drawings, which represent merely illustrative and non-limiting embodiments. - [Fig. 1] is a schematic perspective view of a part of a door leaf and a part of a doorway (or an additional door leaf) in which the respective recessed parts, i.e. the casing of a lock and the counter-casing or strike plate of the lock, are inserted. - [Fig.2] illustrates a schematic perspective view of a recessed part of the lock, in particular consisting of its casing, inserted into the door leaf and shown with the covering element detached from its front face. - [Fig.3] illustrates an embodiment of the recessed portion of [Fig.2] in a partially exploded view, with the cover element highlighted. - [Fig.4] illustrates the embodiment of the embedded part of [Fig.3] carrying the covering element, respectively with a front view (left drawing), a section in plane AA (central drawing) and two enlarged details of the section in plane AA (right drawings). - [Fig.5] illustrates a front view of a covering element, in particular for a recessed part consisting of a lock case. - [Fig.5A] illustrates the section in the DD plane of the covering element of [Fig.5]. [Fig.5B] illustrates the section in the EE plane of the covering element of [Fig.5], with an enlarged detail. [Fig.5C] illustrates the detail indicated by “a” in [Fig.5A]. [Fig.5D] illustrates the detail indicated by “b” in [Fig.5A]. [Fig.6] illustrates a front view of the recessed portion of [Fig.3], inserted into a door leaf (illustrated schematically). [Fig.6A] illustrates the section in plane BB of [Fig.6]. [Fig.6B] illustrates the section in the CC plane of [Fig.6]. [Fig.ôC] illustrates the detail indicated by “c” in [Fig.ôA]. [Fig.ôD] illustrates the detail indicated by “d” in [Fig.ôA]. [Fig.7] illustrates, in an illustration similar to that of [Fig.4], a further embodiment of the embedded part of [Fig.3] carrying the covering element, respectively with a front view (left drawing), a section in the FF plane (central drawing) and an enlarged detail of the section in the FF plane (right drawing). [Fig.8] illustrates, in an illustration similar to that of [Fig.4] and [Fig.7], the embodiment of the embedded part of [Fig.9] carrying the covering element, respectively with a front view (left drawing), a section in the GG plane (central drawing) and an enlarged detail of the section in the GG plane (right drawing). [Fig.9] illustrates a further embodiment of the recessed portion of [Fig.2] in a partially exploded view, with the cover element highlighted. [Fig. 10] illustrates a further embodiment of a recessed part of the lock, in particular consisting of its housing, in a partially exploded view similar to that of [Fig. 2], with the covering element highlighted. [Fig. 11] illustrates the embodiment of the recessed part of [Fig. 10] in a view similar to that of figures 4, 7, 8, respectively with a front view (left drawing) and with a section in plane II (right drawing). [Fig.llA] illustrates the section in the JJ plane of [Fig.11]. [Fig. llB] illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, an enlarged detail of the recessed portion of [Fig. 10], the element forming the front face of the recessed portion being mounted on the recessed portion. [Fig. 12] illustrates in a schematic perspective view, with the cover element removed, a further embodiment of a recessed part of locks, in particular consisting of the lock housing itself. [Fig. 13] illustrates a schematic perspective view of a recessed part of the lock, in particular consisting of its counter-case or its strike plate, inserted into the door frame or into the leaf of an additional door and shown with the covering element detached from its front face. [Fig. 14] illustrates a schematic perspective view of the recessed part of [Fig. 13] extracted from the doorway or the leaf of an additional door and shown with the covering element detached from its front face. [Fig. 15] illustrates a covering element of the type also illustrated in [Fig. 14], in particular for a recessed part consisting of a counter-case or a strike plate of a lock, represented by a front view, a first part in the LL plane on the front view and a second part in the MM plane on the front view. [Fig. 16] illustrates a schematic perspective view of an additional embodiment of a recessed part of the lock, in particular consisting of its counter-case or its strike plate, inserted into the door frame or into the leaf of an additional door and shown with the covering element detached from its front face. [Fig. 17] shows a front view of the recessed part of [Fig. 16], completed with the covering element and inserted into the doorway or the leaf of an additional door. [Fig. 18] illustrates the section in the NN plane in [Fig. 17]. [Fig.l8A] illustrates the detail indicated by "e" in [Fig. 18]. [Fig. 19] illustrates the part in the 0-0 plane in [Fig. 17]. [Fig.20] illustrates the covering element of the embodiment of the embedded part of Figures 16 to 19, represented by a front view, a first section in the plane PP on the front view and a second section in the plane QQ on the front view. [Fig.21] illustrates a schematic perspective view of an additional embodiment of a recessed part of the lock, in particular consisting of its counter-case or its strike plate, inserted into the door frame or into the leaf of an additional door and shown with the covering element detached from its front face. [Fig.22] shows a front view of the recessed part of [Fig.21], completed with the covering element and inserted into the doorway or the leaf of an additional door. [Fig.23] illustrates the section in the RR plane in [Fig.22]. - [Fig.23A] illustrates the detail indicated by “f” in [Fig.23]. - [Fig.24] illustrates the covering element of the embodiment of the embedded part of figures 21 to 23A, represented by a front view, a first section in the SS plane on the front view and a second part in the TT plane on the front view.

[0008] Referring to the figures, a lock with a covering element of the front face of a recessed part thereof comprises a housing 1 which is a first recessed part 1 of the lock to be inserted into a respective cutout obtained in a leaf 100 of the door. The lock further comprises a counter-housing or a striker 2 which is a second recessed part 2 of the lock to be inserted into a respective cutout obtained in a doorway 200 of the door or in a leaf 200' of an additional door.

[0009] In the figures, the door leaf 100 (with the cutout for the housing 1) is illustrated in a schematic form. In the figures, the door embrasure 200 (or the leaf 200' of the additional door) are also illustrated in a schematic form.

[0010] The lock also comprises a latch 3 equipped with a latch bolt 30 at one end and housed in the housing 1, which is movable between a first retracted position, in which the latch bolt 30 is inside the housing 1, and a second partially extracted position in which the latch bolt 30 is extracted from the housing 1 through a first through hole 10 obtained in a front face 11 of the first recessed part 1 (i.e. of the housing 1).

[0011] If the housing 1 and the counter-housing or the strike 2 face each other, the latch bolt 30 is inserted into a seat 20 of the counter-housing or the strike 2 through a second through hole 21 obtained in a front face 22 of the second embedded part 2 (i.e. of the counter-housing or the strike 2).

[0012] At least the first recessed part 1 (i.e. at least the housing 1) or at least the second recessed part 2 (i.e. at least the counter-housing or the striker 2) comprises a respective covering element 12, 23 of the respective front face 11, 22, equipped with its own through-hole 120, 230 corresponding to the through-hole 10, 21 of the front face 11, 22 of the respective recessed part 1, 2. Preferably, both the first recessed part 1 (i.e. the housing 1) and the second recessed part 2 (i.e. the housing 2) comprise a respective covering element 12, 23 of the respective front face 11, 22. The lock comprises means for removably associating and / or fixing said covering element 12, 23 to the respective recessed part 1, 2.Said means for removably associating and / or fixing said covering element 12, 23 comprise means of magnetic interaction between said covering element 12, 23 and the . respective recessed part 1, 2 of the lock which, when the covering element 12, 23 is placed next to the respective front face 11, 22, determine its removable attachment to the front face 11, 22 itself.

[0013] The use of magnetic means allows the covering element 12, 23 to be engaged with the respective front face 11, 22 without foreign elements being visible, obtaining a neat visual / aesthetic effect.

[0014] Said means of magnetic interaction between said covering element 12, 23 and the respective embedded part 1, 2 of the lock comprise at least one localized part 13, 24 of said respective embedded part 1, 2 of the lock, having magnetic characteristics generating a magnetic field acting on magnetic field-sensitive parts of the covering element 12, 23. Said localized part 13, 24 of the embedded part 1, 2 may be created by using one or more permanent magnets or permanent magnet parts. Said at least one localized part 13, 24 of the embedded part 1, 2 may be created by using one or more areas of ferromagnetic material of the embedded part 1, 2 previously subjected to the action of a strong magnetic field until a permanent magnetization thereof having the desired characteristics is determined.Said at least one localized portion 13, 24 of the embedded portion 1, 2 can also be created by dispersing in localized areas of a matrix without magnetic characteristics a certain percentage of parts of the material having magnetic characteristics generating a magnetic field acting on parts sensitive to the magnetic field. In particular, parts of permanent magnet or permanently magnetized material can be dispersed in the desired direction.

[0015] Said means of magnetic interaction between said covering element 2, 23 and the respective embedded part 1, 2 of the lock further comprise at least one localized part of the covering element 12, 23 made of a material sensitive to the magnetic field and attracted by it and affected by the magnetic field generated by at least one localized part 13, 24 of said respective embedded part 1, 2 of the lock when the covering element 12, 23 is placed next to the respective front face 11, 22, determining its removable attachment to the front face 11, 22 itself. Said at least one localized portion 13, 24 of the embedded portion 1, 2 can be created by using one or more portions of material having a predetermined magnetic sensitivity, so as to undergo in the desired manner the action of the magnetic field generated by said at least one localized portion 13, 24 of the embedded portion 1, 2.This effect can be achieved in particular by dispersing parts of the material having the predetermined magnetic sensitivity value in one or more regions / areas of a matrix of material having low magnetic sensitivity, which is used to manufacture the embedded part 1, 2. This effect can also be . obtained by inserting areas or elements of material having the predetermined magnetic sensitivity value into suitable seats of this matrix. Preferably, the embedded part 1, 2 or at least its front face 11, 22 may be entirely made of the material having the predetermined magnetic sensitivity value. The material having the predetermined magnetic sensitivity value may in particular be a metallic material sensitive to the magnetic field, for example iron or steel.

[0016] To each localized part 13, 24 of said respective embedded part 1, 2 of the lock having magnetic characteristics corresponds at least one respective localized part of the covering element 12, 23 made of a material sensitive to the magnetic field and attracted by it. In this way, when the covering element 12, 23 is brought closer to the respective embedded part 1, 2 (in particular to the respective front face 11, 22), the magnetic attraction effect is effectively determined, and consequently the engagement between the two parts.Preferably, the covering element 12, 23 (in particular in its entirety) is made of a material sensitive to the magnetic field and attracted thereto, and is affected by the magnetic field generated by said at least one localized portion 13, 24 of said respective recessed portion 1, 2 of the lock when the covering element 12, 23 is placed next to the respective front face 11, 22, determining its removable attachment to the front face 11, 22 itself. As already anticipated, with reference to the magnetic field-sensitive material, in particular the covering element 12, 23 is preferably made of metallic material, even more preferably steel.

[0017] In general, said localized portion 13, 24 of said respective recessed portion 1, 2 of the lock preferably comprises at least one magnet 130a, 130b, 240, 240a, 240b inserted in a respective seat 131a, 131b, 241, 241a, 241b obtained in the respective recessed portion 1, 2. Preferably, said localized portion 13, 24 of said respective recessed portion 1, 2 of the lock preferably comprises at least one magnet 130a, 130b, 240, 240a, 240b inserted in a respective seat 131a, 131b, 241, 241a, 241b obtained in the respective recessed portion 1, 2.

[0018] For example, in the embodiments of figures 3, 4, 6A, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, the seat 131a, 131b, 241a, 241b is obtained in the front face 11, 22.

[0019] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 16 to 24 with particular reference to the second recessed part 2 (i.e. the counter-case or strike 2), the seat 241 is obtained in the body of the recessed part 2. More precisely, in the case of the counter-case or strike 2, the seat 241 is obtained behind the seat 20 for the insertion of the latch bolt 30. In this case, it is possible to use as magnet 240, the same magnet that is used in a magnetic lock to attract the latch bolt 30 into the seat 20 by means of a magnetic field. As for concerns this particular solution, further details will be provided later in the description that follows.

[0020] In a first solution, the magnet 130a, 130b, 240a, 240b is inserted into the seat 131a, 131b, 241, 241a, 241b along a direction parallel to that of the movement of the lock 3 (as for example illustrated in the embodiments of figures 3, 9, 14). In an alternative solution, illustrated in particular in Figures 10 to 11b, the magnet 130a, 130b is inserted into the seat 131a, 131b along a direction perpendicular to that of the movement of the lock 3. In particular, as illustrated in Figures 10 to 11b, the magnet 130a, 130b has a cylindrical shape and is inserted perpendicular to the direction of movement of the lock 3 (and of the corresponding latch bolt 30) in the seat 131a, 131b made in the thickness of the front face 11, 22 (i.e. in the thickness of the element forming the front face 11, 22). In this case, the seat 131a, 131b is also cylindrical.

[0021] The seat 131a, 131b, 240, 241a, 241b provides an opening for the insertion of the magnet 130a, 130b, 240, 240a, 240b and at least one abutment surface of the magnet 130a, 130b, 240, 240a, 240b on the opposite side. In Figures 3, 4, 6 to 6D, 7 in particular, the magnet 130a, 130b is inserted into the element forming the front face 11, 22 on the side facing the body 15 of the embedded part 1 and brought into abutment on the opposite side. The abutment surface is obtained in the element forming the front face 11, 22 and is visible in Figures 4 (in both details), 6C, 7 (in detail). In Figures 8, 9 in particular, the magnet 130a, 130b is inserted into the element forming the front face 11, 22 on the side which is opposite to that facing the body 15 of the embedded part 1 and brought into abutment on the side which, on the contrary, faces the body 15 of the embedded part 1.The abutment surface is also in this case obtained in the element forming the front face 11, 22 and is visible both in [Fig.9] and in the detail of [Fig.8]. Even if figures 3, 4, 6 to 6D, 7, 8, 9 refer to the case in which the embedded part 1, 2 is the housing 1, it is obvious that in a similar manner, the solutions presented therein can be applied to the case in which the embedded part 1, 2 is the counter-housing or the striker 2, in particular in the embodiment shown in figures 13 to 15.

[0022] As illustrated in particular in Figures 1 to 4, 6 to 6D, in one solution, the magnet 130a, 130b is included between the front face 11 of the respective recessed part 1 and the support 100 (or parts of the support 100) where said respective recessed part 1 is inserted when the lock is assembled.

[0023] In the case illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, 6 to 6D, the support itself is the leaf 100 of the door. In particular, the seat 131a, 131b of the magnet 130a, 130b is obtained in parts of the element forming the front face 11 so as to abut on parts of the leaf 100 of the door or of the corresponding cutout when the lock is installed in the door leaf 100. Preferably, these parts of the element forming the front face 11 may be flanges of the embedded part 1 (in particular of the housing 1) which serve for its attachment to the corresponding support 100 (in particular the door leaf 100). The stop of the magnet 130a, 130b remains in a distal position relative to the support 100. The entry hole of the seat 131a, 131b faces the support 100. The magnet 130a, 130b may be glued to the stop using a suitable adhesive to prevent it from losing its position when the embedded part 1 is not yet installed. Even though figures 1 to 4, 6 to 6D refer to the case in which the embedded part 1, 2 is the housing 1, it is obvious that in a similar manner, the solutions presented therein can be applied to the case in which the embedded part 1, 2 is the counter-housing or the striker 2, in particular in the embodiment of figures 13 to 15.

[0024] As illustrated in particular in [Fig.7], in an additional solution, the magnet 130a, 130b is located between the front face 11 of the respective embedded part 1 and additional parts 14 of the respective embedded part 1 itself. Said additional parts 14 comprise in particular a part 140 supporting the element forming the front face 11. This support part may be a closing wall of the body 15 of the respective embedded part 1 (in the examples, the body 15 of the housing 1). The inlet of the seat 131a, 131b is made on the side of the element forming the front face 11 which is intended to face the additional parts 14 (in particular the support part 140). Any stop is located on the side opposite that intended to face the additional parts 14 (see in particular the detail in [Fig.7]). In this solution, when the embedded part 1 is put in place (thus, the front face 11 is mounted on the additional parts 14, in particular on the support part 140, of the respective embedded part 1), the magnet 130a, 130b can no longer come out of the respective seat 131a, 131b also during the various manipulations of the embedded part 1 during an assembly.The magnet can also be glued to the stop using a suitable adhesive to prevent it from being lost from positioning when the element forming the front face 11 is not yet mounted on the additional parts 14 of the embedded part 1, in particular on the support part 140. Again, even if in [Fig. 7], this solution is shown only for the embedded part 1 represented by the housing 1, it also applies to the embedded part 2 represented by the counter-housing or the striker 2 (in particular in the embodiments of Figures 13 to 15).

[0025] With exemplary and non-limiting reference to Figures 8, 14, 23, 24, in one solution, the magnet 130a, 130b, 240, 240a, 240b is located between the covering element 12, 23 and parts of the respective embedded part 1, 2. Figures 23 and 24 illustrate the case in which the magnet 240 is inserted into a seat 241 obtained centrally in the recessed part 2. In the case illustrated in particular in [Fig. 23], the entry of the seat 241 may be either on the side of the recessed part 2 distal to the cover element 23 (in which case, preferably, on the opposite side, a stop proximal to the cover element 23 may be provided), or on the side of the recessed part 2 proximal to the cover element 23 (in which case, preferably, on the opposite side, a stop distal to the cover element 23 may be provided). When the recessed part 2 is the counter-case or the striker 2, preferably the seat 241 is in correspondence with the seat 20 for the entry of the latch bolt 30 and the magnet 240 may be the one used to obtain a mechanical relocking in a magnetic lock by attracting the latch bolt 30 itself.

[0026] Referring to Figures 8, 14, the magnet 130a, 130b, 240a, 240b is between the cover element 12, 23 and parts of the respective recessed part 1, 2. In particular, specifically, the magnet 130a, 130b, 240a, 240b is between the cover element 12, 23 and the front face forming element 11, 22. The entrance of the seat 131a, 131b, 241a, 241b is on the side of the front face forming element 11, 22 which is facing the cover element 12, 23. Any stop is located on the opposite side (see in particular the detail in [Fig.8]). The magnet can also be glued to the stop using a suitable adhesive to prevent it from being lost in position in the various stages of handling and / or use of the lock where the covering element 12, 23 is not yet applied to the respective recessed part 1, 2. Again, even if in [Fig.8], this solution is shown only for the recessed part 1 represented by the housing 1, it also applies to the recessed part 2 represented by the counter-housing or the latch 2 (in particular in the embodiments of figures 13 to 15).

[0027] Said respective recessed portion 1, 2 of the lock (i.e. either the housing 1, or the counter-housing or the striker 2, or both) comprises at least one pair of localized portions 13, 24 having magnetic characteristics generating a magnetic field acting on magnetic field-sensitive portions of the covering element 12, 23. Preferably, the two localized portions 13, 24 of the pair are placed in the front face 11, 22 on opposite sides with respect to the through-hole 10, 21 obtained in said front face 11, 22 for the passage of the latch bolt 30.

[0028] Preferably, said at least one pair of localized portions 13, 24 having magnetic characteristics generating a magnetic field acting on magnetic field-sensitive portions of the covering element 12, 23 is created by means of a pair of permanent magnets. The arrangement and housing of the magnets in the respective seats may be made according to any of the configurations described above.

[0029] In an embodiment illustrated in particular in [Fig. 12], said localized parts 13 having magnetic characteristics are permanently magnetized areas of the front face 11 (in particular obtained from the ferromagnetic material from which the front face 11 is made, by prior exposure to a strong magnetic field). In [Fig. 12], the localized parts 13 are indicated by a hatched background. In [Fig. 12], this solution is illustrated with reference to a recessed part 1 represented by the housing 1, but it is obvious that the same identical solution can also be immediately applied to the recessed part 2 represented by the counter-housing or the striker 2.

[0030] Referring in particular to Figures 16 to 24, the covering element 12, 23 has at least one projecting portion 231 which projects inwardly from the respective recessed portion 2 until it reaches at least one localized portion 24 of said respective recessed portion 2 of the lock, having magnetic characteristics generating a magnetic field acting on magnetic field-sensitive portions of the covering element 23. Said projecting portion 231 comprises at least one localized portion made of a material sensitive to the magnetic field and attracted by it. Said projecting portion 231 may itself be made (preferably with the entire covering element 23) of a material sensitive to the magnetic field and attracted by it.In this way, it is possible to locate the magnetic interaction determining the engagement of the covering element 23 on the front face 22 of the respective recessed part 2 in a correct and precise manner even if said at least one localized part 24 of said respective recessed part 2 of the lock, having magnetic characteristics generating a magnetic field acting on magnetic field-sensitive parts of the covering element 23, is housed in an internal position of the recessed part 2 itself. Said protruding part 231 can be inserted into a suitable seat inside the respective recessed part 2.Said projecting portion 231 may have an end suitably shaped to come more easily into contact with or near the corresponding localized portion 24 of said respective recessed portion 2 of the lock, having magnetic characteristics generating a magnetic field acting on magnetic field-sensitive portions of the covering element 23 (see in particular FIGS. 18, 18A, 19, 20). This solution, although illustrated for the case of a recessed portion 2 represented by the counter-case or the striker 2, may also be used in a recessed portion 1 represented by the housing 1.

[0031] In one embodiment, said projecting portion 231 projects inwardly of the respective recessed portion 2 from one of the sides of the perimeter edge of the through hole 230 of the covering element 23. At least on each of at least two opposite sides of the perimeter edge of the through hole 230 of the covering element 23 there is such a respective protruding portion 231 (see in particular Figures 18, 18A, 19, 20). In one embodiment, each of the sides of the perimeter edge of the through hole 230 of the covering element 23 has such a respective protruding portion 231. Figures 21 to 24 illustrate a particular case of this configuration in which such protruding portions 231 are integrated with each other by deep drawing of the covering element 23 corresponding to the through hole 230.

[0032] Advantageously, at least on two of its sides, the covering element 12, 23 has lateral edges 121, 232 which project from the bearing surface of the covering element 12, 23 towards the respective embedded part 1, 2 and embrace the outer lateral edges 110, 220 of the front face 11, 22. Even more advantageously, said lateral edges 121, 232 of the covering element 12, 23 surround the entire covering element 12, 23 itself and embrace all the outer lateral edges 110, 220 of the front face 11, 22 of the respective embedded part 1, 2. Preferably, the covering element 11, 22 is a concave element having a predominant flat portion, to which the lateral edges 121, 232 are added to determine its concavity which, upon engagement with the respective recessed portion 1, 2, faces towards the respective recessed portion 1, 2 itself.The covering element 11, 22 can be obtained from a sheet metal by deep drawing and / or cutting and bending said sheet metal.

[0033] Referring in particular to Figures 5, 5A, 5C, on both sides of the cover element 12, 23 which are parallel to the faces of the door leaf 100 itself when the door leaf 100 is closed, said side edges 121, 232 of the cover element 12, 23, at least in correspondence with the through hole 120, 230, have a widening of the projection, which extends further towards the respective recessed portion 1, 2 than the remaining parts of said side edges 121, 232 of the cover element 12, 23. A reinforcement of the cover element 12, 23 precisely where it is thinnest is thus achieved. This can be important when the cover element 12, 23 is made from a fairly thin sheet metal.Figures 5, 5A, 5C illustrate this feature with particular reference to the case in which the respective recessed part 1, 2 is represented by the housing 1; however, it is clear that the feature can also be applied to the typical covering element 12, 23 of the recessed part 2 represented by the counter-housing or the striker 2, in particular to that shown in Figures 13 to 15.

[0034] Advantageously, at least on two opposite sides of the perimeter of its through hole 120, 230, the covering element 12, 23 has respective centering projections 122, 233 which at least partially embrace the edges of the through hole. 10, 20 in the front face 11, 22 of said respective recessed portion 1, 2. Conveniently, the centering projections 122, 233 are obtained as specific elements from the perimeter edge of the through hole 120, 233. However, when the aforementioned protrusion 231 (or protrusions 231) is (or are) present, it (or they) may represent an embodiment of one or more of said centering projections 122, 233.

[0035] At least one of said centering projections 122, 233 has a seat 123, 234 for the insertion of a tool (e.g. a screwdriver or other similar tool) for removing the covering element 12, 23 from the respective recessed part 1, 2.

[0036] The invention provides significant advantages. In particular, a system is provided for covering the front faces of one or more of the recessed parts of the lock, which allows for an aesthetic / visual effect without any defects or visibility of functional elements that could detract from the aesthetic impression. The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept that characterizes it.

Claims

1.

2. Claims Lock with a covering element for the front face of a recessed part thereof, comprising: - a housing (1) which is a first recessed part (1) of the lock to be inserted into a respective cutout obtained in a leaf (100) of a door; - a counter-case or a strike plate (2) which is a second embedded part (2) of the lock to be inserted into a respective cutout obtained in a doorway (200) of the door or in a leaf of an additional door (200'); - a lock (3) equipped with a latch bolt (30) at one end and housed in the housing (1), which is movable between a first retracted position, in which the latch bolt (30) is inside the housing (1), and a second partially extracted position in which the latch bolt (30) is extracted from the housing (1) through a first through-hole (10) obtained in a front face (11) of the first embedded part (1), and if the housing (1) and the counter-housing or the striker (2) face each other, it is inserted into a seat (20) of the counter-housing or the striker (2) through a second through-hole (21) obtained in a front face (22) of the second embedded part (2);at least the first recessed part (1) or at least the second recessed part (2) comprising a respective covering element (12, 23) of the respective front face (11, 22), equipped with its own through hole (120, 230) corresponding to the through hole (10, 21) of the front face (11, 22) of the respective recessed part (1, 2); the lock comprising means for removably associating and / or fixing said covering element (12, 23) to the respective recessed part (1, 2); the lock being characterized in that said means for associating and / or removably fixing said covering element (12, 23) comprise means of magnetic interaction between said covering element (12, 23) and the respective recessed part (1, 2) of the lock which, when the covering element (12, 23) is placed next to the respective front face (11, 22), determine its removably fixing to the front face (11, 22) itself. Lock according to claim 1, characterized in that said magnetic interaction means between said covering element (12, 23) and the respective recessed portion (1, 2) of the lock comprise: - at least one localized portion (13, 24) of said respective recessed portion (1, 2) of the lock, having magnetic characteristics generating a magnetic field acting on magnetic field-sensitive portions of the covering element (12, 23); - at least one localized portion of the covering element (12, 23) made of a magnetic field-sensitive material and attracted by it and affected by the magnetic field generated by said at least one localized portion (13, 24) of said respective recessed portion (1, 2) of the lock when the covering element (12, 23) is placed next to the respective front face (11, 22), determining its removable attachment to the front face (11, 22) itself.

3. Lock according to claim 2, characterized in that each localized part (13, 24) of said respective embedded part (1, 2) of the lock having magnetic characteristics corresponds to at least one respective localized part of the covering element (12, 23) made of a material sensitive to the magnetic field and attracted by it.

4. Lock according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the covering element (12, 23) made of a material sensitive to the magnetic field and attracted by it and affected by the magnetic field generated by said at least one localized part (13, 24) of said respective recessed part (1, 2) of the lock when the covering element (12, 23) is placed next to the respective front face (11, 22), determining its removable attachment to the front face (11, 22) itself.

5. Lock according to claim 4, characterized in that the covering element (12, 23) is made of metallic material, preferably steel.

6. A lock according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that said respective recessed portion (1, 2) of the lock comprises at least one pair of localized portions (13, 24) having magnetic characteristics generating a magnetic field acting on magnetic field-sensitive portions of the covering element (12, 23), the two localized portions (13, 24) of the pair being placed in the front face (11, 22) on opposite sides relative to the through hole (10, 21) obtained in said front face (11, 22) for the passage of the half-turn bolt (30).

7. Lock according to claim 6, characterized in that said localized parts (13) having magnetic characteristics are permanently magnetized areas of the front face (11).

8. Lock according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said localized part (13, 24) of said respective recessed part (1, 2) of the lock comprises at least one magnet (130a, 130b, 240, 240a, 240b) inserted in a respective seat (131a, 131b, 241, 241a, 241b) obtained in the respective recessed part (1, 2).

9. Lock according to claim 8, characterized in that the seat (131a, 131b, 241a, 241b) is obtained in the front face (11, 22).

10. Lock according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the magnet (130a, 130b, 240a, 240b) is inserted into the seat (131a, 131b, 241, 241a, 241b) along a direction parallel to that of movement of the lock (3).

11. Lock according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the magnet (130a, 130b) is inserted into the seat (131a, 131b) along a direction perpendicular to that of movement of the lock (3).

12. Lock according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the seat (131a, 131b, 240, 241a, 241b) provides an opening for the insertion of the magnet (130a, 130b, 240, 240a, 240b) and at least one abutment surface of the magnet (130a, 130b, 240, 240a, 240b) on the opposite side.

13. Lock according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the magnet (130a, 130b) is between the front face (11) of the respective recessed part (1) and the parts of the support where said respective recessed part (1) is inserted when the lock is assembled.

14. Lock according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the magnet (130a, 130b) is between the front face (11) of the respective recessed part (1) and additional parts (14) of the respective recessed part (1) itself.

15. Lock according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the magnet (130a, 130b, 240, 240a, 240b) is between the covering element (12, 23) and parts of the respective recessed part (1, 2).

16. Lock according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the covering element (12, 23) has at least one projecting portion (231) which projects inwardly from the respective recessed portion (2) until it reaches at least one localized portion (24) of said respective recessed portion (2) of the lock, having magnetic characteristics generating a magnetic field acting on magnetic field-sensitive portions of the covering element (23), said projecting portion (231) comprising at least one localized portion made of a material sensitive to the magnetic field and attracted thereto or being itself made of a material sensitive to the magnetic field and attracted thereto.

17. Lock according to claim 16, characterized in that said projecting portion (231) projects inwardly of the respective recessed portion (2) from one side of the perimeter edge of the through hole (230) of the covering element (23).

18. Lock according to claim 17, characterized in that at least on each of at least two opposite sides of the perimeter edge of the through hole (230) of the covering element (23) there is such a respective protruding portion (231).

19. Lock according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that each of the sides of the perimeter edge of the through hole (230) of the covering element (23) has such a respective projecting part (231).

20. Lock according to claim 19, characterized in that all these projecting parts (231) are inserted into each other by deep drawing of the covering element (23) corresponding to the through hole (230).

21. Lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least on two of its sides, the covering element (12, 23) has lateral edges (121, 232) which project from the laying surface of the covering element (12, 23) towards the respective recessed part (1, 2) and embrace the external lateral edges (110, 220) of the front face (11, 22).

22. Lock according to claim 21, characterized in that said lateral edges (121, 232) of the covering element (12, 23) surround the whole of the covering element (12, 23) itself and embrace all the external side edges (110, 220) of the front face (11, 22) of the respective embedded part (1, 2).

23. Lock according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that on both sides of the covering element (12, 23) which are parallel to the faces of the door leaf (100) itself when the door leaf (100) is closed, said lateral edges (121, 232) of the covering element (12, 23) at least in correspondence with the through hole (120, 230) have a widening of the projection, which extends further towards the respective recessed part (1, 2) compared to the remaining parts of said lateral edges (121, 232) of the covering element (12, 23).

24. Lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least on two opposite sides of the perimeter of its through hole (120, 230), the covering element (12, 23) has respective centering projections (122, 233) which at least partially embrace the edges of the through hole (10, 20) in the front face (11, 22) of said respective recessed part (1, 2).

25. Lock according to claim 24, characterized in that at least one of said centering projections (122, 233) has a seat (123, 234) for the insertion of a tool for removing the covering element (12, 23) from the respective recessed part (1, 2).

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