LOCK ACTUATING DEVICE

Abstract

Device (1) for actuating a lock, comprising a pivot (2) and a pair of arms (3) having respective internal ends (31) articulated in said pivot (2), a first pusher (4) arranged aligned with respect to said pivot (2) along a longitudinal direction (D); a second pusher (5) movable inside said opening (A) and capable of passing from an active configuration in which it is arranged along said longitudinal direction (D) in an intermediate position between said first pusher (4) and said pivot (2), to a passive configuration in which it is arranged outside said longitudinal direction (D), said second pusher (5) always being arranged in said intermediate position when said first pusher (4) is in the pushing configuration and said second pusher (5) is in said active configuration. Fig. 4.

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR ACTUATING A LOCK Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for actuating a lock.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a device for actuating a lock of the type with two or more closing points, used for example for adjusting the closing / opening of the doors of camper vans or, more generally, of recreational vehicles. Prior art

[0003] With the growth of the market for recreational vehicles, such as motorhomes, ever greater attention to detail is required, and certainly, the safety of the vehicle and its contents is of obvious importance.

[0004] In particular, efficient and easy-to-operate locks are increasingly in demand.

[0005] To date, different types of devices for actuating a lock are known.

[0006] The known devices 100, with reference to Figures 1 and 2 illustrating the state of the art, generally comprise actuating means 40 (comprising for example a handle), and a pair of arms 30 which, when urged by these actuating means 40, rotate so as to allow the withdrawal of the corresponding locks or retractable pivots (not illustrated) from special housings provided on the door frame, thus allowing the door itself to be opened.

[0007] In detail, the known devices 100 comprise a pusher element 50, actuable by the actuating means 40 so as to guarantee the mentioned stress on the arms 30.

[0008] The known devices 100 of more recent embodiment, to guarantee the locking of the lock, do not provide for the limitation of the movement of the aforementioned arms 30 (for example by means of the opposition of locking and reaction elements), but the disengagement between the actuating means 40 and the pusher element 50.

[0009] In other words, the pusher element 50 of the known devices 100 is capable of passing from an active configuration (visible in the first of FIGS. 1 to 3) to a passive configuration (visible in the second of FIGS. 1 to 3), and vice versa.

[0010] Substantially, when the pusher element 50 is in the active configuration, it is arranged so as to guarantee the transmission of the movement of the actuating means 40 (handle) to the aforementioned arms 30.

[0011] On the other hand, when the pusher element 50 is in passive configuration, an action performed on the handle does not generate any transfer of movement to the arms 30, because the actuation of the handle does not find any reaction on the pusher element 50.

[0012] These known devices guarantee a good solution, but are certainly not without drawbacks.

[0013] A significant disadvantage of the known devices lies in the fact that they do not always guarantee optimal operation and effective security of the door.

[0014] For example, a typical problem of known devices lies in the fact that, due to operational or structural drawbacks, it may happen that the pusher element, when changing from the passive configuration to the active configuration, goes into an area (as visible in the third of figures 1 to 3) outside the range of action of the actuating means (i.e. the handle), substantially blocking the device. Statement of the invention

[0015] The present invention therefore aims to provide a device for actuating a lock capable of resolving the aforementioned drawbacks of the state of the art.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device for actuating a lock which is simple and practical to use.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for actuating a lock which always guarantees correct operation.

[0018] According to the present invention, these and other objectives are achieved by a device for actuating a lock comprising: - a support plan; - a pivot fixed on said support plane and a pair of arms respectively having internal ends articulated in said pivot, said arms being configured to rotate around said pivot in divergent directions to block said lock, and to rotate in converging directions to unlock said lock; - a first pusher arranged aligned with respect to said pivot along a longitudinal direction; - means for actuating said first pusher capable of making it pass from a rest configuration to a thrust configuration; - a second pusher movable on said support plane and capable of passing from an active configuration in which it is arranged along said longitudinal direction in an intermediate position between said first pusher and said pivot, to a passive configuration in which it is arranged outside said longitudinal direction; when said first pusher is arranged in a pushing configuration and said second pusher is in an active configuration, said first pusher exerts a thrust on said second pusher along said longitudinal direction and said second pusher exerts a thrust on said pivot so as to actuate said rotation of said arms along said converging directions, said device being characterized in that said second pusher is always arranged in said intermediate position when said first pusher is in the pushing configuration and said second pusher is in said active configuration.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the device comprises means for guiding said second pusher into said intermediate position when moving from said passive configuration to said active configuration.

[0020] In some embodiments, said guide means comprise a guide element formed on said first pusher and projecting therefrom along a direction of development substantially transverse to said longitudinal direction.

[0021] In some embodiments, said guide means comprise a guide element formed on said second pusher and projecting therefrom along a curvilinear direction substantially transverse to said longitudinal direction.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the device comprises rearrangement means for rearrangement of said second pusher in said intermediate position when said second pusher is outside of said intermediate position along said longitudinal direction.

[0023] In certain embodiments, said actuating means are of the manual type.

[0024] In some embodiments, said manual-type actuation means comprise a handle.

[0025] In certain embodiments, said actuating means are of the automatic type.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the device comprises means for lateral movement of said second pusher from said active configuration to said passive configuration and vice versa.

[0027] In certain embodiments, said means for lateral movement of said second pusher are of the manual type.

[0028] In certain embodiments, said means for lateral movement of said second pusher are of the automatic type.

[0029] The above-mentioned characteristics and advantages, as well as others, will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, of exemplary embodiments of the device for actuating a lock. This detailed description refers to the attached drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] The attached drawings are schematic and are intended primarily to illustrate the principles of the disclosure. In these drawings, from one figure to another, identical elements (or parts of elements) are identified by the same reference signs.

[0031] [Fig. 1-3] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate schematic side and top perspective views of a known device, according to three different operating configurations;

[0032] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates a schematic side and top perspective view of a first embodiment of the device for actuating a lock which is the subject of the present invention, according to a first configuration of use;

[0033] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates a schematic side and top perspective view of the actuating device of a lock referred to in [Fig.4], according to a configuration for subsequent use;

[0034] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates a schematic side and top perspective view of a second embodiment of the device for actuating a lock which is the subject of the present invention, according to a first configuration of use;

[0035] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates a schematic side and top perspective view of the device for actuating a lock referred to in [Fig.6], according to a configuration for subsequent use;

[0036] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] illustrates a schematic side and top perspective view of a third embodiment of the device for actuating a lock which is the subject of the present invention, according to a first configuration of use.

[0037] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] illustrates a schematic side and top perspective view of the device for actuating a lock referred to in [Fig.8], in a second configuration of use;

[0038] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] illustrates a schematic side and top perspective view of the actuating device of a lock referred to in [Fig.8], in a third configuration of use. Description of the embodiments

[0039] With reference to the attached figures 4 to 10, a device for actuating a lock according to the present invention has been indicated under the reference number 1, also simply referred to hereinafter as device 1.

[0040] The device 1 which is the subject of the present invention comprises a support plane P having an opening A obtained thereon.

[0041] The device 1 comprises a pivot 2 fixed on the support plane P and a pair of arms 3 having respective internal ends 31 articulated on the pivot 2 itself.

[0042] Advantageously, each of the arms 3 has another respective point 32 for attachment to the support plane P.

[0043] The arms 3 are configured to rotate around the pivot 2 (and the fixing points 32) in divergent directions to lock the lock, and to rotate in converging directions to unlock the lock.

[0044] With reference to figures 4 to 10, the device 1 which is the subject of the present invention comprises a first pusher 4 arranged aligned with respect to the pivot 2 along a longitudinal direction D.

[0045] The device 1 also comprises means for actuating the first pusher 4 capable of making it pass from a rest configuration to a pushing configuration.

[0046] Advantageously, the actuating means are of the manual type and comprise a handle.

[0047] Alternatively, the actuating means are of the automatic type.

[0048] The device 1 comprises a second pusher 5 movable inside the aforementioned opening A.

[0049] In particular, the second pusher 5 is movable both along the aforementioned longitudinal direction D, and along a curvilinear translation direction R (indicated in [Fig.4]).

[0050] The second pusher 5 is capable of passing from an active configuration in which it is arranged along the longitudinal direction D, in an intermediate position between the first pusher 4 and the pivot 2, to a passive configuration in which it is arranged outside the direction D.

[0051] The active configuration of the second pusher 5 is visible for example in figures 4, 6, 8.

[0052] The passive configuration of the second pusher 5 is visible for example in Figures 5, 7.

[0053] Substantially in the transition from the active configuration to the passive configuration, and vice versa, the second pusher 5 moves along the mentioned curvilinear translation direction R.

[0054] Substantially, when the second pusher 5 is in passive configuration, it is not aligned with the first pusher 4 and with the pivot 2 along the longitudinal direction D.

[0055] In other words, when the second pusher 5 is in passive configuration, the lock is locked, that is to say that although by exerting a force on the handle, the door cannot be opened because the force exerted on the handle does not find a reaction in the second pusher 5 nor consequently in the pair of arms 3.

[0056] When the first pusher 4 is arranged in the pushing configuration, and the second pusher is in the active configuration, the first pusher 4 exerts a thrust on the second pusher 5 along the longitudinal direction D, and the second pusher 5 exerts a thrust on the pivot 2 so as to actuate the rotation of the arms 3 in the aforementioned converging directions.

[0057] The second pusher 5 is always arranged in an intermediate position between the first pusher 4 and the pivot 2, along the longitudinal direction D, when the first pusher 4 is in the pushing configuration and the second pusher 5 is in the active configuration.

[0058] Substantially, the device 1 which is the subject of the present invention provides for the fact that the second pusher 5 will never be placed in an area where it would be impossible for the first pusher 4 to exert a thrust on it, when both are arranged along the longitudinal direction D.

[0059] The device 1 which is the subject of the present invention comprises means 41, 51 for guiding the second pusher 5 into the intermediate position mentioned during the transition from the passive configuration to the active configuration.

[0060] By intermediate position is meant the position in which the second pusher 5 is arranged along the longitudinal direction D between the first pusher 4 and the pivot 2.

[0061] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the guide means comprise a guide element 41 formed on the first pusher 4.

[0062] This guide element 41 emerges from the first pusher 4, in other words projects from the first pusher 4, along a direction Z of development substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction D.

[0063] Advantageously, the direction Z of development of the guide element 41 is curvilinear.

[0064] Alternatively, the direction Z of development of the guide element 41 is rectilinear.

[0065] Substantially, this guide element 41 prevents the second pusher 5, passing from the passive configuration to the active configuration, from being placed in an area outside the intermediate position mentioned between the first pusher 4 and the pivot 2.

[0066] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the guide means comprise a guide element 51 formed on the second pusher.

[0067] According to this embodiment, the guide element 51 emerges from the second pusher 5, in other words projects from the second pusher 5, along a curvilinear direction Y substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction D.

[0068] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 to 10, the device 1 which is the subject of the present invention comprises rearrangement means for rearrangement of the second pusher in the mentioned intermediate position, when the second pusher is outside the intermediate position along the longitudinal direction D.

[0069] Substantially, these rearrangement means make it possible to lift the first pusher 4 so as to allow the translational movement of the second pusher 5 along the longitudinal direction D so that the latter can reposition itself in an intermediate position.

[0070] These rearrangement means also make it possible to lower the first pusher 4 into the pushing configuration when the second pusher 5 has returned to the intermediate position.

[0071] The device 1 which is the subject of the present invention comprises means for lateral movement of the second pusher 5 from active configuration to passive configuration and vice versa.

[0072] Substantially, these lateral displacement means allow the movement of the second pusher 5 inside the opening A, along the aforementioned direction R of curvilinear translation.

[0073] Advantageously, the lateral displacement means of the second pusher 5 are of the manual type, operable for example using a key.

[0074] Alternatively, the lateral displacement means of the second pusher 5 are of the automatic type.

[0075] The device for actuating a lock according to the present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the state of the art and provides significant advantages.

[0076] A first advantage of the device for actuating a lock which is the subject of the present invention is to guarantee a safe and efficient closing / opening mechanism.

[0077] Another advantage of the device for actuating a lock which is the subject of the present invention is that it always guarantees adequate operation.

[0078] This is guaranteed by the fact that the particular structure of the device allows its components to always be arranged where necessary, avoiding malfunctions.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for actuating a lock comprising: - a support plane (P); - a pivot (2) fixed on said support plane (P) and a pair of arms (3) respectively having internal ends (31) articulated in said pivot (2), said arms (3) being configured to rotate around said pivot (2) in divergent directions to block said lock, and to rotate in convergent directions to unlock said lock; - a first pusher (4) arranged aligned with respect to said pivot (2) along a longitudinal direction (D); - means for actuating said first pusher (4) capable of making it pass from a rest configuration to a pushing configuration;- a second pusher (5) movable on said support plane (P) and capable of passing from an active configuration in which it is arranged along said longitudinal direction (D) in an intermediate position between said first pusher (4) and said pivot (2), to a passive configuration in which it is arranged outside said longitudinal direction (D);wherein when said first pusher (4) is arranged in the pushing configuration and said second pusher (5) is in the active configuration, said first pusher (4) exerts a thrust on said second pusher (5) along said longitudinal direction (D) and said second pusher (5) exerts a thrust on said pivot (2) so as to actuate said rotation of said arms (3) along said converging directions, said device (1) being characterized in that said second pusher (5) is always arranged in said intermediate position when said first pusher (4) is in the pushing configuration and said second pusher (5) is in said active configuration.;

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, comprising means (41, 51) for guiding said second pusher (5) in said intermediate position when passing from said passive configuration to said active configuration.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, wherein said guide means comprises a guide element (41) formed on said first pusher (4) and projecting therefrom along a direction (Z) of development substantially transverse to said longitudinal direction (D).

4. Device (1) according to claim 2, wherein said guide means comprise a guide element (51) formed on said second pusher (5) and projecting therefrom along a curvilinear direction (Y) substantially transverse to said longitudinal direction (D).

5. Device (1) according to claim 1, comprising rearrangement means for rearrangement of said second pusher (5) in said intermediate position when said second pusher (5) is outside of said intermediate position along said longitudinal direction (D).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said actuating means are of the manual type.

7. Device (1) according to claim 6, wherein said manual type actuating means comprise a handle.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein said actuating means are of the automatic type.

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for lateral movement of said second pusher (5) from said active configuration to said passive configuration and vice versa.

10. Device (1) according to claim 9, wherein said means for lateral movement of said second pusher (5) are of the manual type.

11. Device (1) according to claim 9, wherein said means for lateral movement of said second pusher (5) are of the automatic type.