MULTI-POINT LOCKING SYSTEM FOR WINDOW AND DOOR UNITS
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- RU · RU
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ЭЗИНПЛАСТ С Р Л
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-01
Abstract
Description
[0001] DRIVING SYSTEM FOR AN ESPAGNOLETTE FOR A WINDOW FRAME
[0002] DESCRIPTION
[0003] This patent application for industrial invention relates to an actuation system of multi-point locking hardware for window and door frames.
[0004] As it is well known, window and door frames provided with a perimeter locking system based on the use of specific hardware known as "multi-point locking hardware" have been available for long in order to guarantee tightness and security,.
[0005] A typical multi-point locking hardware is composed of four rods capable of integrally sliding along the uprights and the crossbars of the movable window of the respective window frame because of the provision of special fittings mounted at the four corners of the window frame.
[0006] The reverse travels of the sliding rods are obtained by means of the handle that enables the opening and closing of the window relative to the respective fixed frame.
[0007] According to the solution adopted to achieve the desired perimeter closure of the window frame, the sliding rods of the window support several pegs with enlarged heads disposed in projecting position, which are suitable for cooperating with respective seats provided on the fixed frame of the window frame during use.
[0008] In such a condition, when the handle of the window is rotated in the closing direction, the pegs are slidingly engaged into their respective housing and locking seats provided on the fixed frame and are simultaneously ejected by means of a reverse sliding movement when the handle is rotated toward its opening direction.
[0009] Despite its efficacy, the technology adopted so far to enable the cooperation between the handle and the four sliding rods of the multi-point locking hardware is impaired from some significant drawbacks.
[0010] For a better understanding of the prior art, reference is made to the two "Prior Art” drawings attached to this description, wherein:
[0011] - Fig, 1 is an exploded view of the three main components of an actuation system of a traditional multi-point locking hardware; - Fig. 2 is a view of the three previous components in assembled condition which are disposed in place on the upright of the window, in a condition such to interact with the handle of the window.
[0012] In such a perspective, firstly, it should be considered that the installation of the traditional multi-point locking hardware is carried out by taking advantage of a longitudinal groove provided in the four metal profiles that form the uprights and the crossbars of a window.
[0013] Fig. 2 shows the provision of said longitudinal groove (G) in the upright (M) of the window where the handle (MA) used by the user to open or close the respective multi-point locking hardware is to be placed.
[0014] Moreover, Fig. 2 shows the presence of three holes (F1 , F2, F3) at the front edge of the upright (M), said holes (F1 , F2, F3) being vertically aligned and transversely crossing the longitudinal groove (G) of said upright (M); in particular, the central hole (F1 ) is suitable for accommodating the square pin (P) integral with the handle (MA) during use.
[0015] With reference to Fig. 1 , the first component of an actuation system of the traditional multi-point locking hardware consists of a metal strip (100) suitable for being disposed in place in longitudinal arrangement inside said longitudinal groove (G) of the upright (M).
[0016] Said strip (100) is posteriorly provided with a casing (101 ) of a substantially circular shape that is disposed edgeways and is centrally provided with a circular hole (101 a).
[0017] Said casing (101 ) houses a revolving toothed wheel (102) with a square center hole (102a), in a condition wherein the square hole (102a) of said toothed wheel (102) is aligned with said hole (101 a) of the casing (101 ) and a section of the toothed profile of said toothed wheel (102) partially projects on the front of said strip (100) through a window (100a).
[0018] Furthermore it should be considered that said strip (100) is posteriorly provided with two eyelets (103a, 103b), respectively disposed above and below the casing (101 ).
[0019] The strip (100) is anteriorly provided at its ends with two longitudinal projections (104, 105), each one of them being provided with a respective pair of holes (104', 104" / 105", 105"). As mentioned above, such a strip (100) is settled in the longitudinal groove (G) of the upright (M) with the casing (101 ) facing the bottom of the longitudinal groove (G).
[0020] In such a condition, the hole (101 a) of the casing (101 ) is perfectly aligned with the hole (F1 ) formed on the upright (M), whereas the two eyelets (103a, 103b) of the strip (100) are perfectly aligned with the additional holes (F2, F3) formed on the upright (M) of the window.
[0021] In view of the above, after being inserted into the center hole (F1 ) of the upright (M), the square pin (P) of the handle (MA) is exactly fitted with prismatic coupling into the square hole (102a) of the toothed wheel (102) provided in the strip (100).
[0022] The additional holes (F2, F3) of the upright (M) are suitable for accommodating two fixing screws (not shown in the above figures) of the handle (MA), which are successively inserted through the eyelets (103a, 103b) of the strip (100) in order to lock the latter inside the longitudinal groove (G).
[0023] The second component of such a traditional actuation system of the multipoint locking hardware consists of a rod (200) suitable for being slidingly fitted into the longitudinal groove (G) on the front of the strip (100), in such a way to make alternate longitudinal travels during the reverse rotations of the handle (MA) required to enable the closing and opening of the respective window or door.
[0024] As a matter of fact, according to the typical logic principle of the multi-point locking hardware, the sliding rod (200) is integral with the additional sliding rods provided at the opposite upright and crossbar of the window frame, in a condition in which the alternative sliding movement of said rod (200) move the additional sliding rods that are responsible for closing or opening the window in the same direction.
[0025] Moreover, it is provided that the sliding rod (200) centrally comprises a longitudinal section (201 ) that houses a set of transverse slots, which can be configured as a portion of a rack, under and above which two longitudinal windows (202, 203) are provided.
[0026] During use, such a sliding rod (200) cooperates with the strip (100) in a condition in which the toothed wheel (102) projecting in front of the strip (100) engages the longitudinal rack section (201 ) of said sliding rod (200), whereas the two projections (104, 105) provided on the front of the strip (100) are inserted inside the two windows (202, 203) of the sliding rod (200) with the possibility of alternatively sliding.
[0027] Evidently, the alternative rotations imposed by the user on the handle (MA) are transmitted by the square pin (P) to the toothed wheel (102) of the strip (100), which thus enables the alternative sliding of the rod (200) inside the longitudinal groove (G) of the upright (M) of the window thanks to the "toothed wheel / rack" coupling mode.
[0028] During the alternative sliding of the sliding rod (200) relative to the fixed strip (100), the two projections (104, 105) of the strip (100) inside the windows (202, 203) of the sliding rod (200) have the function of guiding and stabilizing the alternative travels of the sliding rod (200) relative to the fixed strip (100) and thus inside the longitudinal groove (G) of the upright (M).
[0029] The third component of such an actuation system of the multi-point locking hardware consists of a locking plate (300) suitable for being attached to the front of the longitudinal groove (G) of the upright (M), in front of the sliding rod (200), without interfering with the alternative travels of the sliding rod (200).
[0030] The stable fastening of said locking plate (300) is obtained by taking advantage of the strip (100) that is already settled and locked inside the longitudinal groove (G) of the upright (M).
[0031] In view of the above, the plate (300) has two pairs of holes (301 ', 301 '7 302', 302") suitable for being perfectly aligned with the pairs of holes (104', 104'7 105', 105") provided on the projections (104, 105) of the strip (100), before the installation of four connecting screws (not shown in the above figures), whose threaded stems pass through the windows (202, 203) of the sliding rod (200) during use.
[0032] The main critical aspect of such a traditional technology is represented by the need to use the strip (100) that supports the toothed wheel (102) that drives the sliding rod (200).
[0033] Indeed, it should be considered that not all metal profiles used to make a window or door frame have the same morphological and dimensional characteristics.
[0034] Above all, it is worth noting that the different types of metal profiles may have a different depth at the longitudinal groove (G) which should precisely accommodate the strip (100) and the casing (101 ). Evidently, from such a perspective, it is not possible to use a strip (100) of universal type that can be placed on any metal profile regardless of the depth and the width shown each time by the respective longitudinal groove.
[0035] Therefore, it is necessary to fabricate many different versions of such strip (100) according to the actual dimensions of the longitudinal groove (G) of the metal profiles.
[0036] In fact, only in this way, such alternative strips (100) can support the respective toothed wheel (102) in a perfectly centered position relative to the longitudinal groove (G) of the metal profile and, above all, in a position that is correctly aligned with said hole (F1 ) provided on the upright (M) of the window to accommodate the square pin (P) of the handle (MA).
[0037] Moreover, it must be noted that such a strip (100) used to support the toothed wheel (102) has a rather sophisticated structure that is subject to possible failures and, above all, is burdened with considerable production and installation costs.
[0038] Based on the above premises, the main purpose of the present invention is to realize a new actuation system for multi-point locking hardware of door and window frames that is characterized by an extremely lean and economical structure.
[0039] A further purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the use of particularly sophisticated components that are easily susceptible to failure.
[0040] A final purpose of the present invention is to create an innovative effective cooperation between the handle and the other components comprised in the new actuation system of the multi-point locking hardware.
[0041] The aforementioned typical purpose of the invention has been achieved in accordance with the features listed in the attached independent claim 1 .
[0042] Advantageous embodiments of such an invention appear from the dependent claims.
[0043] For greater explanatory clarity, the description of the invention continues with reference to the attached drawings, which are for illustrative and non-limiting purposes only, wherein:
[0044] - Fig. 3 is an exploded view of three components belonging to the new actuation system of multi-point locking hardware;
[0045] - Fig. 4 is similar to the previous figure, except for it shows two of the aforementioned components already assembled; - Fig. 5 shows the components of Fig. 3 installed in the longitudinal groove of an upright of the window of the respective window frame, with the operating handle not yet mounted;
[0046] - Fig. 6 shows the new actuation system that is completely mounted on the window from a different perspective, in the position assumed at the opening position of the handle;
[0047] - Fig. 7 is similar to Fig. 6, except for the fact that said actuation system is in the closed position of the respective handle;
[0048] - Figs. 8 and 9 are two different exploded views of the handle structure provided in the actuation system according to the invention.
[0049] With reference to the Figures, the first component of the new actuation system of the multi-point locking hardware consists of a sliding rod (1 ) suitable for alternately sliding in the longitudinal groove (G) of the upright (M) of the window of a respective window frame.
[0050] Said sliding rod (1 ) has a slotted central section (10) provided with a longitudinal set of transverse slots (10a) that is comprised between two identical longitudinal windows (1 1 , 12).
[0051] However, it should be considered that said sliding rod (1 ) is usually integral with the additional sliding rods housed in the other upright and in the crossbar of the same window frame, in a condition in which the alternative sliding of said sliding rod (1 ) is simultaneously transmitted to the other sliding rods.
[0052] It should also be mentioned that the attached figures do not show the provision of the traditional pegs with enlarged head in said sliding rod (1 ), said pegs being suitable for cooperating during the alternative sliding of the sliding rod (1 ), with respective engagement and locking seats provided at the fixed frame of the window frame.
[0053] Such a graphical omission is justified by the fact that said pegs with enlarged head have an entirely traditional structure and cooperation mode with the aforementioned locking seats.
[0054] The second component of the new actuation system of the multi-point locking hardware consists of a plate (2) attached to the front of the longitudinal groove (G) of the upright (M) of the window of the window frame in front of the sliding rod (1 ), as shown in Fig. 4.
[0055] Said plate (2) comprises a central longitudinal slot (20) suitable for being arranged in front of the slotted central section (10) of the sliding rod (1 ) during use; it being provided that said longitudinal slot (20) is interposed to two pairs of holes (21 , 22) arranged in axis with the slot (20).
[0056] The third component of the new system in question consists of an essentially square plaque (3) that is mounted in front of the plate (2) and is actually integral with the sliding rod (1 ).
[0057] Said plaque (3) has a substantially C-shaped cross-section due to the provision of two enlarged transverse edges (30a, 30b) projecting from the front of said plaque (3).
[0058] Said plaque (3) is posteriorly provided with a set of pins (31 ) suitable for passing through the longitudinal slot (20) of the plate (2) in order to be exactly engaged into the slots (10a) comprised in the central section (10) of the sliding rod (1 ), so as to generate a stable and integral coupling between plaque (3) and sliding rod (1 ).
[0059] Figs. 5 and 6 show the position of the sliding rod (1 ) / plate (2) / plaque (3) assembly inside the longitudinal groove (G) of the upright (M) of a window.
[0060] Such an arrangement is stabilized by means of four fastening screws (not shown in the figures above) that pass through the holes (21 , 22) of the plate (2), are inserted into the windows (11 , 12) of the sliding rod (1 ) and are engaged in the bottom of the longitudinal groove (G).
[0061] Moreover, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the plaque (3) that operates on the outside of the plate (2) and is integral with the slotted central section (10) of the sliding rod (1 ) operates posteriorly to a narrow longitudinal slot (F) provided at the front edge of the upright (M).
[0062] The fourth component of the new system in question consists of a handle (4) suitable for enabling the alternative sliding of the sliding rod (1 ), so that the entire perimeter locking system of the window frame can be brought alternately to the closed and open positions.
[0063] In fact, said handle (4) comprises an oscillating lever (40) ending with a rounded enlarged head (40a), wherein said lever (40) is essentially configured as a blade disposed in edgeways position.
[0064] Such a lever (40) is suitable for penetrating into the slot (F) of the upright (M) of the window frame, so that the rounded enlarged head (40a) is settled into said plaque (3) between the two enlarged transverse edges (30a, 30b) protruding from the plaque (3). As described hereinafter, the internal mechanisms provided in said handle (4) cause the lever (40) to be disposed in a different position depending on whether the handle (4) is disposed in open position in the window of the respective window frame (as shown in Figs. 5 and 6) or is maintained in closed position (as shown in Fig. 7).
[0065] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, in the first case, the lever (40) maintains a substantially horizontal position inside the slot (F) and the plaque (3) is maintained substantially in the center of the longitudinal slot (20) of the plate (2).
[0066] In such a condition, the sliding rod (1 ), together with the other three sliding rods of the multi-point locking hardware, is disposed in such a position that the pegs with enlarged heads are extracted from the respective locking slots provided on the fixed frame of the window frame.
[0067] As shown in Fig. 7, in the second case, the lever (40) is disposed in an inclined position, in a condition where the rounded enlarged head (40a) progressively interferes with the enlarged transverse edge (30a) of the plaque (3), as if it were a cam, favoring the upward sliding of said plaque (3) and of the sliding rod (1 ) integral to it.
[0068] Such an integral sliding of the sliding rod (1 ) and of the other three sliding rods included in the multi-point locking hardware causes all the pegs with enlarged head provided in said rods to be simultaneously engaged into their respective locking slots provided on the fixed frame of the window frame.
[0069] It appears evident that a new reverse actuation of the handle (4) toward the closed position will create an interference between the rounded enlarged head (40a) of the lever (40) of the handle (4) and the enlarged transverse edge (30b) of the plaque (3), as a result of which the plaque (3), and the sliding rod (1 ) behind it will make a downward travel to return to the opening position of the window, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6.
[0070] Figs. 5 and 6 show the two screws (V) that secure the handle (4) to the front edge of the upright (M) of the window.
[0071] With reference to Figs. 8 and 9, this description continues by illustrating a preferred embodiment of the handle (4) provided with the lever (40).
[0072] Such a handle (4) usually comprises a grip handle (4a) mounted on a case (41 ) suitable for being screwed onto the upright (M) of the window.
[0073] The grip handle (4a) is connected at 90° with a bulb (4b) that is internally provided with an axial hole (4c) of square cross-section. The case (41 ) has a convex profile comprising two substantially semicircular sides (41 a) defining a rounded central surface (41 b) on either side, in the center of which a cylindrical protuberance (41c) centrally crossed by a circular hole (41c') projects.
[0074] Such a handle (4) is suitable for imposing reverse rotations on a conical toothed wheel (42) projecting from a square pin (42a) connected to said toothed wheel (42) by means of a cylindrical shoulder (42b).
[0075] During use, the toothed wheel (42) is engaged inside the case (41 ), in such a condition that the cylindrical shoulder (42b) is rotatably engaged into the circular hole (41c') of the case (41 ), whereas the square pin (42a) externally projects from the case (41 ) so that it can be exactly fitted into the square axial hole (4c) of the bulb (4b) of the handle (4).
[0076] Specifically, said toothed wheel (42) is suitable for operating the lever (40) as illustrated below.
[0077] In such a perspective, it should be considered that the lever (40) comprises:
[0078] - the rounded enlarged head (40a), in cam-like configuration;
[0079] - a projecting side arm (40b);
[0080] - an element (40c) supported edgeways by said arm (40b), wherein said element (40c) is shaped like a sector of a circle and frontally supports a portion of a conical toothed profile (40d);
[0081] - a transverse hole (40e) passing through both the lever (40) and the side arm (40b) to accommodate a cylindrical pin (43), in a condition where the ends (43a, 43b) of said pin (43) project shortly on both sides of said hole (40e).
[0082] In view of the above, it is expected that the element (40c) of the lever (40) is arranged in such a way that its conical toothed profile (40d) engages with the toothed wheel (42).
[0083] Moreover, it should be considered that, during use, said lever (40) is suitable for being partially settled in the case (41 ), in a condition in which the ends (43a, 43b) of the pin (43) are permanently settled in an opposite pair of substantially C-shaped horizontal notches (41 a') formed in the interior of the front edges of the sides (41 a) of the case (41 ) at about half the height of the case (41 ).
[0084] From such a perspective, it can be understood that the kinematic mechanisms provided in the handle (4) operate in such a way that the reverse rotations of the handle (4) are transmitted to the toothed wheel (42) and from it to the lever (40), which is thus in a position to vary its operating position in the new actuation system in question, depending on whether the handle (4) is disposed in open position (shown in Figs. 5 and 6) or in closed position (shown in Fig. 7).
[0085] To complete the description of such a handle (4) it should be pointed out that four hemispherical impressions (IMP) arranged at 90' intervals are provided on the front edge of the cylindrical protuberance (41c) of the case (41 ) and are exactly interfaced with corresponding cylindrical holes (FC) provided on the front of the bulb (4b) of the grip handle (4a).
[0086] The impressions (IMP) provided in the case (41 ) are suitable for selectively accommodating a pair of balls (SF) spaced apart by 180°, two at a time, whereas the cylindrical holes (FC) provided in the bulb (4b) are suitable for accommodating two helical springs (ME) suitable for permanently pushing the balls (SF) in the direction of the hemispherical impressions (IMP).
[0087] When they are settled in a pair of the impressions (IMP) between the case (41 ) and the bulb (4b) of the handle (4), the function of such balls (SF) is to determine and stabilize the handle (4) in the opening and closing position, respectively.
[0088] Finally, regardless of what has been expressly described so far, it should be noted that the present inventive idea could be alternatively implemented by using different, yet equivalent, means (M1 , M2) for integrally mounting the plaque (3) on the sliding rod (1 ),
[0089] In a first scenario, it could be envisaged that the plaque (3) is screwed or riveted onto the sliding rod (1 ), in a condition where the stem of the fixing screw or of the rivet is advantageously inserted into the longitudinal slot (20) of the plate (2), with the possibility of alternatively sliding.
Claims
1. A system for actuating a multi-point locking mechanism for window and door units, comprising: a sliding rail (1) designed to slide from one position to another inside a longitudinal groove (G) formed in a vertical element (M) of a door or window sash of a corresponding window and door unit made of metal profiles, wherein said sliding rail (1) has a central section (10) located between two identical longitudinal windows (11, 12); a plate (2) which is secured in said longitudinal groove (G) of said metal profile in front of said sliding rail (1); wherein in the centre said plate (2) has a longitudinal groove (20) which, during use, is intended to be positioned in front of said central section (10) of the sliding rail (1); a plate (3) mounted in front of said groove (20) of said plate (2); wherein said plate (3) is attached to said central section (10) of the sliding rail (1) by means of fastening means designed to pass through said longitudinal groove (20) of the plate (2); a handle (4) attached to the front edge of said vertical element (M), wherein said handle (4) actuates a rocking lever (40) designed to be inserted into the longitudinal groove (F) of the vertical element (M) to act on said plate (3) and ensure its movement from one position to another relative to said longitudinal groove (20) of the plate (2).
2. The system according to claim 1, in which said central section (10) of the sliding rail (1) has a group of transverse grooves (10a), wherein said means used for fastening the plate (3) to said sliding rail (1) consist of pins provided on the rear side of said plate (3) and intended for secure fastening in said grooves (10a) of the sliding rail (1).
3. The system according to claim 1, in which the means used for fastening said plate (3) to said central section (10) of said sliding rail (1) consist of one or more screws.
4. The system according to claim 1, in which the means used for fastening said plate (3) to said central section (10) of the sliding rail (1) consist of one or more rivets.
5. The system according to any one of paragraphs 1-4, in which: on the front side, the said plate (3) has two enlarged transverse shelves (30a, 30b); said lever (40) ends with a rounded enlarged head (40a) intended for alternate action on any of said enlarged transverse shelves (30a, 30b) of said plate (3) as a result of rocking movements of said lever (40) in opposite directions.
6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which said plate (2) has at least one pair of holes (21, 22) which, during use, are intended to be located in front of said windows (11, 12) of the sliding rail (1); wherein said at least one pair of holes is located on both sides of said groove (20) and is in line with said groove (20); wherein said pairs of holes (21, 22) are intended to receive corresponding pairs of screws intended to pass through said two windows (11, 12) of the sliding rail (1) and engage with the bottom of said longitudinal groove (G) of the vertical element (M).
7. The system according to any one of paragraphs 1-6, in which said handle (4) comprises: a gripping part (4a) of the handle and a thickening (4b) located at an angle of 90°; wherein in the center of said thickening (4b) there is an axial hole (4c) of square cross-section; a body (41) comprising two side walls (41a) delimiting on both sides a central surface (41b) on which a cylindrical protrusion (41c) is formed, having a round opening (41c'); a bevel gear (42) mounted inside said housing (41) and containing a square rod (42a) designed to be rotatably inserted into said circular opening (41c') of the housing (41) and precisely installed in said axial opening (4c) of the thickening (4b) of said handle (4); a bevel gear profile (40d) designed to engage with said bevel gear pinion (42), wherein said bevel gear profile (40d) corresponds to an element (40c) formed in the shape of a circular sector, which is supported laterally on a support arm (40b) projecting laterally from said rocking lever (40); wherein a circular through hole (40e) passes through said support arm (40b) and said element (40).
8. The system according to paragraph 7, in which: said handle body (41) has a convex profile comprising two essentially semicircular side faces (41a) that delimit a rounded central surface (41b) on the sides; wherein a cylindrical projection (41c) projects from the centre of said rounded central surface (41b), and in the centre of said cylindrical projection (41c) there is said through circular opening (41c'); said square rod (42a) of the toothed gear (42) is connected to the toothed gear (42) by a cylindrical protrusion (42b) intended for insertion with the possibility of rotation into said opening (41c') of the housing (41).
9. The system according to one of paragraphs 7 and 8, in which: said lever (40) has a transverse hole (40e) into which a pin (43) is inserted; said pin (43) has ends (43a, 43b) protruding from both sides of said lever (40); inside the front edges of its lateral sides (41a), said body (41) has two horizontal recesses (41a') of essentially C-shape, wherein said two horizontal recesses (41a') of essentially C-shape are intended to receive and support said ends (43a, 43b) of said pin (43) inserted into the lever (40).