EP2072734A1

EP2072734A1 - System for hooking / unhooking an actuating element on a window of a fitting

Info

Publication number: EP2072734A1
Application number: EP08171618A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michele Loperfido
Original assignee: Master SRL
Current assignee: MASTER ITALY S.R.L.
Priority date: 2007-12-18
Filing date: 2008-12-15
Publication date: 2009-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 2028-12-15
Also published as: ITMI20072365A1; ES2635331T3; EP2072734B1

Abstract

A system for hooking/unhooking intended for being mounted on a window of a fitting to command fastening of a window at an end of an actuating element of the fitting suitable for acting on the window to command the automatic tilt-opening/closing thereof, said system for hooking/unhooking comprising fastening means (19, 20) kinematically connected to a handle of the window to be moved, acting on the handle, between a configuration for automatic opening wherein the end of the actuating element is fastened on the window and a configuration for manual opening in which the window is not fastened on the actuating element. When the fastening means (19, 20) is in the configuration for automatic opening the end of the actuating element (17) is fastened in a fixed position with respect to the window (13).

Description

The present invention relates to an innovative system for hooking/unhooking intended for being mounted on a window of a fitting to fasten to the window an actuating element for automatic tilt-opening of the window. The invention also relates in general to a fitting provided with such a fastening system.
In the prior art fittings are known in which the window, mounted on a suitable frame, can be opened both in side-hung mode (i.e. rotating around a vertical axis) and in tilt mode (i.e. by rotating around a horizontal axis, at the height of the lower crosspiece of the fitting).
The changeover from side-hung opening mode to tilt-opening mode is obtained by rotating the handle of the window appropriately; the handle is kinematically connected to movable fastening elements that make it possible to rotate the window alternatively around a vertical axis or around a horizontal axis.
It is also known to provide the fitting with driving means that is suitable for automatically commanding window opening/closing in tilt mode.
A fitting of this type is disclosed in United States patent US 5,226,256 . The fitting is provided with an electric motor intended for rotating an arm that acts on the window to command automatic tilt-opening. In automatic opening mode, the end of the arm engages in a groove mounted on the upper profile of the window to command the opening/closing thereof.
In the event of manual opening, the end of the arm disengages from the groove, which is movable along the profile of the window through the action of the handle of the fitting between a position of engaging with the arm (automatic opening) and a position of disengaging from the arm (manual opening).
This prior art has a series of drawbacks.
In particular, the system of hooking/unhooking the arm on the window provides, in the automatic opening configuration, the possibility of sliding the end of the arm along the groove; this circumstance does not enable other types of drive other than the driven stiff arm to be used. For example, a driven chain might not act effectively on the window with the end thereof fastened in a slidable manner in the groove mounted on the window.
Further, driving with a rotating arm is particularly costly and bulky, adapting badly to the spaces available at the upper crosspiece of the frame of the fitting.
A further drawback of this solution is that the arm, over time, tends to sag and hang downwards compared with the correct horizontal position. This may lead to problems during the step of closing the window and of hooking the arm to the groove, with the consequent impossibility of achieving automatic opening in tilt mode. In the worst event, the window can no longer be taken to the closed position because of the sagging of the arm downwards.
The general object of the present invention is to remedy the aforesaid drawbacks by providing a system for hooking/unhooking the actuating element on the window for automatic tilt-opening that can be used with different types of actuator, for example stiff arms, chains, or other.
A further object of the invention is to provide a fitting with a system for hooking/unhooking the actuating element that is effective, cheap and has a simple structure such as to ensure a reliable changeover from manual opening to automatic opening for the entire duration of the useful life of the fitting.
A further object of the invention is to provide a fitting that is tiltably openable in automatic mode in which the actuating element intended for being fastened to the window is always in the correct position for engaging with the fastening means on the window for the entire duration of the useful life of the fitting.
In view of this object, it has been decided to make, according to the invention, a system for hooking/unhooking intended for being mounted on a window of a fitting to command fastening of the window at an end of an actuating element of the fitting suitable for acting on the window to command the automatic tilt-opening/closing thereof, said system for hooking/unhooking comprising fastening means kinematically connected to a handle of the window to be moved, by acting on the handle, between a configuration for automatic opening in which the end of the actuating element is fixed to the window and a configuration for manual opening in which the window is not fixed to the actuating element, characterised in that when the fastening means is in the configuration for automatic opening the end of the actuating element is fastened in a fixed position with respect to the window.
In order to make the explanation of the innovative principles of the present invention and the advantages thereof over the prior art clearer, with the help of the attached drawings a possible embodiment will be disclosed below that applies these principles. In the drawings:

figure 1 is a perspective view of a fitting according to the invention;
figure 2 is a perspective view of part of the window of the fitting in the manual opening configuration;
figure 3 is a perspective view that is similar to the preceding one with the window in the configuration for automatic opening;
figure 4 is a view of the fastening means for fastening the actuating element to the window;
figure 5 is a section view according to the broken line A-A shown in figure 4;
figure 6 is a view of a connecting element between an end of the chain and the pivot intended for being fastened integrally to the window;
figure 7 is a perspective view of the movable element of the fastening means for fastening the driving chain to the window;
figure 8 is a perspective view of the fixed abutment of the fastening means fastening the chain to the window;
figure 9 is a side view of the element of the preceding figure;
figure 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a fitting according to the invention;
figure 11 is a perspective view of part of the upper crosspiece of the window in the automatic opening condition;
figure 12 is a view that is similar to the preceding view with the fastening means in the configuration for manual opening of the window;
figures 13 and 14 show two views of the retaining block of the end of the arm shown in the preceding figures;
figure 15 shows a cross-section view of the retaining block.

With reference to the figures, in figure 1 there is shown a fitting 11 comprising a fixed frame 12 and a window 13 that is openable both in side-hinge mode, with rotation around a vertical "y" axis, and in tilt mode, with rotation around a horizontal "x" axis at the lower crosspiece of the fitting.
The window 13 is provided with a handle 18 connected kinematically to a set of fastenings of the fitting that create, according to the position taken by the handle, a vertical "y" axis hinge or a horizontal "x" axis hinge. The kinematic motion and the fastenings that permit the changeover from "window fastened to the lower crosspiece of the fitting" to "window fastened to the lateral profile of the fitting" are achieved according to techniques that are per se known and will not be disclosed further here.
The fitting 11 comprises automatic actuating means 16 mounted on the frame 12 and provided with an actuating element 17 acting on the window to command automatic tilt-opening and closing.
In the embodiment of figures 1 to 9 the actuating element is made with a chain 17, the end of which is fastenable to the window by the fastening means 19, 20, which is part of a system for hooking/unhooking the actuating element 17 on the window 13.
The actuating means 16 comprises a drive 16a that is suitable for moving the chain 17. The motor and the transmission of movement to the chain can be arranged inside the frame 12 of the fitting, and can be according to techniques that are per se known.
The fastening elements 19, 20 for fastening the chain on the window are mounted on the upper crosspiece 15 of the window 13.
The abutment 19 is fixed to the window 13, whereas the movable element 20 is connected kinematically to the handle 18 by the rods 23, 50 that are slidable along the profiles of the window and the angular transmission 22.
In figure 2 there is shown only part of the chain 17 and also the frame 12 is removed to enable the fastening means 19, 20 to be viewed. The movable element 20 is in the position that is spaced away from the fixed abutment 19, and the handle is taken to the position to enable manual side-hinge mode opening of the window with the chain unfastened from the window.
In figure 3 there is shown the movable element 20 moved towards the right near the fixed abutment 19 to grasp the pivot 24 and fix the pivot 24 in a fixed position with respect to the window 13.
The pivot 24 is connected to the end 29 of the chain 17, for example by a connection 28 of the type shown in figure 6.
In figures 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 the elements 19, 20 are shown in greater detail.
In particular, the movable element 20 is elongated in shape, and mounted along the profile of the window. At one end the element 20 comprises a pivot 21, the function of which will be explained with reference to the second embodiment of the invention. At the opposite end, the element 20 comprises a fork portion formed by a pair of shoulders 25, 26, in the middle of which there is defined a seat 36 intended for receiving the part 39 of the fixed abutment 19 and the pivot 24 fixed to the chain 17.
The fork portion 25, 26 has the function of providing a fastening on the pivot 24 in a direction that is transverse to the plane of the window, whilst the fixed abutment 19 provides a fastening in the plane of the window, both longitudinally to the profile of the window and orthogonally thereto.
The fork portion 25, 26 and the pivot 21 are connected together by an intermediate part 35 that is rod-shaped that is intended for being received in the lower cavity 42 of the fixed abutment 19, which is clearly visible in figure 8.
The fixed abutment and the movable element comprise mutual engaging means for promoting the coupling of the two parts and the correct mutual positioning in the condition of fastening between the actuating element 17 and the window 13.
In particular, the shoulders 25, 26 of the movable element can comprise a pair of tapered protrusions 30 and 31, which are preferably pyramidal, intended for engaging in corresponding seats 27 obtained in the fixed abutment 19.
Preferably, the shoulders 25, 26 also form undercuts in which opposite side portions of the head 24a of the pivot 24 engage, which, as well shown in the section in figure 5, has a greater section that the shank of the pivot 24.
The element 20 also has ribs 32, 33 on opposite sides, in order to engage in respective undercuts formed by the side walls of the channels (not shown in the figure) that are normally on the aluminium profiles of the window 13.
The fixed abutment 19, clearly shown in figures 8 and 9, has a pair of lower ribs 37, 38 for engaging in the channel of the profile of the window 13, and two facing portions 39, 40 in the middle of which a seat 41 is formed for receiving the pivot 24. The portions 39, 40 form undercuts in which the head 24a of the pivot engages to form a fastening in a vertical direction. In the portion 40 holes 70 are formed that are intended for receiving grubscrews for fixing the abutment 19 to the window 13.
Further, on opposite sides of the abutment body, the portion 40 forms the pyramid seats 27 for coupling with the protrusions 30, 31 of the movable element 20.
The operation of the fitting disclosed above is now disclosed briefly.
By taking the handle to the manual opening position, the window is fastened to the frame so as to enable the window to open in side-hinge mode with rotation around the "y" axis. The chain 17 is unfastened from the window, as the movable element 20 is taken to the position in figure 2 through the action of the kinematic motion 23, 22, 50 that connects the movable element 20 to the handle. In this position the pivot 24 is free from the window in the direction that is transverse to the plane of the window, which can thus be opened.
By taking the handle to the automatic tilt-opening position, the window fastens to the lower crosspiece of the frame, the movable element 20 is taken to the position in figure 3, fixing on the window the pivot 24 mounted on the end of the chain 17. When the driving means 16 is started, the chain 17 pushes the window 13 to tilt open.
In figures 10-15 there is shown a second embodiment of the invention, in which elements that are similar to corresponding elements of the first embodiment are indicated by reference numbers increased by 100.
The fitting 111 comprises a fixed frame 112 and a window 113 that is alternatively openable manually in side-hinge mode or automatically in tilt mode.
In the second embodiment, the tilt-opening driving means comprises a stiff arm 117 instead of the chain 17 used in the first embodiment.
The fastening means 119, 120 is identical to the fastening means disclosed with reference to the first embodiment, and is suitable for making the end of the arm 117 integral with the window 113 when the fastening means is configured for automatic tilt-opening of the fitting. The element 120 is connected kinematically to the handle 118 to be moved between the position fastening the arm to the window and the position in which the arm is unfastened from the window.
The actuating means comprises a motor 171 that drives a screw 172 engaged with a screw-nut screw combination with a block 170 that is slidable longitudinally along the upper profile 114 of the frame 112 of the fitting. The block 170 is advantageously slidable along a suitable guide and is hinged on an end of the arm 117 opposite the end that is fastenable on the window 113. This particular arrangement of the actuating means enables the overall dimensions to be reduced and a desired opening positioning of the window to be obtained in a reliable manner. The arm 117 is rotatable with respect to the window at the pivot 124, which has a fixed position with respect to the window.
In figure 11 there is shown the configuration of the fastening means 119, 120 in which the end of the arm 117 is fastened on the window 113, with the pivot 124 caged between the fixed abutment 119 and the movable element 120.
In figure 12 there is shown the configuration with the movable element 120 moved away from the fixed abutment 119 and the pivot 124 of the arm 117 freed from the engagement with the fastening means in a direction that is transverse to the plane of the window.
The fitting 111 also comprises a retaining block 160, which is clearly shown also in figures 13-15, which is intended for maintaining in the correct positioning the arm in the event of manual opening of the window in side-hinge mode.
The block 160, when the window is in the closed position, engages with the movable element 120 to be moved between an operating position engaging with the actuating arm 117 and a rest position retracted from the arm 117, respectively when the fitting is in manual opening mode and in automatic opening mode.
The block 160 has an elongated shape and is fastened to the frame so as to be able to slide along the crosspiece 114, being inserted into a channel (not shown) of the upper profile of the frame. For this purpose, the block 160 is provided with ribs 164, 165 on opposite sides to be supported by suitable shelves formed on opposite sides of the channel on the profile 114 of the frame.
The block 160 at an end thereof is provided with a seat 161 open on a lateral side intended for receiving the pivot 121 of the movable element 120 of the fastening means.
At the opposite end the block 160 is provided with a second seat 162 that is open in a longitudinal direction that is intended for receiving the end of the arm 117 that bears the pivot 124.
Advantageously, the seat 162 has shelves 166, 167 on opposite sides suitable for supporting the end of the arm 124, to maintain the pivot 124 at all times in the correct position for engaging with the fastening means following a manual opening of the window. This enables the problem downward sagging to be overcome that the arm may have over time.
On the back of the block 160, i.e. the part intended for facing the profile 114 of the frame 112, there are two protruding portions 163 that are arched into a bridge at a notch on the surface of the back. The protruding portions form a brake to the sliding of the block 160, so that the latter faithfully follows the position of the pivot 121 of the movable element 120 and does not find itself accidentally in an incorrect position when the window closes.
When the fitting is in the configuration for automatic opening, as in figure 11, the block is moved to the right, integrally with the movable element 120, and the arm 124 is free to move away from the frame 112.
When the fitting is in the configuration for manual opening, as in figure 12, the block 160, still integral with the movable element 120, is moved to the left and engages the end of the arm 124, preventing the movement thereof.
This promotes the correct detachment of the arm 124 from the fastening means 119, 120 when the window is opened manually, in addition to enabling the pivot 124 to be maintained positioned correctly for subsequent engagement with the fastenings 119, 120.
At this point it is clear how the objects of the present invention have been achieved.
In particular, a fastening system has been provided for fastening the actuating element on the window that can be used both in the case of driving with a driven stiff arm and in the event of use of a driven chain. This enables considerable advantages to be obtained, both in terms of economy of scale and of logistics.
Further, the structure of the fastening system is simple and cheap, and can easily be applied to the window, in addition to ensuring solid and reliable fixing of the actuating element on the window.
Owing to the presence of the retaining block, the arm is always maintained in the correct position even during manual opening of the window, so as to enable correct engagement between the arm and window over time.
Naturally, the above description of an embodiment applying the innovative principles of the present invention is provided by way of example of such innovative principles and must not therefore be taken to limit the scope of what is claimed herein.

Claims

System for hooking/unhooking intended for being mounted on a window of a fitting to command fastening of the window (13) on an end of an actuating element (17) of the fitting (11) suitable for acting on the window to command the automatic tilt-opening/closing thereof, said system for hooking/unhooking comprising fastening means (19, 20) kinematically connected to a handle (18) of the window to be moved, by acting on the handle, between a configuration for automatic opening wherein the end of the actuating element is fastened to the window and a configuration for manual opening in which the window is not fastened to the actuating element, characterised in that when the fastening means (19, 20) is in the configuration for automatic opening the end of the actuating element (17) is fastened in a fixed position with respect to the window (13).
System according to claim 1, characterised in that the fastening means comprises an abutment (19) that is fixable to the window (13) and a movable element (20) that is connected kinematically to the handle (18) of the window (13) to be moved between a position wherein it cooperates with the fixed abutment to fasten the actuating element to the window and a position wherein the window is unfastened from the actuating element.
System according to claim 2, characterised in that the fixed abutment (19) fastens the end of the actuating element (17) to the window in the plane of the window (13) and the movable element (20) forms a fastening on the end of the actuator in the direction that is transverse to the plane of the window.
System according to claim 2, characterised in that the movable element (20) has the shape of a fork suitable for grasping a protrusion (24) of the actuating element in the configuration for automatic opening.
System according to claim 2, characterised in that the movable element (20) and the fixed abutment (19) have mutually engaging portions (27, 30, 31) for promoting correct and firm coupling when they are taken to the configuration for automatic opening.
System according to claim 2, characterised in that the movable element (20) is slidable along an upper profile of the window (13).
System according to claim 2, characterised in that the fixed abutment (19) and the movable element (20) comprise longitudinal ribs to be inserted into undercut channels formed on the window.
Fitting comprising a frame (12) and a window (13) mounted movably on the frame, the window being openable alternatively in manual mode or automatically in tilt mode by driving means (16) mounted on the frame, which driving means (16) is provided with an actuating element (17) intended for acting on the window for commanding the opening and closing movements thereof, on the window there being mounted a system for hooking/unhooking the end of the actuating element (17) on the window (13) according to claims 1 to 7.
Fitting according to claim 8, characterised in that when the fastening means (19, 20) is in the position for manual opening, the window (13) is openable in side-hinge mode with a vertical rotation axis.
Fitting according to claim 8, characterised in that said end of the actuating element has a pivot (24, 124) protruding below that is suitable for engaging with the hooking/unhooking system (19, 20, 119, 120) for hooking/unhooking on the window (13).
Fitting according to claim 8, characterised in that the actuating element (17) comprises a driven chain.
Fitting according to claim 8, characterised in that the actuating element comprises a driven stiff arm (117).
Fitting according to claim 12, characterised in that the actuating means (116) comprises a driven screw (172) that is engaged with a screw-nut screw combination on a block (170) that is slidable along a profile of the frame, on said block (170) there being pivoted an end of the stiff arm (117) opposite the one that is fastenable to the window.
Fitting according to claim 12, characterised in that it comprises a mounted retaining block (160) that is mounted slidably along a profile of the frame (112) and is engageable, when the window is in the closed position, with a movable element (120) of the system for hooking/unhooking to be moved between a position wherein it engages with the end of the arm (117) in the configuration for manual opening and a position wherein it is disengaged from the arm in the configuration for automatic opening.
Fitting according to claim 14, characterised in that an end of the retaining block (160) has a receiving seat of the end of the arm (117) opened longitudinally, the seat having shelf portions for supporting the end of the arm (117) in the manual opening configuration.
Fitting according to claim 14, characterised in that the block (160) in the engaging position with the arm (117) prevents the arm moving away from the frame (112).
Fitting according to claim 14, characterised in that the block has protruding portions (163) that are suitable for contacting the profile of the frame (112) of the fitting to brake sliding of the block (160) along the profile.