EP3622137B1

EP3622137B1 - Lock

Info

Publication number: EP3622137B1
Application number: EP18728744.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Benedetto Fedeli
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: FEDELI, BENEDETTO
Priority date: 2017-05-08
Filing date: 2018-05-08
Publication date: 2023-11-01
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-08
Also published as: EP3622137C0; IT201700049631A1; EP3622137A1; WO2018207093A1

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a lock for frames such as doors, main doors, windows, leafs and the like.

Background Art

Locks are known provided with fastening devices which have sliding hooks adapted to be fitted in special seats to tighten two portions of the window or door frame, e.g., two leafs to each other, or one leaf to the framework.
Such locks permit closing the window or door frame, improving the tightness of the closure compared to normal locks, and preventing break-in attempts using a crowbar.
The patent document FR2136249 shows a lock with a fastening device, associated with a leaf of the window or door frame to be closed, provided with two sliding rods in mutual approach/away movement.
The two rods have respective hooks adapted to be fitted in housing seats obtained on the other leaf, in the case of two-leaf frames, or on the framework, in the case of single-leaf frame, by means of an "expansion" mechanism.
With this mechanism, by turning the key in one direction, the two rods move nearer to each other, fitting the hooks in the respective seats and thus determining the closure of the lock.
By turning the key in the other direction, the two rods move away and the hooks are disengaged from their respective seats, causing the lock to open.
The lock shown exploits the movement of the lock rods to form one or more closure hinges along the door stop, making the closure crowbar-proof.
The aforementioned patent document illustrates a solution that could be improved.
In particular, in the face of a growing demand for security, the need is known to have locks able to provide a secure locking of the window or door frame, which is at the same time effective, practical and fast.
In other words, the need is known to close the lock quickly and effectively, both from the outside and from the inside, in order to ensure the highest possible level of security.
In known locks, closure is made either by releasing the handle or by turning the key in the cylinder mechanically connected to the lock latches.
For example, a user who enters the house, once inside, closes the door by pushing the leaf into place and releasing the handle, or the knob.
This operation allows the window or door frame to close, but is not enough to ensure secure locking.
The release of the handle can in fact be easily retracted by inserting a flexible sheet of paper into the frame slot, for example a sheet of paper or a credit card. Any intruder would have no difficulty entering from the outside.
To ensure secure locking, the key must be turned by one or more turns in order to slide the latches into the closing seats.
This operation is usually carried out for the night, from the inside, so as to ensure greater peace of mind for those who are preparing to go to bed.
A drawback of this operation is related to the fact that in the presence of more than one person, for example a family, the key cannot be left in the lock otherwise some member could remain closed out, with no possibility of getting back in.
In general, the operations linked to closing the lock by turning the key can be inconvenient and laborious (choice of key, multiple rotation of the key), sometimes incompatible with the needs for practicality required by users, or required in particular emergency situations.
For example, in the event of an earthquake or fire, the operations required to open a closed lock may be too long and laborious, which can result in personal injury.
On the other hand, leaving the lock open exposes the user to the risk that intruders may force the lock and manage to enter.
Another lock is known from US 2 293 363 .

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to provide a lock which allows an effective, fast, secure and practical locking of the window and door frame.
One object of the present invention is to provide a lock which can be installed and used also on existing window and door frames.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a lock compatible with particular existing locks, e.g. of the type of that illustrated by patent document FR2136249 .
Another object of the present invention is to provide a lock which allows overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art in the context of a simple, rational, easy, effective to use and affordable solution.
The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present lock having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the description of the following preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a lock, illustrated by way of a non-limiting example, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a partially exploded axonometric view of a first embodiment of the lock according to the invention;
Figures 2 and 3 are sectional views of a detail of the lock according to the invention in two work configurations;
Figures 4 and 5 are axonometric views of a detail of the lock according to the invention in two work configurations;
Figure 6 is a sectional view of a detail of the lock according to the invention in a particular work configuration;
Figures 7 and 8 are schematic views of a second embodiment of the lock according to the invention in two work configurations.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these illustrations, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a lock.
The lock 1 comprises a fastening device 2 positioned on a first portion 3 of a window and door frame 4 adapted to stop up against a second portion 5 of the same window and door frame.
In the embodiments shown, the frame 4 is of the type of a two-leaf main door. The first portion 3 and the second portion 5 are the leaves of the main door and are hinged to the framework 6.
For the sake of simplicity in the illustration, the outer part of the first portion 3, indicated by reference numeral 7, has been illustrated in the exploded form. Solutions in which the main door has only one leaf cannot be ruled out.
In this case, the first portion 3 would coincide with the leaf, while the second portion 5 would coincide with the part of framework 6 adapted to stop up against the leaf itself.
Different solutions cannot be ruled out wherein the window and door frame 4 is of the type of a window or of the type of a leaf.
The fastening device 2 is provided with at least one sliding element 8 which is adapted to slide along a substantially vertical sliding direction 9.
The fastening device 2 also comprises at least one hook 10 associated with said sliding element 8 in an integral manner.
In particular, the hook 10 is welded to the sliding element 8.
The lock 1 comprises at least one fastening seat 11 associated with the second portion 5 of the window and door frame 4.
In particular, the fastening seat 11 is formed in the second portion 5 at the part of the second portion 5 which is adapted to stop up against the first portion 3. The fastening seat 11 is adapted to receive the hook 10 so as to form a closure coupling.
The closing coupling is, usefully, similar to the hinges commonly used in the manufacture of window and door frames.
In the present embodiments, the fastening seat 11 has a substantially cylindrical shape and the hook 10 is insertable to measure in it so as to secure the first portion 3 to the second portion 5 when these are in contact, thus preventing the opening of the window and door frame.
The lock 1 comprises at least one control device 12 associated with the fastening device 2 which is adapted to lift/lower the sliding element 8 along the sliding direction 9 for the passage from an opening configuration, in which the hook 10 is disengaged from the fastening seat 11, and a closure configuration, in which the hook 10 is fitted into the fastening seat 11.
In the present embodiments, the control device 12 is of the type of a box body 13 comprising a spring 14 and an internal cylinder 15 in which a key can be inserted that can be used to open/close the lock 1.
Inside the box element 13, a known internal mechanism is inserted, not shown in the illustrations, associated with the sliding element 8 and adapted to lift/lower this same sliding element according to the rotation applied to the key. Alternative solutions to the illustrated one cannot be ruled out and providing for the use of different box bodies, for example in which the mechanism comprises an abutment element that can be activated for the automatic exit of latches from the box body, with the latter adapted to engage in appropriate seats formed on the second portion 5.
In this case, the abutment element can be activated when the first portion 3 stops up against the second portion 5.
Other solutions cannot be ruled out which provide for box bodies with known internal mechanisms, being part of the state of the art.
According to the invention, the lock 1 comprises a locking device 16 able to be associated with the first portion 3 and with the second portion 5.
The locking device 16 is operable between a locking configuration, in which it interacts with the hook 10 to prevent it from sliding along the sliding direction 9, and a passage configuration, in which it is released with respect to the hook 10 to allow the sliding thereof for the automatic passage of the sliding element 8 in the closure configuration.
The locking device 16 comprises an interaction body 17 provided with a solid portion 18 which, in the locking configuration, is interacting with the hook 10 to prevent it from sliding.
The interaction body 17 has a connection extremity 19 associated with the first portion 3.
Usefully, the interaction body 17 is rotatable with respect to a direction substantially parallel to the sliding direction 9 for the passage from the passage configuration to the locking configuration and vice versa.
The connection extremity 19 is hinged to the first portion 3.
In the present embodiments, the interaction body 17 is positioned in such a way that the solid portion 18 can intercept the hook 10 along the sliding direction 9, interposing between the hook itself and the fastening seat 11.
The rotation of the interaction body 17 allows the solid portion 18 to be retracted, thus allowing the hook 10 to slide along the sliding direction 9 to be inserted into the fastening seat 11.
According to the invention, the interaction body 17 comprises a hollow portion 20 adjacent to the solid portion 18 and penetrable by the hook 10 in the passage configuration.
In particular, the hollow portion 20 is of the type of a through hole aligned with the hook 10 when the interaction body 17 is brought to the passage configuration.
In the passage configuration, the solid portion 18 is displaced with respect to the hook 10, while the hook 10 is aligned with the hollow portion 20.
This way, the hook 10 can slide through the hollow portion 20, allowing the sliding element 8 to move to the closure configuration.
Different solutions cannot be ruled out in which the hollow portion 20 is of the type of a loop, or a recess, formed on the profile of the interaction body 17 in such a position so as to allow the passage of the hook 10 when the interaction body itself is brought to the passage configuration.
Preferably, the locking device 16 comprises control means 21, 22 associated with the interaction body 17 and adapted to mobilize the latter for the passage from the locking configuration to the passage configuration and vice versa.
In particular, the control means 21, 22 are adapted to maintain the interaction body 17 in the position taken in the locking configuration when the first portion 3 does not stop up against the second portion 5.
More particularly, the control means 21, 22 comprise elastic means 21, illustrated in a simplified manner in the figures, associated with the interaction body 17 for maintaining the locking configuration.
The elastic means 21 act on the interaction body 17 by retaining it in the position it takes when the locking device 16 is in the locking configuration, i.e. locking the sliding of the hook 10.
In the present embodiments, the elastic means 21 are positioned inside the connection extremity 19.
Usefully, the elastic means 21 are of the type of springs which, when the connection extremity 19 rotates in one direction or in the other, accumulate or release energy compatibly with the maintenance of the interaction body 17 in the position interacting with the hook 10.
The springs apply a force on the interaction body 17 in the opposite direction to the movement required to pass from the locking configuration to the passage configuration.
Different solutions cannot be ruled out in which the elastic means 21 are different, e.g. springs placed outside the connection extremity 19 and directly applied on the interaction body 17.
The control means 21, 22 also comprise opposition means 22 associated with the second portion 5 and adapted to push the interaction body 17 for the passage from the locking configuration to the passage configuration.
The opposition means 22 are adapted to apply a force on the interaction body 17 which is opposed to that applied by the elastic means 21 so as to cause it to rotate to allow the passage to the passage configuration.
In the present embodiments, the opposition means 22 comprise an abutment wall 23 associated with the second portion 5 at the fastening seat 11.
In particular, the fastening seat 11 is obtained in a recess 24 partially defined by the abutment wall 23.
When the first portion 3 stops up against the second portion 5, the interaction body 17 comes into contact with the abutment wall 23 and is pushed until it is rotated in the passage configuration.
This way, the solid portion 18 is displaced with respect to the hook 10 with the latter which can pass through the hollow portion 20 and fit into the fastening seat 11.
Alternative solutions cannot be ruled out which provide, e.g., levers, or lever systems, or stops other than those illustrated, associated with the second portion 5 or with the first portion 3, adapted to push the interaction body 17 when the first portion 3 stops up against the second portion 5.
Advantageously, in the present embodiments the lock 1 comprises a guide element 25 formed on the first portion 3 and having a passage channel 26 in which the hook 10 is sliding.
This feature makes it possible to improve the sliding of the hook 10, thus avoiding displacements which, over time, would cause malfunctioning and deformations of the lock 1.
In a first embodiment, shown in Figure 1, the lock 1 is provided with a fastening device 2 comprising a single sliding element 8 inserted in the control device 12 fixed to the first portion 3.
To the sliding element 8 are welded three hooks 10 facing downwards and adapted to be inserted into respective fastening seats 11 formed on the second portion 5.
In this embodiment, the locking device 16 is at the highest hook 10.
In a second embodiment, shown in Figures 7 and 8, the fastening device 2 comprises two sliding elements 8 provided with respective hooks 10.
In particular, the fastening device 2 comprises a first sliding element 8a provided with a first hook 10a and a second sliding element 8b provided with a second hook 10b.
Solutions cannot be ruled out in which the first hooks 10a and the second hooks 10b are in a different number from the one illustrated.
In this second embodiment, the fastening device 2 comprises two fastening seats 11 of which a first fastening seat 11a which, in closure configuration, is adapted to receive in engagement the first hook 10a, and a second fastening seat 11b which, in closure configuration, is adapted to receive in engagement the second hook 10b.
Also in this case, solutions which provide for a different number of first seats 11a and of second seats 11b cannot be ruled out, compatibly with the number of the respective first hooks 10a and second hooks 10b.
Still with reference to the second embodiment, the sliding elements 8a and 8b are associated with the control device 12 for the movement thereof along the sliding direction 9 in mutual approaching/spacing away for the passage to the closure/opening configuration.
This solution provides for an expansion mechanism, in which the first sliding element 8a and the second sliding element 8b slide in mutual spacing away or in mutual approaching according to whether the lock is to be opened or closed. Conveniently, the first hook 10a and the second hook 10b are opposed to each other, facing each other.
Similarly, the first fastening seat 11a and the second fastening seat 11b have respective openings facing each other so as to allow the insertion of the respective hooks 10a, 10b when the sliding elements 8a, 8b mutually approach for the passage to the closure configuration.
The operation of the present invention is as follows.
By means of the control device 12, the sliding element 8 is moved along the sliding direction 9.
In a normal closing operation of the window and door frame 4, the first portion 3 is stopped up against the second portion 5.
Until the first portion 3 does not stop up, the sliding element 8 remains in the opening configuration (Figures 2 and 4).
The locking device 16, in fact, remains in a locking configuration with the interaction body 17 which intercepts the hook 10 with the solid portion 18 preventing the sliding element 8 from sliding.
The elastic means 21, in fact, apply a force on the interaction body 17 which is adapted to retain the body itself in a locking configuration.
With the first portion 3 which stops up against the second portion 5, the opposition means 22 push the interaction body 17 causing it to rotate.
The interaction body 17, in fact, strikes against the abutment wall 23, with the latter applying a thrust contrary to that applied by the elastic means 21.
This way, the interaction body 17 is rotated until the solid portion 18 is moved away from the hook 10, replaced by the hollow portion 20.
This way, the hook 10 can descend and penetrate the hollow portion 20 (Figure 5).
Because the portions 3 and 5 are stopped up, the hook 10 can insert itself in the fastening seat 11 forming with it a closure coupling (Figures 3 and 6) and, therefore, automatically bringing the sliding element 8 into the closure configuration.
To return from the closure configuration to the opening configuration it is sufficient to operate by means of the control device 12, e.g., through a handle associated with the box body 13, or a knob, to activate the mechanism and cause the lifting of the sliding element 8 and, therefore, the disconnection of the hook 10 from the fastening seat 11.
With the sliding element 8 raised, spacing the first portion 3 away from the second portion 5, the locking device 16 automatically returns to the locking configuration, with the interaction body 17 which, pushed by the elastic means 21, returns to intercept the hook 10 through the solid portion 18.
In the first embodiment (Figure 1), the lock has only one sliding element 8 on which are fixed three hooks 10 adapted to be inserted in respective seats 11. The hooks 10 are oriented downwards, i.e. have concavity facing the ground, so the mechanism is working by gravity.
As soon as the interaction body 17 is pushed by the abutment wall 23 in the passage configuration, the hook 10 descends by gravity until it inserts itself into the respective fastening seat 11.
In the second embodiment (Figures 7 and 8), the sliding elements 8a and 8b move along the sliding direction 9, but in the opposite direction.
The mechanism operates "by expansion" with the hooks 10a and 10b which are brought closer when passing to the closure configuration.
The orientation of the hooks 10a and 10b and of the respective fastening seats 11a and 11b is compatible with the expansion movement.
The closure configuration is reached by stopping the first portion 3 up against the second portion 5.
The locking device 16, when the first portion 3 stops up against the second portion 5, moves to the passage configuration enabling the hook 10a to slide to fit into the fastening seat 11a.
This way, thanks to the expansion mechanism, the sliding element 8b is also moved, with the hook 10b which fits itself into the fastening seat 11b.
To return to the opening configuration, through the control device 12, e.g., through a handle or a knob, the sliding element 8a is raised again, automatically also dragging the sliding element 8b which slides in the opposite direction along the sliding direction 9.
This way, the sliding elements 8a, 8b move away from each other dragging with them the respective hooks 10a, 10b and, therefore, freeing the seats 11a, 11b.
It has in practice been ascertained how the described invention achieves the intended objects and in particular, the fact is underlined that the lock permits the effective, rapid, safe and practical closing of the window or door frame.
The particular locking device, in fact, allows closing the lock automatically as soon as one leaf stops up against the other leaf or the frame.
This way, no manual closing operations are required.
Similar considerations can be made for opening the window or door frame, so it is sufficient to operate a handle or a knob or, in any case, activate the mechanism to instantly disengage the hooks and maintain them in the opening configuration, without the need for manual opening operations which require the insertion and turning of one or more keys or other laborious operations. This way, both the closing operations and the opening operations are considerably simplified, to the benefit of speed of execution and, therefore, of safety in the event of a disaster.
All this without compromising the safety of the closure which, thanks to the insertion of the hooks in the respective seats, remains burglary-proof.
The lock provided can also be installed and used on existing window and door frames.
In fact, on main doors with existing locks, it is sufficient to install the locking device and, where necessary, apply the hooks to the sliding elements and/or obtain the respective fastening seats so as to be able to adapt the existing lock to transform it into the provided lock.
This way intervention operations can be simplified on pre-existing window and door frames already equipped with locks such as, e.g., the one described in patent document FR2136249 .
The provided lock is an evolution of the lock described in the above-mentioned patent document, and allows automatic closing by means of a mechanical system.
Thanks to the provided lock, the use of the key is only necessary for opening the window and door frame from the outside, e.g., when a user has to enter the house.
To close the lock, it is sufficient to stop the door up against the hooks that will automatically fit into their seats.
To reopen the door there is no need to use the key, but just turn the handle or the knob automatically raising the hooks and operating the locking device.
This way, security is guaranteed because the lock is burglary-proof. Furthermore, it is not necessary to leave the key in the lock to bring the lock to the closure configuration.
Therefore, every time the door is closed, maximum security will be guaranteed without necessarily using the key, facilitating the access of several people without having to turn the key or leave it inserted.

Claims

Lock (1) comprising:
- at least one fastening device (2) able to be positioned on a first portion (3) of a window frame (4) adapted to stop up against a second portion (5) of said window frame (4), provided with at least one sliding element (8) along a substantially vertical sliding direction (9) and with at least one hook (10) associated with said sliding element (8) in an integral manner;

- at least one fastening seat (11) able to be associated with said second portion (5) of said window frame (4) and adapted to receive said hook (10) to form a closure coupling;

- at least one control device (12) associated with said fastening device (2) to lift/lower said sliding element (8) along said sliding direction (9) for the passage from an opening configuration, in which said hook (10) is disengaged from said fastening seat (11), and a closure configuration, in which said hook (10) is inserted into said fastening seat (11);

- a locking device (16) able to be associated with at least one of said first portion (3) and said second portion (5), and operable between a locking configuration, in which it interacts with said hook (10) to prevent said hook (10) from sliding along said sliding direction (9) into said closure configuration, and a passage configuration, in which it is released with respect to said hook (10) to allow it to slide for the automatic passage of said sliding element (8) into said closure configuration;

wherein said locking device (16) comprises an interaction body (17) provided with at least one solid portion (18) interacting with said hook (10) in said locking configuration to prevent it from sliding;

characterized by the fact that:
- said interaction body (17) comprises a hollow portion (20) adjacent to said solid portion (18) and penetrable by said hook (10) in said passage configuration.
Lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said interaction body (17) is rotatable with respect to a direction substantially parallel to said sliding direction (9) for the passage from said passage configuration to said locking configuration and vice versa.
Lock (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said locking device (16) comprises control means (21, 22) associated with said interaction body (17) and adapted to mobilize the latter for the passage from said locking configuration to said passage configuration and vice versa.
Lock (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that said control means (21, 22) comprise elastic means (21) associated with said interaction body (17) for maintaining the same in said locking configuration.
Lock (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 3 to 4, characterized by the fact that said control means (21, 22) comprise opposition means (22) associated with at least one of said first portion (3) and said second portion (5) and adapted to push said interaction body (17) for the passage from said locking configuration to said passage configuration.
Lock (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that said opposition means (22) comprise an abutment wall (23) located at said fastening seat (11).
Lock according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said fastening device (2) comprises:
- two of said sliding elements (8) provided with at least said respective hooks (10) of which a first sliding element (8a) provided with at least a first hook (10a) and a second sliding element (8b) provided with at least a second hook (10b);

- at least two of said fastening seats (11) of which at least a first seat (11a) adapted to receive in engagement said first hook (10a) in said closure configuration, and at least a second seat (11b) adapted to receive in engagement said second hook (10b) in said closure configuration.
Lock (1) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that said first sliding element (8a) and said second sliding element (8b) are associated with said control device (12) for the movement thereof along said sliding direction (9) in mutual approaching/spacing away for the passage to said closure/opening configuration.