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The present invention relates to an actuating device for window and door frames, in particular for tilt and turn windows and French windows.
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Dreh-Kipp type actuators are well known in the art and are widely used in modern window and door frames, particularly in tilt-and-turn windows and French doors. These devices allow the window to be opened in both casement and tilt-and-turn versions, offering versatility in room ventilation. Operation is based on a handle rotation system that activates the hinges and locking points of the window.
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However, known Dreh-Kipp devices have some limitations. First, their dimensions are often considerable, with overall dimensions that can exceed 60 mm in width and 25 mm in height. This can create installation problems in windows with thin profiles or in situations where space is limited. Furthermore, the design of these devices does not always blend harmoniously with the modern aesthetics of windows and doors, sometimes resulting in a noticeable and unattractive appearance.
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Another critical issue concerns the handle release system. Conventional devices use steel springs that operate radially to the direction of rotation, an approach that can lead to wear over time and require periodic maintenance. Finally, assembling these devices can be complex, with numerous components to manage during installation.
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Object of the present invention is solving the aforementioned prior art problems by providing an actuating device for window frames that allows for obtaining a device with significantly reduced dimensions compared to known devices, facilitating installation in window frames with thin profiles and ensuring a clean and elegant appearance of the window frame.
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Another object of the invention is ensuring a precise and reliable operation of the device, reducing wear of the components over time and minimizing the need for maintenance.
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The above and other objects and advantages of the invention, as will result from the following description, are achieved with an actuating device for window and door frames such as that described in claim 1. Preferred embodiments and non-trivial variants of the present invention form the subject matter of the dependent claims.
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It is understood that the attached claims form an integral part of this description.
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It will be immediately obvious that countless variations and modifications can be made to what is described (for example relating to shape, dimensions, arrangements and parts with equivalent functionality) without departing from the scope of the invention as appears from the appended claims.
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The present invention will be better described by a preferred embodiment, provided by way of example and not by way of limitation, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an actuating device for window and door frames according to the present invention;
- Figures 2A, 2B show exploded views of components of an actuating device for window and door frames according to the present invention;
- Figure 3 shows a detailed exploded view of an actuating device for window and door frames according to the present invention;
- Figure 4 shows a detailed exploded view of a second embodiment of an actuating device for window and door frames according to the present invention.
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With reference to the Figures, a preferred embodiment is shown and described of an actuating device 20 for window and door frames according to the present invention, which comprises a fastening element 2 configured to be anchored to a window or door panel; a square shaft 1, hereinafter square, rotating inside the fastening element 2; a trigger system 3 comprising an upper body 31, 41 integral with the square shaft 1 and a lower body 32 with a plurality of recesses 33 formed on its upper profile; an elastic element 4, preferably a spring, which pushes the lower body 32 against the upper body 31, 41.
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The upper body 31, 41 is integral with the square shaft 1 and has at least one protrusion 35, 45, preferably two protrusions on its lower surface. This protrusion 35, 45 is configured to fit into the recesses 33 made on the lower body 32, allowing a snap-action movement during the rotation of the square shaft 1.
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The actuating device 20 for window and door frames of the invention allows for a reworking of a Dreh-Kipp type mechanism with significantly reduced dimensions compared to traditional devices, facilitating installation in windows with thin profiles and improving the overall aesthetics.
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The device 20 may also comprise a washer 6 integral with the frame and a rosette 8 configured to cover the fastening element 2 once installed on the window or door panel.
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The addition of the rosette 8 allows the actuating device 20 to be completely hidden, ensuring a clean and elegant appearance of the window frame.
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Preferably, the fastening element 2 may have a diameter of approximately 27 mm; these compact dimensions allow for a significant reduction in space compared to conventional Dreh-Kipp mechanisms, which typically have planar dimensions of approximately 28x62 mm.
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The Trigger System 3 can be configured to provide four or eight trigger positions.
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The ability to choose between four or eight trigger positions offers greater flexibility in adapting the device 20 to the specific needs of different window types and user preferences.
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Preferably, the lower body 32 of the snap system 3 may comprise lateral fins 34 which slide in corresponding openings formed in the fastening element 2, limiting the movement of the lower body 32 to a movement in the direction of the axis of the square shaft 1.
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With reference to Figures 2A and 2B, a first embodiment of the actuating device 20 for window and door frames according to the invention is described. The trigger system 3 comprises the upper body consisting of a rotor 31 and the lower body consisting of a stator 32. The rotor 31 is integral with the square shaft 1 and has at least one projection 35, for example two projections, on its lower surface. This projection 35 is configured to fit into the recesses 33 made on the stator 32, allowing a triggering movement during the rotation of the square shaft 1.
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The stator 32, in turn, has fins 34, e.g. two fins, which slide inside corresponding openings in fastening element 2. This configuration limits the degrees of freedom of the stator 32, allowing controlled movement in a single direction, i.e., in the direction of the axis of the square shaft 1. This movement is essential for the operation of the actuating device 20, as it allows the square shaft 1 to rotate freely inside fastening element 2, while the stator 32 remains in position.
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The elastic element 4 (or spring) plays an important role in the actuating device 20. The spring 4 rests on the washer 6, which is integral with the square shaft 1. The function of the spring 4 is to hold the stator against the rotor, thus allowing the four or eight clicks during the rotation of the square shaft 1. Furthermore, the spring 4 helps closing the entire mechanism from below, ensuring the stability and integrity of the actuating device 20 of the invention.
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In some cases, the number of clicks may vary depending on the specific needs of the window or door. For example, the actuating device 20 can be configured to allow four or eight clicks, depending on the type of window or door and the user's needs. This flexibility in the number of clicks makes the actuating device 20 suitable for a wide range of applications, offering precise and reliable control of the opening and closing of the window or door.
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Referring to Figure 3, a handle 5 forms the main visible part of a handle assembly and is designed for user interaction. The handle 5 includes a perforated neck 12, within which the actuating device 20 is contained, which allows the handle 5 to wrap around the device 20 and thus ensure a modern design without compromising its functionality.
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The fastener 2 acts as the main housing for the internal components. The fastener 2 is anchored to the window or door panel, for example, using four self-tapping screws. This configuration provides stable support for the actuating device 20, ensuring a reliable and long-lasting operation.
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The square shaft 1, which is the square shaft that transmits the rotational motion from the handle 5 to the window locking mechanism, is arranged inside the fastener 2.
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The snap system 3 is positioned around the square shaft 1 and facilitates the rotational movement and positioning of the handle 5. The spring 4 is an element that provides tension or resistance in the operation of the device 20.
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The cover rosette 8 serves as a decorative cover, concealing the internal components and enhancing the aesthetics of the actuating device 20, as well as protecting the internal components from dust and debris, aiding in the maintenance of the device 20.
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In a second embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 4, the trigger system 3 comprises the upper body, consisting of an elastic pin 41, and the lower body, consisting of a stator 32. The elastic pin 41 is integral with the frame 1 and acts as a protrusion 45, for example formed at one end thereof, configured to fit into the recesses 33 made on the stator 32 allowing a trigger movement during the rotation of the square shaft 1.
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This second embodiment of the invention allows for the entire actuating device 20 to be reduced in size, eliminating a component, and therefore reducing production costs. Furthermore, the pin 41 prevents the square shaft 1 from being removed from the actuating device 20 as it acts as a stop inside the fastening element 2, maintaining its operation unchanged.
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In some embodiments of the invention, the actuating device 20 may include additional components, such as a retaining ring to secure the components in place. For example, the washer 6 may serve as a retaining ring to secure the components in place. This element may be particularly useful in applications where the actuating device 20 is subject to vibration or sudden movements, such as in windows and doors exposed to strong winds or frequently used.
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Advantageously, the actuating device 20 according to the invention allows for the obtaining of a device with significantly smaller dimensions than known Dreh-Kipp type mechanisms, facilitating its installation in windows with thin profiles and improving the overall aesthetics, ensuring a clean and elegant appearance of the window.
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The snap system 3, having the possibility of choosing between different snap positions, offers great flexibility in adapting the actuating device 20 of the invention to the specific needs of different types of windows and user preferences.
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Another advantage of the innovative design of the trigger system is that it ensures precise and reliable operation, reducing wear on components over time and minimizing the need for maintenance.