WO2019030605A1

WO2019030605A1 - Central latch lock for internal doors with floor-stopping device

Info

Publication number: WO2019030605A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/055661
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francesco Mascarin
Original assignee: Francesco Mascarin
Priority date: 2017-08-11
Filing date: 2018-07-30
Publication date: 2019-02-14
Also published as: IT201700093168A1

Abstract

The present invention refers to a lock for internal doors comprising a floor-stopping device. Specifically, the invention refers to a floor-stopping device integrated to a central latch lock, for opening and closing of internal hinged doors. The lock is provided with a mechanism consisting of moving members arranged on two transmission paths, having a common actuator element, which alternately actuate the floor-stopping device and the retraction of the latch. Furthermore, the invention relates to an internal door comprising said lock.

Description

"CENTRAL LATCH LOCK FOR INTERNAL DOORS WITH FLOOR-STOPPING

DEVICE"

DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention refers to an innovative lock for internal doors. Specifically, the invention refers to a floor-stopping device integrated to a central latch lock, preferably magnetic, for closing and opening internal hinged doors. Moreover, the invention relates to an internal door that includes said lock.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Internal hinged doors are generally rectangle parallelepiped-shaped boards, usually made of honeycomb wood, vertically positioned with respect to the floor and hinged to the doorway along an edge of frames, so as to separate internal rooms of buildings of different type such as residential, industrial, commercial or the like.

[003] Traditionally, suitable floor-stopping devices are used to stop the internal doors in any open position in order to avoid accidental closing or opening thereof, for example due to air currents that might cause an unexpected and possibly violent, harmful or loud closing/opening. Typically said floor-stopping devices can be formed by weights with suitable shapes comprising different materials, such as a rubber portion, they can be wedges positioned on the lower part of the door or they can be improvised solutions, such as the positioning of chairs, stools, decorative objects, vases or similar items.

[004] As an alternative to such solutions, other types of floor-stopping devices have been invented, integrated to the door, which are driven by means of the handles commonly used for the door closing/opening. Specifically, the handle is connected to mechanisms, installed in the lower part of the door, which push elements against the floor so as to generate the necessary friction to stop the door in the desired opening position by the user.

[005] Such alternative solutions are described for example in patent applications ITRM940088A1 and TWM251903U, wherein devices are applied to the doors in addition to and independently of the already existing opening/closing system, or they are described in patent applications DE10201 1009159A1 , WO2010150068A2, DE2522222A1 , DE1036108B and DE102013001067B3, wherein even though describing devices which are partially integrated to the lock, they have some disadvantages such as, for example, the necessity to be assembled with a pad to which they are connected, making the mounting process difficult, or these devices interact with the locking mechanism.

[006] Therefore, the use of these solutions in new doors could provide some difficulties during the installation step, whereas they could be invasive and compromising in already installed doors, if not properly set up in order to receive additional devices.

[007] Additionally, the corresponding mechanisms are complex and sometimes are added to the already installed closing/opening systems, therefore increasing the size and the number of devices provided in said doors.

[008] Therefore, it is clear that the doors need to undergo lots of and expensive working processes in order to provide the space necessary for housing such devices, for example at the casing of the latch locking mechanism.

[009] Lastly, the above described technical drawbacks make difficult the application and the development of such solutions for consumer goods, for the industry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The above mentioned technical drawbacks are solved with the present invention which describes a mechanism applicable to internal doors with central latch lock, preferably magnetic, carrying out a limited number of working processes for its installation, such as the preparation of the single groove in the door necessary for housing the elements of floor-stopping device, and furthermore it prevents the use of complex or bulky elements, making easy the replacement of an already existing lock, if necessary.

[0011] Therefore, the first object of the present invention is to develop a lock for internal doors comprising a floor-stopping mechanism that is simple and intuitive both in terms of installation and of operation.

[0012] A second object is to develop a lock comprising few additional components compared to a simple traditional lock, preferably a magnetic central latch lock.

[0013] An additional object is to develop a floor-stopping device for internal doors which is easy to assemble and that can be manufactured with systems, machinery and tools typical of the mechanical industry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The additional features and the advantages of the lock of this invention will become more evident in the following description relative to some embodiments given by way of example, non-limiting, referring to the following pictures:

- FIG.1 A is an axonometric view of a portion of internal door showing a drive mechanism of the lock according the present invention; - FIG. 1 B is an axonometric view of a portion of internal door showing a floor-stopping device of the lock according to the present invention;

- FIG. 2A represents an axonometric and exploded view of the drive mechanism of the lock of FIG.1 A;

- FIG. 2B represents an axonometric and exploded view of the floor-stopping device of FIG. 1 B;

- FIG. 3A shows an axonometric view of some elements of the drive mechanism of FIG.2A, from a first angle;

- FIG. 3B shows an axonometric view of elements of the drive mechanism of FIG. 3A, from a second angle;

- FIG. 4A shows an axonometric and exploded view of other elements of the drive mechanism of FIG. 2A, from a first angle;

- FIG. 4B shows an axonometric view of the elements of the drive mechanism of FIG. 4A, from a second angle;

- FIG. 5 represents an open side view of the mechanism of FIG. 2A in a first operating condition, corresponding to the closed door;

- FIG. 6 represents an open side view of the mechanism of FIG. 2A in a second operating condition, corresponding to the opening of the door by using handles;

- FIG. 7 represents an open side view of the mechanism in FIG. 2A in a third operating condition, corresponding to the locking of the door by using a key;

- FIG. 8 represents an open side view of the mechanism in FIG. 2A in a fourth operating condition, corresponding to the opening of the door by using a key;

- FIG. 9 represents an open side view of the mechanism in FIG. 2A in a fifth operating condition, corresponding to the actuation of the floor-stopping device by using the handles;

- FIG. 10 represents an open side view of the floor-stopping device of FIG. 2B in a first position, corresponding to the not actuated floor-stopping device;

- FIG. 1 1 represents an open side view of the floor-stopping device in FIG. 2B in a second position, corresponding to the actuated floor-stopping device;

- FIG. 12 represents an open side view of a second embodiment of the mechanism, in a first operating condition, corresponding to the closed door;

- FIG. 13 represents an open side view of the second embodiment of the mechanism, in a second operating condition, corresponding to the opening of the door by using the handles;

- FIG. 14 represents an open side view of the second embodiment of the mechanism, in a fifth operating condition, corresponding to the actuation of the floor-stopping device by using the handles;

- FIG. 15 represents an open side view of the third embodiment of the mechanism, in a first operating condition, corresponding to the closed door;

- FIG. 16 represents an open side view of the third embodiment of the mechanism, in a second operating condition, corresponding to the opening of the door by using the handles;

- FIG. 17 represents an open side view of the third embodiment of the mechanism, in a fifth operating condition, corresponding to the actuation of the floor-stopping device by using the handles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIRST EMBODIMENT

[0015] With reference to FIGG. 1 A and 1 B, it is shown a lock for internal doors, according to the present invention, comprising a drive mechanism 1 for a latch 3 and a floor-stopping device 2 installed inside a door D.

[0016] In the following description, will be used terms "above", "below", "top", "bottom", "low", "high", "clockwise", "anticlockwise", "right", "left", "vertical" and "horizontal". To an expert in the field, it will be obvious to understand that these terms refer to the orientation of the mechanism in operating condition, installed in a door D.

[0017] With reference to FIGG. 1 A, 1 B and 2A, the lock for internal doors comprises a drive mechanism 1 with which the user is able to use door D in various operating conditions, by using handles 106 connected to it or by using a key. These conditions are, typically, the condition wherein the door D is closed (hereinafter defined as first operating condition), the opening of the door D by using handles (hereinafter defined as second operating condition), the closing of the door D by using a key (hereinafter defined as third operating condition), the opening of the door D by using a key (hereinafter defined as fourth operating condition ), the actuation of the floor-stopping device 2 which allows to block the door D, opened, in any position chosen by the user (hereinafter defined as fifth operating condition), and, lastly, the unblocking of the floor- stopping device 2 (sixth operating condition).

[0018] With reference to FIG.2A, the drive mechanism 1 comprises a plurality of moving members positioned on two transmission paths that, alternatively, make possible said abovementioned first to fourth operating conditions, through the first transmission path, or fifth to sixth operating condition through the second transmission path. Specifically, the first transmission path allows to actuate the first to fourth operating conditions driving the movement of a latch 3 by means of the handles 106 in the first and second operating condition, or by means of a key in the third and fourth operating condition. The second transmission path, instead, allows to actuate the fifth and sixth operating condition by means of the handles 106.

[0019] Both transmissions paths comprise, upstream, a common actuator element 7, driven by the user by means of the handles 106. Said actuator element 7 substantially comprises a rotatable central portion, adapted to connect to handles 106, and on whose peripheral edge, in diametrically opposed positions, two elements extend acting as leverage. These two elements allow to alternatively actuate one of the two transmission paths, through predetermined rotation operations of the handles, by bringing in contact and by applying a force on the moving members that form the two transmission paths.

[0020] In the first transmission path, a switch element 4, supported by an elastic element 6, performs movements which are driven by the user through the rotation of a key eventually inserted in the drive mechanism 1 . Furthermore, the switch element 4 is connected to a lever element 5, whose orientation, which depends on the position of the switch element 4 or of the actuator element 7, defines the position of the latch 3 and, therefore, the possibility of locking or opening the door D.

[0021] The second transmission path of movement comprises downstream a floor- stopping device 2 connected to a thrust element 10 of a thrust member 9 that allow to exert on floor P a force sufficient to generate the necessary friction to block door D in a opened position. Moreover, the second transmission path comprises a reversible stopping member 8 that, when is engaged with the thrust member 9 by the movement of the actuator element 7, it allows to keep the pressure exerted by the thrust member 9 and by the thrust element 10 on the floor-stopping device 2, until the user performs a release command on the handles 106.

[0022] Below will be described in detail the drive mechanism 1 and each moving member contained therein, in the first operating condition, which is when door D is closed.

[0023] With reference to FIG. 1 A, the drive mechanism 1 of the latch is formed by handles 106 connected to a box casing 100 having shape and dimensions typical of closing/opening latch mechanisms, preferably magnetic, for internal doors, commonly sold and broadly available. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 1 A, said box casing 100 is installed inside the door D by placing it between two parallel walls F thereof and along the closing edge A. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2A, the box casing 100 is formed by a first cover 101 and a second cover 102, preferably metallic and partially symmetric to each other, which include a plurality of moving members and elements, necessary to the actuation of first to sixth operating conditions.

[0024] With reference to FIG. 2A, each cover is constituted by a flat rectangular surface on whose edges are formed as folded rims perpendicular to the flat surface. Specifically, each cover, first 101 and second 102, provides an upper edge opposite to a lower edge, that is facing the floor P, a right edge opposite a left edge, that is facing the closing edge A of door D. Furthermore, the left edge of the first cover 101 has an opening 1 19 formed on an intermediate distance from the upper and lower edge, having a first Z-Z axis orthogonal to the opening edge A of the door D. An interruption along the lower edge, close to the left edge, forms an opening 1 16 having a second Y-Y axis, orthogonal to Z-Z axis and parallel to the cover surface 101 .

The covers, first 101 and second 102, are connected to each other, along their respective edges, by interlocking elements 108 arranged on said edges (one pair is visible in FIG. 2A). When the two covers are joint to each other, said abovementioned folded portions form a single upper edge U opposite to a single lower edge I facing the floor, a single right edge R opposite a single left edge L, facing the edge A, so as to close the box casing 100.

[0025] The first cover 101 is fixed, preferably by welding, along its left edge L to a plate 103 which has an opening 103A that corresponds to the opening 1 19 of the first cover 101 . Furthermore, the plate 103 is adapted to fasten the box casing 100, when inserted in door D inside a specific groove, along the edge A of the door. Said plate 103 is fastened to said edge A preferably by means of screws (not shown).

[0026] Both first cover 101 and second cover 102 are provided with a plurality of openings formed almost symmetrical on the respective surfaces.

[0027] With reference to FIG. 2A, each cover 101 ,102 shows a first through opening 104, 104 adapted to be engaged by a transmission pin 105 of handles 106 movement. Said opening 104, 104 is formed near the right edge R and in the half portion of the cover near the upper edge U, and it has a third X1 -X1 axis perpendicular to the surfaces of said covers 101 and 102. A second opening 107,107, formed near the right edge R and in the half portion of the cover near the lower edge I, acts as keyhole that allows the locking of door D by a traditional key (not shown). A third opening 109,109 is formed near the left edge L and in the half portion of the cover near the upper edge U. Furthermore, it has a fourth X2-X2 axis parallel to X1 -X1 axis (FIG. 2A only shows the opening of the first cover 101 ). A fourth opening 1 12,1 13 extends parallel to the upper edge U, preferably at an intermediate distance between the upper edge U and the lower edge I, and close to the right edge R. Said opening 1 12,1 13 acts as a guide for the movement of said latch 3 along the Z-Z axis. A fifth opening 124A, 124B extends parallel to the left edge L, near thereof, and it extends into the half portion of the cover near the lower edge I.

[0028] With reference to FIG.2A, a sixth opening 1 17, provided only in cover 101 , is formed on the common corner between right edge R and lower edge I. Lastly, a seventh opening 1 18, provided only in cover 101 , is formed on the lower edge I, near the seventh opening 1 17.

[0029] Both first 101 and second 102 covers are provided with a plurality of guiding, abutting and stop elements placed almost symmetrically, and protruding from the internal surface of each cover.

[0030] With reference to FIG. 2A first guide elements 1 14A and 1 14B are preferably plates parallel to Y-Y axis, formed in an intermediate position between the right edge R and the left edge L, and generally in the half portion of the cover near the upper edge U. Also second guide elements 1 15A and 1 15B are preferably plates parallel to Y-Y axis, formed in an intermediate position between the right edge R and the left edge L, and generally in the half portion of the cover close to the lower edge I. Third guide elements 121 A and 121 B are preferably plates parallel to Y-Y axis, formed in an intermediate position between the left edge L and the guide elements 1 15A and 1 15B. It should be noted that said guide elements 121 A and 121 B are formed facing the left edge L near said openings 124A and 124B facing the left edge L.

[0031] In addition, with reference to FIG. 2A, cover 101 comprises a stop element 1 10, preferably a plate, parallel to Y-Y axis close to the left edge L and to the upper edge U of the cover. A retaining element 125 of a spring is preferably a plate near the right edge R and in the half portion of the cover facing the upper edge U. Furthermore, the retaining element 125 provides a notch 1 1 1 for engaging with an end of said spring, as explained later. A fourth guide element 122 is preferably a plate parallel to Y-Y axis, preferably formed by partial folding of the lower edge I, that is along the same axis of the second element 1 15A.

[0032] As shown on FIG. 2A, the cover 102, in addition to the above described elements, comprises a first guide element 123 which is preferably a plate parallel to Y-Y axis, preferably formed by partial folding of the lower edge I close to the left edge L. It should be noted that the fourth guide element 122 of the first cover 101 and first guide element 123 of the second cover 102 form the walls of said opening 1 16 of the first cover, that is formed on the portion of the lower edge I close to left edge L and having an axis coinciding with Y-Y axis. Lastly, the stop element 1 1 OB, in the second cover 102, is preferably a plate parallel to Y-Y axis, formed on an substantially intermediate distance between the left edge L and the right edge R, and it is positioned in the half portion of the cover close to the upper edge U.

[0033] The drive mechanism 1 comprises a latch 3 whose function, during operating conditions for closing the door D with or without a key, is to go in a slot of a counter- plate fixed to the door-jam so as to act as a bolt, as it normally happens for latch doors, preferably by means of magnetic latch. With reference to FIGG. 2A, 3A and 3B, latch 3 is an element, preferably monolithic, that extends along the Z-Z axis, which is perpendicular to the plate 103. The latch 3 comprises a head 30 substantially parallelepiped, a shank portion 33 and a tail 34. The head 30 is provided with a first portion 30A with a section substantially identical to the opening 103A of the plate, and adapted to protrude from this opening during operating conditions for closing the door D, and a second portion 30B with a larger section compared to the first portion, suitable to abut against the edge of opening 103A during operating conditions for closing the door D.

[0034] The head 30 provides a cavity 32 for housing a magnet 31 . Indeed, latch 3 is the element that is inserted into the counter-plate fixed to the door-jam and therefore acts as a bolt due to the magnetic attraction between the magnet 31 and a material, preferably magnetic, placed on the door-jamb. Furthermore, an elastic snap element is provided to reversibly hold the magnet 31 in the cavity 32 (not indicated on the drawings).

[0035] From the second portion of the head 30, the shank 33 extends having a lower thickness than the head 30, for example equal to about half of its thickness, so as to leave enough room to guarantee the insertion of the magnet 31 in the cavity 32. Shank 33 connects the head 30 to a tail 34. The tail 34 comprises a cavity provided with a dowel pin 39 reversibly engaging a spring as explained below. The tail 34 provides a surface 35 facing the left edge L, adapted to abut against a portion of the lever element 5, as explained below. An helicoidal torsion spring 36 is fitted through its central body in said dowel pin 39, while a first end 36B abuts against the wall's cavity of tail 34, and a second end 36A forms a free shank, that protrudes from tail 34 toward the upper edge U, fitting the notch 1 1 1 of the retaining element 125 of first cover 101 .

[0036] 0036 On the surfaces of shank 33 and tail 34, respectively facing towards the cover 101 and 102, there are respectively guiding wings 37, 38 for the movement of latch 3, shaped in such a way to be adapted to slide inside openings 1 12 and 1 13 respectively of covers 101 and 102. Therefore, latch 3 is positioned inside the box casing 100 so that the head 30 engages the hole 103A and so that the wings 37 and 38 engage the openings 1 12 and 1 13, allowing the slide movement of latch 3 parallel to the lower edge I and, i.e. along Z-Z axis.

[0037] The switch element 4 is adapted to slidingly move parallel to Y-Y axis within the space delimited by the right edge R, by the second guide elements 1 15A and 1 15B, respectively of the first cover 101 and second cover 102, by the fourth guide element 122 of the first cover 101 . Specifically, as shown in FIGG. 3A and 3B, said switch element comprises a first portion 4A, a second portion 4B and a third portion 4C.

[0038] The first portion 4A is substantially straight and parallel to Y-Y axis and provides a first end supporting a head 41 connected by a shank 44 to a second end facing towards the lower edge I, said second end being integral with said second portion 4B. Said head 41 provides a groove 42 with semicircular section, facing towards the right edge R and having an axis parallel to X1 -X1 axis, and two interlocking hooks 43 that protrude from the head 41 near the peripheral edge of the groove 42.

[0039] The second portion 4B of the switch element extends from said second end of the first portion 4A substantially parallel to Z-Z axis toward the right edge R. Furthermore, it comprises a first end 45 connected to the second end of the first portion 4A and a second end facing towards the right edge R of the covers and integral with the third portion 4C. It should be noted that the second portion 4B provides a surface 49 facing towards the upper edge U.

[0040] The third portion 4C of the switch element 4 extends integrally from the second end of the second portion 4B straight and parallel to Y-Y axis, toward the lower edge I. This portion comprises a projection 47 that protrudes from the surface 49 of the second portion 4B and whose function is to block the latch 3 in locking position of the door by means of the key, as explained below. Furthermore, the third portion comprises a seat 46 receiving an elastic element. Preferably, said seat is open towards the lower edge I and towards said cover 101 . Lastly, the surface of third portion 4C facing the plate 103 of the mechanism 1 fixing thereto to door D provides a series of grooves 46A, 46B adapted to be engaged with a key (not shown) so as to enable the lifting and the lowering of the switch 4 in a condition that blocks the latch 3 during the door locking or the unblocking of latch 3, in a conventional way.

[0041] In the seat 46 receiving the elastic element there is a ridge 48. Said ridge 48 engages with an end of the elastic element, as explained below.

[0042] The switch element 4 is positioned inside the box casing 100 so that both the shank 44 of the first portion 4A and the second end 45 of the second portion 4B slidingly move in contact with, respectively, the guide elements 1 15A and 1 15B, respectively of the first 101 and second 102 cover. Analogously, the head 41 slides in contact with the guiding elements 1 14A 1 1 B, respectively, of said first 101 and second 102 cover (see for example FIG. 5).

[0043] With reference to FIGG. 2A, 3A and 3B the lever element 5, preferably monolithic, comprises a semi-cylindrical central pin 52, having an axis parallel to the X1 - X1 axis, shaped in such a way to engage the groove 42, of the switch 4 , and to be interlocked thereto by means of hooks 43, being able to rotate around its own axis. A first arm 53 is connected to the rotatable pin 52 and is generally facing towards the upper edge U. Furthermore, the first arm 53 comprises a first surface 53A (see FIG. 3B), preferably flat, facing towards plate 103 and adapted to abut against the head 41 of the first portion 4A of the switch element 4, as explained below. A second surface 53B (see FIG. 3A) of the first arm 53, opposite to said first surface 53A, provides a curved profile so as to ease the engagement with the actuator element 7. Furthermore, a second arm 51 is connected with the pin 52 and it extends thereto generally towards the lower edge I. Specifically, it should be noted that the first arm 53 and the second arm 51 are not diametrically opposed with reference to the pin 52 but are mutually positioned at such an angle so as to form a sort of very opened 'V shape, that is an internal angle between the arms lower than 180 ° and an external angle bigger than 180 °, the external angle facing towards said head 41 of said first portion 4A of the switch element 4. The second arm 51 is further provided with a first surface substantially flat and facing towards the shank 44 of the second portion 4B so as to form an abutment seat on said shank, and a second surface opposed to the first surface and provided with an arched portion formed on the free end of the second arm 51 , to ease the engagement of the surface 35 of the tail 34 of the latch 3, as explained below.

[0044] With reference to FIGG. 2A, 3A and 3B, a first elastic element 6 is preferably a spring formed from a metallic plate appropriately shaped by bending. It consists of a first portion 60 substantially straight and parallel to Y-Y axis, a second portion 63 substantially parallel to Z-Z axis, a third portion 64 that folds on itself so as to form a ring. The first portion 60 ends with a folding 61 having concavity facing the right edge R. Furthermore, this portion of the spring and the relative folding 61 are received in the housing 46 of the third portion 4C of the switch element 4 and, specifically, folding 61 engages the housing 46 between the projection 47 and the ridge 48 of said switch. The second portion 63, which is the central portion of the plate that forms the elastic element 6, is parallel to the lower edge I of said covers and comprises a folding 65 adapted to engage with the portion of the lower edge I delimited by the openings 1 17 and 1 18. The second portion extends from the opposite end to the folding 61 of the first portion 60 towards the left edge L. The third portion 64 extends from the second portion 63 folding thereto and ending with a bulge 62 facing the upper edge U. The bulge 62 of the spring is in contact with the free end of the third portion 4C of the switch 4, that is the one facing toward the lower edge I, supporting it.

[0045] The elastic element 6 is then installed on the lower edge I near the opening 1 17 and 1 18 so that the folding 65 of the second portion 63 abuts the external surface of the lower edge I and so that the relative foldings engage the opening 1 17 and 1 18.

[0046] The drive mechanism 1 provides, moreover, a preferably monolithically body, that forms a actuator element 7 comprising substantially a central portion rotatable around the X1 -X1 axis, adapted to connect to the handles 106, and two arms that extend from the peripheral edge of the central portion in diametrically opposed positions. These two arms act as a leverage and allow to alternatively enable the first and second transmission path, by means of pre-determined rotating operations of the handles , respectively guaranteeing the opening of the closed door by means of the handles (second operating condition) or the actuation/unblocking of the floor-stopping device ( fifth and sixth operating conditions ).

[0047] With reference to FIG. 2A, 4A and 4B, said actuator element 7 substantially comprises a rotatable central portion 705, preferably cylindrical, and two elements that act as a leverage, a first arm 703 and a second arm 704. The central portion 705 comprises a first 707 and a second 708 cylindrical element coaxial with each other and protruding from the surface that is faced towards the first cover 101 , while on the opposite surface, that is the one facing the second cover 102, a third cylindrical element 701 is formed. Preferably, the first cylindrical element 707 is interposed between the central portion and the second cylindrical element 708 and has a radius larger than the one of said second cylindrical element. The cylindrical elements and the corresponding central portion are coaxial with each other and provide a mutual through hole 702 adapted to be engaged by the pin 105 of the handles 106. It should be noted that the first cylindrical element 707 has the function of supporting on its side wall an elastic element, as explained below, whereas the second cylindrical element 708 has the function of engaging the opening 104 of the first cover 101 which receives the pin of the handles 106. Preferably, a step 707A between the two cylindrical elements first 707 and second 708, resting on a ring shaped ridge 712 formed around the hole 104 of the first cover 101 , helps keep the actuator element 7 in place so that the axis of the through hole 702 is parallel to the X1 -X1 axis ensuring at the same time enough room for said elastic element supported by the first cylindrical element 707 to operate, as explained below. In addition, on the surface facing the first cover 101 and substantially in a radially intermediate position between the first 703 and the second 704 arm, the central portion comprises a protruding tooth 706 adapted to operate on an elastic element fitted on the first cylindrical element 707, as explained below.

[0048] On the surface facing the second cover 102, the central portion 705 provides a protruding cylindrical element 701 similar to the second cylindrical element 708 formed on the surface facing the first cover 101 , as previously described.

[0049] Said arm 703 generally, that is in non-operating conditions, faces the right edge R and the lower edge I. Specifically, the first arm is formed by a first narrowed portion of connection with the central portion 705 and by a widened end portion 703A. The end portion 703A is provided with a surface 703B that bends towards said central position 705 of the actuator 7 so as to create a space 703C of engagement with the first arm 53 of the lever element 5 of the switch 4. Preferably, said surface 703B has a shape which is complementary to the shape of the surface of the first arm 53 so that said arm is received in said space by means of a sort of shape-coupling. The first arm 703 comprises, furthermore, a protrusion 703D opposite to said surface 703B of engagement with said first arm 53 of the lever element 5. As explained below, the protrusion 703D has the function to abut against the upper edge U.

[0050] The second arm 704 generally, that is in non-operating conditions, faces the left edge L and comprises an end 704A made of a fork 704B adapted to define a seat 704C engaging with the end of a thrust element as described below.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 2A a second elastic element 750 is preferably a torsion spring formed by shaping a wire, preferably metallic, forming a first spiral portion 753 and two end portions that act as leverages 751 and 752. Furthermore, the spiral portion 753 is shaped in such a way to fit the first cylindrical element 707 of the actuator element 7. The first portion 751 is instead shaped in such a way to be in contact with the upper edge U close to the left edge L, whereas the second end portion 752 is formed in such a way to be always in contact with said upper edge U but close to the right edge R of said covers and, at the same time, with said tooth 706 of said central portion 705 of the actuator 7. The function of said second elastic element 750 is to keep the actuator element 7, and the handles 106 connected to it, in the position of the first operating condition, until the handles 106 are operated by the user. [0052] With reference to FIGG. 2A and 4A a reversible stopping member 8 comprises an engaging head 81 that, as shown on FIG. 4A, has preferably a "V" shape connected with a tubular shank 82 wherein a stem 84 internally slides and which is connected to a basal block 83. This block comprises a pin 85 adapted to engage the holes 109 of the first 101 and second 102 covers. Moreover, the axis of pin 85 corresponds with the X2- X2 axis and it is rotatable therein. Lastly, between said block 83 and said engaging head 81 , a helical compression spring 86 is positioned whose spirals envelope the shank 82 and the stem 84 herein inserted.

[0053] With reference to FIGG. 2A and 4A a thrust member 9 comprises substantially a body 91 and a thrust element 10. Preferably, the body 91 is a rectangular plate placed along Y-Y axis and comprising a head portion 96 and a foot 95 appropriately shaped. The plate is placed so as to have a first side 91 A facing and substantially parallel to the surface of the first cover 101 , and an opposing second side 91 B, i.e. facing and parallel to the surface of the second cover 102. The head 96 provides a central notch 94 adapted to engage the abovementioned first stop element 1 10 of said cover 101 . On the second side 91 B of body 91 , near the notch 94, are formed adjacent two wings, respectively first 92 and second 93, perpendicular to the surface of body 91 and connected to each other along an edge so as to delimit an angular space. The second wing 93 generally faces along Y-Y axis and is adapted to engage the seat 704C of fork 704B of the second arm 704 of actuator element 7. The first wing 92 generally faces parallel to Z-Z axis and is adapted to engage the engaging head 81 of the reversible member 8. The foot 95 is positioned on the opposite end of body 91 with respect to head 96 and, preferably, is formed by a folding of the body plate so as to form a sort of shelf. An elastic element 18, such as a helical spring, is engaged, preferably by leaning, under said foot 95.

[0054] As shown in FIGG. 2A and 4A, the foot 95 and the spring 18 are inserted in the thrust element 10. Said element is preferably a vertically positioned parallelepiped, with longitudinal Y-Y axis, formed with a cavity to create a seat 1 1 receiving said foot 95 and said spring 18. Particularly, the spring 18 preferably keeps the foot 95 pressed against a surface 12 of said seat facing the lower edge I. In this configuration, the foot 95, and therefore also the body 91 , can slide inside said seat 1 1 . It should be noted that the thrust element 10 is fittingly received by the space defined respectively by the second guide elements 1 15A and 1 15B, respectively of the first 101 and second 102 cover, by the fourth guide element 122 of the first cover 101 , by the first guide element 123 of the second cover 102 and by the third elements 121 A and 121 B respectively of the first 101 and second 102 cover. Preferably, the thrust element 10 comprises also a pair of guiding wings 15 for the movement of the thrust element 10, adapted to engage and slide inside the fifth opening 124A and 124B respectively of said first 101 and second 102 cover.

[0055] In non-operating conditions, the thrust member 9, with its respective thrust element 10, is engaged with the stop element 1 10 through the notch 94 and it is positioned at a predetermined distance from the latch 3, without interfering with it in any operating condition. Furthermore, the thrust element 10 ends aligned with the lower edge I, that is close to the opening 1 16 of the lower edge I. In this way, the thrust member 9 with its element 10 can slide along said guides along Y-Y axis.

[0056] The floor-stopping device 2 will be described below in the first operating condition, wherein the device is not actuated. With reference to FIGG. 1 B, 2A, 2B and 10, under the box casing, i.e. under the lower edge I of first 101 and second 102 covers, a rod 201 provides a first end formed by a adjusting screw 201 A leaning on the thrust element 10 of the thrust member 9 so as to lie on Y-Y axis. Said rod 201 extends up to the floor-stopping device 2 positioned at the base B of door D (see FIG. 1 B). For the correct operation of the thrust rod 201 and of the floor-stopping device 2, it is necessary to form, with methods known in the prior art, a housing along Y-Y axis inside door D, up to edge B, in order to allow the movement of rod 201 along Y-Y axis, preventing said rod to bend during the fifth actuating operating condition of the floor-stopping device 2.

[0057] FIG. 2B shows a portion of the rod 201 with a second end, opposite to the first end, connecting with a pad 202 wherein said rod 201 is inserted. Said pad 202 comprises a first element 202A tubular-shaped with a dead hole 202B wherein rod 201 is inserted. On the external edge of the first element 202A close to the hole 202B are formed some restraint protrusions whereas on the opposite side of said hole, an intermediate body 202C is arranged coaxially to said first element 202A so as to create a shoulder 202E facing the rod 201 . Lastly, an insert 202D protrudes from the intermediate body 202C in an opposite direction with respect to the first body 202A with the function to press against the floor P and to exert pressure when the fifth operating condition is actuated to operate the floor-stopping device 2.

[0058] A seat 200 is a casing suitable to receive and hold the body 202C letting the tubular element 202A to protrude through its upper hole 200A, substantially to size. On the base of seat 200, two lateral fixing wings 200B protrude, in parallel and coplanar to the door base B, adapted to fix seat 200 to the base B preferably by means of traditional screws. In other words seat 200 constitutes the jacket of pad 202 wherein it slides with an excursion upwards limited by the contact of the shoulder 202E with the edge of hole 200A and downwards limited by the contact of the insert 202D with the floor P.

[0059] Therefore once the pad 202 is inserted into the seat 200, a helical compression spring 204 is inserted, whose spirals envelop the first element 202A, and a ring 203 is installed on the tubular element 202A so that the spring 204 rests and is interposed between the seat 200 and the ring 203, and the latter rests and is interposed between the spring 204 and the restraint protrusions of the upper element 202A. In this way, the spring 204 is loaded exerting a thrust on the ring 203 that, through the protrusions of element 202A, exerts a force towards Y-Y on the pad 202 that keeps the insert 202D raised from the floor P and, at the same time, the first element 202A with rod 201 therein inserted are limited in the stroke towards the mechanism 1 thanks to the shoulder 202E that abuts against the edge of hole 200A of seat 200.

[0060] The operation of the drive mechanism 1 will be described below according to operating conditions first to sixth, as previously defined.

FIRST OPERATING CONDITION

[0061] With reference to FIG. 5, in the first operating condition, wherein the door D is closed, the latch 3 is inserted in the slot of the counter-plate (not shown), installed in the door-jamb, and guarantees the closure due to a magnetic attraction force F3 between the latch 3 and the material, preferably magnetic, provided in the slot of the counter- plate.

[0062] The torsion spring 36, by pressing with its free shank 36A on the notch 1 1 1 of the retaining element 125, exerts on the latch 3 a force Ft opposed to the attraction force F3 between the magnet 31 and the portion of the counter-plate, preferably magnetic. Therefore during the design stage, in order to guarantee the closure of the door, the spring 36 is appropriately selected in order to satisfy the relation F3>Ft.

[0063] In this condition no command is imparted by the user to the moving members of the first and second transmission paths. Therefore the actuator element 7 is in what we call a starting condition, held by the elastic element 750, which has the arm 703 close to the lever element 5 but not in contact with it, and the arm 704 is resting on wing 93 of the thrust member 9 through fork 704B.

[0064] The lever element 5 has the second arm 51 facing the lower edge I, abutting on the surface of shank 44 of the switch 4 and the second surface 53B of the first arm 53 is in contact with the retaining element 125.

[0065] The switch element 4, supported by the bulge 62 of the elastic element 6, is in such a position whereby the lever element 5 is positioned as above described and the ridge 48 is in a lower position with respect to the folding 61 of the elastic element 6.

[0066] As a result of the thrust of the stopping member 8, the engaging head 81 thereof is in contact with the wing 92 of the thrust member 9, the notch 94 of the head 96 of thrust member 9 is engaged with the stop element 1 10, and the foot 95 abuts against the surface 12 of the thrust element 10.

[0067] The adjusting screw 201 A of the rod 201 of the floor-stopping device 2 rests below the thrust element 10, and the sole force that acts on the pad 202 is the one of the spring 204 that, therefore, keeps the insert 202D raised from the floor P.

SECOND OPERATING CONDITION

[0068] With reference to FIG. 6 in the second operating condition, wherein the door D is opened by means of the handles 106, a command is imparted by the user solely to the first transmission path.

[0069] Starting from the first operating condition, by actuating the handles 106 with a clockwise rotation, the actuator element 7 rotates clockwise, from the starting condition, around X1 -X1 axis, first bringing the end 703A of the first arm 703 in contact with the first arm 53 of the lever element 5 and, after, rotating the lever element 5 around the axis of pin 52 so as to push the first arm 53 abutting on head 41 of the switch 4. The rotation of lever element 5, furthermore, brings in contact the second arm 51 with the surface 35 of the tail 34 of the latch 3 pushing the tail along Z-Z axis until it contacts the right edge R, disengaging the opening 103A from the head 30 and therefore allowing the door opening.

[0070] By turning clockwise the actuator element 7, its tooth 706 deforms the elastic element 750 separating the second end portion 752 from the upper edge U as long as the user holds the rotation with the handles 106. When the handles are released the actuator element 7 returns to the starting position due to elastic return of the elastic element 750. Furthermore, when the handles 106 are released, the contact of the first arm 703 with the first arm 53 stops and, therefore, the second arm 51 is free to go back in contact with shank 44 of switch 4.

[0071] When tail 34 abuts against the right edge R and the door is opened by the user in any position, therefore misaligning the plate 103 and the counter-plate, the magnetic attraction force F3 is zero and therefore the latch 3 is held abutting the right edge R by means of the torsion helical spring 36 as a result of the solely force Ft. When plate 103 and the counter-plate are realigned, closing the door, the relation F3>Ft is once again guaranteed and therefore the latch 3 acts again as a bolt according to the first operating condition, also repositioning the second arm 51 in contact with shank 44 of switch 4. THIRD OPERATING CONDITION

[0072] With reference to FIG. 7 in the third operating condition, when the door D is locked by means of a key, a command is imparted by the user solely to the first transmission path by means of a key (not shown) inserted in opening 107,107.

[0073] Starting from the first operating condition, rotating the key anticlockwise, the key teeth engage the groove 46B moving the switch 4 from the starting position (FIG. 5) towards the upper edge U until the projection 47 is aligned to Z-Z axis. In this position, the ridge 48 has gone beyond the folding 61 of spring 6, bending it, so that said folding now supports the switch 4. Projection 47 prevents the latch 3 from moving along Z-Z axis, occupying the space between tail 34 and the right edge R.

[0074] It is obvious that, if tail 34 were abutting right edge R as in the second operating condition, it wouldn't be possible to move the switch 4 upwards, but this operation wouldn't be useful as the locking of door D open, is not possible, being not aligned plate 103 and counter-plate.

[0075] Furthermore, the movement of switch 4 towards the upper edge U, starting from the first operating condition (see FIG. 5), forces the second arm 51 of the lever element 5 to stay abut to shank 44 of switch 4 due to the retaining element 125. Consequently, the first arm 53 of the lever element 5 is forced to occupy the space 703C of the first arm 703 of the actuator element 7. In other words, during the movement of switch 4 towards the upper edge U, the surface 53B of the lever element 5 slidingly occupies the surface 703B of the first arm 703 of the actuator element 7 bringing the first arm 53 of the lever element 5 to occupy the space 703C of the actuator element 7. In this way, it is therefore impossible to impart an opening command by means of the handles 106, as it happens in the second operating condition, because the lever element 5 isn't able to rotate and to bring the second arm 51 in contact with the surface 35 of the latch 3 even though the user can still rotate the handles 106. In fact, said rotation of handles 106 is possible until surface 703B of the actuator element 7 abuts against surface 53B, complementary to it, of the lever element 5. In other words the operation of handles 106 is unabled in this operating condition.

[0076] It is clear that, in a door D that is locked with a key as just described, it is possible to bring the switch 4 back to its starting position, with a clockwise rotation of said key in opening 107,107, therefore re-establishing the first operating condition.

FOURTH OPERATING CONDITION

[0077] With reference to FIG. 8, in the fourth operating condition, wherein the door D is opened by means of a key, the user imparts a command solely to the first transmission path by means of the key inserted in the opening 107,107.

[0078] Starting from the first operating condition, rotating the key clockwise, its teeth engage the groove 46A moving the switch 4 from a starting position (see FIG. 5) towards the lower edge I bringing the switch 4 in contact therewith. During the movement of switch 4, the surface 53B of the first arm 53 of the lever element 5 gets in contact with the retaining element 125 forcing it to rotate anticlockwise abutting on the head 41 . At the same time, the second arm 51 of the lever element 5, rotating, gets in contact with the surface 35 of the latch 3 pushing the tail 34 along Z-Z axis until it abuts against the right edge R, therefore disengaging the opening 103A from head 30 so to allow the opening of door D. In this position, the lower edge of the switch 4 presses the bulge 62 of the spring 6 against the lower edge I.

[0079] Lastly, when the command by the user stops by means of the rotation of the key, the elastic element 6 brings the switch 4 back to the starting position, as an effect of the elastic return of the ring of the third portion 64.

FIFTH OPERATING CONDITION

[0080] With reference to FIGG. 9, 10 and 1 1 , in the fifth operating condition, wherein the floor-stopping device 2 is actuated to stop the door D, opened, in any position, a command is imparted by the user solely to the second transmission path by means of the handles 106.

[0081] Starting from the second operating condition (see FIG. 6), actuating the handles 106 with an anticlockwise rotation, the actuator element 7 rotates anticlockwise around the X1 -X1 axis applying a force, through the engaging seat 704C of the fork 704B of the second arm 704, on the second wing 93 that moves the thrust member 9 along the Y-Y axis towards the floor P. The rotation of the actuator element 7 stops when the first wing 92 abuts against the stop element 1 10B of the cover 102. At the same time the protrusion 703D of the first arm 703 abuts against the upper edge U and the spring 750 is inactive since the first arm 752 stays abut to the upper edge U.

[0082] The thrust member 9 induces, through the foot 95, a deformation of spring 18 which in turn applies a thrust along Y-Y axis towards the floor P on the seat 1 1 of the thrust element 10. Said element moves, sliding in contact with the guide elements 1 15A, 1 15B, 121 A, 121 B, 122 and 123, so as to partially coming out from the box casing 100. Therefore, the movement of the thrust element 10 exerts a force, in the direction of Y-Y axis toward floor P, to the rod 201 through the adjusting screw 201 A and, as shown in FIGG. 9 and 10, it lowers the pad 202 from a first position (see FIG. 9) to a second position wherein the insert 202D is in contact with the floor P (see FIG. 10) and generates the necessary friction to stop the door.

[0083] In the fifth operating condition the pad 202 is kept in this second position as a result of the stopping member 8 that blocks the thrust member 9 in a position wherein the wing 92 is in contact with the stop element 1 10B, and the thrust element 10 presses on the rod 201 through the adjusting screw 201 A. In fact, during the movement of the thrust member 9 from the position where it abuts the stop element 1 10 to the position where it abuts the stop element 1 10B, the engaging head 81 of the stopping member is always in contact with wing 92. Therefore, the movement of the actuator element 7 guides the rotation of the stopping member 8 around X2-X2 axis that, furthermore, induces a deformation of its spring 86. Once defined the circumference having X1 -X1 axis and as radius the distance between the contact point between wing 92 of thrust member 9 and the engaging head 81 of the stopping member 8, the position of X2-X2 axis and the elastic constant of spring 86 are appropriately chosen during the design stage so that, when the protrusion 703D is in contact with the upper edge U and the wing 92 is in contact with the stop element 1 10B, the component of the force exerted by the spring 86 along the tangential direction to the circumference is, in absolute value, bigger than the resulting reaction force generated by the corresponding deformation of the springs 18 and 204 respectively of the thrust member 9 and the floor-stopping device 2.

[0084] Therefore, in this state, the insert 202D stays in contact with the floor P also after the release of handles 106 by the user, securing door D in any opened position chosen by the user.

[0085] The thrust element 10, in addition to transmitting the thrust of the drive mechanism 1 to the floor-stopping device 2, has the function to keep the direction of the force applied to the rod 201 parallel to Y-Y axis, since that , during the thrust element 9 movement from the stop positioning on the stop element 1 10 of the first cover 1 to the positioning on the stop element 1 10B of the second cover 102, said element, even if sliding in contact with the surface of cover 101 , tends to tilt and doesn't stay parallel to Y-Y axis.

[0086] Furthermore, the elastic constant of the spring 18 of the thrust member 9 is preferably higher than the elastic constant of the spring 204 of the stopping device 2 and, during the design stage, they are appropriately chosen so that when the notch 94 of head 96 of the thrust member 9 is no longer engaged by the stop element 1 10 and the thrust element 10 lowers, the only spring that is subjected to deformation is the spring 204 until the insert 202D gets in contact with the floor P. From this moment until when the thrust member 9 abuts the stop element 1 1 OB of the second cover 102, the movement of thrust member 9 applies a deformation to spring 18 and, therefore, is exerted a force towards the floor P, guaranteeing the necessary friction to stop the door. Lastly, since the thrust element 10 should rest on the adjusting screw 201 A of the rod 201 , it is possible to adjust the overall height of rod 201 , which is its overall length, adjusting it with the adjusting screw 201 A. This adjustment operation is possible either during the installation process of the drive mechanism 1 and of the floor-stopping device 2 or after the installation, simply by removing the drive mechanism 1 from door D and by working with an appropriate tool on the adjusting screw 201 A, by inserting it in the opening on edge A of door D.

SIXTH OPERATING CONDITION

[0087] With reference to FIGG. 9, 10 and 1 1 , in the sixth operating condition, wherein the floor-stopping device 2, that stops the door D, is unblocked, a command is imparted by the user solely to the second transmission path through handles 106.

[0088] Starting from the fifth operating condition, actuating the handles 106 with a clockwise rotation, the actuator element 7 rotates clockwise around the X1 -X1 axis so as to move the wing 93 by means of the fork 704B and therefore to drive the thrust member 9 from the position where it abuts the stop element 1 10B of the second cover 102 to the position where the notch 94 is engaged by the stop element 1 10 of the first cover 101 .

[0089] In this state, as in the first operating condition, since the thrust element 10 no longer presses the rod 201 , the only force exerted on pad 202 is the one of spring 204 of stopping device 2 that, therefore, keeps the insert 202D raised from the floor P, so as to cause the unblocking of the floor-stopping device 2.

[0090] It is clear that are possible different embodiments with respect to the one described before, offering possible solutions with better performance, without leaving the scope of protection as defined in claims. Further embodiments described below provides some variations relating to the elements and moving members involved in the fifth and sixth operating condition, belonging to the second transmission path. Therefore, the elements and moving members belonging to the first and second transmission path, that remain unvaried, will not be described again and the same numerical references will be used. Lastly, in the description of the possible embodiments, the operating conditions that are unvaried will not be described again. SECOND EMBODIMENT

[0091] With reference to FIG. 12, in a second embodiment, the differences compared to the first mainly refer to the head 96 of the thrust member 9, the shape of the second arm 704 of the actuator element 7 and the engaging head 87 of the stopping member 8.

[0092] The second arm 704 of the actuator element 7 comprises a first portion 704E, connecting with the central portion 705, that ends with a free lobed end 704D.

[0093] The stopping member 8 provides an engaging head 87 that has a semi- cylindrical shape.

[0094] The engaging head 96 of the thrust member 9, is formed by a block comprising a flat surface 96D substantially plane adapted to abut against the internal surface of the upper edge U so as to form a stop surface of the thrust body when the floor-stopping device is not operational (see FIG. 12). Furthermore, the block comprises a first engaging seat 97 with said engaging head 87 of the stopping member 8 and a second engaging seat 98 with said end 704D of the second arm 704 of the actuator element 7. Preferably, the block comprises an engaging sliding groove 96A with the guide element 1 10 formed on the internal surface of the first cover 101 (see FIG. 13), so as to improve the block stability and mobility during the actuating and unblocking operations of stopping device 2. The groove 96A is open on the side facing the first cover 101 .

[0095] Lastly, preferably, the block comprised a step 96C facing the lower edge I so as to create an end-of-stroke on the edge of the guide elements 1 14A and 1 14B, respectively of the first 101 and second 102 cover.

[0096] It should be noted that cover 102 doesn't provide the stop element 1 10B which was provided in the first embodiment.

FIRST OPERATING CONDITON

[0097] With reference to FIG. 12, in the first operating condition, wherein door D is closed, latch 3 is inserted in the counter-plate slot (not shown).

[0098] The actuator element 7 is in the starting condition, and has the first arm 703 close to the lever element 5, but not in contact therewith, and the second arm 704 is engaged into the first seat 98 of the engaging head 96 of the thrust member 9, through its end 704D.

[0099] The engaging head 96 is abutting the upper edge U of the covers and, preferably, the guide element 1 10 engages the groove 96A.

[00100] Lastly, the seat 97 is engaged by the engaging head 87 of the stopping member 8, which can rotate around X2-X2 axis, and exerts a pressure through the spring 86 keeping the engaging head 96 in contact with the upper edge U.

SECOND OPERATING CONDITION

[00101] With reference to FIG. 13, in the second operating condition, wherein the door D is opened by means of handles 106, a command is imparted by the user solely to the first transmission path, as in first embodiment.

[00102] Starting from the first operating condition, by actuating the handles 106 with a clockwise rotation, the actuator element 7 rotates clockwise around the X1 -X1 axis disengaging the second arm 704 from the seat 98. At the same time the first arm 703 pushes, through end 703A, the lever element 5 in the same way described on the first embodiment, bringing latch 3 to abut against the right edge R, and therefore opening the door.

FIFTH OPERATING CONDITION

[00103] With reference to FIG. 14, in the fifth operating condition wherein the floor- stopping device 2 is actuated to stop door D, opened, in any position, a command is imparted by the user solely to the second transmission path by means of handles 106.

[00104] Starting from the second operating condition, by actuating the handles 106 with a clockwise rotation , the actuator element 7 rotates anticlockwise from the starting position around the X1 -X1 axis applying , through the contact between end 704D and the seat 98 of the engaging head 96, a force that moves the thrust member 9 in the direction of Y-Y axis towards the floor P as described in the first embodiment.

[00105] Specifically, the rotation of actuator element 7 ends when the step 96C of the block 96 abuts against the edge of the guide elements 1 14A and 1 14B, respectively of the first 101 and second 102 cover, and at the same time the protrusion 703D of the actuator element 7 abuts against the upper edge U. Furthermore, during the movement of the engaging head 96 from the position abutting against the upper edge U to the position abutting against plates 1 14A and 1 14B, the groove 96A slides in contact with the plate 1 10. In this way, the plate 1 10 acts as a guide for the movement of the engaging head 96 ensuring a better functionality of this embodiment compared to the previous one, for example avoiding potential jams of the transmission mechanism.

[00106] As in the first embodiment, also in this one, the pad 202 is held in the position that guarantees the contact of the insert 202D with the floor P, also after handles 106 have been released, due to the stopping member 8 which blocks the thrust member 9 in the position wherein step 96C of the engaging head 96 is in contact with plates 1 14A.1 14B.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

[00107] With reference to FIG. 15, in the third embodiment, the differences from the first one mainly concern the stopping member 800 but also the head 96 of the thrust member 9, the shape of the arm 704 of the actuator element 7 and, lastly, the presence of an additional elastic element 850.

[00108] Specifically, the first 101 and second 102 covers have an abutting element 150 made of a plate similar that of element 1 10 but positioned close to the corner formed by the upper edge U and left edge L of the covers, so as to define with said edges two reversible interlocking points 151 for said additional elastic element 850. Moreover, the cover 102 doesn't have the stop element 1 10B which is provided in the first embodiment.

[00109] The second arm 740 of the actuator element 7 is provided with a toothed end 741 , preferably comprising two teeth 742 separated by a gap.

[00110] The stopping member 800 is rotatably fixed to the first 101 and second 102 covers along X2-X2 axis by means of pins 85 and has a generally discoidal shape with a first side facing the first cover 101 and a second side facing the second cover 102. On the first side a depth-edged cam 804 is formed, with an X2-X2 axis, whose lobe faces the lower edge I when the floor-stopping device is not actuated. The stopping member 800 further comprises a first tooth 801 whose circumferential surface forms a end-of- stroke stop against the left edge L of the covers, a second tooth 802 separated from said first tooth so as to define an engagement space with said toothed end 741 of the second arm 740 of the actuator element 7 and a third tooth 803 whose circumferential surface abuts against said toothed end 741 when the stopping member isn't active. In correspondence of the third tooth 803, the stopping member is rotatably fixed to the head 96 of the thrust member 9.

[00111] Furthermore, an elastic element 850 is preferably a torsion spring formed shaping a wire, preferably metallic, so as to form a first spiral portion 851 and two end portions that act as leverage 853 and 852. The spiral portion 851 is fitted on the abutting element 150 so as to be held in said interlocking points 151 with the upper U and left L edges. Furthermore, the portion 853 rests on the left edge L, whereas the portion 852 rests on the surface of the lobe of the cam 804 facing the left edge L.

[00112] The thrust member 9 is substantially formed by a bar or rod, having the same function of the plate of body 91 in the first embodiment, which is connected to a foot 95 similar that previously described. The engaging head 96 is preferably a portion, tilted towards the left edge L, of the rod 9 and is connected, being able to rotate, to the stopping member 800 through a pin 901 , parallel to X2-X2 axis, in such a position that X2-X2 axis is in an intermediate position between the left edge L and the pin 901 of the engaging head 96.

[00113] The stopping member 800 is positioned within the box casing 100 so that the pins 85 engage the holes 109,109 respectively of said first 101 and second 102 covers allowing the free rotation thereof around X2-X2 axis.

FIRST OPERATING CONDITION

[00114] With reference to FIG. 15, in the first operating condition, wherein the door D is closed, latch 3 is inserted in the counter-plate slot.

[00115] The actuator element 7 is in the starting condition, wherein the first arm 703 is close to the lever element 5, but not in contact with it, and the second arm 704 rests, through its toothed end 741 , on the third tooth 803 of the stopping member 800.

[00116] Moreover, the portion 852 of the elastic element 850 is in contact, applying a leverage, with the side of the lobe of the cam 804 which faces the left edge L.

SECOND OPERATING CONDITION

[00117] With reference to FIG. 16, in the second operating condition, wherein the door D is opened by means of handles 106, a command is imparted by the user solely to the first transmission path, as in the first embodiment.

[00118] Starting from the first operating condition, by actuating the handles 106 with a clockwise rotation, the actuator element 7 rotates clockwise from the initial position around X1 -X1 axis moving the second arm 740 away from the third tooth 803 of the stopping member 800.

[00119] Lastly, the first arm 703 of the actuator element 7 presses, through end 703A, the lever element 5 in the same way described in the first embodiment, allowing to bring latch 3 to abut against the right edge R, and therefore opening the door.

FIFTH OPERATING CONDITION

[00120] With reference to FIG. 17, in the fifth operating condition, wherein the floor- stopping device 2 is actuated to stop door D, opened, in any position, a command is imparted by the user solely to the second transmission path by means of handles 106.

[00121] From the second operating condition, by actuating the handles 106 with an anticlockwise rotation, the actuator element 7 rotates anticlockwise from the initial position around X1 -X1 axis causing the toothed end 741 of the second arm 740 to engage the first 801 and second 802 teeth of the stopping member 800, causing the clockwise rotation thereof around the X2-X2 axis. Lastly, the rotation of the stopping member 800 ends when the lobe of the cam 804, overcoming the opposition to the rotation of the portion 852 of the elastic element 850, faces the upper edge U of the covers and the circumferential surface of the third tooth 803 goes in contact with the left edge L of the covers.

[00122] At the same time, the rotation of stopping member 800 causes a rotation around the X2-X2 axis of the engaging head 96 of the thrust member 9, moving it towards the lower edge I. In this way, by means of the thrust member 9, the thrust element 10 slides in the direction of the Y-Y axis towards the floor P, pressing pad 202 against floor P.

[00123] As in the first embodiment, the pad 202 is kept in a position that guarantees the contact of insert 202D with the floor P, even after the handles 106 have been released, due to the the stopping member 800 that keeps the movement of the thrust element 10 on the direction of Y-Y axis. In fact the stopping member 800 is blocked in the position wherein the lobe of cam 804 faces the upper edge U due to the thrust towards the left edge L of head 96 of the thrust member 9 by means of the pin 91 which causes a clockwise rotation around X2-X2 axis of the stopping member 800, to which it is connected. In other words, the pin 901 , being rotated around X2-X2 axis during the fifth operating condition, is in an intermediate position between the left edge L and the X2- X2 axis of the stopping member 800, biasing a clockwise rotation and therefore keeping the circumferential surface of tooth 803 abutting the left edge L, until the unblocking command imparted by the user through a clockwise rotation of the handles 106, that causes an anticlockwise rotation of the stopping member 800.

[00124] This embodiment, compared to the previous ones, offers some advantages because, being the stopping member 800 and the thrust member 9 connected to each other, this guarantees a better reliability of the device avoiding potential jams during the fifth and sixth operating condition. Furthermore, the use of connections through toothed sectors between the actuator element 7 and the stopping member 8 guarantees an opposition to the anticlockwise rotation, for example avoiding undesired backlashes during the use of handles 106 by the user. Lastly, a stopping member 800 like the one described in this embodiment guarantees, compared to the other embodiments, the second transmission path structure to be more solid during the fifth operating condition. For this reason, it is possible to choose, during the design stage, a spring 8 with higher elastic constant values, guaranteeing a greater friction between insert 202D and the floor P.

[00125] Of course, the present invention is likely to have several modifications or variations, without departing from the scope of protection as defined in the claims.

[00126] For example the spring 36 of latch 3 has been described as a helicoidal torsion spring, however it can be replaced with a compression spring, adapting the shape of the involved component in order to allow a correct housing in tail 34, so as to carry out the above mentioned function.

As an alternative to pin 52 of the lever element 5, the groove 42 and the hooks 43 of switch 4, it is possible to provide a hinge that allows the rotation of the lever element 5 with respect to the switch 4 as described above.

The elastic element 6, which has been described an integral element formed from a single plate, therefore providing many advantages in terms of mechanical assembling, can be replaced in its function by two different types of springs, for example, helicoidal. Advantageously, the stopping member 8, in the first two embodiments could be hinged to the thrust member 9 rather than abutting thereto by means of engaging head 81 or 87 respectively of the first or the second embodiments.

Furthermore, with reference to the second embodiment, an arched loop for sliding engagement of the end 704D of the second arm 704 of the actuator element 7 could be provided as a replacement of the second seat 98 of the engaging head 96 of the thrust member 9. Said loop is shaped so as to receive the end 704D and alternatively allows the rotation of the actuator element 7 for the exertion of force on the thrust member 9 by means of the end 704D for actuating the floor-stopping device 2, or the rotation of the actuator element 7 for the exertion of the thrust of the first arm 703 on the lever element 5 so as to move the switch 4 and open door D.

Lastly, so far in the description, the drive mechanism comprises a latch, preferably magnetic, however it is possible to provide the use of a traditional latch applying simple adjustments to some of the components of the first transmission path, such as for example to the spring 36, more specifically using a spring that exerts on latch 3 a force in the direction along the Z-Z axis toward the plate 103.

[00127] The materials of the various moving members and of the covers are preferably metallic, however it appears quite clear how the definition of the material is by way of example and can be of a different nature.

For example, the use of polymeric resins, appropriately chosen, can offer some advantages for some moving members in terms of weight reduction or it can guarantee low friction and wear coefficient values, therefore avoiding lubrication phases, otherwise necessary for metallic components.

Nevertheless, the choice of the materials and their combination during the design stages, has to meet the mechanical requirements of each moving member. For this reason, preferably both plastic and metallic materials are used in the manufacturing of the lock of the present invention. The only exception is the insert 202D of the pad 202 that, as previously mentioned, is made of a material suitable to ensure friction with the floor P, without damaging its surface, and it is preferably made of elastomer. Moreover, the moving members which are most subject to stresses, such as the actuator 7 or the thrust member 9, are preferably made of a metallic material to meet the mechanical requirements.

However, during the development of a moving member in contact with the metallic elements, the use of a polymeric resin characterized by low friction coefficient values prevents the use of lubricants, therefore reducing the amount of servicing required. Lastly some of the metallic elements could also be painted, for example the box casing 100 or the plate 103, adding specific aesthetic characteristics but also offering a protection from corrosion.

[00128] From what we have described so far, the important results achieved are quite clear, overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art, allowing the integration of a lock, preferably with a mechanically actuated central latch, with a floor-stopping device. First of all, the lock of this invention, despite having a double function, it has been designed with sizes of box casing 100 compatible with the ones of traditional driving-mechanisms, commonly commercialized and widely distributed. In this way, the size or the amount of devices commonly installed in the door haven't been increased. Therefore it is possible to insert this lock in new doors without any issues during the installation stage, with minor modifications compared to the manufacturing process of traditional doors, which only consist in the creation of the groove and of the channel receiving the floor-stopping device 2 and rod 201 , for example through milling and subsequent cladding along the rebate of the door. Additionally, the lock can be installed to replace the one already mounted in the door, offering a non invasive solution, also in this case providing the creation of the groove and of the channel to receive the mechanism of the floor-stopping device 2 and the rod 201 .

[00129] A further advantage of this invention concerns the possibility to adjust the height of the rod 201 with the adjusting screw 201 A, and also the fact that rod 201 is not connected, but only rested on the lower surface of the thrust element 10 of the drive mechanism 1 , so both the floor-stopping device 2 installation and possible optimization thereof after installation are simplified.

[00130] A crucial advantage of the present invention, moreover, is that it offers a single lock that integrates a latch-drive mechanism with a floor-stopping device ensuring the autonomy of the transmission paths of movement of the drive mechanism 1 and of the floor-stopping device 2 that, therefore, don't mechanically interfere with each other. Specifically, the use of the actuator element 7 allows to alternatively activate, preferably through contact, one of the two transmission paths of the drive mechanism 1 for the actuating of latch 3 or of the floor-stopping device 2 by means of simple and intuitive predetermined rotations of handles 106.

[00131] Furthermore, the components that are included in the moving members of the drive mechanism 1 are few and provide a simple and efficient shape that ensures the reliability of the device, the easy assembling stage and the possibility to manufacture every component of the mechanism with tools and machinery commonly used in mechanical field.

[00132] Lastly, the solution offered by the present invention allows this lock to be easily used and designed by the industry for consumer goods, possibly envisaging the application of this solution also to external doors.

Claims

1. Lock for doors (D) comprising a box casing (100) formed by two covers a first (101 ) and a second (102) ones, the box casing comprising a drive mechanism (1 ) for driving a latch (3) along a first axis (Z-Z) and for driving a floor-stopping device (2) movable along a second axis (Y-Y) orthogonal to said first axis and adapted to engage the floor (P), said mechanism comprising an actuator element (7) provided with a through hole (702) to engage a pin (105), for transmission of the movement of command handles (106), having a third axis (X1 -X1 ) orthogonal to said axes first (Z- Z) and second (Υ ),

characterized in that

said actuator element (7) comprises a central portion (705) rotatable on said third axis (X1 -X1 ) from which a first arm (703) and a second arm (704; 740) extend in substantially diametrically opposed directions, wherein said first arm (703) is adapted to engage with a lever element (5) in order to rotate it in a position to drive the retraction of said latch (3) along said first axis (Z-Z), and said second arm (704; 740) is adapted to drive a thrust member (9) for activating said floor-stopping device (2) along said second axis (Y-Y).

2. Lock according to claim 1 , wherein said second arm (704) is adapted to engage a head (96) of said thrust member (9) by means of an end (704A; 704D) formed on said arm (704) of actuator element (7), and

said head (96) of said thrust member (9) is continuously engaged by a reversible stopping member (8) of said floor-stopping device (2).

3. Lock according to claim 2, wherein said head (96) comprises a notch (94), a first wing (92) and a second wing (93), wherein

said notch (94) is adapted to engage a stop element (1 10) of said first cover (101 ); and

said second wing (93) is adapted to engage a seat (704C) of a fork (704B) of the end (704A) of the second arm (704) of the actuator element (7), and

said first wing (92) is engaged by said reversible stopping member (8), and it is further adapted to engage a stop element (1 10B) of said second cover (102).

4. Lock according to claim 2, wherein said head (96) comprises a groove (96A), a step (96C), a stop surface (96D), a first seat (97) and a second seat (98), wherein said groove (96A) is adapted to slidably engage a stop element (1 10) of said first cover (101 ); and

said step (96C) is adapted to engage a guide element (1 14A, 1 14B) of said covers first (101 ) and second (102), and

said stop surface (96D) is adapted to engage said covers first (101 ) and second (102), and

said first seat (97) is engaged by said reversible stopping member (8), and said second seat (98) is adapted to be engaged by said end (704D) of the second arm (704) of the actuator element (7).

5. Lock according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said stopping member (8) comprises a engaging head (81 , 87) to engage with said first seat (97) of said head (96) of said thrust member (9), a tubular shank (82) slidably engaged by a stem (84) connected to a block (83) rotatably connected to said covers first (101 ) and second (102) by means of a pin (85) along a fourth axis (X2-X2) parallel to said third axis (X1 -X1 ), and a spring (86) mounted on said tubular shank (82) and stem (84).

6. Lock according to claim 1 , wherein said second arm (740) is adapted to engage a reversible stopping member (800) of said floor-stopping device (2) by means of teeth (742) of a end (741 ) formed on said arm (740) of the actuator element (7), and said stopping member (800) is rotatably connected to a head (96) of said thrust member (9) by means of a pin (901 ).

7. Lock according to claim 6, wherein said stopping member (800) is rotatably connected to said covers first (101 ) and second (102) along a fourth axis (X2-X2) by means a pin (85), and comprises a cam (804), to reversibly engage with an elastic element (850), a first (801 ), second (802) and third (803) tooth to engage with said teeth (742) of said end (741 ) of said arm (704) of the actuator element (7).

8. Lock according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein said thrust member (9) comprises said head (96) fastened to a body (91 ) connected to a foot (95) provided with a spring (18), and

said foot (95) and spring (18) of said thrust element (9) engage a seat (1 1 ) of a thrust element (10) adapted to transmit the movement to said floor-stopping device (2) by means of a rod (201 ).

9. Lock according to claim 8, wherein said rod (201 ) is inferiorly connected to a pad (202) of the floor-stopping device (2) and superiorly connected to a screw (201 A) for adjusting the length of said rod (201 ), and

said pad (202) comprises a first tubular element (202A) adapted to receive said rod (201 ), the first tubular element (202A) being connected to an intermediate body (202C) inferiorly ending with an insert 202D, the intermediate body (202C) being inserted into a fastening seat (200) to said door (D), and said first tubular element (202A) fits a spring (204) retracting said pad (202) within said seat (200), in contrast to a ring (203) integral with said tubular element (202A).

10. Lock according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said lever element (5) comprises a first arm (53) connected to a second arm (51 ) by means of a central pin (52) rotatably connected to a groove (42) of a head (41 ) of a switch element (4), said switch element (4) further comprising grooves first (46A) and second (46B) to engage with a key for transmitting alternately a displacement of the switch element (4) parallel to said axis (Y-Y) respectively approaching said floor ( P) or away from said floor (P),

said displacement approaching said floor (P) of the switch element (4) causing the engagement of said second arm (51 ) of the lever element (5) with said latch (3) in a position to drive the retraction of latch (3) along said first axis (Z-Z),

said switch element (4) further comprising a projection (47) so that said displacement away from said floor (P) of said switch element (4) causes the projection (47) to be aligned with said axis (Z-Z) in a position to prevent the retraction of said latch (3) along said first axis (Z-Z).

11. Lock according to claim 10, wherein said first arm (53) of said lever element (5) comprises a surface with a curved profile (53B), and

said first arm (703) comprises a surface (703B) having a profile complementary to the profile of surface (53B) of the first arm (53), so that

during displacement away from said floor (P) of said switch element (4), in parallel to said axis (Y-Y), said surface with a curved profile (53B) is adapted to slidably engage said surface (703B).

12. Door (D) comprising a lock according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 .