DOOR

The present invention relates to a closing device for windows and doors and a window and door.

The present invention further relates to a striker for a closing device and a process for setting up a closing device.

Window and door is intended as a movable structure that allows closing the openings left in buildings for use as an entrance or to allow the passage of air and light. In particular, windows and doors are divided into exterior windows and doors and interior windows and doors depending on the application for which they are used.

The windows and doors comprise a frame which is mounted on the opening of the wall of the building and at least one panel reversibly movable with respect to the frame to allow or prohibit the passage through the aforementioned opening.

Generally, the panels for windows and doors are equipped with closing systems of the rotary handle type, in which the lowering movement of the handle determines the unlocking of the panel to allow its opening.

In essence, the handle moves a latch between a closing position of the window and door in which it is at least partially engaged within a suitable housing afforded in the frame and an opening condition in which it is arranged outside of the aforementioned housing.

In the known systems the handle is directly mounted on the lock block, generally by means of a pin with a square section of the handle that is inserted into a square hole in the lock. Such pin-hole coupling determines at the same time both the support of the handle and the transmission to the latch of the rotary movement impressed on the handle.

Disadvantageously, such systems constrain unlocking the panel to the presence of the handle, thereby limiting the possible embodiments adapted to enhance the design of the window and door. More recently devised windows and doors comprise a magnetic induction closing device which, while retaining the panel in a closing configuration, allows the opening thereof by pushing and/or pulling the panel itself.

Magnetic induction closing devices generally exploit the sole action of attraction of two opposite poles of respective permanent magnets which, in the closing configuration of the window and door, are mutually facing one another. To open the window and door, it is therefore sufficient to push or pull the panel so as to overcome the magnetic attraction action. Therefore, the use of magnetic induction closing devices allows the position and presence of the handle with respect to the closing device itself to be unconstrained. However, such versatility is counterbalanced by the fact that the force of attraction generated between the opposite poles of the magnetic induction closing device may not be sufficient to guarantee the maintenance of the closing configuration in any condition and requires precise and necessary alignment between the two magnets, in any assembly condition of the window and door.

Magnetic induction locks are also known that exploit the magnetic attraction action between the latch and the striker for the exit movement of the latch and for mechanically locking the panel, causing mechanical interference between the latch and the striker. To open the window and door it is necessary to turn the handle or key so as to overcome the magnetic attraction and bring the latch into the lock body. An example of such lock is known from W02006/1 1 1762 which, to facilitate the panel opening step, envisages that the magnet associated with the striker is movable together with the latch following the rotation of the handle or of the key. When the window and door is open, the striker described in W02006/1 11762 always has a cavity for partially housing the latch therefore the closing position of the latch always envisages mechanical interference between the latch and the striker.

With reference to the present description and appended claims, the term “magnetic system” means a system able to generate a magnetic field characterised by a direction, an orientation and an intensity. The term “permanent magnet” means an element or bar that generates its own magnetic field characterised by a direction, an orientation and an intensity. The term electromagnet means an element able to generate its own magnetic field from an electric current. The term “magnetic pole” conceptually means a region of the magnet from which the lines of force of the magnetic field exit (North pole) or enter (South pole) or, in other words, a region of the magnet characterised by a magnetic flow exiting (North pole) or entering (South pole).

With reference to the present description and appended claims, the term “magnetic axis” means a vector that joins the South pole and the North pole of a permanent magnet, has an orientation from the South pole to the North pole and is outlined in the central and symmetrical position on the respective permanent magnet.

In light of the problems disclosed above, the aim of the present invention is to make available a closing device for windows and doors and a window and door that overcome the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a closing device for windows and doors and a window and door that have high versatility of use allowing different types of operation to be selected. An analogous aim relates to the striker and the process for installing the closing device.

The technical task stated and the objects specified are substantially achieved by a closing device for windows and doors, a striker, process for installing a closing device and a window and door according to the present invention, comprising the technical characteristics contained in one or more of the appended claims.

In particular, a striker of the closing device can selectively assume two configurations: a configuration adapted to realise a magnetic induction closing device wherein the panel is held in the closing configuration by magnetic interaction only and a configuration adapted to realise a closing device that locks the panel following mechanical interference between the latch and the striker.

The dependent claims correspond to different possible embodiments of the invention.

In accordance with one aspect, the present invention relates to a closing device for windows and doors adapted to be operatively interposed between a panel and a frame of a window and door to retain or lock the panel in a closing condition of the window and door.

The closing device comprises a striker adapted to be mounted on the frame and defining a further aspect of the present invention. The striker comprises a magnetic abutment system, preferably a permanent magnetic abutment system.

The closing device further comprises a lock. The lock comprises a lock body adapted to be mounted on the panel and a latch housed in the lock body. The latch comprises a magnetic closing system, preferably a permanent magnetic closing system.

The latch can be moved along a direction of motion between a retracted position and at least one extracted position with respect to the lock body. The movement of the latch according to a closing direction from the retracted position to the extracted position is caused by the magnetic interaction between the magnetic abutment system and the magnetic closing system.

The closing device further comprises a front wall adapted to selectively assume a locking configuration and a retaining configuration. The locking configuration is selected for setting the closing device so that it locks the panel both following magnetic interaction and following mechanical interference between the latch and the striker. The retaining configuration is selected for setting the closing device so that it retains the panel following magnetic interaction alone.

In fact, in the locking configuration of the front wall, a cavity of the striker is accessible through a front opening for receiving an end portion of the latch and generating a mechanical interference adapted to lock the panel in the configuration of use of the closing device. In the retaining configuration of the front wall, the front wall itself closes the front opening and the cavity defines an abutment surface of the striker through which the magnetic interaction adapted to retain the panel operates in the configuration of use of the closing device.

Such aspect allows great versatility of use, being able to arrange the closing device as a magnetic induction closing device for the simple retaining of the panel in the closing configuration, following magnetic interaction only, or as a closing device also operating by mechanical interference between the latch and the striker.

The technical characteristics and advantages thereof will become more apparent in the detailed description that follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

- figure 1 schematically illustrates a partially sectioned front view of the closing device for a window and door according to a possible embodiment and in a first mode of use;

- figure 2 illustrates the closing device of figure 1 in a second mode of use;

- figure 3 schematically illustrates a partially sectioned front view of the closing device for a window and door according to a possible embodiment and in a first mode of use;

- figure 4 illustrates the closing device of figure 3 in a second mode of use;

- figures 5-8 illustrate a front sectional view of an enlarged detail of a window and door comprising respective possible embodiments of the closing device of figures 3 and 4.

With reference to figures 5-8, the reference number 100 has been used to indicate generally a window and door of which a portion is illustrated. The window and door 100 comprises a panel 101 and a frame 102.

The frame 102 is adapted to be housed for example in the passage opening of a wall that divides two contiguous environments and comprises, in the most general and widespread configuration, two uprights and an upper crosspiece connected to the two upper ends of the uprights. In other words, the frame 102 covers the perimeter of the opening in the wall.

The frame 102 can be made of different types of material, for example wood or metal, giving aesthetic pleasantness and a high level of customisation to the window and door 100.

The frame 102 has an edge surface 102a interposed between the two main faces 102b opposing one another. The edge surface 102a covers the thickness of the passage opening at the side and at the top.

The panel 101 is reversibly movable with respect to the frame 102 between a closing condition and an at least partial opening condition of the window and door 100.

In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the appended figures, the panel 101 is hinged to an upright of the frame 102, for example by means of two or more hinges. In this way, the panel 101 is rotatable with respect to a vertical hinge axis, substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the uprights.

The panel 101 can be made of different types of material, such as wood and metal and comprise glass portions.

The panel 101 has an edge surface 101 a interposed between the two main faces 101 b opposing one another. The edge surface 101 a surrounds the main faces 101 b at the side, at the top and at the bottom.

“A” indicates a movement direction of the panel 101 . 103 indicates an abutment area of the panel 101 and of the frame 102, corresponding to the area in which the panel 101 abuts on the frame 102.

Advantageously, the window and door 100 comprises a closing device 1 operatively interposed between the panel 101 and the frame 102. The closing device 1 is active between the panel 101 and the frame 102 so as to retain or lock the panel in the closing condition of the window and door. According to a first embodiment, for example illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the closing device 1 comprises a lock 2 mounted on the panel 101 and an abutment 3 mounted on the frame 102.

The lock 2 comprises a lock body 4 adapted to be mounted on the panel 101 and a latch 5 housed in the lock body 4.

The latch 5 can be moved along a direction of motion “X” between a retracted position (not illustrated) and at least one extracted position with respect to the lock body 4 (figure 1 and figure 2).

The latch 5 comprises a magnetic closing system, preferably a permanent magnetic closing system comprising a permanent closure magnet 6. Further permanent magnets may possibly be provided or the latch 5 may be made of a material adapted to realise the magnetic closing system.

The permanent closure magnet 6 can be housed inside a main body 9 of the latch 5 configured so as to interact with the opening/closing mechanisms of the lock 2 not illustrated.

The permanent closure magnet 6 has a first magnetic closure pole 6a and a second magnetic closure pole 6b having opposite polarities. 7 indicates the magnetic axis of the permanent closure magnet 6.

The permanent closure magnet 6 has at least the first magnetic pole 6a active on a closing surface 8 of the latch 5.

The term“active” indicates that the lines of force entering/exiting from the pole cross the respective closing surface 8.

The striker 3 comprises a magnetic abutment system, preferably a permanent magnetic abutment system. According to what is described subsequently, the permanent magnetic abutment system of figures 1 and 2 comprises a permanent abutment magnet 10. Further permanent magnets may also be envisaged. Alternatively, an electromagnet can be provided having the characteristics described herein for the permanent magnet 10. The permanent abutment magnet 10 has a first magnetic abutment pole 10a and a second magnetic abutment pole 10b having opposite polarities. 11 indicates the magnetic axis of the permanent abutment magnet 10.

The permanent abutment magnet 10 has at least the second magnetic pole 10b active on an abutment surface 12 of the striker 3. The term “active” indicates that the lines of force entering/exiting from the pole cross the respective abutment surface 12.

The first magnetic closure pole 6a (e.g. the North pole) has concordant polarity with the polarity of the first magnetic abutment pole 10a (e.g. the North pole) and the second magnetic closure pole 6b (e.g. the South pole) has concordant polarity with the polarity of the second magnetic abutment pole 10b (e.g. the South pole).

The permanent closure magnet 6 and the permanent abutment magnet 10 can have magnetic axes 7, 11 arranged transversally, preferably perpendicular, with respect to the closing surface 8 and the abutment surface 12, and concordant. The first magnetic closure pole 6a (e.g. the North pole) and the second magnetic abutment pole 10b (e.g. the South pole) are arranged so as to be mutually attracted.

Alternatively, the permanent closure magnet 6 and the permanent abutment magnet 10 can have parallel magnetic axes 7, 1 1 to the aforesaid surfaces and discordant so as to be mutually attracted.

The magnetic abutment system and the magnetic closing system are defined by the elements (in particular the permanent magnets) that are arranged and configured to cause an exit movement of the latch 5 from the lock body 4 i.e. a movement of the latch 5 according to a closing direction from the retracted position to the extracted position. In other words, such exit movement of the latch is caused by magnetic interaction, preferably magnetic attraction, between the magnetic abutment system, in particular the permanent abutment magnet 10, in the case of figure 1 -2, and the magnetic closing system, in particular the permanent closure magnet 6 in the case of figures 1 -2. In the figures, the closing direction of the latch 5 has been indicated with the same reference“X” as the direction of motion, with reference to the relative vector.

The closing device 1 further comprises a front wall 13 adapted to selectively assume one from between a locking configuration and a retaining configuration. The locking configuration is selected for setting the closing device so that it locks the panel both following magnetic interaction and following mechanical interference between the latch and the striker. The retaining configuration is selected for setting the closing device so that it retains the panel following magnetic interaction alone.

Preferably, the striker 3 comprises the front wall 13 movable between a locking position corresponding to the locking configuration (figure 2) and a retaining position corresponding to the retaining configuration (figure 1 ). Once set, the configuration/position of the front wall 13 is maintained during the normal use of the window and door.

In the locking position of the front wall 13, a cavity 14 (figure 2) of the striker 3 is accessible through a front opening 15 for receiving an end portion 5a of the latch 5 and generating a mechanical interference adapted to lock the panel 101 in the configuration of use of the closing device. As previously described, the exit of the latch 5 from the lock 4 is caused by the magnetic interaction between the magnetic abutment system and the magnetic closing system and, in the locking configuration, the panel 101 is locked in the closing condition both by the aforesaid magnetic interaction and by the mechanical interference between latch and striker. To make the latch 5 return into the lock body 4 and therefore open the window and door, an opening means is provided, e.g. a handle or a key.

In the retaining position of the front wall 13, the front wall 13 closes the front opening 15 and defines the abutment surface 12 of the striker 3 through which the magnetic interaction adapted to retain the panel 101 operates in the configuration of use of the closing device. In the retaining configuration it is only the magnetic interaction between the magnetic abutment system and the magnetic closing system which, after causing the exit of the latch 5 from the lock body 4, retains the panel 101 in the closing condition. To make the latch 5 return into the lock body 4 and therefore open the window and door, an opening means can be provided, e.g. a handle or a key, or it is sufficient to cancel the magnetic interaction by pulling or pushing the panel.

In other words, by setting the configuration, preferably the position, of the front wall 13, it is possible to change the extracted position of the latch 5 with respect to the striker 3 and therefore the type of operation of the closing device. In the retaining configuration/position of the front wall 13, the latch 5 abuts on the abutment surface 12 which defines an outer surface of the striker 3, in the absence of recesses defined by the striker itself. In the locking configuration/position of the front wall 13, the latch 5 abuts on the bottom of the cavity 14 which defines an inner surface of the striker 3.

Preferably, the front wall 13 can be translated according to a parallel and concordant direction with the closing direction “X” from the retaining position in which it closes the front opening 15 to the locking position in which it defines the bottom of the cavity 14. The front wall 13 can also be translated according to a parallel and discordant direction to the closing direction“X” from the locking position to the retaining position. Once the locking or retaining position is set, it is maintained during the normal use of the window and door.

The permanent abutment magnet 10 is associated with the front wall 13 or defines the front wall 13 itself, and is movable therewith. In other words, in the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the permanent abutment magnet 10 is an active part of the permanent abutment magnet system both in the retaining configuration of the front wall 13 and in the locking configuration of the front wall 13.

As for example illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the striker 3 can comprise a box-shaped body 16 adapted to be mounted on the frame 102 and having a front opening 15. Preferably, the front wall 13 is housed movable, preferably translatable, in the box-shaped body 16. Even more preferably, the box-shaped body 16 has a housing seat 16a adapted to contain the front wall 13 and the permanent abutment magnet 10 both in the retaining position and in the locking position, defining the cavity 14. In the embodiment of figures 1 and 2, the housing seat 16a extends parallel to the direction of motion“X” for a section adapted to contain the front wall 13 and the permanent abutment magnet 10 both in the retaining position and in the locking position. The front wall 13 in the retaining position is arranged flush with the box-shaped body 16 or externally thereto and in the locking position it is arranged inside the box-shaped body 16.

In use, the latch 5 performs an exit stroke from the lock body 4 which ends against the abutment surface 12. If, during the set-up, the wall 13 associated with the permanent abutment magnet 10 has been arranged in the retaining position, the extracted position of the latch 5 is such as to obtain a magnetic induction closing device in which the panel is retained only due to the effect of the magnetic interaction between the latch and the striker. If, during the set-up, the front wall 13 and the permanent abutment magnet 10 are pushed towards the inside of the striker 3 or of the box shaped body 16, according to the closing direction “X”, with the same assembly on the window and door, the latch 5 during use can perform a longer exit stroke from the lock body 4 that brings it to cross the front opening 15 and be inserted into the cavity 14. In this way, a closing device is obtained in which the panel is locked due to the effect of the magnetic interaction between the latch and the striker and particularly due to the effect of the mechanical interference between the latch and the striker. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a second embodiment, wherein the elements in common with the first embodiment have been indicated with the same reference numbers and shall not be described further.

In the second embodiment, the front wall 13 is movable between the retaining position in which it closes the cavity 14 and the front opening 15 (figure 3) and the locking position in which it is arranged laterally with respect to the cavity 14 and the front opening 15 (figure 4). Once the locking or retaining position is set, it is maintained during the normal use of the window and door. Preferably, the front wall 13 can be translated according to a transverse direction, preferably perpendicular, to the direction of motion“X” of the latch, between the retaining position and the locking position.

The magnetic abutment system comprises a magnet, preferably a fixed permanent abutment magnet 17 associated with the bottom of the cavity 14 or defining the bottom of the cavity 14. Alternatively, an electromagnet can be provided having the characteristics described herein for the permanent magnet 17.

The fixed permanent abutment magnet 17 has a first magnetic abutment pole 17a and a second magnetic abutment pole 17b having opposite polarities. 18 indicates the magnetic axis of the fixed permanent abutment magnet 17.

The fixed permanent abutment magnet 17 has at least the second magnetic abutment pole 17b active on the bottom of the cavity 14. The term“active” indicates that the lines of force entering/exiting from the pole cross the bottom of the cavity 14.

The first magnetic closure pole 6a (e.g. the North pole) has concordant polarity with the polarity of the first magnetic abutment pole 10a (e.g. the North pole) and the polarity of the first magnetic abutment pole 17a. Furthermore, the second magnetic closure pole 6b (e.g. the South pole) has concordant polarity with the polarity of the second magnetic abutment pole 10b (e.g. the South pole) and the polarity of the second magnetic abutment pole 17b.

According to what is illustrated in figures 3 and 4, the permanent closure magnet 6, the permanent abutment magnet 10 and the fixed permanent abutment magnet 18 can have magnetic axes 7, 1 1 , 18 arranged transversally, preferably perpendicular, with respect to the closure surface 8 and the abutment surface 12 and to the bottom surface of the cavity 14, and concordant. The first magnetic closure pole 6a (e.g. the North pole), the second magnetic abutment pole 10b (e.g. the South pole) and the second magnetic abutment pole 17b (e.g. the South pole) are arranged so as to be mutually attracted.

Alternatively, the magnetic axes 7, 1 1 , 18 can be arranged differently, e.g. described with reference to figures 6-8.

Also in the second embodiment, the striker 3 can comprise a box-shaped body 16 adapted to be mounted on the frame 102 and having the front opening 15. Preferably, the front wall 13 is housed movable, preferably translatable, in the box-shaped body 16, e.g. inside the housing seat 16a. In the embodiment of figures 3 and 4, the housing seat 16a extends perpendicular to the direction of motion“X” for a stretch adapted to contain the front wall 13 and the permanent abutment magnet 10 both in the retaining position and in the locking position.

According to the second embodiment, the magnetic abutment system comprises the fixed permanent abutment magnet 17 both in the retaining configuration of the front wall 13 and in the locking configuration of the front wall 13. In other words, the fixed permanent abutment magnet 17 is an active part of the abutment magnet system both in the retaining configuration of the front wall 13 and in the locking configuration of the front wall 13.

According to the second embodiment, the magnetic abutment system comprises the permanent abutment magnet 10 only in the retaining configuration of the front wall 13. In other words, the permanent abutment magnet 10 is an active part of the magnetic abutment system only in the retaining configuration of the front wall 13 (figure 3).

During installation, if the wall 13 associated with the permanent abutment magnet 10 is arranged in the retaining position, a magnetic induction closing device is obtained in which the panel is retained only due to the effect of the magnetic interaction between the latch and the striker. The latch 5 performs an exit stroke from the lock body 4 which ends against the abutment surface 12. If during the installation step the front wall 13 and the permanent abutment magnet 10 are made to translate laterally, in the perpendicular direction to the direction of motion“X”, in use the latch 5 can perform a longer exit stroke from the lock body 4 that leads it to cross the front opening 15 and to be inserted into the cavity 14 ending against the bottom of the cavity 14. In this way, a closing device is obtained in which the panel is locked due to the effect of the magnetic interaction between the latch and the striker and particularly due to the effect of the mechanical interference between the latch and the striker.

With reference to figures 5-8, some possible further embodiments mainly related to the arrangement of the preferably permanent magnets are illustrated.

Figure 5 illustrates an arrangement of the permanent magnets substantially analogous to that illustrated in figures 3 and 4. The lock body 4 is simplified. The elongated seat 16a, sectioned in a perpendicular plane to that of figures 3 and 4, has a trapezoidal profile.

Figure 6 illustrates an arrangement of the permanent closure magnet 6 and of the fixed permanent abutment magnet 17 substantially analogous to that of figure 5. The permanent abutment magnet 10 has the magnetic axis 1 1 parallel and discordant with the magnetic axis 18 of the fixed permanent abutment magnet 17 and with the magnetic axis 7 of the permanent closure magnet 6. Furthermore, in the retaining position, the permanent abutment magnet 10 has the magnetic axis 1 1 offset with respect to the magnetic axis 7 and the magnetic axis 18 so as to exert a repulsive action on the permanent closure magnet 6 such as to retain the window and door in the closing condition.

Figure 8 illustrates an arrangement of the permanent closure magnet 6 and of the fixed permanent abutment magnet 17 substantially analogous to that of figure 5. The permanent abutment magnet 10 has the magnetic axis 1 1 perpendicular to the magnetic axis 18 of the fixed permanent abutment magnet 17 and with the magnetic abutment poles 10a, 10b which, in the retaining position, are arranged so as to exert both an attractive and a repulsive action on the permanent closure magnet 6 such as to retain the window and door in the closing condition.

Figure 7 illustrates an arrangement of the permanent magnets in which the permanent closure magnet 6 is arranged with its magnetic axis 7 perpendicular to the direction of motion “X” and wherein the fixed permanent abutment magnet 17 is arranged with its magnetic axis 18 perpendicular to and discordant with the magnetic axis 7 of the permanent closure magnet 6, in the configuration of use of the closing device. The permanent abutment magnet 10 arranged in the retaining position has a magnetic axis 1 1 which is parallel and concordant with the magnetic axis 18 of the fixed permanent abutment magnet 17.

According to further embodiments not illustrated, the front wall 13 and preferably also the permanent abutment magnet 10, when arranged in the locking configuration, are distanced from the striker 3, preferably from the box-shaped body 16, creating two separate entities that can be coupled again in the retaining configuration. For example, with reference to figures 3-8, the presence of the fixed permanent abutment magnet 17 would guarantee the exit movement of the latch 5 both in the retaining configuration and in the locking configuration in which the front wall 13 possibly having the permanent abutment magnet 10 is distanced from the striker 3.

In further embodiments, not illustrated, the front wall 13 can be at least partially housed movable, preferably translatable, in a housing seat of the edge surface 102a of the frame 102 preferably adapted to receive the front wall 13 both in the retaining position and in the locking position.

The present invention allows the prefixed aims to be reached thanks to the fact that the striker can selectively assume two distinct configurations. Such configurations are obtained during the set-up of the closing device, quickly and guaranteeing the retaining and locking effectiveness of the panel. The embodiments in which the front wall 13 moves with respect to the striker are particularly advantageous thanks to the fact that the front wall 13 remains associated with the closing device and can be subsequently repositioned.

Therefore, a process for installing a closing device envisages arranging a closing device as previously described and setting the type of operation by selecting the locking configuration or the retaining configuration of the striker. During normal use of the window and door the set configuration is maintained. In the event in which the type of operation of the closing device is to be changed, the configuration of the striker can be changed from the locking configuration to the retaining configuration or vice versa.