Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING FRAMES

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring frames, in particular for frames that will be used to make doors or windows.

Background Art At present, in the field of door and window frames (for example, frames made of metal, PVC or wood and aluminium), especially but not restricted to, doors and windows that can be opened by tilting or turning, operation of the door or window requires a plurality of accessory elements applied to both the fixed frame and the mobile frame of the door or window. One of the main accessories is the operating unit which enables the mobile frame of the door or window to be positioned in its different configurations (namely, turn opened, tilt opened or closed) upon actuation of a handle located on the outside surface of the mobile frame itself.

The operating unit normally consists of a pair of rod segments (each, in practice, being a length of metal or plastic profile) for simple side-hung, turn opening configurations which we shall take as reference for convenience of description since tilt and turn units have more rod segments which must cover the full perimeter of the door or window frame.

The two rod segments are joined to each other by a connecting element, or "drive rod", as it is called in the jargon of the trade, positioned between the two segments and attached to them using pins which are normally present on the drive rod and which may be inserted in the holes in the corresponding ends of the segments.

The two segments also have other seats or holes, made close to the ends opposite those attached to the drive, for their connection, during door or window assembly, to the moving parts which open and close the mobile frame (push bolts or lock terminals) and to drive elements (such as corner drives) for tilt opening of the mobile frame.

The operating unit structured in this way is obtained using a method according to which the rod segments are made by a special cutting machine from a profile (discontinuous or continuous, but in either case very long), with a suitably shaped cross-section, which can be attached with a matching fit in the groove

present on the door or window profile.

The length of the segments depends on the dimensions (height and width) of the mobile frame in which they will be inserted.

Once cut, the segments are further machined to create the additional seats and/or holes mentioned, which are needed in order to connect them to the drive rod and to the opening/closing and drive elements.

Following this machining, the segments are assembled in succession, each being attached to the operating elements until assembly on the frame profile is complete. In another solution, the operating unit is made from a single rod of the same height as the door or window to which it has to be fitted and the accessories may be assembled directly on the rod before the latter is inserted into the slide groove of the mobile frame (see also European patents EP 1.132.169 and 1.232.830 by the same Applicant as the present). To complete the above-mentioned solutions, in order to obtain the rod or rod segments, the same Applicant created an apparatus (see application for a European patent EP 1.454.708) with which it is possible to rapidly and economically obtain rods or rod segments already having holes in them and the contact or closing elements necessary on the door or window: all of this done by entering the door or window dimensions.

Therefore, at present, operating rods are made extremely rapidly and easily where all of the work is based on correct and precise measurement of door or window dimensions and, therefore, of the length of the rods or rod segments.

In particular, precise measurement of the centre-to-centre distance between the ends of the door or window lengthways and the handle application zone is required (usually in an intermediate zone of the mobile frame vertical member where suitable slots and holes have been made) to allow correct attachment of the drive rod, positioned between the two rod segments (or attached to the single rod), and attached to the segments using pins. Similarly, the two opposite ends of the rods must be correctly calculated in order to allow a correct closing stroke on the fixed frame, or so that they can be attached to corner drives extending along the mobile frame horizontal members.

However, at present, such measurements are taken manually by the installer on the door or window, with consequent increases in the time required to make the door or window and greater risks of error which, obviously, would result in the production of incorrect rods or segments with material thrown away.

Disclosure of the Invention

The Applicant, with the aim of completing the production range of new solutions for rods and automatic apparatuses for making them has therefore designed and produced an apparatus for measuring frames with which it is possible to rapidly and precisely obtain the main dimensions both of the frame and, if necessary, the main centre-to-centre distances of the frame.

Accordingly, this invention achieves this aim by providing an apparatus for measuring frames, in particular, an apparatus for measuring door and window frames comprising the technical characteristics set out in one or more of the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The technical characteristics of the invention, with reference to the above aims, are clearly described in the claims below and its advantages are apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention provided merely by way of example without restricting the scope of the inventive concept, and in which:

- Figure 1 is a front view of the apparatus for measuring door and window frames according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a top plan view, with some parts cut away, illustrating a detail A of the apparatus of Figure 1;

- Figure 3 is a view from Bl, with some parts cut away and others in cross section, showing a detail B of the apparatus of Figure 1; - Figure 4 is a front view, with some parts cut away to better illustrate others, showing a detail B of the apparatus of Figure 1;

- Figure 5 is a view from B2, with some parts cut away and others in cross section, showing a detail B of the apparatus of Figure 1;

- Figure 6 is a schematic front view of a detail C of the apparatus of Figure 1;

- Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of corresponding sensor elements mounted on the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 coupled with an apparatus for making operating accessories which can be applied to the frame measured on the apparatus in accordance with the invention;

- Figure 10 is a front view of an accessory which can be made using the apparatuses of Figure 9;

- Figure 11 is schematic front view of a detail from Figure 2;

- Figure 12 is a schematic front view of a detail C from Figure 1, showing another embodiment of the stop reference of the apparatus.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, in particular Figure 1, the apparatus disclosed, labelled 100 as a whole, is used for what may be called automatic measuring of frames 1 for doors and windows.

As can be seen, and generally speaking, these frames 1 may comprise a pair of vertical members or substantially vertical sides 2 and a pair of horizontal members or sides 3 attached to each other.

Obviously, the vertical side 2 or the horizontal side 3 may identify the vertical member or the horizontal member of the door or window 1 according to the type of door or window to be made (traditional door or window which can be opened by turning, a door or window which can be opened by tilting or turning, or a bottom-hung door or window). Also, the fact that in the solution illustrated these frames 1 have right angle vertical and horizontal members does not mean that there is any limitation on the solution disclosed being used for measuring frames which have vertical and horizontal members with angles different to the classic right angle.

The apparatus 100 essentially comprises:

- a mounting structure 4 forming a supporting/contact surface for the frame 1 and having at least two references 5 and 6 for a respective vertical side 2 and horizontal side 3 of the frame 1 ; - elements 7, 8 for detecting two edges 2b, 3b of the frame 1 relative to a vertical side 2 and a horizontal side 3 of the frame 1; these elements 7, 8 being able to slide along the mounting structure 4, in both directions, parallel with the vertical and horizontal sides 2, 3 of the frame 1, using movement means 9, and designed so that when the presence of the vertical edge 2b and the horizontal edge 3b is detected they allow a corresponding first and second signal Sl, Sl' to be sent to

- a processing unit 10 connected to the detection elements 7, 8 and designed to calculate a dimension (H and L) for the vertical side 2 and the horizontal side 3 according to the stroke performed by the detection elements 7, 8 between the first and second signals S 1 and S 1 ' and the references 5, 6.

Basically, an immediate and precise measurement of the height H and width L of the frame 1 can be obtained automatically and without manual operations.

In addition, the frame 1 has, normally on one side (vertical or horizontal 2 or 3), at least one slot-like opening 2a for housing operating elements (that is to say, the handle for opening and closing the door or window).

Therefore, for completion of the measurement, the detection elements 7, 8 comprise at least one sensor 11 designed to detect the presence of the slot-like opening 2a and to send a third signal S2 to the processing unit 10 designed to calculate a measurement Hl between the point detected S2 and the respective contact reference 5, 6.

In this way it is also possible to obtain a measurement or distance of the zone for assembly of the contact elements between the handgrip and the operating elements (described in more detail below).

Figure 1 also shows a reader 12 which can be used to view the dimensions detected by the elements 7, 8. The reader 12 may be directly connected to the processing unit 10. In more technical detail, the mounting structure 4 may comprise at least two beams 13 and 14, joined to each other at an angle to form an "L" shape, for supporting the frame 1 which can be positioned with the two sides, vertical and horizontal 2, 3, in contact with and resting on the corresponding beam 13 and 14.

Obviously, as shown in Figure 1, the two beams 13 and 14 are reinforced by two additional diagonal tie rods 13t and 14t to form a rigid and stable supporting surface for the frame 1.

Each beam 13 and 14 also has a tubular cross-section, housing a corresponding drive belt 15 and 16 (also partly visible in Figures 2 to 6), trained around a pair of rollers 17, 18 and 19, 20, of which one (17 and 19) is motor- driven by a single motor drive unit 9, forming the above-mentioned movement means, and positioned close to the corner of the "L" formed by the beams 13 and 14.

As Figures 2 to 6 clearly show, attached on each belt 15 and 16 there is a carriage 21, 22 with a respective element 7, 8 for detecting the presence of the vertical and horizontal sides 2, 3: in this way the elements 7, 8 may be moved along the respective beams 13 and 14 in both directions (see arrows F7 and F8) and behind the sides 2 and 3 of the frame 1.

In addition, at least in this embodiment, used by way of example and without limiting the scope of the invention, the mounting structure 4 extends, in the vertical sense, at an angle α to a line P perpendicular to a treadable surface PC that supports the structure 4, allowing the frame 1 to be stably supported (see also

Figure 9).

The beams 13 and 14 are also supported by a supporting base 23 resting on the treadable surface PC.

The above-mentioned stop references 5 and 6 consist of:

- one of the beams 14, forming the horizontal support for the frame 1, and having a plurality of projecting rollers 24 for supporting the horizontal side 3 and so forming an initial reference point for measurement of the vertical side 2;

- a fixed contact 25 positioned on the vertical beam 13 and fitted with a microswitch 26 for contact with the vertical side 2 designed to send an initial reference signal SR, for measuring the horizontal side 3, to the processing unit 10. In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 12, the contact 25 may be controlled by means 250 for adjusting the contact 25 itself and associated with the beam 13 in such a way as to enable the reference 25 to be adjustably positioned closer to or further from the beam 13 (see arrows F250). The adjustment means 250 may comprise: - a plate 251, protruding transversally from the beam 13 and provided with a graduated reference strip 252 and a slot 253 in which the contact 25 can be fastened after being made to slide in a plane parallel to the plate 251 ;

- a rotary selection drum 254 connected to a bracket 255 protruding transversally from the end of the plate 251 furthest away from the beam 13, and mounting a plurality of pins 256 that can be adjustably screwed into the drum 254 in such a way that the free end of each forms a stop for the back of the contact 25, thereby obtaining respective variable reference stops that can be selected by turning the drum 254 (see arrow F254).

In short, the contact 25, provided with suitable means 257 for engaging and disengaging the plate 251 in the slot 253, can be positioned relative to the beam 13 according to the type of profile used or the type of handle applicable to the door or window (as described below) in such a way as to correctly position the vertical side of the door or window with the part concerned (the edge 2b) placed opposite the beam 13 in which the detection element 7 is made to pass. As Figures 7 and 8 also show, each detection element 7 and 8 comprises at least:

- a main body 27 attached to the respective carriage 21 and 22 able to slide along the corresponding tubular beam 13 and 14;

- a contact lever 28, rotatably connected on the main body 27, and positioned so that it projects transversally from the main body 27 so as to intercept with its end 28a as it slides along the beam 13 and 14, the edge 2b and 3b of the vertical side 2 or the horizontal side 3, and so as to rotate (see arrow F28) towards

the respective beam 13 and 14 to activate

- a sensor 29 positioned on the main body 27, designed to send the relative first and second reference signals Sl, Sl', connected to the processing unit 10.

The above-mentioned main body 27 also has a projection 30 on which there is a magnet 31 for removably retaining the other end of the contact lever 28, so that it can be held stable, in the interception position, before contact with the edge 2b, 3b of the frame 1.

Each of the levers 28 has a pin 28p rotatably housed in a hole 32 in the main body 27, allowing said lever 28 rotation. Advantageously, inserted between the hole 32 and the pin 28p there may be a spring 33 designed to increase the lever 28 speed of rotation on coming into contact with the edge 2b, 3b of the frame 1. In practice, the spring 33 allows lever 28 rotation to be speeded up immediately after contact with the edge 2b, 3b of the frame 1, so as to avoid scraping between the lever 28 and the edge 2b, 3b which could mark the frame 1 and to simultaneously obtain immediate activation of the signal Sl.

As already indicated, one of the elements, which, in the embodiment proposed, is the vertical detection element 7, has an optical sensor 11 , forming the above-mentioned sensor 29, positioned on the main body 27 and which can be placed opposite the vertical side 2 (see Figures 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8).

The optical sensor 11 allows the third reference signal S2 to be sent when it passes close to the slot-like opening 2a. In practice, the detection element 7, thanks to rotation of its lever 28, passing in front of the optical sensor 11, activates the optical sensor which sends the first signal Sl. As the main body 27 moves downwards, the sensor 11 is positioned in front of a gap (the slot 2a) in the edge 2b of the vertical side 2 of the frame 1 and the sensor 11 consequently sends the third signal S2.

It follows, therefore, that depending on the type of profile used or the type of handle applied (cremone or traditional handle), different parts of the edge 2b must be positioned correctly in front of the path followed by the detection element 7 when the reference 25 is adjusted as described above.

The other detection element 8 (see Figures 2 and 7), positioned on the horizontal beam 14, has the detection sensor 29 consisting of a microswitch 29m positioned on the main body 27 and in contact, in a non-operating position, with the projecting end of the lever 28. In this case, lever 28 rotation, caused by contact with the edge 2b, 3b of the frame 1, breaks an electric contact designed to allow the second signal Sl ¹ to be sent.

Figures 2 and 6 show how, at its free end, each beam 13 and 14 has a contact pin 34 and 35, projecting from the beam 13 and 14 and parallel with it, designed to intercept the relative lever 28 of each detection element 7 and 8, when the carriages 21 and 22 perform a return stroke, so as to allow the resetting, in the projecting position, of the levers 28. This allows automatic repositioning of the levers 28 for a new measurement.

The single motor drive unit 9 (see also Figures 3, 4 and 5) in this embodiment consists of a motor associated with the mounting structure 4 and kinematically connected, for example by a belt 9a with double toothing, to two gearwheels 9b, 9c keyed to respective shafts 17a, 19a of the rollers 17 and 19 driving the corresponding belts 15 and 16. The double toothing of the belt 9a allows co-ordinated movement towards and away from each other by the carriages 21 and 22 for the two detection elements 7 and 8.

The unit 10 for processing the signals Sl, Sl ¹ , S2 is also attached directly to the motor 9 and comprises an encoder 10a designed to calculate the relative distances based on the count on the motor 9 which moves the carriages 21 and 22. Obviously, in this embodiment, for simplicity, a single motor was used, although that does not limit the possibility of using two or more dedicated motors with a dedicated dimensional control and processing system. For greater certainty in the initial step involving measurement and positioning of the detection elements 7, 8, on the beams 13 and 14 there are elements 50 and 51 for controlling repositioning of the detection elements 7, 8 in the initial position.

Basically, during the return stroke by the carriages 21 and 22, the means 50 and 51 allow a check for the presence of the detection elements 7, 8 to be carried out when they arrive in their starting position and interaction with the detection elements 7, 8 to send a signal S5 to the unit 10 designed to allow the unit 10 to be reset for a new measurement.

In the case illustrated, by way of example only, the element 50 is positioned on the vertical beam 13 and consists of a bar or "flag" (see Figure 6) which is intercepted by the optical sensor 11 on its return stroke, which sends a "closing" signal S5 directly to the unit 10.

For the horizontal beam 14 (Figure 11), the element 51 consists of a microswitch positioned on the beam 14 close to its free end and which the carriage 22 can intercept when it arrives in the lever 28 resetting zone.

The microswitch 51 is directly connected to the unit 10 so as to allow the signal S5 to be sent to the unit 10, when contact is made with the carriage 22, to

allow the unit 10 to be reset.

To completely integrate the measuring apparatus 100 described above, the unit 10 for processing the signals Sl, Sl' and S2 can be connected to a data interface unit 36 in turn connected to a control and processing unit 37 of an apparatus 38 for making accessories for the frame 1 (Figure 9), of the known type (see also patent application EP 1.454.708) and therefore not described in detail. In this way, it is possible to achieve automatic sending S3 of the dimensions H, L, Hl detected for the frame 1 to the apparatus 38 and so allow real-time production of the operating accessories 39 illustrated, by way of example and without limiting the scope of the invention, in Figure 10 which may comprise a rod 40, an end fitting 41, an end hole 42 and contact bolts 43, 44, 45 for a handle and closing elements.

Therefore, said layout of the machining and bolts on the rod 40 may be created immediately after measuring the frame 1 without any intermediate steps having to be performed by the operator and providing very precise dimensions and positioning of the accessories.

Therefore, the general method for measuring frames 1 using an apparatus of this type may comprise the following steps:

- placing the frame 1 on a supporting surface 4 having two references 5 and 6 for two respective sides 2 and 3 of the frame 1 ;

- positioning the frame 1 in contact with the references 5 and 6;

- measuring at least two dimensions, H and L of the vertical and horizontal sides 2, 3 using respective elements 7 and 8 which automatically move along the references 5 and 6; - identifying the measurements H, L taken, and

- viewing the measurements H, L.

Therefore, an apparatus structured in this way achieves the preset aims thanks to an extremely simple, rational architecture which allows rapid measurement of the main dimensions of the frame, allowing the obtainment of operating accessories to be assembled on the frame, surely and with fewer positioning errors for the elements of which the accessories consist.

The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application and may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.