ES3063078T3 - Striker for locks - Google Patents

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Latch for locks

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a latch for locks.

[0005] In more detail, the latch according to the invention falls within the technical field of the production and marketing of latches, in particular magnetic type latches, for locks intended to close fittings, such as doors and windows, made of a variety of materials, for example, aluminum, aluminum-wood, wood and PVC.

[0006] The latch according to the invention finds a particular and advantageous use when installed in hollow-type frame profiles, such as frames made of an aluminum alloy.

[0007] Previous technique

[0008] The use of latches is known in the technical reference field for manufacturing locks intended to close and/or open fittings, in particular doors and windows, installed in many types of buildings, such as offices, hotels, commercial shops, houses, apartments and others.

[0009] Latches of a known type for locks typically comprise a body insertable into a housing seat previously formed in a fitting, in particular the frame profile of a door or window. The body typically comprises multiple openings, in particular holes, adapted to receive fastening means, in particular threaded fasteners such as screws or the like, for securing the latch to the frame profile. The body further comprises a plurality of compartments adapted to receive opening/closing members, in particular a member called a latch in the technical jargon of the field (e.g., of a magnetic or mechanical type), and sliders movable by the aforementioned fastening means to secure the latch in the frame seat.

[0010] It is clear that lock latches such as those briefly described above have proven in practice to include drawbacks.

[0011] The main drawback is that common-type latches for locks are difficult to assemble and disassemble from a door or window frame, for example, to carry out maintenance, adjustment, or inspection of the door or window itself. In fact, during the aforementioned operations, particularly if carried out by untrained personnel, such fasteners and movable sliders risk falling into the hollow frame profile, making retrieval impossible.

[0012] An additional drawback is that standard-type latches for locks are aesthetically unappealing. In fact, such latches have visible fastening means (i.e., screws or similar) for the operator, particularly since these fastening means are located on the front face of the latch itself. This makes the door or window as a whole aesthetically unappealing. Therefore, standard-type latches require cover elements to conceal the aforementioned fastening means. This leads to an increase in the number of components required to complete the latch and, consequently, greater complexity in construction and logistics.

[0013] Documents WO 2011/030291 A1, EP 2878748 B1 and EP 2248968 B1 describe examples of latches for locks.

[0014] Objectives of the invention

[0015] The technical task of the present invention is to propose a latch for locks that allows overcoming, at least in part, the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0016] In particular, an objective of the present invention is to provide a latch for locks that is simple and reliable to assemble and disassemble on a frame profile of a door or window, even by a non-specialist operator.

[0017] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a latch for locks particularly suitable for frames with a hollow profile, such as aluminum alloy frames.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to propose a latch for locks capable of allowing a reliable installation while allowing aesthetic effects to be achieved.

[0019] All objects, whether individually or in any combination thereof, and others that will result from the following description are achieved, according to the invention, by means of a latch for locks having the characteristics indicated in claim 1.

[0020] The dependent claims describe particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0021] Brief description of the figures

[0022] The present invention is described below in some of its preferred embodiments, given for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0023] - Figure 1 shows, according to a perspective view, a latch for locks according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] - Figure 2 shows, according to a longitudinal section view, the lock latch illustrated in Figure 1;

[0025] - Figure 3 shows, according to a front view, the lock latch illustrated in Figure 1; - Figure 4 shows, according to an exploded view, the lock latch illustrated in Figure 1.

[0026] With reference to the figures, these serve only to illustrate the embodiments of the invention with the aim of clarifying, in combination with the description, the inventive principles on which the invention is based.

[0027] Detailed description of the invention

[0028] With reference to the accompanying figures, a lock latch has generally been designated by the number 10. The latch 10 according to the invention finds particular application in the technical field of manufacturing and marketing locks, particularly magnetic locks, intended to be mounted on a profile, particularly an internally hollow one, of a door or window frame. More specifically, such a profile is made of an aluminum alloy, for example, by means of an extrusion or drawing process or similar.

[0029] However, the latch according to the invention can also be used on profiles made of wood or PVC, without excluding it from the scope of protection.

[0030] According to the modality illustrated in Figure 1, the latch 10 for locks comprises a receiving body 20.

[0031] In particular, the receiving body 20 extends along a longitudinal extension direction, between a first end 21a and a second end 21b.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the receiving body 20 has a cavity 20" formed in a front face 20a adapted to receive a locking member, commonly referred to as a "latch" in the technical jargon of the field and preferably of a magnetic type (not illustrated in the accompanying figures), along an insertion direction Z. The receiving body 20 also has a side surface 20b.

[0033] As illustrated in Figure 1, the cavity 20" is defined by two side walls arranged opposite each other and extending substantially parallel to the extension direction of the body 20, and by two end walls facing each other and extending substantially orthogonally to the two side walls. In particular, the two side walls and the two end walls are connected to each other. The cavity 20" is also defined by a bottom wall 29a (introduced and described in more detail below) mechanically connected to the two side walls and the two end walls.

[0034] The latch 10 further comprises a retaining element 30 positioned in a seat 22 of the receiving body 20.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the seat 22 is preferably obtained at the first end 20a or preferably at the second end 20b of the receiving body 20.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the seat 22 has a substantially compartmentalized shape, i.e., substantially partially enclosed. That is, as illustrated in Figure 4, the seat 22 essentially defines a guide corridor that delimits, at least partially, the direction along which the retaining element 30 can move.

[0037] As illustrated in Figure 4, the retaining element 30 is movable between an extended position, corresponding to a coupling configuration in which the latch 10 is secured in a seat of a frame (not illustrated in the accompanying figures), and a retracted position, corresponding to a release configuration in which the latch 10 is removable from the seat itself.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining element 30 comprises at least one slider slidably arranged in the seat 22 of the receiving body 20, and movable between the coupling configuration and the release configuration along a movement direction Y that is transverse, preferably orthogonal, to the insertion direction Z.

[0039] As illustrated in the accompanying figures, the receiving body 20 extends along a longitudinal extension direction that is substantially parallel to the Y motion direction.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the modality illustrated in the attached figures, the cavity 20" and the seat 22 of the receiving body 20 are arranged substantially aligned with each other, in particular they are intersected by the direction of movement Y on the respective centerline.

[0041] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the retaining element 30 preferably comprises two sliders, in particular a first slider and a second slider.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the first slider is preferably substantially the same as the second slider. Advantageously, the first slider and the second slider are interchangeable in their respective locations 22.

[0043] In more detail, each slider is slidably arranged in a respective seat 22 obtained in the receiving body 20 and moves between the coupling configuration and the release configuration along a respective movement direction Y that is transverse, preferably orthogonal, to the insertion direction Z. In particular, the sliders are arranged on opposite sides of the receiving body 20 with respect to the cavity 20.

[0044] That is, a first slider is insertable into a seat 22 arranged at the first end 21a, and a second slider is insertable into a seat 22 opposite the previous seat and arranged at the second end 20b. According to the particular embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the latch 10 comprises an adjusting member 50 that is insertable into the receiving body 20 and operatively associated with the retaining element 30. In particular, the adjusting member 50 is configured to be actuated from inside the cavity 20 along a direction transverse to the insertion direction Z, such that the retaining element 30 is activated along a movement direction Y transverse to the insertion direction Z. In this way, the latch 10 is free of visible adjusting members. Advantageously, the front face 20a is therefore free of discontinuities and substantially flat across its extent. That is to say, this front face 20a lacks any machining, for example, holes, seats, cavities, or the like, intended to receive fasteners such as screws or the like. This results in an aesthetically pleasing latch for the locks 10.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the latch 10 for locks further comprises stopping means 21, 31 interposed between the retaining element 30 and the receiving body 20 to limit movement of the retaining element 30 along a predetermined path to prevent detachment of the retaining element 30 from the receiving body 20 when the retaining element 30 changes between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0046] That is, the stopping means 21, 31 essentially define a limit latch barrier, to prevent movement beyond the limit defined by the barrier itself of the retaining member 30.

[0047] Advantageously, the retaining member 30 remains engaged with the receiving body 20 during an assembly or disassembly operation of the latch in a seat. This prevents the risk of the retaining member 30 coming out of the receiving body 20 and, consequently, the member 30 itself falling, for example, into the seat of the hollow frame profile.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the stopping means 21, 31 are obtained directly in the receiving body 20 and in the retaining element 30, respectively.

[0049] That is, the detention means 21, 31 are obtained in a single piece in the receiving body 20 and in the retention element 30, respectively.

[0050] Advantageously, the latch 10 is simple and economical since it does not require any additional means of fixing, such as screws, rivets or the like, to fix the aforementioned stopping means 21, 31 to the body 20 and to the retaining element 30, respectively.

[0051] In more detail, the stopping means 21, 31 comprise a stop element associated with the retaining element 30 and a corresponding stop member integral with the seat 22 of the receiving body 20 to define a limit latch configured to abut the stop element.

[0052] In more detail, the stop element is preferably tooth-shaped, in particular it has a curved portion R, preferably connected, oriented outwards from the cavity 20" of the body 20, and a first flat operating surface, opposite the curved portion R.

[0053] Conversely, the stop member is barrier-shaped, in particular having a second flat operating surface that is substantially parallel to the corresponding first flat operating surface of the stop member, and an inclined surface opposite the second flat operating surface.

[0054] As illustrated in detail in Figure 2, the stopping means 21, 31 are configured to make butt contact by means of a contact between the first operating surface and the second operating surface. In particular, this contact is of the interference type.

[0055] Advantageously, the curved portion R and the inclined surface allow for simple and quick engagement of the retaining element 30 into the corresponding seat 22 (as described in more detail below).

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, in particular to carry out the aforementioned engagement movement, at least one of the stop element and the stop member is made of a deformable material to allow the retaining element 30 to snap into the seat 22 of the receiving body 20.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the adjusting member 50 can be actuated, preferably by means of a key, to move the retaining element 30 along the movement direction Y which is transverse to the insertion direction Z.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the adjusting member 50 and the retaining element 30 define a preferably threaded coupling of the screw-nut type.

[0059] In particular, the adjusting member 50 comprises a hex socket taper head screw, and the retaining element 30 has a threaded hole, preferably through, configured to mechanically engage with the screw. Preferably, the adjusting member 50 has a nominal thread size selectable in the range of M3 to M5, preferably M4.

[0060] The receiving body 20 comprises a first sliding guide 25 obtained on the side surface 20b and configured to receive the adjusting member 50 (i.e., the hexagonal socket countersunk head screw).

[0061] According to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in detail in Figure 4, the receiving body 20 comprises a second sliding guide 25 obtained on the lateral surface 20b and configured to receive a second adjusting member 50.

[0062] Preferably, the first sliding guide 25 and the second sliding guide 25 are substantially the same as each other.

[0063] More specifically, the first sliding guide 25 and the second sliding guide 25 are obtained on the same face of the lateral surface 20b of the receiving body 20.

[0064] In this way, the insertion of the adjusting members 50 into the aforementioned first and second sliding guides 25 occurs on the same side of the lateral surface 20b. This is advantageous in the particular case of assembling the latch 10 by means of automatic systems, for example, anthropomorphic robots or similar, since the latch 10, once oriented according to the face on which the first and second sliding guides 25 are obtained, does not need to be moved, in particular rotated substantially 180°, to insert the adjusting members 50 into the respective sliding guides 25.

[0065] In addition, each sliding guide 25 is preferably shaped to allow a customized insertion of the adjusting member 50.

[0066] That is, the first sliding guide 25 and the second sliding guide 25 have a shape that essentially replicates the shape of a longitudinal section of the adjusting member, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4. Advantageously, the adjusting member 50 remains housed in the first and second sliding guides without the risk of coming out.

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, the first sliding guide 25 and the second sliding guide 25 extend along the respective housing directions S that are substantially orthogonal to the movement direction Y of the adjusting members 50 and to the insertion direction Z.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the receiving body 20 has a through opening 28 facing inward toward the cavity 20" of the closing member.

[0069] In particular, the opening 28 is configured to put the cavity 20" into communication with the seat 22 to allow access (for example, by means of the key described above) to the first adjusting member 50. According to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the receiving body 20 has two openings 28, preferably substantially equal to each other and arranged so as to face each other, in particular one opening 28 is disposed at the first end 20a and a second opening 28 is disposed at the second end 20b of the receiving body 20.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the two openings 28 are preferably holes.

[0071] According to the modality illustrated in the attached figures, the receiving body 20 comprises a compartment 29 adapted to receive a magnetic locking element, said compartment 29 being adjacent to the cavity 20" and separated from it by the lower wall 29a.

[0072] According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining element 30 and/or the receiving body 20 are made of a selectable material of: a polymeric material or preferably a fiber-reinforced polymeric material.

[0073] Otherwise, the receiving body 20 and/or the retaining element 30 may preferably be made of a metallic material, for example, steel or an aluminum alloy.

[0074] According to one aspect of the invention, the seat 22 is obtained on the side surface 20b and is placed under an edge of the front face 20a.

[0075] Advantageously, as mentioned above, the front face 20a is substantially free of discontinuities, such as holes, openings, concavities, or the like. This gives the front surface 20a, and consequently the latch 10's receiving body 20, a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

[0076] According to a further aspect of the invention, the retaining element 30 has an active sawtooth portion 30a for coupling to the frame seat.

[0077] Advantageously, such a sawtooth shape allows for a better grip between the retaining element 30 and a corresponding surface of the frame seat.

[0078] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-4, the operation of the invention is as follows. Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the latch 10 for locks, in particular, an operator takes an adjusting member 50 and inserts it along the sliding guide 25 to dispose it within the receiving body 20, substantially aligned along the Y direction of movement.

[0079] Subsequently, the operator takes a retaining element 30 and manually screws it in by tapping it so that it can be gripped by the adjusting member 50. Subsequently, the operator takes a wrench, in particular a male wrench, and turns the adjusting member 50 with it to move the retaining member 30 along the threaded stem of the adjusting member 50, i.e., along the direction of movement Y. During this movement, when the stopping means 21, 31 come into contact with each other, in particular between the curved portion R of the stop element and the inclined surface of the stop member, a press fit of the retaining element 30 into the seat 22 occurs.

[0080] Such a press fit is facilitated by the fact that at least one of the retaining element 30 and/or the receiving body 20 is made of a deformable, particularly elastic, material, as specified above.

[0081] The retaining element 30, once inserted into the seat 22, continues its movement along the Y direction of movement until it travels the entire length of the threaded stem of the adjusting member 50, and comes into substantial contact with a lower wall of the recess 22.

[0082] In the configuration described above, the latch 10 can be inserted into the frame seat and secured therein by reversing the direction of rotation of the adjusting member 50, to move the retaining element 30 outwards, i.e., away from the cavity 20”, and engage surface 30a against a corresponding surface of the frame seat.

[0083] In particular, during the movement just described, the retaining element 30 cannot travel beyond the distance defined by the contact between the first and second flat operating surfaces. In fact, these surfaces define a flat contact, specifically one substantially orthogonal to the Y direction of movement. This prevents the retaining element 30 from disengaging from the adjusting member, and therefore prevents the retaining element 30 from detaching from the seat 22 of the receiving body 20.

[0084] It is also an object of the present invention a method for securing a latch 10, of the type described above, in a seat of a frame, the numerical references of which will be withheld for the sake of descriptive simplicity.

[0085] The method comprises the following stages:

[0086] - providing a profile for a door or window frame; preferably hollow internally and preferably made of an aluminum alloy,

[0087] - form a seat of the housing in the profile;

[0088] - accommodating a latch 10 for locks according to one or more of the claims in the housing seat;

[0089] - activate adjustment member 50 to move retaining element 30 between a retracted position, corresponding to the release configuration, and an extended position, corresponding to the docking configuration.

Claims (17)

1. CLAIMS 1. A latch (10) for locks, comprising: - a receiving body (20) having a cavity (20") formed on a front face (20a) adapted to receive a closing member along an insertion direction (Z), and a side surface (20b); - a retaining element (30) positioned in a seat (22) of said receiving body (20) and movable between an extended position, corresponding to a coupling configuration in which said latch (10) is secured in a seat of a frame, and a retracted position, corresponding to a release configuration in which said latch (10) is removable from said seat, - an adjustment member (50) insertable into said receiving body (20) and operatively associated with said retaining element (30); said adjusting member (50) is configured to be actuated from inside the cavity (20") along a direction transverse to said insertion direction (Z), so that said retaining element (30) is activated along a movement direction (Y) transverse to said insertion direction (Z); characterized in that said retaining element (30) comprises at least one slider slidably arranged in said seat (22) of the receiving body (20), and movable between said coupling configuration and said release configuration along a direction of movement (Y) that is transverse to said insertion direction (Z). 2. The latch (10) for locks according to claim 1, wherein said direction of movement (Y) is orthogonal to the insertion direction (Z). 3. The latch (10) for locks according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said retaining element (30) comprises a first slider and a second slider, Each slider is slidably arranged in a respective seat (22) obtained in said receiving body (20) and moves between said coupling configuration and said release configuration along a respective movement direction (Y) that is transverse, preferably orthogonal, to said insertion direction (Z), and wherein said sliders are arranged on opposite sides of the housing body (20) with respect to said cavity (20"). 4. The latch (10) for locks according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising stopping means (21, 31) interposed between said retaining element (30) and said receiving body (20) to limit movement of said retaining element (30) along a predetermined path to prevent detachment of said retaining element (30) from said receiving body (20) when the retaining element (30) changes between said retracted position and said extended position. 5. The latch (10) for locks according to claim 4, wherein said stopping means (21, 31) are obtained directly in said receiving body (20) and in said retaining element (30), respectively. 6. The latch (10) for locks according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said stopping means (21, 31) comprise a stop element associated with said retaining element (30) and a corresponding stop member integral with said seat (22) of the receiving body (20) to define a limit latch configured to abut said stop element. 7. The latch (10) for locks according to claim 6, wherein at least one of said stop element and said stop member is made of a deformable material to allow the retaining element to be press-fitted into said seat (22) of the receiving body (20). 8. The latch (10) for locks according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said retaining element (30) has an active sawtooth portion (30a) for engaging with the frame seat. 9. The latch (10) for locks according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said receiving body (20) comprises a first sliding guide (25) obtained on said side surface (20b) and configured to receive said adjusting member (50). 10. The latch (10) for locks according to claim 9, wherein said receiving body (20) comprises a second sliding guide (25) obtained on said side surface (20b) and configured to receive a second adjusting member (50). 11. The latch (10) for locks according to claim 10, wherein said first sliding guide (25) and said second sliding guide (25) are obtained on the same face of said side surface (20b). 12. The latch (10) for locks according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said first sliding guide (25) and said second sliding guide (25) extend along the respective housing directions (S) that are substantially orthogonal to said movement direction (Y) of the adjusting members (50) and to said insertion direction (Z). 13. The latch (10) for locks according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said adjusting member (50) and said retaining element (30) define a screw-nut type threaded coupling. 14. The latch (10) for locks according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said receiving body (20) has a through opening (28) facing inwardly into the cavity (20") of the closing member, said opening (28) being configured to place said cavity (20") in communication with said seat (22) to allow access to said first adjusting member (50). 15. The latch (10) for locks according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said receiving body (20) comprises a compartment (29) adapted to receive a magnetic locking element, said compartment (29) being adjacent to the cavity (20") and separated from it by a lower wall (29a). 16. The latch (10) for locks according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said seat (22) is obtained on said side surface (20b) and is placed under an edge of said front face (20a). 17. A method for securing a latch (10) in a frame seat, comprising the following steps: - provide a profile of a door or window frame; - form a seat of the housing (20") in the profile; - to house a latch (10) for locks according to one or more of the preceding claims in the seat of the housing; Activate the adjustment member (50) to move the retaining element (30) between a retracted position, corresponding to the release configuration, and an extended position, corresponding to the coupling configuration.