LOCKING DEVICE FOR A HINGE AND HINGE PROVIDED WITH SUCH DEVICE

Abstract

 A locking device (1) for a hinge (150) for doors and windows is provided, that includes a first hinge element (102) and a second hinge element (103), the first hinge element (102) comprising a pivot (104) that is rotatably insertable into a housing of the second hinge element (103) to enable a relative rotation of the hinge elements (102, 103) around a rotation axis (X), the first hinge element (102) comprising a first fixing arm (108) projecting from the first hinge element (102) to connect the first hinge element (102) to a frame (41) and the second hinge element (103) comprising a second fixing arm (109) projecting from the second hinge element (103) to connect the second hinge element (103) to a closing element (40); the locking device (1) comprises a hollow body (2) provided with a seat (3) shaped for housing at least partially the second hinge element (103) when the locking device (1) is applied to the hinge (150), and a first opening (6) and a second opening (7) obtained in an outer wall (5) of the hollow body (2), arranged for surrounding respectively the second fixing arm (109) and the first fixing arm (108) so as to lock the relative rotation of the hinge elements (102, 103) in a preset angular position of the second fixing arm (109) with respect to the first fixing arm (108).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to hinges for doors and windows and in particular refers to a locking device that is applicable to a hinge for doors and windows and a hinge for doors and windows that includes said locking device.

[0002] Hinges for doors and windows are known that are intended for rotatably connecting a closing element, such as, for example, a door, a French window, a window, a solid shutter, a slatted shutter, a wing or the like on a relative frame, or supporting casing, that substantially comprise a lower element and an upper element fixed respectively to the frame and to the closing element and are rotatably and removably coupled to one another in an assembled condition.

[0003] Each hinge element comprises a respective fixing arm for connecting to the closing element and to the frame.

[0004] The lower element has a cylindrical pivot that is inserted in use into a complementary seat made in the upper element to enable the latter, and thus the closing element, to rotate around the aforesaid pivot, i.e. around a vertical axis.

[0005] The upper element comprises an annular wall arranged around the opening of the seat and suitable for abutting in the assembled condition on a respective annular wall of the lower element provided at the base and around the pivot. In this manner, the lower element supports the weight of the upper element and of the closing element associated therewith. This hinge for doors and windows enables the closing element to be fitted to and removed from the frame. The hinge also enables the closing element to perform large angular excursions or rotations.

[0006] In order to limit at will the rotation of the closing element around the pivot in order to avoid hazardous and harmful collisions against walls, furniture, frames, persons, etc, auxiliary locking devices are known in the form of stopping elements, so called doorstops, window stops, solid shutter stops or slatted shutter stops.

[0007] In the case of doors or French windows, stop elements are known, so-called doorstops interposed between the floor and the door so as to stop rotation of the latter after a desired rotation. Such doorstops can consist of fixed objects, i.e. objects fixed to the floor (for example screwed or glued to the floor) in a preset position, or movable objects, consisting of more or less heavy objects that can be positioned at will on the floor to stop the opening of the door at a desired angle.

[0008] A drawback of the auxiliary stopping elements of doorstop type is that they enable the rotation of the door to be stopping only in one rotation direction, but leave the door free to rotate in the opposite direction, which may cause the door to close accidentally unless two doorstop devices are provided to stop the door on both sides when the door is opened. Another drawback of stopping elements of the movable door stops type is that they are generally bulky and not very reliable because they can be easily and erroneously removed or moved.

[0009] Alternatively to the door stops disclosed above, in the case of doors or French windows locking devices are also known comprising a hook provided with a longitudinal portion and with a hook portion, the hook being fixed at a lower side of the door so that the longitudinal portion is movable in translation along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the floor so as to be able to engage in a suitable hole obtained in the floor. A drawback of such hook-shaped locking devices is that they require workings to be performed on the floors to make the hole for the hook, such workings having to be very precise to enable the hook to engage the corresponding hole without excessive clearance to avoid the door being subject to oscillation.

[0010] In the case of windows, wings and the like, the locking devices, the so-called window stops, solid shutter stops or slatted shutter stops, are interposed between the frame and window and generally lock the latter in an open position and do not thus enable the rotation thereof to be limited otherwise. Further, in order to be fitted, the locking devices, the so-called window stops, solid shutter stops or slatted shutter stops, require mechanical installation workings. For example, if the locking device has to be fixed to a wall, for example the visible face of a building, mechanical works has to be performed, for example drilling, on the visible face, which has to be very delicate in order to prevent the visible face being damaged. In addition, such mechanical workings has to be performed in significantly uncomfortable positions.

[0011] Locking devices are further known that have the form of magnetic or electromagnetic stops provided with a plate to fix to the frame and a counter-plate to fix to the respective closing element, which, once they are brought close, couple to lock the closing element in an open position.

[0012] A drawback of these locking devices in the form of magnetic or electromagnetic stops is that they are very complex and expensive.

[0013] An object of the invention is to improve known locking devices that are applicable to and/or integrable into a hinge for doors and windows, increasing in particular the flexibility in use thereof.

[0014] Another object is to provide a locking device that enables the reciprocal rotation of the hinge elements to be locked and adjusted with precision, easily and rapidly, i.e. the opening and/or the closure of a closing element with which said hinge is associated with respect to a corresponding supporting frame or casing.

[0015] A further object is to obtain a locking device that is easy and cheap to make and is at the same time tough and reliable.

[0016] Still another object is to provide a hinge for doors and windows comprising a locking device that enables a reciprocal rotation of the hinge elements to be locked and adjusted with precision and easily and rapidly.

[0017] In a first aspect of the invention a locking device is provided for a hinge for doors and windows as defined in claim 1.

[0018] In a second aspect of the invention a hinge for doors and windows is provided comprising a locking device as defined in claim 12.

[0019] The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate some embodiments thereof by way of non-limiting examples in which:

Figure 1 is a cross section view of a locking device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a view taken along the plane II-II of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view taken along the plane III-III of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a view taken along the plane IV-IV of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the locking device of Figure 1 applied to a hinge for doors and windows in one operating configuration;

Figure 6 is a partially sectioned and exploded front view of a locking device of Figure 1 of the invention applied to a hinge for doors and windows;

Figure 7 is a front view of the locking device of Figure 1 of the invention in a resting configuration P applied to a hinge for doors and windows in an assembled condition;

Figure 8 is a plan view of the locking device of Figure 1 applied to a hinge for doors and windows in a further operating configuration;

Figure 9 is a view taken along the plane IX-IX of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a view taken along the plane X-X of Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a cross section view of a locking device according to an alternative embodiment;

Figure 12 is a view taken along the plane XII-XII of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a view taken along the plane XIII-XIII of Figure 11;

Figure 14 is a plan view of the locking device of Figure 11 applied to a hinge for doors and windows in one operating configuration;

Figure 15 is a plan view of the locking device of Figure 11 applied to a hinge for doors and windows in a further operating configuration.

[0020] With reference to Figures 1 to 10, with 1 a locking device according to the invention is indicated that is intended for being associated with a hinge 150 for doors and windows, for example the hinge 150 shown in Figures 5 to 10.

[0021] In particular, the locking device 1 is arranged for being fitted in use to the hinge 150.

[0022] The hinge 150 can be a hinge provided with an adjusting device for adjusting a maximum rotation angle of the type disclosed in Italian patent 1397544.

[0023] With reference in particular to Figures 5 to 7, the hinge 150 comprises a first hinge element 102 and a second hinge element 103 arranged for being fixed respectively to a frame 41, for example a casing or an opposing casing or a side of a piece of furniture, and to a closing element 40, for example a door or window or wing. The hinge elements 102, 103, are of substantially cylindrical shape and are rotatably coupled together in an assembled condition A (Figure 7). In this assembled condition A, moreover, it is possible to couple the locking device 1 with the second hinge element 103.

[0024] Owing to the hinge 150, the closing element 40 is rotatable clockwise between a closed operating position C, shown in Figure 5, in which the closing element 40 closes an opening defined by the frame 41 and an open operating position O, shown in Figure 8, in which the closing element 40 enables the opening to be accessed that is defined by the frame 41, and vice versa. This open operating position O is reached when the closing element 40 is rotated substantially by 180° from the closed operating position C. On the other hand, the closed operating position C is reached when the closing element 40 is rotated substantially by 180° from the open operating position O.

[0025] The first hinge element 102 has a cylindrical pivot 104, protruding longitudinally and arranged for being inserted into a housing of complementary shape provided in the second hinge element 103, so as to enable the latter, and thus the closing element 40 fixed thereto, to rotate around the aforesaid pivot 104, i.e. around a longitudinal rotation axis X. The housing is, in particular, a blind cylindrical hole that extends longitudinally inside the second hinge element 103.

[0026] The first hinge element 102 comprises an end wall 106, which is substantially flat and annular, which extends at the base of and around the pivot 104 and is transverse, in particular almost orthogonal, to the rotation axis X.

[0027] The first hinge element 102 also comprises a first fixing arm 108 for connecting to the frame 41 and the second hinge element 103 further comprises a second fixing arm 109 for connecting to the closing element 40.

[0028] The fixing arms 108, 109 include respective pivots arranged transversely, in particular almost orthogonally, to the pivot 104 and provided, for example, with threaded ends, which are screwable at corresponding holes made on the frame 41 and on the closing element 40, which are not shown in the Figures.

[0029] Alternatively, the fixing arms can comprise brackets that are screwable on the frame 41 and on the closing element 40.

[0030] The locking device 1 comprises a hollow body 2, of substantially cylindrical shape and provided with a seat 3 shaped to be able to house at least partially the second hinge element 103, on which the locking device 1 has to be fitted in use. Thus the seat 3 has to have greater dimensions than the second hinge element 103.

[0031] The hollow body 2 comprises an annular edge 4 arranged around the opening of the seat 3 at a first opening 17 of the locking device 1.

[0032] In use, the annular edge 4 is intended for rotating by interacting through contact on a supporting portion of the first hinge element 102 when the closing element 40 is rotated around the longitudinal rotation axis X by bringing along in rotation the locking device 1, as will be explained better below.

[0033] The hollow body 2 further comprises an outer wall 5 on which a first opening 6, shown in particular in Figure 2, and a second opening 7, shown in particular in Figure 3, are obtained, that are intended for engaging in use with the second fixing arm 109 and with the first fixing arm 108, respectively, so as to lock the relative rotation of the hinge elements 102, 103 in a preset angular position of the second fixing arm 109 with respect to the first fixing arm 108, corresponding to a desired angular gap between the closing element 40 and the frame 41.

[0034] In particular, the first opening 6 and the second opening 7 are spaced angularly apart by a preset angle α such that in one operating configuration the locking device 1 retains the first fixing arm 108 and the second fixing arm 109 in the preset angular position.

[0035] For example, the first opening 6 can be angularly distanced from the second opening 7 by an angle α equal substantially to 90°, as shown in Figure 1. In particular, with reference to Figure 1, the angle α is measured clockwise. Such an arrangement of the first opening 6 and of the second opening 7 in the locking device 1 enables the closing element 40 to be locked in the open operating position O when in the closed position C a locking device 1 is applied to the hinge 150, the locking device 1 having the first opening 6 angularly spaced apart from the second opening 7 by an angle α equal to 90° measured clockwise.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment of the locking device 1, the first opening 6 is angularly spaced apart from the second opening 7 by an angle α equal to 90° measured anticlockwise. In this case, the locking device 1 is applicable to a hinge 150 that enables the closing element 40 to rotate anticlockwise from the closed position C to the open position O and the locking element 1 enables the closing element 40 to remain locked in the latter position.

[0037] For example, to open outwardly a pair of slatted shutters provided on opposite sides of a frame that defines an opening in a building it is possible to provide a locking device 1 with an angle α equal to 90° measured clockwise applied to a hinge 150 of the right-hand slatted shutter of the frame and a locking device 1 with an angle α equal to 90° measured anticlockwise applied to a hinge 150 of the left-hand shutter of the frame.

[0038] The first opening 6 and the second opening 7 interrupt the annular edge 4 in two respective zones so that the second fixing arm 109 can enter the first opening 6 from the annular edge 4 and a supporting portion of the first fixing arm 108 of the first hinge element 102 can enter the second opening 7 from the annular edge 4.

[0039] In fact, the openings 6 and 7 are made near, and exactly at, the first opening 17 and extend away from the first opening 17, i.e. towards a top wall 8 of the hollow body 2, arranged at a second end 18 of the locking device 1 opposite said first opening 17.

[0040] The first opening 6 has an elongated shape extending from the annular edge 4 to the top wall 8. The first opening 6 has an end part 9, for example of a round shape, and a pair of opposite side walls, comprising a first side wall 10a and a second side wall 10b that connect the end part 9 to the annular edge 4.

[0041] This end part 9 can in use interact with the second fixing arm 109 of the second hinge element 103 and, in particular, in the open position O can come to rest, for example in a shapingly coupled manner, on the second fixing arm 109 (Figure 10).

[0042] In addition, during rotation of the closing element 40 around the axis X from the closed position C to the open position O also the first side wall 10a interacts with the second fixing arm 109, in particular, the second fixing arm 109 brings along in rotation the locking device 1 by coming to abut on the second side wall 10b and pressing thereupon.

[0043] The second opening 7 has an elongated shape extending from the annular edge 4 to the top wall 8, for example substantially rectangular, and has an end portion 11 and a pair of opposite inner walls comprising a first inner wall 12a and a second inner wall 12b that connect the end portion 11 to the annular edge 4.

[0044] In use, when the closing element 40 is in the closed position C, the locking device 1 is fitted to the hinge 150 in a resting configuration P (Figure 7) in which the first opening 6 surrounds and engages the second fixing arm 109, the second opening 7 surrounds an abutting appendage 112 of a locking element 110 that can be provided in the hinge 150 and the annular edge 4 rests at least partially on the supporting portion of the first fixing arm 108 of the first hinge element 102, and, in particular, on a supporting and stopping portion 107 of the first fixing arm 108 shown for example in Figure 5.

[0045] When on the other hand the closing element 40 is in the open position O, the locking device 1 assumes an engaging configuration E (Figure 9) in which the first opening 6 surrounds the second fixing arm 109 and the second opening 7 surrounds the supporting and stopping portion 107 abutted upon by the abutting appendage 112, such that the locking device 1 locks a rotation around the axis X of the second hinge element 103.

[0046] The locking device 1 is thus movable around the axis X brought along in rotation by the second fixing arm 109 from the resting configuration P to the engaging configuration E, in which the locking device 1 is locked in position.

[0047] The first opening 6 and the second opening 7, spaced by the angle α, enable the locking device 1, in the engaging configuration E, to retain the first fixing arm 108 and the second fixing arm 109 in the desired preset angular position.

[0048] The first opening 6 and the second opening 7 can have a different extent. For example the first opening 6 can extend further than the second opening 7, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Alternatively, the first opening 6 and the second opening 7 can have a substantially equal extent.

[0049] In this case, it is not necessary to provide two different locking devices 1 for the right-hand slatted shutter and for the left-hand slatted shutter provided on opposite sides of a frame.

[0050] The locking device 1 further comprises a gripping element 13, for example a knob, that projects externally from the top wall 8 of the hollow body 2 to facilitate, in use, gripping of the locking device 1 during fitting of the locking device 1 to the hinge 150 and during removal of the locking device 1 from the hinge 150.

[0051] The locking device 1 further comprises a passage slot 14, obtained in the outer wall 5 of the hollow body 2 and arranged for permitting the passage of a stopping element that reciprocally connects the locking device 1 to the first hinge element 102, so as to prevent the locking device 1 from being able to fall if removed from the second hinge element 103. The passage slot 14 can be made on the part substantially opposite the second opening 7 and near the top wall 8. The stopping element can be for example a screw, the stem of which is passed inside the passage slot 14 and is screwed on a corresponding threaded hole obtained on the second hinge element 103, when the locking device 1 is arranged on the hinge 150, and the end head of which comprises a base that abuts on the outer wall 5, connecting and locking the locking device 1 to the second hinge element 103. Alternatively or in addition, the locking device 1 can be provided with a chain fixed to the hollow body 2 to be hooked to an element of the hinge 150 to ensure further that the locking device 1 remains connected to the hinge 150 and does not fall therefrom, for example because of atmospheric events.

[0052] The locking device 1 can be made of metal alloy, for example the same as the hinge elements 102, 103, or of suitably resistant plastics.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, the supporting and stopping portion 107 of the first hinge element 102 comprises, for example, a stopping appendage fixed to a respective side wall 117 of the first hinge element 102 from which it extends transversely and longitudinally. In particular, the supporting and stopping portion 107 extends laterally in a radial direction and longitudinally in the direction of the end wall 106 until going beyond the latter so as to be able to abut, in use, on the abutting appendage 112 of a locking element 110 that can be provided in the hinge 150. In particular, the supporting and stopping portion 107 and the abutting appendage 112 are shaped and dimensioned in such a manner as to abut when the second hinge element 103 is rotated to the open position O (Figure 9).

[0054] The supporting and stopping portion 107 is moreover fixed to an upper supporting portion 105 of the first fixing arm 108, said upper supporting portion 105 facing, in use, the second hinge element 103.

[0055] The supporting and stopping portion 107 has two opposite faces, a first face 15a and a second face 15b, that are substantially flat and parallel to one another and to the longitudinal axis of the pivot 104. On at least one portion of one of the two aforesaid faces a damping element can be fixed that is made of an elastic element, for example rubber. The supporting and stopping portion 107 has a width, i.e. a distance between the first face 15a and the second face 15b, less than the width of the second opening 7.

[0056] With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the hinge 150 comprises a first locking element 110 and a second locking element 111 that are mutually and reversibly couplable in different angular positions with respect to the axis X so as to define, in the assembled condition A of the hinge 150, a desired relative rotation of the first hinge element 102 and of the second hinge element 103 around the aforesaid axis X.

[0057] The first locking element 110 and the second locking element 111 have a substantially annular shape and in the assembled condition A are fitted to the pivot 104. The locking elements 110, 111 are made of a metal alloy, for example the same as the hinge elements 102, 103 or of suitably resistant plastics.

[0058] The first locking element 110 has, for example, a cylindrical shape and has a respective longitudinal through opening that is not illustrated having dimensions that are such as to enable the pivot 104 to be inserted with preset clearance. In this manner, the first locking element 110 is fitted rotatably to said pivot 104.

[0059] The first locking element 110 further comprises a first supporting wall 121 intended for abutting rotatably on the end wall 106 of the first hinge element 102.

[0060] The second locking element 111 is fixed to the second hinge element 103 and in particular is made as a single body with the latter. The second locking element 111 has, for example, a cylindrical shape and has a respective longitudinal opening that is not illustrated having dimensions that are such as to enable the pivot 104 to be inserted with preset clearance. The longitudinal opening of the second locking element 111 is thus coaxial with the housing of the second hinge element 103.

[0061] The first locking element 110 and the second locking element 111 are mutually and reversibly couplable in a plurality of different angular positions with respect to the axis X by coupling means 115, 116 that comprises shaped profiles that are conjugated, or complementary, made on respective coupling walls 122, 132 of the locking elements 110, 111.

[0062] The abutting appendage 112 of the first locking element 110 comprises two opposite surfaces, a first surface 16a and a second surface 16b. The second surface 16b is configured for abutting on the second face 15b of the supporting and stopping portion 107 of the first hinge element 102 so as to stop the rotation of the first locking element 110. The abutting appendage 112 has a width, i.e. a distance between the first surface 16a and the second surface 16b, less than the width of the second opening 7.

[0063] In particular, the second opening 7 has a greater width than the sum of the widths of the supporting and stopping portion 107 and the abutting appendage 112. In this manner, in the engaging configuration E, the inner walls 12a and 12b of the second opening 7 can be placed alongside respectively the first surface 16a of the abutting appendage 112 and the first face 15a of the supporting and stopping portion 107.

[0064] The operation of the locking device 1 according to the invention to be coupled with the hinge for doors and windows 150 will be disclosed below.

[0065] Preliminarily, an adjusting step for adjusting the hinge 150 is provided in which it is possible to set the relative angular position between the first locking element 110 and the second locking element 111 - fixed to the second hinge element 103 and thus the closing element 40 - so as to arrange the abutting appendage 112 in a preset operating position with respect to the second fixing arm 109 of the second hinge element 103.

[0066] In particular, the first locking element 110 has to be positioned in such a manner that the angular distance between the second fixing arm 109 of the second hinge element 103 and the abutting appendage 112 is equal to an angle of substantially 90° - measured clockwise - as shown in Figure 5.

[0067] In this manner it is possible to obtain a rotation of a size that is equal substantially to 180° of the closing element 40, between the closed position C (Figure 5) and the open position O (Figure 8) of the closing element 40.

[0068] Adjusting the relative angular position between the first locking element 110 and the second locking element 111 can be achieved by slightly raising the second locking element 111 - i.e. the second hinge element 103 and the closing element 40 - so as to disengage the coupling means 115, 116 by rotating the first locking element 110 by the desired angle, lowering the second locking element 111 so as to return the coupling means 115, 116 to engage so as to make the locking elements 110, 111 rotate together in the new angular position. This operation is facilitated by the shape of the tilted surface teeth of the shaped profiles 115, 116.

[0069] Subsequently to the adjusting step, when a user desires to take the closing element 40 from the closed position C to the open position O, the locking device 1 is arranged in the resting configuration P, i.e. is fitted to the hinge 150, by coupling the seat 3 with the second hinge element 103. In particular, the locking device 1 is mounted to the second hinge element 103 in such a manner that the side walls 10a, 10b of the first opening 6 are placed alongside the second fixing arm 109, the inner walls 12a, 12b of the second opening 7 are placed alongside the abutting appendage 112 and the annular edge 4 rests at least partially on the supporting and stopping portion 107 of the first hinge element 102.

[0070] By arranging the elements 102, 103 of the hinge 150 and the locking device 1 in the manner indicated above, the assembled condition A is obtained in which the first and the second hinge element 102, 103 are reciprocally coupled and the locking device 1 is coupled with the hinge 150.

[0071] At this point, when the user wishes to permit access to the opening defined by the frame 41, he rotates the closing element 40 (clockwise) around the axis X. During this rotation, the second fixing arm 109 engages with the first opening 6, in particular abutting on the second side wall 10b of the first opening 6 and bringing along in rotation the locking device 1.

[0072] In this manner, also the locking device 1 rotates around the axis X.

[0073] Consequently, the annular edge 4 rotates resting on the supporting and stopping portion 107 that so acts in use as a support for the locking device 1 when the latter rotates around the axis X, assuming a plurality of intermediate operating positions between the resting configuration P and the engaging configuration E of the locking device 1.

[0074] After a rotation of substantially 180°, i.e. when the closing element 40 is in the open position O, the abutting appendage 112 abuts on the supporting and stopping portion 107 that acts as a stroke end preventing a further rotation clockwise of the second hinge element 103 and thus, of the closing element 40. In this manner, the closing element 40 cannot collide against the frame 41.

[0075] With reference to Figures 9 and 10, when the second inner wall 12b of the second opening 7 towards the end of the rotation of the closing element 40 goes beyond the first face 15a of the supporting and stopping portion 107, the annular edge 4 is no longer supported by the supporting and stopping portion 107, and the locking device 1 is thus free to fall by gravity along the axis X. For example, the locking device 1 can be free to descend until the end part 9 of the first opening 6 comes to rest on the second fixing arm 109 of the second hinge element 103.

[0076] The locking device 1 has thus adopted the engaging configuration E in which the first opening 6 surrounds the second fixing arm 109 and the second opening 7 surrounds both the abutting appendage 112 and the supporting and stopping portion 107, locking reciprocally the two hinge elements 102 and 103 and preventing reciprocal rotation, both clockwise and anticlockwise. In particular, in the engaging configuration E the end part 9 can rest on the second fixing arm 109.

[0077] In the engaging configuration E the locking device 1 is locked in position, i.e. it is no longer free to rotate around the axis X.

[0078] In this manner, the locking device 1 secures the closing element 40 in the open position O, preventing the closing element 40 from being able to rotate even partially in one of the two rotation directions.

[0079] In the engaging configuration E the locking device 1 thus has a position that is lowered with respect to the resting configuration P.

[0080] In the engaging configuration E, the user can further secure the locking device 1 to the hinge 150 by fixing the stop element in the passage slot 14, and connecting any chain that may be present to an element of the hinge 150. In this manner, the locking device 1 is prevented from being able to fall for example because of atmospheric events, with the risk of hitting and damaging things or people.

[0081] In order to enable the closing element 40 to return from the open position O to the closed position C, the user has to remove the locking device 1, for example by grasping the gripping element 13 and lifting the locking device 1 upwards so as to disengage the second fixing arm 109, the abutting appendage 112 and the supporting and stopping portion 107 from the locking device 1.

[0082] The locking device 1 is also couplable with a hinge of conventional type, i.e. devoid of the first locking element 110, of the second locking element 111 and the supporting and stopping portion 107.

[0083] The operation of the locking device 1 coupled with a hinge of conventional type is substantially the same as in the case of the hinge 150. Nevertheless, in the case of a conventional hinge, the preliminary adjusting step is clearly not necessary and the annular edge 4 during rotation of the closing element 40 from the closed position C to the open position O rotates resting on the upper supporting portion 105 of the first fixing arm 108 of the first hinge element 102 and not on the supporting and stopping portion 107, which is not provided. Further, in the engaging configuration E, the first opening 6 engages the second fixing arm 109 of the second hinge element 103 as in the case in which the locking device is coupled with the hinge 150, and the second opening 7 engages the first fixing arm 108 of the first hinge element 102, i.e. the first inner wall 12a and the second inner wall 12b of the second opening 7 are configured so as to surround in the engaging configuration E the first fixing arm 108.

[0084] With reference to Figures 11 to 15, there is shown a locking device 100 according to an alternative embodiment. The locking device 100 differs from the locking device 1 by the fact that the first opening 6 and the second opening 7 are substantially opposite, i.e. spaced angularly apart by the angle α equal substantially to 180°.

[0085] Angular positioning at 180° of the first opening 6 and the second opening 7 enables a user to take the closing element 40 to an intermediate operating position V between the closed position C and the open position O in which the closing element 40 is opened by an angle that is substantially equal to 90° with respect to the closed position C and also enables access to the opening defined by the frame 41.

[0086] Owing to the locking device according to the invention it is thus possible to lock with precision, easily and rapidly, the rotation of the closing element 40 with respect to the frame 41 when it has reached a desired operating position, i.e. the closed position C, the open position O or an intermediate operating position V.

[0087] If the user wishes the closing element 40 to be rotated and locked with respect to the frame 41 in an angular position that is different from that made in the closed position C, in the open position O or in the intermediate operating position V, the angle α between the first opening 6 and the second opening 7 will be shaped such that the locking device 1 ensures that the two hinge elements 102, 103 are maintained in the desired angular position.

[0088] The first opening 6 and the second opening 7 in particular enable interacting respectively with the second fixing arm 109 of the second hinge element 103 and with the first fixing arm 108 or the supporting and stopping portion 107 of the first fixing arm 108, if the latter is present, and ensure a safe and reliable stroke end stop for the closing element 40. In addition, the locking device 1 enables in the engaging position E the rotation of the closing element 40 to be locked in each of the two rotation directions, thus preventing it from partially opening or closing.

[0089] By virtue of the conformation of the locking device 1 the latter is also easy and cheap to make.

Claims

1. Locking device (1) for a hinge (150) for doors and windows, said hinge (150) including a first hinge element (102) and a second hinge element (103), said first hinge element (102) comprising a pivot (104) that is rotatably insertable into a housing of said second hinge element (103) to enable a relative rotation of said hinge elements (102, 103) around a rotation axis (X), said first hinge element (102) comprising a first fixing arm (108) projecting from said first hinge element (102) to connect the first hinge element (102) to a frame (41) and said second hinge element (103) comprising a second fixing arm (109) projecting from said second hinge element (103) to connect the second hinge element (103) to a closing element (40), said locking device (1) comprising a hollow body (2) provided with a seat (3) shaped for housing at least partially said second hinge element (103) when said locking device (1) is applied to said hinge (150), said locking device (1) being characterised in that it comprises a first opening (6) and a second opening (7) obtained in an outer wall (5) of said hollow body (2), arranged for surrounding respectively said second fixing arm (109) and said first fixing arm (108) so as to lock the relative rotation of said hinge elements (102, 103) in a preset angular position of said second fixing arm (109) with respect to said first fixing arm (108).

2. Locking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, when applied to said hinge (150), said locking device (1) can adopt a resting configuration (P), in which said first opening (6) surrounds said second fixing arm (109) and an annular edge (4) of said hollow body (2) rests at least partially on a supporting portion (107; 105) provided in said first hinge element (102) such that said locking device (1) is movable around said axis (X) and bringable along in rotation by said second fixing arm (109), and an engagement configuration (E) in which said first opening (6) surrounds said second fixing arm (109) and said second opening (7) surrounds said supporting portion (107; 105) such that said locking device (1) locks a rotation around said axis (X) of said second hinge element (103).

3. Locking device (1) according to claim 2, wherein said first opening (6) and said second opening (7) are angularly spaced apart by an angle (α) that is such that in said engagement configuration (E) said locking device (1) retains said first fixing arm (108) and said second fixing arm (109) in said preset angular position.

4. Locking device (1) according to claim 3, wherein said second opening (7) is angularly spaced apart substantially by 90° with respect to said first opening (6).

5. Locking device (1) according to claim 3, wherein said second opening (7) is angularly spaced apart substantially by 180° with respect to said first opening (6).

6. Locking device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein said annular edge (4) is provided at a first end (17) of said locking device (1) and said first opening (6) and said second opening (7) interrupt said annular edge (4) in such a manner that said second fixing arm (109) can enter said first opening (6) from said annular edge (4) and said supporting portion (107; 105) can enter said second opening (7) from said annular edge (4).

7. Locking device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said first opening (6) comprises an end part (9), a first side wall (10a) and a second side wall (10b), said first side wall (10a) and said second side wall (10b) being reciprocally opposite and connecting said end part (9) to said annular edge (4), said end part (9) interacting with said second hinge element (103) in said engagement configuration (E) and said second side wall (10b) interacting with said fixing arm (109) that abuts thereupon when said second hinge element (103) rotates around said axis (X).

8. Locking device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein said second opening (7) comprises an end portion (11), a first inner wall (12a) and a second inner wall (12b), said first inner wall (12a) and said second inner wall (12b) being reciprocally opposite and connecting said end portion (11) to said annular edge (4), said first inner wall (12a) and said second inner wall (12b) being shaped so as to surround said supporting portion (107; 105) in said engagement configuration (E).

9. Locking device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein said first opening (6) and said second opening (7) are of elongated shape and extend from said annular edge (4) to a top wall (8) of said hollow body (2).

10. Locking device (1) according to claim 9, and further comprising a gripping element (13) that projects outside said top wall (8) to facilitate gripping by a user of said locking device (1) during inserting of said locking device (1) on said hinge (150) and during removing of said locking device (1) from said hinge (150).

11. Locking device (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a passage slot (14), obtained on said outer wall (5) and arranged for enabling a stopping element that reciprocally connects said locking device (1) to said first hinge element (102) to pass through.

12. Hinge for doors and windows comprising a locking device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Drawing