OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention falls within the technical field of window and/or door fittings.
More specifically, it describes an opening limiter which comprises a novel mounting
and removal system and also integrates the systems for braking and for retention in
the limit position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The general function of an opening limiter for windows and/or doors is to limit the
relative movement between the frame and the leaf of a window or door, in order to
leave the same open to a certain maximum point. This is especially interesting when
it is desired to integrate a window or door into an environment where opening it is
only possible to a certain angle due to, for example different obstacles which may
be present and which prevent it opening to the maximum. That is to say, the opening
limiters allow a maximum opening angle to be fixed.
[0003] Additionally, the opening limiters can comprise brake systems, systems for retention
in the limit position or safety systems for the windows or doors on which they are
installed. Due to these advantages and the trend and diversification of the current
market, there are increasingly more clients who request the installation of an opening
limiter on their windows or doors.
[0004] Up to now, opening limiters have generally been composed of three clearly differentiated
parts, which are a fixation to the frame, a fixation to the leaf and a mounting plate
with rivet to join both fixations.
[0005] The fixation to the frame consists of a fixation to the channel of the frame of the
window or door. This fixation positions the location of the opening limiter and consequently
determines the limit opening of the window or door. This fixation is usually anchored
by means of set screws which allow its repositioning along the channel. This element
marks the maximum opening which the leaf can have for a determined position of the
opening limiter on the channel. The fixation to the leaf of the window or door is
slid by way of the channel of the leaf, thereby allowing a relative movement between
the leaf and the frame of the window.
[0006] Therefore, the functioning of the opening limiter consists of the fixation of one
of the parts of the same to the channel of the frame and the joining by means of a
plate and a sliding part to the leaf in order to thereby allow a maximum opening of
the window or door. The opening limiter can be positioned both on the upper part and
the lower part of the leaf. Depending on its position with respect to the axis of
rotation of the window, it will allow greater or lesser opening, that is to say, if
the same opening limiter is positioned close to the axis of rotation, it will allow
greater opening than if it is positioned further from said point.
[0007] Opening limiters are also known from the state of the art that are specifically intended
to be installed on windows or doors with heavy leaves with large dimensions. These
types of windows or doors, due to the large size, have a high inertia during the movement
and closure. Therefore, it is convenient to use an opening limiter which brakes its
movement over its course. The implementation of this function is usually done by means
of a brake device. In general, this function consists of the manipulation of the fixation
to the leaf so that one of the parts of said fixation to the leaf touches against
the channel of the leaf, thus preventing its free movement.
[0008] Additionally, the opening limiters of the state of the art can comprise a system
for locking the window for a certain opening, causing the window to remain open and
fixed at this opening angle without it closing again. In this way, a safety point
is provided in certain environments such as areas with windows within the reach of
children or public buildings (hospitals, schools, etc.) where it is of interest to
have this capacity for locking the opening in order to allow ventilation without posing
a risk to any of the occupants of the building. In order to incorporate this function,
the anchoring of the fixation to the leaf, which allows the joining thereof to a fixed
stop in a determined position in the channel of the leaf, is usually modified.
[0009] The most significant technical problems associated with the use of these opening
limiters particularly affect the mounting operations of said opening limiters. They
are generally complex mountings and the mechanisms for implementing them are usually
difficult to operate or complex to understand.
[0010] Also in addition to this, a gap in the market has been observed since opening limiters
comprising all the functions previously described in one single device are not known.
[0011] The document
FR2370845 is for example known in which a device is described for the pivoting connection of
a removable arm with a slide control. In said document, the functioning of an opening
limiter is described with the locking and unlocking functions contained in the device
itself. It consists of an opening limiter with two rods in the sliding fixation which
facilitate the clipping of the mounting plate and therefore its own locking once mounted.
The two rods are placed on the sliding fixation and clasp the rivet of the mounting
plate preventing it from being removed. One technical problem associated with this
opening limiter is that in order to implement the unlocking, a tool in the form of
a key has to be used which facilitates the separation of two rods. The tool has to
be introduced between the rods and forces these to separate. In this way, the plate
is released, allowing the separation and removal of the opening limiter. Therefore
the manner of implementing the mounting and clipping of the opening limiter is cumbersome
and not very efficient.
[0012] Another known opening limiter is described in the French utility model
FR2988762 and consists of an opening limiter which is fixed by means of an anchoring device
in the form of a horseshoe. In this case, by means of using a tool in the form of
a key, the feet are separated from the anchoring, releasing the joining bolt and allowing
the removal of the opening limiter. Therefore, like in the previous case, the use
of a tool is required and it is also necessary to reach the exact location where the
tool has to be used in an environment that is difficult to access. This is therefore
an opening limiter which is not useful or practical in terms of carrying out quick
removal.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The opening limiter which is described comprises a locking and unlocking system which
allows simpler and more intuitive mounting and removal of the opening limiter than
the opening limiters known from the state of the art. In this case, in order to anchor
or release the opening limiter on a window or door, it is only necessary to move a
lever.
[0014] The opening limiter also comprises a safety system for ensuring that it is maintained
in the position in which it has been locked, that is to say, in the position in which
it has been installed. The opening limiter also comprises a brake system and a system
for retention in a limit position.
[0015] The opening limiter generally comprises three clearly differentiated parts:
- a device for fixation to the frame, configured for being anchored to the channel of
the frame of the window or door which determines the position of the opening limiter,
- a device for sliding fixation to the leaf, configured for being slid along the channel
of the window or door,
- a mounting plate, configured for joining the two fixation devices and which determines
the maximum opening angle of the window or door.
[0016] As has been previously described, these elements are already known from the opening
limiters of the state of the art. Additionally, the opening limiter of the present
invention comprises a locking and unlocking system which allows its intuitive mounting
and removal and this is one of its main advantages. The opening limiter can be used
and installed by any end user without specific knowledge of carpentry.
[0017] Most of the time this opening limiter is used as a solution to protect the leaves
of a window or door from interior obstacles or to prevent complete opening of the
same. However, it is also necessary for the user to be able to access the window or
door in order to carry out cleaning work or for possible passage through the same.
In these cases, having the capacity to easily mount and remove the opening limiter
is essential.
[0018] The sliding fixation device comprises at least one slider which is the element via
which it is displaced along the channel of the leaf of the window or door. At the
same time, it comprises at least one locking lever which is the element which has
to move in order to lock or unlock the opening limiter, that is to say, in order to
mount or remove the opening limiter.
[0019] At the same time, the opening limiter of the present invention comprises an integrated
safety system which has been designed to prevent the unlocking of the opening limiter
when it has already been mounted. The safety system guarantees that the opening limiter
can only be removed when the user intentionally unlocks it.
[0020] Another characteristic of the present invention is that it comprises a brake system
which allows the users to open the windows or doors in a stable and progressive manner,
irrespective of the weight of the leaf of the window or door. To this end, the opening
limiter comprises a brake, arranged on the slider, opposed to the channel of the window
or door. The brake moves the slider to the channel, causing friction between the two.
The friction generated allows the displaceable fixation device to reach the end stroke
of the window or door more slowly and with less energy than in the movement limitation
systems installed on the conventional opening limiters. Therefore, the impact of the
leaf upon closure is minor and the hinges and the rest of the fittings do not suffer
damage.
[0021] At the same time, the opening limiter incorporates a system for retention in a limit
position. To this end, it comprises a stop which is fixedly installed in the channel
of the leaf of the window or frame. Said stop is configured so that the sliding fixation
device remains joined when it reaches the maximum position. One of the parts of the
device for sliding fixation to the leaf comprises an end with a configuration that
is complementary to the end of the stop. This allows the sliding fixation device to
remain entrained in the stop. The stop is preferably anchored by means of screwing
and is placed in the desired position by the user which corresponds to the desired
opening angle of the leaf of the window or door.
[0022] The opening limiter can also comprise a damping system configured to dampen the impact
caused by the kinetic energy which the window or door may produce during its movement.
To this end, the opening limiter comprises a circular elastic piece arranged in the
stop which allows the sliding fixation device to brake without impacts when it reaches
its end stroke in the channel of the leaf.
[0023] In order to mount the opening limiter on a window or door, the first step to carry
out is the integral joining of the device for fixation to the frame. Said device is
in turn connected to the mounting plate which can rotate via a first joining element
with respect to the device for fixation to the frame.
[0024] The following step to be carried out is to position the device for sliding fixation
to the leaf and carry out pre-mounting between said device and a second joining element
which is part of the mounting plate. To this end, the slider of the sliding fixation
device comprises at least a number of projections in the manner of a tabs or (insert
the expression that we use to describe it in the second embodiment) which are intended
to be housed in a perimeter groove of the second joining element. This facilitates
the subsequent locking of the device for sliding fixation to the leaf because it is
already correctly positioned and pre-mounted.
[0025] A mounting step is then carried out which consists of locking the joining between
the sliding fixation device and the mounting plate. To this end, a locking lever is
used which secures the joining carried out in the pre-mounting between the slider
and the second joining element.
[0026] At the same time, after having carried out the locking by means of the locking lever,
a safety screw can be used which prevents the unintentional unlocking of the opening
limiter. This safety screw is preferably a torx pin safety screw which can only be
manipulated with a determined key. Therefore, a third person who does not have said
key cannot unlock the opening limiter. This safety screw fixes the locking lever to
the slider thus preventing the release and removal of the opening limiter.
[0027] In a second embodiment of the opening limiter, the pre-mounting is also carried out
by introducing the second joining element into the hole of the slider. In this embodiment,
the perimeter groove of the second joining element can have a greater thickness and
depth than in the first embodiment because the sliding fixation device only comprises
the locking lever (in this case there is no locking plate which acts together with
the locking lever). At the same time in this second embodiment, the slider itself
comprises mounting protrusions which start from the hole and which, when joined together,
allow the position of the second joining element in the hole to be retained. The locking
lever comprises protrusions configured for being joined to the slider and for being
joined to the mentioned mounting protrusions.
[0028] At the same time, a third embodiment is envisaged in which the opening limiter comprises
a unidirectional brake for controlling the displacement velocity of the sliding fixation
device during the closing or opening movement. The unidirectional brake is preferably
arranged such that it controls the opening velocity of the window, door or similar.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] In order to complement the description being made and with the object of helping
to better understand the characteristics of the invention, in accordance with a preferred
practical embodiment thereof, said description is accompanied, as an integral part
thereof, by a set of drawings where, in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, the
following has been represented:
Figure 1 shows a perspective and exploded upper view of the opening limiter with all
its elements.
Figure 2 shows a perspective and exploded lower view of the opening limiter with all
its elements.
Figure 3 shows a perspective upper view of the opening limiter with its main elements.
Figure 4 shows a perspective lower view of the opening limiter with its main elements.
Figure 5 shows a perspective upper view in which the locking lever is in a position
inclined with respect to the slider.
Figure 6 shows a perspective close-up lower view of the locking lever in an open position
as in Figure 5.
Figure 7a shows a sectioned view of the elements of the sliding fixation device with
the locking lever in a fully inclined position with respect to the slider in a pre-mounting
position as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 7b shows a sectioned view of the elements of the sliding fixation device of
Figure 7a with the locking lever inclined with respect to the slider but with a smaller
inclination.
Figure 7c shows a sectioned view of the elements of the sliding fixation device of
Figure 7a with the locking lever in parallel to the slider completely parallel to
the locking lever.
Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective upper view of the anchoring device in a second
embodiment.
Figure 9 shows a sectioned view of the joining between the second joining element
and the slider in a second embodiment.
Figure 10 shows a perspective lower view of a first step of placing the lever in the
slider in the second embodiment.
Figure 11 shows a perspective lower view which shows a second step of placing the
lever in the slider in the second embodiment.
Figure 12 shows a perspective exploded upper view of the anchoring device in a third
embodiment.
Figure 13 shows a sectioned view of the slider of the third embodiment with the unidirectional
brake in a position in which it does not contact the channel of the window and allows
the free movement of the window.
Figure 14 shows a sectioned view of the slider of the third embodiment with the unidirectional
brake in a position in which it contacts the channel of the window, braking the movement
of the window.
Figure 15 shows a perspective upper view in which the joining between the unidirectional
brake and the slider in the third embodiment is seen.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The opening limiter of the present invention is especially designed for facilitating
mounting and removal thereof on a window or door. In addition, the opening limiter
comprises a safety system for preventing its unintentional removal, a brake system
for preventing large or heavy windows or doors from closing with an impact, and a
system for retention in a limit position which allows the window or door to be maintained
open at a determined angle.
[0031] The opening limiter comprises at least one device for fixation to the frame (3) configured
for being fixedly joined to the channel of the frame of the window or door, a device
for sliding fixation to the leaf (1) configured for being joined to the channel of
the leaf of the window or door in a sliding manner and a mounting plate (2) which
is joined to both devices, connecting them. As has been previously described, these
elements are present in all the opening limiters.
[0032] The joining between the device for fixation to the frame (3) and the frame of the
window is preferably carried out by means of screwing (10). The joinings between the
mounting plate (2) and the devices are carried out by means of a first joining element
(4) and a second joining element (5) which allow the relative rotation between the
elements which they join (that is to say, between the mounting plate (2) and the device
for fixation to the frame (3) and between the mounting plate (2) and the device for
sliding fixation to the leaf (1) respectively).
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the device for fixation to the frame (3) is made of metal
and is joined to the channel of the frame by means of set screws (1). The mounting
plate (2) is also preferably made of metal and is joined to the device for fixation
to the frame (3) by means of a first joining element (4) which allows the rotation
of the mounting plate (2) with respect to the device for fixation to the frame (3).
Said mounting plate (2) can have different measurements depending on the measurements
of the window or door on which the opening limiter is going to be installed in order
to allow for different configurations and opening angles.
[0034] The second joining element (5) is located at the other end of the mounting plate
(2) and is integrally joined to said mounting plate. Said second joining element (5)
is the element which allows the joining to the sliding fixation device (1) as is explained
below.
[0035] The sliding fixation device (1) comprises at least one slider (9) which is the element
which is displaced along the channel of the window or door and via which the other
elements of the sliding fixation device (1) are mounted. The slider (9) comprises
a hole (15) intended to receive the second joining element (5). At the same time,
the slider (9) comprises at least one element configured for being connected to said
second joining element (5), more specifically to a perimeter groove (16) of the second
joining element (5) in order to carry out the pre-mounting of the opening limiter.
[0036] The sliding fixation device (1) also comprises a locking lever (7) which is intended
to guarantee that the joining between the sliding fixation device (1) and the mounting
plate (2) is stable and is maintained until the user wishes to intentionally separate
them in order to remove the opening limiter. When the pre-mounting of the opening
limiter has been carried out and the slider (9) is already connected to the second
joining element (5), the locking lever (7) is actuated in order to fix said joining.
When the user wishes the remove the opening limiter, they simply have to actuate the
locking lever (7) in a reverse manner to the way in which they have previously in
order to once again leave the opening limiter in the pre-mounting position. At this
point, the user simply has to exert a light pressure in order to disconnect the slider
(9) from the second joining element (5).
[0037] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the opening limiter can comprise
a system for regulating the closing velocity of the window or door. To this end, the
opening limiter comprises a brake (11) which is a piece located on the slider (9)
and a brake screw (12) which can be a screw or a similar element.
[0038] The brake screw (12) is intended to pass the brake (11) and the slider (9) through
a hole made in each one of these pieces. The brake screw (12) is actuated by rotating
it in one direction in order to move the brake (11) to the channel of the leaf of
the window or door and rotate it in the opposite direction in order to move the brake
(11) away from said channel, modifying its position. When the brake screw (12) is
rotated in the direction which causes the brake (11) to move to the channel, it causes
the sliding fixation device (1) to increase its friction against the channel during
its displacement. In this way, by facilitating a clamping effect between the brake
(11) and the slider (9), a slower and more controlled movement of the sliding fixation
device (1) is achieved, compensating for the weight and inertia of the window or door
in the cases in which the window or door is large or very heavy.
[0039] In contrast, when the brake screw (12) is rotated in the opposing direction, the
brake (11) is separated from the channel, the slider (9) also being separated, such
that the sliding fixation device (1) is free, having minimum friction. This allows
the window to move without any opposition.
[0040] At the same time, the object of the present invention is a system for retention in
a limit position, that is to say, the possibility of stopping the opening limiter
in a determined position. This retention is achieved by limiting the movement of the
sliding fixation device (1) in a determined position.
[0041] To this end, the opening limiter also comprises a stop (6) which is a piece configured
for determining the end stroke of the sliding fixation device (1). The ends of the
stop (6) and of the sliding fixation device (1), which are opposed, have a complementary
configuration in order to allow the temporary joining of the two (in order to maintain
this end stroke position during the time which the user wishes to have the window
or the door partially open). This is preferably a male-female joining and both ends
are joined or released depending on the needs of the user. The joining of the stop
(6) to the channel of the leaf of the window or door is preferably carried out by
means of set screws (10).
[0042] The stop (6) comprises a housing arranged at the end intended to contact the sliding
fixation device (1) in which a rubber circular stop (14) is located. Said rubber circular
stop (14) dampens the impact of the sliding fixation device (1) (more specifically
of the slider (9)) when it arrives at its end stroke upon entering into contact with
the stop (6). In this way, the window reaches the end of the path more smoothly.
[0043] The materials of the sliding fixation device (1) are preferably plastic in order
to facilitate the movement of the slider (9) through the channel of the leaf with
the exception of the brake screws (12) and fixation screws (13) and screws of the
locking plate (8) which are made of metal in order to facilitate their resistance
to possible forces. This is important because the locking plate (8) is the piece which
supports the retaining force of the second joining element (5) and which prevents
the separation between said second joining element (5) and the sliding fixation device
(1).
[0044] In a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sliding fixation device (1)
comprises a locking lever (7) connected to a locking plate (8). The combination of
these two elements allows the joining between the sliding fixation device (1) and
the mounting plate (2) to be fixed.
[0045] As has been previously described, the slider (9) comprises a hole (15) intended to
house the second joining element (5) which in turn is joined to the mounting plate
(2). In this first exemplary embodiment, a tab (25) is located on the upper surface
of the slider (9), corresponding at least partially to the hole (15), said tab extends
towards the hole (15) and is intended to remain housed in a perimeter groove (16)
of the second joining element (5). In this way, owing to the tab (25), the second
joining element (5) is maintained in its position in the interior of the hole (15)
of the slider (9), preventing the movement of the same in a perpendicular direction
to the direction of its movement. This corresponds to the pre-mounting of the opening
limiter previously described.
[0046] In this first exemplary embodiment, the sliding fixation device (1) comprises a locking
lever (7) which can pivot with respect to the slider (9) around pivot axis (20) which
is perpendicular to the sliding direction. Said locking lever (7) is connected to
a locking plate (8) which also forms part of the slider (9).
[0047] The locking plate (8) is a plate which is displaced longitudinally in the interior
of the slider (9). Said locking plate (8) has a circular indentation (17) in at least
one of its ends which is intended to be housed in the perimeter groove (16) of the
second joining element (5) in order to lock the opening limiter. At the same time,
the locking plate comprises a drill hole (19) which is intended to receive an inclined
extension (18) of the locking lever (7). When the locking lever (7) pivots, the inclined
extension (18) is also displaced, moving with it the locking plate (9) which is pulled
by the inclined extension (18) which contacts the locking plate (8) on the walls of
the drill hole (19). The locking plate (8) has a thickness according to the thickness
of the perimeter groove (16) of the second joining element (5) in order to be able
to remain housed in the same.
[0048] The pre-mounting of the sliding fixation device (1) is carried out with the locking
lever (7) in a position inclined with respect to the slider (9). In this position,
the locking plate (8) is separated from the second joining element (5). When the pre-mounting
has already been carried out (the tab (25) of the slider (9) is already housed in
the perimeter groove (16) of the first joining element)), the locking lever (7) is
pivoted until it is positioned parallel to the slider (9). In this position, the inclined
extension (18) is fully passed through into the drill hole (19) and during the pivoting
of the locking lever (7) and the corresponding movement of the inclined extension
(18), the displacement of the locking plate (8) has been effected. Therefore, in this
position which is the rest position of the sliding fixation device (1), the rounded
indentation (17) of the locking plate (8) is introduced into the perimeter groove
(16) of the second joining element (5).
[0049] The locking lever (7) comprises, at one of its ends, an inclined extension (18) which
is configured to pass through a drill hole (19) of the locking plate (8) when the
locking lever (7) is arranged parallel to the slider (9) (which is the rest position).
The pre-mounting operation is carried out by maintaining the locking lever (7) in
a position inclined with respect to the slider (9) such that, when the locking lever
(7) pivots, the inclined extension (18) pivots and displaces the locking plate (8),
moving it away from the second locking element (5).
[0050] In Figures 7a, 7b and 7c, the progression of the movement of the locking plate (8)
pulled by the inclined extension (18) of the locking lever (7) can be observed. In
Figure 7a, the locking lever (7) has been illustrated in its maximum inclination position
with respect to the slider (9), in the pre-mounting position. In Figure 7b, the same
elements of the opening limiter have been illustrated but with the locking lever (7)
when part of the pivoting movement for locking the sliding fixation device (1) has
been carried out. As can be seen in this image, the inclined extension (18) pulls
with it the locking plate (8), moving it towards the second joining element (8). Lastly,
in Figure 7c, the same previous elements have been illustrated but in the rest position,
that is to say, with the locking lever (7) fully supported on the slider (9). In this
image, it can be seen how at the end of the movement of the locking lever (7) the
inclined extension has been fully introduced through the drill hole (19), pulling
the locking lever (8) with it until the rounded indentation (17) has been introduced
into the perimeter groove (16) of the second joining element (5). This position ensures
the joining between the sliding fixation device (1) and the mounting plate (2).
[0051] When it is desired to unlock the opening limiter in order to remove it from its position
on the window or door, the locking lever (7) simply has to be pivoted so that the
inclined extension (18) pivots, displacing with it the locking plate (8), moving away
from the second joining element (5). When the rounded indentation (17) is separated
from the second joining element (5), it remains joined to the sliding fixation device
(1) only by means of the tab (25) which is still in the perimeter groove (16). The
user simply has to apply a light force in order for the tab (25) to exit the perimeter
groove (16) and thus remove the opening limiter.
[0052] Additionally, the opening limiter can comprise a safety system for ensuring that
the locking lever (7) is maintained in its position until the user wishes to remove
the opening limiter.
[0053] To this end, in one exemplary embodiment, the opening limiter comprises a fixation
screw (13) which is preferably a screw with flat threading for example a Torx@ safety
screw or another type of screw with similar characteristics. This fixation screw (13)
joins the locking lever (7) to the slider (9) preventing the pivoting movement of
the lever (7) when it is in the rest position (the opening limiter is mounted). In
this way, it is impossible to activate the locking/unlocking mechanism of the opening
limiter. When it is a safety screw, it is very difficult to manipulate it and an action
can only be carried out on said screw if the elements required for this action are
available.
[0054] In a second exemplary embodiment which is shown in Figures 8 to 11, the configuration
itself and the design of the slider (9) mean that the second joining element (5) is
clipped by means of force and owing to the shape of the same when it is introduced
into the hole (15) of the slider (9). In this way, the second joining element (5)
remains pre-mounted on the slider (9) and cannot exit the hole (15). Subsequently,
in order to complete the locking of the end position, it has to be ensured that the
second joining element (5) does not exit the slider (9) at any time.
[0055] In this second exemplary embodiment, the tab (25) of the slider (9) is arranged around
the hole (15) and remains housed in the perimeter groove (16) of the second joining
element (5) in a pre-mounting position. In this case, the perimeter groove (16) is
wider and deeper than in the first exemplary embodiment.
[0056] When the second joining element (5) is introduced into the hole (15) of the slider
(9), the user who is carrying out the mounting has to exert a pressure in order to
make the second joining element (5) pass through the hole (15) which has a smaller
diameter. In the pre-mounting position, the tab (25), which is located on the perimeter
of the hole (15), is housed in the perimeter groove (16) in order to prevent the second
joining element (5) separating from the slider (9). In order to be able to remove
it from the hole (15), it would be necessary to exert a pressure in the opposite direction
to the pressure which has been exerted in order to introduce it into the hole (15).
In Figure 9, a section of the joining area between the mounting plate (2) with the
second joining element (5) and with the slider (9) can be seen in the second embodiment.
[0057] At least one circular cross section (28) of the hole (15) is preferably open to facilitate
the deformation of the hole (15) which allows the second joining element (5), which
has a larger diameter than the hole (15), to be introduced.
[0058] Another characteristic of the slider (9) of the second embodiment is that it comprises
a housing (27) which is intended to receive the locking lever (7). In this case, the
locking lever (7) does not have a folding movement like in the first embodiment, but
rather it is joined to or released from the slider by means of introducing protrusions
(22, 23) of the locking lever (7) into indentations of the slider (9).
[0059] At the same time, the slider (9) comprises mounting protrusions (21) which preferably
extend from the hole (15) to the housing (27) and are the elements which allow the
second joining element (5) to be retained in its position when the opening limiter
is fully mounted. These mounting protrusions (21) are preferably at the sides of the
open circular cross section (28) of the hole (15) and when the locking lever (7) is
positioned in its final position in the housing (27), said locking lever (7) moves
the mounting protrusions (21) towards each other in order to maintain the perimeter
of the hole (15) closed around the second joining element (5).
[0060] Additionally, indentations (29, 30) are found in the housing (27) of the slider (9)
intended to receive the protrusions (22, 23) of the locking lever (7). By means of
these indentations and protrusions, the position of the locking lever (7) is fixed
on the slider (9) and the mounting of the opening limiter is completed. The protrusions
(22) are also configured to fix the position of the second joining element (5) in
the hole (15) of the slider (9).
[0061] In a preferred exemplary embodiment, two first indentations (29) are found in the
housing (27) of the slider (9) intended to receive the two first protrusions (22)
of the locking lever (7). Said first protrusions (22) are configured to remain in
contact with the mounting protrusions (21) of the slider (9) ensuring the joining
of the mounting plate (2) to the slider (9). At the same time, the housing (27) comprises
second indentations (30) which are intended to receive second protrusions (23) which
are introduced by clipping into the second indentations (30).
[0062] When the opening limiter is pre-mounted, in order to complete the mounting, the locking
lever (7) is introduced into the housing (27) in a direction perpendicular to the
slider (9), introducing the first protrusions (22) into the first indentations (29)
and the second protrusions (23) into the second indentations (30). The indentations
(29, 30) have a greater length than the protrusions (22, 23) in order to allow the
displacement of the locking lever (7) via the slider (9) even with the protrusions
(22, 23) arranged in the indentations (29, 30) until the protrusions (22) hook onto
the mounting protrusions (21). The position of the second joining element (5) is secured
in the hole (15) at this time and therefore the opening limiter is fully mounted.
[0063] What stands out the most in the locking and unlocking systems proposed in the first
and second embodiment is that they are very easy to use with respect to other systems
since by means of the simple movement of the locking lever (7), the mounting and removal
of the opening limiter is quickly achieved.
[0064] A third embodiment of the invention is also envisaged, shown in Figures 12 to 15,
in which the opening limiter comprises a unidirectional brake (24). This piece allows
the frictional movement, which is produced to compensate the weight of the leaves
of large or heavy windows and doors, to be produced in only one direction.
[0065] The unidirectional brake (24) is designed with a configuration in the form of a wedge
such that it has a greater height at one of its ends than at the other. In this way,
when it is moved in the direction from the end which has the greater height to the
end which has a smaller height, friction is produced against the channel of the leaf,
causing a wedge effect and controlling the velocity of the displacement. In the other
direction of the movement, the unidirectional brake (24) does not interact with the
channel of the window and therefore allows the free movement of the slidable fixation
device (1) through the channel of the window. The unidirectional brake (24) can be
regulated by means of its manipulation for example by means of a screw in order to
control its separation from the channel of the leaf. This allows the friction between
both to be controlled and therefore the velocity with which the window or door is
closed or opened.
[0066] In Figure 12, a perspective exploded view of the opening limiter in the third embodiment
is shown. The pre-mounting is carried out in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
In this second embodiment, like in the first embodiment, the second joining element
(5) comprises a perimeter groove (16) intended to receive a tab (25) of the slider
(9). The pre-mounting of the mounting plate (2) and the device for sliding fixation
to the leaf (1) is carried out by introducing the second joining element (5) into
the hole (15) of the slider (9) such that the tab (25) is housed in the perimeter
groove (16) preventing the second joining element (5) from exiting the hole (15).
[0067] At the same time, in this embodiment, like in the first embodiment, the sliding fixation
device (1) comprises a locking plate (8) with a circular indentation (17) intended
to be housed in the perimeter groove (16) of the second joining element (5) in order
to secure the mounting of the opening limiter.
[0068] In this third embodiment, the opening limiter does not comprise the locking lever
(7), but rather the locking plate (8) is displaced by actuating it directly. That
is to say, when the user wishes to move the locking plate (8) in order to go from
pre-mounting to mounting, they simply have to actuate said locking plate by pulling
or pushing it.
[0069] The unidirectional brake (24) is arranged on the slider (9) and its position with
respect to the channel of the leaf is regulated by means of a brake screw (12) like
in the first embodiment. The difference between both embodiments in this case is that
the unidirectional brake (24) has a variable height which allows the leaf to be braked
only during one of the movements of the window or door (opening or closing as desired).
[0070] In this case, the slider (9) comprises a brake housing (31) which also has a variable
height. This brake housing (31) is intended to receive the unidirectional brake (24)
in its interior and preferably has the same inclination as the unidirectional brake.
[0071] In Figures 13 and 14, the unidirectional brake (24) is shown in two limit positions.
The position shown in Figure 13 corresponds to the position in which the unidirectional
brake (24) is located when the window is being closed (in another embodiment, this
could be the reverse, that is to say, when the window is being opened depending on
the needs or wishes of the user). In this case, the slider (9) of the slidable fixation
device (1) is moved towards the right (according to the illustration of said figure),
consequently the unidirectional brake (24) is arranged on the more spacious part of
the slider. That is to say, in this case, the unidirectional brake (24) is arranged
in the area of the brake housing (31) which has the greater depth. As can be seen
in Figure 13, the unidirectional brake (24) is in a floating state and allows the
free movement of the slider (9).
[0072] In Figure 14, the unidirectional brake (24) has been illustrated in the position
in which it remains when the window is being opened (or closed according to how the
slider (9) is arranged). In this case, the slider (9) of the slidable fixation device
(1) is moved towards the left (according to the illustration of said figure), consequently
the unidirectional brake (24) is arranged in the less spacious part of the slider.
That is to say, in this case, the unidirectional brake (24) is arranged in the area
of the brake housing (31) which has the smaller depth. As can be seen in Figure 14,
the unidirectional brake (24) protrudes through the lower part of the slider (9),
entering into contact with the channel of the leaf and providing a resistance to the
movement.
[0073] The joining of the unidirectional brake (24) to the slider (9) can be seen in Figure
15. The brake housing (31) comprises a clip hole (32) which is a through hole intended
to receive clipping tabs (33) of the unidirectional brake itself (24). The clip hole
(33) has a greater length than that of the clipping tabs (33) in order to allow the
displacement of said clipping tabs when the unidirectional brake (24) is displaced
along the brake housing (31).
1. An opening limiter of the type which determines the maximum degree of opening of a
window, door or similar and which comprises:
- a sliding fixation device (1) intended to be installed in the channel of the leaf
of the window or door with the possibility of being displaced in said channel,
- a device for fixation to the frame (3) intended to be installed on the frame of
the window or door in a fixed position,
- a mounting plate (2) connected to the device for fixation to the frame (3) by means
of a first joining means (4) and to the sliding fixation device (1) by means of a
second joining means (5),
characterized in that
- the sliding fixation device (1) comprises a slider (9) configured to be displaced
along the channel of the leaf and which comprises:
- a hole (15) intended to receive the second joining element (5), and
- at least one tab (25) arranged around the hole (15) or partially in the interior
of said hole (15),
- the second joining element (5) is integrally joined to the mounting plate (2) at
one of its ends and at the other end, which is arranged in the hole (15) of the slider
(9), it comprises a perimeter groove (15) intended to receive the tab (25) of the
slider (9) in order to carry out the pre-mounting of the opening limiter,
- the sliding fixation device (1) comprises at least one locking lever (7) or a locking
plate (8) which can move between an unlocking position in which it allows the free
movement of the second joining element (5) and a locking position (8) in which it
is in direct contact with the second joining element (5) or with the tab (25) of the
slider (9), locking the position of the second joining element (5).
2. The opening limiter according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a stop (6) in the channel of the leaf with joining means to said
channel of the leaf in order to fix its position.
3. The opening limiter according to claim 2, characterized in that the sliding fixation device (1) and the stop (6) have a complementary configuration
configured to allow the joining thereof.
4. The opening limiter according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding fixation device (1) comprises a locking plate (8) which can displace
in the longitudinal direction of the sliding fixation device (1) and comprises a circular
indentation (17) intended to be housed in the perimeter groove (16) of the second
joining element (5).
5. The opening limiter according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding fixation device (1) comprises a locking lever (7) joined in a pivoting
manner to the slider (9) and comprises a locking plate (8) which can displace in the
longitudinal direction of the sliding fixation device (1) and the locking plate (8)
comprises a drill hole (19) intended for the introduction of part of the locking lever
(7).
6. The opening limiter according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking lever (7) rotates around a pivot axis (20) and comprises an inclined
extension (18) which is at least partially housed in the drill hole (19) such that
when the locking lever (7) pivots, the inclined extension (18) pulls with it the locking
plate (8).
7. The opening limiter according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding fixation device (1) comprises a fixation screw (13) which joins at least
the locking lever (7) or the locking plate (8) to the slider (9), locking its relative
movement.
8. The opening limiter according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding fixation device (1) also comprises a brake (11) which is arranged between
the slider (9) and the channel of the leaf in which it is displaced at a regulatable
distance from said channel and is joined to the slider (9).
9. The opening limiter according to claim 1, characterized in that the slider (9) comprises at least one housing (27) intended to receive the locking
lever (7) and the hole (15) comprises at least one open circular cross section (28)
from which mounting protrusions (21) extend and which are arranged at least partially
so as to coincide with the housing (27).
10. The opening limiter according to claim 9, characterized in that the housing (27) comprises at least first indentations (29) and second indentations
(30) and the locking lever (7) comprises at least first protrusions (22) which are
housed in the first indentations (29) and are configured to be hooked onto the mounting
protrusions (21) of the slider and second protrusions (23) which are housed in the
second indentations (30).
11. The opening limiter according to claim 10, characterized in that the first indentations (29) and the second indentations (30) have a greater length
than the first protrusions (22) and the second protrusions (23) in order to allow
the displacement of these protrusions in the interior thereof.
12. The opening limiter according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding fixation device (1) comprises a unidirectional brake (24) joined to the
slider (9) and in that it has a variable height.
13. The opening limiter according to claim 12, characterized in that the slider (9) comprises at least one brake housing (31) which has a variable height
with the same inclination as the unidirectional brake (24) and in that it is intended to receive said unidirectional brake (24).