TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The object of the present invention is a reversible retaining system for retaining
a tilt window in an open position.
[0002] The term "tilt window" means generally a window or door that has a wing fitted to
a frame rotating around a lower horizontal rotation axis so as to be able to open
towards the inside of the environment in which the window is fitted. The present invention
preferably applies to a tilt window with a single tilt.
PRIOR ART
[0003] In such types of window, retaining systems or opening limiters are used that enable
the wing to be opened up to a set angle relative to the frame, preventing further
opening thereof and thus the accidental fall around the horizontal rotation axis.
[0004] The presence of these retaining systems in fact prevents access to the outer part
of the tilt window, for example to clean the outer window pane. In order to overcome
this drawback, reversible retaining systems have been set up in which a retaining
arm generally associated with the wing can be coupled reversibly with the frame.
[0005] Nevertheless, in order to couple and uncouple the retaining arm, the use of tools
is required to tighten or loosen safety screws and/or a complex movement of safety
levers. These operations are particularly difficult if not impossible to implement
when the tilt window is in the middle, floor embedded and in general in all the conditions
of poor access and/or poor or zero visibility.
[0006] In such cases, the difficulty of access and the poor visibility make it necessary
to rely on touch to couple and uncouple the retaining arm and thus limit the safety
of the window.
SUMMARY
[0007] In accordance with various aspects, the present invention relates to a reversible
retaining system for retaining a tilt window in an open position, a reversible coupling
device for a retaining arm for retaining tilt windows, an installation method for
installing a reversible retaining system for retaining in an open position a tilt
window and a tilt window.
[0008] In the various aspects shown, the present invention aims to overcome at least some
of the drawbacks of the prior art cited above and in particular to facilitate and
automate the coupling and uncoupling of the retaining system for retaining a tilt
window so as to increase the safety thereof. This object is achieved by a reversible
retaining system, by a reversible coupling device, by an installation method and by
a tilt window comprising the technical characteristics set out in one or more of the
appended claims The appended claims correspond to different possible embodiments of
the invention.
[0009] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more
apparent from the following indicative, and hence nonlimiting, description of a preferred,
but not exclusive, embodiment of the various aspects of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Such a description will be set out below with reference to the appended drawings,
which are provided solely for illustrative and therefore nonlimiting purposes, in
which:
- figure 1 and figure 2 illustrate respectively a schematic view of a tilt window comprising
a reversible retaining system,
- figure 3 illustrates a section and partial view of the reversible retaining system
associated with the tilt window,
- figures 4-5 and 7-8 illustrate respectively in different operating conditions, plan
views of the reversible retaining system associated with a tilt window in which the
frame has been omitted,
- figure 6 illustrates figure 3 enlarged, corresponding to the section according to
line A-A of figure 5,
- figure 9 and figure 10 illustrate schematic prospective views respectively according
to different angles of a reversible coupling device forming part of the reversible
retaining system of the preceding figures,
- figures 11 and 12 illustrate respective enlarged details of figure 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] With reference to figures 1 and 2, a tilt window or door has been indicated by 100.
Figure 1 illustrates a tilt window with a stile centre and figure 2 illustrates a
tilt window embedded in the floor. These are embodiments in which the present invention
is particularly advantageous because the position of tilt window causes poor accessibility
and visibility. Nevertheless, the present invention is applicable to any tilt window.
101 indicates a frame of the window 100, and in particular 101a indicates an upper
crosspiece of the frame 101. 102 indicates a wing of the window. The wing 102 is mounted
rotating on the frame around a lower horizontal axis.
[0012] In each of figures 1 and 2, the window 100 is illustrated both closed, i.e. with
the wing 102 arranged parallel to the frame 101 and superimposed on the central opening
of the frame, and open, i.e. with the wing rotated around the lower horizontal axis
towards the inside of the environment in which the window is fitted and arranged at
an angle equal to an opening angle α relative to the frame 101.
[0013] With reference to the appended figures, a reversible retaining system for retaining
the window 100 in an open position has been indicated with 1. In other words, the
retaining system 1 is configured so as to permit the opening of the wing 102 as far
as the opening angle α and to retain it in position. Further, the retaining system
1 is configured to be deactivated so as to permit total opening or as far as a safety
angle that is greater than the angle of opening α so as to enable for example the
outer pane to be cleaned. Also in other words, the retaining system 1 acts as an opening
limiter to prevent complete accidental opening of the wing and can be uncoupled to
access the outer pane.
[0014] The retaining system 1 comprises a retaining arm 2 that extends along a longitudinal
extension direction 2a between a first end 3a and a second end 3b (figure 4).
[0015] The first end 3a is configured to define a rotation joint of the retaining arm 2
around an axis that is perpendicular to the retaining arm (in particular perpendicular
to the longitudinal extension direction 2a). For example, the first end 3a comprises
a rotation pin arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension direction 2a.
Preferably, the first end 3a of the retaining arm 2 is fitted rotating on a thickness
side surface 102a of the wing 102, for example in the upper zone of the wing.
[0016] The second end 3b comprises a mushroom pin 4 arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal
extension direction 2a of the retaining arm 2 and having a stem 4a and a widened head
4b having a cross section D1 that is greater than a cross section D2 of the stem 4a
(figure 6).
[0017] The retaining system 1 comprises a reversible coupling device 10 preferably arranged
on a thickness side surface 101b of the frame 101, still more preferably on a thickness
side surface 101b of the upper crosspiece 101a.
[0018] The coupling device 10 comprises a housing body 11 comprising a hook portion 12 and
preferably a plate-like element 13 to which the hook portion 12 (figures 4 and 11)
is fitted.
[0019] The hook portion 12 defines a preferably elongated slot (figure 11), which extends
in depth along a longitudinal direction "L" and which, in a lying plane perpendicular
to the longitudinal direction "L", extends according to an open profile at a side
opening 15 of the slot to permit lateral access to the stem 4a. In figures 4-5, 7-8
and 11, the lying plane consists of the sheet plane and the longitudinal direction
"L" is perpendicular to the sheet plane.
[0020] In other words, the hook portion 12 has a substantially "C" conformation that defines
the open profile of the slot 14.
[0021] In the lying plane, the slot 14 has a cross section "D" (figure 11) that is adapted
to receive the stem 4a along a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction "L" and to retain the widened head 4b along the longitudinal direction "L".
In other words, the cross section "D" is greater than the cross section D2 of the
stem 4a and less than the cross section D1 of the enlarged head 4b.
[0022] Preferably, one side of the hook portion 12 (or one side of the "C"-shaped conformation),
for example a side that is distal relative to the retaining arm 2, has an appendage
16 that extends in the lying plane as a prolongation of the respective side of the
hook portion 12 (figure 11).
[0023] Preferably, the appendage 16 is configured as a rest area and lead-in towards the
slot 14 for the mushroom pin 4. Still more preferably, the appendage 16 is configured
as a rest area and lead-in zone towards the slot 14 for the stem 4a and/or the widened
head 4b. For example, a first wall 16a defines a rest area and lead-in for the stem
4a, prolonging the slot 14, and a second wall 16b defines a rest area and lead-in
for the widened head 4b (figure 11).
[0024] Preferably, the appendage 16 is staggered relative to the hook portion 12 along the
longitudinal direction "L" or the appendage 16 has, along the longitudinal direction
"L", a height or thickness that is less than a height or thickness of the hook portion
12. In particular, 17 indicates a step corresponding to the difference between the
two heights (figure 10). Preferably, the hook portion 12 has a further slot 14a that
follows the profile of the slot 14 and has, in the lying plane, a cross section D3
that is greater than the cross section "D" and adapted to receive the widened head
4b along a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction "L" (figure
11).
[0025] The hook portion 12 is movable between an open position (figures 4 and 8), in which
the side opening 15 is accessible and a closed position, (figures 5 and 7), in which
the side opening 15 is not accessible,
[0026] Preferably, the hook portion 12 rotates between the open position and the closed
position around an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction "L". As for example
illustrated in the appended drawings, a rotation pin 18 defines the axis of rotation
of the hook portion (figures 4 and 11).
[0027] Preferably, the coupling device 1 comprises opening means that is constantly active
on the hook portion 12, still more preferably elastic opening means, for example a
torsion spring 19.
[0028] The opening means is configured to move the hook portion 12 from the closed position
to the open position, in the absence of hindrance and maintain the hook portion 12
in an open position once the hook portion has been reached.
[0029] With reference to the embodiments in which the plate-like element 13 is provided,
the hook portion 12 is fitted to the plate-like element 13, preferably through the
rotation pin 18, so as to have the lying plane of the open profile of the slot 14
parallel to a planar extension of the plate-like element.
[0030] Preferably, the plate-like element 13 defines a containing wall containing a volume
"V" having a plate-like configuration and adapted to receive the hook portion 12 and
possibly other components of the coupling device 10. In this case, raised edges 20
arranged at one or more sides of the plate-like element 13 bound the volume "V" further
(figure 9).
[0031] Preferably, the housing body 11 is fitted to the thickness side surface 101b of the
frame 101, still more preferably to the thickness side surface 101b of the upper crosspiece
101a, at the raised edges 20 so that the volume "V" is bounded on one side by the
plate-like element 13 and on the other side by the frame 101. Alternatively, a further
plate-like element can bound the volume "V" on a side opposite the plate-like element
13.
[0032] Preferably, the plate-like element 13 has a recess 21 passing through the thickness
of the plate-like element (parallel to the longitudinal direction "L") and open laterally
at a side inlet 22 (figures 4 and 9).
[0033] When the hook portion 12 is in the closed position, the recess 21 is arranged at
the slot 14, i.e. superimposed thereupon along the longitudinal direction "L".
[0034] Preferably, the hook portion 12 and the recess 21 are configured so that in the closed
position of the hook portion 12, a thickness wall 23 of the plate-like element 13
bounding the recess 21 faces the side opening 15 and abuts flush thereupon. Still
more preferably, the hook portion 12 has, along the longitudinal direction "L", a
first section that is at least partially received in the thickness of the recess 21
and a second portion outside the recess 21 along the longitudinal direction "L" and
having the appendage 16 extending beyond the profile of the recess 21.
[0035] The coupling device 10 comprises a locking member 24 that is movable between a consent
position, in which the side opening 15 is accessible, and a locked position in which
the side opening 15 is not accessible.
[0036] The locking member 24 performs bolt functions and preferably has a plate-like or
blade conformation.
[0037] According to the embodiment described above, the locked position of the locking member
24 is such that movement of the hook portion 12 from the closed position to the open
position is prevented. Further, the consent position of the locking member 24 is such
that movement of the hook portion 12 between the open position and the closed position
is permitted. Accordingly, when the locking member 24 is arranged in the consent position,
the hook portion 12 is moved by the opening means from the closed position to the
open position.
[0038] Preferably, the locking member 24 is slidable between the consent position and the
locked position, still more preferably along a direction that is perpendicular to
the longitudinal direction "L".
[0039] Preferably, the locking member 24 comprises a tooth 25 that, in the locked position
of the locking member and in the closed position of the hook portion 12, locks the
hook portion 12. Still more preferably, the tooth 25 and the appendage 16 are so configured
that in the locked position of the locking member 24 and in the closed position of
the hook portion 12 the tooth 25 abuts flush on the appendage 16, locking the hook
portion 12. Preferably, the locking member 24 comprises a slide 26 configured, together
with the appendage 16, so as to determine the passage of the locking member 24 from
the locked position to the consent position following the passage of the hook portion
12 from the open position to the closed position.
[0040] Preferably, the coupling device 10 comprises closing means that is constantly active
on the locking member, preferably elastic closing means, still more preferably a coil
spring 27. The closing means is configured to move the locking member 24 from the
consent position to the locked position and maintain the locking member 24 in the
locked position. Preferably, the locking member 24 comprises an activation portion
28 adapted to receive a consent force that is such as to generate the movement of
the locking member 24 from the locked position to the consent position. Still more
preferably, the coupling device 10 comprises a preferably rotating lever 29, configured
to exert the consent force on the activation portion 28.
[0041] Preferably, the lever 29 normally remains within the overall dimensions of the coupling
device 10. For example, the lever 29 can be locked by the wing 102, when the wing
is in the closed position. Preferably, the conformation of the locking member 24 is
such as to retain the lever 29 in the overall dimensions of the coupling device through
the effect of the thrust exerted by the coil spring 27. In particular, the locking
member 24 has a tilted wall 24a that pushes against a tilted portion 29a of the lever
29 through the action of the coil spring 27. In addition, or alternatively, a snap
lock system can be provided between the lever 29 and the plate-like element 13, for
example by providing a bulge or cap of the plate-like element 13 that is complementarily
shaped relative to a recess of the lever 29 and that are such as to couple to retain
the lever 29 within the overall dimensions of the coupling device 10. In other words,
a suitable positioning snap can be provided that retains the lever 29 when the tilt
window is open.
[0042] Preferably, the locking member 24 is fitted to the plate-like element 13, still more
preferably inside the volume "V". For example, the locking member 24 can translate
in the volume "V" on pins 30 that are solidly constrained to the plate-like element
13.
[0043] Preferably, also the closing means (coil spring 27) is fitted to the plate-like element
13 and reacts against the plate-like element 13 to move the locking member 24 from
the consent position to the locked position and maintain it in the locked position.
[0044] Preferably, also the lever 29 is fitted rotating on the plate-like element 13.
[0045] According to one possible alternative, the hook portion 12 can be omitted by making
a retaining system 1 in which the housing body 11 comprises the plate-like element
13 having the recess 21 that defines the slot 14. In this case, the locking member
24 opens and closes the recess 21 directly. In order to install the reversible retaining
system, the housing body 11 is fitted to the thickness side surface 101b of the frame
101, preferably to the thickness side surface 101b of the upper crosspiece 101a, and
the first end 3a of the retaining arm 2 is fitted to the thickness side surface 102a
of the wing 102. This situation is illustrated in figure 4 in which the wing is open
relative to the frame.
[0046] Subsequently, the wing 102 is rotated in a closing direction until the stem 4a of
the mushroom pin 4 is inserted laterally into the slot 14 traversing the side opening
15. Unlike a front insertion (i.e. along a direction corresponding to the longitudinal
direction "L"), the side insertion (i.e. along a direction that is perpendicular to
the longitudinal direction "L") is facilitated and does not require further movements
of the insertion arm 2 in addition to the wing closing movement.
[0047] By continuing to close the wing 102, the hook portion 12 is pushed by the retaining
arm 2 to the closed position, overcoming the force exerted by the opening means (torsion
spring 19). Lastly, with reference to figure 5, the side opening 15 is not accessible
following the movement of the locking member 24 from the consent position to the locked
position (figure 5). In particular, during rotation of the hook portion 12 from the
open position to the closed position, the hook portion 12 interacts with the locking
member 24 (slide 26), preferably pushing, to take the locking member 24 to the consent
position, overcoming the force exerted by the closing means (coil spring 27). As soon
as the hook portion 12 passes past the tooth 25 of the locking member 24, the closing
means (coil spring 27) automatically returns the locking member 24 to the locked position,
preventing opening of the hook portion 12. The locking member 24 thus has a snap operation
From this moment, the reversible retaining system is installed on the window. Figure
7 lastly illustrates the closed position on the frame.
[0048] Figure 8 illustrates a step of uncoupling the retaining arm 2 from the coupling device
10 in order to be able to access the outer part of the window, for example to clean
the outer pane.
[0049] The locking member 24 is pushed towards the consent position by exerting the consent
force on the activation portion 28. Preferably, this consent force is exerted on the
activation portion 28 by rotating the lever 29. Alternatively to the lever, the consent
force can be exerted manually on the activation portion 28.
[0050] The opening means (torsion spring 19) returns the hook portion 12 to the open position
and, by opening the wing 102 further, the retaining arm 2 and in particular the mushroom
pin 4 exits laterally from the slot 14.
1. A reversible coupling device (10) for a retaining arm (2) of tilt windows (100), said
coupling device (10) comprising a housing body (11) comprising a plate-like element
(13) and a hook portion (12) defining a preferably elongated slot (14), wherein said
slot (14) extends in depth along a longitudinal direction (L) and, in a lying plane
perpendicular to said longitudinal direction (L), extends according to an open profile
at a side opening (15) of said slot (14) to permit lateral access of a stem (4a) of
a mushroom pin (4) of a retaining arm (2),
wherein said hook portion (12) is fitted to the plate-like element (13) and is movable
between an open position, in which said side opening (15) is accessible and a closed
position, in which said side opening (15) is not accessible,
wherein said reversible coupling device (10) further comprises a locking member (24)
that is movable between a consent position, in which the movement of the hook portion
(12) between the open position and the closed position, and a locked position is permitted,
in which the movement of the hook portion (12) from the closed position to the open
position is prevented,
and wherein the locking member (24) is fitted to the plate-like element (13).
2. The reversible coupling device according to claim 1, wherein said hook portion (12)
rotates between said open position and said closed position around an axis parallel
to said longitudinal direction (L), wherein said axis is defined by a rotation pin
(18).
3. The reversible coupling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising
opening means that is constantly active on said hook portion (12), preferably elastic
opening means, said opening means being configured to move said hook portion (12)
from the closed position to the open position and maintain the hook portion (12) in
the open position when said locking member (24) is arranged in the consent position.
4. The reversible coupling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein
said locking member (24) is slidable between said consent position and said locked
position preferably along a direction that is perpendicular to said longitudinal direction
(L).
5. The reversible coupling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein
said locking member (24) comprises a tooth (25) and said hook portion (12) comprises
an appendage (16), and wherein said tooth (25) and said appendage (16) are so configured
that in a locked position of the locking member (24) and in a closed position of the
hook portion (12), the tooth (25) stops against the appendage (16), locking said hook
portion (12).
6. The reversible coupling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein
said locking member (24) comprises a slide (26) and said hook portion (12) comprises
an appendage (16), said slide (26) and said appendage (16) being configured to determine
the passage of the locking member (24) from the locked position to the consent position
following the passage of the hook portion (12) from the open position to the closed
position.
7. The reversible coupling device according to claim 5 and/or 6, wherein said appendage
(16), in the lying plane of said slot (14), extends beyond said slot (14) to define
a rest and lead-in zone for said mushroom pin (4).
8. The reversible coupling device according to one or more of claims 5 to 7, wherein
said appendage (16) has lesser thickness than said hook portion (12) along said longitudinal
direction (L).
9. The reversible coupling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising
closing means that is constantly active on said locking member (24), preferably elastic
closing means, said closing means being configured to move said locking member (24)
from the consent position to the locked position and maintain the locking member (24)
in the locked position.
10. The reversible coupling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein
said locking member (24) comprises an activation portion (28) adapted to receive a
consent force that is such as to generate the movement of the locking member (24)
from the locked position to the consent position, said coupling device comprising
preferably a preferably rotating lever (29), configured to exert said consent force
on said activation portion (28).
11. The reversible coupling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein
said plate-like element has a through recess (21) through the thickness of the plate-like
element (13), opened laterally at a side inlet (22), and arranged at said slot (14),
when said hook portion (12) is in the closed position, and wherein said hook portion
(12) and said recess (21) are preferably so configured that, in the closed position
of said hook portion (12), a thickness wall (23) of said plate-like element (13) bounding
said recess (21) stops against said side opening (15) of the slot (14).
12. Reversible coupling device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein
the plate-like element (13) defines a volume (V) containing wall having a plate-like
configuration and being adapted to receive the hook portion,
wherein raised edges (20) arranged at one or more sides of the plate-like element
(13) bound the volume (V) further, and wherein the locking member (24) is fitted to
the plate-like element (13) inside the volume (V).
13. The reversible coupling device according to claim 12, wherein the locking member (24)
is fitted to and translates in the volume (V) on pins (30) on pins (30) that are solidly
constrained to the plate-like element (13).
14. The reversible retaining system (1) for retaining in an open position a tilt window
(100), said reversible retaining system comprising:
a retaining arm (2) having a first end (3a) configured to define a rotation joint
around an axis perpendicular to a direction of longitudinal extension (2a) of said
retaining arm (2) and a second end (3b) comprising a mushroom pin (4) arranged perpendicularly
to the direction of longitudinal extension (2a) of said retaining arm (2) and having
a stem (4a) and a widened head (4b) having a cross section (D1) that is greater than
a cross section (D2) of said stem (4a),
a reversible coupling device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 13,
wherein the slot of the reversible coupling device (10), has, in the lying plane,
a cross section (D) adapted to receiving said stem (4a) along a direction perpendicular
to the longitudinal direction (L) and retaining said widened head (4b) along said
longitudinal direction (L).
15. An installation method for installing a reversible retaining system (1) for retaining
in an open position a tilt window (100), comprising:
arranging a reversible retaining system (1) according to claim 14,
fitting said housing body (11) to a thickness side surface (101b) of a frame (101)
of a window, preferably on a thickness side surface (101b) of an upper crosspiece
(101a),
fitting said first end (3a) of said retaining arm (2) to a thickness side surface
(102a) of a wing (102) of said window,
rotating said wing (102) according to a closing direction until said stem (4a) of
the mushroom pin (4) is inserted laterally into said slot by crossing said side opening,
said side opening being subsequently non-accessible following the movement of said
locking member (24) from the consent position to the locked position.
16. A tilt window (100) comprising a frame (101), a wing (102) fitting rotating on said
frame (101) around a horizontal axis and a reversible retaining system (1) according
to claim 14,
wherein said housing body (11) is arranged on a thickness side surface (101b) of said
frame (101), preferably on a thickness side surface (101b) of an upper crosspiece
(101a),
and wherein said first end (3a) of said retaining arm (2) is arranged rotating on
a thickness side surface (102a) of said wing (102).