TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present description relates to a latch device and a lock with clamp for a sliding
door or window. The present description further relates to a closure comprising the
latch device and the lock with clamp for a sliding door or window.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Several door and window closing devices are available in the prior art. Some of these
devices already incorporate magnets.
[0003] WO2018055398 refers to a system for detecting the position of at least one moveable element of
a window or door, wherein the system comprises at least one sensor for sensing a magnetic
field, at least one sensor configured such that the magnetic field sensed changes
at least one moveable element; and processor means configured to receive output signals
associated with the sensed magnetic field from the sensor and to determine the position
of at least one moveable element; wherein the system is configured to operate in a
calibration mode and a normal mode, wherein in the calibration mode the system is
configured to register at least one output value from at least one sensor when the
moveable element is at a first predetermined position as a corresponding first reference
value and wherein in the normal mode the processor means is configured to use at least
the first reference value in determining the position of at least one moveable element.
[0004] WO2017008104 describes a magnetic field generator for use in a locking device for locking a door
or window and an adjacent building element, including a permanent magnet; a housing
portion for receiving the magnet; an adjustment mechanism for allowing the adjustment
of the position of the magnet in the housing.
[0005] WO2020157628 describes a closing device for windows and doors comprising a striker, a lock and
a front wall adapted to selectively assume a locking configuration and a retaining
configuration. The movement of the latch according to a closing direction is caused
by the magnetic interaction between a magnetic abutment system and a magnetic closing
system.
[0006] These facts are described in order to illustrate the technical problem solved by
the embodiments of the present document.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
[0007] The present description relates to a latch device for closure of a sliding door or
window in a lock with clamp, comprising a latch and a latch case with said latch on
one face of said case, wherein the latch pivots between a retracted position in the
latch case and a protruding position from the latch case;
wherein the pivoting latch comprises a magnet arranged in the latch with a first magnetic
pole oriented outwardly on said face to receive, preferably create, a magnetic repulsive
force from a second magnetic pole, having the same polarity as the first pole and
oriented opposite to the first magnetic pole, from another magnet placed in the lock
so that the latch pivots from the retracted position to a protruding position to be
locked by the clamp on approaching said lock.
[0008] In an embodiment the latch has an inclination of 20° with respect to the latch case
when in the protruding position.
[0009] In an embodiment, the position of the latch center of mass is located so as to cause
a moment in the latch that causes the latch to rotate with respect to an axle, leading
to the retracted position when no other force is exerted on the latch, namely repulsive
forces by the magnets. The latch center of mass allows this device not to use springs
or other elements when the latch moves to the retracted position. It allows the latch
to be correctly positioned inside the latch case, without protruding, even if it presents
slight angular deviations in its application.
[0010] In an embodiment, the latch pivots from the retracted position to a protruding position
when the lock magnet is at a distance equal to or less than 4 cm.
[0011] In an embodiment, the latch comprises an axle for pivoting the latch. Preferably,
the axle is located in the latch case.
[0012] In an embodiment, the latch comprises a recess for receiving and locking the clamp
for locking the door or window.
[0013] In an embodiment, the magnet is fixed to the latch by fixing means selected from
screws or an adhesive.
[0014] In an embodiment, the latch device is fixed for mounting in a door or window frame.
The latch device can be fixed directly to the door, i.e. the latch device is a device
that is fixedly mounted in a door or window frame.
[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a lock with clamp for closure
of a sliding door or window on a latch, comprising a lock case for receiving said
latch on one face of said case, and comprising a magnet arranged in the lock with
a first magnetic pole oriented outwardly on said face to receive, preferably create,
a magnetic repulsive force from a second magnetic pole, having the same polarity as
the first pole and oriented opposite to the first magnetic pole, from another magnet
placed on said latch so that the latch pivots from the retracted position to a protruding
position to be locked by the clamp on approaching said lock.
[0016] In an embodiment, said lock comprises a knob so that the clamp moves from a retracted
position to a locking position. More specifically, the user presses the displaceable
knob which comprises an axle to interact with the clamp, causing the clamp to move
into the recess of the latch and thereby lock the latch and lock the sliding door
or window.
[0017] In an embodiment, the knob comprises an axle and the clamp comprises a fork to receive
said axle for the knob to move the clamp from a retracted position to a locked position,
and
vice versa.
[0018] In an embodiment, the fork is at an end opposite to a portion of the clamp to lock
the latch.
[0019] In an embodiment, the knob is slideable.
[0020] In an embodiment, the magnet is fixed to the lock by fixing means selected from screws
or adhesives.
[0021] In an embodiment, the lock with clamp is moveable for mounting on the door or window.
The lock with clamp can also be mounted on the door frame.
[0022] Another aspect of the present description concerns a closure for a sliding door or
window comprising the latch device described above and comprising the lock with clamp
described above.
[0023] The main advantages of the present disclosure are to present a solution wherein:
- mechanisms are completely hidden without any projection towards the passage area,
with the door or window open, thus avoiding possible injuries by users;
- magnets replace mechanical elements and springs. As no other mechanical locks or rigid
mechanical transmission elements are required in this solution, it cannot be easily
vandalized or misused. The clamp always causes the latch to recoil when they come
into contact with the outer faces, i.e. when the clamp is moved downwards and the
latch hits the clamp;
- magnet repulsion facilitates opening by people with reduced mobility, as it tends
to repel the door while other locks on the market tend to "hold" the door when using
the conventional sense of magnetism;
- the latch center of mass allows recoil without the use of springs, even with angular
misalignment;
- it allows the angular misalignment of the door, without the need for adjustments;
- there is no mechanical connection between the moveable knob actuation cases. It allows
slight misalignments in the application, not compromising the proper functioning of
the system, reducing noise and friction;
- the reduced thickness of the clamp allows the use of bases or shells of greater depth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] For an easier understanding, figures are herein attached, which represent preferred
embodiments which are not intended to limit the object of the present description.
Figure 1: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the closure.
Figure 2: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the latch device (A) and the lock with
clamp (B).
Figure 3: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the closure comprising the latch device
and the lock with clamp, in exploded view.
Figure 4A: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the operation of the closure demonstrating
the position of the open door or window.
Figure 4B: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the operation of the closure demonstrating
the position wherein the latch is in the protruding position but the clamp still does
not lock the latch.
Figure 4C: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the operation of the closure demonstrating
the position wherein the clamp locks the latch.
Figure 5: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the moveable knob of the lock actuator.
In an embodiment, an actuator C is mounted in the outer room and an actuator D, comprising
a displaceable knob, is mounted in the inner room, it only being preferably possible
to lock the door or window from the inside.
Figure 6: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the lock actuators in an exploded view.
Figure 7A: Schematic representation of the actuation system in the lock, with an embodiment
of the actuation system assembly in the lock with clamp being represented.
Figure 7B: Schematic representation of the actuation system of the lock, with the actuator with
the displaceable knob and the respective axle being represented.
Figure 7C: Schematic representation of the actuation system in the lock, with an embodiment
of the knob actuator assembly on the lock with clamp being represented.
Figure 7D: Schematic representation of the actuation system in the lock, with an embodiment
of opening the lock with clamp B from the outside of the door, using the actuator
without a knob being represented.
Figure 8A: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the closure, with the device with the
latch and the lock with the clamp being represented.
Figure 8B: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the closure, with the device with the
latch and the lock with the clamp being represented.
Figure 9: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the closure, with the movement of repulsion
of the magnets from the device with the latch and the lock with the clamp being represented.
Figure 10A: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the latch device, representing the force
and respective moment caused by the latch center of mass and the movement of the latch
from the protruding position to the retracted position, with the latch in the protruding
position.
Figure 10B: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the latch device, representing the force
and respective moment caused by the latch center of mass and the movement of the latch
from the protruding position to the retracted position, with the latch moving to the
retracted position.
Figure 10C: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the latch device, representing the force
and respective moment caused by the latch center of mass and the movement of the latch
from the protruding position to the retracted position, with the latch in the retracted
position.
Figure 11: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the lock with clamp, installed on a
door.
Figure 12: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the alignments of the lock with clamp
and the actuators.
Figure 13: Schematic representation of a top view of an embodiment of the closure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The present description relates to a latch device for closure of a sliding door or
window in a lock with clamp, comprising a latch and a latch case with said latch on
one face of said case, wherein the latch pivots between a retracted position in the
latch case and a protruding position from the latch case; wherein the pivoting latch
comprises a magnet arranged in the latch with a first magnetic pole oriented outwardly
on said face to create a magnetic repulsive force from a second magnetic pole, having
the same polarity as the first pole and oriented opposite to the first magnetic pole,
from another magnet placed in the lock so that the latch pivots from the retracted
position to a protruding position to be locked by the clamp. It also relates to a
lock with clamp comprising a lock case for receiving said latch on one face of said
case, and comprising a magnet arranged in the lock with a first magnetic pole oriented
outwardly on said face to create a magnetic repulsive force from a second magnetic
pole, having the same polarity as the first pole and oriented opposite to the first
magnetic pole, from another magnet placed on said latch so that the latch pivots from
the retracted position to a protruding position to be locked by the clamp.
[0026] Figure 1 represents an embodiment of the closure wherein A represents the latch device;
B represents the lock with the clamp and
C and
D are the actuators.
[0027] Figure 2 represents an embodiment of the closure comprising the latch device
A and the lock with the clamp
B.
[0028] Figure 3 represents an embodiment of the closure comprising the latch device
A and the lock with the clamp
B in exploded view, wherein
1 represents a nut,
2 represents the bridle,
3 represents a latch case,
4 represents the latch,
5 represents the frame fixing plate,
6 represents a screw,
7 represents the front of the lock,
8 represents an anti-friction element, preferably a polymeric tape,
9 represents the clamp,
10 represents the lock case,
11 represents an axle,
12 represents the magnet to be arranged in the latch
4, 13 represents a magnet to be arranged in the lock.
[0029] The anti-friction element allows friction and noise caused by the movement of the
clamp to be reduced.
[0030] Figure 4 represents the operation of the present disclosure. In particular,
Fig. 4A shows the latch device
A and the lock with clamp
B in a spaced apart position. In this situation, the latch
4 is in the retracted position, being necessary to approach the lock with clamp
B to carry out the movement thereof.
Fig. 4B shows the latch device and the lock with clamp in an approximate position, without
locking. In this position, the latch
4 moves to the protruding position, rotating around the axle
11. More specifically, the movement of the latch
4 is due to the repulsion caused by magnets
12 and
13 (shown by arrows in opposite directions). In this situation, the clamp
9 is in the upper position, i.e., it is in the unlocked position, that is, in the retracted
position, and it is possible to move the lock with clamp again, which allows the door
to be opened.
Fig. 4C shows the latch device and the lock with clamp in an approximate position, with locking.
In this situation, the clamp
9 has been moved from an upper position to a lower position, as shown by the arrow,
locking the latch
4, which is in the protruding position, preventing the movement of the lock with clamp
B, which prevents the door from opening. The movement of the clamp is carried out by
the displaceable knob which comprises an axle
21 and that allows the movement of the clamp up and down. In an embodiment, when the
lock with the clamp, comprising the fixing plate
7, is at a distance of more than 4 cm from the latch device
A, the latch
4 is in the retracted position, the magnet
12 being parallel to the latch device
4. The retracted latch position results from the latch center of mass which allows it
to remain retracted in the latch case, since no magnetic repulsive force is present.
Preferably, the magnet
12 of the latch device is in a position parallel to the position of the magnet
13 of the lock with clamp, so that the repulsive force between the magnetic poles of
each magnet causes the latch
4 to pivot, allowing the latch to move to the protruding position. The attachment of
the magnet
12 to the latch
4 can be by screw
6 or by an adhesive material such as glue. When the lock with the clamp
B is at a distance equal to or less than 4 cm from the latch device
A, the latch
4 moves from a retracted position to a protruding position, due to the magnetic repulsive
force between the magnet
12 of the latch device and the magnet
13 of the lock, causing the latch
4 to be inclined by 20° in relation to the latch case
3.
[0031] In an embodiment, to lock the door or window, a clamp
9 is used that moves vertically guided in a case
10, which in turn is locked in the latch
4 that is installed in the frame of a door or in the frame of a window. More specifically,
latch
4 comprises a recess for receiving and locking the clamp
9 and thereby locking the door or window.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, for the user to move the clamp, he/she needs to move the
knob
18. Preferably, the knob
18 comprises an axle
21 that moves the clamp to the latch lock or latch unlock position.
[0033] In an embodiment, the clamp
9 comprises a fork for receiving the axle
21 of the actuation device
D.
[0034] In an embodiment, the actuation of the latch 4 is carried out through the use of
magnets
12 and
13. The latch
4 is actuated by magnetic forces caused by the magnets
12 and
13 which are positioned so as to cause the repulsion thereof.
[0035] As soon as the systems approach, the magnetic repulsive force causes the latch
4 to rotate around an axle
11, being projected to the outside only from that moment, leaving the latch
4 in the protruding position.
[0036] The latch system
4, together with the magnet
12 and the screw
6 or another fixing system such as adhesives, were developed in such a way that its
center of mass causes its movement to the retracted position through gravity, thus
avoiding the use of springs in the system. The position of its center of mass guarantees
that the latch
4 is correctly positioned inside the latch case, even if it presents slight angular
deviations in its application. This change avoids the existence of protruding elements
whenever the door is open.
[0037] The use of magnets ensures that there is no rigid lockage in the event that the door
or window is closed with the clamp
9 in the closed position, making the latch
4 recoil whenever they contact through the outer faces.
[0038] In an embodiment, the polarity of the magnet
12 of the latch device is equal to the polarity of the magnet
13 of the lock with clamp, so that the magnetic repulsive force is created when the
lock with clamp
B is at a distance equal to or less than 4 cm from the latch device
A and when the latch
4 moves. That is, the magnet
12 is with a first magnetic pole oriented towards the outside of the face of the latch
case
3, to create a magnetic repulsive force from a second magnetic pole, having the same
polarity as the first pole of magnet
13, with said poles being oriented in opposite directions.
[0039] The magnets can have any geometric shape, preferably round, square or rectangular.
[0040] In an embodiment,
Figure 5 represents the actuators of the lock with the clamp
B, wherein C does not comprise the displaceable knob and D comprises the displaceable
knob
18. The displaceable knob allows the user to lock the door or window once that this knob
is in contact with the axle
21 that will move the clamp
9 of the lock up or down, depending on the locking option of the latch
4 and unlocking of the latch
4.
[0041] In an embodiment,
Figure 6 represents an embodiment of the actuators of the lock in an exploded view, wherein
14 represents the front of the actuator D;
15 represents the plate for hiding the mechanism,
16 represents the base,
17 represents the positioning magnet,
18 represents a knob,
19 represents the cover,
20 represents a cover attachment screw,
21 represents an axle of the actuation system,
22 represents a fixing screw for the axle of the actuation system and
23 represents the plate to allow opening/unlocking from the outside.
[0042] Figure 7A represents an embodiment of the assembly of actuators
C and
D in the lock with clamp
B. The lock with clamp
B is actuated by the vertical displacement of the displaceable knob
18.
[0043] Figure 7B represents an embodiment of the actuator
D comprising the displaceable knob. The displaceable knob
18 is produced in a material with magnetic properties, being attracted by the positioning
magnet
17. This attraction ensures that the displaceable knob
18, once moved to the unlocked position, remains in this same position until an external
force is exerted on the knob
18 to move to the locked position. While the knob
18 remains in the unlocked position, the clamp
9 remains in the upper position, preventing involuntary closing of the system.
[0044] Figure 7C represents an embodiment of the actuator
D in the lock with clamp
B. The vertical displacement caused by the displaceable knob
18 causes the vertical displacement of the axle
21 and respectively of the clamp
9. The movement between the axle
21 and the clamp
9 is carried out by the contact between the two elements, since the axle
21 is inserted in the clamp
9, in the area of the fork. This location allows the lock with clamp
B and actuators
C and
D to be connected together without the need for fixing elements.
[0045] Figure 7D represents the opening of the lock with clamp
B from the outside of the door, using actuator
C. In actuator
C, the plate to allow opening from the outside
23 has a geometry that allows the passage of a coin, key, or other accessory of similar
geometry to allow the vertical displacement of the axle of the actuation system
21, which allows the door to be opened from the outside in emergency cases.
[0046] In an embodiment, the user activates the system by moving the knob
18 vertically, which transmits the movement to an axle
21 which is secured to the knob
18 by a screw
22. The axle
21 is produced in a polymeric material in order to reduce friction and noise when in
contact with the lock. This axle is mounted by the user according to the thickness
of the door.
[0047] In an embodiment, the knob
18 can have another displacement such as, for example, radial with respect to the axle,
rotary, among others.
[0048] To validate the opening and keep the closure in the open position, the actuator
D has a magnet
17 housed in its structure in order to create the attraction of the knob
18, which in turn is made of a metal with magnetic properties. Once in the unlocked position,
it is necessary to apply an external force to move the knob
18 to the locked position. This force gives the user the feeling of validation of the
closure.
[0049] In emergency cases it is possible to open the door from the outside with an external
tool such as a coin or key, using the slots created in the plate to allow opening
from the outside
23, allowing the system to be used in places for public use.
[0050] The plates to allow opening from the outside
23 can be exchanged for plates without slots, making it impossible to open the door
from the outside in cases of greater security or even to market the product without
an opening mechanism.
[0051] In an embodiment, the movable components are guided in a polymeric base or shell,
where the user can place his hand, never having contact between metallic components,
in order to guarantee low noise and friction between them. This component also has
several cavities on the outside thereof to allow better placement of an adhesive or
other fixing element to install on the door.
[0052] In an embodiment,
Figure 8A represents the approach of the latch device
A with the lock with the clamp
B, in the lower position, in which with the repulsive force from the magnets
12 and
13, the latch
4 is in the protruding position.
Figure 8B represents the lock
B with the clamp
9 in the lower position, i.e., the locking position, and since the magnetic repulsive
force from the magnets
12 and
13 causes the latch to protrude, the outer faces of the latch
4 and clamp
9 collide. However, the collision causes latch
4 to recoil. Latch
4 movement is only caused by the repulsion from magnets
12 and
13 and does not result from the action of mechanical elements, thus not damaging the
various components when closing the door with the clamp in the lower position.
[0053] In an embodiment, the arrows in
Figure 9 represent the repulsive forces of the magnets since the poles are equal, said poles
being oriented in opposite directions, causing the latch to move to the protruding
position. That is, if the magnet of the latch device has the magnetic pole oriented
towards the frame fixing plate, then the magnet of the lock will also have the same
polarity oriented towards the front of the lock. For example, if the latch magnet
12 has the south pole oriented towards the face of the latch case, the lock magnet
13 will have the south pole oriented towards the outside of the lock. On the other hand,
if the magnet of the latch device
12 has the north pole oriented towards the frame fixing plate, then the magnet of the
lock
13 will also have the north pole oriented towards the front of the lock. This repulsion
will promote the movement of the latch, causing it to move from the retracted position
to the protruding position.
[0054] In an embodiment,
Figure 10 represents the latch
4 in the various positions, from the protruding to the retracted position.
Figure 10A shows the latch
4 in the protruding position and the respective force caused by the latch center of
mass
4 at the moment wherein the lock with clamp
B moves away and there are no longer magnetic forces acting on the latch
4. The position of the latch center of mass
4 is located in such a way as to cause a moment in latch
4 that causes latch
4 to rotate in relation to axle
11, moving latch
4 to the retracted position, when no other force is exerted on latch
4, the use of springs or magnets being unnecessary for this function.
Figure 10B shows the moment caused in latch
4, starting its movement to the retracted position. In
Figure 10C, the latch
4 is shown in the retracted position and the respective force caused by the center
of mass of the latch
4.
[0055] In an embodiment,
Figure 11 represents the lock with clamp installed on a door. In a preferred embodiment, the
clamp
9 comprises a fork, which allows an offset and respective decrease in the precision
necessary for installing the actuation system. The front of the lock
7 presents a geometry that allows the entry of the latch
4, even with misalignments in relation to the latch device
A, without the need for adjustments in the door for the correct operation of the closure.
[0056] In an embodiment,
Figure 12 represents an embodiment of the lock alignments with actuation elements. The movement
between the axle
21 and the clamp
9 is carried out by the contact between the two elements, since the axle
21 is inserted in the clamp
9, in the area of the fork. This location allows the lock with clamp
B and actuators
C and
D to be attached together without the need for fixing elements.
[0057] In an embodiment,
Figure 13 represents a top view of an embodiment of the closure, where the clamp
9 has a reduced thickness of, preferably, 2 mm, which allows the use of handles with
a greater depth in relation to conventional lock systems.
[0058] The term "comprises" or "comprising" whenever used herein is intended to indicate
the presence of the features, elements, integers, steps and components mentioned,
but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements,
integers, steps and components, or groups thereof.
[0059] The present invention is of course in no way restricted to the embodiments described
herein and a person with ordinary skills in the art may foresee many possibilities
of modifying it and replacing technical features with equivalent ones depending on
the requirements of each situation as defined in the appended claims.
[0060] The following claims define additional embodiments of the present description.