Handle device for opening and closing the door of the body of trucks, trailers and the like

Abstract

 A handle device (1) for opening and closing the door of the body of trucks, trailers and the like, comprising at least one base (2) that is coupled to the door and supports rotatably at least one handle (3) which is articulated, at a first end thereof (3a), to at least one rod (A) for actuating means for coupling the door to the frame of the body, and forms, at a second end (3b), at least one grip portion for the operator, the handle (3) being able to rotate manually between at least one angular closure position, in which it is substantially adjacent to the base (2) and in which the coupling means are engaged with the frame of the body, and at least one angular open position, in which the handle (3) is substantially spaced from the base (2) and the coupling means are disengaged from the frame of the body, so as to allow the free opening of the door. The base (2) comprises at least one button (4) for locking and releasing at least one actuator (5) associated with the handle (3), the actuator (5) comprising at least means for detachable anchoring to the base (2) and abutment means that can engage at least one contoured element (6) associated with the base (2), the contoured element (6) being engageable with the handle (3) and being able to rotate selectively, about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the base (2), from a disengagement configuration, in which it is disengaged from the handle (3) and from the actuator (5), which by not abutting against the contoured element (6) is free to disengage from the base (2) by way of the action of the button (4), so as to allow the opening of the handle (3) and of the door, to an engagement configuration, in which it is engaged with the handle (3), so as to fasten it on the base (2), and with the actuator (5), so as to lock in engagement the anchoring means with the base (2), in order to retain the handle (3) in the angular position for closing the door.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a handle device for opening and closing the door of the body of trucks, trailers and the like.

[0002] Known types of device generally comprise a base that is coupled to the door and supports rotatably a handle which has a first end articulated to a rod for actuating means for coupling such door to the frame of the body and forms, at a second opposite end, a grip portion for the operator: the handle can turn manually between an angular closure position, in which it is adjacent to the base and the coupling means are engaged with the frame of the body, and at least one angular open position, in which it is spaced from the base and the coupling means are disengaged from the frame of the body, so as to allow the free opening of the door. In such angular closure position, the handle is kept adjacent to the base by means of a provided actuator that is associated with such base: the actuator keeps the handle fastened to the base and can be released, at the operator's discretion, by manual operation of a suitable button for locking and releasing such actuator (in some known types of device, the actuator is provided as a single unit together with the button).

[0003] However, in known types of device the fastening of the handle to the base is provided, as shown, exclusively by the actuator alone, with evident disadvantages in terms of safety, since for example, as a consequence of an accidental failure of such actuator, the handle can open and so can the door.

[0004] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, by providing a handle device for opening and closing the door of the body of trucks, trailers and the like in which the closure of the handle is not provided only by means of said actuator, so as to increase the effectiveness and safety of its fastening.

[0005] Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a device which, by way of its particular constructive characteristics, is capable of giving the greatest assurances of reliability and safety in use.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is simple, relatively easy to provide in practice, safe in use, effective in operation, and that further can be manufactured with low costs.

[0007] This aim and these and other objects, which will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a handle device for opening and closing the door of the body of trucks, trailers and the like, of the type that comprises at least one base that is coupled to the door and supports rotatably at least one handle which is articulated, at a first end thereof, to at least one rod for actuating means for coupling said door to the frame of the body, and forms, at a second end, at least one grip portion for the operator, said handle being able to rotate manually between at least one angular closure position, in which it is substantially adjacent to said base and in which said coupling means are engaged with the frame of the body, and at least one angular open position, in which said handle is substantially spaced from said base and said coupling means are disengaged from the frame of the body, so as to allow the free opening of the door, characterized in that said base comprises at least one button for locking and releasing at least one actuator associated with said handle, said actuator comprising at least means for detachable anchoring to said base and abutment means that can engage at least one contoured element associated with said base, said contoured element being engageable with said handle and being able to rotate selectively, about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to said base, from a disengagement configuration, in which it is disengaged from said handle and from said actuator, which by not abutting against said contoured element is free to disengage from said base by way of the action of said button, so as to allow the opening of said handle and of the door, to an engagement configuration, in which it is engaged with said handle, so as to fasten it on said base, and with said actuator, so as to lock in engagement said anchoring means with said base, in order to retain said handle in the angular position for closing the door.

[0008] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent and evident from the following detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a handle device for opening and closing the door of the body of trucks, trailers and the like, according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a handle device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the device according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of a handle associated with an actuator of the device according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a substantially plate-like element of the device according to the invention;

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a base of the device according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a side view of a locking plug of the device according to the invention, in an engagement configuration;

Figure 7 is a side view of a locking plug of the device according to the invention in a disengagement configuration;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a locking plug of the device according to the invention in an engagement configuration;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a contoured element of the device according to the invention;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a button of the device according to the invention;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of an actuator of the device according to the invention;

Figure 12 is a rear view of an actuator of the device according to the invention;

Figure 13 is a transverse sectional view of the device according to the invention;

Figure 14 is a perspective detail view of the base, the button, the actuator and the locking plug, with the contoured element associated therewith in an engagement configuration for the latter;

Figure 15 is a side detail view of the button, of the actuator engaged with the base, and of the locking plug with the contoured element associated therewith, in a disengagement configuration for the latter;

Figure 16 is a side detail view of the button engaged with the actuator disengaged from the base, and of the locking plug with the contoured element associated therewith, in a disengagement configuration for the latter.

[0009] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a handle device for opening and closing the door of the body of trucks, trailers and the like, according to the invention.

[0010] The device 1 is of the type that comprises at least one base 2, which is coupled to the door and supports rotatably at least one handle 3, which is articulated, at a first end 3a thereof, to at least one rod A for actuating means for coupling such door to the frame of the body, and forms, at a second end 3b, at least one grip portion for the operator. The handle 3 can turn manually between at least one angular closure position, in which it is substantially adjacent to the base 2 and in which the coupling means are engaged with the frame of the body, to at least one angular open position, in which the handle 3 is substantially spaced from the base 2 and the coupling means are disengaged from the frame of the body, so as to allow the free opening of the door. Advantageously, the base 2 comprises at least one button 4 for locking and releasing at least one actuator 5 that is associated with the handle 3; such actuator comprises means for detachable anchoring to the base 2 and abutment means that can engage at least one contoured element 6 associated with the base 2, and the contoured element 6 can engage the handle 3.

[0011] The contoured element 6 can rotate selectively, about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the base 2, from a disengagement configuration, in which it is disengaged from the handle 3 and from the actuator 5, which by not abutting against the contoured element 6 is free to disengage from the base 2 by way of the action of the button 4, so as to allow the opening of the handle 3 and of the door, to an engagement configuration, in which it is engaged simultaneously with the handle 3, so as to fasten it on the base 2, and with the actuator 5, so as to lock in engagement the anchoring means with the base 2, in order to retain the handle 3 in the angular position for door closure.

[0012] Favorably, the device 1 comprises safety means which are associated with at least the contoured element 6 and are adapted to retain it in such active configuration, with the handle 3 in the angular closure position, and to lock it automatically in the engagement configuration when the handle 3 is returned to the angular closure position from a preceding angular open position.

[0013] The handle 3 comprises a large central cutout 7, which is formed between the first end 3a, the grip portion 3b and two contoured lateral members 8 for connecting the grip portion 3b to the first end 3a; in particular, the lateral members 8 support the actuator 5 so that it can rotate about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the members 8.

[0014] Positively, each of the lateral members 8 defines a respective internal lip 8a, which can engage the contoured element 6 when it is in such engagement configuration.

[0015] In greater detail, the means for anchoring the actuator 5 comprise two lateral teeth 9, which can engage within two respective seats 10 formed in the base 2, and the abutment means comprise two protrusions 11, which are adapted to abut, in such engagement configuration of the contoured element 6, against two respective lateral wings 6a of the latter, so as to prevent the accidental disengagement of the lateral teeth 9 from the respective seats 10; effectively, first elastic means 12 are provided which are adapted to keep the actuator 5 elastically in the configuration for anchoring to the base 2.

[0016] Conveniently, the lateral teeth 9 and the seats 10 are arranged proximate to the lateral members 8, so as to distribute any force that acts from outside, such as impacts, attempted break-ins, and the like, on the members 8 of the handle 3, ensuring a better resistance thereof.

[0017] The button 4 is associated with the base 2 so that it can rotate about an axis that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the actuator 5, and there are second elastic means 13 adapted to retain elastically the button 4 in a configuration in which it is spaced from the actuator 5, in such engagement configuration for the contoured element 6.

[0018] Further, the button 4 comprises two profiles 14, which can engage by contact two respective tabs 15 of the actuator 5, the forcing of the button 4 against the actuator 5 being adapted to determine the rotation of the latter so as to disengage it from the base 2.

[0019] Further, the profiles 14 form internally two respective teeth 16 for engagement with the tabs 15, the teeth 16 being adapted to prevent the return of the button 4 to a configuration which is spaced from the actuator 5 (when the button 4 is operated manually to disengage the actuator 5 from the base 2) before the opening of the handle 3.

[0020] Advantageously, the security means comprise at least one key-operated locking plug 17, which is associated with the base 2, supports the contoured element 6 and is adapted to allow its selective rotation from the engagement configuration to the disengagement configuration: in greater detail, in the engagement configuration the internal lips 8a of the lateral members 8 abut in a lower region against the lateral wings 6a and the protrusions 11 of the actuator 5 abut in an upper region against the lateral wings 6a, so as to lock the handle 3 and keep the lateral teeth 9 of the actuator 5 engaged in the respective seats 10 of the base 2, and the button 4 is in a configuration which is spaced from the actuator 5.

[0021] In the disengagement configuration for the contoured element 6, instead, the internal lips 8a and the protrusions 11 do not abut against the lateral wings 6a, so as to allow the disengagement of the actuator 5 by means of the manual actuation of the button 4, in order to move the handle 3 into the open angular position and allow the free opening of the door.

[0022] The key-operated locking plug 17 comprises a stator 17a, which is fixed to a substantially raised region 2a of the base 2, and a rotor 17b, which is associated at its end with the contoured element 6 and is guided so as to be able to move along a predefined stroke as a consequence of the rotation of the key (not shown in the figures) from the engagement configuration for the contoured element 6, in which the end of the rotor 17b is at the maximum distance with respect to the stator 17a and a keyhole 17c is arranged substantially flush with the outer edge of the stator 17a, to such disengagement configuration for the contoured element, in which the end of the rotor 17b is at the minimum distance with respect to the stator 17a and the portion of the rotor 17b onto which the keyhole 17c opens protrudes from the outer edge of the stator 17a.

[0023] Conveniently, the key-operated locking plug 17, when it is in the disengagement configuration, is adapted to retain the key. Further, the key-operated locking plug 17 comprises a raised portion 18, which is located on the rotor 17b proximate to its end and is adapted to abut, in the engagement configuration for the contoured element 6, against a lower face of the stator 17a, and is adapted to slide, in the disengagement configuration, in a respective guiding slot 18a formed inside the stator 17a.

[0024] Conveniently, there is a substantially plate-like element 19 which is associated with the handle 3 substantially to cover the large central cutout 7 and is affected by a contoured opening 20, which is arranged substantially at the keyhole 17c of the key-operated locking plug 17, when the handle 3 is in the angular closure position, so as to allow insertion of the key in the keyhole 17c.

[0025] The plate-like element 19 is adapted to abut, during the movement of the handle 3 toward the angular closure position, against the portion of the rotor 17b that protrudes from the stator 17a when it is in the disengagement configuration for the contoured element 6, so as to push the rotor 17b inside the stator 17a, allowing the automatic engagement of the contoured element 6 with the internal lips 8a of the handle 3 and with the actuator 5, by way of the action of provided third elastic means 21, which are adapted to retain the contoured element 6 in the engagement configuration. The plate-like element 19 can be made of a synthetic material such as plastics (and for example can bear logos and the like).

[0026] The raised region 2a of the base 2 is affected by a substantially central slot 22 for fixing the stator 17a of the key-operated locking plug 17 and comprises two folded lateral flaps 23, which lie opposite with respect to the slot 22 and face, in the engagement configuration of the contoured element 6, the respective lateral wings 6a of the latter.

[0027] The lateral flaps 23 allow, in case of accidental forcing of the handle 3 in the opening direction when the contoured element 6 is in the engagement configuration, to distribute the load applied by the internal lips 8a to the lateral wings 6a on the base 2, in order to avoid damage to the contoured element 6.

[0028] The third elastic means 21 comprise at least one first spring, in which the two ends are respectively associated with the base 2 and with the contoured element 6, and which is adapted to retain the contoured element 6 in the engagement configuration; in particular, the rotation of the rotor 17b in the opening direction occurs in contrast with the elastic action applied by such first spring.

[0029] Conveniently, there are fourth elastic means, not shown in the figures, which are accommodated in the key-operating locking plug 17 and are adapted to facilitate the exit of the rotor 17b from the outer edge of the stator 17a, in the disengagement configuration for the contoured element 6.

[0030] There are also fifth elastic means 24, which are associated between an intermediate portion of the handle 3 and a region of the base 2 that is substantially proximate to the first end 3a of the handle 3, the fifth elastic means 24 being adapted to retain the handle 3 in the angular closure position.

[0031] The base 2 is constituted by a first portion 25 and by a second portion 26, which are mutually coupled and are affected by a distribution of first through holes 27 for fixing to each other and to the door by way of suitable connecting elements.

[0032] The first portion 25 comprises substantially at the center the raised region 2a and further forms the two seats 10 for the engagement of the respective lateral teeth 9 of the actuator 5, and two facing lugs 28, which are affected by respective second holes 29 adapted to accommodate a rotation pivot on which the button 4 is pivoted rotatably.

[0033] The second portion 26 of the base 2 defines two lateral tabs 30, which are affected by respective eyes 31 for the rotary coupling of the first end 3a of the handle 3; the first end 3a defines a substantially tubular portion for rigid keying along the actuation rod A of the means for coupling the door to the frame of the body.

[0034] The operation of the device 1 is as follows. With the handle 3 adjacent to the base 2 in such angular closure position, and with the contoured element 6 arranged in the engagement configuration, the rotor 17b of the key-operated locking plug 17 is retracted within the stator 17a, the internal lips 8a of the lateral members 8 and the protrusions 11 of the actuator 5 abut against the lateral wings 6a of the contoured element 6, keeping the handle 3 fastened on the base 2 and thus locking in engagement the lateral teeth 9 of the actuator 5 in the respective seats 10 formed in the base 2, and the button 4 is spaced from the actuator 5; therefore, the handle 3 is kept in the angular position for closing the door, without being able to open accidentally.

[0035] In order to move the handle 3 into the angular open position, the operator has to insert the key in the keyhole 17c of the key-operated locking plug 17, through the contoured opening 20 of the substantially plate-like element 19, and turn the rotor 17b so as to bring the contoured element 6 into the disengagement configuration; in this configuration, the rotor 17b protrudes partly from the stator 17a by way of the action of the fourth elastic means, the internal lips 8a and the protrusions 11 no longer abut against the lateral wings 6a of the contoured element 6, and therefore the actuator 5 is free to rotate. At this point, the operator can operate manually the button 4 associated with the base 2, making it turn against the actuator 5: the profiles 14 of the button 4, by engaging by contact the tabs 15 of the actuator 5, produce a rotation of the latter, so as to disengage its respective lateral teeth 9 from the seats 10 of the base 2. Once the actuator 5 has been disengaged from the base 2 in this manner, the operator turns the handle 3, so as to bring it into such angular open position (in which the coupling means are disengaged from the frame of the body) and allow the free opening of the door. It should be noted that the key-operated locking plug 17, in such disengagement configuration for the contoured element 6, is adapted to retain the key without allowing the operator to extract it: such key can be extracted only after returning the contoured element 6 to the engagement configuration, with evident advantages in terms of security.

[0036] When the operator returns the handle 3 to the angular closure position, the substantially plate-like element 19 abuts against the protruding portion of the rotor 17b and therefore determines its insertion within the stator 17a, so as to make the raised portion 18 protrude from the respective guiding slot 18a formed in the stator 17a: at this point, by way of the action of the third elastic means 21, the contoured element 6 (which, as mentioned, is jointly associated for moving with the end of the rotor 17b) rotates automatically in the engagement configuration, so that the internal lips 8a and the protrusions 11 of the actuator 5 abut simultaneously against the lateral wings 6a of the contoured element 6, so as to keep the handle 3 fastened on the base 2 and so as to lock the lateral teeth 9 of the actuator 5 in engagement in the respective seats 10 of the base 2, and the button 4 is returned to a configuration which is spaced from the actuator 5 by way of the action of the second elastic means 13: in this manner, the handle 3 is again kept in the angular closure position of the door, without being able to open accidentally.

[0037] Further, it is noted that the direction of the rotation of the actuator 5 allows to achieve the maximum assurance of closure against any accidental and unforeseen event: any impact against the actuator 5 evidently acts in the closure direction of the device, facilitating the engagement of the lateral teeth 9 within the seats 10. The button 4 also has such a configuration that any force acting from the outside, such as impacts and the like, acts in such a direction as to prevent the rotation of the actuator 5. As shown, these external forces are distributed effectively on the lateral members 8 of the handle 3, which give it greater strength with respect to handles of known types of device.

[0038] In practice it has been found that the invention fully achieves the proposed aim and objects, since in the cited engagement configuration the handle 3 (and in particular the internal lips 8a of the lateral members 8) and the actuator 5 are simultaneously engaged with the contoured element 6, differently from what occurs in known types of device, with evident advantages in terms of safety and security.

[0039] Further, the key-operated locking plug 17 of the described type effectively prevents the operator from being able to leave the device 1 open accidentally, since in order to remove the key he must have returned the handle to the angular closure position, determining, as shown, the automatic rotation of the contoured element 6 in the configuration for engagement with the handle 3 and with the actuator 5, further increasing the safety and security of the device 1.

[0040] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent ones.

[0041] In the exemplary embodiments shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other exemplary embodiments.

[0042] Moreover, it is noted that anything found to be already known during the patenting process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.

[0043] In practice, the materials used, as well as the shapes and the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art, without thereby abandoning the scope of the protection of the appended claims.

[0044] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A handle device (1) for opening and closing the door of the body of trucks, trailers and the like, of the type that comprises at least one base (2) that is coupled to the door and supports rotatably at least one handle (3) which is articulated, at a first end thereof (3a), to at least one rod (A) for actuating means for coupling said door to the frame of the body, and forms, at a second end (3b), at least one grip portion for the operator, said handle (3) being able to rotate manually between at least one angular closure position, in which it is substantially adjacent to said base (2) and in which said coupling means are engaged with the frame of the body, and at least one angular open position, in which said handle (3) is substantially spaced from said base (2) and said coupling means are disengaged from the frame of the body, so as to allow the free opening of the door, characterized in that said base (2) comprises at least one button (4) for locking and releasing at least one actuator (5) associated with said handle (3), said actuator (5) comprising at least means for detachable anchoring to said base (2) and abutment means that can engage at least one contoured element (6) associated with said base (2), said contoured element (6) being engageable with said handle (3) and being able to rotate selectively, about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to said base (2), from a disengagement configuration, in which it is disengaged from said handle (3) and from said actuator (5), which by not abutting against said contoured element (6) is free to disengage from said base (2) by way of the action of said button (4), so as to allow the opening of said handle (3) and of the door, to an engagement configuration, in which it is engaged with said handle (3), so as to fasten it on said base (2), and with said actuator (5), so as to lock in engagement said anchoring means with said base (2), in order to retain said handle (3) in the angular position for closing the door.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises safety means which are associated with at least said contoured element (6) and are adapted to retain it in said engaged configuration with said handle (3) in the angular closure position and are adapted to lock it automatically in said engagement configuration when said handle (3) is returned to the angular closure position.

3. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said handle (3) comprises a wide central cutout (7) which is formed between said first end (3a), said grip portion (3b) and at least two contoured lateral members (8) for connecting said grip portion (3b) to said first end (3a), said lateral members (8) supporting said actuator (5) so that it can rotate about an axis which is substantially perpendicular thereto.

4. The device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that each one of said lateral members (8) defines at least one respective internal lip (8a), which can engage said contoured element (6) in said engagement configuration.

5. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means for anchoring said actuator (5) comprise at least one lateral tooth (9), which can engage in a respective seat (10) which is formed in said base (2), in that said abutment means comprise at least one protrusion (11), which is adapted to abut, in said engagement configuration, against said contoured element (6), so as to prevent accidental disengagement of at least said lateral tooth (9) from said respective seat (10).

6. The device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said means for anchoring said actuator (5) comprise two lateral teeth (9), which can engage in two respective seats (10) formed in said base (2), and in that said abutment means comprise two protrusions (11), which are adapted to abut against two respective lateral wings (6a) of said contoured element (6), first elastic means (12) being provided which are adapted to retain elastically said actuator (5) in the configuration for anchoring with said base (2).

7. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said actuator (5) is oriented so that any force that acts from the inside, such as impacts and the like, acts in the direction that facilitates the engagement of said lateral teeth (9) in said seats (10) and therefore in the direction of the closure of said device (1).

8. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lateral teeth (9) and said seats (10) are arranged proximate to said lateral members (8), so as to distribute any force that acts from the outside on said lateral members (8) of said handle (3), ensuring a better strength thereof.

9. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said button (4) has such a shape that any force that acts from the outside acts in the direction that prevents the rotation of the actuator (5).

10. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said button (4) is associated with said base (2) so that it can rotate about an axis which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of said actuator (5), second elastic means (13) being provided which are adapted to retain elastically said button (4) in a configuration which is spaced from said actuator (5), in said configuration for engagement of said contoured element (6).

11. The device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that said button (4) comprises at least one profile (14), which can engage by contact at least one surface of said actuator (5), the forcing of said button (4) against said actuator (5) being adapted to rotate said actuator so as to disengage it from said base (2).

12. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said button (4) comprises two profiles (14), which can engage by contact two respective tabs (15) of said actuator (5), said profiles (14) defining internally two respective teeth (16) for engagement with said tabs (15), which are adapted to prevent the return of said button (4) in the configuration that is spaced from said actuator (5) before opening said handle (3).

13. The device (1), according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said safety and security means comprise at least one key-operated locking plug (17), which is associated with said base (2), supports at least said contoured element (6) and is adapted at least to allow the selective rotation thereof from said engagement configuration, in which said internal lips (8a) of said lateral members (8) abut in a lower region against said lateral wings (6a) and said protrusions (11) of said actuator (5) abut upward against said lateral wings (6a), so as to lock said handle (3) and keep said lateral teeth (9) of said actuator (5) engaged in said respective seats (10) of said base (2), and said button (4) is in a configuration that is spaced from said actuator (5), to said disengagement configuration, in which said internal lips (8a) and said protrusions (11) do not abut against said lateral wings (6a), so as to allow the disengagement of said actuator (5) by way of the actuation of said button (4), in order to move the handle (3) into said angular opening position and allow the free opening of the door.

14. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said key-operated locking plug (17) comprises a stator (17a), which is fixed to a substantially raised region (2a) of said base (2), and a rotor (17b), which is associated at its end with said contoured element (6) and is guided so that it can move, as a consequence of the rotation of the key, for a predefined stroke from said engagement configuration for said contoured element (6), in which the end of said rotor (17b) is at the maximum distance with respect to the stator (17a) and the keyhole (17c) is arranged substantially flush with the outer edge of said stator (17a), to said disengagement configuration for said contoured element (6), in which the end of said rotor (17b) is at the minimum distance with respect to the stator (17a) and a portion of said rotor (17b) in which said keyhole (17c) opens protrudes from the outer edge of said stator (17a).

15. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said key-operated locking plug (17), in the disengagement configuration, is adapted to retain the key and comprises a raised portion (18) located on said rotor (17b) substantially proximate to its end, said raised portion (18) being adapted to abut, in said engagement configuration for said contoured element (6), against a lower face of said stator (17a), and being adapted to slide, in said disengagement configuration for said contoured element (6), in a respective guiding slot (18a) which is formed inside said stator (17a).

16. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one substantially plate-like element (19) associated with said handle (3) substantially to cover said large central cutout (7) and affected by a contoured opening (20) which is arranged substantially at said keyhole (17c) of said key-operated locking plug (17), when said handle (3) is in the angular closure position, so as to allow the insertion of the key in said keyhole (17c).

17. The device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that said plate-like element (19) is adapted to abut, during the movement of said handle (3) toward said angular closure position, against the portion of said rotor (17b) that protrudes from said stator (17a) in said disengagement configuration, so as to push said rotor (17b) into said stator (17a), allowing the automatic engagement of said contoured element (6) with said internal lips (8a) of said handle (3) and with said actuator (5), by way of the action of provided third elastic means (21) which are adapted to retain said contoured element (6) in said engagement configuration.

18. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said raised region (2a) of said base (2) is affected by at least one substantially central slot (22) for fixing the stator (17a) of said key-operated locking plug (17) and comprises two folded lateral flaps (23), which are mutually opposite with respect to said slot (22) and face in a flush arrangement, in said configuration of engagement for said contoured element (6), said respective lateral wings (6a).

19. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said third elastic means (21) comprise at least one spring, the two ends of which are associated respectively with said base (2) and with said contoured element (6), said spring being adapted to retain said contoured element (6) in said engagement configuration, the rotation of said rotor (17b) in the opening direction being in contrast with the elastic action applied by said spring.

20. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises fourth elastic means which are adapted to facilitate the protrusion of said rotor (17b) by a predefined extent from the outer edge of said stator (17a), in said disengagement configuration for said contoured element (6).

21. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base (2) is constituted by a first portion (25) and a second portion (26), which are mutually coupled and are affected by a distribution of first through holes (27) for fixing to each other and to the door by way of suitable connecting elements, said first portion (25) comprising substantially at the center said raised region (2a) and defining said two seats (10) and two lugs (28) which face each other and are affected by respective second holes (29) which are adapted to accommodate a rotation pivot on which said button (4) is pivoted rotatably, said second portion (26) forming two lateral tabs (30) affected by respective eyes (31) for the rotary coupling of said first end (3a) of said handle (3).

22. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said substantially plate-like element (19) is made of a synthetic material such as plastics.

Drawing