IT202100012779A1 - Drive device for fixtures - Google Patents

Description

Drive device for fixtures

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an operating device for window frames of the type comprising a scissor mechanism and a linear actuator. In the field of the technical sector of the automation of window frames, various solutions are known for opening windows by means of motorized mechanisms.

In particular, ? it is known to provide mechanisms capable of causing a window to perform a tilt-and-turn opening and closing movement.

An example of such mechanisms? described in the European patent application EP 1693543 in which a scissor mechanism is adopted for moving the window.

The opening and closing of the scissor mechanism ? obtained by means of a linear drive capable of approaching and moving away two arms of the shear by moving a sliding block.

The mechanism also provides for the presence of a further element mounted or obtained directly on the slide itself which constitutes a relative seat able to engage with a mushroom pin fixed to the window itself at one end. of the scissor arm. The coupling between the seat and the pin therefore allows the window to be kept locked in the closed position, thus preventing it from being forcibly opened from the outside.

A similar solution? also described in patent application EP 691 450, in which case a quadrilateral mechanism is used for moving the window.

However, these known systems have the drawback of using a specifically constructed window locking system and are therefore not suitable for use with any window frame.

In other words, the known solutions are not particularly suitable for use in windows originally built for manual operation, but require a specific design of the frame.

In this regard, it must be noted that the manual mechanisms typically used in window frames provide for the presence of a movable pin, by means of which the locking of the window takes place.

However, none of the known systems offers the possibility? to automate this locking function through a single handling system dedicated both to the locking/unlocking phase of the window and to its handling.

It must also be noted that the known systems which adopt scissor or quadrilateral mechanisms are mainly used in windows with bottom-hung or lower openings. generally with hinges mounted in the lower part of the frame.

In fact, these types of windows do not require high-performance automation, with good ability to? thrust from the first centimeters of the race, given that ? the weight of the window itself which favors its opening.

This window configuration ? particularly suitable for the use of known systems with scissor or quadrilateral mechanisms, which due to their intrinsic characteristics have the ability initial thrust close to zero, given that the levers are very open with the window closed and therefore geometrically in a particularly disadvantageous condition.

Scissors and wishbones in fact increase their capacity? thrust as the angle between the levers tends to close.

Obviously for reasons of space, with the window closed, the arms of the scissors are substantially aligned and, for this reason, the angle between them? only a few degrees.

In this condition, while applying a considerable force to operate the levers, the force they exert to push the window and open it? very low.

There? ? reason for well-known drawbacks, such as for example failure to operate.

The window fails to open if the seals are ?stuck?, a phenomenon caused by a state of closure that ? persisted over time in conjunction with high temperatures, or could they be partially frozen in the winter period or still the? opening will result? difficult in headwind conditions.

For the same reasons? The use of known systems equipped with scissor or quadrilateral mechanisms is not recommended, even in top-hung windows, or with hinges at the top, where the weight, in this condition, plays against it and is contrary to the opening direction.

Therefore, the problem underlying the present invention ? that of making available an actuation device for fixtures that is structurally and functionally designed to remedy at least in part one or more? of the drawbacks complained of with reference to the cited prior art.

Additional purpose? that of providing an operating device which can be adapted to the release mechanisms normally used in manually operated windows.

? moreover, the object of the present invention is to provide an actuation device which is capable of guaranteeing high performance also in the initial part of the opening phase or in the final part of the closing phase of the window.

Another object of the present invention ? to provide an actuation device which is compact and constructively simple, so as to be able to be integrated into the frames of windows with traditional shapes and dimensions.

This problem ? solved and these purposes are achieved by the invention by means of an actuation device for fixtures made in accordance with claim 1.

Sar? appreciated that the actuation device for fixtures according to the present invention provides for the use of a scissor mechanism in which one of the two arms ? connected to a moving shoe.

Thanks to the particular connection envisaged by the present invention, which provides for the use of at least one pair of specially configured guides and respective pins sliding inside them, the same actuator ? able to move the mobile skate to which ? the arm of the scissor mechanism is connected both for the purpose of unlocking the frame, by acting on a respective pin, and for the purpose of opening and closing the window. There? it also makes the solution adopted particularly simple and resistant.

The two functions are therefore mechanically synchronized, allowing the solution to be implemented in a simple way from a mechanical point of view, since only a movement in the longitudinal direction of the skate is provided which synchronizes the two movement phases.

Furthermore, the presence of a curved or inclined section in one of the guides allows the lever arms of the scissor mechanism to be modified during the initial part of the opening phase or the final phase of the closing phase. In this way, on equal terms? of force transmitted by the actuator, ? It is possible to provide greater push or pull force during the aforementioned phases.

Indeed, the kinematics of the scissor device ? influenced by the position of the pin inside the respective guide and in particular by the position at which contact occurs between the pin and the guide so as to define a fulcrum of the scissors device.

According to further aspects of the invention, the connection between the arm of the scissor mechanism and the skate provides for the use of a further pin sliding in a further respective guide.

In this way the translational movement of the sliding block, responsible for the release of the locking pin of the fixture, can be guided both in the opening and in the closing phase.

The device can be made in a compact form, suitably adapting also to the frame of traditional windows both of the vasistas type (hinges at the bottom) and of the protruding type and will be? more reliable being equipped with greater thrust force.

According to another aspect of the invention, the actuator used in the actuation device comprises an electric motor and a worm screw driven in rotation by the motor itself.

A corresponding nut screw formed on the aforementioned movable shoe, or on another component fixed to it, engages on the worm screw.

The actuator also includes a release device configured in such a way as to decouple the worm from the motor.

The presence of a release device advantageously allows the window to be opened and closed even if the electric motor breaks down or in the absence of electricity.

Preferably, the release mechanism further comprises a connecting joint which can be moved in the direction of the axis of rotation of the worm so as to decouple the worm from the motor.

Thanks to this feature ? It is possible to release the worm screw simply by moving the joint away, for example using a tool such as a screwdriver.

Does this solution allow reversibility? of the system, that is, if the release mechanism is used, the mechanism (gearmotor) responsible for opening or closing is not forced. Furthermore, when power is restored, the system resumes normal operation given that the joint is ? configured to engage automatically.

In preferred embodiments, the connecting joint is connected to the worm through an elastic element that pushes it towards one end? shaped by a transmission shaft connected to the electric motor. Does the connection joint include a counter-shaped element with respect to the end? of the transmission shaft in such a way as to create a form coupling able to make the shaft and the joint integral in rotation.

Sar? appreciated that in this way popr? be further simplified the release maneuver as ? It is possible to obtain the rotation of the worm screw by acting on the connection joint, once the form coupling has been released.

According to further aspects of the invention, the connection between the arm of the scissor mechanism and the sliding block provides for the use of a further pin sliding in a further respective guide which has an extremity open and ? configured in such a way that the further pin is extracted from the further guide following the rotation of the arm in one direction of opening of the frame.

The presence of the additional guide makes it possible to obtain the guide and force multiplication effect described above also during the closing movement, if the main guide intervenes during the opening phase, or, vice versa, also during the opening movement , this intervenes during the closing phase.

Preferred features of the invention are also more? generally defined by the dependent claims.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will better emerge from the detailed description of some of its embodiments illustrated, by way of example and not as a limitation, with reference to the attached drawings in which: figure 1? a perspective view of the actuation device according to the present invention installed on a tilt and turn opening window;

Figures 2A-2F are plan views, some of which are in detail, of the actuation device of the present invention during different phases of opening of the frame;

figure 3 ? a plan view of the actuation device of figure 1; figure 4 ? an exploded perspective view of the operating device according to the present invention;

figures 5A and 5B are two perspective views, the second of which in exploded view, of a release device adopted in the actuation device of the present invention;

Figures 6 and 7 are two plan views of two alternative embodiments of the present invention; And

figures 8A and 8B are a plan view and a perspective view of a skate comprising a pair of guides, detail of the actuation device of figure 1.

With reference initially to figure 1, an operating device for frames according to the present invention ? indicated globally with the reference number 100.

In the example represented in the figure and described in detail below, the actuation device 100 is used to open and close a window F with tilt and turn movement. Sar? however appreciated that it can? It can also be adopted in different types of frames with modifications within the reach of a technician in the sector, for example for projecting, folding or simply even for the sole operation of the closing system of the frame figure 7.

With reference now also to figure 4, the actuation device 100 comprises a frame 1 intended to house an actuator 5 for moving a scissor mechanism 2, according to what will be? explained in more detail below.

The frame 1 preferably has an elongated shape and can be advantageously inserted inside the frame T of the window or door thanks to the compact shape that the device of the present invention allows to use.

According to another aspect of the invention, the actuator 5 comprises an electric motor 50 which rotates a threaded shaft 51 on which a corresponding nut 52 engages.

These components are preferably housed inside the frame 1 and allow a sliding block 3 to be operated by making it slide along a longitudinal direction X of the frame 1.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, there may be two internally threaded blocks 53 which form the nut 52 and hold a cursor 54 housed inside a recess 10 formed in the frame 1. Between the cursor 54 and the recess 10 ? a form coupling is provided which restrains the first from relative rotations with respect to the second, allowing its translation following the dragging achieved by the coupling between shaft 51 and threaded blocks 53.

In preferred embodiments, the shoe 3 is fixed to the slider 54, which therefore determines its translation as illustrated above. ? however, it is clear that different movement mechanisms may be provided for the shoe 3 as long as? capable of carrying out the translation along the longitudinal direction X. Also the cursor 54 itself can? be set in motion by the motor 50 through different transmission systems.

Skate 3? also responsible, in addition to the activation of the scissor mechanism, for the movement of a hooking element 4, preferably shaped like a fork, which is? capable of moving a locking pin P of the locking mechanism of the frame.

This locking mechanism, which can? be made with features in s? Note, ? configured in such a way that the movement of the window is blocked or released following the movement of the pin P in the longitudinal direction.

In order to allow the pin P to move, the hooking element 4 has a recess 40 configured in such a way as to receive the pin P itself. How can you? observe from the figures the pin P ? accepted inside the recess 40 when the window F ? closed as it flows out of it following its opening.

Sar? it is also appreciated, as illustrated in figure 4, that in some embodiments the hooking element 4 can? be fixed in a removable manner to the pad 3, for example by means of screws, in such a way as to also allow the assembly of other embodiments such as those of figures 6 and 7 and which will be described in greater detail below.

With reference again to figures 2A-2E, 3 and 4, it will be A preferred embodiment of the scissor mechanism 2 has now been described.

How can you? observe from the figures, the scissor mechanism 2 ? essentially formed by the combination of two arms 21, 22. A first arm 21 is rotatably connected to the frame 1 while the second arm 22 ? connected to the slider 3 and to the frame, in particular to the portion of the frame to be moved. Preferably, the first arm 21 ? connected to the frame 1 at its first end? 21A, and the second arm 22 ? connected to the shoe 3 at its first end? 22A and to the infix at one of its second ends? 22B.

The first arm 21 ? also connected to an intermediate point of the second arm 22 thus forming the scissor mechanism 2 since the approach of the shoe 3 to the hinging point 21A of the first arm 21 involves the removal of the second end? 22B of the second arm 22, with a scissor movement. With reference to figures 2A-2C, the connection between the second arm 22 and the sliding block 3 is made by providing a sliding coupling between a pair of pins 23, 24 and respective specially shaped guides 31, 32.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first guide 31 is made on the pad 3 and the second guide 32 on the second arm 22. Conversely, the pins are integral, one with the second arm 22 and the other with the pad 3. How will it be? more evident below, this solution makes it possible to optimize the dimensions of the mechanism, allowing for more space? content for arm 22. ? however, it is clear that it can an opposite arrangement of pins and guides may also be provided.

How can you? better observed from figures 8A and 8B, both guides 31, 35 comprise a respective rectilinear section 31A, 35A, within which the pins slide in a first phase of movement of the pad 3. It will be? appreciated that in the position of figure 2A, the frame? placed in the closed position, with the locking pin P engaged with the hooking element 4. Note that for simplicity? for illustrative purposes the pin P and the hooking element 4 are not shown in figures 2A-E. However, it remains clear that the hooking element 4 moves integrally with the shoe 3 to which ? fixed and the pin P is actuated accordingly. During the sliding of the pins in the straight sections of the guides, therefore, a first operating phase of the actuating device 100 takes place in which the sliding block 3 translates linearly, approaching the hinge point of the first arm 21 of the scissor mechanism, without effecting any movement thereof. This phase? represented by the translation of the pad from the position of figure 2A to that of figure 2B. Sar? however it is appreciated that the second guide 32 has a first straight section 32A and a subsequent curved section 32B, how can one noted from Figure 2B.

In some embodiments, the shape of the curved portion 32B is defined through a Spline function, or pu? be realized through a plurality? of curved portions, each with a specific curvature, suitably connected to each other. The spline function or specific curvatures can be determined according to the geometry of the window, the scissor mechanism and the desired movement. ? however, it is clear that on the basis of these project data sar? possible through special algorithms, in s? known, obtain the required curves.

Sar? however, appreciated that as an alternative to a curved section, it will be possible? an inclined portion, with an essentially rectilinear development, transversal to the portion 32A can also be used. How will it be? evident the following description of the device in question sar? applicable, without substantial modifications, both in the case of curved sections and in the case of inclined sections.

The first guide 31 also comprises a rectilinear section 31A. During the first movement phase described above, the first pin 23 slides inside the straight section 31A of the first guide 31, while the second pin 24 slides inside the straight section 32A of the second guide, as can be observe from figures 2A and 2B.

With reference now to figure 2C, the first movement phase ends when the second pin 24 encounters an abutment edge 32C of the second guide 32, initially at the transition zone between the straight section 32A and the curved section 32B .

In this position, a further movement of the pad 3 in the direction of approach to the hinging point of the first arm 21 of the scissor mechanism 2 causes a stress on the end? 22A of the second arm 22 towards the end? 21A of the first arm 21 in the light of the abutment between the pin 24 and the edge 32C of the guide 32 along the relative curved section 32B. The resultant of the forces that are determined by this contact? in fact such as to urge the scissor mechanism 2 to open.

In fact, in the light of the previously described configuration, this involves a rotation of the second arm 22, in the opening direction of the frame, as can be done? observed from the comparison between Figs. 2C and 2E. In other words, at the end of the linear movement phase, which occurs once the pin 24 has reached the abutment edge 32C of the second guide 32, a second phase begins in which the pin 24 slides inside the curved section 32B , finding edge 32C. In this way the arm 22 can? be guided in an opening movement of the window as well as? possibly closing in the case of movement of the sliding block in the opposite direction.

In other words, the movement of the slider, at the start of the opening phase of the frame, generates, by means of the contact with the stock 32C, the curved section 32B at which the pin 24 is? engaged, a certain thrust force towards the arm itself.

This push force? dependent on the inclination of the guide with respect to the X sliding block axis.

This second movement step ends when the first pin 23 has reached a matching edge 31B of the first guide 31, ie in the position shown in figure 2D.

Preferably, the first and second guides 31, 32 are configured in such a way that the pin 24 has entirely traveled the curved section 32B when the pin 23 encounters the abutting edge 31B.

For this purpose, the second guide 32 can? present a? extremity? open 32D through which the second pin 24 can? come out of the guide 24, allowing the further rotation of the arm 22 around the rotation axis defined by the pin 23.

Sar? appreciated that in this case the scissor mechanism 2 ? subject to an opening movement, with the arm 22 constrained in correspondence with the pin 23.

Therefore, does a variation of the kinematics of the mechanism 2 take place with respect to the previous movement phase and ? in this way it is possible to differentiate the behavior of the device between the initial opening phase of the frame, where, as previously explained, greater thrust forces may be appropriate, and the complete opening phase of the window where ? instead required greater robustness and capacity? running to be able to adapt well to the different types of fixtures.

With reference now to figures 2A-D and 3, in preferred embodiments, the second arm 22 is connected to the shoe 3 through a further pin 25 sliding in a further respective guide 35.

The further guide 35 also has a straight section 35A associated with a curved section 35C. This curved section 35B performs a function similar to that of the inclined section 32B, however acting during the closing phase of the mechanism. For this purpose, ? also defined is a respective abutment edge 35C on which the pin 25 slides when closing the window.

For this purpose, the curvature of the curved section 35B is symmetrical with respect to an axis perpendicular to the axis X with respect to the curvature of the section 32B. However, the curvatures of the two curved sections will not necessarily have to match.

Preferably, in order to optimize the dimensions of the device, the further guide 35 is formed on the sliding block 3, with the pin 25 integral with the second arm 22.

In some embodiments the further guide 35 further comprises an inclined or curved section 35D which connects the straight section 32A and the inclined section 32B.

Alternatively, in the embodiment similar to that of the example of figure 6, where all three guides are formed on the arm, the curvature of the further guide ? symmetrical to that of the other curved section 32B with respect to an axis parallel to the X axis.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the actuator 5 further comprises a release device 6, illustrated in an exemplary embodiment thereof in figures 5A and 5B, configured in such a way as to decouple the threaded shaft 51 from the electric motor 50.

According to a preferred embodiment, the release mechanism 6 comprises a connection joint 60 which can be translated in the direction of the rotation axis of the worm screw 51 so as to obtain a decoupling of the threaded shaft 51 from the electric motor 50 which, consequently, they will not be pi? joined in rotation.

Preferably, the connecting joint 60 is connected to the threaded shaft 51 through an elastic element 61 which pushes it towards one end? shaped 50A of a transmission shaft 50B connected to the electric motor 50.

The connection joint 60 in turn comprises a counter-shaped element 62, which has a complementary shape with respect to the end? shaped 50A of the transmission shaft 50B, in such a way as to create a shape coupling and make the transmission shaft 50B and the connection joint 60 integral in rotation. Consequently, freeing the? Extremity? shaped 50A by the counter-shaped element 62? possible to decouple motor 50 and threaded shaft 51.

Advantageously, the release mechanism 6 ? housed in a casing 63 which has an opening 63A intended for the insertion of a tool capable of effecting the separation between the joint 60 and the shaft 50B illustrated above. Preferably, the opening 63A ? placed in such a way as to face, or slightly overlap, a shoulder made on the joint 60, so that the tool, once inserted inside the opening, can act on the shoulder in order to move the joint 60 away from the joint. post 50A.

In preferred embodiments, the joint 60 has a ring gear 64, preferably formed on the shoulder of the joint itself, on which it can engage the? extremity? of the tool in such a way as to make the joint 60 rotate by means of a transmission mechanism similar to that of two gears with orthogonal axes. For example, as illustrated in figure 5A, the ring gear 64 can be configured in such a way that it can engage with the tip of a star screwdriver, a solution which allows easy rotation of the joint, without requiring specially made tools.

Therefore, an actuation device according to the invention is easily adaptable also to the actuation of fixtures originally intended only for manual actuation, the possibility being provided for to act directly on the release pin of the frame.

Furthermore, the solution of the present invention integrates the two functions, unlocking and moving the window, synchronizing them mechanically thanks to the fact that a common actuator is used. In addition, the device pu? be made in a modular manner allowing with the same basic components also the realization of automatisms of a different type, such as for example the embodiment of figure 7, in which a pad 3 is used? upon which ? directly formed the hook element 4 and in which it is not ? foreseen the use of the scissor mechanism.

Further advantage of the invention ? linked to the optimization of the overall dimensions which allow the use, even in the context of traditional window frames, of a shoe width 3 capable of defining lever fulcrums sufficient to supply all the force necessary to open the window even in the event of sticking or ice formation phenomena.

Furthermore, the configuration of the device allows for a modular construction, enabling the creation of specially optimized solutions for each application, in particular according to the type and size of the frame used, without the need to of significant changes in the overall structure of the device.

An additional advantage? represented by the fact that the connection joint forms an integrated solution, i.e. it combines in a single solution both the function of connection with the electric motor and that of decoupling and emergency operation in the event of a power failure or other malfunctions. On the contrary, other known solutions require the use of two distinct components, thus compromising the compactness and cost-effectiveness of the components. of the structure.

Claims (10)

1. Actuating device (100) for frames comprising: - a frame (1); - a scissor mechanism (2); - a sliding block (3) sliding along a longitudinal direction (X) of said frame (1); - a hooking element (4) connected to said slide (3) and defining a recess (40) configured in such a way as to receive a locking pin (P) of a locking mechanism of the frame; - an actuator (5) for actuating said pad (3) along said longitudinal direction (X); wherein said scissor mechanism (2) comprises a first arm (21) rotatably connected to said frame (1) and a second arm (22) connected to said shoe (3) at a first end thereof? (22A) and to the infix at one of its second ends? (22B), said first arm (21) being further connected to an intermediate point of said second arm (22) to form said scissor mechanism (2), wherein said actuator (5) comprises an electric motor (50) and a worm screw (51) driven in rotation by said electric motor (50) and on which a corresponding nut screw (52) formed on said sliding block (3) engages, said actuator (5) further comprising a release device (6) configured in such a way as to decouple said worm screw (51) from said electric motor (50), said release mechanism (6) comprising a connection joint (60) translatable in the direction of the rotation axis of the worm screw (51) in such a way as to decouple the worm screw (51) from said electric motor (50). The drive device (100) according to claim 1, wherein said connecting joint (60) is connected to the worm screw (51) via an elastic element (61) which pushes it towards one end? shaped (50A) of a transmission shaft (50B) connected to the electric motor (50), said connection joint (60) comprising a counter-shaped element (62) with respect to the end? shaped (50A) of the transmission shaft (50B) in such a way as to create a shape coupling capable of making said transmission shaft (50B) and said connection joint (60) integral in rotation. The operating device (100) according to claim 2, wherein said release mechanism (6) is housed in a casing (63) which has an opening (63A) intended for the insertion of a tool capable of carrying out the removal between said joint (60) and said transmission shaft (50B). The operating device (100) according to claim 3, wherein said opening (63A) is placed in such a way as to face, or slightly overlap, a shoulder made on said joint (60), so that the tool, once inserted inside said opening, can act on said shoulder in order to move said joint (60) from said shaft (50A). 5. Actuating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said joint (60) has a ring gear (64), preferably formed on said shoulder of said joint, on which it can drive? engage the? extremity? of the tool. 6. Actuating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second arm (22) is connected to said slide (3) via a pair of pins (23, 24) sliding in respective guides (31, 32) formed on said second arm (22) and on said slide (3), said guides (31, 32) comprising a respective straight section (31A, 32A), in which said pair of guides comprises a first guide (31) and a second guide (32), the straight section (31A) of said first guide (31) having a greater linear extension than the straight section (32A) of said second guide (32), said second guide (32) further comprising a curved or inclined section (32B) with respect to said straight section (32A), said first and second guide being configured in such a way that said sliding block (3) slides along said longitudinal direction (X) the second pin (24) travels along the curved or inclined section (32B) of the second guide (32), abutting on a relative abutment edge (32C) while the first pin ( 23) runs along the straight section (31A) of the first guide (31). 7. Actuating device (100) according to claim 6, wherein said first and second guides are configured such that the first pin (23) reaches an abutting edge (31B) defined in said first guide (31) after the transit of the second pin (24) inside the curved or inclined section (32B) of the second guide (32). 8. Actuating device (100) according to claim 7, wherein said second guide (32) has an end? open (32D) and ? configured in such a way that the second pin (24) is extracted from said second guide (32) following the abutment of the first pin (23) with said abutting edge (31B) and a rotation of said second arm (22) in an opening direction of the frame. The drive device (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second arm (22) is? connected to said shoe (3) via a further pin (25) sliding in a further respective guide (35), said further guide (35) comprises a curved or inclined section (35B), said curved section (35B) presenting a curvature symmetrical with respect to an axis parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) with respect to said curved or inclined portion (32B) of said second guide (32). The drive device (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein said first guide (31) is? formed on said pad (3) and said second guide (32) ? formed on said second arm (22).