A control unit for window frames, a method for production of the control unit and a machine which implements this method

Abstract: A control unit for window frames, the latter comprising a fixed frame (1) and a mobile frame (2) with several opening configurations, comprises a single rod (11) extending substantially the height (H) of the mobile frame (2), it being possible to insert the rod in a sliding channel (4) in one of the uprights of the mobile frame (2), the rod forming the means (8) which transmit the sliding movement, drive means (6) which may be attached to a control handle (7) and at least part of the control elements (10) which move the mobile frame (2) relative to the fixed frame (1); the subject matter of the present invention also includes a method for the production of this control unit (3) and a machine which implements the method.

Description: The present invention relates to a control unit for tilt and turn window frames, a method for production of the control unit and a machine which implements this method. At present, in the metal window frame fitting sector, on tilt and turn frames, the control unit allows the achievement of the mobile frame configurations (side-hung turning opening, tilting opening, closed) by operation of a handle on the outer surface of the mobile frame itself. The control unit consists of a pair of rod segments (a flat section of a bar) connected by a connecting element or, as it is called in the sector, a drive unit, which is placed between the two segments and attached to them using pins, normally present on the drive unit, which may be inserted in the holes in the corresponding ends of the segments. The two segments also have other seats or holes, made close to the ends opposite those attached to the drive unit, for their connection, during frame assembly, to the moving parts which open and close the mobile frame (push bolts or lock terminals) and to drive elements (such as corner drives) for mobile frame tilting opening. The control unit structured in this way is obtained using a method according to which the rod segments are produced using a special cutting machine, starting with a section bar with a suitable cross-section which can be attached with a matching fit in a channel present on the frame section. The length of the segments depends on the dimensions (height) of the mobile frame in which they will be inserted. Once cut, the segments are machined to create the seats and/or holes mentioned, which are needed in order to connect them to the drive unit and to the opening/closing and drive parts. Following this machining, the segments are assembled in succession, each being attached to the control elements until assembly on the section is complete. Although the above-mentioned procedure is conventionally used by all metal frame manufacturers, it has disadvantages due to the complexity of the machining required on the rod segments and the numerous parts of which the control unit assembly consists, which require time and experience for their assembly. Thus, adding together the large number of parts in the unit, the machining required on the rod segments and the assembly time needed, the total represents a significant part of the final cost of the whole frame. Document FR-A-2 664 932 discloses a control unit for window frames with simple side hung turning opening comprising a fixed frame and mobile frame, having a height and opening in one configuration; the control unit comprising, sliding in a channel in one of the uprights of the section forming the mobile frame, drive means which may be attached to a control handle mounted on the mobile frame and means for transmitting a sliding movement by the drive means in both directions and along the channel, obtained by movement of the handle; the transmission means being attached to the drive means and, respectively, to connecting elements and/or control elements for the mobile frame relative to the fixed frame, allowing the mobile frame to move to the opening or closing configurations, the control unit comprising a single rod extending substantially the height of the mobile frame, it being possible to insert the rod in the channel, the rod forming the means which transmit the sliding movement. Document EP-A-0 803 624 discloses a method for producing a control unit for window frames with simple side hung turning opening, comprising a fixed frame and mobile frame, having a height and opening in one configuration; the control unit comprising, sliding in a channel in one of the uprights of the section forming the mobile frame, drive means which may be attached to a control handle mounted on the mobile frame , and means for transmitting a sliding movement by the drive means in both directions and along the channel obtained by movement of the handle; the transmission means being attached to the drive means and respectively, to connecting elements and/or control elements for the mobile frame relative to the fixed frame, allowing the mobile frame to move to the opening or closing configurations, the method comprising the following steps, which may be simultaneous or successive: feeding a section bar with a cross-section which makes a matching fit with the channel in an operating direction; performing a plurality of machining and/or forming operations on the section bar using means designed to make a series of features in the shape and/or profile of the section bar, for forming at least the drive means and part of the control elements; cutting from the section bar of a portion, comprising the above mentioned features, which forms the single rod whose length is substantially equal to the height of the mobile frame. Document DE-A-43 28 205 discloses a machine suitable for producing control units for window frames as described above, according to the preamble of claim 12. The aim of the present invention is, therefore, to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages by providing a control unit whose structure is extremely simplified, thus facilitating assembly and so making the entire unit more economically viable. Another aim of the present invention is to provide a method for production of the control unit which is extremely fast and precise and a machine which implements this method. Accordingly, the present invention achieves the preset aims with a control unit for tilt and turn window frames, appended claims 1 to 6. The present aims are also accordingly achieved by a method for production of the control unit comprising the steps, according to appended claims 7 to 11. This method, again in accordance with the present invention, is implemented by a machine according to appended claims 12 to 18. The technical features of the present invention, in accordance with the above-mentioned aims, are set out in the claims herein and the advantages more clearly illustrated in the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment without limiting the scope of application, and in which: Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a metal frame in the side-hung turning opening configuration, equipped with a control unit, in accordance with the present invention; Figures 2 and 3 are respectively a top plan view and a side view of the control unit disclosed, with some parts cut away to better illustrate others; Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of details of the control unit illustrated in Figure 2; Figure 6 is a diagram of a machine which produces the control unit illustrated in the previous figures; Figure 7 is a detail of the machine illustrated in Figure 6. With reference to the accompanying drawings and in particular Figure 1, the control unit disclosed is fitted on metal frames of the type comprising a fixed frame 1 and a mobile frame 2, with height H, with both side-hung turning and tilting opening. The control unit, labelled 3 as a whole, fits in such a way that it can slide inside a channel 4 on one of the uprights 5 of the section (which determines the height H referred to above) and forms part of the mobile frame 2. This control unit 3 comprises drive means 6 which may be attached to a control handle 7 mounted on the mobile frame 2 and which operates a control lever 13, and means 8 for transmitting a sliding movement by the drive means 6 in both directions and along the channel 4 (see arrow F in Figure 1), obtained by movement of the handle 7. To obtain the sliding movements, the transmission means 8 are attached to the drive means 6 and, respectively, to elements 9 for connecting and/or elements 10 for moving the mobile frame 2 relative to the fixed frame 1, in order to allow achievement of the mobile frame 2 opening or closing configurations. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the control unit 3 comprises a single rod 11 which extends substantially the height H of the mobile frame 2, forming the means 8 which transmit the sliding movement, the drive means 6 and at least part of the control elements 10. The single rod 11 also has means 12 for connection to other mobile frame 2 control elements 10. Thus, a single part is used to incorporate all of the basic parts. That is to say, the drive means 6 and most of the control elements 10 and, as indicated below, the seats which hold the connecting elements 9, for correct transmission of the control commands for opening and closing the mobile frame 2. Looking more closely at the technical details (see Figures 2, 3 and 4), the drive means 6 comprise a pair of first projections 6a and 6b, opposite one another, consisting of portions of the surface of the single rod 11 and forming elements which intercept the handle 7 control lever 13 in both directions. Figure 5 shows one of the ends of the single rod 11, with tapering 14 of the cross-section of the rod 11, designed to form a control end piece, for rotation, for the mobile frame 2, when it is in the tilting opening configuration, and forming one of the control elements 10. Basically, the taper 14 consists of two arced notches, positioned opposite one another, at the end of the rod 11, forming a sort of double pivot zone for the mobile frame 2. Figure 5 also shows how, again close to the tapered end 14, the single rod 11 has a second projection 15 consisting of a portion of the surface of the single rod 11 designed to form another control element 10 needed for mobile frame 2 tilting opening. In order to allow connection of the single rod 11 to other control elements 10, the rod 11 has a first hole 16 at the end opposite that with the taper 14, forming the above-mentioned means 12 for connection to control elements 10 which, in the embodiment illustrated, consist of a corner drive with a first pin 17 for connection to the rod 11. The single rod 11 has a second hole 18 between the second projection 15 and the tapered end 14, designed to allow the insertion on the single rod 11 of a second pin 19, forming one of the connecting elements 9, for making contact with and holding the mobile frame 2 against the fixed frame 1 when the window frame is in the closed configuration. If the height of the mobile frame 2 is considerable, the single rod 11 may have a third hole 20, close to the pair of first projections 6a and 6b, designed to allow the insertion of a third pin 21 for making contact with and holding the mobile frame 2 against the fixed frame 1 when the window frame is in the closed configuration. In order to make the control unit 3 described above, a method is used which comprises the following steps, to be carried out simultaneously or in succession: feeding a section bar P with a cross-section which makes a matching fit with the channel 4 in an operating direction L (see Figure 6); performing a plurality of machining operations on the section bar P, using means 30 (described below), designed to make a series of features in the shape and/or profile of the section bar P, to form at least the drive means 6 and part of the control elements 10; cutting from the section bar P of a portion, comprising the above-mentioned features, which forms the single rod 11 whose length is substantially equal to the height H of the mobile frame 2. Upon completion of these steps, the basic control unit 3 is obtained, although during machining of the section bar, a first boring operation is preferably carried out, to make at least the first hole 16 for connecting other control elements 10. More specifically, the main machining operations include the following: a cutting operation, on the surface of the section bar P, to produce the pair of first projections 6a and 6b, opposite one another, which form the drive means 6; another cutting operation on the surface of the section bar P, for forming the second projection 15 which is one of the control elements 10; another cutting operation at one end of the section bar P, for tapering 14 the end so as to create another control element 10. In the embodiment illustrated and, preferably during the machining of the single rod 11, another boring operation is carried out. In addition to the first hole 16, this allows the creation of the second and third holes 18 and 20 for connection of the first and second pins 19 and 21, which can then be attached to the rod 11. This method may be implemented using a machine, illustrated in the diagram in Figure 6, comprising: a first station 31, which feeds a continuous section bar P in the operating direction L (see arrow L); a second station 32, for machining the section bar P, equipped with a plurality of machining units 30 designed to allow simultaneous or successive operations for making a series of features in the shape and/or profile of the section bar P, to form the drive means 6 and part of the control elements 10, and cutting to size of the section bar P to form the single rod 11 equipped with the drive means 6 and part of the control elements 10; a control unit 33 for the feed station 31 and the machining units 30, designed to activate the machining units 30 according to the final length of the single rod 11, the type of machining to be done and section bar P feed in the second station 32. Specifically, the first station 31, located upstream of the second station 32 relative to the operating direction L, comprises a section bar P infeed channel 34 and a unit 35 for the bilateral pickup and feed of the section bar P connected to the control unit 33. The pickup unit 35 may consist of a pair of rollers 35a and 35b positioned opposite one another and in contact with both sides of the section bar P. One of the rollers, 35a, is motor-powered and is connected to a counting element 26 (for example, an encoder), which is controlled directly by the control unit 33, for checking the length of the section bar P fed in. The second station 32, for machining the section bar P, may comprise a support frame 37 for the machining units 30, located above the section bar P fed in and positioned one after another. This frame 37 may be controlled by means 38 (for example a cylinder 38c) which move it between a non-operating position, in which the units 30 are distanced from the section bar P (see Figure 6), and an operating position, in which the units 30 are close to the section bar P (see arrow F1 and Figure 7). Between the frame 37 and each of the units 30, there may be an activation element 39, controlled by the control unit 33, and designed to allow the unit 30 to perform another operating stroke so that, when the frame 37 is in the operating position, the machining unit makes contact with the section bar P (see arrow F2 in Figure 7). This activation element 39 for each machining unit 30 may be magnetic and activated by means of the unit 33 according to a preset program. Returning to Figure 6, the second station 32 may comprise a support and sliding base 40, opposite the machining units 30, consisting of a support track 41 for the section bar P. This track is designed to form an element which opposes the machining units 30 during the cutting downstroke. In particular, each of the machining units 30 (in Figure 6, for example, five units are illustrated, although this number may vary according to requirements) consists of a cutting head 42 shaped in such a way as to produce the single feature in the shape and/or profile of the section bar P, bore a hole in it, or cut the section bar. The control unit 33 may consist of a microprocessor unit which the operator may programme using a keyboard according to the various machining requirements and the length of the rod 11. The control unit, the method for producing the unit and the machine described above, therefore, fulfil the preset aims thanks to the rationalisation and unification of a set of elements which, in the known embodiments, are separate and are made with successive machining operations. This unification of the unit in a single rod allows more rapid assembly on the frame by the fitter without particular pre-fitting of other elements, with the exception of the single operation for fitting the pins which make contact with and hold the mobile frame closed against the fixed frame. In this way, the fitter simply inserts the rod in the channel in the upright, attaches the handle lever between the two central projections and connects the upper end of the rod to the corner drive (if present). The steps of the method for producing the rod are significantly simplified and, partly thanks to the machine which implements the method, allow rapid setting of unit dimensions and rational production of all elements on the rod, thus further speeding up frame assembly. All of this reduces the overall costs of the frame and the related warehouse costs which conventionally have a greater effect on costs, due to the high number of elements needed to produce the unit.

Claims: A control unit for tilt and turn window frames comprising a fixed frame (1) and mobile frame (2), having a height (H); the control unit (3) comprising, sliding in a channel (4) in one of the uprights (5) of the section forming the mobile frame (2), drive means (6) which may be attached to a control handle (7) mounted on the mobile frame (2), and means (8) for transmitting a sliding movement by the drive means (6) in both directions and along the channel (4), obtained by movement of the handle (7); the transmission means (8) being attached to the drive means (6) and, respectively, to connecting elements (9) and/or control elements (10) for the mobile frame (2) relative to the fixed frame (1), allowing the mobile frame (2) to move to the opening or closing configurations, the control unit comprising a single rod (11) extending substantially the height (H) of the mobile frame (2), it being possible to insert the rod in the channel (4), the rod forming the means (8) which transmit the sliding movement, the drive means (6) comprising a pair of first projections (6a, 6b), opposite one another, being formed from portions of the surface of the single rod (11) and forming elements which intercept the handle (7) control lever (13) in both directions and in that, at least at one end, the single rod (11) has a taper (14) in its cross-section, being designed to create a connection for rotation of the mobile frame (2) in a tilting opening configuration and forming part of the control elements (10). The unit according to claim 1, characterised in that the single rod (11) is equipped with means (12) for connecting the mobile frame (2) to other control elements (10). The unit according to claim 1, characterised in that , at least at the tapered end (14), the single rod (11) has a second projection (15) on a portion of the surface of the single rod (11), being designed to form a contact element, when the mobile frame (2) is in a tilting opening configuration and constituting one of the control elements (10). The unit according to claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the single rod (11) has at least one first hole (16) at the end opposite the taper (14) forming the means (12) for connecting the mobile frame (2) to other control elements (10), comprising a first connecting pin (17). The unit according to claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the single rod (11) has a second hole (18) between the second projection (15) and the tapered end (14), being designed to allow the insertion of a second pin (19) which is one of the connecting elements (9) on the single rod (11). The unit according to claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the single rod (11) has a third hole (20), close to the pair of first projections (6a, 6b), being designed to allow the insertion of a third pin (21) which is another connecting element (9) on the single rod (11). A method for producing a control unit for tilt and turn window frames of the type comprising a fixed frame (1) and mobile frame (2), having a height (H); the control unit (3) comprising, sliding in a channel (4) in one of the uprights (5) of the section forming the mobile frame (2), drive means (6) which may be attached to a control handle (7) mounted on the mobile frame (2), and means (8) for transmitting a sliding movement by the drive means (6) in both directions and along the channel (4), obtained by movement of the handle (7); the transmission means (8) being attached to the drive means (6) and, respectively, to connecting elements (9) and/or control elements (10) for the mobile frame (2) relative to the fixed frame (1), allowing the mobile frame (2) to move to the opening or closing configurations, the method comprising the following steps, which may be simultaneous or successive: feeding a section bar (P) with a cross-section which makes a matching fit with the channel (4) in an operating direction (L); performing a plurality of machining operations on the section bar (P) using means (30) designed to make a series of features in the shape and/or profile of the section bar (P), for forming at least the drive means (6) and part of the control elements (10); cutting from the section bar (P) of a portion, comprising the above-mentioned features, which forms the single rod (11) whose length is substantially equal to the height (H) of the mobile frame 2; the machining step comprising an operation for cutting the surface of the section bar (P), producing a pair of first projections (6a, 6b) which are opposite one another and form the drive means (6), and an operation for cutting one end of the section bar (P), being designed to form a taper (14) at said end and form one of the control elements (10). The method according to claim 7, characterised in that the step of machining the single rod (11) comprises at least one boring operation, to produce at least one seat (16) for connecting another control element (10). The method according to claim 7, characterised in that the machining step comprises an operation for cutting the surface of the section bar (P), forming a second projection (15) which is one of the control elements (10). The method according to claims 7 and 8, characterised in that the machining step comprises another boring operation for making at least one seat (18) for the insertion of a contact element or pin (19) which can be attached to the single rod (11). The method according to claims 7 and 8, characterised in that the machining step comprises another boring operation for making at least one seat (20) for the insertion of a contact element or pin (21) which can be attached to the single rod (11). A machine for producing a control unit for tilt and turn window frames of the type comprising a fixed frame (1) and mobile frame (2), having a height (H); the control unit (3) comprising, sliding in a channel (4) in one of the uprights (5) of the section forming the mobile frame (2), drive means (6) which may be attached to a control handle (7) mounted on the mobile frame (2), and means (8) for transmitting a sliding movement by the drive means (6) in both directions and along the channel (4), obtained by movement of the handle (7); the transmission means (8) being attached to the drive means (6) and, respectively, to connecting elements (9) and/or control elements (10) for the mobile frame (2) relative to the fixed frame (1), allowing the mobile frame (2) to move to the opening or closing configurations, the machine comprising: a first station (31), for feeding a section bar (P) in an operating direction (L); a second station (32), for machining the section bar (P), equipped with a plurality of machining units (30); a control unit (33) for the feed station (31) and the machining units (30), for activating the machining units (30) according to the final length of the single rod (11) obtained from the section bar, the type of machining to be done and section bar (P) feed in the second station (32); characterised in that the machining units (30) are located above the section bar (P) fed in and positioned one after another and designed to allow simultaneous or successive operations for making a series of features in the shape and/or profile of the section bar (P), for forming the drive means (6) as a pair of first projections (6a, 6b), opposite one another and part of the control elements (10) as a taper (14) in the cross section of at least one end of the single rod and cutting to size of the section bar (P) to form the single rod (11) equipped with the drive means (6) and the part of the control elements (10). The machine according to claim 12 , characterised in that the first station (31) comprises an infeed channel (34) for the section bar (P) and a unit (35) for the bilateral pickup and feed of the section bar (P), being connected to the control unit (33). The machine according to claim 12, characterised in that the bilateral pickup unit (35) consists of a pair of rollers (35a, 35b), being opposite one another and on both sides of the section bar (P); at least one of the rollers (35a, 35b) being motor-powered and connected to a counting element (36) controlled by the control unit (33). The machine according to claim 12, characterised in that the second station (32) for machining the section bar (P) comprises a support frame (37) for the machining units (30); the frame (37) being controlled by means (38) which move it between a non-operating position, in which the units (30) are distanced from the section bar (P), and an operating position, in which the units (30) are close to the section bar (P); between the frame (37) and each of the units (30) there being an activation element (39), controlled by the control unit (33), which allows the unit (30) to perform another operating stroke so that, when the frame (37) is in the operating position, the machining unit makes contact with the section bar (P). The machine according to claim 15, characterised in that the activation element (39) of each machining unit (30) is of the magnetic type. The machine according to claims 12 to 15, characterised in that the second station (32) comprises a support base (40) opposite the machining units (30), consisting of a support track (41) for the section bar (P); the track being designed to form an element which opposes the machining units (30). The machine according to claim 12, characterised in that each of the machining units (30) consists of a cutting head (42) shaped in such a way as to produce a feature in the shape and/or profile of the section bar (P) or to cut the section bar.

Inventors: LAMBERTINI MARCO, LAMBERTINI, MARCO
Applicants: GSG INT SPA, GSG INTERNATIONAL S.P.A.
Application year: 2001
Main classification: B23P15
IPC codes: B23P15, E05C9